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Lehman Racing Sold to Group of Investors; Kenny Koretsky, Mike Kloeber, and Clay Millican Buy Winningest Team in IHRA History

(6-9-2005) - Peter Lehman, owner of Peter Lehman Racing, LLC, sold his company to a group of investors, led by NHRA Pro Stock driver Kenny Koretsky, that includes crew chief Mike Kloeber and driver Clay Millican.

After meeting in 1997, Millican and Lehman traveled to a race in Darlington, S.C. together, and Lehman used the experience to write a college paper. The two remained friends, and in 2000 Lehman started his race team with Millican, at the time a sportsman racer, as the team's Top Fuel driver. The team has enjoyed a great deal of success ever since, winning the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) Top Fuel championship four years in a row (2001-2004), and becoming the winningest professional team in the league's history with a current total of 40 wins. Additionally, the team has raced in the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) on a part-time basis, and advanced to three final rounds in that league.

Lehman made the decision to sell the team after being presented with a leadership position in a new asset management firm. Lehman has a background in private equity investment and portfolio management, and is currently in the process of forming a new company, Gordian Investment Partners, with two partners. While he has greatly enjoyed owning the team, he did not initially expect it to be a full-time venture, and feels that it will be run more effectively by a group who can devote all of their time and attention to it.

"I have had more than five memorable years with this team," said Lehman. "Of course it is emotional for me to sell it, but I feel that I have been very successful in this venture, and that I can exit this phase of my career with a great deal of pride in the business we built. I plan to continue to help the guys out in any way that I can. I want to thank all of our sponsors for their great contribution to this team's success over the years because without their support we wouldn't have been able to accomplish all that we have."

Lehman's new venture will take an unconventional and entrepreneurial approach to investing. The company will focus on investing in generally uncultivated and inefficiently priced corporate equity and debt in both private and public enterprises. The group anticipates having in excess of $100 million of capital to invest by the end of the first quarter of 2006.

With the sale of Lehman Racing, nearly all aspects of the team will remain the same, including the crew, driver, and race schedule. The team's race shop will remain in Atoka, Tenn., while Kloeber will continue to reside in Washington state and Koretsky will run his end of the operation from Pennsylvania. Lehman will continue to assist the team throughout the transition with the new owners, as well as with the marketing and sales aspects of the business.

"I feel like I am leaving the team in good hands. Kenny Koretsky is an amazing businessman and entrepreneur, and is more than capable of stepping into my shoes as the financial and strategic leader of the team," said Lehman. "And, of course, Mike, Clay, and our guys are the best in the business. They'll have no trouble."

Koretsky, the lead investor in the group who bought Lehman Racing, has been involved in drag racing for over 30 years, and is very familiar with the workings of a top race team. In addition to driving Pro Stock cars on the NHRA circuit, Koretsky is the President and CEO of KPK Development, a real estate investment firm. He has also raced Top Fuel, and became the first-ever driver to qualify a Top Fuel dragster and Pro Stock car at the same event at the NHRA national event in Phoenix in 1989.

COMP Cams® “Summer of Performance” Giveaway Is Here

(6-9-2005) - If you like free stuff, COMP Cams® has just want you want to make summer more fun than ever with their “Summer of Performance” Giveaway. In the months of June, July and August, one lucky participant will win a $100 product certificate good for any COMP Cams® product. In addition, five others entrants will win COMP Cams® T-Shirt and hat packages. The Grand Price drawing September 1, 2005 will award a $500 product certificate to the winner, drawn at random. At that time, a drawing for two additional prizes, a $250 certificate and a COMP Cams® jacket, will also take place.

To enter the COMP Cams® “Summer of Performance” Giveaway, entrants simply complete a registration form which is available online. Participants can only enter once and all forms must be received at the COMP Cams® headquarters in Memphis, TN no later than August 31 to qualify for the Grand Prize drawing.

For more information and contest rules as well as to enter the COMP Cams® "Summer of Performance" Giveaway, go online at www.compcams.com.

Anderson leads Pro Stock racers in search of big bucks in King Demon Crown

(6-9-2005) - Defending event winner Greg Anderson will lead the King Demon Crown field as the No. 1 seed for the lucrative special event June 11 during the eighth annual CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Nationals at Route 66 Raceway.

A purse of $76,000 is available for the eight drivers competing in the King Demon Crown. The winner of the 21st annual King Demon Crown will earn $50,000. The runner-up will earn $10,000, the two semifinalists $3,000 each, and the four first-round finishers $2,500 apiece.

Anderson, from Charlotte, N.C., qualified No. 1 at 12 of the 25 NHRA national events that drivers could earn King Demon Crown points. It is Anderson's third career appearance in the Duel.

The $151,000 King Demon Crown showcases the eight best Pro Stock qualifiers during a 25 race span between the 2004 CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Nationals in Joliet, Ill., and 2005 O'Reilly NHRA Summer Nationals at Heartland Park Topeka. Besides the $76,000 available in the King Demon Crown, bonuses of $75,000 were paid to quick Pro Stock qualifiers throughout the 25-race King Demon Crown series.

Drivers accumulated points during qualifying at those events, and a $3,000 bonus was awarded to the No. 1 qualifier at each race.

This year's King Demon Crown field features four past winners, two rookies and two former event runners-up. Anderson, will face three-time winner Kurt Johnson in the first round. King Demon Crown rookies Jason Line and Ken Koretsky will battle in the first round; while former multi-time winners Jeg Coughlin and Larry Morgan also will square off in the first round. In the last pairing, last year's runner-up, Dave Connolly, will meet Mike Edwards, who has posted runner-up efforts at the bonus event in 2002 and 1997.

King Demon Crown rounds are scheduled for 11:30 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. on June 11.

2005 KING DEMON CROWN FINAL STANDINGS
1. Greg Anderson, Jacksonville, N.C., Summit Racing Pontiac 3,990
2. Jason Line, Terrell, N.C., KB Framers Pontiac 3,600
3. Larry Morgan, Newark, Ohio, zMax Dodge Stratus R/T 3,435
4. Dave Connolly, Elyria, Ohio, Bullet Motorsports Chevy Cavalier 3,240
5. Mike Edwards, Broken Arrow, Okla., Young Life Pontiac Grand Am 3,080
6. Jeg Coughlin, Columbus, Ohio, Jeg's Mail Order Dodge Stratus R/T 2,955
7. Ken Koretsky, Richboro, Pa., Nitro Fish Wear Dodge Stratus R/T 2,880
8. Kurt Johnson, Lawrenceville, Ga., ACDelco Chevy Cavalier 2,730

2005 KING DEMON CROWN ROUND PAIRINGS
FIRST ROUND (11:30 p.m.): Anderson vs. Johnson; Line vs. Koretsky; Morgan vs. Coughlin; Connolly vs. Edwards.
SEMIFINALS (3 p.m.): Anderson-Johnson winner vs. Connolly-Edwards winner; Line-Koretsky winner vs. Morgan-Coughlin winner.
FINAL (4:30 p.m.)

Ashley Looks to Raise Score to Four

(6-9-2005) — There are two ways to look at Mike Ashley’s early season performance on the AMS Staff Leasing Pro Mod Challenge presented by TLR tour. On the one hand, Ashley has been dominant enough that perhaps it’s not too early to begin engraving the championship trophy; on the other hand, though, the season is only one-third complete and there’s still plenty of time to knock him down a few pegs.

For those drivers and teams looking to get back into the AMS/TLR Cup championship race, there will no time like the present to begin implementing the second scenario. This weekend’s CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Nationals at Route 66 Raceway is the sixth of 14 events on the 2005 AMS/TLR schedule and the first of a three-week stretch of consecutive Pro Mod Challenge events.

Ashley and the Torco Race Fuels team have been nothing short of remarkable in the first third of the season. Ashley has driven his blown ’67 Mustang into the final round at four of the five events to date, has won three of those — consecutively, no less — has compiled a 16-2 record in eliminations, and has jumped out to a commanding 680-point lead in the AMS/TLR Cup points race. He enters the CARQUEST Nationals on a record-tying three-event and record-breaking 12-round winning streak, and will be looking to extend both of those marks when Pro Mod racing gets under way with two qualifying sessions Friday.

“This is the best I’ve ever run; Chuck [crew chief Chuck Ford] and I and the whole team have put a lot into this season, and so far it shows,” Ashley said after winning in Bristol, the most recent AMS/TLR event. “But we don’t have any illusions. In this game, you can go from zero to hero and back to zero overnight.

“We’ve been very consistent and very strong so far. But the season’s still early — there’s a lot of races left and a lot of good teams out there.”

Shannon Jenkins is the only other driver in the five-year history of the Pro Mod Challenge to win three consecutive events, having turned the trick in 2002 (Madison, Indianapolis, and Memphis). Jenkins’ streak, though, came in eight-car fields and ended with nine straight round-wins; Ashley’s streak has come in 16-car fields and includes 12 consecutive round-wins.

Summit Racing Equipment and NHRA Pro Stock
Rookie of the Year Jason Line Ink a Full Sponsorship Deal

(6-9-2005) - Summit Racing Equipment, primary sponsor of two-time NHRA Pro Stock Champion Greg Anderson, has further strengthened its presence in NHRA POWERade drag racing by signing 2004 NHRA Rookie of the Year Jason Line to a full sponsorship.

Line, who had Summit Racing associate sponsorship since June 2004, will
begin competing under full Summit Racing Equipment sponsorship this weekend
at the Carquest Auto Parts NHRA Nationals. "I couldn't be more proud to be
associated with a company like Summit Racing Equipment," Line said. "We've
been looking for a sponsorship deal for quite some time, and it's nice to
know we've secured one with a company that's as well-respected as Summit
Racing."

Since making his NHRA Pro Stock debut midway through 2003, Line has posted
11 final round appearances and five event wins, including a 2005 victory at
the Mac Tools Gatornationals in Gainesville, Florida. In 2004, he finished
second in NHRA POWERade Series Pro Stock points and was named NHRA Rookie of
the Year. He currently sits in fourth place in the Pro Stock points
standings.

"Jason has proven to be a successful racer and a great representative for
the sport of drag racing," Summit Racing Equipment Manager of Motorsports
and Events Kirk Heinbuch said. "We're excited to help Jason and the entire
Ken Black/KB Racing team take their program to the next level."

That's Just Sweet

(6-8-2005) - Here's the first look at the new scheme soon to adorn the Evan Knoll-owned, Dave Connolly-driven Cobalt. (Rod Burke Design)

ADAMS NAMED NHRA NORTHWEST DIVISION DIRECTOR

(6-8-2005) - Jonathan Adams has been named NHRA Northwest Division Director (Div. 6), it was announced today by Graham Light, NHRA senior vice president for race operations.

In his new position, Adams, 28, will manage the competition at the 19 NHRA-member facilities in the Northwest Division, which includes tracks located in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington and the Canadian provinces of Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan. Among his responsibilities include coordination of NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing
Series divisional and national events and NHRA Summit Racing Series events. In addition, he will provide consultation to track operators at all NHRA-member facilities in the division as well as supervise the development of new race track activity.

"Jonathan's knowledge in promoting and organizing events will ensure continued success in the Northwest Division," Light said. "His experience in a variety of different areas in drag racing, including race operations, media relations, safety and sales and marketing makes him a highly qualified candidate for the position."

Adams spent the last nine years working in operations at Woodburn Dragstrip near Portland, Ore. Since Aug. 1999 he also has been a contract employee of NHRA, working as a certification specialist in Div. 6.

"I can't wait to get started," Adams said. "I have lived in the
Northwest my entire life, so it's an honor for me to become the next Director of the Northwest Division. I am confident that I can pick up where Mike Rice left off, and continue to expand and improve Division 6. I hope to make the NHRA experience more enjoyable for everyone in Division 6 -- competitors, sponsors, track operators and fans."

Headquartered in Glendora, Calif., the NHRA is the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States. It presents 23 national events through its NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. The NHRA has 80,000 members and 140 member tracks. The NHRA-sanctioned sportsman and bracket racing series' provide competition opportunities for drivers of all levels. The NHRA develops the stars of tomorrow by offering the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, NHRA Xplod Sport Compact Racing
Series, NHRA Summit Racing Series, and the NHRA Street Legal Program.

The NHRA also offers the NHRA O'Reilly Auto Parts Jr. Drag Racing League for youths ages 8 to 17

Hernandez Has Plans for Record Runs in Joliet

(6-8-2005) - With an impressive final-round appearance at his last drag racing event, Joshua Hernandez, driver of Tommy Lipar Racing's supercharged 1957 Chevy, is extremely confident about his scheduled performance in the 8th Annual CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Nationals at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, IL, this weekend.

"I have no doubt that the Dr. Moon's Rage car can perform quickly and consistently this weekend," Hernandez said.

"Howard [Moon, crew chief] had things so dialed-in when we raced in Georgia a couple of weeks ago – he was almost psychic in the way he could read what the track would hold and then make the car fly. We ran incredibly consistently – and it got us to the final round. I was disappointed we didn’t get the win there, but we are always advancing and learning. That ADRL race was just another step in our season, working our way to more and more successes.

"I’ve said it before – for me, racing is all about competition, and I know you don't always come out on top," Hernandez explained. "This team is the very best, and I know that the Chicago track is awesome, so, we’re looking forward to some really impressive numbers."

Hernandez and the Century Asphalt Materials-sponsored team has had great success this year, winning the NHRA O'Reilly Spring Nationals in Houston at the beginning of the year, earning runner-up honors at Valdosta, Georgia, in the ADRL Dragpalooza, and qualifying strongly at every other event this season.

"This track is always in great shape, and if the weather holds out, I know we’ll see some record runs in just about every class," Hernandez said.

Along with the exciting AMS/TLR Pro Modified Challenge, the CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Nationals features professional drag racing in Top-Fuel, Nitro Funny Car, Pro Stock, and Pro Stock Motorcycle, as well as sportsman contests in Top Alcohol Dragster and Funny Car, Competition Eliminator, Super Gas, Super Stock and Stock classes.

AMS Pro Mod qualifying is scheduled on Friday, June 10 at 3:00 p.m. and again at 6:30 p.m. The final qualifying session is slated for Saturday, June 11 at 1:30 p.m., and the first round of eliminations is scheduled for and 5:00 p.m. Final eliminations commence on Sunday at 11:00 a.m. and run throughout the day.

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

Competition Products to Back Hartman Motorsports in Joliet

(6-8-2005) - Competition Products, a division of Howards Cams, will be sponsoring the Hartman Motorsports Top Fuel Dragster, driven by John Smith, this weekend in Joliet, IL for the CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Nationals.

Competition Products, which is located in Oshkosh, WI, was started in 1972 by Steve Mugerauer, himself an avid racer, to supply fellow racers with quality parts at reasonable prices. From its startup shop of 1200 sq. ft. and three employees, it has grown to a modern distribution and production facility with over 50 employees.

Today Competition Products continues to provide its customers with quality parts and reasonable prices, handling and selling over 200 product lines, while continuing to provide each customer with personalized service. For more information, visit their website at: www.competitionproducts.com

“We are pleased to have Competition Products come on board this weekend and we look forward to a great event,” added Team Owner, Virgil Hartman. “Howards Cams has been associated with our team for several years and this is an extension of our relationship.”

You Don't Want to Miss This - Scelzi vs. Force

(6-8-2005) - On Friday, June 10, in the Scot Weis pits at the CARQUEST NHRA Nationals at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Ill., three-time Top Fuel champion Gary Scelzi and 13-time Funny Car champ John Force will face-off on Rik Anthony's Back in the Pits radio show.

If you've never seen this pair interact, you've missed a hilarious show. The quips will fly fast and furiously between these two fierce competitors and friendly rivals. Let's hope that Rik Anthony has a bleep button.

We'll see if Scelzi calls Force Sea Biscuit again, which he meant as a compliment in Topeka.

"If he didn't like the name Sea Biscuit he's really not going to like the name I'm going to give him on this show," laughed Scelzi, who drives the Mopar/Oakley Dodge Stratus Funny Car for Don Schumacher Racing.

"I called him Sea Biscuit in Topeka, because he rises to the occasion. He is always there, he always cuts his best light when he needs to do it, the car runs well when it needs to do it. I meant is as a compliment. He thought I meant that he was an old horse that should be put out to pasture."

Mohegan Sun Top Fuel team welcomes winners from March of Dimes charity event

(6-8-2005) - In November of 2004, the Mohegan Sun Top Fuel dragster, owned by Grant Flowers and driven by Paul Athey, was displayed at the Gourmet Gala in Hartford, CT, which was a benefit for the March of Dimes.

A trip to the IHRA race of choice was the prize bid on and won by Leigh-Anne Lefurge (all proceeds from the event went to the March of Dimes).

She chose the Mopar Canadian Nationals and will be accompanied by her husband, parents and a few friends. As a first-timer coming to a national event, the team will make sure it is an unforgettable experience by placing Leigh-Anne right up on the starting line during Saturday qualifying.

Coming into this race the team sits 7th in the Hooters IHRA national points standings and looking to move up. The team feels confident that it is very close on the tune-up as the early numbers were on target in Virginia. A ruptured fuel tank was the culprit in the first round loss to Doug Foley in that race. It ruptured a few hundred feet down track and sprayed fuel all over dirver Paul Athey who not only couldn't see, but was also busy keeping the car under control as it went very sideways during that run. The car had posted .870 sixty foot times and is making plenty of power which had not been the case in Rockingham where ignition gremlins were around.

"We are looking forward to Grand Bend as it is a great facility and the weather usually creates great racing conditions. The fans are diehard up there, too, so hopefully we can put down our first 300MPH run up there and put on a great show." stated Paul. "We are hungry to compete and start going rounds with this Top Fuel deal."

For more information on the team you can visit www.paulathey.com or send an e-mail to mohegansunracing@yahoo.com. For info on the March of Dimes, please visit www.marchofdimes.com

Ken Johnson Update

(6-8-2005) - Jackie Bryce has issued the following information regarding the condition of Ken Johnson who was serious injured in a freak accident on Saturday, June 4.

I visited Ken yesterday along with George Smith (G Squared Motorsports partner with George Bryce), who flew in from Wisconsin to visit him. Ken has been moved to a room out of the intensive care unit. This is a good sign. Other than his leg, he is without a scratch. The artery repair and 6 units of blood he received were a success.

