Ever since the debut of the Ford Racing Cobra Jet, the racers who pilot these cars have been incredibly successful in the NHRA classes where the cars compete. The number of Cobra Jet competitors, and Ford sportsman racers overall, who had winning performances at this past weekend’s NHRA U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis at Lucas Oil Raceway is long and distinguished.

Overall, Ford-powered machines scored an astounding 14 (!) Stock and Super Stock class wins, nine of which were carded with a Ford Racing Cobra Jet. In Super Stock, Ray Skillman’s 2010 Cobra Jet took the win in SS/AAA just one week after finishing runner-up to P.B. Candies at the NMCA’s Cobra Jet Showdown at Norwalk. Gary Summers piloted his 1985 Mustang to the SS/N class win, while Brett Candies took the Wally home in SS/DA in his 2010 Cobra Jet. Another Cobra Jet earned the SS/BA win at the hands of Anthony Bongiovanni, while Ray Paquet’s SS/B 1964 Fairlane also ended up in the winner’s circle.

The Factory Stock Showdown had Chris Holbrook in his 2013 Cobra Jet against Cagnazzi Racing’s Dave Connolly and a 2013 COPO Camaro. Uncharacteristically, Connolly lit the big red bulb, sending Holbrook to the Factory Stock Showdown win, making Ford’s second Showdown win in two years at Indy and third Showdown victory overall.

Gary Summers’ ’78 Mustang, which earned the esteemed honor of qualifying atop the Stock Eliminator field. Image courtesy of Ford Racing

Holbrook took out Bo Kenney (CJ), Clay Arnett (COPO), Jonathan Allegrucci (Drag Pak Challenger) and Bill Skillman (CJ) to reach the final round against Connolly. Not only did Holbrook take home the overall win against Connolly, he also won the FS/DC class in the process.

The Stock class seemed to be all CJ, all the time, as another Skillman ended up in the winner’s circle with Drew Skillman’s 2012 CJ earning the AAA/SA title. Mike Skinner’s ’12 CJ took AA/SA, while Peter Biondo used the power of his 2010 CJ to score a Wally in CC/SA. Mike Ficacci in C/SA and Charlie Downing in F/S rounded out the Cobra Jet winners for the weekend. Marty Buth in his 1983 Mustang earned the Q/SA title, while Ron Seibenick and Gary Summers wrapped up the Combo Auto and Combo Stock classes respectively. 

All in all, an excellent showing for the Blue Oval ranks at the U.S. Nationals for 2013.