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300 MPH RACING SATURDAY IN BAR'S LEAKS FUNNY CAR NATIONALS

(7-21-2005) - They call them Funny Cars, but there's nothing funny about zero-to-300 mile-an-hour performance in less than five seconds, the kind of performance expected Saturday when NHRA touring pros Vinny Arcadi and Dale Creasy Jr. roll into US 131 Motorsports Park for the annual Bar's Leaks Funny Car Nationals.

Arcadi, a journeyman from Lancaster, N.Y., will send his 7,000 horsepower Chevy Camaro to the line against the similarly-powered TORCO Race Fuels 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo in which Creasy Jr. upset 13-time NHRA champion John Force last month at Joliet, Ill.

"This is the only chance this year for Michigan race fans to see nitromethane-burning Funny Cars," said US 131 General Manager Jason
Peterson. "They're something you have to see to believe, especially at night. That's when you can really see flames jump out of the header pipes."

While Creasy and Arcadi are the featured performers in the one day event, they are by no means the entire show.

In addition, the race will feature 240 mph Alcohol Funny Cars, supercharged nostalgia Funny Cars, front-engine nostalgic Top Fuel dragsters and a pair of spectacular jet-powered exhibition vehicles - a jet-powered, 250 mph police cruiser and Pat Davidson's one-of-a-kind jet-powered ambulance.

Gates open at 10 a.m. Saturday with time trials at 11 a.m., pro qualifying at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. and racing at 7. Adult admission is $20 and includes pit access and free parking. Children 6-12 are $7; children under six are free when accompanied by a ticketed adult.

Torco Race Fuels, Inc., expands to eRaceFuels & Specialty Chemicals; Industry leader plans to market MACH Series fuels brand worldwide

(7-20-2005) – Evan Knoll, President and founder of Torco Race Fuels, Inc., has revealed additional new plans to continue the already massive expansion of his businesses. Torco Race Fuels, Inc. has expanded to include eRaceFuels and feature his MACH Series product line established in 1995.

Knoll points out these new business initiatives are designed to diversify and grow the already booming race fuel giant. One of those initiatives featured the formation of eRaceFuels & Specialty Chemicals.

“While the Torco Race Fuels, Inc. name has served us well over the last ten years, our marketing consultants believe that a name more easily identifiable with our product and mission would serve us better,” Knoll said. “We are more than excited bout the opportunities ahead of us.”

Knoll intends to utilize the robust Internet market to grow eRaceFuels & Specialty Chemicals into an international giant. His eRaceFuels & Specialty Chemicals company will hit the e-commerce market using a high octane marketing program that features everything from race teams to Internet magazines and sanctioning bodies.

Knoll’s eRaceFuels & Specialty Chemicals will prominently market their MACH Series Race Fuels, Custom Blended fuels and additives, Knoll Gas Motorsports, Knoll Gas & Energy, Pro Nitro Nitromethane and the latest venture SKULL GEAR, a custom clothing and apparel line.

Knoll began his major marketing push in October of 2004 by announcing official race fuel status with the International Hot Rod Association. The program also included major sponsorship of two national events on the Hooters Drag Racing

Series as well as two professional categories. Shortly afterward, Knoll acquired title rights sponsorship on leading electronic drag racing magazine CompetitionPlus.com.

As the focus of his plan turned towards marketing his SKULL GEAR clothing line, Knoll procured a multi-year deal with NHRA AMS Pro Modified World Champion Mike Ashley. That program has since extended to include a nitro Funny Car in NHRA POWERade competition scheduled for debut at the NHRA MAC Tools U.S. Nationals.

The marketing blitz also expanded to NHRA Pro Stock superstar Dave Connolly, NHRA POWERade Funny Car driver Dale Creasy and a Top Fuel car driven by Melanie Troxel.

Licensing agreements are currently underway for SKULL GEAR to be sold in retail stores worldwide. Knoll has a busy agenda as he plans to venture into the commercial real estate market, open Mach Series gas stations with convenience stores owned and operated by eRaceFuels & Specialty Chemicals and an eRaceFuels & Specialty Chemicals Street and Strip oil product line.

For more information on eRaceFuels & Specialty Chemicals call 1-800-678-6726. A new website is forthcoming

DIGNITARIES TAPPED FOR JEG’S NHRA NORTHERN SPORTSNATIONALS

(7-20-2005) - Long-time Jeg’s employee Roger Burket will serve as Grand Marshal at the JEG’S NHRA Northern SPORTSnationals and radio personality Mark “Daddy Wags” Wagner has been chosen as the Honorary Starter for the event, August 28-31 at National Trail Raceway in Hebron, Ohio.

Burket’s 37-year tenure at Jeg’s High Performance is second only to company founder Jeg Coughlin Sr. In his time at Jeg’s Burket has done everything from building race cars and parts sold in the Jeg’s catalog to running Jegster Inc., a subsidiary of Jeg’s Automotive.

In Jeg Sr’s own words, “Roger can do anything. He has built race cars, security gates, executive desks, Jr. Dragsters and parts sold in the Jeg’s catalog to name only a few of his creations. Roger’s loyalty and work ethic is something to admire.”

Daddy Wags has been a fixture in Columbus radio for 25 years. The wacky co-host of QFM96’s Wags & Elliott Morning Show is an avid Motorsports fan and began his reign at the station in 1979.

“The Jeg’s folks have always treated me like family and I'm flattered to be asked to be the honorary starter for this event,’ said Wags. “This very well may be the first time I haven't embarrassed myself at the starting line at National Trail Raceway.”

Singing the National Anthem for the event is Jeg’s very own, Lisa Gain. Lisa, a Customer Service Representative for Jeg’s, has musical talent that many of us can only dream about. She has written 190 songs, 12 of which she has selected on her own CD. Lisa jumped at the opportunity to sing in front of her fellow associates and race fans.

Jeg’s Automotive, Inc. is celebrating its 45th Anniversary this year. The Coughlin family and Jeg’s Automotive have been committed to the sport of drag racing. Father and founder Jeg Coughlin Sr successfully competed in numerous classes in the NHRA throughout his long career. His passion for racing has been carried on by all four of his sons, all of whom are NHRA racers. The third generation of Coughlin’s has begun to hit the track competing in Jr. Dragsters.

Arend and CMKX Part Ways After Denver

(7-19-2005) - Funny Car driver Jeff Arend and car owner Paul Smith no longer have a major sponsorship following a mutual agreement to end their association with CMKX Diamonds following the race in Denver. Arend and Smith have a complete and competitive turn-key Funny Car operation ready to go racing as soon as new funding can be acquired.

“I met with Urban Casavant in Las Vegas on Monday,” said Arend, “and we decided that due to the ever escalating cost of running a race team at the level required to be competitive against today’s multi-car teams, it would be in everyone’s best interest to go our separate ways at this time.”

Arend has enjoyed a successful 2005 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing season. The 42-year-old Canadian native advanced to the final round in Bristol and made it to the semifinals in Chicago. Arend also qualified in the No. 2 spot in Englishtown with a career-best 4.792 at 322.19 mph. The former NHRA Funny Car national event champion also established himself as the best driver in the class at the starting line. Going into Denver, Arend had left first on his opponent 75-percent of the time during eliminations. He is currently 13th in the POWERade point standings, just 100 points out of the Top 10.

“I want to extend my sincere thanks and gratitude to Urban Casavant for being instrumental in my return to racing a Funny Car,” Arend said. “CMKX came on board with us early last year and with their help we’ve been able to build a solid, cohesive team that is capable of fielding a competitive and consistent running Funny Car. I also want to thank Vincent Ferrone from VF Trucking for all of his support this season. Paul Smith and I are still ready and willing to go racing at the drop of a hat, we just need to find the support to maintain and run our race car at the level needed to be competitive on the NHRA tour.”

Urban Casavant commented from his Las Vegas home, “Jeff Arend, Paul Smith and the entire CMKXtreme Machine team have done a great job in representing us. It is an unfortunate situation but I feel at this time that it’s in the best interest of everyone involved.”

Mike Ashley and Team Gotham Launch "Gotham Gear for Ladies" Apparel Line

(7-19-2005) - In addition to the stylish outfits designed to complement her on or off the track, we have also added hats, shirts and a Team Gotham / Torco 67' Shelby Mustang GT500E poster. Check it all out at: www.gothamracegear.com.

Please visit our site often at www.gothamcityracing.com, we will continue to add new site features and Gotham Gear merchandise regularly. Keep a look out for Mike Ashley's Gotham City Racing / Skull Gear Nitro Funny Car limited edition collectable die cast. We will begin accepting advance orders on August 15th, 2005.

The Big One - Maple Grove Raceway AutoZone Super Chevy Show

(7-19-2005) - Maple Grove Raceway, located in Mohnton, Pennsylvania, is one of the most beautiful and popular dragstrips in America. They are pleased to be hosting the largest AutoZone Super Chevy Show on AutoStar’s 19 event 2005 tour.

“We have expanded the area for the Tremec Car Show and Manufacturer’s Midway to accommodate the increased entries of the Super Chevy Show,” said
facility manager George Case.

The event, which is set for July 21-24, is expected to draw upwards of 700 bracket and Top Sportsman racers for the Flowmaster competition that includes a Friday Tremec Transmissions Bonus race.

Eliminations begin Saturday for the Super Chevy race and a Last Chance race for the first and second round losers. In addition, a huge swap meet, car corral and midway provide outstanding shopping opportunities for all Chevy enthusiasts.

S&S ANNOUNCES AGREEMENT WITH MAC TOOLS

(7-19-2005) - S&S Cycle is pleased to team up with Mac Tools as the official tool for the new S&S Training & Certification Facility.
During the grand opening of the new S&S Customer Support Center and the Training & Certification Facility in La Crosse, Wisconsin today, S&S and Mac Tools announced their collaboration to outfit the S&S facilities with Mac Tools. Students attending the S&S Training & Certification Facility will have the opportunity to use Mac Tools exclusively during their time in class. Additionally, plans are in place to have Mac Tools manufacture and distribute a variety of specialty tools that are unique to the needs of V-Twin mechanics.

To better serve their customers, S&S and Mac Tools will be offering specific tool kits relative to the training courses being provided. Technicians will have the opportunity to purchase these unique tool kits, from an authorized Mac Tools Distributor, helping them better service their customers when they return to their own shops.

"Our collaboration with Mac Tools is a perfect fit for this new educational facility, "said S&S president, Brett Smith. "Being able to outfit our new Training & Certification Facility with Mac Tools is a great opportunity for us to get a good start with our new classes and I'm sure our students will be pleased with the selection and performance of these products."

"The synergy between our companies has been excellent from the very beginning, "said Brian Conyers, Senior Manager of Communications & Marketing for S&S Cycle. "Tony and the others at Mac Tools have been great about listening to our needs and coming through with solutions that will make a difference in how we conduct business through our Training & Certification Facility. This deal is the result of very sound collaboration between both companies and we're very pleased to be associated with Mac Tools."

"Mac Tools' partnership with S&S Cycle Inc. is a perfect example of Mac's commitment to creating customers for life," said Tony Merritt, Sports Marketing and Relationship Manager for Mac Tools. "S&S Cycle is the premier aftermarket engine manufacturer in the country and we are thrilled to be able to exclusively service them with our quality products. We are so proud to outfit their new training facility and believe their program will bring a great quality of life for technicians who enter the program, giving them the best training that only a world class organization like S&S can provide," continued Merritt. "We are also eager to see the unlimited opportunities that Mac Tools and S&S Cycle's partnership will bring in the future."

50 teen drivers invited to see the safer side of drag racing during BIR’s Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals

(7-19-2005) - Fifty young drivers from Minnesota will be special guests of Fast Cop Inc., during the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals Aug. 12 at Brainerd International Raceway.

In addition to receiving free tickets – courtesy of BIR – for Friday’s opening qualifying session, the group will meet Pro Stock driver Jason Line and hear from Fast Cop’s Shaun White and Darin White, who will discuss the dangers of street racing and impaired driving.

Fast Cop is a popular Brainerd-based non-profit group that travels statewide educating teens on dangerous driving habits. With a goal of reducing injuries on streets and highways, Fast Cop promotes its message by sponsoring the Wednesday Night Street Drags program at BIR, where young drivers can safely drag race on BIR’s world-class drag strip. Fast Cop uses the program as a forum to teach young drivers to race only in supervised and safe conditions – not on the streets.

Fast Cop will select the 50 drivers based on their interest in drag racing and their participation in the Wednesday Night Street Drags. The selection process will take place in the coming weeks.

“Last year we had an excellent response to this program,” Fast Cop President Larry White said. “We had more than 30 teens attend, and we received many encouraging comments. We believe that exposing these kids to world-class professional drag racers and showing them how safety plays such a significant role in this sport, we can have an impact on the decisions these kids make on the road. And, hopefully, these kids will become our ambassadors within their circle of friends.”

For more information, contact Larry White at 218-546-7160 or visit www.fastcop.com.

Doctors confirm stroke for Larry McBride

(7-18-2005) - Six time AMA/Prostar Top Fuel Champion Larry McBride suffered a small stroke on Friday at the Prostar WISECO Cyclefest. Larry spent two days at the hospital and was back at track in good spirits on Sunday. Larry currently has diminished use of his left arm, but his doctors expect him to make a full recovery. "We are just not sure if it will take weeks or months," said McBride. His future racing plans are unclear a this time.

Hang On, Clay!

In their wildest adventures Bo and Luke never went for the kind of scary ride that Top Fuel standout Clay Millican found himself on during eliminations for the Dukes of Hazzard Motor City Nationals. Fortunately, Millican, whose car was sporting a special "General Lee" paint scheme this weekend in Michigan, was unhurt in the spectacular blow-over accident. (Photo sequence by Roger Richards)

A Minute with Don Schumacher

(7-18-2005) - When it comes to dominating the headlines no one has been able to match Schumacher, the former Funny Car driver from Chicago. In case you’ve lost track, here’s a list of his current "holdings":

FUNNY CAR
Whit Bazemore – Matco Tools Dodge
Gary Scelzi – Oakley/Mopar Dodge
Ron Capps – Brut Dodge

PRO STOCK
Jeg Coughlin – Jeg’s Mail Order Stratus
Richie Stevens, Jr. – Mopar Stratus

PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE
Angelle Sampey – U.S. Army Suzuki
Antron Brown – U.S. Army Suzuki

The ninth and newest member of the team is Troxel, who made her official debut in front of a home town crowd this past weekend in Denver. In recent weeks Schumacher has been the subject of considerable discussion among other team owners, many of whom are beginning to wonder out loud not only when his acquisitions might end, but if there’s even and end in sight. We caught up with him in the pits at Bandimere Speedway to ask that very question.

SCHUMACHER: I’ll do what I think is the best thing for DSR (Don Schumacher Racing) and NHRA and my current teams, and if I feel that’s to add additional teams, or to subtract teams, I will do that.

COMPPLUS: When the PRO sent out their recent letter that mentioned your name prominently, did you consider that a public rebuke of some of the things you’ve said recently, because some people interpreted it that way.

SCHUMACHER: I take it as a clarification. I was part of writing that letter, with Kenny (Bernstein), ah, and I made a misstatement, and it was just a clarification of a statement that I made.

COMPPLUS: Was this the statement to the newspaper reporter in Bristol (in which Schumacher, in reference to the possibility of Bruton Smith taking over NHRA referred to "the stupid NHRA board of directors.")