The bad news is that his left knee has been severely damaged. At the initial time of impact the knee was bent backwards (in the opposite direction the knee normally functions). This action tore the femoral artery, muscles, and ligaments causing the nerves to stretch before the internal trauma and pressure to the knee caused the skin on the back side of his leg to tear (open wound). His leg went without circulation for about 4-1/2 hours. He's heavily sedated and receiving continuous IV’s while he builds up enough strength for them (doctors) to go back into the open knee and leg wound and clean it out. This is tentatively scheduled to happen as early as Wednesday.

Jackie also asked that concerned friends and fans NOT send flowers. While his insurance will cover a large portion of medical expenses, there will still remain medical expenses that are not covered and this amount will most likely be sizable.

She suggests if you want to help Ken and his wife Kassi that, in lieu of flowers, you send a card and a financial donation to Ken and Kassi to cover the expected large expense that will be needed above his insurance to insure a complete recovery for Ken.

Jackie feels that this support will be more meaningful and truly more helpful to Ken and Kassi than you might expect. All cards can be sent to Ken Johnson, c/o Star Racing, P.O. Box 1241, Americus, GA 31709. Jackie, Ruth and the entire gang at Star Racing and G Squared Motorsports will make sure that Ken and Kassi receive each and everyone of your cards.

A Legend Has Passed - Carrier Family announces the passing of Larry Carrier

(6-7-2005) - The family of Larry Carrier sadly announces the passing of Mr. Larry Carrier, of Bluff City, TN who died peacefully, with wife Shirley by his side, on Tuesday morning, June 7, 2005. Larry Carrier is the father of Andy and Mark Carrier, the owners of Carrier Boyz Racing.

Funeral services have been scheduled for 8 pm on Thursday, June 9, 2005 at the First Baptist Church in Blountville, TN at 3358 Highway 126, Blountville, TN, with Dr. Clay Austin officiating. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 5-7:45 p.m. prior to the service.

Burial services will be held on 11:00 AM Friday in Glenwood Cemetery (Old Bluff City Hwy).

Those desiring may make memorials to the Haven of Rest Rescue Mission at 624 Anderson Street, Bristol, TN 37620, phone: 423-968-2011.

Condolences to the family may be made online at www.weaverfuneralhome.net

Weaver Funeral Home in Bristol, TN, (423)968-2111, is in charge of arrangements.

Weaver Funeral Home
Obituary Information
630 Locust Street
Bristol, TN 37620
(423)968-2111
(423)968-5475 Fax

Larry Carrier

Larry Carrier, age 82, of Bluff City, TN, best known for the building of Bristol International Raceway, went to be with the Lord, on Tuesday, June 7, 2005, after a long illness. His personal philosophy of “putting back” made a significant difference in the quality of life in the Tri-Cities Tennessee/Virginia Region. His keen sense of business and his deep-rooted Christian family values resulted in phenomenal success in a variety of business ventures.

Born and raised in Bristol, TN, he was the son of the late Hugh and Bessie Offield Carrier. Larry graduated from Tennessee High School and attended King College. As a successful contractor in the 1950’s and 1960’s he built several subdivisions and commercial properties and was chosen “Builder of the South” by the Southern Pine Bureau, but the best was yet to come.

He, along with partners Carl Moore and R. G. Pope, built Bristol International Speedway in 1960. With the first NASCAR sanctioned race held in 1961 their unparalleled vision became a reality. After selling the track and with approval from NASCAR, with whom Larry had a close relationship, he was able to repurchase the facility from businessman Warner Hodgdon in 1985, while it was mired in bankruptcy. Larry worked tirelessly to bring the race track back to prominence, and for five years in a row it was named “Track of the Year” by ESPN and was, and still is, consistently voted the fans’ favorite NASCAR race track. Larry sold the race track in 1996 at the age of 74.

Among Larry’s other business ventures was Larry’s Lane Bowling Alley, now Belmont Lanes, and he was the founder of the World Boxing Federation. The World Boxing Federation went on to sanction events in 48 foreign countries with offices in London and Melbourne, Australia.

He was also founder of the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA). His sons, Mark and Andy, now own a Top Fuel team (Carrier Boyz Racing) which competes on the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) POWERade Drag Racing Series. Larry was also instrumental in putting racing “on the map” by introducing R.J. Reynolds to drag racing, ESPN to drag racing, and ESPN to NASCAR. He was the innovator of the promotion of night racing, giving ESPN the exclusive rights to televised Bristol’s night race for nearly nothing for several years. He said if fans watched it on TV, they’d come to Bristol to see racing in person and he was right. Larry was inducted into the Drag Racing Hall of Fame.

He was honored and recognized as an outstanding citizen by the state of TN in 1990 for his achievements in stock car racing. Larry was the first inductee into the Citizens Hall of Fame in 1991, and would later become a member of both the East Tennessee Hall of Fame and the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.

He had a love for horses which grew from a hobby to become another business venture. He had several World Champion Horses, and was deeply involved with the horse industry for many years.

He was an honored member of Who’s Who Worldwide and listed in the Who’s Who Registry of Global Business Leaders. He owned All American Campground in Bluff City, TN and Tri-Cities Golf Club in Blountville, TN.

In addition to his many business ventures, he had a strong commitment to the community and its young people. He organized boys boxing clubs in the region with a program “Winning in Life – Not Just the Ring.”

Larry was one of the original founders of the Bristol Rescue Mission, served his country in the United States Army and was a member of First Baptist Church of Blountville, TN. He also served on the Bristol Tennessee Electric System’s Board.

He is survived by his wife – Shirley Ingle Carrier
Daughter – Carolyn Carrier of East Bend, NC
Sons – Larry Carrier, Jr. of Atlanta, GA
Mark I. Carrier and wife Sherry of Johnson City, TN
Andy Carrier of Blountville, TN
Grandchildren – David Freeman, Bret Carrier, and Mackenzie Carrier
Proceeded in death by a brother – Carmack Carrier.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 9, 2005 at 8:00 pm in the First Baptist Church of Blountville, 3358 Hwy 126, Blountville, TN, with Dr. Clay Austin officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service on Thursday, June 9, 2005 from 5:00 to 7:45 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Blountville.

Committal services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 10, 2005 in Glenwood Cemetery.

Pallbearers include: Wayne Stophel, Mike Belcher, Ron Scalf, Buddy Talbert, Gary Mitchell, and Ted Jones. Honorary pallbearers will include former and present employees & Friends of the Family.

Those desiring may make memorials to the Haven of Rest Rescue Mission at 624 Anderson Street, Bristol, TN 37620.

Gotham City Goes Nitro; Pro Modified Champion Mike Ashley plans to go Nitro Funny Car Racing

(6-7-2005) - NHRA AMS Pro Modified Champion Mike Ashley dropped a nitro bombshell by announcing today that he and Torco Race Fuels President Evan Knoll will debut a themed “Nitro Attitude” Funny Car during the 51st annual Mac Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis. The program will commemorate the 10th year anniversary of Knoll’s Torco Race Fuels product line. Plans are for Ashley, a New York mortgage banker, to drive a third Funny Car within Del Worsham’s Checker, Shucks & Kragen operation.

Ashley’s decision fulfills a lifetime dream to compete in the nitro ranks.

“Everybody aspires to rise to the top of their game,” Ashley said. “In drag racing I believe the Nitro Ranks is the top of the game.” I am just appreciative that Evan Knoll has the faith in me to pull this off. I am committed to working hard to learn to drive one of these cars. “I respect the power and potential of a funny car and intend on taking my time before going 330 mph.

“I want to be clear that I am committed to my Pro Mod Career. I think the class is great and my priority remains to stay focused on defending our championship. Pro Mod is in my future for the long term. I’ll drive two cars and have twice the fun.

“No matter what…we want to compete to win. I know this is a tall order but I believe aligning ourselves with the Worshams was a step in the winning direction.”

Knoll’s remains as excited about the new venture as Ashley is.

“We are having a lot of fun,” Knoll said. “The bottom line is if Mike wasn’t part of this, we wouldn’t have this opportunity. I am very excited. Mike Ashley represents the image we want to convey. This is going to be awesome.”

Ashley sees this as a great opportunity to gain exposure for Torco Race Fuels and their new Torco Skull Gear line.

“From a personal perspective, I am thrilled beyond belief,” Ashley added. “From a business perspective, I see the potential for great sponsor exposure in NHRA POWERade Funny Car through their incredible television package and tremendous promotions.

“The NHRA provides the big stage of exposure for Torco Race Fuels and their new Torco Skull Gear. This clothing line is way out of the box awesome. There’s a huge opportunity to gain a great return on investment.”

The initial program is for three events beginning in Indianapolis with stops in Dallas and Las Vegas. Talks continue surrounding a limited tour in 2006.

Ashley will begin licensing procedures on the Monday following this weekend’s NHRA CARQUEST Auto Parts Nationals at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Ill.

Ashley currently leads the NHRA AMS Pro Modified point standings after five events. The Torco race Fuels-sponsored driver has appeared in four final round emerging victorious in three.

World Record and $10,000 Up For Grabs at Winternationals

(6-7-2005) - There’s now added incentive in becoming the first drag racer in the sport to claim a class-legal five-second pass in Top Doorslammer during Willowbank Raceway’s Winternationals on June 10-12.

Repeating an offer he made at the recent Nitro Champs event in Sydney, businessman ‘Deno’ Brijeski of Deno’s Cranes has again offered up a cash bonus of $10,000 to the first driver to break the five-second barrier, all in the name of ensuring the best spectacle money can buy in Australian motorsports.

There's no doubting his motivations and as was seen in Sydney the charitable incentive is definitely gaining the attention of all the top-line competitors.

Add to the mix the fact that the Willowbank Raceway surface is regarded as the quickest in the country, and all variables point towards a great Winternationals carnival during the Queen's Birthday long weekend.

"The bonus is simply to encourage everyone to run as hard as possible and the biggest benefactors will be the fans, who I'm sure will turn out in droves for the Winternationals," said Brijeski.

"I've only just completed my licensing for Top Doorslammer, so I'm definitely under no illusions that I'm a contender in the race for the elusive five-second mark.

"The Top Doorslammer is one animal of a car! I'd previously been racing my EK Ute in the Super Sedan bracket with some successes and admit I was a little bit cocky prior to getting behind the controls of the Top Doorslammer. But after a few passes and some hair raising experiences during licensing, I've learned to respect the power and excitement of these magnificent machines."

A two-vehicle Group One assault out on the strip will underline Brijeski's involvement in the Winternationals.

He'll personally campaign his Top Doorslammer, while fellow racer, Brisbane's Mark Brew, will take charge of a Funny Car in the Deno's Cranes-sponsored Top Alcohol category.

"Right across the board in Top Doorslammer it's hard to go past current national E.T record holder and two-time champion Ben Bray as the favourite to break into the five's for the first time," added Brijeski. "He's young and ambitious, plus I'm sure he's learning plenty through driving his funny car in Top Alcohol.

"But there are a bunch of blokes out there who've put together some exceptional packages for the event. Peter Kapiris is one guy who I think is capable, as is Steve Stanic on the back end of his current national speed record.

"But for me the most successful Winternationals will be one where everyone gets down the track without hitting anything. After all, in this game it's all about having fun and if we can see one of the heavyweights of the sport break a couple of records in the process then it's all the better in the long run for Australian drag racing.

OLLIE GOES PUBLIC!

(6-7-2005) - For many years, a “secret” resource for a number of racers has been Ollie’s Machine Works, where veteran automotive machinist Ollie Hellert did cylinder head and block prepping in a shop behind his house.

But growth, and the addition of a SuperFlow X-Test 2000 horsepower engine dyno, has prompted Ollie to “go public” and open a commercial facility in Van Nuys, CA.

Hellert's background includes stints working for Ed Pink, Air Flow Research, Dick Landy and Bob Lambeck, plus crewing for the likes of Pat Foster, Kenny Bernstein and Shirley Muldowney.

The official Open House was held this past weekend, June 4, with some of Ollie's customers putting their cars on display. They included Jim DeFrank’s torrid SS/AA Hemi-Cuda (with Joe Allread power), Jed Bourquin¹s Super Gasser, and Tom Abbott¹s C.I.F.C.A. flopper, plus a variety of machines from other motorsports venues.

Ollie's Machine Works is located at 7540 Valjean Ave. in Van Nuys, and can be reached at: 818-785-7964.

Night of Fire Benefit Draws Giant Crowd and Raises Seven Thousand for Bailey

(6-7-2005) - The Night of Fire benefit for Bailey Santana was a huge success as thousands of people from around the state of Oregon literally crammed in to the Albertsons and Rite Aid parking lot June 3rd for perhaps one of Salem's biggest automotive spectacles in recent memory.

Over $7,000 dollars was raised in only five hours and over 180 show cars and race cars registered. The parking lot was near capacity even before the event officially began and
some of the cars on display were double parked while some spectators parked on side streets and nearby parking lots.

The well-publicized event drew a wide spectrum of spectators from car enthusiasts to families. Even a representative from the Governor's office
showed up to make a donation!

Among the people there to help were Les and Mason McIllney. Mason was the beneficiary of the Hot Rods for Mason Event. Les and Mason both thanked the crowd for their help when they were in the came position as Bailey three years ago. Now Mason is cancer free.

One of the most touching moments came when a Mustang restored for Bailey rolled in midway through the event. Bailey's Aunt got Bailey on a speaker phone and the whole crowd yelled "hello Bailey!''. Bailey replied from her hospital bed "hello! I love you all!"

The finale of the event was the jet Funny Car owned by Richard Smith. Just as advertised, the jet roared to life and put on a spectacular fire show that will be talked about for year to come.

Out of Nowhere He Bought the Bullet

(6-6-2005) - Torco's CompetitionPlus.com has just learned that Torco Race Fuels President and owner Evan Knoll has purchased the Bullet Motorsports Pro Stock team of Mike Dzurilla. We've also heard that Brian Olson has been hired as the team's manager. Initial backing comes from Torco Race Fuels & Gear. This team will run under the Knoll Gas Motorsports umbrella.

A call to Knoll's office confirmed the deal had been signed and completed. An excited Knoll offered, "I am honored to be able to purchase the Bullet Motorsports team that Mike Dzurilla has started. This is a first-class operation and with Brian Olson overseeing the Pro Stock team, we have every intention of challenging for the world championship.

"I thought to myself 'there's no way on God's green earth that I could let this team sit out with Dave Connolly and the entire Pro Stock team challenging for the title.' Everything will stay the same; employees, Grumpy Jenkins power and the same enthusiasm.

We will bring the car out in Joliet and we have every intention of going for the Barry Grant King Demon crown. I want to repeat this...nothing is changing on this team. This is a championship team and I've learned if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

"I want to say thanks to the Carrier Boyz, Mark and Andy, for recommending this team to me. I want to thank them personally for keeping this team a championship contender. Without them, it would not have happened."

The team will complete the 23-race POWERade tour and from what we've hearing, look for some cross-promotions with the Carrier Boyz team.

CAPPS TO JOIN NASCAR DRIVERS ON ELDORA'S DIRT

(6-6-2005) - Ron Capps, who drives the Brut Dodge Stratus Funny Car for Don Schumacher Racing in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series and will do so this weekend at the CARQUEST NHRA Nationals at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Ill., will make a side trip to Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio, on Wednesday, June 8, to run the Nextel Prelude to the Dream.

Capps, of Carlsbad, Calif., will join NASCAR stars Tony Stewart, Matt Kenseth, Bobby Labonte, Kevin Harvick, Dave Blaney, Kenny Schrader, Kyle Petty, Kenny Wallace, Jeff Green, Mike Wallace, as well as World of Outlaws'
Danny Lasoski, and the legendary Red Farmer, in dirt Super Late Model cars in this inaugural promotional event on the one-half-mile clay oval.

A brief practice session will acclimate the Prelude drivers to their assigned Late Models prior to taking single-lap qualifying runs to determine their placement in one of two preliminary heat races. Those finishing positions will then be used for placement in the Prelude finale, as the "stars" will be racing against each other for bragging rights.

"I grew up loving dirt racing, so Eldora is kind of the holy grail of dirt tracks," said Capps, who is sixth in NHRA Funny Car points after nine races. "It's one of the, if not THE most prestigious dirt tracks in the country.

"This event is kind of like an IROC race," added Capps, 39, who tested for the IROC series in 2003, "because they're all identical dirt cars. And, as a drag racer, to be invited to race with the likes of Harvick, Kenseth, Stewart and Kyle Petty, and even the legendary Red Farmer, is quite an honor. Racing against them will be a great experience.

"It's going to be a serious race. Those guys don't like to lose. So, it's not just a fun deal; it'll be a pretty serious race. But it's also going to be a lot of fun.

"I met a few of these drivers when I went IROC testing. They're all great guys and it's really cool that they are big drag-racing fans. When I was in Talladega testing for IROC a lot of them came up and said they've been watching what I do in drag racing, and that is a big compliment.

"But I'm sure that if I get in front of one of them in the race, they're not going to hesitate to remind me that I'm a drag racer."

Gates for the sold-out Nextel Prelude to the Dream open at 3:30 p.m., with the first round of practice slated for 6:30 and the racing set to take the green flag at 8:00 PM.

LOCAL HERO SET FOR BIGGEST-EVER WINTERNATIONALS

(6-6-2005) - Willowbank Raceway is set for one of Queensland's premier sporting events when it hosts the 38th annual Winternationals Drag Racing Championship from June 10-12.

As the pinnacle event in the Australian Drag Racing calendar and the final round of the National Championship, the Winternationals is expecting to attract up to 50,000 motorsports fans with over 550 race teams entered from across Australia and New Zealand.

One of the star attractions is Jack Daniel’s Racing’s Brett ‘The Boss’ Stevens who will be competing in an incredible three Group One categories (Top Doorslammer, Top Fuel Bike and Top Alcohol).

This time last year Stevens was crowned Australian Top Doorslammer Champion but this year will swap that over the Australian Top Fuel Motorcycle title after dominating the category throughout the season.

