Team Drag Racing – Changing the look of drag racing

Josh Starcher Profile

Moroso's new Vacuum Pump for blower cars

Shocks 101

Reggie Showers Profile

Ellen Pavao Profile

Remembering Orange County Raceway

NHRA – Memphis Same Day Coverage

IHRA – Budds Creek – Same Day Coverage

NHRA – Chicago – Same Day Coverage

NHRA – Dallas Coverage

AMS Pro Modified Coverage - Memphis

AMS Pro Modified Coverage - Dallas

NMCA Columbus – Same Day Coverage

NHRA - Indy – Race Coverage

NHRA – Indy – Photo Gallery

NHRA – Reading – Race Coverage

NHRA – Reading – Photo Gallery

IHRA – Norwalk – Photo Gallery

IHRA – Epping – Race Coverage

IHRA – Epping – Photo Gallery

Fun Ford Weekend - Cordova - Race Coverage

NMCA – Stanton – Race Coverage

Greer Dragway -Motorcycle Race - Photo Gallery

PRO – Reading – Race Coverage

PRO – Atlanta - Photo Gallery

SUNDAY FINAL - Dixon and Anderson claim series championships; Bernstein, Force earn wins at Texas Motorplex

Top Fuel -- Kenny Bernstein, 4.514 seconds, 327.86 mph def. Scott Kalitta, 8.685 seconds, 84.90 mph.

(10-12-2003)- Larry Dixon and Greg Anderson clinched their respective NHRA series championships Sunday at the 18th annual O'Reilly Fall Nationals at the Texas Motorplex.

Kenny Bernstein, John Force and Anderson earned the wins in their respective categories at the $1.9 million race, the 20th of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series.

Dixon earned his second consecutive Top Fuel championship when Doug Kalitta, No. 2 in the points, lost in the second round and Dixon went on to win his round two matchup against Darrell Russell. Dixon lost in the semifinal to Kenny Bernstein, but the loss was softened with the championship.

"This is a big deal," Dixon, the driver of the Miller Lite dragster, said. "It's hard to win a race. It's very hard to win a championship. Anytime you don't win the race, you are disappointed, but we accomplished our year-long mission today."

Funny Car -- John Force, Ford Mustang, 4.889, 317.68 def. Dean Skuza, Pontiac Firebird, 5.013, 274.30.

Anderson doubled up, winning his first Pro Stock championship before beating 2002 Pro Stock champion, Jeg Coughlin, in the final round. Coughlin fouled at the starting line in his Jeg's Mail Order Chevy Cavalier, giving Anderson the automatic win in his Vegas General Construction Pontiac Grand Am. Anderson has 10 victories this season, 14 in his career.

"This is such a tremendous accomplishment for this team," Anderson said. "I can't say enough about what my guys have been able to do with this race car. It has been a total team effort."

The record for the most wins in a season is 11, held by Darrell Alderman in 1991. Anderson said the record would be the only thing left on his list of goals for the 2003 season.

"I said it before, that if you win a championship without winning (the U.S. Nationals) at Indianapolis, the season has something missing," Anderson said. "But we won Indy, we set both ends of the national record, and we just won the POWERade championship. The only thing that I would like to accomplish still is breaking the single-season win record. If we can do that, we will sweep the season.

"This team has been so consistent. This is just a testament to the guys on the team and the people in the shop who have worked on this car all season."

Pro Stock -- Greg Anderson, Pontiac Grand Am, 6.807, 203.66 def. Jeg Coughlin, Chevy Cavalier, foul.

Bernstein beat Scott Kalitta for his 67th career victory and second this season. Bernstein turned in a 4.514-second pass at 327.86 mph in the Budweiser Top Fuel dragster to beat Kalitta's 8.685 at 84.90 in the Jesse James/Mac Tools dragster.

This is the first time Bernstein has won a race at the Motorplex since 1986, when he took the Funny Car event win. Bernstein was raised in Texas and calls the Motorplex his ultimate home track.

"Winning in Dallas is so special because we have so many people here that started my career with me," Bernstein said. "It's neat to be able to win in front of the home town. And the fact that we moved up into the seventh place of the standings is terrific. I give all the credit to (crew chief) Tim Richards and this crew. When I first got back in the car, and we has 13 races left in the season, I was just hoping we could break into the top 10."

