Mickey Thompson Super Comp Racer Handras Scores Semi-Final Finish at Richmond to End Win Streak
After winning Super Comp at both the Lucas Oil series race at Maple Grove Raceway and the NHRA New England Nationals in New Hampshire, Michael Handras’ 17-round win streak came to an end against Amanda Boicesco in the fifth round of eliminations at the PlayNHRA Virginia Nationals on Sunday. “Amanda is a great racer. We just raced in the final round of the Maple Grove divisional and it just didn’t go my way this time. Congrats to Amanda.”
Winning one race is an accomplishment in and of itself in the ultra competitive Super Comp class, but to win two in a row was impressive. “After going winless in 2023, the Maple Grove win was great for our team and the Koretsky family,” who sponsors Handras. Heading into the New England Nationals, the goal remained the same. There were definitely some emotions flowing when the win light shined in the final against Stephen Logan in Epping. For Handras it felt like there was more on the line with it also being his father’s birthday.
Heading to Virginia Motorsports Park, all he could think was about keeping it going. “I really appreciate all of the support from my family and friends. It’s amazing how many people across the country follow NHRA drag racing on NHRA.TV and were rooting us on for another win.”
After a double breakout first round win over Andre Hardy, Handras survived in round two against veteran Kent Hanley after cutting a .130 reaction time. “I definitely got lucky there against Kent – I was dead late; was really glad the car pulled it out with that dead-on 8.900. for the Right Trailers cash.”
Handras followed that with wins over Dave Long (by 0.002-seconds) and Raymond Skipper before the aforementioned loss to Boicesco in the semi-finals. Despite getting the holeshot, Boicesco put together a 0.018-second package, with the margin of victory higher than it would have been when Handras gave her the finish line, hoping she would break out. “Although that win light didn’t shine I was proud of what we have been able to accomplish over the last few weeks. These .90 classes can be brutal. We will do our best to keep this going as we now have an opportunity to chase a Super Comp national championship.”
Handras thanks Duane Shields, Right Trailers, Mickey Thompson Tires & Wheels, Davis Race Engines, Sepanek Transmissions, VP Racing, Hoopes Fire Prevention, Nitro Fish, Maple Grove Raceway and Stinnett Racing for all their support. The next event on Handras’ schedule will be coming up at the NHRA Summit Racing Equipment Nationals at Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park June 27-30 in both Super Comp and Super Gas, the latter in which he was Division One champion in 2021.
This story was originally published on June 26, 2024.
The post Mickey Thompson Super Comp Racer Handras Scores Semi-Final Finish at Richmond to End Win Streak first appeared on Drag Illustrated.