With an untouchable lead coming into the event on his 800 horsepower Nitro Harley in Top Bike, the Brisbane-based professional Drag Racer will pick up an unprecedented two titles in two years in two different Group One brackets.

Despite having already wrapped up the Top Bike Championship, Stevens can still move up the points ladder in Top Doorslammer and Top Alcohol and is focused on finishing off the season strongly by taking out the prestigious event in front of his home crowd.

“The Australian Winternationals is up there with the best Drag Racing events not just in Australia, but the world,” Stevens said. “To make things even better they are held at my home track, Willowbank Raceway, in front of my home crowd!

“I may have already won the Top Bike title but there are still plenty of points up for grabs in Top Doorslammer and Top Alcohol and I’d love to finish off the season as high in the points as possible in all the brackets I compete.

“To win the Winters would be second only to a National Championship for most Drag Racers so you can expect everyone to be doing their best to take home the Gold Christmas Trees, including me.”

As well as racing over the weekend, Stevens will also be concluding his personal quest to raise $100,000 for the Kids With Cancer Foundation Australia.

Beginning around 10 weeks ago, Stevens made the promise to cut off the most recognised hairstyle in Australian motorsports, his 20-year-old ponytail, on the startline of the Winternationals if the target could be reached.

“The support we have been shown so far is great but we are still a little short of the target and there is nothing I would rather do than chop my hair off for the children.”

“I would even go as far to say that my number one goal for the Winternationals weekend is to reach the $100,000 so please everyone dig deep and help me help the kids.”

“$100 sponsorships are still available that will get you a ticket to Winternationals Finals Day and donations can be made right up until the end on the 12th June.”

Another Queenslander, teammate Troy McLean, will also be looking at producing good times over the weekend in pursuit of his first Winternationals title as he pilots the team’s second Jack Daniel’s Nitro Harley.

A certainty to finish runner up to ‘The Boss’ in the Australian Top Bike Championship, McLean has shown throughout the year that he is a leading contender by resetting the Australian Harley Davidson ET (Elapsed Time) record on three separate occasions to currently hold it at 6.67 seconds for the quarter mile.

“It has been a fantastic year for the team and our times just keep getting quicker and quicker,” McLean said.

“The bikes have been great and every time we hit the track there is a chance that one of us will set another record”.

“We will be going all out again at the Winters so you can expect some good times”.

For thrill seeking fans the Winternationals is the ultimate rev-head heaven with three, twelve hour days jam packed with 7000 horsepower cars reaching speeds of up to 500 km/hr in just four seconds from a standing start; and motorcycles travelling around 340 km/hr over the quarter mile.

Friday 10th June: Qualifying 9:00am – 9:00pm
Saturday 11th June: Qualifying 9:00am – 9:00pm
Sunday 12th June: Racing 9:00am with feature racing from 3:00pm

TOP ALCOHOL FEMALE DRAG RACER ENCOURAGES SOROPTIMISTS TO BECOME MENTORS

(6-6-2005) - Hillary Will, 25, driver for Girl Power Racing, delivered a motivational speech to the Soroptimist International of Humboldt Bay at the Woodley Island Marina in Eureka, CA. Will spoke to thirty members of the professional women’s group and called upon them to reach out to young people in the community and to become mentors. “Look around you and find another person that needs a little push or some encouragement.”

Will called upon her life experiences as a NHRA female drag racer competing in a sport dominated by men, to encourage the Soroptimist members to reach out to youth, emphasizing how important mentors have been in her life. “A lot of young people have big dreams but sometimes fear can stop them from achieving their goals,” Will said to the group. “We need to encourage kids to share their dreams with us, rise above their fears, and then we can help them get to where they want to go.”

Will believes the Soroptimist women are in a great position to help young people. The Soroptimists are a group of professional and business women who actively participate in projects that are both fun and beneficial to the community. Their motto is “Making Dreams Come True for Women and Girls.”

Will acts as a mentor to young people by giving motivational talks at different cities where she races. “I have young kids and adults approach me often saying that when they see me drive my 270 MPH dragster, it inspires them. It was hard for me to come to the realization that racing and doing what I love motivates and inspires people; I want to go beyond what I do at the race track so I started giving motivational seminars at different venues.”

Will often speaks at elementary schools, junior high, and high schools and also for professional groups. For more information on Hillary Will’s motivational speeches or Girl Power Racing, please visit www.hillarywillrace.com

G Squared/Star Racing’s Ken Johnson seriously injured in freak accident

(6-6-2005) - Longtime Star Racing employee Ken Johnson was seriously injured Saturday (June 4) in an accident at U.S. 19 Dragway in Albany, Ga. He is currently in stable but guarded condition in the Intensive Care Unit of Phoebe-Putney Hospital in Albany.

Johnson, who was not a participant in the event, was in the Dragway’s campground aboard a four-wheel “mule” when the vehicle began tipping over during a turn. He instinctively put his leg down to keep the four-wheeler upright but the weight and momentum of the turn caused the “mule” to flip over causing severe trauma to his left knee and leg.

George Bryce, owner of Star Racing and partner with George Smith in G Squared Motorsports, was immediately notified and rushed to the scene from the drag strip. By the time Bryce arrived, Johnson had lost a considerable amount of blood, but Bryce was quick to note that unidentified bystanders were already administering live-saving first aid to Johnson.

“When I arrived, several campers had applied a tourniquet to Ken’s leg,” said Bryce. “Also, the sheriff was nearby and immediately called the EMT’s who arrived within minutes and rushed him to a local hospital. The combination of these individuals helped save Ken’s life.

“Ken has been with me over 20 years. He had been by my side for every race and was a huge part of Star Racing winning six championships with John Myers and Angelle Sampey. He worked with me on the bikes of Reggie Showers and Fred Collis and now is an important part of the G Squared/S&S Cycle Buell program, with Chip Ellis.

“Ken needs everybody’s prayers and support at this time. He’s tough but will have a long road to recover. I sure he’ll have to undergo additional surgery and long term rehabilitation. All of us at G Squared and Star Racing will be by his side every step of the way.”

Johnson underwent four hours of vascular surgery on Saturday to repair a severed femoral artery and to stabilize the knee and leg.

“It was a freak accident,” added Bryce’s wife Jackie. “What actually popped it backwards and broke everything was the roll bar on the four-wheeler. I feel he would have been hurt no matter what but it seemed that the roll bar was exactly even with his knee when it rolled over. This caused more damage. It was bad. The whole knee was blown out.

“Ken has built every motorcycle we have ever raced and has been to every single race we have competed in. It’s going to be an adjustment now not having him here during his recovery time. But Star Racing and G Squared are strong and everybody will pull together during these trying times.

“Ken’s our guy. He's always been there for us and we’ve always been there for him. I’ve always been the Star Racing, and now the G Squared, mother and consider all the employees my children. Ken has been here the longest, so he’s like the oldest child. That’s what makes this accident so much harder.”

The G-Squared team will be putting the G Squared/S&S Buell through qualifying and eliminations at the CarQuest Auto Parts Nationals in Chicago this weekend without Johnson in attendance.

“We’ll miss Ken this weekend and at future races but we’ll do everything we can to win. The team is pumped up. We plan to make Ken proud of us while he’s out,” said Chip Ellis, who will be aboard the G2/S&S Buell at Chicago.

TORRENCE, STIDHAM GRAB WINS IN MEMPHIS

(6-5-2005) - Steve Torrence in Top Alcohol Dragster and defending Top Alcohol Funny Car South Central division Champion Jackie Stidham took home wins at this weekend’s TCI Sportsman Challenge NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series.

Torrence, of Kilgore, Texas, recorded the low elapsed time of the event in the final round with a 5.433 second pass at 259.91 mph to defeat veteran racer Gene Snow. Snow, who defeated Torrence last month at Red River Raceway, took out national points leader Ashley Force in round one before going down to Torrence in the Final.

Stidham grabbed his second win of the season with a run of 5.829 seconds at 245.67 mph over division point’s leader Jimmy Jones. The Chickasha, Okla., racer scored his first win of the season last month at S.R.C.A. Dragstrip in Great Bend, Kan.

Home town favorite George Cox of Memphis, Tenn., held off Steven Hall for the win in Stock Eliminator. Cox ran his ’97 Trans Am to a winning run of 11.585 seconds at 110.39 mph.

Rodger Brogdon grabbed the win in Comp Eliminator over Scott Cashio with a run of 7.948 seconds at 167.01 mph while Jeremy Duncan won in Super Stock over Dan Carter
Tommy Phillips nearly doubled up on in the winner’s circle taking home the win on Super Comp then taking a runner-up finish to Super Gar winner Jesse Serna of El Paso, Texas.

Other racers joining in on the winner’s circle celebration were Glenn Knapp in Super Street; Rich Gentili over Craig Treble in Sportsman Motorcycle; Bert Prejean of St. Amant, La., in the Sunset Racecraft Top Sportsman class; and Jeff Pitman in the TCI Comp Cams Top Dragster category.
The South Central Division racers head to Cherokee County Motorsports Park for the next NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event next week, June 10-12

The following are the final results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series TCI Sportsman Challenge at Memphis Motorsports Park:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER:

ROUND 1

3) Lee Callaway, Channelview, Texas, 5.842, 220.22 def. 6) Brandon Pierce, Glendora, Calif., 5.961, 235.19
4) Gene Snow, Fort Worth, Texas, 5.562, 246.66 def. 5) Ashley Force, Azusa, Calif., 6.073, 252.05
2) Steve Torrence, Kilgore, Texas, 5.589, 255.73 def. 7) Paul Fishburn, Rensselaer, Ind., 6.149, 233.80
1) James Thompson, Vernon, Texas, 5.911, 237.50 was unopposed

SEMIFINALS

Torrence, 5.558, 257.04 def. Callaway, 5.609, 249.90
Snow, 5.518, 246.66 def. Thompson, 5.559, 255.15

FINAL

Torrence, 5.433, 259.91 def. Snow, 5.518, 238.76

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR:

ROUND 1

3) Jimmy Jones, Cleburne, Texas, '99 Camaro, 5.984, 242.71 def. 2) Brandon Lewis, Broken Arrow, Okla., '96 Olds, broke
1) Jackie Stidham, Chickasha, Okla., '00 Camaro, 5.925, 241.50 def. 4) Steve Burck, Corpus Christi, Texas, '98 Avenger, 6.190, 233.80

FINAL
Stidham, 5.829, 245.67 def. Jones, 6.161, 227.42

COMPETITION ELIMINATOR

Rodger Brogdon, Tomball, Texas, '04 Cavalier, A/SM, 7.948, 167.01 def. Scott Cashio, Ventress, La., '02 Cavalier, G/SMA, 8.917, 148.15.

SUPER STOCK

Jeremy Duncan, Charlestown, Ind., '69 Camaro, SS/HA, 10.186, 123.50 def. Skip Baskin III, Brighton, Tenn., '66 Chevy II, SS/KA, 11.065, 119.33.

STOCK ELIMINATOR

George Cox, Memphis, Tenn., '97 Trans Am, D/FIA, 11.585, 110.39 def. Steven Hall, Sweeney, Texas, '67 Mustang, C/SA, 10.820, 118.63.

SUPER COMP

Tommy Phillips, Forney, Texas, dragster, 8.876, 160.96 def. Britt Cummings, Hammond, La., dragster, 8.854, 166.62.

SUPER GAS

Jesse Serna, El Paso, Texas, '04 Grand Am, 10.022, 160.23 def. Tommy Phillips, Forney, Texas, '63 Corvette, 9.915, 155.76.

SUPER STREET

Glenn Knapp, Baton Rouge, La., '69 Mustang, 10.938, 133.42 def. Dan Carter, Georgetown, Ky., '68 Camaro, 10.955, 125.27.

SPORTSMAN MOTORCYCLE

Rich Gentili, Humble, Texas, '83 Suzuki, 10.189, 126.18 def. Craig Treble, Hensley, Ark., '02 Suzuki, 8.994, 142.39.

TOP DRAGSTER

Jeff Pitman, Conover, N.C., dragster, 7.353, 179.54 def. Rocky McLain, Ft. Worth, Texas, dragster, 7.366, 179.04.

TOP SPORTSMAN

Bert Prejean, St. Amant, La., '00 Firebird, 6.963, 186.61 def. Britt Cummings, Hammond, La., '98 Firebird, 7.205, 179.92

Victor Bray Reports Live From Winternationals Testing

(6-5-2005) - Testing is under way for the Winternationals, the final ANDRA event of the 2004/2005 season, which will be held at Queensland’s Willowbank Raceway the weekend of June 10-12.

Among the many competitors wringing out their combinations for the last go of the year are Top Doorslammer standouts Victor and Ben Bray. Holders of 8 class championships between them, the father and son team are looking to end the season with a splash.

Ben wrapped up his second title at the last event in Sydney, but there’s still a great incentive for he and Victor to throw everything they have at the track during the season finale. A local businessman has put up a $10,000 bounty for the first Top Doorslammer racer to break into the fabled five-second zone in Australia, and if conditions are just right, it could happen at Willowbank.

A new feature of the Team Bray website is the “live” update section, with Victor himself filling fans in on how things are going throughout the weekend. These unscripted recorded reports are made within minutes of his getting out of the car throughout the test session and during qualifying and eliminations at the Winternationals. They should prove to be interesting and informative, plus a whole lot more!

Stay tuned to Torco’s Competition Plus.com for reports and photos from next weekend’s big race

GRATEFUL GRUBNIC SAVORS TOPEKA VICTORY

(6-4-2005) - David Grubnic, Top Fuel's latest winner, said he was angry at himself and that's why he vowed last Sunday morning at Topeka that he had no intention of losing at the O'Reilly NHRA Spring Nationals.

"My driving lately hasn’t been the greatest," the Zantrex-3 Dragster driver said after winning his first national event. "I caused some controversy that should never have happened with the red lights against Doug (Kalitta, teammate and Top Fuel points leader). Believe me, I was going to do whatever I could to make up for that to my Zantrex-3 guys and to myself.

"When all that red light nonsense was going on, everyone automatically assumed that it was intentional. Nobody stopped to think, 'Hey, could the Aussie just be screwing up?' which was exactly what was happening. I had something going on in my head that I had to get rid of. That’s why in Topeka I was saying to myself and to anyone that would listen that I was not going to lose this race. Someone might beat me, but I was not going to lose it."

He said those red-light disqualifications at Bristol and Atlanta, both in the second round and both against eventual winner Doug Kalitta, caused some annoyance among his team members.

"There were some unhappy people and rightfully so," Grubnic said. "We’re a team, though. Just like in the stick-and-ball sports, you have to play as a team and work together toward one goal – winning. So, winning does help rectify problems, because the team accomplished its goal. However, as far as I’m concerned, it only rectifies one of those red lights. I still owe everyone another win."

He'll have his chance next weekend at Joliet, Ill., in the Carquest NHRA Nationals at Route 66 Raceway.

Grubnic's victory at Topeka was the 50th of Connie Kalitta's career as an owner/driver/tuner.

"It’s difficult for me to express my gratitude in words. It’s like sitting there watching the lotto numbers drop and you have five of them and then the sixth one is yours and your heart starts valve bouncing and the adrenalin flows like the Mississippi through your veins," he said. "What an honor to be part of his organization! I love that man. He’s the greatest."

Kalitta, however, skipped the winners circle hoopla and returned home to Michigan. When Grubnic called him that night, about two hours later, he said he asked his boss why he didn't stay. He said Kalitta told him, “Davey, the sooner I get home the sooner I can celebrate!” Added Grubnic, "That’s good enough for me. What a character!"

Division 2 LODRS Event Rained Out

(6-4-2005) - After much of Friday's qualifying was postponed due to rain, the action began again at South Georgia Motorsports Park in Valdosta, Georgia, at 12:33pm after a morning of intense track drying and prep. 17 minutes later the clouds opened again and halted things, this time for good. At approximately 1:50pm, the decision was made to reschedule on August 5th, 6th and 7th.

NHRA Division 2 has had a bad year due to weather and have decide to combine the rained out Gainesville race with this rained out event. The Gainesville event will be moved to Valdosta and completed on Sunday the 7th of August.

Friday the 5th will be the remaining qualifying for this event. Eliminations will be concluded on Saturday, 6th. Sunday will conclude the Gainesville events.

All classes are still open for the Valdosta event.

For the Gainesville event, TAFC, TAD, TS and Comp Elim qualifying is closed. The remaining classes will still have qualifying.

Spectator tickets will be honored for Sunday, 7th only at the rescheduled event.

“Dukes of Hazzard” Named as Title Sponsor for Motor City Nationals, presented by GM Performance Division brought to you by Heritage Newspapers

(6-3-2005) - Clear Channel Entertainment-Motorsports, IHRA and Milan Dragway have announced that the upcoming major motion picture “The Dukes of Hazzard,” starring Johnny Knoxville, Seann William Scott, and Jessica Simpson, will be the title sponsor for the Motor City Nationals, presented by GM Performance Division brought to you by Heritage Newspapers.

“The Dukes of Hazzard,” based on the original characters of the hit television series that ran from 1979-1985 that followed the trials and tribulations of the Duke family and their run-ins with Jefferson Davis “J.D.” Hogg, is slated to be one of the biggest hits of the summer movie season. “I can’t tell you how excited I am about this sponsorship opportunity,” said IHRA President Aaron Polburn. “We couldn’t have come up with a better sponsorship than ‘The Dukes of Hazzard.’ The show holds a special place in the hearts of a generation.”

Four-time consecutive IHRA Top Fuel World Champion Clay Millican will even be driving a Top Fuel dragster with a Dukes of Hazzard-themed paint scheme. “I think everybody knows that my first race car was a ’69 Charger, painted just like the General Lee,” said Millican. “This is going to be a real cool deal for our team, for IHRA, and the Motor City Nationals.”

Milan Dragway’s Director of Events, Deneen Baxter, also feels that the sponsorship is a perfect fit. “It is the Motor City Nationals,” she said, “and there might not be a more famous automotive tie-in than having the General Lee in your corner. With Heritage Newspapers and GM Performance Division as presenting sponsors, this event is going to be special.”

Polburn hopes that this sponsorship is a harbinger of things to come for IHRA and its national event schedule. “We’re definitely looking into the possibilities of non-traditional sponsorships for our events. It’s a brave new world, and we’re hoping that bringing ‘The Dukes of Hazzard’ on board as a title sponsor for one of our premier events is just the tip of the iceberg.”