Now Bernstein is faced with a similar situation - retirement. He came out of retirement at the end of the 2002 campaign and put his son Brandon, into the seat of the Top Fuel car. The younger Bernstein was injured and sidelined for the rest of the season in May, forcing the six-time champion back into the driving role. With two races left on the schedule, Bernstein said he is comfortable knowing he will be ready to assume the sole role of team owner again soon.

Doug Vancil defeated Steve Stordeur in the final round of Nitro Harley-Davidson.

"When I first saw that car go down the track and I wasn't in it (in February) I was standing on the sidelines and it wasn't too fun for me," Bernstein said. "But it is going to be great having Brandon back in and I am very cool with it. Now I know what to expect. It will be better the second time around."

Force used a 4.889 at 317.68 pass in his Castrol GTX High-Mileage Ford Mustang to earn his 109th career win by beating Dean Skuza in Funny Car. Skuza's 5.013 at 274.30 in a Pontiac Firebird was good enough for his third runner-up finish of the season.

This is the first time Force has won a race since July in Seattle. His teammate, Tony Pedregon, is still leading the points race, with two events left on the schedule. Force has not been eliminated from the 2003 championship, but time is running out.

"It felt real good to win," Force said. "I didn't realize it had been so long. But we're still alive in the championship chase and I win either way. Being the team owner, if Tony wins, I still get to be part of that too."

The next NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series event is the ACDelco Las Vegas NHRA Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Las Vegas, Oct. 23-26.

SPORTSMAN RESULTS

Top Alcohol Dragster -- Morgan Lucas, 5.409, 263.69 def. Bill Reichert, 5.559, 257.43.

Top Alcohol Funny Car -- Steve Gasparrelli, Pontiac Firebird, 5.595, 253.44 def. Bob Newberry, Chevy Camaro, 5.631, 255.39.

Competition Eliminator -- Mike Trumble, Pontiac Sunfire, 8.056, 167.59 def. Joey Tanksley, Dragster, 6.936, 190.92.

Final round-by-round results from the 18th annual O'Reilly Fall Nationals presented by Castrol Syntec at Texas Motorplex, the 21st of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series -

TOP FUEL:

ROUND ONE -- Scott Kalitta, 4.631, 317.12 def. David Grubnic, 5.608, 165.99; Darrell Russell, 4.976, 278.72 def. Doug Herbert, 8.004, 121.24; Cory McClenathan, 4.654, 311.52 def. John Smith, 4.728, 306.01; Jim Head, 4.557, 331.12 def. Clay Millican, 4.735, 302.01; Doug Kalitta, 4.483, 330.63 def. Tony Schumacher, 5.251, 186.95; Paul Romine, 4.636, 312.28 def. Scott Weis, 4.714, 254.16; Kenny Bernstein, 4.628, 323.15 def. David Baca, 4.654, 313.91; Larry Dixon, 4.605, 320.39 def. Bill Ancona, 4.705, 308.11;

QUARTERFINALS -- Bernstein, 4.570, 321.88 def. McClenathan, 4.605, 309.91; Dixon, 4.584, 324.44 def. Russell, 4.634, 305.81; Head, 4.587, 327.39 def. Romine, 4.698, 302.72; S. Kalitta, 4.507, 333.95 def. D. Kalitta, 6.694, 123.93;

SEMIFINALS -- Bernstein, 4.529, 329.06 def. Dixon, 4.567, 325.14; S. Kalitta, 4.520, 329.67 def. Head, 4.650, 315.34;

FINAL -- Bernstein, 4.514, 327.86 def. S. Kalitta, 8.685, 84.90.

