Photos by Diane Kubicke and David Smith

Christian Handwerk (age 6-9), Christopher Orsini (10-12), and Emily Stalba (13-17) claimed the first Division 1 NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Wallys of 2023 when they outlasted the fields in their respective age groups at Cecil County Dragway.

Handwerk, near lane, got the automatic nod in the 6-9 age-group final when Austin Bucher red-lighted. Handwerk posted a 12.070 (12.30 dial) on his victory pass.

Orsini, near lane, left the starting line first in the 10-12 class title round and stayed ahead of Landen Kennedy all the way downtrack, winning on a 10.975 (10.95) to 9.366 (9.05) count.

Stalba, near lane, had the better reaction time then ran an on-the-dial 7.96 to defeat Charlie Blittersdorf’s 7.924 (7.90) in the 13-17 bracket final.