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One Step closer to having another licensed female Top Fuel driver

(5-9-2005) - On just her fourth pass, noted Top Alcohol Dragster pilot Erica Credeur posted a 4.71 elapsed time with a speed that exceeded 300 miles per hour. This was a chieved during a recent test session at Atlanta Dragway with the help of Hartman Motorsports.

A clutch problem prevented the team from making their fourth and final upgrade pass. She is scheduled to make that final pass on the day after the NHRA Southern Nationals to secure her license.

"Mr. Virgil, John and Rhonda are wonderful people who I am glad to have had this experience," said Creduer. "The crew worked tirelessly for me to accomlpish a dream. I now have something that no one can take away from me. I plan on doing this for years to come so hang on tight."

Have the New England Dragway Racers Become Desperate?

(5-8-2005) - This is a letter that was sent over to us from Brian Lohnes in hopes of sending it to Mother Nature.

Dear Mother Nature,

How are things? On behalf of all the drag racers at New England Dragway I am writing you to ask a favor. Please cut it out. You know exactly what I'm talking about, this rain business.

I thought you had really given it to us over the winter with the endless mounds of snow and ice, but I guess you didn't get all of it out of your system. Fair enough. Now it's time to get past this attitude problem and let the rest of us enjoy our lives.

I know track manager Joe Lombardo likes his weekends off, he is getting up there in age, but he's still got a few good years left in him, so let's allow him to do his job.

These racers are getting pretty cagy. I saw a few of them paddling wooden canoes down the 1/4 mile yesterday. Rumor has it the IHBA (International Hot Boat Association) has scheduled an event at a brand new venue, Lake Epping.

I guess we can thank you for putting our drainage project to the test (about 1,000 times) and it has passed with flying colors. I also believe that the racers may band together and build a roof for NED made from EZ-up tents.
Well, I guess that's it for now. I have to go back to staring at radar projections and several dozen long term forcasts. I could probably talk Joe into giving me some free tickets for you and a friend to come to the track. I bet you'd like it...as long as it's not raining.

Sincerely,

Racers of NED

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Holley NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion Named to Kentucky's "Top Ten" Events of Summer; Third Annual Bowling Green Party Set for Father's Day Weekend

(5-8-2005) - The huge crowds attending proved it, but now the Kentucky Tourism Council has verified it by selecting the Holley NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion as one of the Commonwealth's summer "Top Ten" events.

"We're honored to have this recognition of our unique festival," said Sam Jackson, executive director of the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum, which produces the annual Reunion on Father's Day weekend (June 17-19). "Our staff works very hard to ensure that the thousands of patrons who join us at Bowling Green each year have a great time and want to come back again and again."

"These are the best events in the state," said Marcheta Sparrow, director of the Kentucky Tourism Council. "They are selected by a panel of independent judges from across the state and they are just the best of the best." Criteria for selection include popularity of the event, its impact on the local tourism economy as well as cultural and historical significance.

"The reunion's a perfect place to celebrate Father's Day," said Greg Sharp, curator of the Parks Museum, located in Pomona, Calif. "It's the only place where drag racing legends from the past mingle with those of tomorrow, where heroes are honored and everyone has a great time."

Not just a "car show" or a race, the Holley National Hot Rod Reunion, presented by DuPont Automotive Finishes, is a 3-day festival of speed, hot rods and American automotive enthusiasm. The National Hot Rod Reunion is part of the museum's "living history" philosophy, which works to bring to life the sites, sounds and people who made history in the early days of drag racing, land speed racing and the golden age of American car culture. \

The Ultimate Power Trip at Luskville Dragway

(5-8-2005) - Eaton Electrical/Eaton Cutler Hammer has announced it will make Luskville Dragway and the Pro Mod Challenge featuring the Pro Modified Racing Association (PMRA) its choice for an event to support in the 2005 season.

Commented Paul Tlustos, Marketing Communications Manager for Eaton Electrical Canadian Operations: "We are looking forward with great expectations to our relationship with Luskville Dragway and the Pro Mod Challenge event. We have long been a supporter of this style of racing, which is evident by our logos on the sides of a number of prominent Pro Modified Cars. We have heard nothing but good things about the way Luskville Dragway produces and promotes its races and are very pleased to be involved with them this season."

"This news is incredible in a season which never seems to end with great announcements," said Arnie Malcolm. "We certainly have our work cut out for us," he added. "We will make sure that all involved leave happy. Upwards of 1000 Eaton employees and family members from all over Canada will be part of the quest list that invades Luskville Dragway on the July 1-3 weekend.

The event is jammed-packed full of excitement with Pro Modifieds, Top Sportsman, Top Dragster, Super Pro, Semi Pro, Jr. Dragster Championship, Drag Sleds, Live Bands, two cruise nights, and other items of interest.

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Leland Kolb Passes

(5-5-2005) - Top Fuel pioneer Leland Kolb passed away on May 1, 2005, at the age of 75.

Kolb, of Havasu City, Arizona, was one the most successful independent West Coast Top Fuel racers of the Sixties and Seventies. Also a major innovator, he was among the first to make the 426 Hemi work on nitro and to seriously experiment with streamlining. Older readers will remember his wingless, back-motored "wedge" car (similar to Prudhomme's Hot Wheels model) of the early Seventies.

Further, his 1969 down-under tour -- with the famous Beebe & Mulligan slingshot (which was left over there, subsequently converted into an injected Chevy fueler by Jim Read, and ultimately converted to rear-engine form by another Aussie racer) -- was a pivotal event in exposing Australians to USA technology. The attached photo, courtesy of Dave Cook, shows Kolb at Sydney International Dragway on July 20, 1969.

Last but not least, he was an extremely classy and generous man who helped a lot of up-and-coming California racers establish careers as pros.

A memorial service will be held Friday, May 6, 4:00 PM at Lietz-Fraze Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Leland’s name to the Cancer Society & Heart Association of Lake Havasu, 2126 McCulloch Blvd. #7, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403.

Warren Johnson to Appear on This Weekend’s Wind Tunnel

(5-5-2005) - Six-time NHRA Pro Stock Champion Warren Johnson, who is coming off his second win of the 2005 POWERade Drag Racing season, will be a featured guest on this weekend’s edition of Wind Tunnel with Dave Despain. Joining Johnson on this week’s guest list will be fellow racing legend and NASCAR icon Richard Petty.

Starting second at this past weekend’s O’Reilly Thunder Valley Nationals in Bristol, TN, Johnson tackled a mixture of young and veteran Pro Stock drivers en route to the 94th win of his stellar career. Opening with a first-round defeat of Allen Johnson, WJ then powered his GM Performance Parts Pontiac down the Tennessee quarter-mile in a track record 6.715 seconds at 203.83 mph to trailer Jason Line. After narrowly edging his son Kurt in the semi-finals, “The Professor” was awarded the automatic win when his opponent, Richie Stevens, red lit in the final round.

This was Johnson’s second NHRA win at Bristol Dragway (to go with his six IHRA victories in Thunder Valley), and propelled him into the lead in the 2005 POWERade Championship Standings. Johnson is in his final full season on the NHRA circuit, which has been dubbed “The Professor’s School’s Out” tour.

Wind Tunnel with Dave Despain is Speed Channel’s popular motorsports talk show which covers the world of racing from both the racers’ and fans’ point of view.

Hosted by veteran motorsports journalist Dave Despain from the show’s Charlotte, NC studios, the two-hour show features a combination of timely interviews with the sport’s newsmakers and calls and e-mails from opinionated racing enthusiasts across the country. This week, Despain welcomes Nextel Cup driver Greg Biffle as his in-studio co-host.

