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Five Second Doorslammer Barrier Finally Smashed in Australia

(9-18-2005) - West Australia’s favourite son, John Zappia, has re-written drag racing history with Australia’s long-awaited first ever five-second Top Doorslammer pass. Zappia was competing in the final of the 2005/06 championship season-opening AC Delco East Coast Nationals, when the Australian drag racing family held their collective breath for 5.967 seconds. Zappia had done it, and the roar that ensued was deafening.

Zappia was the form runner of Top Doorslammer at the event, posting an off-the-trailer 6.08 to head the field after qualifying. Although damaging some parts on his last qualifying attempt, a generous hand from Victor Bray ensured that Zap was on track come race-day.

Zappia was blistering in the early rounds, posting a National-record bettering 6.01 in his demolition of Sean Mifsud in the first round, and 6.02 to dispose of Steve Stanic in the semi. Everyone could sense one of those great moments in sport were about to take place, and the stage was set for a momentous final between Zappia and Phillips.

Phillips nailed Zappia on the Christmas Tree, a 0.096 to a 0.210, but Zappia was on a mission, driving around Phillips at the last possible moment. Zappia had beaten Phillips by just 0.017 of a second (5.967 to 6.098). Australia had seen it’s first Top Doorslammer five, and the world had seen its quickest sedan bodied pass, albeit from an Australian HQ Monaro.

Incremental times for John Zappia – R/T 0.210, 60 – 1.029, 330 – 2.655, 660 - 3.939, 193.35 M.P.H., 1000 – 5.038, 1320 – 5.967, 241.97 M.P.H.

Speaking to Dragster.com.au after the pass, Zappia was in awe. “What a run!” John exclaimed. “This is what dreams are made of. I have only admiration for my entire crew, who worked so tirelessly this weekend after we damaged the engine.”

“I didn’t think it was that quick! I knew Gary was out on me, but I just kept on pulling him back. It really hasn’t sunk in just yet. I came here to win the meeting, but this is just absolutely unbelievable.”

“It has been such an emotional weekend for our team, and I have to thank our friends at Rentco for making it all possible.”

In addition to the winner’s cheque, Zappia picked up the A$10,000 bonus that had been offered by fellow competitor Deno Brijeski for the first Australian 5. In a feel-good-moment, Brijeski drove down the return road to meet Zappia, pulled his cheque-book out, and wrote the cheque for the bonus on Zappia’s tin roof. The crowd were all abuzz.

Zappia now leads the Australian Top Doorslammer championship after one road, leading into the 40th annual Australian Nationals from Willowbank Raceway on November 4-6, 2005.

Report courtesy of www.dragster.com.au

Photo by John Baremans, Dragster Australia

Carolina Bar-B-Que

(9-18-2005) - Bob Motz completed the facility improvement program at Carolina Dragway in Jackson, South Carolina, in spectacular fashion by burning the old timing tower to the ground during the track's Night Under Fire event.

Motz backed his jet Kenworth flamethrower up to the old wooden structure and reduced it to a smoldering heap of ashes in a matter of minutes.

To view a gallery of photos from the event, click here: Jackson Night Under Fire

POWERade Points Leader Tops Funny Car Qualifying at Maple Grove Raceway

(9-18-2005) - Funny Car points leader Gary Scelzi blasted to the No. 1 qualifying position at the 21st annual Toyo Tires NHRA Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway on Saturday.

POWERade Series points leaders Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel) and Andrew Hines (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also topped their respective categories going into professional eliminations of the event, scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. on Sunday. Jason Line was the No. 1 qualifier in Pro Stock at the $1.5 million race, the 19th of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series.

Hot Rod/Comp Cams Drag Week - Friday

Miles driven: 1400
Speeding tickets: 0 (reported)
Competitors dropped out: 6

(9-17-2005) - Mother Nature yields to Drag Week racers – We’ll never know if it was due to sympathy or sheer luck, but Mother Nature gave haggard drag week competitors a break today.

A night of heavy rain was followed by a morning of drizzle and cold temperatures. Nonetheless, racers converged on U.S. 131 Raceway in Martin, Michigan, for their final day of track time.

The rains continued well into the morning, forcing Hot Rod staffers to call a general meeting in the track’s conference room. At that meeting, the race was nearly cancelled for good, but an agreement was reached that if necessary, Drag Week racers could compete in the evening’s test and tune session to settle the final run averages.

During that meeting, the rain stopped and a brisk wind kicked up. That wind, which ran directly up the length of the track, combined with a great effort by 131 staff, made short work of drying the racing surface.

Racers were teched in and ready to run at three P.M., just in time for snafu number two to kick in. With the first pair of cars staged up, the tree began to come down, only to hang up on the top bulb on either side.

Nearly an hour later, with much of the starting line timing equipment checked, rechecked, replaced or repaired, a Drag Week racer figured out the problem. An electrical box on the back of the Christmas Tree had shorted out, disabling the timing system.

The track surface was great and the rest of the afternoon went along as planned, albeit several hours later than expected.

Six-time IHRA Pro Modified Champion Scotty Cannon to run 2006 tour with SKULL GEAR backing; Scott Cannon, Jr. aiming for Rookie of the Year honors

(9-16-2005) - Racer-turned-team-owner Scotty Cannon is beaming these days. The six-time IHRA Pro Modified Champion has secured major sponsorship from Evan Knoll’s SKULL GEAR to run the 2006 Hooters IHRA Drag Racing Series and contend for the championship. What started out as a trial program in 2005 blossomed into a full ride for the crafty veteran, who chooses to turn the wrenches for his son Scott now.

The eldest of Cannon’s four sons is more than qualified to handle the task of propelling the classic 1953 Studebaker in competition.

“Words can’t describe how happy I am today,” Scotty Cannon said. “I am thankful for the opportunity Evan has given our team. The past couple of years have tested our resolve and with this program we have a fresh start and a great opportunity to go out there and prove ourselves all over again.”

If proving their value was the objective, Cannon and son have more than achieved that. Since returning to competition in August, the second-generation Cannon has driven his father’s 1998 championship-winning machine to a second-place ranking in the 2006 Torco Pro Modified Shootout points standings. He’s also managed to pull into 20th place in the championship race despite missing the first seven events of the year.

“I’m proud of what our guys have managed to pull off with a car that should have been retired a long time ago,” Scotty Cannon said. “She’s fat, she’s old and I guess it only has a face a mother can love – or a Cannon.”

If anyone knows the ins and outs of this old beast, it would be the elder Cannon. He purchased the car in Australia in 1997 and had it shipped to the United States. He introduced the then-revolutionary swing arm-suspended car into competition that season and went on to win a phenomenal six national events while finishing runner-up three other times. He also established five class performance records that same year.

Cannon later parked the Studebaker in favor of a nitro Funny Car, but he brought it back out on a limited basis during the 2004 season.

“We’re going to finish out the season with it,” Cannon said. “I plan on having a new car next year, so that should help us a lot out of the gate.”

Cannon will have a new car built by Vanishing Point Race Cars and plans to be testing by December. Eastern Race Fuels will serve as an associate sponsor.

ANNUAL NHRA BREAKFAST AT SEMA TO CELEBRATE 35 YEARS OF NHRA PRO STOCK RACING

(9-16-2005) - It was 35 years ago, at the 1970 NHRA Winternationals, that Bill “Grumpy” Jenkins crossed the finish line and became the first NHRA Pro Stock national event winner.

Throughout that decade and into the ‘80s, the name Bob Glidden, a 10-time NHRA POWERade world champion, was synonymous with Pro Stock racing.

The next decade brought a new dominant player, Warren Johnson, who broke the 200 mph barrier and, in his illustrious career, has posted the most NHRA national event wins of any Pro Stock competitor while earning six world championships. Following in his father’s footsteps is Kurt Johnson, the first Pro Stock driver to make a run quicker than seven seconds and as fierce a competitor as one can find in the category, having finished in the top 10 in the NHRA POWERade championship standings every year of his professional career, dating back to 1993.

To celebrate the last 35 years of Pro Stock racing, NHRA will bring all four legends together as part of the NHRA Breakfast of Champions reception at the SEMA Show, Nov. 2 at 7:30 a.m. Joined by Fred Simmonds, marketing manager for GM Racing, and hosted by long-time NHRA announcer Bob Frey, the morning event is sure to bring with it some great stories of the glory years of Pro Stock racing and what the future holds for one of the most competitive categories in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series.