SCHUMACHER: No, no, this was the statement about me becoming president (of the PRO) at the end of Kenny’s term. That is not the case. The board will appoint a president (from among the active) board, or from outside the board. There isn’t an automatic vice president to president (ascension). They wanted me to become president a year ago, but we talked Kenny into staying on as long as I would assist Kenny in any manner necessary to try and continue growing PRO and taking PRO to the next level.

SCHUMACHER: We need to continue to work very aggressively with NHRA and the teams and be certain we’re accomplishing what’s necessary for the teams. There are a lot of goals out here besides just purses. There’s numerous smaller issues that we deal with every day and every week. We had a meeting here on Friday for probably about two hours with some of the NHRA people in reference to nitromethane and the costs of racing, and tires and wings and numerous other things that we have to deal with on a regular basis.

COMPPLUS: Let’s talk about the nitro situation. Is that going to be loosened up because there’s a perception that there’s almost a price control situation in effect, and will other companies be allowed in?

SCHUMACHER: I don’t know if it’ll be loosened up or not, and NHRA has a contract with VP, and that goes through this year and I believe it even goes through next year. Hopefully, with the involvement of Torco Racing Fuels here in NHRA, and their tremendous support and sponsorship of teams, not just my teams, but numerous teams out here, numerous racers that if they didn’t have support from Torco they may not be out here. We may not have as (many) full fields as we have (if it weren’t for Torco), and I hope NHRA will take that into consideration when they look at the new contract bidding process with VP and Torco and, hopefully, some other competitors to see what’s the best situation for NHRA, the racers and the supplier.

COMPPLUS: When you consider the costs of racing, and now we’re talking about you personally, not as an officer of the PRO, do you think there are things that could be done to hold down the costs?

SCHUMACHER: I can’t say that there are any additional cost control steps besides the things that I’ve talked about, the costs of nitro and the like. Sure, we wish we could do something about hotel costs and travel costs, but there’s nothing you can do about those kinds of things. The costs of racing such as engine parts, it is what it is, and you’re not going to change that. Tires, we need a safe tire to run on, to try and bring in another tire company to compete with Goodyear. All of us may think that’s good for competition and the cost of tires, but is it good for safety and the future of the sport? There’s lots of sides you have to look at. The majority of our costs in running these operations are travel costs and personnel.

COMPPLUS: How many people do you have employed on the racing operation right now?

COMPPLUS: Let’s got back to the purse structures that you mentioned earlier. How soon is NHRA going to make a formal announcement about the purse increases they’ve promised for next year?

SCHUMACHER: I don’t know. That’s NHRA’s decision. I’m sure we’ll hear something this fall. Whether that’s Indy time or after Indy I really couldn’t say. That’s a decision only NHRA knows.

COMPPLUS: Have you tried to bring your son, Tony, into the operation of the company and the overall management of the race teams?

SCHUMACHER: He’s awfully wrapped up in what he’s doing, but I sense Tony’s desire to get more involved with the company, both DSR and Schumacher Electric more consistently here recently.

COMPPLUS: If that happened do you think that would force him out of the seat sooner rather than later?

SCHUMACHER: I don’t think Tony has the desire to get out of the seat at all. He has said he wants to spend more time with his kids and those kinds of things. Tony and I talk about it regularly and I can’t say that it’s a seven year or a 10 year plan. He loves what he does. He loves representing the U.S. Army, so I don’t see him making a real change here any time soon.

Fuel Altereds On Tour

(7-18-2005) - Manheim Auctions has announced that as part of their 50th anniversary in the auto auction business they will be supporting two classic Fuel Altereds.

The Rat Trap and Nanook Fuel Altereds will carry the Manheim banner for the balance of 2005. Both of these cars have long and distinguished history in the drag racing world and have been featured at such events as the 50th Anniversary of the NHRA, Goodwood Festival of Speed, the 50th Anniversary of the US Nationals, numerous National Events, and television appearances. The history for both cars dates back to the 1960’s where they thrilled fans across the country and have continued to do so up until the present day.

Nick Peluso, Senior Vice President of Sales for Manheim Auctions, joined with Ron Hope and Dave Hough in making the announcement. Both cars will be made available to Manheim Auction locations for special promotional events as they tour the country on their Match Race schedule. Nick Peluso was quoted as saying, “we are excited to be involved in this segment of drag racing history and see value in the relationship.”

Both Ron Hope and Dave Hough expressed their appreciation for Manheim support and vision in this racing segment.

Event schedules for these cars, along with racing memorabilia, can be found at rattrapracing.com or nanookracing.com.

NHRA Points after Denver

(7-18-2005) - Point standings (top 10) for NHRA professional categories following the 26th annual Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals at Bandimere Speedway, the 13th of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series:

TOP FUEL

1. Tony Schumacher, 965; 2. Doug Kalitta, 945; 3. Larry Dixon, 876; 4. David Grubnic, 864; 5. Morgan Lucas, 826; 6. Brandon Bernstein, 748; 7. Scott Kalitta, 676; 8. Doug Herbert, 668; 9. Cory McClenathan, 654; 10. Scott Weis, 488.

FUNNY CAR

1. Robert Hight, 893; 2. John Force, 871; 3. Gary Scelzi, 857; 4. Ron Capps, 812; 5. Tommy Johnson Jr., 731; 6. Cruz Pedregon, 695; 7. Whit Bazemore, 689; 8. Eric Medlen, 656; 9. Del Worsham, 633; 10. Tony Pedregon, 596.

PRO STOCK

1. Warren Johnson, 1,030; 2. Greg Anderson, 999; 3. Jason Line, 962; 4. Dave Connolly, 899; 5. Kurt Johnson, 838; 6. Richie Stevens, 630; 7. Jeg Coughlin, 622; 8. Ron Krisher, 611; 9. Jim Yates, 599; 10. Greg Stanfield, 595.

PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE

1. GT Tonglet, 565; 2. Antron Brown, 564; 3. Ryan Schnitz, 516; 4. Andrew Hines, 497; 5. Angelle Sampey, 487; 6. Chip Ellis, 479; 7. Craig Treble, 461; 8. Karen Stoffer, 454; 9. Geno Scali, 425; 10. Steve Johnson, 418.

IHRA Points after Milan

(7-18-2005) - Point standings (top 10) for IHRA professional categories following the Third annual Dukes of Hazzard Motor City Nationals presented by GM Performance Division brought to you by the Milan News Leader and Saline Reporter at Milan Dragway, the sixth of 12 events in the 2005 Hooters IHRA Drag Racing Series -

Top Fuel

1. Clay Millican, 723; 2. Bruce Litton, 548; 3. Doug Foley, 540; 4. Louie Allison, 501; 5. Rick Cooper, 418; 6. Paul Athey, 286; 7. Roger Dean, 220; 8. Todd Paton, 218; 9. Bobby Lagana Jr., 190; 10. Chris Karamesines, 151.

Pro Modified

1. Shannon Jenkins, 404; 2. Jim Halsey, 383; 3. Al Billes, 365; 4. Ed Hoover, 342; 5. Quain Stott, 340; 6. Mike Castellana, 325; 7. Mike Janis, 301; 8. Harold Martin, 288; 9. Burton Auxier, 282; 10. Dennis Radford, 277.

Funny Car

1. Rob Atchison, 590; 2. Jim Sickles, 505; 3. Mark Thomas, 482; 4. Thomas Carter, 422; 5. Terry McMillen, 408; 6. Chris Foster, 321; 7. Melinda Green-King, 216; 8. Terry Munroe, 208; 9. Frederick Tigges, 179; 10. Trevor Lebsack, 126.

Pro Stock

1. Steve Spiess, 509; 2. Robert Patrick, 500; 3. Daniel Seamon, 450; 4. Frank Gugliotta, 401; 5. Tony Gillig, 383; 6. Pete Berner, 320; 7. Jerry Haas, 316; 8. Rick Jones, 314; 9. John Montecalvo, 293; 10. John Nobile, 272.

SCHUMACHER, HIGHT, JOHNSON AND SCHNITZ WIN AT BANDIMERE; THREE NEW POINTS LEADERS FOLLOWING MOPAR MILE-HIGH NHRA NATIONALS

(7-17-2005) - Funny Car rookie Robert Hight earned his second victory of the season Sunday at the Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals at Bandimere Speedway and in the process moved atop the POWERade point standings for the first time in his 13-race career.

Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel), Warren Johnson (Pro Stock) and Ryan Schnitz (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also won their respective categories at the $1.8 million race, the 13th of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series.

Millican Uninjured After Spectacular Crash in Milan

Louie Allison wins Top Fuel Ironman at Milan Dragway for the second year in a row

(7-17-2005) - In a race marred by four-time defending IHRA Top Fuel World Champion Clay Millican's unbelievable accident, Louie Allison (Denver, Colo.) won his second straight Ironman in the class as he defeated Bruce Litton (Indianapolis, Ind.) in the final of the Dukes of Hazzard Motor City Nationals at Milan Dragway.

Allison's 4.799/297.22 was good enough to top Litton's 4.813/309.34 and put him in the Winner's Circle for the second time in his career. It was deja vu for Allison as he mirrored what he did last year in the first round and in qualifying. In '04 he qualified #7 and had to face #2 qualifier Tim Cullinan (Franklin Park, Ill.) in the first round. This year he qualified #7 and squared off with Cullinan in the first round. Last season he defeated Cullinan in a pedal-fest to advance to the semifinals. This year the same thing happened as both cars got out of the groove early and struggled down the track. Last year, the Milan Dragway event was the first IHRA national event Clay Millican (Drummonds, Tenn.) did not win. This year was also Millican's first loss.

IHRA safety personnel arrived at the scene within seconds and Millican climbed out of the car almost immediately. He was talking with the safety crew and the track doctor and was reportedly cutting up with the paramedics en route to the hospital, where he was taken as a precautionary measure.

"God bless him," Allison said of Millican. "I really hope he's doing okay. Those blowovers are uncomfortable. The next time you get in the car you can't have that in your mind, but until then you certainly relive it over and over again."

Speaking of reliving things, Dan Seamon (Bellevue, Oh.) became the first driver to relive a trip to the Torco Race Fuels Pro Stock Winner's Circle, becoming the only IHRA national repeat winner this season when he defeated Steve Spiess (Manhattan, Ill.) in the final. Seamon also won at the season-opening Amalie Oil Texas Nationals. It was extra special for Seamon because his two young daughters were in attendance and it was car owner Charlie Taylor's birthday.

Seamon's victory catapulted him into third in the Torco Race Fuels Pro Stock World Championship standings.59 points behind Spiess. Robert Patrick (Fredericksburg, Va.) is in second place, nine points behind Spiess.

Rob Atchison (London, Ont. Canada) continued his IHRA Funny Car dominance by defeating Jim Sickles (Caledonia, N.Y.) to claim his fourth Ironman of the season. He also has been the #1 qualifier at all six '05 IHRA national events.

Mike Castellana (Westbury, N.Y.) became the sixth different Torco Pro Mod Ironman winner in as many events as he defeated a red-lighting Harold Martin (West Bloomfield, Mich.) in the Pro Mod final. In fact, Carl Spiering (Jordan Station, Ont. Canada) also red-lighted to Castellana in the semifinal.

It was Castellana's third career national event victory.

Pro Modified team owner Jim Oddy says he's through with drag racing

(7-17-2005) - Al Billes suffered his second crash in the month of July during the second round of Torco Pro Modified qualifying. The parachutes on his supercharged Dodge Stratus malfunctioned on the heels of a run that netted the Barrie, Ont.-based driver an unofficial track speed record.

Billes nailed the sand-trap with enough speed to force the car into four barrel rolls. The veteran driver exited under his own power but was transported to a local hospital for further examination.

Adding further disgrace to a disappointing situation, his 6.238, 231.08 was disallowed because the car was unable to pass the scales.

Billes was already recovering from a concussion and a severe case of whiplash sustained during a match race accident in Lancaster, New York, just two weeks earlier. He was driving the team’s 1953 Corvette at the time.

Team owner Jim Oddy was visibly distraught as he loaded parts into the team’s transporter to drive back to Elma, NY.

“That’s it for me,” Oddy said, as he gathered various parts of the car. “I’m through with drag racing. Two was enough for me. I am not going to get my driver killed.”

The Straight Line from Jason Line

(7-17-2005) - In recent days Torco’s CompetitionPlus.com has heard rumors to the effect that Jason Line has been unhappy with his arrangement with Greg Anderson and might be leaving at the end of the season, possibly to return to his former position with Joe Gibbs Racing in NASCAR.

Line assured our correspondent that nothing could be further from the truth. "Besides," he added, "I have a two year contract with Summit Racing."

With the debut of Greg Anderson’s new GTO in Denver there was also some speculation that Line may have moved into Anderson’s former Grand Am, and he also quickly put that rumor to rest. "This is definitely my car, and no one else is ever going to drive it."

Based on his performances through qualifying one wonders just how eager he might be to take delivery on his own Jerry Haas-engineered GTO, as in each round of qualifying he remained a tick ahead of Anderson.

Worsham's Blue Max dream gaining steam

(7-17-2005) - Del Worsham has confirmed that he’s hard at work on a replica of the infamous Raymond Beadle-driven Blue Max Mustang Funny Car that won Indy back in 1977 in one of the best Nationals finales ever.

"We’ve been in the process of building a nostalgia Funny Car for the last 12 months to run on the Good Guys circuit," Worsham told Torco’s CompetitionPlus.com. "Hopefully it’s going to be replica of the ‘1977 Blue Max. It’s one of my old cars that we’ve shortened to (a) 118-inch (wheelbase), but with the current rules they have over in the Vintage Racing Association you really can’t run an old chassis, it has to be updated. We’re talking about running in Dallas (during the NHRA POWERade national event). NHRA is going to
talk to me at Seattle and see if we can get something put together."

When asked what Raymond Beadle thought of the idea, Worsham responded by saying, "I haven’t spoken directly with Raymond, but I’ve been going through my old friend, ‘Waterbed’ (Fred Miller, the former lead mechanic on the Blue Max and now the racing director for Zantrex-3 and Strivectin)."

Miller says that if Worsham has the car ready he’s going to make sure Beadle and the original owner of the Blue Max, Harry Schmidt are on hand to see it run. According to Worsham, "That would be pretty cool."

It's the politically correct General Lee on Nitro

(7-16-2005) - Clay Millican has been a devoted Dukes of Hazzard fan as long as he can remember. That’s why when the chance came along for Millican to fly the flagship for the upcoming movie, he jumped at it. The icing on the cake was getting to drive one during Thursday’s chamber of commerce gathering.

“This whole deal is exciting for me personally,” Millican said. “To get to drive one of these General Lee cars was like being back in 1982 all again. The problem is that my hair is not as long and it’s got gray in it. Driving that car down the racetrack was one of the coolest things I’ve ever gotten to do.”

Not only did Millican stomp the replica of Sheriff Roscoe P. Coltrain’s squad car, but also turned around and drove back to the starting line doing a slalom of the timing cones.

“It wasn’t part of the plan,” Millican added. “I know Jeff Foster at Compulink was pulling his hair our wondering if I was going to hit one.”

Millican didn’t describe his experience of driving a car that he adored for much of his life as scary, but one that made him giddy like a kid.

