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Ford Division Renews Fun Ford Weekend Sponsorship

(4-14-2005) - American Autosports Productions, the promoter of the popular FUN FORD WEEKEND, America's Premier All Ford Drag Racing and Car Show Series, is pleased to announce the renewal of it's long standing sponsorship with the Ford Division.

"I am very excited that the Ford Division is once again participating in FFW," said Bill Alexander, American Autosports Production's President. "This is a great opportunity for all of the very loyal FFW participants to win great awards courtesy of the Ford Division.

“Our competitors will have the opportunity to compete for 5 of the finest vehicles in the Ford Division line up this season. The 2005 Modular Motor Maddness and Tough Truck Champions will receive a 2006 Mustang and Ford F-150 Truck respectively. In addition, leases will be awarded on 2 Mustangs and a Ford F-150 Truck to competitors at Richmond, Cordova and Norwalk. At the Richmond event, the Tough Truck Takedown Champion will win a 2 year lease on a 2005 Ford F 150. Likewise, at our Cordova and Norwalk events, the winner of the Lindquist Challenge and King Ford will walk away with 2 year leases on 2005 Mustangs. Further, the year end points fund for the Modular Motor Maddness has been finalized.

"We are very pleased to enter the seventh year of our sponsorship with the Ford Division and excited about the 2005 FFW season. This has been a very positive relationship with Ford and an excellent format for all of the FFW competitors", said Alexander.

Densham to banner Paralyzed Veterans of America on his racecar

(4-14-2005) - Adding to the patriotic feeling at the racetrack these days, Funny Car driver Gary Densham will now display the logo of the Paralyzed Veterans of America on his Racebricks Monte Carlo. Densham hopes to raise awareness of the 60-year-old organization that looks after the interests of servicemen and women who have experienced a debilitating spinal cord injury in the line of duty.

"Next to giving your life for your country, being paralyzed when you're fighting to defend our way of life is the biggest sacrifice a person in the armed forces can make," Densham said. "If I can do something to bring attention to these folks then by all means, I'll do everything I can."

Densham unveiled the distinctive red, white, blue, and yellow PVA flag on his front fenders in Houston. He says the sticker might move around the body of his Chevy as the team adds sponsors in the future.

"We're all a little extra patriotic these days and when these guys approached me earlier in the year and asked for my help, I was happy to accommodate them," Densham said. "The people PVA serves are tough customers. They have all experienced some down times. If I can bring them something to smile about and give them someone to cheer for, then all the better."

The Paralyzed Veterans of America is a congressionally chartered veteran's service organization that was founded in 1946. Serving the special needs of its members -- veterans of the armed forces who have experienced spinal cord injury or dysfunction -- the PVA advocates quality health care for its members, research and education addressing spinal cord injury and dysfunction, military benefits, and opportunities that help maximize the independence of its members. For more information, visit PVA.org.

Bryce and Smith Announce Formation of New Corporation

(4-14-2005) - George and Jackie Bryce and George B. Smith are pleased to announce the formation of Bryce and Smith Enterprises, Inc. Formed as an umbrella corporation for business purposes, the new company will incorporate G Squared Motorsports, Inc., and Star Racing, Inc. Both companies will run as separate entities as in the past. No immediate changes of any sort are planned in the way of services or personnel. The Bryces and Smith are equal partners in the new corporation.

Star Racing will continue to operate and grow its metric parts store at www.starracing.com or by phone 800-841-7827. Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2005, Star specializes in rare, hard to get new parts for the older drag bikes as well as stocking a large and varied selection of race products including ignition and head components, valves, sprockets, gaskets, chains, wheels, brakes, nitrous systems, carbs, pistons and rings, clutch plates and chassis components in their on site warehouse.

The Bryce’s also bring a state-of-the-art machine shop to the new corporation. The shop houses a 5-Axis, Haas CNC machine; along with DTS and Superflow engine dynos and a Dynojet chassis dyno. Constantly growing, they recently expanded their chassis and fabrication department.

G Squared Motorsports (named for the two George’s) was initially formed in 2003 as a collaboration between Bryce and Smith to field an S&S powered V-Twin NHRA drag bike. The company has since evolved into the development of late-model hot rod V-Twins for both the street and strip. The company also stocks a full line of S&S engines and support parts for drag racing enthusiasts, as well as for other motorcyclists, dealers and distributors. The G2 web site, www.g2motorsports.net, is continually updated with the latest race press releases, photos, engines in stock and information on complete turnkey motorcycles.

George Smith has been appointed President of the corporation, Jackie Bryce, VP of Operations, and George Bryce, Director of Racing and Research & Development.

