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Boland wins Lancaster battle, but Lilienthal wins PMRA war; Bruce Boland wins final PMRA event at Lancaster Motorsports Park while Joe Lilienthal crowned Pro Modified Racing Association Champion

(10-16-2005) – On a clear and cool night at Lancaster Motorsports Park, Bruce Boland of Hamilton, ON, won his first Pro Modified Racing Association, http://www.promodifiedracing.com/ event, the fifth and final PMRA race of 2005.

Driving his B&B Racing 1953 Chevrolet Corvette, Boland defeated the Jeep-bodied Pro Mod of Kenmore, NY’s Joe Lilienthal Friday night on the Lancaster eighth-mile strip in a race presented by: G-Force Race Cars, Jan-Cen Racing Engines and Oddy's Racing Inc.

And with his second-place finish at Lancaster, Lilienthal amassed sufficient points in the 22-car series to win the inaugural PMRA title.

Boland qualified third in the field behind number one qualifier Lilienthal, who took top spot with a 4.452-second, 162.02 pass. Next was Kasey Jansen of St. Catharines, ON, who qualified second in his KC Motorsports Lumina with a 4.537-second pass at 150 mph even. Boland was next with a 4.701-second, 134.26-mph run.

In the semis, Lilienthal got by fellow New Yorker Jack Grainy of North Tonawanda in the Grainy Brothers Beretta, while Boland put down Mark Mitchell of East Otto, NY, in his 1953 Studebaker.

For the final, Boland squeaked through with the win, with a 4.480-second, 150-mph run against the 4.500-second, 157.33-mph pass of the Lilienthal Jeep.

Boland said after the win he had to tune down the Corvette after getting up on two wheels bicycling on the ever-slick Lancaster surface.

“We had to back out the horsepower,” said Boland after his victory. “Sometimes you have to slow things down to go fast.”

With his Lancaster win, Boland places fifth in the 22-car line-up. Taking the 2005 title was Lilienthal with 1820 points.

It was a good night for the Jeep driver. Lilienthal also picked up the Darren Mayer Performance Engineering (DMPE) Low Qualifier Bonus with his 4.452-second time, and was the recipient of the Bear’s Performance Products Consistent Qualifier Bonus with 4.48-second and a 4.45-second runs.

The final point standings (top 15) for PMRA following the event at Lancaster Motorsports Park in the Pro Modified Racing Association Drag Racing Series are:

1. Joe Lilienthal, 1820; 2. Jack Grainy, 1660; 3. Kasey Jansen, 1600, 4. Dave Earhart, 1580; 5. Bruce Boland, 1440; 6. Larry Sinke, 1420; 7. Mark Mitchell, 1280; 8. Joe Boniferro, 1180; 9. Mark Nielson, 1140; 10. Mike Stawicki, 900; 11. Carl Spiering, 740; 12. Luciano Querin, 720; 13. Mike Janis, 700; 14. Fred Jacobs, 640; 15. Al Billes, 380; 15. Andy Jensen, 380.

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Contest Winner Mark Porter is headed to Vegas next weekend

(10-15-2005) - It's a good bet that Arizona resident Mark Porter is headed to Las Vegas next weekend. Against the odds of thousands of entries, the Pro Modified fan is headed to the right place notorious for beating the odds – Las Vegas - courtesy of ProModSource.com and Mike Ashley.

In a special drawing held today, Porter, 40 of Scottsdale, Ariz., was declared the winner of the ProModSource.com Championship Getaway sponsored by Mike Ashley's Gotham City Racing. For Porter, who owns a machine manufacturing company, this is nothing short of a dream come true.

"Oh my God," Porter said as he was driving down the road en route to a Pumpkin Patch outing with his sons Mitchell and Karson. "I had a good feeling about this. I knew I had to go for it. This is just awesome. I haven't won anything. I knew I wanted to win this thing more than anything."

Porter's timing is impeccable. As it turns out, he is not only a fan of the Pro Modified division, but will also debut a new car on the NHRA AMS Pro Modified Series in 2006, a supercharged 1941 Willys built by Jon Finley and Joel Gangwish's West Coast Race Craft.

Porter has followed the Pro Modified scene for almost two decades making friends with Charles Carpenter and Robbie Vandergriff on the SUPER CHEVY tour. He's making a return to the scene after pursuing a gig with off-road trucks.

"I am so thankful for Mike Ashley, Gotham City Racing and Pro Modified Source.com for making this happen," Porter added.

Mike Ashley, contest promoter and defending NHRA AMS TLR Pro Modified Champion, said, "It's important to give back to the series that has given us so much. I’m very happy for Mark and I look forward to meeting him and spending time together in Vegas."

Along with one guest, Porter will receive airfare to Las Vegas from anywhere within the Continental U.S., hotel accommodations at the glamorous Monte Carlo Casino & Hotel, full event credentials and pit passes to the ACDelco Las Vegas NHRA Nationals, access to the Team Gotham Pro Mod Hospitality Area, a Team Gotham gift set, and personal hosting by ProModSource.Com’s “Outlaw Nick.”

Congratulations Mark and we hope you enjoy your time in Las Vegas.

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LYNAM, PARKER WIN 2005 ADRL TITLES

(10-14-2005) - Fittingly, the final matchup Friday evening for the 2005 FLOWMASTER American Drag Racing League Pro Extreme championship came down to the season's most consistent drivers. And the form chart stayed consistent right until the end, with points leader John Lynam (Lil' Red '63 Corvette) posting his third straight 3-second pass - and adding an .005 light into the mix - to hold off second-place Bil Clanton (Big Money '53 Studebaker), 3.959 to 4.014, and claim the Pro Extreme title on the opening day of the GetWorkComp.com Lonestar Fall Drags presented by Pinnacle
Business Solutions.

Friday's other big winner in the ADRL's "Battle for the Belts"
competition was Dan Parker, who continued his stellar second half of
the season by beating Rex Kelley in an all-'63 Corvette Pro Nitrous
final when Kelley left before the Tree was activated. Parker was
racing in his third consecutive ADRL Pro Nitrous final, having
earlier won the title at the second Valdosta, Ga., stop and finishing
as runner-up to Shannon Jenkins at the ADRL Fatheadz.com DRAGSTOCK II
event.

The top eight points-earners in each of the two ADRL classes from the
first five events of the season were eligible to compete in the
"Battle of the Belts" competitions to determine the 2005 FLOWMASTER
ADRL world champions. In addition to prize money, Lynam and Parker
were awarded championship belts similar to those won in professional
boxing's championship bouts.

As he has been for much of the 2005 Outlaw Pro Mod season, Lynam was
the man to beat in Friday's three-round championship battle. He was
racing in his fourth straight ADRL final and fifth overall, a record
of success that began with his eliminations win at last year's
inaugural DRAGSTOCK event, which was also the first race sanctioned
by the ADRL. Friday at Texas Raceway, Lynam reeled off successive
marks of 3.943 at 185.74 mph, 3.962/185.84, and 3.959/185.13 in his
wins over Todd Bauknecht, Michael Neal, and Clanton.

The ADRL will conclude its 2005 season with a busy day of racing
Saturday at Texas Raceway. Following two rounds of qualifying,
eliminators will be held in both classes at 5 p.m., followed by the
Texas vs. USA Team Challenge at 6 p.m. The ADRL's team-vs.-team
concept features 11-man squads squaring off over three rounds of
competition, with one point being awarded for each head-to-head win.

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S&W RACE CARS STAKES CLAIM AS THE TITLE SPONSOR OF MOROSO 5-DAY bracket championships 2005 & 2006

(10-14-2005) - On the eve of its Silver Anniversary, Moroso Motorsports Park is pleased to announce S&W Race Cars as the official title sponsor of the 5-Day during both 2005 & 2006. In its largest payout ever, the S&W 5-Day Bracket Championships will post over $258,000 up for grabs, including $15,000 to the winner for three days, over almost a week of hardcore, sportsman racing.

“Scott Weney and the whole crew at S&W Race Cars are an exciting addition to what was my father’s (Dick Moroso) favorite race, and with the help of many new sponsors, including S&W Race Cars, we plan on taking it up a few notches over the next two years”, said Moroso Motorsports Park President & CEO, Susan Moroso-Strecker. Weney is no stranger to the 5-Day himself. He took home his first win in 1998 and then again in 2001.

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BRUT DODGE DRIVER RON CAPPS ON WIND TUNNEL THIS SUNDAY

(10-14-2005) - Ron Capps, driver of the Brut Dodge Stratus
Funny Car, who is in the middle of a heated battle with his teammate Gary
Scelzi, John Force, Robert Hight and Eric Medlen for the 2005 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series Funny Car championship, will be a guest of Dave Despain on this Sunday's "Wind Tunnel with Dave Despain" on the Speed Channel.

Only two races remain in arguably the most exciting championship chase in
NHRA history, and the heat is on for Capps to win his first Funny Car crown.
He'll discuss the tense competition - among other topics - that exists
between the two top NHRA operations vying for the title: Don Schumacher
Racing and John Force Racing.

The show airs on Sunday, Oct. 16, from 9-11 p.m. ET, with Capps' live
segment from his home in Carlsbad, Calif., scheduled for approximately 9:15
p.m. ET.

Viewers may e-mail questions to windtunnel@speedtv.com or call in at
1-866-WTUNNEL.

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ProStockCars.Com Announces Partnership With Larry O’Brien and Bear’s Performance Products

(10-14-2005) - ProStockCars.Com is proud to announce a new partnership with Bear’s Performance Products.

