(Words and Photos by Joe Grippo) – The Grove turned 50 and they threw a helluva party….

Nitro Funny Cars, Alcohol Funny Cars, The Winged Express, 4 Jets, a Wheelstander and Bob Motz’s Jet Kenworth made up the main show. Some of the Killer floppers in attendance were Dale Pulde driving the War Eagle, Raymond Beadle’s Blue Max Arrow, The Texas Jungle Vega and Brand X Mustang with Jon Capps and Mike Lewis respectivley behind the wheels, Frank Hawley smoked everyone out in Chi-Town Hustler plus local favorites Peter Gallen and his Poverty Stricken Monza and Crazy Jake Crimmins in his Mustang.

The Nitro winner was Chad Head in his Firebird (Gimme Head Till I’m Dead!) and Alcohol was won by Ron Haegli and the Tiki Warrior all the way from Oregon! Don “The Snake” Prudhomme was the Grand Marshall and had a tough time picking his favorites from the well attended Car Show. Bob Frey was the special guest announcer and handled the Walk of Fame inductions and called the race action as only he could. Add in a great bracket race, a nice display of vintage race cars and it was a jam packed day of fun and celebration of 50 Years of Thunder from my all time favorite race place, Maple Grove!

Dig the BangShift shirts that snuck into a few of the photos!

Thanks Joe for these awesome photos!

DRAG RACE GALLERY LINK: