Maple Grove Raceway could provide the necessary springboard. The annual stop among the trees at Maple Grove is the start of the second season of performance, as the cool temperatures of fall create optimum conditions for record times and speeds. Four NHRA national records have been set at this event since 1994.
National records give more rewards to competitors than an ego boost.
Racers earn 20 points for setting an elapsed-time national record. That may not sound like much, but it could make a huge difference down the stretch. Just ask Dave Schultz, who won the NHRA Winston Pro Stock Motorcycle championship last year by 39 points over John Myers. Or Joe Amato, who won the 1992 Top Fuel title by less than the points a driver earns for making a qualifying attempt. Top pursuers in all four categories this year have shown they have the power or potential to set elapsed-time national records at this event.