IHRA Torco Race Fuels President's Cup Nationals
Budds Creek, MD.
by Brian Wood, Bobby Bennett; Photos by Roger Richards, Chris Simmons, Brian Wood, Bryan Epps

SUNDAY FINAL - Castellana Clinches Pro Mod Title With Win in Budds Creek; Millican, Sickles and Gahm Also Victorious

(9-25-2005) - Nothing puts the cap on a weekend like clinching a world championship and winning the event at the same time. Newly crowned Torco Race Fuels Pro Modified champion Mike Castellana accomplished just such a feat as he captured his sixth career national event title during the Torco Race Fuels President’s Cup Nationals at Maryland International Raceway in Budds Creek, Md.

Other winners included Jim Sickles (Funny Car), Brian Gahm (Torco Race Fuels Pro Stock) and Clay Millican (Top Fuel).

Castellana claimed the victory by taking out No. 2 qualifier Mike Stawicki in the final round. Though Stawicki was quicker off the line, it did little to deter Castellana as he quickly bridged the gap, running through at 6.227, 229.39. Stawicki then encountered problems and coasted to a stop.

“This has been a phenomenal season and we did it with a new car,” Castellana said. “We struggled at times, but we never gave up on it. With the crew that I have and Shannon Jenkins tuning, it all came together. It really doesn’t get any better than it did this weekend. I am ecstatic.”

Castellana, enjoying one of the finest weekends of his career, used victories over Ed Hoover, John Russo and defending event champion Billy Harper to earn a berth in the final.

Stawicki used a series of 6-teen elapsed times to defeat Burton Auxier, Mike Janis and Scott Cannon, Jr.

Sickles made a significant push in his bid for the 2005 Hooters IHRA Funny Car championship by defeating Chris Foster in what was his fourth win of the season. The victory allowed Sickles to pull to within five points of defending class champion and current points leader Rob Atchison.

The final round was anti-climactic as Foster rolled the beam and left before the tree activated. Sickles drove it out the back door for the win with a lap of 5.781, 244.38.

“There’s definitely going to be a dogfight for this title now,” Sickles said. “Overall, I attribute this victory to having a consistent ride and a great crew. This car is a joy to drive. It’s all on me to go out there now and do what I have to do.”

Sickles controlled his own destiny in Funny Car from qualifying throughout eliminations, starting from the pole position and using a torrid pace of 5.759, 245.18 to defeat Tom Carter and a 5.790, 244.78 to stop Larry Dobbs.

Foster was just happy to be in the finals for the second time this season as successive foul starts from opponents like points leader Rob Atchison and Mike Comella got him to the dance.

When it came time to crown the Torco Race Fuels Pro Stock champion in Budds Creek, Gahm wasn’t exactly the driver many expected to be in the winner's circle. The race was actually determined on the burnout as new class champion Steve Spiess kicked the rods out of his engine and had to be pushed back from the line.

Gahm singled to the victory with an easy 12.897, 65.60.

“Steve Spiess has had a phenomenal season,” Gahm said. “Last race, we broke some parts and this time it was Steve’s turn. Stuff happens. We struggled and I just feel fortunate to win. We never gave up and we stayed after it. My guys never quit, no matter how bad it got.”

Spiess was anything but containable as he used an unparalleled performance line-up of 6.422, 216.17 to dispatch John Konigshofer and 6.413, 216.58 to send Tony Gillig packing in the first two rounds. He then dashed the hopes of upset-minded Ed Machacek with a 6.410, 216.38 to advance to the final.

Gahm has admittedly had better seasons than this one, but that didn’t deter the two-time IHRA Pro Stock champion from stopping such names as Pete Berner, Elijah Morton and low qualifier Frank Gugliotta.

In Top Fuel, Millican won his eighth national event of the season and simultaneously clinched his fifth world championship. His victory came at the hands of Bobby Lagana, Jr. The winning elapsed time for Millican was a 4.702, 312.06 and that was more than Lagana’s 4.816, 317.57 could overcome.

“The goal of this team at the beginning of the season was to win the championship and it never changed,” Millican said. “It took us nearly a full year’s worth of steady work and it was great to get it done this weekend. It has been said that we struggled, but outside of flipping the car in Michigan, the car has run pretty good.”

Millican left no doubt that he was the driver to beat as he blistered the competition with a 4.618, 320.20 to first beat Roger Dean and then a 4.646, 310.77 on a single when Todd Paton failed to fire in time for their semifinal match.

For his efforts, Lagana was living the dream by beating Bruce Litton in the first round on a holeshot and won a pedal-fest against Doug Foley, who broke a blower belt.

The 2005 Hooters IHRA Drag Racing Series concludes in two weeks during the IHRA World Finals in Rockingham, NC.

Sunday's final results from the 14th annual Torco Race Fuels President's Cup Nationals at Maryland International Raceway. The $1.1 million race is the 11th of 12 in the
2005 Hooters IHRA Drag Racing Series:

Top Fuel -- Clay Millican, 4.702 seconds, 312.06 mph def. Bobby Lagana Jr., 4.816 seconds, 317.57 mph.

Pro Modified -- Mike Castellana, Chevy Cavalier, 6.227, 229.39 def. Mike Stawicki, Chevy Camaro, broke.

Funny Car -- Jim Sickles, Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.781, 244.38 def. Chris Foster, Dodge Avenger, broke.

Pro Stock -- Brian Gahm, Ford Mustang, 12.897, 65.60 def. Steve Spiess, Chevy Cobalt, broke.



Top Sportsman -- Eric Steffey, Camaro, 7.207, 192.41 def. John Prime, Camaro, 7.012, 193.07.

Top Dragster -- Tony Ward, Dragster, 6.989, 182.43 def. Ricky Adkins, Dragster, 7.180, 160.65.

Quick Rod -- James Albertson, Dragster, 8.900, 167.14 def. Todd Burks, Dragster, 8.894, 156.90.

Super Rod -- Bernard Weaver, Daytona, 9.941, 143.28 def. Mike Bradford, Mustang, 10.160, 130.56.

Hot Rod -- John Dustin, Mustang, 10.868, 133.99 def. Steve Corker, Camaro, 10.850, 130.81.

Super Stock -- Scotty Stillings, Grand Am, 11.531, 77.72 def. Dennis Steward, Daytona, 10.270, 129.27.

