PHIL HUTCHISON DRAG RACING ACTION ONLINE

IMAGES PHIL HUTCHISON AND ROB KEISTER

The Mid Atlantic .90 Association kicked off the 2026 season at Mason Dixon Dragway in Boonsboro with a bang. The association, made up of NHRA .90 classes along with Pro Dragster (TD), Pro Doorslammer (TS), the Super Stock/Stock Combo Series and the youth of the sport in Junior Dragsters & Jr Street made for two days of great racing at the Maryland facility.

After two qualifying shots on Saturday, racing was on for the first time of the year for the group. The lid opener was originally scheduled for Maple Grove Dragway right before the Memorial Day weekend but logistics with the track getting ready for a huge IHRA event, forced the debut to June.

Elmer Watcher in addition to featuring the Mid Atlantic racers, had the Summit racers on hand to compete for Northeast Division points. And the place was jumping.

SATURDAY’S RESULTS

SUPER COMP

Kathy Smulligan from Coopersburg Pa., long time Mid Atlantic racer claimed the first S/C title for 2026 on Saturday defeating 2025 Cecil winner Frank Lauria in the final when the Philadelphia racer went red in the final.

Smulligan had a 0.027 light and ran an 8.947 in her victory.

After her win at Mason Dixon, Smulligan said, “What a hot day and I was very happy to get in another final this year. Most friends know I do almost everything myself and I appreciate all the help from my friends to get to the final and win at Mason Dixon Dragway.” 

“I would like to thank Rob and his team for all their hard work and Mason Dixon for an Awesome Day! Rich Price for being my tire bitch and keeping me calm. Can’t forget Davis Race Engines, Road Runner Race Fuel, Joey DiPasquale , Roy at Hoosier, Tom Goldman and Kathy. Thanks to all my friends for cheering me on and Bill for the ice cream!”

SUPER GAS

The finals of Super Gas had two of the series best with Allentown, Pa Tom Goldman in his Corvette roadster against the Olds roadster of Clear Spring MD Derek Clark. Goldman had the better light, and it would take a near perfect run from Clark. At the stripe it was the two time Mid Atlantic champ Goldman taking the win light with a 9.9188 to the losing but better 9.9122 of Clark.

“Kathy and I hoped to start our season off nearly 2 months ago, but Mother Nature and track changes decided otherwise,” Goldman said.  “This was our latest start ever, and getting some seat time at Mason Dixon on Friday really set me up for Saturday’s race. 

“Elmer does a great job of prepping the track, so my car and reactions were very consistent. I got a break in the semis against Keith Mayers when he went red against my only bad light. The final was a battle between myself and Derek Clark, both great lights, Derek gave me .01 to play with at the tree and I took advantage at the stripe.”

SUPER STREET

New Jersey’s Steve Vancraeynest entered his Camaro in Super Street for the first time and took the win at MD beating former champ Dom Burgese in the final. Vancraeynest who built the Chevy himself, got a great 0.0085 light and never looked back as Burgese slowed to a mid thirteen second run. 

“This was first ever event in Super Street,” Vancraeynest said. “My buddies Rick Mattioli & Ron Ross pushed me for so many years to just give it a try, and I finally caved. It’s great to win in my first race running a new class.”

STOCK/SUPER STOCK

Bringing his ancient Mopar out of the attic, Pikesville MD racer Tom Young beat Pat Glade’s Pontiac in the finals in Boonsboro. Glade made it easy leaving -0.054 too soon handing Young a surprise victory.

“Well, this is one of my biggest wins yet,” Young said after his amazing win. “I retired from racing for 27 years and just started getting back into it.”

“I’m in my early 70’s and man what a great day. Many thanks to my Crew Chief Rapid Roy, Tom Goldman, Bunk Miller, John Leach, Aaron Shipley, my engine builder @ AKS Custom Engines, and Gary Ewing.” 

