No wonder Mark McDonald is fond of Route 66 Raceway.

Two weeks ago, during the Fallen Patriots NHRA Route 66 Nationals presented by K&N Filters, he became the 29th drag racer in series history to score a double-up victory with his Top Sportsman triumph in both national event and Jegs All-Stars competition. 

“Route 66 is becoming my favorite track, I reached my first Top Sportsman Final here last season that kicked off this journey to be the Division 3 All-Star, to come back here win the All Stars for our organization and sponsors as well as the Team Championship on Saturday would have been just enough for me, but have the opportunity to close out and win the National, well that is just something that I never dreamed," McDonald explained.

“The competition was tough in the field, the car was extremely good and fortunately, I made fewer mistakes than the drivers beside me. I had a single at 4 cars, which helped, I just never really got comfortable with the tree on Saturday, however, when you are chasing most of the competition it can play into your advantage, as they say, it was my day,” exclaimed Mark.

McDonald entered Saturday Jegs All-Stars competition having already won two rounds of national event competition. 

“Saturday night we enjoyed a little dinner, my son, daughter in law and brother in law were here, which was just great because I am going to be a grandpa soon, so the baby already has a winner’s circle appearance,” McDonald said with a smile. “We serviced the car before relaxing, going to bed knowing you put the car up after making solid laps down the track while the competition is watching does have a small advantage, yet you cannot take anyone in this class lightly."

And for three solid days of competition, McDonald treated everyone the same.