For years, Jenkins, Glidden and Warren Johnson competed side-by-side for the chance to be called king of the Pro Stock class, competing at drag strips across the country and as part of the NHRA Drag Racing Series in the ‘70s and ‘80s. Today, the competition lives on as all three individuals are still very much involved in the sport with Jenkins supplying his famed horsepower to a number of today’s competitors; Glidden calling the shots as crew chief on the two Don Schumacher Racing entries in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series; and Warren Johnson still behind the wheel and tuning his own car as he and son, Kurt, compete for yet another NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series world championship.

Those in attendance will be entertained with a special video, utilizing NHRA’s vast historical library, that is sure to feature some video clips of these legends in action that haven’t been seen since their original airing some three decades ago. A continental breakfast will be served to all in attendance and the event has been scheduled early enough in the morning to afford SEMA visitors and exhibitors plenty of time to attend the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world. The SEMA show draws the industry's brightest minds and hottest products to one place, the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The NHRA Breakfast of Champions is free to those registered to attend the SEMA Show that week.

DON SCHUMACHER RACING STABLE GROWS BY ONE

(9-15-2005) - The Don Schumacher Racing organization has expanded yet again, courtesy of Tony "The Sarge" Schumacher.

The driver of the U.S. Army Top Fuel dragster and his wife, Cara, welcomed a baby girl into the world here Thursday morning - Jacqueline Susan - who weighed in at a healthy seven pounds, eight ounces.

"We're all ecstatic," said Schumacher. "Everyone is doing great. My sons, Anthony and Michael, now have a baby sister to take care of."

Despite a welcomed lack of sleep (Jacqueline Susan arrived at precisely 2:37 a.m.), Schumacher will begin to turn his attention to this weekend's Toyo Tires NHRA Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway outside of Reading, Pa.

"Hopefully, I can bring home a trophy Sunday night for my daughter," he added with a voice full of emotion.

Shelly Howard Memorial Low E.T. Challenge and Fundraiser

(9-15-2005) - David Smith will be hosting a Shelly Howard Memorial Low E.T. Challenge during the O’Reilly Fall Nationals at the Texas Motorplex located in Ennis, Texas, September 22-25. Shelly Howard, a well-liked and talented alcohol dragster driver, and her son, Brian, were killed on April 2, 2005 in a devastating racing accident in Tulsa, OK. The Low E.T. event and fundraiser will serve as a tribute to them and all they’ve done for the racing community. A plaque and $250 will be awarded to the lowest E.T. registered during qualifying for Blown Alcohol Dragster, A/Fuel Dragster, and Top Alcohol Funny Car.

Smith is also sponsoring a fundraising effort through the sale of T-shirts honoring Shelly. The shirts cost $15 each and all proceeds go to Racers for Christ and the Special Olympics in honor of Shelly and her son Brian. Racers for Christ is a non-denominational ministry to the world of motorsports. The Special Olympics provide year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Being a friend of Shelly, he wanted to make this Low E.T. Challenge and fundraiser special. The shirts are being made in collaboration with Phoenix Custom Apparel.

Smith, an avid drag racing fan and photographer of NHRA events, started the Low E.T. Challenge in 2004 after he found out that money was no longer available for low E.T. qualifiers in the alcohol classes. The Alcohol drivers always treated Smith well, so this was his way of saying thank you. He also sponsored four Fan Appreciation Challenges last year, with the help of George Turner and Steve Loewen, and a Darrel Russell Memorial Low E.T. Challenge at the Ennis race.

If you’d like more information or would like to order T-shirts, please go to www.shellyhowardracing.com, www. speedzonemagazine.com, www.insidetopalcohol.com, or contact David Smith at tadfan@earthlink.net. Specify quantity, sizes, and shipping information. Money orders and Paypal will be accepted. The T-shirts will be available for shipping in October.

Millican Will Be Driving Special Nitro Fish Wear Dragster at Reading

Team’s Goal: Win Race for Owner Kenny Koretsky at His Hometown Track

(9-15-2005) - Ask Clay Millican what his most memorable moment is at Maple Grove Raceway and there’s no hesitation.

“I ran into the sand trap at the end of the track while we were testing on Monday after the race in 1999,” he says, “and that was the first time I met John Force. I was digging pea gravel out of my eyes when John came running up to see if I was okay.”

He was and so, eventually, was the race car, ironically dubbed the Nitro Fish Top Fuel car of owner “Nitro” Nick Boninfante.

Millican returns to Maple Grove Raceway this weekend to drive another car with the same name for a different owner – Kenny Koretsky of nearby Richboro, Pa. This time it’s the Nitro Fish Wear/Werner/104+ Performance Additive dragster. There are no plans to reprise the off-track excursion.

“One trip into the sand and gravel is enough,” said Millican, who is the four-time reigning IHRA champion. He’s also within easy reach of claiming his fifth straight title, likely to come Sept. 23-25, at Budds Creek, Md.

In the meantime, Millican, crew chief Mike Kloeber and co-crew chief Lance Larson would like nothing more than to pull the Nitro Fish Wear dragster – which will be decked out in the same livery as Koretsky’s Nitro Fish Wear Pro Stock Dodge Stratus – into the winner’s circle Sunday at Maple Grove.

“We’d like nothing better than to win one for the Captain on his home track in front of his family and fans,” added Millican, referring to Koretsky’s “Captain Chaos” nickname.

Koretsky, meanwhile, said he is, “happy to be bringing the Nitro Fish Wear Top Fuel dragster to my home fans at Maple Grove who don’t normally have a chance to see Clay run.”

Koretsky, who began his racing career at Maple Grove more than 25 years ago, purchased the IHRA’s pacesetting team in June.

“Mike’s had a few glitches in his tune-up lately,” said Millican, who has 44 IHRA wins overall and seven in 2005, “but that happens when you change the combination and are trying to run quicker and faster. Every team goes through it and we’ll just have to race our way through it. The performance is there early in the run, but the engine just drops cylinders on the top end.

“It made some great early shutoff runs at Epping. This team knows how to race . . . and we know how to win.” And stay out of gravel pits at the end of the race tracks.

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Goodguys and Golden State Foods Team Up to Support Ronald McDonald Houses

(9-14-2005) - Goodguys has joined Golden State Foods, one of the nation’s largest food processors and distributors in GSF’s ongoing and tireless effort to support Ronald McDonald House charities. Initially, the alliance will benefit the children and families of the Ronald McDonald houses in four Goodguys event host-cities in 2005 with designs on spreading the effort nationwide in 2006. The “Cruisin’ to help kids” got off to a very successful start at the Goodguys 8th Colorado Classic in Colorado Springs. The Ronald McDonald House of Colorado Springs brought children out to the event, introducing them to the wonderful world of hot rods and customs. Young

“I congratulate Goodguys for having the vision to give back to the communities where they host events,” said GSF Foundation Executive Director Chuck Browne, himself a longtime hot rodder.

GSF and children from local Ronald McDonald Houses will collect donations at the the 4th Mid-Western Nationals, September 23-25 in Kansas City at Kansas Speedway, the 13th Lone Star Nationals, Sept. 30th-Oct. 2 in Ft. Worth at Texas Motor Speedway and at the 12th Southeastern Nationals, October 28-30 in Charlotte, NC at Lowe’s Motor Speedway.

At the end of each event, Goodguys and Golden State Foods will match dollar for dollar the charitable donations collected throughout the weekend and will hold a special check presentation prior to the event awards ceremony. Goodguys and GSF plan to build on this year’s program and really get the ball rolling to help the kids for many years to come.

“We are proud to be helping these special children and their families by donating to the Ronald McDonald House Charities and showing them hot rods and custom cars up close,” said Goodguys COO Marc Meadors. “We know the Goodguys members and participants will help the kids by donating what they can to support this very worthy cause.”

About Ronald McDonald House Charities:

A strong mind. A strong body. And a safe, supportive place to grow. These are things that every child needs - and deserves.

Helping to provide these things is what we do.

By creating, finding and supporting programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children, Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) is working to better the lives of children and their families around the world.

The three core programs of RMHC - the Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald Family Room and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile - are focused on helping families in need. Our cornerstone Ronald McDonald House program began in 1974 based on a simple idea: Provide a "home away from home" for families of seriously ill children receiving treatment at nearby hospitals. Since that time, more than 10 million families around the world have benefited from the comfort provided by a Ronald McDonald House.

