IHRA Mardi Gras Nationals Quick Rod Win for Driver Luke Bogacki

IHRA Sportsman Driver of the Year Luke Bogacki kicked off his 2009 campaign in style by winning the Quick Rod category at the IHRA Nitro Jam opener.

IHRA Sportsman Driver of the Year Luke Bogacki behind the wheel at State Capital Dragway in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, photo by BME Photography
IHRA Sportsman Driver of the Year Luke Bogacki behind the wheel at State Capital Dragway in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, photo by BME Photography
Bogacki was at the wheel of his winning American Dragster at the IHRA Mardi Gras Nationals at State Capital Dragway in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He drove the same car to a Northern Nationals Quick Rod victory and a 4th place national finish in 2008.

IHRA Mardi Gras Nationals Quick Rod Win for Luke Bogacki, photo by BME Photography
IHRA Mardi Gras Nationals Quick Rod Win for Luke Bogacki, photo by BME Photography
The Louisiana win marked Bogacki’s 6th IHRA national event victory. “It was a really good weekend,” said Bogacki. “My car was flawless, and I felt like my driving was pretty solid for the most part. Throw in a lucky break or two along the way, and we were fortunate enough to hoist the iron man in the end.”

Bogacki used a string of great reaction times and close ET’s throughout eliminations. Disregarding his semi-final competition bye run, his reaction times varied only from .015 to .003, with a strong .006 in the final round that became unnecessary when opponent Robert Cool fouled with a -.005 red light.

In addition to picking up the national event victory and the prize and contingency money that comes with it, Bogacki also earned a berth in IHRA’s Tournament of Champions. The new program is a one-race runoff for the 2009 world championship. Racers earn seeds in the runoff by winning national events, sportsman national events, or placing in the top three in their division standings throughout the season. At this early point in the year, Bogacki joined Immokalee Sportsman Nationals winner Brendan George as the first two seeds in the Quick Rod tournament.

Bogacki uses K&N air filters. “K&N helps my engine perform the way it should,” he said. “I can count on K&N for more power and great filtration in every competition.”

“I still don’t have a stance on the tournament of champions,” said Bogacki. “I could make an argument either way, so I’m going to wait to pass judgment for a year and see how it goes. It is what it is, and this is the way the championship will be decided in 2009, and probably beyond. I’m very excited to know that I’ll be a part of the championship tournament this season.”

Find K&N products for your vehicle using the K&N application search then use the K&N dealer search to find a K&N dealer in your part of the world.