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MILLICAN WINS AT ROCKINGHAM FOR SEVENTH STRAIGHT TIME

(10-24-2004) - Overshadowed in qualifying by Australian Andrew Cowin, Clay Millican showed Sunday why he is the most prolific winner in IHRA drag racing history by driving the Werner Enterprises Top Fuel dragster to its seventh victory of the season and its seventh straight win at Rockingham Dragway.

Millican, who now has 37 IHRA tour victories in a Top Fuel career that began just five years ago, beat Cowin in the semifinals and then turned back Danny Dunn of Wilkesboro, N.C., in the final to win the ninth annual Bethesda Softworks World Finals, last event in the 2004 IHRA Hooters Drag Racing Series.

Other winners in Sunday's attrition-marred and rain-lengthened season finale were Al Billes of Barrie, Ontario, Calif., in Pro Modified; Brian Gahm of Lucasville, Ohio, in Pro Stock; and Fred Tigges of Holbrook, Mass., who upset two-time reigning champion Rob Atchison in the Funny Car final.

Final Unofficial IHRA Points

Unofficial final IHRA Hooters Drag Racing Series points following Sunday's season-ending ninth annual Bethesda Softworks World Finals at Rockingham Dragway:

TOP FUEL – 1. Clay Millican, Drummonds, Tenn., 1444; 2. Bruce Litton, Indianapolis, Ind., 1086; 3. Doug Foley, Sewell, N.J., 999; 4. Tim Cullinan, Des Plaines, Ill., 866; 5. Bobby Lagana Jr., Scarsdale, N.Y., 860; 6. Todd Paton, Paris, Ontario, Canada, 622; 7. Louie Allison, Denver, Colo., 628; 8. John Sipple, Berea, Ky., 619; 9. Rick Cooper, Boise, Idaho, 602; 10. Chris Karamesines, Chicago, Ill., 485.

PRO MODIFIED – 1. Mike Janis, Lancaster, N.Y., 1963 Chevrolet Corvette, 870; 2. Al Billes, Barrie, Ontario, Canada, 1953 Chevrolet Corvette, 703; 3. Harold Martin, New Hudson, Mich., 2004 Pontiac Grand Am, 683; 4. Rick DiStefano, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, 1953 Chevy Corvette, 680; 5. Billy Harper, Paducah, Ky., 2001 Dodge Viper, 650; 6. Mike Castellana, Westbury, N.Y., 1968 Chevrolet Camaro, 636; 7. Quain Stott, Columbus, S.C., 1963 Chevrolet Corvette, 632; 8. Mitch Stott, Mill Spring, N.C., 1963 Chevrolet Corvette, 586; 9. Shannon Jenkins, Tuscaloosa, Ala., 1968 Chevrolet Camaro, 578; 10. Pat Moore, Kinsman, Ohio, 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air, 440.

PRO STOCK – 1. John Nobile, Dix Hills, N.Y., 2004 Ford Escort ZX2, 918; 2. Brian Gahm, Lucasville, Ohio, 2003 Ford Mustang, 841; 3. John Montecalvo, Center Moriches, N.Y., 2002 Cavalier, 834; 4. Pete Berner, Crete, Ill., 2003 Ford Mustang, 772; 5. Elijah Morton, Jacksonville, N.C., 2004 Ford Mustang, 758; 6. Rick Jones, Galesburg, Ill., 2003 Dodge Stratus, 733; 7. Frank Gugliotta, Mt. Airy, Md., 2004 Ford Escort ZX2, 696; 8. Steve Spiess, Manhattan, Ill., 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier, 653; 9. Robert Patrick, Fredericksburg, Va., 2004 Ford Escort ZX2, 594; 10. Tony Gillig, Lake Bluff, Ill., 2004 Ford Mustang, 563.

FUNNY CAR – 1. Rob Atchison, London, Ontario, Canada, Pontiac Firebird, 1168; 2. Mark Thomas, Louisville, Ohio, Dodge Avenger, 1145; 3. Terry McMillen, Elkhart, Ind., Dodge Avenger, 758; 4. Jim Sickles, Caledonia, N.Y., Dodge Avenger, 570; 5. Jeff Burnett, Brownsburg, Ind., Pontiac Firebird, 535; 6. Chris Foster, Davenport, Iowa, Dodge Avenger, 530; 7. Terry Munroe, Beaver, Pa., Pontiac Firebird, 452; 8. Scott Wildgust, Stratford, Ontario, Canada, Pontiac Firebird, 358; 9. Neal Parker, Millville, N.J., Chevrolet Camaro, 316; 10. Larry Dobbs, Welland, Ontario, Canada, Chevrolet Corvette, 280.

Force and Denham stay busy in Fontana

(10-25-2004) - What do John Force and Gary Densham do on an off weekend? The two were busy coaching Force daughters Brittany and Courtney, who were making laps in the same dragster that sibling Ashley got her start. Brittany was running on Saturday and Courtney on Sunday during the Edelbrock PSCA Nationals

Steven Densham was out racing in one his Dad’s ex-fuel Funny Cars running in top eliminator. Steve ran 6.50 at over 200 mph.

Other happenings included a serious crash where Troy Cafaru in his 1963 Corvette got out of the groove and made a hard left into Jim Basko’s Olds. Both drivers walked away, but Basko was later taken to a local hospital for observation.

SCRANTON, HOYOS, EFANTIS, LUMMUS AND MADRID WINNERS AT 2004 NHRA SUMMIT SPORT COMPACT FINAL EVENT

(10-25-2004) - Matt Scranton won the second season championship of his career at the Nitto NHRA Sport Compact World Finals presented by Subaru Performance Tuning and Import Tuner. It's the finale of 10 events in the $2.1 million NHRA Summit Sport Compact Series.

Nelson Hoyos, Paul Efantis, Ron Lummus and Charles Madrid were also winners at the finale of 10 events in the $2.1 million NHRA Summit Sport Compact Series.

Matt Scranton, from Land 'O Lakes, Fla., clinched his second career NHRA season championship in his Pro RWD Turbonetics/Spearco Toyota Celica with a final round victory over Brad Personett. It's his first win of the season and 12th of his career. His last championship was in '02 when he won the Pro V-8 class.
Scranton, who entered the race third in the points race, defeated Stephan Papadakis in the semi-final and was aided by Personett, who defeated Ara Arslanian in the first round. Papadakis finished second in the class points chase, with Arslanian coming in third.

"It's a long season and we stuck in there enough to pull out the win in the end," Scranton said. This was the most competitive season that the category has ever had and to see it come down to the final round at the final race of the year was awesome. I'm so proud of this team and the hard work they have put in all season and the work on the second car as well. Our sponsors have felt great about the way we are running the program and we are just thrilled to have all of them involved."

Hoyos, driver of the GM Racing Chevrolet Cavalier, became the second driver this season to repeat his championship from '03 (Ladwig), defeating Ed Bergenholtz in the Pro FWD final. At one point this season Hoyos trailed Lisa Kubo by more then 100 points but won five of the last six races to overtake the field. Kubo placed second and Bergenholtz, who made his first career pass in the seven-second range during qualifying Saturday, finished third.

"It was an opportunity which was perfectly scripted," Hoyos said. "We thought we could have had it clinched it earlier in the day, but to take Kubo out in order to clinch was a storybook finish and we are so proud of it. We had two great runs in that race and I hope the crowd got their money's worth."

"People build character by coming from behind and getting the wins down the stretch, which is a bit different from last year when we had the big lead and just had to hold on," said Hoyos, who won the first seven races of the season last year. "We knew we had to win races and set records this year. Denver was the turning point to know that we could achieve the goals we set out before the season began. This was a team effort. They put me in a position to win. This belongs to them."

Efantis, who clinched the season championship in Modified by qualifying for eliminations yesterday, capped his season in style by defeating Carlos Gonzalez Sr. in the final round. The Ljamsville, Md. native finished the season with four straight wins to blow past Gonzalez Sr., who finished second, and Carlos Gonzalez Jr., who placed third in his rookie campaign. It is the first career championship for Efantis.

"The people that deserve the credit for the win are all the members of this team; they did the job to get the car ready," Efantis said. "I kept my head on straight all season and overcame the two-man team that dominated early in the season. This was the perfect ending to a great season for us. We got the win and the championship, which is what we set out to do. Hopefully, we get a chance to defend it next year."

Lummus captured his second victory of the season (Dallas) in Turbo Magazine Hot Rod by defeating category champion Marty Ladwig in the finals. Lummus powered the Bothwell Racing Pontiac Sunfire to a track record 7.883 E.T. at 188.70 mph during the winning run. It's the first Hot Rod car to reach the 7.80-second range. Despite the loss, Ladwig finished the season on top of the points chase, with Gary Gardella placing second and Kenny Tran third.

"This is like a fairytale for me," Lummus said. "I've raced on my nickel for a long time and to come to a team like this, who enjoys what they do and are as professional as any team in the business, is a real treat. We give respect to all the other teams and are earning some respect of our own. The success is in the intensity that we have at every event."

Madrid, who ran Pro FWD for Bergenholtz Racing in '03, took home the win in his first race of the season in Honda Tuning Magazine All Motor defeating category champion Jesus Padilla. Madrid also set the class E.T. record powering the Skunk 2 Acura RSX to a 9.854.

Padilla collected his first career All Motor championship with Scott Mohler, the points leader entering the race, finishing second and Scott Kelley, who won a pair of races this season, third.

Change, points and a shootout in store for Pro Mod drivers at Vegas

(10-25-2004) – Change, points and a shootout highlight this weekend’s NHRA AMS Staff Leasing Pro Mod Challenge, an NHRA exhibition class, being held in conjunction with the NHRA ACDelco Las Vegas Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

First, the change. Since its inception in 2001, all fields for the NHRA Pro Mod Challenge have consisted of eight cars. That has changed for the upcoming Las Vegas event. The ladder will move to the more conventional 16-car field.

The 16-car field also gives way to a change in the point system for the Pro Mods. At Vegas the winner will receive 500 points and the runner-up 400. The two semifinalists will be awarded 300 points each. Quarterfinal finishers earn 200 points, while the first round finishers receive 100 points. A driver can earn additional points for setting either an elapsed-time or speed record or both. Both E.T. and speed records are worth 100 extra points each.

Those points, plus those awarded for qualifying (16 points for the No. 1 qualifier down to 1 point for the No. 16 qualifier), brings the most points that are available to a single driver to 716 points. With the Las Vegas event being the last race on the 2004 NHRA AMS Staff Leasing Pro Mod Challenge schedule and the final event at which a driver can earn points, this means that only three drivers remain in contention for the DRO/NMM Cup, awarded to the driver that finishes No. 1 in the final point standings.

The three drivers are Mike Ashley (with 1843 points), Al Billes (1526 points) and Danny Rowe (1313 points). It’s going to be a shootout to see who is awarded the DRO/NMM Cup on Sunday night at the AMS Staff Leasing Pro Mod Challenge awards banquet at the Monte Carlo Resort & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip.

Speaking of shootouts, eight drivers have their sights set on winning the second annual AMS Staff Leasing Pro Mod Shootout, a special race-within-a-race, which will take place on Oct. 30 during qualifying. The Shootout features the most consistent Pro Mod qualifiers throughout the NHRA AMS Staff Leasing Pro Mod Challenge season with a winner take all purse of $10,000.

The opening round pairings for the Shootout are: 1.) Mike Ashley (’67 Shelby Mustang) vs. 8.) Mike Castellana (’68 Camaro), 2.) Fred Hahn (’01 Corvette) vs. 7.) Zach Barklage (’04 Grand Am), 3.) Von Smith (’04 Mustang) vs. 6.) Mike Janis (’63 Corvette) and 4.) Al Billes (’53 Corvette) vs. 5.) Shannon Jenkins (’68 Camaro).

Drivers recovering at local Rockingham hospital

(10-24-2004) - Two competitors from this weekend's competition in Rockingham are still in a local hospital following two serious incidents. Top Fuel racer Doc Sipple suffered a mild heart attack on Friday and Funny Car racer Tim Stevens was transported with injuries sustained in a crash and ensuing fire that destroyed his racecar.

Sipple was transported to FirstHealth Richmond Memorial hospital where he still remains under doctor's observation. IHRA officials have added that he's also suffering from pnuemonia.

Stevens was airlifted to the hospital on Saturday with a concussion and burns to his hand. As of Sunday, the doctors had not released Stevens.

Championships clinched for IHRA professional divisions

(10-24-2004) - John Nobile and Rob Atchison clinched their respective world championships during the IHRA season finale.

Nobile captured the Sunoco Pro Stock title when John Montecalvo lost in the first round of competition.

Atchison entered the event needing only one round victory beyond Mark Thomas' total to achieve the Funny Car crown. Thomas lost to Fred Tigges in the quarter-finals. Atchison defeated Chris Foster to reach the semi-finals.

Steve Moore shows off his neat Nitro Harley and helps a friend along the way

(10-24-2004) – Steve Moore may ride a Harley that belches nitromethane and may get up to his elbows in grease turning the wrenches on a Top Fuel car for part-time Hooters IHRA Drag Racing competitor Joel Collins, but when he’s home the web is where he likes to hang out. Moore, a veteran rider from Spartanburg, SC., admits the Internet is his place to find out the latest in racing news.

Last year one website caught his eye and he’ll readily admit that he’s become a fan of it. VtwinPlus.com is a Harley-Davidson and custom bike oriented publication published by CompetitionPlus.com. Admittedly VtwinPlus.com is on Moore’s favorite places as is CompetitionPlus.com.

“I’ve spent many hours at Tommy Mauney’s shop and this is how I first found out about VTwinPlus.com,” Moore said. “I’ve read CompetitionPlus.com for years and I knew that if they were going to head into the custom bike market that it was going to be neat. This is going to be a good deal for everyone that likes Harleys. I am very happy to be one of their readers.”

Moore wants to get the word out about the site. He’s worked out a program that will partner his racing endeavors with VtwinPlus.com during his Nitro Harley exhibition at the Bethesda Softworks IHRA World Finals in Rockingham, NC., and possibly beyond.

Moore admittedly has won so many races that it is sometimes difficult to keep track of his number. What he can remember is scoring the 2001 AHDRA World Championship and finishing among the top five point earners for eight consecutive seasons. He’s also credited with being the seventh Nitro Harley ride to exceed 200 miles per hour. Moore finished fourth while racing a tour in Australia.

VtwinPlus.com debuted in December of 2003 as part of the vastly growing CompetitionPlus.com network. Veteran motorcycle journalist Greg Guarinello edits the up and coming publication and is assisted by up and coming photographer Daron Gray.

Barklage Racing will Field a Two Car Team in 2005

(10-20-2004) – Barklage Racing announced today they will field two cars in the 2005 race season. At press time Zach Barklage is standing strong in fourth place in AMS Pro Mod points as they enter Las Vegas, the last race of the season. Soon his younger brother Cody will follow.

Cody Barklage, who is at the young age of 17, completed his advance ET license at Kansas City International Raceway in the summer of 2004 and is well on his way to following his big brother. Cody took the 2004 race season to gain seat time in his fathers 1972 GTO Outlaw, and ran his personal best at 6.92 at well over 200 MPH during Kansas City International Raceway’s Doorslammer race. Now with both young Barklage men heading towards an AMS Championship, the whole class has some hard competition.

