Photos by Diane Kubicke and David Smith

The 2022 Northeast Division NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series kicked off at Atco Dragway, and Olivia Gale (age6-9), Landen Kennedy (10-12), and Paul Stalba (13-17) walked away victorious in the Jr. Dragster portion of the event.

Gale, near lane, had the reaction-time advantage in the 6-9 age-group final, and she turned it into a 12.057 (11.96 dial) to 14.132 (14.70) win against Kylar Paone.

After leaving the starting line first, Kennedy, near lane, wheeled his dragster to a 9.088 (8.97) in the 10-12 title round to turn on the win light against Kaden Paone, who broke out with an 8.912 (8.92).

Tyler DePascale, far lane, had the advantage at the Tree, but he carried too much momentum on the top end and broke out with a 7.909 (7.98). That opened the door for Stalba, who won with a closer 7.862 (7.90).