Edwards To Fly A.R.T. Colors During June Swing

(6-3-2005) - Pro Stock racer Mike Edwards will showcase a special commemorative paint scheme of one of the leading chassis and component mail-order suppliers when he unveils the Applied Racing Technology (A.R.T.) special-edition Pontiac Grand Am at the eight annual CarQuest Auto Parts NHRA Nationals and the King Demon Crown held in conjunction at Route 66
Raceway in Chicago, June 9-12.

“We are very proud to represent A.R.T. and help celebrate the company’s growth in the dragracing arena,” said Edwards, who will carry the special-edition colors
at the following two stops on the three-race swing in Englishtown and St. Louis.

“By doing this special paint scheme, it will help A.R.T. with their summer promotion and bring the company more to the forefront in the world of drag racing and further its support by the drag-racing community. It also gives my race team a chance to thank them for their commitment the last few years.”

The Pontiac Grand Am will feature A.R.T.’s distinguishable logo and a black and red color scheme, different than the pronounced Young Life green and red many are accustomed to seeing Edwards fly.

“We feel privileged to be an associate sponsor for Mike Edwards Motorsports, as well as to provide product from A.R .T.’s many lines of available manufacturers,” said Derek Steinbach, who started A.R .T. more than a decade ago after 20-plus years of sportsman racing. “This summer, we have expanded that sponsorship in a special promotion, which should bring more televised visibility to A.R.T., and a greater presence in the Midwest market. We would
like to thank the entire Mike Edwards team for this opportunity, and for the quality of prin ciples their organization represents.”

A.R.T. is a warehouse distributor for approximately 70 manufacturer ’s lines, and in addition, manufactures its own line of private label products. To offer racers and builders an alternative to the standard Sportsman line, A.R.T. has developed a line of Pro components, which features the latest in design enhancements, technology and upgraded materials.

Evanchuk to join Atchison Racing

(6-3-2005) - Atchison Racing and “Back to Back” IHRA World Champion Rob Atchison are pleased to announce the addition of Edmonton, Alberta’s John Evanchuk as driver of the second Erickson Manufacturing Pontiac at the 2005 Mopar Canadian Nationals.

John made his Eastern Canada debut at last year’s Mopar Canadian Nationals where he qualified No. 5 before losing in round two to Terry Munroe. “John and I became good friends at the inaugural Rocky Mountain Nationals” stated Atchison. “We managed to get sponsorship for him to come to Ontario and drive our second car. Last year we all had fun at Grand Bend Motorplex and even though we couldn’t get any additional sponsorship we decided to race both cars. We will have all of our crew at this event, so we’ll have lots of people on hand to maintain both cars.”

Evanchuk races his own 2003 Pontiac, named “Red Wolf,” in Western Canada and the US at both NHRA and IHRA events. “It’s great to be associated with such an outstanding group of guys and to drive such a great car,” said Evanchuk. “It is no fluke that Robbie and his team are World Champions, because they are very talented and have the dedication it takes to succeed. Last year my wife Ruth and I had a lot of fun being part of this team and meeting the great Ontario fans.

“This year my crewman Shaun is coming, because Ruth has work commitments,” Evanchuk added. “It will be a great opportunity for him to work hand-in-hand with the best. Atchison Racing Marketing Manager Dennis Smith is busy trying to get a sponsorship package in place so I can come back East and run the AC Delco Canadian Nationals at Toronto Motorsports Park.”

Atchison Racing receives valuable support from primary sponsor Erickson Manufacturing and Associate Sponsors Atchison Machine Service Inc., MacMaster Chevrolet, Pennzoil Lubricants, Performance Racing News, TEAM Truck Centres, Tool & Cutter Supply, Ultimate Touch Collision and West Coast Transportation.

TOPEKA POST RACE AWARD WINNERS

Biggest winner of the weekend -- David Grubnic

That's bonzer, mate! The affable Australian recorded his first NHRA national-event victory and jumped two places in the standings with Kalitta Motorsports' Zantrex-3 Dragster to share the No. 3 spot with Larry Dixon, the bloke he beat in the final round. Grubnic might be only slightly disappointed -- the last time he faced Dixon in a final round, he earned $100,000 as the Budweiser Shootout winner. This one netted just $40,000. Grubnic had lost in seven previous final rounds (including five last year, all to either Tony Schumacher or teammate Doug Kalitta). "You start wondering if you should be doing this," he said of his previous 0-for-7 final-round showing. "You question yourself. You worry. But you keep slogging away."

Biggest loser of the weekend -- Del Worsham

This is the repeat distinction no one wants, but CP has to give it to the hard-working, hard-driving, snake-bitten Checker Schuck's Kragen Chevy Monte Carlo driver after his fifth consecutive first-round exit. After nine races last season, he was second in points. He's in 11th place heading to Chicago, where he won the spring race in 2001 and 2002. Maybe he'll have the time -- the time of his life -- in Chicago . . .

The "General Motors Curse" Award -- Phil Burkart

Ever since his Toyota Celica blew up in qualifying at Las Vegas and he used the back-up Chevy Monte Carlo body with Toyota decals affixed to it, Burkart hasn't won an elimination round. Actually, he had one of his two DNQs and one of his five first-round defeats just before that. But losing to Tommy Johnson Jr. on a holeshot at Topeka certainly added to his frustration.

"Anyone who doesn't drive one of these things thinks it's just a matter of focus or paying attention or something really simple," Burkart said. "This is not a video game, it's the real deal. Believe me, it's such tiny fractions of a second you don't feel it, unless you're really asleep. I wasn't asleep at all, and I was staged a little shallower than he was, but to me it felt like I left right on time. I never really saw him, and I thought I won.

"After all we've gone through, as hard as the guys have taken each loss, this one just takes the cake as the worst way to end the day," the man who was points leader after the season's second event said. I can't go back and get a do-over, I just have to tell the guys I'm sorry and we'll get them next time. It doesn't seem real, it doesn't seem possible, but there it is, in black and white. I never imagined this, didn't even consider it a possible outcome, but it happened. I never saw something like this coming."

The "You Can't Keep A Good Man Down" Award -- Dave Connolly

The two-time Pro Stock winner survived what he called "one of the craziest weeks of my life." He didn't think he'd be at this race and wasn't sure if he'd see any more this year, for that matter. But after the Carrier Boyz intervened and took him and his third-place team under their umbrella for this event, Connolly qualified second and was runner-up to Greg Anderson. Connolly fielded questions from the media, discussed his financial and racing options in public and behind the scenes, motivated crew chief Terry Adams and his gang, figured out more about how to handle his new Chevy Cobalt, and focused on the job at hand. In the process, he scored a holeshot victory in Round 2 over points leader Warren Johnson (by .0014 of a second). "It was a Cinderella story in the making," he said, "but the shoe just wouldn't fit in the end. To even be here was a win by itself."

The "Dissed By Your Crew Chief" Award -- Larry Dixon

Dick La Haie showed his droll sense of humor after Dixon smoked the tires of the Miller Lite/Ameriquest Dragster in the final round against David Grubnic, joking that "everything was fine until Larry hit the gas pedal. We gave him a perfectly good race car." But the Snake Racing crew chief was quick to say, "Seriously, we had a clutch malfunction on that run. It's pretty rare. It happened in the second round at Pomona earlier this year. It appears that we have a decent hot-weather tune-up. I'm pleased with the adjustments that we made and I'm very happy with the way the car ran this weekend."

Dixon set a Heartland Park speed record at 331.61 mph during qualifying. "I thought we had a really good car," Dixon said. "It was phenomenal on race day until the final round. In the final, we had a clutch error that caused us to instantly smoke the tires. We still have a great car. If we can fix that, we should be a better car. If we can maintain the type of performance that we've been able to put up at the past few events, we should be in the thick of things come the end of the year. If you have a good running car, the points will work themselves out."

The "Beating Yourself Up -- You Crazy Critter" Award -- Cory McClenathan

"This FRAM AirHog is really going in the right direction now. Unfortunately, their driver let them down. I completely gave it away," McClenathan said. "It's uncharacteristic of me. I hesitated on the starting line and I shouldn't have. We had the car today to beat [Scott Kalitta]. Once again, the driver let one get away. I feel bad for the team, FRAM and all our sponsors and for the Carrier Boyz." Stop it -- you're scaring the chickens -- and the Missus, too, to be honest.

The "Let's hear It For The Underdogs" Award -- Tim Wilkerson

The Funny Car privateer put the Levi Ray & Shoup Chevy Monte Carlo in third place in the order at Heartland Park. That was the second week in a row that he started eliminations third or better. He's not in the top 10 yet this season, but he's on the move. He's in 12th place, just 27 points behind No. 10 Bob Gilbertson. By the time the Aug. 19-21 O'Reilly NHRA Mid-South Nationals rolls around, Wilkerson could grab that final eighth berth for the Skoal Showdown. He's ninth on that list heading into the Chicago event.

The "No More Firewood For You" Award -- Warren Johnson

The Pro Stock veteran hasn't made the finals in any of the three events since saying of the Wally statue he was presented in the Bristol winners circle, "They make good firewood."

Midwest-Based PEAK® Antifreeze and Murray’s Discount Auto Stores To Sponsor Zizzo Racing for “Hometown” NHRA Top Fuel Events

(6-3-2005) - PEAK Antifreeze, along with Murray’s Discount Auto Stores and Champion Packaging, today has announced their primary sponsorship of Zizzo Racing and Top Fuel driver T.J. Zizzo for both the June and October NHRA National events at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Illinois.

A lifelong resident of suburban Chicago, 29-year-old T.J. Zizzo grew up in the sport. By age 16, he’d become the country’s youngest Alcohol Dragster driver. In 2000, Zizzo won the UDRA Alcohol Dragster Championship and stepped into the pro ranks of NHRA Top Fuel by late 2003. With the help and guidance of father and car-owner, Tony Zizzo, the young driver showed great promise throughout his rookie NHRA season – qualifying at several prestigious events, including the 50th Annual US Nationals in Indianapolis where he advanced to the quarterfinals.

The Zizzos and PEAK Antifreeze are not strangers. In 2004, PEAK was an associate sponsor of Zizzo Racing during their limited schedule. “The Zizzo team is first class and is the best of the Top Fuel independents,” states Brian Bohlander at Old World Industries, manufacturer of PEAK Antifreeze. “All the members are volunteers, and they have produced amazing results in Top Fuel with limited resources. These guys are truly ‘hometown heroes.’”

“We are excited to be back in a big way with PEAK at the Joliet events,” states car owner Tony Zizzo. “It is great to have prominent, locally-based companies like PEAK and Murray’s deciding to support our race team which is located right here in suburban Chicago. We also need to thank Tom Pecora of Champion Packaging for all of his help in getting us into Top Fuel and in putting the PEAK deal together.”

New to the program is Murray’s Discount Auto Stores, based in Belleville, MI. The auto parts retailer is dominant in the Midwest with a store count totaling 110 and has gained a very strong presence in the Chicago market over the past few years. This is the company’s initial involvement with the NHRA. “We are extremely excited to be involved with PEAK, T.J. and the NHRA,” states Karen Spurlin, Director of Advertising for Murray’s. “As a local team succeeding at the highest level of professional drag racing, Zizzo Racing is a perfect match for us. Even more, the emphasis on the Joliet races helps support our dedication to continued growth in this region.”

Zizzo Racing will be competing in 8 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series Top Fuel events, including both Midwestern events at Joliet. Despite running only a limited schedule, Zizzo Racing is among the most consistent performers in the class and has gained tremendous respect from their Top Fuel peers.

RON CAPPS AND BRUT DODGE TEAM CONTINUE TO BE FEATURED IN HIGH-PROFILE BRUT
ADS

(6-3-2005) - Brut continues its national campaign to promote Ron Capps and the Brut Dodge Funny Car team that competes in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series with ads appearing in a number of major mainstream magazines this month and next.

The "New Generation. Same Values" ad with Ron and his son Caden, which
appeared in People Magazine, Sports Illustrated, and Rolling Stone in May,
will also appear in American Profile in June.

The "A Great Team" ad featuring Brut's new shave products and the Brut pit
crew premiered in the June issue of Playboy and will be seen in the June
issue of Men's Health, the People Hottest Bachelors issue in June and in the
July issue of Car and Driver magazine.

Breaking in the June issues of Field & Stream and Outdoor Life is the
"Confident" ad showing a powerful image of the Brut Funny Car and Brut's
anti-perspirant product, which will also run in the July issue of Playboy.

Charlotte Observer reports new Charlotte strip will be built if NHRA sells

(6-2-2005) - The Charlotte Observer has pointed out that Bruton Smith, Chairman of Speedway Motorsports, Inc., is still interested in the NHRA. If that deal is completed, it would lead to a drag strip being built in the Charlotte area. That's what noted reporter David Poole is reporting.

Smith pointed out in the article that he's actively pursuing a purchase. The NHRA contends no negotiations are taking place. The article also says that such talk has been going around for two years.

Smith was quoted as saying the NHRA would be a good fit with what he already has.

While the Bruton Smith purchasing the NHRA story is one that seems to have developed nine lives over the course of the past few months, we'd be remiss if we failed to note Chris Economacki's column in National Speed Sport News.

The veteran journalist Economacki quoted Smith as saying a few years ago the NHRA was openly for sale, but today a few high-salaried NHRA employees are standing in the way of him acquiring it.

Dixon to Throw Out First Pitch at Miller Park and U.S. Cellular Field

(6-2-2005) - Two-time NHRA Top Fuel champion Larry Dixon has achieved a great deal of success in NHRA’s Top Fuel ranks. Now, the 36-time NHRA winner is going to give America’s pastime a whirl.

Dixon, the third winningest Top Fuel driver in NHRA history, will throw out the first pitch before the Milwaukee Brewers/New York Yankees tilt at Miller Park on Wednesday, June 8, before making a second trip to the pitcher’s mound prior to the start of the first place Chicago White Sox/Arizona Diamondbacks game at U.S. Cellular Field in the Windy City on Monday, June 13. Both games are scheduled for 7:05 p.m. (CT) starts.

“I think this is really cool,” Dixon said. “I’ve done it at Triple A parks before, but never at a Major League park, so I’m looking forward to the opportunity. I hope I don’t bounce it, and if they ask me to lead the ‘Seventh Inning Stretch’ I’ll make sure I know what park I’m in.”

Dixon and Don Prudhomme’s Miller Lite Top Fuel team will compete at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Ill., June 9-12, during the Eighth annual CARQUEST Auto Parts Nationals. Dixon scored the victory at the Chicago track in 2002.

Don Prudhomme Racing is headquartered in Vista, Calif., with a second shop – Don Prudhomme Racing, Brownsburg, Ind. – serving as the base for racing operations. Drivers Larry Dixon and Tommy Johnson Jr. complete the roster of Don Prudhomme Racing drivers and proudly represent such racing partners as Miller Brewing Co., Ameriquest Mortgage Co, Lucas Oil Products, Raybestos and Petroff Towing.

First Pro Mod, now Pro Street

(6-2-2005) - As the Pro Edelbrock Drag Racing Series continues to grow in popularity, it figured to be just a matter of time before it attracted the attention of professional racers from other venues. First, former Pro Stock drivers Pat Musi and Tony Christian arrived on the scene, and now former Pro Stock driver and current AMS Staff Leasing Pro Mod competitor Troy Coughlin has joined the mix.

Coughlin recently took delivery a new Jerry Haas-built Cavalier and he’s set to make his Pro Street debut at the Lunati Hot Rod and Muscle Car Nationals in Bowling Green, Ky.

“When I decided to go Pro Mod racing this year, my original plan was to also build a Top Sportsman car so I could race [NHRA Division 3] races with my brothers,” said Coughlin. “Then I went to the NMCA race in Bradenton and saw that the place was packed. I was really wowed by the whole thing, especially the Pro Street class. We only run 14 races a year in Pro Mod so I thought to myself, ‘I should try this’.”

In order to race this year, Coughlin needed a car that was already built and he found one at Jerry Haas’ shop in St. Louis. With the help of friend Brian Metzenheim, who used to work on his Pro Stock team, Coughlin scanned the rulebook in order to determine the best Pro Street engine and transmission combination before eventually settling on a Sonny Leonard-built 830-cubic inch Chevy Hemi with fuel injection hooked to a three speed transmission with a torque converter.

“Nobody is running the particular combination right now but I think it will be very competitive combination,” said Coughlin. “It’s similar to what the IHRA Pro Stock guys use and they run 6.40s with their cars. I realize we’ll lose some performance with the torque converter, but we also get a bit of a weight break. I was in Bradenton when Tim O’Hare ran 6.57 so I know we’ve got our work cut out for us. Without nitrous or a blower there are fewer knobs to twist but I believe it can be done.”

Moving from Pro Stock to Pro Mod and now to Pro Street, Coughlin will also have to learn a new driving technique for the third time in less that a year, but he also feels that he’s up to that task.

“You have to activate the trans-brake to get the car into a forward gear and that’s a bit unusual for me,” Coughlin continued. “I’ve had a lot of help from Brian and also from Craig Liberty and Bruno Massel. Hopefully, I’ll get the hang of it pretty quickly.”

Though his move to Pro Street was made primarily for competitive reasons, Coughlin noted that it also makes good sense for the family parts business, Jeg’s Mail Order.

“When I went to Bradenton, I didn’t see a lot of Jegs hats and stickers like I do at other events,” Coughlin said. “Hopefully, we can open this market up and spread the Jeg’s Mail Order name into NMCA. Obviously this is a popular series and it’s growing all the time so it makes sense for us to be here.”

After making his debut in Bowling Green, Coughlin plans on becoming a regular in the series, something that might be bad news for his competitors.

“Right now there is only one event [Cordova] that conflicts with our Pro Mod schedule but I plan to be at all of the others,” said Coughlin. “I can run 14 Pro Mod races and seven NMCA events and still be on the road less than I was with the Pro Stock car. That works out just about perfect for me and my family.”

Drag Racer killed in Orangeburg, SC

(6-1-2005) - Harold Dean Martin was killed at Orangeburg Dragway on Sunday while testing his Chevrolet Nova. Martin struck the guardrail and was partially ejected from the car.