Fans are encouraged to e-mail their questions for “The Professor” to windtunnel@speedtv.com, or to call 1-866- W-TUNNEL during the broadcast to speak to him directly. This weekend’s show is scheduled to air at its normal time on Sunday evening from 9:00 – 11:00 p.m.. Please check your local listings for broadcast times in your area.

Nitro Champs Bring Australia’s Big Guns to Sydney

(5-5-2005) - The big guns of Australian Drag Racing will be arriving from around the country to contest the Nitro Champs at the Western Sydney International Dragway from May 13-15.

As the only person in the world to compete in three professional brackets, Brett ‘The Boss’ Stevens is one man that will be shooting for success at the final of Sydney’s big three Drag Racing events for the season and the penultimate round of the Australian Championship Series.

Probably the busiest man at the race track swapping between his Jack Daniel’s Top Bike, Jack Daniel’s Top Doorslammer and Kitten Top Alcohol Funny Car, Stevens is searching to win two National titles in two years.

The twist for the current Top Doorslammer Champion is that he will be looking to back up his title from last season by securing the Australian Top Fuel Motorcycle Championship this season.

Currently in third position in Top Doorslammer, he is out of contention to go back-to-back in the bracket, however after dominating the season on his Nitro burning Harley in Top Bike, a Final Round appearance in Sydney will see him claim an unprecedented two Championships in two years in two different professional brackets.

“When I won my first National Championship after 14 years in the sport last year I was ecstatic,” Stevens said.

“The (Nitro) Bikes were where I started though and we have done a lot of research and development to get where we are today.”

“It will be a good reward for the entire team if we are able to win with both the car and bike in two years.”

“With the points how they stand at the moment in Top Bike there is only myself and Troy McLean riding the teams second Jack Daniel’s Nitro Harley that can win so one of will definitely do it and it will be the icing on the cake if we can go one-two in the Championship as well.”

“Not all of my focus will be on the bikes though at the Nitro Champs. The Top Alcohol Championship still hasn’t been decided yet and I can still take runner up in Top Doorslammer so it will be another full on weekend for the team.”

Stevens first re-wrote the record books in 2000 when became the only person in the world to ever race a Top Doorslammer and Top Bike simultaneously. He has gone on to win both of these at the same event 3 times.

While not being able to hold both National titles simultaneously for the time being, he will make another entry into the records if he can become the only person to pilot both a 3000 horsepower supercharged sedan and a Nitro Harley to National Championships.

For thrill seeking fans the Nitro Champs will be rev-head heaven with racing across three action packed days, featuring cars running up the drag strip in just four seconds from a standing start; and motorcycles travelling at over 330 km/hr over the quarter mile.

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One Bad Bird

(5-4-2005) - We've obtained a couple of spy shots of the forthcoming Daytona under contruction by Jim Geese and the fine folks at Vanishing Point Race Cars. This is the first of two Mopar classics scheduled to debut by the end of the season. Pictured is Chip King's new ride. A new SuperBird is coming later in the year for Thomas and Richard Patterson. Of course, both are going to be Hemi-powered.

1st Northwest Nostalgia Nationals extended to three days

(5-4-2005) – The 1st Goodguys Northwest Nostalgia Nationals has been extended to three days. The event will be run at Pacific Raceways (formerly SIR) September 2, 3 & 4 and will feature all Goodguys/VRA West Coast Championship Series racing classes. The event will also include a rod & custom show & shine for 1972 & earlier vehicles, a manufacturer’s midway and special vehicle displays. Goodguys will honor Jerry “The King” Ruth as the event’s official “Hot Rod Hero”. Ruth will be on hand throughout the weekend to meet and greet fans and will be honored on the dragstip starting line prior to Sunday’s final eliminations. Northwest racing fans will get a rare treat as the famed “Winged Express” of Al “Mousie” Marcellus will be on hand making exhibition runs throughout the weekend with “Mighty” Mike Boys doing the driving

Goodguys/VRA Director Larry Westervelt explained the reason for the extended event dates. “Our vintage drag racing series has reached a point where we simply can’t fit everything in to two day events any longer. We run a lot of different and unique classes, we have 300 to 400 competitors at each event we do and to expect to get it all done in two days just isn’t realistic. Also – this race will be less hectic for the racers because Monday is the Labor Day holiday giving them ample time to travel back home” he said.

Earlier this year, Goodguys extended the season-ending Fuel & Gas Finals to three days as well. The Goodguys 7th Fuel & Gas Finals is scheduled for October 28, 29 & 30 at Famoso Raceway in Bakersfield.

Herbert and Snap-on team continue to host local Marines

(5-4-2005) – It's amazing how a small group of people can make such a large impact. Doug Herbert and the rest of the Snap-on Tools Top Fuel team know the feeling. They have hosted fewer than 50 Marines during five NHRA POWERade Drag Racing events this season.

Yet the impact of those Marines has been immeasurable.

"The whole deal has turned into such a positive, uplifting program for our entire team," Herbert said. "We get amazing feedback from people all over the place and it really tells us that we are doing the right thing.

"More than anything else, we're glad these Marines have made it home safely and are able to come join us for a day at the drag races. These men and woman have been to hell and back so it's awesome to see them with big smiles on their faces. They make everyone on our team proud to
have them in our pit area."

The Marines invited have all recently come home from overseas combat duty. The program will continue next at the CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Nationals at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Ill., June 9-12. The Marines will also be invited to the races in St. Louis (June 24-26), Sonoma,
Calif. (July 29-31), Indianapolis (Aug. 31-Sept. 5), Reading, Pa., (Sept. 15-18), Las Vegas (Oct. 20-23) and Pomona, Calif., (Nov. 3-6).

If Herbert had his way, he would have the special guests at every event.

"We like to make sure the Marines are local men and woman because the last thing we want to do is make someone travel when they have just returned home from war," Herbert said. "Logistically, we like to have
Major Philip Toretti on site because he is one of the big reasons why we are hosting this program. But Major is a full-time Marine and it's difficult for him to join us at every race."

The Marines who come to the track as a guest of the Snap-on team have all signed a Marine flag, which hangs with pride in the hospitality area.

"We get so much positive attention from that flag," Herbert said. "I have people who come up and tell me about their son or daughters who are overseas or other family members that just got home. It's a great symbol and I've met a lot of people because of the signatures on that flag."

Herbert and Maj. Toretti became friends during the 2004 season. Toretti had become pen pals with NHRA.com writer Rob Geiger while he was fighting in the Middle East in 2003-2004. It turns out that Toretti was the Commanding Officer of one of Geiger's college friends and the duo's mutual interest in drag racing made them fast friends. After
consecutive six-month deployments in hostile zones, Toretti finally got the news he was coming home. When Geiger found out, he immediately invited him to any drag race he wanted to attend.

Based out of Norfolk, Va., Geiger assumed the best bets were the races in Reading, Pa., or Bristol, Tenn. But when he told Top Fuel driver Doug Herbert about his new friend, Herbert had an even better idea.

"Rob asked if Major Toretti could hang out in our pit when he came to the race," Herbert said. "I said, 'we can do better then that. Let's make him the Honorary Crew Chief.' He didn't know what race the Major was going to attend so I told him it would probably be easiest if the Major just drove to our place in Lincolnton, N.C., and flew with us on my plane. I figured we'd give a war hero the royal treatment. He
certainly earned it. The guy's been on four combat deployments in his 23-year career."

Plans were quickly made for Toretti to join the gang mid-summer 2004 at the Fram Nationals in beautiful Sonoma. The weekend was a success for all parties involved, especially after Fram representative Steve Lavallee made Toretti the Honorary Starter of the race and he was
introduced to and given a standing ovation by 50,000 fans.

Herbert wants to keep the warm-welcome going all season.
"All of the Marines that are joining us this year have served combat missions. They are out there fighting for us and this is our way to let them know we support them and we’re real glad they made a safe return home," Herbert said. "I want everyone at the races to stop by the Snap-on pit on Saturdays and tell these guys how much we appreciate
what they do for all of us in this country."

