The apple seldom falls far from the tree. At least that’s how it appears in the Bingham household.

On Sunday afternoon, Lisa Bingham, the youngest daughter of former Top Sportsman world champion Gary Bingham, captured her first IHRA Quick Rod national event title at the IHRA North American Nationals in Epping, NH.

Her victory came just moments after her father won in the Top Sportsman division.

“This is one of the proudest moments of my racing career, watching my second daughter win her first race,” Gary said.

The apple seldom falls far from the tree. At least that’s how it appears in the Bingham household.

On Sunday afternoon, Lisa Bingham, the youngest daughter of former Top Sportsman world champion Gary Bingham, captured her first IHRA Quick Rod national event title at the IHRA North American Nationals in Epping, NH.

Her victory came just moments after her father won in the Top Sportsman division.

“This is one of the proudest moments of my racing career, watching my second daughter win her first race,” Gary said.

“Being able to double up with her was really special and something we’ll never forget! My oldest daughter, Christy, took home an Iron Man back in 2002. How many fathers have two daughters with an Iron Man sitting on their mantles?”
Lisa is in her fifth year of competition, and, while having made it to the final round before, had yet to get the win.

“This is an unbelievable feeling,” Lisa added. “We were so busy running both cars all day that I didn’t really have time to think about the possibility of us both making it to the winner’s circle. I don’t even know if I’ve slowed down enough now for it to all sink in. It’s pretty awesome to win my first race and to have Dad win on the same day. That’s something I’ll cherish forever. It’s been an amazing couple of months. I got engaged at the last national event in Martin, MI., and now I have my first win!

“My fiancé, Matt, is a huge supporter of the racing and my biggest fan. I wish he could have been here this weekend, but hopefully there will be many more to come. This win is as much my dad’s as any body’s. He’s been my coach, crew, and encourager all along. I can’t even express how happy I am to get this win for him. The support of him, my mom, my sister, and now Matt means the world to me. I can’t do this without them.”

The victory qualified Lisa for the championship-determining IHRA Tournament of Champions, a one race shootout comprised of national and divisional winners during the IHRA World Finals in Rockingham, N.C., next month.

Gary was already in the TOC after winning the season-opener in Baton Rouge, La.  

Advertisement