Pedregon Picks Gardner to Drive Midget at Ventura; Advance Auto Parts Entry Back In Action

(4-14-2005) - NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series Funny Car driver Cruz Pedregon has picked Damion Gardner to pilot his No. 71C Advance Auto Parts midget for the upcoming United States Auto Club (USAC) Western States Midget Series race at Ventura Raceway on April 23.

Gardner, of nearby Concord, Calif., is an up and coming star within the Western states sprint car ranks. This season, Gardner, 28, has already posted two USAC/CRA (California Racing Association) sprint car victories and set fast time at five of the first six events. Gardner, voted on as the No. 1 non-winged sprint car driver in the nation during a stretch of the 2003 racing season, is quite accomplished already in his young career, including runner up in the 2004 USAC/CRA sprint car points chase.

“Damion Gardner is a heck of a driver and a winner,” Pedregon said. “I’m really excited and happy to provide him with a quality car. I hand picked him because I really like his style and everything about the way he handles the car.

“I really like that he’s aggressive and smooth,” Pedregon added. “He’s really calculated in how he approaches a race. He works on and really understands the race car. He’s one of those guys that wants to know every detail of how a car is set up and how to better make that car go as fast as it can. I love that about him. It’s no accident that he’s won a lot of races.”

As for Pedregon, who drives the Advance Auto Parts Monte Carlo Nitro Funny Car in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series, it will be his first opportunity to witness someone else driving one of his cars in competition. Pedregon debuted and drove his Advance Auto Parts midget this past January during the 19th annual Chili Bowl Midget Nationals in Tulsa, Okla.

“It is a little different for me,” Pedregon said. “I will be able to experience the thrill of being a car owner. Sitting on the sidelines and watching is a different role for me, but I’m really excited about it. After you’ve driven for so many years, it’s hard to describe how one reacts. It will be fun to watch one of my cars run at my old stomping grounds of Ventura.

“Even though this is a hobby for me, I still want to be competitive and well prepared,” Pedregon said. “Advance Auto Parts is on the car, so the way I see it, the midget is a mini Funny Car program and an extension of Pedregon Racing. It’s also a fresh and beautiful looking race car. I think this will be a good opportunity for Damion because he will be in some top-notch equipment.”

Pedregon has a real passion for midget and sprint car racing.

“Midget racing was real strong about 10 or 15 years ago,” Pedregon said. “I hope Damion, the Advance Auto Parts midget and its association to Pedregon Racing will help bring more attention to this great sport. I’m going to do my part to help promote it as well. I told my wife, Sharon, that we’re going to go out there, get a hot dog and a Coke and watch our car race with some of the best midget drivers in the United States. I’m really looking forward to April 23rd.

“Jim Naylor (Ventura Raceway promoter) has been very supportive as well, and has welcomed Damion, Sharon and I with open arms,” Pedregon continued. “We’re also going to have a little grudge match with Cory Kruseman, which should make the whole experience a lot of fun. And a lot of fun for the fans.”

The New Face of Racing: Cosmetic Industry Leader StriVectin-SD® Sponsors Top Fuel Dragster at SummitRacing.Com Nationals in Las Vegas

(4-13-2005) - For the first time in NHRA history, a high-end skin-care product is sponsoring a Top Fuel dragster. StriVectin-SD®, the "stretch mark cream turned anti-wrinkle phenomenonT," is the title sponsor of a nitro-fueled rail at the NHRA SummitRacing.com Nationals April 14-17 in Las Vegas.

Why the link between drag racing and the internationally best-selling anti-wrinkle cream?

"There has been amazing off-label usage of StriVectin as a skin soothing aftershave balm and anti-wrinkle conditioner," said Gina Gay, spokesperson for Klein-Becker, maker of StriVectin-SD. "We see Top Fuel racing as the next big trend. Sponsoring a car helps us reach a larger male audience and introduces female StriVectin users to this thrilling sport."

The makers of StriVectin-SD became interested in Top Fuel dragsters after seeing the significant brand awareness gains made by ZantrexT-3 through its Top Fuel sponsorship. Dave Grubnic, driver of the Zantrex-3 dragster, and Shirley Muldowney, team and sponsor relations representative, learned of an available car and, with the help of Kalitta Motorsports and the owner of the Zantrex-3 car, brought StriVectin into the Kalitta team for the Las Vegas race.