The Marines who attended the season-opening Winternationals at Pomona, Calif.: Corporal Dustin Orthman, Lance Corporal Richard Davis, Gunnery Sergeant Otis White, Lance Corporal Joseph Lauglin, Lance Corporal
David Brillantes, Lance Corporal Charles Lock, and Master Gunnery Sergeant Tony French. They all applied to take part in the festivities through their chain of command and their Marine Expeditionary Force Sergeant Major chose the lucky winners based on their location and interest in motorsports.

The Marines who attended the event in Phoenix: Lance Corporal David Thiem of Miracopa, Ariz.; Sergeant Adam Alaniz of Fresno, Calif.; Corporal Ryan Foster of Boone, Mo.; Corporal Earl Sjogren of Casper, Wyo.; Corporal Mark Pike of Beckley, W.Va.; Lance Corporal Patrick Runyan of Danville, Ill.; Lance Corporal Anthony Gutierrez of New York;
Sergeant Andrew Durivage of Temecula, Calif.; and Sergeant Jason Hughes and his fiancé Sadith of Buffalo, N.Y.

The Marines who attended the Gatornationals in Gainesville, Fla.: Sergeant Garreth Ray, Corporal Mark McFetridge, Lance Corporal Jamie Yakubsin and Sergeant Shane Walker.

The Marines who attended the Spring Nationals at Houston: Joining Herbert at Houston Raceway Park will be Sergeant E.M. Wilson of Houston, Lance Corporal T.W. Smith of Orange, Texas, Lance Corporal B.T. Aldape III of Houston, Lance Corporal Tom Chenault of Beaumont, Texas, Lance Corporal James Whitehead of Orange, Lance Corporal R.
Torres of Houston, Lance Corporal S.W. Street of Cleveland, Texas, Lance Corporal L.J. Rawls of Pasadena, Texas, Lance Corporal L.D. Lindsey of Sour Lake, Texas, and Staff Sergeant John McInerney of Sunnyvale, Calif.

The Marines who attended the Thunder Valley Nationals in Bristol, Tenn.: LCpl Stephen Duncan from Pioneer, TN; LCpl Jonathan Maxey (Franklin, TN); LCpl Barry Britton Jr. (Powell, TN); LCpl Andrew Jordan (Mount Juliet, TN); Sgt Jeremy Pope (Columbia); Cpl Charles Gentry (Knoxville, TN); Cpl Christopher Gentry (Knoxville); LCpl Timothy
Andrews (Lynchburg); Cpl James Forester (Elkton, Maryland).

"There are a lot of Marines that are racing fans," Toretti said. "I knew I could ask Doug to help make this happen and it would get done. It was important to me to feel the love of the entire NHRA community when I got back home and I wanted to pass that feeling along to other Marines. With Doug's help, we're getting it done this year."

Garlits Brings Legendary Swamp Rat 1-B to 3rd Annual Holley NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion

(5-4-2005) - Ask someone on the street to name the greatest drag racer of all time and chances are, the name will be "Big Daddy" Don Garlits. Ask them to name the car, and Swamp Rat will come right up. On Father's Day weekend, both Garlits and one of his original creations, Swamp Rat 1-B, will be a prime attraction at the 3rd Annual Holley NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion, presented by DuPont Automotive Finishes, in Bowling Green, Ky.

"Swamp Rat I-B" is the car that gave Garlits some of his most historic runs, The car had the original Enderle "Barn Door" fuel injector, the first one Kent Enderle made along with his homemade scoop. The addition of a blower allowed Garlits to set a world record at 182.56 mph at Houston, Tex. on June 14, 1959. On June 20 of that year, the engine blew up, causing severe injuries to Garlits. At that point Art Malone took over the driving, while Garlits recovered.

The car will also appear in the legendary "Cacklefest" on Saturday evening, following a concert by '60's rock group Gary Lewis & The Playboys. The Cacklefest is a special event in which front-engined dragsters are started and "cackle" greetings to the crowd as they're paraded down the track.

"Having a living legend like Don Garlits attend the National Hot Rod Reunion is just one of many things that separates the Reunion from every other car show," said Greg Sharp, curator of the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum in Pomona, Calif. which produces and benefits from theReunion. "'Big Daddy' was one of the creators of this sport and its first superstar. The Reunions allow the Museum to present living history and make it accessible throughout the country."

Garlits has been winning races since 1955, when he took a crude 1927 T-roadster down the track at 108 mph in just 12.1 seconds. His first Swamp Rat followed. Using 1930 Chevy frame rails to build the front-engined dragster, Garlits continuously upgraded the car over the years that he raced it in the same way that today's software authors bring out newversions of their work year after year. Swamp Rat I-B won the Florida State Championship in 1956 in just 10.9 seconds at 135 mph. Garlits won eight NHRA U.S. Nationals over the course of a career that spanned six decades and included his naming as top driver in NHRA's first 50 years.

Garlits and his later cars have been present at each of the previous annual Hot Rod Reunions, held at Beech Bend Raceway Park in Bowling Green, Ky. He was presented with the Justice Brothers Reunion Spotlight Award at the first eunion in 2003. At the presentation, the trophy was named in Garlits' honor as the "Big Daddy" Don Garlits Trophy for the Justice Brothers Reunion Spotlight. Garlits spent hour after hour signing autographs for his fans. "I didn't get much of a chance to see the show, I was so busy," he said after that first year.

In 2004, Garlits was re-united with the Queen of Racing, Linda Vaughn and had time to visit with old friends and look at the many street rods, hot rods and racing cars at the event.

TORKELSON SCORES FIRST NITRO COUPE WIN AT POMONA AUTOZONE SUPER CHEVY SHOW

(5-4-2005) - You could see Wayne Torkelson, Jr. making his move in the Mickey Thompson Nitro Coupe Challenge over the past few races. He made it to the semis in Valdosta and Memphis, then was runner-up to Dan Nickelson at the San Antonio's Super Chevy Show.

On Sunday, May 1, Torkelson went all the way, scoring his first Nitro Coupe win at the AutoZone Super Chevy Show's stop at Pomona.

Torkelson's Water Wetter-sponsored '53 Corvette Nitro Coupe qualified second behind former World Champ Dan Nickelson, but came into its own during Sunday's eliminations. Torkelson defeated John Scialpi of West Covina, CA in the finals, running a 6.806 at 183.71 mph to down Scialpi, whose '55 Chevy Nitro Coupe could only manage a 7.824 in the finals.

The Top Sportsman class continues to grow at each AutoZone Super Chevy Show. In Pomona, it was an all-California field. When the dust had settled, Riverside, California racer Ron Weems had taken the championship, running a 7.70 at 175.47 mph in his '94 Lumina to defeat Tim Stephan of Carmichael, CA. Stephan ran a 8.287 at 163.87 mph in the finals. Danny Booker of Ontario, CA (the top qualifier) and Tommy Schifilea of San Gabriel, CA were the semi-finalists.

In a special starting line presentation, AutoStar Productions President Roger Gustin honored drag race announcing icon Dave McClelland , who is credited with being the father of the Super Chevy Show 25 years ago when it was a one-day "Super Chevy Sunday" . McClelland received a special AutoZone Super Chevy Show Founder's Award.

The 25th Annual Tour of the AutoZone Super Chevy Show now moves to Norwalk Raceway Park for a May 13-15 event. For information on that event, go to http://www.superchevyshow.com/.


