photos by Diane Kubicke and David Smith

The Division 1 NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series made its latest stop at Virginia Motorsports Park in Richmond, Va., for a double-header weekend that included Jr. Dragsters in race two of the weekend. When the dust settled, Kaden Paone (age 6-9), Louis Crockett (10-12), and Anthony Suppers (13-17) were hoisting Wallys in the winner’s circle as champs in their respective age groups.

The 6-9 final round was a family battle with Paone, far lane, taking on younger brother Kole for the crown. The older Paone got off the starting line first and never looked back, crossing the finish line ahead of his brother in a 12.133 (11.98 dial) to 14.398 (14.15) contest.

After getting the jump at the Tree, Crockett, near lane, ran .006-over his 8.96 dial to turn on the win light in the 10-12 final round. Paul Stalba finished second with an 8.918 (8.96).

A .006 light was key to victory for Suppers in the 13-17 final against Emma Aragona. The light gave Suppers an advantage of a tenth, and he turned it into a 7.984 (7.90) to 7.923 (7.90) holeshot win.