Champions Crowned at Division 1 Championships
Sept. 9, 2023

Photos by Diane Kubicke

Christian Handwerk (age 6-9), Cody Cumming (10-12), Madeline Torchia (13-14), Jaiman Dietz (15-17), Tyler DePascale (Jr. Street), Gavin Roth (Race of Champions), Charlie Blittersdorf (Jr. Street Race of Champions), and Madison Schonberger (Consolation) claimed titles during the Division 1 Jr. Championships at Mason-Dixon Dragway in Boonsboro, Md.


Handwerk, far lane, got off the starting line first in the 6-9 final round and stayed in front all the way downtrack, besting Garrett Cramer on a 12.485 (12.35 dial) to 12.196 (12.02) count.


Cumming, near lane, got the automatic nod in the 10-12 class title round when Makenna Mason red-lighted. Cumming celebrated with a 9.100 (9.08) victory pass.


Torchia, near lane, ran right on her 8.04 target to claim top honors in the 13-14 age group over Emily Stalba, who wasn’t far behind with a 7.953 (7.93).


Dietz, near lane, turned a .043 to .089 lead at the Tree into an 8.176 (8.11) to 7.932 (7.90) holeshot win against Michael Ulrich in the 15-17 bracket final.


DePascale, near lane, paired a .038 light with a 9.636 (9.58) to turn on the win light against Blittersdorf, who broke out with an 11.419 (11.48) in the Jr. Street title round.


Roth parked his Jr. Roadster in the Race of Champions winner’s circle.


Blittersdorf drove his Chevy S-10 to victory in the Jr. Street Race of Champions.


Schonberger, far lane, clocked an on-the-dial 8.024 to win the Consolation final against Zachary Zibella, who finished with an 8.03 (8.01).


New England Dragway won the Team Spirit award.