Cody Barklage will be the youngest AMS Pro Mod driver in the series and will pilot the new Jerry Bickel Pontiac GTO. “This is a big step for us and I feel this will be the best year ever for Barklage Racing,” declares Zach Barklage. Cody agreed by saying “I’m proud to be involved in my family’s first class operation and I can’t wait to get in the drivers seat of my new car.” The family owned operation begun the 2004 season with many uncertainties; however, with a very successful race season behind them Barklage Racing is looking to the future.

Both cars will be under the capable direction of crew-chief Chad Wilson. Wilson, who has previously worked with the Del Worsham, CSK top-fuel funny car, is also excited about the new car. “Cody has gained valuable experience and seat time during 2004, and I feel he will only continue to grow as he becomes the youngest AMS Pro Mod driver in the class. This first year will also give us more technical data, which will only help Zach have a more consistent car and hopefully more wins in the long-run. Instead of only getting one pass each round, we will get two.”

With the two young, talented drivers at the wheel of two very fast cars, a whole new world of sponsorship opportunities have come about. Currently Barklage Racing is seeking new and innovative sponsors for the two car team. Being one of only a few AMS Pro Modified teams to field two cars in the 2005 season, Barklage Racing is hoping for some big wins next season.

Former Funny Car driver Les Cassidy passes away

(10-20-2004) - Les Cassidy, pilot of the Cassidy Brothers Funny Car of the 1970's passed away in his sleep Friday night of congestive heart failure while visiting his son in New Jersey. He was 50 years old.

Services will be Thirsday morning, October 21st at 10am at Paul Ippolito Funeral Home, 7 Summit Avenue, Summit, NJ 07901. Phone 908-273-1367. There will be just the one viewing followed by a burial in the family plot in Chatham, NJ. The family has requested that no flowers be sent to the funeral home.

Leslie Lovett Photographic Award winner

(10-20-2004) - Veteran drag racing photographer Jim Phillipson won this year's Leslie Lovett Photographic Award. Dave Wallace, whose legs ought to win some kind of artistic award, presents Philipson with the honors.

FRED HAHN RETIRES

(10-20-2004) - Driver Fred Hahn and team owner, engine builder and tuner Jim Oddy have been the most dominant team in Pro Modified since the inception of the class in 1990. During the following years the Buffalo, New York-based Hahn and Oddy became the only Pro Mod team in the class's history to win a championship for every sanctioning body that sanctioned the class: NHRA, IHRA, Super Chevy (both as a Pro Mod and a Nitro Coupe), USSC and the Canadian Pro Mod Championship.

As the driver for Oddy, Hahn became a charter member of the Sonny's Automotive 200-mph Club, the first Pro Mod driver in the Sixes and two-time recipient of the prestigious Car Craft Magazine All-Star Team award as Pro Mod Driver of the Year.

Fred Hahn has accomplished all this while holding down a full time job as a maintenance supervisor in an upstate New York foundry. Unfortunately for the team, the uncertain economy has led to changes at Hahn's place of work that simply will no longer allow him to take the time off required for him to work on the car during the week and compete at 15 or more national events.

"This is the most difficult decision I have ever had to make in my driving career, but I really had no choice in the matter," Hahn said. "My real job simply won't allow me to take the time off to work with the team on the car and drive. I had no option. I have to retire from driving the best car in Pro Modified.

"Jim Oddy, his sons Dave and Dan, and car chief Billy Leverentz constantly gave me the best prepared, most powerful race car a driver could ask for, every time I went to the starting line." Hahn continued. "As a driver I couldn't have asked for anything better."

"He's simply the best driver I've ever seen and he has proven that over
and over during the past 16 years we've been racing as a team. He has
won me more races and kept more cars from crashing than I can count.
He's simply the best.

"The sad fact is that he had to do what was best for him and his family -- to keep the job that pays the bills," Oddy said. "We will all miss him."

SUZUKI PARTNERS WITH NHRA SPORT COMPACT SERIES

(10-19-2004) - NHRA officials announced today that Suzuki has been named the official Motorcycle and ATV of the NHRA Summit Sport Compact Series. The sponsorship will begin at the Nitto NHRA World Finals presented by Subaru Performance Tuning and Import Tuner at Pomona Raceway, Oct. 23-24, 2004, and run through the 2006 season.

"Everyone at Suzuki is thrilled about our new relationship with the NHRA Sport Compact Series," said Mel Harris, vice president of ASMC's Motorcycle/ATV Division. "Drag racing is such an exciting sport and we're enthusiastic about becoming an official part of it. Because Suzuki is the manufacturer of the world's fastest production motorcycle with the GSX1300R Hayabusa, it seems only natural that we sponsor a racing series that focuses on flat-out, straight-line speed. We look forward to working with the NHRA and to creating a mutually beneficial relationship during the next two years."

BERNSTEIN TO BE HONORED AS GRAND MARSHAL OF THE ELITE BUDWEISER SHOOTOUT FOR TOP FUEL

(10-19-2004) - Six-time NHRA POWERade champion Kenny Bernstein has been selected to be the Grand Marshal for the 20th annual Budweiser Shootout. It is the first time the special bonus event for Top Fuel has had a Grand Marshal.
Bernstein has one of the most successful sponsor relationships in motorsports history. Budweiser has sponsored Bernstein for nearly 30 years. As a driver Bernstein collected 69 national event victories in addition to his six championship. He remains the only driver in history to win a championship in both nitro categories.

"It's an honor to serve as Grand Marshal for the Budweiser Shootout," said Bernstein, a four-time winner of the Budweiser Shootout (2 TF, 2 FC). "We were one of the founding fathers of the Budweiser Shootout in the early 1980s and started the concept with the Funny Cars. Obviously since our sponsor is involved we take a very big interest in this specialty event and having competed in both the Bud Shootout for Funny Cars and Top Fuel a total of 19 times we can identify with the drivers who are putting it all on the line for a big $100,000 payday."

Bernstein retired at the end of the 2002 season, after racing the "Forever Red" farewell tour in each of the 20 cities that host the 23 NHRA POWERade Series events. His son, Brandon, took over the driving duties but was sidelined after just eight events because of injuries suffered in a crash. The elder Bernstein stepped back in the car, winning his final four races as a driver. Once the '03 season ended, Bernstein went back to his retirement job: Team Ownership.

Brandon Bernstein earned 3,150 points in Budweiser Shootout qualifying points, good enough for the No. 4 spot on the list. He will join the drivers seeded second through seventh in a draw party, which has been created to reveal several unknowns - including first-round pairings. Only top qualifier Doug Kalitta knows what position he will start from. He will be racing the lottery pick - one of eight potential drivers. One name from the No. 8-15 drivers will be selected in a lottery, determining who will face off with Kalitta.

The Budweiser Shootout Draw Party will start at 6 p.m. at "The Joint" at the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas on Oct. 28. Professional qualifying for the ACDelco Las Vegas NHRA Nationals will start at 3:30 p.m. on Oct. 29.

NHRA TEAMS WITH PBR FOR CELEBRITY BLACKJACK TOURNAMENT

(10-19-2004) – The NHRA and the Professional Bull Riders, Inc. (PBR), will present the 2004 PBR Celebrity Blackjack Tournament with all the proceeds to be donated to the Resistol Relief Fund.

The all-star tournament will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 27, at 5:30 p.m. (PT) at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, with four of the NHRA’s top nitro drivers and 45 of the leading PBR bull riders participating in the ninth annual event, which has raised more than $400,000 for the RRF since its inception.

The tournament will be held in conjunction with the fourth annual ACDelco Las Vegas NHRA Nationals, Oct. 28-31, at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and the PBR’s season-ending Built Ford Tough World Finals, Oct. 22-31.

Top Fuel standouts Brandon Bernstein and Cory McClenathan, along with Snake Racing Funny Car pilots Ron Capps and Tommy Johnson Jr., will try their luck at one of the 36 blackjack tables and also will be available to sign autographs for those in attendance. The event is open to the public and registration for the tournament will be from 3-5 p.m. (PT), on Oct. 27, for a cost of $200 per entrant with all proceeds going to the Resistol Relief Fund, a special fund created by Resistol Hats and the PBR to aid injured cowboys and their families.

The charity tournament has three separate rounds of competition, with each of the 36 tables playing a pre-determined number of hands, with one winner per table being crowned. The 36 ‘table-winners’ will then advance to the semifinals and be divided up among six tables. The semifinal winners at each of the six tables then move on to the final round. Various prizes will be awarded to the winners at the tournament and traditional ‘Las Vegas blackjack rules’ apply. If a celebrity from one of the initial 36 tables is a winner at the tournament, each of the players who were sitting at the table with the winning celebrity in the first round also win prizes.

BUDWEISER SHOOTOUT DRAW PARTY TO DETERMINE STARTING LINEUP FOR LUCRATIVE TOP FUEL BONUS RACE IN LAS VEGAS

(10-19-2004) – The eight starting positions for the $100,000 Budweiser Shootout will be finalized Oct. 28 during the Budweiser Shootout Draw Party at “The Joint,” a multi-purpose entertainment venue inside the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.

A limited number of tickets are available to adults 21 years and older for this inaugural event. NHRA fans wanting to attend the Budweiser Shootout Draw Party can win tickets through contests conducted on various local radio stations.

In addition to the qualifying drawings for the Budweiser Shootout, the Draw Party also will feature: live music by local rock group “Conched Out;” a variety of race cars on display including Kurt Johnson’s ACDelco Chevrolet Pro Stock Chevy Cavalier; appearances by the Budweiser Clydesdales and the Budweiser True Music Roadhouse – an interactive music exhibit – from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. outside the Hard Rock Hotel; and a driver autograph session in the Budweiser Shootout Fan Zone outside from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m..

NHRA announced today the 15 Top Fuel drivers who will participate in the Budweiser Shootout Draw Party, which starts at 6 p.m. (PT) and will be hosted by NHRA announcer Bob Frey and Budweiser personality Katie Daryl. During the Draw Party, first round pairings for the Shootout will be determined during a series of random drawings.

Top qualifier Doug Kalitta, who earned the race’s only automatic starting position by claiming six No. 1 qualifying positions during the season, will face the driver in the No. 8 position in the first round of the Budweiser Shootout. Kalitta, driver of the Mac Tools dragster, is the defending and two-time winner of the Budweiser Shootout (also 1998).

Six other drivers guaranteed a starting spot for the Budweiser Shootout via their final qualifying position during the season series – Tony Schumacher, Dave Grubnic, Brandon Bernstein, Scott Kalitta, Cory McClenathan and Doug Herbert – will find out their first round opponent via a special drawing. As these drivers are introduced during the Draw Party, they will participate in a random drawing to determine their final starting spot from one of the available remaining positions (Nos. 2-7).

Eight drivers are hoping to earn a chance at the $100,000 victory via an open wild card position, which will place that winner into the Budweiser Shootout in the No. 8 starting spot. Larry Dixon, Scott Weis, Rhonda Hartman-Smith, John Smith, David Baca, Brady Kalivoda, Morgan Lucas and Mike Strasburg are the hopefuls in contention for the wild card drawing for the coveted No. 8 starting position.

The 20th annual Budweiser Shootout will be held on Oct. 30 during the fourth annual ACDelco Las Vegas NHRA Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway with rounds at noon, 1:45 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. The winner of the Budweiser Shootout earns $100,000. The runner-up claims $15,000, while the two semifinalists earn $6,000 each and the four first-round finishers get $5,000 apiece. A driver that wins the Budweiser Shootout and the ACDelco Las Vegas NHRA Nationals will earn an additional $50,000 bonus from NHRA.

Budweiser, the Official Beer of the NHRA, provides a purse of $235,000 during the Budweiser Shootout Series, including $88,000 in bonuses to No. 1 qualifiers at 22 NHRA POWERade Series events and $147,000 available to the final eight participants in the Budweiser Shootout.

The Budweiser Shootout is a special race-within-a-race bonus event contested annually for the eight quickest NHRA Top Fuel drivers in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. Past champions include six-time winner Joe Amato; three-time winners Gary Scelzi and Dixon; two-time winners Kenny Bernstein and D. Kalitta; and one-time victors Shelly Anderson, Don Garlits and S. Kalitta.

Budweiser Shootout No. 1 qualifier (will face No. 8 wild card selection in round one):

Drivers guaranteed a starting position (will draw for starting positions 2-7):

Samuel wins big in Orlando

(10-18-2004) - Chuck Samuel wasn't smiling when the motor broke on his 2000 Ford Mustang during Sunday's quarterfinals.

He wasn't happy when he missed Friday's lone qualifying session because, he said, "we made a mistake." Neither was he overly satisfied with qualifying 10th in the 32-car field, although his effort put him in the top third of the grid and clearly better off than the 41 drivers who failed to make the cut. It was just like those seven previous years he came to Orlando Speedworld Dragway and went home empty-handed.

But Sunday night, the Sycamore, Ill., street-car racing veteran couldn't wipe the grin from his face as he hoisted his Super Pro Street trophy over his head.

Samuel's 6.628-second, 216.08-mph final-round pass over No. 9 qualifier Mike Steele of Shreveport, La., was worth $10,000. Steele was close behind in his '96 Firebird with a 6.782/209.39.

"This year was good. Everything worked out good," Samuel said. "We just started out and kept plugging away at it."

Of his semifinal problem, he said matter-of-factly, "A part broke. We just took it out, replaced engines and started over."

Ed Thornton, of Chino Hills, Calif., took home $1,000 for being the class' No.1 qualifier with a 6.626-second run. His 223.99-mph effort in a '57 Chevy was the class' top speed of this 12th annual open special event billed as "absolutely, positively the most outrageous door slammer shootout in the known universe!"

However, Steve King, of Strasburg, Va., in his '98 Viper, took low E.T. honors at 6.613 seconds.

ASHLEY WINS AGAIN; LOCKS UP DIVISION 4 CHAMPIONSHIP

(10-18-2004) – Ashley Force drove the Mattel Toy Store dragster past the similar machine of former NHRA touring pro Gene Snow in the final round of a Lucas Oil Sportsman Series drag race Sunday at No Problem Raceway and, in so doing, clinched the Divison 4 Top Alcohol Dragster Championship

In winning for the fourth time in her last seven races, Ms. Force went wire-to-wire after qualifying No. 1 (5.335 seconds) for the ninth time this season for car owners Jerry Darien and Ken Meadows.

The 21-year-old daughter of 12-time NHRA Funny Car Champion John Force, Ashley beat Glenn Woosley in round one and Marty Thacker in a wild second round before besting Snow for her third Lucas Series win of the season. She also has won a pair of NHRA national events including the 50th annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals at Indianapolis, Ind.

Although she eked out a 5.352-5.367 second victory in the final, Ms. Force actually clinched the division title when Snow, a former NHRA tour winner in both the Funny Car and Top Fuel categories, beat her closes rival, Shelly Howard of Tulsa, Okla., in the semifinals.

Despite the closeness of the final round, Ms. Force endured her biggest scare in her semifinal match with Marty Thacker. A rookie in the Top Alcohol division, Ms. Force seemed destined to suffer the same fate as Ms. Howard when her car lost traction almost at the hit of the throttle.

