“𝐖𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐃𝐢𝐝 𝐈𝐭”: 𝐍𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐞𝐫 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐟𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝟓 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭 𝐄𝐓 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲

We asked Nick Engler (Brainerd International Raceway) what it meant to win the West Central Division 5 Summit ET Finals as he prepares to head to Las Vegas for the NHRA Summit Racing Series World Championship.

Here’s what he shared 👇

“Winning the ET Finals means the world to my family and me, especially doing it in my late grandfather’s car that has been in our family since new (1969). Our family runs three generations deep into drag racing, and we’ve been going to the ET Finals since I was a young kid.

We’ve made a run at it a few times, but never been able to seal the deal. During the week of the ET Finals, we had the transmission out of the car to fix a broken band, which led to finding a broken valve spring, which led to finding a broken rocker shaft. To say the least, it was an absolute grind to get there, but everything happens for a reason, I guess.

When I turned off the track after the final win light, I had to pull over to gather my emotions. I grabbed my grandfather’s ashes that hang in the car and said, ‘We finally did it.’ I wish he was there to enjoy that moment with us, but I know he’s along for the ride, smiling at the memories we’re making. I can hear him now: ‘You still have a job to do,’ and that’s what we’re focused on.

I have a ton of people to thank, but first I have to thank my wife. We’ve had a lot of challenging seasons over the past few years with this hot rod, and she’s stuck by my side supporting this dream the entire time, all while taking care of our 4-year-old son every weekend at the track (which is its own challenge and he’s our #1 fan!).

Also, a huge thank you to all my friends and family for all the congratulations, celebrations, and kind words. Team Blackout, KTRE, Track Stop, Giese Racing Solutions, Lou’s Hotrod Shop, Brad Backlund, G&S Dyno and Chassis, Cheney Performance, Double D Automotive, Fast Shocks, JRJ Custom Designs, and Siebert Performance, thank you for everything you do to keep us rolling!

I’m absolutely blessed to have such a great village of people around me, and I can’t show my appreciation enough. We’re ready to experience the NHRA version of Vegas!”

Join us in wishing Nick Engler the best of luck as he heads to Las Vegas to compete for the Pro ET NHRA Summit Racing Series World Championship, proudly representing the West Central Division 5!