Best Of 2011: Extreme Pro Stock

With 2011 coming to a close, it’s time to look back at what a wonderful year it was in the ADRL. There were record-breaking and memorable performances all around and we will dive into each class, looking at the top five (and maybe more) moments in every category.

Today, it’s Extreme Pro Stock, which provided unbelievable action and delivered some of the best racing of the year in any class.

1. Remembering Bert: Loved by all, Bert Jackson was truly a special person who touched the lives of many. Many felt his tragic loss, as the ADRL mourned his passing following a crash at Dragstock. Jackson was the epitome of class and was truly an honorable individual who meant so much to so many. The class put together a touching “missing man formation” at Dragstock and continued to honor an amazing man the rest of the year.

2. Cary’s Championship: As driven as they come, Cary Goforth was simply remarkable in a 2011 season for the ages. He won three times, re-set his own E.T. record (4.037) and was named the 2011 ADRL Driver of the Year en route to his first ADRL Championship. In a year where XPS truly thrived, it meant the world to Goforth to come out on top, and he deserved every minute in the spotlight.

3. Double-Dose of Hintz: When he was on, there wasn’t many better than Scott Hintz in 2011. He talked quietly and carried a big performance, winning twice for his first ADRL victories. He knocked off an impressive list in Topeka, beating who he called his idols for his first win, and then won a very emotional Dragstock, dedicating his win to Jackson.

4. Stevens Jr. Ends With A Bang: Richie Stevens Jr. certainly made an impression in his first year in the ADRL, advancing to the finals of the Spring Drags in April. But his finish was even better, as Stevens won on a holeshot against Goforth in the finals of the “Battle For The Belts.” It was another glimpse of what could be in 2012 and certainly a top moment in 2011.

5. Berner, Dean and Gillig All Get Wins: Pete Berner was more than ready to get his first ADRL win and that came in April at Palm Beach International Raceway when he was nearly untouchable. It led to a great celebration in the winner’s circle and was one of the top moments of the year.
Cary’s dad, Dean, stole the spotlight in Virginia, winning for the first time in two years with an outstanding performance that was only topped by the winner’s circle party.
Tony Gillig also had a deserving end to his rocky 2011 season, driving his way to victory at the World Finals in Dallas, earning his first ADRL win in awesome fashion.

BONUS: Massive Fields, Record Fields: This class was simply too good in 2011 to have five top moments, so they get a sixth. With upwards of 20 – and sometimes 25 – cars at nearly every event, there was a record turnout for XPS in 2011. But people didn’t just show up, either. There were record-breaking performances from top to bottom, capped off by the quickest qualifying field (4.108) and closest qualifying field (.050) at the World Finals in Dallas.

Honorable Mention: John Montecalvo going to five finals; Impressive debut from Buddy Perkinson; A finals appearance from Doug Kirk; An abundance of new cars and drivers.

(Photos by ADRL/Richards)