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Way To Go, Bo!

(1-13-2005) - If you ask anyone who has a birthday close to Christmas how they like it, many will respond that they feel like they get short-changed. The same couldn’t be said for Bo Gay, who got a Junior Dragster for his birthday on the 24th of December.

Bo had never raced before, but he took his new hot rod to Albany, Georgia’s US19 Dragway for the recent “New Years Day Outlaw Street Car Shootout.”

He had a bit of a hard time at first, not even sure how to stage the car. With some coaching, however, he slowly but surely worked his way through the field of more experienced competitors assembled for the race and ended up in the winner’s circle, thanks to a better dial-in.

THOUSANDS EXPECTED DURING SOUTHERN DRAG RACING & HOT ROD EXPO

(1-13-2005) - The 3rd annual Oasis Shriners Southern Drag Racing & Hot Rod EXPO is scheduled for Friday & Saturday, February 4-5th. The event will be held at the 140,000 sq. ft. indoor Special Events Center, Greensboro Coliseum. As the past two years have shown, this show is the largest on the east coast at this time of year. Enthusiasts will enjoy the car show featuring drag cars, classics, muscle cars, street rods, trucks, Harleys and the all new auction.

Proud IHRA member track representatives will be on-hand, including Rockingham Dragway which holds two national events per season, Piedmont Dragway, Farmington Motorsports Park, and Mooresville Dragway. Kinston Drag Strip and the new Outer Banks Speedway will also be represented.

This is the ideal place for racers to sell used or old parts within the Swap Meet for only $60 spanning both days of the show.

The show kicks off on Friday, Feb. 4th from 6pm-9:30pm. Saturday. Feb. 5th is an all day experience from 9am-5pm, followed by the outstanding racers banquet and awards presentation for the Herbert Performance Carolina Coalition Series.

If it looks good and stands a chance of an award you will see it at this show. Motorsports enthusiasts will sweep through the indoor comforted coliseum gazing at beautiful cars, various vendors and more. Tickets are only $10.00 at the door either day of the show.

CARQUEST Auto Parts Stores Offer Discounts To CARQUEST Auto Parts Winternationals

(1-13-2005) -- CARQUEST Auto Parts Stores in Southern
California are now offering NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series fans a chance to enjoy the CARQUEST Auto Parts Winternationals at a discounted price. The event will take place Feb. 10-13, 2005 at the Pomona Raceway in Pomona, Calif. Fans who visit a participating CARQUEST location in Southern California can pick up a coupon good for a $5 general admission ticket to Thursday's action and $8 off either a Friday or Saturday general admission ticket. No purchase is necessary and coupons are limited. For the nearest CARQUEST Auto Parts Store location, visit CARQUEST.com or call
1-800-492-PART.

Torco Race Fuels and ProNitro re-enforce partnership headed into 2005 Season

(1-13-2005) – When you buy nitromethane from Torco Race Fuels, you are purchasing ProNitro. When you purchase from ProNitro, you are purchasing from Torco Race Fuels. That’s the common platform that has officials from both companies beyond excited of the possibilities that loom on the horizon.

Torco Race Fuels has acquired the rights to serve as the official fuel of the International Hot Rod Association. Torco Pro Nitro will be readily available to those cars running the IHRA’s Top Fuel category.

“We are looking forward to watching the Torco Pro Nitro perform,” Jim MacMonagle, a leading executive from Pro Nitro said. “We have a clean and pure product that has proven that it can perform incredibly. To be associated with Torco Race Fuels and Evan Knoll, we know that we will be able to take this product to the next level. When people call to order the product, I want them to know they are getting the same high quality product that has enabled us to set record after record.”

Torco Pro Nitro will be available for other venues such as nostalgia drag racing, injected-nitro competition, Top Fuel Motorcycle racing and drag boat racing.

Knoll, a licensed Top Fuel driver, admits the partnership is something that has developed at a rapid rate.

“The phone has been ringing off of the hook and that’s stating it on the conservative side,” Knoll said. “The racers that have relied on ProNitro’s quality assurances are now feeling comfortable they have that same security with the Torco Pro Nitro. After all, it is the same product.”

Torco Pro Nitro will be available for the upcoming West Coast test sessions and orders can be placed by calling MacMonagle at 775-690-3488 or Torco Race Fuels offices at 1-800-67-TORCO.

The official website for Torco Race Fuels can be accessed at http://www.torcoracefuels.com/.

S&S Cycle Announces Sponsorships for 2005

(1-13-2005) - S&S is pleased to announce the following individual racing sponsorships during the 2005 racing season.

AHDRA Sanction:

Blake Holliday - Super Gas
Dave Ostrowski - Super Gas
David Hope - Super Sport
Allen Nusbaum - Super Sport
Wanda Poff - Super Sport
Rick Maney - Pro-Stock
Dale Raudenbush - Pro-Stock
Joe Sternotti - Street-Pro
Junior Pippin - Pro-Modified
Cliff Dwy - Pro-Modified
Shaun Reno - Pro-Modified
Phil Schmidt - Pro-Drag
Greg Byrnes - Pro-Drag
Brooke McCabe - Pro-Gas
Robert Markham - Pro-Gas
Dave Delullo - Pro-Gas
Ed Biaggi - Pro-Gas
Bill Bertoletti - Pro-Fuel
Sonny Michalowski - Top-Fuel

Jay Wagner - Street Eliminator
Greg Walls - Street Eliminator
Jerry Cameron - Street Eliminator
Russ Johnson - Pro Eliminator
Jim Bob Kern - Pro Eliminator
Bob Burris - Super-Gas
Dave Sollars - Super-Gas
Randal Andras - Hot Street
Russ Morgan - Hot Street
Mark Sidwell - Buell
Mike Nolan - Modified
Bryan Huffman - Pro-Modified
Rick Clutts Pro-Modified
Mike Nelson/Iron Eagle Racing Pro-Modified
Dennis Cunningham - Pro-Gas
Chris Richterburg - Pro-Fuel

"These racers are well-respected within their respective sanction and class," said Charlie Hadayia, Manager of Dealer Development and Race Relations.

"We're pleased to provide sponsorship for these accomplished racers through the next season. Staying in touch with the racing community is critical for S&S to continue producing proven performance products,â€ continued Hadayia. "Congratulations on a successful racing season in 2004 and good luck going fast at the track in 2005."

S&S will be the official title sponsor for three AHDRA races in 2005: Bakersfield, CA on May 13-15, Budds Creek, MD on July 15-17, and Bristol, TN on August 13-14. S&S is also sponsoring the following classes in the AHDRA during 2005: Pro Stock, Pro Gas, Super Sport, and the new S&S 124" Challenge class.

FIRST LOOK AT ODDY'S NEW PRO MOD DESIGNS

(1-12-2004) - Jim Oddy's new Dodge Stratus has been picked up at Jerry Bickel's Missouri shop and is back in Oddy's Elma, NY engine shop for completion. This year the Summit Racing Equipment-backed supercharged Pro Mod will be driven by Al Billes in the IHRA Hooters series and will debut at the Amalie Oil Texas Nationals in San Antonio March 31-April 2.

"We've got a great-looking new car," said team owner and engine builder Jim Oddy, "and car chief Billy Leverentz and I are going to make sure it has a great engine and set-up. Along with a new driver, everything will be new this year, but the team is looking forward to the challenge."

In addition, Billes will drive his newly Summit-liveried '53 Corvette built by Tim McAmis at selected events on the NHRA AMS/TLR Pro Mod Challenge circuit. The complete schedule of these events for the team has not yet been determined. Billes won three AMS events in 2004 in addition to the Pro Mod Challenge race-within-a-race at the final event of the season.