The Ronald McDonald Family Room program extends the comfort of a Ronald McDonald House to a hospital setting. Typically located just steps from neonatal or pediatric intensive care units, the Family Room provides a place to escape the stress and tension of the hospital.

Through relationships with local health care providers, the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile program brings cost-effective medical, dental and health education services directly to underserved children in both rural and urban areas around the world.

In addition to supporting the core programs, RMHC and our global network of local Chapters in 48 countries have awarded more than $400 million dollars in grants and program services worldwide to make an immediate, positive impact on as many children as possible. Together with support from hundreds of thousands of passionate and caring volunteers, donors and RMHC staff, we've had plenty of success.

Ellis and Smith together for remainder of season as G Squared Motorsports prepares for Reading

(9-13-2005) – Chip Ellis, who was runner-up in the Ringers Gloves Pro Bike Battle, a special bonus race at Indy, and Matt Smith, who came within an eyelash of winning the Indy Mac Tools U.S. Nationals, will be G Squared Motorsports teammates for the three remaining Pro Stock Motorcycle events on this year’s NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series schedule.

Skull Gear and Torco Race Fuels stepped up their involvement and along with Red Line Oil will back Smith and his G Squared S&S-powered Buell for the remainder of the 2005 season, beginning at this weekend’s 21st annual NHRA Toyo Tires Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway, near Reading Penn.

“We appreciate Evan Knoll, president and owner of Torco Race Fuels and Skull Gear, for stepping up and insuring that Matt Smith will have a ride through the end of the season,” said George Bryce, co-owner of G Squared Motorsports. “I think that the combination of Ellis and Smith will be a hard duo to beat over the remainder of this year’s schedule.

“We look forward to sharing the data from two bikes at Reading and feel that this will put us on more even footing with the other two-bike teams. We’ve been dyno testing here at our shop since Indy and will have both bikes ready to go. We’ve learned a lot, especially with Chip’s new ride that he debuted at Indy. We expect both bikes to do better at Maple Grove.”

Twist and Shout

(9-12-2005) - Carl Spiering gets out of shape during the first round of Torco Pro Modified eliminations at the IHRA North American Nationals in Epping, NH. Spiering won when Sal Passarelli fouled. (View the sequence here)

Points Standings After Epping

(9-11-2005) - Point standings (top 10) for IHRA professional categories following the Tenth annual Amalie Oil North American Nationals at New England Dragway, the tenth of 12 events in the 2005 Hooters IHRA Drag Racing Series -

Top Fuel

1. Clay Millican, 1,213; 2. Doug Foley, 1,016; 3. Bruce Litton, 913; 4. Rick Cooper, 749; 5. Louie Allison, 664; 6. Bobby Lagana Jr., 403; 7. Roger Dean, 380; 8. Paul Athey, 357; 9. Chris Karamesines, 337; 10. Todd Paton, 289.

Pro Modified

1. Mike Castellana, 709; 2. Shannon Jenkins, 630; 3. Carl Spiering, 605; 4. Jim Halsey, 597; 5. Ed Hoover, 505; 6. Mike Janis, 502; 7. Dennis Radford, 496; 8. Quain Stott, 487; 9. Burton Auxier, 486; 10. Harold Martin, 461.

Funny Car

1. Rob Atchison, 1,001; 2. Jim Sickles, 935; 3. Mark Thomas, 776; 4. Thomas Carter, 617; 5. Terry McMillen, 579; 6. Chris Foster, 539; 7. Terry Munroe, 467; 8. Frederick Tigges, 386; 9. Melinda Green-King, 272; 10. Larry Dobbs, 205.

Pro Stock

1. Steve Spiess, 968; 2. Frank Gugliotta, 686; 3. Robert Patrick, 685; 4. Rick Jones, 651; 5. Daniel Seamon, 630; 6. Tony Gillig, 622; 7. Pete Berner, 528; 8. John Montecalvo, 514; 9. John Nobile, 483; 10. Jerry Haas, 477.

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Top Fuel racer Foley wins from the pole position in Epping; Radford, Sickles and Gugliotta score victories

(9-11-2005) – Doug Foley was determined to show everyone at the Amalie Oil IHRA North American Nationals that Clay Millican wasn’t the only Top Fuel driver capable of winning an event using total domination as his game plan.

Joining in the winner’s circle celebration were the professional teams of Dennis Radford (Torco Race Fuels Pro Modified), Jim Sickles (Funny Car) and Frank Gugliotta (Torco Race Fuels Pro Stock).

Foley left no doubt in the final round as he drove around a quicker-reacting Clay Millican to score his second IHRA Hooters Top Fuel victory of 2005. His winning lap was a 4.835, 288.89 that quickly overtook Millican’s troubled 5.223, 203.68. Ironically, both of Foley’s wins have come from the top qualifying position.

BOOM - Friday night lights

(9-9-2005) - Mike Lockwood suffers a backfire during Friday night qualifying at the IHRA North American Nationals.

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Our kind of shirt

(9-9-2005) - The lights are about to go out for "Flash" Gordon Mineo, courtesy of Ed McCulloch (left), in this unpublished Leslie Lovett photo from the
mid-Seventies. Rumor has it that Ron Capps borrowed the original B&W
print from someone inside NHRA just long enough to scan the image, then
ordered just enough T-shirts to cover McCulloch's crew at Don
Schumacher Racing -- plus the one modeled here by "Casual" Bob Doerrer
at Mike Goyda's memorabilia show. (Dave Wallace pic)

It's been a while

(9-9-2005) - Man, how things change. (Top) Dave Wallace and Bobby Bennett circa 1989. (Bottom) This picture was taken at Indy 2005. (Ron Lewis photos)

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Pontiac's Bruce Allen Will Be Inducted Into
The Michigan Motor Sports Hall of Fame

(9-9-2005) - Long time Pro Stock competitor Bruce Allen will be inducted into the Michigan Motor Sports Hall of Fame at a ceremony in Lansing. Mich., on Nov. 6. The 20-year professional drag racing veteran and native of Goodrich, Mich., will join a long list of legendary names that includes Connie Kalitta, Dick LaHaie, Shirley Muldowney, Jack Roush and Roger Penske, among others, that are already in the Michigan Motor Sports Hall of Fame.

"It's a tremendous honor to be inducted into the Michigan Motorsports Hall of Fame," said Allen. "Growing up in Michigan, Dick LaHaie, Connie Kalitta, and racers like that were always guys you looked up to. To be inducted into the Hall of Fame with such prominent competitors is a great privilege and I want to thank the voting members for their consideration."

In an NHRA Pro Stock career that dates back to 1985, the 55-year-old Allen has won 16 national events, raced in 39 final rounds, captured 16 No. 1 qualifying awards, and scored seven top-five and 14 top-10 finishes in the points standings. Allen's best NHRA points finish was in 1989 when he posted a second-place showing and captured four national-event victories in seven final rounds. He has finished third in the NHRA Pro Stock points standings four times (1985-87, 2001), won the Modified championship at the Summernationals in Englishtown, N.J., in 1978, and was the IHRA Pro Stock champion in 1985. Prior to racing in NHRA Pro Stock, Allen was an engine builder for 10 years at McLaren Racing.

"Competing full time in NHRA Pro Stock was hard for me at first because the learning curve was unbelievable. But I had some great coaching and got a lot of advice from Buddy (Morrison) and Dave (Reher), and great support from a lot of people including my wife Deb that really helped me along. Racing over the last 20 years has been a lot of fun and has given me the opportunity to meet and work with a lot of outstanding people."

The Michigan Motor Sports Hall of Fame was founded in 1982 to preserve the history of all types of motor racing in the state of Michigan and to make the history available to the public. It also seeks to recognize and pay tribute to those citizens of Michigan who have given of themselves, whatever their roles in racing may have been. The Michigan Motor Sports Hall of Fame is located in the R.E. Olds Transportation Museum, 240 Museum Drive, in Lansing, Mich.