The StriVectin car, driven by Ben Marshall, is now the fourth in the Kalitta Motorsports Top Fuel team, joining the Zantrex-3 car, the Mac Tools dragster driven by Doug Kalitta and the Mac Tools / Jesse James Top Fuel dragster driven by Scott Kalitta. The pink, white and black car is adorned with
StriVectin's internationally famous headline, "Better Than Botox®*?T"

Marshall, 29, will make his professional debut as driver of the StriVectin dragster at the same track where, in 2004, he received his Top Fuel license with a spectacular lap of 4.56 seconds at 317 mph. Marshall, who also serves as marketing manager for Kalitta Motorsports' Top Fuel dragster team, began drag racing at age 16 in a front-engine dragster bracket car. Marshall's last stint behind the wheel was driving a Mike Dakin-owned A-fuel dragster.
In 2002, the team made the semifinals in Gainesville at the Mac Tools Gatornationals and posted a final-round appearance at the divisional race in Indianapolis.

"We're looking forward to the Las Vegas race and helping to grow Top Fuel racing," said Gay. "We're confident the race will be a big boost for StriVectin and we fully expect this success will mean a longer-term sponsorship."

Elliott / Sipple Agreement Ends; Partnership dissolved due to lack of sponsorship funding

(4-13-2005) - Due to difficulties in finding a primary sponsor, the partnership in principle between Sipple Motorsports of Berea, Kentucky, and Bob Elliott’s Northern Force Racing of Wingham, Ontario, has been dissolved.

“It was my responsibility to find the backing and I was unsuccessful,” stated Elliott. “We have some strong contacts for 2006 funding but nothing for the interim. We even tried offering primary status to some potential associate sponsors but nothing came together.”

Elliott also said that “Doc and Mike Sipple did their part by having the complete team along with show car in place and it’s a shame we couldn’t find the resources. The whole team got together in mid-February at the Sipple’s facility in Kentucky for a practice session and the camaraderie was wonderful. You couldn’t ask for nicer folks and I wish them well.”

As for Northern Force Racing and their plans to operate a Top Fuel team, Elliott had this to say: “My marketing and public relations group will go back to plan ‘A’ which is to secure enough funding to run our own team.”

Reported Gators Scale Discrepancy a Non-Issue

(4-12-2005) - Despite rumors to the contrary, there were no significant problems with the scales during last month’s Mac Tools Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway.

A story recently appeared on the Internet which claimed that the scales in Gainesville were forty pounds too heavy when the Pro Stock cars were weighed in. According to the report, the teams then lightened the cars by that amount, which resulted in above-average performances during the course of the weekend. The most noteworthy of these were the national record E.T. and speed marks (6.633, 208.23) of defending class champion Greg Anderson.

It seems that if someone as successful as Anderson set new records based on a faulty scale reading, the rest of the competitors in the class would be crying foul. Such has not been the case, and for a very good reason – there was no real problem with the scales.

To confirm this, Torco’s Competition Plus.com contacted Warren Johnson, Jeg Coughlin, Mark Pawuk and Larry Morgan, and the general consensus was that the scales in Gainesville were from 5 to 10 pounds heavy, an amount that would have no significant effect on the performance of the factory hot rods.

Mike Neuharth

(4-12-2005) - We regret to report the passing of drag boat racer Mike Neuharth, who succumbed to injuries suffered in a crash during qualifying for the IHBA season opener at Firebird International Raceway in Chandler, Arizona, on Saturday, April 9th.

Neuharth, of Sequim, Washington, was attempting to qualify for the Pro Mod field when the accident took place. He was airlifted to a local medical facility where he later passed away.

Scott Loomis, who went on to win in Pro Mod, donated his winnings and trophy to the Neuharth family and crew. Please keep Mike and his family in your thoughts and prayers at this time.

AUTOZONE SUPER CHEVY SHOW BRINGS INCREDIBLE 25TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR TO MEMPHIS MOTORSPORTS PARK APRIL 15-17

(4-12-2005) - The AutoZone Super Chevy show will bring its 25th anniversary tour to Memphis Motorsports Park April 15-17.

“This year’s show has several new features,” said Roger Gustin. “We are especially pleased with the addition of Top Sportsman to each of our 19 events this year.” He pointed out that these ultra-quick doorslammers pound the quarter-mile at close to six seconds and 200 miles per hour. “You’ll see cars with turbochargers, cars with nitrous, and even injected cars,” said Gustin. He pointed out that Top Sportsman will feature a 16-car field which will qualify at each Super Chevy event.

“This is a way for the driver of a fast door car (7.99 or faster on the quarter-mile) to be part of the Super Chevy Show pro show, running just before our Workmat.net Nitro Coupes, jet cars, and wheelstanders,” said Super Chevy Race Director Bill Gustin. Any Top Sportsman car not making the 16-car field will receive an automatic entry into the Mr. Gasket Bracket One competition.

