Demke Takes Runner-Up in Nat. Championship, Toyota Nationals

LAS VEGAS, NV – Top Alcohol Dragster frontrunner Chris Demke enjoyed another runner-up finish at the NHRA Toyota Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway last weekend. The California-based Maddern Racing team qualified No. 1 and performed well throughout eliminations, but came up short to Jim Whiteley in the national championship and the final round.

“I knew that winning the championship was a long shot. We gave it everything we had. It wasn’t a surprise to me that Jim and his team was able to pull it off; they have the expertise and parts needed to win a championship. They put it all together to win two in a row. My hat’s off to Jim, Norm Grimes, and the YNot Racing team,” Demke said of the 2013 national TAD championship, which was decided when Whiteley won his second round match.

Chris qualified his Peen Rite/Operational Solutions/Boost Performance Products blown dragster in the top spot, running 5.298 at 270 MPH in the second session.

The Jerry Maddern-owned entry was the second-quickest car of every round of eliminations, including the final round. Chris started the day with a 5.32 win over TAD newcomer Jeff Ashwell. He slowed to a 5.40 against a red-lighting Dan Mercier. The semifinals would be a showdown with blown hitter Ray Martin. Martin smoked the tires and Demke ran 5.36. Meanwhile, Whiteley fought his way through his side of the ladder, meaning the Vegas crowd would get to see at least one more race between the rivals.

Demke was the second to leave the starting line and the second to reach the finish line. His 5.340 was strong, but Jim’s 5.330 was just a tick better.

Though he didn’t leave The Strip at LVMS as the 2013 LODRS national champion or Toyota Nationals winner, Demke did leave with renewed confidence in his car and a clear mind entering the Las Vegas regional event this weekend.

“I wasn’t very positive about the changes we made to the car before the race. We ran our first 5.2 pass at Vegas and our first time crossing into the 270 MPH range so I think the guys proved their point. It made a huge difference. I’m very pleased with the performance of our car right now.

“Jim winning the championship by the time he reached the semifinals took off the pressure. It allowed me to focus on winning the race. Going into Pomona, it’s all about performance now.”

The national championship might be over, but a regional title is still at stake. The 2013 West Region TAD champion will be crowned this weekend at the final regional event of the year at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

“I’m still focused on the regional championship. Jim, Ray Martin, and I are still in contention. We’re all within ten points of each other. It’s a great horse race that should go down to the late rounds,” Chris claimed.