Nitro Coupe Eliminations - Sunday 5/1/05

Finals
Wayne Torkelson def. .527 6.806 183.71
John Scialpi .560 7.824 118.35

Top Sportsman Eliminations Presented by ProCharger - Sun. 5/1//05

Winner Ron Weems, Riverside, CA, '94 Lumina .484 7.70 7.790 175.47
Runner-Up Tim Stephan, Carmichael, CA, '55 Bel Air .519 7.99 8.287 163.87
Semis Danny Booker, Ontario, CA, '94 Lumina
Tommy Schifilea, San Gabriel, CA

Trim Parts Top Qualifiers
Nitro Coupes Dan Nickelson 6.400 219.81

Top Sportsman Danny Booker 7.5615 165.99

FLOWMASTER Bracket Racing Series Eliminations Sunday 5/1/05

Mr. Gasket Bracket One Pro Eliminator


Winner
Robert Strong, Highland, CA, .88 Chevelle .520 10.75 10.756 122.64
Runner-up
Pete Kinney, Fountain Valley, CA, '38 Roadster .515 11.58 11.563 144.09

Semis Randy Bowers, Riverside, CA, '89 Camaro



Bracket Two Eliminator

Winner
Michael Williams, Herperia, CA, '67 Camaro .509 11.36 11.374 111.70
Runner-up
Mikey Griffin, Sunland, CA, '63 Falcon .538 12.78 12.818 105.98

Semis Bob Chagnon, Temecula, CA, '88 Beretta


DOT
Winner Carl Cole. Alta Loma, CA, '55 Bel Air .522 12.07 12.011 113.33

Runner-up John Brooks, Upland, CA, '69 El Camino FOUL 12.47 12.414 112.10

Semis Tom McNamara, Mira Loma, CA, ''68 Camaro


Jr. Dragster
Winner Ricky Reed, La Mirada, CA. .525 8.92 8.952 71.81

Runner-up Ricky Weston, Santa Anna, CA .577 8.01 7.994 81.03

Semis Chelsea Jones, Ontario, CA
Ryan Hepler, Fountain Valley, CA

SCHETZEL JOINS NHRA AS DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL GROUP TICKET SALES

(5-4-2005) – Michael Schetzel has joined NHRA in the newly-created position of director, national group ticket sales, it was announced today by John Covarrubias, vice president of sales and business development at NHRA.

Schetzel will be responsible for developing group sales marketing opportunities for the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. He also will be directly responsible for the two national events at Pomona (Calif.) Raceway and to assist the NHRA-owned tracks in Atlanta, Columbus, Ohio, Indianapolis, Ind., and Gainesville, Fla., with their group sales efforts.

“We are excited to bring on board a seasoned professional like Michael to coordinate group ticket sales,” Covarrubias said. “Group tickets are an important initiative to help the growth of our fan base while increasing attendance at NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series events.”

Schetzel has more than 12 years of experience in the sports industry and brings with him a wealth of knowledge in the area of group ticket sales and marketing.

Prior to joining NHRA, Schetzel served as director of ticket services and information for the Boston Red Sox, spending the past six years working with ticketing and sales for the organization. During his career, he has held numerous sports marketing jobs, including time with Madison Square Garden, Southern Utah University and the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games.

Schetzel has a master’s degree in sports management from Georgia Southern University and received his bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University in Utah.

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Josh Starcher To Pilot Second Hartman Motorsports Dragster

(5-3-2005) - Hartman Motorsports has announced the addition of Top Fuel driver Josh Starcher as the pilot of their second Top Fuel dragster during the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals May 12-15 in Commerce, Georgia.

“Commerce is the home-track race for Hartman Motorsports,” said Virgil Hartman, team owner. “We have a lot of friends, relatives and fans coming in from South Carolina and Georgia to support us throughout the weekend. Also, having received local sponsorship support from The Ole Country Smokehouse in Anderson, SC, General Machine of Anderson, Coca-Cola of Anderson, and Performance Chevrolet of Seneca, SC, we want to give them all an opportunity to see another dragster run.”

Starcher began his racing career in the Jr. Dragsters division at the age of eleven, and after turning seventeen in 2002 he graduated to IHRA Top Fuel dragsters. The young driver made his NHRA Top Fuel debut at the age of eighteen at the Mac Tools Gatornationals, in Gainesville, FL in 2003 with a follow-up appearance the same year at the Mac Tools Thunder Valley NHRA Nationals.

“I definitely appreciate the chance that the Hartmans are giving me to drive again,” said Starcher. “I have been out of the saddle for awhile and it will be interesting my first few times down the track. We are really just looking to go out there and qualify. Of course the ideal would be to go out there and win, but mainly we just want to qualify and hopefully go some rounds. “

NHRA Names Pesetski Director of Advertising and Promotions

(5-3-2005) - John Pesetski has been named NHRA’s director of advertising and promotions, it was announced this week.

Pesetski has nearly eight years of event marketing experience and has spent the last three years with the Harlem Globetrotters, where he was responsible for the marketing and promoting of games in markets nationwide. In his new role, Pesetski will be responsible for advertising and promotions for the 23-race NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series and he will report to Glen Cromwell, vice president, national event marketing.

“John has demonstrated the ability to increase ticket sales and revenue for different companies throughout his career and we are confident he will bring those same skills to bear on behalf of the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series,” said Cromwell.

Prior to his stint at the Harlem Globetrotters, Pesetski worked for Global Spectrum at the Colorado Springs (Colo.) World Arena, handling advertising and sales for entertainment bookings at the arena which included concerts and various sporting events.

Pesetski earned his master’s degree at the University of Massachusetts and his bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas, Austin.

That's a Real Shame...

(5-2-2005) - Walhalla, South Carolina's Johnny Kelley owns one of the most pristine '68 Hemi Barracudas in the country, but after an unfortunate incident at Atlanta Dragway, the "Dixie Hemi" is now a little worse for wear.

Kelley was competiting at the National Street Car Association's Jim Wittenberg Memorial event this past weekend when he stuffed the nose of his SS/AA 'Cuda into the wall after losing control at the launch. Kelley was unhurt, but the car will require a considerable amount of work to bring it back to the show quality state is was in before the crash. (Photo sequence by Brian Wood)

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SCELZI, KALITTA AND JOHNSON WIN O’REILLY NHRA THUNDER VALLEY NATIONALS AT BRISTOL DRAGWAY

(5-2-2005) -- Gary Scelzi claimed the Funny Car victory in an upset-filled day of racing Sunday at the O’Reilly NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals presented by Q-Racing at Bristol Dragway.

Doug Kalitta and Warren Johnson also were winners at the $1.5 million race the sixth of 23 events at the $1.5 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series.

Ashley is three-times a champion in 2005 by winning Bristol

(5-2-2005) - Defending AMS/TLR champion Mike Ashley always motivates himself by reflecting on the one race that he and his team were the least impressive. It worked for the Torco Race Fuels-sponsored driver, as he won for the third time in four weeks.

The turning point was his Houston flop, a dismal quarter-final finish last month. Twelve consecutive round-wins later, the only thing flopping is the competition’s hopes.

“This means a lot to me,” Ashley said as he received his sixth career national-event trophy. “This was the last race of a four-race swing and when my team should have been at their weakest, they were at their strongest. To be on the road this many weeks in a row and to achieve what they have shows tons of character and mental toughness.

“My team had never taken a beating like they did in the last few weeks. To win three times in a row is something no other driver in NHRA AMS TLR Pro Modified has done before. When you look out there and see the top caliber of team that are running this program, it really puts into perspective what we accomplished here.”

Ashley’s latest triumph came at the expense of young Zach Barklage, who was never the quickest on race day but maintained a measure of consistency in working his way through the ladder. This marked the second time that Barklage had reached the finals in his short career. Both times resulted in a runner-up, and the common denominator was Ashley.

Cruz Pedregon Reaches 300-Round Victories for Career

(5-2-2005) – Cruz Pedregon advanced to his third semifinal of the 2005 season effectively clinching the 300th-round victory of his career when he defeated long-time rival John Force in round one.

