DF Motorsports Magazine

Vintage Eliminator Race #5 and Season Championship

South Mountain Raceway – What a year it’s been for the Vintage Eliminator Series! The greatest show on asphalt put out there by E.J. Kowalski and sidekick Liz Leggett had another banner year! These guys and gals always seem to have way more fun than any other car group out there and the cars have just as much individual character to them as the drivers do. The final race was run at South Mountain Raceway and a new champion has been crowned.

An older woman wearing large red and white polka dot Mickey Mouse ears and sunglasses, smiling while dressed in a red coat.
A vintage red racing car with the number 57 on the side, driven by a helmeted man on a racetrack with corn fields in the background.
A novelty skeleton seated in the driver's position of an open-top vintage car, with a plaid seat cover. Two men stand nearby, one wearing a brown jacket and the other in a black hoodie, examining the car. A black sports car is visible in the background, with smoke rising from the vintage car.
A vintage race car with the number 11 and 'Century Cyclone' written on the side, parked at a car show with several other vehicles and people in the background.
Two vintage race cars parked side by side, with a black trailer in the background. The car on the left is white with red accents and number 11, while the car on the right is brown with number 77.
A small skeleton figure sitting on the rear axle of a vintage vehicle, next to a large tire and a license plate.
A vintage race car painted in red and blue with the number 100 displayed prominently on the side, parked beside a trailer in a race event setting.
A vintage red racer with the number 133 displayed on its side, parked in a pit area with people nearby, including a man with a beard. The vehicle has a simple open design and large wheels.
A vintage silver hot rod car mounted on a black trailer, parked in an outdoor setting with fall foliage in the background.
A vintage blue racing car with the number 69 and 'Jacobs & Sons Vintage Racing' written on the side, parked at a racing event with an open hood revealing the engine.
Two men inspect the engine of a colorful vintage car in a parking area surrounded by trailers and trees showing fall foliage.
A black race car with the number 67 and 'Dirty Dutchmen' written on its side, parked beside a trailer and a pickup truck in a grassy area, with colorful trees in the background.
Two vintage race cars parked at a racing event, one with the number 19 and the other with the number 67, on a sunny day with a clear blue sky and green grass in the background.
A classic race car, number 19, is parked on a trailer in a grassy area, with several vehicles in the background.
A whimsical, purple hot rod car named 'Flying Purple People Eater' is displayed at an outdoor market, with a cartoonish monster hood ornament and people browsing nearby.
A vintage race car with a white body featuring red wheels and the number 11, parked under a tent at a car show, alongside another classic car.
A vintage brown coupe-style race car with the number 77 on the side, parked at a car show, with spectators in the background.
A vintage blue car with a modified design, showcasing an open engine compartment and large wheels, parked at a gathering of classic cars.
A skeleton sitting in the driver's seat of a vintage car, surrounded by classic cars in the background.
A vintage race car, specifically a Terraplane model, displayed on a trailer with a tan exterior and red wheels, parked at an outdoor event.
A vintage racing car on a trailer, featuring red wheels and a beige body, displayed at an outdoor event with people in the background.
A classic yellow hot rod with a red chassis and oversized wheels, parked on green grass with autumn trees in the background. Several trailers and vehicles are visible in the scene.
A vintage yellow racing car with red accents, prominently displaying the number 71, parked on green grass at a racing event. In the background, people are gathered near other vehicles.
A vintage yellow race car with a red chassis parked on grass, showcasing a detailed engine with chrome components and visible exhaust pipes. In the background, two people are standing near a go-kart, and other vehicles are parked on a racetrack.
A vintage brown racing car with the number 77 displayed on its side, parked on a gravel surface with green grass and trees in the background.
A vintage race car with the number 19 drives on a racetrack, with a driver wearing a cap and sunglasses. The background features other cars and a storage area.
A vintage race car with a red and blue design, driven by a man with a beard and sunglasses, and a child in the passenger seat, on a track with parked vehicles in the background.
A vintage green car with the number 84, featuring a skeleton driver, cruising on a racetrack with other vehicles in the background.
A vintage racing car with a white body and red wheels, driven by a person wearing a hat, navigating a curve on a racetrack. The car displays the number 11 and has a retro racing logo on its side.
An overhead view of a vintage race car numbered 19, driven by a man wearing a cap and a plaid jacket, on a racetrack with stone barriers.

