MSD Super Street Outlaw kingpin Manny Buginga qualified second in the "real ten-five" division with a 7.67/185 then ran two 7.64s and a 7.63 before completely rebuilding turbo prior to surprise semi-final loss to Halfacre. Gutsy New Englander does it all with aplomb; if anybody breaks out of 10.5 racing and into the mainstream of pro racing, it'll be this kid.

Likeable Kentuckian Sam Vincent, whose house burned to the ground while on his way to the World Ford Challenge in May (no family members injured but nearly all belongings lost), made his return to NMRA at Joliet with the quickest pass ever under new MSD SSO rules, a superior 7.57/187.26. Back-up attempt for the nitrous-aided 439-inch coupe went up in smoke in round two.

Tim "Big" Johnston shows the entertainment of Drag Radial racing as the front end starts to rise at 300 feet after the tires finally start (somewhat) to hook. The Michigander's 358-incher hit Top Speed on 8.38/169.81 pass.

EFI Renegade World Champ Brian Mitchell joined Walsh as the event's only repeat heads-up winner. Second-round win over Scott Lovell regained the point lead; Delaware racer won the event with nonstop 8.80/156 performance from 310 cubic inches.