2015 Drag Race
Champions Honored at Annual Banquet
By Carla Winslow
Northeast
Dragway owner Curtis Trueblood and his family hosted their racers appreciation
banquet on Saturday night January 16th, 2016 at the Kermit E. White
building located at ECSU. Drivers and their families gather for a time of
fellowship and food. Racers talked about their off season activities and what
their hopes and plans for the 2016 season might be.
After the meal
the tracks Chaplin and Modified driver Greg Jernigan spoke briefly about the
past season. Laughter filled the room as Jernigan told stories of special
moments among drivers while tears filled the eyes of many as he gave honor and
remembrance of Mrs. Helen Grandy. Grandy a faithful track goer was at every
event cheering on her husband and son-in-law. Grandy was more than just another
face at the track, she helped organize the food and hospitality events for the
racers each year for their trip to the team finals. From the sale of 50/50
tickets to preparing the tent with food and drinks, she was probably most
remembered by the racers for the black and yellow pompoms she shook as each
racer from the Northeast team made their way down the track. At the age of 74
Grandy passed on November 4th, 2015 after a long hard battle with
cancer. A single red rose was presented to her daughter Terri Trahan by the
Trueblood’s. Grandy will truly be missed.
Anticipation
was seen on the faces of drivers as they awaited the presentation of trophies,
coats, and money to the 2015 season track champions. It was another nail biter
to the very end. Some class champions were not decided until the final pass of
the points season was taken. “There are so many talented drivers at Northeast.
They keep you on their toes. Championships titles don’t come easy among our
drivers” said Curtis Trueblood.
12 year old
Hayle Harrell of Edenton was neck in neck with best friend Austin Nutwell of
Chesapeake, VA for the Jr Dragster Championship. In the final race of the
season both girls needed to run a clean race. The more rounds won the more
points earned. Nutwell fell out first, but Harrell continued to go rounds
gaining points giving her a chance to catch Nutwell. During the 5th
round Harrell lost, collecting only enough points to tie with Nutwell for the
championship. In the end a run off between the two drivers would determine the
fate of the girls. Both drivers got a clean start, but Harrell crossed the
finish line in front of Nutwell giving Harrell the Championship title.
19 year old
Hunter Mason of Camden, NC entered the points system for the first time at
Northeast on fire. Winning a total of six races for the season and earning him
his first Street Class Championship putting out veteran driver Darnell Tillett.
Jesse Casper of
Merry Hill, NC and Eric Whitehurst of Edenton found themselves yet in another
year fighting a tight battle for the Championship title. Casper the 2013 and
2014 Champion was under pressure entering the final race of the season. With a
four round lead over Casper, Whitehurst had to stay on top of his game and
Casper would have to stay focused to have any chance at a third straight
championship title. In the final race of the season Whitehurst fell out the
competition early with still a 40 point lead over Casper. Casper continued to
win all rounds, giving himself the points needed to take over the lead and give
him his third straight Modified Class Championship.
Donnie Edwards
of Washington, NC and William “Bill” Haskell of Virginia Beach, Va battled most
of the season for the TOP ET Class Championship. Haskell had fallen slightly
behind Edwards during the latter part of the season, but the championship was
still in reach of either driver. Edwards went out early in the final event
allowing Haskell a chance to catch up, but Haskell fell out shortly after
Edwards giving the Championship title to Edwards by a mere 5 points.
Northeast
Dragway will be opening the track in late February for test and tune prior to
the start of the 2016 season. For more information log on to
www.northeastdragway.net