Cruz Pedregon Racing Extends Santana Guitar Auction; Proceeds Benefit Milagro, JDRF & AmeriCare’s Hurricane Relief

(9-9-2005) - Hurricane Katrina relief efforts have caused an overwhelming response at various EBay Online Auctions. Certain EBay Online Auctions, with proceeds benefiting Katrina relief efforts, have come under increased scrutiny. To avoid any confusion, the Carlos Santana-signed PRS Guitar Auction has been re-launched and extended to Sept. 15.

As before, the auction will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Deborah and Carlos Santana’s Milagro Foundation and AmeriCare’s Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.

All proceeds will be divided equally among the three charities. Fans can submit bids on EBay Online Auctions or through www.pedregonracing.com in increments of $25.

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O’Reilly Auto Parts to offer discount tickets for Maximum Impact

(9-9-2005) - O’Reilly Auto Parts has partnered with Houston Motorsports Park to offer discount tickets at all Houston O’Reilly locations for the Maximum Impact event on September 17th-18th. The event will feature Pro Mods, Outlaw 10.5, True 10.5 and Factory Street including the world record holders in both Outlaw and True 10.5 to battle it out for over $80,000 total payout and exceed speeds of 185 miles per hour on the best 1/8 mile track in the county.

A list and pictures of confirmed drivers for Outlaw 10.5, True 10.5 and FSTA can be found at http://www.texaskingofthehill.net

Also scheduled to attend are NHRA Pro Modified champion Mike Ashley and Chip King will be joining HMP Track Record Holder Thomas Patterson, Troy Critchley, Josh Hernandez, and Frankie Taylor in a Quick 6 Pro Mod. As a special bonus, Houston Motorsports Park will be offering $5000 for the first three second run and another $5000 for the quickest three second pass.

Sponsors of Maximum Impact include GetWorkComp.com, Northside Plumbing And Supply, Webb Brothers Construction, Strictly Performance, Alabama-Coushatta Smoke Shop, Competition Sales, fisher Auto Sales, Pyle Brothers Performance Differentials and Santhuff.

Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.houstonmotorsportspark.com/SEP17PRESALES.htm.

Retooled CompetitionPlus.com Spring Open finds new home at South Georgia Motorsports Park; Event to be renamed Eastern Spring Test Nationals

(9-8-2005) – After successful stints in Darlington, SC and later Petersburg, Va., eRaceFuels CompetitionPlus.com will move their traditional open professional test session to South Georgia Motorsports Park in Valdosta, Ga., during the weekend and days prior to the NHRA MAC Tools Gatornationals in Gainesville, Fla. The event will begin on Thursday, March 9 and conclude the following Tuesday. A special “Chicago Style” Shootout will be held on Saturday, March 11.

As in the past, professional teams are granted free testing for the event in exchange for participation in the Saturday event.

Bobby Bennett, Publisher of eRaceFuels CompetitionPlus.com and promoter of the event, is excited about the new venture.

“We had a great run, but fighting the weather every season placed a huge burden on our staff and marketing partners,” Bennett said. “All it took was one visit to South Georgia Motorsports Park and I knew this place would be a perfect home during that time of the year. I am looking forward to working with Shad Dean and his friendly team. They are first class.

“I would like to thank Bryan Pierce and the fine folks at Virginia Motorsports Park for helping us to build an event that was second to none in national test sessions.”

Shad Dean, General Manager of South Georgia Motorsports Park, has long sought for his track to become the professional testing choice for the top professional drag racers.

“I am looking forward to the new alliance,” Dean said. “Bobby and the staff at CompetitionPlus.com have done a great job over the years with their magazine and promoting these events. I’m looking at the Eastern Spring Test National event as the start to a long term program.”

At 242 feet above sea level, SGMP makes for an optimum testing venue through its first class facility. The track is 4,500 feet in total length and sixty feet wide and the complete quarter-mile is concrete. A 31” concrete safety wall runs the entire length of the track and into the half-mile shutdown area. Musco lighting makes it possible for efficient night-time testing. SGMP also features VIP suites and has ready seating for 3,000 spectators.

eRaceFuels CompetitionPlus.com published their first issue in September of 1999. Since then, over 100 issues have been published in nearly six years. eRaceFuels CompetitionPlus.com is managed by EzineMedia, Inc., which is based in Spartanburg, SC. The average readership for eRaceFuels CompetitionPlus.com exceeds 270,000 unique readers per month.

The average high temperature during the week of eRaceFuels CompetitionPlus.com ESTN is 74-degrees with a low of 48-degrees.

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Johnson remains silent on subject; Bryce and Smith offer congratulations

(9-8-2005) - A day after the NHRA made the decision to reverse their decision and award Steve Johnson the MAC Tools U.S. Nationals Pro Stock Motorcycle victory, the newly crowned champion has yet to make himself available for interviews.

George Bryce and George Smith of G2 Racing, owners of the Buell that Matt Smith drove in the final conceded that the victory truly belonged to Johnson and had no problem letting that be known.

“When Steve Johnson left on Matt we were watching at the finish line, hoping that Matt could catch him," Bryce said. "When the win light came on in Matt’s lane and he had run an 11 (7.114 seconds) versus Steve’s 20 (7.206 seconds), we were amazed but elated that we had won the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals, the most prestigious race on the circuit.

“We then did the winner’s circle celebration and returned to our pit area to continue our celebration. We never saw the video at the track. It wasn’t until sometime later that we saw the video replays. Even then and all throughout Tuesday we thought that we had come away victorious. Then we got a call from Graham (Light), and were notified that NHRA had overturned the on-track decision. We want all to know that we accept that decision and think it was justified.

“NHRA did a lot of reviews, including the ESPN2 video of the questioned final round, and all reviews pointed out that Steve had crossed the line first. Perhaps it was a matter of time before an incident like this took place and becomes the precedent for the NHRA version of “instant replay” review.

“Looking back, we wish that Steve could have had his time in the winner’s circle, but happy that NHRA corrected, what in hindsight, was obvious – Steve was the winner.

"The most important part, we give Steve Johnson sincere congratulation on his win and applaud the NHRA for correcting what was an obvious fluke in the system.”

On paper, the results of the electronic timers had Smith, aboard the G Squared S&S-powered Buell, as the winner by .0013 seconds.

The incremental times are as follows:

Smith .117 - 1.090 - 2.940 - 4.522, 154.23 - 5.919 - 7.114, 186.12

Johnson .026 - 1.096 - 2.979 - 4.596, 152.30 - 5.995 - 7.206, 185.08

Race Results, the 7th annual U.S. Nationals of Bracket Racing, September 2-4, Huntsville Dragway, Toney, Alabama

Friday Pro
W: Ken Sullivan, W. Carrollton, Ohio, (Sullivan/Womack dragster) --- 5.135, 129.98 mph (5.13 dial). R/U: Tracey Guffey, Shelbyville, TN, (’04 Worthy) --- 4.864, 141 mph (4.85 dial).
Footbrake
W: Adam Davis, Cullman, AL, (’76 Nova) --- 6.927, 96.88 mph (6.92 dial). R/U: Jeremy Ellis, Phenix City, AL, (’69 Camaro) --- 6.632, 103.90 mph (6.64 dial).

Saturday Pro
W: Bradley Richardson, Culleoka, TN, (’64 Chevy II) --- 6.302 (6.29 dial). R/U: Scotty Richardson, Goodlettsville, TN, (’04 Worthy) --- 4.976 (4.95 dial).
Footbrake
W: Anthony Cain, Woodville, AL, (’77 Aspen R/T) --- 7.909, 85.57 mph (7.90 dial). R/U: Jeremy Ellis, Phenix City, AL, (’69 Camaro) --- 6.701, 101.86 mph (6.70 dial).

Sunday Pro
W: Bob Fine III, Dober, TN, (’04 M&M dragster) --- 5.227, 129.16 mph (5.20 dial). R/U: Kendall Johnston, Dalton, GA, (’03 Mullis) --- 4.843, 142.95 mph (4.83 dial).
Footbrake
W: Jeff Ryan, Baileyton, AL, (’72 Vega) --- 7.609, 89.61 mph (7.64 dial) R/U: Todd Berry, Tuscumbia, AL, (’55 Chevy pickup) --- 7.476, 87.96 mph (7.54 dial). --- Dale Wilson

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STEVE JOHNSON DECLARED MAC TOOLS U.S. NATIONALS PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE WINNER

(9-7-2005) – NHRA officials announced today that the result of Monday’s Pro Stock Motorcycle final has been overturned, and the victory at the 51st annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals has been awarded to Steve Johnson.

