As T.J. Zizzo figured, if someone has to win, "it might as well be me."

Zizzo, the popular Rust-o-Leum Top Fuel dragster driver, ran roughshod over the Top Fuel field in the 2020 - 2021 Virtual Hot Rod Association field last season, much like Krista Baldwin has done this season. When Baldwin was upset in the first round of the McLeod VRHRA Summernationals, the defending champion pounced on the opportunity by beating Doug Kalitta in an overtime race. 

Zizzo scored one more vote in a back-and-forth contest with the Mac Tools-sponsored Kalitta during the four-minute overtime period when both drivers could earn votes.

"It's okay, the only time I can beat Doug Kalitta in is in a fan-vote race, so I will take it," said the enthusiastic Zizzo, whose second consecutive final round finish vaulted him into second place in points. "I love it! It gets me fired up for the upcoming season."

Lyle Barnett returned to his winning way in the Pro Modified division, beating an upset-minded Mike Salinas in the final round. The popular turbocharged racer has won every round but one this season, when he lost the final round last week to nemesis Stevie "Fast" Jackson. 

"We had an off week last weekend because I was racing in Bradenton at the New Year's Nationals, and for those who have been there when there's a decent crowd, cell phone service is scarce," Barnett explained. "Stevie got a jump on me early in the day, and all day long, I tried to post to my social media, and nothing would go through. He got me on a holeshot, and I'd like to think that's the only time he will get me on a holeshot.

"He's in Bahrain this week, on a different time schedule, so I returned the favor. They are eleven hours ahead of us, so I plan on taking advantage of it. If he's there next week, he'd better hire someone stateside to watch out for him. I win one more race, and he will never catch me in the championship."

Barnett had no easy wins en route to win No. 4 this season, beating Doug Winters and defending series champion Rickie Smith. He now holds a commanding 153 point lead over Jackson. The maximum number of points a racer can earn is 109 per event. 

"I'd like to thank all of my fans, the fans for Stevie "Fast," and the readers of CompetitionPlus.com for making this program exciting," Barnett said. "It's not on the track racing, but it's competitive and exciting. it's neat to see those votes pile in, and I will be honest, I'm stressed every Friday, which is final round day."

Alexis DeJoria returned to the winner's circle for the first time this season by beating a surging J.R. Todd, who now has consecutive final rounds to his credit. Point leader Tim Wilkerson fell in the semi-final round, allowing the field to catch up to the defending champion in points.

DeJoria moved up to fourth in points with the win while Todd vaulted to seventh. Wilkerson maintains a 109 point lead over second-place Dale Creasy. 

"Great way to head into the new NHRA season with a fan-vote drag race win," DeJoria said. "Thanks, ladies and gentlemen, and Happy New Year to you all."

Rodger Brogdon maintained his point lead in Pro Stock by picking up his third win of the season, beating first-year champion Kyle Koretsky. 

"It's nice to know you're appreciated by your fan base," Brogdon said. "Obviously i have got more fans than I realized. I want to take the time to thank everyone who voted for me and participated in this great event. It means a lot."

Pro Stock Motorcycle was the property of Angie Smith, who stopped Angelle Sampey on the money run. 

"Thanks to everyone who voted me and kept us alive in this championship chase," Smith said. "We still have four races remaining to make a run for this championship. Let's get after it."