Chris Demke and the Jerry Maddern Racing Peen-Rite sponsored Top Alcohol Dragster team will return
to competition at this weekend's O'Reilly Auto Parts Summernationals, held at Heartland Park in
Topeka, KS.
"We've had a seven week mini-vacation since our last race in Las Vegas and I'm looking forward to
strapping into the car this weekend in Topeka," stated the Sunland, CA based three-time Division 7
Top Alcohol Dragster champion Demke. "During this break, we went through every part of the car,
freshened up our parts inventory and are defiantly race ready."
The Maddern Racing team reached the finals at this event last season, eventually losing to Mark
Niver, handing Niver his first National event Wally. Demke is quietly confident the team can
improve at this year's NHRA Summernationals and take home his first National event title. "We have
done well at this place recently," said Demke." It's the perfect place for us to begin a winning
streak."
The Peen-Rite team will be initiating a new member to the Jerry Maddern lead, 'Circus Clown' crew
this weekend. Adam Rhodes, who calls St. George, UT home, will be joining the team as their clutch
specialist. Rhodes has worked for several professional and A/Fuel teams in the past and brings a
great attitude to the team.
Rhodes is the son of 2008 California Hot Rod Reunion Honoree and winner of the Top Gas category at
the 1967 Popular Hot Rodding Nationals in Riverside, CA- Walt Rhodes. Walt Rhodes was also a former
driver of the famous AA/Gas Dragster known as the 'Freight Train'.
Demke and his Peen-Rite Top Alcohol Dragster will have three attempts to qualify for the 16 car
field at this event. The Alcohol Dragster first session is scheduled to begin at 11:00am on Friday,
followed by a second session at 2:30pm. The final qualifying session is scheduled for Saturday
morning at 10:00am.
Eliminations for the 16 car field are scheduled for Saturday afternoon at 3:30pm, following the
final Nitro qualifying session.