Following yesterday’s final round, the win light indicated Matt Smith was the winner of the race. However, video replays of the run showed that Johnson’s motorcycle was just in front of Smith’s entry at the finish.

“Although it is always our desire to provide finality to the event for both the competitors and the fans at the event’s conclusion, upon further review, it’s obvious that the finish line beam did not detect the front tire of Johnson’s motorcycle and instead was triggered by another component of the motorcycle,” said Graham Light, senior vice president of racing operations, NHRA.

“I am now convinced that the finish line camera angle did not distort the image and that Johnson’s motorcycle was the first to cross the finish line. Therefore, we are reversing the original decision and declaring Steve Johnson the winner of the event.”

NHRA officials reviewed the timing system data and video replays from multiple angles from ESPN2’s coverage of the event, including a camera focused on the finish line.

In addition to reviewing the video, NHRA officials examined the data from all of Johnson’s previous runs at the event as well as those of other competitors, inspected the finish line timing system, and consulted with industry experts. Based on the timing system’s historical accuracy and its flawless performance throughout the weekend, including more than 5,000 runs, this was clearly an isolated incident. NHRA officials believe the timing results were accurate, but the finish line beams were not tripped by Johnson’s tire, but rather another component of his motorcycle.

“It is extremely important to NHRA that the outcome of any race, including our most prestigious event, reward the true winner,” concluded Light. “On behalf of everyone at NHRA, we want to congratulate Steve Johnson on his Mac Tools U.S. Nationals win.”

Ashley plans to race the rest of 2005

(9-7-2005) - NHRA POWERade Funny Car driver Mike Ashley has made a commitment to run the balance of the 2005 season behind the wheel of the TORCO/SKULL GEAR Monte Carlo Funny Car. His performance during this weekend’s MAC Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals made it an easy decision for Ashley and his sponsor Evan Knoll to run the remaining five events on the tour instead of just two as previously planned. Ashley has a three-year contract to run his Pro Modified ’67 Shelby Mustang GT500E under the Torco Race Fuels banner as well.

Ashley announced on Friday that he plans to run a minimum of twelve races in 2006 with veteran tuner Mark Oswald calling the shots. He will continue to run under the Del Worsham umbrella.

The deciding factor for the extension was the media and fan response to Ashley’s debut and performance in the quickest-ever NHRA Funny Car field in drag racing history. Ashley, with only five career full passes under his belt and ran and elapsed time and speed of 4.885, 306.05 during Sunday’s final qualifying session. The session proved to be the most difficult atmospheric conditions throughout the event. While Ashley knows that he has a tough challenge ahead of him, he’s convinced this weekend’s Indy performance is just a sign of things to come.

“This weekend was just magical.” Ashley said. “It was a very busy weekend and one that demanded total concentration. However, thanks to two great drag racing teams we ran what I feel were respectable numbers in both classes. I have a long way to go and many more runs to make before I would say I’m ready to win a Funny Car championship but I am starting to get a level of comfort in the car can be leveraged to win rounds. Make no mistake about it, when I pull that Funny Car to the line I expect to win. I owe that to my team and sponsors.”

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Montgomery Motorsports Park's Two Day Bracket Race

(9-6-2005) - Dale Wilson visited this impressive event. Here's the event page.

Montgomery Motorsports Park event

NHRA Points After Indy

(9-5-2005) -- Point standings (top 10) for NHRA professional categories following the 51st annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals at Indianapolis Raceway Park, the 18th of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series -

Top Fuel

1. Tony Schumacher, 1,374; 2. Doug Kalitta, 1,334; 3. Larry Dixon, 1,295; 4. David Grubnic, 1,128; 5. Brandon Bernstein, 1,076; 6. Morgan Lucas, 1,064; 7. Doug Herbert, 977; 8. Cory McClenathan, 908; 9. Scott Kalitta, 903; 10. Scott Weis, 645.

Funny Car

1. Gary Scelzi, 1,172; 2. Robert Hight, 1,171; 3. Ron Capps, 1,136; 4. John Force, 1,125; 5. Eric Medlen, 1,117; 6. Tommy Johnson Jr., 1,024; 7. Whit Bazemore, 969; 8. Del Worsham, 946; 9. Cruz Pedregon, 873; 10. Tony Pedregon, 843.

Pro Stock

1. Greg Anderson, 1,458; 2. Kurt Johnson, 1,323; 3. Warren Johnson, 1,245; 4. Jason Line, 1,174; 5. Dave Connolly, 1,095; 6. Greg Stanfield, 901; 7. Richie Stevens, 873; 8. Ron Krisher, 872; 9. Jeg Coughlin, 841; 10. Jim Yates, 774.

Pro Stock Motorcycle

1. Andrew Hines, 888; 2. GT Tonglet, 871; 3. Antron Brown, 781; 4. Angelle Sampey, 702; 5. Ryan Schnitz, 692; 6. Chip Ellis, 674; 7. Geno Scali, 655; 8. Karen Stoffer, 644; 9. Steve Johnson, 606; 10. Craig Treble, 591.

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WORSHAM DOUBLES-UP WITH FUNNY CAR VICTORY AT MAC TOOLS U.S. NATIONALS; Dixon, Anderson and Smith also earn victories at Indianapolis Raceway Park

(9-5-2005) – Del Worsham raced to the Funny Car victory Monday at the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals and in the process pocketed more than $225,000 for the weekend at the world’s most prestigious drag race.

Larry Dixon, Greg Anderson and Matt Smith also were winners at the $2.6 million race, the 18th of 23 events in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series.

Worsham became the sixth driver in the history of the event to double-up by winning today’s eliminations and Sunday’s Skoal Showdown bonus race for Funny Car competitors. It was Worsham’s second victory of the season, 21st of his career and first ever at Indianapolis Raceway Park.

Record Books Take a Beating at Goodguys 1st Northwest Nostalgia Nationals

(9-5-2005) - The Goodguys 1st Northwest Nationals will be forever known as the “race for the record book.” Final eliminations closed today with four new national vintage drag racing performance records, following yesterday’s action which saw five new records established. It was indeed a very quick and very fast weekend here at Pacific Raceways, some 20 miles south of Seattle.

Though he missed the last race on the Goodguys/VRA West Coast Series in Pomona due to a prior commitment, Goodguys top fuel rookie Brett Harris of Kayesville, Utah showed everyone that he belongs behind the wheel of a front-engined top fuel dragster. The “Deputy” as he’s known, took his bright red “Nitro Thunder” entry through no less than seven 5-second runs over the three day event. Harris never ran slower than 5.978 and set Low ET and top speed of the meet, blasting to a 5.836, 258.96 in a semi-final victory over Jim Murphy who trailed with a close 5.914, 252.52. In the Top Fuel final round, Harris defeated Goodguys Series points leader Rick McGee, posting a 5.944, 251.06 to the runner up’s 5.988, 251.81.

In Funny Car competition, Dan Horan Jr turned back points leader Larry Petit in the semi-finals with a 6.049 @ 233.64 to defeat Petit’s 6.116 @ 233.08. Horan had what you could call a “clean sweep” here this weekend, running low elapsed time of the event and setting a new class ET record at 6.012. In the final, Horan proved vulnerable, logging his slowest time of the weekend at 6.556, 228.19, but his competition, Tucson’s Mike Savage, had his hands full getting out of the groove which resulted in an aborted run. With the win, Horan’s second of the season, he’s now taken over the points lead and appears primed to win his first-ever Goodguys Championship Title.

The records continued to fall today in both AA/GAS and A/Fuel.

In AA/GAS, Chris Abbey chopped almost a tenth of a second off yesterday’s new class ET record set by Sean Renteria. Abbey posted an unbeleiveable 6.562, 210.90 in his semi-final win over a red-lighting Steve Woods, a time which prompted several Goodguys officials to gasp “could that time on the boards be right?” It was indeed. The ballistic time established both ends of the new class ET and MPH record. In the final however, Abbey, the overwhelming favorite to win the event, spun the rear tires and lost to Ed Moss, driving his TCI-sponsored 1937 Ford. Moss clicked off his best run of the weekend in the final, posting a 6.727, 204.57 to beat Abbey’s slip-sliding 6.949, 197.59.

