NHRA Points standings following NHRA Columbus

(6-13-2004) -Point standings (top 10) for NHRA professional categories following the 40th annual Pontiac Excitement NHRA Nationals presented by Summit Racing at National Trail Raceway, the tenth of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series -

Top Fuel

1. Tony Schumacher, 837; 2. Brandon Bernstein, 798; 3. Doug Kalitta, 750; 4. Darrell Russell, 563; 5. David Grubnic, 534; 6. Cory McClenathan, 533; 7. Scott Kalitta, 521; 8. Larry Dixon, 509; 9. Doug Herbert, 472; 10. Scott Weis, 416.

Funny Car

1. Whit Bazemore, 754; 2. Del Worsham, 733; 3. John Force, 671; 4. Eric Medlen, 642; 5. Gary Scelzi, 579; 6. Gary Densham, 569; 7. Phil Burkart, 559; 8. Tim Wilkerson, 545; 9. Tony Pedregon, 505; 10. Jerry Toliver, 472.

Pro Stock

1. Greg Anderson, 1,116; 2. Kurt Johnson, 738; 3. Jason Line, 680; 4. Dave Connolly, 589; 5. Larry Morgan, 568; 6. Jeg Coughlin, 495; 7. Warren Johnson, 494; 8. Bruce Allen, 472; 9. Rickie Smith, 399; 10. Steve Johns, 341.

Pro Stock Bike

1. Andrew Hines, 466; 2. Shawn Gann, 347; 3. GT Tonglet, 336; 4. Angelle Savoie, 331; 5. Geno Scali, 320; 6. Antron Brown, 308; 7. Karen Stoffer, 263; 8. Mike Berry, 238; 9. Steve Johnson, 219; 10. Michael Phillips, 206.

Points standings following IHRA Grand Bend

(6-13-2004) -- Unofficial point standings (top 10) for IHRA professional categories
following the Fifth annual Mopar Canadian Nationals presented by Castrol at Grand Bend
Motorplex, the fourth of 12 events in the 2004 Hooters IHRA Drag Racing Series -

Top Fuel

1. Clay Millican, 544; 2. Bruce Litton, 406; 3. Tim Cullinan, 291; 4. Bobby Lagana Jr, 226;
5. Rick Cooper, 223; 6. Grant Flowers, 209; 7. Chris Karamesines, 207; 8. Todd Paton, 204;
9. Doug Foley, 190; 10. Josh Starcher, 164.

Pro Modified

1. Harold Martin, 248; 2. Mike Janis, 245; 3. Al Billes, 223; 4. Mike Castellana, 221; 5.
Rick Distefano, 207; 6. Von Smith, 205; 7. Quain Stott, 201; 8. Shannon Jenkins, 196; 9.
Steve Vick, 193; 10. Glen Kerunsky, 188.

Funny Car

1. Mark Thomas, 477; 2. Rob Atchison, 338; 3. Ronnie Midyette, 270; 4. Chris Foster, 237; 5.
Terry McMillen, 222; 6. Jeff Burnett, 162; 7. Terry Munroe, 145; 8. Dan Roman, 133; 9. Neal
Parker, 127; 10. John Sullivan, 105.

Pro Stock

1. John Nobile, 347; 2. John Montecalvo, 341; 3. Elijah Morton, 335; 4. Brian Gahm, 307; 5.
Pete Berner, 268; 6. Rick Jones, 248; 7. Frank Gugliotta, 197; 8. Tony Gillig, 174; 9.
Robert Patrick, 155; 10. Mike Bell, 150.

Thomas and Millican remain undefeated; Stott and Morton claim first wins of the season

(6-13-2004) – Funny Car racer Mark Thomas and his Top Fuel counterpart Clay Millican left the Grand Bend Motorplex with their driving records in 2004 unblemished. The multi-time champions claimed their fourth wins of the season in as many outings during the fifth annual IHRA Mopar Parts Canadian Nationals in Grand Bend, Ont.

Joining Thomas and Millican in the winner’s circle for the fourth stop on the twelve race tour was Quain Stott (Pro Modified) and first-time winner Elijah Morton (Sunoco Pro Stock).

For our same day coverage, visit IHRA Canadian Nationals

Our photo gallery is at Grand Bend Photos

 

 

RUSSELL, WORSHAM, ANDERSON AND HINES EARN WINS AT PONTIAC EXCITEMENT NHRA NATIONALS

(6-13-2004) - Greg Anderson earned his eighth win of the season Sunday, earning the Pro Stock title at the 40th annual Pontiac Excitement NHRA Nationals at National Trail Raceway.

Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel), Del Worsham (Funny Car) and Andrew Hines (Pro Stock Bike) also earned victories in their respective categories at the $2 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series event.

Visit our same day coverage at NHRA Columbus.

Our photo gallery can be accessed at Columbus Gallery.

 

NOSTALGIA FUNNY CAR DRIVER UTTERBACK PLAYS WITH THE SURFARIS IN BALBOA PARADE

 

(6-13-2004) - Nostalgia Funny Car driver, Jeff Utterback, played drums with legendary surf band, The Surfaris, at the 11th annual Balboa Island Parade. Five thousand Balboa Island residents, merchants and friends moved and grooved to the sound of the Surfaris' hit "Wipeout" as their float made its way down Marine Avenue on Sunday, June 6th.

Apparently a good right foot for the pedal translates from Funny Car to bass drum. Utterback, who has been playing drums for 30 years, has played in Surf Music bands for more than 15 years. Considered the "go-to guy" for surf drums, he is often called in by the Surfaris to sub when their regular drummer is unavailable.

Utterback drives the Jeff Gaynor '70 'Cuda Funny Car which is owned by Jeff Gaynor and wrenched on by legendary crew chief Mike Demarest. The team has been firing-up the nostalgia racing scene and most recently was runner-up at the Goodguys' Las Vegas Nitro Nationals Nostalgia Drags.

 

 

Tommy Lipar Racing sends a taste of home to the troops

(6-11-2004) - In response to a request from a sailor stationed in San Antonio, Conroe-based Tommy Lipar Racing has assembled a bundle of drag racing memorabilia and autographed expressions of gratitude for U.S. servicemen fighting for freedom in the Middle East.

T-shirts, posters and autographed “hero cards,” like the ones given to fans at racing events across America, were being prepared for shipping on Thursday, June 3, said Joshua Hernandez, Vice President of Operations for Tommy Lipar Racing’s Pro Modified Drag Racing Team. Some of the items will be sent directly to military personnel in harm’s way.

“We want to do everything we can to support the troops,” Hernandez said. “They support us every day by providing a free country. We want to do what we can to bring a little bit of home to them. We know there are a lot of race fans in the military. We want them to know we’ve been thinking about them.”

On May 28th, a master chief in the U.S. Navy wrote TLR and asked for the team’s help. Master Chief Lee McKinney said he was trying to assemble “morale boxes” for shipmates who are “die hard race fans.”

McKinney recently spent two years overseas and he said he is also planning to use some of the autographed materials in a raffle or auction. Money raised with that event, he said, will be used to provide U.S. military personnel in the Middle East with other items – pens, pencils, stamps, paper, phone cards and food.

Hernandez and Team Owner Tommy Lipar immediately seized the opportunity to boost the morale of the men and women serving in combat. TLR driver Von Smith, who pilots the Pro Modified Mustang GT known as Dr. Moon’s Rage, immediately signed several of the “hero cards” for McKinney’s campaign. They were autographed by the beautiful “Nurse Tiffany” – the Promotions Director for TLR who has become a can’t-miss attraction at races around the nation.

“We know drag racing has a lot of fans in the military. We don’t want them to feel like they’re missing the Pro Mod season,” said Mr. Lipar. “We think of them every day and we’re thinking of them every time we’re at the track. We salute their service. We were glad to help. We want them to know a seat at the track is waiting for them when they get back.”

 

 

Taylor signs invigor8 as major associate sponsor

(6-11-2004) - NHRA Top Alcohol Funny Car ace Dennis Taylor has signed invigor8, a new energy and nutrition drink line from the V8 family, as a a major associate sponsor going into this weekend's Division 6 Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event in Woodburn, Ore. Taylor and the Plumbing Concepts backed team enters the race in fourth place nationally and third in Division 7, and hopes a win will strengthen him in both series.

invigor8 is the only energy drink that is made from 100% natural juices with no added sugars. invigor8 energy drinks provide you with the nutritional reassurance of the V8 brand and offer you a wholesome way to refuel your body and get essential vitamins and minerals.

Taylor, who runs his racing safety equipment company, Taylor Motorsports Products in Anaheim, Calif., is excited to bring a new product line like invigor8 into an extreme sport such as NHRA Drag Racing.