However, Thacker's car suffered a supercharger failure at approximately 300 feet and, after feathering the throttle four different times, Ms. Force was able to regain control in time to take the victory in 8.290 seconds.

The former high school cheerleader now gets a two week reprieve before she returns to competition in a Lucas Oil Sportsman Series race at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Nov. 6-7.

MONROE HIRED AS “CONSULTANT TO RONS FUEL INJECTION”

(10-18-2004) – RONS Fuel Injection is pleased to announce a new addition to their staff for 2005 and beyond. James Monroehas been hired as a consultant and will be working with the company in many capacities including sales, marketing, technical support and on-track testing from his centrally located facility in Columbus, Indiana.

Ron Upham, owner of RONS, states matter-of-factly, “James has been our leading dealer for several years and brings with him a wealth of on-track experience as well as an uncanny customer service focus that is imperative in today’s marketplace. We are ecstatic about this situation and know it will help us better serve our customers in all areas of business”.

Coughlin hopes to make opponents MAD with Spy vs. Spy car

(10-15-2004) - The Pro Stock class should be advised that sizzling bombs, falling anvils, suspicious trapdoors and other pratfalls will become the order of the day when two-time Pro Stock champion Jeg Coughlin unveils a special-edition Spy vs. Spy car at the fourth annual ACDelco Las Vegas NHRA Nationals in Las Vegas.

The 33-time national event winner is part of a new program put together by Action Performance that celebrates the infamous MAD Magazine characters. Additionally, other members of the MAD Racing team will sport the visage of MAD Magazine fictional founder Alfred E. Newman over Halloween weekend and beyond.

"The car looks great," Coughlin said. "We'll race it The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and close out the year on a strong note. I'm looking forward to it. As a kid, I dabbled with MAD Magazine and old Alfred E. He has always been a crazy guy."

Joining Coughlin in the Spy vs. Spy camp is NASCAR drivers Kasey Kahne and Jeremy Mayfield, while Alfred E. Neuman will be represented by NASCAR pros Kenny Wallace and Michael Waltrip, as well as World of Outlaws wildman Danny Lasoski.

While Coughlin's Pro Stock Chevrolet Cavalier, and the various stock cars and sprint cars, will sport either the Alfred E. Neuman or Spy vs. Spy scheme, all six vehicles in the program will share a specially designed MAD Racing "Unsafe at Any Speed!" logo featuring the "Spy" characters from Spy vs. Spy. Action Performance Companies Inc. designed the logo specifically for this latest MAD Racing extravaganza.

"I know the entire Jeg's Racing team is excited to be a part of this deal and to share the stage with all of these great drivers," Coughlin said. "The paint job is very cool. Coming over the top it looks like our conventional Jeg's Mail Order scheme but the Spy vs. Spy guys are going to work, taking over. It's a neat look.

"We expect a positive response from the fans and we'll have T-Shirts and die-cast cars from Action available. Every time we've done a special-edition car it's been very well received and since so many people can relate to MAD Magazine and the Spy vs. Spy characters, I know this one will be a big hit also."

Wallace, Kahne, Mayfield, and Waltrip will roll out their MAD Racing machines during the NASCAR event at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Oct. 30-31. Lasoski will round out the program with his MAD Racing sprint car, racing on Nov. 5 and 6 at The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

"In recent years, MAD Racing has been a growing presence on the race scene," said Fred Wagenhals, Action Performance's chairman, president, and CEO. "It started with a few specials over the years in the NHRA and now has evolved into this cross-circuit event. Visually, the cars are incredibly creative and are an inspiration from the original MAD Magazine artists' works, including Antonio Prohias, who created the Spy vs. Spy characters, and Norman Mingo, a portrait artist who developed the definitive Alfred E. Neuman rendering."

John McGowan Suspended for Pure Street Engine Infraction for First Three Races of NMRA Ford Drag Racing 2005 Season

(10-15-2004) -- The NMRA Drag Racing Series announced Thursday the immediate suspension of competition privileges of TTC Tremec Pure Street driver John McGowan.

The action is a result of a protest-based tech inspection by the NMRA
Technical Department of the engine used on McGowan's Pure Street entry on October 3rd, during the Nitto Tire NMRA World Finals at Beech Bend Raceway.

"After a thorough investigation by the NMRA technical department, gas-ported pistons were discovered to be present in the short block, not allowed by class rules, said Charlie Harmon, ProMedia Event Director. "This is clearly a violation of NMRA rules and regulations. Therefore, John McGowan was disqualified for this mechanical issue, and he is suspended for the first three events in 2005 from owning, driving or in any way participating in PRO or NMRA sanctioned events."

McGowan will have his competition status reinstated beginning with the
fourth event of the 2005 season. The team will also lose all NMRA Ford Drag Racing series points accumulated during NMRA World Finals. McGowan will be placed on 1-year probation starting Jan 1, 2005. McGowan may appeal his suspension within 30 days as per the NMRA Rulebook.

"Keeping the rules respected is critical to the sport of NMRA Drag Racing", said Thom Bates, NMRA Senior Technical Advisor. "We must provide penalties for rules violations of this nature so that other competitors respect the guidelines in the rulebook."

2nd Annual HEPC “Race for a Huntsville Engine” Filling Quickly

(10-15-2004) - The 2nd annual “Race for a Huntsville Engine,” to be contested at South Georgia Motorsports Park in Adel, GA on November 7 is generating a
great deal of interest within the sportsman racing community.

“Last season, this special event was a resounding success not only for
Huntsville Engine, but also for Bardenton Motorsports Park, and
obviously for Scotty Richardson (winner) and Jason Lynch (runner-up),”
said Huntsville Engine’s Luke Bogacki. “We’re excited about making the
move to Adel for the race, because we’ve heard it’s an awesome
facility, and I think we’ll get a few different faces in the event due
to it’s location and dating.”

The “Race for a Huntsville Engine” is a 32-car pre-entered field. The
winner receives a brand new “Money Winner” 555 as advertised on
www.huntsvilleengine.com. The runner-up will take home $1,000 cash,
and each semi-finalist receives $500. Additionally, the 32 entrants
will be automatically entered in a drawing from which one motor race
entrant will receive $1,000 cash courtesy of Huntsville Engine &
Performance and Dragraceresults.com. Pre-entry for the event is $500,
and if spots are still available at the track the entry goes to $525.

The Huntsville Engine “Money Winner” 555 includes the following
components: Dart ‘Big M’ Block, Callies Dragonslayer Crankshaft,
TCI ‘Rattler’ Balancer, TCI Flexplate, JE/SRP Pistons, Manley ‘H’ Beam
Rods, Clevite ‘H’ Series Bearings, Comp/HEPC custom roller cam, Comp
Roller Lifters, Manley Double Roller Timing Set, Brodix -2Xtra or Dart
345 Aluminum Cylinder Heads, Jesel Shaft Rocker Arms, Polished Valve
Covers, Fel-Pro Gaskets, Moroso or Milodon kick-out Oil Pan, Melling
Oil Pump, King Demon Carburetor, Edelbrock Intake Manifold, MSD Billet
Distributor, Champion Spark Plugs, Moroso Plug Wires. All HEPC
Signature Series engines are professionally machined, assembled,
primed, and dynoed before leaving the shop.

Richardson and Lynch are already pre-entered in the 2004 event, along
with a group of serious contenders. Spots in this elite 32-car field
are filling quickly, so reserve your spot in the show today. Entries
are being accepted at Huntsville Engine (888-534-4372).

Hot Rod Icon Boyd Coddington Named Grand Marshal of ACDelco NHRA Las Vegas Nationals

(10-15-2004) - Racers in almost every form of motorsports often refer to their rides as "hot rods". At the next stop on the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing circuit, competitors will be able to have their vehicles seen by an expert in the field, as ACDelco officials today announced that legendary hot rod and custom car builder Boyd Coddington will be the Grand Marshal of the upcoming ACDelco NHRA Las Vegas Nationals, which is scheduled to be held at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on October 28-31.

"As the official parts supplier to the Real Car Guys, ACDelco is thrilled to have the ultimate Real Car Guy, Boyd Coddington, as the Grand Marshal of the ACDelco NHRA Las Vegas Nationals," said Scott Mackie, ACDelco General Manager. "We have some exciting activities planned throughout the weekend, which, combined with our being at the crown jewel of the drag racing circuit, promises to make this year's edition one of the best ever.

"We will once again be hosting a number of ACDelco customers, who will have the unique opportunity to enjoy the world's fastest motorsport while also meeting a hot rodding legend and seeing some of his creations. With all this taking place in the shadow of one of the world's most exciting cities, it should be a most memorable experience."

Coddington has been at the forefront of the hot rod industry for almost forty years, with his business growing from an after-hours occupation to a 50,000-square-foot shop with over 70 employees. During that time, his series of Boydster roadsters have won numerous awards, including America's Most Beautiful Roadster an incredible seven times, with many of his creations being featured in everything from magazines to music videos.

In addition, Coddington's work with billet wheels revolutionized that aspect of the automotive aftermarket. Most recently, the experiences of Coddington and his crew at Boyd Coddington's Garage in La Habra, CA have been the subject of a hit TV series on the Discovery Channel, American Hot Rod.

Coddington's participation in Las Vegas will be evident on the racetrack, as both Kurt Johnson's ACDelco Pro Stock Cavalier and Harold Martin's ACDelco Pro Mod Grand Am will feature the Boyd Coddington logo on their respective hood scoops.

"Boyd Coddington's amazing creations are acknowledged as the very best in their field, and we're looking forward to having him join us in Las Vegas," said Johnson. "It would be pretty cool to take our own version of a Boyd Coddington hot rod to the winner's circle at the ACDelco NHRA Las Vegas Nationals."

Finally, in addition to his responsibilities as Grand Marshal, Coddington will help preside over the ACDelco Real Car Guys car show. This event, which will be held on the grounds of The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway during the final day of the event, will feature approximately 50 of the best hot rods from the region on display, including two from Coddington's personal collection. During the day, a celebrity panel headed by Coddington will choose their 15 favorites with the winners receiving a unique trophy handcrafted by Boyd.

"Serving as Grand Marshal of the NHRA / ACDelco Las Vegas Nationals is an extremely exciting opportunity," said Coddington. "Spending time with Real Car Guys like Kurt Johnson and the folks from ACDelco is a natural for me. Whether it's building one-of-a-kind hot rods as I do, or driving a 200mph +, Pro Stock racecar like Kurt -- Real Car Guys know that it takes the best to be the best. And I can't think of a more exciting and enjoyable way to spend a weekend than at the NHRA Las Vegas Nationals with my good friends from ACDelco."

NMRA & PRO Award Ceremonies to be held at Performance Racing Industry Show in Indianapolis -- Friday, December 10th

(10-15-2004) - The NMRA & PRO Award Ceremony dates have been finalized! Come join us to celebrate the entire racing season Friday, December 10th at the Radisson City Center Hotel! For the fourth year, drag racing legendary announcer Dave McClelland will perform the Master of Ceremonies duties for the events.

We also welcome the presence of all NMRA and PRO members and fans at the Awards Ceremony, to be held in conjunction with the Performance Racing Industry Trade Show in Indianapolis, Indiana. The PRO-Edelbrock Award Ceremony will be held from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm; and the NMRA-Denso Award Ceremony will be held from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

Although each Awards Ceremony is open to the public, we highly suggest you reserve advance seating. RSVP is requested. Please e-mail Melissa Lawrence at mlawrence@promediapub.com or call (714) 444-2426 before November 19, 2004.

Name:
Mailing Address:
City, State, Zip:
Phone Number:
Email:
NMRA and/or PRO (must specify):
Racer Class (if applicable):
First and Last Names of ALL Attendees (10 people max per table)

Radisson Hotel City Centre Indianapolis
31 West Ohio Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 635-2000 Phone

Meridian Ballroom
Friday, December 10th
PRO Ceremony: 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
NMRA Ceremony: 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Cash Bar & Light Snacks

Rat Trap Crew Chief Retiring

(10-14-2004) - Ron Hope, owner and driver of the Rat Trap Fuel Altered announced that Crew Chief Don Green was retiring. The retirement becomes effective immediately. Don is retiring from the rigorous Match Race schedule to persue other interests.

"We wish Don the very best as we look forward to finishing the 2004 season, and a very full 2005," stated Hope. Brian Hope will assume the duties of Crew Chief, assisted by Todd Landsiedel, as the Rat Trap continues its World Tour, with Match Races and selected National Event appearances.

Rat Trap activites and news can be tracked at www.rattrapracing.com

LINE, LUCAS AND MEDLEN ARE TOP NOMINEES FOR 2004 AUTO CLUB ROAD TO THE FUTURE AWARD

(10-14-2004) – Three National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) rookie drivers, representative of Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock categories, have been selected as the candidates for the 2004 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.

Jason Line (Pro Stock), Morgan Lucas (Top Fuel) and Eric Medlen (Funny Car) were nominated 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.

The Automobile Club of Southern California Road to the Future Award will be presented during the NHRA's annual championship awards ceremony on Monday, Nov. 15 at the scenic Westin Mission Hills Resort in Rancho Mirage, Calif.

“For more than 100 years the Automobile Club of Southern California has represented integrity, commitment and professionalism to our millions of members. The Road to the Future Award has come to symbolize these same attributes in the sport of NHRA POWERade Drag Racing,” said Thomas V. McKernan, president and CEO of the Automobile Club of Southern California. “To be nominated recognizes not only that a rookie driver had a noteworthy first season, but also that they demonstrated exceptional potential for the future. We congratulate all three of the nominees for this year’s award and look forward to enjoying their achievements both on and off the race track for many years to come.”

Line, 35, from Terrell, N.C., drove his KB Framers Pontiac Grand Am to four victories this season in six final round appearances. He posted one top qualifying effort and his 36-17 elimination round record boosted him to second in the NHRA POWERade Pro Stock points standings with two races remaining on the schedule. Line, who also serves as the primary engine builder for the team, clocked a performance best of 6.669 seconds at 207.40 mph.

Lucas, 21, from Upland, Calif., was selected by team owner Joe Amato to drive his team’s dragster in August following the tragic death of Darrell Russell. Lucas, one of the youngest drivers to pilot a Top Fuel dragster in NHRA competition, stepped into the situation and responded by posting two semifinal finishes and a career-best performance of 4.559 seconds at 323.43 mph in his Lucas Oil/DeeZee dragster. Despite competing in only eight events, Lucas has advanced from 29th to 17th in the POWERade point standings.

Medlen, 31, from Yorba Linda, Calif., scored one victory in two final round appearances and was the No. 1 qualifier in his category at two events, Englishtown, N.J. and recently at Reading, Pa. His seven semifinal appearances have placed him firmly in fifth position in the NHRA POWERade Funny Car standings with two races remaining. He clocked a season-best performance of 4.739 seconds at 328.22 mph in his Castrol Syntec Ford Mustang.

In 2002 the Automobile Club of Southern California Road to the Future Award and the NHRA Rookie of the Year Award were combined to create one award recognizing the future stars of the sport. Past winners of the Automobile Club of Southern California Road to the Future Award have developed into some of NHRA’s biggest stars, including Tony Pedregon (1996, Funny Car), Ron Capps (1997, Funny Car), Doug Kalitta (1998, Top Fuel), Antron Brown (1999, Pro Stock Bike), Melanie Troxel (2000, Top Fuel), GT Tonglet (2001, Pro Stock Bike), Gene Wilson (2002, Pro Stock) and Brandon Bernstein (2003, Top Fuel).

