Phil Hutchison Drag Racing Action Online Images David Smith and Phil Hutchison

To no one’s surprise, the dais at the recent NHRA Northeast Division Banquet was chock full of women accepting their just rewards for their 2025 drag racing season.

Women won two of the Lucas Oil Division Championships with Newark DE racer Jessica Eastburn winning her first ever championship taking the Top Dragster title in the blown Hoopes Fire Prevention dragster. Eastburn joins 2010 Top Sportsman champ Tara Stricker in the list of former D1 champs. Only the second woman in D1 history.

Eastburn won the division by over 100 points to her nearest competition Chuck Krepela. During the 2025 season, Eastburn won Lucas events at Norwalk, Numidia, Brainerd, and capped the season off with a win at her local track, Cecil County.

Then with the Lucas Oil national championship in her sights, the team took the dragster to the West Coast for the final events of the year losing the title by less than a round to eventual winner Casey Plaizer.

“We came into this season without huge expectations,” Eastburn said. “It was a full rebuild over the winter, and we were still sorting things out when the year started. We weren’t ready for Gainesville, and breaking on the starting line third round at Charlotte definitely wasn’t the momentum we had in mind.”

“But mid-season, it clicked. We made a strong push and won four Lucas Oil races, and that stretch changed everything. I had more fun this year than I expected — and learned more than ever about the car, the class, and what it really takes to win. I’m lucky to have incredibly sharp people in my corner.”

“Friends like Shawn Langdon who’ve taught me the details that separate good from great — not just behind the wheel, but in every part of this sport. Our trip out west didn’t end the way we wanted. That part stung. But we finished the season proud of the work, the growth, and the fight. Really excited to see what happens in 2026.”

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER CHAMP JACKIE FRICKE

In Top Alcohol Dragster Jackie Fricke from Flemington NJ. successfully defended her 2024 title winning the East Region setting a NHRA Division One Championship win record in the process.

Fricke won the out of division Belle Rose event and followed that up a runner up at the Maple Grove race. Jackie got on a roll with victories at Lebanon Valley and Epping NH to take the East Region by nearly 100 points over Richard Bourke.

Fricke also finished in the #3 spot in the Lucas Oil national chase in a very close 2025 title chase.

As Fricke puts it, “The 2025 Championship was extra special to me. This marks the sixth time I’ve captured the Division One Alcohol Dragster title as a driver — making me the person with the most Division Championships in TAD in Division one: Surpassing greats like Arthur Gallant and Bill Walsh, who each hold four after beginning my career waiting a full calendar year to see my first win light, this accomplishment is truly mind-blowing to me.”

“Being able to celebrate the entire weekend with my husband Shawn, my crew, my family, and John Finke and his family made it even more meaningful. We were only missing Al Blake.”

“As Jay Blake said in his Hall of Fame acceptance speech — always dare to dream.”

The young women of Junior Dragster were next to take their moment in the spotlight with Paige Doney and Gabby Maclosky winning the 2025 AA Auto Salvage/Craws Racing Division 1 Jr Drag racing Series in their respective age group.

And to add drama to their 2025 season, both racers need a good finish at the season ending race at VMP to secure their championships. In Doney’s case, her age group was completed at the Virginia event before the rains came and left the event with the division title. Maclosky wasn’t as lucky as the 11-17 Juniors finished their season at the Dutch Classic at Maple Grove. But to have a happy ending to the story, Gabby won at the Dutch cementing her first ever NED Championship

Junior Dragster 6-10 Winner Paige Doney

“Winning the Junior Dragster Championship was a victory for my entire team, not just me. It was an emotional journey defined by the many nights my dad and I spent together in the garage, obsessing over the engine to get everything perfect.” Doney said after her win. “Our momentum truly shifted after winning the Division 1 event at Maple Grove Raceway; from that point on, everything clicked. However, the season wasn’t without its scares. During the Numidia Dragway Divisional, a violent tire shake during my burnout threw the chain off, and I was certain my finals run was over. Thanks to the quick work of my dad and Bob Maclosky, they got the chain back on just in time for the round. Though the car slowed and I didn’t get the win that day, we took it home, fixed the issue, and kept chasing the points.”

“I am incredibly grateful to AA Auto Salvage and Craw’s Racing for their support of the Junior program. I need to thank all my sponsors JFM Mechanical, Comfort Zone Mechanical, The Stevenson Family, D & H Truck Refinishing, LPW Race Products, and Paramount Solar. I can’t wait for the 2026 season to begin so I can get back to the track with my friends and family and defend the Championship.”

Junior Dragster 11-18 Winner Gabby Macloskey

“I arrived at Maple Grove with modest expectations,” Gabby said. “I typically do not compete in divisional events, with the exception of the Memorial Day weekend race held annually at Maple Grove. That weekend, however, exceeded all expectations. I advanced to the final round, where I faced Gabriella Held, ultimately finishing as the runner-up.”

“I left Maple Grove second in the points and marked the beginning of a focused pursuit of the championship. Determined to remain competitive, I continued chasing points at the next event in Lebanon over the Fourth of July weekend. Unfortunately, I was eliminated in the first round, which caused me to drop to fourth place in the standings. Despite the setback, I remained committed to the season. At Numidia Dragway, I reached the quarterfinals, by taking out the current first and second place points leaders, a performance that moved me back into second place. The following event at New England Dragway resulted in a second-round exit, but I was able to maintain my position in second place overall, by once again taking out the first place points leader.”

“The next scheduled race at Virginia Motorsports Park, ended up only completing two rounds and it was postponed due to rain and rescheduled for October at the Maple Grove Dutch Classic, keeping my championship hopes alive. At Cecil County Dragway, I was eliminated third round, yet I remained firmly in second place heading into the final event of the season. Everything came down to the completion of the Virginia Divisional race at Maple Grove. Of the remaining 8 cars the only other driver with a shot for the championship, Dayton Cocchairo was still in competition. To secure the points championship and claim the NHRA Division 1 title, I needed to advance two more rounds to reach the finals. I accomplished exactly that—and went one step further by winning the race. That day, I secured both my first Divisional Wally and my first NHRA Division 1 championship, marking an unforgettable conclusion to the season.”

“The awards banquet was an unforgettable experience. It was an honor to stand on stage alongside a close family friend, Jackie Fricke, whom I have long admired and looked up to. Our families have shared a friendship spanning many years, making the moment even more meaningful. I also competed in Tori Iacono’s car, which added another layer of significance to the occasion. That day stands as one of the most memorable and meaningful moments of my life.”

JR DRAGSTER DRIVER OF THE YEAR

After Paige and Gabby accepted their awards, it was time to announce Jr Dragster Driver of the Year. This award Celebrates rising talent, sportsmanship, and excellence in Junior Dragster racing. For the 2025 NED season the prestigious award went to third generation racer Gabriella Held who won the season opener at Maple Grove. Held is the granddaughter of 2025 Wrench of the Year winner Mike Daniele Sr. and is niece of multi time Top Sportsman winner Mike “Mikey” Daniele Jr.

“I was so honored to win the Jr dragster driver of the year for the 2025 season,” Held said. “When they announced my name at the banquet, I was so shocked and excited. It did not feel real. I am so thankful for everyone that voted and felt that I was good enough for this award.

“The 2025 season started off great with my 1st ever Wally Win at the1st D1 Divisional at Maple Grove where I shared the winners circle with my Uncle Mikey and his Top Sportsman win. I am so happy for all my friends who also had big wins this year!! We had a really great season and looking forward to what 2026 has in store for me.”

Granddad Mike Daniele Sr.and Gabriella show off their “Bling”