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Want to be Updated?Feel left out of the loop? Wondering when breaking news is going to happen? Look forward to the FLASH preview or just can't wait for the new issue? We have the answer. CompetitionPlus.com is compiling a mailing list to keep you informed of what's going on. It's a simple process. Send us an email at CompetitionPlus@aol.com, put in the title and the body, "Sign Me Up" and your request will be granted. Arend to visit Shriners Hospitals for Children, Chicago prior to Route 66 Nationals(5-19-2004) - NHRA POWERade Funny Car driver, Jeff Arend, will be making a visit to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, Chicago, on Wednesday at 6 p.m., prior to competing at this weekend's Route 66 Nationals. Arend, a former Funny Car national event champion, will be taking time to visit with some of the children and their parents, distributing CMKXtreme Machine souvenirs and signing autographs "We want to try and help bring a little feeling of being at the races to those who don't have a chance to make it out to Route 66 Raceway," said Arend. "The Shriners Hospitals for Children is a great organization and we are extremely proud to represent both CMKX Diamonds and the NHRA." The Chicago Shriners Hospital is a leading Midwest children's hospital providing high quality pediatric orthopaedic surgery, plastic, reconstructive and craniofacial surgery and spinal cord injury care. The 60-bed short-term facility provides quality medical care with innovative education and research. The hospital is one of 22 Shriners hospitals operating in the United States, Canada and Mexico. It is located at 2211 N. Oak Park Avenue, Chicago, four miles north of Eisenhower Expressway (I-290) just east of Harlem Avenue.
VTwinPlus.com's Project Shovelhead brings home a trophy from Bike Week
(5-19-2004) - After a steady regimen of work and frustration for the last two weeks, our sister publication VTwinPlus.com and their Project Shovelhead delivered a present for their hard work. In the Rat Hole Bike Show competition on Friday of Myrtle Beach Bike Week, the nitrous-injected 1983 Low Rider custom brought home the second place trophy in the Dyna class. The Gotham City Flyer, a.k.a. "Plan B," was the only Shovelhead (pre-1984 construction) in the class. The bike is only in Phase One of three parts and the chassis is an original 1983 Harley-Davidson.
The latest spin-off from CompetitionPlus.com has been enjoying a tremendous traffic week establishing personal traffic bests for much of the last two weeks. You can visit this newest e-zine at www.vtwinplus.com. A special photo gallery for this weekend past at Myrtle Beach Bike Week is available at Myrtle Beach Bike Week Photo Gallery.
Whit Bazemore to debut as columnist this week with CompetitionPlus.com
This week's poll question - "Do you think drag racing has enough ethnic diversity?"(5-14-2004) - Recently, ESPN's Sportcenter asked that same question regarding NEXTEL Cup Competition in NASCAR and the answer was an overwhelming negative. Does drag racing do enough to promote diversity or is this really a non-issue? Cast your vote or express your opinions at The Drag Race In our last poll that inquired as to whether the Pro Modified class should split into two seperate classes, 64.5% of 338 votes cast felt that it should be done.
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Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum Unveils New Interactive Website; Total Redesign Includes Latest News on Hot Rod Reunions, Cruise Nights
(5-18-2004) – The Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum has a spiffy new home on the world wide web: http://museum.nhra.com. The site was designed to make it easy for museum visitors and others interested in the history of motor sport to navigate and to learn about museum events and programs.
The information-laden site features a virtual tour of the museum, the latest news from museum-produced events – including the Holley NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion and the NHRA California Hot Rod Reunion presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California – plus a photo gallery and a Museum store. Brent Friar of the National Hot Rod Association designed the site.
“We previewed our site extensively before making it available
to the public,” said Sam Jackson, Executive Director of the
Parks Museum. “We wanted to be sure our valued guests and
supporters would have a great, entertaining experience online and
be able to find what they need easily. We plan to update it regularly
and keep it vital and interesting.”
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Haddock adds new sponsor for Chicago
(5-18-2004) - NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series Funny Car driver and team owner, Terry Haddock has announced that the United Brotherhood of Carpenters (UBC) has signed on as an associate sponsor with the Barrett Enterprises Camaro. In conjunction, the Chicago and Northeast Illinois District Council of Carpenters has signed as a major associate sponsor for the two Chicago events, the NHRA Route 66 Nationals, May 20-23 2004 and the Carquest Auto Parts Nationals, September 30-October 3, 2004.
The 34-year-old Funny Car pilot, Haddock has a distinguished 15-year racing career. At age 19 he began racing stock cars, stepping up to drag racing five years later. In 1998, Haddock earned his Funny Car competition license becoming a member of the elite professional ranks in the NHRA.
“We are so proud to have the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and the Chicago and Northeast Illinois District Council of Carpenters join our Barrett Enterprises team,” said Haddock. “This is the only country where you can watch Funny Cars on TV as a kid and realize that when you have a dream, are true to it and work hard at it, you can achieve it. With the Union’s commitment and support along with what the Barrett’s have done for me plus with my other sponsors, Speed Logistics, Wheel Vintiques, newcomers, Werner Ladder and Industrial Ladder, Fram, Lucas Oil, Heavy Metal Creations and Urie and Blanton; this year has developed into the best time of my life and I know that it can only get better.”
“Our association with Terry Haddock is a perfect fit,” said Earl J. Oliver, President of the Chicago and Northeast Illinois District Council of Carpenters. “Terry is an ambitious young man with a dream and he is willing to work hard to reach his goals. Things weren’t handed to him on a silver platter. He is an everyday guy that has to make things happen for him. Terry’s philosophy and work ethics fit in with the Union’s mission. As a Union member our carpenters can make their dreams come true and can have a good lifestyle for their families with great benefits. But just like Terry, it takes hard work and dedication. NHRA Drag Racing is a fast-paced, exciting sport that is rapidly growing, again just like the UBC, which is also rapidly growing. And as we travel with Terry and the Barrett Enterprises team, we want to make carpenters around the country aware of the advantages and benefits of joining their local Carpenter’s Union. While at the same time we can all have fun making dreams come true.”
Supercharged Warriors open season
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(5-18-2004) - Mason Dixon Dragway in Hagerstown MD., was the first race in the Supercharged Warriors 2004 season. A great time was had by all at the first National Open. The top three qualifiers were Mike Himes in the Danger Zone Camaro with a perfect 7.80 on the Warriors index. Dave Covell and Jerry Streb ran identical 7.837 E.T.’s to round out the top spots. First round action paired up Bob Lascak and Joe Veschusio with Lascak going red and Joe ran a great 7.805 to take the win. Paired up next was last seasons champ John Perrello in the Lethal Injection 63 Corvette going against always tough Dave Covell with Covell getting the win in a double break-out 7.798 to Perrellos 7.795. Jerry Streb took out he DeCort Bros. in their newly painted Prowler with a stellar 7.81 to a slowing with transmission problems pass of 8.25 for the Prowlin Around car. All was not lost though as the DeCorts did win the Perma-Cool Burnout Challenge as voted by the fans. Mike Himes went on to take out Marty Beno with a great .017 R.T. to win the Enderle Reaction Time award and ran a 7.87 to the Blown Insane altereds 7.90. The final would pair up The Thriller of Joe Veschusio and the Bad as I Wanna Be '69 Camaro of Jerry Streb. Due to weather concerns, the final was postponed until the next race on Memorial Day weekend. Thanks to Enderle, Perma-Cool, Titan Speed, SCE Gaskets, DJ Safety and Rossler Transmissions for their continued support. - Mickey Hale
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That cheating Anderson?
(5-17-2004) - The rumor that wouldn’t die in Atlanta was that although he's not cheating, Greg Anderson may be enjoying dominance because he found a loophole in the Pro Stock rule book. The suggestion is that Anderson is using hyper-exotic and hyper-expensive metals in his engine and NHRA may be on the verge of outlawing them due to their cost and limited availability.
"We flew the space shuttle to the moon, reloaded on exotic parts, put the motor back together, and we have a good car again," joked Anderson after he and team mate Jason Line had to perform two major engine repairs and swaps. "That's probably the going to be the story so we'll just agree with it for the sake of argument.”
If a decision is coming from NHRA -- and it’s still a big
IF -- it should be handed down by the Columbus race in June.
World Ford Challenge results
(5-17-2004) - Initial results postings indicate Chuck Samuel defeated Pete Berner in the final round to win the 35K World Ford Challenge in St. Louis, Mo. More details are forthcoming as they become available.
