Karagiannis sets NOPI Record in MAZDASPEED3

The NOPI drag racing series kicked its 2008 season into high gear with a recent national race at Moroso Motorsports Park in West Palm Beach, Florida. Moroso has been long known to host great events for and this weekend was no different. Spectators from all across the country and Canada came out to enjoy the weekend, with well over 16,000 in attendance. This is the second largest crowd Moroso has ever had for an event.

There was great participation all around, not only in spectator attendance but with competitors as well. NOPI had 350 car show entrants, 163 drag competitors and 24 drifters. The racing action was top notch all weekend, which set the mood for the atmosphere. NOPI Motorsports has surely set the tone for the 2008 season!

Karagiannis Racing's MAZDASPEED3 turned in a record-setting finish at the NOPI Florida Nationals. Driver Dee Karagiannis and Teammates Russ Turner and Gary Turner established a new Modified national elapsed time record and captured the Number one Qualifying spot for Florida Nationals as well as the Georgia rain out make up. "I have never been so proud of my team," Dee said. "We finished last year with a win at the NOPI Finals and getting back to the winners circle is all we could thing about during the off season."

The MAZDASPEED3 started the weekend with a 7.45@180 mph pass during the 1st round of qualifying. With twelve other cars competing for the eight car field the competition was tough but the team was able to hold onto the number one qualifying position. Our first round opponent did not make the call but the team still layed down  7.5@180mph solo pass. After a rain delay round 2 ended up to be one of the closest races in Sport Compact Racing history with the margin of victory of only .003 with Dee picking up the win via a holeshot. "That was one of the best races I have ever been involved in. Both racers cut great lights and ran almost identical times. I think with the competition as close as it is in our class there will be many more races like this one."

The rain delay presented racers with some difficult track conditions but the Mazdaspeed 3 just floated down the track running 7.49@185 which backed up our 7.45@180 from qualifying to establish the new Modified record. Unfortunately the rain returned and we were unable to run the final round of racing and will have to wait until Englishtown to crown the winner.