Bartone Bros. Racing made a stellar start to the 2026 NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, capturing the Top Alcohol Funny Car title at the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals held at Gainesville Raceway. Behind the wheel of Tony Bartone's "Pirate Ship," driver Sean Bellemeur faced Chris Foster in the final round, securing the victory with an impressive run.
Bellemeur delivered a standout performance, clocking a .025-second reaction time and posting a solid 5.43-second pass at 268 mph, ultimately claiming the coveted 75th NHRA Anniversary Silver Wally trophy, the first awarded in the Top Alcohol Funny Car category.
This victory is particularly meaningful for Bellemeur, who has recently been recognized as one of the Top 75 drivers in NHRA history. "This win moves me within one of joining the esteemed 50-national-win club," he said, acknowledging the significance of his performance in the event.
The event also marked a momentous occasion for team tuner Steve Boggs, who was inducted into the International Hot Rod Hall of Fame just days before the race. Bellemeur highlighted the critical role Boggs played in their success, stating, "This weekend proves why Steve Boggs belongs in the Hall of Fame. When we unloaded the car, it wasn’t happy. The computer was giving us some goofy data and misled us for a couple of runs. Race Data came over and helped us out. Then Steve went to work. The car kept getting better and better.
As Bellemeur continued, “In the middle of that run, I knew we had our hot rod back. It was just a matter of managing the racetrack in the final today.”
The victory not only cemented Bellemeur's place in history but also highlighted the relentless spirit of the "Killer B's" crew throughout a demanding race week. He praised their dedication, saying, "It was a week of fatigue for these guys. It’s proof of what this team that Tony Bartone has assembled is all about – they are a bunch of warriors. All of the hours day and night, no sleep and early mornings, they kept their focus.”
Bellemeur took time to extend his gratitude to the team’s sponsors and partners, acknowledging their vital support. "I want to thank our partners Red Line Oil, Talon Air, McLeod, NGK Spark Plugs, and Roger Dean Chevrolet," he said. "I appreciate the team of Tony Bartone, Steve Boggs, Troy Green, Nick Stoms, Justin Taylor, Garret Bateman, Brian Gawlik, Lauren McMaster, and Matt Krebs for the long hours and hard work this weekend. No one got discouraged, and we took our second Gatornationals win in a row and our first – of I hope many – 75th NHRA Silver Wally trophies of the season.”
The victory resonated deeply for the entire Bartone Bros. Racing team, bringing together their collective efforts and showcasing their capabilities on the track. As the season progresses, fans eagerly await what lies ahead for both Bellemeur and the team.
Looking forward, Bartone Bros. Racing has set a precedent for the 2026 season, aiming to build on this landmark victory. As the NHRA season unfolds, the team's resilience and performance will undoubtedly be a focal point for fans and competitors alike.