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Where does driver safety fit into the equation?
(5-14-2004) - That's exactly what a lot of people are wondering following an incident that also involved the latest marketing gimmick for drag racing television coverage. We're not going to say whether or not it contributed to the intensity of one crash on Friday or not, but one thing is certain...it didn't help matters much.
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| What do you think? Here's photographic proof. |
Bob Casella, from Murrysville, Pa, crashed his SS/DA '69 Camaro on Friday morning in the first elimination round of Super Stock. Starting from the left lane he broke loose at the start and veered toward the centerline where he hit the triangular sponsorship sign just past the starting tree. After hitting the sign Casella veered back and hit the left wall very hard, then bounced off it and went back across track and hit the other wall before coming to a stop. (See photos above for photographic example following the accident.)
The time is coming soon that the NHRA and all sanctioning bodies are going to have to consider that anything posted on the racing surface past the tree is a hazardous measure. However, if the marketing aspects are going to overrule safety, some suggest that creating a foam version might be a better avenue. After all, isn't that why we do the foam timing blocks instead of the old photo cell timers? - Bobby Bennett
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McCLENATHAN, BAZEMORE, ANDERSON AND SAVOIE EARN NHRA POWERADE SERIES VICTORIES AT SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT NHRA SOUTHERN NATIONALS
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| Top Fuel -- Cory McClenathan, 4.651 seconds, 320.74 mph def. Clay Millican, 4.700 seconds, 315.93 mph. |
(4-16-2004)- Cory McClenathan snapped a two-year winless streak Sunday at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals presented by Pontiac at Atlanta Dragway.
Whit Bazemore, Greg Anderson and Angelle Savoie also were winners in their respective categories at the $1.8 million race, the seventh of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series.
Visit our same day notes at NHRA Southern Nationals
NHRA Southern Nationals Photo Gallery
IOANNOU, KUBO, RAMOS JR., GARDELLA AND PADILLA WINNERS AT NHRA SUMMIT SPORT COMPACT FOURTH EVENT
(5-16-2004) - George Ioannou took home his third "Wally" trophy of the season in Pro RWD at the Northeast NHRA Sport Compact Nationals presented by General Motors completing a record-setting weekend of racing at Atco Raceway.
Lisa Kubo, Jose Ramos Jr., Gary Gardella and Jesus Padilla also were winners at the fourth of 10 events in the $2.1 million NHRA Summit Sport Compact Series.
Ioannou, of the New Jersey-based Bullish Racing Team, powered his StreetGlow Toyota Solara to victory over teammate Ara Arslanian with an 8.266 E.T. at 175.21 mph in the final-round for his 10th career win. Ioannou, who lost his quarterfinal round race to Craig Paisley, was given the opportunity to continue in eliminations when Paisley failed to have his vehicle weighed following the round.
"This was all about heart and the pride this team has, getting both cars in the finals and winning again," said Ioannou, who also defeated Arslanian in the finals of the season-opening event in Fontana, Calif. "We were fortunate to get to the finals but great teams take advantage of the situation and still work hard to get the victory."
Kubo, from Chino Hills, Calif., who recorded the first seven-second
run in Pro FWD history earlier this season, powered her APC Saturn
Ion Quad Coupe to victory over defending category champ Nelson Hoyos
with a final round pass of 7.956 at 189.95. The win was the eighth
of Kubo's career and fifth in a row dating back to the finals in
Pomona in 2003. Kubo and Hoyos have met in seven consecutive final
rounds, with Kubo holding a 5-2 advantage.
"The car shook a bit in second gear but the lane held up for
us and we were able to pull out the win," Kubo said. "We
didn't feel like we knew the track well, but it just happened for
us this time. It was a lucky win."
Ramos Jr., in the 1981 Toyota Corolla, picked up his first career
victory in Modified defeating Carlos Perez, from Jersey City, N.J.,
in the 1983 Mazda. Ramos Jr. broke on the starting line and won
the race despite not completing the pass, due to Perez red lighting.
Gardella, from Jackson, N.J., collected his third career win and
first of the season in Turbo Magazine Hot Rod with a 8.654 pass
at 157.03 defeating Marty Ladwig, driver of the GM Racing 2003 Pontiac
Sunfire, in the final round of eliminations.
"It was the greatest feeling in the world to win in front of the home town fans, my family and friends," Gardella said. "We had a great reaction time in the final and Marty had tranny problems, but I'll take the win. This should get me close to the spot that we want to be in heading into Denver and we plan on taking a run at the championship."
Padilla, from Kissimmee, Fla., earned his 11th career victory by defeating Scott Mohler in the Honda Tuning All Motor final. Padilla clocked a run of 9.996 at 132.22 in his 1985 Mazda RX-7, while Mohler posted a 10.058 at 132.62 in his Mopar 1998 Dodge Neon in the runner-up effort. Padilla has won three consecutive races after winning one race all of last season.
"I've been pushed in every race this season but this was the first time it was really a race in the final round," Padilla said. "I'm so proud of the results I've had with the car knowing how hard I work on it every day."
The next NHRA Summit Sport Compact Series event is the inaugural Mopar NHRA Sport Compact Nationals, June 12-13 at Bandimere Speedway in Morrison, CO.
Points standings following NHRA Southern Nationals
(4-16-2004) - Point standings (top 10) for NHRA professional categories following the 24th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals presented by Pontiac at Atlanta Dragway, the seventh of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series -
Top Fuel
1. Tony Schumacher, 613; 2. Brandon Bernstein, 547; 3. Doug Kalitta, 469; 4. Cory McClenathan, 413; 5. David Grubnic, 412; 6. Clay Millican, 366; 7. Darrell Russell, 359; 8. Larry Dixon, 352; 9. Scott Kalitta, 334; 10. Doug Herbert, 310.
Funny Car
1. Del Worsham, 513; 2. Whit Bazemore, 462; 3. John Force, 450; 4. Tim Wilkerson, 427; 5. Gary Scelzi, 416; 6. Gary Densham, 406; 7. Eric Medlen, 400; 8. Phil Burkart, 397; 9. Jerry Toliver, 369; 10. Tony Pedregon, 337.
Pro Stock
1. Greg Anderson, 784; 2. Kurt Johnson, 541; 3. Jason Line, 450; 4. Larry Morgan, 444; 5. Jeg Coughlin, 400; 6. Dave Connolly, 367; 7. Warren Johnson, 356; 8. Bruce Allen, 333; 9. Rickie Smith, 243; 10. Mike Edwards, 241.
Pro Stock Bike
1. Andrew Hines, 250; 2. GT Tonglet, 225; 3. Karen Stoffer, 222; 4. Geno Scali, 209; 5. Antron Brown, 204; 6. Angelle Savoie, 201; 7. Shawn Gann, 181; 8. Mike Berry, 156; 9. Fred Collis, 106; 10. Michael Phillips, 101.
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Tom Hammonds Chevrolet Set For Ribbon Cutting, Grand Opening Celebration
(5-12-2004) - It's been over a year since Pro Stock Chevy Cavalier driver Tom Hammonds made his last quarter-mile pass in NHRA competition at the 2003 Mac Tools Gatornationals in Gainesville, Fla. In addition to challenging for a starting spot in one of the toughest categories in all of motorsports, the 37-year-old Hammonds' attention was directed to the completion of final coursework in the GM Minority Dealer Development program and the subsequent acquisition of his own GM auto dealership. On Friday, May 21, at 12:00 p.m., the former NBA and ACC college basketball standout will realize his lifelong dream with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new Tom Hammonds Chevrolet in Darlington, S.C. The recently opened facility will also host a grand opening celebration on Saturday, May 22, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
"I'm so excited," exclaimed Hammonds. "I'm like a kid in a candy store. The first week we were here I didn't get much sleep because all I wanted to do was spend time at the dealership. When business hours were over I kept driving around the lot, looking at all those great cars, and to be honest, the whole situation's been a lot of fun. With Chevrolet strengthening its lineup with 10 new products in the next 18 months, I couldn't have picked a better time to open Tom Hammonds Chevrolet.
"Owning a car dealership is something I've always wanted. I thank God for being in a position to be able to take advantage of this opportunity - this is a dream come true. And to have a Chevrolet franchise, that's just icing on the cake. I'm not placing myself on a pedestal just because my name's on the store. If we're in a rush and a car needs to be cleaned, I'll wash it. Our employees know I'm in the trenches with them and that I always will be."
