Aussies Abroad: Harker wins World Title, Crampton sets PB
Steve Harker has become the first Aussie to win an NHRA World Championship taking out the 2014 Lucas Oil Top Alcohol Funny Car title.
In a dominant weekend capturing three Wallys, Harker took the event wins in the postponed Pep Boys Carolina Nationals and the NHRA Nationals to secure the first NHRA Championship for a non-North American born driver.
In the delayed Pep Boys Carolina Nationals, Harker outran Dale Cox Jr. in the final posting a run of 5.510, 263.77 to Cox's 5.713, 250.32. Earlier he beat Mark Rogers and Tony Bogolo in the early rounds then won over Dale Brand in the semis with a 5.545 second pass at 263.10 mph.
During the final of the NHRA Nationals Harker met John Lombardo Jr. who had the starting line advantage, but was up in smoke right off the finish line. Harker posted a career best ET of 5.429 at 267.69 for his second National event win of the weekend and his third National event in a row.