FUNNY CAR:

ROUND ONE -- Del Worsham, Pontiac Firebird, 4.810, 321.65 def. Jack Wyatt, Chevy Camaro, broke; Gary Densham, Ford Mustang, 4.874, 298.30 def. Bob Gilbertson, Firebird, 4.946, 283.64; John Force, Mustang, 4.861, 318.69 def. Cory Lee, Firebird, 4.949, 316.34; Gary Scelzi, Dodge Stratus, 4.879, 321.65 def. Dale Creasy Jr., Firebird, 5.135, 285.17; Whit Bazemore, Stratus, 4.850, 320.28 def. Tommy Johnson Jr., Camaro, 4.863, 314.57; Tony Pedregon, Mustang, 4.873, 315.78 def. Ron Capps, Camaro, 9.053, 92.44; Dean Skuza, Firebird, 4.968, 287.35 def. Tim Wilkerson, Firebird, 5.989, 158.36; Phil Burkart, Firebird, 4.849, 316.34 def. Scotty Cannon, Stratus, 4.874, 325.73;

QUARTERFINALS -- Worsham, 4.819, 321.88 def. Bazemore, 4.831, 319.94; Force, 4.833, 320.05 def. Burkart, 4.943, 313.91; T. Pedregon, 4.862, 313.80 def. Densham, 6.363, 147.58; Skuza, 4.959, 304.67 def. Scelzi, 4.935, 306.74;

SEMIFINALS -- Force, 4.888, 313.15 def. Worsham, 4.867, 312.39; Skuza, 5.084, 280.37 def. T. Pedregon, 5.300, 205.24;

FINAL -- Force, 4.889, 317.68 def. Skuza, 5.013, 274.30.

PRO STOCK:

ROUND ONE -- Gene Wilson, Dodge Stratus, 6.829, 202.65 def. Warren Johnson, Pontiac Grand Am, 6.799, 203.71; Troy Coughlin, Chevy Cavalier, 6.822, 202.11 def. George Marnell, Grand Am, 6.868, 201.52; Larry Morgan, Stratus, 6.848, 202.79 def. Taylor Lastor, Cavalier, 6.837, 202.20; Allen Johnson, Stratus, 6.845, 201.97 def. Bruce Allen, Grand Am, foul; Kurt Johnson, Cavalier, 6.802, 203.20 def. Steve Schmidt, Cavalier, 6.846, 202.15; Jeg Coughlin, Cavalier, 6.811, 202.29 def. Scott Geoffrion, Ford Escort, 6.850, 201.65; Greg Anderson, Grand Am, 6.807, 203.06 def. Mark Pawuk, Grand Am, 6.881, 200.93; Dave Connolly, Cavalier, 6.814, 203.11 def. Mike Corvo Jr, Dodge Neon R/T, 6.836, 201.79;

QUARTERFINALS -- Connolly, 6.842, 202.56 def. T. Coughlin, 6.853, 201.47; J. Coughlin, 6.817, 202.02 def. Morgan, broke; A. Johnson, 6.865, 201.74 def. K. Johnson, foul; Anderson, 6.806, 203.38 def. Wilson, 6.888, 201.16;

SEMIFINALS -- J. Coughlin, 6.830, 201.83 def. Connolly, 6.877, 202.20; Anderson, 6.809, 203.16 def. A. Johnson, foul;

FINAL -- Anderson, 6.807, 203.66 def. J. Coughlin, foul.

SUNDAY - Papakakis and Silvers race to Streetglow Extreme Rush Titles in Dallas

(10-12-2003)- Stephan Papadakis (Pro RWD) and Jarrod Silvers (Pro FWD) raced to the victory in their respective categories Sunday at the StreetGlow Extreme Rush sport compact exhibition during the 18th annual O'Reilly Fall Nationals at the Texas Motorplex

Papadakis used a dominant 6.7-second tune-up to earn the win over rival and category points leader George Ioannou. Papadakis earned the Pro RWD Extreme Rush victory when Ioannou fouled at the start. Papadakis blasted his AEM/Driver FX Honda Civic to a run of 6.711 seconds at 207.46 mph. Papadakis' slowest E.T. during eliminations was a 6.775-second pass during a semifinal victory over Abel Ibarra.

"This car has had these E.T's in there all year long," Papadakis said. "It's unfortunate that all the runs weren't side-by-side races, but the E.T's we posted speak for themselves. Consistency is the key to winning a title, not just running fast at one race. We're looking for more. Hopefully we can get through the season-finale at Pomona smoothly with another consistent race."