PSC founder, Tom Tompkins Jr. and Larry O’Brien, owner of Bear’s Performance Products, have joined forces to aid one another in their promotional efforts. “I am very excited to have the support of Bear’s Performance Products for our website” said Tom Tompkins Jr. “We have devised a program that will aid both PSC and Bear’s Performance Products”.

Bear’s Performance Products banners are now adorning the popular website dedicated to Pro Stock racing. “Our goal is to help Larry gain as much exposure for his company as possible. It is no different than what we work to do with our other sponsors but Larry has taken it a step further for us”.

On top of running several ad banners at ProStockCars.Com, O’Brien will also run PSC logos on his Dodge Stratus which he races in IHRA Pro Stock. The car, which is the world’s quickest and fastest Dodge Pro Stocker, will run PSC livery starting with the rain delayed IHRA World Finals in Rockingham, NC.

“We plan to run a larger decal on the car in 2006. This decal will be displayed in the back window of Larry’s car. It goes without saying that I am on cloud nine about this whole deal. Larry and his employees are going the extra mile to help make PSC a success. We will be doing the same in return here at PSC”.

Besides giving much deserved gratitude to O’Brien, Tompkins also credits Bear's Marketing Manager Kevin Zimmer and Matt Giangrande. "We are extremely excited about the opportunity to work with Tom and PSC, it is a great website and it will give Bear's Performance Products some valuable exposure." says Zimmer.

Giangrande is the manager of the newest Bear’s Performance Products store located in Greensboro, NC. “I personally want to thank Kevin, Larry and Matt for their tremendous support of PSC”.

 

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CHAPLAIN TRAINING SEMINAR at the
IHRA Awards Banquet Joseph F. Koury Center
Greensboro, NC

(10-14-2005) - Friday, December 9th, 2005
7:30 - 8:00 a.m. registration
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon seminar session
12:00 - 1:00 p.m. lunch (on your own - lots of choices close by)
1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Seminar session

This seminar will be taught by Bill Williams, a certified chaplain trainer. He was called by NY City during 9-11-01 to help sort and organize the volunteer chaplains there. His ministry is to train chaplains for all needs: hospice, hospitals, race ministries, police, fire dept., etc. We are very fortunate to have someone of his caliber to teach this seminar.

Topics will include:
1. Why are you here?
2. Cooperation without compromise
3. Listening Skills
4. Hospital visitation
5. Ministering to those facing death
6. Trauma
7. Making referrals / Follow up

Those interested can contact God Speed Ministry for more information or a registration form at support@godspeedministry.com The registration deadline is November 30, 2005. There is no fee for the seminar.

Hotel reservations made be made through www.IHRA.com by clicking on the IHRA Championship Banquet icon. - Renee Bingham

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NHRA reportedly invokes no-sale policy on team hospitality area

(10-13-2005) - eRaceFuels CompetitionPlus.com has learned that the NHRA has distributed a letter to their professional race teams reminding them the sale of tickets to the hospitality area is a big "no-no." In the NHRA rulebook, such an issue is addressed by saying that no token, souvenir, product or anything of value may be distributed without the permission of the NHRA.

The NHRA charges in upwards of $3500 and that includes a charge for not using their food. All of that leaves food for thought, huh?

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Three-year agreement signed with Kalitta Motorsports and “Aussie Dave” Grubnic to pursue the POWERade championship

(10-13-2005) – During the past two years, StriVectin-SD® – the stretch-mark cream turned anti-wrinkle phenomenon – has raced to the top of the international cosmetics industry… shattering American sales records while becoming a worldwide sensation and the #1 anti-wrinkle cream in France (of all places). Now StriVectin hopes to be shattering speed records and stereotypes as the cosmetics giant Klein-Becker usa, maker of StriVectin, has agreed to a three-year deal with Kalitta Motorsports to sponsor “Aussie Dave” Grubnic and the former Zantrex-3™ car. The newly designed pink-and-black StriVectin racer will debut with Grubnic behind the wheel at the upcoming AC Delco Las Vegas NHRA Nationals, Oct. 20-23.

Zantrex-3, corporate partners at Klein-Becker, will remain an associate sponsor on Grubnic's StriVectin car as well as other Team Kalitta dragsters driven by cousins Doug and Scott Kalitta.

“The idea of a prestige cosmetic brand sponsoring a top fuel dragster is turning a few heads, but it makes perfect marketing sense,” explains Klein-Becker spokesperson, Gina Gay. “Top Fuel racing is the most exciting sport on the planet. And yes, seeing a high-end cosmetic brand on a high-speed dragster is unexpected, but we feel it helps StriVectin absolutely stand out. This sponsorship may seem a bit risky, but StriVectin has built its phenomenal success by taking calculated risks. And anyone willing to look beyond the stereotype can clearly see that drag racing attracts a wider and much more sophisticated audience than the popular press would have you believe. The thrill of seeing, hearing and feeling a 8,000 horsepower car virtually fly down the quarter mile in less than 5 seconds is drawing loyal fans from every part of the country and every socio-economic segment, including women and men who are willing to spend $135 a tube for the world’s best anti-wrinkle cream.”

