MOPAR MANIA
INVADES MISSOURI

Words and photos by Jeff Leonard

hrysler Classics events have gained a reputation as the top traveling series that caters to Mopar-only drag racers and show car devotees. The series has built a strong following in its home area of Ohio, but also travels a bit to other locations in the Midwest.

In late June, the Mopar maniacs gathered at Kansas City International Raceway and put on a great show for area Mopar fans and racers. Several hundred race cars and over fifty show cars checked into the KCIR facility June 28-29, and weathered the typically hot and humid racing conditions prevalent at the Missouri track. A large number of the Ohio faithful made the tow into Kansas City, with other entries coming from Michigan, Pennsylvania, Iowa, and other Midwestern states. Winners checks and/or trophies were awarded in four eliminators, eight Hemi classes, and 29 show and special achievement categories.

SUPER PRO/BIG DOG COMBO

It was a Schaefer family shootout for the gold, as Mike Schaefer (photo) wheeled his '91 Daytona to a win over Bob Schaefer's '33 Dodge roadster. Mike combined a .510 light and 8.49/145.18 mph run to stop Bob's .555/9.19/141.02 package.

Mike Schaefer finished second in Big Dog points in 2002, and looks to be on the way to another run at a Big Dog title in 2003.

Dean Stevens is always tough in Big Dog eliminator.

John McDonald won Super Pro, returning to drag racing after a 20 year layoff.