NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

RoadKill’s Mike Finnegan polished off Hoonigan’s Jon Chase in two straight heats in their best-of-three Kall Out Kings gasser match race between their ’55 Chevys at the Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals presented by ProtectTheHarvest.com.

Finnegan, who handily won Friday’s first round, got the drop on Chase at the green in their second heat, but his Blasphemi ’55 bogged, and Chase and his Tri 5 By Fire raced ahead by the time they reached the 60-foot clocks.

Just when it looked like Chase was going to even the score, his mount went silent at the 330-foot clocks. Finnegan recovered and roared on to take an 11.212 victory over Chase’s coasting 20.648.

“I have a horrible relationship with this car — it’s the most unreliable gasser ever — but for once it lasted long enough to win something, and for that, I’m thankful,” said Finnegan. “I thank the NHRA because, never in my wildest dreams would I have ever think I would be on this dragstrip in front of this crowd."

The victory meant much than internet bragging rights between two of the most followed teams on social media as the loss also cost Chase his fine beard as part of the deal.

“I’ve had this beard for 10 years,” lamented Chase, as he sat down to await the shearing by a professional barber brought in for the occasion. “In the last 10 years, my kids have only seen me clean shaven twice, and my daughter has never seen me without a beard.”

Hoonigan's Jon Chase, left, and RoadKill's Mike Finnegan, friendly rivals off the track; not so much on.

Finnegan's Blasphemi took the match race in two straight rounds

Chase's efforts to get the Tri 5 By Fire ready to run in time for the match provided lots of internet drama

Finnegan gets ready for battle

Despite a series of setbacks, Chase was confident

Ready to battle, pulling through the famed Pomona gate

Finnegan gets in on the shaving of his rival

To the victor goes the spoils