Thu, 21 Aug 2025, 12:29 PM Bartone Bros. Racing Wins Top Alcohol Funny Car at Brainerd

Courtesy of Kyle Chura

   

Killer B’s back on top

BRAINERD, Minn. — Bartone Bros. Racing claimed another Top Alcohol Funny Car victory Sunday at the 43rd annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway.

Despite stalling on the starting line in its first qualifying run, the Killer B’s rallied to defeat one of the largest Top Alcohol Funny Car fields of the season. Driver Sean Bellemeur opened eliminations by knocking out Maddi Gordon, then advanced past Brian Hough and Phil Esz before defeating Bob McCosh in the final to secure the Wally that had eluded the team in past years.

Bellemeur’s final-round run of 5.45 seconds at 263 mph with a .015 reaction time powered Tony Bartone’s “Pirate Ship” to victory. The win marked Bellemeur’s 47th in Top Alcohol Funny Car competition.

“We came here for great competition,” Bellemeur said. “The competitors this weekend came from far and wide. McCosh has found his tune-up and he’s strong. I love the competition in Top Alcohol Funny Car.

Sean Bellemeur

“The team overcame early setbacks. We had our struggles. We came into the weekend with mechanical problems, just lining up the issues. One by one we were able to overcome them and turn on win lights until we got the Wally.

“With Indy up next, this is a great win to carry us into The Big Go!”

Bellemeur credited the team: “Tony gives us all the tools to get to the winner’s circle. Park Miller has helped us a lot this year. Of course, the crew — Steve Boggs on the tune, Troy Green, Nick Stoms, Justin Taylor, Garrett Bateman, Brian Gawlik, Lauren McMaster and Matt Krebs — make it all happen.”

The win is the team’s fourth national event victory to go along with two regional wins.

Up next, the four-time U.S. Nationals and defending champions will now look to defend their title at Indy in two weeks.

A huge thank you to our incredible team sponsors: Red Line Synthetic Oil, Roger Dean Chevrolet, Talon Air, LLC, NGK Spark Plugs, and Mastercam, along with our valued product supporters, Simpson Performance Products and Taylor Motorsports Products.

For more information on Bartone Bros Racing, including race recaps and photos, please visit the team site at www.BartoneBrosRacing.com