:Thanks to my advisor John Warehime, and to my long time mentor Wayne Shipley. This will always be my brother Jim’s car, and I miss him.” 

PRO DOORSLAMMER

The blown Corvette of Pat Hahn was up against Lucien Payne’s Pontiac Firebird in the finals and Payne picked a bad time to leave before the green sending Hahn to the Winner’s Circle.

Hahn clocked a dead-on with an eight 4.938 for the win. 

“We had a great time at the track, and the traction was good. We appreciate all the help from friends; we’ll try to make the next one for sure at MIR.” 

PRO DRAGSTER

Todd Welzel from Woodstock VA won Pro Dragster over performance parts owner Mark Payne from Waynesboro VA in his House of Payne turbocharged dragster. 

Like Pat Hahn before him, Welzel ran nearly right on his dial with a 4.619 on his 4.61 as Payne trailed with a 4.349 on a 4.30 dial. 

“Track was on point as usual and the staff running the Mid Atlantic .90 race were very friendly.”

“It was a fun race to attend. To top it all off, I was running a brand new engine combo. Also met some new friends that run this series, so it’s always nice to meet new racers.”

“Special thanks to Beal racing engines and Bernard Weaver at Weavers automotive for all my transmissions over the years.”

6-12 JUNIOR DRAGSTER

Tripp White from Severn MD beat Garrett Cramer from New Market MD in the finals. White was dialed in an 8.98 and ran an 8.997 in the win as Cramer went too quick with an 8.938 on his 8.95 dial 

After the loss, Garrett said, “I had a strong showing during the weekend. On Saturday, luck was on my side as I worked his way through eliminations and made it all the way to the final round. I missed the tree a bit in the final and finished as runner-up.”

13 AND UP JUNIOR DRAGSTER 

James Beattie from Garrison MD, won the 13 and up class beating Mechanicsburg racer Kyle Kwitoski.

Beattie, son of ATI Performance Company Owner and a third generation racer, had the better reaction time and won running a 7.923 on his 7.90 dial as Kwitoski was right there losing with a 7.935 on a 7.91 dial. 

“The car was on the money; it was just my job to hit the tree and play the finish line,” said Beattie III after his win. “It wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for my dad.” 

JUNIOR STREET

In one of the more unique classes, racers who are too young to get a legal driver’s license, are allowed to compete with an adult in the passenger seat in full size cars. Great class that allows the next generation of drivers to get a head start on their careers.

Winning Saturday’s class was Mason Blumenauer from nearby Hagerstown driving the family black Firebird to the win over the red S-10 of Braelin Bowie from Waynesboro Pa.

Both racers had low nine second dials on their windshields but in the finals, it was Mason pedaling the Pontiac to a 9.330 win on a 9.14 dial as Braelin had an off the pace light running a 9.274 on an 9.03 dial. 

“This weekend was the first time I actually got to run a Jr. Street class race, and it was such a fun experience,” Blumenauer said. “On Saturday in Jr Street, my first-round win earned me the bye run into the finals since we started with six cars. I had the advantage up front, which helped me pull out the win at the finish line.”

“My mom was my co-pilot for the weekend, and we were both super excited when that win light came on.”

Runner up Bowie, a third generation racer and daughter to Top Dragster driver Lin Bowie said after the race, “My Pappy Bowie was riding along with me.”

“I want to thank sponsors- Kickin Asphalt Transport, Excalibur Towing, Victory Lane, Chad Ely Graphics and my Granma and Pappy Bowie.”

  

SUNDAY RESULTS

After one qualifier in the morning, the fields were set for Day 2 of the Mid Atlantic race.

SUPER COMP

2024 Super Comp champ Don Bangs got his dragster into the Winner’s Circle at Mason Dixon after a semi final finish on Saturday. The Southampton Pa driver defeated Shamong NJ’s Bill Hardifer in the finals as the New Jersey driver went too quick on the 8.90 dial with a 8.881 as Bang’s won with an 8.949.

