The sportsman national concept was developed to give sportsman
racers the chance to chase national championships in a way that is
easier on the wallet. Four racers were able to take full advantage at
IHRA’s season opening weekend at Immokalee Regional Raceway.
Drivers
had three chances to win at the weekend event, two Division 2 Summit
Pro-Am events were held Friday and Saturday before Sunday’s Sportsman
National. Peter Biondo, Tony Gray, Steve Corker and Scott Richardson
each visited the Winner’s Circle twice, Biondo in Stock, Gray in Super
Rod, Corker in Top Sportsman and Richardson in Top Dragster. Richardson
also won the Super Stock Ironman Sunday while Corker won the Quick Rod
class Friday.
“It was a bonus just doing anything good down
here,” NHRA heavy hitter Peter Biondo, a New Yorker who headed to
Immokalee to give IHRA shot, said of Immokalee. “Just to get out of
that cold weather up in New York was worth it. Needless to say I had a
blast racing with IHRA. It was a great atmosphere, the officials were
extremely nice and it was action-packed from Thursday morning to Sunday
night. After I beat Anthony Bertozzi in the third round they even
brought me some ice cream as a bonus for beating the World Champion.”