Sept. 11 - 14Record performances are nothing new to Maple Grove Raceway, which has hosted the Pioneer Electronics Keystone Nationals sine its inception in 1985. The picturesque Pennsylvania countryside provides the backdrop for the event, and the surrounding oxygen-rich maple trees help make for conditions that are especially conducive to producing horsepower.
Cory McClenathan recorded the sport's first 4.7-second lap in his Top Fueler at this event in 1992. In 1994, Top Fuel pilot Scott Kalitta ran 308 mph, that the fastest speed ever, and in 1995, John Myers made the first 7.4-second pass in Pro Stock Bike history.
Not surprisingly, last year's event produced its share of milestone performances. Pro Stock Bike rookie Angelle Seeling, competing at just her fourth NHRA national event, not only became the first woman to win a Pro Stock Bike title but also set a national e.t. record in so doing. Seeling ran a 7.373 in the final.
Pro Stock winner Jim Yates recorded the quickest run in the class history with a 6.947 en route to a final-round victory over Warren Johnson. That run bettered the longest-standing NHRA national record at the time, Johnson's 6.948 at the 1995 Slick 50 Nationals. Yates and Johnson combined for nine six-second runs.
The newly resurfaced racetrack proved tricky for the fuel cars, but it didn't stop Kenny Bernstein, who blasted to only the third 4.5-second run in history during Top Fuel qualifying, from winning his fourth race of the season. In Funny Car, Jeff Arend was a surprise winner in Paul Smith's Cutlass.
Maple Grove Raceway
HOW TO GET THEREThe track is located approximately 10 miles south of Reading off the Pennsylvania Turnpike. From Reading, take Route 176 south to Green Hills, then go south six miles on Route 10 and follow the signs. From Philadelphia, take the Pennsylvania Turnpike west to Route 10 (Exit 22), then go north six miles and follow the signs. From Lancaster, take Route 222 north to Route 568. Go east to Alleghenyville and follow the signs. From Wilmington, take Route 202 to Route 100 and go north to the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Go west on the Pennsylvania Turnpike to Route 10 (Exit 22).