"We're just thrilled to bring a sponsor like invigor8 into NHRA Drag Racing," said Taylor. "We think it makes for a great fit to get the word out about this new drink. NHRA Drag Racing is one of the few sports where the fan can really interact with the actual team, and we will have samples on hand at every event. invigor8 is made by the V8 beverage company, which is owned by Campbell's Soup Company, so we are excited about bringing a major Fortune 500 Company into the sport through our team. We're going to try our very best to do well for them and our existing sponsors."

Taylor, who has made the final round three times this year in five starts (with a win at the K&N Filters Winternationals), hopes a win will help him gain ground on current Division 7 points leader Doug Gordon.

"It's going to be tough to catch that Gordon Kid at this point," explained Taylor. "But you just have to take this sport one run at a time, and let the points take care of themselves, and that's exactly what we try to do. We really try to play the consistency game. I told my Crew Chief Ora Vasquez at the beginning of the year I wanted to be one of the most consistent cars in the field, and so far we have accomplished that. After the way we ran in Bakersfield, we are definitely pumped about our chances this weekend."

PREDICT NHRA POWERade SERIES RACE WINNERS ON NHRA.COM, WIN PRIZES FROM POWERade

(6-9-2004) -- NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series race fans will have an opportunity to showcase their knowledge of the world's most awesome motorsports attraction by participating in the POWERade NHRA Champion Drivers Game, beginning today at nhra.com.

In the contest, NHRA fans can win prizes by correctly picking the professional category winners for each upcoming NHRA POWERade Series race through a special link found on nhra.com. Each fan will log in and create a user account that will track his or her progress in the competition throughout the remainder of the 2004 season.

Participants who correctly pick winning drivers in all four professional categories are automatically entered into a special drawing to win an autographed NHRA memorabilia item. The fan who finishes the season with the most correct picks will win a VIP trip to the 2005 NHRA Winternationals at Pomona Raceway.

To register for the POWERade NHRA Champion Drivers Game, log onto nhra.com.

ON HIS MOST TROUBLESOME TRACK, FORCE DEBUTS RE-BRANDED FORD ; Castrol GTX Start Up™ Provides New Platform for Champ

(6-9-2004)– John Force is looking for a fresh start at National Trail Raceway, a track on which he has a poorer winning percentage than at any other in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series.

The upshot is that at this week's 40th annual Pontiac Excitement Nationals, Force's all-conquering Castrol GTX® Ford Mustang will have a new look touting Castrol's latest formulation for advanced engine protection.

The Castrol GTX Start Up logo will appear prominently on Force's 325 mile-an-hour Ford along with the tagline, "protection from the moment you turn the key."

The 111-time tour winner is hoping that the "new look" will translate into new success at a track that has proved especially troublesome.

Traditionally, Force has struggled mightily at National Trail. In 24 appearances, he's won on just three occasions and has reached the final round only five times.

Although he won in 2001 and was runner-up a year ago, the 1996 Driver of the Year usually is a spectator for the final round. He's won just 12.5 per cent of his starts in the Pontiac Nationals. By contrast, he's won 24.8 per cent of all his career starts (111 of 405).

He's hoping the new affiliation with Castrol GTX Start Up will help him turn things around and, at the same time, enhance his bid for the 2004 POWERade Championship.

For most of his Funny Car rivals, three victories in one event would be the grist for an autobiography.

However, when you've won at least one time at every track in the series, your expectations, understandably, are a little higher.

After yielding the No. 1 nameplate for the first time in 11 seasons, albeit to former protege Tony Pedregon, Force has acknowledged that he's anxious to re-assert himself in a Funny Car category that has
become almost as competitive as Pro Stock.

Through nine races, however, he's had mixed results.

He's won twice – extending to 18 the number of consecutive seasons in which he has had at least one tour victory, but he's also been ousted in the first round two times and, three weeks ago, saw his NHRA national performance record of 4.721 seconds eclipsed by both Pedregon and points leader Whit Bazemore, the Dodge driver who owns the new mark of 4.713 seconds.

Furthermore, while he has been within 12 points of the lead, he has yet to sit atop the standings, extending to 32 the number of races run since last he was the Funny Car points leader.

Entering this week's event, he is third in the order behind Bazemore and Del Worsham. Castrol teammates Eric Medlen and Gary Densham are just behind him in the fourth and fifth positions, respectively.

 

No more going to the moon for Greg Anderson...