Linda Vaughn, First Lady of Auto Racing, Honored with Spotlight Award at 2nd Annual NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion, June 18-20
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(5-12-2004) – The First Lady of the United States changes every four or eight years, depending on fickle voters. The First Lady of Auto Racing will never change. She’s Linda Vaughn, and she’s being presented with the Justice Bros. Car Care Products Reunion Spotlight Award at the second annual Holley NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion, presented by DuPont Automotive Finishes, set for June 18-20, at Beech Bend Park, in Bowling Green, Ky.
“No one in motor sport is better known than Linda Vaughn,”
said Sam Jackson, executive director of the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports
Museum in Pomona, Calif., producers of the festive four-day hot
rod extravaganza. “She’s a pleasure to be with and a
treasure to the sport.
“I’m thrilled to be honored at the Holley National Hot
Rod Reunion presented by DuPont,” Vaughn said. “All
my great friends will be there and it will be a grand celebration.”
Born in Dalton, Ga., Linda Vaughn won the title of “Miss
Atlanta International Raceway” in 1961 at age 18. She earned
a ride in the pace car for the Daytona 500 the following year, as
“Miss Pontiac.” In 1963, she was named “Miss Firebird”
and was featured in Esquire magazine.
She first was named “Miss Hurst Golden Shifter” after
winning a national contest coordinated by Hot Rod Magazine. Linda
has represented Hurst ever since.
Her first movie role was in the cult classic, “The Gumball Rally,” where she played a role with many other racers in a parody of a real outlaw racing event, The Cannonball Run. In 1983, Linda again took to the silver screen with Burt Reynolds in “Stroker Ace,” based loosely on real racing incidents.
Hurst promoted Linda to Vice President, Public Relations in 1983 and she was honored with a special citation during a SEMA Salute to the American Automotive Performance and Motorsports Industry.
Linda Vaughn’s smile and legendary memory for names, faces
and places has kept her busy in racing for four decades.
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It's Water and Sand Meets Asphalt at Southern Nationals
Jerry Toliver's Schick Quattro Funny Car to Feature "Step Into
Liquid" Theme
(5-12-2004) - Do drag racing and surfing mix? Well, both have deep roots in Southern California in a kind of water and waves meets asphalt kind of way.
Lions Gate Entertainment is using Jerry Toliver's Schick Quattro Toyota Celica Funny Car to combine the two sports during the NHRA Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway, May 14-16.
Toliver's Funny Car carries a distinctive surf look integrated with its traditional Schick Quattro colors to promote the release of Lions Gate's 2-disc DVD of the popular surf film "Step Into Liquid" during the weekend competition.
"We are pleased to carry the 'Step Into Liquid' theme this weekend," said Toliver. "Lions Gate is proud of the special DVD and we are happy they chose our team to help make everyone aware of it. Lions Gate plans to have several more special film-themed graphics for our Toyota Celica before the NHRA season is over."
"Step Into Liquid" takes viewers to surfing meccas across
the globe and provides breathtaking footage of world-class surfers.
Also included are a full-length video game and virtual surf lessons.
TV Schedule Change for Atlanta
(5-12-2004) - The time slot and network for the qualifying show for this weekend's Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway has changed. The two-hour show will start at 8 p.m. (ET) on Saturday, May 15 and will air on ESPN, the flagship station of the ESPN family of networks.
Eliminations will be shown as scheduled, 7-10 p.m. (ET) on ESPN2
on Sunday, May 16.
Tony Pedregon To Debut Special Paint Scheme On New Chevy Monte Carlo Body
(5-12-2004) – Defending Funny Car champion Tony Pedregon will debut a special paint scheme of “Shrek 2”, the movie sequel to the Academy Award winning blockbuster “Shrek”, beginning at Atlanta Dragway this weekend. The promotion will continue at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Ill. (May 20-23) and Heartland Park Topeka in Topeka, Kan. (May 28-30) as well.
“Shrek 2 will be a blockbuster hit this year,” said Pedregon. “To partner up with Action Performance once again to help promote the movie is a great opportunity. Plus, I think fans always enjoy seeing new paint schemes. A major focus for NHRA is to continually generate excitement for our family audience, and a Shrek themed car delivers that.”
Shrek 2 brings back the voices of Mike Myers as Shrek, Eddie Murphy as Donkey and Cameron Diaz as Princess Fiona. Joining the all-star voice-cast are Julie Andrews and John Cleese as Princess Fiona’s royal parents, Antonio Banderas as Puss in Boots, Rupert Everett as Prince Charming and Jennifer Saunders as the Fairy Godmother.
“Shrek 2” sends Shrek, Donkey and Princess Fiona on a whirlwind of new adventures with more fairytale favorites to lampoon along the way. After battling a fire breathing dragon and the evil Lord Farquaad to win the hand of Princess Fiona, Shrek now faces his greatest challenge: the in-laws. Shrek and Princess Fiona return from their honeymoon to find an invitation to visit Princess Fiona’s parents, the King and Queen of the Kingdom of Far Far Away. With Donkey along for the ride, the newlyweds set off.
Pedregon will not only be supporting the release of “Shrek 2” on May 19th, but will also debut a brand new Chevrolet Monte Carlo body.
“We’ve been looking forward to getting the Monte Carlo ever since Cruz started running his in Las Vegas,” said Pedregon. “We think it’s going to help us aerodynamically, plus it’s lighter, stronger and safer.
“The Monte Carlo marketing team and GM engineers have done a great job,” added Pedregon. “It has the downforce we need and it has less drag. It really stacks up with the competition and I’m really looking forward to running it this weekend.”
Pedregon won at Atlanta Dragway last season and will look to defend his title when qualifying begins on Friday, May 14, at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Two more qualifying sessions are slated for Saturday May 15, at 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for Sunday, May 16, at 11:00 a.m.
California Dragway at California Speedway in Fontana opens with new surface
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(5-11-2004) - On May 8, California Dragway had open testing day to invite a variety of drag cars to make a pass on the new surface. Prior to the NHRA Winternationals, Dave and Kathy Danish took over running the drag strip. On their first weekend they had the Southern California Pro Gas as well as other entities. They wanted to see how the local racers liked the track they offered a free test and tune day.
The Fastest car to show up was Dennis Taylor in his TAFC and Ben
Harper in an A/Fuel dragster. Both drivers did healf-track burn
outs but experienced severe tireshake on their respective runs.
Rick Rogers brought out his nitrous-injected Top Fuel dragster and
experienced relative success.
All in all, the new racing surface got off to a good start with
better times clearly ahead.
Taylor added, "Hey I have not been able to test my car anywhere where I can sleep in my own bed...not since they closed O.C.I.R. Man that has been a while."
Yes Dennis, it has been a while.
Here's one to ponder:BIR’s ‘taconite track’ moves closer to becoming a state testing facility, national showcase
(5-11-2004) – By next fall, Brainerd International Raceway’s three-mile road course could have a fresh new surface made of special taconite tailings-based asphalt that would be paid for with state and federal grant money. In return, BIR would allow the Minnesota Department of Transportation and other agencies to monitor and test the surface in an effort to prove the material’s durability and its value as an alternative construction material on public roads nationwide.
In the end, BIR would have a durable and long-lasting race track – the only one of its kind in the world – on which to continue its tradition of offering world-class motorsports, while the state would have a road surface that could be tested under extreme driving and weather conditions, while showcasing the benefits of using taconite tailings-based asphalt. BIR also would allow the Minnesota State Patrol to use the facility for training purposes.
BIR General Manager Scott Quick met Friday with a number of public and private individuals who are working to advance the use of taconite tailings as a substrate in asphalt. BIR reconstructed its quarter-mile drag strip last year, using taconite asphalt to give dragsters more traction and increase speeds. Now, the plan is to reconstruct the rest of the track with the material.
Also at the meeting was Dave Hendrickson, director of the University of Minnesota’s Center for Applied Research & Technology; Rick Anderson of Iron Range Resources; Bruce Gerlach of Cleveland Cliff Mining Corp.; Cpt. Mark Johassen of the Minnesota State Patrol; Ed Shaughnessy of C.R. Meyer & Sons; Brainerd Mayor Jim Wallin; and Elwyn Tinklenberg and Dan Krome of The Tinklenberg Group, which is a consulting firm that’s working with states as far east as Pennsylvania to encourage using this material on public roads.
