Mike Austin and Brian Hough raced to victory this weekend at Pacific Raceways and the NHRA Northwest Division Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series.
Austin, Medford, Ore., advanced to his second final in two days facing off against Shawn Cowie, Delta, B.C. in both and getting the better of Cowie in Saturday night’s final in Top Alcohol Dragster. Austin, who is battling Cowie for the division championship, outran Cowie with a 5.499 second pass at 259.86 mph to Cowie’s 5.575, 240.25. On Friday, Cowie got the best of Austin in the completion of the rain delayed Lucas Oil event from Mission Raceway Park.
Fellow Oregon racer Hough of Junction City, beat Jeff Ashwell in round one then had a bye run in the semifinals in advancing to the Top Alcohol Funny Car final with Southern California racer Steve Gasparrelli of West Covina. Hough’s 5.624 second lap at 258.53 proved too much for Gasparrelli’s 5.804 at 252.95. Both racers are in the top 10 points nationally. Hough has all but clinched the NHRA Northwest division championship where Gasparrelli is in contention for the NHRA Pacific Division.