The StriVectin-SD success story is arguably one of the strangest in the history of cosmetics. Originally formulated as a stretch mark cream, StriVectin achieved international success as an anti-wrinkle face cream almost entirely from an unprecedented word-of-mouth campaign started by women who put StriVectin on their faces and noticed a remarkable reduction in the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and crows' feet. Today, StriVectin is the best-selling prestige skin care cream in the world among both women and men. In fact, the fastest-growing consumer segment is men who are using StriVectin as an “off-label” aftershave.

"I'm very excited about this new relationship with StriVectin-SD," Grubnic said. "Everyone associated with this product is incredibly supportive of our team. And the excitement that department store executives and cosmetics industry personnel have shown when they visit the track for the first time has been absolutely overwhelming. We look forward to representing StriVectin and bringing in new racing fans for years to come."

Native Australian Grubnic, 43, made auto-racing history May 29th of this year in Topeka, Kans., by becoming the first non-North American native to win an NHRA Top Fuel national event. The win in Topeka was Grubnic's first in his 11-year career. The Ypsilanti, Mich., resident is currently fourth in 2005 POWERade championship points.

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Las Vegas Pro Mod Season Final Getaway Winner to be Announced

(10-13-2005) — The winner of the ProModSource.com Championship Getaway sponsored by Mike Ashley’s Gotham City Racing will be announced online at 8 p.m. (EST) on Friday, October 14 on the ProModSource.com website.

Mike Ashley said, “ProModSource.Com has given so much to our community and series, I wanted to show my support by working with them to make this happen.”

Along with one guest, the winner will receive airfare to Las Vegas from anywhere within the Continental U.S., hotel accommodations at the glamorous Monte Carlo Casino & Hotel, full event credentials and pit passes to the ACDelco Las Vegas NHRA Nationals, access to the Team Gotham Pro Mod Hospitality Area, a Team Gotham gift set, and personal hosting by ProModSource.Com’s “Outlaw Nick.”

“The Pro Mods are such exciting cars to watch and drive, I want fans to know that I am totally committed to competing in the series through 2006 and beyond. I think Pro Modified as a class has a very promising future will continue to grow. These cars are exciting, cool and unique, you can’t help but love them,” Ashley said.

ProModSource.com is committed to promoting Pro Mod racing and is comprised of and self-managed by fans from all levels in the class. Dedicated to bringing all the latest news, results and information from around the world, ProModSource.com is a one-stop site for everything Pro Mod.

“The fans are why we go to the races – for me, it’s really all about them. I’m looking forward to meeting the lucky fan who wins this Getaway to one of the Luckiest Places on Earth,” he said.

 

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BECKMAN, ELLIS, ENDERS AND HIGHT ARE NOMINEES FOR 2005 AUTO CLUB ROAD TO THE FUTURE AWARD

(10-12-2005) – Four National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) rookie drivers, representative of all four pro categories, have been selected as the nominees for the 2005 Automobile Club of Southern California Road to the Future Award, it was announced today by officials from the NHRA and Automobile Club of Southern California.

Jack Beckman (Top Fuel), Chip Ellis (Pro Stock Motorcycle), Erica Enders (Pro Stock) and Robert Hight (Funny Car) were nominated for the prestigious award, which annually recognizes the top rookie competitor in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series and offers a $20,000 prize and sleek ceremonial trophy to the winner.

The Automobile Club of Southern California Road to the Future Award will be presented during the NHRA's annual championship awards ceremony on Monday, Nov. 7 at the scenic Westin Mission Hills Resort in Rancho Mirage, Calif.

“For more than 100 years the Automobile Club of Southern California has represented integrity, commitment and professionalism to our millions of members. The Road to the Future Award has come to symbolize these same attributes in the sport of NHRA POWERade Drag Racing,” said Thomas V. McKernan, president and CEO of the Automobile Club of Southern California. “To be nominated recognizes not only that a rookie driver had a noteworthy first season, but also that they demonstrated exceptional potential for the future. We congratulate all four of the nominees for this year’s award and look forward to enjoying their achievements both on and off the race track for many years to come.”

Beckman, 39, from North Hills, Calif., has driven his Menards/Mail Terminal Services Top Fuel dragster to a semifinal finish at Englishtown and two quarterfinal finishes while competing on a limited schedule. He posted a qualifying best of eighth and recorded career-best performances of 4.563 seconds, 324.28 mph. He qualified for the prestigious Mac Tools U.S. Nationals at Indianapolis and is currently 15th in the POWERade Series point standings.

