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Bellemeur, Bartone Bros. Racing make NHRA history in Top Alcohol Funny Car

26 Apr 2025
Posted by NHRA.com staff
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Sean Bellemeur

Driver Sean Bellemeur and the Killer B’s finally settled the Top Alcohol Funny Car Gatornationals run for the Wally Saturday at zMAX Dragway during qualifying for the American Rebel Light NHRA 4-Wide Nationals. The delay, due to weather in Gainesville in March, matched Bellemeur up against Chip Beverett. Bellemeur cut a .009 light and ran a 5.42 and 269 mph to take the Wally and Gator trophies.

The win is the first time in NHRA Top Alcohol Funny Car history that an Injected Nitro Top Alcohol Funny Car (A/Fuel) has won an NHRA national event. The win is Bellemeur’s 44th national event win, tying him with Bob Newberry for third overall in class wins.

Sean Bellemeur

“This is a full circle win,” Bellemeur said. “The whole team has been through a lot developing this Injected Nitro Top Alcohol Funny Car in plain sight. With the rules changes, three different tracks, and adjustments every weekend it has been tough. To put a statement on it by running fast and cutting a good light makes the hard work worth it. We are only half done for the weekend. We have to get it done later and tomorrow. Big picture, we must start collecting points.

“Tony (Bartone, team owner) is in Portugal watching his son Anthony, who finished third today, so I hope he is having a glass of wine with a smile on his face. I have to thank Tony for his commitment, and Steve Bogg,s who knows this combination and makes it go fast. Our great crew: Troy Green, Nick Stoms, Justin Taylor, Garret Bateman, Brian Gawlik, Lauren McMaster, and Matt Krebs have worked so hard this spring to get this car going.”