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Rain postpones IHRA Sunoco World Nationals
(8-29-2004) - Racing is over for this weekend at the 27th annual IHRA Sunoco World Nationals. The rest of the event has been rescheduled to Saturday, October
9th, with a test-and-tune All Friday and Saturday tickets from this weekend will be honored when the event resumes. Racers and others with full-event wristbands will have to present
those wristbands for admission The Top Fuel and Pro Modified fields have not yet started eliminations,
so those fields will be Top Stock, Funny Car, and Pro Stock, along with all the Sportsman
categories, have already No points will be awarded until the event is completed in October. Berner scores $20,000 Sunoco Pro Stock Shootout crown
(8-28-2004) - Pete Berner was crowned the champion of the $51,000 Sunoco Pro Stock Shootout during the 27th annual IHRA Sunoco World Nationals presented by PPG Automotive Refinish at Norwalk Raceway Park. Berner, 49, of Crete, Ill., pocketed $20,000, defeating defending champion Frank Gugliotta. The final was a rematch of last year's shootout. "That was a good race," said Berner, who entered the
event as the second seed. "We knew we had to stay focused on
winning. Getting the opportunity to race Frank again and for it
to be as Although not the fastest and quickest, Berner was unbeatable in
eliminations, posting a quicker The first victory on Berner's march to the money run came at the
expense of Elijah Morton from The semifinals saw Berner put a .03 second starting line advantage
in his pocket against Rick In the final, Berner recorded his third consecutive holeshot win
as he reeled off a quicker "I have been working hard on my reaction times," explained Berner. "That was something we needed to improve on and my team was very supportive. I have a great team that made this win possible." Saturday's final results from the Sunoco Pro Stock Shootout
at the 27th annual Sunoco World Nationals presented by PPG Auto
Refinish at Norwalk Raceway Park. The $1.1 million SUNOCO PRO STOCK SHOOTOUT: ROUND ONE -- Frank Gugliotta, Mercury Cougar, 6.567, 211.96 def. John Nobile, Ford ZX-2, 6.589, 210.87; Rick Jones, Dodge Neon, 6.554, 212.46 def. Brian Gahm, Ford Mustang, broke; Pete Berner, Mustang, 6.596, 209.72 def. Elijah Morton, Mustang, 6.603, 208.39; Steve Spiess, Chevy Cavalier, 6.574, 210.11 def. John Montecalvo, Cavalier, 6.579, 210.83; SEMIFINALS -- Gugliotta, 6.577, 213.13 def. Spiess, 6.570, 211.39; Berner, 6.562, 211.66 def. Jones, 6.561, 213.16; FINALS -- Berner, 6.608, 210.97 def. Gugliotta,
6.609, 212.39. Forget the shoes...I'm barefooting it.
(8-28-2004) - Imagine your crew guy runs out to back you up and finds out first hand how good the traction is. That's one driver encountered as his back-up man encountered a few problems. After losing a shoe, the crewman intially turned around to retrieve it only to lose his other one. After realizing he was fighting a losing battle, he abandoned the socks and finally says, "Screw it." He did it barefoot. We're just glad he didn't do a faceplant. It might have been heck trying to get his beard unstuck. It's a safe bet to assume he won't be wearing loafers next time. WONDER WAGON REDUX
(8-27-2004) - Team owner and former Funny Car racer Don Schumacher will reprise the Wonder Wagon design of the Funny Car he raced in 1973 next weekend at the 50th Annual U.S. Nationals at Indianapolis Raceway Park. Johnny Gray, who joined Don Schumacher Racing last week, will drive the Wonder Wagon Dodge Stratus at this prestigious event, Sept. 1-6. Schumacher, the 1970 U.S. Nationals Funny Car champion, debuted the original Wonder Wagon, with the familiar colorful balloons and yellow paint scheme of Wonder Bread, at the 1973 U.S. Nationals, as one of a three-car team, which consisted of drivers Bobby Rowe, Raymond Beadle and Schumacher, as well as pinch-hitter Ron O'Donnell. Based on designs commissioned by Schumacher, the first Wonder Wagon was considered the most aerodynamic car of its time, and was equipped with unique safety innovations, such as a roof-mounted escape hatch and side windows. The technology and safety features that Schumacher introduced and developed that year are now part of the current Funny Car design. The Wonder Wagon competed in NHRA, AHRA and IHRA events that one season. "To be able to bring out a nostalgia car that thousands of fans ask me about all the time is just great," said Schumacher. "It was a very unique car back in its day. The aerodynamic design and other innovations we made to the car to help advance the sport of NHRA drag racing really opened up a lot of eyes and changed the way Funny Cars were run from then on. "We were the first to run in the 6's at Orange County Raceway in California in this car while testing," added Schumacher. "Then we came to Indianapolis and I raced it for the balance of the year under the Wonder Wagon name." Schumacher Electric, Matco Tools, Oakley, U.S. Army, Dodge, Mopar, Gates Belts and Hoses, along with the standard associate sponsors found on Don Schumacher's race cars, will be featured on the Wonder Wagon, with other sponsors to be announced later in the season. SCLEZI BLAZES TO THE TOP IN FUNNY CAR AT INDY TESTING(8-26-2004) - Gary Scelzi clocked the quickest time in Funny Car Wednesday at Indianapolis Raceway Park as testing for the world's most prestigious drag race came to a close. NHRA teams used the two-day test session in preparation for the 50th annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals, Sept. 1-6, at the multi-purpose motorsports complex located just west of downtown Indianapolis. The $2.2 million race is the 18th of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. Scelzi - second in the Funny Car points chase - drove his Oakley Dodge Stratus to a time of 4.770 seconds at 325.77 mph for the best time in the Funny Car category. The three-time Top Fuel champion is chasing 12-time Funny Car champion in the race for the POWERade championship. "Any time you can run the car you can always learn something," Scelzi said. "We needed to run new parts for the fuel system and the clutch package and it's really hard to do that during a three-race swing. "We are really pleased with the 4.777 because this test session is very important to us. Our whole goal is to earn some wins in this Oakley car this season before the season is out." Brandon Bernstein was the quickest in Top Fuel, running a 4.515 at 327.43 in the Budweiser/Lucas Oil dragster. Greg Anderson, a two-time U.S. Nationals winner, again continued to set the pace in Pro Stock with the quickest run of the day. He drove his Summit Racing Equipment Pontiac Grand Am to a 6.831 at 201.25. Teammate Jason Line had the second-best pass, running a 6.848 at 201.19 in the KB Racing Pontiac Grand Am. "I'm glad that we are going back to the shop before the race starts here in Indy," Line said. "We learned a lot about the cars, but we clearly have some work to do. Testing can be so frustrating, but we learn so much that we can't ever pass up the chance to test at Indy." Antron Brown rode the quickest Pro Stock Bike during the second day of testing, posting a 7.147 at 187.11 on his U.S. Army Suzuki. -------- Run Summary provided by FastNews Network-------- Top Fuel 1 6 Brandon Bernstein, Lake Forest CA, McKinney-TFX 4.515 327.43
327.43 *David Grubnic driving Scott Kalitta's car. Funny Car 1 6 Gary Scelzi, Fresno CA, '04 Stratus 4.770 325.77 325.77 Pro Stock 1 1 Greg Anderson, Concord NC, '04 Grand Am 6.831 201.25 201.25 Pro Stock bike 1 6 Antron Brown, Indianapolis IN, Suzuki GSXR 7.147 187.11 187.11 * Andrew Hines riding GT Tonglet's bike. SPECIAL EDITION OF NHRA 2DAY TO SHOWCASE
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(8-25-2004) - Veteran Top Fuel racer Bob Vandergriff Jr. will salute the longevity of one of the leading manufacturers in the exhaust industry when he unveils the Hedman Hedders 50th anniversary dragster at the 50th annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals.
For Vandergriff, this will be a special experience as he honors his father's company with the same pride that made the company the major entity it is today.
"We are very proud to represent Hedman and help celebrate its 50th anniversary," Vandergriff said. "The fact this anniversary coincides with the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Nationals makes it even more special. Over the years, Hedman has been a contributor to our racing program and the ability to honor my father's company at this event is one of the greatest highlights of my career."
