IHRA Top Fuel driver Bruce Litton of Indianapolis, Ind. fires off the starting line during a preliminary run in the IHRA Nitro Jam Series at Rockingham Dragway Saturday night. Litton won the event championship, his third straight in as many events this season.
The winner’s circle at Rockingham Dragway, to be exact.
Sunday afternoon, Litton won his fifth event at “The Rock,” taking the Top Fuel division in the IHRA Nitro Jam event at the historic dragway.
A hot, muggy afternoon made for vastly different track conditions from Saturday’s opening round, but Litton and his crew were able to adjust.
In the finals on Sunday, Litton edged Nitro Jam Top Fuel points leader Bobby Lagana. Litton lost a blower belt just before the finish line, but still posted a 5.561-second/181.96 mph victory over Lagana (8.038/92.25).
Litton, who hails from Indianapolis, Ind., gives much of the credit to his team. “They do all the work; I just have to drive the car,” Litton said.
Sunday’s win was the 18th of his career.
Litton has been driving Top Fuel dragsters for 15 years. Most of those — 14, to be exact — have been under the sponsorship of Lucas Oil. That relationship will continue, as Litton recently inked a three-year extension with the lubrication manufacturer.
In a rough economy — and a sport where each quarter-mile run costs about $5,000 — sponsorships are hard to come by, and much appreciated when they are secured, Litton said.
“What can I say about Lucas Oil and United Trailers. United is now the official trailer of IHRA and that is a win for them and of course Lucas supports me over here in everything I do with the IHRA,” Litton said. “It has just been a lot of fun. Last night there were a lot of people in the stands and we were able to put on a great show which is what we are really here to do.”
The new Nitro Jam format seemed to be a big hit with racing fans, Litton said.
“There were a lot of people in the seats both days, and that’s what it’s all about for us,” Litton said. “We gave them a pretty good show, I think.”
The different weather conditions required on-the-fly adjustments to the car, but that’s part of racing, Litton said.
“We’ve been blessed,” Litton added. “Every win was with a different track temperature and different track conditions so I have to give the credit to Mike Wolfarth who is doing an awesome job in his first year as crew chief,” Litton said. “The whole crew, from Mike Sipple our assistant crew chief to Phil Stewart who is in charge of the car, all of the guys work so hard and it is because of them I am lucky enough to be here today.”
Contact sports editor David Vantress at 997-3111, ext. 14 or via email at dvantress@yourdailyjournal.com.
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