“I’m not much into statistics, but this one meant a lot to me,” Pedregon said. “And it was against Force. I know we have had our differences in the past, but there is no one I respect more in this business than John. To beat him for my 300th round victory is just awesome.

“I couldn’t have done this without my team,” Pedregon continued. “We complement each other very well. We need to keep going on what we’re doing.”

Pedregon defeated his brother Tony Pedregon in round two, after posting a 4.842-second elapsed time at 314.24 mph. The run was the quickest of the second round. Pedregon then smoked the tires and lost to Jeff Arend in the semifinal.

“I felt we gave one away in the semifinal,” Pedregon said. “The track got a little slippery and we might have been a little aggressive. If the car would have hooked up, we liked our chances. But you have to give Jeff Arend credit because he did what he had to do.”

You've Got A Point, Or Maybe Not

(5-2-2005) - Larry Morgan was wishing he had a few more NHRA POWERade points. If that were the case, the veteran driver would have raced on Sunday against Kurt Johnson from the 15th spot during the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals. Instead, by virtue of an NHRA rule, he was a spectator.

This regulation of abbreviated qualifying mandates that any top ten POWERade car is guaranteed a berth. Morgan was bounced from competition in favor of Ron Krisher. If misery enjoys company, Morgan was joined in the bumped drivers by Frank Pedregon, who got tossed in favor of Ron Capps.

The misfortune for Morgan is the event is hosted by a track owned by his sponsor Bruton Smith. The last time this rule was used was in 2002 at the NHRA World Finals.

Lupinacci Takes Out Miceli in Opening Round Of N.E.T.O./VtwinPlus.com Nostalgia Eliminator.

(5-2-2005) - Renzo Lupinacci became the answer to a trivia question, when he became the first winner of a N.E.T.O./ VtwinPlus.com Nostalgia Eliminator at the fabled Island Dragway in Great Meadows, NJ. In a battle of attrition, Lupinacci outlasted Dr. Joe Miceli to take a 10.715/128.64 MPH win over Miceli's 11.396/119.89 MPH run.

The day started with an iffy weather report, in fact the majority of the racers who attended actually rode through some rain to get to the track. However as each racer inched closer to the "Cabbage Patch", as the track is affectionately known, the weather seemed to get better and better. Upon arrival in the 1960's or so it seems when one drives down the old road next to the Sod Farm, the weather turned to blustery when the sun hid behind the clouds and calm whenever the sun peeked out.

As this was the first race of the year for all four riders involved, it was natural to think that some cobwebs would need to be blown out. However, it began to look like an attack of the arachnids. In the first check-out pass Chris Rasile on the Fast Lane Cycles Sportster ran a 9.72 at 127 MPH. Not bad for a bike with the throttle only opening about 48%. What many people didn't know was that this was a homecoming for the bike as it was originally owned and operated by Bob Mauriello in the mid-1970s. Mauriello resided down the road a piece in Sparta, NJ. The frame was built by Louie Couviello of LAW Automotive and the bike STILL goes straight and true. After Rasile's initial success the gremlins set in.

Renzo Lupinnaci riding a bike built by Vito Sabato, then had the oil fill plug vibrate out during his burnout procedure and began to puke oil out everywhere. Needless to say Renzo shut off and re-grouped. Joe Salvio, also on a Vito Sabato creation, left the line under power but with each shift the bike when flat. This left Vito with some serious tuning to do before the next pass. Ending the round was Dr. Joe Miceli who had a rough time finding first gear and just lost his concentration right off the line when first gear went away.

To borrow and twist a phrase from Herman's Hermits (who just happened to be playing in Hoboken, NJ today as well) "Second pass, same as the first!" This time the gremlins started after Lupinacci made a relatively clean run, breathing a sigh of relief that the lack of oil in the first round didn't arm the motor. But Chris Rasile wasn't as lucky. As he was doing his burnout he felt that something wasn't right as he pulled to the line. And right he was. After launching he plugged second only to have it jump out of gear. Quickly re-shifting to third the transmission once again jumped out of gear and Chris knew his day was over with a broken main shaft in the tranny. Joe Salvio then joined Rasile on the sidelines when he broke his stated motor during start-up. With none of the bikes in competition sharing a starter set-up style it was lights out for the Salvio/Sabato team. Joe Miceli was again having gear problems and never made the round.

Unfortunately this left two motorcycles in competition and only one of them had yet to make a clean run. Knowing that, the pair decided to make it a heads-up run for the fans when they both chose to dial-in at 10.50 for the "final". When the light went green, Lupinacci took a commanding lead off the line as Dr. Joe had no first gear in the bike and was forced to launch in second. Try as he might Miceli could not catch the determined Lupinacci who took his first ever win in competition.

With the cobwebs cleared out the next round of the N.E.T.O./VtwinPlus.com Nostalgia Eliminator will surely be more competitive. With at least two new bikes being completed as we speak and at least one more ready to compete in the next race, competition will become stronger for these old iron warriors.

Stay tuned to VtwinPlus.com as a photo gallery will be posted later this week. - Greg Guarinello

HUNT, HARTFORD EFANTIS, LUMMUS, AND PADILLA VISIT WINNERS CIRCLE AT ENGLISHTOWN EVENT, THE DEBUT RACE OF NHRA XPLOD SPORT COMPACT RACING SERIES

(5-2-2005) – Competitors from all five pro categories on the newly-named NHRA Xplod Sport Compact Racing Series turned in record setting performance of both speed and power Sunday, despite the rain-shortened schedule for the fifth annual Nitto NHRA Sport Compact Springnationals.

Jason Hunt earned his first-ever national event victory in the Pro FWD category, while Matt Hartford (Pro RWD), Paul Efantis (Modified), Ron Lummus (Hot Rod) and Jesus Padilla (All Motor), all added to their career victories totals in their respective categories. The $150,000 event was the third of 11 races in the $2.1 million NHRA Xplod Sport Compact Racing Series.

The debut event for the recently renamed series faced a challenging start after regional storms cancelled Saturday’s qualifying action, raising the stakes for all racers with only one qualifying round prior to the start of eliminations. Sunday’s start also was delayed due to the wet conditions but clearer skies in the afternoon, plus a condensed racing schedule, allowed for the completion of the event.

Hunt, of Crofton, Md., drove around Pro FWD points leader Ed Bergenholtz in the final round, reaching the finish line in 8.474 seconds at 170.69 mph in his Valvoline SYN Power Saturn Ion for the win. Bergenholtz, winner of the season-opener at Moroso Motorsports Park and in his third consecutive final round, posted a slower pass of 8.638 at 157.08 for his second consecutive runner-up finish. Hunt’s victory makes him the third different Pro FWD winner in as many races and gives the Southern California-based team crucial points towards the 2005 NHRA Xplod world championship.

“It feels great,” said Hunt about his first professional win. “The weather came around and so did we. It was an exciting final and it could have gone either way. We fixed a boost problem from the previous round and the spike in pressure in the final spun the tires hard; I got out of it, saw [Bergenholtz’s] nose and stepped back into it. We almost ruined it for ourselves.”

Matt Hartford captured his third career Pro RWD victory after blasting down the quarter-mile in 6.990 at 197.33, holding off final round opponent Ara Arslanian’s and his performance of 7.066 at 200.14. Driving the Summit Racing Chevy Cavalier, Hartford, from Glendale, Ariz., also captured the Pro RWD No. 1 qualifier award with an event-best time of 6.674 at a track record speed of 213.06.

“We’re happy as we can be,” Hartford said. “It was a matter of doing whatever it was going to take to get the win this weekend. We had a soft tune-up like everybody else and we were surprised to qualify No. 1. I played it safe in the first round after I saw Steph’s red light come on and the second round [against Carlos Montano] was just as hairy, but I just kept feathering the throttle and stayed in front. We took some clutch out for the final round and knew that if we ran a six [second pass] - it would be anybody’s race. We ran a 6.99 and that was just enough to get the win. Once in awhile, we need the luck on our side.”