Vandergriff is running a limited tour in 2004 and is working relentlessly to procure a sponsorship to fund a 23-race deal for the 2005 POWERade drag racing tour. But for the 50th annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals, it's all about Hedman.
The Georgia native has resurrected a Top Fuel driving career that had remained dormant for some years. That's pretty much the same route that Vandergriff Sr. took in building the Hedman name to the value it holds today.
The elder Vandergriff purchased the company in 1978 from the Hedman family. Vandergriff Sr. had previously served as advertising and marketing director for the NHRA. Upon leaving the NHRA, he created an award-winning advertising agency. His agency flourished and won awards for excellence in the line of duty.
One of the things that Senior is most proud of is the Hedman's survival as a privately-owned business. That survival has included initial business setbacks and a recession that followed some time later.
The Vandergriff family has relied on tremendous employee loyalty to maintain a quality product over the last half-century. The company has more than a handful of 30-year staff members. That says a lot a lot for a company that originally shipped their product in burlap bags.
Through it all, Hedman has maintained support of all major forms of motorsports competition with drag racing maintaining a special status as the first love for the Vandergriff family.
On Labor Day weekend, Vandergriff Sr. will find it hard to fight back a tear or two that may surface.
"Words just can't express the feelings that this will create," Vandergriff Sr. said. "The emotion of seeing our company's golden anniversary and seeing my son as our representative is something a little short of unbelievable. In my wildest dreams, I don't think I could write a story that has transpired as well as this one has."
Of course, for a son, there's no greater gift one can give than making a parent smile in satisfaction.
"He deserves to be honored," Vandergriff Jr. said. "Dad has earned it. He's worked hard to get to where he's at and I'm very proud of him and all of our great people at Hedman. You always hear the term of one being a proud father, but on this weekend, I'm clearly a proud son."
This will mark the second year a Vandergriff has competed at the Mac U.S. Nationals. Last season, Chris Vandergriff participated before being involved in a high-speed crash during qualifying. Chris is an executive at the Hedman Hedders location in Georgia. He's not planning a return to Top Fuel racing in the near future, but enjoys driving his Super Comp dragster. He too is excited about his older brother's special car.
"You have to admit this is an awesome experience for the Hedman Hedders brand name," Chris said. "I'll be unable to attend this year's event, but I'll be cheering for my big brother and praying for his safety every lap. I will be doing my second favorite thing that weekend which will B&M/Hedman Hedder bracket racing at Atlanta Dragway."
LADWIG HIGHLIGHTS RECORD-BREAKING WEEKEND IN SAINT LOUIS
(8-25-2004) – The track was fast, the weather was just perfect,
and the time was right to see NHRA Sport Compact records fall on
a regular and consistent basis last weekend at Gateway International
Raceway in Madison, Ill. There was however, one specific performance
that outshined all the others, shocking the masses in attendance,
the sports media, NHRA
executives, and fans alike.
Marty Ladwig, driver of the GM Racing Pontiac Sunfire, powered the first ever front-wheel-drive uni-body Hot Rod category race car into the seven-second range, blasting down the quarter-mile strip in 7.973-seconds at over 184 mph.
“It’s awesome to accomplish a feat that most people in the industry thought was unattainable,” Ladwig said. “The run was perfect, it was one of the smoothest passes we have ever made, and the car went straight down the track. Our GM Racing engineers have worked extremely hard to overcome all the hurdles and get to the point where we are with the program.”
In addition to the record pass, Ladwig also set both ends of the class national performance records and won his fifth race of the season and ninth of his career in NHRA. The San Antonio native is now a virtual lock to win the season championship for the second consecutive year. He is currently more then 200 points ahead of the next closest competitor (Gary Gardella) with only two races remaining in the 2004 campaign.
“The fact that we are doing so well this season and are about to win the championship is due to the awesome preparation of the car and the consistency provided by the team,” Ladwig said. “We are really happy with the position that we are in. The plan from the beginning of the season was to run consistently and it’s great to see the achievements come together.”
This has been a highlight-filled season for the factory Pontiac racer, as he continues his domination of the Hot Rod field. Ladwig has had the low E.T. and speed at six of eight races this season, has been either winner or runner-up at seven of the eight, and has won the No. 1 qualifying award six times.
“I think we can continue to make huge improvements in the FWD drag race cars,” he said. “As a team, we are constantly trying to go as fast as possible and will not allow the success of this season to stop us from pushing the limits of speed and technology.”
No Viagra Here Buddy
(8-25-2004) - IHRA Top Sportsman racer Kenny Rucker
showed off his wheelstand prowess prior to his victory at the IHRA
Torco Northern Nationals in Martin, MI.
NMRA POINTS RULING (ATCO RACEWAY)
(8-25-2004) - The decision from NMRA concerning
points allocations for the event held at ATCO RACEWAY, August 13-15,
2004 is as follows:
According to the “official” points procedure there will be no points earned for entry to the ATCO event since there was no qualifying or eliminations. However, each participant that “officially” entered this event will be able to apply this cancelled race towards their overall season “Bonus” points.
In 2004, 100 Bonus points will be awarded to racers who participate
in 7 of 9 NMRA events. An additional 100 points for a total of 200
points will be awarded to those racers who participated in all 9
NMRA events including ATCO.
Cory Mac will represent Top Fuel on the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals Tribute Team at Indy
(8-25-2004) – Cory McClenathan and the Carrier Boyz Racing Berryman Products Top Fuel dragster will debut as part of the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals Tribute Team at the 50th annual NHRA Mac Tools U.S. Nationals being held September 1-6 at Indianapolis Raceway Park.
“It’s an honor to be approached by Mac Tools to be part of the 2004 Mac Tools U.S. Nationals Tribute Team,” said McClenathan, who will be part of the Tribute Team for a second time. “I’ve been associated with Mac Tools for a lot of years and we have a great business relationship. When they came and asked me to part of the team again this year I was really happy about being included.
“It’s a great thing. Coming at the biggest race of the year and on its 50th anniversary, you couldn’t ask for anything more special. To me, it’s a big deal.”
The Tribute Team will include teams from each of the four NHRA professional classes. In addition to McClenathan and Carrier Boyz Racing, the team will include the CSK Auto Funny Car of Del Worsham, the Pro Stock car of rookie Jason Line and the Pro Stock Motorcycle of Shawn Gann.
Each team that comprise the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals Tribute Team will showcase a special commemorative paint scheme that will only be seen and run at this year’s 50th anniversary of the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals. (See attached rendering of the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals Tribute Team Carrier Boyz Racing Berryman Products Top Fuel dragster.)
Each of the Tribute Team race machines will be decked out in a red, white and blue patriotic paint scheme highlighted with silver stars. Fans can get a special preview of all four special edition hot rods at Fan Fest in downtown Indianapolis on Wednesday, September 1 from noon until 2 p.m.
At Indianapolis Raceway Park the Tribute Teams will be pitted together. The Mac Tools U.S. Nationals Tribute Team is another way for Mac Tools to show its loyalty and dedication to auto racing and to the NHRA fans.
The racing and collectable enthusiasts will have the opportunity to own a piece of the history from this year’s 50th anniversary of the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals by purchasing a limited edition collectables set of the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals Tribute Team from their local Mac Tools distributor. Only 500 sets will be made.
Each set will consist of McClenathan’s 1/24” scale Carrier Boyz Racing Berryman Products Dragster, a 1/24” scale replica of Worsham’s CSK Auto Chevrolet Monte Carlo Funny Car and Jason Line’s 1/24” scale KB Framers Pro Stock Pontiac Grand Am. Rounding out the set is a 1/9”scale model of Gann’s Suzuki Pro Stock Bike and a 1/64” scale Mac Tool commemorative transporter.
Each piece within the five-piece set will feature the Mac Tools
U.S. Nationals Tribute Team commemorative paint scheme beautifully
displayed in a custom-mirrored Mac Tool gift box, sequentially numbered.
