The hallmark of promoter-racer Dave Hance's Shakedown at E-Town, Northeast drag racing's doorslammer showcase, is outlandish drama.
 
And this "Al-Anabi Racing Shakedown at E-Town 7 powered by New York Motorsports" remained true to event history.
 
Racers tried to outrun Old Bridge Township Raceway Park's 7:30 noise curfew as much as each other Sunday. And a vicious-looking wreck by Outlaw Heavy Street winner Mitch George in the final round -- one in which his opponent nearly crashed and was disqualified --  only heightened the frenzy.

The hallmark of promoter-racer Dave Hance's Shakedown at E-Town, Northeast drag racing's doorslammer showcase, is outlandish drama.
 
And this "Al-Anabi Racing Shakedown at E-Town 7 powered by New York Motorsports" remained true to event history.
 
Racers tried to outrun Old Bridge Township Raceway Park's 7:30 noise curfew as much as each other Sunday. And a vicious-looking wreck by Outlaw Heavy Street winner Mitch George in the final round -- one in which his opponent nearly crashed and was disqualified --  only heightened the frenzy.
 
The event ended on time with Jim Halsey repeating his Pro Mod Nitrous title and the event crowning five other first-time winners: Tony Pontieri (Pro Outlaw Blown), Mike Janis (Outlaw 1/8-Mile Challenge), Tommy Deez Fernick (Outlaw 10.5), Dwayne "Big Daddy" Gutridge (Drag Radial), and Gary Romonoyske (Outlaw 8.5 Index).
 
Hance kept calm amid the spate of accidents, reasoning, "If something does happen to you, let it be at Englishtown. There's more support, more safety equipment. They're on it. They're on it. That's why we tech these cars pretty tough at Englishtown. We want to make sure you have your safety stuff. It could save your life."
 
Hance wasn't spared the disappointment of having his '93 Mustang -- the one that blew away the competition at Orlando the week before -- break just before the final and being forced to forfeit his chance at winning the event he created and shaped. It was his best chance in awhile, too, after wrecking here twice before.
 
But his "What more can you ask for?" line said it all.
 
This is Englishtown, Old Bridge Township Raceway Park , a stage for historic numbers and a number of hysterics in this quickly developing classic.

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