Photo by Jon Krolewicz
51st Solo Nats Was a Wild West-Themed Show Down
36 car classes concluded competition on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at Lincoln Airpark in Nebraska’s capital city, and 3 NER members – Billy Davis, Mark Daddio, and Ginette Jordan – returned back to the northeast with Championship titles, while 7 other members came home with trophies in their saddle bags. Additionally, our own Josh Brockman was recognized with the Sportsmanship Award. The week was highlighted by great weather, tons of fun, close competition, and new to this year, a Chuckwagon Challenge.
As always, SoloNats competition is never decided on Day 1. It is the final runs that determine the winners. Heading into Day 2 in Street Touring R (STR) Billy Davis held a small advantage over Daniel McCelvey. In fact, the Solo Matters team pointed out that these two drivers had just a .014 second difference between themselves if you add together their times over the last three years! In the end, Billy bested Daniel by just 0.197 seconds to take the 2024 Championship title.
Last year’s 7th place DS finisher, but 13-time National Champion Mark Daddio, came with unfinished business this year. After day 1, he had a 0.139 second lead over Alex Piehl. And even that was tenuous, since Alex Muresan was lurking just 0.090 seconds behind in third. A 59-car field meant those three had numerous other very talented drivers all hot on their heels trying to over-take them. Just barely holding on to the top spots after the first day runs, however, Mark did what he came to do. That lead ended up cut in half, but he held it. After all the runs were completed, he stood atop that huge DS podium field with the Championship trophy and only a 0.071 difference over 2nd place Alex Piehl.
Lastly, Ginette Jordan may have been the only competitor in her FSPL class, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t out there still having the time of her life tearing up cones and racing her heart out. Congrats to Ginette on another great season in her “Lambobunny” Rabbit. We all want to be just like you when we grow up.
Street Touring R: Billy Davis
Mazda Miata, 0.197sec (eighth National Championship, third in class)
D Street: Mark Daddio
Subaru BRZ, 0.071sec (14th National Championship, fourth in class)
*F Street Prepared Ladies: Ginette Jordan
Volkswagen Rabbit (16th Nationals win)
“Lambobunny”
Chuckwagon Challenge
Monday night opened the festivities with a each region offering up food and beverage options for the 1300+ competitors. There was no shortage of meats on hand, of course some beans, but then regions got creative with specifics from their areas. San Francisco offered up charcuterie themed options, Chiwaukee Region churned out brats and cheese curds, and the Saginaw Valley Region/2-Stroke Paddock had Coney Island hotdogs on hand. Then of course there were plenty of region-specific great craft beers.
Solo Nats Golden/Silver Circle
At the Solo Town Hall, drivers who made the Golden and Silver Circles were also recognized. Solo Nats Gold Circle members are those that have taken part in at least 50 Solo Nats, and Silver Circle is 25 Solo Nats. NER Members in the Silver Circle included:
Bill Goodale – 1999
Wade Scannell – 2004
Jinx Jordan – 2005
Ginette Jordan – 2006
Paul Kozlak – 2006
Paul Krysiak – 2006
Kathy Barnes – 2007
Robert Barone – 2010
Bill Gendron – 2010
Lynne Rothney-Kozlak – 2011
Jim Garry – 2013
Matt Murray – 2013
Mark Daddio – 2016
Greg Vincent – 2016
Chang Ho Kim – 2022
Fred White – 2023
2024 Sportsmanship Award
Josh Brockman
Josh was recognized for helping his fellow competitor, Kinch Reindl, who was in the hunt for a national title but having car trouble with his Acura. After helping him work on his car, Josh finally offered up his Honda for Reindl to use to finish the event. With Brockman’s car, Reindl captured his National Championship title.
2024 Trophy Winners
Super Street – Pat Salerno – 8th Place
B Street – Will Koscielny – 7th Place
H Street – Josh Brockman – 3rd Place
Super Street Touring – Mark Ponusky – 3rd Place
Street Modified – Todd Kean – 3rd Place
B Modified – Tamra Krystinik – 4th Place
Club Spec Mustang – Shawn Pan – 5th Place
C Mod – Jim Garry – 4th Place (Dual Member with MoHud)