DON SCHUMACHER RACING TO DEVELOP NEW RACE SHOP IN 2005
(8-25-2004) - Groundbreaking took place on Tuesday at the Brownsburg, Ind., site where Don Schumacher Racing will build a 100,000-sq. ft., $5 million facility to house its NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series racing teams, set for completion in February 2005 by Acme Buildings, Inc., of Indianapolis.
Plans call for the Don Schumacher Racing operation to occupy 70,000 sq. ft. of the L-shaped building, with the remaining 30,000 sq. ft. slated for six 5,000-sq. ft. tenant suites. The approximately 15-and-a-half-acre site is located along Northfield Drive in Brownsburg, just three miles west of Indianapolis Raceway Park.
"My organization has grown drastically since I came back into the sport in September of 1998 to what it is today," said team owner Don Schumacher, who currently fields three Funny Cars, one Top Fuel dragster, one Pro Stock car and two Pro Stock bikes, "and with the upcoming addition of another Pro Stock team to the operation, we needed to move into a new facility from the 32,000 sq. ft. that we currently occupy in Indianapolis. Because we also lease space in Indianapolis beyond the 32,000 sq. ft., it's important for us to move into a structure that's capable of housing my present operation and has enough room for future growth.
"I'm excited to be able to expand into this new facility," he added. "It's amazing how the growth in popularity of the sport of NHRA drag racing has been able to allow team owners to invest in facilities of this size.
"It allows me to put the technology, equipment and people in one structure that will allow them to work together," said the 1970 U.S. Nationals Funny Car champion. "It's really imperative to my operation to be able to expand into this kind of space and have it be a brand-new building with first-class equipment in it."
Frank Burdick, president of Acme Buildings, Inc., expressed his excitement in the project: "From our past relationship with Don Schumacher Racing we have witnessed first-hand the huge strides Don and his entire team have made in bringing NHRA to the forefront of the motorsports industry. We truly feel honored that Don has provided Acme Buildings, Inc., the opportunity to be part of his team and look forward to our continuing partnership."
The new building will have room for 14 18-wheel transporters, engine shops for Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Bike, a full fabrication shop, a full machine shop, plus all of the Don Schumacher Racing administrative offices, conference facilities, fitness and break rooms.
"What will make the shop unique from many other shops is that all of the teams will work in the shop right out of the 18-wheelers as if they were at the track," said Mike Lewis, Executive Vice President of Don Schumacher Racing. "They'll work in the shop the same as at the track. Everything will be at their fingertips, regardless of whether they're in Seattle or Brownsburg."
"The new facility will house the current teams we are campaigning," added Schumacher, whose Schumacher Electric is based in Mt. Prospect, Ill. "We hope to expand to a second Top Fuel dragster, and hopefully we will add a third Pro Stock car to the organization. All of these teams will be housed in this facility along with all of our hospitality, tech trailers and other equipment that is necessary to function in this sport."
Working with the local Brownsburg community has been a breeze, according to Schumacher. "The community has been wonderful to work with," he commented. "They're excited to have racing operations locate in their community and they're assisting us in many, many ways to get this project started and they will continue to assist us in getting it done."
The tenant suites all front Northfield Drive and have been designed for race teams, fabrication and machine shops, and light industry. "They're perfect for race teams," said Lewis. "Each suite is 36 ft. wide and 140 ft. long, which means any race team with any kind of car, including a Top Fuel dragster, can back the entire hauler inside the shop and offload with the doors closed. We'll lease multiple suites or all 30,000 sq. ft., finished to tenant specifications.
The current Don Schumacher Racing shop is up for sale by Meridian Real Estate of Indianapolis. Developed by Sonny Meyer, upgraded by George Bignotti for Patrick Racing, then sold to Ganassi Racing, the building produced Indy 500 winners, such as Gordon Johncock and Juan Pablo Montoya, before Don Schumacher bought it in 2000.
With five team drivers in top-three points positions in three NHRA
categories at this point in the 2004 NHRA season, Schumacher hopes
to add one or more NHRA POWERade championships to the building's
heritage before moving to Brownsburg in February.
Cast your votes
(8-24-2004) - The time has come for the fans of doorslammer racing to cast their votes for the $50,000 AMS Doorslammers versus Outlaws Challenge on Saturday and Sunday October 9th-10th at Carolina Dragway in Jackson, SC.
The fans are entrusted to choose 3 of the 11 members of each team. The remaining eight drivers will be for each team will be decided by three qualifying runs on Saturday. The 3 drivers from each team that are voted in will still be required to make all 3 qualifying runs to determaine seeding.
After the 3 qualifying runs are finished, the plan is to pair up the #11 AMS Pro Mod Vs. The #11 Outlaw, 10 Vs. 10, 9 Vs. 9 and so on for round 1 on Sunday. Each win will count as 1 point for that team. There will also be one bonus point awarded for low elapsed time and one for top speed of each round. After round 1 the cars will be re-seeded based on their round 1 elapsed time for round 2. Their will be 3 rounds total, which means 39 points will be available. The team with the most points will obviously be the winner.
Just to clarify a few things: this is a Outlaw Doorslammer Race which means blown, nitrous, turbos, nitro coupes, pro street etc. All cars must have working doors and rear suspension. Oh by the way, the event will be televised.
Cast your vote in the Doorslammer Ballot
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FORCE, DIXON, LINE AND BROWN SCORE VICTORIES AT THE O’REILLY AUTO PARTS MID-SOUTH NHRA NATIONALS
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| Top Fuel -- Larry Dixon, 4.660 seconds, 311.70 mph def. Scott Kalitta, 7.055 seconds, 121.99 mph. |
(8-23-2004) – Perennial Funny Car champion John Force extended his lead in the POWERade standings with his 113th career victory Sunday at the 17th annual O’Reilly Auto Parts Mid-South Nationals at Memphis Motorsports Park.
Larry Dixon (Top Fuel), Jason Line (Pro Stock) and Antron Brown (Pro Stock Bike) also were winners in their respective categories at the $1.6 million race, the 17th of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series.
Castellana wins second AMS Pro Mod Challenge event of the season
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| Mike Castellana stopped Mike Ashley in an all-New York final round. |
(8-23-2004) - Mike Castellana remembers the times when he used to run a nine-second bracket car at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park in Englishtown, NJ. During those days, he used to pay close attention to a trend that was taking the country by storm – the Top Sportsman revolution. One of the more colorful characters in that class was a kid from Long Island named Mike Ashley.
Castellana admitted that he used to sit there in awe watching these cars run, but he never envisioned himself behind the wheel of one. Proving that dreams sometimes come true, Castellana not only met Ashley during the final round of the 17th annual NHRA Mid-South Nationals in Memphis, Tenn., but he also scored his second win of the season in NHRA AMS Pro Modified competition.
Point Standings following NHRA - Memphis
(8-23-2004) - Point standings (top 10) for NHRA professional categories following the 17th annual O'Reilly Mid-South Nationals presented by Pennzoil at Memphis Motorsports Park, the 17th of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series -
Top Fuel
1. Tony Schumacher, 1,383; 2. Doug Kalitta, 1,242; 3. Brandon Bernstein, 1,206; 4. David Grubnic, 1,061; 5. Scott Kalitta, 1,025; 6. Larry Dixon, 1,006; 7. Cory McClenathan, 888; 8. Doug Herbert, 782; 9. Darrell Russell, 695; 10. Scott Weis, 657.
Funny Car
1. John Force, 1,321; 2. Gary Scelzi, 1,101; 3. Whit Bazemore, 1,078; 4. Del Worsham, 1,076; 5. Eric Medlen, 1,025; 6. Tim Wilkerson, 987; 7. Gary Densham, 973; 8. Phil Burkart, 883; 9. Tony Pedregon, 866; 10. Cruz Pedregon, 818.
Pro Stock
1. Greg Anderson, 1,797; 2. Jason Line, 1,245; 3. Dave Connolly, 1,129; 4. Kurt Johnson, 1,081; 5. Larry Morgan, 992; 6. Jeg Coughlin, 826; 7. Bruce Allen, 779; 8. Steve Johns, 752; 9. Warren Johnson, 669; 10. Rickie Smith, 641.