Stock -- Scotty Stillings, Camaro, 10.724, 115.60 def. Michael Beard, Dart, 11.181, 113.18.

Final round-by-round results from the 14th annual Torco Race Fuels President's Cup Nationals at Maryland International Raceway, the 11th of 12 events in the 2005
Hooters IHRA Drag Racing Series:

TOP FUEL:

ROUND ONE -- Todd Paton, 4.941, 260.01 def. Louie Allison, 14.535, 78.35; Bobby Lagana Jr., 4.817, 312.50 def. Bruce Litton, 4.796, 309.13; Doug Foley, 4.734, 306.46 def. Rick Cooper, 4.801, 316.97; Clay Millican, 4.618, 320.20 def. Roger Dean, 10.746, 71.69;

SEMIFINALS -- Lagana Jr., 6.644, 259.91 def. Foley, 12.642, 55.25; Millican, 4.646, 310.77 def. Paton, broke;

FINAL -- Millican, 4.702, 312.06 def. Lagana Jr., 4.816, 317.57.

PRO MODIFIED:

ROUND ONE -- Billy Harper, Dodge Viper, 6.206, 223.73 def. Shannon Jenkins, Chevy Camaro, 15.392, 71.46; John Russo, Camaro, 6.175, 228.46 def. Harold Martin, Pontiac Grand Am, 6.275, 226.01; Scott Cannon, Studebaker, 6.175, 227.61 def. Dennis Radford, Chevy Corvette, 10.025,
87.82; Jim Halsey, Camaro, 6.225, 225.97 def. Quain Stott, Corvette, 6.262, 230.02; Steve Bareman, Corvette, 6.155, 229.86 def. Eddie Ware, Willys, 10.579, 101.52; Mike Janis, Dodge Stratus, 6.522, 224.55 def. Carl Spiering, Corvette, 6.635, 217.63; Mike Castellana, Chevy Cavalier, 6.811, 222.84 def. Ed Hoover, Corvette, 7.051, 178.87; Mike Stawicki, Camaro, 6.167, 224.43 def. Burton Auxier, Corvette, 12.684, 64.45;

QUARTERFINALS -- Cannon, 6.196, 227.61 def. Halsey, 6.437, 223.91; Castellana, 6.161, 230.76 def. Russo, 6.224, 226.62; Stawicki, 6.189, 224.25 def. Janis, 9.675, 105.99; Harper, 6.230, 227.96 def. Bareman, foul;

SEMIFINALS -- Stawicki, 6.203, 226.70 def. Cannon, 6.209, 227.23; Castellana, 6.178, 220.30 def. Harper, 7.863, 121.34;

FINAL -- Castellana, 6.227, 229.39 def. Stawicki, broke.

FUNNY CAR:

ROUND ONE -- Jim Sickles, Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.759, 245.18 def. Thomas Carter, Chevy Camaro, 6.010, 230.53; Chris Foster, Dodge Avenger, 6.324, 185.21 def. Rob Atchison, Pontiac Firebird, foul; Mike Comella, Chevy Corvette, 5.936, 239.10 def. Frederick Tigges, Camaro, 5.975, 237.00; Larry Dobbs, Corvette, 5.928, 236.63 def. Neal Parker, Monte Carlo, foul;

SEMIFINALS -- Sickles, 5.790, 244.78 def. Dobbs, 15.140, 49.11; Foster, 6.222, 221.89 def. M. Comella, foul;

FINALS -- Sickles, 5.781, 244.38 def. Foster, broke.

PRO STOCK:

ROUND ONE -- Daniel Seamon, Ford Escort, 6.438, 215.96 def. Rick Jones, Chevy Cobalt, 6.479, 214.93; Tony Gillig, Ford Mustang, 6.489, 213.37 def. Doug Kirk, Mustang, 7.123, 148.41; Bert Jackson, Chevy Cavalier, 6.508, 212.96 def. John Nobile, Ford ZX2, 6.496, 213.81; Elijah Morton,
Escort, 6.467, 214.14 def. Jerry Haas, Cavalier, 6.441, 215.44; Brian Gahm, Mustang, 6.505, 214.55 def. Pete Berner, Mustang, 6.490, 212.79; Ed Machacek, Cavalier, 6.464, 213.98 def. Robert Patrick, Ford Cobra, broke; Steve Spiess, Cobalt, 6.422, 216.17 def. John Konigshofer,
Mercury Cougar, 6.501, 214.96; Frank Gugliotta, Escort, 6.408, 217.63 def. Larry O'Brien, Dodge Stratus, 6.507, 211.93;

QUARTERFINALS -- Gahm, 6.475, 216.17 def. Morton, 6.490, 213.98; Machacek, 6.448, 214.93 def. Jackson, 6.519, 212.26; Spiess, 6.413, 216.58 def. Gillig, 6.468, 214.01; Gugliotta, 6.434, 216.76 def. Seamon, 6.457, 216.27;

SEMIFINALS -- Gahm, 6.474, 215.17 def. Gugliotta, 6.446, 217.84; Spiess, 6.410, 216.38 def. Machacek, 6.508, 214.04;

FINAL -- Gahm, 12.897, 65.60 def. Spiess, broke.

Point standings (top 10) for IHRA professional categories following the 14th annual Torco Race Fuels President's Cup Nationals at Maryland International Raceway, the 11th of
12 events in the 2005 Hooters IHRA Drag Racing Series -

Top Fuel

1. Clay Millican, 1,359 (clinches 2005 championship); 2. Doug Foley, 1,121; 3. Bruce Litton, 997; 4. Rick Cooper, 829; 5. Louie Allison, 731; 6. Bobby Lagana Jr., 494; 7. Roger Dean, 444; 8. Todd Paton, 372; 9. (tie) Paul Athey, 357; Chris Karamesines, 357.

Pro Modified

1. Mike Castellana, 832 (clinches 2005 championship); 2. Shannon Jenkins, 668; 3. Jim Halsey, 658; 4. Carl Spiering, 642; 5. Mike Janis, 562; 6. Dennis Radford, 529; 7. Ed Hoover, 524; 8. Quain Stott, 523; 9. Burton Auxier, 518; 10. Harold Martin, 496.