Silvers earned his first victory in NHRA competition when he drove his Evotion Honda Civic to the win, holding off Jerrold Rhodes in the Pro FWD final round. Silvers clocked a run of 8.912 at 161.81 behind the wheel of his Honda, while Rhodes trailed with a run of 10.689 at 126.72 in a Honda CRX. Rhodes recorded runner-up finishes at both StreetGlow Extreme Rush exhibitions this season.

"The first NHRA win feels great," Silvers said. "We finally got the car to run the way it should. We should run a lot better at Pomona in a few weeks at the Finals. This is a relief, it feels good to finally have a consistent race car."

Papadakis and Silvers each earned a $4,000 bonus by winning the StreetGlow Extreme Rush.

The final NHRA Summit Sport Compact Drag Racing Series event of 2003 is the third annual Mazda NHRA Sport Compact World Finals presented by Toyo Tires, Oct. 25-26, at Pomona Raceway in Pomona, Calif.

SUNDAY - Jimminy Crickets Densham, Skuza rules and Seventies Pro Stock reunion

Bugs in the system, literally – File this one in the hmmmmm...category. Gary Densham’s injector line became bugged in his second round losing match against boss John Force. Reportedly, a cricket clogged the line.

Cannon makes fastest run of his career – Scotty Cannon has to be scratching his former Mohawk-sporting head. In the first round of elimination, Cannon lost to Phil Burkart in the first round despite running the fastest speed of his career, a 325.73 blast.

Wilson wins battle of Georgia – In the first round, Gene Wilson was one of the drivers from Georgia that qualified in Pro Stock. The other two were the father/son duo of Warren and Kurt Johnson. As fate would have it, Wilson met up with WJ and blistered the veteran with a .001 reaction that led to a .014 victory. Both Wilson and KJ fell in the second round.

Quote of the weekend – “You never know, Tony could fall in the tub.” John Force uttered when asked about his chances to win the championship this year.

Even better quote – “Yeah if you push him in.” A member of the media responded.

Do what?- Force when asked about Whit Bazemore, "I told Schumacher that if he don't want him, I'll take him."

Mopar trio advances – It was a good first round if you loved Mopars. All three of the factory Mopar drivers emerged with victories earned on the starting line. Two were decided on a holeshot and one was determined by a foul start.

Ouch – Remember the days when a .010 reaction time was enough to drill an opponent on the starting line? Troy Coughlin found out the hard way that the pace has picked up. Troy left the line with a .010 reaction, but lost to Scott Geoffrion who laid down a .001 and lost.

Memories – If you loved Pro Stock racing in the Seventies, chances are that you witnessed a Mopar Missile versus Grumpy’s Toy. Mike Corvo Jr., was driving the Mopar icon while David Connelly was behind the wheel of Bill Jenkins tribute entry. By the way, the “Grump” won.

Skuza victorious – Dean Skuza showed all day that an independent team can survive. In fact, the veteran Funny Car driver has won more rounds in the last five races than any other. The impressive part is that he failed to qualify at one.

Kalitta goes fast – Scott Kalitta may be proving that the time off from drag racing did him well. In defeating his cousin Doug Kalitta in the quarters, Scott blasted out a 333.55 speed. The mark was previously held by Doug.

Which one is different? – In the semi-finals, Jim Head was the only Top Fuel driver remaining that had not won a World Championship. The remaining combatants listed Scott Kalitta, Larry Dixon and Kenny Bernstein, along with Head.

Champions crowned – Larry Dixon and Greg Anderson both clinched titles after the second round.

SATURDAY - Schumacher, Force and Anderson race to No. 1 qualifying spots

Tony Schumacher ascended to the Top Fuel pole on Saturday.

(10-11-2003) - John Force earned the 117th No. 1 qualifying position of his NHRA career and Greg Anderson is poised to win his first NHRA Pro Stock championship Saturday at the 18th annual O'Reilly Fall Nationals at the Texas Motorplex.

Tony Schumacher and Anderson also earned the top qualifying positions in their respective categories at the $1.9 million race, the 20th of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series.

Force drove his Castrol GTX High-Mileage Ford Mustang to a run of 4.814-seconds at 322.11 mph to lead the 16-car Funny Car field. Force said he was just happy the rain has stayed away, unlike the last six weeks where soggy weather has delayed and postponed several rounds of racing.