Pro Stock Bike
1. Andrew Hines, 964; 2. Antron Brown, 768; 3. Angelle Savoie, 765; 4. Shawn Gann, 746; 5. Craig Treble, 736; 6. GT Tonglet, 640; 7. Geno Scali, 638; 8. Steve Johnson, 539; 9. Michael Phillips, 483; 10. Karen Stoffer, 478.
Hunka Hunka Burning Love?
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(8-21-2004) - Things got a little warm for Pro Stock Bike racer Angelle Savoie during Saturday's first qualifying session. (Roger Richards sequence)
Mike Ashley debuts new “Gone in 6.0 Seconds” tribute paint scheme
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(8-20-2004) – New York Mortgage Banker and veteran Pro Modified racer Mike Ashley has a new paint scheme that will debut during the first qualifying session for the NHRA O’Reilly Auto Parts Mid-South Nationals in Memphis, Tenn. This scheme plays tribute to one of the greatest car chase films of all time “Gone in 60 Seconds.” This high-horsepower work of art is the brainchild of talented designer Roderick Burke and Illusions Paint & Body in Bristol, Tenn., featuring graphic specialist Mark Brown.
This paint scheme enhances the Carroll Shelby tribute debuted in March of this season in Gainesville. Using an unusual Pro Modified marketing twist, the Unique Performance/InfiNet Insurance-sponsored driver will continue the moniker “Gone in 6.0 Seconds.”
“We wanted to do a little something this time to tie in closer to the movie,” explained Ashley. “When you have a theme car like ours, you always are looking for ways to improve and enhance.”
Ashley’s Pro Modified 1967 Shelby G.T. 500 is based on the Shelby-designed machine that took center stage in “Gone in 60 Seconds.” His sponsor, Unique Performance, is the only licensed reproduction company that produces this highly rare “musclecar” nicknamed “Eleanor.”
Ashley’s car was most recently on an episode of The Learning
Channel’s “Rides” hosted by Jason Priestley.
Roemer's New Gladiator Look
(8-20-2004) - Ohio Pro Modified racer Dave Roemer will unveil this new paint scheme at next weekend's IHRA Sunoco World Nationals.
Cory Mac takes first shot at IHRA
(8-20-2004) – Cory McClenathan, driver of the Carrier Boyz Racing Berryman Top Fuel dragster, will compete at the Hooters IHRA Drag Racing Series Sunoco World Nationals presented by PPG Automotive Refinish at Norwalk Raceway Park, Norwalk, Ohio, August 25 - 28. It will be the first time that McClenathan has competed in an IHRA sanctioned event.
“”I’m excited about running the Sunoco World Nationals,” said McClenathan. “I’ve never had the opportunity to run an IHRA event before and am looking forward to meeting all the fans and racing at Bill Bader’s facility. I hear that it stacks up with the best of tracks.
“I know my team owners, Andy and Mark Carrier, are looking forward to returning to Norwalk. They ran there last year but are no strangers to IHRA. Their father, Larry Carrier, founded IHRA back in the early 70’s and he and Bill Bader are pioneers of that sanctioning body. There is a lot of history between the Carrier family and the Bader family.”
Andy Carrier echoed Cory Mac’s feelings.
“Mark and I ran Norwalk last year for the first time as professional Top Fuel team owners. It was exciting and we knew if we could work things out that we wanted to return. Well, we’re back and we’re even more excited than we were last year. In fact, I think Norwalk Raceway Park is my brother Mark’s favorite track in all of drag racing.
“This Berryman Products team is dedicated to winning. Cory is really hyped up about the race and so are crew chief Todd Smith and all the guys on the crew. Without sounding cocky, we are going to Norwalk with every intention of winning the Sunoco World Nationals.”
The Carrier family has a lot of history with IHRA. Andy and Mark’s father Larry Carrier, known for his technological and marketing innovations, founded the International Hot Rod Association in 1970. During his ownership, he not only created new and exciting classes of competition but was responsible for new safety developments, many still in use today.
In 1975, through Carrier's marketing insight, the IHRA became the first motor sport sanctioning body to attract the support of a major corporation when he signed R.J. Reynolds' Winston brand as a marketing partner.
Carrier sold IHRA in 1987 to former Funny Car driver and Texas Motorplex owner Billy Meyer. Since that time it has changed hands several time and is now owned by media giant Clear Channel Entertainment through its Clear Channel Entertainment – Motor Sports Division.
Bill Bader has a role both with IHRA and Norwalk Raceway Park. In addition to be the longtime owner of Norwalk Raceway Park, Bader also serves as president of IHRA.
“It always great to see Bill (Bader). Andy and I don’t get to see him hardly enough. Bill was always a strong supporter of our dad and has been both a business acquaintance and family friend for a long time. We are glad for the opportunity to support him,” added Mark Carrier.
Royal Purple And Nish Motorsports Team Up To Make
Racing History At The Bonneville Salt Flats
Porter, TX (August 19, 2004)—Royal Purple is pleased to announce that its Streamliner, driven by Nish Motorsports’ Mike Nish, Pam Curtis or Jim Wysong, will run in the SCTA / BNI World Finals on the Bonneville Salt Flats where the “Worlds Fastest Family” will attempt to break an FIA world record.
To prepare for the 2004 season Nish Motorsports enlisted the help
of their longtime friend and engine builder, Tom Klein of Klein
Engines in Chandler, AZ to build a new engine capable of 3,000 horse
power. Klein is installing a 673 cubic inch Aries Big Block naturally
aspirated Chevy engine.
Other modifications to the Streamliner, which made its debut in
2002, include: Jim and Benjamin Burkdoll modifying the mold, body,
engine cover and air inlet at Autobody Express in Ogden, UT and
Tim McNees, who fabricated the original chassis at McNees Enterprises
in Salt Lake City, UT, is currently involved in modifying the frame
structure. Nish Motorsports’ Crew Chief Cec McCray is busy
making all the necessary in-house modifications as well as preparing
all the support equipment.
The Nish family will be attempting to push the new Royal Purple
#998 Streamliner past the 409 miles per hour mark during the 2004
season.
Their first event at the Bonneville Salt Flats is part of the SCTA
/ BNI Bonneville Speed Week in August 2004. Another event to watch
for is the SCTA / BNI World Finals in October where Nish Motorsports
will attempt to break an FIA world record.
T. Mark McFann, marketing director at Royal Purple, adds, “We
welcome the chance to continue to work with the Nish family—not
just because they’re a very talented team, but also because
they are so driven to succeed and win the world record.” “We
wish them the best of luck in the upcoming racing season”
Nish Motorsports will not only be wearing Royal Purple colors in
2004, the car will be running Royal Purple motor oil, transmission
fluid, gear oil, power steering fluid and Purple Ice radiator super
coolant.
In addition to sponsoring Nish Motorsports and select other race
teams, Royal Purple is posting more than $300,000 in Purple Cash
as a contingency sponsor in 2004. The company also is a contingency
sponsor for the Grand-Am Cup ST class; NHRA, IHRA, NMRA, NSCA and
Fun Ford Weekend drag racing; and CMRA motorcycle road racing.
SuperCharged Thunder Crown 2004 Champion
(8-20-3004) - The SuperCharged Thunder Nostalgia Race group, sponsored by Bar's Leaks, is pleased to announce Tom Glick of Lima Ohio as their 2004 season champion. Tom drives the 32 Bantam bodied, blown small block Chevy roadster, "Helter Skelter" which powered him past his competitors, on His championship run. Tom used 1 event win, along with 4 runner-up finishes, to power past second place Bill "TOP COP" Lehmann, and third place Scott Braskett.
Tom wishes to thank his crew members Harmony and Dana Glick, Bitler and Keith Nobel, and Rick and Doug Lieurance. Tom also received help from associate sponsors, Mothers Polishes, Waxes and Cleaners, Callies Performance Products, Reichert Engines, Bars Products, Barry and Sherri Hawes, Fultz Sign Co., American Racing Wheels, and Venolia Pistons.
Tom, and all the members of the SuperCharged Thunder, would like
to thank Bar's Leaks, the main sponsor, in helping make this season
so sucessful. The group also would like to pass along their gratitude
to NGK, Strange Engineering, Jeff Johnston's Billet Fabrications,
Titan Speed Engineering, Good Vibrations Motorsports, and Enderle
Fuel Injection, for their year long support.
