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Cleetus and Cars, NHRA alcohol racers rock Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park

The combination of the Cleetus and Cars event and the NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car classes last week proved to be a huge hit with the massive crowd that packed Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park. Highlighted by wins from Tony Stewart and Brian Hough, the event also included a burnout contest, fun runs, and the Indy 800 Crown Vic race on the famed IRP oval. Out talented photographers capture all the action.
09 May 2023
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News

PHOTOS BY: Heidi Elzas (America's Meanest Street Cars) and Kevin Pepera

In front of a near-capacity crowd on Saturday and Sunday at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, NHRA Top Alcohol Dragsters and Top Alcohol Funny Cars put on a memorable show as part of the fan-favorite Cleetus and Cars event last weekend in Indy.
 
The two-day Cleetus and Cars event, which was made popular by YouTube sensation Cleetus McFarland, made its third appearance at the historic venue, building on the crowds from the past two years and delivering non-stop excitement for the huge number of fans that saw the pair of NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Top Alcohol classes for the first time at the event.
 
They also witnessed another victory in the Top Alcohol Dragster ranks for Hall of Fame driver Tony Stewart, who earned his second win this season, this time by knocking off standout driver Jackie Fricke in the final round with a run of 5.257-seconds at 276.35 mph. It also gave the Indiana native and legendary driver his 10th win in competition at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, a run that started with nine open-wheel victories on the oval track.
 
He added an impressive performance on the dragstrip last weekend at the NHRA LODRS regional event, adding huge highlight for the crowd at Cleetus and Cars.
 
“To come here to the regional event in Indy and win is awesome,” Stewart said. “I’m really proud of this team and how much they have progressed. It was a rocky start to the year, but once they figured out the problems we were having, this thing has come to life. I feel like every run we make, we’re getting better and better and getting the window a little bigger of what makes the car happy.”