The latest update as of July 18, 2024

The 35th annual NHRA Northwest Nationals

Compared to past years there isn't a lot of Canadian racers entered in the Northwest Nationals. In the sportsman ranks (comp and lower), there's 11 racers from BC, 11 from Alberta and one from Saskatachewan. In the Pro Sportsman classes, there's a Top Alcohol Dragster from BC, and one from Alberta. In Top Alcohol Funny Car there's one Canadian racer, from Victoria, BC. In Pro Stock there is a Canadian entry, as rookie Siena Wildgust has rejoined the tour in one of the Elite Motorsports cars. And Eric Latino, who was listed as living in Port Perry, Ontario until recently is quickly making a name for himself in Pro Stock too.

There's a Canadian racer in the winner's circle on a regular basis, usually in one of the Super Classes, or Super Stock or Stock. But winning in the higher classes is a rarity, even with some very competitive Top Alcohol teams coming out of Canada. This year’s best bet to be on the podium has to be perennial contender Shawn Cowie from Surrey, BC. He’s currently second in the national points standings with a very good chance to take over the top spot this weekend.

His major obstacle to winning the event could be Jackie Fricke, who's in the Top Ten, but there's some very quick Northwest racers, like five-time national champion Joey Severance, and the injected nitro entries of Garrett Bateman and Kim Parker, both of whom have run in the 5-teens under the right conditions. In the 11-car field, just three racers are using the supercharged methanol option, Cowie, Severance and newcomer Jon Bradford from Arizona.

In the Alcohol Funny Car category, Stan Sipos has been competitive, but not dominating in his return to racing after a 32-year absence. With top notch equipment and noted alcohol guru Les Davenport tuning, his return to a national event winner's circle could happen before the end of the season. Unfortunately it probably won't be this weekend.

He might have a shot at winning this weekend with only seven cars entered, but he's got some very tough competition in Madison Gordon who has picked up right where her father Doug left off when he retired at the end of last season. There's two other Top Ten racers, Brian Hough and Ray Martin who will be tough to beat. Even though the field is small, there are some very quick cars entered and eliminations could see some very close racing.

We haven't got time to look at the Professional categories in this update, but there will be lots of news from them over the weekend. Stay tuned for updates!