by Neil Van Zile

The 2021 drag racing season in the New England region fizzled out this past weekend when heavy rains and cold temps forced the cancellation of the final test and tune sessions at both New England Dragway and Lebanon Valley Dragway. 

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The only racing action involving Northeastern drag racers was actually in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The Summit ET Divisional Champs competed for the overall World Champion in four categories, Super Pro, Pro, Sportsman, and Motorcycle. All of the Division 1 entrants came from either New England Dragway or Lebanon Valley Dragway.

LVD’s Russ Wilber (Sportsman) and NED’s Theresa Cumming (Super Pro) were unfortunately eliminated in the first round. LVD’s Adam Sheran (Motorcycle) made it through the first round, but he broke out by a mere .001 seconds in the second round, ending his day.

NED’s Dan Caissie used his renowned skill at the starting line to defeat his final-round opponent and take home the coveted Wally for his efforts. In the final, Caissie’s .001 reaction time at the start was enough to offset Brandon Schmall’s advantage at the stripe and give Caissie the victory. 

Congratulations to Dan Caissie, and all of the members of the Division 1 Summit ET World Finals team on a great 2021 season.

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Another New England-based drag racer was being recognized for his efforts a little closer to home.

Jerry Hatch was inducted into the Maine Motorsports Hall of Fame by the Maine Vintage Race Car Association this past weekend.

Hatch has been racing since the 1960s, and he has been the Track Champion at Winterport Dragway an amazing 16 times. He has also accumulated 14 National Records in Stock Eliminator, including the current 9-second record in a D/SA car.