2025 Samoa Dragstrip (Race 3 of 5)

The sands of Samoa Dragstrip shook as eight roaring CIFCA funny cars stormed into town for the 2025 Battle at the Beach, proudly presented by Eureka Chrysler Dodge Jeep. It was a weekend of thundering engines, nail-biting drama, and unforgettable moments both on and off the track.

The storylines started before the first burnout. Jim Maher and the Good Vibrations Motorsports team pulled off the impossible, piecing together a brand-new Mustang II in just eight short weeks. They didn’t just show up—they won the Control Cables Longest Tow Award after trekking all the way from Los Angeles. Making their CIFCA debut, Rich Nicholas and Bob Edwards hauled down from Oregon, eager for their first shot at funny car glory. Meanwhile, Ryan Smith’s Plastic Thunder team faced heartbreak, discovering a cracked block before Q1. But instead of packing up, they parked the car proudly at the tower, letting excited kids climb in for photos—a true display of racing spirit.

Qualifying Thrills

Qualifying was nothing short of spectacular. Shaun Bryan threw down a monster lap, ripping a 7.503 on the 7.50 index to secure the System 1 #1 Qualifier spot. His precision earned him the CP Carrillo Best Package Award, thanks to a razor-sharp .035 light for an incredible .038 total package.

Close behind, Rick Nicholas blasted a 7.53 to land second. Rick Alvarado wowed the crowd with back-to-back 7.57s, locking in third while also smoking the hides for the Mike’s Transmission Best Burnout Award. Sneaking into the top four was James Maher, who muscled his way in with a 7.69.

Not everyone got lucky—Kevin Sarginson (7.47) and Jim Maher (7.41) went too quick and fell victim to breakout penalties. Still, Sarginson’s razor-edge .031 light earned him the Enderle Best Reaction Time Award. And in a family-legacy moment, Chris Bates strapped into the Bates funny car and turned in a solid 8.00 pass, proving the tradition is alive and well.

Final Qualifying Order:

1. Shaun Bryan – 7.503

2. Rick Nicholas – 7.53

3. Rick Alvarado – 7.574

4. James Maher – 7.69

5. Kevin Sarginson – 7.47*

6. Jim Maher – 7.41*

7. Chris Bates – 8.00(*Breakout penalty applied)

   
   

Semi-Final Showdowns

The semis brought the heat. In a clash of titans, Bryan lined up against Alvarado’s Little Mighty Mouse Corvette. Alvarado struck first with a quick .083 to Bryan’s .160, but Bryan’s horsepower carried him past at the stripe with a 7.51 to seal the win.

On the other side, it was Rick Nicholas and his Ford-powered ’55 Thunderbird versus defending champ James Maher in the ’84 Tempo. Fate wasn’t kind to Nicholas—his car broke on the burnout, handing Maher a free pass to the finals, where he clicked off a 7.68 at 169 mph.

The crowd also got bonus action: Jim Maher lit up the boards with a crowd-pleasing .025 light and 7.494, while Kevin Sarginson and tuner Harvey Williams sent shockwaves through the pits, blasting a 6.891 at 200.20 mph—Sarginson’s first trip into the 200 MPH club!

The Final: Bryan vs. Maher

The stage was set. Shaun Bryan, dominant all day in his ’89 Olds Firenza, versus James Maher, hungry for redemption.

When the tree dropped, Maher was locked in—a blazing .036 reaction time to Bryan’s sluggish .236. Maher stormed off the line with a massive lead, but Bryan came charging hard, thundering past around the 1,100-foot mark. At the stripe, Bryan posted a blistering 7.28, but it was too quick for the index—breaking out and handing the win to Maher, who carded a winning 7.56.

Maher celebrated with the coveted Redwood Wally (a.k.a. the Woodie), sealing a hard-earned victory at the beach.

Thanks & Next Stop

A huge thank-you to Eureka Chrysler Dodge Ram for stepping up as presenting sponsor of the 8th annual Battle at the Beach, and to all our partners who make CIFCA racing possible.

CIFCA now sets its sights on the next showdown—October at Famoso Dragstrip. If Battle at the Beach was any indication, fans are in for another wild ride!