MECHANICSVILLE, Maryland (October 31, 2016) – Maryland International Raceway (MDIR) hosted the 24th Annual Mopar Eastern Classic presented by Mopar Muscle magazine at the Budds Creek facility over the weekend. The all-day event celebrated all things Mopar with drag racing, pro cars, premier car show, and swap meet.
The drag strip competition was highlighted by several different drag racing features including: an all Mopar and AMC drag race, Mopar Nostalgia Super Stock open race, match race with Bunny Burkett’s “Bunny and the Boys” Funny Cars, F.A.S.T. vs. The World and sportsman races. The event was also highlighted by a swap meet and a “best of awards” car and truck show.
Top Sportsman
John Knapp from Smithfield, Virginia and Jeff Jones from King George, Virginia advanced to the final round in Top Sportsman. Knapp walked away victorious when he posted a 9.044 on a 9.03 dial-in, 146.77 mph with a .023 reaction time against Jones’ 8.930 on an 8.88 dial-in, 149.08 mph with a .010 reaction time.
Nostalgia Super Stock
Chris Shaffer in his 1966 Plymouth went up against Roger Dalton Jr. in his 1968 Super Bee in the Nostalgia Super Stock competition. Shaffer from Middleburg, Pennsylvania claimed the top spot over Aberdeen, Maryland’s Dalton Jr. with a near perfect 9.872 on a 9.87 dial-in, 129.55 mph pass with a .070 reaction time. Runner-up Dalton Jr. ran a 11.152 on a 11.10 dial-in, 117.57 mph, ,052 reaction time.
Top ET
John Knapp found himself in contention for another victory but in the Top ET class this time. Knapp and Brent Noll lined-up on the starting line for the final round. Noll from Painted Post, New York defeated the Top Sportsman winner when he ran a 9.039 on a 9.00 dial-in at 144.36 mph with a .140 reaction time. Knapp posted a 9.043 on a 9.04 dial-in at 146.93 mph pass, .346 reaction time.
Mod ET
The final round came down to Keith Burch from Mechanicsville, Maryland and Eddie Payne from Brunswick, Maryland in Mod ET. Burch had the winning pass in his 1971 Dart when he ran a 10.498 on a 10.51 dial-in at 123.75 mph, .060 reaction time. Payne posted a 10.115 on a 10.13 dial-in, 128.69 mph pass, .064 reaction time.
American High Performance Street ET
Keith Mayers from Ellendale, Delaware and Eric Wessell from
Centreville, Maryland faced off in the Street ET final round. Mayers defeated Wessell when he ran a perfect 11.92 dial-in at 108.59 mph with a .024 reaction time against a 11.093 on a 11.12 dial-in, 118.31 mph, .108 reaction time.
For the complete race results from Saturday, click here.
In addition to the on-track action, participants came out to compete in the car and truck show on Saturday. People brought out their pristine vehicles to be judged in specialty awards as well as best in class awards from nationally acclaimed judges. Select participants were even chosen to be featured in the TEN: The Enthusiast Network publication, Mopar Muscle magazine.
Car Show Results:
Best Interior: Dave Sneade, 1968 Dodge Charger
Best Paint: Anthony Romito, 1970 Plymouth GTX
Best Engine: Robert Gills, 1963 Plymouth Savoy
Best Engineered: Steve Sealock, 1968 Dodge Dart
Best Neon: Tommy Sneden Jr., 2005 SRT-4 Neon
Best of Show: Anthony and Michele Romito, 1970 Plymouth GTX
