15th Annual Mid Atlantic Nostalgia Drags at Cecil County Big Hit

Drag Racing Action Online

Images Phil Hutchison, Bob Reed and courtesy Lisa Dunn

The annual event, a must for fans and racers alike had something for everybody.

A swap meet, car show, and a race that featured some of the quickest blown alcohol Funny Cars on the East Coast along with Nostalgia Super Stock Association, NETO nostalgia, East Coast Gassers, Backseat Drivers, and East Coast Fuelers racing throughout the day.

For the younger set, the Fast Kids Club was on hand with their junior cars racing down a mini track set up in the pits.

And what a day. Temperatures in the 80’s and low humidity made for perfect racing conditions. Track manager Jim Halsey said after the meet, “Best Nostalgia show yet. Over $16,000 in payouts, great cars and no cleanups! Thanks for everyone’s support.”

Also, on everyone’s mind was one of the reasons for the event was to raise money and awareness for childhood cancer. Paul Mathews, who lost his son Eli to leukemia and is a huge supporter for finding a cure for this awful disease was a major presence in the pits during the race.

Paul said, “What it means to me as the father and president of the Eli Seth Matthews Leukemia Foundation really expands beyond this race! Jim Halsey is a blessing to me and the awareness and funds raised could be the reason for the next breakthrough and even a cure for Childhood Cancer! In my son Eli’s memory and his legacy, I’m thankful to be part of such an incredible event and to everyone that supported us during the show, swap meet and Power Wheels Racing thank you all. This is why we FIGHT my HERO in life my son Eli.”

The stars of the show were the Funny Cars and they did not disappoint with two sessions to keep the fans on their feet.

In the first session Drew Sweetman in the Frantic Ford rattled the tires to a 7.41. Bob Toth in the Time Bomb Vega recorded a 6.89 and John Cerchio in the beautiful War Path Buick had a 6.92.

Joe Pirrone in the Super Camaro ran the quickest time in the session with a 6.16 with Jon Wall in the Cape Codder Arrow right behind with a 6.24. Crowd Favorite Chris Massarella in the Total Insanity Monza was right in the mix with a 6.52 joined by Cody Helger in the Dazed and Confused Camaro 6.36. Robin Stambaugh in the Generation X Vega ran a 7.26.

In the afternoon second session Sweetman broke in the Frantic Ford , The Time Bomb ran a consistent 6.82 as did the War Path with a improving 6.82. Chris Massarella also continued with a 6.51 and Generation X put down a 7.52. Helger slowed to an 8.05.

View from the top end shows Pirrone out in front of Wall going through the traps

The two quickest cars in the first round were matched up in the second session with Wall in the Cape Codder up against Joe Pirrone in the Super Camaro. Pirrone set Low ET with a 6.15 to beat Wall’s 6.40.

After his quickest run in his short career, Pirrone said,”Honestly don’t know where to begin, I’m still a “rookie” still in my first year of racing, only finished my licensing runs around June/July of 2023. That was my 3rd/4th time racing a full 1320.”

“I’m used to 1/8th mile racing with Funny Car Chaos. My dad Rocky & I set out some goals going to Cecil County more importantly then setting our personal best. We accomplished our goals & the personal best was a bonus! Doing this with friends & family is what it’s all about! We all had a blast! Want to thank Cecil County Dragway for a great track!”

Krista Massarella chills out before Chris’ first round at Cecil

Chris Massarella owner and driver of the Total Insanity Chevy had this to say after another great weekend at the track, “Cecil County has made some great improvements recently, and the track surface is one of the best on the east coast. One of the main keys to allowing us to run our career best numbers.”