Funny Car

1. Rob Atchison, 1,071; 2. Jim Sickles, 1,066; 3. Mark Thomas, 806; 4. Thomas Carter, 676; 5. Chris Foster, 639; 6. Terry McMillen, 604; 7. Terry Munroe, 492; 8. Frederick Tigges, 460; 9. Melinda Green-King, 292; 10. Larry Dobbs, 287.

Pro Stock

1. Steve Spiess, 1,083 (clinches 2005 championship); 2. Frank Gugliotta, 777; 3. Robert Patrick, 734; 4. (tie) Rick Jones, 694; Daniel Seamon, 694; 6. Tony Gillig, 687; 7. Pete Berner, 567; 8. Brian Gahm, 556; 9. John Montecalvo, 539; 10. John Nobile, 529.

SUNDAY NOTES – One Proud Inspection, Claiming Championships and Winning Ugly…

Proud to be torn down – That’s exactly how Jim Oddy felt when IHRA officials gave his Steve Barmen-driven Corvette what had to be regarded as the “Mother of all teardowns.” The team voluntarily participated in the standard ritual which usually follows record-setting runs such as the 6.050-second masterpiece turned in by Bareman during Saturday’s final session.

Oddy, who has likely been through the procedure as much if not more than any racer in the game today, admits that he used to get frustrated with the process. After the season of adversity he and his team have been through in 2005, however, he’s more than happy to oblige.

“I even showed them a few things they didn’t ask to see,” Oddy said. “I’m very proud of our team. After the season we had, this is a welcomed thing.”

Spy vs. Spy – How the FBI (Fast Boys from Illinois) and the CIA (Champions in Action) Contingents fared in Maryland.

FBI Files:

Of the six agents for the FBI, two were not able to qualify for the mission at Maryland International Raceway in Budds Creek, Maryland. Mike Bruno and Chuck Demory could not muster enough power to crack the field. This may have been a strategic maneuver, however, since it left four teams from each agency peppered throughout the sixteen positions.

Steve Spiess qualified No. 2, but broke during the final round, allowing CIA foe Brian Gahm an easy run to a victory and an Ironman trophy.

Rick Jones was No.9 during qualifying but was a first round loser to Dan Seamon of the CIA.

Pete Berner found himself in the lower half of the field with his No. 13 posting. He fell victim to CIA agent Gahm in the first round.

Tony Gillig qualified in the top half of the field at No. 7, but fell to fellow FBI agent Spiess in the second round of eliminations.

CIA Report:

Doug Kirk, who was absent during the initial match-up of the two agencies, was the No. 10 qualifier but bowed out to the FBI’s Tony Gillig in round one.

Dan Seamon lost to Frank Gugliotta in the second round after a No. 8 qualifying effort.

John Nobile ended his mission in the first round after earning a berth in the No. 6 spot. Independent rogue agent Bert Jackson silenced Nobile during this event.

Gahm, who has struggled mightily this season, became the anchor of the CIA when he took out two of the opposition’s agents during his march to victory after securing the No. 4 qualifying position.

In head-to-head match-ups, the CIA continued to hold sway over the FBI. Following the 2 – 0 results from Epping, the CIA added 3 wins against 1 loss in Budds Creek.

After 2 events, the score is CIA 5, FBI 1 in head-to-head competition.

The final mission of the year is in Rockingham, NC, if they choose to accept.

Championship Scenarios – Blame it on a complex points system, but only three of the four professional drivers can’t claim a championship statistically until the final IHRA national event two weeks from now in Rockingham, NC.

Steve Spiess has enough of a lead to clinch the Torco Race Fuels Pro Stock championship, but has to get to Rockingham in order to claim his 41 bonus points for attending all of this year's events.

Mike Castellana entered this weekend's event fighting with four other drivers for the Torco Race Fuels Pro Modified championship. Castellana came into Budds Creek with a lead over teammate Shannon Jenkins, Jim Halsey and Carl Spiering. Two of the three contenders all but eliminated themselves by losing in the first round. With Jenkins and Spiering gone, only Halsey remained as a viable contender. Halsey then went out in the quarterfinals, and Castellana sealed the championship deal when he took out Billy Harper in the semifinals.

Even Clay Millican can’t claim his fifth championship because of the IHRA’s liberal oildown point penalties. Millican leads Doug Foley by 198 points.

Funny Car is still wide open as Rob Atchison is 65 points ahead of Jim Sickles. In the opening round Atchison fouled while Sickles went on to victory.

That was ugly – Two of the first round Torco Race Fuels Pro Modified races were less-than-picture-perfect affairs, to say the least.

It all began when defending class champion Mike Janis got the jump off the line in has match-up with Carl Spiering. Almost immediately Janis' Dodge was stricken by tire shake. Spiering couldn't capitaliize, however, as his Corvette was also beset by shake and got slightly out of shape. Janis got back on the throttle, as did Spiering, and both drivers pedaled all the way to the stripe, with Janis taking the win.

When it came to Mike Castellana and Ed Hoover, the lead changed three times during the course of the run. Castellana was better on the light, but Hoover caught him. Hoover then had problems and Castellana took the advantage. Castellana then had to pedal his ride and Hoover took the lead again. In the lights, Castellana nipped Hoover by a 6.811, 222.84 to 7.051, 178.87 margin.

If at first you don’t succeed – The old adage suggests that you should try and try again. When you find yourself running against Steve Spiess and your name is Tony Gillig, however, the phrase isn’t exactly applicable.

During Saturday evening’s final round of the Torco Pro Stock Showdown, Gillig scored a sizeable holeshot only to be reeled in by Spiess’ horsepower. During the second round of eliminations on Sunday, Gillig once again left on Spiess only to be passed in the lights.

Cat’s In The Cradle, seven years later – The last time Scotty Cannon was at Maryland International Raceway he drove his Australian-built '53 Studebaker Pro Mod machine to victory. Seven years later, his son, the drag racer known simply as “Junior,” is winning rounds.

Scott Cannon Jr., has made great strides in his bid for Rookie of the Year honors since his debut back in August at Martin, MI. He’s attained enough points to place third in the Torco Pro Modified Shootout points.

Cannon defeated Dennis Radford and Jim Halsey to advance to his first semifinal appearance of the season.

