MMPSA point leader Cary Goforth stole the show from start to finish, capturing the number one qualifying spot with a 6.296 at 221.35 and then taking that number spot all the way to the winner’s circle at the Thunder Nationals at US 131 Motorsports Park.

Goforth, whose father and teammate Dean has been sidelined due to a foot injury, took over driving duties on his father’s entry and handed over his machine to Stephen Boone, who has been making waves on the eighth mile side of Mountain Motor racing.

With Gofoth on top, John Pluchino rounded out the field, which also consisted of two NHRA legal Pro Stock entries- that of newcomer Vincent Nobile, son of past World Champion John Nobile, and Steve Spiess, another past Mountain Motor World Champion. Another couple of newcomers were on hand for this weekend’s event. The aforementioned Stephen Boone and Brian Gahm, both regular ADRL contenders and John Powers all decided to make their debut in the MMPSA this weekend as well.

MMPSA point leader Cary Goforth stole the show from start to finish, capturing the number one qualifying spot with a 6.296 at 221.35 and then taking that number spot all the way to the winner’s circle at the Thunder Nationals at US 131 Motorsports Park.

Goforth, whose father and teammate Dean has been sidelined due to a foot injury, took over driving duties on his father’s entry and handed over his machine to Stephen Boone, who has been making waves on the eighth mile side of Mountain Motor racing.

With Gofoth on top, John Pluchino rounded out the field, which also consisted of two NHRA legal Pro Stock entries- that of newcomer Vincent Nobile, son of past World Champion John Nobile, and Steve Spiess, another past Mountain Motor World Champion. Another couple of newcomers were on hand for this weekend’s event. The aforementioned Stephen Boone and Brian Gahm, both regular ADRL contenders and John Powers all decided to make their debut in the MMPSA this weekend as well.

Friday’s action revealed the Summit Performance Powerhouse Challenge which was awarded in the final qualifying session for the evening. The lucky fan whose name was drawn from the entries was John Dechtol. He received a $100 product certificate from Summit Racing Equipment and the chance to watch from the starting line. He took his son with him for this once in a life time opportunity (pictured). Cary Goforth topped the competition side of the Summit Performance Powerhouse Challenge as he retained the number one spot after Friday’s qualifying was finished. Representing Summit, Pete Berner awarded Goforth with $500 in cash.

Cary Goforth continued the thrilling action on race day. He received a bye in round one by virtue of his number one qualified spot. In round two he defeated the always-tough Bob Bertsch when Bertsch turned on the unforgiving red eye. Goforth was handed another win in the semis when Trevor Eman and the Aruba.com team were unable to make the call, having blown their engine in the previous round. Goforth waltzed easily into the final round with a 6.325 at 217.18 mph. There he met up with JR Carr.

JR Carr’s battle to the final round began on Friday when electrical and fuel gremlins plagued him during qualifying. He got in one good run to qualify 7th with a 6.375 at 220.37. On race day the gremlins stayed at bay, and he took out Brian Gahm in round one when Gahm ran into trouble and coasted down the track. Like Goforth, Carr was also given a gift in round two when the Summit-sponsored entry of Pete Berner went red as well. In the semis Carr laid down his quickest time of the day (6.358, 222.44) to get past John Montecalvo who slowed in the last half of the track.

This was JR Carr’s first MMPSA final and Goforth’s second. Although Carr was first off the line, Goforth would make it his second win in three races as he laid down a spectacular 6.322 to edge out Carr’s 6.367. With this win, Cary increased the distance between him and his competition.

“I want to thank Jason and Stephanie Peterson [track managers] for such a great event,” stated Tommy Dupree of the MMPSA. “They rolled out the red carpet for us, gave us a stellar track and helped put on a fantastic show for all these Michigan fans. I really appreciate their hard work for us. You can tell they pour their heart and soul in US 131 Motorsports Park. We look forward to racing with them again!”