Dunlap Duo Dominates As Atomic Cup closes out 2025 Season

ELMA — The 2025 ERCU Championship Series went out with a roar — and a little concrete dust — as the Atomic Cup at Vance Creek Park delivered a season finale packed with drama, speed, and some tough-luck DNFs.

But it was the Dunlap Duo who stole the show. First, Jerry Dunlap best handled the rough water and windy conditions to win his Atomic Cup, then Paul Dunlap followed it up by winning his

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In 1/10 modern, David Newton saved his best for last, piloting the 2025 Goodman Real Estate to a wire-to-wire victory and securing the Atomic Cup in style. Nelson Holmberg kept the pressure on with his 2024 Flav-R-Pac but had to settle for second, while David Heilbrunn’s Dalton Industries suffered a mechanical issue and posted a DNF. The carnage wasn’t limited to the final heat — Chuck Murray’s Elam Plus and Tom Markos’ Graham Trucking were forced to scratch after earlier-race damage.

The 1/7 modern/classic final was equal parts fireworks and finesse. Craig Mullen drove the 1972 Pay ’n Pak like it was on rails, cruising to the win. John Sjostrom’s 1974 Miss U.S. held off John Havens Jr.’s 1976 Miss Budweiser (U-95) for second. The heat had its share of heartbreak — Gale Whitestine clipped the concrete wall exiting turn one in the 1975 Weisfields and Rob Edwards’ Gilmore Special went up in smoke, both recording DNFs.

Jerry Dunlap turned back the clock in 1/10 classic, taking the 1985 Coor’s Light to victory lane ahead of Holmberg’s 1976 Atlas Van Lines. Dray Newton’s 1986 Squire Shop rounded out the podium. Chuck Murray’s Olympia Beer and Gary Dawn’s Gilmore Special fell victim to gremlins, while Carl Lewis’ Miss U.S. never made it off the trailer.

The 1/10 vintage final was all Paul Dunlap, who drove the 1964 Miss Exide to a commanding win. Jim Latimer’s 1958 Miss Moses Lake and Mick Shutt’s 1972 Miss Budweiser filled out the top three. Three drivers — Holmberg, Murray, and Dray Newton — didn’t finish, each leaving points (and maybe a little paint) on the course.

And in a barnburner 1/7 vintage showdown, Scott Whitestine’s 1962 Notre Dame claimed top honors, outpacing John Sjostrom’s 1960 Miss Thriftway. Havens Jr. took third with his 1962 Miss U.S. 1, while Bob Van den Akker thrilled the crowd by clawing his way from the trailer position to fourth. Mark Manchester’s Notre Dame and Rob Edwards’ Pride of Pay ’n Pak both exited early with DNFs.

With the spray finally settled, the Atomic Cup cemented its place as a fitting finale to an action-packed 2025 season — one that saw comebacks, crashes, and champions crowned.