[media-credit name=”Chris Taylor” align=”alignright” width=”280″][/media-credit]

Extreme 10.5 Finals

While there may have been some controversy, rough times and a bit of confusion surrounding the ADRL events in Qatar, at the end of the day the only conclusion we can come to is that they put on a great show for all racing fans alike, also proving that drag racing can be enjoyed across the world. While many of the teams in competition were locals from the area, many big names in the states made the travel to get in on the show – guys like Alex Hossler, Von Smith and Dan Millen showing they were at the top of the game as well.

To read more check out the ADRL News.

When it came down to the 7th and final round of competition, Sheikh Khalid, Alex Hossler and Von Smith were still in close contention for the championship title. In the semi-finals Hossler put Smith on the trailer, but when finals finally rolled around it was none other than the Sheikh going up against Hossler with the event win and championship on the line. Sheikh shortly found himself having traction problems and ended up with an unimpressive 5.18 at 94 mph compared to Hossler’s 3.74 at 203. Hossler would’ve had the win had he not left the line .195 early to turn on the red light, a mistake that ultimately cost him the championship. In his rookie year Sheikh has come out on top with a championship, earning him the driver of the year award to go along with his crew chief Frank Manzo’s crew chief of the year honors. Undeniably an amazing debut season for the team.

Pro Extreme isn’t the only news to report however, as the Extreme 10.5 title also came down to the finals in round 7. Michigan native Dan Millen gave it his all this weekend qualifying in the #1 slot, going into the finals to face championship contender Mahana Al-Naimi – Millen’s reaction time was as dead on as they get with a .005, then getting it down the track with a 4.27 at 177 mph gave him the win. With the sale of his 2004 Mustang it leaves Millen with presumably no car now, it’ll be interesting to see what kind of new build he has up his sleeve to continue being one of the top 10.5 contenders.

In the Pro Nitrous class the finals came down to Al-Anabi teammates Khalid-Al-Balooshi and Mike Castellana, with Al Balooshi coming out on top to seal the deal for the championship to compliment his American Pro Nitrous title from last year as well. Congratulations are in order for all who competed in the events in Qatar, it was one heck of a show and we’re sure it’ll only get better as time goes on.