| Local teen Finishes Third at NHRA National Finals |
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Dresden’s Chris Peeler has finished third in the nation at the NHRA National finals heldPeeler Nov, 4th in Pomona, CA, Peeler, a 17-year-old Dresden High School Jr., participated in what is called “the race of a life time” at the NHRA National Finals. The race determines the National Championship in all classes including Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, Pro Stock Motorcycles and the Divisional Class Championships. Peeler earned the opportunity to race by winning the Division II, South East Division, Sportsman Championship in Cecil, GA, in October.
While in Pomona, Peeler was honored at a banquet sponsored by Summit Racing Equipment, which was attended by all divisional winners and special guests, Top Fuel driver Hillary Will; Pro Stock drivers Jason Line and Greg Anderson. The banquet was held at the Wally Parks’ Museum on the Fairplex in Pomona.
In the First round of eliminations, Chris’ opponent went red therefore giving Peeler the automatic win. In Peeler’s second round, he lifted at the top end and allowed his opponent (who eventually won the National Championship) to pass him at the stripe for the win. The margin of loss in the thrilling race was less than 2 feet. Where the teenager finished ended up garnering him 3rd place honors in the nation.
While Peeler and his mom, Janet, flew to California; his dad, Mike and friend, Bubba Morrison of Clarksville, made the long 3800 haul round trip with Chris’ car.
Peeler was also featured in a page long article with this month in “National Dragster” . He will be receiving an NHRA Championship ring and jacket along with the cash prizes he won while racing.
Peeler began racing at the age of 8 starting out in his sister’s, Kayla Peeler, Jr. Dragster. Upon turning 16, he advanced to his current vehicle, a 1973 Dodge Challenger. Peeler races along with his father, Mike, who races a 1969 Plymouth Road Runner. Although his parents do the wrenching, the family team agrees that Peeler has pretty much earned the right to be their “hired driver” for the time being.
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