“We finally got the 2026 season started this last weekend at Elmer Wachter’s Mason-Dixon Dragway.” Bangs said.  “I always like going there despite the 3+ hour tow. The track is always on-point and the Team there seems to really enjoy having the Mid-Atlantic Super Series join them.”

“After a trio of T&T laps Friday to knock almost 9 months of rust off and make sure I put the car back together properly, we headed into Saturday’s Race #1. In the semis, Frankie Lauria and I met up for a good race which ended with him getting the WIN light and a date with Kathy Smulligan in the Final.”

“Congratulations to Kathy on her Win as Frankie turned it red. Sunday was a better day, with cooler temperatures and a final round matchup with the always tough Bill Hardifer. Fortunately, in a tight race, we reversed Saturday’s outcome and grabbed the WIN to start the Series off on a high note.”

“Thanks go to Rob Kiester, Dana and the rest of the MA Team for all their hard work making these events happen, Elmer and the M-D crew for a great track all weekend, Lee Ream and his guys at C2 Performance and Machine for the horsepower and of course my wife Beth and our boys for all their support. Off to MIR for the D1 Double!”

SUPER GAS

Long time Mid Atlantic racer Dave Muller from Pennington NJ drove his Camaro roadster to a win over the Live Wire Camaro of George Smith from New York.

Both drivers had nearly identical reaction times, so it was up to who got to the stripe first without breaking out. Muller clicked the timers with a 9.920 to the close 9.937 of Smith

After his win, Muller said,” First time out with the Super Gas car this year after putting a new motor in and it all came together – thanks to my crew chief and son Tommy for all his help.”

SUPER STREET

Former Mid Atlantic champ and Saturday runner up, Dom Burgese from Williamstown NJ drove his ’69 Camaro to the win over the Olds of Neal Vaccaro. Apparently, neither driver had the throttle stop on as both blew out the 10.90 index. Vaccaro from Polk City Fl. went 10.716 in the loss as Burgese was closer to the index with a 10.878. 

After his win Dom adds, “Good to be racing again after a long cold winter. Can’t thank Rob enough, and his crew along with Mason Dixon Dragway and sponsors for the opportunity to Race.”

“As always, good competition and a very good time. Thanks to all.”

STOCK/SUPER STOCK

Driving his refrigerator white 1965 SS/JA Chevy Nova, Roger Reese from Manchester MD won Super Stock over defending 2025 Mid Atlantic champ Bubba Linke in his B/SA Camaro. 

Linke from Old Bridge NJ who is also reigning NHRA Stock champ, was second off the line and it cost him. Reese was already off the line and had a tenth difference on dial in. Linke was trying to catch the Nova but was 10.501 on his 10.48 dial as Reese, who won the 2022 Keystones in the Chevy, ran 10.594 on his 10.58 dial. 

Bubba had this to say after the race, “Rob does a fantastic job putting these races on. Not a lot of downtime and two races a weekend. Makes for a good time and more cost effective. Even when the drive was like this one.” 

PRO DOORSLAMMER

2025 Mid Atlantic champ John Richmond from Baltimore is off to a great start in 2026. Despite a second round loss on Saturday, Richmond took it all on Sunday in his Chevy Nova. 

In the final to no one’s surprise it was Richmond against Delaware racer Don Teague. The two have met in competition in what seems like every Mid Atlantic race and Richmond has the edge on Teague’s Nova.

At the green Richmond was off the line a tick before Teague and it was close on the Top End as Richmond ran a 5.264 on a 5.25 dial with Teague coming up short with a 4.728 on his 4.71 dial.

“Another great race weekend at Mason Dixon Dragway even with the hot and sticky weather Elmer and the crew did a great job as usual with track prep,” Richmond said. “Rob does an incredible job running the race and with the help of my wife and some great people back at the shop and a Chevy II that seems to never let me down we put another trophy on the shelf to start our 2026 championship bid.”