Ellis, 35, from Americus, Ga., rode his G-Squared/S&S Buell to one victory and three semifinal finishes in Pro Stock Motorcycle. He clocked performance bests of 7.024 seconds and 193.35 mph. After being as high as second in the POWERade Series standings, Ellis is sixth with two races remaining.

Enders, 21, from Houston, drove her Slammers Ultimate Milk Chevy Cobalt to a runner-up effort at Chicago to become the first woman in NHRA history to advance to a final round in Pro Stock eliminations. Last weekend at Dallas she posted a semifinal finish. She is only the fifth female to ever compete in the 200 mph category. Having qualified for 11 races, she has recorded career-best performances of 6.670 seconds and 206.48 mph, with a top qualifying effort of fifth.

Hight, 36, from Anaheim Hills, Calif., drove his Auto Club Ford Mustang to two victories in four final rounds. He also has posted a season-best six No. 1 qualifying positions and led the Funny Car point standings for five races late in the season. He is currently fourth overall and still in contention for a world championship title with two races remaining. His season-best performances include a time of 4.711 seconds and a speed of 330.31 mph.

In 2002 the Automobile Club of Southern California Road to the Future Award and the NHRA Rookie of the Year Award were combined to create one award recognizing the future stars of the sport. Past winners of the Automobile Club of Southern California Road to the Future Award have developed into some of NHRA’s biggest stars, including Tony Pedregon (1996, Funny Car), Ron Capps (1997, Funny Car), Doug Kalitta (1998, Top Fuel), Antron Brown (1999, Pro Stock Motorcycle), Melanie Troxel (2000, Top Fuel), GT Tonglet (2001, Pro Stock Motorcycle), Gene Wilson (2002, Pro Stock); Brandon Bernstein (2003, Top Fuel) and Jason Line (2004, Pro Stock).

Recent NHRA Rookie of the Year winners have included the late Darrell Russell (2001, Top Fuel), Don Lampus (2000, Top Fuel), Scotty Cannon (1999, Funny Car), Jeg Coughlin (1998, Pro Stock), Gary Scelzi (1997, Top Fuel) and co-winners in 1996, Mike Edwards (Pro Stock) and Matt Hines (Pro Stock Motorcycle).

Rookie drivers in all four of NHRA’s professional categories are eligible to win the Automobile Club of Southern California Road to the Future Award. More than 100 of the nation’s most distinguished auto racing journalists will select the winner through a voting system based on the following criteria: number of events participated, performance on and off the race track, participation in NHRA promotions and relationships with fans, sponsors and media.

In addition to the Automobile Club of Southern California Road to the Future Award, the company is the title sponsor for the Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals, Nov. 3-6 at historic Pomona (Calif.) Raceway. The company also is a major sponsor for John Force Racing, providing primary sponsorship for the Mustang driven by Hight, as well as associate sponsorship for the Ford Mustangs driven by Force and Eric Medlen. In addition, the company is the presenting sponsor for the California Hot Rod Reunion, contested each year in early October at Auto Club Famoso Raceway in Bakersfield, Calif.

DON SCHUMACHER RACING AUTOGRAPH SESSION AT TREASURE ISLAND

(10-12-2005) - Looking to improve that growing autograph book?

In town for the NHRA Nationals at The Strip in Las Vegas, Don Schumacher
Racing NHRA drivers will sign autographs at the Treasure Island Hotel on
Thursday, Oct. 20, from 6-8 p.m.

The largest team in NHRA history will host an autograph session which is
open to the public and will include Brut Dodge Stratus Funny Car driver Ron
Capps, Gary Scelzi, driver of the Mopar/Oakley Dodge Stratus Funny Car
the U.S. Army Pro Motorcycle riders Antron Brown and Angelle Sampey,
Jeg Coughlin Jr., driver of the Jeg's Mail Order Dodge Stratus Pro Stock,
and his teammate Richie Stevens Jr., in the Team Mopar/Valspar Dodge.

Also expected to stop by between other appearances are Melanie Troxel, the
quickest and fastest female NHRA driver, who steers the Skull Gear/Torco
Race Fuels car, and two-time Top Fuel champion Tony Schumacher, driver of
the U.S. Army dragster.

Come take an up-close-and personal look at the 7000-hp, 330-mph Mopar/Oakley and Brut Dodge Funny Cars on display, as well as the U.S. Army-sponsored Pro Stock Motorcycle.

These vehicles will be on display all week, from Thursday, Oct. 17 through
Sunday, Oct. 23.

Where: Treasure Island Hotel (at main entrance)
3300 Las Vegas Blvd. S.
Las Vegas, Nevada

When: Thursday, Oct. 20, 2005
6-8 p.m.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

 

Nitro Funny Cars and More in Rockingham?

