Home field advantage is often crucial in sports. The advantage Super Comp racer Ray Groves and Super Gas competitor Dennis Hay held this weekend at the NHRA Mopar Mile-High Nationals at Bandimere Speedway in Morrison, Co., was good enough to propel both drivers to their first NHRA National Event wins.

Groves, from Evans, Colo., drove his old school 1993 Jerry Fritz hard-tail chassis dragster past former Super Comp world champion Gary Stinnett in the final round. Stinnett held a slight starting-line advantage but Groves’ compensated by running closer to the Super Comp index. His 9.507-second elapsed time was good enough to hold off the hard charging Stinnett.

Home field advantage is often crucial in sports. The advantage Super Comp racer Ray Groves and Super Gas competitor Dennis Hay held this weekend at the NHRA Mopar Mile-High Nationals at Bandimere Speedway in Morrison, Co., was good enough to propel both drivers to their first NHRA National Event wins.

Groves, from Evans, Colo., drove his old school 1993 Jerry Fritz hard-tail chassis dragster past former Super Comp world champion Gary Stinnett in the final round. Stinnett held a slight starting-line advantage but Groves’ compensated by running closer to the Super Comp index. His 9.507-second elapsed time was good enough to hold off the hard charging Stinnett.

“As much as this victory means to me, winning in front of my family was more important,” said a very humbled Groves. “I have come so close for many years, and to be able to win my first here at Bandimere is the best feeling ever.”

Hay, who lives in nearby Golden, won his final round impressively. Putting together a 0.002 reaction time combined with his 10.504-second elapsed time for a 0.006 second advantage, Hay beat Kevin Moore in his first NHRA National event final round appearance.

Hay, who was driving a 1985 Corvette he purchased at a swap meet, was holding back the tears as he saw the win light come on in his lane.

“Honestly I was crying when I crossed the finish-line,” said Hay as he was handed his first NHRA Wally in the winner’s circle. “I have been doing this so long, actually holding this trophy is one of the best feelings I’ve ever had. I am honored.”  

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