The Barrie, Ontario, Canada native will also take part in the newly formed Pro Modified Racing Association, which will hold five events in the area of Toronto and Ontario, Canada and upper New York state. Billes has also been nominated as Pro Driver of the Year for the DragRaceCanada.com award. Other drivers nominated for the Canadian-only recognition include Jeff Arend, Rob Atchison and Rick Distefano. Voting remains open until Jan. 31.

4TH ANNUAL NMRA NITTO TIRE SPRING FORD NATIONALS SET TO EXPLODE INTO SUNNY BRADENTON, FLORIDA OVER MARCH 10-11-12-13, 2005

(1-12-2005) – It’s that time of year again - Spring Break! And everyone is ready for some serious heads-up Ford drag racing. Racers from cold and snowy parts of the country are looking forward to the warm weather and college girls in bikini tops that always come with the Bradenton race. The Denso NMRA Ford Nationals will be returning to Bradenton for the 4th Annual Nitto Tire NMRA Spring Ford Nationals. We have much in store for everyone this year at our NMRA season opener. We’ll start off the weekend with a Pre-Race Party hosted by Hooters of Bradenton, followed by a whole weekend of NMRA Heads-Up Drag Racing, a huge All-Ford Auto Show & Shine, gigantic Swap Meet and a smoking’ Burnout Contest! Come down to Sunshine State and help us celebrate the 2005 NMRA Season!

The Big Dawgs of Ford Drag Racing are going to be on hand at Bradenton to do battle in a no-holds-barred 1320 showdown. Classes like DiabloSport Pro 5.0 and MSD Super Street Outlaw will be hotly contested, as last year’s champions try to hold on against the new fierce competition. This NMRA event not only features Heads-Up, Pro-Tree All-Ford Drag Racing, but an Exhibition Show as well! You could see Jessie Harris (a.k.a., The Queen of Diamonds) with her 300 mph Jet Dragster battling it out with long-time Jet Car Driver Paul Miller in his US1 Jet Dragster. Of course, it could be someone completely new sweeping the exhibition away! So, come down to the NMRA Denso Ford Nationals event and see where all the action is!

Race Tech Sponsors Free Entry and Free Car Program for IHRA Division 2 Racers

(1-11-2005) - IHRA and Race Tech Race Cars have announced that racers competing in IHRA’s Division 2 Heat Wave on the Mr. Gasket Pro-Am Tour will have a special program to look forward to in 2005. Race Tech Race Cars will sponsor the Race Tech “Free Ride” program, which will award every Mr. Gasket Pro-Am Tour event winner in Division 2 this season free car and driver entry for every Division 2 event in 2006. Race Tech will also give away a free car to one lucky Division 2 racer at the end of the season.

“After a few races into a season, there are a lot of racers who know their chances of winning the division or even finishing in the top 10 are slim,” said IHRA Vice President of Racing Operations Skooter Peaco. “With this new Free Ride Program from Race Tech, every time a racer goes to a Division 2 event, whether it’s the first race or the last race of the season, they can win a ‘free ride’ for all of next year’s Division 2 events,” Peaco stated.

The Race Tech Free Ride program will be open to all event competitors in any of the seven Mr. Gasket Pro-Am points classes in Division 2.

“We had a very strong showing again by our racers in 2004,” said Race Tech owner Russ Farmer. “The IHRA Top Dragster World Champion, and three of the six divisional Top Dragster Champions were all Race Tech owners. And our racers also showed very well in the top twenty both nationally and at the divisional level, in several Mr. Gasket sportsman classes. So we wanted to develop a program that would give a little something back to the IHRA Sportsman racers that have supported us over the last 16 years,” Farmer stated.

In addition to awarding Division 2 car and driver entry fees for 2006, Race Tech Race Cars will also be giving out a brand new Race Tech Dragster to one lucky Division 2 Competitor. Every racer that competes in any Division 2 Heat Wave event will be eligible to win. At each Division 2 event, one tech card will be drawn from each IHRA Mr. Gasket points class that will advance to the final draw. The 42 winning cards will be placed together at the final event at Carolina Dragway and one card will be selected as the winner of the Race Tech Race Cars 240” Top Dragster base car valued at over $10,000.00.

GM Racing Sport Compact Team To Hit The Track In Puerto Rico

(1-11-2005) - Looking to build on the foundation of a record-setting 2004 season in the NHRA Summit Sport Compact Series, the GM Racing factory team begins preparations for the upcoming campaign with an exhibition appearance at Carolina Raceway Park in Carolina, Puerto Rico, on Jan. 29-Feb. 2.

After back-to-back championships in Pro FWD with Nelson Hoyos in a Chevy Cavalier, the GM Racing team will switch to an ECOtec-powered Chevy Cobalt for Pro FWD competition in 2005, and race fans will get to see the re-bodied racer on track at Carolina Raceway Park for a preliminary public exhibition.

"As our Cobalt race car will not yet be complete with its final paint scheme, this event will give our fans in Puerto Rico an exciting and rare pre-launch look at our latest racer," said Carmen Smith, GM program manager for sport compact drag racing.

Marty Ladwig's championship-winning Pontiac Sunfire HOT ROD racecar will also be making its final public appearance at Carolina Raceway Park with some exhibition racing. Ladwig was the first to make a seven-second pass in the HOT ROD class in the Pontiac Sunfire, and the San Antonio, Texas, native closed out the 2004 season as the winningest driver in the class with nine career victories.

"We're excited at the opportunity to meet some new fans and let them see our Pontiac for the last time," said Ladwig. "We've accomplished a lot of goals with this racecar and had a lot of firsts with this program. It's been awesome to be a part of the GM Racing team and I am looking forward to 2005."
Hoyos, the 2003 and 2004 Pro FWD champion, will also be at Carolina Raceway Park to answer questions and sign autographs. The Cuban-born Hoyos was named '04 Turbo Magazine Sport Compact Driver of the Year and his 12 career wins ties him with Matt Scranton for most career victories in the Sport Compact Series. He currently holds both the elapsed-time and speed records in Pro FWD at 7.406 seconds and 194.88 mph.

"What a great way to kick-off a new season by going down to Carolina Raceway Park," said Hoyos. "The drag-racing fans in Puerto Rico are amazing, and I'm honored to be invited to this first ever GM Extravaganza event."

Quick Times Racing News ceases publication following more than two decades of serving sportsman racing

(1-10-2005) - Becky White, longtime publisher of Quick Times Racing News, a newpaper-style publication that focused on sportsman drag racing, has published her last issue. The latest issue bids farewell to its many loyal readers and White cites her reasons for doing so. It is well known that White has certainly had a tough time as the result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident fifteen months ago. White has been a beacon for this industry over two decades and her departure certainly leaves a void in the sport.

In her storied career White, tackled a number of touch subjects such as insurance for racetracks and went head to head with former IHRA owner Billy Meyer when he made the ill-advised decision to remove class racing from his sanctioning body's program.

Coughlin to remain in Super Stock; Passes on move to run Comp Eliminator

(1-10-2005) - For John Coughlin, the 2004 season was defined by a series of close calls and near misses. Driving the Jeg’s Mail Order Super Stock Cavalier, John went to the late rounds at several events, but was unable to seal the deal with a victory.

“Anytime I go to the races, my goal is to win, obviously, so last year was tough,” John said. “I had a good time, but it’s never as good as when you are winning. I finished seventh in the Division 3 standings and was probably only a couple of rounds away from being third or fourth. I lost a lot of close races by less than a hundredth of a second. There were a lot of times when I thought I got to the finish line first, but didn’t and wound up losing by a just a few thousandths of a second.”