"It's just a miracle we got four qualifying runs in this weekend," Force said. "When we get less, you can make one error and find yourself in a lot of trouble. Our car is running well right now and we're happy it has been consistent."

Force is now trying to help his teammate, Tony Pedregon, win his first NHRA Funny Car championship. Pedregon leads the points race going into Sunday's elimination rounds.

John Force claimed his 117th top qualifying spot on Saturday's final session.

"One of us has got to win the championship," Force said. "Tony's getting the good parts right now. As soon as I got back to the pits, they pulled off our blower to put on their car."

Schumacher took the No. 1 qualifying spot in the Top Fuel category, going 4.548 at a track record 331.12 in the U.S. Army dragster. It is the third top qualifier of the season and seventh of his career. Schumacher has won three of the last four NHRA events.

"I can't wait for Sunday," Schumacher said. "I have Doug Kalitta in the first round and if we want to take over second place in the points, we have to take him out early. In that situation, there is nobody better to have on your side than (crew chief) Alan Johnson."

If Schumacher can beat Kalitta, the NHRA Top Fuel championship will go to defending champion Larry Dixon. If Kalitta can win the first round, Dixon must win two rounds to clinch his second consecutive series crown.

Greg Anderson moved one step closer to claiming the NHRA POWERade Pro Stock championship by qualifying on top.

Anderson drove his Vegas General Construction Pontiac Grand Am to a 6.826 at 203.11 to pace the Pro Stock field. If Anderson can win his first round matchup against Mark Pawuk, he will clinch his first Pro Stock championship.

"Every run the car got quicker," Anderson said. "This is Pro Stock haven here at the Motorplex. This place just loves Pro Stock cars. If you can't do a good job here, you can't run anywhere. It should be cooler Sunday and that means we could see some 6.70s."

Final eliminations start at 11 a.m. on Sunday.

First-round pairings for professional eliminations Sunday for the 18th annual O'Reilly Fall Nationals presented by Castrol Syntec at Texas Motorplex, the 21st of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. Pairings based on results in qualifying, which ended Saturday.

Top Fuel - 1. Tony Schumacher, 4.548 seconds, 331.12 mph vs. 16. Doug Kalitta, 4.800, 301.00; 2. Larry Dixon, 4.563, 326.56 vs. 15. Bill Ancona, 4.686, 291.35; 3. Kenny Bernstein, 4.567, 327.39 vs. 14. David Baca, 4.682, 310.02; 4. Scott Weis, 4.587, 320.39 vs. 13. Paul Romine, 4.666, 310.02; 5. Clay Millican, 4.588, 314.57 vs. 12. Jim Head, 4.654, 322.92; 6. Cory McClenathan, 4.612, 326.67 vs. 11. John Smith, 4.634, 314.24; 7. Darrell Russell, 4.625, 320.39 vs. 10. Doug Herbert, 4.630, 305.18; 8. David Grubnic, 4.629, 319.71 vs. 9. Scott Kalitta, 4.630, 322.81.

Funny Car -- 1. John Force, Ford Mustang, 4.814, 322.11 vs. 16. Cory Lee, Pontiac Firebird, 5.000, 314.57; 2. Gary Scelzi, Dodge Stratus, 4.828, 323.97 vs. 15. Dale Creasy Jr., Firebird, 4.982, 304.87; 3. Gary Densham, Mustang, 4.832, 323.39 vs. 14. Bob Gilbertson, Firebird, 4.963, 294.79; 4. Del Worsham, Firebird, 4.865, 321.19 vs. 13. Jack Wyatt, Chevy Camaro, 4.962, 309.59; 5. Whit Bazemore, Stratus, 4.867, 319.94 vs. 12. Tommy Johnson Jr., Camaro, 4.947, 307.16; 6. Tony Pedregon, Mustang, 4.894, 300.00 vs. 11. Ron Capps, Camaro, 4.947, 314.02; 7. Tim Wilkerson, Firebird, 4.899, 315.67 vs. 10. Dean Skuza, Firebird, 4.936, 305.81; 8. Scotty Cannon, Stratus, 4.902, 318.58 vs. 9. Phil Burkart, Firebird, 4.922, 311.63.