A pair of record-setting injected nitro dragsters faced off for the A/Fuel final. Dr. Kin Bates faced his teammate Claude LaVoie for the trophy and the two didn’t disappoint, Bates coming out on the winning end of a 6.266, 224.88 to 6.278, 226.51 affair. Earlier in the race, LaVoie got both ends of the class record with a 6.228 ET and a top speed record of 226.51.

NHRA Competition Eliminator World Champion Dean Carter, who doubles in the Junior Fuel class on the Goodguys/VRA circuit was unopposed in the Junior Fuel final, when series points leader Scott Parks lost fire after his burnout.

The final record established here today came in Junior Fuel B when class kingpin John Rasmussen soloed a 7.163 to take the event crown.

Other Goodguys 1st Northwest Nostalgia Nationals winners were Mark Mahood (A/GAS), Jim Schwartz (B/GAS), Jessie Wooten (C/GAS), Ed Carey (D/GAS), Ronnie Lennon (Nostalgia Eliminator), Dave Burr (Nostalgia II), Craig Wallace (Nostalgia III) and “Papa” Joe Furiani (Hot Rod Elimninator).

The next and final stop of the 2005 Goodguys/VRA West Coast Championship Series is October 27-29 at Bakersfield’s Famoso Raceway for the 7th Fuel & Gas Finals.

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WORSHAM WINS $100,000 SKOAL SHOWDOWN; Schumacher, Force, Anderson and Hines earn No. 1 qualifying positions at Mac Tools U.S. Nationals

(9-4-2005) - Del Worsham raced to the $100,000 Skoal Showdown victory Sunday at the 51st annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals, the world’s most prestigious drag race.

In other racing, defending NHRA POWERade Series world champions Tony Schumacher, John Force, Greg Anderson and Andrew Hines earned No. 1 qualifying positions and will lead their categories into Monday’s eliminations at historic Indianapolis Raceway Park.

Worsham, who had never won in his nine previous starts in the lucrative bonus event for the season’s quickest Funny Cars, outran Eric Medlen in the final after beating Tony Pedregon and Robert Hight in earlier rounds.

Worsham powered his Checker Schuck’s Kragen Chevy Monte Carlo to a 4.866 at 319.22 to get past Medlen’s Castrol Syntec Ford Mustang, which lost traction and posted a 7.960 at 103.36. If Worsham can win tomorrow’s 11 a.m. eliminations he will earn more than $225,000 for the weekend.

"I've grown up my entire life watching this race," Worsham said. "To win here in Indy is special. I remember watching Kenny Bernstein double-up here in 1983. That was huge. I never thought I'd become a Funny Car driver, let alone win this race. My dad (Chuck, crew chief) and I had been talking about winning one of these big-money specialty races one day and now we got it done. It’s awesome."

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Scary Moments

(9-4-2005) - Bruce Biegler of DragRaceCanada.com captured the scary moments when Tony Pedgregon had the throttle stick during the first Saturday qualifying position.

SLAMMERS ULTIMATE MILK SIGNS CAGNAZZI RACING AND ERICA ENDERS THROUGH 2006

(9-4-2005) - Bravo! Foods International Corp.(OTC-BB:
BRVO), has decided to continue on as the Primary Sponsor of Cagnazzi Racing for the remainder of 2005 and throughout the 2006 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Seasons. Piloting the Slammers Ultimate Milk Chevy Cobalt will be current rookie Pro Stock driver Erica Enders.

"This year has been unbelievable for me," Erica said. "Not only am I getting the chance of a lifetime to follow my dreams, but now I have been given the opportunity to represent an awesome company with world class partners."

Bravo! Foods' Slammers brand of milk flavored products signed on with Cagnazzi Racing and Erica for a three-race trial run back in July and extended the sponsorship for an additional two races immediately thereafter. Bravo! liked what they saw and decided to commit a solid marketing effort with Cagnazzi Racing, and Erica throughout 2006.

"I'm excited about continuing our relationship with Bravo! Foods," Team Owner, Victor Cagnazzi said. "There is so much marketing potential with our program, and I can't wait to show them what we can do on and off the track."

Director of Business Development, Dan Pikarsky said. It makes me proud to be able to use our expertise to help bring together great organizations like Bravo! Foods, NHRA and Cagnazzi Racing, especially with such a talented person like Erica."

"I would like to thank Roy Warren, Mike Edwards and Ben Patipa first and foremost," Erica said. "They're involvement will help us show the amazing level of talent we have on this team. I'm excited to put Slammers Ultimate Milk in the winners circle as soon as possible. Stan Harris and his marketing team at Harris Ideas have been a big inspiration for the program.
None of this would be possible without all their help and without the guidance from God.

"Most of all I have to thank all my fans who really made a difference and showed Slammers what a motorsports sponsorship can do for them. I appreciate all the letters, and phone calls to the company, that helped convince them
to partner with our team. Also thanks to everyone who tried Slammers, you are the major reason Slammers is on our car from here on out."

TONGLET RACES TO VICTORY IN RINGERS GLOVES PRO BIKE BATTLE; Schumacher, Force, Anderson and Hines lead qualifying at Mac Tools U.S. Nationals

(9-3-2005) - GT Tonglet raced to victory in the Ringers Gloves Pro Bike Battle Saturday at the 51st annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals, the world’s most prestigious drag race.

Tony Schumacher, John Force, Greg Anderson and Andrew Hines, all defending NHRA POWERade world champions -- were qualifying leaders in their categories at the $2.6 million race, the 18th of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series.

Early Fireworks at Indy - Courtesy of Don Reed!

Local Top Fuel competitor Don Reed, of nearby Kokomo, Ind., kicked off Saturday night's fuel qualifying session at the U.S. Nationals with some spectacular action right out of the gate. In the first pair of cars to take to the track, Reed flirted with the guardwall soon after he left the line and then pushed his ride to the limit, grenading an engine as he neared the top end.

Tonglet beats Ellis in the battle of adversity for Ringer’s Gloves Pro Bike Battle crown

(9-3-2005) - Team Harley-Davidson rider G.T. Tonglet spent most of his team this week surveying the damage of Hurricane Katrina close to his Metairie, La., home. Racing in this weekend’s NHRA U.S. Nationals was at times most likely the furthest thing from his mind. But, then again, the determination of Tonglet has proven that winning is high on his list of priorities.

Chip Ellis, whose season has endured more adversity than one could imagine, had the Ringers Pro Bike Challenge on his mind. When your crewchief suffered a devastating accident and your complete race team is stolen during the course of the season, it inspires a person to find that one thing to turn the tide of misfortunes.

The first installment of the Ringer’s Pro Bike Challenge provided each driver with the perfect opportunity to erase those tough memories.

Riders began earning points for the 2005 Ringers Gloves Pro Bike Battle at the 2004 Mac Tools U.S. Nationals. The eight riders accumulating the most qualifying points during the 15-race Ringers Gloves Pro Bike Battle series, which concluded at the 2005 O'Reilly NHRA Mid-South Nationals at Memphis Motorsports Park, earned a berth in the Ringers Gloves Pro Bike Battle.

The eight qualifiers included Andrew Hines, Antron Brown, Chip Ellis, G.T. Tonglet, Angelle Sampey, Geno Scali, Steve Johnson and Craig Treble.

The total purse of $51,000 in the Ringers Gloves Pro Bike Battle in 2005 consisted of the $36,000 is available for the Battle, and $15,000 in bonuses were awarded to the quickest Pro Stock Bike qualifiers throughout the Battle series.

In today’s event, the Ringers Gloves Pro Bike Battle winner received $15,000. and the runner up gained $5,000.

The first round of the Ringers Pro Bike Battle was favorable to the American-based bikes as three of the four pairs resulted in victories for either Harley-Davidson or Buell. The quickest two victories belonged to the Harley-Davidsons as Hines nailed down the lead with a 7.081, 184.25 (Craig Treble) and Tonglet followed suit with a 7.096, 187.81 (Geno Scali). Chip Ellis was third quickest with his 7.112, 181.28 in his victory over Sampey.

Brown was the lone Suzuki winner with a 7.118, 187.76 when coupled with a .009 reaction was more than enough to do in Steve Johnson.

The Harley-Davidson and Buell domination continued in the semis as Brown fouled slightly with a -.001 reaction advancing Tonglet. A -.006 foul by Hines opposite of Ellis prevented an all Harley-Davidson final round.