John’s lone highlight was class win at the prestigious 50th anniversary Mac Tools U.S. Nationals at Indianapolis Raceway Park. In that race, John tangled with west coast heavyweights Jeff Lane and Brad Plourd.

“I was actually kind of nervous, but it turned out to be a fun race,” John recalled. “The 50th Indy is a once-in-a-lifetime event and I’m pretty happy to have a trophy from that race.”

Though he has contemplated a move to Comp eliminator, John has decided to remain in Super Stock this year. Other than some fresh paint and graphics, his SS/CM Cavalier remains unchanged from the 2004 season.

“This is a really great car,” John noted. “It’s fun to drive and it is very consistent. I won a lot of rounds towards the end of the season so I’m going to try and jump back in and pick up where I left off. I am very comfortable with my reaction times, so if we work a little harder, hopefully we can have some better results. I might also run Super Comp at the Columbus national event, but for the most part, I’m going to concentrate on Super Stock.”

With the help of crew members Rick Rossiter and Clint Allerton, who previously worked on the Jeg’s Mail Order Pro Stock effort, and Tony Collier, John plans on beginning his season in Florida with the Mac Tools Gatornationals in mid-March. He plans on competing in eight NHRA national events and as many and all six Division 3 Lucas Oil Series races before finishing the year in his dragster at the Moroso 5-Day E.T. Championships at Moroso Motorsports Park.

In between, John also plans to make time for his 9-year old son, Cody, who is going to be racing in the NHRA Jr. Drag Racing League.

“He’ll go wide open on a motorcycle or a go-cart, but when he first saw the Jr. Dragster, he was kind of hesitant to drive it,” said John. “Then, one day he said, ‘Dad lets go race the Jr. Dragster.’ So it’s time for him to go make some runs. That’s something I’m really looking forward to.

“With both of us racing, I’m going to be busy this year but that’s a good thing. “I know we’re going to have a good time. That’s my whole attitude for this season. We’re going to have a have a good time, no matter what happens. Last year was a little frustrating for our whole team, but I know this year will be different. We were just taking a little break. Now, we’re going to make up for lost time.”

More News from the American Drag Racing League

(1-10-2005) - The information listed below is intended to be a brief overview of the upcoming 2005 ADRL season and is subject to change.

Classes:
Pro Extreme
Pro Nitrous
B&M Hedman Hedders Pro Bracket
AMS Pro Mod Challenge Presented by TLR (Select events only)

Rules Summary:
Official Rule Book and permanent numbers will be available soon and will be included in the official ADRL membership package. Visit www.outlawpromods.com (website is currently under construction) in the coming days for more information

Pro Extreme:
8 car qualified field for supercharged or turbocharged Outlaw Pro Mods
Must have permanent ADRL number to compete
Must pass safety and chassis inspection
Must have working doors from inside and out
Must have working suspension
Minimum wheelbase 100"
Maximum wheelbase 125"
Pro Nitrous cars may compete
*No performance restricting rules such as engine size, minimum weight, blower overdrive or type, turbo size or type etc.

Pro Nitrous:
8 car qualified field for nitrous injected Outlaw Pro Mods
Must have permanent ADRL number to compete
Must pass safety and chassis inspection
Must have working doors from inside and out
Must have working suspension
Minimum wheelbase 100"
Maximum wheelbase 125"
Superchargers and turbochargers are strictly prohibited
*No performance restricting rules such as engine size, minimum weight, number of nitrous bottles or systems etc.

B&M Hedman Hedders Pro Bracket:
Will run current B&M Hedman Hedders Racer Appreciation Series Rules.

AMS Pro Mod Challenge Presented by TLR (Select events only):
Will run current AMS/TLR Pro Mod rules
Must have permanent AMS/TLR Pro Mod number to compete

Event Payout:

Pro Extreme:
8 car qualified field
Quarter Finals - $1,000.00
Semi Finals - $2,500.00
Runner Up - $5,000.00
Winner - $10,000.00
Low Qualifier Bonus - $1,000

Pro Nitrous:
8 car qualified field
Quarter Finals - $500.00
Semi Finals - $1,250.00
Runner Up - $2,500.00
Winner - $5,000.00
Low Qualifier Bonus - $500

B&M Hedman Hedders Pro Bracket:
TBA

Championship Payout:

Pro Extreme:
1ST PLACE - $10,000.00
2ND PLACE - $5,000.00
3RD PLACE - $2,500.00
4TH PLACE - $1,500.00
5TH PLACE - $1,000.00

Pro Nitrous:
1ST PLACE - $5,000.00
2ND PLACE - $2,500.00
3RD PLACE - $1,250.00
4TH PLACE - $750.00
5TH PLACE - $500.00

Schedule:

Feb. 25-26 / Lend America Winter Open Presented by TLR / Hattiesburg, MS

March 11-13 / Hardcore Motorsports Spring Open Presented by Torco's CompetitionPlus.com / Richmond, VA

Date TBD / ADRL DRAGPALOOZA Presented by TLR / Valdosta, GA
(Will Feature AMS All Stars Vs. FLOWMASTER Outlaws 2 "The Rematch" Team Challenge On Sunday)

July 8-10 / AMS Staff Leasing Summer Open Presented by TLR / Belle Rose, LA
(Will Feature AMS Staff Leasing Pro Mod Challenge Presented by TLR Championship Points Earning Event On Sunday)

Aug. 19-21 / RACENSUR.com Sunshine Open Presented by Burke Designs / Location TBD
(Will Feature AMS Staff Leasing Pro Mod Challenge Presented by TLR Championship Points Earning Event On Sunday)

Sept. 30- Oct. 2 / ADRL DRAGSTOCK 2 / Jackson, SC
(Will Feature USA Vs. The World Team Challenge On Sunday)

Oct. 14-16 / AMS Staff Leasing LoneStar Fall Open Presented by Pinnacle Business Solutions / Kennedale, TX

(Will Feature Texas Vs. USA Team Challenge On Sunday. Any Pro Mod driver residing in Texas including Troy Critchley/AMS, Joshua Hernandez/TLR, Thomas Patterson and Frankie Taylor will compete with

TOMPA stars such as Gaylen Smith and Clyde Scott and several others for Texas. All other drivers residing anywhere other than Texas will compete for the USA.)

*2005 ADRL Championship Awards Banquet will be held on Sunday evening October 16 in Dallas, TX.

Event Information:

Ticket Prices:
Friday $10.00
Saturday $20.00
Sunday $20.00
Full Event $40.00
All kids 10 and under Free
*All tickets include V.I.P Pit access and a free copy of ADRENALINE The Magazine, The Official Publication of the ADRL (While supplies last)

Event Schedule:

Friday:
Pit Gates open at 8 AM
Event parking, tech inspection and registration 8 AM - 8 PM
Spectator Gates Open at 2 PM
Open testing all classes 4 PM - 10 PM

Saturday:
Gates Open at 8 AM
Event parking and tech inspection 8 AM - 10 AM
Pro Qualifying at noon, 2 PM and 4 PM
Pre Race Ceremonies 6 pm
First Round Pro Eliminations 7 PM

Sunday:
Gates open at 8 AM
Pre Race Ceremonies 11 AM
First Round of Racing Noon

2005 AMS / TLR PRO MOD SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED

(1-9-2005) - AMS Staff Leasing/Tommy Lipar Racing have released the 14-race Pro Mod Challenge schedule for the upcoming season. The location for the August 19-21 event will be determined soon.

Fresh out of the Paint Shop

(1-9-2005) - In anticipation of his new Fram/Autolite sponsorship, NHRA Funny Car racer Bob Gilbertson has just adorned his car in the company's colors. As soon as the vinyl livery is added, this will be a "done deal."

