[Jesse Kershaw]

Last year at the US Nationals the Ford Racing director and I sat with a small group of NHRA brass to discuss an idea for heads-up racing with real cars that look like what our dealers sell.

I am happy to say that a year later we had our first foray into exciting late-model heads-up racing, reminiscent of the photos and videos I often see posted on here from the 60's and 70's.

To Candies Family Racing, Holbrook Racing, Rick Rodgers, Ray Skillman Racing, Ronzello & Wright Racing, and even Southland Dodge, thank you for competing. You put your support behind the idea by stepping up and participating. As we grow this concept you will be remembered as the pioneers. Ford Racing appreciates all our Cobra Jet teams do to compete at this level.

A huge congratulations to Bo Butner and his team. Bo has gone rounds heads-up and in the Eliminator all year. He continues to get it done and we appreciate his efforts showcasing the Ford brand. It was a great race in the final and hard fought victory over Brett Candies. It's not only the 9-seconds at the track, it's the months and years of work and racing leading up to that.

And a thank you to everyone who was excited to see this and supported the idea. The crowd at Indy let out a big cheer when these cars ran. There is excitement for production based racing and we will conmtinue to nurture that enthusiasm. I have already spoken with NHRA and my counterparts with the competitive makes about continual improvement and hopefully adding a Super Stock Showdown for next year. With some work we can make this a premier class, energizing new fans and participants in the sport!

Now let's stay dry and finish the Eliminator!

-Jesse