Efantis, another Maryland resident, remains perfect for the 2005 season with his third consecutive victory in the Modified category. The Ijamsville local drove his Lucas Oil Toyota Solara through the timers in 7.449 at 187.26 against Sean Glazar in the final. Glazar’s race car experienced mechanical problems and coasted to a finish of 15.324 at 67.99. With the victory, his seventh consecutive dating back to the 2004 season, Efantis was able to extend his lead in the NHRA Xplod Modified point standings as the defending world champ sets his sights on his second series crown.

“You can’t be happier with a three-win streak,” Efantis said. “I need to dedicate this to the team. If it wasn’t for their day-to-day work on the Lucas Oil Solara, this wouldn’t be possible. The Jim Justice Engine has been nothing but consistent and Jeff Hunley’s new porting gave us a big edge. Everybody, including my buddy Justin [Humphreys], is stepping up in the class this year and every race is exciting. It should be one of the best Modified seasons ever.”

Humphreys, competing in a Lexus GS300, set the Modified national record for E.T. with his 7.33 pass, which was backed up within the NHRA-mandated 1 percent with his time of 7.37 which he clocked in his first round victory over Jose Mendez.

Lummus was another driver to reach the final round for the third straight event this season, winning the Wally trophy in the Turbo Magazine Hot Rod category. Lummus, a resident of Anaheim, Calif., scored his second victory in three tries following a string of seven-second performances en route to his matchup against Bryan Jimenez. Lummus’ performance of 7.99 at 183 was enough to outrun Jimenez, who posted a 9.80 at 126.93. Driving the Turbo by Garrett Pontiac Sunfire, Lummus also reset both ends of the Hot Rod national record for the second time this season – lowering his previously-set E.T. record to 7.94 while raising the speed record to 184.83.

“I’m pretty excited,” Lummus said. “Running a 7.94 right off the trailer to qualify first was surprising because we were shaking the tires pretty hard. In fact, we were rattling them pretty good all day. The car has been pretty reliable though and the Bothwell Team has the new smaller Garret turbo package worked out nicely. Everything is extremely efficient on this team and I can’t do it without them.”

In the Honda Tuning All Motor category final, 2004 world champion Jesus Padilla’s Mazda RX-7 blasted down the quarter-mile in 9.90 at 132.99 pass to hold off Jeremy Lookofsky’s pass of 12.89 at 69.41 to record his first victory in three final round attempts this season. The Kissimmee, Fla., resident recorded a 9.94 at 132 qualifying pass to lead the All Motor field and continued to record nine-second performances through the final. Padilla shut the clocks off in 9.89 at 132.99 for the win. Padilla’s elapsed time established a track record, which was previously held by Lookofsky, and only four- hundredths of a second slower than the national record held by Charles Madrid.

“I have to thank Central Florida Turbos for this win,” Padilla said. “I wasn’t even planning to race this weekend, but they insisted and sponsored me for the event. We ran the same setup as we usually do for Englishtown, except for adding wheelie bars. The wheelie bars really helped and the car was really consistent. The win was a nice reward for CFT and my other sponsors – NGK, Jerico, MAZDASPEED, Microtech, and of course a lot of friends.”

The 2005 NHRA Xplod Sport Compact Racing Series continues with the Northeast NHRA Sport Compact Nationals, May 14-15, at Atco Raceway in Atco, N.J.

Catch up on this past weekend's Bristol action

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Dr. Moon Brings the ‘Rage’ Home to Tennessee

(4-29-2005) - With a population of about 9,500 people, the rural hamlet of Clinton, Tennessee is home to drag racing legend and veteran engine tuner Howard Moon. Moon is leading the Pro Modified team of Tommy Lipar Racing and the “Dr. Moon’s Rage” ’57 Chevy into battle this weekend in the O'Reilly Thunder Valley NHRA Nationals at Bristol Dragway. The event is part of the AMS/TLR Pro Modified Challenge series.

While the moniker of “Doctor” is part of the theme of the Tommy Lipar Racing team, according to some, it is somewhat deserved. Moon and his wife are owners of an optical center in Oak Ridge where he employs several doctors, so the medical world is not foreign to him.

“Tommy [Lipar] and [series director] Kenny Nowling started calling me that, kind of a mad scientist thing - like I’m out of control,” Moon said. “I’m always out of control,” he added with a laugh. “I’ve been doing this for a long time – so it just seems right.”

Out of control probably isn’t the best way to describe the finer points of tuning an engine. More like – extreme control. Moon’s teams have won three national championship titles, eight divisional titles, and he has been honored three times as Crew Chief of the Year in the NHRA and IHRA.

His illustrious career began when he was just a boy, working on his father’s car. While in high school, Moon drove a small fuel-altered car to keep himself busy and learn more about the science of engines and the sport of drag racing. With a short stop in the waters of drag boat racing, Moon moved into the field of engine building and tuning.

At that point, recalled Moon, “I moved back to Tennessee to start working for Terry Mullins, and I haven’t left the state since.”

Moon and his wife raised their daughter in the town, and she has since joined the police force in Oak Ridge. “She’s a policeman – I mean police woman - up in Oak Ridge,” the proud father said.

Currently, Moon is tuning the Pro Modified car driven by rookie Joshua Hernandez. After a thrilling win at Houston in early April, Hernandez has been eliminated in the first round at two consecutive events in Las Vegas and Belle Rose, Louisiana. “Josh spent a lot of time driving an alcohol funny car, and those cars are a lot different than a Pro Mod. We’re working with him to focus on a few things and trying to help him ‘un-learn’ some of the habits he got in the funny car,” Moon said.

Hernandez said, “I really consider it an honor to drive for Howard, and I’m working really hard to keep improving my driving. Every lap down the track I pick up new things, and, with one win to our name this year, we seem to be doing most things right.”

Moon responded, “Josh is a skilled driver – that’s for sure. These cars are difficult to drive, and he’s learning very quickly.”

Moon said that he looks for a win every time he’s at the racetrack, and this weekend is no exception. “This is my home track, but I haven’t had really good luck here so far, so I really want to change that this weekend,” he said.

“I’ve only won up here twice, and I’ve probably been up here ten or fifteen times, so I’d really like to turn things around,” Moon said.

Racing begins at Friday, April 29 at Bristol Motor Speedway with qualifying sessions at 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Qualifying continues Saturday at 1:30 p.m., with the first round of eliminations scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Sunday’s eliminations begin at 12:00 p.m.

For more information about Tommy Lipar Racing, visit the team website at: www.tommyliparracing.com

NHRA INKS MULTI-YEAR DEAL WITH SONY’S XPLÔD BRAND OF MOBILE ELECTRONICS
TO BECOME SPONSOR OF SERIES AND STYLEFEST

(4-29-2005) – National Hot Rod Association officials announced today that San Diego-based Sony Electronics and its Xplôd brand of mobile electronics products will serve as the title sponsor of its sport compact drag racing series.

The newly-named NHRA Xplôd Sport Compact Racing Series continues tomorrow and Sunday in Englishtown, N.J. at the Nitto NHRA Sport Compact Spring Nationals at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park.

“We are pleased that Sony Xplôd has increased their involvement beyond the NHRA Stylefest to also encompass sponsorship of the entire racing series,” said Gary Darcy, NHRA’s senior vice president of marketing. “Clearly, Sony has seen the value of being associated with the NHRA Sport Compact Series. Given their increased involvement in 2005 and beyond, we are confident that their expanded participation, both on- and off-site, will position the NHRA Xplôd Sport Compact Racing Series for continued growth and success.”