Pro Stock -- 1. Greg Anderson, Pontiac Grand Am, 6.826, 203.11 vs. 16. Mark Pawuk, Grand Am, 6.879, 200.80; 2. Dave Connolly, Chevy Cavalier, 6.835, 202.56 vs. 15. Mike Corvo Jr, Dodge Neon R/T, 6.879, 201.43; 3. Jeg Coughlin, Cavalier, 6.840, 202.06 vs. 14. Scott Geoffrion, Ford Escort, 6.876, 201.43; 4. Kurt Johnson, Cavalier, 6.843, 202.70 vs. 13. Steve Schmidt, Cavalier, 6.876, 201.70; 5. Bruce Allen, Grand Am, 6.853, 202.24 vs. 12. Allen Johnson, Dodge Stratus, 6.874, 201.79; 6. Larry Morgan, Stratus, 6.861, 202.06 vs. 11. Taylor Lastor, Cavalier, 6.870, 201.83; 7. Troy Coughlin, Cavalier, 6.861, 201.47 vs. 10. George Marnell, Grand Am, 6.867, 202.11; 8. Warren Johnson, Grand Am, 6.862, 202.11 vs. 9. Gene Wilson, Stratus, 6.864, 201.92.

SATURDAY - Yet another sportsman schedule change

(10-11-2003) – The has now decided to run NHRA Sportsman, Super Stock, Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas and Super Street only on Monday instead of stretching it out to Tuesday. Eliminations will follow afternoon qualifying and time trials.

The Super Classes get two time trials and then into eliminations. Super Stock and Stock will have a special Class/Qualifying. Round one of qualifying in Stock and Super Stock will be run just like class with winners and losers. Round two of class will put the winners running each other to determine class winners, and the single class winners and losers from the first session will also make their second pass during this session.

Event Schedule

Monday, October 13, 2003

Gates open – 9 AM
Tech – 9 AM – 11 AM
Time Trials and Qualifying begin 11 AM
Eliminations to follow

FRIDAY - Millican, Scelzi and Anderson lead qualifying at Texas Motorplex

Clay Millican overcame personal tragedy to ascend to the #1 spot in Top Fuel.

(10-10-2003)- Facing a family tragedy Clay Millican decided to come to Texas after all and the decision could pay off as he qualified at the head of the Top Fuel category Friday at the 18th annual O'Reilly Fall Nationals at the Texas Motorplex.

Gary Scelzi and Greg Anderson also led the way after the second of four qualifying sessions in their respective categories at the $1.9 million race, the 20th of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series.

Millican's mother is recovering from a gunshot wound to the head suffered during a robbery at the family-owned grocery store. She was released from the hospital on Friday. At his mother's urging, Millican made a last minute decision to come to the event. He drove his 104+ Octane dragster to a 4.588-second run at 314.57 mph.

Gary Scelzi's torrid pace put him atop the Funny Car division.

"After I ran the 4.58 I was able to call my mom and she listened to the last two pairs of cars run down the track to see if the number was going to hold up," Millican said. "I was able to give her the No. 1 qualifier so far. When I went to see her at the hospital after she was shot, the first thing she asked was whether I had packed for the trip."

If Millican can hang on to the No. 1 position, it will be his first NHRA top qualifier.

Scelzi led the Funny Car field with a 4.828 at 323.97 in his Oakley Dodge Stratus. If he stays in the top spot, it will be the third No. 1 qualifier of the season.

"We're happy because we're not going to run that number in the heat of the day (on Saturday)," Scelzi said. "And we're not going to get bumped either."

Greg Anderson was the quickest Pro Stocker at the Texas Motorplex on Friday.

Anderson - who is poised to clinch the Pro Stock championship on Sunday - went 6.840 at 202.88 in his Vegas General Construction Grand Am to lead the Pro Stock class. Anderson has earned 11 No. 1 qualifying positions this season to lead the category.

Qualifying continues at noon and 3 p.m. on Saturday before final eliminations begin at 11 a.m. on Sunday.

Results Friday after qualifying for the 18th annual O'Reilly Fall Nationals presented by Castrol Syntec at Texas Motorplex, 21st of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. Qualifying will continue Saturday for Sunday's final eliminations.