The group indicated that it may be possible to acquire matching funds and grants worth the $800,000 needed for the track construction (a conservative estimate by Quick). That would enable construction to begin in September and conclude before winter. Gerlach said he’d support a donation of taconite tailings by Cleveland Cliff Mining.
This morning’s meeting was a giant step toward making the project happen, which was a pleasant surprise, Quick said. “I was very encouraged after the meeting. Everyone’s stepping up because they understand the incredible value a project like this has to the Iron Range mines as well as to the entire state of Minnesota. Showing Minnesota and other states that investing in roads with this material is a wise choice will generate significant jobs and revenue for the Iron Range. And race tracks throughout the country will be getting in line to use it as well.”
Using this special asphalt on public roads is already gaining popularity nationwide because the product is so durable it requires less patching and needs to be replaced less often than conventional asphalt. Plus, many markets, like the Twin Cities, are experiencing a shortage of available rock aggregate to make traditional asphalt.
Taconite tailings, which is the course, jagged rock-like material left behind from the taconite mining process, is found in abundance on the Iron Range in northeast Minnesota. In fact, 4 billion tons of the material are currently available. The cost is very affordable – about $1 a ton – but because the tailings are so dense, transporting them is very expensive and difficult. Trucks transported BIR’s tailings from EVTAC Mining in Eveleth, Minn., but major road construction projects will require the material to be transported by rail or water.
BIR President Bill Singleterry said that Sports Resorts International,
of which BIR is a subsidiary, fully supports this effort and looks
forward to hosting a test facility for the state of Minnesota.
EDELBROCK POSTS CONTINGENCY AT SUPER CHEVY SHOWS
(5-11-2004) – Continuing its longstanding grassroots approach with racers and car enthusiasts, Edelbrock has signed on as a contingency sponsor for the 2004 Super Chevy Show Series.
"The Super Chevy Show Series is a great way for Edelbrock to meet with our loyal race customers and fans and hear what they have to say," said Jason Snyder, Edelbrock national sales manager. "Being at events like Super Chevy is another avenue that helps us continually build our relationship with them and highlight the products they want."
According to Snyder, Edelbrock is posting contingency in all eligible classes for Edelbrock aluminum intake manifolds, aluminum cylinder heads, brand-new Q-Jet carburetors, electric fuel pumps (in-line design only) and complete Edelbrock nitrous systems. To support the racers of the 19-event Super Chevy Show Series, Snyder said Edelbrock is posting the payouts for the event winner: $150 (per eligible product); and event runner-up: $50 (per eligible product).
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Track records fall at Outlaw Spring Shootout
(5-11-2004) - Track records fell in both categories racing during this past weekend's Outlaw Spring Shootout at Angleton Dragway. The Outlaw 10.5 division saw former Pro Stock Truck standout Jeff Naiser take the win, while David Hubbard took the win in Texas Pro Stock. Both winners reset the track records en route to their victories, Naiser running a 4.745 second time and Hubbard broke into the 4's with a 4.999 second pass.
The event was the first big race held since the extensive renovations were completed early this year. The renovations included several acres of paved pits, permanent restrooms, and more grandstands. The racing surface itself took extensive work over the offseason as well.
"We're thrilled to finally get an event under our belt this year," said Randy Hunsucker, track owner. "With the improvements we've made to the facility, we're nowhere near as susceptible to rain as we were last year. It takes a pretty good rain to rain us out now with all the pavement and track drying equipment. Unfortunately for us and the local race fans, we've had a lot of heavy rains on weekends. I've heard on the news that it's rained 80% of the weekends this year. We had a great event, a good crowd, and some record breaking runs. We're pretty satisfied with that."
Event coordinator Will Hanna was pleased as well with the event.
"It's like we got a few monkeys off our back," stated Hanna. "One, we finally got a race weekend without rain. We can take a pretty good rain out here and not be rained out, but when its actually raining, there's nothing you can do. Two, we had some great times out of both lanes; the track was killer. Randy and the crew spent a lot of time getting the track ready and it showed. I think the times we saw Saturday night should silence the nay sayers. We also had the event completed by midnight, which was one of our goals."
Texas Outlaw Racing Association Outlaw 10.5 winner Naiser won the event with back-breaking consistency. Naiser ran a 4.78 to defeat Don Wootton, a 4.75 to defeat Marcus Carew, a 4.74 to beat Rick Cook, and an early shutoff 4.80 in the final to defeat Brian Herzog, who had reset the Outlaw 10.5 speed record with a 153.21 mph blast in qualifying.
"In the final I saw his car go away and he had obviously lifted, so I lifted," explained Naiser. "We looked at the computer and the numbers, and we were on about a 4.73 pass in the final. The track was great all day, and we look forward to coming back out here and racing again."
Texas Pro Stock winner Hubbard also used consistency to win, battling through the field of 16 cars, running times between 4.99 and 5.03 every round. In the final, he defeated A.J. Richnow with a 5.007 at 139.71 mph.
"We ran very well in both lanes," stated Hubbard. "We'll take that 'junky' left lane any day! We had a great time running here and we'll be ready to come back again."
Elimination Results from Saturday's Outlaw Spring Shootout
Round 1:
Rick Cook 4.801 seconds/152.03 mph def. bye
Billy Stocklind 4.861/151.52 def Kevin Cram 5.847/135.95
Jeff Naiser 4.785/150.05 def Don Wootton 4.877/149.55
Marcus Carew 5.140/141.82 def Roy Chaney broke
Brian Herzog 6.838/69.52 def Chris Elliot 5.030/143.82 (redlight)
Chris Holderness 5.135/142.31 def Luis Hildago broke
Round 2
Cook 4.806/150.55 def Stocklind 4.833/151.98
Naiser 4.759/150.60 def Carew 5.593/135.22
Herzog 4.808/153.01 def Holderness 5.096/142.63
Round 3
Naiser 4.745/150.30 def Cook 4.795/151.77
Herzog 13.009/37.58 def bye
Final
Naiser 4.801/137.11 def Herzog 5.448/103.73
Low ET: Jeff Naiser 4.745
Top Speed: Brian Herzog 153.21 mph
CARPENTER WRECKS “WORLD’S FASTEST ‘55” IN QUICK 8 EVENT
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(5-10-2004) – Charles Carpenter, owner and driver of “The World’s Fastest ‘55” Chevrolet did something at Coastal Plains Dragway that he has not done in 28 years. He crashed his race car during the first round of eliminations of the Quick 8 event held May 8 at the Jacksonville, N.C., facility.
Carpenter, uninjured in the accident, was on a single run because his opponent, Tori Cagle, had shut off at the starting line. Near the 100-foot mark Carpenter hit the wall hard, punching a hole nearly 15 feet long in the barrier. His vehicle then slid across the track into the left lane where Cagle was to have been.
“The car was in sort of a skid in which I had no control,” Carpenter stated. “If Tori (Cagle) had been in his lane, I think we would have got into each other.”
Carpenter’s car sustained heavy damage in the incident; the front end and right side door were torn off and both right side tires went flat. Debris from both the car and wall were strewn across the track and return lane.
“I think we might have broken an axle, or possibly a spool,” predicted Carpenter. “It was a great run. Nothing was giving me an indication that trouble was coming. I know it has been said so many times, but I just have to say that I hate it for our sponsors, like Embee Performance, Country Motors Trailer Sales, Buddy’s Automotive and Custom AutoSound. Some of them have been with me through thick and thin, but never something like this.
“But I can say that the last time I wrecked my car, I had nothing left to fix. So, all in all, this is not nearly as bad as it could have been,” said a dejected Carpenter.
Carpenter has been racing for 30 years, all in a ’55 Chevrolet. He wrecked the first race car he owned in 1976 beyond repair. This car can be repaired, and Carpenter has already vowed to rebuild the vehicle.
Plans for Carpenter’s return to competition are unclear. His car is the only ’55 Chevrolet in Pro Modified competition so the body has to be custom built, a drawback to running the sole car of this type in competition. Limited funding may also slow the rebuilding process. (Photo courtesy of David Anderson)
Go to the racers and get Flowers? Flowers' offers drag racing fans a chance to gamble for a free Top Fuel experience
(5-10-2004) - Independent Top Fuel owner and driver, Grant Flowers, has designed a special marketing and hospitality event specifically for the upcoming 4th annual ACDelco Virginia IHRA Nationals, May 28-30.