Rose Dickinson Named Manager of Marketing and Advertising at Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum
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(8-19-2004) – Rose Dickinson has been named manager of marketing and advertising at the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum. Sam Jackson, executive director of the Parks Museum, made the announcement today.
“I welcome Rose to the Museum,” Jackson said. “Her expertise in this newly created position will help us immensely with our expanding marketing efforts.”
According to Jackson, Dickinson will be responsible for the Museum’s advertising, including print and radio for the California Hot Rod Reunion, National Hot Rod Reunion and Museum special events.
Dickinson will also coordinate all print production, including programs, brochures, flyers, newsletters and fund-raising mailers, and oversee the development of logos and designs for the Museum’s various events, as well as work as part of the Museum’s management team to develop new exhibits, displays and programs.
“Rose will work closely with the NHRA corporate staff and National Dragster staff to ensure that the Museum takes maximum advantage of the services they offer and that Museum programs, marketing and promotion are timely and congruent with the NHRA’s overall marketing plan,” Jackson said.
“I’m thrilled to be on the Museum staff,” said Dickinson, who spent the last 15-plus years within the NHRA marketing department. “I’ve watched the Museum expand in size and stature the last few years, and look forward to helping Wally Parks’ dream continue to grow and reach more people.”
Dickinson’s NHRA career began in 1988 after she left Pennzoil
to help start-up National Dragster in-house publications. Her most
recent title within the NHRA marketing department was graphic design
supervisor. A Cal State Fullerton alum with a degree in engineering
and a minor in graphic design, Dickinson lives with her husband
and son in Upland. An avid equestrian, Dickinson is also a volunteer
rider on the Frank G. Bonelli Park mounted assistance unit which
patrols L.A. County parks.
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MAC TOOLS GOLDEN CONCOURSE TO BE HUB OF ACTIVITY DURING 50TH ANNUAL MAC TOOLS U.S. NATIONALS
(8-19-2004) - The hot spot for fans, drivers, sponsors and race officials attending the 50th annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals will be the Mac Tools Golden Concourse, an area created specifically by race organizers to provide plenty of attractions and interaction at the world's most prestigious drag race.
The Mac Tools Golden Concourse, located behind the west side grandstands at Indianapolis Raceway Park, will offer music, hospitality, historic race cars on display, special appearances by plenty of racing legends and event dignitaries and much more to those attending the 50th annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals, Sept. 1-6.
Many of the sport's legendary drivers, team owners and race officials will be found mingling in the Mac Tools Golden Concourse. Autograph sessions are scheduled for this area throughout the weekend with such NHRA greats as six-time NHRA champion Kenny Bernstein, four-time Funny Car champ Don Prudhomme, three-time Top Fuel champs Don Garlits and Shirley Muldowney, 12-time Funny Car champ John Force and Pro Stock dominators Bob Glidden and Warren Johnson.
Many of the Golden 50 cars will be on display, as well as the original NHRA Safety Safari trailer. There also will be plenty of NHRA Drag Racing memorabilia on display in the Mac Tools Golden Concourse as well.
The special area will add to the many interactive opportunities
that NHRA fans can take advantage of during the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals.
In addition to the Mac Tools Golden Concourse, NHRA's Nitro Alley
offers a variety of interactive displays, including fan-favorite
attractions by POWERade and the U.S. Army. In addition, fans have
unprecedented access to the NHRA pit areas and can watch teams rebuild
their race cars between rounds and meet drivers and get autographs.
The NHRA Manufacturer's Midway offers fans a chance to purchase
the latest high-performance parts and racing souvenirs.
NHRA SIGNS NEW SPONSOR FOR SPORT FWD
(8-18-2004) - UrbanRacer.Com, a leading Internet
media and marketing solutions company focused on sport compact tuning
and performance, has signed on to be the title sponsor for the Sport
FWD class in the NHRA Summit Sport Compact Drag Racing Series, it
was announced today by NHRA officials.
For Sport FWD contestants, the sponsorship package will include a new contingency payout and access to exposure in a new Sport FWD section on the UrbanRacer.Com website.
Accessible by tens of thousands of UrbanRacer.Com readers, the section will highlight the class action from each of the remaining NHRA Sport Compact events for 2004. The section also will include profiles on some of the quickest, most visible contestants in the class as well as a spotlight on the winner of the class. For each of the three remaining races in the 2004 season, the new UrbanRacer.Com Sport FWD contingency payout will increase the possible payout at each event by $500 on top of the regular NHRA payout and extend winnings potential to third place finishers.
"We are thrilled that UrbanRacer.Com, one of the most highly read and respected members of this industry, will be partnering with us for the remainder of the season." said Gary Raasch, Director of Marketing for the Summit Sport Compact Series. "The fans that read their website are the same ones that attend our races, so we feel like this will be a sponsorship that will be profitable for both companies and should grow for years to come."
"The Sport FWD class is a great showcase of the next generation
of pro sport compact drag racers," said Jackie Ling, Editorial
Director of UrbanRacer.Com. "We're excited to get involved
with the NHRA Sport FWD class. Ten-second street cars are hard to
imagine, but that's what racers in this class are building. It is
a great opportunity for us to raise the visibility of this exciting
class, reward some up and coming racers, and be involved at the
grass roots level."
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FANFEST TO KICK OFF MAC TOOLS U.S. NATIONALS WEEK
(8-18-2004) - In celebration of the 50th annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals, several special events have been created to enhance the fan experience at the golden anniversary of the most prestigious race on the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series schedule.
One of the special events will be the Fanfest, held in the historic Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis on Wed., Sept. 1 between noon and 2 p.m. The Fanfest will feature plenty of activities to satisfy every motorsports fan.
"Big Daddy" Don Garlits will highlight a cast of some of the top drivers in drag racing attending the event. The drivers will participate in an autograph session between 1-2 p.m. Scheduled to be on hand along with Garlits are Top Fuel pilots Brandon Bernstein, Doug and Scott Kalitta, David Grubnic and Cory McClenathan, Funny Car's Del Worsham and Tim Wilkerson, Pro Stock's Jason Line and Pro Stock Bike's Andrew Hines and Shawn Gann.
The POWERade interactive display also will be on hand so fans can see how much power they really have and take their winner's circle photos.
Various pro cars will be on display, including the Mac Tools Top Fuel cars driven by the Kalittas. The legendary voice of Bob Frey will greet fans as they participate in the day's activities.
Some of the most historic race cars of the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals also will be on site including the Jeg's Automotive AA/GS car that raced between 1962-'67.
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BINGHAM MOTORSPORTS TO DISPLAY AT DAMON HEADQUARTERS
(8-18-2004) - Gary Bingham and family/team will
display both IHRA drag race cars at Damon
Motor Coach Headquarters in Elkhart IN.,on Monday, August 23rd.
The 4 time IHRA World Champion wants to share with the Damon management
and employees the effect RV’s have made to IHRA drag racing
and their place in that market.
Damon joined the sport of IHRA drag racing as a contingency sponsor
in 2002
with Tom Johnson Camping Center as their sales rep and Gary Bingham
and team
as their racer representative at the IHRA events.
Nightfire Nationals - Boise, Idaho
(8-18-2004) - Brian Losness of Nitrophoto Motorsports Photography provides us with a glimpse of the fun had at the 33rd Nightfire Nationals at Firebird Raceway Boise, Idaho. This event is where Ron Fassl ran a track record 5.44 @ 277mph in the first round of AA/FA.
Visit the photo gallery at Nightfire
Nationals.
ANDREW COWIN TO MAKE RETURN TO U.S. TOP FUEL COMPETITION
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(8-17-2004) - Champion Australian Top Fuel racer Andrew Cowin will make a return to the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series next month.
Andrew and the Cowin Family Racing team will contest the final six events of the season, beginning with the 50th anniversary Mac Tools U.S. Nationals at Indianapolis Raceway Park (IRP) in Indianapolis, Indiana on 1-6 September.
The announcement marks Andrew’s return to NHRA competition for the first time since March 2003 when he suffered serious and life-threatening head injuries in a non-racing related fall in Tennessee.
