Seemingly just like clockwork — the Nitro Nostalgia Funny Car final for Edmonton’s Mopar Rocky Mountain Nationals event — once again features area prominence.

As has been pretty much the case for many versions of the NHRA Mopar Rocky Mountain Nationals — the event’s Nitro Nostalgia FC title round boiled down to include the top two Canadian talents in that category.  Once again at the 2019 edition event last weekend, it was crosstown Edmonton rivals Tim Boychuk and Ryan Hodgson – who faced off.

(By employing a slightly superior RT (.073 to .086) — Ryan Hodgson (near lane) edged out Tim Boychuk for the 2019 Mopar Canadian Nationals event FC crown)

Using a slight better RT — this year’s title went to Ryan Hodgson who emerged the winner by a 5.854 secs 246.71 mph to 5.840 secs 250.84 secs count.  The actual winner declaration was delayed a bit — as race officials did review the math to insure the accuracy of that decision because of a timing system program malfunction.

“We’ve gone to the final here a few times that’s for sure,” said Ryan Hodgson post race. “Last year Tim edged us out when we had motor problems and he blew by us — so I guess this year it just was our turn. It’s seems we just swap the title back and forth.”

“Thanks go to all of our great sponsors,” he added. “Our team is the greatest group you could ever race with — we have fun – win or lose. But it’s extra special to win here at our home track.”

(Ryan Hodgson celebrates his victory with long time team supporter and staunch Western Canadian drag racing proponent Harold Parfett – Ace Manufacturing)

Nitro Nostalgia FC class racing was paced by Tim Boychuk’s who’s very resurgent and popular Happy Hour/NitroMoose Camaro struck for low ET of the event at 5.756 secs. In round one Tim beat class newcomer Cory Kincaid (from Red Deer) by a 5.808 secs to 6.005 secs margin. Ryan Hodgson matched that in round one by topping Nathan Sitko, 5.885 secs to 6.136 secs.

Tim Boychuk’s impressive 2019 racing season continued at Edmonton — his car set both low ET and top speed of meet.

Nostalgia Funny Car competition at Edmonton included three new Mustang racers.  Nathan Sitko (bottom) drove the great new “Arctic Traveller” entry which has tuner and crew chief Kenny Sitko.  The race also featured first appearances for crossover former 6.90 Index FC class drivers – Cory Kincaid (top) and David Brant – who have both graduated to “pop” this season!

Post and photos by Bruce Biegler