Recent NHRA Rookie of the Year winners have included the late Darrell Russell (2001, Top Fuel), Don Lampus (2000, Top Fuel), Scotty Cannon (1999, Funny Car), Jeg Coughlin (1998, Pro Stock), Gary Scelzi (1997, Top Fuel) and co-winners in 1996, Mike Edwards (Pro Stock) and Matt Hines (Pro Stock Bike).

Rookie drivers in all four of NHRA’s professional categories are eligible to win the Automobile Club of Southern California Road to the Future Award. More than 100 of the nation’s most distinguished auto racing journalists will select the winner through a voting system based on the following criteria: number of events participated, performance on and off the race track, participation in NHRA promotions and relationships with fans, sponsors and media.

In addition to the Automobile Club of Southern California Road to the Future Award, the company is the title sponsor for the Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals, Nov. 11-14 at historic Pomona Raceway. The company also is a major sponsor for John Force Racing, providing primary sponsorship for the Mustang driven by Gary Densham, as well as associate sponsorship for the Ford Mustangs driven by Force and Medlen. In addition, the company is the presenting sponsor for the California Hot Rod Reunion, contested each year in early October at Famoso Raceway in Bakersfield, Calif.

IHRA sets the record straight

(10-13-2004) - A call to the International Hot Rod Association office discounted a report published by a well-known Internet e-zine suggesting the reason for Bill Bader's retirement as a difference of opinion with the Clear Channel upper management. At 61-years old, Bader pointed out that the time had come for him to retire from his post once a restructure was complete and key positions were filled. As Bader put it, "I knew it was in good hands at this point."

Other innacuracies in this report suggested that Bader oversaw the dismissal of the nitro Funny Car division and elevated the Alcohol Funny Cars to professional status. The last event for the nitro floppers on the tour was in 1992 at Epping, NH. As for the Alcohol Funny Cars, the ascension to the professional ranks took place in 1986 under the Larry Carrier era.

BOB STOTT INJURY UPDATE

(10-13-2004) - Bob Stott, patriarch of the racing Stott family, was seriously injured October 9 at Norwalk Raceway Park after he fell from the back of a golf cart during championship eliminations.

On the way to the top end, Stott fell and struck his head on the ground. He was immediately treated by the on site doctor and quickly transported by Lifeflight helicopter to Toledo St. Vincent Hospital, where he remains unconscious and in critical condition with skull fractures that have hemmoraged and put pressure of the brain. Mitch Stott and Bob's wife Marvetta have joined Bob in Toledo.

Bob remains heavily sedated to help to stabilize his condition. Quain Stott called IHRA this morning to let everbody know that although Bob is not out of the woods and too early to tell if there is brain damage, there are positive signs. Bob has opened his eyes and is able to move both sides of his body. Although unable to speak, he has responded to Marvetta's voice with eye movement; her calming presence has also caused his blood pressure to go down. His digestive system, which had shut down, is now at 100%. Bob still faces a lengthy recovery ahead and there is no timetable as to when he can be moved.

Quain asked us to pass on this humorous exchange he had with doctors: "I told the doctors that when daddy wakes up, they're going to have to find somebody that knows him to determine whether he's acting normal or not. With Daddy, it's hard to tell what's normal."

Quain also relayed that, "They had to drill a hole in daddy's skull to reduce pressure," and added. "I didn't know they made drill bits that strong."

Humor is one of the tools that will help get the family through this challenge.

Quain, Mitch, Marvetta and the entire Stott family asks you keep Bob in your prayers and thoughts.

Get well cards and wishes for can be sent to: Bob Stott, 107 Hampton St., Columbus, NC 28722

Food Network to feature Team Jeg's chef

(10-13-2004) - There's fast food and food that's fast, food on the fly and even food that flies, and the Food Network will be tracking it all in an upcoming feature entitled "Top 5 Foods on the Fly." The show, which features decorated Team Jeg's chef Nicky Morse, will air at 11:30 p.m. ET/PT, Saturday, Oct. 16, and again at 3:30 a.m. ET/PT, Sunday, Oct. 17, on the Food Network.

A network camera crew was on hand for the season-opening 44th annual K&N Filters Winternationals in Pomona, Calif., to tape Morse in action as he prepared cuisine for the Jeg's gang. The show has been in production ever since, leaving Morse wondering where his gastro delights rank in comparison to the other "Foods on the Fly."

"First of all, it's an honor to bring the sport of NHRA Drag Racing to a different audience," Morse said. "It was a lot of fun taping the episode and I am really looking forward to seeing the final product. I have no idea where we landed in the Top-5. I'll be watching just like everyone else."

Bill Bader to Step Down As IHRA President

(10-12-2004) - Bill Bader, President of IHRA, has announced he will step down and that Aaron Polburn will take over the top spot at the Norwalk, Ohio based drag racing and motorsports company.

“I have worked to the exclusion of my family and faith my entire professional life,” stated Bader. “Whatever the current project, it received my full attention. It’s time to step back and smell the roses. I have been considering this the past 12 months and simply thought…..it’s time.

“After purchasing IHRA in 1998 my goal was to instill pride, attitude, integrity and profitability to the struggling organization,” added Bader. “Attitude was achieved almost immediately and profitability the second year. Better facilities, bigger markets, excellent sponsor support and quality events brought with them much needed integrity and pride.”

Bader went on to say “what makes this easy is the great staff we currently have in place. There isn’t anything they can’t do. Aaron is the most capable person I know to succeed me; I hired him over 30 years ago to teach me the business. IHRA is in very good hands. Since the planning for 2005 and 2006 is going on right now we thought this was the best time to pass the torch.”

Polburn assumes his new duties effective immediately and reflected on his new position.

“I’m very excited and humbled at the same time. The staff at IHRA and Clear Channel Motorsports is poised to grow IHRA and have a lot of fun doing it. But, in the mean time all prayers will be gratefully accepted.”

Clear Channel Motorsports President Charlie Mancuso added, “we would like to thank Bill for all he has done for IHRA and look forward to working hand in hand with Aaron and his team to build a very, very bright future.”

CARQUEST AUTO PARTS NAMED TITLE SPONSOR OF NHRA POWERADE DRAG RACING SERIES RACE AT ROUTE 66 RACEWAY

(10-12-2004) - CARQUEST Auto Parts, a Raleigh, N.C.-based company specializing in quality auto parts and equipment with stores throughout North America, has signed a multi-year agreement starting in 2005 to become the title sponsor of the spring NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series event at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Ill., it was announced today by National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) officials.

The CARQUEST Auto Parts Route 66 NHRA Nationals will be held Jun 9-12 at the state-of-the-art quarter-mile facility located just south of Chicago in Joliet, Ill. The $1.8 million race, which will be televised by the ESPN family of networks, is the 10th of 23 events in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series for 2005. CARQUEST had previously sponsored the fall event at the same track.

"We are extremely happy to be able to put our CARQUEST name on such a great event held at one of the premier facilities on the NHRA POWERade circuit," said Scott Ginsburg, CARQUEST Director of Advertising. "CARQUEST, NHRA and Route 66 Raceway always make a great combination when it comes to successful racing events."

It is the first of two NHRA event sponsorships for CARQUEST Auto Parts, who also headline the CARQUEST Auto Parts Nationals at Pacific Raceways in Seattle, July 22-24.

"CARQUEST has become a great partner to the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series," said John Covarrubias, NHRA vice president of sales and business development. "We strive to create long-term relationships with a company so dedicated to drag racing."

Matthew Alexander, vice president and general manager of Route 66 Raceway, said he's looking forward to a continued relationship with CARQUEST.

"We are very fortunate to have a partner like CARQUEST to support and share the commitment and excitement of the sport of drag racing," Alexander said. "With their continued support, we are able to provide the fans with world-class drag racing at Route 66 Raceway."

FANS TO VOTE FOR TOP 20 AUTO CLUB NHRA FINALS MEMORABLE MOMENTS

(10-12-2004) – NHRA officials announced the 20 most memorable moments from the 39-year history of the Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals, which were released today in chronological order on nhra.com, the official Web site of the NHRA.

Following the success of a similar fan-voting program held earlier this season for the 50th annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals outside of Indianapolis, NHRA fans will again decide the final order of the top 20 memorable moments through a special voting process on nhra.com. Fans can vote for their favorite memorable moments starting at 3 p.m. (ET) on Oct. 12. The fan vote will close at 3 p.m. (ET) on Oct. 22.

Based on the results of the online-voting process, one memorable moment will be unveiled in order of popularity on nhra.com beginning with No. 20 on Oct. 23, followed by one moment a day until the No. 1 memorable moment is revealed on Nov. 10, the day before the start of the 40th annual Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals, Nov. 11-14, at Pomona (Calif.) Raceway.

Some of the prominent memorable moments from the past 39 NHRA Finals include Bennie “the wizard” Osborn becoming the first driver to win back-to-back Top Fuel titles by winning the 1967 and 1968 NHRA Finals; Don Prudhomme recording the first-ever five second Funny Car pass en route to his sixth victory in the eight-race 1975 season; Shirley Muldowney’s jump from No. 3 in the standings to the No. 1 spot during eliminations at the 1980 NHRA Finals then capping off her second series title with an event victory; The 1990 Top Fuel championship battle between Joe Amato and Gary Ormsby with the drivers meeting in final round at the final race of the year to determine a season champion; and Cory McClenathan’s 1992 NHRA Finals victory which left him 92 points shy of the title after he opted to skip a race in Canada earlier in the year where he would have earned 100 points just for making one qualifying attempt.

BOGACKI HOLDS ON FOR TENN-TUCK CROWN DESPITE SUBPAR WEEKEND

(10-12-2004) - Twenty-three year-old Huntsville Engine employee Luke Bogacki added to his growing list of racing accomplishments last weekend at Beech Bend Raceway Park in Bowling Green, KY. Beech Bend is the home of the prestigious Tenn-Tuck racing series, a bracket racing event that features nine $10,000 to win events spread over three weekends each
season.

The Tenn-Tuck series showcases some of the toughest
competition in the nation, with touring bracket racers attending from all over the country. The nine race series offers one of the largest points payouts of any bracket series, including $5,000 to the season champion.

Bogacki, who accomplished an unprecedented feat by winning all three of the first weekend’s events (two in March, and one that was contested in July due to weather), held on to the points championship despite early exits in each of the events last weekend.

“I had two really good cars this weekend, and I felt like I drove
pretty well--things just didn’t come together. But obviously, Bowling Green treated me really well this season. When you consider the level of competition, and the talent and equipment that participates in the Tenn-Tuck series--I feel like winning the points championship is an awesome accomplishment.”

Bogacki won the title by six rounds, over Scotty Richardson and Ken Sullivan who tied for second place. Ray Miller finished the season in fourth, ahead of Wes May who rounded out the top five.

The Tenn-Tuck championship adds another notch in what has become an astounding list of accomplishments for young Bogacki. Bogacki is a 3- time IHRA division 4 champion, and claimed the 2001 B&M Series division championship. He was the 2002 Southern Super Tens Bracket Series World Champion, and finished in the top ten of IHRA’s Q/R & H/R national standings the same season. In his relatively short career, Bogacki has scored national and divisional event wins in addition to over 25 big money bracket victories. Bogacki’s career earnings total well over $500,000.

“Today’s bracket racing world is so competitive, you’ve got to have a great combination before you can think about winning races. My HEPC “Money Winner” 555, BTE trans and converter, Mickey Thompson Tires, and quality equipment from all of our marketing partners give me a car that I can depend on round after round.”

Ashley nails homerun after homerun during the first annual DragStock festival; Leads AMS All-Stars to victory

(10-12-2004) – Pro Modified racer Mike Ashley is a New York mortgage banker by trade. On the weekends, he’s a finely-tuned competitor on the NHRA AMS Pro Modified Challenge. However, on the second weekend of October at Carolina Dragway, Ashley took on a new title unbeknownst to him. At the first annual DragStock festival hosted by the fledgling American Drag Racing League, Ashley settled into his new role as homerun hitter.

With more intensity than veteran long ball hitters Barry Bonds or Sammy Sosa, the Unique Performance/InfiNet Insurance/Torco Race Fuels-sponsored driver scored more points than any driver in the three day event and left town with a new track record. Never mind the outlaw rhetoric placed on the event, Ashley achieved every one of his accolades while running in legal NHRA trim, only less a few pounds.

“What an incredible day in the office for our team,” Ashley said. “Our success this weekend is the result of a total team effort. Chuck Ford, Allen Adkins, Mark Adkins, the whole team just worked as hard as they could to keep up with these outlaw teams. Make no mistake about it, the outlaw teams are as tough as they come. They can tune, drive and put on a show as good as anyone I have ever raced with. What a great group of racers and families that we have involved here.

“Speaking of teams, I am proud to be a part of the AMS all star team. All of us worked hard and never gave up our fight. It was the most exciting thing I have ever been involved in for as long as I can remember.

“I want to thank our sponsors Unique Performance and InfiNet Insurance for their years of support. Of course, we have to thank Evan Knoll and the fine folks at Torco Racing Fuels for making the best fuel to run in these Pro Modified cars.”

Ashley’s monumental outing began on Friday when he laid down the quickest sixty-foot elapsed times in open testing with a pair of .956 hits. He returned for Saturday’s $10,000-to-win Didicom Clash and qualified the highest of any AMS All-Star competitor with an eighth-mile 4.027, 182.40.

As impressive as the first two days of the three-day event proved to be, it paled in comparison to the performance Ashley turned in on Sunday.

Sunday at the DragStock Festival presented a unique format for Pro Modified drag racing. Competition was not determined on an elimination basis, but rather on a formula that allowed racers to gain points for their respective teams – either, the AMS Outlaws sponsored by AMS Staff Leasing or the Flowmaster Outlaws sponsored by Flowmaster Exhaust. With one point awarded for each round victory and a point for each low elapsed time and top speed for each of the three sessions, Ashley accrued the most points of any competitor with 5.

Ashley’s stellar performance began with a 3.979, 183.28 that not only netted him a win alongside of outlaw racer John Lynam, but also etched a new Carolina Dragway track record for elapsed time. The three-second run also ensured induction into the RACENSUR Three-second club. Ironically, the previous track record belonged to Lynam.

After a tire-shaking second session, Ashley returned and scored a huge victory for his team by sealing not only a victory over Flowmaster Outlaws standout Jason Scruggs, but also in securing top speed of the final session with a 181.93 blast.

In the end, Ashley’s performance proved the leading national event runner had more than enough to match up with the outlaw racers. And, just to think, he still has the final national event left on the NHRA AMS Pro Modified Challenge tour to complete. Did we fail to mention that he’s leading the points for the World Championship as well as the $10,000-to-win AMS Pro Modified Shootout?

Janis and Eaton Automotive Clinch 2004 Hooters/IHRA Pro Modified Crown

(10-12-2004) - In an area such as Western New York where sports fans live with a constant chip on their shoulder from four consecutive Super Bowl loses, a Stanley Cup Finals loss on an illegal goal, and lets not forget the weather jokes from the national sports media, Lancaster, NY’s Mike Janis and his Eaton Automotive Pro Modified Team have proven there are World Champions in Western, NY. On Saturday October 9th, Janis clinched his second Hooters/IHRA Pro Modified World Championship. Janis' first came in 2001, his first full season on the IHRA tour.

