![\"NFFC-SA-1\"](\"https:\/\/nitrofccanada.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/NFFC-SA-1.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nRupert, driving his special edition U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds-themed edition Chevy Camaro, was the No. 3 qualifier (5.699) and then was consistently strong in eliminations. He defeated Bruce Litton and Mike McIntire before defeating Orlando winner Shawn Bowen in the AMSOIL Nitro Funny Car final round.<\/p>\n
In that championship clash Rupert recorded a winning 5.649 secs at 255.68 mph compared to Bowen’s 5.759 secs at 244.03 mph racing “The Violater” Dodge Challenger. Rupert’s final round ET was the quickest time of the event.<\/p>\n
“It feels great (to win this race); the thing (car) responded,” Rupert said.\u00a0 “We put a new blower on it, and I had to chase the tune-up on it all day.\u00a0 We hurt a bunch of pistons the first run, but as time went on, I was able to figure that out and step up a little bit each run.\u00a0 It’s always good when you can do that. We did really good at the last race but shook the tires in the semis and fell behind so we needed to make up some ground right here so it was good.\u00a0 The competition out here is tough, and these guys are getting tougher, too.\u00a0 You try to stay ahead, but then all of a sudden, there’s a bunch of guys that come up with some stuff so you’re chasing them.\u00a0 It’s always tough.”<\/p>\n The 8-car field at San Antonio was set based on two qualifying rounds – with the 10 cars entered producing a bump spot of 5.872 secs. Indiana’s Paul Romine was the #1 qualifier after running a 5.654 secs driving his “Man-O-War” Mustang.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n