Flowers plans to offer hospitality amenities to customers of Bet2wingaming.com, an on-line gaming casino, which sponsors the Top Fuel dragster of Flowers. Flowers and Bet2wingaming.com have teamed up to offer their customers a personalized drag racing experience and access to the Top Fuel team's pit area.
"We've decided that this would be a wonderful and unique way to reward our customers with an unforgettable experience," said Flowers. "Our guests will get the chance to feel like they are actually part of a Top Fuel team."
There are two programs for players to participate with the promotion. Both programs will be opened to customers of Bet2wingaming.com for the ACDelco Virginia IHRA Nationals at Virginia Motorsports Park on Saturday, May 29, 2004.
THE PLAYER REWARDS PROGRAM
Credentials for Saturday, May 29, include a free T-shirt, food and beverages, and a comfortable place to sit down and relax, as well as meet and talk with driver Grant Flowers. To receive our Player Rewards hospitality credentials, each customer must register and open an account on Bet2wingaming.com, deposit $100, and email the team at Bet2wingaming@yahoo.com. Please provide your name and address so we may verify your account and forward your credentials. The Player Rewards Program will be open to the first 50 people who register and notify us at our website.
HIGH ROLLER PROGRAM
In addition to full access within the hospitality
area, given through our
Player Rewards program; High Roller customers will experience
a once in a lifetime chance of sitting in a Top Fuel dragster
during a warm up and standing on the starting line during a Top
Fuel qualifying run. The High Roller program is available to Bet2wingaming.com
registered customers who open an account, deposit $500, and email
the team at Bet2wingaming.com. Make sure to provide your name
and address so we can verify your account and forward your credentials.
Be sure and enter today before it's too late for your chance to feel 7,000 horsepower shake your soul like you've never experienced. The only way to get any closer is to get behind the wheel!
For further information on the race team or the Top Fuel Experience promotion, please contact us at Bet2wingaming @yahoo.com
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Tony Pedregon To Be Featured Guest on Wind Tunnel
(5-10-2004) - Defending NHRA POWERade Funny Car champion Tony Pedregon will be the featured guest on Wind Tunnel with Dave Despain, on Tuesday, May 11, at 10 p.m. (ET) on Speed channel.
“Wind Tunnel is a show where the fans can really get involved,” said Pedregon. “I’m excited to talk with Dave and I’m looking forward to answering questions from the viewers.”
In his first season as team owner and driver of the Quaker State Chevrolet, Pedregon has posted a runner up finish in Phoenix and also earned the low qualifier award in Las Vegas. He is currently 10th in the NHRA Funny Car POWERade points standings.
Pedregon has a total of 27 career wins and ranks
2nd on the all-time NHRA Funny Car win list among active drivers.
He has 302 career Funny Car round wins with 49 final round appearances.
AMS Pro Modifieds TV Schedule Change
(5-10-2004) - Due to a scheduling
conflict with the network, ESPN2 moved the AMS Pro Mod Show from
Houston which was scheduled to be televised Sunday, May 9th at
11 AM EST will now be seen Sunday, May 23rd at 11 AM EST. Make
sure you tune in because it is reportedly their best show to date.
There is also a new segment called "Sixty Seconds of Thunder"
which is a minute of high energy highlights from Houston featuring
music by SLUR. (see SLUR.com for more info)
Carolina Dragway Funny Car Fox Hunt Photos Online
(5-10-2004) - Roger Richards and Brian Wood made it to Carolina Dragway for their Funny Car Foxhunt. Their photos can be found in Carolina Dragway FC Show.
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Roger Richards shoots Hooters...
(5-6-2004) - The title ought to be enough to get your attention. On certain nights in Greenville, SC, at the Hooters Restaurant, the hottest sport compacts and custom Harley-Davidsons converge for a cruise-in like the old days. Roger recently dropped in at the custom bike cruise. He shot a ton of photos for our sister publication VTwinPlus.com. Click here to see the Custom Bikes.
2004 DRO / NMM Cup Points Standings following Bristol
(Effective 5-4-04)
1) Al Billes 910 (2 Wins)
2) Ed Hoover 617
3) Mitch Stott 615
4) Mike Ashley 614 (1 Win)
5) Von Smith 413
6) Zach Barklage 410
7) Fred Hahn 208
8) Mike Janis 208
9) Scotty Cannon 207
10) Thomas Patterson 102
11) Chip King 102
12) Mike Castellana 101
13) Rickie Smith 101
2004 AMS Pro Mod Shootout Points Standings*
(Effective 5-4-04)
1) Von Smith 21 (1 Pole)
2) Mike Ashley 19 (1 Pole)
3) Ed Hoover 17
4) Mitch Stott 15
5) Thomas Patterson 14
6) Shannon Jenkins 11
7) Al Billes 10
8) Zach Barklage 10
9) Rickie Smith 9 (1 Pole)
10) Chip King 9
11) Fred Hahn 8 (1 Pole)
12) Mike Janis 8 (1 Pole)
13) Scotty Cannon 7
14) Tim McAmis 7
15) Mike Castellana 5
16) Dennis Radford 5
17) Kirk Kuhns 2
18) Rick Distefano 2
19) Scott Ray 1
* The Top 8 points earners will compete in the 2nd annual AMS Pro Mod Shootout which will be held during Qualifying at the 4th annual ACDelco Las Vegas NHRA Nationals October 28th – 31st 2004. The #1 Qualifier at each event will earn 8 points the #8 Qualifier will earn 1 point and so on. Points will be earned through the 19th annual O’Reilly NHRA Fall Nationals in Dallas, TX October 14th – 17th 2004.
Hey Ya'll Watch This...
(5-7-2004) - Thomas Pope is best known for his
insightful columns as the motor sports
editor of The Fayetteville (N.C.) Observer. On this day, he carried
a camera
to the finish line. These photos were taken at Kinston (N.C.) Drag
Strip in
either '78 or '79. Western Bunns, driving the "Soul Twister"
nitro Funny
Car, got out of shape and hit a dirt embankment on the opposite
side of the
track from which he started. He came out of his harness at that
point and
was twisted upside down, head first into the floorboard. You can
see his
legs outside the car in the first shot - look for the silver driver
boots
between the rear tire and the engine. Then the car began rolling
and
tumbling down the track, and the second photo clearly shows the
predicament
he's in. He was knocked unconscious and broke both legs, but that
was the
extent of his injuries.
He's throwing up his hands and surrendering
(5-6-2004) - Rick Stivers will be the first to admit he's whipped. The longtime Pro Modified racer from Lexington, Ky., has called it quits. Stivers is selling his entire racing operation and will cut someone a deal. He's got $600K invested in the year old operation and willing to part with it for $400K. You can contact him via phone at 859-621-8859 or shoot him an email at StiversBoss@aol.com.
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Kalitta’s Oberhofer to appear on next Discovery Channel’s MONSTER GARAGE
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(5-6-2004) – Mac Tools/Jesse James Top Fuel dragster co-crew chief Jim Oberhofer will appear as a member of the design team on the wildly popular Discovery Channel series MONSTER GARAGE next week. In the hour-long episode that will air Monday, May 10, at 9 p.m. (EST), Oberhofer contributes some of his drag racing know-how to help design a 1/4 mile Cadillac racer. The show is hosted by legendary fabricator and all-around rebel rouser Jesse James, sponsor of Jim “O”’s 7000+ horsepower, nitro hot rod.
Oberhofer, a 17-year Kalitta Motorsports veteran, filmed his part of the show in February after the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series season-opening Winternationals in Pomona, Calif.
“It was a lot of fun,” Oberhofer said. “I think Jesse already had in mind what he wanted to do with the car before we (the design team) got there. I think I was just there to validate some of his ideas about building the racecar.
“I was there mainly to tell him and the other guys on the design team if things would work. Obviously, I know more about Top Fuel racing, but the basic principles can be used to make anything go faster – things like getting good traction and motor angles and stuff like that are what I helped with.”
The project began as a 1981 Fleetwood Cadillac. After just a few days of flying sparks, raging power tools, the addition of a set of rear slicks, a supercharged power plant and many more custom pieces, the new metal monster hit the pavement with James behind the wheel.
Oberhofer added, “The car was trick when they got done with it. When we got to see it run after they (the build team) were finished with it, I was surprised how quickly it ran. There weren’t any timers, but you could tell that it was a fast car. You could tell Jesse had a lot of fun driving it.