Another Ashley Ready to Spread his Wings?

(1-9-2005) - Proof that Dad can't have all the fun, it looks as if a second-generation Ashley is ready to follow in his World Champion Dad's shoes. Justin Ashley is expected to make his debut in Junior Dragster this season behind the wheel of this beautiful ride.

The Spy is at it again...

(1-8-2005) - In case you were wondering what an official Jeg's Mail Order Pro Modified driven by a member of the Coughlin family looks like, we have some spy photos of the cars in the early stages of paint preparation.

POPULAR HOT RODDING MAGAZINE TO SPONSOR MSD TRUE STREET CLASS THROUGH THE 2008 PRO-EDELBROCK SEASON

(1-8-2005) – Popular Hot Rodding has joined up with the PRO-Edelbrock Drag Racing Series to become the official presenting sponsor of the MSD True Street class. Beginning with the 2005 season, the category will be officially re-named MSD True Street presented by Popular Hot Rodding. In addition to the presenting sponsorship, Popular Hot Rodding will be providing coverage of the MSD True Street class in the pages of PHR.

The concept behind MSD True Street was developed in a large part by Johnny Hunkins, today the Editor of Popular Hot Rodding, who in 1993 while working for Muscle Mustang & Fast Ford’s magazine with and Evan Smith, helped develop this innovative class designed for real, street-driven muscle cars. Popular Hot Rodding magazine’s editorial staff will be coming out in force to four MSD True Street events, Bradenton (April 1-3), Bowling Green (June 3-5), Maple Grove (August 26-28), and Memphis (October 6-9). At each of these races, they will be searching the pits and staging lanes looking for a car worthy of the Popular Hot Rodding Editor Choice award, which will receive a full color car feature, and will be covering the True Street class in depth. In addition, the other MSD True Street racers will receive coverage as well in PHR.

In 2005, MSD True Street competition will be held at all eight NMCA events, and these street-legal competitors will be asked to complete a 30-mile drive on city and highway streets before racing. All entrants are required to have fully street-legal vehicles, including registration, license, insurance, and state i.d. sticker. MSD True Street, presented by Popular Hot Rodding magazine, is a class for everyone, from new enthusiasts to hardcore street race veterans. As long as your car is street-legal, this is the class for you, as True Street awards not only the quickest car, but also features 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15-second winners. A complete PRO-Edelbrock Drag Racing Series 2005 Schedule, featuring MSD True Street presented by Popular Hot Rodding Magazine, can be found at www.fasteststreetcar.com

Kaase Racing Engines to Sponsor IHRA Pro Stock Tuning Challenge

(1-8-2005) - IHRA and Kaase Racing Engines have announced the formation of the Kaase IHRA Pro Stock Tuning Challenge to reward Torco Race Fuels Pro Stock competitors for their consistency during qualifying at national events in 2005.

The Kaase IHRA Pro Stock Tuning Challenge pays out $500 to the driver who records the best average elapsed time during qualifying at every IHRA national event. With the conclusion of the season, the World Finals at Rockingham, the program pays out $2,000 to the competitor with the best average qualifying elapsed time for the 12 Hooters IHRA Series national events.

To qualify, competitors must display the selected decal on both sides of the entry car and run all qualifying sessions to be eligible.

“I’m very pleased to have Jon Kaase and Kaase Racing Engines aboard for this program,” stated IHRA Director of Competition and Technical Services Mike Baker. “Kaase is an established and respected name in the world of IHRA Torco Race Fuels Pro Stock, and his involvement with the class is further solidified by the IHRA Kaase Pro Stock Tuning Challenge.”

As a leading engine builder and someone who works closely with IHRA Torco Race Fuels Pro Stock competitors, Kaase saw a niche to fill with this unique program. “The class is more competitive than ever and it takes consistency to win championships. We want to give something back to the racers and teams that strive for those two goals, and to reward the people that have supported us.”

NHRA Drivers And Teams Respond
For American Wounded In Germany

(1-07-2005) - American soldiers at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center (LRMC) recuperating from wounds received in Iraq and Afghanistan were treated to a Santa's bag of NHRA Drag Racing holiday cheer following a spirited offering from numerous race teams and drivers. Items were donated after a call from SFC Wayne Reed, President, Randall Shugart Chapter 64 of the Special Forces Association to GM Racing's Fred Simmonds (a former U.S. Army Captain), which set the ball in motion for what resulted in an overwhelming and generous contribution from the NHRA and 22 drivers representing Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, Pro Stock Bike, Pro Mod, Super Comp, Pro FWD, Pro RWD and Super Stock.

Drivers that pitched in for the LRMC holiday gift-giving included Shirley Muldowney, Erica Enders, Warren Johnson, Kurt Johnson, Mark Pawuk, Mike Ferderer, Al Corda, Steve Johnson, Jeg Coughlin, Jason Line, Greg Anderson, Darrell Gwynn, Tommy Johnson Jr., Larry Dixon, Harold Martin, Nelson Hoyos, Matt Hartford, Mike Edwards, Jim Yates, Del Worsham, Cruz Pedregon and Tony Pedregon.

"Thank you doesn't seem sufficient to express the gratitude extended to all of you who took the time and effort to send autograph cards, NHRA racing memorabilia, wearables, diecast models and other items to our combat wounded troops recovering in Germany," said Simmonds. "The trip was a surprise visit to these wounded soldiers and was overwhelmingly received by both hospital staff and patients."

Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, located just 10 minutes from Ramstein AFB in Germany, is the largest American hospital outside the United States and one of two special hospitals in Europe. There are specialists at LRMC in all areas of medical treatment, except for the rarest cases, which are treated at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C.

SFC Reed departed Dover AFB early Monday morning, Dec. 27, and arrived at Ramstein AFB later that evening. The troops visited were at the Medical Transition Detachment, Kleber Kaserne, Germany, which is a part of the LRMC. Soldiers at the Kleber Kaserne complex are recuperating from wounds/injuries prior to traveling to the United States or returning to their combat unit.

"On behalf of the soldiers at Kleber Kaserne and our group, I want to thank the NHRA and the NHRA race teams and drivers for their support," said Reed. "Without you, this trip would not have been successful in showing the troops how appreciative we are for all they are doing to insure the freedoms we enjoy."

Reed and members of his chapter of the Special Forces Association are planning a return trip to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in mid-February. Those wishing to donate additional items for the February visit can ship them to SFC Wayne Reed, 90 Fosselman Lane, Newport, PA 17074.

MICKEY THOMPSON TO SPONSOR PRO CHALLENGE LOTTERY FOR 2005

(1-7-2005) - Mickey Thompson Performance Tires will be the Official Sponsor of the 2005 Fun Ford Weekend “Pro Challenge Lottery.” At the twelve FFW National points races in 2005, all of the Pro Class cars will be eligible to compete in this special Lottery.

Here is how it works: If the #1 qualifier also wins the event, he will receive a $1,000 bonus (above the normal $7,500 winners payout). This would be an $8,500 pay day. If the #1 qualifier is not the ultimate winner during eliminations, the $1,000 bonus is added to the next event (now a $2,000 bonus), and so on.

Every time that a #1 qualifier is not the Pro Class winner during eliminations, an additional $1,000 is added to the pot. If, for instance, a #1 qualifier doesn’t happen to win an event for four consecutive races, the bonus would escalate to $4,000, which on top of the winner’s purse of $7,500 would make a pretty nice weekend for somebody. After someone takes home the pot, the bonus reverts back to $1,000 and starts all over again.