(10-11-2005) - eRaceFuels CompetitionPlus.com has learned that Nitro Funny Cars will be a part of the rescheduled IHRA World Finals in Rockingham, NC. An inside source has revealed that Del Worsham will bring the red CSK flopper to the "Rock" to match race Mike Ashley's SKULL GEAR/Torco Race Fuels entry in a best two out of three match starting on Friday and concluding on Saturday. In addition to Ashley's appearance with the flopper, he will also run his Shelby GT500E in Torco Pro Modified. It is also being said that Worsham will bring out his replica "Blue Max" entry for some exhibition runs.

Could this be a harbinger of things to come in the future of IHRA Hooters Drag Racing?

A call to Evan Knoll confirmed the aforementioned and he added that Mark Oswald will be on hand tuning his dragster being driven by Terry McMillen.

All of this excitement will be in addition to a huge three-day feat promoted by Knoll that should feed any where from three to five thousand racers and their families over the course fo the weekend. As Knoll puts it, "I want to throw a party that resembles the tremendous season we have had here at Torco Race Fuels.

Knoll added that he has committed to giving away a free drum of Torco Pro Nitro away to every Top Fuel entry during the Rockingham event as well. As Knoll puts it, "These guys have poured their hearts and souls into this class this year and this is my way of saying thank you."

Let us respond by saying, "Thank you, Evan."

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Carrier Boyz Racing announces Wes Cerny as crew chief for final two races

(10-11-2005) – From the Carrier Boyz Racing team headquarters in Bristol, Tenn., Andy and Mark Carrier, owners of Carrier Boyz Racing, announced today that veteran crew chief Wes Cerny will join the team as tuner for the final two races of the 2005 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series schedule.

Speaking for Carrier Boyz Racing, Andy Carrier said, “There is a lot involved when you bring a new crew chief in and things aren’t going to change overnight. Both Mark and I realize that. Wes brings a wealth of experience to our program. He is familiar with our system and hopefully he can make initial changes that will result in a more consistent car on Sunday for these final two races.

“Nothing has or is being decided about next year. We are only focusing on the last two races of this season. Beyond that we will turn our attention to 2006 after the end of the 2005 season. We still would like to finish out this season with a visit to the winner’s circle.”

Cory McClenathan, who drives the Carrier Boyz Racing-owned FRAM AirHog dragster, and Cerny have worked together in the past. Cerny was crew chief for McClenathan in 2000, the final year for Joe Gibbs Racing. The pair reunited in 2002 on the Cerny-tuned, McClenathan-piloted Henkelman and Baca Top Fuel dragster. The union of McClenathan and Cerny produced three wins in five final rounds over the two-season span.

“Having Wes Cerny on board has many pluses for Carrier Boyz Racing and for me,” said McClenathan. “It was very important to have a crew chief come in that I knew. Wes is very adaptable and I feel that we can pick up where we left off without changing a lot of things. He is someone I trust to keep me safe in the racecar. With only two races left he was the most logical pick.”

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CANADIAN STAR SINKE TAKES AUTOZONE SUPER CHEVY SHOW NATIONAL TRAIL EVENT

(10-11-2005) - He's one of a number of Canadian racers who have made a mark for themselves North and South of the border. Now Larry Sinke of Wellann, Ontario, has added another entry to his resume with his victory Sunday (10/9) in the AutoZone Super Chevy Show's Nitro Coupe rumble at National Trail Raceway in Columbus, Ohio.

Sinke didn't stage a wire-to-wire rout, as he qualified Saturday in the middle of the pack. But in Sunday's eliminations, Sinke and his '67 Nova SS Nitro Coupe were on a roll, defeating fellow Canadian Bruce Boland and event low qualifier Dave Tomasino en route to his match up in the finals with Nitro Coupe and doorslammer racing legend Tommy Howes.

In the finals, Sinke drove around a Tommy Howes hole shot and won with a 6.547 at 217.84 miles per hour; Howes managed a 6.587 at 214.35 with his '69 Camaro Nitro Coupe.

Ohio racer Wayne Torkelson went out in the first round but retained his points lead in the Mickey Thompson Performance Tires Nitro Coupe Challenge World Championship race.

In the Top Sportsman wars, Bob Brobst turned in a near-perfect run when it counted to take the title. Brobst, from Canal Winchester, Ohio, laid an eight thousandths package on opponent Jack Minor. Brobst dialed an 1/8 mile 4.95 and ran a 4.950 with an .008 reaction time at 133.91 miles per hour in his '91 Corvette. Minor, from Columbus, Ohio, answered Brobst with a 5.381 on a 5.35 dial at 129.17 miles per hour but it wasn't enough.

Winners in the Flowmaster Bracket Racing Series included Rob Bianco of Newton Falls, OH in Mr. Gasket Bracket One, Shawn Paulsen of Newark, OH
in Bracket Two, Justin Gang of Pataskala, OH in DOT, and P.J. Fouts of Gahanna, OH in Jr. Dragster.