In the final round, Tonglet was .02 quicker out of the gate, and that was more than enough for him to reel in the victory with a 7.288, 176.60. Ellis fell short with a 7.345, 177.04.

Cruz Pedregon’s Carlos Santana-Autographed Guitar to Be Auctioned for Charity; Proceeds Benefit Milagro, JDRF & Hurricane Katrina Relief

(9-3-2005) - Former NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series Nitro Funny Car World Champion Cruz Pedregon, today kicked off a week-long EBay Online Auction of his personal Carlos Santana-autographed PRS Guitar at historic Indianapolis Raceway Park.

All proceeds will benefit Deborah and Carlos Santana’s Milagro Foundation for underrepresented and disadvantaged children, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and Hurricane Katrina relief efforts on behalf of Advance Auto Parts. The winning bid will also include Santana/Pedregon Racing guitar picks, a limited edition 1:24 scale, autographed Santana-themed Advance Auto Parts Nitro Funny Car diecast collectable and a personalized hero card from Pedregon.

Fans can submit bids on EBay Online Auctions or through www.pedregonracing.com, starting at $1,000 and in increments of $25. The guitar will be up for bid until Friday, Sept. 9. In addition to the auction, a few special JDRF-supported guests and their families will be in attendance at the Advance Auto Parts hospitality area to help raise awareness of juvenile diabetes.

During the Las Vegas race in 2004, Pedregon teamed up with musical genius and guitar mastermind Santana to promote Deborah and Carlos Santana’s Milagro Foundation and celebrate Hispanic heritage. At the event, Santana autographed this special guitar to commemorate the occasion.

“Tony (Pedregon) and I felt very privileged and honored to have met Carlos Santana,” Pedregon said. “He is an icon of the music world and a big humanitarian. To auction the guitar with Santana’s signature is a great way to help two causes that are very close to my heart, Deborah and Carlos Santana’s Milagro Foundation and JDRF.”

In 1998, Deborah and Carlos Santana started their Milagro Foundation to help at-risk, underrepresented and disadvantaged youth through educational programs, the arts and health services. With funds generated by concert tickets and generous individual and corporate donors, the foundation makes grants to grass roots, community-based, tax exempt organizations that work with children and youth in the San Francisco Bay area, the United States and countries around the world touched by the music of Santana.

Since October 1998, the Milagro Foundation has supported children and youth in 31 states and 27 countries. The Milagro Foundation has made grants of nearly $2 million to more than 260 agencies around the world working with children and youth. Pedregon had learned more about the Milagro Foundation last fall, and saw this as an opportunity to further contribute to this worthy cause.

“Children are the foundation of our future,” Pedregon said. “And we know how important it is to give them as many opportunities as possible. Unfortunately, there are many children that are not given a chance to succeed in life. What Deborah and Carlos (Santana) are doing is incredible. It is a wonderful opportunity for me to be able to make a difference in children’s lives.”

Pedregon’s primary sponsor, Advance Auto Parts, is one of the nations largest contributors to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Over the past 10 years, Advance Auto Parts has contributed a total of $10.3 million dollars to help JDRF find a cure.

“Diabetes runs in my family,” Pedregon said. “My primary sponsor, Advance Auto Parts, is a big supporter of this cause. So I wanted to raise money and awareness about this disease that affects so many children and youngsters.”

In light the devastation to the Gulf Coast left in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, the entire Advance Auto Parts team saw this as an opportunity to lend a hand.

“Some of the pictures we see coming out of that region have been unbelievable,” Pedregon said. “We wanted to help out in any way we could. We send out our thoughts and prayers to everyone touched by this disaster.”

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Quaker State Of Confusion

(9-3-2005) - Tony Pedregon's Q Racing Chevy Monte Carlo went out of control at the starting line before the former Funny Car champion had a chance to perform a burnout in Saturday's early qualifying session at the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals at Indianapolis Raceway Park.

Crew chief Dickie Venables was treated at the track emergency-care center for first- and second-degree burns to his legs, and engine builder Cody Pendergrass sustained bruises and a minor dental injury.

Trying to improve from his No. 12 spot, Pedregon took the left lane and rolled through the water box. His Q Racing Chevy Monte Carlo was stopped, as crew chief Dickie Venables tried to adjust the idle. Venables signaled for a crew member to lift the body. When he did so, the body caught the throttle linkage. That made the car lurch to the right and crash into the blunt near end of the concrete A-board that separates the lanes and lies between the starter's box and the Christmas Tree.

Venables and Pendergrass were transported to the track medical center but within the hour were back in their pit, working.

The accident forced cancellation of the Pro Modified, Sport Compact, and Harley-Davidson Exhibition segments of the program.

WJ to run another two years; Third is optional

(9-3-2005) - The retirement talk was fun while it lasted. In a press conference on Saturday, the multi-time champion Warren Johnson revealed that sponsor GM Performance Parts had made him an offer that he couldn't refuse. Johnson inked a lucrative three-year deal with the third year optional.

"I'm a salesman for GM Performance Parts," Johnson said. "I have always approached my racing as a business, as my chosen way of making a living. "In today's economy, an integral part of the equation is in having a long term sponsor.

"I realize the end of my driving career is in sight but I believe we have adequately shown throughout 2005 that we can and will continue to contend for the championship."

Johnson declined to name a leading successor for the third year citing, "That's too far into the future to tell."

GM's ACDelco brand also announced the extension of Kurt Johnson's contract to an additional three years.

Warren Johnson Q&A

The following is a series of questions posed to six-time NHRA Pro Stock champion Warren Johnson concerning today’s announcement that “The Professor” would be returning to drive the GM Performance Parts GTO in 2006. This material is designed to supplement the information contained in the original press release, and provides some added insight into WJ’s thoughts on his continued participation in the NHRA’s POWERade Drag Racing Series.

Q. Last November, you announced you were ready to step back from driving and concentrate on other aspects of the race team. What changed your mind?

WJ: One year ago, we believed we would have to reorganize our team in order to become more effective in representing our sponsors at the racetrack. In addition, it takes a certain amount of money to field a competitive team, so I was exploring my options in terms of reorganizing and possibly increasing our financial support, which is the key to the longevity of our program.

In addition, I’ve been with GM Performance Parts for so long that I wanted to make sure we would continue being effective salesmen for the company, and that they would want a driver of their choice to handle that role. When they approached me about continuing their support with me driving, my mind was effectively changed.

As I said, we have had a long association, and I hope I have represented them in a manner that they wanted. I felt I was obligated if they required my services even if I wasn’t inclined to drive next year. They have been an excellent sponsor for Warren Johnson Enterprises, so if that is what they want for the foreseeable future that is the way it is going to be.”

Q: What does it mean to you to have a company of the stature of GM Performance Parts, as well as your long-time sponsor, state that they want you back in their car?

WJ: It’s certainly a compliment both to our program and to myself as their representative, but I see it more as a reflection of the successful relationship between Warren Johnson Enterprises and GM Performance Parts, with a part of that being my role as the driver.

Q. Having stated that you wanted to reorganize, what changes have you made or will you make at your shop in Sugar Hill to compensate for the fact that you will still be driving?

WJ: I’ve already started to reorganize the shop as far as the amount and type of personnel we have there. We are going to have people who specialize in certain areas, who will be more in charge of specific programs that I can delegate. This will alleviate me of the day-to-day work of developing certain parts for (son) Kurt’s and my programs that in the past I may have done completely by myself. This will allow me a little extra time to focus on the driving, as well as the program in general.

Q. Did you ever really see yourself retiring from driving, or was last year’s decision based on what had to be the toughest season of your career?

WJ: Although it is quite evident that last season was tough on us all, it really played no part of my original decision to get out the car. We knew the wounds were essentially self-inflicted, so we looked at our program to see what we needed to do in order to eliminate those type of performances in the future. At that time, I felt it might be better if I spent more time concentrating on the overall picture of the program, other than just driving and worrying about the other aspects.

When you wear that many hats, and maintain the intensity we have for over thirty years, it will start to wear on you. I’ve seen countless people come and go, simply because they were burned out. That is why we made the original announcement last November. However, we have made some changes to our program, and with GM Performance Parts’ support, I’m looking forward to remaining behind the wheel.

Q, GM Performance Parts said in today’s announcement that they want to leverage some of your technical knowledge in helping to develop new products. How do you see your role with them evolving over the next few years?

