Todd “The Pirate” Lesenko raced  in the big show over the weekend.

Normally Nostalgia Funny Car racers, Losenko, along with Chuck Worsham’s Worsham Racing crew, flew their retro Jolly Rogers colors on Worsham’s 2010 Dodge Charger during the NHRA Arizona Nationals. This debut was originally planned for earlier in the season, but delays prevented the unveiling until now.

“Transitioning from a nostalgia funny car with a moderate schedule into running a big show car with increased obligations has been a major adjustment," said Losenko. "We have a thriving business in St. Albert, Alberta, Canada and are continuing to focus our energy on applying the same success principals we have to build the business to our race team. The next two NHRA events are very strategic for us and our future plans. We reached out to Del and Chuck Worsham to help us make the transition easier.  It was a natural fit as I licensed with them in December 2010 so I look forward to getting reacquainted with the pro car and making a great showing for our fans and sponsors this weekend and again in Vegas.”

Losenko is no stranger to NHRA drag racing as he ran a Super Comp car a little over a decade ago. He took five years off to concentrate on a bid to race nitro. When he returned in 2006, he did so with a classic Camaro on the NHRA's Heritage Series. His efforts have come full circle with this weekend's outing.

“We are enthusiastic to bring our sponsors to the professional ranks of NHRA drag racing and are so appreciative of their support and commitment to our success," said Losenko.

For his efforts, Losenko qualified No. 11 while veterans Tony Pedregon and Ron Capps missed the cut.