Janis clinched the 2004 Hooter/IHRA Pro Modified Championship by defeating his closest competitor in the Hooters/IHRA points chase, Harold Martin, in the second round. Thus eliminating any chance for Martin to catch Janis. Also Janis defeated Mitch Stott in round one before he took out Martin in round two. Janis lost in the semi finals to eventual race winner Pat Moore.

“This is kind of weird. I lost, but I won. I wish we could’ve won the race, but winning the championship is just fantastic. To be able to bring all my sponsors along with us this season it’s been awesome. Eaton Automotive, Aeroquip, Jan-Cen, and anyone else. We couldn’t have done this without your help. Thanks,” said an elated Mike Janis.

There is still one race left on the 2004 Hooters IHRA schedule. On October 22nd thru the 24th IHRA fans and racers will bid farewell to the 2004 season at the final event of 04’ in Rockingham, NC. Mike Janis and his Eaton Automotive/Aeroquip team will be on hand for the 9th annual Bethesda Softworks World Finals looking for another win to cap off their championship season.

Goodguys Announce 2005 Event Schedule

(10-8-2004) – The Goodguys Rod & Custom Association announced its 2005 event schedule today, a 24-event lineup featuring a diverse and deep selection of automotive attractions. Sixteen National Rod & Custom “Summer Series” events anchor the schedule. Two brand new events will be held which include in the 1st Great American Rod & Custom Nationals, May 20, 21 & 22 at Giant Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania and the 1st Northwest Nostalgia Nationals vintage drags, to be held September 3 & 4 at Pacific Raceways in Kent, Washington.

Additional schedule changes include a new location for the 7th Spring Nationals which will be held at Alltel Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida (site of Super Bowl XXXIX) May 27, 28 & 29. Goodguys will return to Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California April 23 & 24 for the 17th edition of the historic Nitro Nationals, site of the first-ever Goodguys Vintage Drag race back in 1989.

The highlight of the 24-event schedule is undoubtedly the 8th Goodguys Nationals, July 8, 9 & 10 at the Ohio Expo Center. In 2004, the 7th Goodguys Nationals attracted over 6,000 1972 & earlier entries, making it the largest event in Goodguys’ history.

In conclusion, the 2005 Goodguys event schedule includes 16 National Rod & Custom “Summer Series” events, a 5-race “West Coast Championship Series” vintage drag racing lineup and 3 “Get-Together” events at the Pleasanton Fairgrounds, events which welcome all years, makes & models of cars and trucks.

For more information, please call Goodguys at (925) 838-9876 or visit www.good-guys.com

Famoso Raceway. Race Cars, Rods, Customs, Classics & Muscle Cars thru ‘72. Show ‘n Shine, Commercial Exhibits & Swap Meet.

Pleasanton Fairgrounds. All years American or American powered Cars & Trucks. Commercial Exhibits, Huge Swap Meet & Cars 4 Sale Corral.

Del Mar Fairgrounds. Rods, Customs, Classics, Muscle Cars & Trucks thru ‘72. Commercial Exhibits, Swap Meet & Cars 4 Sale Corral.

Infineon Raceway. Race Cars, Rods, Customs, Classics & Muscle Cars thru ‘72. Show ‘n Shine, Commercial Exhibits & Swap Meet.

Giant Center at Hershey Park. Rods, Customs, Classics, Muscle Cars & Trucks thru ‘72. Commercial Exhibits, Swap Meet & Cars 4 Sale Corral.

Alltel Stadium. Rods, Customs, Classics, Muscle Cars & Trucks thru ‘72. Commercial Exhibits, Swap Meet & Cars 4 Sale Corral.

Pleasanton Fairgrounds. All years American or American powered Cars & Trucks. Commercial Exhibits, Huge Swap Meet & Cars 4 Sale Corral.

Indianapolis Raceway Park. Rods, Customs, Classics, & Trucks thru ‘64, Race Cars thru ‘72. Commercial Exhibits, Swap Meet & Cars 4 Sale Corral.

Iowa State Fairgrounds. Rods, Customs, Classics, Muscle Cars & Trucks thru ‘72. Commercial Exhibits, Swap Meet & Cars 4 Sale Corral.

Ohio Expo Center. Rods, Customs, Classics, Muscle Cars & Trucks thru ‘72. Commercial Exhibits, Swap Meet & Cars 4 Sale Corral. Friday Nite Drags.

Western Washington Fairgrounds. Rods, Customs & Classics thru ‘64. Show ‘n Shine, Commercial Exhibits, Friday Nite Drags.

Pomona Raceway. Race Cars, Rods, Customs, Classics & Muscle Cars thru ‘72. Show ‘n Shine, Commercial Exhibits & Swap Meet.

Waukesha County Expo Center. Rods, Customs, Classics, Muscle Cars & Trucks thru ‘72. Commercial Exhibits, Swap Meet & Cars 4 Sale Corral.

Spokane Fair & Expo Center. Rods, Customs, Classics, Muscle Cars & Trucks thru ‘72. Commercial Exhibits, Swap Meet & Cars 4 Sale Corral.

Pleasanton Fairgrounds. Rods, Customs & Classics thru ‘54. Commercial Exhibits, Swap Meet & Cars 4 Sale Corral.

Pacific Raceways. Race Cars, Rods, Customs, Classics & Muscle Cars thru ‘72. Show ‘n Shine, Commercial Exhibits & Swap Meet.

Pikes Peak Int’l Raceway. Rods, Customs, Classics, Muscle Cars & Trucks thru ‘72. Commercial Exhibits, Swap Meet & Cars 4 Sale Corral.

Dutchess County Fairgrounds. Rods, Customs, Classics, Muscle Cars & Trucks thru ‘72. Commercial Exhibits, Swap Meet & Cars 4 Sale Corral.

Kansas Speedway. Rods, Customs, Classics, Muscle Cars & Trucks thru ‘72. Commercial Exhibits, Swap Meet & Cars 4 Sale Corral.

Texas Motor Speedway. Rods, Customs, Classics, Muscle Cars & Trucks thru ‘72. Commercial Exhibits, Swap Meet & Cars 4 Sale Corral.

Lowe’s Motor Speedway. Rods, Customs, Classics, Muscle Cars & Trucks thru ‘72. Commercial Exhibits, Swap Meet & Cars 4 Sale Corral.

Famoso Raceway. Race Cars, Rods, Customs, Classics & Muscle Cars thru ‘72. Show ‘n Shine, Commercial Exhibits & Swap Meet.

Pleasanton Fairgrounds. All years American or American powered Cars & Trucks. Commercial Exhibits, Huge Swap Meet & Cars 4 Sale Corral.

8th Southwest Nationals. WestWorld of Scottsdale. Rods, Customs, Classics, Muscle Cars & Trucks thru ‘72. Commercial Exhibits, Swap Meet & Cars 4 Sale Corral.

Steve Spiess runs unofficial quickest Sunoco Pro Stock time in history; Other quick times posted in pre-Norwalk testing

(10-7-2004) - One can't blame a racer for wanting to get a head-start on the competition. Prior to this weekend's make-up of the IHRA Sunoco World Nationals in Norwalk, Ohio, a few entries were testing at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Ill. Undoubtedly, the shot heard round the world belonged to Steve Spiess as he blasted out a 6.41 at over 217 miles per hour. In the interest of fair reporting, the atmospheric conditions were incredible as the barometer was 2960, temperature was 60 degrees with 20-percent humidity. The air was at 400-feet above sea level.

Other quick times in the session included a 6.44 by Tony Gillig, a 6.45 by Rick Jones and a 6.46 by recent Budds Creek winner Pete Berner, who was admittedly using his back-up motor.

A test session also took place in Rockingham, NC., and John Montecalvo was the quickest with a 6.44.

It's a safe bet to assume that the Sunoco Pro Stocks could bridge the 6.3-second barrier this weekend.

The JEG'S Foundation recognized by NHRA

(10-7-2004) - Recently the ongoing efforts of The JEG'S Foundation's "Racing for Cancer Research" efforts received recognition from the NHRA (National Hot Rod Association). Headquartered in Glendora, Calif., the NHRA is the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States. It presents 23 national events through its NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. The NHRA has 80,000 members and 140 member tracks.

The JEG'S Foundation is one the four charities the NHRA recognizes as a "NHRA In The Community charity". A special section can be found on NHRA.com and in the pages of the sanctioning bodies weekly magazine National Dragster.

"The NHRA and the entire racing community have been extremely supportive of our efforts both on and off the track to increase awareness of cancer research and early detection," explained spokesperson Scott Woodruff. "It is exciting to see the overwhelming response for the things we are doing as a family, business and race team. We are helping to save lives and that makes you feel pretty good inside."

156!

(10-7-2004) - That's exactly how many new products have been listed on CompetitionPlus.com since January 1, 2004. If you want to see the newest product releases visit our new products page. By all means, if you have a product you would like to include, please send a .jpg photo file and a press release and we'll happily include you in the roatation.

RED HOT WORSHAM CARRIES STREAK INTO READING

(10-7-2004)- Del Worsham is hot. Certifiably
red hot. Hotter than a two dollar pistol, hotter than July, hotter
than the frying pan as well as the fire, and just plain scalding hot.

The driver of the Checker, Schuck's, Kragen Monte Carlo Funny Car returns to Maple Grove Raceway this weekend, to complete the rain-delayed Lucas Oil Nationals, absolutely the same guy he was three weeks ago, though he also returns to Pennsylvania from an entirely different perspective and at a much higher "temperature."

After rain washed out this event in mid-September, the tour took off for Dallas and Chicago on back-to-back weekends. Worsham was sorely disappointed to leave Reading without racing, both because of the added travel headache involved in returning to Maple Grove in October as well as the frustration associated with not getting to race with what he firmly believed was a much better tune-up. He was right. It was, indeed, a much better tune-up.

Worsham simply headed to Dallas and ran the table. He qualified well (No. 5) and raced even better. On Sunday he took out big hitters Tim Wilkerson, Whit Bazemore, John Force, and Cruz Pedregon to pick up his fourth victory on the season, matching the career best he established in 2001 and 2002. Just days later he ran the table again, this time in Chicago. His No. 2 qualifying position was earned when he absolutely demolished his previous bests for both elapsed time and speed, posting a 4.730 at 328.54 mph. On Sunday, he streaked past Tommy Johnson, Jerry Toliver, Eric Medlen, and then John Force in the final, where he not only grabbed his fifth win on the year, but also
reset his speed mark again with a 329.75 mph clocking.

"We're certainly heading back to Reading with a different mindset," Worsham said. "When we were here last month, I was confident we had turned the corner but I needed to get on the track to prove it, to myself and everyone else. We were so disappointed to have to pack up and leave without even making one lap. Well, after Dallas and Chicago I think we know for a fact that we've turned the corner.

"Earlier this year we won two races in a row, at Phoenix and
Gainesville, and that was a first for us. Honestly, to do it again,
at two super-fast races like Dallas and Chicago, after we struggled so much in late summer, is one of the most gratifying turn-arounds I've ever been a part of. This team never quit, and they deserved every bit of the celebrating they did after these last two races."

Worsham is in his 14th season driving a Funny Car, so no one has to tell him about the cruel realities of professional drag racing. Just like a coin that has come up heads twice in a row, the next flip is just as random as the previous two. Worsham's trip back to Reading is no more guaranteed to be successful than any other driver's return, though momentum does help.

"When we get there, we'll be trying to qualify like everyone else," he said. "We'll try to keep the mistakes to a minimum, try to get the car from line to line, and hopefully we'll be well up the ladder when Saturday night rolls around. But, just because we've won these last two races doesn't mean we have any shortcuts. There aren't any shortcuts in this sport, and there aren't any freebies. We still have our work cut out for us."

The two race streak has done one major thing for Worsham and his CSK teammates, in addition to the obvious emotional lift they've experienced. It has moved Worsham back into second place in the POWERade standings, only a couple of weeks after he'd slipped to fourth and seemed to be fading. He now enters Reading with a 76 point lead over Gary Scelzi, who is third. His advantage over Whit Bazemore, who has been fighting Worsham near the top of the pack all year, has grown to 99 points. With three races left on the docket, Worsham has yet to sew up the No. 2 spot, but he certainly sits in the most advantageous position.

"Three races left, and we're a little more than three rounds ahead of Gary, and almost five rounds up on Whit," Worsham said. "I'm sure Gary sees it as a simple deal of picking up a round per race. I know that's how I'd see it. A round a race is easy if we go out early, so we absolutely must win some rounds in Reading, and hopefully a few more in Las Vegas and Pomona. I really want to finish second. Our whole team does. We've never finished higher than third, so it's a big goal for all of us. We've also never won more than 35 rounds in a year, and right now we have 34. Of course, we'd never won more than four races in a year before, either, so maybe we can do this."

While leading the battle for second place, Worsham was quick to comment on John Force's domination of the class, as well as the Champ's incredible performance in Chicago.

"Let me tell you, when we ran 4.730 on Saturday morning, just about everyone thought we'd done something special," Worsham recalled. "Before that lap, my all-time best was 4.764, so that was a big jump for us. We all said afterward that the only bad thing about it was we might have made Force mad. All he did was come out and become the first Funny Car driver to ever run in the 4.60's, with a 4.697 on his last qualifying pass. I didn't know whether to cheer for him or shake my head. I could hardly believe my eyes.

"On race day, he upped the ante even further," Worsham continued. "That 4.665 in round one was ludicrous. There were guys out there running absolutely great, setting new career marks, and Force had a tenth on them. It was nuts. But that's how good they are. Right now, we're running very well. Earlier in the season, we were running very well. But over ten months, Force and his guys never seem to have a slump. They're always there. We have one more win than they do, but they're 237 points ahead of us. Right now, we're learning what it takes to really contend for this deal. What we're learning here
should help us next year."

Consistency is good. Being red hot is good. Being both consistent and hot, over a 23-race season, might just win you a championship.

With Return to Norwalk Millican & Team Werner Clinch 4th Consecutive IHRA Top Fuel Championship

(10-6-2004) - Clay Millican of Team Werner/Lehman Racing, the 2001, 2002, and 2003 IHRA Top Fuel Champion and winningest professional driver in IHRA history, will return to the IHRA World Nationals in Norwalk, Ohio, on October 9 to race in eliminations and clinch his fourth consecutive IHRA Top Fuel Championship.

The race was scheduled to take place the weekend of August 25-28, but due to rain, eliminations were postponed until October 9. Millican earned the number one Top Fuel qualifying position with an elapsed time of 4.656 seconds at 310.84 mph.

"Knowing that we have clinched our fourth straight championship with Werner Enterprises is an amazing feeling," said Millican. "The Lehman Racing team has worked so hard the past five years, so to have four championships in that amount of time is really just unbelievable to me. I can't say enough about this team. They are the best in the world."

Millican is currently 255 points ahead of second place driver, Bruce Litton, in the 2004 IHRA Top Fuel points standings, making it impossible for any driver to pass him in the points standings for the remainder of the season. In returning to Norwalk, Millican retains the points that he won there in qualifying.