“I felt right at home because I’ve had lots of time behind the wheel of a ’69 Charger. The only thing that was different is that we weren’t in Drummonds, Tenn.”

When it comes to Millican’s Werner-sponsored Top Fueler, the car was painted to match the feature automobile in the movie. However, there was a major discrepancy.

The original rendering featured a rebel flag as was on the roof of the car. That idea was nixed, according to Millican, by the IHRA.

“We had the artwork already done and we submitted it to them…it came back with a no,” Millican said. “I think that just goes with everything today being politically correct. The General Lee has to have a rebel flag. I don’t want to get into that political stuff. The IHRA probably felt that was the best decision.

“The General Lee to me is a ‘69 Charger with a rebel flag and 01 on the side. The Dukes of Hazzard was a good, family television show. What happened 150 years ago is what happened. It’s part of American history as far as I’m concerned. A lot of evil things happened, and whether or not you had a confederate flag or an American flag. A lot of Americans died for reasons they thought were good. I don’t know. I just prefer to stay away from that stuff.”

SATURDAY - Billes Crashes Again During Saturday Qualifying For Dukes of Hazzard Motor City Nationals

(7-16-2005) - Summit Racing Equipment driver Al Billes (Barrie, Ont.) ran the fastest Torco Pro Mod pass in Milan Dragway history in his Saturday morning qualifying pass at the Dukes of Hazzard Motor City Nationals. Unfortunately, for Billes and team owner Jim Oddy, his parachutes picked the wrong time to malfunction.

When Billes finished his 231.08 mph pass his chutes failed to deploy. One fell and wrapped around the wheelie bar, causing Billes to have to stand on the brakes to attempt to stop the Summit '05 Stratus. As he approached the sand pit he attempted to turn off, but his front wheel caught the pit and sent the car into a series of barrel-rolls, four in all, through the sand trap and into the retaining fence.

Billes exited the car under his own power and was transported to the local hospital as a precautionary measure. Three weeks ago at a match race against Mike Janis at Lancaster Dragway, N.Y., Billes wrecked his car and suffered a concussion. No further information was available about Billes' condition Saturday evening.

Three rain delays lengthened the race day at Milan Dragway Saturday, but all pro qualifying sessions were completed. Clay Millican (Drummonds, Tenn.) headed up the final Top Fuel Dragster qualifying list as his afternoon 4.647/317.49 pass gave him his third pole of the season.

In Torco Pro Stock Robert Patrick (Fredericksburg, Va.) and Steve Spiess (Manhattan, Ill.) posted identical 6.472 passes in the Saturday evening qualifying round, but by virtue of a track record 215.72 mph it was Spiess claiming the #1 qualifying spot. In fact, Spiess owns both ends of the track record, breaking both marks for the second time in 24 hours. His #1 qualifying post is the second of his career.both coming this season. He also was atop the qualifying list at the ACDelco Nationals in Virginia.

Rob Atchison (London, Ont.) continued his IHRA Funny Car dominance by claiming the #1 qualifying post for the sixth time in six Hooters IHRA Racing Series national events this season. Atchison's 5.799/241.15 put him on the pole where he is set to face Terry McMillen (Elkhart, Ind.) in the first round of eliminations Sunday. Atchison's run put him in front of the field by almost .5 of a second over Jim Sickles (Caldonia, N.Y.), who recorded a 5.840/241.67.

Harold Martin (West Bloomfield, Mich.) saved his best for last Saturday night when he went from the #7 qualifying spot to the pole with a 6.197/212.53 pass. Martin, who claimed his first pole of the '05 season, will face Keith Baker (Dothan, Ala.) in the first round tomorrow. The top of the field was crowded with quality times as Mike Castellana (6.198), Carl Spiering (6.209), John Russo (6.219), Shannon Jenkins (6.222) and Jim Halsey (6.225) were all within a whisker of the top qualifying spot.

BERNSTEIN, HIGHT, ANDERSON AND HINES ARE NO. 1 QUALIFIERS FOR THE MOPAR MILE-HIGH NHRA NATIONALS AT BANDIMERE SPEEDWAY

(7-16-2005) - Brandon Bernstein earned his second No. 1 qualifying position of the season Saturday at the Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals at Bandimere Speedway outside of Denver.

Robert Hight, Greg Anderson and Andrew Hines also were the top qualifiers in their respective categories at the $1.8 million race, the 13th of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series.

Bernstein became the first driver ever at the scenic mountain-side drag strip to record a 330-plus speed when he shut the clocks off in his Budweiser/Lucas Oil dragster in 4.596 seconds at a track record pace of 330.88 mph, earning him the top qualifying spot for the eighth time in his career.

Hight, a rookie Funny Car driver and the leading contender for Rookie of the Year honors, established track records for time and speed when he steered the John Force-owned Auto Club Ford Mustang down the quarter-mile in 4.796 at 319.82, giving the 35-year-old Southern California native a category-best total of five No. 1 qualifying efforts. The three Force-owned Mustangs qualified first, sixth (Force) and 10th (Eric Medlen) for tomorrow’s eliminations.

Anderson, the two-time defending NHRA Pro Stock world champion and defending event winner, debuted a Pontiac GTO and recorded a track record time of 7.106 at 194.07 for his third top qualifying spot of the season and the 36th of his career. Anderson, who led the point standings entering the Denver race, will line drive his Summit Racing GTO to the starting line Sunday to meet Mike Edwards in the opening round of eliminations.

Defending POWERade Pro Stock Motorcycle world champion Hines rode his Vance & Hines Screamin' Eagle Harley-Davidson to the top of the two-wheel category for the fifth time this season and the 13th time of his career. Hines, formerly a Colorado resident, reset the track record that provisional No. 1 qualifier Ryan Schnitz established last night. Hines will face Matt Smith in the first round of eliminations.

KABOOM - Hunka Hunka Burning Brut

(7-16-2005) - Ron Capps lit it up following the second session in Denver on Friday. He was uninjured.

Larry McBride Back in the Hospital

(7-16-2005) - Larry ‘Spiderman’ McBride was taken to hospital on Friday morning of the Prostar WISECO Cyclefest in Norwalk, OH. He remained overnight and is receiving further tests on Saturday. His symptoms are similar to the ones he experienced at the St.Louis Prostar race.

Trouble Brewing on the horizon for NHRA's Light?

(7-15-2005) - Several drivers have approached Torco’s CompetitionPlus.com with complaints about the way they feel NHRA vice president and competition director Graham Light handled a recent television interview at the Sears Craftsman Nationals about what they suggest is the off-hand manner in which he failed to deal with the cause of Darrell Russell’s death. Stay tuned, as we hope to have quotable comments shortly.

IHRA Pro Stock racer Pete Berner headed to GM in 2006?

(7-15-2005) – Torco Race Fuels Pro Stock driver Pete Berner may soon be writing a new chapter in his racing career and the story could be one he’s seen before. Berner has all but made his mind up that he’s abandoning his Ford program and returning to his roots with a GM-bodied vehicle.

“We haven’t officially signed the papers, but we’ve had an order in with Jerry Haas on one of the new Mustangs,” Berner said. “But, I think we’ll come out with a new GTO.”

Berner’s decision was swayed by the belief the new Mustang isn’t as aerodynamic as the new GTO. He expects to have the new car by October.

Berner will continue his association with noted engine builder Jon Kaase. Kaase, known mainly for his prowess with Ford engines, has begun to make huge strides with the Chevrolet combination.

“Jon is certainly up to the task and I’m not leaving because this car isn’t running right,” Berner said. “A lot of this seems to be self-induced. We’ve changed a lot on this Mustang and it’s starting to come around.

“The reason I’m making the switch is to get the best body that I can. This class is getting so close and you cannot simply afford to compete at a deficit.”

Not until 2007 for Ashley; That's Papa's word

(7-15-2005) - Forget what you’ve been thinking bout what the immediate future holds for talented young Ashley Force.

Thirteen time champion John, her father, reports that she is already contracted to compete in A/Fuel Dragster in 2006, but "will be going pro in ’07. I don’t want to send her down the track (in a Funny Car) until she’s ready," he said.

Thus far Ashley has not run further than 400 feet, but as Force added, "We’re a little stuck because she only gets to
try out the car when we’re sticking around to test on a Monday after one of these races, and that only comes after we’ve figured out what (Austin) Coil wants to do with the car first."

Look for the Toyota flopper in Brainerd

(7-15-2005) - Team owner Del Worsham reports that Phil Burkhart will complete the West Coast Swing in the "Blue Team" CSK Chevy Monte Carlo before returning to the Toyota Celica body for the Lucas Oil Nationals in Brainerd.

Worsham said that after the first body failed to withstand the rigors of high speed competition (the roof partially peeled off during Burkhart’s first test run the Monday following the Mac Tools Gatornationals before it later failed completely), their biggest problem in getting a replacement built was that "we couldn’t find any carbon fiiber to work with." The new body, which is a modified version of the car run by Alan Johnson a couple of years ago with Gary Scelzi up, is being built at a shop inn Wrightwood, California.

Points Chase Tight as Goodguys/VRA hits Pomona for 8th Pomona Nitro Nationals

(7-15-2005) - The Goodguys Vintage Drag Racing Association roars into Pomona Raceway August 5, 6 & 7 for the 8th running of the Nitro Nationals - a three day weekend of 250 mph nostalgic drag racing at the historic raceway. The event is the third stop of the 5-race 2005 Goodguys West Coast Series and boasts over 400 competitors battling it out in 14 classes. Joining the drag racing will be a “show & shine for rods, customs & classics, a manufacturer’s midway as well as an automotive swap meet. The Goodguys Vintage Drag Racing series takes fans and racers alike back to the sport’s “golden era” when slingshot-style front engined top fuel dragsters were all the rage and sleek bodied nitro burning funny cars thundered down the track.

The points chase in nostalgia top fuel is the tightest it’s been in the history of the Goodguys series, which was first contested 11 years ago in 1994. Tied in first-place are the two “Ricks” - Exeter, California’s Rick McGee, 31, and San Diego’s Rick White, 54, who got his first-ever Goodguys Series top fuel win in April at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma. Second generation nostalgia top fuel racer Brett Harris, 38, of Kayesville, Utah is a mere 22 points behind in 3rd position driving the “Nitro Thunder” dragster – last year’s Goodguys top fuel championship-winning. But the man they all better watch out for as he gears up for a late season championship title run in 62 year old Jim Murphy of Santa Rosa. Murphy, a four-time Goodguys Top Fuel Champion (’97, ’98, ’99 & 2003) is currently fourth in points just 2 rounds behind the leaders. He has been testing extensively since the April event and thinks he has something for them in Pomona. “We coming with guns a blazing,” he said. “We don’t care if we burn up some pistons trying to win. We have the car, the talent and the track record to get it done. We will hold nothing back in Pomona.”

The Nostalgia Funny Car division got a big boost for the Pomona event when Ron Capps, of Carlsbad, driver of the Brut Dodge Stratus on the prestigious NHRA PowerAde circuit signed up to drive Jeff Gaynor’s “Hard Times” 1970 Plymouth Barracuda. The announcement generated such buzz in the drag racing community that the team was able to secure corporate sponsorship for the Nitro Nationals from Mopar Performance and auto parts retail giant Jeg’s of Ohio. Funny Car point’s leader Dan Horan Jr. of Sylmar isn’t worried about facing a pro racer. “I hope I get a chance to whip up on him pretty good,” said Horan who besides leading the points set the class elapsed time record in April at 6.14 seconds. When asked if he would be intimidated by Capps if the two faced off in eliminations, Horan, never one to sugar coat things, shot back “Hell no – not even a little bit. I think we’re going to kick all their butts. I will say that if Capps was driving our car – the whole world should be concerned.”

Defending Goodguys AA/GAS Champion Ed Moss, 61, of nearby Ontario is looking to take over the points lead from four time class champion Steve Woods of Northern California. Moss’ 200mph 1937 Ford coupe dominated the competition last year under the watchful eye of Rancho Cucamonga’s Randy Anderson, one of the most respected engine tuners in drag racing today whether it be nostalgia racing or modern day drag racing. To Anderson – an engine is an engine. Moss is the president of “Total Cost Involved” a giant street rod chassis manufacturer in Ontario. He’s enjoying the “golden years” of his life by competing in the Goodguys West Coast Series.

In other event news, Southern California Funny Car Legend Tom “The Mongoose” McEwen will join Dave McClelland – known worldwide as “The Voice of Drag Racing” for his 35-plus years as drag racing announcer and television host, will make celebrity appearances at the 8th Nitro Nationals. Goodguys will honor the duo as the event’s “Hot Rod Heroes,” presenting both with awards for their contributions to the world of high speed hot rodding. There will be an autograph signing session Saturday, August 6th at 1:00pm and a starting line award presentation Sunday, August 7th prior to final eliminations.

Qualifying and time trials are on tap for Friday and Saturday with special 8pm night qualifying both evenings for the Nostalgia Top Fuel and Nostalgia Funny Cars and other professional categories. The popular “Marcellus & Borsch” Fuel Altered – a 1960s Southern California favorite - will make hair-raising, 200mph exhibition runs both Friday and Saturday evenings under the lights as well. Final eliminations are scheduled for Sunday, beginning at 10am.

Halsey Makes His Move Out West

(7-15-2005) - Longtime nitrous racer Jim Halsey had everyone scratching their heads in Edmonton, as he qualified at the top of the Torco Race Fuels Pro Modified field and snagged his first national event win the next day.

Halsey's western move placed him in a tie for the second position in the Torco Race Fuels Pro Modified Shootout.

Holding on tightly to the other side of the No. 2 spot is veteran gunslinger, Ed Hoover. With 520 points a piece, the tension between Hoover and Halsey is building as the opportunities to gain qualifying points dwindle.

While Halsey continues his assault on point leader, Shannon
Jenkins, at the IHRA Motor City Nationals, Jenkins' teammate, Mike Castellana is looking to provide back up for his partner. Castellana, having one of the most successful stints in his career, is holding onto the No. 4 spot with 500 points. Jenkins leads the pack with 720 points.

Rounding out the top five in the Torco Race Fuels Pro Modified Shootout Points chase is Al Billes with 490.

Only two races remain for drivers in the Torco Race Fuels Pro Modified class to obtain points and qualify for the elite shootout field.

The Torco Race Fuels Pro Modified Shootout will be contested in Martin, Mich., during the Torco Race Fuels Northern Nationals.

The winner of the shootout will receive $20,000, while the runner-up is set to obtain $9,000. Semi-finalists will pocket $2,500 and the quarter-finalists will net $1,500 each.

Labor Day U.S. Nationals of Brackets Returns to Huntsville

(7-15-2005) - For the first time in three years, the U.S. Nationals of Bracket Racing will return to Huntsville (Alabama) Dragway over the upcoming Labor Day weekend.

Promoter George Howard said the north Alabama track will host three days of nothing but brackets, both Pro, for electronics-equipped cars, and Footbrakers, over the September 2-4 weekend. Payout for winners will include $2,500 for Pro on Friday, $5,000 on Saturday and $10,000 on Sunday, for a $150 three-day entry fee. Buy backs will be one round only, first or second, and will be $40 for Friday, $75 for Saturday, and $100 for Sunday.

Footbrakers will race for $2,000-to-win on each day, with a $25 buy back per day. Spectator and crew can buy a pit pass for $45 for the entire weekend.