“After being given a 50/50 chance of surviving the night of the fall, I am looking at this as my second chance in life,” Andrew said.
“The accident is now well and truly behind me, but I am not taking anything for granted – I’ll be making sure I stop to smell the roses at every opportunity I get.
“Competing against the world’s best drag racers in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series is one of those opportunities, so the goal is to have fun with our racing, be as competitive as possible and thoroughly enjoy the experience,” he said.
Andrew, who resigned his position with Carrier Boyz Racing following the accident to return to Australia and fully recover from the injuries under the watchful eyes of his parents, Graeme and Wendy Cowin, said he was delighted to again be racing with his family team.
He said he believed the family had been able to put together a stronger program than the one that took them to two NHRA final rounds in three part-time seasons on the tour from 1999-2001, including the U.S. Nationals on debut in ’99.
“We have a brand new McKinney chassis, all of the latest parts, and our team, which is a mixture of Americans and Australians, is young, keen and full of enthusiasm,” he said.
“Keith Stewart has joined us from Kalitta Motorsport and he is in charge of the crew and responsible for day-to-day operations. His appointment has freed up my dad to concentrate on tuning the racecar, and we have already seen other benefits with the team doing such an outstanding job preparing for our return.”
Cowin Family Racing has joined with veteran NHRA team owner Bill Blomgren, of Geronimo fame, for this year and has its base at his race shop in Santa Clarita, California, while it is also using Blomgren’s tractor-trailer.
“The hospitality Bill has shown us in the time we have been here has been incredible and it has been especially comforting for the members of our team that have come from the other side of the world – for that, we can’t think Bill enough,” Andrew said.
In his time away from NHRA competition, Andrew has served as co-crew chief with his father for twin brother John’s Top Fuel campaign back home.
“We had a lot of success; John won the ANDRA Australian Top Fuel Championship, ran the card at each event we attended and set the speed record to over 321 mph.”
Andrew has twice driven the family’s Rocket Industries this year, recording the first four-second elapsed time at the new Western Sydney International Dragway in February and taking part in a match race in Perth, Western Australia in March.
Andrew’s record-setting career began in a blaze of glory when as a 17-year-old in 1997 he licensed in his father, Graeme’s Rocket Industries dragster, setting an elapsed time of just 4.92 seconds – an Australian record.
During three part-time seasons on the NHRA tour, Andrew set numerous national and international records in his K&N Filters Cowin Family Racing dragster, including the quickest and fastest run by a teenager (4.58 seconds/313 mph) and, at just 19-years-old, the youngest U.S. Nationals Top Fuel finalists – both records which still stand.
Andrew was named Drag Racer of the Year at the prestigious 2000 Australian MotorSport Awards, was runner-up to Formula 1 star Mark Webber for the Motorsportsman of the Year and was also presented an Australian Sports Medal by the Governor General for outstanding international sporting achievement.
In 2002, Andrew completed his first full-time season on the NHRA POWERade tour, finishing eighth in championship standings while driving for Darrell Gwynn’s NY Yankees-backed team. He also recorded the then fourth quickest run of all time at 4.490 seconds at the season-opening K&N Filters Winternationals at Pomona, California, that run standing as low elapsed time for the entire year.
In June ’02, Andrew returned home for a one-off appearance with his family team and became the first racer outside the U.S. to break the 500 km/h and 310 mph barriers with a 4.75 second blast at 506 km/h (314 mph) at Willowbank Raceway, near Brisbane.
After losing his Yankees ride due to a team funding just weeks before the start of the 2003 season, Andrew joined the newly formed Carrier Boyz Racing team in time for the season-opening K&N Filters Winternationals.
In addition and prior to contesting the final six NHRA POWERade
events, Andrew and Cowin Family Racing will also take part in the
official Mac Tools U.S. Nationals test session at IRP on 24/25 August
along with the IHRA World Nationals at Norwalk, Ohio on 26-28 August.
"Nitrous" John Gosson dies in boating accident
(8-17-2004) - Well known sportsman racer John T. "Nitrous" Gosson, 51, died following a boating accident at 2:54 p.m. Saturday in the St. Lawrence River.
Gosson's girlfriend, whose name was not released by state police, was rescued by other boaters from the water after Gosson's 27-foot catamaran hit the wake of another boat, became airborne, and flipped. The 26-year-old woman remained in St. Joseph's Hospital Sunday evening.
Divers found Gosson in the hull of the submerged vessel, state police said. He was removed from the water at about 1:13 p.m. Sunday. An autopsy is scheduled to determine the cause of Gosson's death, state police said.
State police said Gosson's boat was traveling at a high rate of speed when the accident occurred.
CompetitionPlus.com extends their deepest condolences to families and friends of Gosson. He will be sorely missed.
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Point Standings following NHRA Brainerd
(8-15-2004) - Point standings (top 10) for NHRA professional categories following the 23rd annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway, the 16th of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series -
Top Fuel
1. Tony Schumacher, 1,327; 2. Doug Kalitta, 1,205; 3. Brandon Bernstein, 1,152; 4. David Grubnic, 1,003; 5. Scott Kalitta, 930; 6. Larry Dixon, 893; 7. Cory McClenathan, 856; 8. Doug Herbert, 749; 9. Darrell Russell, 695; 10. Scott Weis, 606.
Funny Car
1. John Force, 1,208; 2. Gary Scelzi, 1,044; 3. Whit Bazemore, 1,020; 4. Del Worsham, 1,004; 5. Eric Medlen, 991; 6. Gary Densham, 897; 7. Tim Wilkerson, 892; 8. Phil Burkart, 831; 9. Tony Pedregon, 812; 10. Cruz Pedregon, 786.
Pro Stock
1. Greg Anderson, 1,723; 2. Jason Line, 1,131; 3. Kurt Johnson, 1,049; 4. Dave Connolly, 1,031; 5. Larry Morgan, 936; 6. Jeg Coughlin, 749; 7. Bruce Allen, 747; 8. Steve Johns, 721; 9. Warren Johnson, 659; 10. Rickie Smith, 588.
Pro Stock Bike
1. Andrew Hines, 886; 2. Shawn Gann, 694; 3. Angelle Savoie, 689; 4. Craig Treble, 682; 5. Antron Brown, 651; 6. GT Tonglet, 587; 7. Geno Scali, 583; 8. Steve Johnson, 506; 9. Michael Phillips, 451; 10. Karen Stoffer, 444.
Point Standings following IHRA Martin
(8-15-2004) - Point standings (top 10) for IHRA professional categories following the 23rd annual Torco Racing Fuels Northern Nationals at US 131 Motorsports Park, the eighth of 12 events in the 2004 Hooters IHRA Drag Racing Series -
Top Fuel
1. Clay Millican, 963; 2. Bruce Litton, 712; 3. Tim Cullinan, 583;
4. Doug Foley, 547; 5.
Bobby Lagana Jr., 503; 6. Chris Karamesines, 415; 7. Louie Allison,
413; 8. John Sipple, 410;
9. Rick Cooper, 409; 10. Todd Paton, 392.
Pro Modified
1. Mike Janis, 588; 2. Harold Martin, 531; 3. Mike Castellana,
435; 4. Quain Stott, 423; 5.
Al Billes, 420; 6. Rick DiStefano, 418; 7. Mitch Stott, 393; 8.
Shannon Jenkins, 376; 9.
Billy Harper, 362; 10. Glen Kerunsky, 334.
Funny Car
1. Mark Thomas, 833; 2. Rob Atchison, 741; 3. Terry McMillen, 527;
4. Jeff Burnett, 366; 5.
Chris Foster, 350; 6. Terry Munroe, 313; 7. Ronnie Midyette, 270;
8. Jim Sickles, 265; 9.
Larry Dobbs, 233; 10. Neal Parker, 228.
Pro Stock
1. John Montecalvo, 658; 2. John Nobile, 573; 3. Elijah Morton,
572; 4. Brian Gahm, 569; 5.
Rick Jones, 531; 6. Pete Berner, 452; 7. Frank Gugliotta, 446; 8.
Robert Patrick, 408; 9.
Steve Spiess, 360; 10. Tony Gillig, 334.
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Hold Your Fire, Please?
