Steve Harker Topeka wrap up

Harker Seals the Deal in Topeka with win

Topeka, KS – Australian Drag Racing standout, Steve Harker and his OMS Graphics, Lucas Oil Top Alcohol Funny Car Team were victorious in claiming their second National Event Wally at this past weekend’s NHRA O’Reilly Summer Nationals. The win was made even more special as Steve and wife, Jenelle celebrated their 33rd Wedding Anniversary on Sunday’s race day.

Retired Transport Mogul, Harker, battled the tricky weather conditions to qualify the teams 08 Monte Carlo and soon proved it would not be an easy road as Harker and team struggled to get the car down the track in the first two sessions, making runs of 5.80et and 9.06et. Saturday’s final session gained Harker the best results as the team laid down an impressive 5.65et at 254mph pass to take over the top spot going into eliminations.

Facing off against the number 16 qualifier, Alexis De Joria in Round One, Harker decided he would not be taking any prisoners at the weekend’s event and defeated De Joria’s 5.87et with another impressive 5.66et at 255mph pass.

Second Round match up paired Harker against Steve Gasparrelli, who kept up with Harker until about half track when Harker’s Monte Carlo pulled ahead to take the win with a 5.65et over Gasparrelli’s 5.74et to advance Harker to the Semi-Finals.

Roger Bateman would be the next competitor to face off against Harker. Bateman put up a great race too, however the power of Harker’s Monte Carlo would prove itself in this round as Harker defeated Bateman’s 5.86et with a 5.62et at 256mph pass to set low ET and top speed for the event.

Having made the money round at this same event last year but only to loose with a red-light start, Harker was focused on not making the same mistake twice. Facing off against Sean O’Bannon, Harker took a hole shot and never look back, charging the OMS Graphics, Lucas Oil Monte Carlo across the finish line first to take the win with a great 5.64et at 256mph pass over O’Bannon’s 5.69et at 255mph pass.

“This win couldn’t have come at a better time” Said Harker “My team work extremely hard and do an excellent job in getting the car prepared at every race we go to and I couldn’t have made it here without them. Our last National Event win was back in 2001 at Bristol, so it’s an awesome feeling to come to this event and make the finals two years in a row but this time I got the job done right for my team and our sponsors, Southern Safety Supply, OMS Graphics and Lucas Oil.”

Harker and team will now make the trip to Joliet, IL for the Route 66 Torco Race Fuels Nationals where Harker will make a double appearance as the team will also battle it out for the JEGS All Stars title on Saturday before Sunday’s elimination’s.

For Further Sports Marketing Information regarding Steve Harker and/or Harker Motorsport, please contact Kate Harker kate@harkermotorsport.com or www.harkermotorsport.com

Harker Motorsports would like to thank the following companies for their continued support:


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www.southernsafetysupply.com

At Southern Safety Supply, Your Safety is Our Business. Our dedicated owners and employees have provided the highest quality of safety products and professional safety consultant services for over fifteen years.

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All orders, large or small, will be handled professionally and with a personal touch.

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www.hedman.com
Hedman Hedders has led the performance exhaust industry for 50 years. As a premier manufacturer of headers, h-pipes, exhaust tips, they can offer the world's greatest selection of street headers, racing headers and performance exhaust systems.

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www.lucasoil.com
Lucas is also one of the fastest growing additive lines in the consumer automotive industry. A premium line of oils, greases and problem solving additives has helped to firmly establish Lucas as a prominent figure in this marketplace. Lucas also produces a heavy duty line of products for the industrial and agricultural markets.
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Contact: Kate Harker
Email: kate@harkermotorsport.com