Also, Howard announced that he and Super Chevy Sunday promoter Roger Gustin have finalized a Super Chevy event at Huntsville Dragway over the April 19-21, 2006 weekend. Included will be racing, a car show and a swap meet, with other "happenings" to be announced. Telephone Howard at 205-251-7311 for details.

Prayer Request

(7-14-2005) - Tommy Payne’s grandson is in grave condition in hospital after falling into a backyard pool recently. Payne is crew chief for John Sullivan’s “Crazy Horse” IHRA Funny Car team.

The following account of the accident is by Topher Sanders of the Montgomery Advertiser:

A 20-month-old child is in serious condition in a Birmingham hospital after he nearly drowned in his grandparents' pool, witnesses and officials said.

Daniel Chastain was sitting in a highchair inside the home of his grandmother, LouAnn Payne, at about 4:40 p.m. He apparently got out of his chair, walked near the pool in the back yard and fell in. "He got out of his highchair while his grandmother went inside to go to the bathroom," said Tommy Payne, the child's grandfather.

Emergency rescue personnel responded to the residence at about 4:48 p.m. Family members told authorities Daniel was in the water for four to five minutes. When emergency personnel arrived, family members were performing CPR on Daniel.

"When we took over care of the patient he was unresponsive and had no pulse," said W.D. Davis, chief investigator for the Montgomery Fire Department. "Our guys started performing advanced life support."

Emergency personnel were able to help Daniel regain a pulse. "He was transported to Baptist Medical Center South with a light pulse," Davis said.

Daniel's family expressed gratitude. "He was basically gone and they brought him back," said Tommy Payne. "God, I'm still in shock. It's just a blessing he has a pulse."

Davis said emergency personnel worked hard to give Daniel a chance. "It's a great thing when we can go out there and save a life," Davis said. "We certainly hope that is the case in this situation."

Daniel's family said doctors and health care officials were still cautious. "He was breathing on his own," said LouAnn Payne. "But to conserve his energy, they still have him on a respirator."

Daniel was taken to Children's Hospital in Birmingham for further treatment.

The family would appreciate your prayers as young Daniel struggles for his life.

Crazy Horse Racing
tafc254@earthlink.net

Lights...Camera...Action

(7-14-2005) - Two-time NHRA POWERade Pro Stock champion Jeg Coughlin spent Wednesday afternoon shooting an education piece on friction. There will be a total of 86-episodes that are being produced for McGraw-Hill. The episodes are being produced by the Horizons Companies and will air in Jr. High and High Schools throughout the nation.

In this video, students will learn about friction as it pertains to the sport of drag racing. Successful drag racers know that acceleration, not speed, is what wins races. They also know that Newton’s Second Law of Motion (F=ma) is the governing principle of drag racing. And when the green light goes on, the force from the engine must be transferred to the drive wheels – and the friction between those wheels and the pavement are key to the car’s ability to accelerate.

In this video, viewers will meet a champion drag racer, watch racing action up close, and learn the role of friction in racing, and how winning race teams work to maximize the coefficient of friction throughout the quarter-mile run.

"I'm not much of a science guy," explained Coughlin. "However, it was fun to use racing examples and video illustrations to explain the concepts. I know if I saw a race car in a video during a class in middle school or high school I would have paid attention."

Final ruling handed down in Redel Harris case

(7-13-2005) - After reviewing evidence in the case, an NHRA Final Appeal Panel has issued the final ruling in the matter concerning Pro Stock Motorcycle racer Redell Harris’ refusal to allow his entry to be inspected by NHRA technical department officials at the O’Reilly SpringNationals in Houston, Texas, in April.

The Final Appeal Panel, comprised of one member of NHRA’s management staff and two members of the racing community, was held at Harris’ request (and in accordance with Section 19.8 Rule Enforcement: Review and Appeals; Exclusive Mechanism for Dispute Resolution of the NHRA Rulebook), because he objected to the May 18, 2005 decision issued by the NHRA Reviewing Panel.

After hearing and considering all of the information presented and available to the Panel, the Panel’s unanimous decision is as follows:

The Panel found that Harris did not submit his vehicle for inspection as requested by Tech officials on April 9, 2005 at the NHRA national event in Houston, Texas, and that there was no valid reason for not submitting the vehicle as requested. The Panel found that Harris clearly understood the potential of a one-year suspension for failure to comply with a request for inspection as early as the 2005 Gainesville national event.

Harris’ competition privileges are suspended beginning with the 2005 Sears Craftsman NHRA Nationals at Madison, Ill., and ending when a total of fifteen (15) NHRA national events have been conducted at which the Pro Stock Motorcycle class is contested (including Madison as the first event of the 15).

During his suspension Harris is prohibited from driving, being a crew member, or otherwise participating at any NHRA event or any event conducted at an NHRA member track, and from owning a vehicle or team that competes at any NHRA event or any event conducted at an NHRA member track.

Upon his return to competition, Harris must submit his vehicle for, and pass, a teardown inspection, before being permitted to make a run at a national event.

Harris will be placed on technical probation for one year, commencing on the first day of his return to racing and successful completion of a teardown inspection. Any technical violation during this probation period may result in additional penalties including further suspension of competition privileges or monetary fines.

Per Section 19.8.5 of the 2004 NHRA Rulebook (page 268), the Panel has assessed costs against Harris for some expenses associated with the Final Appeal Panel.

Jim Dunn Racing signs Cabo Wabo Tequila to associate sponsorship

(7-13-2005) - Jim Dunn Racing team has added another unique associate sponsor, Cabo Wabo Tequila..

Cabo Wabo Tequila will be featured on the bright red Got CMKX?/Lucas Oil Monte Carlo Funny Car driven by Tony Bartone beginning at the 26th annual Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals at Bandimere Speedway, July 15-17.

Founded in 1990 by rock legend Sammy Hagar, Cabo Wabo embodies Sammie’s unique lifestyle of beach by day, party by night, and his love of Mexican culture with a line of premium, authentic Mexican tequilas. Hagar also operates two world famous Cabo Wabo Cantinas.

The famous Cabo Wabo Tequila is created from 100% Blue Weber Agave and hand crafted traditionally with no fillers or additives. Produced and bottle in Mexico, it was first imported in 1998 and quickly gained a loyal following among fans, tequila lovers and visitors to the Cabo Wabo Cantina.

The Cabo Wabo Cantina is a nightclub and restaurant that provides live rock and roll entertainment, and features two locations. One is in Cabo San Lucas, Baja, Mexico and one located in Harvey’s Resort Casino in Lake Tahoe, Nevada.

Cabo Wabo president, Barry Augus, is thrilled over the new association with Jim Dunn Racing. “We have been exploring a relationship with Jim Dunn Racing for some time now,” explained Augus. “NHRA fans are a great fit for Cabo Wabo and we are thrilled to be building a partnership with such a prestigious team owned and inspired by the legendary Jim Dunn.”

Dunn added, “We are very happy to have the support of Cabo Wabo Tequila and we’re looking forward to working with them to create plenty of exposure for their excellent product. We look forward to many Cabo Wabo Tequila-fueled victory celebrations in the future.”

The Redrocker himself, world famous musician Sammy Hager responded, “This is great … Tony Bartone certainly doesn’t know how to drive 55!”

Pawuk Temporarily Closes Engine Shop

(7-13-2005) - Mark "Cowboy" Pawuk today confirmed the rumors that he’s closed his engine building facility in Richfield, Ohio, but the 20-year veteran of the NHRA Pro Stock wars emphasized that the closure is only temporary. "I’ve already had some phone calls about this, and people are assuming that I’m going to retire from racing, but that couldn’t be further from the truth," Pawuk said from his office at Empaco Equipment Corporation.

"Just last week I was in St. Louis at Jerry Bickel’s shop getting fitted for our new Pontiac GTO, and we are still planning on being back on the track at the Lucas Oil Nationals in Brainerd in mid-August. Now, knowing how building a new car can take longer than one might expect, it’s possible that we won’t make it out until the Memphis race, but I want to emphasize that we are coming back, and I am not retiring.

"It’s obvious from our lack of performances earlier this year that we were struggling, not only with a car problem, but with an engine problem as well. In all candor, I was less than pleased with the results of the team working in our engine department, and after our latest disaster in which a brand new engine failed on the third dyno pull I felt it was time to make wholesale personnel changes.

"We have not eliminated any of the hardware from our engine development shop, nor do we plan to.

"Bob Ingles is continuing to work on engines for us in his shop back east, and we’re also going to continue working with our Ohio neighbor, Ron Krisher, on an engine program, so while some of the players may be changing here at Mark Pawuk Racing, we are definitely going to continue running.

"Our team of dedicated mechanics, which includes crew chief Marcus Bowen, test driver Craig Hankinson, Robert Morrow, and Jim Shaver are continuing to work on various projects, which includes an extensive evaluation of our Grand Am, so once again, forget what you might have heard: We’re going to continue racing and are actually getting pretty antsy about getting back on the track."

Ready to Roll

(7-13-2005) - Schumacher Racing team manager Mike Lewis has seen many things during his involvement in drag racing both as a national event announcer and former leader of P.R.O. However, he's rendered speechless when it comes to the recent evolution of Don Schumacher's second Top Fuel dragster.

June 28: Evan Knoll and Don Schumacher agree to campaign a TF car for the remaining 11 races. Richard Hogan is hired as Crew Chief. The Army TF team finishes preparation of its TF car for the Western Swing and loads its transporter. The next ten days would be spent getting the Skull Gear/Torco Race Fuels team off the ground.

June 29: The search begins for crewmembers and a transporter. Assistant Army Crew Chief Jason McCulloch and Army team members frantically order engine, chassis and drive train parts plus all the necessary pit and transporter equipment.

June 30: The 4.441 second Army dragster from 2003 is lowered from the rafters of the DSR race shop. The car has been front- and back-halved after two trips into the sand trap at Maple Grove in 2003 but never again raced. Army branded Body panels are delivered to Freelance Lettering for stripping. Richard Hogan arrives. A seven page tool order is faxed to Matco Tools.

July 1: The chassis is delivered to Murf McKinney for all necessary upgrades to comply with 2005 rules. Hogan begins to assemble his crew and contacts Bill Blomgren to lease a truck and trailer for the balance of the year. Paperwork is held up by the coming Holiday weekend. Ed Otto agrees to drive the rig from Saugus, CA to Brownsburg, IN and join the team for the Western Swing. A dozen drivers are considered and several make it to the Schumacher/Knoll short list. No decision is made.

July 2: Parts are on order. The transporter deal is confirmed with Blomgren. Crew members prepare to move to the Brownsburg area. The Army team prepares new cylinder heads, blocks, clutch parts, etc. for assembly.

July 3 and 4: Hogan works through the Holiday weekend, visiting old friends Mike Guger and Dave Tomasch in his free time. Army team members catch a rare mid-season break, though several team members sneak off from Holiday activities to spend a few hours at the shop.

July 5: It's hammer time. One week until departure for Denver. Paperwork is finalized and overnighted to the Blomgrens for the transporter lease. Otto arrives in Saugus to begin his journey to Brownsburg. New engine and clutch pieces are massaged for assembly. Still no driver decision. Graphics concepts begin to arrive from Burke Designs in Georgia.

July 6: Still no chassis and transporter. Just boxes and boxes of new parts, each needing careful evaluation before assembly. The Army team finally receives support from new Skull Gear/Torco teammates. It's mid-day when the team learns that Melanie Troxel will be their driver. Graphics work zips back and forth from Burke to Torco to Schumacher. Shirts are ordered from Outer Circle.

July 7: The graphics package is nearing completion. Freelance Lettering prepares to do a full vinyl wrap of the Blomgren trailer. Schumacher rules out a vinyl wrap of the race car, favoring a more vibrant paint finish. Brian Olsen of Olsen Paint and Body in Peru, IN agrees to work through the weekend to apply the custom Paint. Olsen is heavily involved with the Carrier Boyz Top Fuel and Pro Stock teams and has painted Torco colors before. Body panels are delivered to Olsen, still sporting Army colors. Meanwhile 94 more boxes arrive at the shop. It's like Christmas with a Strange rear axle assembly, new American Racing Wheels and dozens of boxes of Matco Tools arriving a day ahead of expectations. Melanie spends the day meeting her new teammates and ordering Impact safety gear.

July 8: McKinney finishes the chassis upgrades and the car arrives at the shop at lunchtime. Kickouts are delivered to Olsen whose crew suffers a setback when son Drew drives a nail through several fingers while finishing a wooden jig to align the body panels for painting. Freelance goes through hours of last-minute graphics revisions before finally beginning the 14-hour process of printing the vinyl panels for the transporter. The crew mounts the engine, wing, rear end and control systems to the chassis. Cylinder heads are cc'd. Manifold and blower assembles are fitted to the block and head assemblies. Jason works to fit Melanie into the cockpit, adjusting steering, pedals and controls to her liking. Ed Otto finally rolls in with the truck and trailer. The big pieces are finally inside the DSR shop.

July 9: It's Saturday and the other Schumacher teams are on break but the Army and Torco teams put in another fourteen hour day fitting all the new pieces to the race car. The DSR Fab Shop and Machine Shop personnel are all busy updating Funny Car bodies and machining various parts for the new team. Freelance arrives with the vinyl and begins the two-day process of wrapping the trailer. Olsen begins taping and painting the body panels, using paint colors specified by Schumacher only that morning. At 6:00 PM the dragster chassis is rolled outside, Melanie climbs aboard and the team fires the engine. The day is declared a success. The engine is perfectly tuned with no fuel, oil or air leaks.

July 10: Sunday is just another work day for the Army and Torco teams. Freelance has taken the day off so the crews set up the Blomgren trailer, mounting the awning and lights, putting tools in the new Matco Tools cabinets and preparing the tractor for the rigors of the Western Swing.

July 11: Freelance arrives early to finish wrapping the trailer. Melanie arrives for the molding of a custom seat and the installation of new Impact safety belts and hardware. Hogan issues final instructions to team members before returning to Montana for two days. The team works to assemble spare short blocks and continues fine-tuning cylinder heads and other engine pieces. The painted body panels arrive after lunch and very quickly the assembled chassis becomes a beautifully painted Top Fuel Dragster. Freelance will install all Skull Gear and Torco graphics to the trailer and the race car. Tomorrow is departure day. Work goes on until midnight.

July 12: It's departure day. Freelance adds the remaining graphics to the transporter and Durango. The race car is loaded and secured. The team awaits a final UPS delivery of pit equipment including lights, fans and electrical supplies. The shipment does not arrive. The team departs shortly after Noon.

The Skull Gear/Torco Race Fuels Top Fuel team will compete in the remaining eleven NHRA races with equipment and personnel capable of winning races.

Beard Signs With Powers Motorsports

(7-13-2005) - Top Fuel team owner David Powers today announced the signing of noted tuner Lee Beard as the crew chief for his "Hot Rod" Fuller-driven, David Powers Homes/Valvoline dragster. "I am extremely pleased to have Lee on board with our team," Powers said from his office in Houston. "He has a wealth of experience and with our young team that’s going to be a big plus."

Beard first came to national prominence in the early 1980s as a driver, but his forays behind the wheel were never to match the successes he’s enjoyed as a tuner. When he began working with the late Gary Ormsby, leading him to the NHRA championship in 1989, his future as one of the sharpest minds in drag racing was confirmed.

