Boychuk Drives Paton Fueler to First Win!
September 7, 2008

Epping, NH - In only his fourth national event behind the wheel of a Top Fuel dragster, Edmonton native Tim Boychuk captured the Top Fuel title at the Amalie Oil Norrth American Nationals. Tim used consistent runs of 4.79, 4.73 and 4.75, all at speeds of over 300 mph, coupled with some excellent reaction times (0.038, 0.078 and 0.053) to give the Paton Family their first national event win since switching to the Top Fuel category.

The Tim Hortons-backed team looked strong during qualifying, posting an early shutoff run of 4.82 seconds in Saturday's qualifying, and continued to improve their performance during Sunday's eliminations.In the first round of eliminations, Tim used a stellar .038 reaction time to beat Mike Strasburg on a holeshot, 4.79 seconds to a quicker, but losing 4.77.

In the second round, Tim defeated current IHRA points leader Spencer Massey with a career-best 4.737 at 301.07 mph, while Massey's car struck the tires partway downtrack.

In the final, Tim was looking to even the score with Terry McMillen, whom he had beaten in his very first round of eliminations in Edmonton, but had since lost twice to in the last two events. Tim took the lead off the starting line, as he had all day, and powered away to a 4.758, 306.19 mph run while McMillen spun the tires and quickly shut off.

“This is the best feeling in the world…it’s just awesome,” Boychuk said from the New England Dragway winner’s circle. “I have to thank the Patons for letting me drive the car; they really helped me out and have a great crew. It was a wonderful weekend.”