Jim Whiteley looking to stay perfect in Regional competition in Woodburn

Jim Whiteley looking to stay perfect in Regional competition in Woodburn

WOODBURN, Ore. – Defending four-time NHRA Division 7 Top Alcohol Dragster Champion Jim Whiteley will be looking to maintain his perfect record at regional events during this weekend’s Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Western Regional at Woodburn Dragstrip. Despite a 9-0 round record in three regional events this year in his YNot Racing dragster, he enters the event 22 points behind points leader Chris Demke, who has attended five events this year.

Whiteley, from Grand Junction, Colo., has primarily focused on accumulating national points to this point under the new national/regional points structure. His wife, Annie, currently leads Top Alcohol Funny Car points in the Western Region, and he cites the opportunity to make history as the first husband-wife team to both win regional championships in the same year is his primary motivation this weekend.

“From a national points stand point, we really can’t do much to help ourselves in Woodburn,” said Whiteley. “We are in a good position to go for the Western Region Championship, and with Annie having a shot at the Top Alcohol Funny Car Western Region Championship; we decided to make the trip up here. It’s been a special year, and if we could pull it off, it would really be the icing on the cake.”

“We have heard a lot of good things about what Joey Severance [track manager and Top Alcohol Dragster competitor] has done with the track,” added Whiteley. “We are looking forward to it.”

Qualifying begins on Friday for the alcohol cars, with two more sessions on Saturday. Final eliminations will conclude the event on Sunday.

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The team would also like to thank the continued support of J&A Services and Advanced Oilfield Services.

Contact: Pro Race Communications 979.415.4959
Attached photo courtesy of YNot Racing