Roger Bateman LODRS D-5 Wrap-up

Bateman wins All-Canadian Final in the land of a Thousand Lakes.


The Memorial Day weekend has played host to the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series for years now, as racers and fans get to enjoy sun and great racing. Roger Bateman and the Friesen Motorsports Top Alcohol Funny Car Racing Team were no different, as they were trying to get the team’s first win in of the season in Brained, MN. “Great Bend didn’t show our full potential,” car owner Dr. Brian Friesen commented; referring to the fact that the race in Great Bend, KS was rain delayed until July. “We want to repeat as (West Central Division) Champions.”

Qualifying was a bit unnerving as the team qualified number one, but in the final qualifying session. “Simply put, funky mechanical problems hurt us in the first two rounds,” Car Chief Todd Murray said. “We got the bugs out on the final (qualifying) run.” Bateman ran his best speed of the season at 255.43 mph at a time of 5.588 seconds. The team held the all important lane choice for Sunday against Bruce Carlson of Prior Lake, MN.

Sunday’s track was greasy with rising air and track temperatures. Bateman downed Carlson handily 5.948 seconds at 248.57 mph to 6.072 at 244.45 mph respectively. Due to a field of only six cars, Bateman would have a bye to the final rounds. Bateman and crew set up the car and decided to run instead of just coasting, as they wanted lane choice. With no none to challenge, Bateman ran a stellar 5.604 seconds at 251.72 mph. “I popped the (blower) belt near the end of that run,” Roger commented. “I can hardly believe what we ran!”

The final would be a showdown against fellow Manitoban, Scott McVey of Winnipeg. However, the Friesen Motorsports team learned before the final round that McVey had damaged his motor in their semifinal triumph and could not make the call for the final. The team remained composed as they staged, knowing that the race was won if Roger could just launch from the starting line. Bateman ran as if McVey was in the other lane. Bateman recorded the fastest 60-foot time of his career at 0.936 seconds but had to lift due to the car moving around the lane and coasted to an 8.216 seconds at 105.23mph result. “We tried something for the final and it just didn’t work,” Car Chief Todd Murray stated. “There is no such thing as a bad win…”

The team will venture west to compete at Heartland Park Topeka for the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Summer Nationals May 29th to 31st. “We love Topeka (Kansas).” Dr. Friesen said referring to the fact that they were a semi-finalist at the national event and a winner at the divisional event last season. “It is great there.”


Courtesy of Jeffery Porth