Beware of the deep stage and a hurricane – Bruce Litton found that out the hard way. In his first round match against Bobby Lagana, Jr., the Twilight Zone driver rolled in deep. That was the break the low-buck driver needed to eliminate Litton.

Just to think, Lagana hadn’t even planned to be here this weekend. He was scheduled to drive for Bill Miller in Dallas. However, when Hurricane Rita forced the NHRA’s postponement of that event, Lagana scrambled to get his team together to make the trip.

Did you know? - Shannon Jenkins secured his second world championship as a crew chief when Mike Castellana wrapped up the 2005 Pro Mod title in Budds Creek this weekend. The last time the "Iceman" accomplished the feat was in 1995 when he wrenched Tommy Mauney to the IHRA Pro Mod title. Jenkins won IHRA Pro Mod titles as a driver in 1997 and 1999. Ironically, he was chasing teammate Castellana for the championship this season, and ended up in the runner-up spot.

SATURDAY - Bareman records quickest-ever Torco Pro Modified elapsed time; Spiess wins $20,000 Torco Race Fuels Pro Modified Showdown

(9-24-2005) – On Friday, the Torco Race Fuels division fell victim to the local 1 AM curfew and didn’t get the opportunity to run as part of the first day of qualifications for the Torco IHRA President’s Cup Nationals. In the long run it didn’t matter, as Steve Bareman more than made up for the postponed session by laying down consecutive record elapsed times during two of the three Saturday sessions.

Joining Bareman atop their respective divisions were Frank Gugliotta (Torco Pro Stock), Clay Millican (Top Fuel) and Jim Sickles (Funny Car).

Bareman joined forces with veteran tuner Jim Oddy earlier this season as a replacement for Al Billes, who suffered two untimely crashes and later decided to take a hiatus from driving. During Saturday’s second and third session, Bareman laid down runs of 6.095, 235.64 and 6.050, 235.27 to establish a new Torco Pro Mod E.T. record.

“Yee-haw,” Bareman screamed as he exited his car. “My crew has been working hard to make this happen. Jim Oddy is the man. This is great.”

Mike Stawicki was second quickest with a mark of 6.131, 229.59, which was enough to beat out Scott Cannon, Jr. Cannon drove his SKULL GEAR-sponsored Studebaker to a best lap of 6.157, 228.19.

Eddie Ware rounded out the 16-car field with his 6.331, 221.52 effort.

Gugliotta performed admirably in front of his home crowd as he nailed down the top Torco Pro Stock qualifying position. The Mt. Airy, Md.-based driver for Steve Thodos blistered the Maryland International Raceway surface with a 6.403, 218.51 blast to edge out Steve Spiess. Admitting that he would have liked to have claimed the top qualifying spot, Spiess was nevertheless thrilled to pocket $20,000 for winning the Torco Race Fuels Pro Stock Showdown.

Spiess will enter Sunday’s final eliminations as the second seeded entry with a 6.406, 216.97. Falling into the third position was Robert Patrick with a 6.407, 217.81.

Larry O’Brien rounded out the quickest field in the history of the Torco Pro Stock division with a 6.485, 213.27.

Millican retained the top spot in Top Fuel on the strength of the 4.568, 307.09 he posted during the afternoon session. He failed to improve in his final attempt, but had enough gusto to fend off the challenge of Doug Foley. Foley secured the second spot with a 4.648, 320.13. His speed on the run was good enough to establish a new track record.

Sickles ascended to the peak of the Funny Car division with a 5.724, 247.47 lap. That run eclipsed the 5.725, 246.71 best from Rob Atchison. Fred Tigges was third with a 5.780, 243.15.

Thomas Carter sat on the bubble with a 5.901, 234.41. Missing the cut was multi-time time champion Mark Thomas.

First-round pairings for professional eliminations Sunday for the 14th annual Torco Race Fuels President's Cup Nationals at Maryland International Raceway, the 11th of 12 events in the 2005 Hooters IHRA Drag Racing Series. Pairings based on results in qualifying, which ended Saturday.

Top Fuel -- 1. Clay Millican, 4.568 seconds, 309.63 mph vs. 8. Roger Dean, 5.247, 200.26; 2. Doug Foley, 4.648, 320.13 vs. 7. Rick Cooper, 5.199, 198.85; 3. Bruce Litton, 4.727, 305.42 vs. 6. Bobby Lagana Jr., 5.087, 287.78; 4. Todd Paton, 4.814, 234.00 vs. 5. Louie Allison, 4.834, 288.33.

Pro Modified -- 1. Steve Bareman, Chevy Corvette, 6.050, 235.64 vs. 16. Eddie Ware, Willys, 6.331, 221.52; 2. Mike Stawicki, Chevy Camaro, 6.131, 229.59 vs. 15. Burton Auxier, Corvette, 6.292, 223.28; 3. Scott Cannon, Studebaker, 6.157, 228.19 vs. 14. Dennis Radford, Corvette, 6.244, 224.88; 4. Mike Castellana, Chevy Cavalier, 6.160, 231.00 vs. 13. Ed Hoover, Corvette, 6.241, 228.81; 5. John Russo, Camaro, 6.166, 229.08 vs. 12. Harold Martin, Pontiac Grand Am, 6.234, 225.52; 6. Jim Halsey, Camaro, 6.180, 226.66 vs. 11. Quain Stott, Corvette, 6.224, 230.49; 7. Mike Janis, Dodge Stratus, 6.187, 232.55 vs. 10. Carl Spiering, Corvette, 6.191, 231.60; 8. Billy Harper, Dodge Viper, 6.188, 230.45 vs. 9. Shannon Jenkins, Camaro, 6.189, 212.49.

Funny Car -- 1. Jim Sickles, Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.724, 247.47 vs. 8. Thomas Carter, Chevy Camaro, 5.901, 234.41; 2. Rob Atchison, Pontiac Firebird, 5.725, 246.71 vs. 7. Chris Foster, Dodge Avenger, 5.868, 237.96; 3. Frederick Tigges, Camaro, 5.780, 244.03 vs. 6. Mike Comella, Chevy Corvette, 5.864, 239.31; 4. Neal Parker, Monte Carlo, 5.852, 235.64 vs. 5. Larry Dobbs, Corvette, 5.858, 238.76.