Ormsby and Beard would share the prestigious Persons of the Year Award as part of the Car Craft Magazine All-Star Drag Racing Team that same year, with Ormsby also winning Top Fuel Driver and Beard Top Fuel Crew Chief honors. Beard would win a second championship as the team manager for Larry Minor Motorsports when Cruz Pedregon won the Funny Car title in 1992.

In all Beard-tuned race cars have won 52 NHRA national event titles, including four impressive wins at the most prestigious event in drag racing, the NHRA U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis on Labor Day weekend. Thus far in 2005 Beard has scored twice, with Funny Car victories with driver Whit Bazemore at the Mac Tools Gatornationals and Summitracing.com Nationals in Las Vegas.

"It’s been a while since I’ve been involved with a Top Fuel operation," Beard said, "but I’m looking forward to the challenge. David (Powers) has assembled a very good young team, and I’m impressed with the way ‘Hot Rod’ Fuller has performed behind the wheel in what’s really his first full season in one of these cars.

"I believe this team has all of the dedication and hardware to get the job done, so my job is pretty simple, and that’s to make sure that every time we go to the starting line we’re capable of winning.

"Some people might consider the fact that we’re running a limited schedule a ‘problem,’ but for us it’s definitely the right way to go. We’ve got enough time between outings to make sure that everything we’re doing is being done in the proper manner and believe me, I think we’re capable of winning a race or two before the season ends in November."

"Hot Rod" Fuller is also enthusiastic about the arrival of Beard in the David Powers Motorsports camp. "I’ve kind dreamt about working with Lee since the first time I met him," says the former sportsman champion. "It was at a match race in Topeka in ’89 or ’90, and Lee was tuning for Gary Ormsby. I’ve never forgotten that meeting and how cordial he was to me, and I’ve watched how he’s done since then. I can’t wait for our next race because I think he’s going to surprise a lot of people out there."

The next scheduled outing for the David Powers Motorsports entry will be the NHRA Fram Autolite Nationals in Sonoma, California on the last weekend of July.

Sore Shoulder Sidelines Kenny Koretsky; Mike Thomas to Fill In At Denver, Seattle and Sonoma, Calif. Races

(7-13-2005) - A nagging pain in his right shoulder and upper back has forced Kenny Koretsky out of the Nitro Fish Wear Dodge Stratus driver's seat for the next three races.

Koretsky named veteran Pro Stock driver Mike Thomas to replace him during NHRA's annual Western Swing that begins with the Mopar Mile-High Nationals at Bandimere Speedway, Friday through Sunday.

"My shoulder and back have been bothering me for several races and the pain got so bad I had to see a doctor," said Koretsky. "He said my shoulder muscles were knotted and the best cure for it would be to not race for a few weeks."

Crew chief Eddie Guarnaccia "put together a short list of drivers we could put in the car," Koretsky continued, "and then I made the decision to go with experience and chose Mike. He's a good driver. Mike actually was the one who helped get me back into Pro Stock racing about four years ago."

The decision to miss races in Denver, Seattle (July 24) and Sonoma, Calif. (July 31) was a difficult one, Koretsky noted, "because Larry Morgan, who builds our engines, said his guys found a problem in the engine we've been running and we'll have more power now. I was looking forward to that, but it's important that I take time to give my body time to heal. I will be supporting the Nitro Fish team at the races."

Thomas, who was a circuit regular from 1993-2001, will be in the driver's seat Friday afternoon at 4:15 when qualifying begins for the Mopar Mile-High Nationals. His best points finish was sixth in 1998. His only win came that year at Chicago.

"I'm excited," said Thomas, of Knoxville, Tenn. "This will be the first time I've driven a Dodge. When I started racing, the only ones in Dodges were Darrell (Alderman) and Scott (Geoffrion). Kenny told me the race is sponsored by Mopar, so that puts the pressure on.

Thomas entered four races this season, driving Dick Sherman's Chevrolet Cavalier, but failed to qualify.

Branierd International Raceway official denies rumor of sale to Six Flags

(7-12-2005) - An official for Brainerd International Raceway, the site of the NHRA's upcoming Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals, has denied rumors that suggest the track has been sold to amusement park giant Six Flags. The rumor suggests the track will become a location of a new park and condominium complex.

The speculation was further fueled when NHRA.com had N/A beside the location of the event on their schedule and the race was later removed all together. A call from the NHRA's officies assured us it was just a website glitch.

BERNSTEIN TO LEAD MOTORCYCLE CRUISE BEFORE COMPETING IN NHRA EVENT AT PACIFIC RACEWAYS

(7-12-2005) - Brandon Bernstein, driver of the Budweiser/Lucas Oil dragster, will begin his race week in Seattle on two wheels before transferring to his potent 7000 horsepower Top fuel car for competition at the CARQUEST Auto Parts Nationals July 22 – July 24, the second event of the three-race West Coast Swing.

“We kick off our activities with our annual motorcycle ride and Burnout Party Thursday evening (July 21) with two of our local sponsors, Downtown Harley-Davidson and Budweiser distributor City Beverages,” said Bernstein. “It’s a great way to relax with our sponsors, fans, and have an enjoyable evening before we get down to work beginning with qualifying Friday at Pacific Raceways.

“The first half of the season didn’t go as we had planned,” continued Bernstein. “But we celebrated an awesome victory in St. Louis in June before the mid-season break. We hope the St. Louis win set the tone for a better last half of the season, starting with the West Coast Swing.”

Bernstein’s seventh career victory was emotional as he dedicated the win to his 82-year-old grandfather, Bert Bernstein, who is battling cancer. Bert was on hand to celebrate the victory with son, Kenny, and grandson, Brandon.

“It was so awesome to have my grandfather there,” said Bernstein. “We just don’t know how much longer he’s got so I was proud to dedicate the victory to him. And to win in Budweiser’s backyard was icing on the cake.

“We were presented with a lucky Clydesdale horseshoe Sunday morning of our St. Louis victory,” said Bernstein, “and we’re hoping it holds a few more winning rounds. We’ll take it with us on the West Coast swing and hope for the best.

“But we can’t say enough about Tim (Richards) and the team. Tim has made some great moves in many of the events leading up to St. Louis. For whatever reason, we just couldn’t seem to string four consecutive rounds together until that race. I hope we’ve got a rhythm going now that will help us accumulate some more points. It’s been a strange season in the Top Fuel category the first half of the season. It’s still a race between the top five or six cars for the championship. Tim has a lot of experience to draw upon and we’re going to be in there fighting.”

Fans, motorcycle and car club members are invited to join Brandon Bernstein for the annual Bernstein Run and Burnout Party Thursday, July 21 in Seattle. Bernstein will be signing autographs at Downtown Harley-Davidson, 13002 48th Ave. S., Tukwila, from 3 – 5 p.m. Then all riders will mount up for the run over to BB Magraw’s, 440 16th NE in Auburn. And from the BUZZ and Saturday nights on Speed Channel, Speed Freaks’ hosts Kenny Sargent and Statt Mann Caruthers will saddle up the ponies with cameras rolling.

At BB’s the Car Toys “Aftershock” stage will be showcasing the Colliding Days band, while fans and riders enter to win prizes. A silent auction will be held to benefit Boyers Children’s Clinic. The “Street Team” from Seattle radio station KISW, 99.9 FM, will be at BB’s for the party. Listen to KISW and the BUZZ (100.7) for further details or call Downtown Harley-Davidson, 206-243-5000 or BB Magraws, 253-804-5588. There is no charge to ride. Come join the fun!

Lee Beard has a new gig with Powers Motorsports

(7-11-2005) - Torco's CompetitionPlus.com has learned from an unimpeachable source that Lee Beard has accepted the tuner's role for the David Powers Motorsports team. Look for the official announcement to come sometime in the next 24 hours.

JUDY 'MISS MIGHTY MOPAR' LILLY TO BE INDUCTED INTO COLORADO MOTORSPORTS HALL OF FAME

(7-11-2005) - The 26th Annual NHRA Mopar Mile-High Nationals is sure to be action packed, but the event will mark another milestone in the career of Judy 'Miss Mighty Mopar' Lilly. One of the female pioneers of drag racing history, Lilly will be inducted into the Colorado Motorsports Hall of Fame on July 17 at Bandimere Speedway. Continuing on in her groundbreaking tradition, Lilly's induction will mark the first time in history a woman has obtained the honor.

"I am just thrilled, to say the least," Lilly said. "To be inducted into the Colorado Motorsports Hall of Fame, and to be the first women to be honored is just unbelievable. I'm really shocked to have been selected. When we were doing our racing, it was truly for the love of the sport. We weren't out to climb any mountains, but it's great to know that we have. I am truly honored to be recognized by the organization."

Lilly, who began her drag racing career in 1961, left her mark on the sport in a big way. From 1967 to 1970, Lilly drove a Hemi®-powered Barracuda to Super Stock Eliminator title in the NHRA Mopar Mile-High Nationals in Denver, Colo. With her induction set to take place at the event this Sunday, Lilly, who is a resident of nearby Brighton, Colo., is pleased to return to her roots.

"When I joined Chrysler and the Mopar Direct Connection teams, I was truly part of the family," Lilly said. "It was a pleasure to work with them, as we were all supported equally. It really was a family. The fact that I'm going to be recognized at the Mopar Mile-High Nationals at Bandimere Speedway also definitely has some special meaning. When you look back on your career, some things mean more than others, and this is definitely a highlight."

In 1972 Mopar became the primary sponsor on Lilly's Hemi Barracuda. The "Miss Mighty Mopar" moniker made its debut with Lilly at the NHRA Winternationals event that year. She went on to win the Super Stock Eliminator title at the event and followed it up with a victory at the NHRA Spring Nationals later that same year. The victories put her in the history book as the only female competitor to win two NHRA national events in the same year.

An original member of the Mopar Direct Connection team, Lilly's most successful season came in 1975, behind the wheel of a Plymouth Duster. She earned victories in the Super Stock Eliminator series at the NHRA Gatornationals, the NHRA Fall Nationals and the Popular Hot Rodding Championship, and she was the runner-up at the U.S. Nationals that season.

Lilly's honors include being named Car Craft magazine's Super Stock Driver of the Year an unprecedented three times (1972, 1976 & 1977), and she retired in 1978, after spending 12 years on the NHRA circuit. In 1998 she was inducted in the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame.

Race fans will have a front-row seat to Lilly's induction into the Colorado Motorsports Hall of Fame ceremony as it takes place at Bandimere Speedway. John Bandimere Jr., will present Lilly with a certificate of induction and an engraved medallion in recognition for her efforts in the sport of drag racing on Sunday, July 17, as part of the pre-race festivities for the Mopar Mile-High Nationals.

The 26th Annual Mopar Mile-High Nationals will take place at Bandimere Speedway July 14-17. A free Mopar Big Block party will kick off the event in downtown Golden, Colo., at 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 14.

BRAVO! FOODS SLAMMERSR SPONSORS NHRA PRO STOCK DRIVER ERICA ENDERS

(7-11-2005) - Bravo! Foods International Corp. a brand development and marketing company that manufactures, promotes and distributes vitamin-fortified, flavored milks,
announced the launch of a new promotional program in the $2 billion single-serve, flavored milk industry with Cagnazzi Racing. This sponsorship program is consistent with the Company's recent national roll out of its SlammersR milk drinks, and takes Bravo! Foods' "guerilla marketing strategy"
to a new level.

Cagnazzi Racing and Bravo! Foods have agreed that Bravo! Foods' SlammersR brand of flavored milk beverages will be the primary sponsor of Cagnazzi Racing's Chevrolet Cobalt Pro Stock racecar, driven by fan favorite Erica Enders.

Enders' 200 mph NHRA Pro Stock racecar will truly become the "ultimate doorslammer" and will sport a whole new look based on Bravo! Foods' Pro SlammersT " Milk With An Attitude", and Slim SlammersR products. The "Slammers Cobalt" will debut at the upcoming Mile-High Nationals in Denver July 15-17.

Bravo! Foods' SlammersR brand sponsorship of the Enders driven Cobalt will continue through the upcoming three-race western swing, which includes Denver, Seattle, and Sonoma, Calif.

"We're really pleased to partner with Bravo! Foods and look forward to introducing their Slammers brand to the NHRA fans" Team Owner Victor Cagnazzi said. "Once they (fans) try a Slammers they'll be hooked. I know the drag racing community will really show its support for this new sponsor
and I look forward to showing the folks at Bravo! Foods what NHRA fan loyalty will do for their sales."

In addition to a new look for the Cobalt, the sponsorship will also include a number of promotions tied to the SlammersR brand. At the track, fans can come by Erica's pit area and pick up one of her autograph cards that will
include a special NHRA fan coupon for a $1.00 off on their next SlammersR purchase. Fans can go to www.SlammersRacing.com for more information about
upcoming promotions with the new SlammersR Pro Stock Team and driver Erica Enders.

"Slammers are awesome", Enders said. "All you have to do is look at their bottles and you can see they are a cool company. Plus, they do more than just milk, they also make smoothies and milkshakes which taste incredible. I can't wait to get them hooked on drag racing."

"NHRA Pro Stock drag racing is certainly an extreme sport, and we are very excited to have our Slammers brand affiliated with Erica Enders and Cagnazzi Racing," said Roy Warren, Bravo! Foods Chief Executive Officer. "Our brand
is known as 'Milk With An Attitude' and Erica represents all the positive attitudes of a high-level competitor."

Bravo! Foods joins the growing family of Cagnazzi Racing sponsors, including General Motors, Motel 6, SunCom Wireless, Chicago Pneumatic, Livin' It, and Berger Chevy.

Indianapolis Raceway Park Super Chevy Show

(7-11-2005) - AutoStar Productions celebrates the 25th anniversary tour of the AutoZone Super Chevy Show this week July 15-17, 2005 with an appearance at Indianapolis Raceway Park. It marks the 24th year the track has hosted the popular circuit, the oldest event on the current schedule.

Bill Gustin, Vice President of AutoStar, states, “Indy is a huge event, just the manufacturer’s midway, swap meet, and car corral alone are outstanding.”

The Tremec car show is one of the largest in the nation, and there’s plenty of action out on the track with the Flowmaster bracket and Top Sportsman competition.

In addition, Wayne Torkelson and Randy Adler lead the Nitro Coupes as eight of the best compete for the championship in Indy. Add the popular Chicago Outlaw Super Stocks, Ultra fast Jet Funny Cars, and Bob Hall’s crowd favorite wheelstander for a very exciting show both Saturday and Sunday.

The Tremec Transmissions Saturday Bonus race is set for the bracket racers Saturday afternoon while competition for the Super Chevy Bracket starts early Sunday.

Spectator gates open each day at 8am with the pro show at 12:30 Saturday and Sunday.

Seven Drivers to Pursue Jeg’s Crown in Columbus

(7-11-2005) - From it’s humble beginnings in 1960 as a small speed shop to the present day as a nationwide leader in sales and distribution of parts and supplies for the aftermarket performance industry, there is one thing about Jeg’s that has never changed – it’s unwavering commitment to the racing community.