The FFW Pro Class is open to small block and big block Ford-powered Fords, with various power adders and naturally aspirated IHRA Pro Stock Ford vehicles. Some of the IHRA FFW Pro Class entries have included Tony Gillig, Floyd Cheek, Pete Berner, Charlie Peppers, Jason Collins, Frank Snellings, Carl Baker, Frank Gugliotta, Richard Penland, John Nobile, Chuck Demory and Doug Kirk.

In 2004 Chuck Samuel relied on Mickey Thompson #3186’s for his FFW Pro Class Championship, and his award of a 2005 Mustang GT from Ford Motor Company.

In addition to sponsoring the Pro Challenge Lottery, Mickey Thompson Performance Tires posts contingency payouts for the year-end Champion.

For Mickey Thompson product information or to request decals, call Frank Papp at (330) 928-9092, ext. 114.

Baca Motorsports Unveils 2005 Top Fuel Dragster

(1-7-2005) – The father-son Top Fuel team of Dennis and David Baca, aka Baca Motorsports, unveiled the 2005 Murf McKinney-built dragster David Baca will drive on the 23-race 2005 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series.

"Our 2005 car reflects the drag racing commitment we are making this year," said David Baca. "Although we will begin the season as an independent, we want Corporate America to see that we are committed to not only presenting a first class operation visually, but one that can and will compete with the established players.”

David Baca was nominated for the Automobile Club of Southern California Road to the Future Award in 2003, his first season on tour. He finished seventh that year. Despite running a limited schedule in 2004, he still managed a 13th-place finish.

“Our commitment this year is to run all 23 events as we did in 2003. Our goal is to finish in the top five in points. We feel we have a car that has the potential to perform well this season,” Baca added.

“We have crew chief Kevin Poynter and Jeff McGuire back from last year’s team and Larry Meyer and my dad will handle the tuning duties. Our car was performing well at year-end and we hope that performance can continue with consistency throughout 2005.”

Before retiring from competition, Dennis Baca won two NHRA national event titles -- the U.S. Nationals at Indianapolis and the NHRA Finals at Ontario, Calif. -- both in 1977.

The team will test in Las Vegas before moving to the CarQuest Auto Parts Winternationals, the opening event on the NHRA POWERade schedule.

Baca Motorsports will receive support from the following associate sponsors through 2005: Champion Spark Plugs, Don Steves Chevrolet (La Habra, Calif.), Goodyear, Lucas Oil, Mac Tools and Weld Racing Wheels.

Heartland Park Topeka Plans Major Renovation Project

(1-7-2005) – The most expansive and most expensive renovation since Heartland Park Topeka was constructed has already commenced on the facility’s 750-acres. This renovation will not only finish the original vision of the facility, but will also prepare Heartland Park Topeka to host the 2006 SCCA National Championship Runoffs®.

Construction of a new maintenance building and an expansion of the existing pit/paddock area are scheduled to be completed in the spring of 2005. Work is already underway to have the maintenance building and expanded paddock parking ready in time for the 2005 race season.

Four projects are on the schedule to be completed sometime during the summer of 2005. They include new fencing and entry points into Heartland Park Topeka, repaving the paddock and pit area, the construction of a technical inspection building in the paddock area, and a new credentials building and entrance drive through Gate D (otherwise known as the “tunnel” entrance into Heartland Park Topeka).

The fall of 2005 will include construction of new bathroom and shower facilities for competitors, and for the first time since the facility was built in 1988 a resurfacing of the road course. The repaving will include sections of the track not used for several years due to deterioration.

2006 will begin with two projects on schedule for completion in the spring. A new concession stand/souvenir store will be constructed at the north end of the paddock, and a garage/suite complex will be located in the lower paddock area.

The summer of 2006 will see the final touches put on brand new spectator areas, which will be located on the west, south, and east berms which surround the road course.

Mohegan Sun Top Fuel car to be on display at Boston World of Wheels

(1-7-2005) - The Top Fuel entry owned by Grant Flowers and driven by Paul Athey, will be a part of the New England Dragway exhibition. They will be helping to promote the track along with the July 9th Top Fuel match race, featuring the team, and the Amalie Oil North American Nationals September 9-11.

Fans of all types of cars will be on hand January 7-9 at the Bayside Exposition Center. There will be something for everyone. Jesse James will have some of his bikes on display. There will be classic cars, import cars, show cars and a host of guest appearances including Tony Schumacher and John Cena from WWE. BMX Extreme Stunt Shows will be running all weekend long as well.

It's a Done Deal

(1-6-2004) - As of today, Don Schumacher has a Brut deal. The veteran car owner signed the contracts this afternoon. Expect the announcement to come tomorrow. We managed to snag a few spy shots of the team's show car.

ELLIOTT AND SIPPLE TEAM UP FOR TOP FUEL ASSAULT

(1-6-2005) - Bob Elliott, one of Canada’s most prominent drag racers, has partnered with the John “Doc” Sipple Top Fuel Dragster team to run at major International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) events.

Known for his successes in Funny Car racing, Elliott and Northern Force Team Manager Bruce Mehlenbacher recently met with the Sipple family at its Berea, Kentucky headquarters. This meeting and subsequent discussions have led to a partnership where Elliott will drive Doc Sipple’s Top Fuel Dragster.

“This is a terrific deal that completes a major part of the puzzle,” stated Elliott. “Doc and I hit it off and I will be proud to be a part of this racing effort. After spending many hours with John, and his son Mike, an agreement was reached in principle where I will drive the car that the Sipples will continue to own and maintain.”

Doc Sipple is taking a sabbatical from driving his Top Fuel Dragster, and the team, which includes crew chief and son Mike Sipple, will continue to campaign the car. The team placed in the top ten of the 2004 IHRA Top Fuel Dragster World Championship competition, highlighted with a runner-up finish at the Motor City Nationals in Milan, Michigan in July.

Speaking for the Sipple family, Mike Sipple is very supportive of the partnership, and believes not only is there a stronger opportunity with this teaming, but thinks the team will mesh well.

“This partnership gives us an opportunity to enhance our racing efforts and gives us a stronger car,” said Sipple. “And Bob’s personality matches up with Dad as close as possible.”

The Elliott-Sipple team will race under the Northern Force banner at IHRA events. The Sipple crew, including Canadians Larry Panzini and John Ford, will continue their duties with the racing effort while Elliott will drive the 6000-plus horsepower car, and Doc Sipple will oversee the entire racing operation.

Top Fuel racing is the epitome of this exciting and colorful sport. The cars, powered with nitro methane fuel, produce upwards of 7000 horsepower, and are the fastest-accelerating race cars in motorsports. From a standing start a Top Fuel Dragster will complete the quarter-mile in less than five seconds with speeds of over 300 mph.

Arend to participate in 'Softball game in the Snow' for the Wish Upon a Star Foundation

(1-6-2005) - CMKXtreme Machine Funny Car driver, Jeff Arend, will be a participant at this weekends 26th annual Softball Game in the Snow and Dance held in Joliet, Ill, with proceeds to benefit the Wish Upon a Star Foundation.

The annual indoor/outdoor event is the main fundraiser for the Wish Upon a Star Foundation, which is dedicated to making wishes come true for children with life-threatening illnesses. The proceeds from this event will ensure that dreams come true for children throughout the year.

This year's event will feature over 40 professional baseball players and NHRA drivers who will par take in an autograph session from 2:00 until 5:00 PM and then play a night game against the Illinois State Police.