Another new wrinkle for the AutoZone Super Chevy Show’s 2005 tour is that all GM cars may now participate in Top Sportsman and the Flowmaster Bracket Racing Series. “We’re delighted to welcome Pontiac, Cadillac, Saturn, Hummer and all the other GM brands into our bracket racing series. We believe it’ll make for increased competition in all three classes and an even greater show for our fans,” said Susan Gustin, AutoStar Productions Executive Vice President.

The AutoZone Super Chevy Show at Memphis will also feature “Jet Train Wars” as the “Super Chief” and “Cannonball Express” jet dragsters, both themed as train locomotives, duke it out with 6,000 horsepower each. Both cars will be aiming for 300 mph runs and will put on fabulous flame and smoke shows both Saturday and Sunday. In addition, wheelstander legend Bob Hall will wow the crowd with his Airborne Express Astrovan.

The AutoZone Super Chevy Show at Memphis Motorsports Park will get under way with event set up, car show registration and a noon – 5pm test and tune for racers on Friday, April 15th.

Detailed information on Top Sportsman rules and the Flowmaster Bracket Racing series as well as the TREMEC Transmission Car Show is available on the AutoZone Super Chevy Show web site, www.superchevyshow.com. To reach the AutoZone Super Chevy Show offices, please call (800) 692-6230. To reach Memphis Motorsports Park, please call (901) 358-7223.

JEG'S HIGH PERFORMANCE NOW A SUPER CHEVY SHOW CAR SHOW SERIES SPONSOR

(4-12-2005) - AutoStar Productions has reached an agreement with Jeg’s High Performance to sponsor the “Attention to Detail” award in the TREMEC Transmission Car Show Series.

"We are pleased to have Jeg’s as a Sponsor" says AutoStar Productions Executive Vice President Susan Gustin.

Jeg’s High Performance is proud to be involved with the 25th Anniversary of the Super Chevy Show. By sponsoring the “Attention to Detail” car show award, it gives Jeg’s the opportunity to recognize the individuals that take pride in the fine details “Attention to Detail” in giving the customer what they want, when they want it, at the price they want to pay is what has helped make Jeg’s a leader in the industry.

Todd Robertson Announces Eaton and Jan-Cen as Primary Sponsors

(4-12-2005) - Todd Robertson of Harrison Township, Michigan, will once again be racing his Jerry Hass-built '94 Top Sportsman Dodge Avenger with Eaton and Jan-Cen Motorsports as his primary sponsors for the 2005 season. 2005 will mark Todd’s fourth year of involvement with Eaton and his second with Jan-Cen Motorsports.

Robertson, a 15-year drag racing veteran, will be participating in select IHRA national and divisional events, along with Quick 8 and Quick 16 races. Robertson will be running his self-prepared, nitrous-assisted 604-cid B-1 Mopar for motivation. Early plans are for him to roll out his Avenger for the first time this season at the Quick 16 race at Norwalk Raceway Park in Norwalk, Ohio on May 7th.

Robertson’s crew will once again consist of his wife, Lynne, who serves as team manager, crew chief Rocco Wilson and Jody Wagnitz.

Gary Gardella's Ecotec-Powered Chevrolet Posts First Cobalt Win At NOPI DC Nationals

(4-12-2005) - In a complete, overall performance that thoroughly dominated the rest of the Pro 4 Cylinder field, Gary Gardella's Ecotec-powered Chevrolet gave Cobalt its first win in drag racing competition with a victory today at the NOPI DC Nationals at Maryland International Raceway.

"We worked our tails off this weekend," said Gardella. "This Chevy Cobalt was quick, fast and consistent, and with all the good cars in this class, that's what it takes to win. The Hydra-Matic transmission is a tremendous drivetrain and took us down the racetrack smoothly every run. When you look at the numbers we ran, and see how close they all were to each other, you know why everyone on the Gardella Racing team is pumped."

Gardella's Chevrolet led the pack from the opening bell, claimed the No. 1 qualifying position in the first heat of time trials with an 8.022 e.t. at 174.80 mph, and never relinquished the lead position. In round two of qualifying, the performance of the Chevy Cobalt continued to improve with a 7.937 e.t. at 177.84 mph, and in round three it established a new NOPI national record of 7.926 seconds.

"After the first round of qualifying we just kept getting better and better," said Gardella. "All weekend the car just seemed to work right. There wasn't one run where we didn't make it down the with a strong E.T. From the start, we got a good handle on the racetrack and from there the Cobalt was unbeatable. All of the work over the winter, all of the time spent making the switchover to the Chevy Cobalt, and the assistance and technological support we've received from GM paid off here today."