“He enjoys what he’s doing. We watched him working on the car some. Even with all of his celebrity status and all that, he still really likes just getting in there and getting his hands dirty and banging away on metal.”
Two of James’ world-famous West Coast Choppers custom motorcycles
can be seen in the Mac Tools/Kalitta Motorsports pit area at any
one of the 23 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series national events.
Outlaw Pro Competition coming to the East Coast
(5-6-2004) - Its Outlaw Pro Comp time. The Outlaw Pro Comp group is a group of racers with blown cars, dragsters, altereds, funny cars and promods. They admittedly have two loves; one is running fast and the other is their fans. Their really neat set up is called the Frantic 4 and the Quick 8. Their interesting ladder pits #1 against #2, #3 versus #4 and so on. Payouts are determined by sponsorship and bookings they get. Their plan is in trying to get this all together for 2005. They are looking to run the whole east coast and are scheduling bookings and looking for potential sponsors for 2005. This is a nonprofit organization and they plan to do it for the fans and the love of racing. They have a website at www.outlawprocomp.com. Don Johnson has all the info on the show at 207-793-2078 or email him at dj3107@adelphia.net. With the help of DJ Safety Equipment and others they want to make this the best show for the money. Here's your call to join.
Drag racing and nitro isn't just limited to asphalt
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(5-6-2004) - In 2003 Greg Tedesco pulled his “Loose Cannon” twin prop fueler off the IHBA tour, and left for what some thought was for good. Many were surprised when he resurfaced at the season opening 21st Annual IHBA “Lakefest” at Firebird lake in Chandler, AZ.
When Sunday’s eliminations were completed all the bad memories for Tedesco and the “Loose Cannon” team were forgotton. He opened round one with a big win over the World Champion Mark Workentine, and set up a semi final bout with the dominating number one qualifier (4.96 e.t.) John Hipwell in Ron Braaksma’s “Madness”, who again went into the magic zone with a first round 4.98 thrashing of John Irvine. This looked to be all “Madness”, but Tedesco got the one break he needed as Hipwell suffered engine damage, and the “Cannon” went on for the win. In the final Tedesco met Daryl Erlich in the “Hot Licks” boat. When the tree went green both boats experienced problems, but Tedesco managed to hang on and limp to the season opening win. After a roller coaster weekend Tedesco will enter his “Loose Cannon” at the second stop on the IHBA tour, Red Bluff’s “Nitro
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Nationals” as the National points leader.
2004 looked like a continuation of the ’03 season in Top Alcohol Hydro as 2003 World Champion Tim Stokes “Widowmaker” and number two man Ted Faggert’s “Superstar” once again squared off for the money. After both men worked their way through a full field of top caliber competition, the stage was set for another great final. At the green Stokes took a slight starting line advantage, and stretched it out with a 5.39, 222 mph blast to a losing 5.51, 216 mph for Faggert.
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Tony Scarlata guided the “Canyon Factory Special” over Bob Raber’s “Blurred Vision” in the always tough Top Alcohol Flatbottom division.
In IHBA’s toughest class, the Pro Modified division , Bakersfield, CA Policeman Lonnie Mills gained his first National event win by taking his “Excessive Force” hydro over Vic Esposito’s “What a Tomato” boat.
The 2004 IHBA season has the makings of one of it’s best ever, as the liquid quarter mile warriors head to the richest and biggest drag boat race in the world, the 28th “Nitro Nationals” on Memorial Day weekend in Red Bluff, CA.
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Grand Bend Motorplex Upgrades
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(5-5-2004) - Grand Bend Motorplex is proud to announce the completion of its’ off-season construction projects.
Although hampered by the harsh Canadian winter, the GBM crew has finished up two important projects.
The remaining Armco guardrail that extended from GBM’s starting line to the 660 foot mark has been removed and replaced with concrete barriers, completing their three year project to switch to entirely concrete guardrails at Canada’s largest drag racing facility.
On top of that daunting task, as the pictures show, the GBM team has finished installation on their brand new Daktronics scoreboards. Of even greater interest to competitors, the new scoreboards have been moved from the previous 1000’ position, to their new location at the finish line.
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Grand Bend Motorplex would like to extend special thanks to the Top Sportsman “Back in Black” racing team of Kim Dineen for their invaluable assistance in rewiring the Compulink timing system and wiring installation of the new scoreboards.
For more information contact: motorplx@hay.net
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Car Clubs Needed
Hello!
I am the Event Coordinator for the Denso Iridium Spark Plugs
NMRA Ford
Nationals and the PRO Hot Rod & Muscle Car Nationals. Between
the two
series, we run 17 events per season all over the East Coast and
Midwest. A
huge part of each of our events is our Auto Show & Shine.
We are currently in search of a Host Car Club for some of our
events, and we
were wondering if you belong to or know of a club that may be interested
in
working with us. The Host Car Club must have at least 15 members
who would
be able to work at the event and must be willing to help us advertise
and
promote the event. In return, ProMedia will make a donation to the
club's
treasury.
We are in need of Host Car Clubs for the following shows:
NMRA All-Ford Auto Show & Shine Presented By Dallas Mustang
1. Martin, MI on Sept. 10-12, 2004
2. Bowling Green, KY on Sept. 30-May 3, 2004
PRO Auto Show & Shine Presented By NMCA
1. Bowling Green, KY on June 11-13, 2004
2. Martin, MI on July 30-31, 2004
3. Atlanta, GA on Sept. 17-19, 2004
4. Memphis, TN on Oct. 8-10, 2004
If you have any information on a club that may be interested
in becoming the
Official Host Car Club for one of the above events, please contact
me. As a
a bonus, we'll give 5 free NMRA or PRO T-Shirts to the person who
refers a
club which signs up!
Thanks,
Melissa Lawrence
Event Coordinator
Email: mlawrence@promediapub.com
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CAYUGA DRAGWAY'S 50TH ANNIVERSARY REUNION; First Lady of Motorsport
Linda Vaughn will appear at Cayuga Dragway 50th Anniversary Reunion
(5-5-2004) - The first lady of motorsports is
coming to the Cayuga Dragway 50th Reunion.
Linda Vaughn, one of racing's best-know personalities and a true
ambassador to the sport, is scheduled to take part in the festivities
during the event May 14-16, 2004.
Linda will fly in from her Los Angeles home May 13th, and take part in a special Reunion reception. On Friday, May 14th, she will be on hand for the "Marty McSorley and Friends" Barbeque starting at 12:00 noon. Later in the day, from 6:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m., Linda will be one of the honored guests at the 50th Reunion Official Ceremonies to be held at the Fisherville Community Centre.
" I would love it," said Linda when approached by the
Celebration committee recently.
Known best for her title of "Miss Hurst Golden Shifter"
and a familiar sight at many racing venues throughout the past three
decades, the Georgia native got her start in 1961 winning the title
of "Miss Atlanta International Raceway." She has continued
to promote motorsports throughout her career, and her trademark
blonde hair and statuesque figure have graced many a winners' circle,
including several appearances at Cayuga Dragway Park.
In 1962, the former dental technician was "Miss Pontiac" in the Daytona 500, and the next year was hired by Pure Oil, and known as "Miss Pure Firebird" for the next three years.
In 1966 Hot Rod Magazine coordinated a search across the US to find a suitable person to promote George Hurst's line of transmission shifters. Linda was hired from about 200 applicants, becoming the company's premier promotional personality, and a legend was born. And not only was Linda at race tracks across North America, she was a prominent sight at many automotive-related shows and aftermarket events.
Along with her duties as Miss Hurst, Linda was the spokesperson for the Detroit-based Gratiot Auto Supply in the 1970's, and then 10 years later teamed up with the Mr. Gasket Performance Group as vice-president of public relations.
And aside from her work at Hurst, she has appeared in a couple of Hollywood films such as The Gumball Rally and Stroker Ace. Around this time she also acquired her SCCA competition license for sports car competition.
Calling herself "just a little ol' country gal from Georgia," Linda Vaughn has been an important part of the motorsports world for decades, and has been the most photographed and recognized of personalities in the sport. She has posed for and signed literally millions of photographs over the years for racing fans from just about every type of automotive competition, and continues this involvement to this day.
Now living in Southern California and still in the public relations
field, some of Linda's accomplishments include SEMA Person of the
Year in 1998, being honored by the Hot Rod Heritage Hall of fame,
and presented with Car Craft Magazine's "Ollie" award.
