Photo credit: Lester Barnes

VP Racing Fuels-backed Top Sportsman racer Don O’Neal, a veteran of the NHRA sportsman drag racing ranks, powered to his first career national event crown at last weekends NGK Four-Wide Nationals at the zMax Dragway in Charlotte, North Carolina. O’Neal, driving his VP “Madditive” Chevrolet Monte Carlo, survived four rounds of competition on raceday, ultimately defeating one of the class’ best, Sandy Wilkins, in the finale.

It was the second career national event final round for O’Neal, who appeared in the Super Comp final at the 2010 NHRA U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis.

O’Neal, who now calls Evansville, Indiana home, originally hails from North Carolina, making the breakthrough victory with family in attendance to witness and partake in the victory lane festivities all the more special.

“I have been chasing a Wally for over two decades, for Diane, my owners, sponsors, and my family. They all have continued to support this crazy life,” said O’Neal. Three years ago today I stuffed this car in the wall, and two days ago we rode to our first ever national event win, in my home state against one tough customer in Sandy Wilkins. I have a lot to say, people to thank and tears to shed. Never quit, never give up.”

Photo courtesy Don O’Neal/VP Racing Fuels

With a few days in between to celebrate and prepare the car, O’Neal will head to this weekend’s NHRA Southern Nationals in Atlanta to attempt going back-to-back to open his ambitious 2018 campaign.

“The Mad Scientist created another winner with VP Racing Fuels. Right now I feel like he has created a monster, because I am ready to go get the next Wally. Thank you to everyone that has helped make this a reality, I won a national event Wally!”