We’ll start off with a brief recap of the season. Weather has been a factor, much as it’s been for everyone at every track, and it was no different for this group in race #1. They ran a fine race, but rain popped up and postponed the final between Liz Leggett and Brian Ketterer, leaving this one up in the air. In race #2, the weather was outstanding, and we saw Brian Ketterer narrowly defeat Liz Leggett in the makeup final to race #1. After that, the rest of the race resumed and two racers who’d never made a final before squared off to see who’d get their first victory. In that final, Austin Heister narrowly defeated Sam Ruppert for his first win. In race #3, the series would travel to Mason Dixon Dragway for a very good race under overcast skies. Defending champ, Danielle Stewart, was able to defeat Brian Burns in the final to make it three different winners in three different races. Race #4 returned to South Mountain Raceway. Picture perfect weather helped showcase a fantastic race. In the end, it was Brian Ketterer earning his second win by defeating Brian Burns who made his second straight final. Weather struck yet again in the series, with a race being cancelled, and that brings us up to speed for race #5 and the season championship!

A vintage trophy featuring a piston and wing design, displayed on a colorful table covered with racing-themed stickers and memorabilia. Nearby are boxes and additional items related to a racing event.
A scoreboard titled 'Vintage Eliminator' displaying rankings and points for various participants, with scores listed next to their names.
A rear view of a classic race car with a driver wearing a helmet and a skeleton passenger, approaching a drag strip.
A vintage silver coupe car with a sleek design parked on a drag racing track, showcasing its rear view and detailed wheels.
A vintage red race car with the number 17 on its side, driving down a drag strip. The car has white lettering on the back advertising a local speedway and racing events. The scene includes a clear blue sky and green hills in the background.
A vintage custom hot rod car in blue, featuring a sleek design and exposed engine components, parked on a racetrack with a cornfield in the background.
A vintage red race car with a driver wearing a helmet, racing on a track with rubber smoke and autumn trees in the background.
A blue vintage race car with the number 69 on the back, positioned on a shiny drag racing track under a clear blue sky.
A drag racing scene featuring two vintage cars on a track, with a starting light tree and time displays in the background. Autumn foliage is visible along the sides.
A vintage race car with a white body and red wheels, driven by a person wearing a helmet and racing attire, on a racetrack with a cornfield in the background.
A bright blue vintage race car positioned on a drag racing track, with autumn foliage in the background and a small crowd in the distance.
A vintage race car on a drag strip, with a driver in a helmet and racing gear, preparing to race down a smooth asphalt track lined with orange traffic cones.
A vintage car with a rust-colored body and the number 77 displayed on the side, parked on a drag strip with cornfields in the background.
A vintage blue race car with the number 55 is being driven by a bearded man wearing a helmet. The car is on a drag strip with autumn trees in the background.
A vintage hot rod car with a brown body is driving on a drag racing track, viewed from behind. The background features green hills and a cornfield under a clear sky.
A classic black hot rod racing car on a track, with a driver wearing a helmet and a white shirt. The background features a cornfield and concrete barriers.
A bright red drag racing car with the number 133 displayed on its side, parked on a racetrack, showcasing its unique design and vintage style.
A vintage black race car accelerating on a drag strip, seen from behind, with a driver wearing a white helmet. The track is lined with orange traffic cones, and colorful lights signal the start of the race in the background. Surrounding hills display fall foliage.
A vintage racing car with a blue and white body and red wheels, driven by a person wearing an orange helmet and sunglasses, on a race track with a backdrop of corn fields.
A vintage drag racing car with a blue and white body and red wheels, moving down a drag strip. The vehicle has a single seat and features various racing stickers.
A vintage red roadster racing car prepares to launch down a drag strip, surrounded by spectators and trees displaying autumn colors. Tire smoke is visible as the car accelerates.
A vintage black hot rod car with the number 19 on its side, driven by a bearded man wearing a hat and sunglasses, racing on a drag strip surrounded by autumn trees.
A vintage pickup truck with a gray body and red wheels is driving on a drag strip, surrounded by cornfields in the background.
A vintage truck is waiting on a drag racing track while an official gestures towards the driver, signaling them to proceed.
A vintage Ford truck accelerating on a drag strip, with blue smoke emanating from the rear tires.
A colorful, vintage hot rod with a yellow and purple paint job featuring a monster face, driving on a racing track with cornfields in the background.
A vintage race car with a driver in a helmet, labeled 'Dirty Dutchmen 67,' burning rubber on a drag strip during a racing event.
A vintage purple hot rod car on a racetrack, facing away from the camera with a clear blue sky and autumn landscapes in the background.
A vintage race car with a driver in a helmet, positioned on a drag strip with spectators in the background and autumn foliage in the distance.
A red drag racing car leaving the starting line on a race track, with a driver wearing a helmet and racing gear.