Because of his No. 1 qualifying effort, Gardella received a bye in the first round of eliminations. In round two he defeated Bryan Jimenez with a 7.960 second run at 179.25 mph, and in the finals against John Shepherd, the Ecko/Dupont/Hot Hues Chevrolet took the win with a 7.936 e.t. at an event-best speed of 179.42 mph. It was Gardella's second straight victory at Maryland International Raceway and he is now in first place in the Pro 4 Cylinder standings.

"We've been working for two and a half months to set this car up to run in the sevens," said Gardella. "We finally got it there and now it's flying - there's no stopping us. We used the same Ecotec motor and the same Hydra-Matic transmission in the car all weekend. We checked them after each run, and there wasn't a problem with either the engine or the transmission. GM Racing has both the Ecotec and the Hydra-Matic down to a science and we're just very proud to get the first win for Chevy Cobalt. It was a great weekend for Gardella Racing and GM."

In the NOPI Chic category, Brittany Kindle made an auspicious debut with her new Chevy Cobalt Phase5. Kindle qualified in the No. 2 spot with a 13.126 e.t. at 101.03 mph and advanced to round two before losing to eventual race winner Teresa Sherrill. During eliminations, Kindle's Chevy Cobalt Phase5 picked up its performance and in round two posted a 12.946 second run at 100.60 mph. It was Kindle's best elapsed time of the weekend.

NHRA HOUSTON - SCHUMACHER WINS TOP FUEL, SETS NATIONAL RECORD; Hight, Johnson and Stoffer round out winners at 18th O’Reilly NHRA Spring Nationals

(4-10-2005) – Tony Schumacher strengthened his position atop the NHRA POWERade Series Top Fuel point standings by racing to victory Sunday at the 18th annual O’Reilly NHRA Spring Nationals at Houston Raceway Park.

Schumacher powered his U.S. Army dragster to a track record 334.15 mph in his semifinal win over Doug Kalitta and then he backed that up with a national-record 335.32 as he raced past Cory McClenathan in the finals to earn his second victory of the season and the 23rd of his career.

“That final is how it is supposed to be, the No. 1 guy racing the No. 2 guy in the final,” said Schumacher, who needed all the speed to outrun McClenathan’s FRAM Airhog dragster. “We had both been running great all day and it came down to a 4.50 beating a 4.51. That was just an awesome race.”

And it almost didn’t come to pass as just moments before the final race Schumacher’s oil pan began leaking and it soaked the entire clutch.

“We had the car all set up and we had to take it apart,” said Schumacher, who defeated Scott Palmer in the first round and Rod Fuller in the second. “We made it up (to the start line) with a minute to go. With that kind of pressure, that intense of a situation, I was just thinking, ‘It doesn’t seem like there’s time,’ but (Schumacher’s crew) did it.”

The other winners of the $1.7 million race included rookie Robert Hight, veteran Warren Johnson and Karen Stoffer.

NHRA Points After Houston

(4-10-2005) - Point standings (top 10) for NHRA professional categories following the 18th annual O'Reilly NHRA Spring Nationals presented by Pennzoil at Houston Raceway Park, the fourth of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series -

Top Fuel

1. Tony Schumacher, 349; 2. Morgan Lucas, 297; 3. Doug Kalitta, 262; 4. Cory McClenathan, 257; 5. Scott Kalitta, 256; 6. David Grubnic, 239; 7. (tie) Larry Dixon, 235; Doug Herbert, 235; 9. Brandon Bernstein, 193; 10. Clay Millican, 157.

Funny Car

1. John Force, 303; 2. Whit Bazemore, 289; 3. Robert Hight, 268; 4. Tommy Johnson Jr., 231; 5. Cruz Pedregon, 230; 6. Eric Medlen, 219; 7. Del Worsham, 215; 8. Phil Burkart, 211; 9. Bob Gilbertson, 207; 10. Gary Scelzi, 196.

Pro Stock

1. Warren Johnson, 341; 2. Dave Connolly, 315; 3. Jason Line, 294; 4. Allen Johnson, 248; 5. Greg Anderson, 239; 6. Jim Yates, 233; 7. Ron Krisher, 230; 8. (tie) Jeg Coughlin, 188; Greg Stanfield, 188; 10. Kurt Johnson, 179.