(6-9-2004) - When asked about using exotic metals in his Pro Stock engines, NHRA Champion Greg Anderson joked and explained that they had their spaceship fueled and ready to go to the moon. Evidently, someone took him serious in the NHRA technical department and handed down some rule changes for Pro Stock. Funny Car was also given new rules amendments as well.

The rule amendments listed are effective immediately.

Pro Stock Engines:
"All large and all moving engine components (valve covers, intake manifolds, headers, heads, blocks, etc.) are restricted to aluminum, steel, iron, titanium, magnesium, or other conventional alloys. Carbon fiber, Kevlar, ceramics, composites, beryllium, or other exotic materials are prohibited."

Minimum weight requirements have been developed for the following engine components:
Piston - 460 grams
Wrist pin - 135 grams
Connecting rod - 480 grams
Intake valve - 90 grams
Exhaust valve - 80 grams

"Material for intake and exhaust pushrod, and valve springs are limited to steel. All other materials prohibited. Roller bearings limited to cam bearings, cam thrust bearings, rocker arm fulcrum, and valve spring tip. Conventional sleeve rod and main bearing mandatory."

Funny Car spoiler:
Many of today's Funny Cars have the ability to adjust the center plane of the spoiler surface vertically to allow for more/or less air to exit the spoiler area. Many teams utilize this action to help defer or add downforce to the rear of the car. The following wording is an amendment to the 2004 NHRA Rulebook:

Spoilers
"Spoiler surface, front and rear, must be a continuous single-curved plane. Any lips, notches, decks, or steps prohibited in the spoiler surface, except for wickers, as currently allowed."

Spillplates
"Spillplates must consist of vertical planes running parallel to the car. A maximum of two additional supports (ribs or plates) will be allowed anywhere between the spillplates, as long as they are in the vertical plane, running parallel to the spill plates."

G Squared Motorsports to debut the G Squared/S&S Buell at Columbus

(6-9-2004) - On the eve of this weekend's Pontiac Excitement Nationals presented by Summit Racing, there is exciting news from Star Racing/G Squared Motorsports. The long-awaited debut of the G Squared/S&S Buell, powered by an S&S V-Twin, will take place this weekend on the National Trail Raceway quarter-mile with Fred Collis, who currently handles the driving duties on the Star Racing Suzuki, moving to the new bike .

"We tested the G Squared/S&S Buell after the last bike race in Chicago and felt that the numbers (times and speeds) run in that test session, which were comparable to the Suzuki, dictated that we move the V-Twin-powered bike to actual competition," said George Bryce, who along with George Smith, part owner of S&S Cycle, Incorporated, are partners in G Squared Motorsports. "

In 2003, Smith approached Bryce about going NHRA Pro Stock Bike racing with an S&S-powered V-Twin and the pair formed G Squared Motorsports to develop motorcycle engines and bikes.

"We knew that if we combined the talent and knowledge of Star Racing and S&S Cycle we could develop a competitive bike," said Bryce. "Our debut at Columbus is another step in the development phase and another step toward regaining the NHRA championship."

But the news doesn't stop there. The Star Racing/G Squared Motorsports Suzuki will also be in action with Matt Smith, son of veteran Pro Stock car driver "Tricky" Rickie Smith, aboard one of the most coveted rides on the NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle circuit for Columbus.

"It's the first time we will have a two-bike team in quite a while. Matt Smith is a good racer. He's the same weight as Fred and although he hasn't shown his potential yet in NHRA racing, he has won in a number of other forms of motorcycle racing and, with the right equipment, can do the same here," noted Bryce.

"Matt Smith's goal has always been to have a chance to show what he can do and one of his sponsors Red Line Oil is coming along with him to give him that chance. We welcome Red Line Oil and Matt Smith on board for Columbus. Hopefully, it will be the start of a great career for the young driver."

"Everybody on this team is excited about Columbus. Fred (Collis) won here last year but this is a whole new ball game. We've always done well on this track and hope our track record here will enable us to put on a good show for the fans," added Bryce.

Collis feels the debut race will go as planned. "Our testing has given us some good numbers that popped up on the board and George Bryce and George Smith feels there's no sense in wasting anymore time. The new G Squared/S&S Buell had comparable numbers to the Suzuki. We've got the power, so it's just a matter of getting the tuning just right to get the elapsed times we're looking for. We should be okay," said Collis.

"The V-Twin market, both in the stands and throughout the reach of drag racing, is way bigger than most people realize. We are definitely excited that we can bring something new for the fans and hopefully we can give them a good show."