That commitment was reinforced earlier this year when Jeg’s Mail Order signed a multi-year agreement with NHRA to become the title sponsor for both NHRA SPORTSnationals events; the Jegs.com NHRA Cajun SPORTSnationals in Belle Rose, La., and the Jeg’s Northern SPORTSnationals in Columbus. Ohio. Each SPORTSnationals race is a national event designed to showcase NHRA’s sportsman categories exclusively.

As an added bonus, the Jeg’s Crown was created to honor any racer who can win the same category at both events. The beautifully handcrafted Jeg’s Crown trophy was designed and created by Dan Dreisbach, the head fabricator at Rahal Racing.

The seven champions of the second annual Jegs.com NHRA Cajun SPORTSnationals – Mike Ashley (Pro Mod), Michael Johnson (Comp), Hugh Meeks III (Super Stock), Jeff Strickland (Stock), Mike Coughlin (Super Comp), Scotty Richardson (Super Gas), and Sid Norwood (Super Street) – are now preparing to head for Columbus to continue their pursuit of the Jeg’s Crown.

The Jeg's Northern SPORTSnationals will be held at National Trail Raceway July 29-31st. National Trail Raceway is located just East of Columbus, Ohio.

PRO MOD
Driver: Mike Ashley
Age: 39
Hometown: Mellville, N.Y.
Car: Torco Race Fuels Mustang

Belle Rose Review: Ashley, the 2004 AMS Staff Leasing Pro Mod champion, is well on his way to a second title in 2005. Coming off a win at the season opening event in Gainesville, Fla., Ashley continued his hot streak in Belle Rose by qualifying second in the 16-car field and reaching the final round, where he stopped Frankie Taylor in a close 6.17 to 6.20 contest. Ashley has since won two more events and is currently the runaway points leader in the AMS Staff Leasing Pro Mod Series. Winning the Jeg’s Crown would be extra special for Ashley due to his close relationship with the Coughlin family, particularly Troy Coughlin, who
joined Ashley’s Pro Mod team this year with the Jeg’s Mustang.

Quotable: “I have a very close relationship with the Coughlin family and everyone at Jeg’s and the more I get to know them, the more blessed I feel. I have never raced in Columbus, but we might try to test there because I want to do everything I can to win that race and win the Jeg’s Crown.”

COMP
Driver: Michael Johnson
Age: 34
Hometown: Springdale, Ark.
Car: G/SMA ’03 Cavalier

Belle Rose Review: Johnson’s Cavalier was one of the quickest cars in Belle Rose and he took care of the rest with a solid driving performance that led to his first victory of the season. Following a crucial victory over Colt Mikel in the semifinals, Johnson was able to cruise to the title after his final round opponent, Brian Browell, rolled the starting line staging beams and red-lighted. In addition to the victory, Johnson also set both ends of the G/SAM record in Belle Rose. One week after his SPORTSnationals victory, Johnson won again at the Division 4 Lucas Oil Series event at the Texas Motorplex. He is currently ranked third in the NHRA Comp points standings and is one of the leading contenders for the national championship.

Quotable: “Any time you've got the opportunity to win something this prestigious, you've got to go for it. [The Jeg’s Northern SPORTSnationals] wasn't on our schedule to start the year, but we are definitely considering a trip to Ohio now. It would be quite an honor to win both
events.”

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

SUPER STOCK
Driver: Hugh Meeks III
Age: 36
Hometown: Wetumpka, Ala.
Car: GT/AA ’93 Achieva

Belle Rose review: An accomplished bracket racer, who made 16 final round appearances in 2004 and has earned as much as $40,000 in a single day, Hugh Meeks III finally broke though for his first NHRA national event title in Belle Rose. Driving his family’s GT/AA Olds Achieva, Meeks turned in a nearly flawless driving performance as he made his way through six tough rounds of competition before defeating close friend and NHRA veteran Bob Dennis in the final round. Meeks ran right on his 9.57 dial in the final, but didn't have to as Dennis had red-lighted by seven thousandths of a second.

Meeks has only competed in three Super Stock events this season, but has advanced to at least the third round of eliminations at all of them.

Quotable: “I usually focus on bracket racing but lately, I've really started to get into Super Stock. I like it a lot and I think it suits my driving style. Hopefully the win in Belle Rose was just the start of something good.”

STOCK
Driver: Jeff Strickland
Age: 29
Hometown: Red Bay, Ala.
Car: Tiffin Motorhomes B/FIA ’95 Camaro

Belle Rose Review: Versatile Jeff Strickland competes in Super Comp, Super Stock, Stock and Bracket racing events and he is a proven winner in all of them. In Belle Rose, Strickland collected his fourth career NHRA national event title after driving his Tiffin Motorhomes Camaro to a win over Lee Banister in the final round. On his way to the final, Strickland defeated former national champion Jeff Hefler, and current Stock eliminator points leader Jerry Emmons.

More recently, Strickland reached the final round of Super Stock at the Sears Craftsman Nationals in Madison, Ill., before dropping a heads-up race against Chad Voges. Strickland was also a quarterfinalist at the recent national event in Atlanta, Ga.

Quotable: “I've never had much luck in Columbus, but the Jeg’s Crown is a very good reason for us to go and try our luck again. Jeg’s has gone out of their way to make these [SPORTSnationals] events special and I thank them for supporting us sportsman racers.”

SUPER COMP
Driver: Mike Coughlin
Age: 39
Hometown: Delaware, Ohio
Car: Jeg’s Mail Order dragster

Belle Rose Review: As a member of the Coughlin family and one of the owners of Jeg’s Mail Order, Mike Coughlin’s victory in Belle Rose easily qualifies as one of the highlights of his long and successful career. Coughlin outlasted a field of more than 100 cars, and broke a long winless streak when he downed former NHRA national champ Bryan Robinson in the final round. Along the way, Coughlin had three reaction times that were within a hundredth of a second of being perfect and twice he ran right on the 8.90-second index.

Coughlin may have an edge in Columbus since National Trail Raceway is his home track and he races there often and won back-to-back Super Comp titles in 2002 and 2003 at the track’s other NHRA national event, the Pontiac Performance Nationals.

Quotable: “I have traditionally had a lot of success at National Trail Raceway and I know the track very well. Just to have the chance to double up and win the Jeg’s Crown is quite an honor but I know it won't be easy to complete the job. There are so many good racers these days that it’s hard to win one race let alone two but I'm looking forward to giving it my best shot.”

SUPER GAS
Driver: Scotty Richardson
Age: 34
Hometown: Springfield, Tenn.
Car: Richardson Racing ’03 Cavalier

Belle Rose Review: To fans of NHRA Sportsman racing, Scotty Richardson needs no introduction. A five-time national champion, he was one of the few non-professionals named to NHRA’s list of the top 50 drag racers of all time in 2001. Richardson won the bracket race on Saturday night in Belle Rose and returned the next day to claim his 10th career national event title with a final round victory over Tom Stalba, the second-ranked Super Gas driver the past two seasons.

Richardson recently sold the Cavalier he drove in Belle Rose, but has vowed to find a replacement in time for the Northern SPORTSnationals in Columbus. At the recent Sears Craftsman Nationals in Madison, Richardson advanced to the Super Comp final.

Quotable: “I won Super Street in Columbus and I've won the [Jeg’s All-stars] twice when it was held in Columbus so I have a good record at that track. Originally, I wasn't planning on going to that race, but now I'm going for it because I want to win the Jeg’s Crown. This is the first year they're awarding that trophy so it would be really special to be the first one to win it.”

SUPER STREET
Driver: Sid Norwood
Age: 58
Hometown: Brandon, Miss.
Car: Norwood Racing ’80 Corvette

Belle Rose Review: NHRA does not have a national championship for Super Street drivers but Sid Norwood can still have something special to put on his mantle if he can pull off another victory at the Jeg’s Northern SPORTSnationals in Columbus. Norwood, of Brandon, Miss., came to Belle Rose with a new untested engine combination in his ’80 Corvette, but that didn't stop him from winning his first national event title. In the final, Norwood defeated Jonathan Blades, who red-lighted. On his way to the final, Norwood logged two almost perfect .001 reaction times and ran a flawless 10.900 in round two.

Quotable: “We had a lot of fun in Belle Rose and now we're looking forward to going to Columbus. That race wasn't originally on our schedule, but we're changing our vacation plans this summer to go that way.

Dennis Menaces Southeastern Dragway’s 50th Anniversary Bash

(7-11-2005) - All the pieces were in place – the stands were full of spectators, the pits were jammed with race cars, the Hooters girls were in the house and one of the most historic drag racing facilities in the country was on the verge of kicking off a party to celebrate a half century of drama, excitement and competition.

The only thing the race organizers at Dallas, Georgia’s Southeastern Dragway hadn’t planned on was a gate crasher by the name of Dennis. Hurricane Dennis, to be exact, who announced his presence in the Gulf of Mexico by spinning off bands of high winds and torrential rains, which hit the Atlanta area just as the dozen or so nostalgic Fuel Funny Cars gathered for the special event were about to take to the track.

Among the teams and drivers on hand were the gang from Virgil Hartman’s South Carolina-based operation, who had two beautiful “floppers” in their pit area, one of which was to be driven by John “Bodie” Smith, who was enjoying a rare weekend away from the Top Fuel wars. The two cars, a ’77 Firebird named “Sasquatch,” and a ’71 Mustang dubbed “Runnin’ Wild IV,” which was to be driven by Richard Hartman, were recently built to compete on the nostalgia circuit.

Smith was looking forward to “having a little fun” behind the wheel of the vintage-styled Firebird, but unfortunately, the skies opened up just as the party was about to begin, forcing event organizers to pull the plug on the track’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

The good news is that the race has been rescheduled for August 6th, and most all those on hand have already promised to bring their nostalgic iron back to Dallas, including the Hartmans, Smith, Mitch King and his wicked Texas-based Fuel Altered, Rick and Rob Bruce of Michigan and their “Zombie” Mopar and many others.

Pontiac GTO To Make NHRA Pro Stock Debut At Mile-High Nationals; Second New Car Introduced Into Pro Stock This Year By GM Racing

(7-9-2005) - The Pontiac GTO will make its first appearance in NHRA Pro Stock competition at the 26th annual Mile-High Nationals at Bandimere Speedway on July 15 -17. Greg Anderson took delivery of his Jerry Bickel-constructed GTO on July 2, and the two-time POWERade Pro Stock champ has been diligently testing the car ever since to get it prepared for the Mile-High Nationals and the upcoming three-race Western swing.

"We're very excited about racing the new Pontiac GTO," said Anderson. "We've been licking our chops waiting for these new Pontiacs. It's a great looking racecar with a great heritage, and the wind-tunnel tests tell us it's going to be fast. We had it out for a few laps on Wednesday at our local track here in Mooresville (N.C.) just to scratch her down the track a few times. Then that doggone tropical storm came through so that cut our testing time short on Thursday, but we're making as many laps as we possibly can.

"We know the package is excellent, the potential is there and we think we have half a handle on the chassis since it's similar to the one we've been running. It's just a matter of getting the body and the car balanced, which we think we're smart enough to figure out in the short term. You never have as much time as you'd like to do that, but whether it's exactly where we want it when we first roll into Denver, or if we need a few more laps, the sooner we get the GTO into competition the better off we'll be."

Adding a new car into your racing stable always puts an extra bounce in your step, and Anderson feels the upcoming Western swing presents an excellent opportunity to bring the GTO up to its full potential.

"We get excited anytime we get a new car, let alone one that's going to be as good as this GTO," said Anderson. "We think the Western swing is a perfect situation to introduce the car and work out the kinks. You have three completely different tracks, and if you're sorting out a new car then maybe that's the best time to do it."

The GTO is the second car that GM Racing has introduced into NHRA Pro Stock competition this year. The processes involved in the development of the new Pontiac were almost identical, even down to the same number of wind-tunnel tests, as to that of the Chevy Cobalt which made its debut at Bristol Dragway on April 29.

"Because of its heritage, it seems that the Pontiac GTO is the perfect car to go drag racing," explained Dan Engel, GM Racing program manager, NHRA Drag Racing. "Again, we worked with both Don Ness and Five Star since they were familiar with the construction process of the Cobalt. We had already gone to the lighter-weight body and had established a laminate development schedule with the Cobalt, and the one-piece body process had already been achieved and validated. To go somewhere else just didn't make any sense. With everything that had to be accomplished with the Pontiac GTO, building a new car was much easier the second time around.

"The basic dimensions of the GTO are the same as the Cobalt, it's just little characteristic lines of the car that are different. The difference isn't in the wheelbase or the height dimensions, but it's little curvatures in the body where you put the tubing in to support the body. We're talking an inch here and an inch there, but it's still not exactly the same so it does require a different body. The car looks great, though. The guys at the body shop and the chassis shop think it looks really neat. We have the Ram Air hood scoops on the car and that adds to the character of the Pro Stock GTO."

GM Racing is also working on the development of Pontiac GTO and Chevy Cobalt applications for Sportsman competitors.

"The Cobalt and GTO bodies we're building for Sportsman racers are made from the same mold and are the exact same shape as the Pro Stock bodies," said Engel. "Our goal is to make it a little less expensive to race. The new bodies will be constructed with fiberglass instead of carbon-fiber, and will be slightly heavier, but they will both be tremendous pieces to race with. We're building the Cobalts now, and we'll begin with the GTO as soon as we're caught up with the Pro Stock bodies."

Pro Mods Run Under the Lights Following Rain Delay

(7-8-2005) - Persistent rain showers Friday throughout southeast Louisiana delayed the beginning of the Torco Gear Summer Drags presented by Ambrose Printing, although a number of Pro Mod cars were able to make runs under the No Problem Raceway Park lights once the storms subsided and the track was dried.

A number of FLOWMASTER American Drag Racing League Pro Extreme and Pro Nitrous entries were able to make at least one eighth-mile time
trial run in preparation for Saturday's Torco Gear Summer Drags
qualifying and eliminations. The Summer Drags is the third of six
events on the 2005 ADRL schedule.

For the AMS Staff Leasing Pro Mod Challenge presented by TLR drivers
on hand in Belle Rose, Friday's showers washed out the second of two
scheduled qualifying passes. Twelve drivers did make one quarter-mile
pass under the lights, though, with Joshua Hernandez leading the way
with a 6.252 on a fairly tricky surface. He was followed by Thomas
Patterson (6.315) and Mike Ashley, who wound up No. 3, one-thousandth
behind Patterson. The Summer Drags - the first event to feature both
ADRL and AMS/TLR racing on the same weekend - is the ninth of 14
events this season on the Pro Mod Challenge schedule.

Weather permitting, Saturday promises to be a full day of Pro Mod
Racing. The ADRL's Outlaw Pro Mods are scheduled for three qualifying
runs (noon, 2 p.m., and 4 p.m.) and evening eliminations in both
classes; the AMS/TLR drivers are slated for two qualifying passes
(with the first at 1 p.m.) and a full eliminations program beginning
at 6 p.m.