WJ: GM Performance Parts are exactly what they say – parts designed to provide high performance. These are not your average go-to-the-grocery store parts. Throughout my career, my forte has been developing parts that were quicker and faster than many of my competitors. Because of what I have done in the past, if they feel that I can augment their performance parts program from a technical standpoint, it’s what I would call a perfect marriage.

Q. How has the role being your sponsor’s spokesperson changed over the years, and how do you see it in the future?

WJ: When I first started with GM Performance Parts in 1986, it essentially involved running a race program, utilizing whatever parts of theirs were available. Back then, the parts may not have had a tremendous amount of performance engineering, but they were effective as the building blocks for the race program. Since then, we have worked together to develop specially engineered performance parts such as the DRCE (Drag Racing Competition Engine) blocks and cylinder heads, items that were designed for use on the racetrack. In the future, I believe they will enlist my help to assist in the development of more of these parts in the future, which is the part I truly enjoy.

Q. What do you think the reaction of your fellow competitors will be to today’s announcement?

WJ: I’m not sure. I’ve have a lot of them come up to me during the year and sincerely tell me they wish I wouldn’t retire because of what, in their opinion, I bring to this particular category, which I see as a tremendous compliment, considering many of them are accomplished racers themselves. However, there might be a few who for one reason or another, would rather I stepped away.

Q. Much has been made over the year of the many resumes you have received from people across the world looking to drive your car. What will happen with those resumes, and what do you say to those people?

WJ: At this point in time, I have guaranteed GM Performance Parts I would drive two years on this multi-year contract, so it leaves one year open. At the same time, things could change to where I might not be able to compete as a driver. In either case, those resumes will be kept intact in our files because we know full well someone is going to have to sit in that seat other than myself.

Q. What do you think the reactions of the fans will be to your coming back, and what would you like to say to them, especially those who bought your “School’s Out” merchandise thinking it was your last year?

WJ: Whether I’ve been signing autographs at the ropes in our pit area or at the souvenir trailer throughout the year, almost to a fan they have told me they did not want me to retire, which I take as a tremendous compliment, because the fans are the real reason we are able to do this.

In addition, I’ve never really looked at this sport from the merchandise end of it. If the fans want souvenirs of our racing programs, that’s fine and we certainly appreciate the support they have shown us over the years.

As for those who bought “School’s Out Tour” merchandise, I hope today’s news makes it even more of a collectible, because it was a one-time deal, and might make even more valuable when I finally do retire.

Q. Now that you’re back, how much longer do you see yourself driving?

WJ: As I said, part of this new three-year program is that I guaranteed two years of driving, and I really don’t see myself going beyond those two years, and three at the absolute maximum. By then I guarantee my fun meter will be pegged.Q. You have always said the only reason you drove is because Kurt was too young, your wife Arlene didn’t want to, and the dog couldn’t get a license. I guess that myth is debunked with your choosing to get back behind the wheel – you do enjoy driving, don’t you?

WJ: Well, Arlene still maintains that she doesn’t want to drive, Kurt has his own car and the dog died, so I’m still stuck with it. I can’t really say I enjoy driving as much as others claim they do, it’s just been part of the program. In reality, to finesse these cars you need a certain amount of experience. You can have an excellent crew chief who can make an average driver look good, but without that crew chief they would be less than mediocre. In my case, I learned a lot about what makes these things run on my own, serving in essence, as my own crew chief for my entire racing career. Therefore, I will take that knowledge for a few more years and see what we can do with it.

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ACDelco & Kurt Johnson Announce Contract Extension; ACDelco to back NHRA Pro Stock Standout through 2008

(9-3-2005) - In his 13 years in the NHRA’s POWERade Drag Racing Series, Kurt Johnson has firmly established himself as one of the most competitive and popular figures in the Pro Stock division. A second-generation racer, he has 31 wins in 60 final round appearances, scoring Top Ten finishes in every season he has competed. A key ingredient to this continued success has been his association with premium automotive replacement parts leader ACDelco.

During a press conference at the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis, IN, officials from General Motors Service and Parts Operations (GMSPO) today announced they have extended their sponsorship of Kurt Johnson for an additional three years, keeping the Minnesota native in his familiar red, white and blue ACDelco livery through the 2008 season.

“Kurt Johnson has been an outstanding representative for ACDelco for over ten years, and we are proud to have him as a member of our team,” said Jim Moloney, General Director of Marketing for GMSPO. “In addition to carrying us to numerous victories on the racetrack, his extensive technical knowledge and outgoing personality have proven invaluable in promoting our product.

“Whether he’s signing autographs, building engines, talking shop with professional technicians or racing his ACDelco Cobalt, we know we can rely on KJ to deliver a winning performance, and we look forward to having the ultimate Real Car Guy on board for another three years.”

Since making his debut in the Delco Freedom Battery Firebird in 1996, Johnson has scored 26 national event wins in 51 final round appearances, extending a string of consecutive seasons with at least one win to eleven. In 2005, Johnson and his ACDelco crew have weathered a mid-season switch to the new Chevy Cobalt to become the hottest team in Pro Stock, with three wins and five final round appearances over the last six races, placing themselves firmly in contention for this year’s championship.

“Simply put, I couldn’t race without ACDelco, and it’s a tremendous feeling to have the company as our sponsor,” stated Johnson. “ACDelco has been an integral part of the Johnson family since before I started driving, and I look forward to continuing our relationship into the future. They are tremendous people to work with, and I will do whatever I can to help move their business forward.

“We share a common goal with ACDelco to be the very best in our respective fields, and we will work together to accomplish those objectives. Not only are we here to win races and championships, but also we’re here to make sure everyone uses ACDelco premium replacement parts. After all, they are the official parts of the Real Car Guys.”

NHRA Increases Purses, Starting In 2006

(9-3-2005) - NHRA has responded to the professional-class drivers' request for purse increases, adding a total of $937,000 to the national-event payouts in 2006. The increase represents 7.4 percent for an overall purse of $13,650,400.

That includes an increase for the U.S. Nationals, which already awards more money than the other 22 races on the Powerade Drag Racing Series schedule.

The year-end series purses will remain the same. The changes do not apply to top-10 bonuses, the NHRA contingency program, or specialty races (the Budweiser Shootout, Skoal Showdown, King Demon Crown, and Ringers Gloves Pro Bike Battle).

The Pro Stock Motorcycle class will see the largest increase. At every race other than Indianapolis, the winner will receive $10,000, an increase of $4,000. The runner-up will get an increase of $2,000 -- from $3,000 to $5,000. Semifinalists will get a $1,200 increase, from $1,800 to $3,000. Those who advance to the second round will get $1,750 (up from $1.500), and first-round loses will receive $1,500 (up from $1,300).

The semifinal, second-round, and first-round finishers in Top Fuel, Funny Car, and Pro Stock will receive the increases.

The payouts for winners and runners-up in those classes will remain the same. Winners receive $40,000 in Top Fuel and Funny Car, $20,000 in Pro Stock, and $7,000 in Pro Stock Motorcycle. Runners-up will continue to earn $20,000 in the nitro classes and $10,000 in Pro Stock.

Top Fuel and Funny Car semifinalists and quarterfinalists will be paid $16,000 instead of $15.500. First-and second-round drivers will get $1,000 more (from $12,000 to $13,000 and from $9,000 to $10,000, respectively). Pro Stock increases will be in $1,000 increments for for semifinalists and second-round losers (from $6,500 to $7,500 and $5,000 to $6,000); the first-round exiters will get $500 more (from $4,000 to $4,500).

The numbers at Indianapolis will go up, too. In Top Fuel and Funny Car, the semifinalists will take home $16,000 (instead of the current $15,500), second-round finishers will get $13,000 (rather than $12,000), and first-round finishers will make $11,000 (instead of $10,000). Pro Stock's semifinalists and second-round finishers will have $1,000 increases, from $7,000 to $8,000, and quarterfinalists will get $5,500 to $6,500 for the quarterfinalists). Those who drop out in the opening round will receive $500 more than they are getting now, from $4,500 to $5,000.

For Pro Stock bikes at the U.S. Nationals, the breakdown is as follows: Winner $10,000, Runner-up $5,000, Semifinalists $3,000, Second-round finishers $1,750, and first-round finishers $1,500.

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