When not out promoting her favorite sport, Linda enjoys Southern-style
cooking, water skiing and swimming. She lists rockers Bob Seeger
and the Rolling Stones among her favorite performers.
The Cayuga Dragway 50th Anniversary Reunion will be a special celebration of drag racing history at the Kohler Road track. What was once a military air force base for the Royal Canadian Air Force blossomed through the years into one of the pioneer drag racing facilities in North America.
For more information visit the Cayuga Dragway 50th Anniversary Reunion Website: www.cayuga-dragway.com or email Bruce F. Mehlenbacher at mehlenbacher@nas.net.
A car cruise and gathering is also scheduled to be a part of the Cayuga Dragway 50th Anniversary Reunion hosted by the Graffiti Knights Car Club.
To take place in Fisherville, Ontario on Saturday, May 15, this
Cruise will feature a variety of vintage and collector cars on the
streets of Fisherville in a family-oriented atmosphere.
This will be a non-judged event open to all antique and classic
show cars and trucks as well as muscle cars, street rods and high-performance
late models. The event offers the car owner the opportunity to meet
and enjoy being with other car enthusiasts as well as well as spectators
while discussing and reminiscing about the cars on display.
Everyone is encouraged to bring lawn chairs and sit by the street to watch hundreds of beautiful show cars as they enter the downtown area for display.
The Cayuga Dragway 50th Anniversary Reunion Car Cruise is free to participants and spectators and everyone will have the opportunity to visit the Anniversary/Reunion activities at the Fisherville Community Centre.
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Harris takes Top Fuel points lead, 15 winners crowned at 16th Nitro Nationals Nostalgia Drags.
(5-5-2004) - The second stop in the Goodguys / K&N Filters 2004 Summer Series brought two action-packed days & nights of vintage drag racing excitement to the desert drag strip. Three groups of nitromethane powered racecars provided fans with spectacular displays of fire-breathing speed while winners were crowned in 6 professional and 9 sportsman categories.
Jack Harris of Kaysville, UT captured the laurels in Top Fuel while reseting the track speed and elapsed time records (5.83 at 255.48 mph) with a victory over Bill Dunlap of Capitola, CA. Sean Bellemeur emerged triumphant in Top Fuel B competition and Mike Adams of Prescott, AZ wheeled his ‘79 Corvette into the Nostalgia Funny Car winner’s circle.
March Meet winner Bill Wayne doubled-up in A/Fuel with a final round victory over Darby Neagle and the two Junior Fuel categories found Don Enriquez repeating in the B division while J.D. Zink beat the 2003 VRA World Champion, Scott Parks. Chris Abbey captured his first victory since entering the popular AA/Gas class by beating John Peterson.
Four divisions of Gassers competed at the Nitro Nationals. Jim Data blasted his ‘57 Pontiac past Don Chemello in A/Gas, James Schwartz captured B/Gas in his Chevy Vega, Paul Giacalone won C/Gas in a ‘55 Chevy and Larry Spies took D/Gas in his ‘67 Fairlane.
In Nostalgia Eliminator racing the current VRA champ Don Taros beat Roy Victor in the all dragster final. The 2002 NE2 champion Dan Schrokosch regained his winning ways and Craig White prevailed in NE3. The remaining sportsman category found Jeff Crider and Jeff Jackson battling for Hot Rod Eliminator. Crider got the win in his Vega panel wagon over the ‘57 Chevy of Jackson.
The next vintage drag racing event on the Goodguys calendar is
the Hot Rod Natioinals and will take place at the fabled Indianapolis
Raceway, June 11,12 & 13th. For addition information regarding
the 5 events in the Goodguys Vintage Drag Racing Series point your
web browser to www.good-guys.com
or call (925) 838-9876.
• Remember, if you have a story lead or news that you would like to share with us, or even some good old-fashioned gossip, drop us a line at rumors@competitionplus.com.
• Word has it that team owner Don Schumacher is building a new shop in Indy in close proximity to where Don Prudhomme and John Force built theirs. It is said to be large enough to house all existing teams as well as an additional Top Fuel team. Hmmmm....
• Our longtime buddy George Bryce is said to be very close to having a competitive Buell ready for NHRA and he is very encouraged with the results of testing. Now if Kawasaki can get their act together to become competitive, Pro Stock Bike will have the kind of real diversity it has needed for ages. By the way, we hope everybody took note of the full stands when the bikes were running. Before, as soon as Pro Stock car was done, the stands emptied. Even the Suzuki folks were noting that and were pleased that the diversity of competition was keeping the fans' interest. We, of course, keep hearing whining about leveling the playing field now that Harley-Davidson is doing well. Does that sound like NASCAR or what? Of course, Angelle's win took a little wind out of that argument.
• A Ford Focus Pro Stocker? Say it ain't so. That's what we're hearing is going to be headed to compete in Sunoco Pro Stock competition at the next IHRA event in Virginia.
• The NHRA has decided to allow supercharged Pro Modified racers to run at 25% overdrive in Chicago since there is an apparent shortage of 20% pulleys available.The decision is a tough one for a few supercharged teams, who have undergone extensive testing already on the new combination. Our question is this: will this shortage be alieviated by Virginia? If the problem exists, will the IHRA postpone their rule change?
• One of the worst kept secrets of drag racing has been the inclusion of many Ford-powered mountain motor Pro Stockers entering Fun Ford competition and the annual World Ford Challenge. We've caught wind that IHRA Sunoco Pro Stock racer John Montecalvo will be bringing two of his mountain motor Chevrolet Pro Stockers to the PRO event coming up later this month in Atco, NJ. The rumor mill has Jeff Dobbins driving a second team car at the same event. Is the Pro Street world ready for mountain motor Pro Stockers with mufflers?
• While rumors have been surrounding the Pro Stock community for an implementation of EFI in the near future, sources indicate that at least one of the three major manufacturers are very much interested in returning to a format similar to pounds versus cubic inch and limiting the cars to engine combinations currently coming out of Detroit. The question is, will turbos be in the proposed mix?
• Once the joke of the NHRA POWERade tour, word has it that Seattle Raceway's revamped racing surface may become one of the better if early bracket racing shows are any indication.
• QuarterMax Racing Pro Stock team (Rick Jones, Mark Stockseth and Butch White) are possibly looking into adding a second car team for the remainder of the 2004 season. The driving duties are rumored to be someone from NHRA Pro Stock.
• A series of meetings took place in the Pro Modified pits to discuss the recent rule changes by the IHRA in the class. A number of supercharged racers voiced their displeasure of the rule and began steps to organize in order to create a better dialogue between the racers and the sanctioning bodies regarding future rule changes.
• Here's something to ponder. Why has the NHRA only shown still photos when it comes to their video promotion of the upcoming 50th anniversary of the NHRA U.S. Nationals? Word has it there's some confusion over who owns the rights to the video footage - Diamond P or NHRA.
• The banter floating around the pits is that Terry Haddock has relieved tuner Paul Smith of his duties headed into Bristol. Smith will still tune for Jeff Arend.
• Reportedly, a meeting transpired in Rockingham between IHRA officials and Funny Car drivers. The topic of the meeting was the extensive oildowns on Friday. While the meeting was intended to encourage the teams to better police themselves, the underlying tone was to fix the problem or else.
• Word has it that 6 of 8 Top Fuel cars in Rockingham were running the Pro Nitro fuel. Pro Nitro is the alternative and cheaper priced nitro that is currently banned for use in NHRA competition.
• We took notice of a racer that was recently involved in an altercation with another at an NHRA event was seen with a special security guard at his side throughout the weekend in Houston.
• Sources indicate that a meeting took place between fuel racers, NHRA officials and a Goodyear rep and the agenda was focused around racer complaints surrounding the new tire. Could there be yet another tire forthcoming? Stay tuned. This is sure to be interesting.
• From what we're hearing, there's more to the Carribean Soul sponsorship thing than is being said. An unsubstantiated rumor suggests that the company's affiliation with an individual who has had problems in the past with the NHRA is the real reason for negating the deal with Bob Gilbertson.
• Word has it that we can add Tony Schumacher to the list of drivers converting to the one-piece Top Fuel body in the near future.
• Word has it that a Pro Modified car may soon be featured on The Learning Channel as a part of their Ride's show. Mike Ashley's Unique Performance-sponsored 1967 Shelby G.T. 500E, which is based on the "Eleanor" car used in Gone in 60 Seconds, will be filmed by a crew from the show while in Houston.