The AutoZone Super Chevy Show winds up its 25th Anniversary Tour with the traditional stop in the land of the GatorNationals, Gainesville Raceway , October 21-23. For more information on that event, go to http://www.superchevyshow.com/

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New IHRA Top Fuel Team Unveiled

(10-11-2005) - At a news conference to unveil their Top Fuel dragster, Evan Knoll, President TORCO Race Fuels and Terry McMillen, Hoosier Thunder Motorsports, used the opportunity to announce the formation of a new Top Fuel team for the IHRA Drag Racing Series.

The partnership evolved as Terry McMillen, Julie Wildgoose and Evan Knoll explored marketing plans for potential new partners.

McMillen explained, "By leveraging the strengths of our existing partners, we were able to create a network of business opportunities. The dynamics of this network will bring immediate and tangible benefits."

"We couldn't construct a better scenario for this incredible partnership," added Evan Knoll.

Who are these companies? Julie Wildgoose explains, "All of these companies have a common denominator. They understand the vibrant and most powerful marketing tool available today - motorsports marketing."

Partners for the new Top Fuel Dragster include:

LUKOIL - Over the past 5 years, LUKOIL entered the U.S. market by acquiring about 1,300 Getty gas stations and 800 Mobil locations in the Northeast. It is converting them to its brand and recently launched advertising to introduce itself to consumers in 13 states.

"Branding their stores with the 'We (heart) cars motto' is a perfect fit for drag racing fans," added McMillen. "We can't wait to go to work for them promoting their brand through motorsports marketing."

XLR8 - BestSweet, Inc, makers of high quality nutritional, pharmaceutical and confectionary products, has secured a multi-year license agreement with Dale Earnhardt, Inc (DEI) and Dale Earnhardt Jr. for XLR8 Energy Chews and now adds drag racing to its marketing arsenal.

Amalie Oil - Since 1903 Amalie has had the reputation for high-quality, well- engineered petroleum products. Amalie is the official motor oil of the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA), title sponsors of 2 major IHRA events (Amalie Oil Texas Nationals - San Antonio, TX and Amalie Oil North American Nationals - Epping, NH) and the primary sponsors of the Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car, one of the IHRA's most recognizable cars.

TORCO Racing Fuels / SKULL Gear - Since 1995 TORCO has been known for high quality and high performance and is now the most recognizable name for racing fuels in the drag racing industry. TORCO sponsorships include many IHRA and NHRA teams and encompasses event sponsorships for numerous national and regional events.

Eastern Race Fuels - The year 2005 will mark the year that Eastern Race Fuels stormed into race fuel distributorship, becoming the "racers friend" when handling the race fuel needs of professional and sportsman drivers alike. Eastern Race Fuels distributes a full line of TORCO Racing Fuels and additive fuel products, along with a full line of Amalie Oil products. The Hoosier Thunder Top Fuel Dragster marks the second professional car that carries the associate sponsorship of Eastern Race Fuels. The other is the legendary Scotty Cannon and his Pro Mod car driven by son, Scott Canon Jr.

LGI Digital - Bo Kenny, President of LGI Digital, has been making his mark in the Top Stock category, not only by his record setting passes, but also by sponsoring or co-sponsoring several cars in the Top Stock Category. LGI Digital, current class sponsors for Top Stock, will also sponsors the 2006 Top Stock Shootout with $40,000 in prize money. LGI Digital is a movie distributor that owns a small army of stores on the east coast.

 

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Snow crashes in post-event testing

(10-10-2005) - Gene Snow, a veteran nitro Funny Car and Top Fuel icon for decades, crashed his A/Fuel Dragster in post-Dallas testing. Word has it that Snow was uninjured, but the same could not be said for his dragster.

Snow has a back-up dragster, but has not revealed any plans to return to action.

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Stolen Race Rig Alert

(10-10-2005) - Chris Hurt’s race rig was stolen from his home in Milwaukie, Oregon on October 9th.

Taken was a 1961 Dragmaster front engine dragster. The car is yellow with blue flames and has the name BEE QUICK on it.

The trailer is a white 20’ 2001 Interstate tandem with a bumble bee on back and side door. It has Oregon plate U264464

Also taken was a matching Club golf cart and a black two-piece SRP firesuit with two yellow stripes around the middle.

Anyone with any information is please asked to phone 503-794-0391 or 503-329-8555

 

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NHRA Points After Dallas

(10-10-2005) - Point standings (top 10) for NHRA professional categories following the 20th annual O'Reilly NHRA Fall Nationals presented by Castrol Syntec at Texas Motorplex, the 21st of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series -

Top Fuel

1. Tony Schumacher, 1,746; 2. Larry Dixon, 1,478; 3. Doug Kalitta, 1,475; 4. David Grubnic, 1,263; 5. Doug Herbert, 1,247; 6. Morgan Lucas, 1,246; 7. Brandon Bernstein, 1,216; 8. Scott Kalitta, 1,039; 9. Cory McClenathan, 1,031; 10. Rod Fuller, 733.

