When it comes to legendary underdog wins in NHRA nitro funny car history, Bob Bode’s triumph at Brainerd in 2010 stands apart from the rest. The longtime privateer competitor from Illinois only closed the deal once and as you will see, it was a moment that transcends joy and happiness to an emotional state that can only be experienced and not accurately described. Having stood up to and thumped the best that the class had to offer at that time, he took on Jack Beckman in the final. Beckman blew the tires off and Bob Bode cruised to victory.

To us, the best part of this video is the top end emotional reaction from Bode. He is happy, stunned, and proud among 60 to 80,000 other emotions he was experiencing at the same time. Bob is a great guy and someone who loves the sport of drag racing to the depth of his soul.

His son Bobby has that same love and in 2020 made his nitro funny car debut. The kid is a freshman at Arizona State and he’s been a hands on wrench for the family team for as long as he’s been able to hold tools. He did a great job in the couple of events he ran last season and is planning on a 10 race pull for 2021. His dad is proud and will concentrate on tuning the car and Bobby will be doing the driving. Pretty awesome.

There are few things cooler in drag racing when someone defies the odds and challenges to best the competition on Sunday. This is a great moment.

Hit the image of Bob Bode and watch his win from Brainerd, Minnesota circa 2010