In addition to series sponsorship, Sony will be the presenting sponsor of the on-site NHRA Sound Challenge and the NHRA Sony Xplôd Stylefest. The Xplôd brand also will be designated as the “Official Car Audio” of the NHRA Sport Compact Racing Series.

“The fans who come out to watch the Xplôd Sport Compact Racing Series are focused on their cars and are hungry for new technology,” said Andrew Sivori, Sony’s director of marketing for mobile electronics. “They build it into their cars and they build it into their lifestyle. We expect our support of the NHRA Xplôd Sport Compact Racing Series to improve the fans overall motor sport experience.”

Under the new agreement, Sony’s Xplôd brand will have the right to promote the stylefest and sound challenge programs with advertising and promotions, which may include Sony’s retail partners.

The deal also includes extensive signage rights at all NHRA Xplôd Sport Compact Racing Series events, as well as inclusion in all series marketing, advertising and media activities. The new series logo will appear at the staging line. Sony Xplôd will have an expanded presence in the pit area and custom graphics on the NHRA Xplôd Stylefest stage. There also will be public address announcements at the event, along with Sony Xplôd recognition in both the series and related lifestyle shows, airing exclusively on ESPN2.

All 11 of the NHRA Xplôd Sport Compact Racing Series events are featured on half-hour shows on a tape-delay basis dedicated to the action on the track. In addition, ESPN2 will dedicate nine half-hour shows on consecutive weeks during the fourth quarter of 2005 focusing on the NHRA Xplôd Stylefest and one show devoted to the NHRA Xplôd Sport Compact Racing Series Award Ceremony.

Texas Outlaw Pro Modifieds headed to Houston Motorsports Park in June

(4-29-2005) – If you’ve got a Pro Modified and you’re looking for a place to race on June 4th, then Houston Motorsports Park will be the place to be. From what we understand, the card will feature such names as track record holder Thomas Patterson (4.03, 172) and Doug Palmer. There will be a $3,000 bonus courtesy of Northside Plumbing to the first car into the three-second zone. There will also be Nitro Harleys on hand.

For more information, contact John Romano.

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TF Harley rider Stordeur released from hospital

(4-28-2005) - Team Mancuso representatives have conveyed that Steve Stordeur, injured in a high-speed crash during an All Harley Drag Racing Association event in Dallas, Texas on Saturday, has been released from the hospital.

According to team spokesman David Fitzhugh, "His left arm was taped to his side due to the dislocated shoulder, which has been put back in place. His right wrist has a split cast on it due to the fractured bone in his wrist. He has some kind of a cast on his left foot due to the metatarsal bone that is broken in two places. It is not a walking cast or a hard cast. The bones appear to be lined up so he will not have to have surgery if he does not put any weight on his foot and cause the bones to shift.

"It is undecided whether he will go home to Goshen (OH) or come here to Houston (team headquarters) for a few days before going home. He will not be able to use crutches so he will be in a wheelchair, which is going to make air travel very difficult, He underwent therapy which consisted of him getting in and out of the wheelchair. He had to be able to get in and out of a wheelchair before they would release him." (Special thanks to Dave Fitzhugh and Lisa Cranfill for this report)

Are you watching TV?

(4-27-2005) - If not, you should be watching Torco's CompetitionPlusTV.com for some neat video footage from the NHRA Jegs.com Cajun SportsNationals and previous NHRA POWERade events. Producer Matt Brammer has plenty of one-of-a-kind video clips featuring the well-regarded Nurse Tiffany and the segment which asks "What Color Are Her Eyes?"

Visit Torco's CompetitionPlusTV.com.

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Australia’s Queen of Speed Makes a Comeback

(4-27-2005) - Dubbed the “Queen of Speed,” Rachelle Splatt will make her return in a state-of-the-art Top Fuel dragster at the Snap-On Tools Nitro Championships event being held at the Western Sydney International Dragway on 13-15 May.

Splatt set the drag racing world alight in the early 1990s, winning the Australian Nationals on debut, setting both national and international records, along with also becoming the first female driver in the world to break the 300mph (480km/h) barrier.

She retired from racing in early 2000 to concentrate on her family and now she and husband Wayne Lusk are the proud parents of three children – daughter Kayla (6) and sons, Jayden (4) and Dylan (1).

“Racing has always been a part of my life, but Wayne and I needed some time to concentrate on our family. Everything at home is now the way it should be, our family is complete, so the time is right to return to racing,” Splatt said.

In addition to motherhood, Splatt also has a career as general manager of Dragway Performance Engineering, a business established by her father, champion drag racing veteran Ian Splatt, in the late 1960s.

“Juggling work and family can be difficult, but it is made easier by being organised, having systems in place and having great support from our family and staff members,” Splatt said.

“Now that I’m racing again there’s something else to juggle, but any mother will tell you if you can handle three kids then anything else is a breeze, especially a 300mph race car!”

Splatt first rose to prominence in late 1992 when, despite calls of protest from her male peers, she bypassed drag racing’s lower, ‘learning’ categories and jumped straight into the seat of a Top Fuel dragster to earn her racing licence.

Just a few months later in March 1993, Splatt set the drag racing world on its ear when she not only redefined the performance standards for the sport in this country with a quickest ever pass of 5.20 seconds for the standing quarter-mile at a national record-setting speed of 273 miles per hour, but for also winning the prestigious Australian National Championships on debut.

Splatt’s stunning performance earned worldwide praise and caught the attention of a major professional team in the U.S., earning her a full-time and fully sponsored drive in the Luxor Casino dragster on the lucrative NHRA drag racing tour for the 1994 season.

While there, Splatt became the first woman to crack the 300mph barrier (480km/h) with a ‘spot on’ terminal speed of 300.00mph while racing in Houston, Texas; the achievement earning her membership in the elite Slick 50 300mph Club.

“To have my name listed with some of the greats of the sport in the U.S. remains the highlight of my career; there were only 16 spots available in the club and I am the only Australian and only female member – it was something I’d never dreamed possible,” Splatt said.

Splatt says that her acceptance by her male counterparts back home changed following her historic performance.

“From the beginning I was accepted I suppose, but I was still always ‘the girl’. When I broke the 300mph barrier it all changed for the better after that.”

In 1995, Splatt returned home to set up her own team and contest the Australian Top Fuel Championship Series. She continued racing until 2000 before retiring.

In a brief, one-off appearance at the Quit Motorplex near Perth in 2003, she recorded the track’s first ever four-second pass, setting the track record to 4.96 seconds.

Splatt’s comeback will be made at the wheel of a state-of-the-art Top Fuel dragster which recently landed in Australia. The car produces approximately 7,000 horsepower and has recorded a best time of 4.57 seconds for the standing quarter-mile with a best terminal speed of 325 miles per hour (523km/h).

While a major sponsor is yet to be signed, associate sponsorship will come from Dragway Performance Engineering, Bob Jane T-Marts, Smart Aluminium, Dickies and The Creative Ones.

IHRA Points Standings After Rockingham

(4-27-2005) -- Point standings (top 10) for IHRA professional categories following the 35th annual IHRA Spring Nationals presented by Advance Auto Parts and Castrol at Rockingham Dragway, the second of 12 events in the 2005 Hooters IHRA Drag Racing Series -

Top Fuel

1. Clay Millican, 244; 2. Rick Cooper, 175; 3. Doug Foley, 161; 4. Bruce Litton, 157; 5. Louie Allison, 128; 6. Bobby Lagana Jr., 99; 7. (tie) Paul Athey, 96; Roger Dean, 96; 9. Mitch King, 85; 10. Chris Karamesines, 69.

Pro Modified

1. Quain Stott, 181; 2. Shannon Jenkins, 159; 3. Ed Hoover, 157; 4. Al Billes, 140; 5. Dennis Radford, 132; 6. Jim Halsey, 131; 7. Harold Martin, 93; 8. Eddie Ware, 90; 9. Rickie Smith, 77; 10. Charles Carpenter, 76.

