Brian Amrosini, the acknowledged "Wheelie King" from Kenosha Wisconsin was crowned overall winner of the 26th World Power Wheel Standing Championships at Byron Dragway.

After climbing atop the leader board with a 410-footer in Round 1, Ambrosini sealed the deal with his 447-foot wheelie in his second attempt of three in Round 2. Ambrosini was presented with the $10,000 Champion's check and handcrafted trophy by Byron Dragway owner B.J. Vangsness.

Ambrosini prevailed over 13 other entries, including past champions Christopher Pearce (2019), "Launchin Larry" Jeleniewski (2012), and Dan Smith (2008).

Given the nature of the current pandemic, and nature itself, there was a lingering question as to whether this signature event would take place. Inclement weather interrupted Saturday's activities and threatened the main event on Sunday. And large gathering protocols also put a question in the minds of some. Fortunately, cooperation by Mother Nature and local authorities saw to it the event took place in front of strong attendance.

Leading off Round 1 was the always entertaining Jeff Wild in his bright yellow Buick Skylark convertible. Wild got the 4000-pound beast up early,  but the best it could do was 170' due to the 455 CID Buick powerplant dropping a valve.

The next known contender to emerge from the lanes was Christopher Pearce and his "Chinto" Pinto. 2019's Champion had installed a bigger SBC, this time assisted by nitrous oxide. Getting a handle on this new combination proved to be a challenge for Pearce and his crew, as the best he could muster from either attempt was 150', which he attributed to too much power and tire pressure.

After Ambrosini rose to the top, the most obvious contender was past champ "Launchin Larry" Jeleniewski and the "Bad Fish" Barracuda. After a lengthy absence due to a 2014 crash, Jeleniewski returned with a new car and renewed optimism after an extensive test regimen. A best of 245' in Round 1 meant that "Launchin' Larry" had more work to do for Round 2.

With fewer competitors taking part in Round 2 due to attrition, the wheat was being separated from the chaff. And with event officials allowing three attempts for the first time ever, a new twist was put on the proceedings for Round 2.

And with that, a new contender emerged. "Sweet William" Worley from Taylor, MI. Worley, a last-minute entry, won the wheelie contest at Dragway 42 in Ohio the day before and towed to Byron, IL overnight to compete in the premier event of this genre. Worley used that third attempt to his advantage, carrying his American flag bearing '69 Camaro to 415'. Provisionally in the top spot, ultimately Worley would place 3rd overall in distance and take home Best GM honors.

Chris Pearce was seeking redemption in this round. Pearce launched the Chinto hard, getting all four tires off the ground in signature fashion. The immediate result was half the rear bumper being torn from the car. As Pearce feathered the throttle, and with the front end rising and falling, the car started drifting left out of the groove and toward the wall. Then things started getting scary. At 425', Pearce began to make contact with the wall as the nose was dropping. At this point all Pearce could do was hang on as at the car suddenly turned left with the front over the wall, with the rear soon to follow. Once the Pinto stopped on the other side, backward but on all four tires, Pearce emerged with the help of Byron Dragway's safety crew.  Bruised, but largely unhurt, the crowd voiced relief for this emerging wheelie hero. Event judges place the wheelie at the point of contact, 425', which provisionally was best of the day, edging Worley and Ambrosini.

After admirable, but short efforts from Tim Shamblin (200') and Greg Broshous (240'), Brian Ambrosini, last in the order, would attempt to retake what he and his team consider their rightful crown as "Wheelie King".

In the first of three allowed attempts, the iconic orange AMC Gremlin first mustered a disappointing 20'.  In the second try, Ambrosini powered it out to 447', enough to retake the lead from Pearce. Now, between rounds, Ambrosini was confident that he could go at least 900'.

For the third attempt, Ambrosini's son Dominick positioned his father just right. The car launched high and hard, but beginning at 200', the front end quickly began to drop. Landing at an awkward angle 100 feet later, Amrosini fought to get control of the Gremlin as it bounced and relaunched itself. Now, Amrosini had his hands full as the little car bounced uncontrollably from side to side, finally flipping and landing on its roof. Car and driver slid to a stop after making contact with the opposite side retaining wall.

Ambrosini, with assistance from the Byron Dragway safety crew, crawled from the car seemingly no worse for wear. The same couldn't be said for the Gremlin at first glance, but the crew later said the car would be easy to repair. They should know, as this has happened before. It helps that they also operate a body shop for a living.

With that, this most unusual of drag racing events, a legacy of the late Ron Leek, continues to write history as Brian Ambrosini earned his 7th World Power Wheelstanding Championships crown.

26th Byron Dragway Power Wheel Standing Championships Final Results

Champion Brian Ambrosini 447'
Runner-up Christopher Pearce 425'
3rd Overall William Worley 415'

Most Violent Chris Pearce

Best GM William Worley
2nd Best GM Greg Broshous
3rd Best GM Tim Shamblin 

Best Mopar Launchin’ Larry
2nd Best Mopar Dan Smith 

Best Ford Chris Pearce
2nd Best Ford Eric Olson

Honorable Mention Jeff Wild
Honorable Mention Rob Moore 
Honorable Mention Kyle Needham 

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