The cool spring air at Quaker City Motorsports Park buzzed with anticipation on May 25 as United Manual Transmission Racers (UMTR) North, presented by MediceMfg.com, kicked off its 2024 season. Under clear skies and surrounded by familiar faces, racers and fans alike gathered to celebrate the enduring spirit of stick shift drag racing.
The Quick Stick class launched with high-stakes matchups, including an early showdown between newcomer Kip Shanklin and veteran Kurt Neighbor. Neighbor, trading his Mountain Motor Pro Stock ride for the Cobra Venom II, stormed through the ladder, defeating Shanklin, Jason Summer, and Larry Kortkamp to earn a spot in the final.
Reigning champ Roger Blile’s campaign ended early with a red-light foul against Tim Chillik in round two. On the opposite side of the bracket, Frank Madonia made an impressive charge, taking out Jim Wilson, Troy Hrdlicka, and Chillik to advance to the finals. It was also great to see Tim O’Neal return to racing in his Vega, reaching the semi-finals with a strong showing.
The final round brought both tension and teamwork. Neighbor faced a mechanical issue that delayed the race, but with help from Hrdlicka, AJ Fox, and the Quaker City crew, he made it to the line. Ultimately, it was Madonia who came out on top, claiming his first Quick Stick win of the season. Chillik, who helped eliminate Blile, earned both the Clutch Artist Award sponsored by DRC Truck and Equipment Repair and the event bounty.
The season’s first Street Stick competition also brought standout moments. 2024 champion Paul Adamczyk looked to continue his winning ways, but Dave Chiotti scored the round two victory and the bounty, before mechanical issues sidelined his run.
Former champ Kim Murphy picked up a round one win in her lime green Mustang before falling in round two to Brandon Margo. Margo advanced through the semis and defeated Jay Wood in a close final. Margo also received the Clutch Artist Award for his standout performance.
UMTR North thanks Quaker City Motorsports Park, MediceMfg.com, and series sponsors Mickey Thompson Tires, Summit Racing Equipment, Liberty’s Gears, RAM Clutches, VP Fuels, and G-Force for their support in keeping stick shift racing alive and thriving.
This story was originally published on June 3, 2025. 