It was a beautiful day for racing at South Mountain Raceway. Of course, it’s always a good day to race, some are just better than others. With Halloween on the way, there was a lot of costumed kids of all ages running around to make it an extra fun kind of day. And the day is always extra fun when Vintage Eliminator is in the house! It would be exciting to say the championship came down to the last round … but … with consistent driving and two victories under his belt, Brian Ketterer all but had the championship locked up. He only needed to make one pass to earn the title, but he wasn’t about to claim it until it was real. That said, we can’t confirm any rumors that Ketterer was looking for volunteers to push his car down the track just in case it wouldn’t start.

A person wearing sunglasses and a helmet is driving a vintage green race car with a skeleton passenger. The car has the number 84 displayed on its side.
A bright yellow vintage race car with a red chassis and white wheels on a racing track, with a person standing nearby holding a clipboard.
A vintage yellow dragster car with red accents, viewed from the rear, parked on a racetrack with a smooth surface and green grass in the background.
A person driving a vintage Terraplane race car on a drag strip, with a background of corn fields and trees in fall colors.
A vintage race car in yellow with the number 08 is positioned on a drag strip, ready to race. Traffic lights are visible in the background, with an autumn landscape on the side.
A classic silver hot rod car with a visible engine, parked in a gravel area alongside a trailer and other vehicles in the background.
Two vintage race cars parked in a lot, with people inspecting them. One car is turquoise and red, while the other is yellow and red.
A colorful gathering of vintage cars at an outdoor event, featuring a person in a pink costume interacting with two men near the vehicles.
A person in a bright pink bunny suit walking through a parking area with various cars and trailers in the background, surrounded by autumn foliage.
Two men working on a vintage race car in a pit area, with tools and equipment in the background.
A vintage race car with the number 11 on its side, driven by a person wearing a helmet and red jacket, is seen on a gravel track surrounded by autumn foliage.
A classic pickup truck driving on a gravel road, surrounded by colorful autumn foliage. The truck features a vintage design with a gray body and red accents, and a driver wearing a helmet.
A vintage brown race car with the number 77 on the side, parked on a gravel path surrounded by autumn foliage.
A vintage green race car number 84 driving on a gravel track with autumn foliage in the background.
A vintage red race car with the number 13 on its side, driven by a person in a helmet, navigating a curve on a racetrack.
A vintage race car with the number 19, driven by a bearded man wearing sunglasses and a helmet, cruising on a racetrack with trees and a fence in the background.
A vintage black race car with a convertible top, driven by a helmeted driver on a racetrack, surrounded by grassy areas and safety barriers.
A bright yellow vintage car with a red front grille and red accents, driving on a racetrack with a driver wearing a helmet. The background features greenery and a racetrack barrier.
Two vintage race cars competing on a racetrack surrounded by colorful autumn trees.
A humorous scene depicting a person in a racing car with a skeleton passenger, both wearing sunglasses and helmets, racing on a drag strip.
A vintage red race car with the number 57 drives on a racetrack, featuring a driver wearing a white helmet and a classic design.
A vintage silver hot rod car driving on a racetrack with colorful autumn trees in the background.
A driver in a vintage racing car with a blue and white color scheme, wearing an orange helmet and sunglasses, navigating a racetrack, with safety barriers and grassy hills in the background.
A vintage hot rod car with a rusted metal finish and number 77 displayed on the side, driving on a racetrack surrounded by autumn-colored trees.
A red vintage race car with the number 133, driven by a helmeted driver, speeds around a winding road with a guardrail.
A vintage race car with red wheels and a driver wearing a helmet, speeding along a track surrounded by greenery and safety barriers.
A vintage race car with a black body and yellow rims, speeding down a racetrack, with a driver wearing a helmet and racing gear.
A vintage race car with a red and white design, driven by a racer wearing a black helmet, speeds down a track with autumn foliage in the background.
A vintage race car with a silver body and red accents driving on a racetrack, featuring a graphic on the front with a ship design.
A colorful, vintage-style hot rod with a yellow and purple design, featuring a large, cartoonish face with a single eye and jagged teeth, driving on a race track surrounded by autumn trees.

