NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

Massel and Labbous Jr. join list of 2023 Lucas Oil Series champions

Bruno Massel clinched his fourth world title in Comp eliminator, while John Labbous Jr. added a Super Comp crown to his previous Super Gas title during last weekend’s Division 7 finale in Las Vegas.
06 Nov 2023
Kevin McKenna, NHRA National Dragster Senior Editor
News
Bruno Massel

Bruno Massel clinched his fourth world title in Comp eliminator, while John Labbous Jr. added a Super Comp crown to his previous Super Gas title during last weekend’s Division 7 finale in Las Vegas.

Massel, a champion in 2009, 2012, and 2021, was able to successfully fend off a challenge from Jim Greenheck and Glenn Treadwell to secure the victory. Greenheck lost in round one, while Treadwell went to the semifinals but needed to advance to the final in order to have a shot at next weekend’s In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals in Pomona. Massel finished the season with four wins in six final rounds with his turbocharged entry.

Labbous, the 2017 NHRA Super Gas champ, clinched the Super Comp title behind the wheel of Anthony Bertozzi’s dragster. Labbous went into Las Vegas as the leader but had to withstand a challenge from Tanner Theobald, who had to reach the final round in order to keep his hopes alive. Theobald made it to round three, but his loss clinched the title in Labbous’ favor. Labbous put together a strong 677-point score with three victories in four final rounds. He is also a Top 10 finisher in Super Gas.

The championships in Top Alcohol Dragster (Julie Nataas), Top Alcohol Funny Car (Doug Gordon), Stock (Kyle Rizzoli), and Right Trailers Top Sportsman (Brandon Miller) were previously decided. That leaves Super Stock, Super Gas, and Right Trailers Top Dragster as the three titles that will be decided in Pomona.

Brad Burton is the leader in Super Stock, but Wyatt Wagner and Kyle Rizzoli are hot on his trail, and all three drivers have the ability to add to their totals in Pomona.

Sherman Adcock Jr. has been the leader in Super Gas for most of the season, but he’ll have to withstand a challenge from Trevor Larson in order to win the title. Larson needs to win two elimination rounds in order to pass Adcock.

In Las Vegas, Clint Geise took over the championship lead in Right Trailers Top Dragster from Vince Musolino, who now trails by nine points. Musolino is bettering a round-one loss in Pomona, while Geise can improve on a round-two finish.