Torco Gear Summer Drags qualifying
AMS/TLR Pro Mod

1. Joshua Hernandez 6.252, 226.81
2. Thomas Patterson 6.315, 222.44
3. Mike Ashley 6.316, 226.58
4. Troy Critchley 6.334, 223.06
5. Zach Barklage 6.460, 217.14
6. Troy Coughlin 6.515, 217.95
7. Frankie Taylor 6.889, 213.94
8. Doug Palmer 7.183, 173.74
9. Harold Laird 8.830, 98.75
10. Jay Payne 9.005, 102.02
11. Mike Castellana 9.764, 88.93
12. Glen Kerunsky 10.339, 90.90

Weather is No Problem for Hernandez, Grabs Provisional No.1 spot

(7-8-2005) – The rain definitely didn’t fall on Joshua Hernandez’ parade at the TORCO Gear Summer Drags Presented by Ambrose Printing at No Problem Raceway in Belle Rose, Louisiana. After a day of thunderstorms, Hernandez shot straight down the quarter mile with a 6.252 second, 226.81 mile per hour pass, earning the provisional No. 1 spot and posting the fastest speed of the session.

“That run is really a testament to Howard [Moon, crew chief], Tommy [Lipar, Team owner] and the rest of the guys. They took a look at the weather conditions and put a tune-up in the car that put us on top,” Hernandez said.

“The launch was a little soft, and it got a little loose out there towards the middle, but I muscled my way through it and held on for a good pass.

“It was really a rewarding run for all of us,” he said.

With half of the field having difficulty getting down the track and the No. 2 qualifier Thomas Patterson more than six hundredths behind him at 6.315 seconds, the Conroe, Texas driver refuses to let off his game.

“I’m really focused on doing my job, and I know the guys are too. Tomorrow will be a completely different race – two more qualifying runs in the heat of the day and then eliminations at night,” Hernandez said.

“This is far from over and we’re going to have to work hard to finish on top,” he said.

Racing finishes Saturday with qualifying runs scheduled for 1:00 and 3:00 p.m., and eliminations slated to kick off at 5:00 p.m.

Ashley third after first day of ADRL Torco Gear Summer Drags

(7-8-2005) – The temperature was hotter than hot and a tropical storm had just blown through days earlier, but that wasn’t enough to deter the champion Mike Ashley during the Torco Gear Summer Drags in Belle Rose, La. Ashley drove his Torco Race Fuels-sponsored Shelby Mustang to the third quickest lap in the first session with a 6.316, 226.58.

While Ashley has obviously run quicker over the course of his career, it was understandably not in the atmospheric conditions yielded on Friday in Cajun country.

“You look at it like this,” Ashley explained. “When you look at this track, you look at this race, obviously track conditions are tricky. Coming off of St. Louis and not getting in the field, we realize that our number one goal right now is to make sure we make a pass, get in the field and stay in the field on the first run.

”After that we can afford to try and step up the pace. And that’s kind of indicative of what we did here. We went out looking to get down the track and we qualified number three — that’s a testament to my crew, Chuck Ford, the whole team did a great job.”

”Tomorrow we’ve got a little breathing room, not that a 31 is really strong, but we will be in the top eight no matter what. That gives us the ability to go out now and go after it and get the car to consistently run fast.

”The weather was kind of tough out here. The fact that it rained made the track really tricky. They really don’t run quarter mile runs here really often so the top end was a little tricky. You’ve got really high humidity — 139 grains of water in the air. The fact we ran a 31 says a lot about the caliber of this team to go out and make a run like that. There were a lot of guys that didn’t even make a run.

Torco's CompetitionPlus.com talks to Russell Attorney; Lawsuit filed today against Goodyear, NHRA and Simpson Race Helmets

(7-7-2005) - Last month, Torco’s CompetitionPlus.com filed a report stating that Goodyear had received a letter requesting financial compensation in the death of Top Fuel driver Darrell Russell. It was revealed later that request came forth from Russell’s widow Julie. A lawsuit seeking an undisclosed amount of financial compensation was filed today.

Torco’s CompetitionPlus.com caught up with Russell’s legal counsel John Simpson for this interview.

CP - Do you expect Goodyear to respond, and if not, how soon will you institute additional legal action?

JS – I don’t expect them to respond with legal action. That’s why we went ahead and filed a lawsuit today, as a matter of fact.

CP - It’s our understanding that the initial letter was seeking $7M in compensation, but that if a suit went forward that amount would jump to $12.5M plus punitive damages. Are those amounts accurate?

CP - If you institute a wrongful death suit who might also be named as defendants?

CP - How long do you anticipate it taking before this matter is completely settled?

CP - What is Ms. Russell’s rationale for instituting this legal action? Is it a need for money for survival, or is it more in an effort to expose the actual cause of Darrell Russell’s death?

JS – The first thing is to expose the cause of death. Secondly, to hold those responsible and accountable for their actions or inactions. Third, to protect other drivers in the future.

CP - If this action is not about the money, what would Ms. Russell’s intention be for the distribution of any financial award she might receive?

CP - Although it’s been reported in a magazine story that quoted an NHRA official who stated that the tire had hit Russell in the back of the head, rumors continue to circulate that some metal part of the car actually caused his head injury. Which report is accurate, the magazine story quoting the NHRA official, or the rumors?

JS – It’s to my understanding the version that says he was hit in the back of the head with the piece of rubber is more accurate.

CP - Is it true that the rest of the Russell family has broken with Julie on this issue, as they were not interested in her pursuing a lawsuit?

JS – I haven’t had any communications with the Russell family. So, I don’t know one way or the other.

CP - To your knowledge has the National Hot Rod Association tried to dissuade Ms. Russell from taking this path towards a suit?

JS – Other than the refusal for disclosing the cause of the accident…no.

JS – That’s about it. This lawsuit does not include a monetary amount sought. But it does include written requests to Goodyear and the NHRA to disclose information they have for the cause of the accident. Graham Light (NHRA – VP) was interviewed shortly after the races in Madison a couple of weeks ago and said that a written report was on its way. That’s news to us. We were informed that a written report would not be issued and that it was verbal and that would be the end to it.

JS – In Comal County – Texas. That is New Braunfels, the principle office for Simpson Race Helmets.

97% say it was a drag racer...

(7-7-2005) - The majority of those that participated in our informal poll feel the Patterson racing break-in was perpetrated by someone involved in drag racing that knew what they were taking. The balance felt it was a random act of violence.

Scelzi to Guest Co-Host Wind Tunnel and Appear on NHRA2DAY on Sunday

(7-7-2005) - Three-time Top Fuel champion Gary Scelzi, driver of the Mopar/Oakley Dodge Stratus R/T Funny Car who is second in points and in the middle of a fierce battle with John Force for the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series Funny Car championship, will guest co-host with Dave Despain on Speed Channel's "Wind Tunnel" show this Sunday, July 10, LIVE from 9-11 p.m. ET.

Viewers may email in questions to "Wind Tunnel" at windtunnel@speedtv.com or call in at 1-866-WTUNNEL.

That same morning, Scelzi will also appear in the studio on NHRA2day at 11:30 a.m. ET on ESPN2.

CHRIS RUSSELL’S TOP FUEL PLANS OUTLINED

(7-7-2005) - Chris Russell who, through the Sears Craftsman Nationals, was the Team Manager for David Powers Motorsports, will be back in action soon, but not likely before the start of the 2006 season, when he will field a Top Fuel car in the IHRA Hooters Series.

We spoke with Russell earlier today and among the others things he told Torco’s Competitionplus.com was that "Both David (Powers) and I approach racing from the business standpoint. That’s one of the things I admire about him.

"The plan right now is to run in IHRA because it will cost less to run a 12-race schedule in 8-car fields than it would to run in NHRA, although that does remain my ultimate goal.

"I do have some sponsorship potential, things I’m working on now, and I also have a complete operation I can take over almost immediately if we can work out the financing."

Russell has been in contact with Mark Kinsella, who is currently on the sidelines due to the time-consuming nature of his new home building business. Russell can either lease or make time payments on Kinsella’s hardware, but he may opt for starting from the ground up with a completely new car.

He has also had conversations with two potential drivers, although that list will probably expand the longer he waits to go racing. For right now he acknowledges having been in contact with former NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster champion Alan Bradshaw as well as with former IHRA titleist and current sportsman competitor Tony Fuller, and yes, that is the brother of current Powers Motorsports driver "Hot Rod" Fuller.

Carolina Dragway Closes out the Division 2 Season in Style

(7-7-2005) - Mark your calendars for this weekend, July 8-10 to be at Carolina Dragway. The cancelled Hub City Mr. Gasket Pro-Am race, originally scheduled for June 10-12, will be held in concert with Carolina Dragway’s Division 2 season finale this weekend.

Just like the successful Division 2 season-opening “two races in one weekend” format at Immokalee Regional Raceway, racers will be able to tow once and race twice for Mr. Gasket Pro Am Tour points.

“Jeff and Angel Miles are committed to the growth of Division 2 for 2005 and beyond,” said IHRA Competition and Technical Director Mike Baker. “Carolina Dragway is the perfect venue to host two events in one weekend and wrap up the Division 2 season.”

Another thing that makes this coming weekend at Carolina Dragway special is the conclusion of IHRA and Race Tech’s “Free Ride” Program. This special program awards Division 2 Gold Cards to each class winner at both races, good for free car and driver entries to every Division 2 event in 2006, as well as putting every Division 2 participant into a drawing for a Race Tech dragster. The winner of the dragster will be randomly drawn at Carolina.

As a special end to the season, there will be a Racer Appreciation Party sponsored by Speedtech Innovative Nitrous Solutions. The Saturday evening party will include a cookout and The Electric Circus, a Carolina-style rock band.

“Having two events in one weekend will help reduce the costs of travel,” Baker said. “The opportunity has arisen to do something special and help ease the cost of participation.”

The Miles have also poured money and time into the track, with improvements such as a new Compulink Timing System, 1,320 feet of new wiring, a state of the art tower and additional paved pit area parking putting the track in the best shape in its history.

“Jeff and Angel really have done a great job of getting their facility ready for their Pro Am event,” Baker said. “Adding another race during the weekend was a natural fit for this track. We’re looking forward to a great weekend of racing, music, and fun.”

Snake and Goose face to face

(7-7-2005) - Drag racing pioneers Don 'the Snake' Prudhomme and Tom 'the Mongoose' McEwen will be guests on the popular motor sports television show Wind Tunnel on Sunday, July 10. The show, hosted by Dave Despain, airs from 9-11 p.m. (ET) on Speed. Prudhomme and McEwen, who be live from the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum in Pomona, Calif., will discuss the 35th anniversary of their partnership with Mattel and its Hot Wheels brand. To join the show, fans can phone in at (866) W-TUNNEL or e-mail at windtunnel@speedtv.com.

Motel 6 and Kalitta Motorsports Announce Associate Sponsorship on "Aussie Dave" Grubnic's Top Fuel Dragster

(7-7-2005) - Motel 6, one the nation's most-recognized lodging companies, and Kalitta Motorsports, the NHRA's only three-car Top Fuel drag racing team, announce the Motel 6 associate sponsorship program for the Top Fuel dragster driven by "Aussie Dave" Grubnic.

Motel 6 decals will be displayed on the sides of Grubnic's 7,000+ horsepower, nitro-fueled Zantrex-3 dragster for the remainder of the 23-event NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series.

Kalitta Motorsports, based in Ypsilanti, Mich., is owned and operated by drag racing icon Connie "the Bounty Hunter" Kalitta.

"Being involved with a legend like Connie Kalitta as a spectator and now as a sponsor is an honor," said Eric Studer, sr. vice-president of Marketing Services for Motel 6. "This is another indication of Motel 6's commitment to NHRA drag racing by being an associate sponsor on the Dave Grubnic's Top Fuel car. We believe that partnering with Kalitta Motorsports will be a great marketing opportunity for all involved."

Accor Economy Lodging (Motel 6) is already heavily involved with the NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) including the Motel 6 Vision giant screen video display at NHRA national events and the Motel 6 'Who Got the Light' program that awards a $1,000 prize to the individual Top Fuel, Funny Car or Pro Stock competitor who wins a round of eliminations with the closest margin of victory compared to other Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock elimination rounds.

"Motel 6 is a fantastic addition to our team," said David Grubnic. "Their commitment to NHRA has already been proven, and it's always great to see companies the caliber of Motel 6 continuing to increase their involvement to
help promote our exciting sport."

Native Australian Grubnic, 42, is in his second season behind the wheel of a Team Kalitta race car. The fan-favorite from Brisbane, Australia, has been driving nitro rails in the United States since 1995. He won his first NHRA national event in Topeka, Kans., May 29, 2005. He also won the $100,000
Budweiser Shootout Top Fuel special event last fall in Las Vegas.

Cooper Celebrates Major Milestone

(7-7-2005) - Three-time Australian Super Sedan Champion Graeme Cooper and his infamous Bricklayer EH Holden Premier station wagon this month celebrated their 30th anniversary together.

As a 17-year-old apprentice bricklayer, Cooper purchased the early 60s car as a pristine, one-owner vehicle and quickly transformed it from its previous sedate state into the wheelstanding, V8-powered ‘Brickie,’ driving the car to worksites and the local dragstrips.

“I had actually put a deposit on a [Ford] GT Falcon, but my late dad, Ron, was a detective sergeant in the Victorian Police Force and he suggested it was better to find an old car and belt the crap out of it for 12 months while learning how to drive rather than risk killing myself in the GT,” said Cooper.

“Thirty years on I’m still learning to drive and belting the crap out of it!”

Along with three Australian Championships (1986, ’93, ’95), Cooper and the Bricklayer have won just about every major event in Australia, including 30 ANDRA national series events.

“It’s been suggested to me that when I’m finished racing it should be put in a racing museum, but I reckon I’m going to keep racing the Brickie until I die and then they’ll have to bury me in it!”

In 1994, Cooper made a one-off appearance in the NHRA series at the 40th Anniversary U.S. Nationals driving Australian Bernie Cunningham’s “Aussie” Nova. Cooper made the H/SA class final and also went to the third round of eliminations.

Girl Power Racing Returns to Home Track

(7-7-2005) - Competing in front of family and friends at their home track, Infineon Raceway in Sonoma California, Girl Power Racing faired well in their quest to better 20 other dragsters and to qualify for the coveted eight car field last weekend. Driver Hillary Will, 25, of Fortuna, Calif., qualified for the tenth time in her Top Alcohol Dragster career.

In Sunday's first round match-up, the Girl Power Racing team faced the always tough Aaron Olivarez and the Armored Coatings team. “They appeared to be on a roll all weekend,” said Will. “We knew the team and tuner, Jim Rizzoli, would bring their Sunday best against us.” Indeed they did: Olivarez used a 5.31, their quickest and fastest run of the day, to beat the Girl Power Dragster and went on to win the event.

The Girl Power Racing team was facing unusually circumstances, as their tuner, Bucky Austin, was unable to attend the race. “This is the first time we have had to race the Girl Power Racing dragster without our tuner being there,” Will commented after the race. “This was also the first time this year we did not make it past the first round. I know that with Bucky back at the next race we’ll be winning rounds again.”

This weekend, the team will return to Pacific Northwest division racing as they head to Oregon for the Les Schwab Challenge NHRA Lucas Oil Series at Woodburn Dragstrip. Qualifying begins on Friday, continues to Saturday, and eliminations will begin at noon on Sunday.

Edwards Marks Fifth Anniversary With Young Life

(7-6-2005) - Just when you were beginning to wonder if Pro Stock racer Mike Edwards might have lost his Young Life sponsorship comes word that the team will be celebrating their fifth anniversary with the Christian youth-oriented organization next week in Colorado Springs.