With 21 cars entered in this race, there was no easy path to the top. Every car, every driver in the field was capable of going all the way. There was no room for error in this one. Much to his relief, in the first round Brian Ketterer’s car did, in fact, start (no pushing required) and he made his pass to secure the championship, leaving this race more for bragging rights than anything else. It was obvious from the start, though, that Brian Burns was going to show just how good his hot rod was today. Both car and driver were on point and ready to go and started mowing down the competition on his side of the elimination ladder. On the other side of the ladder resided Gene Groshon, who was using an onboard mechanic as a secret weapon to go rounds. The aforementioned mechanic refused to comment on his role in the race, though. It all came down to those guys in the final and they did not disappoint. In the end it came down to Burns being just a pinch too quick, handing the victory to Groshon. Congratulations to both Groshon for winning this race and Ketterer for winning the season championship and the highly-coveted Vintage Eliminator Championship trophy.

A bright red race car with the number 37 displayed on the side, parked on a track. The vehicle has large rear tires and a simple open cockpit design. In the background, a couple of people are seated next to the car, while a pickup truck is parked nearby.
Two vintage race cars competing on a drag strip, with one car on the left and another on the right side, against a clear blue sky and an audience in the background.
A colorful vintage car with a cartoon monster design featuring a yellow body and purple flames, parked in a lot filled with other classic cars.
A blue vintage race car with the number 69T displayed, parked beside a white race car with the number 11, during a car show event in a parking lot, with spectators in the background and colorful foliage visible.
A bright red vintage race car with number 133 and 'Glory Daze' lettering, parked at a racing event, with other cars and people in the background.
A vintage race car with a half-open design and red and white paint is being driven on a gravel path. The driver, a woman with long hair, is wearing a black jacket as she navigates the vehicle.
A vintage white car with a red chassis, parked on a gravel road surrounded by greenery and trees in the background.
A vintage race car with bright red and blue colors featuring the number 100, driven by a person wearing a helmet, on a gravel track surrounded by trees.
A vintage blue race car with the number 69 on its side, parked next to a modern blue sedan, set against a backdrop of autumn trees.
A blue vintage race car with the number 55, driven by a man with a beard wearing a cap, in a grassy area with autumn foliage in the background.
A vintage car with a brown exterior and the number 77 painted on the side, driving along a gravel path with trees in the background.
A vintage hot rod car painted in purple and yellow, featuring whimsical designs and the words 'FLYING PURPLE PEOPLE EATER' on the side, parked on a gravel road with trees in the background.
A vintage blue automobile with an exposed engine, parked on a gravel road surrounded by greenery.
A classic silver hot rod car parked on a gravel path with greenery in the background.
A vintage race car in red with the number 57 displayed, driving on a gravel road beside a parked car and surrounded by autumn foliage.
A vintage race car with the number 11, featuring a white body and red wheels, driven by a person wearing a black helmet, on a gravel path surrounded by greenery.
A vintage race car with the number 19 on its side, being driven by a man in a black helmet and a checkered long-sleeve shirt, on a rural road surrounded by autumn foliage.
A vintage red race car with the number 3T, driven by a helmeted racer, on a gravel track surrounded by autumn foliage.
A vintage-style go-kart with a bright blue body and red wheels, being driven on a gravel path. The driver, wearing an orange helmet with the number 7, is visible inside the kart.
A vintage race car, painted black with the number '67' and 'Dirty Dutchmen' on the side, drives along a gravel path surrounded by autumn trees.
A modified vintage truck with a sleek blue sedan attached in the back, driving on a gravel road surrounded by colorful autumn foliage.
Vintage race car with driver wearing a helmet, driving on a gravel track with two spectators in the background.
A vintage green race car with the number 84 printed on the side, driven by a person in a helmet, is seen on a gravel track. In the background, a person is walking away.
A vintage red race car labeled 'Glory Daze III' with number 133, driving on a gravel path surrounded by trees in autumn.
A yellow vintage racing car with red wheels, driven by a person wearing a helmet, cruising on a gravel path surrounded by autumn foliage.
Two vintage race cars competing on a drag strip, with orange cones marking the starting line and a backdrop of autumn trees.
Two vintage race cars competing on a drag strip during a sunny day, with a spectator area in the background.
Two vintage cars racing on a drag strip, with a clear blue sky and autumn foliage in the background.
Two vintage race cars competing on a track, one in red with the number 57 and the other in black with the number 19, set against a backdrop of autumn trees under a clear sky.
Two vintage racing cars on a track, one red and one white with red accents, competing in a race.