Funny Car

1. Mark Thomas, 199; 2. Rob Atchison, 166; 3. Chris Foster, 132; 4. Thomas Carter, 120; 5. (tie) Terry McMillen, 113; Jim Sickles, 113; 7. Terry Munroe, 112; 8. Melinda Green-King, 97; 9. Mark Poyser, 89; 10. Tony Bogolo, 59.

Pro Stock

1. Steve Spiess, 170; 2. Daniel Seamon, 150; 3. Jerry Haas, 149; 4. Robert Patrick, 144; 5. Pete Berner, 136; 6. Brian Gahm, 130; 7. John Nobile, 114; 8. Elijah Morton, 103; 9. Frank Gugliotta, 90; 10. John Montecalvo, 89.

Who will win the JEG'S Crown?

(4-27-2005) - Seven winners of the JEG'S.com NHRA Cajun SPORTSnationals are now eyeing an even bigger and much more elusive prize – the inaugural Jeg’s Crown trophy. The seven competitors – Mike Ashley, Michael Johnson, Hugh Meeks III, Jeff Strickland, Mike Coughlin, Scotty Richardson and Sid Norwood – who shared the winner’s circle at the recently completed second annual Jegs.com NHRA Cajun SPORTSnationals at No Problem Raceway Park in Belle Rose, La, can win the Jeg’s Crown by claiming a second win at the Jeg’s Northern SPORTSnationals in Columbus, Ohio, July 28-31.

Any driver who sweeps both SPORTSnationals events can earn the Jeg’s Crown, a one-of-a-kind trophy that was handcrafted by artist Dan Dreisbach, who also works as a fabricator for Team Rahal.

Capturing the Jeg’s Crown will not be an easy task for anyone, but one driver who appears to have the best chance is Mike Ashley, the winner of the AMS Staff Leasing Pro Mod event in Belle Rose. Ashley has opened the season with three final round appearances with his Torco Race Fuels Mustang.

“First of all this is a beautiful trophy and anyone would be proud to own it,” said Ashley. “Winning one of these races is hard enough, but to win two would be extra special. Jeg’s is also a big part of our team, which makes it even more meaningful. Our team will probably do some testing in Columbus this summer; just to make sure we are prepared.”

For Super Comp champ Coughlin, the chance to win the Jeg’s Crown is especially rewarding since he is a member of the famed Coughlin family, who operate the Jeg’s Mail Order business.

“When we unveiled this trophy and saw how cool it was, we joked that it would be nice to keep it in-house,” said Coughlin, who won his first national event in more than a year when he claimed the Super Comp title in Belle Rose. “Now we have the opportunity to do just that. Winning this [Cajun SPORTSnationals] was great, but to win in Columbus, our home track, and to win the Jeg’s Crown would be the ultimate.”

Belle Rose Super Gas winner Richardson has won five NHRA national championships and has earned nearly every other major honor available to a sportsman racer during his Hall of Fame career. He agrees that the Jeg’s Crown would make a nice addition to his overstocked trophy case.

“It would be awesome to win both races and earn that trophy,” said Richardson. “Jeg’s has supported me throughout my career and in turn, I support anything that they’re involved in. I don’t race many NHRA national events anymore, but I am certainly planning to be in Columbus this summer.”

Some of the champions at the Cajun Sports Nationals, including Comp winner Johnson, Super Stock champ Meeks, and Super Street victor Norwood, weren’t initially planning to attend the Northern SPORTSnationals, but they are now modifying their summer travel plans to include a trip to National Trail Raceway.

“Anytime you’ve got an opportunity to win something this prestigious, you’ve got to go for it,” said Johnson. “We’re definitely considering a trip to Ohio now. It would be quite an honor to win both events.”

Stock winner Strickland added, “Jeg’s has gone out of their way to make these [SPORTSnationals] events special. That [Jeg’s Crown] trophy is just another example of them going the extra mile for the racers. I didn’t think about the trophy until I won this weekend, but now I’ll be gunning for it in Columbus.”

GARRETT TURBOS NAMED OFFICIAL TURBORCHARGER OF NHRA SPORT COMPACT DRAG RACING SERIES

(4-27-2005) – NHRA officials announced today that Garrett Turbos, the worldwide leader in manufacturing high performance turbochargers, has been named the Official Turbocharger for the NHRA Sport Compact Drag Racing Series.

The official marketing partnership increases Garrett’s participation in the five-year-old series. Garrett Turbos also is the primary sponsor of the Bothwell Motorsports entry driven by Ron Lummus, who set the national record for elapsed time (7.99 seconds) and speed (182.33 mph) in the Hot Rod category at the 2005 season-opener at Moroso Motorsports Park.

“We look forward to generating even more awareness and recognition for Garrett Turbos performance through this official marketing partnership with the NHRA,” said Andrew Nunn, director of Garrett Aftermarket. “We are proud to support the turbocharged sportsman competitors from the NHRA Sport Compact Drag Racing Series. We have been involved with NHRA for several years and we are certain that increasing our involvement with this official marketing program is going to provide us with a bigger platform to reach our target demographic. We believe it will have a direct impact on our sales and marketing efforts everywhere we do business.”

Autographed Racing Helmet To Be Raffled For Columbus Children's Hospital Central Ohio Pontiac Dealers Will Raise Money For Eighth Straight Year

(4-27-2005) - Race fans attending the O'Reilly Thunder Valley Nationals this weekend at Bristol Dragway, the Summit Racing Equipment Southern Nationals presented by Pontiac on May 12 - 15 at Atlanta Dragway, or the Pontiac Performance Nationals presented by Summit Racing in Columbus, Ohio, on May 19 -22, will have an opportunity to win a piece of motorsports history.

For the eighth consecutive year, the Central Ohio Pontiac dealers will raise money for the Columbus Children's Hospital by raffling a Simpson Racing helmet signed by nearly 40 NHRA racers from the NHRA POWERade tour. Fans attending the Dave Gill Pontiac-GMC NHRA Fanfest in Columbus, Ohio, on Wednesday, May 18, will also have a chance to enter the contest.

To register, contestants will donate one dollar for each entry form they submit at the Pontiac-GMC display on the NHRA Manufacturers' Midway. Special giveaways to contestants are also part of the helmet raffle. The helmet winner will be announced before the final round of the Pontiac Performance Nationals at National Trail Raceway on Sunday, May 22, and all proceeds collected from the raffle will go to the Children's Hospital. The winner does not need to be present on the day of the drawing and will have the helmet shipped to their home.

Founded in 1892, Children's Hospital, Inc. has developed into one of the largest and most sophisticated health care centers in the country, having more than 300,000 patient visits annually. Children's delivers high quality, cost effective care to all children, from newborns through age 21, regardless of patients' ability to pay. Last year, the helmet giveaway raised nearly $7,800 for Children's, a hospital recognized as one of the nation's premier pediatric care centers.

"Over the last seven years we've enjoyed raising money for Children's Hospital and have had tremendous success with this program," said Fred Simmonds, GM Group Manager for Drag Racing. "This is a great opportunity for those involved in our sport to pitch in for a good cause, and if you're a race fan, you couldn't ask for a better prize. The helmet fund raiser and drivers' visit lets us give something back to the community, to the Children's Hospital and to the kids there who are very special to us."

On Thursday, May 19, a group of GM racers will visit Children's Hospital to sign autographs and meet some of the kids and hospital staff. Warren Johnson's GM Performance Parts Pontiac Pro Stock car will also be there on display. The 41st annual Pontiac Performance Nationals presented by Summit Racing on May 19-22 is the eighth race on the 23-event NHRA POWERade Drag Racing tour.

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