In the fall of 1987, brothers Pat and Mike Norcia envisioned a new direction for Top Sportsman doorslammers, leading to the creation of the RAM Top Performer Challenge. They collaborated with then IHRA Vice President Ted Jones to establish a Quick Eight shootout, which awarded a $5,000 prize for the season’s best cars. Open to all, including roadsters and dragsters, the inaugural event in 1988 was successfully won by Blake Wiggins. Encouraged by this achievement, the prize was increased to $7,500 for 1989.

As the season progressed, the Norcia brothers learned that Pro Modified racing would debut in 1990. Pat Norcia noted that while the competition level rose among the doorslammers, it hadn’t yet reached the Pro Mod heights. The excitement peaked during the 1989 IHRA Fall Nationals, where Mike Ashley, known as “the Kid from Long Island,” secured the top seed with his nitrous-injected Trans-Am, showcasing his skills throughout the season.

Pat praised Ashley for his positive attitude and commitment, believing he set the standard for success in Pro Modified racing. Mike Norcia drew parallels to the emergence of Funny Cars, emphasizing that the energy surrounding the fast doorslammers was reminiscent of that transformative era in drag racing. The RAM Top Performer Challenge ultimately supported this dynamic shift, proving beneficial for the Norcias’ business as well.



Source: competitionplus.com