Even though he is the son of a well-known Pro Stock car driver, Matt Smith opted for racing the two-wheeled variety. "It was the best way to go financially," said Smith. Now Smith has a new opportunity.

"I'm very excited about the opportunity to ride the Star Racing Suzuki," added the thirty-one-year-old Smith. "I think it could be a good deal for both of us. George Bryce has produced championship riders since the late 80s and if all goes well, I hope to add my name to that list in the future.

"At Columbus, I just plan to do my job and learn from the top teacher in the business. I know I'm in good hands with George. I want to thank both Star Racing and Red Line Oil for giving me this opportunity."

Two cars for Atchison at Grand Bend

(6-8-2004) – Edmonton Alberta’s John Evanchuck will be competing at the 2004 IHRA Mopar Canadian Nationals at Grand Bend Motorplex in Alcohol Funny Car. The 52-year old Evanchuck will be driving the Mattress Depot/King Koil Firebird out of the Atchison Racing stable in his first ever race in Ontario.

“We got to meet John last year in Edmonton and with his connections with Mattress Depot and King Koil in Alberta and our connections with Mattress Depot in London and along with the support of, Burtch Mechanical Services, Dana Canada and Erickson Manufacturing we were able to put together a deal that would allow John to run at Grand Bend ” stated IHRA Funny Car Champion Rob Atchison.

This gives the world’s greatest fans the opportunity to cheer for another talented Canadian driver with local connections. When we race at home we have our whole crew available to us so we have more then enough talent to make both cars very competitive. Both cars will also receive support from Atchison Machine Service, Pennzoil Canada, Performance Racing News, Team Truck Centre, Tool and Cutter Supply, Ultimate Touch Collision and West Coast Transportation and Atchison Racing’s many product sponsors.

Mopar Canadian Nationals Will Mark Return of Paul Zgoda to IHRA Funny Car Action

(6-7-2004) - It’s been nearly two years since veteran IHRA Funny Car driver Paul Zgoda’s horrific transmission explosion during qualifying at the ACDelco Canadian Nationals in Cayuga, Ontario Canada.

The transmission explosion caused serious injuries to Zgoda’s left foot and leg. His left ankle was broken is several places and an artery severed. He also suffered compound fractures of his toes and required skins grafts on his foot.

“I’ve had some mishaps in race cars before. There was an incident with a submarine strap years ago that I’d rather not get into, but this was the worst,” said Zgoda.

“I’d like to thank my wife and kids for putting up with me while I was laid up. I would also like to thank all of the people who sent their best wishes during that time, but now I’m ready to get back behind the wheel.”

The 5th annual Mopar Canadian Nationals at Grand Bend Motorplex will not only mark Zgoda’s return to IHRA competition, but it will also be his first time behind the wheel of his flopper since August of 2002. Paul’s son Chris, who serves as lead mechanic for the team, is anxious to see the Z-Man behind the wheel once again. “My dad has been racing all of my life, and most of his. I can’t remember a time when he wasn’t racing, and this time off was hard on him. I’ll be really happy when we’re coming back up the return road after the first pass.”

 

Bowling Green, Warren County Proclaim National Hot Rod Reunion Days June 18-20; Local Government Recognizes Racing Pioneers, Major Event

(6-7-2004) - Bowling Green Mayor Sandy Jones and Warren County Judge Executive Michael O. Buchanon have proclaimed June 18-20, 2004 as "National Hot Rod Reunion Days" in the City of Bowling Green and Warren County, Ky.

"Our community is honored and excited to have the Hot Rod Reunion back with us again this year," said Ms. Sandy Jones, Mayor of Bowling Green. "Last year's event was the highlight of our automobile celebrations. Great fun for fans and spectators alike!"

The second annual Holley NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion, presented by DuPont Automotive Refinishes, will be held at Beech Bend Raceway Park in Bowling Green on those dates. The event features nostalgia drag racing, displays of street rods and muscle cars, and a host of activities for motorsports aficionados.

The proclamation by the city and county cites the importance of the pioneers in motor sports and their many advancements in transportation. The Reunion has a positive economic impact on the community estimated in excess of $3.5 million over the course of the weekend.

"We're very proud to accept this proclamation on behalf of all the great participants and spectators at the National Hot Rod Reunion," said Sam Jackson, Executive Director of the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum. "This is indeed an honor to be cited for our work in celebrating the history of the sport."

