NHRA's Top 25 Alcohol Drivers: A Celebration of Speed and Resilience
NHRA's 75th anniversary salute to its racers continues with the unveiling of the Top 25 Alcohol Drivers, a list of the sport's greatest Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car racers. The panel of racing experts, including journalists, historians, and former racers, has curated a collection of remarkable talents who will be celebrated with a special medallion at future NHRA national events.
This article delves into the stories of five of these drivers, highlighting their achievements and the impact they've had on the sport.
Shawn Cowie: Overcoming Adversity
Shawn Cowie, a British Columbia driver, has faced more adversity than most racers will ever encounter. After a devastating motorcycle accident in 2011, he rebuilt himself, his racing program, and his place atop one of NHRA's most grueling Sportsman categories as a back-to-back world champion in Top Alcohol Dragster. Cowie's resilience is remarkable, as he finished in the national Top 10 of the standings every year since 2014, his first full year back after the accident. He has collected 27 NHRA national event wins at eight different venues, including a historic victory at the Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals. Cowie's achievements extend to the West Region, where he has won seven of the last 10 championships and holds 45 regional and divisional wins.
Cy Chesterman: Dominance in Top Alcohol Funny Car
Cy Chesterman, based in Sioux City, Iowa, was a force to be reckoned with in Top Alcohol Funny Car racing for over a decade. Between 1993 and 2004, he found the winner's circle 16 times at national events, including five victories in Brainerd. Chesterman's success extended to regional events, where he claimed 29 titles. In 2004, he challenged Frank Manzo's dominance, winning national event titles in Gainesville, Las Vegas, and Brainerd, as well as five regional wins. Chesterman's business acumen, as an operator of Coca-Cola bottling plants, further showcases his versatility.
Vern Moats: A Legend in Division 5
The late Vern Moats, a Division 5 Hall of Famer, was a pioneer in the early days of alcohol-burning Funny Cars. Competing in Comp eliminator, he made a significant impact in the category. Moats is synonymous with Division 5, the largest geographic division, and his 15 Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series championships are a testament to his dominance. Despite a lack of a national title, Moats' 56 career divisional victories rank him fourth all-time, behind only Manzo, Newberry, and Payne. His iconic entries, sponsored by Olympia, Hamm's, and Pabst Blue Ribbon, along with partnerships with Mopar and Kendall Motor Oil, have left a lasting impression on the sport.
Bob Newberry: Iron Sharpens Iron
Bob Newberry, from Schenectady, New York, held his own in the same division as Manzo, accumulating 44 wins and two world championships. His title seasons occurred in highly competitive climates, with his 1992 championship sandwiched between seasons of consecutive titles by Pat Austin and Randy Anderson. Newberry's legacy includes being the first driver to break the five-second barrier and collecting two NHRA U.S. Nationals wins. His expertise in Comp eliminator, where he won his first five national event wins and a world championship, and Top Alcohol Funny Car, with a combined 50 wins and 11 Division 1 championships, solidifies his place in racing history.
Shane Westerfield: Versatility and Success
Shane Westerfield's accomplishments as an alcohol racer are impressive, but his versatility extends beyond the drag strip. In addition to his 2017 NHRA Top Alcohol Funny Car championship, Westerfield holds multiple world titles in Blown Gas Flatbottom drag boats and has made a name for himself in the NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Racing Series. His experience in 'big show' nitro Funny Cars further showcases his adaptability. Westerfield's 18 national event wins, including a recent victory at the Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals, solidifies his place among the sport's elite. His triumph over Frank Manzo in Dallas in 2013, Manzo's 17-time championship holder, further highlights Westerfield's skill and determination.
These five drivers represent a small fraction of the talent recognized on the Top 25 Alcohol Drivers list. Their stories of resilience, dominance, and versatility showcase the rich history and excitement of NHRA racing, leaving a lasting impact on the sport and inspiring future generations of racers.