That leads many to wonder if tracks that hold test and tune sessions will be forced to pay closer attention to safety standards. In a story published on Yahoo.com, the coroner for Orangeburg County was quoted as saying that the car was not the most structurally sound vehicle.

Mountain Motor Nationals Photo Gallery

(6-1-2005) - While much of our staff was spread from Topeka to Richmond to Greenville, SC., ace photog Chris Simmons was holding down the fort in Budds Creek, Md., for the annual Maryland International Raceway Mountain Motor Nationals. This event, which showcases the best mountain motor Pro Stockers in the business, was captured on his trusty Nikon.

Pro Stock Final Qualifying:

1 Robert Patrick 6.452 216.83
2 Frank Gugliotta 6.453 216.69
3 Pete Berner 6.472 215.89
4 John Nobile 6.480 216.24
5 Steve Spiess 6.483 217.63
6 Rick Jones 6.493 215.93
7 Doug Kirk 6.527 213.84
8 Frank Snellings 6.535 214.45

9 Ron Miller 6.536 213.27
10 Jerry Haas 6.539 215.93
11 Dan Seamon 6.547 216.27
12 Tommy Franklin 6.548 214.11
13 Richard Penland 6.559 214.66
14 Dwayne Rice 6.614 211.76
15 Bert Jackson 6.680 209.10
16 Harold Robinson 7.404 189.34

1st Round

W Steve Spiess .059 6.432 217.95
L John Nobile .066 6.453 217.56

W Rick Jones .076 6.482 216.55
L Pete Berner .129 6.464 216.06

W Frank Gugliotta .014 6.473 216.97
L Doug Kirk .068 9.712 95.24

W Robert Patrick .082 6.448 217.63
L Frank Snellings .088 6.536 214.96

2nd Round

W Steve Spiess .071 7.507 133.53
L Robert Patrick .156 26.741 26.78

W Frank Gugliotta .039 6.481 217.07
L Rick Jones .067 6.458 217.46

Final

W Frank Gugliotta .048 6.447 216.48
L Steve Spiess .137 6.446 218.34

FRANCIS BUTLER’S SHOWDOWN CANCELLED FOR 2005

(6-1-2005) - In the past two years Francis Butler’s Showdown, a combination of top-notch drag racing and the most exotic of late model street machinery, has taken place at Virginia Motorsports Park in Petersburg, Virginia, but the event’s founder has announced that the event will not take place in 2005.

“We have tried meeting with the management of VMP,” reported Butler, a noted automotive photographer whose works have appeared in every major enthusiast publication in North America, but we’ve been unable to resolve problems that we had and at this point it doesn’t look like we’ll be able to move forward in time to stage the kind of event we’d hoped for.

“We’ve received a lot of calls and e-mails from both racers and the aftermarket community, and as much as we appreciate their loyalty and support we’re just not going to stage anything less than a first class event, and that doesn’t seem likely at this point. In all honesty, it’s just too late in the year to put together the kind of program we’d hoped for."

In the two years of its existence the Francis Butler Showdown has become drag racing’s most prestigious non-points, non-sanctioning body-affiliated event. In other words, the race that’s on everyone’s mind beyond the spectaculars that are the NHRA, POWERade and IHRA Hooters Series races is the Francis Butler Showdown, and with good cause. Elite fields of the nation’s wildest Pro Modified race cars battling it out for a big purse, Mountain Motor Pro Stocks capable of low six second elapsed times and speeds above 215 mph, and a complete program of the best bracket competitors east of the Mississippi River.

As if the action on the track weren’t enough, the event has also been highlighted by personal appearances by former Washington Redskin Rod Milstead, NASCAR mentor Wendell Scott as well as magazine editor Doug Marion and TV personalities like James Brown (JB) of Fox Sunday NFL. The point we want to make crystal clear at this point is that the Francis Butler Showdown will be back, said Butler from his office in Maryland.

"We are already discussing with several operators and we are confident we will have a date and location in the near future," Butler said. "We have also had conversations with a number of sports personalities as well as our friends in the aftermarket and automotive world. We are confident that our next event will be far superior to what we have done in the past. Our thanks to everyone(s) continued support and as soon as things are signed, sealed and delivered we will let everyone know when and where the next Francis Butler Showdown will be held. Special thanks to Aruba Tourism Authority, Wilson Manifolds, Moroso Performance Products, Mr. Gasket and Nitrous Pro-Flow for there continued support. Believe me, we are even more excited about this than you are."

The Future Begins Now For Force

(5-31-2005) - Ashley Force climbs behind the wheel of her dad John Force's Funny Car on Monday in Topeka, KS. Expect a full report from Susan Wade on this momentous occasion soon. (Ron Lewis photos).

No Need For Stratus Fear Yet, Says IHRA's Baker

(5-31-2005) – A series of near mid-230 mph speeds for IHRA ACDelco Nationals Torco Pro Modified finalists Mike Janis and Al Billes sent out a few jeers in the pits and had some wondering if the IHRA planned to regulate the newest body style to invade the class. In IHRA Torco Race Fuels Pro Modified, all entries run at a universal 2700 pounds. In NHRA competition, all 1972 or later cars run at that weight, while older cars run at 2,600 pounds.

IHRA’s Tech figure Mike Baker assured everyone that the sanctioning body has no plans to implement any rules on the Stratus.

“The rulebook reserves our right to adjust the rules if one particular combination has an unfair advantage,” Baker said. “This is the first race these cars have qualified at. It’s obvious they are faster this weekend. As a rule of thumb, we begin monitoring after one race.”

Baker was quick to point out that if any adjustments were to be made to neutralize a performance advantage - weight would not be an option. He added there are other options available.

“We’d have to get creative,” Baker said. “I want to reiterate. I have no plans now, so do not fill up my email or voicemail with messages.”

Cory Mac featured on Back In The Pits

(5-31-2005) - Cory McClenathan, who drives the Carrier Boyz Racing FRAM AirHog Top Fuel dragster on the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series, will be featured on “The fastest 90 seconds on the Radio,” Back In The Pits with Rik Anthony, on Thursday, June 2.

Back In The Pits with Rik Anthony is produced and distributed by All Star Radio Networks, LLC and is heard on 36 affiliates (check local radio listings) and the worldwide web via http://www.backinthepits.com/.

For a list of affiliates, log onto http://www.backinthepits.com/, click on “Press/Media,” then click on “Current Radio Affiliate list.”

Hicks wins SUPER CHEVY

(5-31-2005) - Workmat.net Nitro Coupe racer Jerry Hicks picked the ideal race to put his '63 Corvette in the Winner's Circle. On Sunday (5/22), Hicks defeated Wayne Torkelson to capture the Nitro Coupe title at the AutoZone Super Chevy Show's Texas Motorplex event.

The win was ideal for Jerry because he hails from Deer Park, Texas and undoubtedly had many fans in the stands during his final run. Hicks put an .037 light on Torkelson in the finals and ran a 6.541 at 212.36 miles per hour under the hot Texas sun. Torkelson ran a 6.781 at 218.65 miles per hour in the finals. Torkelson had been the Nitro Coupe low qualifier Saturday while Hicks was well down in the pack. But the racer from Texas turned up the heat when he needed it.

In the Top Sportsman ranks, the '55 Chevy of Kennedale, Texas racer David Baldwin made it to the Winner's Circle through a tough field. Baldwin was the number two qualifier on Saturday (behind Trim Parts Low Qualifier Rickey Cate of Royce City, Texas) but kicked it up notch for Sunday's eliminations. Baldwin defeated Michelle Wilson of Azle, Texas in the Top Sportsman finals. Baldwin took the easy win as Wilson turned on the reds . It was the second runner-up finish of the year for Michelle Wilson in AutoZone Super Chevy Top Sportsman competition as she had earlier finished second at the San Antonio event.

Winners in the Flowmaster Bracket Racing Series included Daryl Hamlin of Irving Texas in Mr. Gasket Bracket One, Jeromey Hefler of Kennedale, Texas in Bracket Two and Jeff Kmosko of Ft. Worth, TX in DOT. Hefler had a really good day at the office as he also semi'd in DOT. Glenn Morphew of Corsicana, TX won the special Saturday Bonus Race. Final round action and semi-finalists in all classes are listed below.

The AutoZone Super Chevy Show takes Memorial Day off and then heads for Atlanta Dragway in Commerce, Georgia June 3-5 for what promises to be a spectacular event. There will be a special bonus race Saturday ($2,500 purse) and Sunday's eliminations for the Flowmaster Bracket Racing Series (Time Trials on Saturday). All GM-Brand cars are eligible for both Top Sportsman and all classes of the Flowmaster Series in 2005. Nitro Coupes and Top Sportsmen will qualify Saturday with eliminations Sunday. There will be a Test and Tune session available for racers from noon to 5pm on Friday. In addition to all the racing action, the TREMEC Transmission Car Show is expected to draw a record crowd of awesome show cars.

For a complete schedule and more information on the Atlanta event, please go to www.superchevyshow.com.

Nitro Coupe Qualifying - Saturday 5/21/05

1 Wayne Torkelson, Jr., Concord, CA .53 Vette 6.647 214.93
2 Clyde Scott, Kemp, TX '63 Corvette 6.655 161.75
3 Gaylen Smith, Waxahachie, TX '94 Camaro 6.664 205.01
4 Tony "Sandman" Williams, Millington, TN '69 Camaro 7.033 201.67
5 Frankie "Man Man" Taylor, Dickinson, TX '68 Camaro 7.278 213.74
6 Jerry HIcks, Deer Park, TX '63 Vette 7.298 143.64
7 Bill Doucet, LaVelle, LA '63 Vette 7.344 173.07
8 Jr. Boiles, Midland, TX '68 Camaro 8.860 157.89

Semi-Finals
Wayne Torkelson (single) .129 7.076 214.42

Jerry Hicks def. .260 7.137 183.29
Tony "Sandman" Williams .077 7.533 193.85

Finals
Jerry Hicks def. .037 6.541 212.36
Wayne Torkelson .117 6.781 218.65

Qualifying # Driver
ET MPH
1 Rickey Cate, Royce City, TX, '67 Nova 7.382 186.23
2 David Baldwin, Kennedale, TX, '55 Chevy 7.574 165.31
3 Ritchie Price, Corsicana, TX, '99 Camaro 7.598 180.46
4 Michelle Wilson, Azle, TX, 89 Camaro 7.617 184.77
5 Ronnie Roberts 7.842 173.23
6 Roy Perez, Mission, TX, '68 Camaro 7.899 172.85
7 Steve Wheeler, Ventress, LA, '98 S-10 8.666 114.51

Winner David Baldwin, Kennedale, TX .021 7.55 8.219 129.08
Runner-Up Michelle Wilson, Axle, TX, FOUL 7.77 10.036 94.12
Semi Ricky Cate, Royce City, RX

Trim Parts Top Qualifiers
Nitro Coupes Wayne Torkelson 6.647 214.93

Top Sportsman Rickey Cate 7.382 186.23

Saturday Bonus Race

Driver R/T DIAL-IN ET MPH
Winner Glenn Morphew, Corsicana, TX, '66 Chevelle .043 10.90 10.900 122.20

Runner-Up Warren Wright, Grandview, TX, '68 Camaro .077 10.53 10.534 126.70

Semis Paul Ratliff, Emory, TX, '96 RED
Evan Chaney, Midland, TX, '02 Worthy

Mr. Gasket Bracket One Pro Eliminator

Winner
Daryl Hamlin, Irving, TX, '01 Lee Atkins .272 7.60 20.452 53.89
Runner-up
Charles Deer, Haltom City, TX FOUL BROKE

Semis Ronnie Hughes, Springtown, TX, '97 Racetech

Bracket Two Eliminator

Winner
Jeromy Hefler, Kennedale, TX .017 10.40 10.481 122.27
Runner-up
Gene Brownfield, Mustang, OK, '70 Nova .062 10.85 10.90 121.87

Semis James Casey, Joshua, TX, '69 Chevy

DOT
Winner Jeff Kmosko, Ft. Worth, TX, '02 Camaro .167 13.17 13.304 105.74

Runner-up Martin Brown, Collinsville, OK, '69 Nova FOUL 11.71 19.521 56.68

Semis Jeromy Heffler, Kennedale, TX

New Hire at S&W Race Cars

(5-31-2005) - S&W Race Cars is pleased to announce the hiring of Brian Zembrycki as our new Sales Manager. Brian brings to S&W 25 years of experience in the automotive industry and is a multiple time, customer service award winner.

Brian is also at home the the race track having served as Crew Chief for a multi-time division race winning, Super Gas and Super Comp team.

Brian lived in Buffalo NY for thirty years before relocating to Reading PA. Brian is married to former Division 1 racer Rachal Smith. Please join with us in welcoming Brian to the S&W "family" and we look forward to working with him in the future. Brian can be reached at 1-800-523-3353 ext 26 on via email at brianz@swracecars.com

Big Payday For IHRA Racer Ferguson thanks to Moser Engineering

(5-30-2005) - Late Friday evening during the IHRA ACDelco Nationals in Richmond, VA., sportsman racer Glen Ferguson pocketed over $20,000 for winning the Moser Axle Mania Shootout. This was an incredible experience for the past World Champion.

“I’m used to running for $2,000 at a time,” Ferguson said. “I’ve won championships but those can’t compare to this.”

Moser market wiz Jon Bennett summed up his company’s reason for sponsoring the special race-within-a-race.

The program was the brainchild of Moser Engineering founders Greg and Marriane Moser who were killed in 2003 in a plane crash. The Mosers were staunch supporters of the IHRA and sportsman drag racing.

Thank You

On behalf of our company, we would like to thank and salute all military veterans past and present for your unselfish sacrifice - Happy Memorial Day.

A True Champion Honored at Richmond

(5-30-2005) - Donnie Crowder, longtime member of the IHRA’s support staff, was rewarded in front of a capacity crowd during the IHRA ACDelco Nationals with an Ironman for winning the ultimate race.

Late in 2004, Crowder was diagnosed with throat cancer following the IHRA Banquet. A round of intense chemotherapy followed by a rapid recuperation time and Crowder was back at work.

“I told them there was no need to hire anyone else,” Crowder said, his voice cracking with emotion. “I think it surprised them I came back. I was determined this was not going to get the best of me.”

The unfortunate part is there are medical bills that have piled up following the illness. Crowder had no medical insurance.

The Father's House Benevolent Fund for Donnie Crowder
P.O. Box 12588
601 McCarthy Blvd
New Bern, NC 28561

Pro purses to increase

(5-29-2005) -- Kenny Bernstein, lauding Coca-Cola’s extension of its Powerade brand’s sponsorship of the NHRA professional drag-racing series, said the drivers will get a bigger payout soon.

“We’ll have a purse increase in 2006,” the owner of the Budweiser/Lucas Oil Dragster said.

He said he didn’t know the details, didn’t know how much the total would be or the percentage of the increase. However, he said the increase will be “significant -- not gigantic, but significant.”

G.O. Racing a go?

(5-29-2005) -- Gary Ormsby Jr., is planning a comeback.

While washing parts for Top Fuel driver David Baca just a few yards away from the inside-the-track road named in honor of his late drag-racing father, Ormsby Jr. talked about some deals that he is trying to finalize so he can return to action. He has formulated proposals and will take a hiatus from Baca’s team to polish his presentations and meet with interested parties.

“If the money’s right, it could be G.O. Racing,” he said. “If the money’s right. I’ll probably do my own deal. If it’s not, then I’d consider rides and we’ll probably approach one of the predominant teams out there.”

Ormsby Jr. said he already has spoken with Chuck Worsham, Connie Kalitta, Don Schumacher, and John Force, although he said “I don’t think he [Force] wants a dragster.”

He said those teams “are all right in the same ballpark. They all want $2.5-3 million.”

Can he come up with that kind of sponsorship? “It’s probably going to take all my deals coming together,” Ormsby Jr. said. “I have a lot of little things to go along with it. I‘m very confident I‘ll be backing a car.”

He is being pragmatic about his timetable. “Realistically, next year” is when he said he thought he’s compete again. “We’d like to put this deal together and come out towards the end of the year, but it’s going to take somebody to write a check tomorrow for that to happen. You know how it is -- you just don’t put one of these together overnight. It takes a two or three good months to do it.”

Toward the end of 2004, he accepted the Menard’s Dragster ride from team owner Dexter Tuttle, then learned at this February’s Winternationals that the ride had been given to Rit Pustari. (It has gone since to Jack Beckman.)

“I was a little bummed out about what happened,” Ormsby Jr. said. “I can’t really complain. I got a license out of the deal. I got to go to a few races. It wasn’t the right place for me. It’s kind of what spurred me to want to put my own deal together. I kid everybody that it’ll be my dad’s deal. He’ll be up there, looking down on us.”

Ormsby Jr.’s positive vibes might have something to do with being at Topeka, where he earned his first national-event victory (in Top Alcohol Dragster) and set the track record.

No Plans To Fight Over Connolly

(5-29-2005) - Before the Carrier Boyz stepped in to help Dave Connolly salvage his outstanding Pro Stock season, megateam owner Don Schumacher had expressed interest in incorporating the young Ohioan into his fold that already includes Pro Stock drivers Jeg Coughlin Jr. and Richie Stevens among its eight drivers/bike riders.

Connolly’s agreement with GM could have posed a dilemma for Schumacher’s Dodge team, but Schumacher stood by the starting line, encouraging Connelly Friday. However, Andy Carrier said he and brother Mark don‘t have to arm wrestle Schumacher for custody of Connolly.

They’re still trying to work out the details of purchasing Mike Dzurilla’s operation. Dzurilla announced this past week that for financial reasons he was going to disband his racing operation.

Andy Carrier said Connolly wanted to be able to keep the same personnel who helped him win twice in three final-round appearances in eight races so far this season. “Their team was why he was doing so well,” Carrier said, who added that he was happy to help because “they were going to be able to keep their group and keep their crew. Grump (engine guru Bill “Grumpy” Jenkins) is part of the deal.”

Top Fuel’s Cory McClenathan, who drives the Carrier Boyz Fram Air Hog Dragster, said he’s happy to have a new teammate, even if it officially for now is for only one race.