Pro Stock -- 1. Frank Gugliotta, Ford Escort, 6.403, 218.51 vs. 16. Larry O'Brien, Dodge Stratus, 6.485, 213.54; 2. Steve Spiess, Chevy Cobalt, 6.406, 216.97 vs. 15. John Konigshofer, Mercury Cougar, 6.475, 215.58; 3. Robert Patrick, Ford Cobra, 6.407, 217.81 vs. 14. Ed Machacek, Chevy Cavalier, 6.470, 215.44; 4. Brian Gahm, Ford Mustang, 6.433, 215.93 vs. 13. Pete Berner, Mustang, 6.468, 214.04; 5. Jerry Haas, Cavalier, 6.436, 215.82 vs. 12. Elijah Morton, Escort, 6.467, 214.96; 6. John Nobile, Ford ZX2, 6.438, 215.27 vs. 11. Bert Jackson, Cavalier, 6.461, 216.27; 7. Tony Gillig, Mustang, 6.438, 215.17 vs. 10. Doug Kirk, Mustang, 6.460, 216.79; 8. Daniel Seamon, Escort, 6.453, 216.24 vs. 9. Rick Jones, Cobalt, 6.455, 215.72.

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Spiess Claims $20k in Torco Race Fuels Pro Stock Showdown

(9-24-2005) - There aren't many titles that Steve Spiess hasn't accumulated in this season of dreams, and he was sure not to let the title of Torco Race Fuels Pro Stock Showdown Champion escape him either. Spiess earned a cool $20,000 in extra spending money when he defeated fellow Illinois racer, Tony Gillig in the final round of the showdown.

"We definitely wanted the win tonight, besides it is twice the money from an event win, this is something I've never conquered and it is a stepping stone among all of the accomplishments we have had already this year."

Spiess, the unofficial Torco Race Fuels Pro Stock World Champion, has seen his fair share of final rounds during the 2006 season, but the pressure associated with the finals of the showdown did not affect the newly crowned champion.

"I was cool as a cucumber most of the day today," Spiess admitted. "Sure I wanted to win; and we went out there and did it. I ran a 6.40 every time I went out there today; the car was running like a bracket car."

In order to qualify, Spiess grabbed six No. 1 qualifying spots along the way, which helped him to earn the No. 1 seed in the Torco Race Fuels Pro Stock Showdown. The pairing had him running the No. 8 qualifier, John Montecalvo in round one.

Without question, Montecalvo headed into the round knowing that he did not have horsepower that would rival that of Spiess. Montecalvo made a valiant effort off the starting line by earning a .011 light to Spiess' .066, but it wasn't enough to sustain the lead. Spiess capitalized on the power difference and scored the win with a 6.406,216.97 run.

In a symbolic passing of the torch, Spiess was paired with 2004 Pro Stock World Champion, John Nobile in the semi-finals. Nobile was prepared to fight until the end for his chance to go to the finals in the showdown, but Spiess had different plans. Despite Nobile's better light (.056 to a .069), Spiess was able to fall back on the muscle that has powered him throughout the season and record a 6.403,215.86 run, which overshadowed Nobile's 6.474,215.31 pass.

On the opposite side of the ladder, Tony Gillig was busy knocking down the giants that stood before him. Entering the showdown in the No. 7 spot, he was the underdog in every round leading up to the finals. But Gillig had upset written all over his day, as his first opponent was No. 2 qualifier Robert Patrick.

Patrick took the lead off the starting line with a .056 light to Gillig's .089, but it was apparent by the '60 foot mark that Patrick's day was over, as he was saddled by tire shake and nearly crossed the center line. Gillig remained under full power and pushed through the finish line with a 6.438,214.89 run.

Gillig wasn't through slaying giants however, as he had the daunting challenge of facing former showdown winner, Frank Gugliotta in the semi-finals. It was all about the starting line as Gillig left first with a.061 light to Gugliotta's .086 effort. Gillig fought his way to the finish line and as a reward, received the win light on a holeshot win over Gugliotta. Gillig's 6.448,215.27 was enough to advance to the final round over Gugliotta's 6.424,217.91.

Heading into the final round, Gillig knew that he had to be sharp on the line in order to have a shot at Spiess. Gillig left the line first with a .064 light to a .082 posted by Spiess. However, the "Spiesshuttle" had more power than Gillig could handle, and in a classic battle of Ford vs. Chevy, it was evident that this one had Chevy written all over it. Spiess claimed the win and the paycheck with a 6.406,216.17 run over Gillig's valiant 6.453,215.17 pass. Gillig earned an extra $9,000 for his run at the showdown title.

"Every round today I didn't have that 'I'm going to kill them' winning attitude and confidence. I just went out there and did it and got lucky," Spiess added.

Known for wearing his Speed Racer lucky t-shirt every Sunday, Spiess admitted he may have found a new lucky charm.

"They told me I had to wear this red shirt today, and now I just might have to wear it tomorrow. It stinks a little bit but it worked today."

As for his $20,000 check from Torco Race Fuels, Spiess already has big plans for the money.

"It will go right back into Spiess Racing. We've got some plans for next year and it is pretty much already spent."

Aside from Spiess' new title of 2005 Torco Race Fuels Pro Stock Showdown Champion, the rest of the Pro Stock field had the opportunity to begin earning points towards the 2006 showdown.

Leading the way into next year's battle is semi-finalist Frank Gugliotta. A 6.403,218.51 run during the final round of qualifying earned the Maryland native the No. 1 qualifying spot.

"I think my biggest disappointment is that I'm not No. 1 qualifier," Spiess laughed.

Final round-by-round results from the 2005 Hooters IHRA Drag Racing Series, Torco Race Fuels Pro Stock Showdown at Maryland International Raceway:

PRO STOCK SHOWDOWN:

ROUND ONE -- John Nobile, Ford ZX-2, 6.474, 214.72 def. Pete Berner, Ford Mustang, 6.479, 214.04; Frank Gugliotta, Ford Escort, 6.473, 217.98 def. Rick Jones, Chevy Cobalt, 6.481, 215.72; Tony Gillig, Mustang, 6.438, 214.89 def. Robert Patrick, Ford Cobra, 10.435, 85.31; Steve Spiess, Cobalt, 6.406, 216.97 def. John Montecalvo, Cobalt, 6.581, 209.46;

SEMIFINALS -- Gillig, 6.448, 215.27 def. Gugliotta, 6.424, 217.91; Spiess, 6.403, 215.86 def. Nobile, 6.474, 215.31;

FINAL -- Spiess, 6.406, 216.17 def. Gillig, 6.453, 215.17.

