Tommy Franklin, a two-time Switzer Dynamics Pro Nitrous world champion, secured his second victory of the 2023 season at the Northern Nationals presented by Talbert Manufacturing. Franklin’s triumph came during the U.S. 131 Motorsports Park’s Northern Nationals thrill show on Saturday night, as he strategically utilized a holeshot advantage to defeat Jim Halsey, a four-time and reigning world champion, in the final round.

“My team flat-out rocks. There’s no doubt,” Franklin said. “I said it up there on the FloRacing interview – thanks to Jerry Bickel Race Cars, Pat Musi, Mark Menscer, and my crew. Ty-Drive let me let go on time, so I was happy with all of it. We go out here, man, and just fight for it. Ed Burnley, Rickie Smith, Marcus Butner, Jim Halsey – to go through that ladder, it’s just a stacked field, so it always feels good when you win. I say it all the time: the best racers, they live right here.”

The event also witnessed other significant wins in the pro classes. Jason Harris emerged victorious in WS Construction Pro Boost, presented by P2 Contracting and Ty-Drive. Johnny Pluchino delivered a stellar performance in Liberty’s Gears Extreme Pro Stock, presented by AED Competition. Jeff Melnick demonstrated his prowess in M&M Transmission Pro 632, while Chris Cadotto triumphed in Menscer Motorsports Pro Street, presented by Afco Racing.

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​The Northern Nationals also showcased remarkable triumphs in the Sportsman class. Dan Ferguson claimed victory in MagnaFuel Elite Top Sportsman, presented by PAR Racing Engines, while Ashley Johnson emerged as the winner in Laris Motorsports Insurance Elite Top Dragster. Nick Meloni showcased his racing skills in MagnaFuel Top Sportsman, presented by Corbin’s RV, and Treyton Parker emerged victorious in Laris Motorsports Insurance Top Dragster.

In the Jr. Dragster categories, Spencer McGee and Victoria Beaner achieved notable wins. The final round of the Coolshirt Systems Pro Jr. Dragster, presented by PRP, witnessed a close competition between Michaela Mattox and Spencer McGee. Although Mattox had a slight starting line advantage, McGee ultimately ran closer to the 7.90 index, finishing with an impressive 7.919 time compared to Mattox’s 7.93.
Ayden Tilghman, the Classic Graphix Top Jr. Dragster points leader fresh off a win in Maryland, had a strong chance of securing back-to-back victories. However, victory slipped away when Ayden Tilghman dialed an 8.90 in the final round alongside Victoria Beaner. Beaner showcased her expertise and sealed the win with a remarkable time of 8.927, while Tilghman slowed down, finishing with an 8.965.