“If it were me, I’d want to see somebody step up and help,” McClenathan said. “I mean, he was third in points.”

He said Connolly’s agreement with GM and Mac Tools “fits in with our program. His car looks good with the Carrier Boyz logo on it.”

“I’ve got to give that kid credit,” Carrier said. “He has not been deterred one bit. He is really mature for a 21-year-old.”
“He has some good karma going,” McClenathan said. “He wants to keep it.

Connolly, who McClenathan said “didn‘t have time to think -- they barely had time to get their butts here" -- said, “After what has happened to this team this week, it is great to have someone step up to the plate and ensure that we will be racing in Topeka. Just this one race could have big implications on our championship points. We are very thankful to the Carrier Boyz for allowing us to continue racing."

Said McClenathan, “I like the kid’s attitude. He’s really down to earth. He’s a good kid. Hey -- at 42, I could be his dad. That’s scary.”

Don't Expect Virginia Motorsports Park Announcement Until Later

(5-29-2005) – No doubt one of the hottest IHRA rumors headed into this weekend surrounds Virginia Motorsports Park and whether or not they will continue to fly the IHRA banner after the event. The jury is still out and there’s no doubt a gag order is in place.

“Right now we are in discussions with the IHRA as to what direction we are taking,” said Bryan Pierce, General Manager for VMP. “There are issues as to where we stand and those will soon be addressed.”

Pierce says at this moment the NHRA has not offered a national event if he switches. When asked when the contract is slated to conclude, he declined to comment, stating company policy of not discussing contract details.

“I guess all the answers will be given when the schedules come out,” Pierce said. “That’s when everything will be revealed.”

Plan in the works for VMP Motorsports Industrial Park

(5-29-2005) – While being elusive regarding questions related to the contract with the IHRA, Pierce did lay out a grand plan for VMP’s future. Pierce said that the track is actively working with the Virginia State Economic Commission to create a Motorsports industrial park that will cater to various chassis builders, engine builders and/or automotive related manufacturers.

Pierce’s plan is to develop the infrastructure for the program and he pointed out the possibility of grants for those interested in becoming involved.

Another Force in the Making

(5-29-2005) - Ashley Force will take a major step towards her ultimate goal of racing in the fuel ranks when she makes her first test passes in her father John’s Castrol Mustang Funny Car following this weekend’s O’Reilly Summer Nationals at Heartland Park - Topeka.

Ashley currently drives the Castrol/Hot Wheels A/Fuel dragster owned by Jerry Darien and Ken Meadows, and is leading the Top Alcohol points chase in the Lucas Sportsman Series. In 2004, as a rookie, she won three times on her way to the South Central Division title and also garnered Rookie of the Year and Driver of the Year honors.

John Force, 13-time NHRA Funny Car Champion, has been grooming Ashley for the top echelon of the sport for several years now, and the process will enter a critical stage when Ashley drives his 330-mph Ford for the first time at Heartland Park.

Torco’s Competition Plus.com will be on hand to document the test session, and we'll post a full report and gallery of photos as soon as they become available.

SUNDAY FINAL - Grubnic Becomes First Non-North American to Win an NHRA Top Fuel Event at O'Reilly NHRA Summer Nationals

Force wins third straight in Funny Car, NHRA-record 118th overall; Anderson wins third straight in Pro Stock

(5-29-2005) - Australian Dave Grubnic sped past Larry Dixon in the finals of the 17th annual O’Reilly NHRA Summer Nationals at Heartland Park Topeka to become the first non-North American to win an NHRA Top Fuel event.

"Being the first Australian to win an NHRA event is big," Grubnic said. "You don't think about that stuff in the car but I'm sure it'll be party time down there when word reaches my fans. That's what it's all about but I wouldn't be able to accomplish a thing without my crew, (team owner) Connie Kalitta, and our sponsors, who are all very good friends of mine."

In the other two pro categories, John Force (Funny Car) and Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) extended their respective event winning streaks to three at the $1.8 million race, the ninth of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series.

NHRA Points after Topeka

(5-29-2005) - Point standings (top 10) for NHRA professional categories following the 17th annual O'Reilly NHRA Summer Nationals presented by Castrol GTX at Heartland Park Topeka, the ninth of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series:

Top Fuel -- 1. Doug Kalitta, 722; 2. Tony Schumacher, 696; 3. (tie) Larry Dixon, 593; David Grubnic, 593; 5. Morgan Lucas, 579; 6. Brandon Bernstein, 505; 7. Doug Herbert, 477; 8. Scott Kalitta, 462; 9. Cory McClenathan, 461; 10. David Baca, 341.

Funny Car -- 1. John Force, 715; 2. Robert Hight, 588; 3. Gary Scelzi, 576; 4. Cruz Pedregon, 539; 5. Whit Bazemore, 537; 6. Ron Capps, 515; 7. Tommy Johnson Jr., 502; 8. Eric Medlen, 472; 9. Tony Pedregon, 405; 10. Bob Gilbertson, 385.

Pro Stock -- 1. Warren Johnson, 724; 2. Greg Anderson, 711; 3. Dave Connolly, 647; 4. Jason Line, 623; 5. Kurt Johnson, 510; 6. Greg Stanfield, 448; 7. Ron Krisher, 440; 8. Richie Stevens, 434; 9. Jim Yates, 412; 10. Jeg Coughlin, 393.

Mike Janis Claims First Ironman of 2005 Season; Clay Millican, Rick Jones, and Rob Atchison Also Claim Wins at Virginia

Defending Torco Pro Mod Champion wipes away field in Virginia - Mike Janis is finally back in familiar territory.

(5-28-2005) - The defending Torco Race Fuels Pro Modified World Champion was racing like anything but a world-beater this season.failing to qualify for the show in both San Antonio and Rockingham. He did not have a handle on his new '05 Dodge Stratus until a couple of weeks ago when things seemingly clicked during testing.

Janis put up solid numbers all day, after qualifying in the #1 position, to advance to the final. In the first round he flirted with the IHRA e.t. record and set the track record with a 6.132/233.76 to put Charles Carpenter and his Embee Performance '55 Chevy on the trailer. In the second round he won a thriller against Ed Hoover.posting a 6.256/223.36 to Hoover's 6.295/226.47. Janis followed with another nail-biter against Eddie Ware in the semis when he carded a 6.216/231.99 to Ware's 6.278/224.10.

Other professional winners included Clay Millican (Top Fuel), Rob Atchison (Funny Car) and Rick Jones (Torco Race Fuels Pro Stock).

IHRA Points after Richmond

Point standings (top 10) for IHRA professional categories following the Fifth annual ACDelco Nationals presented by Richmond Times-Dispatch at Virginia Motorsports Park, the third of 12 events in the 2005 Hooters IHRA Drag Racing Series

Top Fuel

1. Clay Millican, 380; 2. Doug Foley, 275; 3. Rick Cooper, 247; 4. Bruce Litton, 245; 5. Louie Allison, 203; 6. Roger Dean, 186; 7. Paul Athey, 182; 8. Bobby Lagana Jr., 99; 9. Mitch King, 85; 10. Chris Karamesines, 74.

Pro Modified

1. Shannon Jenkins, 239; 2. Al Billes, 224; 3. Ed Hoover, 210; 4. Quain Stott, 196; 5. Dennis Radford, 168; 6. Jim Halsey, 165; 7. Eddie Ware, 159; 8. Mike Janis, 151; 9. Harold Martin, 108; 10. Billy Harper, 107.

Funny Car

1. Rob Atchison, 292; 2. Mark Thomas, 244; 3. Terry McMillen, 213; 4. Thomas Carter, 203; 5. Jim Sickles, 197; 6. Chris Foster, 194; 7. Terry Munroe, 168; 8. Melinda Green-King, 156; 9.
Mark Poyser, 94; 10. Tony Bogolo, 64.

Pro Stock

1. Steve Spiess, 281; 2. Robert Patrick, 228; 3. Jerry Haas, 211; 4. Daniel Seamon, 204; 5. Rick Jones, 197; 6. Pete Berner, 173; 7. Brian Gahm, 166; 8. Tony Gillig, 158; 9. John Nobile, 152; 10. (tie) Frank Gugliotta, 150. John Montecalvo, 150

BOURKE, POMPONIO TAKE WINS AT SEASON OPENER

( 5-29-2005) - Richard Bourke in Top Alcohol Dragster and Dan Pomponio in Top Alcohol Funny Car picked up big wins this weekend at the season opener for the NHRA Northeast Division Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series at Maple Grove Raceway.

Bourke ran 5.30’s and 5.40’s all weekend to qualify third and work his way through the field taking out Dan Mercier in the final round. The Old Tapper, N.J., racer crossed the finish line just ahead of Mercier with a lap of 5.491 seconds at 263.62 mph to Mercier’s 5.507 at 266.85 mph.

Bourke recorded the quickest lap of the event in a round one win over Karen Benkovich with a 5.368 second run at 264.18 mph.

Pomponio knocked off veteran racer and former Division Champion Bob Newberry in the funny car final with a run of 5.974 seconds at 242.54 mph. Pomponio ousted Paul Gill and Duane Beers in rounds one and two on his way to the match up with Newberry where Newberry shook the tires off the start and could not catch the quicker Pomponio.

Defending Division Champion Frank Manzo fell in round one with a red-light start against Newberry.

Local favorite Tommy Ciccarone Jr. of West Chester, Pa., took the win in Comp Eliminator with a run of 8.632 seconds at 155.78 mph over Sal Biondo of Maspeth, N.Y. Both drivers had great reaction times with Biondo taking a 0.006 second advantage at the start but it was not enough to hold off Ciccarone.

Byron Worner of Duncannon, Pa., grabbed the win in Super Stock over Angelo Ditocco while defending NHRA Stock National Champion and 2004 event champion Lee Zane defeated Brent Darroch in his ’73 Apollo. In Super Comp it was Division Champion Tom Stalba taking out Scott Lukowski for the win. This is Stalba’s second visit to the Maple Grove winner’s circle in as many years picking up the win in Super Gas last year.

Chuck Rothermel won over Craig Porter in Super Gas with a 9.913 second lap at 157.76 mph to Porter’s 9.934 at 138.10 and Ken Puckett rounded out the event winner’s with a victory over Kenny Edgar.

The Northeast Division racers head to Lebanon Valley Dragway, July 1-3 before returning to Maple Grove for a second Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event presented by Parkway and Glick Fire Equipment, August 5-7.

The following are the final results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Maple Grove Raceway

4) Dan Mercier, St. Timothee, Quebec, 5.427, 269.73 def. 5) Dave DeAngelis, Middlesex, N.J., 6.037, 196.47
3) Richard Bourke, Old Tappen, N.J., 5.368, 264.18 def. 6) Karen Benkovich, Fanwood, N.J., 5.610, 251.53
1) Jeff Bohr, Plymouth, Mich., 9.412, 98.01 def. 8) Mark Albert, Baldwin, Pa., foul
2) Ken Perry, Toronto, Ont., 5.456, 257.19 def. 7) Rich McPhillips, Phoenixville, Pa., 5.618, 250.78

Mercier, 5.375, 270.54 def. Bohr, 5.418, 262.03; Bourke, 5.420, 262.18 def. Perry, 5.466, 260.16

8) Bob Newberry, Schenectady, N.Y., '05 Monte Carlo, 13.421, 58.81 def. 1) Frank Manzo, Morganville, N.J., '04 Firebird, foul
5) Ross Stickler, Chandler, Ariz., '03 Corvette, 6.497, 232.71 def. 13) John Fiorini, Dalton, Mass., '93 Saab, 7.044, 197.62
6) Duane Beers, Monroe, N.J., '02 Camaro, 5.906, 242.41 def. 3) David Ray, Plaistow, N.H., '01 Avenger, 5.976, 241.41
7) Dan Pomponio, Berlin, N.J., '00 Camaro, 6.012, 242.06 def. 2) Paul Gill, Brockton, Mass., '01 Avenger, 6.194, 244.96

Newberry, 5.669, 235.19 def. Stickler, 6.530, 233.03; Pomponio, 5.947, 244.07 def. Beers, 12.808, 61.40

Tommy Ciccarone Jr., West Chester, Pa., '03 Cavalier, E/SMA, 8.632, 155.78 def. Sal Biondo, Maspeth, N.Y., '01 Firebird, D/EA, 8.396, 156.97

Byron Worner, Duncannon, Pa., '90 Camaro, GT/GA, 10.118, 130.22 def. Angelo Ditocco, Mahopac, N.Y., '02 Firebird, GT/FA, 9.874, 133.22

Lee Zane, Pittsgrove, N.J., '73 Apollo, J/SA, 12.003, 85.10 def. Brent Darroch, Monaca, Pa., '96 Impala, F/FIA, 27.201, 30.41

Thomas Stalba Jr., Williamstown, N.J., dragster, 8.884, 168.62 def. Scott Lukowski, Revenna, Ohio, dragster, 8.918, 173.07

Chuck Rothermel, Kinderhook, N.Y., '03 Grand Am, 9.913, 157.76 def. Craig Porter, Silver Spring, Md., '93 Mustang, 9.934, 138.10

Ken Puckett, BelAir, Md., '89 Cavalier, 10.937, 151.58 def. Kenny Edgar, Enfield, Conn., '73 Mustang, 10.895, 130.78

JOHNSON JR. TO PRESENT POLARIS RANGER TO WAPELLO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

(5-28-2005) – Veteran Funny Car driver Tommy Johnson Jr. will return to his native Iowa on Tuesday, May 31 to present the Wapello County Sheriff’s Office in Ottumwa with a Polaris Ranger 6x6 utility vehicle.

The special rescue utility vehicle is being donated by U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company (USSTC) as part of its Operation Ranger program. The May 31-event is part of a national program that donates Polaris Rangers to a select number of law enforcement, fire fighting, emergency medical service, search and rescue, and wildlife conservation organizations across the nation.

“It’s great that I’ve got a sponsor like U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company that sees the importance in giving back to the community,” Johnson said.” “I feel honored to have been the person chosen to present the Wapello County Sheriff’s Office with the Ranger. Plus, it’s neat to get back to my roots and visit Ottumwa. I always enjoy going home to Iowa.”

Johnson, who was born in Ottumwa, now resides near Indianapolis and will compete in the 17th annual O’Reilly Summer Nationals, May 26-29, at Heartland Park Topeka in Topeka, Kan. Johnson is a six-time NHRA winner and one of 13 drivers in NHRA history to have collected victories in both the Top Fuel and Funny Car categories.

"Our Company's Operation Ranger exists both to recognize the service of our nation's emergency responders and to give back to the communities in which our employees live and work," said Jon Schwartz, USSTC spokesperson. "To date, the Company has donated special rescue vehicles to nearly 160 emergency services organizations in a total of 49 states since the program's 2002 inception. Like the other winning recipients, the Wapello County Sheriff's Office was selected for this award because of its unique need for a versatile, practical vehicle that will enhance their emergency response capability within their coverage area, much of which is not accessible with traditional departmental vehicles."

Boniferro Happy to take Bear's Consistency Award

(5-28-2005) - The first ever PMRA event was an enjoyable event for Joe Boniferro and the Smokin' Joe's Racing team out of Niagara Falls. ON. Boniferro picked up the Bear's Consistent Qualifier Award at Toronto Motorsports Park after slotting into second position in the first qualifier with a 6.480 pass. The second round saw Boniferro run slightly slower in the 6.50 zone. Although this dropped him to fourth on the timesheets the two passes were the most consistent in the thirteen-car field and handed Joe the first Bear's Consistent Qualifier Award of the series. Boniferro stated 'To qualify fourth on our first time out in 2005 against guys like these is OK. Everyone in front of us has won IHRA National events and a couple of them have been World Champions, that’s pretty good company to keep. I was real happy about winning the award, we always tend to run consistently, I hope to take more of Larry O'Brien's money before the year is out.'

Although he was taken out in the first round by fellow Mopar racer Terry Brown when a $2 part failed on the throttle cable. Boniferro was happy with his first outing of the year. 'This was a good outing for the Koffel's Place backed team, everything looks good for the future and we are ready to go National Event racing.' - Ian Rae

Mid-Michigan Motorplex to present “Run for a Huntsville Engine” as part of the 12th Annual World Super Pro Challenge

(5-27-2005) - Mid-Michigan Motorplex, home of the annual World Super Pro Challenge $50,000 race, is proud to include a new twist to this season’s main event August 18-21. In addition to the annual $50,000 main event (Saturday), a $10,000-to-win race (Saturday), two $5,000 events (Thursday and Sunday), and the annual High Rollers $25,000 show (Friday night), the World Super Challenge will host a Huntsville Engine “Run for the Engine” on Thursday night.

The “Run for a Huntsville Engine” event will be a 32-car field, with the pre-entry fee of $500 (at-track entries are $525 if they are still available). The winner will receive a new HEPC “Money Winner” 555 valued at $12,995. The engine will be on display at the World Super Pro Challenge. For competitors who are more interested in a small block package, the winner will have the option of trading the “Money Winner” 555 for a 434 of comparable value. The Runner-Up will receive $1,000 cash, and each semi-finalist will earn back their $500 entry.

Additionally, all pre-entries will be entered in a drawing for $1,000 cash courtesy of Mid-Michigan Motorplex. Pre-entries are being accepted today at Huntsville Engine & Performance (888-534-4372) or Mid- Michigan Motorplex (989-762-5043). Don’t be left out, only the first 32 entries will be accepted! For more information, visit:

www.huntsvilleengine.com or www.midmichmotorplex.com.

TAKE IT TO THE TRACK

(5-27-2005) - On June 3, 2005, Moroso Motorsports Park will once again join forces with the local Sheriffs Offices and the Beat the Heat organization, as well as the Palm Beach County Safety Councils, WPBF Ch 25, Schumacher SAAB to promote the alternatives to illegal street racing and safe driving education.

Combined efforts with track, local media and area businesses will provide an avenue to directly target thousands of new drivers. Law enforcement support of the Take It To the Track and Safe Drive with 25 programs are endorsed through Rick Bradshaw, the Palm Beach County Sheriff, Ken Mascara the Port St. Lucie Sheriff and Robert Crowder the Martin County Sheriff and is stronger than ever.