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Up, Up and Away...

Second-generation Pro Modified driver Scott Cannon Jr., is proving that he's more than capable of taking over behind the wheel of his father's famous "Killer Red Mater" '53 Studebaker. Cannon turned in a solid 6.157, 228.19 in the third qualifying session to claim the No. 3 spot in the field. Cannon will meet Epping winner Dennis Radford in the first round of eliminations on Sunday.

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SATURDAY NOTES - Records Tumble, Pro Stock Extravaganza and the Milkman Delivers

Pro Mod record book takes a huge hit – Over the past several seasons a small, select group of Pro Modified competitors have made setting and resetting class performance records a game within a game.

Two competitors in particular, New York State neighbors Mike Janis and Jim Oddy, traded the E.T and speed records back and forth a number of times in the days when Fred Hahn was Oddy’s driver.

Last season, Al Billes took the E.T. record back to Canada when he ran a 6.102 at the season finale in Rockingham, North Carolina. Ironically, over the off season Billes joined Oddy’s team when work obligations forced Hahn to retire.

Billes subsequently had to give up his driving stint with Oddy when he suffered two crashes within weeks of each other early in the season. Michigan’s Steve Bareman then joined forces with Oddy, and the new team has made steady progress ever since.

A milestone in the new team’s progress was reached at the recent IHRA national event in Epping, New Hampshire, when Bareman paced his blown ’53 Corvette to the class speed record of 236.46.

Now another peak has been scaled. On Saturday, Bareman posted the first leg of a new elapsed time record when he clicked off an impressive 6.095, 235.64 in the first of the day's two qualifying sessions. He would need to run a 6.15 or better to back up the number for a new record.

To wrap up a dramatic day of Pro Mod qualifying, Bareman thrilled the huge crowd at MIR when he roared to a stunning 6.050, 235.27 under the lights to cement the new record for the Jim Oddy team.

Paton’s Place – Clay Millican may be leading Top Fuel qualifying after two sessions, but there’s another driver on the scene here this weekend in Maryland who could be on the verge of giving the perennial champ a real run for his money.

During last night’s first session, Canadian competitor Todd Paton clicked off an impressive 4.814, 234 mph pass that earned him the No. 3 spot in the provisional field. It could have been much better, however, as a quick perusal of the incremental sheet confirmed.

“We ran 3.10 at 265 to the eighth-mile, compared to the 3.12 that Millican ran,” said Paton. “His speed was a little higher, but we were already starting to drop a hole at that point. We were two-hundredths quicker than him to half track. He ran 3.923 to a thousand feet and we ran 3.939, so we were about a hundredth behind him at that point, but the blower belt fell off about that time. He went on to run a 4.626 at 309 and we coasted to a 4.814 at 234.

“It was going to truck on down there – it was probably on a low four-seventy pass, and we’d like to think it could have run a high four-sixty. All indications are that we’re making the power – we just have to make sure we keep the rubber band on all the way to the finish line. We’re pretty happy with the ways things are working out for the team right now.”

As a side note, Paton chose to sit out Saturday’s first qualifier, while Millican went out and clicked off a track record pass of 4.568, 307.09 to make things a little more interesting for the team from Paris, Ontario.

Living up to its reputation – The first round of the Torco Race Fuels Pro Stock Showdown lived up to the billing as the first two pairs of cars accounted for victories by less than .01 of a second. While Steve Spiess was low for the opening round with a 6.406, 216.97, it was John Nobile’s 6.474, 214.72 that stole the show. Nobile wrestled his car the quarter-mile to keep it off of the center-line.

“I pedaled it just a bit and then got back into it as I pulled fourth gear,” Nobile said. “I knew we were going to have an extremely tough challenge every time we pulled to the line.”

Frank Gugliotta also scored a close victory over Rick Jones that was less than .002.

Tony Gillig didn’t have as tough as a battle when opponent and No. 2-ranked Robert Patrick shook the tires and lifted early.

Early Bird Special – After sitting in the staging lanes at MIR for what seemed like hours last night, the Torco Race Fuels Pro Modified competitors gathered for this weekend’s President’s Cup Nationals eventually had to turn around and head back to the pits when the track’s curfew went into effect.

A combination of a lengthy rain delay, an equally lengthy track drying session, the crash of a sportsman car and a Top Fuel oildown conspired to push Friday’s Night of Fire to the brink of the 1 AM shutdown time. As a result, the Torco Pro Modified cars were left at the gate, literally.

In order to keep the program flowing as smoothly as possible, the IHRA rescheduled the first Pro Mod qualifying session for 9:30 Saturday morning. It turned out to be a fortuitous situation for several of the teams, as track and air conditions were much improved over those of the previous night.

A case in point was the outstanding effort of Mike Stawicki, who paced his blown ’67 Camaro to a mark of 6.131, 229.59 to lead the field. Right behind him was John Russo, who posted a very respectable 6.166, 229.08. The No. 3 spot was claimed by Steve Bareman, who wheeled his ‘53 Corvette to the top speed of the session on the strength of his 6.175, 232.15 effort.

There were as many broken runs as there were good ones, however, as a number of teams simply missed the set-up dictated by the better track conditions. The bump for the 16-car field, which is held down by Jim Halsey, now stands at 9.159.

Spiess scores again - Steve Spiess, the man who is having a career season in Torco Pro Stock, was at it again in Maryland last night. The Chicago, Ill., native drove his way to a new elapsed time track record of 6.431, 216.45 during the opening round of qualifying on Friday night.

Spiess, the No. 1 qualifier for today’s Pro Stock Showdown, led a competitive field of drivers in a round of qualifying that almost did not happen due to rain.

Robert Patrick concluded the day in the No. 2 spot by posting a 6.455, 216.86 run, perhaps proving that he may have found his way out the slump he has been in for the past few races. Former world champion Dan Seamon scored the No. 3 spot with a 6.457, 216.00 run which served to separate the top three from the rest of the field.

