When October rolls around in the city of Byron, Illinois, it’s not the thought of ingesting beer during Oktoberfest or candy during Halloween that gets folks excited; it’s the anticipation over another excellent World Power Wheel Standing Championship. People gather by the hundreds to witness car after car take off down the quarter-mile, looking for that most awesome of performers who can blow everyone out of their seats.

The event has been going on for almost twenty years now, and never fails to see some of most daring and peculiar types pass through its gates. Big or small makes no difference, as it’s all about how far you can haul ass down the blacktop with your nose up in the air.

This, of course, throws out a lot conventions you’d see at a normal drag race, like wheelie bars, weight distribution, and side-by-side competition. As a result, crashes come not just from slipping traction or faulty power, but also from excessive thrust and lift, causing some competitors to flip upside down if they’re not careful.

But hey, that’s all part of the fun. Just ask Ricky Kirkpatrick, whose ’81 Malibu managed to bring home 1st Place Overall Run and Best Wheelstand with a run of 456 feet. It was a terrific success for the man who, just last year, snagged 2nd Place in the same car.

Other winners of the day included: A.J. Fiorelli, Best MOPAR and Highest; Jeff Wild, Photogenic; Greg Broshous, Violent; Tim Shamblin, GM; and Rick Johnson, Weirdest.

Unfortunately, everyone had to go home early when rain began falling early on. But you can bet they’ll be there next year to see who can come out on top–without landing on their top.