Summit Racing Equipment Top Sportsman Championship Race One To Watch At World Finals VIII Presented by CarSafe

When it comes to must-watch items at next week’s ADRL World Finals presented by CarSafe at the Texas Motorplex, one of the biggest will certainly be the heated world championship points chase in the Summit Racing Equipment Top Sportsman class.

Epitomizing a completely incredible first full year in the class in the 3-way championship chase heading into the final race, meaning the class that has delivered spectacular action all year is poised for one great capper to the 2012 season.

“It’s just a great class,” Summit Racing Equipment Top Sportsman points leader Marco Abruzzi said.

“It’s almost become Extreme Top Sportsman. It’s bracket racing, but every car in this class is going so fast. Everyone’s got good equipment and a good car, and it all presents a great challenge for everyone.”

Marco Abruzzi will try to ward off both William Brown III (278 points back) and Ronnie Davis (340 points back) to win his first ADRL championship.
Davis is rolling after winning his second event in three races, including the most recent Summit Racing Equipment Ohio Drags VI presented by Mickey Thompson, but Abruzzi is still in the driver’s seat, having advanced to two straight finals.

He will gain the coveted world title with one more performance like that.

“It’s going to be really exciting,” Abruzzi said. “There’s pressure on everyone, but that’s what makes it fun. Every race I go to, I try to do the best I can, so you really can’t change the way you race.”

Also looking forward to the opportunity is Brown, who has had a dynamite year racing in the class for the first time.

He went to back-to-back finals at the U.S. Drags and the Summer Drags and has been in title contention for most of the year.

Through it all, Brown has consistently improved in all area.

“We try to set the car up so it goes down the track every time. I’m getting better and better by driving, cutting good lights, and that’s making us go rounds,” Brown said.

“With so much on the line at this race, it’s going to be a little nerve-wracking, but I’ve been getting a lot of support.”

Davis has been tremendous, providing many clutch moments when his chances for a world championship seemed dire.

He’s gone quick in winning Dragstock IX and was incredibly consistent in winning at Norwalk, giving him a great opportunity to swoop in and win a world championship if a few things go his way at the Texas Motorplex.

“I have a shot at the championship and that’s very exciting,” Davis said. “I’m pretty thrilled and pumped up about it.”

As a whole, the Summit Racing Equipment Top Sportsman class continued to impress at the recent Summit Racing Equipment Ohio Drags VI presented by Mickey Thompson, as fans saw the first 3-second run in the class from Joshua Vettel (3.975), and the quickest qualifying field ever (4.21).

In the process, Abruzzi set a career-best time of 4.16 at the event, running in the 4.10s throughout eliminations for the first time in his career.

It was an outstanding jump and something that may have to be replicated in Dallas to walk away with the first world championship in the Summit Racing Equipment Top Sportsman class.

“That’s the fastest I’ve ever been. Really, the car has never been better and that is very gratifying,” Abruzzi said. “I hope that helps me. The car is working really well, but it’s still going to be a great challenge in a class like this.”

(Photos by ADRL/Richards)