 Former Mid Atlantic winner and Mason Dixon local Mike Daymude said after the weekend. “Was great to be back racing at our home track Mason Dixon Dragway and also with the Mid Atlantic .90 Association.” 

“The racing surface was spot on all weekend which helped us to achieve the Bill Janke Memorial Low Qualifier Award. We came up a little short in the semi-final on the Sunday race.  The payout was great even though the car count was light. Rob and Dana put on a well-run and enjoyable race and we are looking forward to racing with the Mid Atlantic Group real soon.”

PRO DRAGSTER

Lin Bowie from Waynesboro Pa. used a hole shot to take the title on Sunday in Pro Dragster. Bowie was dialed in at a 4.50 and ran a 4.5231 as his competition, Robbie Stewart from Stratsburg Va. had a better 4.5102 on his 4.49 but his later light made the difference.

“I’d like to thank Rob and his crew for putting these races,” Lin said.  “On at a local level for some of us non traveling racers.”

“They are always run very smooth and efficiently. Also, Mason Dixon for keeping the track consistent all weekend despite near record high temperatures. It was the first weekend out with a new Chris Wilson /Kivett Enterprises built baby blower engine and it worked very well.”

“Thanks to all the spectators that came out to enjoy the show along with my parents, daughter and all my racing friends for their support.”

6-12 JR DRAGSTER

Blaine Proctor, grandson to NHRA Top Sportsman stars Ronnie and Karen Proctor, had the day on Sunday winning his age group. In the final Proctor was up against Kole Paone from Galloway NJ. 

Paone got anxious on the starting line and left too soon handing Proctor the Mason Dixon win. 

Proctor who calls Harpers Ferry home still ran a 9.042 on his 9.00 dial.

After the race Proctor said, “I was so excited to win today with all my family here beside me; it was a great day, I couldn’t wait to show all my friends my winner circle pic. “

“My car was consistent today—I think it wanted the trophy as much as I did. I worked hard, stayed focused, and tried not to blink for too long at the starting line. I want to thank my family, crew, and sponsors for all their support. Racing is one of my favorite things to do, and winning makes it even better. Now I’m ready for the next race… after I finish celebrating and maybe asking for extra dessert!”

13 AND UP JR DRAGSTER

Another third generation racer Maddy Schonberger from Philadelphia PA, in her last season in Jrs as she is aging out of the class, made the most of her final year. Maddy beat Cameron Bauman from Poolesville MD in the final with an 8.141 on her 8.10. Cameron in the other lane had a later light and it cost him as he ran a better 7.975 on his 7.96 dial in the loss. 

“This past weekend, I brought home the win in the 13+ Jr. Dragster class at the .90 Mid Atlantic Series!”, Schonberger said. “Taking home the first-place trophy was an incredible way to kick off my final year of Jr. Dragster racing.”

“On the drive home, I spent some time reflecting and realized something pretty special. I won the very first .90 Series race for juniors when the series began, and now I’ve won my first .90 Series race of my final year in Jr. Dragsters. It feels like everything has come full circle.”

“One of my favorite moments is pulling up to the water box and looking over to see my family and friends cheering me on round after round. Their support means everything to me, and I’m so grateful for everyone who has been there in person and those who followed along online. The texts, snaps and comments on my parents’ Facebook posts meant more than you know.”

“A special thank you to my dad for being my crew chief and biggest supporter through every high and low. Even when things don’t go as planned, like my carburetor falling off during the first qualifying run, he’s always there helping me stay focused and get back on track. Thank you to my mom for always inspiring me to keep pushing forward and never give up.”

“I’d also like to thank my sponsors, Philadelphia Racing Products (PRP) and Philadelphia Racing Engines (PRE), as well as Rob and Dana for all their hard work and dedication to the Series. Thank you to Mason-Dixon Dragway for hosting such a great event. I’m incredibly lucky to be a part of this racing family, and I can’t wait to see what the rest of my final Jr. Dragster season has in store!”