In the first round of Saturday's eliminations, Millican will face number eight qualifier Doug Foley. The two met most recently in the final round at the IHRA President's Cup Nationals in Budds Creek, Md.

Man, that's a deal

(10-5-2004) - The IHRA announced today their winners of the Summit SuperSeries World Championships. John Hochstedler and Jonathan Tromp have been named 2004 champions.

Hochstedler, whose home track is Osceola Dragway in Osceola, Indiana, was named No Box Champion and finished the season at 37-3. Tromp, whose home track is International Raceway Park Aruba in Aruba, was named Box Champion and finished the season at 39-1.

Both win the $25,000 cash prize from Summit, a World Championship Ring, and an IHRA Iron Man trophy. Hochstedler, as No Box Champ, will receive a 2005 Pontiac G6 and a Huntsville Engines complete 540 Big Block Chevy Racing Engine. Tromp, as Box Champ, will receive a Worthy/Sunset QR Dragster and two Pit Pro Pit Bikes. And if drivers meet the qualifications for the Summit bonus, they each could win an additional $25,000 in cash.

One other prize that we saved for last to mention is that both drivers receive an Aruba Aloe trip for two. The only problem with that is that Tromp is from Aruba. We're thinking that Pro Modified racer Mike Ashley ought to trade out a trip to New York City for the trip to Aruba. Or, we'll trade out a trip for two to beautiful Spartanburg, SC., home of CompetitionPlus.com World Headquarters.

Veteran racer John Hipwell killed in Drag Boat Crash

(10-5-2004) - We were able to confirm that veteran drag boat racer John Hipwell was killed in an accident on Lake Yosemite this past weekend during an IHBA event. More details will be posted as they become available. Our condolences go out to the family.

i-Card coming to Norwalk full time

(10-4-2004) - Norwalk Raceway Park’s Bill Bader, Jr. has entered into a long-term agreement with SPP Services’ VP Richard Purgason to make iCard available beginning with the return of the Sunoco World Nationals, Saturday, October 9th. The agreement means that Norwalk Raceway will be the first IHRA sanctioned entertainment facility able to broadcast real-time data at all of its events.

iCard is the first handheld wireless system designed for distribution of real-time race information to an unlimited number of users. iCard is a receiving cartridge that slips into a gaming slot on a Nintendo GameBoy. With the iCard, fans and competitors will have the ability to receive reaction time, incremental times, elapsed time, mile-per-hour, updated schedules, and round results in real-time. SPP has also developed a new version designed to work with a competitor’s PC, called iCardUSB. This technology allows users to archive and save each run from that given day.
Bader and Purason agree that this is the tip of the iceberg. This technology has unlimited possibilities including fantasy racing, sponsor announcements and countless other applications.

Murray Anderson's 1967 Camaro Body Now Available in North America Through Cynergy Composites Inc. of Ontario, Canada

(10-4-2004) - Tim Hodgins of Cynergy Composites Inc. is pleased to announce the recent acquisition of the original "steel, hand-crafted" plug for the now-famous Murray Anderson '67 Camaro, and has already begun manufacturing the "Baddest Camaro Body" on the planet.

Australia's famed doorslammer builder Anderson's three-year transformation odyssey of his '67 Camaro resulted in the sleekest and slipperiest nostalgia body on the planet. With overwhelming interest in the body being shown by North American racers, Cynergy Composites of Canada acquired the plug directly from Anderson Race Cars of Australia. By having the bodies manufactured in North America it will eliminate the geographic limitations of exporting bodies from Australia.

This is the same body used by Lucky Balleri when he set the ANDRA (Australian Drag Racing Association) Top Doorslammer Top Speed record of 239.86 miles per hour. It's also the same body campaigned by Brad Anderson and Jay Payne in NHRA Pro Modified competition. Cynergy Composites is now making this state-of-the-art '67 Camaro body available to YOU!

The Anderson Camaro body is the latest addition to Cynergy Composites' growing line of "aircraft quality" products, which includes: 2002 Camaro and Firebird Pro Stock Replicas, 2002 "N-AERO" Camaro Pro Mod, 2002 Jaguar XKR Pro Stock, 2001 S-10 Pro Stock Truck, as well as dozens of late model Mustang, Camaro and Firebird Stock Replacement, bolt-on, A-1 finish carbon fiber components.

The '67 Camaro body will be available in both carbon fiber and fiberglass versions. A "street" version may also be available in the near future. The 67' body is offered with available options such as: Lexan Windows, Door Handles and linkages, a replica 1967 Camaro dash, a pro stock-style wing with spill plates or a top fuel style wing, Carbon fiber wheel tubs, a wrap around seat, and custom interior panels

Please contact Tim Hodgins at Cynergy Composites. For inquiries by phone:(519) 245-0016 or email: tim.cynergy@bellnet.ca

For a Good Cause

(10-4-2004) - Photographers from all forms of motorsports are gathering together to give race fans a once in a lifetime opportunity to purchase unique photographs, as well as to help the family of one of their own.

Since the 1970’s, David Chobat was a fixture in the motorsport photography world. David was responsible for many of the photographs that auto racing fans have enjoyed in numerous books, magazines and newspapers. Sadly, David passed away on August 25th, leaving behind his wife and 2 daughters.

Beginning at 3PM on October 12th and going through 3PM on October 16th, a silent auction will be held at the new Jeff Hammond’s Collectors World, (formerly, Lucky’s Collectibles), located at 5700 Concord Parkway, just across the road from Lowe’s Motor Speedway.

Top photographers from the entire motorsports community, including NASCAR, NHRA, IRL, Formula 1, WoO, and others have joined together to present their best photographs for the fans to bid on. All of the photographs are stellar examples of their craft, with many being autographed by the drivers. All proceeds will go directly to David’s family to aid in whatever expenses that they have.

For further information contact: Kevin Thorne at ktimages@bellsouth.net or Lucky Young at luckyscollectibles@ctc.net

THREE POINTS LEADERS BEATEN IN THE FINAL ROUNDS AT CARQUEST AUTO PARTS NHRA NATIONALS AT ROUTE 66 RACEWAY

Top Fuel -- Doug Herbert, 4.516 seconds, 329.75 mph def. Tony Schumacher, 4.527 seconds, 329.18 mph.

(10-3-2004) - Three NHRA POWERade points leaders earned a trip to the final round Sunday during the CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Nationals at Route 66 Raceway. None of them earned the victory.

Doug Herbert (Top Fuel), Del Worsham (Funny Car) and Dave Connolly (Pro Stock) drove to upset victories in their respective categories at the $1.8 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series event.

NHRA Points Following Chicago

(10-3-2004) - Point standings (top 10) for NHRA professional categories following the Fourth annual CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Nationals at Route 66 Raceway, the 21st of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series

Top Fuel

1. Tony Schumacher, 1,708; 2. Doug Kalitta, 1,435; 3. Brandon Bernstein, 1,390; 4. Scott Kalitta, 1,231; 5. David Grubnic, 1,222; 6. Larry Dixon, 1,143; 7. Cory McClenathan, 1,013; 8. Doug Herbert, 963; 9. Scott Weis, 709; 10. Darrell Russell, 695.

Funny Car

1. John Force, 1,575; 2. Del Worsham, 1,338; 3. Gary Scelzi, 1,262; 4. Whit Bazemore, 1,239; 5. Eric Medlen, 1,207; 6. Gary Densham, 1,197; 7. Cruz Pedregon, 1,082; 8. Tim Wilkerson, 1,081; 9. Phil Burkart, 1,041; 10. Tony Pedregon, 1,012.

Pro Stock

1. Greg Anderson, 2,069; 2. Dave Connolly, 1,389; 3. Jason Line, 1,348; 4. Kurt Johnson, 1,152; 5. Larry Morgan, 1,135; 6. Bruce Allen, 995; 7. Jeg Coughlin, 991; 8. Steve Johns, 918; 9. Rickie Smith, 797; 10. Warren Johnson, 782.

ARSLANIAN, HOYOS, EFANTIS, TRAN AND MOHLER WINNERS AT 2004 NHRA SUMMIT SPORT COMPACT NINTH EVENT

(10-3-2004) - Ara Arslanian's first win of the season capped an incredible weekend of racing, which saw eight track records and six national records fall, at the K&N Filters NHRA Sport Compact Fallnationals presented by Toyo Tires and Import Tuner at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park.

Nelson Hoyos, Paul Efantis, Kenny Tran and Scott Mohler were also winners at the ninth of 10 events in the $2.1 million NHRA Summit Sport Compact Series.
Arslanian, owner of the New Jersey based Bullish Racing Team, defeated Stephan Papadakis in the final round of Pro RWD when Papadakis broke and failed to make a full pass. With the win, Arslanian and Papadakis are tied for first place in the category point standings. This is the second win of Arslanian's career.

"We just wanted revenge from when they beat us in Las Vegas," Arslanian said. "We love the AEM guys, but we've been waiting for this and we got it. It's unbelievable to get the points lead and have the chance to go to California and win the championship."
Papadakis set the class E.T. and speed records earlier in the weekend with a 6.541 at 211.73.

"We've known all year that the car could run that quick, and when Hartford ran well in St. Louis we had someone push us to achieve this goal," Papadakis said. "After the crash during preseason we were not even worried about points, we just wanted to set some records and win a some races. Fortunately, the guys ahead of us didn't run away too far for us to catch them."

Brad Personett, driver of the Titan Motorsports Toyota Celica, started the race in first place in the Pro RWD points but failed to qualify and fell to fourth following the race.
Hoyos, the defending Pro FWD champion, took a huge step toward defending his title when he made a solo-pass in the final round for his fourth victory of the season, in the process passing Lisa Kubo in the category point standings. In addition, Hoyos clocked a 7.406 during the semi-final round to set the new class E.T. record. The win is the 12th of his career.

"This weekend worked out perfectly," Hoyos said. "We came into the race hoping to get as many rounds as we could and put pressure on Kubo for Pomona. Now they need to set a record, win the race and I need to go out first round for her to beat me for the championship. That is the best spot to be in. All the pressure is on them."

"We knew the car was faster then the 7.59 we qualified with, but when we ran in the forties it was mind boggling," he continued. "This was an absolutely perfect weekend, to set the record, win the race and have the car run better then we could have ever imagined, it was just incredible."

Efantis, who entered the race 32 points ahead of Carlos Gonzalez Sr. in Modified, took advantage of an early exit by Gonzalez and collecting his fifth win of the season and sixth of his career with a final round whitewashing of Jose Mendez. The Ljamsville, Md. native also set a national E.T. record by clocking a 7.429 on the pass.

"We just had the best weekend possible," Efantis said. "We got ourselves a solid lead in the points over Senior and now can put the championship away in Pomona. Also, my brother (Krystos) set the street tire E.T. record, so this was all we could have asked for and more."

Tran, from Garland, Texas, was awarded the win in Turbo Magazine Hot Rod when Ron Lummus, who beat Tran to the finish line, failed his tech inspection and was disqualified. It is the first win of the season for Tran and fourth of his career.
Earlier in the event, Lummus set both ends of the category national records with a 7.895 E.T. at 186.43 mph.

Mohler, from Fredrick, Md., defeated Jesus Padilla in the Honda Tuning Magazine All Motor final to overtake Padilla in the point standings. It's Mohler's first win in the last three races and his third of the season. This is the only category that did not set a national or track record during the weekend.

Bennett Scores Top Moroso Grand Champion Series Honor

(10-3-2004) - 2004 was quite a year for rookie sensation Kenny Bennett. Not only did the talented young man from Cincinnati smash ProCharger Super Street records on his way to a National Street Car Association class championship, but he also topped the points list for the prestigious Moroso Grand Champion Series.

Bennett, driver of Tony Bischoff’s ’95 Olds Achieva, will receive a hefty $7500.00 from Moroso Performance Products for his accomplishment in the 2004 season, while the great second place effort of Jim Huber, who finished just four points behind, earns him $4000.00 for the second year in a row.

Points were awarded from the eighth finals (9-16 cars) and down at each race, giving competitors an even chance regardless of their class. This approach produced a season of tight racing with Bennett winning in Super Street and racers in every other Sportsman category vying for their share of the cash.

This was the second year that Moroso has offered their celebrated Grand Champion Series program to NSCA racers. The series is designed to get hard earned recognition - and cash - into the hands of Sportsman racers.

In total, Moroso is paying out $20,000 to the top 10 NSCA Sportsman racers competing in the Grand Champion Series. The racers will collect their awards at the NSCA banquet to be held during the week of the PRI Show in Indianapolis this December.

FRAM Will Sponsor Carrier Boyz Racing, Cory McClenathan Top Fuel Team in 2005

(10-2-2004) – FRAM® announced today a multi-year sponsorship agreement beginning in 2005 with the Carrier Boyz Racing Top Fuel team and driver Cory McClenathan

Headquartered in Danbury, Conn., FRAM is a unit of Honeywell Consumer Products Group, which manufactures and markets FRAM automotive filters. The Honeywell Consumer Products Group also includes Prestone® antifreeze/coolant and car care products, Autolite® spark plugs and ignition wire sets and Holts® car care products.

Jeff Bye, corporate vice president, stated, “We are pleased to welcome Carrier Boyz Racing and Cory McClenathan to the FRAM and Honeywell Consumer Products Group family. The Carrier name is synonymous with motorsports and Cory Mac’s performance stats speak for themselves. We look forward to 2005 as they begin their quest for the Top Fuel championship.”

Carrier Boyz Racing is based in Bristol, Tenn. Learning the nuances of motorsports from their father, Larry Carrier, brothers Mark and Andy Carrier have flexed their own entrepreneurial talents in several different businesses, including ownership of drag race teams.

The brothers enjoyed much success throughout the 2000, 2001 and 2002 seasons campaigning a sportsman car with Brian Olson as driver. Racing a limited schedule in 2003, the pair joined the ranks as owners of a Top Fuel team. McClenathan joined Carrier Boyz Racing in 2004 with the team competing in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series.

“The future looks exciting with Honeywell onboard,” said Andy Carrier. “Being with a Fortune 500 company means a lot to this program. This team has jelled and Cory McClenathan is one of the reasons for our success and he is one of the reasons that FRAM believes in Carrier Boyz Racing.”

His brother Mark added, “This is a goal that our team has worked for over the past two years. Honeywell is a company that wants to win and that fits the philosophy of our team. They manufacture and market the highest quality products and we’re proud to be associated with their organization.”

McClenathan has been racing professionally since 1991. His performance portfolio to date includes: 28 career wins in 46 final rounds, including two victories at the prestigious Mac Tools U.S. Nationals (’96 & ’99). In 2004, he has one win (Atlanta) in two final rounds. He defeated Clay Millican for the Atlanta win and was runner-up to Larry Dixon at Englishtown, N.J. He has earned 28 career No. 1 qualifying positions. He has career bests of 4.462 seconds and 332.10 mph. McClenathan has finished second in Top Fuel championship points four times -- 1992, 1995, 1997-98).

“The agreement with FRAM is a storybook ending to a year-long effort to give Carrier Boyz Racing the final ingredient to contend for the POWERade championship,” said McClenathan. “I’m excited. The relationship between FRAM, Honeywell and Carrier Boyz Racing will be awesome. I can’t wait to get out there next year and put FRAM in the winner’s circle and contend for a Top Fuel championship.

