Doug Engels always knew how prestigious and lucrative the Dodge Power Brokers NHRA U.S. Nationals could be. Monday afternoon, as he beat Frankie Aragona Jr. in the final round of Competition Eliminator, he learned another valuable lesson.

Engels, who lives in Watertown, South Dakota, and races NHRA's Division 5, learned how much NHRA D4 racer Rodger Brogdon loves Competition Eliminator. Instead of pocketing just $5000 and contingencies for the monumental win, thanks to Rodger Brogdon and the Rooftec Comp Eliminator Bonus Fund, he can write $15,000 in the ledger. 

"Roger's the best thing that ever happened to Comp Eliminator," Engels said. It's just unbelievable what that program has put up. You can't even explain it. A racer who loves a class so much that he's going to take that kind of money out of your pocket and pay these guys and not only Comp, he pays the other classes too."

But at Indy, it was his beloved Comp cars that took home the prize. Weeks before the event, Brogdon, who was entered for the event, revealed he'd pay $10,000 in bonus money to the winner, and if the driver was entered into the Rooftec D4 Comp Bonus fund, the amount would double. 

Brogdon became ill the days before the event with a cold and opted to stay home in Tomball, Texas. 

Engels, who entered the event as the No. 1 qualifier, and after securing a first-round bye run, battled through four more rounds, taking out Keith Mawhee, Michelle Costa, Mike DePalma, and Jason Coan to reach the final round. 

With a broad smile, Engels admitted he already has plans for the generous cash. 

"That means I can almost buy a couple more parts," Engels said. "Some fuel. When it costs $600 to fill up the truck before you leave home, money doesn't go far. This deal is so awesome. So is Rodger."