Pro Stock Motorcycle

1. Steve Johnson, 185; 2. Karen Stoffer, 183; 3. Craig Treble, 144; 4. GT Tonglet, 131; 5. Andrew Hines, 115; 6. Antron Brown, 111; 7. (tie) Kurt Matte, 92; Angelle Sampey, 92; 9. (tie) Chip Ellis, 88; Geno Scali, 88.

HOUSTON PRO MOD - Hernandez returns to the scene of the crime with a major victory in front of hometown crowd

(4-10-2005) - Two months ago, Josh Hernandez admitted that his confidence had taken a pretty serious shot. He had reached the semifinals of the preseason ng.”

Padian received a bachelor’s degree in journalism with an emphasis in public relations from the University of Maryland. A native of Torrance, Calif., he recently relocated back to the West Coast and resides in Redondo Beach.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the NHRA,” Padian said. “I look forward to working with some great people, gaining experience in the public relations field and contributing to the success of the organization during this very exciting time for the sport of drag racing.”

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"Mitchell Rule" not a factor in Cowin's Departure

(3-30-2005) - In the wake of the recent departure of Andrew Cowin and the Cowin Family Racing team from Top Fuel competition, some have speculated that NHRA had invoked the so-called "Mitchell Rule," but that doesn’t appear to be the case.

The "Mitchell Rule" was first instituted against Montana car owner John Mitchell a few years ago when an unending series of explosions and oildowns during the tenure of driver Paul Romine resulted in a significant loss of racing time due to the cleanups necessary. Mitchell was told that prior to his Carquest Auto Parts-sponsored entry being accepted for another national event his car would have to make three completely trouble-free, competitive runs at a test session, in front of reliable witnesses.

Rather than face the expense of making those runs, Mitchell pulled the plug on his operation. Romine then took the Carquest money to the Carrier Boyz operation to finish out the season, and Mitchell hasn’t raced since.

NHRA senior vp Graham Light told Torco’s Competitionplus.com that director of Top Fuel and Funny Car racing Ray Alley did have a conversation with the senior Cowin at the Gatornationals, but that "I can’t tell you 100% of what Ray said, but I do know the intent of what he was going to say, and that was that ‘We’re kinda at the end of the rope here, and any more oildowns will result in your having to do some testing prior to racing again.’ I think Ray’s intent was just to put them on notice."

In conversation with Alley, he confirmed that he had spoken with Cowin. "We talked in fairly general terms," Alley told Torco’s Competitionplus.com. "I’m sure Graeme got the message that if he didn’t get things straightened out by the next event (the O’Reilly Spring Nationals at Houston) that (NHRA) would have to put him on probation until he could satisfactorily demonstrate that he could get his race car down the track without blowing up. He was not on probation at that point, however.

"(Cowin) was really lost, and the reason that I spoke to him in general terms was that it was obvious they were really struggling,” Alley said. “Graeme even told me, ‘I don’t think God likes me.’ I then made the decision to ask if there was anything we could do to help his situation. I told him we should try to get together at a more appropriate time, but that didn’t happen. Obviously, that team needs to regroup before they come back."

A Principal Player

(3-30-2005) - Taylor Capps has every reason in the world to be proud of her dad. After all, how many kids can claim to have an NHRA Fuel Funny Car driver for a parent?

But now she has even more to brag about, as her father Ron will become the principal for a day at her school, El Camino Creek Elementary in Carlsbad, California.

Capps was originally supposed to have taken his place in the big office after the recent Mac Tools Gatornationals, but complications with his airline arrangements prevented him from making it to school on time. In the finest academic tradition, however, he was granted a “do-over” and will finally take over the school on April 12th.

“It’s a great honor to be invited to spend the day at my daughter’s school,” said Capps. “The principal and her husband are both great NHRA fans, so it will be a lot of fun following her around all day and seeing what an elementary school principal does.”

Atchison Strapping on his Guns for Trip to San Antonio

(3-30-2005) - Two-time Hooters IHRA Funny Car World Champion Rob Atchison is ready to get back racing after the long winter layoff as he takes the Erickson Manufacturing Pontiac to San Antonio Raceway to kick off his quest for three in a row at the IHRA Texas Nationals, April 1-2.

Atchison, track E.T. record holder and 2004 runner-up finisher, will be competing in his second Texas Nationals after missing the inaugural race do to extremely bad weather in his home town of London, Ontario.

"The new 8 car field will make it tougher on all the competitors and make it a real shootout. Come to think of it, what better place for a shootout then the home of the Alamo? We really want the Funny Car hat trick, and we're looking to kick off another run at the championship with a good showing in Texas," stated the Champion.