(8-14-2004) - If you've ever attended an IHRA Hooters Drag Racing Series event, you may have noticed at certain times during the national anthem such as "rockets red glare" and "bombs bursting in air" that the IHRA often launches fireworks into the air. That poses very little problems unless you have a four-man parachute team scheduled to land at the same time.
Millican back in the winning groove; Janis, Atchison and Gugliotta score wins
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| Top Fuel -- Clay Millican, 4.720 seconds, 311.27 mph def. Bobby Lagana Jr., 12.759 seconds, 80.14 mph. |
(8-14-2004) - A capacity crowd packed into U.S. 131 Dragway to watch the final day of the Torco Race Fuels Northern Nationals. Clay Millican was unstoppable for the first time since losing in the first round two races ago in Milan.
Millican was joined in the winner’s circle by other professional winners Mike Janis (Pro Modified), Rob Atchison (Funny Car) and Frank Gugliotta (Sunoco Pro Stock).
Visit our sam day coverage at IHRA - Martin.
SCHUMACHER, MEDLEN, CONNOLLY AND TREBLE EARN VICTORIES AT LUCAS OIL NHRA NATIONALS
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| Top Fuel -- Tony Schumacher, 4.615 seconds, 321.96 mph def. David Grubnic, 4.606 seconds, 317.49 mph. |
(8-15-2004) - Funny Car driver Eric Medlen and Pro Stock's David Connolly each earned the first victory of their careers Sunday at the 23rd annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway.
Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel) and Craig Treble (Pro Stock Bike) also earned the win in their respective categories at the $1.6 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series event.
A Digger at Graceland
(8-13-2004) - One of the benefits to having an Elvis-themed dragster is getting your team's picture taken in front of the Graceland mansion as the Peter Lehman team found out.
Head and Ormsby Join Menards and Colorfast Race Team
(8-13-2004) - The Menards/Color Fast racing partnership
has announced the addition of two premier drivers to their race
team.
Jim Head brings more than 20 years of racing experience to the Menards/Color Fast team. He won his first U.S. Nationals in 1984 and has finished consistently with top 10 points in top fuel and funny car competition since then. Jim has run career best times of 4.53 seconds at over 331 m.p.h.!
Gary Ormsby, Jr., comes from a family heritage of racing as the son of famed drag racer Gary Ormsby, Sr. Gary began his drag racing career in 1996, and by the next year, finished second in points at the West Coast Super Eliminator Association Championships and eighth place in overall points for Division 7. Since then, Gary has driven for Mike Johnson’s Giant Bicycles Blown Alcohol Dragster Team, Edgecombe Racing, Frank Gilchrest’s Texas Stagecoach A-fuel dragster, and Darien & Meadows A-fuel team.
The Menards/Color Fast team is excited to welcome Gary and Jim to their family, and hope to have a very successful return to action, racing at most of the N.H.R.A. venues this year. The Menards/Color Fast funny car will return to racing at Brainerd, Minnesota on August 12- 15 with Jim Head at the throttle. Then, look for Gary Ormsby, driving the Menards/Color Fast Top Fuel dragster at Indy on September 1-6, 2004.
Dexter Tuttle, President of Color Fast Industries and head of Tuttle Motorsports, has been involved with motorsports and racing for many years, and is excited to have Color Fast Industries sponsor a Nitro Funny Car. Color Fast Industries manufactures a broad line of standard and color-matched caulks, sealants and colorants for the building and home improvement markets. Color Fast products are available at Menards Home Centers throughout the Midwest.
NHRA UNVEILS 2005 NHRA POWERADE DRAG RACING SERIES SCHEDULE
(8-13-2004) – NHRA announced today its 2005
POWERade Drag Racing Series schedule, which features a return to
all venues currently on the 2004 schedule.
The chase for 2005 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series world championships begins with the 45th running of the K&N Filters Winternationals at Pomona (Calif.) Raceway, Feb. 10-13, and ends at the legendary Southern California drag strip during the 41st annual Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals, Nov. 3-6.
Other schedule highlights include a move of the NHRA Route 66 Nationals in Chicago to June 9-12, while the Pontiac Excitement NHRA Nationals in Columbus, Ohio will move back to May 19-22.
Celebrating its 25th consecutive year at Atlanta Dragway in Commerce, Ga. will be the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals, and the O’Reilly NHRA Fall Nationals (Dallas) will be mark its 20th anniversary at the famed Texas Motorplex.
In the early part of the season, the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series will return to historic Gainesville (Fla.) Raceway for the 36th annual Mac Tools NHRA Gatornationals, followed by the NHRA SummitRacing.com Nationals in Las Vegas, April 14-17. NHRA’s Memorial Day tradition in Topeka, Kan. continues with the 17th running of the O’Reilly NHRA Summer Nationals at Heartland Park.
All NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series events will feature competition in Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock. Pro Stock Bike will again be featured at 15 events, including Gainesville, Fla.; Houston; Commerce, Ga.; Chicago; Columbus, Ohio; Englishtown, N.J.; St. Louis; Denver; Sonoma, Calif.; Brainerd, Minn.; Indianapolis; Reading, Pa.; Memphis, Tenn.; Las Vegas and Pomona, Calif.
ESPN and ESPN2 will again provide television coverage of the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series on a same-day tape or live basis.
2005 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series schedule
45th annual K&N Filters Winternationals Feb. 10-13
Pomona, Calif.
21st annual Checker Schuck’s Kragen NHRA Nationals Feb. 25-27
Phoenix
36th annual Mac Tools NHRA Gatornationals March 17-20
Gainesville, Fla. (PSB)
18th annual O’Reilly NHRA Spring Nationals April 8-10
Houston (PSB)
Sixth annual NHRA SummitRacing.com Nationals April 14-17
Las Vegas
Fifth annual O’Reilly NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals April 29-May 1
Bristol, Tenn.
25th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals May 12-15
Commerce, Ga. (PSB)
41st annual Pontiac Excitement NHRA Nationals May 19-22
Columbus, Ohio (PSB)
17th annual O’Reilly NHRA Summer Nationals May 26-29
Topeka, Kan.
Eighth annual NHRA Route 66 Nationals June 9-12
Chicago (PSB)
36th annual K&N Filters NHRA SuperNationals June 16-19
Englishtown, N.J. (PSB)
Ninth annual Sears Craftsman NHRA Nationals June 24-26
St. Louis (PSB)
26th annual Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals July 15-17
Denver (PSB)
18th annual CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Nationals July 22-24
Seattle
18th annual FRAM-Autolite NHRA Nationals July 29 - 31
Sonoma, Calif. (PSB)
24th annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals Aug. 11-14
Brainerd, Minn. (PSB)
18th annual O’Reilly NHRA Mid-South Nationals Aug. 19-21
Memphis, Tenn. (PSB)
51st annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals Aug. 31 – Sept. 5
Indianapolis (PSB)
21st annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals Sept. 15-18
Reading, Pa. (PSB)
20th annual O’Reilly NHRA Fall Nationals Sept. 22-25
Dallas
Fifth annual CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Nationals Sept. 29 – Oct. 2
Chicago
Fifth annual ACDelco Las Vegas NHRA Nationals Oct. 20-23
Las Vegas (PSB)
41st annual Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals Nov. 3-6
Pomona, Calif. (PSB)
(PSB) - Event will include Pro Stock Bike
Sunoco Welcomes Fans to “Sunoco World Nationals”
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(8-13-2004) - Sunoco is proud to again sponsor
the “Sunoco World Nationals” IHRA event at Norwalk Raceway
Park, Norwalk, Ohio, August 25 – 28, 2004. This year the Sunoco
World Nationals will include an exciting “Night of Fire”
both Friday and Saturday nights. See all of the excitement of IHRA
Hooters Racing Series followed by the area’s best fireworks
display.
Come join the fun at drag racing’s most “family friendly
track” – download the Friday Family Pass from the Sunoco
Race Fuels website (www.racegas.com).
Take the whole family to the races for just $25 on Friday August
27th. Simply print out the coupon and present it at Norwalk Raceway
Park. Each coupon admits parents and children under 21 for $25.