JUNIOR STREET

The finals of Junior Street featured one of the finalists from Saturday. Braelin Bowie was looking for revenge from her loss the day before. But unfortunately, Bowie’s results mirrored the Saturday race with a runner up.

Winning the class on Sunday was Gavin Cramer from New Market MD. 

Cramer ran 9.748 on his 9.59 dial in the family Mustang. Bowie, in the S-10 Chevy posted a 9.633 on her 9.40 dial. Bowie had the better reaction time, but her truck did not run the time. 

After the event Gavin who comes from a racing family with brothers Garrett and Gage, the boy’s mom Lindsay asked them how they felt after the race.

Gavin said,” I pulled double duty for the weekend, racing my Jr. Dragster in the 13-and-up class and our 2001 Mustang in Jr. Street. 

“On Saturday in Jr. Dragsters, I made a good first-round run, but he could not match my friend Cameron Boyd’s package and exited in the opening round. On Sunday, I advanced to the second round before turning on the red light and taking the loss.

“In Jr. Street, I had a challenging start on Saturday when I missed the tree and lost in the second round. Sunday told a different story. Although I continued working to find the tree, I stayed composed and won three extremely close rounds to capture the Jr. Street event win. 

Little brother Garrett who won NHRA Right Trailers Eastern Conference Finals at Bristol Dragway in his age group in 2025, was also racing at Mason Dixon and added to his brother’s comments. 

“I also had a strong showing during the weekend. On Saturday, luck was on my side as I worked his way through eliminations and made it all the way to the final round. I missed the tree a bit in the final and finished as runner-up. On Sunday, I went out in the second round, but overall I put together a solid weekend of racing.”

Finally, the Cramer family, Josh, Lindsay, and the boys would like to thank Rob and the Mid-Atlantic team, along with Mason Dixon Dragway, for putting on a great event. They would also like to thank FTI Farm Team, Red Line Oil, Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar in Frederick, Maryland, and Bruce Combs Drywall for their support and sponsorship, which help make it possible for the Cramer brothers to race.”

There was no lack of announcers during the event. Keister has arranged for Ray Thurston IV to be part of the team for 2026. In addition to Thurston, track owner Elmer Watcher and Mike Bassin were behind the mic calling the action.

Mid Atlantic President Rob Keister said after the Maryland event, “The 16th year of me being the president of at least one of the classes of the historical Mid Atlantic Series is finally underway after the season officially kicked off this weekend at Mason Dixon Dragway.

This was our third year going to the Hagerstown, Md facility that is a throwback to the old days of drag racing. I know we all want E-Town & Atco to come back but sometimes we have to support those tracks that are still around and that want us to be a part of their weekly program. We have to support the little tracks so they can keep the gates open because if the little guy closes up, it’s one less opportunity for a place to race. We’ll be back there in September on the 12th & 13th so hope you all can join us and all I can say is try it out.

We were grateful to see some new faces make the trip and were hoping for some more being that most of us haven’t been out this year due to cancellations and Mother Nature not playing nice. With MIR only being 120 miles south of Mason Dixon it was a great warm-up for those wanting to test new parts & pieces before starting the LODRS season. 

Thanks to all who made the trip, my small little team that keeps everything running, when we tell people we run 7-8 classes with 3 people they think we’re absolutely crazy but my team works hard and we work well with the track staff, thanks to the sponsors who helped up the payouts for selected races to make it worth the trip and of course to Elmer & his crew at Mason Dixon for hosting us. In closing a quick shout out to Dave Nahill who took the Super Pro win on Sunday on his first weekend out in years, Dave had fought some health issues the past few years and he put trust into myself & my dad to get his car back up to operating status last year, so it was great to see back out and even better seeing him win on his late Mom’s Birthday.  

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