(Words and photos by Benoit Pigeon) – For years I have been looking to make a visit at Maryland International and witness Door Wars where the NEOPMA – North East Outlaw Pro Mod Association – starts it’s season. Door Wars is one of the largest events for the Association, and this year I finally could free myself and take the 4 hour trip to the legendary track for a couple days. This long standing organization operates on 1/4 miles and was started by John Mazzorana back in 1992. John is the president of the not for profit organization that returns all earnings to the participants, winner money and pay downs through the rounds. During the 2015 season 44 active members entered the competition coming from Canada down to the mid atlantic region of Maryland and Virginia.
This traditional season opening race is a three day event with testing on Friday at the highly reputed and extremely well staffed track. At this IHRA owned facility, the event was big enough for IHRA president Mike Dunn to make a stop. But the reality is that this event brings racers from various series, confirming the quality of the show. While southern racers have been racing since January, this first stop allows for many northern racers to come test and race for the first time of the season. It is a magnet for a variety of cars equipped with turbos, blowers, nitrous and even pro-chargers. Additionally the organization is open to a second field when 32 or more cars pre-enter the event and when possible. The general rule for the cars is very similar to NHRA pro mod with adaptations.
This event was notable with the visit of Buffalo, NY, famous driver Mike Janis, but also the return of Gary Courtier in nitrous trim who was the victim of a catastrophic incident over two years ago. On Sunday the winner of an all supercharged final was Mac McAdams a transposed drag bike racer with his flat black matte and shiny graphics ’53 Corvette.
For full schedule, NEOPMA has a well maintained web site – www.NEOPMA.com
Click on the images below to expand them and then scroll on to see ’em all!