Produced by the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum, the Holley National Hot Rod Reunion, presented by DuPont Automotive Finishes, will include Crane Cams nostalgic drag racing in such classes at Top Fuel, Supercharged Gassers, classic Funny Cars and Super Stocks, along with a giant street rod, customs, classics and muscle car SofffSeal "show n' shine," swap meet for classic car and racing parts, special stage show and a separate amusement park with rides and games for all ages adjacent to the park.

Patterned after the annual NHRA California Hot Rod Reunion in Bakersfield, the event also includes the all-time favorite "Cacklefest" under the stars. The activity involves early-days-style front-engine dragsters being push-started, then all gathered together on the drag strip starting-line with engines running.

The Holley NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion, presented by DuPont Automotive Refinishes, will also cater to car clubs, with special contests and activities for clubs. Information-including a full activities schedule and entry forms-is available through the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum. To receive updated information, prospective participants should send a post card
or note to NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion, P.O. Box 2345, Pomona, Calif. 91769. Or e-mail your name and address to museum@nhra.com.

Proceeds of the Holley Hot Rod Reunion, presented by DuPont Automotive Refinishes, will benefit the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum. The museum houses the very roots of hot rodding. Scores of famous vehicles spanning American motorsports history are on display, including winning cars representing 50 years of drag racing, dry lakes and salt-flat racers, oval track challengers and exhibits describing their colorful backgrounds.

 

We have another reader!

(6-7-2004) - Anthony Carbone Jr. and wife, Christine, announce the birth of their first child.

Future Championship driver, Anthony Thomas Carbone drove into the world June 2, 2004 at 5:23pm. Crossing the scales at 8lb 2oz, young Carbone was also measured at 20.5 inches. Already demonstrating a grip needed for a four speed, Carbone's favorite toy at this time is his first Jeg's logbook. He has been seen marking the log book already.

All members of the Carbone race team are doing well.

Congrats to Anthony and Christine on their new baby boy.

HEAD OF THE CLASS: SOUTH HIGH STUDENT WINS VIC & NANCY EDELBROCK SCHOLARSHIP; 2004 Winner is first female recipient of Edelbrock Award

(6-7-2004) -A senior at South Torrance High School has been named the recipient of the second annual Vic & Nancy Edelbrock Scholarship for excellence in automotive technology.

Brittany Prouty was honored yesterday at Vic's Garage in Torrance, and Dr. Steven Fish, Superintendent of the Torrance Unified School District, was on hand to help award Prouty her $1,000 prize.

"Nancy and I are thrilled to present this award to Brittany. It's always a pleasure to see a new generation of young people grow up with the same passion for automobiles that I felt at their age," says Vic Edelbrock, Jr., company president and CEO.

"This is such an honor for me," says Prouty, who, besides her automotive endeavors, is also an avid artist and has taken college-level art courses. "I want to work in the automotive industry, and this award will help me continue my education. I can't begin to express my gratitude."

Candidates for the scholarship are selected by Tom Stout, South High's Practical Arts teacher who teaches an auto shop class. This year, Brittany was his first choice, and becomes the first female recipient of the award. After graduation, she will attend Wyo Tech, a technical school with campuses in Wyoming, Pennsylvania and Sacramento, California.

Need a calculation? He's got it here...

(6-7-2004) - Stan Weiss has the perfect website for the automotive enthusiast.

This site has numerous tables and calculations to help the racer figure out his performance questions.

http://users.erols.com/srweiss/index.html

Weiss also has a table with Cylinder Heads Flow Data at 28" H2O

http://users.erols.com/srweiss/tablehdc.htm

Weiss also has a table with Fuel Injector Flow Data

http://users.erols.com/srweiss/tableifc.htm

Weiss also has a number of Interactive JavaScript calculators on my website that you could use. All you do is enter the data and hit calc, it does the math for you:

Calculate Engine Size in Cubic Inches and CC's also Bore/Stroke Ratio
and Rod/Stroke Ratio.
Calculate Engine's Compression Ratio (CR) or Total Volume Or Combustion
Chamber Volume.
Calculate Change in Fuel Injector Flow from change in Fuel Pressure.
Calculate Size of Carburetor Needed in CFM.
Convert Airflow to a different Depression.
Estimate Horsepower from Intake Airflow.
Estimate Intake Airflow needed from Horse Power wanted.
Calculate Density Altitude and Dew Temperature (Point).
Estimate 1/8 Mile Horsepower Requirements from MPH.
Estimate 1/8 Mile Horsepower Requirements from ET.
Estimate 1/8 Mile ET from MPH.
Estimate MPH - Km/H in Quarter Mile using Horsepower.
Estimate Quarter Mile Horsepower Requirements from MPH.
Estimate Quarter Mile Horsepower Requirements from ET.
Estimate ET for Quarter Mile using Horsepower.
Estimate Quarter Mile ET from MPH.
Estimate MPH from 60 foot time.
Estimate the Horsepower gain from adding Blower Pressure.
Calculate Speed (MPH - Km/H) given RPM, Rear Gear Ratio and Trans Gear
Ratio.
Calculate RPM given Speed(MPH), Rear Gear Ratio and Trans Gear Ratio.
Calculate Rear Gear Ratio Needed

 

GM racers to make annual stop at Columbus Children's Hospital

(6-6-2004) - Drivers from the GM Racing program will be making their annual stop at the Columbus Children's Hospital Thursday, June 10.

Signing autographs and visiting with the kids and their families will be Mark Pawuk, Jim Yates, Jeg Coughlin Jr., Del Worsham, Cory McClenathan, Bruce Allen and Phil Burkart. Pawuk's Summit Racing Pontiac Grand Am will also be on display at the outpatient entrance to the hospital letting the kids get an up close view of an NHRA Pro Stock car. All of the children will receive a gift bag provided by Pontiac and Summit Racing.

"We always look forward to visiting central Ohio for the Pontiac Excitement Nationals and the kids at Columbus Children's Hospital," said Fred Simmonds, GM Group Manager of Drag Racing. "The drivers are just great with the kids and every year they ask, 'when are we going to Children's Hospital?' They really enjoy seeing the kids, their families and the staff, and it's something we will continue to do in the future. Over the years we've made some good friends there, and this has become a special part of our race weekend and our race season. We hope that everyone at Children's Hospital enjoys the visit as much as we do."

The Columbus Children's Hospital is one of the nation's pediatric leaders with more than 300 licensed inpatient beds and approximately 11,000 patient admissions each year. Critically ill children are cared for in Children's Hospital's 45-bed Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and more than 30-bed Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. The hospital's areas of specialty include surgery, cancer, AIDS, burn treatment, rehabilitation, and dialysis.
The campus includes a $20 million Children's Research Institute housed in a six-story facility dedicated to the study and treatment of children's diseases. More than 500,000 patient visits are handled each year through the hospital's wide variety of programs and services.

Opening in May of 2004 is the new 160,000 square foot, five-story research building that will house 48 state-of-the-art laboratory modules. When combined with existing modules, the Children's Research Institute will have nearly 100 laboratories in operation.

Since the 1999 Pontiac Excitement Nationals, GM Racers have made their annual visit to the Columbus Children's Hospital. In addition, the Central Ohio Pontiac dealers will raise money for the hospital by raffling a Simpson Racing helmet signed by 43 NHRA drivers and former champions.

The 40th annual Pontiac Excitement Nationals presented by Summit Racing at National Trail Raceway runs June 10-13 in Hebron, Ohio. It is the 10th race on the 23-event NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series.

SEMA Teams with Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum on Safety Safari Vehicle; Trade association supports the rebuilding of a Dodge wagon to replicate the original that crossed the country 50 years ago promoting racing safety

(6-4-2004) – SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association, wants to honor its founding fathers and the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum is offering the vehicle to do it. Literally.

SEMA and the Parks Museum today have announced that the Diamond Bar, Calif.-based trade association is supporting the rebuild of a 1954 Dodge station wagon as an exact copy of the original NHRA Safety Safari vehicle. A crew of four intrepid Hot Rod magazine and NHRA promoters drove it across the country 50 years ago, spreading the word on drag racing safety to local car clubs, skeptical civic leaders and police.

The vehicle will make its debut in Indianapolis at the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Nationals – honoring the first NHRA national event – Wed.-Mon., Sept. 1-6, 2004. For SEMA and the Parks Museum, the vehicle represents the beginnings of drag racing as a national sport. The Safari's efforts contributed greatly to the rapid and dynamic growth of the performance aftermarket.

