Glenn Butcher captured his first PDRA Elite Top Sportsman world championship after a competitive season in the Red Line Oil PDRA Drag Racing Series. The Ohio driver secured the title by just 10 points on the final day of the eight-race season.
Butcher, who has participated in various Top Sportsman competitions over the past two decades, focused on PDRA Elite Top Sportsman this year. His determination led to winning two events during the season.
“We got the engine combination, we got the car right, and we got everything right to come out here to try to win,” Butcher said. “This year we knew it was time to get it done.”
Butcher’s nitrous-assisted, Albert-powered, ’69 Camaro won the Mid-Atlantic Showdown at Virginia Motorsports Park in the second race of the season. After a first-round loss at two subsequent events, he rebounded with another victory at the Northern Nationals at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park.
With a semifinal finish in the penultimate race, Butcher maintained his points lead, though challengers Tim Paap and Randy Perkinson were close behind. When Butcher was eliminated in the first round at the Brian Olson Memorial World Finals, he had to wait to see if Paap could secure the championship.
Fortunately for Butcher, Vonnie Mills defeated Paap in the semifinals, clinching the title for him.
“I have let my car down more than my car has let me down,” Butcher said. “Every round was nerve-racking. I didn’t go to the starting line because I just couldn’t do it.”
Butcher’s overall performance this season placed him in a position to contend for the championship. With two-time PDRA Top Sportsman world champion Dan Ferguson tuning, Butcher qualified in the top three at nearly every race, including two No. 1 spots.
“It was a unique experience,” Butcher said. “To come into one event where it’s all on the line was challenging and rewarding.”
He credited his team and supporters, highlighting the contributions of Billy Albert, Dan Ferguson, and his family.
“Without Dan Ferguson on the keyboard, we would struggle,” Butcher said. “We’re a small family working together to get this done.”
Paap finished second in the standings in his nitrous-fed ’16 Corvette, while Perkinson took third in his ProCharged ’67 Mustang.