Over a period of nine months, WPBF News Channel 25 and their campaign, “Safe Drive with 25”, will focus on the hazards and potential threats that face many of our young drivers today. In 2003, 7,884 young adults ages 15-20 were involved in fatal car crashes. 1,199 of those drivers had already been involved in a previous crash. During Moroso’s free “Take it to the Track” event on June 3rd and with the help of committed sponsors such as Murray’s Speed & Custom as well as other area businesses, we will help educate through demonstration and ‘hands-on’ experience how to counteract potentially dangerous situations, including the hazards of illegal street racing, while providing a fun and challenging backdrop.

The month of June 2005 has been proclaimed, by the Board of County Commissioners of Palm Beach County, as Safe Drive with 25 and Moroso Motorsports Park Month. This month is aimed at providing local teenage drivers with valuable information and education to help them make smart
decisions while behind the wheel.

Many ongoing programs offered at Moroso are youth-oriented. Ages 8 and up are able to competitively participate in the kart racing found on the brand new 9/10 mile kart track. Other venues are the Jr. Drag Racing league
sanctioned through the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) and the Driver Development Program aimed at preparing new drivers on how to deal with adverse driving situations though real-life encounters. Our professional instructors will place the students into an actual skid or two wheels off
the road so that they have the experience and can learn to counteract it, should it ever arise out on the street. This is a life-saving monthly program, with the next scheduled event June 7th.

The Dodge Dealer Street Drags are held every Wednesday and Friday night for ¼ mile drag-racing practice. It is opened to any licensed driver 16 years of age and over with a valid license. Through special events offered, such as the “Take It To the Track” program on June 3rd, Moroso Motorsports Park is able to take these teens and young adults and satisfy their need for speed by teaching them the safe, legal and highly competitive edge of drag racing.

The event has been a great success in the past years, having educated over 500 potential illegal street racers in the grandstands and on the track. Many will come out to the track for the first time, at no charge, learning about the anti-street racing and safety programs as well as allowing new
competitors on Moroso’s quarter-mile drag strip. These new competitors will be able to run against local law enforcement and Beat The Heat cops, as they put their pedal to the metal and see if they have what it takes to be a team player.

It is essential that hard-knock lessons are taught in a controlled atmosphere before applying them on Florida’s streets. Having educated drivers means a safer drive for all of us. “Take It To the Track” and Driver Development are only two of the very valuable youth venues offered at Moroso Motorsports Park. In partnership with the “Safe Drive With 25” program through WPBF Channel 25 and the other business partners we hope to make a difference in the safety and control of our drivers, both young and old.

We as a team welcome the interest of local business as well as community providers to step onboard and join the fight to make our streets safer. The event, scheduled for June 3rd, is completely FREE to any and all who wish to attend and begins at 3 pm. Moroso Motorsports Park will issue
thousands of FREE passes to schools in Palm Beach, Broward, Martin and St. Lucie counties. FREE passes are also available at any of the five Murray’s Speed & Custom storefronts located in North Miami, Kendall, Pompano Beach, West Palm Beach and Stuart. Any groups or businesses interested in attending will receive a FREE space but must reserve in advance. We urge you to help spread the word and join us at this event.

On June 7th, Moroso will continue its community street smarts effort with the Driver Development Program. As outlined in a special segment on channel 25, the Driver Development Program will take drivers of all ages and
experience to place them in an actual adverse driving situation to teach them how to handle exact maneuvers in extreme situations. Classes are one-on-one and are very limited. Call the track office and speak to DonnaKrammer for more information or how to reserve a spot for someone in your family.

In addition to the drag-racing features, there will be displays on hand including sports cars, karts and bikes where participants will be able to talk with professional racers, as well as law enforcement officials and other groups offering valuable information. Vendors and area businesses,
such as Murray’s Speed & Custom, will be set up in the Midway to help with any questions pertaining to performance and safety. Moroso and the many contributing supporters are taking an aggressive approach to fighting the rising numbers of South Florida fatalities.

(561) 622-1400 phone (561) 626-2053 Fax www.MorosoMotorsportsPark.com

Victor Bray Speaks!

(5-26-2005) - Long an innovator on the race track, six-time Australian Top Doorslammer champion Victor Bray will soon be introducing a unique and exciting feature to Team Bray’s website.

Beginning with a June 5th test session at Queensland’s Willowbank Raceway, fans will be able to hear Victor reporting on the team’s progress within minutes of each and every pass he and son Ben, the current Top Doorslammer champion and recent Top Alcohol Funny Car winner, make in their supercharged hot rods.

The following weekend, June 10-12, Team Bray will be in action at Willowbank during the running of the season-ending Winternationals. The reports will be available within five minutes of the conclusion of each qualifying session on Friday and Saturday and the elimination rounds on Sunday.

The raw, unedited nature of the reports are sure to provide an exciting and emotional behind-the-scenes glimpse into the world of one of the most competitive and successful teams in the sport of drag racing.

This new feature will be available soon. For more information, stay tuned to Team Bray’s site at:

Schumacher to Carry Memorial Day Message in Topeka

(5-26-2005) - It has become tradition that on Memorial Day, at precisely 3 p.m., Americans are asked to observe a one-minute moment of silence to honor those who died in service to our Nation. The time was chosen because it's when many Americans are enjoying their freedoms on the national holiday.

To support the Memorial Day spirit, defending NHRA POWERade Top Fuel champion Tony Schumacher's dragster will carry a decal on both sides of the cockpit for the entire race weekend that will read "National Moment of Remembrance - Memorial Day 3 p.m."

"Memorial Day is so important for all of us," said Schumacher. "We need to make sure that we properly express our gratitude to those who made
the supreme sacrifice for our country. I know I will be pausing on Monday at 3 p.m. to say thank you."

Brenda Grubbs joins forces with the Special Operations Warrior
Foundation

(5-26-2005) - Brenda Grubbs and her husband Bill are proud to announce their association with the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. The Warrior Foundation is a non-profit Foundation providing post-secondary scholarships and educational counseling to every child who has lost a parent while serving as a member of our Special Operations Forces while on an operational or training mission.

"The Special Operations Warrior Foundation is honored to be represented by Brenda and Bill Grubbs," said John T. Carney, Jr. SOWF President/CEO. "It is because of great
Americans like Brenda and Bill that the children of fallen warriors are not forgotten."

"What better time to kick off our association with this wonderful organization than Memorial Day Weekend," stated Brenda Grubbs, the 2002 IHRA Stock World Champion. Starting with the AC Delco Nationals in Richmond, Virginia, Brenda and Bill will support the Special Operations
Warrior Foundation.

The United States Military and its Special Operations Forces hold a special place in the hearts of both Brenda and Bill. Bill, currently serving in the United States Air Force Reserves, is a former Special Operations AC-130H Spectre Gunship Pilot. On March 14, 1994, one of the crews in Bill's squadron crashed off the coast of Kenya, Africa. Eight
of the fourteen crewmembers on board gave their lives supporting US forces in Mogadishu, Somalia. Bill knows the Special Operations Warrior Foundation can make a difference for these surviving families.

U. S. Special Operations Command consists of some 62,000 Army, Navy and Air Force Special Operations Forces both active and reserve, that are organized into a variety of land, sea and aerospace forces. Some of the U.S. Special Operations Command include the Army Special Forces (Green Berets), Navy SEALs, 75th Ranger Regiment and Air Force AC-130 Gunship Squadrons.

The Warrior Foundation provides grants, not loans, as well as family and financial counseling to the children surviving Special Operations personnel killed in an operational mission or training accident. The grants cover all costs - tuition, books, fees, and room & board if needed. These services are provided throughout the United States, or overseas, depending upon where the surviving children reside.

The Foundation is currently committed to providing scholarship grants to more than 500 children. These children survive more than 400 Special Operations personnel who gave their lives in patriotic service to their country since 1980. With nearly 100 children eligible each year for
college through 2010, the Foundation's estimated financial need through 2010 is $36 million.

On this upcoming Memorial Day what better way to remember our fallen soldiers and their families. To donate to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, please visit their web site at www.specialops.org or call (813) 805-9400.

Topeka Advance: 2004 Winners Look To Recapture the Magic at Heartland Park

(5-26-2005) - Brandon Bernstein (Top Fuel), Whit Bazemore (Funny Car), and Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) left Topeka last year with the winner's trophy and the points lead in their respective classes. They could use some of the old magic this weekend at the O'Reilly NHRA Summer Nationals.

Bernstein rose to the head of the Top Fuel standings with his victory in the Budweiser/Lucas Oil Dragster over Doug Kalitta and had top speed of the event with his 330.55-mph showing in a Round 1 victory over Scott Palmer.

"Last year we were on an emotional high," Bernstein said. "I can't describe the feeling of going 330 miles per hour. It's just an awesome adrenaline rush. And standing on the victory podium and then celebrating with the team is a feeling you never forget. We were on top. When you're on top, everything's great."

The feeling was fleeting. He followed with two straight first-round losses, dropped to third place, and hasn't advanced to the final round since then.

Bernstein finished third in the rankings last year and hasn't performed badly this season, either. He qualified No. 1 and set low elapsed time and top speed marks at Bristol, then had top speed of the event at Atlanta Dragway the following weekend.

"The numbers we're running show we have the combination to excel," he said. We just need to go four rounds on Sunday. Our team is hungry this year. We're right on the edge of victory. I can feel it. We just need to get over the top somehow. This team is pulling together, and we've made some strong moves recently."

It's the third of three races on consecutive weekends, but Bernstein isn't complaining. He said he hopes that will bring consistency.

Bazemore is fond of Heartland Park Topeka, where he won his first Funny Car race in 1997 and earned a second last year as No. 1 qualifier and driver with top speed of the meet at 326 mph. In this visit, he desperately needs for the track to love him back.

He undoubtedly is tired of seeing his name and the word "desperate" in the same sentence, considering he was top qualifier last week at Columbus, won at Gainesville and Las Vegas, and led the points for two separate stretches this season. But that's what he is, desperate.

He and the Matco Tools Iron Eagle Dodge Stratus have fallen to fifth place in the Funny Car standings, 99 points behind leader John Force in the Castrol GTX Start-Up Ford Mustang.

"Topeka is one of my favorite tracks and is the site of my first victory, in 1997," Bazemore said, ready to erase the disappointment of three straight Round 1 defeats. "Your first win is very special. You race for so long without any success and you start to wonder if you truly have what it takes to win. So when you get that first win, it means everything to you.

"Last year we were pretty strong at this point of the year and we won here again and that was cool," he said. "But this year we're coming here with a whole different set of circumstances. We really need to have a good showing. Our Matco Tools Dodge has been hot and cold all year and we've managed to win with a cold car.

"We had a strong car in Columbus, which we demonstrated by qualifying No. 1. But we were just a little too conservative against Dale Creasy Jr. in that first round, and he beat us," Bazemore said. "We can only work towards constant improvement in the setup of the car and in my performance on the track."

Pro Stock's Anderson last weekend recorded his fourth straight victory at National Trail Raceway, and with the momentum he is gaining from back-to-back victories at Atlanta and Columbus, he could score his third straight Topeka triumph. It would be his third in a row and 34th overall in 50 final rounds.

Already the Summit Racing Equipment Pontiac Grand Am driver is tied for third with Jeg Coughlin Jr. on the all-time victories list among NHRA Pro Stock drivers. Current points leader Warren Johnson is first with 94 and Bob Glidden is second with 85. Anderson also is tied for fifth place among active pro drivers for career victories, and tied for 11th with Coughlin and John Myers for all-time victories by a pro competitor.

Anderson set both ends of the Heartland Park Topeka record in 2003 with a run of 6.808 seconds at 202.94 mph.

The fact he's just 70 points behind Warren Johnson is remarkable, considering that he was 10th in the class standings after the Feb. 27 event at Phoenix.

He can extend his longest qualifying streak in Pro Stock competition to 56 events if he makes the field of 16. Teammate and third-year driver Jason Line, in the KB Framers Pontiac, is second on that list with 35 straight appearances.

Check in all weekend long as the Competition Plus staff offers you a peek at what goes on in the pits at Heartland Park Topeka.

Carrier Boyz ensure a ride for Dave Connolly at Topeka

(5-25-2005) – Andy and Mark Carrier, the owners of Carrier Boyz Racing, have come to the aid of Pro Stock driver Dave Connolly.

Connolly, whose racing future was put in jeopardy earlier this week, will now be at Heartland Park Topeka to continue his quest for this year’s NHRA POWERade Pro Stock championship.

“As the racing world is mostly aware, for financial reasons Mike Dzurilla had to disband his Pro Stock racing operation and although he is unable to continue to operate his team he wants nothing more than to see Dave Connolly, Terry Adams and the crew continue racing,” said Andy Carrier. “I, along with Mark and that Brian Olson, are happy to announce that Carrier Boyz Racing and Mike Dzurilla have worked out details to allow Dave Connolly to race at Topeka. It is a one-race deal, although we are continuing to work with Mike Dzurilla to make a Pro Stock team a major part of Carrier Boyz Racing.

“Over the next few days and weeks, Carrier Boyz Racing will continue to hold negotiations to expand our involvement in this Pro Stock team. If we are able to negotiate an agreement that is satisfactory to both Mike Dzurilla and Carrier Boyz Racing then we will operate the team as an integral part of our racing operation.”

“After what has happened to this team this week, it is great to have someone step up to the plate and ensure that we will be racing in Topeka,” said Connolly, as he was preparing for the team’s trip to Heartland Park Topeka. “Just this one race could have big implications on our championship points. We are very thankful to the Carrier Boyz for allowing us to continue racing.”

With power from Bill “Grumpy” Jenkins the team plans to keep the pressure on the competition at the NHRA O’Reilly Summer Nationals, which gets underway on Friday. Connolly indicated that after all that has transpired this week he “would like nothing more than to be in the winner’s circle come Sunday afternoon.”

Connolly, who drives the new Chevrolet Colbalt, is currently third in the POWERade Pro Stock point standings.

The Wheel for Capps Goes Round and Round

(5-25-2005) - We've caught wind that NHRA Funny Car driver Ron Capps will be at Eldora Speedway on June 8 driving with a group of Nextel Cup drivers. Upon visiting the racetrack's website, the names mentioned on the card include Tony Stewart, Matt Kenseth, Bobby Labonte, Kevin Harvick, Dave Blaney, Kenny Schrader, Kyle Petty and Kenny Wallace. In dirt Super Late Models that night will be Jeff Green, Danny Lasoski, Mike Wallace and Red Farmer.

With diverse auto racing backgrounds, and impressive credentials on their resumes, this group will provide an interesting flair to the inaugural Nextel Prelude.

Farmer has established himself as a legend instock car racing circles; having started with NASCAR in the early years when they frequented the short dirt tracks of the South, raced on the beach at Daytona and followed the spiral to today’s super speedway racing.

Even at 70 plus years of age, he still loves to race, and he remains competitive while having fun and pursuing his hobby. As one of the original members of the fabled ‘Alabama Gang,’ Farmer admits that he “loves racing with these youngsters” and looks forward to showcasing his talents in this special appearance on Eldora’s one-half mile clay oval.

Lasoski has raced against many of the Nextel Cup drivers in the International Race of Champions (IROC) and even beat them at their game at the Texas Motor Speedway last year. Now, with the Nextel Prelude, the tables are being turned, and Lasoski will be within more comfortable and familiar territory - dirt track racing.

More commonly known as “the Dude” among the racing fraternity, Lasoski is coming off a runner-up finish in the 2004 World of Outlaw (WoO) Sprints points chase, where he drove Tony Stewart’s J.D. Byrider-sponsored sprinter to 11 feature wins.

Jeff Green, a former Nashville Speedway USA track champion, absolutely steamrolled the competition in 2000 en route to the NASCAR Busch Series championship.

Rounding out the most recent list of announced talent is Mike Wallace, who started his driving career in big fashion by winning more than 300 short track events in the Midwest during the 1970s and 80s. He also owns a trio of NASCAR Busch Series wins.

A brief practice session will acclimate the Prelude drivers to their assigned Late Models prior to taking single-lap qualifying runs to determine their placement in one of two preliminary heat races. Those finishing positions will then be used for placement in the Nextel finale, as the ’stars’ will be racing against each other for bragging rights and another chapter of Eldora’s illustrated history is created.

Completing the racing program that night will be a full program of FASTAK Champions Series racing as they make their Eldora debut. While looking similar in appearance to the Late Models that the Eldora fans have witnessed and appreciated over the years, the difference comes ‘under the hood’ as the FASTRAK teams are governed by ‘crate engines’ delivered directly by General Motors, with only a limited number of modifications permitted.

DON GARLITS NAMED GRAND MARSHALL FOR 'ROCKET CITY NATIONALS'

(5-25-2005) - Although Tony Schumacher and the Don Schumacher U.S. Army-sponsored Top Fuel team have just withdrawn, the show continues to grow for the Rocket City Nationals July 1-3 at the eighth-mile Huntsville Dragway in Huntsville, Alabama.

"Big Daddy" Don Garlits will be the Grand Marshall of the event and will present the Top Fuel winner's check. In addition, the drag racing legend will bring his Swamp Rat dragster. He will be available to sign autographs and meet fans all weekend.

The spectacular Independence Day race will offer an incredible $101,000 to the Top Fuel winner. The odds now are on IHRA champion Clay Millican and his Werner Enterprises dragster to pick up the monster payday, but he will have plenty of competition for the eight-car field, including racers from both the IHRA and NHRA ranks.

"With this big a payday, the teams will be going all-out to win," said Huntsville track owner George Howard. "They're going to use everything they have in their arsenal to win that check."Team owner Don Schumacher says his race team needs some well-deserved time off. The July 4th weekend is the first weekend the team will have off after three weeks in a row on the NHRA POWERade tour. They will begin another three-week tour July 15 in Denver.

"We are disappointed that the U.S. Army Top Fuel dragster isn't going to be in attendance," said Jeff Burk, publisher of DragRacingOnline.com, who is helping promote the race. "Especially since the Army's Redstone Arsenal is just outside of Huntsville. The troops were certainly ready to see 'The Sarge' and his vehicle.