Five races. Four different winners. Ridiculously close racing. Inexplicable amounts of fun being had by all involved. This is the world of Vintage Eliminator, made possible by the hard work coupled with affection put in by E.J. Kowalski (a cross between Easter and Energizer Bunny) and Liz Leggett (head of Skunkworks). Do yourself a favor and check this series out if you get the chance. You’ll have a whole new appreciation for the cars of yesteryear and the drivers of today who are driving them.

A vintage racing car on a track with a driver wearing goggles and a helmet, while another classic car follows behind on a sunny day.
A vintage red race car with a driver wearing a helmet, speeding down a racetrack with safety barriers on either side.
A person with a beard and sunglasses drives a vintage green car while a skeleton sits in the passenger seat.
A vintage blue car with a classic design, racing on a track, featuring large front wheels and a wooden roof.
A vintage brown race car with the number 77 on the side, parked near a racing track with grass and a guardrail in the background.
Two vintage race cars competing on a drag strip, one painted purple with a monster face and the other in white with a classic design.
A yellow vintage race car with number 71 on the side is racing on a track, driven by a person wearing a helmet.
Three men examining a vintage race car at an outdoor car show, with colorful autumn trees in the background.
Two vintage race cars parked at an outdoor event, with a brown car featuring the number 77 on the left and a white car with the number 11 on the right. In the background, other cars and trailers are visible amidst autumn foliage.
Vintage racing car with a yellow body and red wheels, displaying the number 08, parked on a paved surface with people in the background.
Two vintage cars racing on a drag strip, with one silver car in the foreground and a red car behind it. The setting includes trees and utility poles in the background.
Two vintage race cars competing on a drag strip, one in black with the number 67 and the other in blue, under a clear blue sky.
Two vintage race cars competing on a drag strip, with one car featuring a driver and a skeleton passenger.
Two vintage race cars, one red and one grey, compete on a drag strip surrounded by colorful autumn foliage and a clear blue sky.
Two vintage race cars on a drag strip, one brown with number 77 and the other yellow and purple with a monster face, ready to race.
A skeleton wearing a black helmet and sunglasses is sitting in a classic car, showcasing a humorous and playful scene.
A black race car numbered 67 with the name 'Dirty Dutchmen' on the side is seen driving along a track, with an autumn backdrop of trees.
Two vintage cars racing on an empty racetrack with colorful barriers and trees in the background.
Two vintage race cars competing on a drag strip, with a red car number 57 and a green car number 84. A skeleton is seated in the passenger seat of the green car.
A vintage racing car with the number 67 on its side, driven by a racer wearing a helmet, competes on a drag strip with red and white barriers in the background.
A red racing car with the number 3 on it, mounted on a trailer at a racetrack. A person is seen working on the trailer while another vehicle is parked nearby.
Two vintage racing cars compete on a drag strip, featuring a brown car with number 77 and a black car with number 67, set against a backdrop of grassy hills and a clear sky.
A unique vintage race car drives around a track, featuring a driver wearing sunglasses and a helmet, with a skeleton passenger beside him.
Two vintage race cars competing on a drag strip, one in purple with the number 77 and the other in green with the number 44.
A man wearing a pink onesie and glasses rides a small bicycle with a woman in black clothing holding onto him, both smiling joyfully.
A vintage green race car with the number 84, featuring a skeleton driver and a man in a cowboy hat in the driver's seat, while a person dressed as a skunk interacts nearby at a racetrack.
Two men pose for a photo at a drag strip; one wears a pink bunny suit and the other is in a black jumpsuit with a cowboy hat, holding a check. A skeleton is visible in a race car behind them, and a checkered sign is in the background.
Two men celebrate at a motorsport event; one in a pink bunny costume with large ears and the other wearing glasses and a blue hoodie, presenting a trophy with a winged symbol, surrounded by a checkered backdrop.

DF Motorsports Magazine is a Summit Racing Equipment affiliate. Please use the links below to place your Summit order and support this site! Thank you for your support!

A person using a wrench on a toolset with various sockets and accessories, displayed on a sturdy storage chest in a garage setting.
TOOLS
A desk featuring a computer displaying a webpage, a clock, a red gift box with a bow, colorful pens in a holder, and a toy car, surrounded by decorative plants and lights.
GIFTS
A blue truck with one wheel missing, showcasing various automotive tools and parts, including brake components, oil, and batteries, arranged on the ground. The Summit Racing Equipment logo is prominently displayed.
REPAIR
A classic muscle car in a garage, partially painted gray with a black roof, mounted on a dolly. The garage is filled with various tools and equipment, reflecting a car restoration project. The Summit Racing Equipment logo is prominently displayed in the foreground.
RESTORATION
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