Edwards’ team manager, his wife, Lisa, told Torco’s Competitionplus.com that their sponsorship runs through "the balance of the 2005 season." She also confirmed that the car will be back to its familiar green and white livery at the Mopar Mile-High Nationals in Denver after a disappointing three race stretch in the black and white colors of Applied Racing Technologies.

The celebration will take place at Young Life’s headquarters from 9:00-11:00 AM, Wednesday, July 13th, which is located at 420 North Cascade Avenue in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and the public is definitely invited. According to Ms. Edwards, "The car will be on display and I believe (Young Life) will be giving away some (door) prizes. There will be refreshments and we know that some of the (young people’s) clubs will be participating, just as we do on Thursday evenings during the national events. Mike will also make a presentation, so it ought to be fun. We’re definitely looking forward to that just before we head up the road to the Mile-Highs."

Ms. Edwards also confirmed that the team is not likely to be competing at the Seattle and Sonoma races, although a lot will "depend on how we run in Denver. A lot will depend on the status of our new GTO. We will not be bringing the GTO out before Brainerd, but it is scheduled to be ready in between Seattle and Sonoma, and that will be the deciding factor." Edwards’s performance at the Mile-Highs may be somewhat problematic, as they will not be testing in a high altitude location prior to arriving at 5,800-foot elevation Bandimere Speedway in suburban Morrison, Colorado.

Edwards is having two new GTOs prepared for competition. The first off the jig is being built by Rick Jones’ RJ Race Cars, with the second being a Jerry Haas version that may be ready in time for the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals. Edwards is planning an extensive testing schedule in order to come up with the most competitive combination possible, although it’s likely that the Jones-penned machine will see action considerably before the Haas version.

SCHUMACHER NAMES MELANIE TROXEL AS DRIVER OF THE TORCO GEAR TOP FUEL
DRAGSTER

Richard Hogan Signed as Crew Chief

(7-6-2005) - Multi-team owner Don Schumacher today named Melanie Troxel to drive the Torco Gear Top Fuel Dragster for Don Schumacher Racing, beginning with the Mopar Mile-High Nationals at Bandimere Speedway in Morrison, Colorado, July 15-17.

The second team Top Fuel entry will be a partner to the U.S. Army Top Fuel Dragster driven by two-time champion Tony Schumacher, and will be tuned by Richard Hogan.

Troxel, who was recently released as a development driver from Don Prudhomme Racing, will actually rejoin the team for which she drove in a limited number of NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series events in 2000. In her 10 starts that year, Troxel was runner-up once, reached the semifinals twice and the quarterfinals seven times.

The 32-year-old Colorado native began drag racing in the Top Alcohol dragster ranks, where she captured two NHRA national event victories in 1999 (Seattle and Topeka), claiming the runner-up spot in the point standings before moving to Top Fuel in 2000. Troxel, who is married to Funny Car pilot Tommy Johnson Jr. and lives in Avon, Ind., also drove a Top Fuel dragster at select events in 2002 and 2003, with the Sonoma, Calif., event in '03 her last stint in the seat of a Top Fuel dragster.

"I am excited to be able to bring Melanie Troxel back to drive our second Top Fuel dragster through the completion of the 2005 NHRA season and beyond," said Schumacher. "She has a tremendous presence and popularity in this sport, and is an outstanding driver. Melanie did an excellent job for us in 2000 and I'm delighted to have her return to our team.

"I have been working all season trying to get a second Top Fuel car out there," he continued. "So, when the opportunity with Torco Gear presented itself and with Melanie being available to drive, there was no question that this was the right decision to make."

"It's kind of funny how things come around," said Troxel. "It's almost exactly five years from the first time that I talked to Don. I'm thrilled to be coming on board with the Don Schumacher Racing team. When I came to work for DSR in 2000 I talked about what a great high-caliber team it is and I
feel the same way, and even more so, today. Opportunities to work with a team like this only come around once and, I guess, twice, in my case.

"Obviously we won't be in the points chase this year," Troxel continued, "but I think we have a great opportunity to go out and get in a lot of passes, gain a lot of information, and get a lot of good experience for me. At the same time, we're laying the groundwork for this team to be competitive next year and be in the points chase."

"This car will always race against whoever pulls up next to it at the starting line, including Tony," explained Schumacher.

"We're very excited," said Evan Knoll, president/owner of Torco Racing Fuels, Inc., of which Torco Gear is a division. "I'm very proud of being associated and affiliated with Don Schumacher and the teams that he has brought into the NHRA drag-racing industry.

"We started a new Torco Gear soft-goods and wear program, and that's going very, very well," he continued. "And what better way to kick off this program than to support a full-time Top Fuel dragster underneath Don's
umbrella. We believe that Melanie is definitely going to be a marketing genius for us. I'm very proud and honored to have her on board to represent Torco Gear."

Crew chief Hogan, 45, comes to DSR from David Powers Racing, where he worked through the first half of this year. From Ennis, Mont., Hogan grew up in drag racing, watching his father Charlie "King" Hogan compete. In 1979, he
began his professional career working with Marvin Schwartz. He has also worked with "Big Daddy" Don Garlits, Kenny Bernstein, Don Prudhomme, John Mitchell, and Alan Johnson.

"The multi-car team scenario is definitely the future of the sport," said Hogan. "This is a good opportunity, to be with a well-funded team. I'm also looking forward to working with Melanie. There's a small learning curve when you change drivers. And obviously she's changing teams, so it's the same for both of us. It's a new deal for everyone involved, and we'll try to adapt to each other and the program as quickly as we can and get up to speed, go rounds, and win races."

Don Schumacher Racing now includes nine professional NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series teams: The U.S. Army Top Fuel dragster driven by Tony Schumacher; the Torco Gear Top Fuel dragster steered by Melanie Troxel; the Matco Tools Iron Eagle Dodge Funny Car of Whit Bazemore; the Mopar/Oakley Dodge Funny Car piloted by Gary Scelzi; the Brut Dodge driven by Ron Capps; two U.S. Army Pro Stock Motorcycles for Angelle Sampey and Antron Brown; and two Pro Stock cars: the Team Mopar/Valspar Dodge Stratus driven by Richie Stevens Jr., and the Jeg's Mail Order/Mopar Dodge Stratus of Jeg Coughlin.

New Sponsor For Enders

(7-6-2005) - Look for Victor Cagnazzi’s Pro Stock team to announce a new major sponsor for the Erica Enders-driven Chevy Cobalt, possibly as early as tomorrow (Thursday, July 7th).

Torco’s Competitionplus.com has heard that Sun.com, the communications company, will remain on board in an associate sponsor role, but that the new sponsor is, according to one team source, "a major non-automotive company."

Contrary to rumors that have been circulating in the last couple of weeks, Cagnazzi’s team will definitely make the complete three-race West Coast Swing.

Top 25 Captions!

(7-6-2005) - We received hundreds of suggested captions for the above photo, taken by Steve Embling at Norwalk's Night Under Fire on the Fourth of July Weekend.

Below are the 25 we enjoyed the most, in no particular order. Hope you had as much fun as we did, and thanks for being so creative.

I've heard all about cutting a good light, but this is ridiculous! - Walt Cycak

Brand new ride and same old firesuit. - Chuck Demaree

Hey Don, if I run this "cadet" you think the Army will sponsor me too? – Steve Prado

Hey Robert, you beat me one more time and I don't care if you are family, this will be what you'll will be driving! – Steve Prado

Coil says we need to get more weight outta these bodies, but I dunno….. - Bill Bench

Just wail ‘til I get my hands on the guy that took my golf cart!! – Rick Covington

Austin, you say you’ll get this old “hound dog” up to 300 and what?” Castrol’s not paying me enough for that! - Jeff Miller

I've got the lower 40 done. Let's go mend some fences. - Arthur Suiter

John Force showing his devotion to short wheel base vehicles...To Hell With Top Fuel! - Timothy W. Charlet

That ole CUB, she got out there about that 50 ft mark and the left blade started to scalp, so I had to grab her and pull her out of that low spot, but I got her mowed, just looking forward to next week when I can mow 'em down again - Bryan Beard

Seabiscuit my ass!!! Tell Scelzi to get a Deere, then we'll see whose heap is the fastest! - Alan Loder

The people in charge at Ford decided this looked more like a 2005 mustang than the current bodies! Nero

Hey NHRA!!! You still lookin for SENSORS?? Put your hand under my NEW ride and see if you can find a stinkin’ sensor! - Mike Allen

Austin Coil reportedly has told John Force that with some hard work, we can beat Gary Scelzi with our new Cub Cadet. Force replied, Yeah... we can beat Scelzi, but what about that Worsham Kid?! - John Duzac

I can't believe ol Bader is makin' me work for my appearance money. I sure hope Scelzi or Baze ain't around here to see this. - Doug Mayle

So this is what retirement's gonna feel like when I'm on one of them scooters? Well, hell...It may not smoke the tires, but it ain't gonna be on fire either! - Doug Mayle

Damn it, if I can’t win with the Mustang, I’ll mow their asses over with this Cub! - Nitro Joe Jackson

What was I thinking? These stupid red shoelaces don’t match anything! - Steve

I sure hope our new Cub Cadet Ford gets down the quarter mile quicker than this mower, or Scelzi, Worsham and Bazemore are gonna have a field day with
me! - John Krupiak

Nitro Match Racing Returns to NED this Weekend!

(7-6-2005) - Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls children of all ages it’s true….top fuel dragsters will be running this weekend at New England Dragway in Epping, New Hampshire. Teammates Paul Athey and Grant Flowers will do 300 mph battle with Bobby Lagana Jr. and the rest of the New York hoodlums in Epping on Saturday night at the New England Dodge Dealers Night of Thrills.

Is that it? Uhhhh…NO. Pro Mods will be running, Nitro Harleys will be on the grounds, and did we mention Kent Schockley’s triple-jet-engine Peterbuilt? Just in case you have never seen this truck, it is as close to a religious experience as you can have outside of church. Men will laugh, women will cry and little kids will stare in amazement as the "Shockwave" tries to BURN NEW ENGLAND DRAGWAY TO THE GROUND!

Top Fuel dragsters
Wild Pro Mods
Top Sportsman Shootout
Blown Vs Nitrous Pro Comp action
Wheel Standers
Nitro Freakin’ Harleys
Jet Cars
And the one and only TRIPLE JET ENGINE-POWERED Peterbuilt on Earth

It’s all going to be at New England Dragway this Saturday night, July 9th. Gates open at 4 and the show starts at 6. See www.newenglanddragway.com for more details. It is the biggest, baddest, match race of the year in all of New England…miss this and you may as well never leave the house again…seriously!

Building History: Cal-Rods Car Club Reconstructing Wally Parks'
Legendary 1929 Ford Roadster

(7-6-2005) - The Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum is filled with more than 70 historic cars that define racing and hot rodding. However, one car is missing from the collection: NHRA Founder Wally Parks' own 1929 Ford Roadster!

Thanks to the San Gabriel Valley, Calif.-based Cal-Rods Car Club, the iconic car that Parks built in the late 1940s and sold in 1952 when he was editor of Hot Rod magazine, is being replicated and will soon take its place among the other legendary vehicles at the Parks Museum, presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California.

According to Vic Cunnyngham, past president of Cal-Rods, "the car was last seen driving down Sunset Blvd. after Wally sold it. Several efforts have been made to find it, but I think it's gone forever."

Because of the car's historical significance, Cunnyngham and the Cal-Rods decided to build an exact replica and give it to the Parks Museum, a fitting home. "The project of recreating this neat, simple '29 built on '32 rails with a flathead 59A engine is well underway," Cunnyngham reported, "but we do need some help."

Specifically, Cal-Rods needs money and/or parts to complete the project. "We are looking for all manner of parts, including a 1929 Ford Roadster body," Cunnyngham said. "We have a list of all the parts needed on the Web site at www.calrods.com or anyone interested in helping can
call me at 626/966-9578. All parts and money donated to the project are tax deductible."

The Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum, presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California, houses the very roots of hot rodding. Scores of famous vehicles spanning American motorsports history are on display, including winning cars representing 50 years of drag racing,
dry lakes and salt-flat racers, oval track challengers and exhibits describing their colorful backgrounds.

For further information on special exhibits, museum events or directions, call 909/622-2133 or visit museum.nhra.com.

Kalitta Motorsports and Coors® team up for Denver NHRA event; Scott Kalitta to drive specially painted Coors/Mac Tools/Jesse James Top Fuel dragster at Mile-High Nationals

(7-5-2005) - Two-time NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series Top Fuel World Champion (1994-1995) Scott Kalitta won't be helping to smuggle Coors® beer from Texas to Georgia like Burt Reynolds and Jerry Reed did in the 1977 cult classic film Smokey and the Bandit, but Kalitta's
specially decorated 7,000+ horsepower Top Fuel dragster will certainly turn heads as it zooms by drag racing fans, just like Reynolds' black Trans Am did to moviegoers over two decades ago.

To help commemorate Coors' involvement in that classic film and to promote the Golden, Colorado-based brewery's brand to millions of NHRA fans around the world, Jesse James, current co-sponsor with Mac Tools® on Kalitta's nitro-fueled race car, helped design a special, one-race-only paint scheme for the Coors/Mac Tools/Jesse James Top Fuel dragster to be raced at the Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals, July 15-17, at Bandimere Speedway, just outside the city limits of Denver, Colo.

James is the host of the Discovery Channel's extremely popular Monster Garage program. His West Coast Choppers® brand of custom motorcycles will be prominently displayed on the dragster as well.

Gerry O'Brion, brand manager for Coors said, "To commemorate Smokey and the Bandit and Coors, Jesse James recreated the car from the movie -- West Coast Choppers style. Now the dragster brings his design to life in a car with even more horsepower."

The sleek racing rail will be unveiled for a display from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. (MST) at Coors Brewing Company in Golden, Colo. on Wednesday, July 13. The Coors/Mac Tools/Jesse James Top Fuel dragster will then make a short trip to In the Zone Sports Bar, just one mile away from the brewery, for another display from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Members of the 333-mph race car's crew along with Kalitta will start the dragster for fans and patrons at some point during the In the Zone Sports Bar appearance.

"It should be a blast for us and the fans," Kalitta said. "This is a great opportunity for Coors and our Kalitta Motorsports team to bring the excitement of NHRA drag racing to the Rocky Mountains and beyond.

Millican Pockets Cool $106,000 For Hunstville Win

(7-5-2005) - Tennessee-based Top Fuel standout Clay Millican earned a big payday over the weekend by qualifying in the No. 1 spot and then winning the race at the Rocket City Nationals at Alabama's Huntsville Dragway.

Millican walked off with the top prize of $101,000 for the win plus an additional $5,000 for being top qualifier.

From One Legend to Another...

Force Honors Bader With First “Drag Racing Legend” Funny Car

(7-4-2005) - John Force has been a regular fixture at Norwalk Raceway Park’s “Night Under Fire” extravaganzas for a number of years, and in recent times he has adorned his familiar Castrol Funny Car with commemorative paint schemes to mark the occasion. These later become limited edition die cast cars, which are quickly snapped up by fans and collectors.

At this past weekend’s edition of the famed Norwalk bash, Force unveiled the first in what will become a series of “Drag Racing Legend” paint schemes. Kept secret until the last minute, the fans jammed into NRP’s stands went wild when the cover was removed and the grinning likeness of track owner and former IHRA President Bill Bader was seen to adorn the front of the champ’s hot rod.

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.