Scheduled to appear along with Arend will be Funny Car drivers, Phil Burkart Jr., Dale Creasy, John Lawson and Gordie Bonin, along with Top Fuel racers T.J. Zizzo, Dave Hirata and motorcycle rider Larry McBride. Major league baseball players attending the event include Ron Coomer from the Los Angeles Dodgers, Ron LeFlore from the Detroit Tigers, Donn Paul from the Chicago White Sox, Brandon Sing and Steve Trout from the Chicago Cubs, Joe Charboneau from the Cleveland Indians and many more.

Arend's participation is an extension of the CMKXtreme Racing team's off-track goodwill efforts during the 2004 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing season. Arend visited a dozen hospitals during the year, joined by CMKXtreme Pro Stock Bike rider, Connie Cohen. The pair signed autographs, posed for pictures and gave away CMKXtreme merchandise to hundreds of children and their families during the course of the season in an effort to bring NHRA Drag Racing to those unable to attend the races.

"I'm really excited to be able to lend my support to the Wish Upon a Star Foundation," said Arend. "The CMKXtreme Racing team has been visiting children's hospitals all across the country this season in an effort to bring a little joy to those families who are in a tough situation. It's going to be cold but we are hoping for a big turnout of NHRA Drag Racing fans to support this worthy cause."

Carrier Boyz Racing unveil 2005 FRAM AirHog Dragster

(1-5-2005) – In 2004, FRAM®, a leader in filtrations products for more than 70 years, introduced the FRAM® AirHog™, a rugged washable and reusable, high performance air filter that helps improve engine airflow and increase vehicle horsepower. Today, from their shop in Bristol, Tenn., Carrier Boyz Racing team owners Andy and Mark Carrier unveiled the rendering of the Carrier Boyz Racing 2005 FRAM AirHog Top Fuel Dragster driven by Cory McClenathan (see insert)

“Both Mark and I feel that when the fans see this car and the transporter, they will agree with us that it should be a front runner for ‘Best Appearing Car,’” said Andy Carrier. “2005 looks exciting for Carrier Boyz Racing with Honeywell and FRAM on board.”

Headquartered in Danbury, Conn., FRAM is a unit of Honeywell Consumer Products Group, which manufactures and markets FRAM AirHog air filters and other quality 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

FRAM, the leading brand of automotive filters in North America, has been a symbol of quality and innovation since 1934. Today, as the Official Filter of the NHRA®, it markets a variety of automotive filtration products for the original equipment and aftermarket industries.

The FRAM AirHog air filter offers coverage for nearly 85 percent of today’s passenger cars and light-duty trucks. The AirHog filter, cleaner and oil can be found in most major automotive stores and discount retail chains. Consumers interested in learning more should call 1(800) 862-7737 or log on to http://www.framairhog.com/.

“The relationship between FRAM, Honeywell and Carrier Boyz Racing will be awesome,” said McClenathan. “I’m excited about getting behind the wheel of this FRAM AirHog Dragster. I think it has the potential to put FRAM in the winner’s circle and for us (Carrier Boyz Racing) to contend for a Top Fuel championship.

Carrier Boyz Racing and Cory McClenathan will begin their quest for the 2005 NHRA POWERade® Top Fuel championship Feb. 10-13, when the NHRA CARQUEST Auto Parts Winternationals unfolds at Pomona Raceway in Pomona, Calif. Prior to the season-opening Winternationals, fans can see the Carrier Boyz Racing FRAM AirHog Dragster in preseason action in Las Vegas and Phoenix.

Massive expansion begins at Tennessee's Bristol Dragway

(1-5-2005) - Bristol Dragway, already one of the premier venues on the POWERade Drag Racing Series, will be even bigger and better for the 2005 O'Reilly Thunder Valley Nationals with the addition of premium grandstand seats and luxury suites. The expansion includes 3,400 seats in Thunder Terrace, which will sit above the existing grandstand. This section will feature stadium-style, flip-down seats with cupholders and armrests. The terrace will be topped by 10 corporate suites. The Thunder Valley Club just off the starting line is also doubling in size to nearly 1,000.

Drag racing fans have flocked to Bristol Dragway in recent years for the NHRA O'Reilly Thunder Valley Nationals, selling out the venue this season for what has become one of the sport's most popular events. Because the demand for tickets continues to rise, Bristol Dragway officials were anxious to comply with fans' requests for premium grandstand seating.
The construction is underway.

"Bristol Dragway's continued growth made it evident that we needed to expand," said Bristol Motor Speedway and Dragway president Jeff Byrd. "And as always, our fans and their comfort and needs are the first thing we consider. They wanted the same options available to them that are available at the speedway so we're giving that to them.

"The new Thunder Terrace offers premium seating and fans also have the option of the Thunder Valley Club seating. With these improvements we feel that we've taken what was already a first-class facility even a notch higher."

"I've attended thousands of motorsports events throughout my lifetime and to this very day, my favorite thing to do at any venue is to spend time with the fans," track owner Bruton Smith said. "So when we looked at the Bristol Dragway's vast construction project I thought to myself, now here's a way that I can truly give fans an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
The Thunder Valley Club also is expanding.

Thunder Valley Club access offers premium pit side seating at the start line, a private patio next to the track, free breakfast and lunch on Saturday and Sunday, and complimentary water, tea, and lemonade, along with a cash bar, private restrooms, closed-circuit television, and preferred parking with the purchase of two or more tickets.

Thunder Terrace seating for all three days of the O'Reilly NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals is (April 29-May 1) is $155 for adults and $65 for juniors (12 and under). Thunder Valley Club seating for all three days is $250 for adults and $75 for juniors.

Grandstand seating for adults on Friday is $20 (sections A-D) and $25 (sections E-U) and $5 (all sections) for juniors. Saturday's tickets for adults are $40 (A-D) and $50 (E-U) and $15 (A-D) and $25 (E-U) for juniors. Sunday's tickets for adults are $45 (A-D) and $55 (E-U) and $15 (A-D) and $25 (E-U) for juniors. A three-day combo ticket for adults is $75 (A-D) and $100 (E-U) and $30 (A-D) and $50 (E-U) for juniors.

CMKX Racing Working With the American Red Cross to Help Tsunami Victims

(1-5-2005) - The CMKXtreme Racing team is working with associate sponsor, Vincent Ferrone, owner of V.F. Trucking Company, and the American Red Cross to aid victims of the recent Tsunami disaster. Ferrone and business associate, Marty Ginsberg, are coordinating the relief efforts and working closely with the Red Cross to make sure that the contributions they collect are distributed to where they are needed the most.

Ferrone, who's Rockaway, New Jersey trucking firm serves the Port of New York/New Jersey, has had experience in the past with collecting and distributing aid. He and Ginsberg led a major relief effort for the victims of the attack on 9/11 and their experience from that disaster led them to coordinate an effort to help the Tsunami survivors.

Ferrone and Ginsberg collected over $10,000 and over 100,000 pounds of goods, ranging from clothes and canned goods to medical supplies, after 9/11. Ferrone personally escorted his trucks to N.Y.U. Medical Center so he could oversee the delivery of the contributions and was assured that the relief was reaching the proper destination.

"Right now, we are looking for cash and financial donations," said Ferrone from his collection point in Rockaway. "Financial contributions are the most efficient and expedient way to get the much needed relief to the victims of this disaster."

Donations for Ferrone and Ginsberg's Tsunami relief efforts will be accepted at Marty Ginsberg's store front, located at Boro Plaza Route 46, Rockaway, NJ 07886, or you can call 1-973-625-3020. The location will be open from 9 AM to 10 PM, seven days a week.

CMKM Diamonds founder and current Chairman of the Board, Urban Casavant, and his brother Ron, will be making a contribution to Ferrone and Ginsberg's efforts on behalf of all three CMKXtreme Racing teams.

