The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway was the scene for the final race of the Western Fuel Altereds series.  Thirteen drivers showed for the final race trying for the eight spots.

The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway was the scene for the final race of the Western Fuel Altereds series.  Thirteen drivers showed for the final race trying for the eight spots.

Saturday qualifying was quite eventful with several WFA records. First round Lyle Greenberg in his Amsoil sponsored altered set the stage by setting a new WFA ET record with a stellar 6.58 proving that he was the man to beat and taking home the RBS superchargers low qualifier award.  Second round turned out to be the longest round in WFA history as Maroney scattered parts in a fireball and created a long cleanup.  Following the cleanup, Dean Oberg decided to do his part with track prep by laying down a 1000 ft burnout and win the Good Vibrations Burnout award.  Kevin Knowles tried to knock Lyle off his pedestal and ran a nice 6.59 while proceeding to raise the WFA speed record to 216 MPH!  That set the field with Greenberg’s 58 on top rounded out by Rob Winefsky’s 7.27.  

Sunday morning sunny skies make for great eliminations.  First round Hal Rishton in the Heaven Bound II, who had been running career best numbers all weekend, laid down a 6.72 to take out the champ Dean Oberg.  While alternate Ed Middlebrook advanced after Becky Sylvester had staging problems.  Second round Middlebrook made Knowles earn his keep, by cutting .004 rt for the Torco quick reaction time award, but the fuel car ran hard on the top end and drove around him in the lights.  Hal Rishton, having a great weekend, cut a light on Greenberg, with both cars running 6.80’s Hal never looked back to advance into the final.  That paired up Hal Rishton and Kevin Knowles in the final.  This being the first final round appearance for either team, the anticipation was high.  When the tree dropped, Kevin got the whole shot and stretched it out for the win!  Congratulations to the Neese-n-Knowles team for their first WFA win.

Following the event, the WFA held a BBQ where Dean Oberg was crowned as the series champion for the second year in a row, taking two wins along the way.  In a very close points battle Sheldon Lofgreen and Jerry Hall were also rewarded with second and third place trophies.  Thanks to all the teams, tracks and sponsors for a very successful race season.