Back in 1954, former Pomona police chief E.J. "Bud" Koons led the Safety Safari team (Bud Evans, Chick Cannon and Hot Rod magazine photographer Eric Rickman) on an historic journey that helped legitimize the sport. Together they blazed a trail, crisscrossing the nation with timing devices, measuring equipment, car classification and inspection gear, along with perhaps the most important ingredients of all, optimism and hope. They were armed with
basic safety regulations, rules and the ability to perform technical inspections in the field, and they were able to expand on these as they went along, making racing safer in the long term and from race to race.

They left a lasting legacy of safety and a rock-solid foundation not only for drag racing, but also for the pioneer speed equipment manufacturers who would eventually organize SEMA in 1963.

Mission accomplished!

"Thanks to the Safety Safari, drag racing, the NHRA and the performance aftermarket blossomed," said Sam Jackson, executive director of the Parks Museum. "We owe these guys a great deal of gratitude. Thanks to SEMA, we can honor them and tell the story of their accomplishment with this vehicle."

Speaking at a recent reunion of the original Safety Safari, Wally Parks, founder of the NHRA and then editor of Hot Rod, said: "Our primary goal was to legitimize the racing that was already occurring on city streets and back roads. Communications in those days were primitive, but we managed to reach a lot of folks through Hot Rod and by constantly corresponding by mail
and telephone as the Safari progressed. Thanks to this great team, we reached many of our goals much faster than I initially thought possible."

Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO agreed. "Back in the early 1950s, drag racing and its supporting industry were growing rapidly and needed to show the country, especially local law enforcement agencies, that the sport could thrive with well-organized events following solid safety rules and regulations. The NHRA's Safety Safari, along with SEMA pioneers such as
Edelbrock, Holley, Iskenderian, Weiand and a host of others, helped an entire sport and industry develop and prosper. We're proud to be saluting our origins with this historic vehicle."

SECOND ANNUAL “RACE WITHIN A RACE” AT FUN FORD GIVES DRAG RADIAL RACERS AN EXTRA CHANCE TO BRING HOME THE BUCKS; BW-AirWerks Expects A Full Field At The Old Dominion Event

(6-4-2004) - Fans and drag radial racers alike will enjoy two races for the price of one at the 6th Annual Fun Ford Weekend Old Dominion Event, thanks to the second annual “Race Within A Race.” BW-AirWerks, the new aftermarket forced-air technology program from BorgWarner Turbo Systems, has joined Innovative Turbo Systems of Simi Valley, CA, as the sponsor for the Race Within A Race, as an exciting addition to Fun Ford’s Old Dominion event, which will be held Friday, Saturday and Sunday, June 25-27, 2004, at The Virginia Motorsports Park in Richmond, VA.

The eight quickest drag radial qualifiers from the first round of qualifying will be eligible to compete in the Race Within A Race, which is scheduled for Saturday, June 26. BW-AirWerks and Innovative Turbo Systems will present the winner with a check for $2,000. Plus, the runner-up will receive $500.

“We are excited to be an annual sponsor the of the Race Within A Race,” says Thom Miles, marketing manager, aftermarket division of BorgWarner Turbo Systems North America. “BW-AirWerks and Innovative Turbo Systems are proud to contribute to one of the hottest up-and-coming racing scenes: drag radial racing. We encourage fans and racers alike to come out and see these hot turbo cars in action. It’s amazing how quick they can run on radial tires. They put on quite a show.”

Gates will open at 10 a.m. on Friday, 7 a.m. on Saturday and 8 a.m. on Sunday. Racing will run from 11:30 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $20 for Saturday or Sunday, or $35 for both days.

 

Parting Shot?

Ken Slute, www.racersedgephotography.com

Grubnic and Summit Racing Equipment Top Fuel dragster to appear at Super Summit XII

(6-3-2004) – Fan-Favorite “Aussie Dave” Grubnic will be among several stars of the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series at the 12th annual Super Summit car show Saturday, June 5, at Summit Racing Equipment headquarters in Tallmadge, Ohio.

Grubnic will be in attendance with his newly adorned Summit Racing Equipment Top Fuel dragster, which he will be racing in next weekend’s 40th annual Pontiac Excitement Nationals presented by Summit Racing, June 10-13, at National Trail Raceway in Hebron, Ohio, about 30 minutes east of Columbus.

“Aussie Dave” will be greeting fans and signing autographs most all day Saturday. Super Summit XII begins at 9 a.m. and continues until 7 p.m. Summit Racing Headquarters is located at 1200 Southeast Avenue in Tallmadge, Ohio, east of downtown Akron, off of I-76 at exit 29. Admission is free.