Bartone Bros. Racing extended its early-season dominance by capturing the Top Alcohol Funny Car title at the Baby Gators regional event at Gainesville Raceway. The victory completed a two-week stretch in Florida that solidified the team’s momentum entering the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series season.
The New York-based operation, known as the “Killer B’s,” includes owner Tony Bartone, crew chief Steve Boggs and driver Sean Bellemeur. Their combined success across multiple events underscored both competitive strength and organizational continuity.
The Baby Gators triumph followed the team’s season-opening win at the NHRA Gatornationals, where they secured the class’ first silver Wally trophy tied to the sanctioning body’s 75th anniversary celebration. The regional victory added another commemorative trophy to an already productive campaign.
Bellemeur sealed the latest win with a final-round run of 5.40 seconds at 267 mph, defeating Phil Esz. The performance highlighted consistent execution after the driver posted three 5.40-second passes over the course of the weekend.
The Florida swing included several milestones beyond on-track results, reinforcing the team’s profile within the sport. Boggs was inducted into the International Hot Rod Hall of Fame, while Bellemeur earned recognition as one of the NHRA’s Top 75 Drivers.
The dual-event success reflected adaptability under changing conditions that tested both mechanical reliability and crew endurance. The team navigated extended schedules and varying track environments to maintain competitive performance.
“The Baby Gators gave us a couple gifts that the Gatornationals didn’t provide: better weather and a much better racetrack,” Bellemeur said. “Steve (Boggs) and the team have been trying to sniff out a little issue that has popped up early in the year. It’s tough to find when you’re constantly adjusting to changing conditions.”
“I have to commend the Division 2 crew. They kept us right on schedule and kept the track tight. As far as the car goes, Boggs had that look on his face when the weather came around. It’s a happy race car right now, and I’m confident that our team has gained the upper hand on our issue.”
Bellemeur credited the group’s resilience after navigating demanding timelines during the national event. Long track days and shifting schedules tested preparation but reinforced the team’s cohesion.
“The past two weeks has had it all,” he said. “It started with a wonderful celebration for our own Hall of Famer Steve Boggs. The on-track performance of the car just proved once again the men and women who make up the ‘Killer B’s’ are second to none.”
“What I was so impressed with was the mental and physical fight this team put up. We were pushed around in the schedule multiple times at the national event. Put in 16-hour track days twice in a row, and this team just pushed through and never lost sight of the goal. That is a sign of true professionalism.”
The early-season sweep positions Bartone Bros. Racing as a leading contender in Top Alcohol Funny Car competition. Sustained performance across national and regional events has reinforced expectations for continued success.
Bellemeur emphasized the importance of preparation as the team transitions to the next phase of the schedule. The focus now shifts toward maintaining momentum through the remainder of the season.
“The season is off to a great start, but now it’s time to focus on the race. The preparation, the plan — and as always, there’s no one I’d rather travel this journey with than this team,” he said. “It’s a long season, and I just can’t wait to go again.”