CompetitionPlus.com’s “Project Muscle” Camaro is a Done Deal!

(10-1-2004) - Just about one year ago we began kicking around the idea of transforming a wimpy post-energy crisis ’79 Camaro into a bruising street and strip brawler. Editor Brian Wood had the car, a solid southern piece purchased at a bargain price from a guy who just had to have a Harley, so the raw material was available.

What we wanted to do was utilize the resources of our numerous sponsors and advertisers to perhaps upgrade the engine, transmission and torque converter, and maybe make some improvements to the suspension. Little did we know how our simple makeover would snowball in the ensuing months!

We’ll be doing an extensive recap of the build-up in the October issue, but suffice it to say that without the unbelievable support and generosity of dozens of people and companies this Pearl Blue beauty would never have come to life. While that story is being prepared, we’re proud to present these first photos of the “Project Muscle” Camaro.

With the mechanical and cosmetic work now completed, the last thing we want to do is take the car for some extensive chassis dyno testing, and then it’s off to the drag strip for some shakedown passes. Stay tuned as we’ll bring you the results in future issues of CompetitionPlus.com.

Crew Chief Wes Cerny On Board for 2005
Advance Auto Parts Races Into Chicago With Momentum

(10-1-2004) – Cruz Pedregon has re-signed Wes Cerny to continue as Crew Chief of the Advance Auto Parts Monte Carlo Nitro Funny Car for the 2005 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series season.

Cerny, who has more than 40 years of drag racing experience, joined Pedregon Racing in 2003. So far this season, Pedregon and Cerny have led the Advance Auto Parts machine to four final-round appearances (Denver, Seattle, Indianapolis and Dallas), a semifinal round run (St. Louis) and a No. 1 qualifying effort at National Trail Raceway in Kirkersville, Ohio. Since the start of the West Coast swing just outside Denver, Colo., Pedregon has recorded an impressive 14 round victories and six, top-eight qualifying efforts. Pedregon credits the team’s meteoric rise to Cerny’s tuning abilities.

“(Crew chief) Wes Cerny is the one guy that I felt this team really needed,” Pedregon said. “He’s the guy I want. There isn’t another crew chief out here I feel could come to our operation and make an impact. He’s a difference maker for this race team.

“I’m pleased that he’ll be back next year,” Pedregon added. “We’ve come to terms and he’s signed up for another year – and hopefully beyond. Wes is happy here and sees a lot of potential on this team. It took us half the season to get to this point. I asked Wes the other day, ‘Could you imagine where this team would be if we had started out the season in Pomona (Calif.) with what we know right now?’ What I’m trying to accomplish here is to have a team that’s capable of winning week in and week out. I feel like we have that now. On a larger scale, I want to compete for another championship. That’s why I do this and Wes is definitely a key ingredient in that recipe.”

Hear No Evil, See No Evil...still looking for Speak No Evil...

Ken Sklute, a talented photog for NHRA.com and CompetitionPlus.com, takes time out to communicate in "monkey-talk" with CompetitionPlus.com director of photography Roger Richards

GM Racing Will Conduct Safety Seminar At Sport Compact Fall Nationals

(10-1-2004) - GM Racing will host a safety seminar on Sunday, Oct. 3, prior to the running of eliminations for the K & N Filters Sport Compact Fall Nationals at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park. The seminar will begin at 9 a.m., and will take place in Suite 205 of the Raceway's main tower. Tom Gideon from the GM Racing Safety Program will conduct the seminar. All Summit championship/heads-up racers and crew members are invited, regardless of their manufacturer affiliation, and GM Racing will provide a continental breakfast for those in attendance, beginning at 8:30 a.m.

"Safety is our No. 1 concern at GM Racing," said Gideon. "We're looking at driver safety, we're looking at car safety and we have an eye on spectator safety as well to the point that we can. We've accomplished a lot in the past couple of years, but it's a never-ending process and we intend to lead by example."

Gideon, who manages the GM Racing Safety Program, worked previously on production-car safety, including early air-bag technology, before he joined GM Racing in 1992. Gideon and the GM Racing Safety Program last hosted a Sport Compact Racing seminar at this same event in 2002. On Saturday and Sunday, Gideon will be available at the racetrack for one-on-one visits with the teams to answer questions and to discuss specific safety issues.

The Racing Safety Program has been a key element in GM Racing's research and development program since its inception in June 1992. In the past 12 years, the safety program has expanded from its initial focus on Indy Cars to encompass stock car racing, drag racing, sports car racing and off-road racing.

World Street Nationals Super Pro Street weight minimums

(10-1-2004) - Weights listed are with clutch.

Big block blower or turbo 2900
Big block nitrous injected 2800
Small block with turbo or screw type supercharger 2800
Small block with roots or centrifugal supercharger 2700
Big Block naturally aspirated 2500
Small block nitrous 2400

Deduct 250 lbs.for converter. But, no combination may run at less than 2400.

Hurricane Box Score: Crane Cams 3 Hurricanes 0

(10-1-2004) - The fine folks at Crane Cams never thought they would see three major hurricanes batter their area in a single year, but it happened. The latest came when they beat back the advances of Hurricane Jeanne. ‘Ol Jeanne took her best shot but failed to deliver a knockout. In spite of Jeanne’s “best punches,” Crane managed to stand their ground, and they’re now back in full operation. Manufacturing is running flat-out and our Tech the Customer Services staff is ready to serve you. (Don’t forget, their Tech Services lines are manned Mon-Thur, 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM)

Corteco to Give Away two Edelbrock Crate Engines

(9-30-2004) - Corteco is giving away two Edelbrock crate engines sealed by Corteco. Vic Edelbrock will be drawing one winner's name during the AAPEX show in November and again at the PRI show in Indy during December.

This is a fantastic opportunity to win a great product built and sealed by two quality leaders in the industry.

Please go to Corteco Giveaway and click on the Edelbrock logo in the bottom left corner to see all the details and fill out the drawing form.

MATCO TOOLS TO UNLEASH THE RAT FINK

(9-29-2004) - Matco Tools is teaming up with the estate of Ed "Big Daddy" Roth to bring Rat Fink back to the drag strip. Whit Bazemore will be gassing the Rat Fink Dodge Stratus Funny Car in Joliet, Ill, at Route 66 Raceway this weekend at the 2004 CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Nationals, October 1-3.

Die-casts of the Rat Fink-bodied Matco Tools Dodge Stratus Funny Car have been produced by Racing Champions and are available for purchase through local Matco Tools dealers. For the name of a local Matco Tools dealer, call 866-289-8665. They die-casts will also be available on the Matco Tools Franchised Distributor trucks in the second week of October.

Route 66 Raceway is where Bazemore set the national Funny Car elapsed-time record last May of 4.713 seconds at the fastest Funny car speed ever of 333.25 mph. Look for Bazemore to try to match that effort this weekend in the Rat Fink Dodge!

Rat Fink, a big, hairy green rat with, bulging eyeballs, yellowish broken teeth, a tail patched with athletic tape, and flies buzzing around him, inhabits a skewed world where speed is king. He and his gang of ghoulish gearhead gremmies speak in bebop slang and live to race their modified rigs. When not behind the wheel you can find the creatures on the deck of a skateboard, in the garage, hitting the waves or hanging at the local junk yard.

Rat Fink was created in the early '60s by Ed "Big Daddy" Roth, who died in 2001. Roth is widely credited with having spawned the pin-striper hot-rod and Kustom Kar Kulture that blossomed in the '50s and '60s. The designer of eye-popping custom hot rods and far-out monster illustrations, Big Daddy brought a fantastic style and humor to the art and car cultures. Since the early 1960s his work has inspired the outlook and attitudes of young artists throughout the world.

Roth¹s experimental show cars such as the "Outlaw" and "Beatnik Bandit" have toured the world and now reside in automotive museums like the Petersen in Los Angeles. His immortal characters often included gas-guzzling monsters and fiends obsessed with fast cars, surfing, and teenage rebellion. Roth's graphic style became synonymous with the surf and hot-rod Californian sub-culture and influenced a wide array of artists, including "extreme sports" athletes, rock bands and "The Simpsons" creator Matt Groening. Tom Wolfe, in a 1963 Esquire essay, called Mr. Roth "a surrealist in his designs, a showman by temperament, a prankster...the most colorful, the most intellectual and the most capricious" of car customizers. The Rat Fink character in particular has graced the tee shirts of millions of car-show enthusiasts for decades

Among the hundreds of characters Roth created, his most popular monster Rat Fink has been called the "mascot of the low-brow art world." Rat Fink and the other Roth creations have experienced a renaissance in recent years, and as a result have been licensed for tee shirts, toys, action figures, lighters, car models, books, comics, and other merchandise.

Ed Roth was a master of showmanship and marketing, and he successfully protected his intellectual property rights, copyrights and trademarks, related to his highly creative works.

Fansfueler Project Picking up Momentum in Europe

(9-29-2004) - The fansfueler project, launched at the FIA European Drag Racing Finals at Santa Pod, has already enjoyed considerable success.

The project, the first of its kind in Europe, is an initiative enabling
nitro drag racing fans to get closer to the sport by sponsoring a top fuel dragster. The current driver being sponsored by the project is former FIA champion, Barry Sheavills.

The project team has already attracted a significant amount of pledges from nitro fans all over the UK and from as far away as Cyprus and the United States, with the amount now rising on a daily basis.

The team have also been contacted by a number of corporate sponsors but have stressed that they still need the continued support of drag racing fans, to ensure they reach the minimum required.

Chris Parker from the project team said "We're very happy with the progress to date and would like to thank all those dedicated fans who have made pledges. However, we would urge drag racing fans to continue to make pledges so that we can ensure we reach the minimum required at the earliest opportunity. This exciting initiative is not just about getting Barry Sheavills back to the track - its important for the future of the sport in Europe as a whole."

The fansfueler team will be attending the National Finals at Santa Pod
Raceway over the weekend of the 2nd/3rd October to further promote the project at this important drag racing event.

Further information can be found on www.fansfueler.co.uk or by contacting the fansfueler project team on +44 (0) 1332 746476.

FFW TO HOST “STOCK & SUPER STOCK COMBO” AT FONTANA

(9-29-2004) - Bill Alexander, the promoter of the Fun Ford Weekend drag racing series, is no stranger to NHRA Stock and Super Stock competition. He has a mantle lined with a bunch of “Wallys” to prove it. Bill has always felt that the S & S/S racers put on a heck of a show, and yet are sometimes relegated to “back-door” status at National Events, something that they definitely don’t deserve.

So, in honor of the Stock and Super Stock racers, Fun Ford Weekend will be hosting a special “Stock & Super Stock Combo” at the 2nd Annual Pacific FFW Nationals at California Speedway, Fontana, CA, on October 16-17. This will be open to ALL BRANDS, not just Fords, and it will be an all-run field.

Qualifying will be on Saturday (3 rounds) and Eliminations on Sunday. All cars will race together based on their NHRA index. The cash purse is $3000 to win, $1000 runner-up, $500 semis, $200 quarters and $50 for the 1/8’s (payout for the 1/8’s if at least 32 cars show up). Entry fee is $150 for car and driver.

Come on out and race for some cash for a change. For more event info, check out www.funfordevents.com or call (225) 664-0996.

Elliott and Northern Force Team plan IHRA comeback in Top Fuel Dragster

(9-29-2004) - In conjunction with the recently-announced International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) 2005 schedule, Bob Elliott, one of Canada’s most prominent drag racing personalities, is planning a return to quarter-mile competition.

The 2005 IHRA season will featuring 12 events from late March through to October at major venues across North America, including three events in Canada.

“Our goal is to consolidate the 2005 Hooters schedule and make it as user friendly as possible,” stated IHRA President Bill Bader. “We’ve moved the conclusion of the season up almost one month to better accommodate fans, sponsors and media.

"Next season, five of the twelve national events will be contested using the well received Thursday through Saturday format we introduced this season,” added Bader. “This schedule allows IHRA to present two “Night of Fire” programs; one Friday and a second during the Saturday championship finals. The Thursday through Saturday format gives the fan added value for their entertainment dollar and enables IHRA to create additional excitement by utilizing jets, wheelstanders, fireworks and special attractions, such as our motorcycle stunt teams, to create a memorable, competitively priced event.

"This format also gives Sunday back to families for activities and allows an extra day to complete the race in case of bad weather,” commented Bader.

The 2005 season again begins in Texas with the Amalie Oil Texas Nationals at San Antonio Raceway, March 31-April 2 and concludes at the Bethesda Software World Finals at Rockingham Dragway, October 7-9.

"We continue to emphasize the growth of our established events in the United States and Canada,” stated Bader. “We will concentrate on improving our facilities and expanding the Thursday through Saturday race format to attract new fans to our unique brand of drag racing.”

Always a strong and popular competitor in both Canada and the United States, Elliott, the owner/driver of the “Northern Force” series of Funny Cars, plans to make a comeback in Top Fuel Dragster, the sport’s premier class and the fastest-accelerating cars in the world. His plans include the entire 2005 IHRA season, along with selected NHRA events and match race appearances.

SCHUMACHER, WORSHAM AND CONNOLLY EARN VICTORIES AT O’REILLY NHRA FALL NATIONALS; Anderson clinches NHRA POWERade world championship in Pro Stock

Top Fuel -- Tony Schumacher, 4.575 seconds, 325.85 mph def. David Grubnic, 4.623 seconds, 323.97 mph.

(9-26-2004) – Tony Schumacher moved closer to his second NHRA POWERade Series Top Fuel world championship title with a victory Sunday at the O’Reilly Fall Nationals presented by Castrol Syntec while Pro Stock dominator Greg Anderson clinched his second consecutive series crown.

Del Worsham and Dave Connolly also were winners at the Texas Motorplex in their categories at the $1.7 million race, the 19th of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series.

Point Standings following Dallas

(10-26-2004) - Point standings (top 10) for NHRA professional categories following the 19th annual O'Reilly NHRA Fall Nationals presented by Castrol Syntec at Texas Motorplex, the 20th of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series -

Top Fuel

1. Tony Schumacher, 1,615; 2. Doug Kalitta, 1,398; 3. Brandon Bernstein, 1,316; 4. David Grubnic, 1,190; 5. Scott Kalitta, 1,175; 6. Larry Dixon, 1,133; 7. Cory McClenathan, 975; 8. Doug Herbert, 849; 9. Scott Weis, 699; 10. Darrell Russell, 695.

Funny Car

1. John Force, 1,457; 2. Gary Scelzi, 1,229; 3. Del Worsham, 1,221; 4. Whit Bazemore, 1,207; 5. Gary Densham, 1,143; 6. Eric Medlen, 1,131; 7. Tim Wilkerson, 1,071; 8. Cruz Pedregon, 1,007; 9. Phil Burkart, 987; 10. Tony Pedregon, 959.

Pro Stock

1. Greg Anderson, 1,951*; 2. Jason Line, 1,313; 3. Dave Connolly, 1,272; 4. Kurt Johnson, 1,142; 5. Larry Morgan, 1,082; 6. Jeg Coughlin, 939; 7. Bruce Allen, 923; 8. Steve Johns, 842; 9. Warren Johnson, 772; 10. Rickie Smith, 746.