Top Fuel -- 1. Clay Millican, 4.588 seconds, 314.57 mph; 2. Larry Dixon, 4.594, 325.14; 3. Kenny Bernstein, 4.602, 325.26; 4. David Grubnic, 4.629, 319.71; 5. Doug Herbert, 4.630, 305.18; 6. John Smith, 4.634, 314.24; 7. Jim Head, 4.654, 322.92; 8. David Baca, 4.682, 310.02; 9. Darrell Russell, 4.715, 300.20; 10. Scott Weis, 4.799, 280.81; 11. Mitch King, 4.817, 267.22; 12. Scott Kalitta, 4.914, 262.23; 13. Joe Hartley, 4.915, 304.15; 14. Bill Ancona, 4.983, 231.60; 15. Rhonda Hartman-Smith, 5.090, 245.43; 16. Cory McClenathan, 5.604, 169.84.

Funny Car -- 1. Gary Scelzi, Dodge Stratus, 4.828, 323.97; 2. Gary Densham, Ford Mustang, 4.832, 323.39; 3. Del Worsham, Pontiac Firebird, 4.865, 321.19; 4. John Force, Mustang, 4.866, 311.20; 5. Tony Pedregon, Mustang, 4.894, 300.00; 6. Scotty Cannon, Stratus, 4.902, 318.58; 7. Tim Wilkerson, Firebird, 4.942, 309.49; 8. Whit Bazemore, Stratus, 4.955, 314.24; 9. Cory Lee, Firebird, 5.000, 314.57; 10. Dale Creasy Jr., Firebird, 5.011, 301.20; 11. Tommy Johnson Jr., Chevy Camaro, 5.015, 296.83; 12. Ron Capps, Camaro, 5.019, 291.63; 13. Phil Burkart, Firebird, 5.090, 297.22; 14. Keith Jackson, Firebird, 5.323, 243.57; 15. Bob Gilbertson, Firebird, 5.607, 151.36; 16. Frank Pedregon, Firebird, 5.782, 167.41.

Pro Stock -- 1. Greg Anderson, Pontiac Grand Am, 6.840, 202.88; 2. Bruce Allen, Grand Am, 6.859, 202.06; 3. Dave Connolly, Chevy Cavalier, 6.861, 202.06; 4. Larry Morgan, Dodge Stratus, 6.861, 201.83; 5. Warren Johnson, Grand Am, 6.862, 202.11; 6. Kurt Johnson, Cavalier, 6.868, 202.33; 7. George Marnell, Grand Am, 6.869, 202.11; 8. Taylor Lastor, Cavalier, 6.870, 201.79; 9. Jeg Coughlin, Cavalier, 6.870, 201.11; 10. Steve Schmidt, Cavalier, 6.876, 201.65; 11. Scott Geoffrion, Ford Escort, 6.876, 200.71; 12. Mike Edwards, Grand Am, 6.880, 201.25; 13. Mike Corvo Jr, Dodge Neon R/T, 6.885, 201.43; 14. Allen Johnson, Stratus, 6.886, 200.66; 15. Ron Krisher, Cavalier, 6.890, 201.52; 16. Jerry Haas, Cavalier, 6.894, 201.02.

FRIDAY NOTES- New Pro Stock Bike for 2003, Millican's tough momma and NHRA's approval rating higher than George Bush

Lloyd Straus will field the new Gotham City Pro Stock Motorcycle in 2004. (Allen Cook)

(10-9-2003) - New Bike Team Announced for 2004 - Pro Modified racer Mike Ashley and InfiNet Insurance announced plans to expand their Gotham City Racing line-up to include a Pro Stock Motorcycle team with fellow New Yorker Lloyd Straus on the NHRA POWERade tour in 2004.

Straus, 35, of Brooklyn, considers this to be a career enhancing opportunity and looks forward to the challenge of competing against the best riders on the tour.

“This is great because teaming up with Mike and his status as a champion can only lead to good things,” Straus said. “He’s a man of his word and he’s committed to excellence and winning. That can only lead to good things for us.”

Straus previously raced NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle in 2000 on a limited basis riding for Troy Baxter. He further developed his competitive reputation by participating in various unsanctioned outlaw bike shootouts on the east coast. Straus finished fourth in the Fish Customs Outlaw Motorcycle Shootout tour last season. He gained a lot of assistance along the way from Mike Philips, a noted outlaw motorcycle racer and recent Pro Stock Motorcycle winner at the NHRA Lucas Oil Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway.