• The latest on the Pro Stock Truck Association lawsuit versus the NHRA is that it won't see the courtroom until January 10, 2006. The judge presiding over the case in Maricopa County, Arizona made his decision based on this being a high-dollar court case. According to sources, subpenas are close to being issued. The Maricopa County courthouse has a website for the case at Pro Stock Truck Lawsuit.
• Word has it that team owner Don Prudhomme provided Lucas Oil's Forrest Lucas with a 2003 Championship ring from Larry Dixon's 2003 season. Prudhomme is rumored to have asked when Kenny Bernstein is going to present Lucas with one.
• The hottest rumor floating around the industry is that the NHRA's decision to add Peter Clifford and Graham Light to the NHRA Board of Directors could have significant meaning later on in the season.
• Apparently the Pro Nitro guys, Jim Mac Monagle and Don Schumacher have been given the approval to pre-sale their fuel to IHRA Top Fuel racers.
• Sources indicate the NHRA will not approve the transfer of Caribbean Soul sponsorship from Don Sosenka to Bob Gilbertson for three races. Per NHRA rules, for an apparel company to gain permission to sell on the Midway, they must provide a major sponsorship on a professional race team. Sosenka was going to be out of competition for a few races. We'll look further into this one.
• It remains to be seen as to whether the San Antonio event will be the final one for six-time Pro Modified champion Scotty Cannon. Reportedly, the sticking point is the sale of his sponsor's product from the pits. The IHRA wants Cannon to sell from the Midway and the Mohawked One has said "thanks but, no thanks." It will be interesting to see if he's in Rockingham, but the combination of a professional entry fee and the loss of sponsorship income from the sunglass sales has apparently left him with a bad taste in his mouth. Let's hope all parties involved work this scenario out and the race fans will not have to suffer.
• Rumors are circulating that Angie McBride is no longer riding for Star Racing and George Bryce. We'll either confirm or discredit once contacts are made.
• We've caught wind that Bobby Lagana, Jr. might be very close to securing a major sponsor with at least a multi-race commitment, which in turn could prove to be a full tour program. Details are sketchy at this time, but if all pans out this could be the break that Lagana has needed for a long time.
• Columnist Jeff Wolf made a lot of sense with his column published in the Las Vegas Review Journal. You can read his column at Sports-Jeff Wolf.
• Word comes to us that TAFC runner Mert Littlefield was involved in the 67-car pile-up on I-15 headed to Las Vegas. Luckily no one was injured on the team as an eighteen wheeler succombed to high winds and was blown over on their race transporter. As more details become available, we will pass them on.
• Leif Andreasson's TAFC is a hit so far in Vegas. The alky flopper is a brand new entry built by Brett Williamson and according to our sources, is said to be the best they've ever teched. Anderson also has the first Dodge Stratus body formerly campaigned last yearby Team Schumacher.
• We're hearing word that Funny Car racer Jim Head may soon be on "The Best Damn Sports Show, Period" to unveil a new Punisher paint scheme.
• A source close to the situation tells us that the IHRA will soon adopt regulations that will allow only Wego and Angus nitromethane in the Top Fuel ranks. Our sources tell us that the fuel will sell for $850 a drum.
• Word has it that Jay Payne will be driving Pro Modified instead of wife Shelly. According to sources, she's expecting. Some guys will do anything to drive.
• A/Fuel cars at both Houston and Phoenix were DQ'ed for running illegal nitromethane this weekend - it was clear, not yellow.
• Is NHRA Pro Stock getting intense or what? Reportedly, after World Champion Greg Anderson became aware that one of Jim Yates' crew was filming his every move in the pits and on the starting line, out came the blue tarps in the pits. Yates assessment? He was rumored to have said, "In football, the teams exchange films...why not drag racing?"
• Wierd things were going on in Phoenix. And we'll keep some of the incidents nameless for obvious reasons. How about the Top Fuel team that attempted to start their car only to find out it had no fuel or oil in the engine. One team owner was up on the tires in a bad way. How about the team that assembled the engine without totally getting all of those annoying peanut shipping shells out of the parts? From what we hear their pit looked like a snow storm hit when the motor was cranked.
• The rumor mill has Todd Paton headed to the Gatornationals this year with Rob Flynn serving as a consultant. This is supposed to be a one-race deal.
• Bobby Lagana, Jr. has come a long way in his Top Fuel career. We're hearing there will be another Lagana as a licensed Top Fuel driver coming soon. Word has it that younger Lagana sibling Don will begin licensing runs at the CompetitionPlus.com Spring Open presented by Torco Race Fuels.
• We have it on good authoriity that Bob Vandergriff Jr. will be returning to the Top Fuel ranks as soon as a pending 10-race sponsorship deal is finalized.
• Make some sense of this one, the NHRA searched all the various nitro rigs to ensure that all teams complied with the new ruling that made it illegal to have any other source of nitro in their trailers than that which is supplied by VP Racing Fuels. However, the NHRA then turned around and gave its blessings to teams to test with the nitromethane recently imported by Don Schumacher and fuel distributor Jim McMonagle, which ironically was the fuel that officials had been searching the rigs for in Pomona. The only question we have is how does fuel become dangerous and illegal to use on Thursday through Sunday and then is acceptable to run on Monday through Wednesday?
• A call to the IHRA's offices confirmed that the professional classes will be cut down to three qualifying runs after the San Antonio opener next month. Recently the IHRA revamped their Top Fuel qualifying format to ensure that teams didn't get in line and pull out during the final session.
• While Pat Dakin has already agreed to run some IHRA Top Fuel events in A/Fuel trim, could Paul Romine be considering the same thing? A tip on our rumors hotline leads us to believe so.
• We keep hearing word floating around that longtime nitro tuner could end up with David Grubnic in the Team Kalitta camp.
• Here's something to ponder. Why did most of the teams who decided to test between weeks of the Pomona postponement drive to Vegas instead of testing in Phoenix? Apparently, there are some teams out there that are still miffed over the track conditions when they traveled earlier in the month to test.
• Something that could come to pass. There's a good chance you'll see Cory McClenathan and the Carrier Boyz Top Fuel team using a few non-conflicting IHRA events as a means to test.
• Here's something to watch out for. Reportedly, second-generation drag racer Ashley Force will be a spokesperson for Mattel Toy Stores. Some might recall that father John Force has been a longtime endorser of Action Collectibles. That alliance will continue this year. Ashley's contract is reportedly for two years with an option in the third. Mattel Toy Stores reportedly is expected to expand to four stores in the near future.
• Carburetor wiz Barry Grant confirmed that the King Demon Shootout scheduled for Englishtown will be moving to Chicago. Expect an announcement soon.
• Word has it that former Pro Modified racer Johnny Rocca could be handling the color commentary on the IHRA's television programs in 2004.
• Word has it that Erica Enders has almost completed her TAFC license at Hawley's school, and is working with a former TF team owner to put together something for 2005. We've seen this team owner do the same type deal with another young female driver.
• The rumor mill continues to churn and the latest one to permeate the racing community has Jeff Dobbins joining the John Montecalvo team as crewchief this season in IHRA Sunoco Pro Stock.
• Don Prudhomme Racing actually had their Monte Carlo body out in Phonenix earlier in the week but snafus with the paint scheme sent the body back to the paint shop for a total revision. Reportedly, the team worked much of the day just trying to get the new shell to fit perfectly. Apparently the body will be unveiled in Pomona, but it remains to be seen if it will run in Pomona.
• Jesse James and Jack Nicholson made a suprise visit to Houston's newest track last weekend while in town for the superbowl. For pics go to dragstripaction.com or http://www.voy.com/170705/. We're also hearing that "American Chopper" just filmed some scenes from "Nickens Brothers Racing Engines." From what we are hearing, David and crew have been trying to "Tune up" some Harleys lately. The show should air sometime in next few months.
• Following his untimely crash at Indianapolis last Labor Day, rookie Top Fuel pilot Chris Vandergriff will be returning to the drag racing wars. However, it won't be behind the wheel of a Top Fueler. Vandergriff will apparently return to the grass roots of drag racing with a Super Comp dragster. He hasn't ruled out Top Fuel in his fiture, but seems content just to go out and have fun racing.
• A few days ago, word came to us that K.C Spurlock was going to resign his position with the Western Rock team