Chris Karamesines
Encyclopedia
Chris Karamesines is an American drag racer and one of NHRA's early pioneers and nicknamed "The Golden Greek". In 2009, he became the first driver in NHRA history to compete and become the fastest driver at over 78 years old at the final event of the 2009 season at Pomona
driving in the Top Fuel
category. But he would lose in the first round against Brandon Bernstein
. The following year, he made an attempt at Firebird International Raceway
in Arizona and made the field, but again lost in the first round.
On June 19, 2011, Karamesines defeated Doug Kalitta
in the first round of final eliminations at the NHRA event at Thunder Valley. It was Karamesines' first round win since 1990.
Pomona
Pomona was a goddess of fruitful abundance in ancient Roman religion and myth. Her name comes from the Latin word pomum, "fruit," specifically orchard fruit. She was said to be a wood nymph and a part of the Numia, guardian spirits who watch over people, places, or homes...
driving in the Top Fuel
Top Fuel
Top Fuel racing is a class of drag racing in which the cars are run on a mix of approximately 90% nitromethane and 10% methanol rather than gasoline or simply methanol. The cars are purpose-built for drag racing, with an exaggerated layout that in some ways resembles open-wheel circuit racing...
category. But he would lose in the first round against Brandon Bernstein
Brandon Bernstein
Brandon Bernstein is and American Drag Racer, and son of NHRA Legend Kenny Bernstein.-Early life:Bernstein was born in Dallas, Texas on August 2, 1972 the son of 6 time NHRA Champion Kenny Bernstein. He worked on his dad's team when he was a teenager...
. The following year, he made an attempt at Firebird International Raceway
Firebird International Raceway
Firebird International Raceway is a quarter-mile dragstrip and road course in Chandler, Arizona.-History:The facility opened in 1983 and hosts the NHRA's Arizona Nationals. It held one IMSA GT race, in 1987. Due to its warm climate, it is a popular winter testing spot for NHRA and IndyCar...
in Arizona and made the field, but again lost in the first round.
On June 19, 2011, Karamesines defeated Doug Kalitta
Doug Kalitta
Doug Kalitta is an American auto racing driver from Ypsilanti, Michigan.Kalitta formerly raced in USAC events. He was the 1991 USAC rookie of the year in the midget series, and won the 1994 championship in the sprint car category. Kalitta won 21 USAC events: 14 in midget races and 7 in sprint...
in the first round of final eliminations at the NHRA event at Thunder Valley. It was Karamesines' first round win since 1990.