Mike Bahnmaier, of Wichita KS, experienced an explosive Nitro Harley outing. (Roger Richards)

“I wanted to look for a rider that had character…was hard working and had the potential to win,” explained Ashley. “When I say win…I mean win races, win in media and win with the fans. That combination is a winning one for InfiNet Insurance and Financial and the entire Gotham City team. I couldn’t resist sponsoring Lloyd. You only have to speak to him once to understand why he is the guy that most deserves the opportunity to win. I’m confident that he will seize that opportunity and accomplish our common goal of a top ten finish in 2004.”

Doing it for Momma - Martha Millican, mother of Team Werner/104 + Octane Boost/Lehman Racing Top Fuel driver Clay Millican, sustained a gunshot wound to the head on the morning of October 8, 2003, while she was working at the Millican family's small country store in Drummonds, Tenn. The assailant has been apprehended and is being charged with a number of offenses, including two counts of attempted murder. The attacker's motivation remains unknown, but it is believed that he was recently released from a psychiatric institution. Mrs. Millican, who is affectionately known as "Momma" to those closest to her, suffered non-life-threatening injuries. She was transported to the Med Regional Medical Center in Memphis shortly after the attack, and is expected to make a full recovery. After spending Wednesday night in the hospital, she was released this afternoon.
"Momma is just amazing," said Millican. "To be shot in the head yesterday and checked out of the hospital today is remarkable. She is such a strong woman and we are just so lucky that she is okay. She looks great and is in good spirits. Once everything has healed, she'll be as good as new." Adhering to his family's wishes, especially those of Momma, Millican raced in the NHRA O'Reilly Fall Nationals in Dallas this weekend as planned. Millican would like to thank all of the people who have sent their best wishes and flowers to the family. Anyone who would like to send a card to Momma may do so at the following address:
Martha Millican
P.O. Box 315
Drummonds, TN 38023

Momma doesn’t back down – According to a post-qualifying interview, Millican’s mother reportedly chased her assailant from the store.

The Nitro Harleys Return – For the third time this season, the Nitro Harley-Davidson division roared down the quarter-mile at an NHRA POWERade event. Steve Stordeur of Goshen, Ohio, emerged as the early leader among the twelve bikes that made the trip to Dallas.

As news breaks, we'll pass it on to you.

The candidates announced - Two NHRA Top Fuel drivers have been selected as the candidates for the Automobile Club of Southern California Road to the Future Award, it was announced today by officials from the NHRA and Automobile Club of Southern California. Second-generation racers David Baca and Brandon Bernstein were selected as candidates for the prestigious award, which annually recognizes the top rookie competitor in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series and offers a $20,000 prize and sleek ceremonial trophy to the winner. Baca is the son of 1977 U.S. Nationals Top Fuel winner Dennis Baca, while Bernstein is the son of six-time NHRA champion Kenny Bernstein. The Automobile Club of Southern California Road to the Future Award will be presented during the NHRA's annual awards ceremony on Monday, Nov. 10 at the spectacular Kodak Theatre in Hollywood.

They’re approved - NHRA tied for first in overall value for sponsorship in an independent report published in SportsBusiness Journal, a Charlotte, N.C.-based business weekly covering the national sports scene. The report - which included NHRA for the first time - appeared in the Oct. 6-12 edition of the popular news magazine and is the first of a three-part series on sports sponsorships. NHRA was first overall in the category "Offer Good Value for the Money" and ranked in the top five in 14 of the categories among the featured leagues, including the NFL, NBA, PGA Tour and NHL, among others. The world's largest motorsports organization, NHRA ranked higher than the median average in all 16 categories utilized to assess sponsor satisfaction in their relationships with major sports leagues. Among the four major auto racing sanctioning bodies included in the report, NHRA ranked first or second in every category. "When I became president in 1999, we made sponsor relations a key initiative in our five-year strategic plan," said Tom Compton, president, NHRA. "This survey, and NHRA's strong approval ratings, is a result of the hard work and effort of the NHRA, the racers and team owners working together with our sponsors to deliver them maximum results.