Erickson Manufacturing will again be the team’s primary sponsor for 2005 and will be joined by associate sponsors Atchison Machine Service Inc., MacMaster Chevrolet, Pennzoil-Quaker State Canada, Performance Racing News, TEAM Truck Centres, Tool & Cutter Supply, Ultimate Touch Collision and Paint and West Coast Transportation.

Atchison will again be supported by the World Champion Crew headed by his crew chief and father Bob Atchison, Julie Atchison, Maxine Atchison, Kevin Burtch, Kyle Harris, Les Mellows, Darcy Miller, Shelly Miller, Pat Ryan, Dennis Smith, Steve Smith and "Chevy" the Wonder Dog.

Carrier Boyz Racing FRAM AirHog Dragster Joins NASCAR Festivities at Bristol Motor Speedway

(3-30-2005) - In front of the largest sports audience in the state of Tennessee, the Carrier Boyz FRAM AirHog NHRA Top Fuel dragster, driven by Cory McClenathan, from Lake Havasu City, Ariz., will take to the Bristol Motor Speedway half-mile, all-concrete oval on Sunday, April 3 for the Nextel Cup Food City 500.

Okay, the FRAM AirHog dragster isn’t actually going to race but will be part of the prerace festivities that surround the NASCAR event. The Carrier Boyz Racing team, which is based in Bristol, Tenn., will give the 160,000 fans a carnival for their senses when McClenathan starts up the 7000 horsepower plus dragster and fills the air with both sound and the smell of nitromethane.

“When Mark and I were growing up here in Bristol we spent a lot of time with our father at both the drag strip and the circle track and have a lot of fond memories,” said Andy Carrier, who along with his brother Mark own Carrier Boyz Racing.

“To be able to bring the Carrier Boyz race team and FRAM AirHog dragster to the Nextel Cup race this weekend is awesome and we appreciate the opportunity. Our father, Larry Carrier, was instrumental in the building and early operation of this race track and we are excited that we can use this venue for Mark and I to continue the motorsport tradition that the Carrier family has established here in Bristol.

“We hope that a lot of the fans who see us on Sunday will take the time to return to Bristol Dragway to watch us race when the NHRA O’Reilly Thunder Valley Nationals unfolds April 29-May 1. There is nothing more exciting than seeing a Top Fuel dragster blast down the quarter-mile strip in 4.4 seconds at over 330 mph.”

In addition to Sunday’s activities, Carrier Boyz Racing, which competes regularly on the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series, will have the FRAM AirHog dragster and team transporter on display during the Busch Series Sharpie Professional 250 on Saturday.

Fans will also have the opportunity to visit the Promark/FRAM exhibit in the FRAM AirHog All-American Campgrounds, adjacent to Bristol Motor Speedway. The exhibit will showcase the FRAM product line and provide some interactive displays for fans.

One year removed from tragic accident, Litton claims victory in life

(3-30-2005) - Top Fuel racer Bruce Litton finds it impossible to erase his memory banks following last season’s semi-final victory during the IHRA Texas Nationals at San Antonio Raceway. The Indianapolis-based driver of the Lucas Oil/Torco Race Fuels dragster had just soundly defeated Grant Flowers when parts failure sent his 300-mile per hour rocket careening into the right lane retaining wall. Litton’s race car broke in two and came to a screeching halt in the shut-down area.

Following the accident, Litton was flown by helicopter to Brooks Army Medical Center and diagnosed with only a mild concussion and no broken bones. He returned to the track in time to watch scheduled final round opponent Clay Millican solo for the victory.

“I may not have won that particular round of competition, but I won an even more important battle,” Litton said. “The incident still plays in my mind from time to time. I guess I’m a little frustrated that I didn’t get to finish what I started.”

Litton had gained enough momentum from the third qualifying position to give Millican a run for his money in that final round. He had defeated Texan Mitch King in the opening round of eliminations and with the victory over Flowers, had earned lane choice over Millican.

Litton clings to the philosophy that this weekend’s event provides a new day for both he and his team.

“Nothing is the same on this compared to what we had last year,” Litton said. “We have completely revamped everything.”

A noteworthy change to the team roster is the addition of noted tuner Richard Hartman. Hartman will serve as a co-crewchief with Mike Wolfarth.

Litton and his crew are very familiar with the inherent dangers before them.

“Accidents are a part of drag racing,” Litton said. “If you don’t think that it will ever happen to you – then you’re kidding yourself. All it takes is one, and it makes you more conscious to the fact we are not in control of this stuff. We don’t drive these cars – we are just along for the ride at 300-miles per hour.

“The bottom line is that God is in control at all times. I’m eternally grateful for that. If he wasn’t I might not be here today.”