"George and I will still have a special salute to the military to celebrate Independence Day. There is going to be plenty of great racing and some incredible cars."

The track will give all active-duty military personnel showing an I.D. card free admittance to the race.

In addition to the 250-mph Top Fuel dragsters on the eighth mile, there will be a 16-car Pro Modified invitational race. Touring pros will compete against Huntsville track regulars, with the winner receiving $10,000.Also, there will be classes for Outlaw 10.5, Limited Street, EZ Street, and 6.0 and 7.0 heads-up cars. Jet cars and a huge fireworks display will round out the entertainment. The event will be taped for a future edition of ESPN's "Inside Drag Racing."

Densham thrilled about Torco deal

(5-25-2005) -- Veteran racer Gary Densham's Funny Car operation got a big lift Tuesday when he signed a major associate sponsorship deal with Torco Race Fuels. Densham will begin flying the Torco Race Fuels colors on his Racebricks Chevrolet Monte Carlo immediately, beginning with this weekend's 17th annual O'Reilly NHRA Summer Nationals presented by Castrol GTX at Heartland Park Topeka.

"This is just the shot in the arm we needed," Densham said. "We couldn't be happier to welcome Torco Race Fuels on board and we can't wait to bring them an NHRA victory. Everyone on this crew, from [Racebricks CEO] Marty Yacoobian on down is just thrilled to pieces. I've been on a spending spree all day ordering all the parts on my wish list.

"Evan Knoll (founder of Torco Race Fuels) decided a while back he didn't want to dump all of his advertising budget into one team. Instead he wanted to spread the wealth around and help out a bunch of race teams. Luckily, we're one of those teams and, let me tell you, it's been a big morale booster over here."

An eight-time winner on the POWERade Drag Racing Series, Densham, a former schoolteacher from Bellflower, Calif., is the defending champion of the U.S. Nationals, the most prestigious event in drag racing.

More Thunder Down Under

(5-24-2005) - Torco’s CompetitionPlus.com was on hand at the recent Snap-On Nitro Champs event at state-of-the-art Western Sydney International Dragway, and a spectacular weekend of racing it was.

The fact that over 300 teams filled the expansive pit area and thousands of enthusiastic drag racing fans jammed the stands left little doubt as to the healthy and evolving state of the sport in Australia. There was something for everyone, from Junior Dragster to Top Fuel, and there were enough on-the-edge, record-setting runs all weekend long to satisfy the most die-hard enthusiast.

In Top Fuel action, Australia’s popular “Queen of Speed,” Rachelle Splatt, successfully kicked off her return to the class with a thundering run on Saturday night. The highlight of the second day of qualifying was the outstanding effort of Darren Morgan, who set a new Top Fuel E.T. record with passes of 4.746 and 4.734 behind the wheel of Gary Scelzi’s former championship-winning car.

A new national record was also set in Pro Stock when Jon Andriopoulos drove his Dodge Avenger to a mark of 7.287 to become the first driver in the class to break into the 7.20s in Australia. During Sunday’s elimination rounds, he backed up the run to claim the new record.

Second-generation phenom Ben Bray thrilled the crowd by wrapping up his second career Top Doorslammer title with a win over low qualifier Gary Phillips, extending his unbeaten string to eight consecutive races, or 24 rounds of competition. To top off his big weekend, the Queensland native claimed the Top Alcohol Funny Car title as well.

Complete details of the event will be published in the June issue of Torco’s Competition Plus.com. In the meantime, click on the link below to view an extensive gallery of photos from the event:

Bullet Motorsports Parks Operation

(5-24-2005) - A source close to Bullet Motorsports has reported the team is parked. The team was reportedly assembled yesterday and the news was delivered. Team owner Mike Dzurilla, who also owns Mansfield Speedway, made the decision yesterday. A source close to the Speedway confirmed the rumor as fact.

Schumacher earns berth in ESPN SportsCenter Top 10

(5-24-2005) - If Tony Schumacher wondered what it took to make it into ESPN SportCenter's Top 10 Plays of the Day, he found out this weekend. Sandwiched between incredible infield plays in major league baseball, Schumacher 336-mph blast last weekend was enough to earn the 5th spot.

More Columbus Stuff - A few special awards

(5-24-2005) - Susan Wade has her official event wrap-up and awards on our same day coverage from Columbus. You can see them all at NHRA - Columbus.

"Don't Throw Stones If You Live in a Glass House" Award: Tony Schumacher

During the Saturday telecast of qualifying, Mike Dunn quoted Schumacher as saying that Doug Kalitta ought to hide his winner's trophies in a closet, insinuating that teammates Scott Kalitta and David Grubnic purposely lost to help him advance. Granted, Tony Schumacher isn't Don Schumacher. However, the Schumacher camp was the one that stirred the "teammates taking a dive" talk at Seattle in July 2003.

Gary Scelzi, the No. 1 qualifier with a truly hot rod that weekend, was 11th in points and teammate Whit Bazemore was second in the standings when they met in the second round. Scelzi had earned lane choice but found himself deferring to Bazemore, who took the preferred right lane and won. Scelzi cut an .080 light to Bazemore's .119 but, predictably on that lane, smoked the tires. Don Schumacher said his crew chiefs, Lee Beard and Mike Neff, made the lane-choice decision. "It's evident why we were over there in the left lane, isn't it?" Neff, Scelzi's crew chief, told reporters.

Scelzi graciously tried to minimize the uproar, saying, "I understand. Baze is in the Powerade points chase." Then Bazemore said of Scelzi and his crew, "We owe them. We'll have to make good." It was an awkward moment for two Funny Car drivers and their teams, both of whom had excellent chances to win.

Tony Schumacher also might want to think about Round 2 of the 1999 Topeka event, when it appeared to a lot of people that new teammate Melanie Troxel had been instructed to help him reach the semifinals. She smoked the tires of her Exide Batteries Dragster in the first third of the track. Schumacher was on his championship run that year. Ironically, Doug Kalitta took him out in the next round.

So the shoe was on the other Schu that time.

The "You Wanna Go?" Award: Jim Oberhofer

Kalitta Motorsports team manager, who's crew chief specifically for Scott Kalitta but oversees all three of the dragsters, addressed questions about whether Scott Kalitta would lose deliberately against points leader Doug Kalitta in their Round 2 match-up. "We're going to race," he said before the run. "We haven't given up with Scott's car on the championship."

Then Oberhofer fired a salvo at Schumacher: "I know guys like Schumacher who'll get a case of verbal diarrhea if Douggie wins this round. Schumacher needs to thank his old man every morning and kiss his butt that he's got Alan Johnson over there, because Alan's The Man. Tony, he's nothin', in my opinion."

(For the record, the Kalitta cousins put on a terrific side-by-side quarterfinal race that Doug won by 0.0027 seconds, or about 16 inches.)

The "I'm Not Sure Who All This Is Aimed At" Award: Gary Scelzi

The Funny Car runner-up, after winning the semifinal round against Cruz Pedregon, told TV reporters, "I don't even know who I've got next round. I was so worried about Cruz beating me like a drunk for a damn year and a half or whatever it's been. When it hasn't been him, it's his brother. It's like I've never won rounds before. It's so good to have a car leave when you hit the gas." After thanking team owner Don Schumacher and sponsors, Matco Tools, Dodge ,and Oakley, he added, "I quit getting beat up by the fans and everybody else. I even had the president of Dodge Racing call me and thank me for winning Bristol."

Biggest winner of the weekend: Tony Schumacher

Alan Johnson had a killer tune-up for the U.S. Army Dragster, and Schumacher took it to a 4.489-second elapsed time and the fastest run in the history of drag racing at 336.15 mph as he won against points leader Doug Kalitta in the final round. "We're still not in the lead," Schumacher said. "You don't want to let a team like his get on any kind of roll." He alluded to the keen on-track rivalry he has with Doug Kalitta by saying of his trophies, "The ones you win when you beat the Kalittas, Bernsteins, and Dixons, those are the ones you want to shine up the most and stare at in the trophy room."

Biggest loser of the weekend: Whit Bazemore

The Funny Car driver was on the verge of having the sweet weekend he so desperately needed in the Matco Tools Iron Eagle Dodge Stratus with his first No. 1 qualifying position of the season. But he lost to Dale Creasy Jr. in the first round -- for his third consecutive opening-round defeat -- and fell from second in the standings to fifth. He entered the weekend just 24 behind John Force and finished 99 off the pace. But he took the difficult setback with dignity. "It doesn't matter what we ran," he said right after exiting the car. "The fact is we lost by two-hundredths (of a second), and it's my responsibility. It's a tough day."

Brave Troops continue to style and profile

(5-24-2005) - Sporting the latest care package from Torco's CompetitionPlus.com, Christy Bennett, Evan Knoll and Torco Race Fuels, Mike Ashley's Gotham City Racing, Tommy Lipar's Dr. Moon's Rage, Nurse Tiffany Furman, Doug and Toni Palmer's Voodoo Pro Modified, a few of the soldier show off the their gifts which included t-shirts, posters, portable CD players, various toiletries, board games and handwritten "thank you" cards.

These pictures were taken aboard the U.S.S. Nimitz as it pulled out to sea for its latest tour of duty.

We would encourage any team or individual wishing to support our troops to visit AnySoldier.com.

EDELBROCK LAUNCHES NEW BOOK AT HIGH-PERFORMANCE PARTY

That was the scene at the festive Edelbrock book launch party as 200-plus guests anxiously waited in line to have the just-released book, "Edelbrock: Made in USA" autographed by an impressive array of hot rod heroes dubbed "Pioneers of Performance."

"The old gang," as Vic Edelbrock Jr. referred to them, were contemporaries and friends of the late Vic Edelbrock Sr., and included such race industry notables as engine builder Bobby Meeks, SO-CAL Speed Shop founder Alex Xydias, Dick and Bob Pierson, Bob Hedman, Bob Joehnck, Ed Pink, Ralph Guldahl and Mary Faulkner. All played a part in Edelbrock history and Vic wanted them to be part of the celebration.

The party, held at Vic's Garage (Edelbrock's private automotive/family museum) in Torrance, Calif., was a dual event. It was held to officially launch the Tom Madigan-authored book to close friends, business associates and media, but also a family affair as the party was in honor of Vic's mother Katie Edelbrock Higgins, who passed away recently at age 91.

Addressing the crowd, Vic told some funny, touching stories about his mom. He reminisced on being reprimanded by his third grade teacher, Mrs. Calhoun. "She sat my mother down and said, 'He's got problems. He's never going to amount to anything. All he does is stare out the window and draw pictures of race cars!'" Vic then deadpanned the audience: "And what's wrong with that?"

Vic entertained the crowd with more stories, even joking about some who didn't attend, such as legendary cam grinder Ed Iskendarian, who was supposed to sit at the Pioneers of Performance table and sign autographs. "Where's Isky?" Vic asked the crowd. "I guess his Caddy wouldn't start."

For all those who did attend (an A-list group that including street rod builder Roy Brizio, Monterey Historics founder Steve Earle and noted car collector Bruce Meyer), Vic gave a gracious thanks then turned the microphone over to Carey Beth Robb (one of Vic's three daughters) who read a poem dedicated to Katie Edelbrock Higgins.

Then it was autograph-fest time as guests received the beautiful, 325-page hard-bound book that the tells the history of the performance aftermarket industry as it unfolds around Vic Edelbrock Sr., Vic. Jr. and the founding fathers of performance. Names like NHRA founder Wally Parks, Robert E. Petersen, along with Pink, Xydias, Meeks, etc., are intertwined in the story about the beginnings of the Edelbrock Equipment Company in the late 1930s.

"Edelbrock has come to define a culture - The American automotive tinkerer who turns simple ideas into high tech, high-performance technology, said author Tom Madigan."

"I am, of course, very proud of what my dad, my family and all the many Edelbrock employees have accomplished over the last 67 years," said Vic Edelbrock Jr. "Our story is the story of American ingenuity, the love of mechanical things and going fast. The world has changed many times since my dad first drove his '32 Ford roadster across the dry lakes of Southern California and Edelbrock has changed with it. It's been quite an adventure and I think people will really enjoy reading it."

SCHUMACHER, FORCE, ANDERSON AND SCHNITZ EARN VICTORIES AT PONTIAC PERFORMANCE NHRA NATIONALS

Tony Schumacher posted a national record speed on his way to the Top Fuel victory Sunday at the Pontiac Performance NHRA Nationals at National Trail Raceway.

John Force, Greg Anderson and Ryan Schnitz also were winners of the $2 million race, the eighth of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series.

Schumacher earned his third victory of the season and 24th of his career by posting a track record performance in the final round that included the fastest speed in NHRA history. Schumacher’s U.S. Army dragster finished in 4.489 seconds at 336.15 mph to hold off Doug Kalitta’s charging Mac Tools dragster, which finished just behind in 4.513 at 324.90.

NHRA Points Following Columbus

Point standings (top 10) for NHRA professional categories following the 41st annual Pontiac Performance NHRA Nationals presented by Summit Racing at National Trail Raceway, the eighth of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series -

1. Doug Kalitta, 684; 2. Tony Schumacher, 641; 3. Morgan Lucas, 502; 4. Larry Dixon, 497; 5. David Grubnic, 479; 6. Brandon Bernstein, 452; 7. Cory McClenathan, 429; 8. Scott Kalitta, 408; 9. Doug Herbert, 405; 10. David Baca, 310.

1. John Force, 602; 2. Gary Scelzi, 522; 3. Robert Hight, 510; 4. Cruz Pedregon, 508; 5. Whit Bazemore, 503; 6. Ron Capps, 443; 7. Eric Medlen, 415; 8. Tommy Johnson Jr., 407; 9. Bob Gilbertson, 354; 10. Tony Pedregon, 353.

1. Warren Johnson, 672; 2. Greg Anderson, 593; 3. Dave Connolly, 550; 4. Jason Line, 548; 5. Kurt Johnson, 474; 6. Ron Krisher, 388; 7. Richie Stevens, 383; 8. Jim Yates, 378; 9. Greg Stanfield, 376; 10. Jeg Coughlin, 362.

1. GT Tonglet, 326; 2. Karen Stoffer, 268; 3. Andrew Hines, 267; 4. Steve Johnson, 249; 5. Craig Treble, 248; 6. Ryan Schnitz, 237; 7. Geno Scali, 217; 8. Chip Ellis, 216; 9. Antron Brown, 200; 10. Angelle Sampey, 197.

Upsets Abound in Columbus

(5-22-2005) - Biker G.T. Tonglet was the only No.1 pro qualifier still competing at the end of the second round -- and one of only two still racing after the first round. In the opening round, Larry Dixon, Top Fuel's No. 1 qualifier, lost to Doug Herbert and Funny Car's Whit Bazemore fell to Dale Creasy Jr.

Dixon's assistant crew chief, Donnie Bender, said the Miller Lite/Ameriquest Dragster suffered by being in the eighth pairing of the day. "The track got better and that was evident because everyone was running better,” Bender said. "We didn't have time to make enough adjustments to counter that, and it wore the clutch out and smoked the tires."

Although the season has two-thirds remaining, Bazemore's championship chase took a major hit with his early elimination.

"You go up there, and anybody can win any given race, and it's been done many, many times," Bazemore said after slippin from second to fifth in the standings. "The way I look at it is when our Matco Tools Dodge doesn't run within a couple of hundredths (of a second) of the other car I should make up the difference, and today we didn't do that. . . .
We've been pretty good all year doing that, and today I didn't. I'm particularly frustrated by the outcome.

"We've won quite a few rounds this year on holeshots. Today we didn't lose on a holeshot, but we didn't make up the difference in performance either," he said.

"They (Creasy's team) ran only a 5.20 in qualifying. Our car was way too conservative for that run."

Hurry up and wait

(5-22-2005) - Teams operated on a 65-minute turnaround Sunday in Columbus because of inclement weather concerns. The worry was warranted, as the rain came at 2:19 p.m., in between semifinal runs for the Pro Stock Motorcycles. It lasted just 16 minutes. Heavier showers hit at 3:09 p.m. and lasted for two hours, eight minutes. After another delay, time for 24 minutes, faithful fans got to see the final rounds.

Carl Spiering Motorsports Eaton Cutler-Hammer captures inaugural PMRA event

(5-22-2005) - The first Pro Modified Racing Association (PMRA) event was a great success, especially for inaugural winner Carl Spiering of Jordan Station, Ontario.

Spiering, in the Eaton Cutler-Hammer sponsored 1963 Chevrolet Corvette, bested the field of 14 cars, including 2004 IHRA Pro Modified World Champion Mike Janis of Lancaster, New York, and Canadian ace Al Billes of Barrie, Ontario.

In the final run at Toronto Motorsports Park in Cayuga, Spiering met with Billes, who debuted his new Summit Racing 2005 Dodge Stratus Pro Modified machine. Billes, running the Oddy Racing entry, qualified the new car number one to claim the Darren Mayer Performance Engineering Top Qualifier Award in the event with low ET and speed.
But severe tire shake took Billes out of contention in the final as Spiering motored to a winning 6.33-second, 225.41 mph pass.

“The track was awesome tonight,” said Spiering after the win. “Our Eaton Cutler-Hammer Corvette was working well. The final was a little slippery - it wasn’t pretty but I made it.”

Jim Oddy was also impressed with the TMP surface. “This track had teeth tonight,” said the Buffalo-area tuner and engine builder. “I wish we could take it from race to race.”
In round one action, Terry Brown of Caledonia, Ontario, took out Joe Boniferro (Bear’s Performance Products Consistent Qualifier) of Niagara Falls Ontario, Spiering beat Jack Grainy of North Tonawanda, New York, Billes beat Kenmore, New York’s Joe Lilienthal, and in the upset of the meet, Luch Querin of Toronto, Ontario drove his 2002 Camaro to a big upset win over world champion Janis, whose 2005 Stratus suffered from severe tire shake.

In the next round, Brown started way too early, red-lighting, and giving the round to Billes, while Querin gave Spiering a hard time, but Spiering’s strong and straight 6.29-second, 227.04 pass over Querin’s 6.74-second, 205.79 mph run put the Camaro on the trailer.

The second event in the 2005 PMRA series will be held July 1-3 at Luskville Dragway, near Aylmer, PQ, just outside of Ottawa, ON.

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