InsideTopAlcohol

InsideTopAlcohol

At the NHRA Nitro on the Bayou event held at No Problem Raceway last year, Megan Meyer fought her way to the final round but came up a few thousandths short of a victory. This year, the Louisiana-based track saw her dominate the field and take home the win.

Tuned by her father and World Champion driver, Randy Meyer, Megan claimed the number one spot in her first hit down the track with a 5.26 E.T. at 275 mph. Out of the 14 dragsters at the event, she held the top spot even after sitting out the third qualifying session. The opening round of eliminations on Sunday paired Megan up against Dean Dubbin, who could not get the car into reverse after his burnout and had to escort the car immediately. On her solo run, Megan slowed to a 5.33 E.T. at 274 mph but still held lane choice for second round.

“It’s unfortunate for Dean and his team to not be able to make the pass first round,” Megan said. “Dean is a good friend of ours and they are just working out the kinks in their new Copeland-built dragster. It’s never in our interest to take a win on a bye. I love competing against these guys and I cheer them on even if they take me out.”

The Meyer family defeated Robin Samsel in the second round of eliminations with a 5.32 E.T. at 273 mph, but noticed a puff of smoke at the top end of the track, resulting in a hurt cylinder head. The team quickly replaced the head and made sure it was firing on all 8 before heading up to the staging lanes to face Jackie Fricke. This is the third time that two females have faced each other in the finals at a regional race. Megan was off the line first and ran the quickest and fastest pass of the weekend, also setting the track record, with a 5.23 E.T. at 279 mph for the Nitro on the Bayou win.

Annie Whiteley also won in Top Alcohol Funny Car, making it the first time that two female drivers in the Alcohol classes have won an event.

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“This is a weekend to remember,” Megan stated....
Las Vegas, NV. – At last weekend’s NHRA Denso Spark Plugs NHRA Nationals at the Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway Johnny Ahten grabbed the No.1 qualifying position and is looking to carry that positive vibe over to Regional action this weekend.

“Grabbing the No.1 qualifying spot felt great under difficult weather and track conditions,” said Ahten. “Our 5.322@265.53 on Friday was enough to hold up throughout qualifying. Then we got a first round win over James Stevens on a holeshot, with his 5.379@266.95 being quicker than our 5.426@267.80. Lady Luck was on our side on that one. We went into Sunday’s second round with high expectations, but we suffered a tough loss. Our pit space was very quiet for quite a while. We are going to make best of that experience and move on. We all are very motivated to go back racing."

This weekend’s Regional event will have its own set of challenges. Many of the top hitters will be in attendance. There are also a few nagging issues mechanically that Johnny, crew chief Al Ahten and racing partner Howard Katano need to sort through. Bob Ahten and Kevin “Shark Colvell will be there to make sure things are right and tight.



Regional events are not as busy as National events, but the stress of strong competition and the desire to win still looms large. The Island Renovations / Combust Filters team is motivated and hungry. Once again this weekend, associate sponsors DJ Safety and EPHA products are being highlighted.

If Johnny Ahten has his way, there will be many Regional highlights to share. He has not given up on Lady Luck, instead choosing to make his own with the help of the Stump Puller, his crew and determination. Stay in touch with Johnny and Ahten Racing at facebook.com/JohnnyAhtenRacing, and on Twitter and Instagram at: @Ahtenracing and on Pinterest at pinterest.com/Ahten



Island Renovations understands the complexity of Hawaii's homes and their customers’ needs. Whether you are looking to...
Las Vegas, NV. – Johnny Ahten is not the kind of guy to take chances, but this weekend in Las Vegas at the DENSO Spark Plugs NHRA Nationals it’s time to step up at the Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The first two races of the year have not yielded the results Ahten is looking for. Now just a few miles from the craps tables and slot machines, he is looking for just a small handout from lady luck.

“I’m not real big on hitting the casinos, the only thing I want in my hand this weekend is a steering wheel and brake handle,” said Ahten. “There’s only one way to beat a royal flush, and that’s with an A/Fuel dragster. Hopefully the weather will cooperate and give us some good air and low temps. Our team has put the work in and so far we have been rewarded with more work.”

In the weeks following the Phoenix regional, Johnny and Al Ahten installed a fresh motor, went through the tune-up options and they are now ready to deal with whatever the tricky track and stiff competition brings.

“We have run well in Vegas and the last time we raced here at the Fall Regional race we runner-upped,” added Ahten.

Major sponsors Island Renovations and Combust Filters remain, with the Vegas spotlights shining on featured sponsors DJ Safety and EPHA products. Making sure the Stump Puller is up to task is crew chief Al Ahten,racing partner Howard Katano, Bob Ahten, Kevin "Shark" Colvell, John Mark and Bobby Langston lending a hand. Johnny Ahten will continue his clutch management duties, all the while keeping an eye out for that lucky lady.

Stay in touch with Johnny and Ahten Racing at facebook.com/JohnnyAhtenRacing, and on Twitter and Instagram at: @Ahtenracing and on Pinterest at pinterest.com/ahten




Island Renovations understands the complexity of Hawaii's homes and their customers’ needs. Whether you are looking to build, remodel, or replace your existing windows and doors, Island Renovations is there to provide outstanding service...