The International Hot Rod Association kicked off it’s 2016 season with a rousing version of the IHRA AMSOIL Nitro Nationals at Orlando Speed World Dragway.  It was the first time the sanctioned body had presented a national event level race at the fabled central Florida located facility.

IHRA’s AMSOIL Nitro Funny Car class appeared to pick up where it left off in 2015 with Jason Rupert and Mike McIntire Jr. running side-by-side in the first two rounds of qualifying. By the end of the qualifying sessions, it was Rupert who took the top spot followed by Mark Sanders and McIntire Jr.

The momentum continued for Rupert as he shattered the AMSOIL Nitro Funny Car record with a 5.559 at 261.93 mph during a first round win over invading Canadian racer Tim Boychuk in the first round.

(Defending IHRA Champ Jason Rupert clocked a spectacular ET at Orlando but fell short of victory lane)

However the semifinals brought with it an unexpected twist as Rupert and Shawn Bowen faced off and both. Both machines shook their tires after the start with Bowen (who is from Grand Blanc Michigan) recovering first from and going on in a upset to the final round versus Mike McIntire Jr.

In the championship round, when the tree turned green and the duo raced side-by-side until McIntire got out of the groove and Bowen capitulated ahead giving him the win. Shawn clocked a winning time of 5.795 secs at 216.34 mph racing his “Violater” ’71 Dodge Challenger-bodied machine.

(Shawn Bowen earned an upset win racing his cool Mopar-bodied car)

Bowen had defeated Paul Romine in the first round of competition after qualifying #4 for class competition.

The IHRA’s AMSOIL Nitro FC category attracted 10 cars for the Orlando event – with Tim Boychuk’s 6.055 secs in his brand new stealth looking ’69 Camaro earning the bump.

(Canada’s Tim Boychuk debuted his all new Chevy Camaro)

(Ohio’s Mike McIntire Jr advanced to the final round)

Posted with files by Shanya Keller & Bruce Biegler
All photos by: Chris Simmons