Midseason Championship races heating up

We're close to the midseason mark, and there are no clear favorites in either of the NHRA classes. We've seen Mark Thomas jump out to an early season lead in IHRA AFC, but they're only 3 races into their tour.

NHRA TAD-
With the front runner's mixing it up it will come down to who gets the job done in their home division, or put together a string of national event wins. Defending Champ Steve Torrence has yet to win a national event this year, with only one final round to his credit in five national events. To add to Torrence's problems is tough competition in his home division from Spencer Massey, who with a few late round national finishes, could have a shot at the national title in Gene Snow's potent AFD.

Aaron Olivarez is currently second in points, but that has more to do with a lot of events rather than strong performances. He started the year off strong in Division 2 with back to back wins, but doesn't have much else to show for this year other than his Winternationals R/U.

Bill Reichert still looks very strong, currently in third place. The car seems to thunder everywhere this year. Has the car and is in position to take the driver's seat in the championship hunt.

Ashley Force currently sits in fourth, has a shot if she wins out her schedule. Has only been to two divisionals, so has a lot of room to improve there. Only has one national left to claim, but has two wins so far this year. After qualifying No. 1 in Joliet, may have the car to do it in Seattle.

Sean O'Bannon rounds out the top five, and is in good position to make a mid season run at it. The car is deadly consistent, runs strong, and he's had the breaks go his way this year. His championship hopes rely on a strong Western Swing in Seattle and Sonoma. Has the car to beat in Div. 7, but a couple of green tracks may be an equalizer, along with stiff competition from Demke and Shields.

Outside of the top 5, Gallant and Shields have outside shots if they win out. Given their recent performance, that's not out of the equation. John Finke could be the spoiler if they can win out the year as well.

TAFC

The alcohol flopper race for the championship is wide open. Defending Champ Bob Newberry currently leads the points after taking his first win of the year in Chicago. Has the car to finish out the year strong, and that's just what it will take to keep the No. 1 on his car. Has to deal with Frank Manzo and David Ray among others week in and week out on the Division 1 tour, so it won't be an easy road to the Championship.

Steve Harker is currently in second on the heels of two national event runner-ups and a divisional runner-up. The car is deadly consistent, but current standing has more to do with running nine races to this point. Has an outside chance at the title if he can win-out, but has a good shot at a top five.

In third is the always-deadly Jay Payne. After opening the year very strong, appears to be snake bitten with early round exits. If he can find some consistency, could win-out the year, and add a TAFC championship to his resume'

2004 Champ Cy Chesterman sits in fourth. Has been in the late rounds everywhere he goes. The past few years he has ruled Div. 5 with an iron fist, so if he can keep that up, could give the above hitters all they can handle.

Jackie Stidham rounds out the top five. Has run very well on the divisional level, but may not have the budget to travel and chase a national title. Has the car, has the position to make the move, just lacks the budget. Could get the job done if anyone can on a small budget.

There are some legit threats outside the top five. Frank Manzo and Mick Snyder represent legit threats outside of the above. Like Newb, Manzo has a tough road to hoe in Div. 1 competition. Snyder has done very well in Div. 3 the past few years, and with some strong national showings, could throw his name in the chase. Steve Gasparrelli may be good for some late season magic again, and wayyyy back in 21st place is David Ray, who could make it happen with the way his potent Tommy Howell tuned entry has run of late.

IHRA AFC

It's really early in the season, with just three races completed, but Thomas is in position to put this one away with a commanding points lead after three races. Atchison has the car to challenge, so this one could get interesting.