*Clinched 2004 NHRA POWERade championship

Rob Mansfield Leads Pro Stock Record Assault during Friday Qualifying; Mike Janis, Mark Thomas and Clay Millican also On Top After First Day

Mike Janis thundered to the top spot in Pro Modified qualifying.

(9-24-2004) - The racing surface at Maryland International Raceway is famous for producing record runs just about every time the Hooters IHRA Drag racing Series comes to town, and the first session of qualifying for this weekend’s 13th annual President’s Cup Nationals was no exception.

No more was this more evident than in Sunoco Pro Stock, where no less than nine drivers eclipsed the old track E.T record of 6.532-seconds, and eight also buried the previous mile-per-hour mark of 213.91.

Professional low qualifiers include Clay Millican (Top Fuel), Mike Janis (Pro Modified), Mark Thomas (Funny Car) and Rob Mansfield (Sunoco Pro Stock).

IHRA Point Standings after Budds Creek

(9-26-2004) - Point standings (top 10) for IHRA professional categories following the 13th annual IHRA President's Cup Nationals at Maryland International Raceway, the 11th of 12 events in the 2004 Hooters IHRA Drag Racing Series -

Top Fuel

1. Clay Millican, 1,160; 2. Bruce Litton, 905; 3. Tim Cullinan, 770; 4. Doug Foley, 758; 5. Bobby Lagana Jr., 637; 6. Todd Paton, 526; 7. Louie Allison, 502; 8. John Sipple, 499; 9. Rick Cooper, 477; 10. Chris Karamesines, 410.

Pro Modified

1. Mike Janis, 734; 2. Harold Martin, 569; 3. Rick DiStefano, 560; 4. Billy Harper, 509; 5. Mike Castellana, 503; 6. Al Billes, 497; 7. Mitch Stott, 480; 8. Quain Stott, 475; 9. Shannon Jenkins, 440; 10. Glen Kerunsky, 334.

Funny Car

1. Mark Thomas, 964; 2. Rob Atchison, 945; 3. Terry McMillen, 654; 4. Jeff Burnett, 440; 5. Chris Foster, 423; 6. Jim Sickles, 414; 7. Terry Munroe, 350; 8. Scott Wildgust, 283; 9. Larry Dobbs, 275; 10. Ronnie Midyette, 270.

Pro Stock

1. John Montecalvo, 723; 2. John Nobile, 717; 3. Elijah Morton, 656; 4. Rick Jones, 625; 5. Brian Gahm, 614; 6. Pete Berner, 597; 7. Frank Gugliotta, 560; 8. Robert Patrick, 493; 9. Steve Spiess, 477; 10. Tony Gillig, 419.

Pedregon Racing Joins Forces with
Carlos Santana to Benefit The Milagro Foundation; Special Car Paint Schemes Unveiled

(9-24-2004) – Pedregon Racing announced a new marketing partnership with legendary musician and guitarist Carlos Santana to benefit and promote his and his wife Deborah’s Milagro Foundation.

As part of today’s announcement at the Texas Motorplex, Pedregon Racing and NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series drivers Cruz and Tony Pedregon unveiled two new special ‘Santana’ paint schemes. Cruz pilots the Advance Auto Parts Monte Carlo Nitro Funny Car, while Tony, the 2003 Nitro Funny Car champion, drives the Quaker State Racing Monte Carlo. The special liveries will be run during the fourth annual AC Delco Las Vegas NHRA Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Oct. 28-31.

In addition, Carlos Santana will be making a special appearance during the AC Delco Nationals in Las Vegas, Nev., on Sunday, Oct. 31, 2004.

“I am honored that the Pedregon brothers recognize the mission of the Milagro Foundation and want to join us in helping children all around the planet,” Carlos Santana said. “The idea of bringing attention to Milagro through the popularity of the NHRA Series, was an interesting idea that has turned into something rather unique. The Pedregon brothers are good people who believe that we should transcend cultural borders and biases.”

Carlos and Deborah Santana founded the Milagro (meaning ‘miracle’ in Spanish) Foundation in 1998. The Foundation has given $1.5 million to charities and agencies that support children and youth in areas of health, education and the arts.

As a part of the partnership, including donations from Advance Auto Parts and Quaker State, proceeds from this partnership will be given to the Milagro Foundation. Special die cast cars from Action Performance, depicting the Santana paint schemes, will also be available to commemorate this occasion.

“The Santana program is a dream come true for me,” said Cruz Pedregon, who won the 1992 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series Funny Car championship. “Santana is like Elvis - he’s a legend and an icon.

“We’re from Southern California and we’re very close to the Santana’s roots,” Pedregon added. “To be able to do a program – and to get to work with Santana in person and have our cars painted with his likeness on it – is just awesome. It’s an honor for us to work with him and support the Milagro Foundation. It’s a credit to drag racing to attract a person like Carlos Santana to the sport. I hope he becomes a huge fan.”

“We race for a living and wanting to win is always important,” said Tony Pedregon, who joined brother Cruz as a NHRA team owner at the beginning of the 2004 season. “But there are things that are more important in the world. Our relationship with Santana and his Milagro Foundation allows Pedregon Racing to give back to the people who have given so much to us in the past. This is something a little more meaningful and helping out at-risk youth is so essential.”

JOHN HORTON DIES FOLLOWING RACING ACCIDENT

(9-24-2004) - Veteran driver John Horton died following a racing accident Sunday, September 19 at Milan Dragway.

The Top Dragster Horton was driving crossed the finish line at 160 mph. Skid marks, beginning near the finish line, and continuing down track a distance of 524 feet, caused Horton to lose control and the car to roll numerous times. Med Flight and Milan Fire Department responded to the accident and Horton was pronounced dead at the scene.

Horton, 30, of Walbridge, Ohio, finished 11th in the Hooters/IHRA Top Dragster championship in 2003 and was the Division 3 Top Dragster champion last season.

“John was not only a good racer but a good friend to many at the track and will be missed by all,” said Deneen Baxter, Events Coordinator for Milan Dragway. The Kapolka’s and Baxter’s of Milan Dragway extend their deepest sympathies.

Michael Beard joins CompetitionPlus.com staff as web designer

(9-23-2004) – Former IHRA.com webmaster and defending IHRA Stock World Champion Michael Beard has joined the staff of the highly-popular Internet magazine CompetitionPlus.com as the webmaster. Beard’s first issue working on the staff will be the 100th issue of the long-running e-zine. Beard is also credited with being the co-creator of the original NHRAOnline.com along with Phil Burgess.

Beard’s first assignment was to redesign the CompetitionPlus.com, which has been in production since September 1999. Publisher Bobby Bennett pointed out that hiring Beard is something that he’s wanted to do since the electronic publication was founded.

“I always told Mike that the day would come when we would be able to hire him and that day has arrived,” Bennett said. “Mike is extremely talented and successful at everything he does. Working with him on this first issue made us feel as if he’s always been part of our team. I see only positives coming from his involvement with our team.”

Beard had been eager to join the team for quite some time and is very happy that the opportunity presented itself.

“I’m looking forward to working with Bobby Bennett, Roger Richards and Brian Wood,” Beard said. “I’ve known the staff for several years and they are great people and have become great friends along the way. They have done a great job with this magazine as has the rest of the staff. I’m very proud of all they’ve accomplished. It’s great to be part of the team now. I just love our sport, and I’m certain I will enjoy bringing the stories and information to the public.”

ROB KINNAN ACCEPTS POSITION AS EDITOR OF HOT ROD MAGAZINE; TO STEP DOWN AS EDITORIAL DIRECTOR OF PROMEDIA

(9-23-2004) – ProMedia today announced that Rob Kinnan will step down as ProMedia’s Editorial Director and Editor of Race Pages Magazine to accept the position as Editor of Primedia’s Hot Rod Magazine. Kinnan said, “It’s been a long run and a great adventure with ProMedia, and especially the NMRA and Race Pages magazine. I love Mustang drag racing, and all forms of street-legal drag racing, and believe in what I have been doing, but all things come to an end. So it is that I will depart ProMedia and take on the new adventure of Editor of Hot Rod Magazine.”

Kinnan served as Editorial Director for ProMedia, and Editor of Race Pages, for more than 5 years. He joined ProMedia in September of 1999 to become only the sixth employee of the company since it’s founding in 1998. In the course of his stewardship of Race Pages, the magazine has seen tremendous growth and become the leading Ford drag racing-specific publication in the country. In addition, during that time, Kinnan was an instrumental part of growth and development of the NMRA into the leading Ford Drag Racing Series. Kinnan also significantly contributed to the creation and development of ProMedia’s Fastest Street Car and OverRev magazines.

According to James Lawrence, ProMedia President, “Having Rob Kinnan on board with this company since 1999 and at the helm of Race Pages has been a tremendous thing for this company and for the magazine. As hard as it will be to lose Rob, knowing that he has earned the position as Editor of the largest performance automotive magazine in the country with Hot Rod makes everyone here feel great for him. We know he will do an excellent job there and wish him the absolute best. His mark on street-legal and Ford drag racing was definitely felt.”

Kinnan will accept the duties as Editor of Hot Rod in October. ProMedia is currently evaluating potential editors for NMRA’s Race Pages Magazine and will work hard to put the magazine in the hands of a capable and talented Ford enthusiast.

Remember, if you have a story lead or news that you would like to share with us, or even some good old-fashioned gossip, drop us a line at rumors@competitionplus.com.

MILLICAN WINS AT ROCKINGHAM FOR SEVENTH STRAIGHT TIME

Final Unofficial IHRA Points

Force and Denham stay busy in Fontana

SCRANTON, HOYOS, EFANTIS, LUMMUS AND MADRID WINNERS AT 2004 NHRA SUMMIT SPORT COMPACT FINAL EVENT

Change, points and a shootout in store for Pro Mod drivers at Vegas

Drivers recovering at local Rockingham hospital

Championships clinched for IHRA professional divisions

Steve Moore shows off his neat Nitro Harley and helps a friend along the way

Barklage Racing will Field a Two Car Team in 2005

Former Funny Car driver Les Cassidy passes away

Leslie Lovett Photographic Award winner

FRED HAHN RETIRES

SUZUKI PARTNERS WITH NHRA SPORT COMPACT SERIES

BERNSTEIN TO BE HONORED AS GRAND MARSHAL OF THE ELITE BUDWEISER SHOOTOUT FOR TOP FUEL

NHRA TEAMS WITH PBR FOR CELEBRITY BLACKJACK TOURNAMENT

BUDWEISER SHOOTOUT DRAW PARTY TO DETERMINE STARTING LINEUP FOR LUCRATIVE TOP FUEL BONUS RACE IN LAS VEGAS

Samuel wins big in Orlando

ASHLEY WINS AGAIN; LOCKS UP DIVISION 4 CHAMPIONSHIP

MONROE HIRED AS “CONSULTANT TO RONS FUEL INJECTION”

Coughlin hopes to make opponents MAD with Spy vs. Spy car

John McGowan Suspended for Pure Street Engine Infraction for First Three Races of NMRA Ford Drag Racing 2005 Season

2nd Annual HEPC “Race for a Huntsville Engine” Filling Quickly

Hot Rod Icon Boyd Coddington Named Grand Marshal of ACDelco NHRA Las Vegas Nationals

NMRA & PRO Award Ceremonies to be held at Performance Racing Industry Show in Indianapolis -- Friday, December 10th

Rat Trap Crew Chief Retiring

LINE, LUCAS AND MEDLEN ARE TOP NOMINEES FOR 2004 AUTO CLUB ROAD TO THE FUTURE AWARD

IHRA sets the record straight

BOB STOTT INJURY UPDATE

Food Network to feature Team Jeg's chef

Bill Bader to Step Down As IHRA President

CARQUEST AUTO PARTS NAMED TITLE SPONSOR OF NHRA POWERADE DRAG RACING SERIES RACE AT ROUTE 66 RACEWAY

FANS TO VOTE FOR TOP 20 AUTO CLUB NHRA FINALS MEMORABLE MOMENTS

BOGACKI HOLDS ON FOR TENN-TUCK CROWN DESPITE SUBPAR WEEKEND

Ashley nails homerun after homerun during the first annual DragStock festival; Leads AMS All-Stars to victory

Janis and Eaton Automotive Clinch 2004 Hooters/IHRA Pro Modified Crown

Goodguys Announce 2005 Event Schedule

Steve Spiess runs unofficial quickest Sunoco Pro Stock time in history; Other quick times posted in pre-Norwalk testing

The JEG'S Foundation recognized by NHRA

156!

RED HOT WORSHAM CARRIES STREAK INTO READING

With Return to Norwalk Millican & Team Werner Clinch 4th Consecutive IHRA Top Fuel Championship

Man, that's a deal

Veteran racer John Hipwell killed in Drag Boat Crash

i-Card coming to Norwalk full time

Murray Anderson's 1967 Camaro Body Now Available in North America Through Cynergy Composites Inc. of Ontario, Canada

For a Good Cause

THREE POINTS LEADERS BEATEN IN THE FINAL ROUNDS AT CARQUEST AUTO PARTS NHRA NATIONALS AT ROUTE 66 RACEWAY

NHRA Points Following Chicago

ARSLANIAN, HOYOS, EFANTIS, TRAN AND MOHLER WINNERS AT 2004 NHRA SUMMIT SPORT COMPACT NINTH EVENT

Bennett Scores Top Moroso Grand Champion Series Honor

FRAM Will Sponsor Carrier Boyz Racing, Cory McClenathan Top Fuel Team in 2005

CompetitionPlus.com’s “Project Muscle” Camaro is a Done Deal!

Crew Chief Wes Cerny On Board for 2005 Advance Auto Parts Races Into Chicago With Momentum

Hear No Evil, See No Evil...still looking for Speak No Evil...

GM Racing Will Conduct Safety Seminar At Sport Compact Fall Nationals

World Street Nationals Super Pro Street weight minimums

Hurricane Box Score: Crane Cams 3 Hurricanes 0

Corteco to Give Away two Edelbrock Crate Engines

MATCO TOOLS TO UNLEASH THE RAT FINK

Fansfueler Project Picking up Momentum in Europe

FFW TO HOST “STOCK & SUPER STOCK COMBO” AT FONTANA

Elliott and Northern Force Team plan IHRA comeback in Top Fuel Dragster

SCHUMACHER, WORSHAM AND CONNOLLY EARN VICTORIES AT O’REILLY NHRA FALL NATIONALS; Anderson clinches NHRA POWERade world championship in Pro Stock

Point Standings following Dallas

Rob Mansfield Leads Pro Stock Record Assault during Friday Qualifying; Mike Janis, Mark Thomas and Clay Millican also On Top After First Day

IHRA Point Standings after Budds Creek

Pedregon Racing Joins Forces with Carlos Santana to Benefit The Milagro Foundation; Special Car Paint Schemes Unveiled

JOHN HORTON DIES FOLLOWING RACING ACCIDENT

Michael Beard joins CompetitionPlus.com staff as web designer

ROB KINNAN ACCEPTS POSITION AS EDITOR OF HOT ROD MAGAZINE; TO STEP DOWN AS EDITORIAL DIRECTOR OF PROMEDIA

Crew Chief Wes Cerny On Board for 2005
Advance Auto Parts Races Into Chicago With Momentum

Pedregon Racing Joins Forces with
Carlos Santana to Benefit The Milagro Foundation; Special Car Paint Schemes Unveiled