Madison Payne Make Strides at Final Regional Event

The final NHRA Lucas Oil Regional event of the 2021 season was held in Las Vegas over the weekend, sandwiched between the Dodge Nationals and the AAA Finals in Pomona. This is the hardest race on the schedule to qualify for as 17 dragsters were battling for just eight spots. Madison Payne got the Muscle Milk A/Fuel Dragster in the tight field with a 5.27 at 274 MPH to qualify sixth. Just qualifying for the event is an accomplishment.

In round one, Madison took on Canadian standout Shawn Cowie. As the cars left the line it was Madison with the starting line advantage with a .068 to Cowie's .092. Both cars were neck and neck all the way to the finish line with Cowie narrowly getting the win with a 5.35 at 273 to Madison's close 5.39 at 276 MPH. "We lost by just eight thousand of a second so I'm just a hair frustrated. That was our slowest run of the weekend. Had we just run a .38 we would have won but that's how it goes" said team owner Duane Shields.

While the Muscle Milk team lost a close one, Duane continues to be impressed with Madison's driving job. "Madison had to pedal it in the first round and she did a very good job. She has a great future ahead of her" Duane said. We will be moving on to Pomona and Madison will be driving there too. We are hoping to close out the year with a win" he added.

Also at the Las Vegas Lucas Oil Regional, Micheal Handras was crowned the Division 1 Super Gas Champion. "Our Shortline Express Markets give Mike some support so we are proud that he won the Division 1 Championship" Duane said.

Duane and Madison would like to thank their marketing partners including Muscle Milk, BAE, Clean Boost, GRP Connecting Rods, and NGK Spark Plugs for their support this season.