Friday, August 27th, activities start at 8:00 a.m. with the Sportsman
classes eliminations. PRO Qualifying begins at 2:00 p.m. followed
by an Autograph Session. Next, more Sportsman Eliminations will
take place prior to the exciting “Night of Fire” with
additional PRO-Qualify starting at 7:00 p.m. Come watch the stars
of the IHRA Hooters Racing Series light up the night.
DOWNING SECURES SPONSORSHIP FOR 50th U.S. NATIONALS
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(8-13-2004) - Full-time chassis builder and part-time nitro Funny Car driver, Grant Downing, has signed Standard Abrasives Motor Sports Division and Walery’s Pizza for his team’s trip to NHRA’s Big Go. This marks only the second outing for Downing’s Firebird this season after just missing the show at the season opening Winternationals.
“We’re excited to have Standard Abrasives continue to support our efforts”, said Downing. “It’s great to be given the opportunity to represent a company whose product I truly believe is the best out there. I use their products every day.”
Fans are encouraged to visit Standard Abrasives website, www.sa-motorsports.com, and follow the team as they prepare their funny car and support equipment for the biggest drag race of the year. According to Bill Sweeney, the N.S.M. for the Motor Sports Division of Standard Abrasives, “Grant and his team still have a fair amount of work ahead of them before they’re ready to load up and go, and now the fans can monitor their progress via our website.”
Also supporting Downing’s team is Walery’s Pizza, which is located in Salem, Oregon. “I can’t thank Dave Walery enough for all he’s done to make this trip a reality.”
Downing added, “While we may not get out much, and this isn’t
a high-dollar operation, we do have fresh equipment that we’re
confident will go some rounds in Indy. I can’t wait!”
SCHUMACHER RACING ADDS R&D FUNNY CAR FOR U.S. NATIONALS AND REST OF 2004
(8-12-2004) - Multi-team owner Don Schumacher has officially announced he will add a third Funny Car to the Don Schumacher Racing stable as a research and development vehicle for the remainder of the 2004 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series season, beginning with the NHRA U.S. Nationals Sept. 1-6.
Johnny Gray of Carlsbad, N.M., is slated to drive the Dodge Stratus Funny Car, which he will test at the official NHRA test days at Indianapolis Raceway Park the week following the Memphis NHRA race Sept. 22.
Dan Olson, currently the co-crew chief on Whit Bazemore's Matco Tools Iron Eagle Dodge Stratus and Gary Scelzi's HEMI-powered Oakley Dodge Stratus, will be crew chief.
"Our goal is, and has always been, to win championships," said Schumacher, "and we are close to accomplishing that feat this season with both Whit Bazemore and Gary Scelzi in the Funny Car class. While Scelzi has moved up in the standings to fourth after a slow start to the season, Bazemore and his team have struggled in recent events to hold onto second place after leading the point standings.
"With a third Funny Car in the mix, we will be able to experiment with a new chassis, different combinations, setups and parts and work on developing parts and pieces for a new program in 2005. This should benefit both teams this year in their chase for the Funny Car championship.
"We constantly strive to advance our operations and we hope to keep this team together going into 2005 and beyond," he added.
"This is a great opportunity for me to come out and drive
a quality car," said Gray, 51, who last drove in NHRA for Chuck
Worsham in 2003. "It will be a situation where the team will
do some experimenting with the car and I'll push the throttle on
it and do the best job I can and win as many races and rounds as
I can. This team will race the same as the other Don Schumacher
teams race when they run each other.
"I've known Dan Olson a long time," he said of his new crew chief. "I consider him an absolute genius when it comes to tuning. I'll try to give him the best results I can and we'll see if we can go some rounds," he added.
"I've also known Don Schumacher for quite a while now and
I have the utmost respect for his full entourage of tuners and people,"
said Gray who received the phone call from Schumacher while playing
golf. "He took me off guard, and I went and talked to my wife
Terry and she said, Well, if you want to go play for a few races,
it would be a good opportunity to visit your friends,
have some fun and see what develops."
Gray entered the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series Funny Car class in 1999 and has scored three runner-up finishes in three final rounds. He has not won a Funny Car event, and has a 38-58 round win-loss record. Notably, he was runner-up at the 2003 U.S. Nationals. His career fastest speed is 321.42 mph (Topeka 2003) and quickest elapsed time is 4.813 seconds (Pomona 1 2003).
Dan Olson joined Don Schumacher Racing in November of 1998 as crew
chief on Tony Schumacher's Top Fuel dragster, and won the NHRA Top
Fuel championship in 1999. In 2003 he was named co-crew chief for
Bazemore and Scelzi and team advisor for the Top Fuel team.
Still having tire problems?
(8-11-2004) - We had one of our moles at Route 66 Raceway watching Whit Bazemore drive both Funny Cars yesterday. While Bazemore recorded a 4.77 best under the new tire regulations and the 85% nitro percentage, it was apparent to our mole that problems still exist with the tires other than the downforce. Spectators noted Baze and one of the team's crewchiefs inspecting a tire that had some apparent problems. As our mole indicated, "Ray Charles could see there's a serious problem." Bazemore ran a series of runs that ended just shy of 1,000 feet. As Bazemore was leaving the track, our mole asked him why he didn't make more full runs after the first one. His response was, "We can't make full runs when components keep failing."
Von Smith undergoes heart surgery
(8-11-2004)– Pro Mod driver Von Smith underwent successful quintuple (5-way) heart bypass surgery today at Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge in Oak Ridge, Tenn. He is currently resting comfortably in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit of the hospital.
Smith, 41, began experiencing chest and breathing problems this past weekend and was examined and admitted to the hospital yesterday. Doctors indicated that Smith could have experienced a mild heart attack sometime during the last week. Post operative prognosis by doctors indicated a full recovery for Smith.
Smith, who drives the Tommy Lipar Racing 2004 Pro Mod Ford Mustang GT on both the NHRA and IHRA circuits, will be out of action for the foreseeable future and will be temporarily replaced by veteran Pro Mod driver Tommy Gray at both the IHRA Torco Race Fuels Northern Nationals, this weekend at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park in Grand Rapids, Mich., and the NHRA AMS Staff Leasing Pro Mod Challenge, being held in conjunction with the NHRA O’Reilly Mid-South Nationals at Memphis Motorsports Park in Millington, Tenn., the weekend of August 20-22.
“On behalf of the entire Tommy Lipar Racing organization and LGI, we want to wish Von the best with his recovery and our thought and prayers go out to him, his wife, Mona and family. We know he is receiving the best of medical attention and care and will make a full recovery from today’s surgery,” said Tommy Lipar.
Cards and flowers can be sent to Von Smith, c/o Methodist Medical
Center of Oak Ridge, 990 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge, Tenn., 37830.
Red Line Oil and Kalitta Motorsports team up for more
NHRA events; David Grubnic to drive Red Line Oil Top Fuel dragster
in Brainerd, Memphis and
Chicago
(8-11-2004) - Originally, Kalitta Motorsports
Top Fuel dragster driver "Aussie Dave" Grubnic was planning
on driving his specially painted Red Line Oil dragster at the previous
NHRA event in Sonoma and at the Chicago event later this fall. But
due to his exciting inaugural success of reaching the final round
in his new digs in Sonoma, Red Line Oil, the
industry leader in high performance synthetic lubricants, has decided
to stay on board Grubnic's 330-mph hot rod for a while longer.
In celebration of their 25th anniversary, California-based Red
Line Oil will now provide primary sponsorship for Grubnic's Team
Kalitta entry at this weekend's NHRA national event in Brainerd,
Minn., next weekend's event in Memphis, Tenn., and, as originally
planned, the Chicago event, Sept. 30 - Oct. 3. Grubnic's 7,000+
horsepower rail will accompany Kalitta Motorsports' two other Top
Fuel entries driven by cousins Doug and Scott Kalitta at all
three events.
Red Line Oil president Tim Kerrigan was so impressed by Grubnic's Red Line Oil/Kalitta Motorsports team at Sonoma that it easily prompted him to continue their great partnership for the aforementioned events and possibly beyond.
"David Grubnic and the entire team provided us with unbelievable results at Sonoma, so we're going to run as