Chassis builder Jerry Haas unleashed a great run that landed him in the top of the pack at No. 4 with a mark of 6.469, 215.07. He was followed by Tony Gillig, who claimed the No. 5 spot with a pass of 6.479, 214.08.

FRIDAY - Millican leads Top Fuel qualifying in patience-trying first day; Torco Pro Modified to run first session at 9:30 AM Saturday

(9-24-2005) - Rain and a host of other calamities forced the Torco IHRA President’s Cup Nationals to burn the midnight oil, literally. After a four-and-a-half-hour rain delay, racing was just under way again when one of the sportsman cars in the first pair out crashed, causing even more down time.

As a result, the professional contingent didn't take to the track until after 10:30 PM for their first qualifying session of the day.

At 12:45 AM on Saturday, Clay Millican proved that he’s capable of burning the midnight oil as he roared to the head of the Top Fuel qualifying list just 15 minutes shy of the local curfew.

Joining Millican atop their respective divisions were Rob Atchison (Funny Car) and Steve Spiess (Torco Race Fuels Pro Stock). The Torco Pro Modified division fell victim to the curfew and the first qualifier will be run in its entirety at 9:30 AM Saturday morning.

Millican’s pace-setting run of 4.626, 309.63 was more than enough to distance himself from second-quickest Bruce Litton. Litton recorded a 4.727, 305.42. Todd Paton was third with a 4.841, 234.00.

Roger Dean rests on the bubble with a 5.247, 200.26.

Atchison displayed the prowess that has earned him two consecutive class titles by posting a solid mark of 5.773, 242.80. Even more impressive is the fact that London, Ontario-based Atchison did it in the first pair of Funny Cars to run.

Epping winner Jim Sickles was the second-quickest as he belted out a 5.804, 245.27.

Fred Tigges claimed the third spot with a 5.841, 241.67.

Rounding out the field was Trevor Lebsack with a 6.109, 231.28 effort.

Spiess set the pace for Saturday’s Torco Race Fuels Pro Stock Showdown as he blasted out a track record 6.431, 216.45 to enhance his position as points leader. Close behind Spiess was Robert Patrick whose 6.455, 216.86 put him into the No. 2 slot. Ironically, these two drivers hold the same ranking in the Torco Race Fuels Pro Stock Showdown.

Dan Seamon was third with a 6.457, 216.00.

Bert Jackson’s 6.596, 199.35 rounded out the 16-car field.

The Torco Race Fuels Pro Stock Showdown will begin at 3 PM on Saturday.

That Doesn't Look Right

Bob Schmidt was just one of a number of Top Sportsman competitors who struggled with control after launching in the right lane during Friday qualifying at MIR. Schmidt had has hands full and then some as his late model Camaro made a sudden left turn and headed for the opposite lane. Fortunately, he managed to get the car pointed back down track before making contact with anything solid.

That REALLY Doesn't Look Right!

As we said, the right lane was not the place to be for several Top Sportsman competitors during qualifying on Friday. Chuck Goupil suffered a severe case of Deja Vu when his '63 Corvette pulled hard to the left during both of his attempts to make the field. The car was undamaged, but it's a safe bet that the driver will be just a little leery about dropping the hammer the next time he jumps behind the wheel.

FRIDAY NOTES - Wedded Bliss, Pittman Returns and Tight Points Races

It’s a nice day for a white wedding – As the crew at MIR worked to dry the racing surface after this evening’s rain shower, a very special event took place out on the starting line.

Super Stock racer D.J. “Road Dog Crippler” Raiser and the lovely Leah Huttenlocker were joined in holy matrimony under the glare of the track’s high intensity lights as gas-powered leaf blowers and a jet dryer provided that oh-so-perfect background accompaniment.

The event was a very casual and light-hearted affair, with D.J. and Leah’s attendants decked out in their finest denim and t-shirts.

Fellow IHRA competitor Matt Zapp officiated at the event, joining the happy couple in a ceremony that for the most part bore a close resemblance to an actual wedding, except for the steady stream of humerous ad-libs thrown Raiser’s way by his “friend” Zapp.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, the happy couple were introduced to the crowd by IHRA President Aaron Polburn and then whisked back to the pits by golf cart limo to prepare for the next round of racing. Who says romance is dead?

Pittman to return to Pro Mod - Alan Pittman and Mel Bush announced here today that they will be teaming up to field a full-time Pro Modified team beginning in 2006.

Pittman, a chassis builder and race car fabricator from Greenville, South Carolina, and Bush, a construction company owner from Port St. Lucie, Florida, are well under way with plans to bring a unique supercharged 1962 Chevy BelAir "Bubble Top" to the IHRA’s Torco Race Fuel Pro Modified wars.

Pittman originally raced in the class between 2000 and 2003, finishing No. 2 in his sophomore year and in the Top 10 every season. He has been on hiatus for the last two years, however, working to relocate and expand his AP Race Cars business.

During that time, Bush came to Pittman to have a Top Sportsman car built, and before long the two began discussing a possible partnership that would afford Pittman an opportunity to return to the driver’s seat. Bush admitted to having a desire to become involved with a professional class, but wasn’t sure whether he wanted to pursue a Pro Stock or Pro Modified program.

“Every time I went to a race I ended up wandering around in the pro pits,” said Bush. “I really enjoyed watching the Pro Stock and Pro Mod cars run, and thought that I’d like to have one or the other sometime. Once I met Alan and we began to think seriously about putting a deal together, he lobbied hard for the Pro Mod deal, and I eventually agreed.”

The Top Sportsman car that Pittman built and delivered to Bush in 2004 is a 1962 Chevy BelAir, hence the decision to clone the classic body style for the new Pro Mod venture. This one will be a leaner and meaner version of its sibling. Once completed, the car will be bristling with supercharged power provided by fellow Pro Mod competitor Carl Spiering, of Jordon Station, Ontario.

“I’m really excited about the chance Mel has given me,” said Pittman. “We have a lot of work to do in the next several months, but I’m pretty confident we’ll be able to bring a competitive car and team to Pro Mod next season. Things change so fast in the Pro Mod class that I have some catching up to do, but I know with the right people in place we’ll be in good shape come next April. We plan to test if Florida over the winter and be ready to go once the IHRA season starts.”

Capital Hill Revisited – For the second year in a row alternative fuels advocate Mark Thomas had his Ethanol Performs-sponsored 2002 Dodge Avenger Funny Car on display at Capitol Hill.