CMKXtreme Machine Funny Car driver, Jeff Arend, is also urging other race teams to lend their support. "It is hard to imagine the scope of the Tsunami disaster," said Arend. "We are proud to be associated with Vinny Ferrone, he has done an outstanding job in his coordination of these relief efforts. We urge all NHRA race teams to lend a hand in helping the Tsunami victim's cope during the aftermath of this tremendous disaster."

You can help those affected by this and countless other crises around the world each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, which will provide immediate and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance, and other support to those in need. Donate online (www.redcross.org) or call 1-800-HELP NOW or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Donations can also be mailed to your local Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

She's our hero too

(1-5-2005) - IHRA Vice President of Finance and Human Resources Debra Sue Tobak was presented with the 2004 Clear Channel Motorsports “Unsung Hero” award this past weekend at the annual Clear Channel Motorsports Christmas party. Tobak was recognized for her tireless efforts and behind the scenes work she performs on behalf of IHRA for the Clear Channel Motorsports team.

“I’m honored. None of this would be possible without the support of my fellow IHRA team members,” Tobak said. “People don’t realize what it takes to make an operation like ours run smoothly and effieciently, and when one person gets recognized, the whole team gets recognized.”

Tobak also sees the award as another sign of the complete integration of IHRA into Clear Channel Motorsports. “We’re all in this together. We want to put out the best product for our sponsors, racers, and fans. The Clear Channel Motorsports philosophy and IHRA philosophy are one and the same.”

Celebrating 38 years

(1-5-2004) - This season marks 38 years of expert machine and repair services including quality welding procedures at all 23 NHRA National Events by Dave Siipola of Trans End and Paul Le Sage of Team Torch. Before planning your 2005 NHRA National Event Schedule, be sure to email Dave: dsiipola@aol.com or “Torch”: torch@oakley.com for their updated track-side services and pricing programs. These services have proved invaluable in the past.

Cruz & Tony Pedregon To Be Featured on SPEED
‘Driving Force’ Will Chronicle Brother’s Las Vegas Race Weekend with Santana

(1-5-2004) – NHRA Funny Car standouts Cruz and Tony Pedregon will be on primetime television, Wed., Jan. 5. SPEED program Driving Force, which airs 10 p.m., Eastern, 7 p.m., Pacific, will go ‘behind the scenes’ of Pedregon Racing as they compete at the Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

The program will focus on pre-race, qualifying and race day, along with a look at legendary guitarist and musician Carlos Santana’s first visit to a professional drag race. He was on hand to help Cruz and Tony promote his Milagro Foundation, which supports underprivileged children across the country and around the world.

“Rat Trap” Fuel Funny Car Lives Again

(1-4-2005) - Mesa, Arizona’s Steve Tryon has worked out a deal to use the "Rat Trap" name from Ron Hope, and will be rebuilding the "Rat Trap" Nostalgia Fuel Funny Car for competition in 2005.

He will be using the same chassis and motor combination that he used previously with the "Bad Company" ‘59 Corvette-bodied Flopper. The re-born classic will feature a mini Plymouth Satellite Body produced by Dale "Coyote" Smith.

NHRA Pro Modified World Champion Mike Ashley and Torco Race Fuels increase program for 2005 and beyond

(1-4-2005) – When the 2005 NHRA AMS TLR Pro Modified Series kicks off in next March, World Champion Mike Ashley will debut a new major marketing partnership with Torco Race Fuels. Torco Race Fuels had announced a lucrative multi-year associate partnership last month with the New York mortgage banker and his Gotham City Racing entourage. The opportunity arose for Torco Race Fuels to increase their involvement with Ashley and the proposal quickly became reality.

Unique Performance, Carroll Shelby and InfiNet Insurance, Ashley’s sponsors during the 2004 championship season, will remain with the team in a reduced role.

“I am extremely excited about this development for our team. I have used Torco Race Fuels for years and I am proud to represent such a great product and group of people.” Ashley said. “Evan and his company are a first class act. From the day we began drag racing, we knew that attracting a sponsor like Torco Race Fuels would take us to the next level.

I believe a major sponsorship like this with Torco makes a strong statement that the Pro Modified class continues to be a great platform for companies seeking to invest in marketing strategies. Further, I am proud that Torco has chosen this team to deliver for them for the next three years and this team is committed to do just that.”

Ashley will do battle in a new Tommy Mauney-prepared, 1967 Shelby GT500E adorned with Torco Race Fuels livery promoting their wide range of products including their forthcoming clothing line, Torco Race Fuels’ Accelerator race fuel concentrate and Torco Race Fuels CompetitionPlus.com.

Torco Race Fuels President Evan Knoll is confident that Ashley’s program provides the perfect platform to coincide with the release of his company’s cutting edge racewear.

“Mike Ashley’s Gotham City Racing provides to perfect image that we want to associate with our new product line,” explained Knoll. “I’m very excited about working with Mike. He’s a successful businessman and that same holds true for his racing endeavors. We are excited to have him on our team.”

Ashley plans to run all NHRA AMS TLR Pro Modified Series events and an additional two stops on the IHRA Hooters Drag Racing tour.

Torco Race Fuels will also be an associate sponsor on the team’s other 1967 Shelby GT500E being driven by Troy Coughlin.

From Comp to Pro Stock

(1-04-2005) - The Competition Eliminator Race Team of Coccia-Mahoney has reportedly taken delivery of Steve Schmidt`s 2003 Pro Stock Cavalier and it will soon have a Schmidt powerplant. Schmidt will reportedly assist in the licensing process. The driver is none other than Division One Comp Racer John Mahoney.

Dom Coccia will serve as crewchief and clutch specialist with assistance legendary east coast Pro Stock veteran Ronnie Manchester.
Crewmembers Frank and Richard Tomasso will provide help at the race shop and race track Tracy Coughlan has been named Team Manager.

The teams looks forward to testing very soon in Florida and plans to attend
twelve NHRA National Events and several local events in the Division 1 area.

Taylor Reflects on a Career Year

(1-1-2005) - NHRA Top Alcohol Funny Car racer Dennis Taylor is using this Holiday season to reflect on a successful 2004 campaign and set goals for 2005. Taylor’s Plumbing Concepts-backed Camaro thundered to a hard-fought second place points finish in NHRA’s Division 7, and landed fourth in the national standings. His talented SuperCrew is also re-living its 2004 career-best performance and itching for 2005 to begin.

As the driving force of racing safety equipment company, Taylor Motorsports Products (Anaheim, CA), Dennis knows full well that success in business centers around solid relationships and good judgment. The same can be said for a successful racing operation. As such, the premium marketing partners displayed prominently on the Plumbing Concepts Camaro were the foundation for this team’s exciting campaign in 2004. In his own words, Taylor stated, “We use the best equipment on the market, in order to turn the win light on for our sponsors. However, these pieces are also readily available to our competition. We’re most thankful for having a great deal of synergy, camaraderie, and loyal sponsors, all of which is directly attributable to our performance in 2004.”

Drag racers tend to be creatures of habit. They often put their firesuits on the exact same way, enter the car from the same side each time out, and practice a choreographed pre-race ritual. Taylor is fortunate to have a crew that follows a similar routine. Their between-rounds maintenance is always focused and very fluid, with no wasted motion. That type of work ethic is what will allow this dedicated crew to achieve even greater results in 2005.

Yet another important element lies with respected Crew Chief, Ora Vasquez, who is poised to lead their efforts and contribute to the winning formula, once again. Dennis added, “Nobody on this team is less important than the next guy. We all have a certain role here, and inflated egos are non-existent. We’re all looking forward to competing at the national level once again, during the upcoming season and beyond.”