This is Only a Test - the Kalivoda Chronicles Continue

(3-30-2005) - Brady Kalivoda said his one-day test session in the Dexter Tuttle-owned Menard's Top Fuel Dragster the day after the Checker Schuck's Kragen NHRA Nationals at Chandler, Ariz., was nothing more than that. "That's all there was to that," the Seattle driver said. He was at Firebird Raceway to scout opportunities to get back into a Top Fuel car after BME Dragster owner Bill Miller made a sudden and awkwardly handled driver change following the Winternationals.

Kalivoda said the unexpected opportunity to drive Tuttle's dragster "sent me scurrying through the pits" to borrow driving equipment for what turned out to be just two aborted runs. Top Fuel competitor Cory McClenathan loaned him a helmet and a HANS device, and Funny Car's Gary Scelzi contributed a firesuit. Bill Simpson's Impact Racing trailer supplied the rest of the new gear Kalivoda needed.

"Everybody I crossed paths with was supportive. I'm thankful to have that extended racing family," he said.

"There's no part of me that thinks I won't drive again," Kalivoda said. "I'm going to stay pro-active. I'm optimistic I'll get another chance to drive."

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Cowin Family Racing heading back Down Under

(3-29-2005) - Torco’s Competition Plus has confirmed that family patriarch Graeme Cowin has pulled the plug on the Top Fuel operation driven by his son, Andrew. While there’s every likelihood the Cowin family will be back in the Nitro ranks at some point in time, for the present they will return to Australia to tend to the family performance parts business, Rocket Industries.

According to a team spokesperson, concerns over the health of the senior Cowin and the high stress levels related to the day-to-day operation of the team played a major role in the decision to call it quits and ship the car back to Australia. The complete operation, less the transporter and support van, was reportedly shipped out of Florida following the NHRA Mac Tools Gatornationals.

The departure of the Cowin operation won’t make much of a ripple on the NHRA POWERade landscape, but that might not be the case with the Hooters IHRA Racing Series, where the car was reportedly slated to compete in every event. Cowin seemed capable of giving Clay Millican a run for the championship, but with him out of the picture it could become another runaway.

Naturally, financial considerations also likely played an important role in the decision to disband the team. Despite considerable advice to the contrary, Graeme Cowin seemed intent upon downplaying his family’s Australian connection, often stating that he wanted his operation to be just another race team, and not "those guys from Australia."

With so many companies now operating virtually without national boundaries Cowin’s approach may have been a mistake. Had the team emphasized its Down Under heritage it’s at least conceivable that Australian companies marketing products and/or services in North America, such as Foster’s Beer, Qantas Airlines and even the Outback Steakhouse chain might have been attracted to the operation.

Certainly Andrew possesses the type of corporate-friendly personality that might have helped in that area, but rather than "work" the media as so many others successfully have he devoted most of his attention to the race car.

Torco’s Competitionplus.com has heard from very reliable sources that the majority of the sponsorship signage on Cowin’s car wasn’t backed by the commensurate amount of funding such signage would have warranted. If this is indeed the case the reasoning behind the team’s departure becomes considerably easier to understand.

TOYO TIRES NAMED TITLE SPONSOR OF NHRA POWERADE SERIES EVENT AT MAPLE GROVE RACEWAY

(3-29-2005) – NHRA officials announced that Toyo Tire USA Corporation, a leading manufacturer of high performance tires that is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2005, has been named title sponsor of the NHRA POWERade Series event at Maple Grove Raceway in southeast Pennsylvania.

The 21st annual Toyo Tires NHRA Nationals will be held Sept. 15-18 at the Mohnton, Pa.-based quarter-mile drag strip, located just west of metropolitan Philadelphia. The $1.7 million race, which will be televised on ESPN2, is the 19th of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series.

The multi-year agreement is the first NHRA POWERade Series event sponsorship for Toyo Tires, which has been heavily involved in the NHRA Sport Compact Series for several years, as both an event sponsor and associate sponsor for several leading drivers, including Stephan Papadakis, Abel Ibarra and Scott Kelley. With the addition of the Toyo Tires NHRA Nationals, each of the 23 POWERade Series events now feature a title sponsor.

“We are excited to increase our involvement with NHRA by becoming the title sponsor of the POWERade Series event at Maple Grove Raceway,” said Travis Roffler, senior director of marketing, Toyo Tire USA Corp. “We have enjoyed our association with NHRA’s Sport Compact Series and are looking forward to maximizing our exposure opportunities by reaching out to its growing POWERade Series fan base through this event sponsorship program.”

More than 500 racers are expected to compe