As he did in 2004, the 5-time IHRA Funny Car champion arrived in the Washington area several days prior to the Torco Race Fuels President’s Cup Nationals in order to meet with members of Congress and supporters of the Renewable Fuels Standard, which was signed into law by President Bush on August 8, 2005.

The Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) is the most important public policy goal of the U.S. ethanol industry. A Renewable Fuels Standard would require that a certain percentage of motor fuel in the U.S. must be obtained from renewable sources, such as ethanol or biodiesel. The RFS will double America's demand for ethanol to at least 7.5 billion gallons annually by 2012.

Appearing on behalf of The National Corn Growers Association, the Renewable Fuels Association, and a consortium of corn growers, Thomas joined with members of Congress and ethanol supporters to discuss implementation of the RFS and the role ethanol plays in our nation’s future energy policies.

The visit to the nation’s capitol was a very successful one, according to Thomas. “When we did this deal last year I was pretty nervous. I mean, I’m a farmer and a drag racer." He said. “I live in the country and I love hot rods, but I had never been to Washington and I had never met too many politicians, so I just didn’t know what to expect. It turned out to be the best display we had ever done with the car – everyone treated us great.

“When they asked us to come back this year, we naturally jumped at the chance. Last year we were set up in Garfield Circle, right in front of the Capitol. This time around they had us on Constitution Avenue, right between a couple of the Senate buildings. It was a huge job getting our 80-foot rig down there – we had to be escorted by the Capitol Hill Police and go through a bunch of security checks. Once we get set up we drew a huge crowd, even though it was an invitation-only deal. Most people down there had never seen anything like that in the middle of Washington.”

Thomas noticed a welcomed change of attitude and increased interest in what he had to say during his visit this year. “The one thing that struck me the most was the fact that a few years ago ethanol was almost a bad word. Now it’s the 'in' thing to say on Capitol Hill, and that’s a good thing,” he said. “As crazy as things are getting with fuel prices these days, something has to happen. We have a renewable resource available in this country, and we need to take advantage of it.

“It’s a real positive sign that we have been able to make our pitch to some top government officials in Washington," Thomas said. "After all, very few groups ever get the opportunity to do what we have done the last two years. Congress actually had to vote on whether or not we’d be allowed to come in. It took a lot of hard work by a lot of people – we have been trying to make something like this happen for the best part of 10 years, and I think we’re finally having an impact on the policy makers in this country.”

Millican Looking to Clinch in Maryland - Time and the Hooters IHRA Drag Racing Series schedule are on Clay Millican’s side as he and the Werner Enterprises/Kenny Koretsky Motorsports Top Fuel team prepare for this weekend’s Torco Racing Fuels President’s Cup Nationals.

This is the 11th of 12 events and Millican is a few round wins away from establishing yet another IHRA milestone. He has collected 44 career victories, including seven already this year, and won four consecutive season crowns.

Statistically, Millican holds a 197-point advantage (1218-1021) over Doug Foley, his only challenger. And Foley's slender hopes will fade as soon as it’s mathematically impossible for him to overhaul the driver from Drummonds, Tenn.

“We really don’t know when we’ll clinch it,” said Millican, “but we are running out of races. Sooner or later there won’t be any left.”

Millican can wrap up a fifth championship if he goes three rounds on Sunday.

Battle for Pro Stock supremacy – This weekend, the Torco Race Fuels Pro Stock Showdown will settle the season-long debate over just who has the top IHRA Pro Stock car in the land.

The showdown is an eight-car shootout, with competitors earning berths in the field based on qualifying points earned up until the Amalie Oil North American Nationals. The winner will receive a $20,000 share of the $52,000 purse, and the runner-up will pocket $9,000.

The qualified field reads like a who’s who of IHRA Torco Pro Stock. Steve Spiess has qualified No.1, Robert Patrick No. 2, Frank Gugliotta No. 3, John Nobile No. 4, Pete Berner No. 5, Tony Gillig No. 6, John Montecalvo No. 7, and Rick Jones No. 8.

While Spiess, from Manhattan, Ill., has all but sewn up the Torco Pro Stock title, every driver in the field is ultra-competitive, and they want to win any kind of race they can. There is a lot on the line — pride, ego, the right to be called the best, and of course, $20,000.

Martin primed for Maryland - Harold Martin and his ACDelco Pro Mod Pontiac Racing team are looking to accomplish several goals at this weekend’s President’s Cup Nationals. Naturally, their top priority remains returning to the winner’s circle and capturing their second “Ironman” winner’s trophy.

In addition, with the highly competitive Pro Modified category experiencing a tremendous points battle throughout the Top Ten, the Martin Motorsports crew is looking to gain as many positions as possible. They are entering this weekend’s race determined to stay strong and capitalize on the opportunities available.

“This ACDelco Racing team continues to maintain its focus, energy and commitment to show what our capabilities are,” said Martin. “We’ve had some bad luck this season with some unusual and unexpected component failures.

Realizing that a near-perfect effort would be required to attain their objectives in these last two events, the Martin-led crew took their between-race preparation to an even higher level. Over the last week, they gave their 2,400-horsepower hot rod an intense going-over, ensuring it would be in optimum operating condition upon its arrival in Maryland.

“This team is committed to having a strong performance in Maryland and our preparation prior to this race reflects our desire to win,” said Martin.

Points battles heat up – This weekend’s Torco Race Fuels President’s Cup Nationals is the second-to-last event on the 2005 Hooters IHRA Drag Racing Series schedule, and with just two races left to go, points battles are still very close in two of the four professional classes.

Clay Millican just needs three round wins to wrap up his fifth consecutive Top Fuel title. The No. 2 man, Doug Foley, is 197 points behind and running out of races. Steve Spiess has things pretty well under control in Torco Pro Stock, leading closest challenger Frank Gugliotta by a comfortable margin of 238 points.

It’s a different story in Torco Pro Modified and Funny Car, however.

There are four racers in contention for the Pro Mod gold, with Awesome Motorsports teammates Mike Castellana and Shannon Jenkins currently first and second in the standings. There are just 79 points separating the two. Carl Spiering is in the No. 3 spot, 25 points behind Jenkins, and Jim Halsey is in fourth, another 8 points further back.    

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