Taylor is quick to thank his valued partners, including Plumbing Concepts, Valvoline, invigor8 (a Division of Campbell Soup Company), Adam’s Polishes, Metro Moulded Parts, Shaker Shirts, and Mickey Thompson Tires. Look for more information as the New Year comes around, but know that Dennis Taylor’s Plumbing Concepts team is ready to make headlines throughout the 2005 tour.

PERFORMANCE MOTORSPORT SETS THE WHEELS IN MOTION FOR A DYNAMIC 2005

(12-31-2004) - With the recent launch of its first Pro-Class Nissan 350Z, Performance Motorsport is putting the sport compact drag racing world on notice, they mean business. “I’m extremely proud of the efforts our newly formed team has put forth to make so much happen in such a short period of time” states team owner Gary Rubio. With several high profile acquisitions this summer including tuner and crew chief for Andrew Rubio’s car George Ioannou, master engine builder Vinny Ten, pro-mod owner/driver Mike Sylvestri and mechanic Frank Piccone, Performance Motorsport is playing for keeps.

Andrew will get behind the wheel of this new car as soon as possible to begin the adjustment process from his street tire 350Z to this pro-class 350Z as well as complete fine tuning of the engine, suspension, and car during the winter months. “The mighty VQ35 that was run during the 2004 season has proven its strength beyond our expectation”, says Vinny Ten. “We literally went into the last two Texas races tuning the engine after every round, finding its weak points, and preparing for the 2005 event schedule, we have been pleased with the progress and look forward to developing all the potential the VQ35 has to offer” George Ioannou adds.

Performance Motorsport had jumped leaps and bounds during the last three races of the NDRA season. “At ATCO Raceway-NJ we wrapped up the weekend with a 10.3 second run and a team best 141 Mph trap speed. Only three weeks later we finished second at the NDRA World Finals, posting a 8.3 second season best time and a 176 Mph trap speed, earning us the #1 qualifying position all weekend, all the while Andrew Rubio thrilled the fans with his driving abilities. This was a welcome change from the months of testing and tuning experienced during the season from a virtually unknown power plant”. Says marketing director Dan Ziegler

“We really have put together quite a team, with diverse personalities, levels of experience, and a real friendship for one another, I will expect only the best from each of them” says Gary Rubio of his new associates Ioannou, Ten, Sylvestri, and Piccone who have joined teammates Ziegler, Erich Bunse, and the Rubio’s.

Andrew will pilot his Vanishing Point (VP) Pro Rwd 350Z throughout the winter, getting into championship form as George Ioannou tunes the beast in order to put all that newly found power of the VQ35 engine to the ground.

Ioannou and associate Pro-Mod owner/driver Mike Sylvestri will certainly have their hands full, Racing Technologies/Consulting (RTC) and Performance Motorsport have purchased two additional purpose built Pro-Mod chassis due to arrive in February from Jerry Bickle Race Cars of Missouri, this will set the stage for a multiple car assault with a schedule of events to be announced at a later date. “After the winter the VP car will move to back-up status as well as a test bed for the ideas of the organization” says Gary Rubio.

Performance Motorsport and Racing Technologies/Consulting (RTC) a company owned and operated by Ioannou and Sylvestri have announced a collaboration that results in George Ioannou campaigning/driving the second of the two Jerry Bickel 350Z chassis in 2005. “We will announce the event schedule for the second car sometime after the SEMA show, in order to review all of the opportunities and responsibilities that have been presented to RTC.” says Ioannou “My primary goal is to develop Andrews Pro Car for his 2005 season, I am however looking forward to facing off against him when the time is right for me to get into my own car and show the kid what the old man can still do” boast Ioannou.

Evan Knoll announces 2005 IHRA Hooters Top Fuel tour; Torco Race Fuels President to run limited schedule

(12-29-2004) – Evan Knoll is excited about his freshman Top Fuel season on the IHRA Hooters Drag Racing Series tour. The 44-year old President of Torco Race Fuels looks forward to running as many as nine national events on the twelve-race schedule. Knoll upgraded from his Top Alcohol Dragster license to Top Fuel during last season’s IHRA Torco Race Fuels Northern Nationals at his home track in Martin, MI.

Knoll had planned to make a few more appearances on the 2004 tour, but an untimely motocross accident left him with a severely dislocated shoulder. His personal physicians and crew declined to give their support for an early return from the injury.

“Just my luck, I guess,” Knoll said. “I had to live up to my reputation of living life on the edge. Running a Top Fuel driver is as close as one can come to pushing the edge of the envelope.”

Knoll is credited with being one of the quicker NHRA Division 3 Top Alcohol Dragster drivers with his 5.3-second performances. With the assistance of his longtime crew chief Brian Pfeifer and additional direction from Jimmy Walsh and Bruce Litton, Knoll made a 1,000-foot pass look like just another day in the office.

Knoll stopped the clocks with a 5.11, 271 on his required 1,000-foot journey. Showing a true presence of mind, the dragster’s computer showed that Knoll actually clicked the car at 999-feet.

“There may be only six-tenths of a second difference in these cars, but it’s a whole new world running nitro,” Knoll said. “The most noticeable difference is the cockpit. You have to reacquaint yourself all over again. Then there are the g-forces this thing pulls and it gets very intense.”

Knoll’s efforts will benefit from guidance from noted nitro tuner Larry Meyer. Meyer will split time between the IHRA Hooters and NHRA POWERade tours.

“Larry is a very talented individual,” Knoll pointed out. “He’s worked with some high-profile teams and delivered some impressive results. In just the little bit of time we’ve worked together, I’m very impressed. Larry is certainly serious about the job he performs.”

Knoll plans to bring a serious arsenal of both equipment and manpower when the tour kicks off next March in San Antonio, Texas. He will bring a ten-man crew consisting of members largely associated with veteran Funny Car racer Dale Creasy, Jr. Knoll’s original three-man alcohol dragster crew will also be part of the crew.

“It’s not rocket science - you surround yourself with good talent and let them do their thing,” Knoll added. “Once you give them an opportunity to do what they do best, the results are very good. I can’t wait for the season to start. I’m itching to give it a whirl.”

Not only has Knoll put together a talented crew to work on his car, but he has also brokered agreements with three talented teams in the Top Fuel ranks to carry his company’s name before the drag racing community. Knoll has signed a major sponsorship deal with three-time winner in 2004 Doug Foley and major associate programs with Bruce Litton and T.J. Zizzo, who will split time between the NHRA POWERade tour and the IHRA Hooters Series. Foley will also field a second Top Fuel car which will be driven by Rick Cooper.

“It’s going to be a great year and I cannot wait to get started,” Knoll said.

GM Motorsports brings Dave Connolly Team into the fold of factory-backed teams

(12-29-2004) - Sources are reporting that the Bullet Motorsports team owned by Mike Dzurilla has joined the list of factory-backed NHRA Pro Stock teams racing under the General Motors umbrella.

The team, with driver Dave Connolly, has come off of a very impressive season, finishing 3rd in the NHRA PowerAde points standings. They began the season with hopes of finishing in the top ten and maybe gaining a win along the way. It is safe to say they achieved that goal and more.

The Bullet team started out strong with the addition of Bill “Grumpy” Jenkins horsepower, but they seemed to really turn the corner when team owner Dzurilla hired Terry Adams as crew chief. Adams, a veteran of the Pro Stock wars both as a driver and a crew chief brought in his strong clutch background and his uncanny ability to tune the chassis for changing track conditions. His help brought much needed consistency to the Bullet team. They showed over the second half of the season that they were one of the best cars on race day.

With the help of factory engineers, the team can now look forward to getting the extra push needed to win the PowerAde championship in 2005.

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