Funny Car

1. John Force, 1,396; 2. Gary Scelzi, 1,360; 3. Ron Capps, 1,339; 4. Robert Hight, 1,292; 5. Eric Medlen, 1,263; 6. Tommy Johnson Jr., 1,167; 7. Whit Bazemore, 1,129; 8. Del Worsham, 1,103; 9. Tony Pedregon, 1,089; 10. Cruz Pedregon, 941.

Pro Stock

1. Greg Anderson, 1,751; 2. Kurt Johnson, 1,507; 3. Jason Line, 1,466; 4. Warren Johnson, 1,425; 5. Dave Connolly, 1,230; 6. (tie) Ron Krisher, 994; Greg Stanfield, 994; 8. Jeg Coughlin, 976; 9. Richie Stevens, 974; 10. Jim Yates, 910.

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FORCE, SCHUMACHER, ANDERSON WIN AT TEXAS MOTORPLEX

(10-9-2005) - Perennial world champion John Force reclaimed the lead in the tightest Funny Car points chase in NHRA history by winning the event at the Texas Motorplex on Sunday.

Force won the O’Reilly NHRA Fall Nationals after his opponent Frank Pedregon’s Toyo Tires Dodge Stratus R/T broke on the starting line. Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel) and Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) also won their respective categories at the $1.5 million race, the 21st of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series.

 

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Carrier Boyz Racing announces crew chief change

(10-9-2005) - Andy and Mark Carrier, owners of Carrier Boyz Racing, announced today that Todd Smith, who assumed the duties of crew chief at the 2004 spring Las Vegas race, have mutually agreed to severe their business relationship.

Speaking for Carrier Boyz Racing, Andy Carrier said, “Carrier Boyz Racing and Todd Smith have mutually agreed to a separation of their business relationship effective immediately. We wish Todd Smith the best in any and all endeavors. Since joining Carrier Boyz Racing he has led our team with class and professionalism. Carrier Boyz Racing will immediately begin to build our program for the 2006 season and look forward to the challenge of a new season.”

Cory McClenathan, who drives the Carrier Boyz Racing-owned FRAM AirHog dragster, added the following comments, “Over the course of my career I’ve seen this happen numerous times. Most of the time it’s in the best interest of the parties involved that the each go in a different direction. Such is the case for Carrier Boyz Racing and Todd Smith. While it seems unfortunate, both parties must move forward. It wasn’t an easy decision for anybody but I’m sure that Andy and Mark Carrier and Todd Smith feel it’s what’s best as of this point in time.

“I’ve known Todd for a long time and know that he will land on his feet and will offer much to whatever team he joins. Carrier Boyz Racing will carry on and hopefully the change will make this team stronger. It happened and now we both must move on. This is a results oriented business. The bottom line is the nature of the business.

“We’ll keep everyone informed of our plans as they unfold and as the situation warrants.”

 

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Horrific Incident

(10-8-2005) - Bruce Allen and Kenny Koretsky suffered one of the worst crashes in NHRA Pro Stock history. A nursing supervisor at Parkland Health and Hospital System in Dallas told Competition Plus that Allen and Koretsky were listed in stable condition Saturday morning following their fiery crash Friday night during qualifying. But Allen was released Saturday afternoon, while Koretsky remained hospitalized "at least until tomorrow" because of concern about possible internal injuries. (Motel6 Vision)

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Allen, Koretsky involved in Dallas crash

(10-7-2005) - During the second Pro Stock qualifying session for the O'Reilly NHRA Fall Nationals, Bruce Allen and Kenny Koretsky were involved in a nasty two-car crash. Apparently, Allen's car, in the right lane, got loose and nearly brushed his retaining wall before turning 90-degrees into the path of Koretsky's car.

Allen's car was already on its side and Koretsky T-boned it in the undercarriage. The force of the crash broke Allen's car into hundreds of pieces and ignited a flash fire. The
engine and steering column broke from the vehicle and bounced down the race track.

Allen was said to be conscious and answering questions from medical personnel before being taken by helicopter to Parkland Hospital in Dallas. An EMT aboard the flight sent a message back to NHRA officials stating that Allen's vital signs were "good."

Koretsky was also transported to the hospital, complaining of pains in his arm.

Both drivers were kept in hospital overnight for observation, but are expected to be released soon.

 

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Torco Race Fuels Competition Plus.com signs on as Official Dot Com of Norwalk’s Summit Classic XXXII.

(10-7-2005) - Norwalk Raceway Park is proud to announce Torco Race Fuels CompetitionPlus.com as the official Dot Com of the Summit Classic XXXII, taking place at Norwalk October 25-30.

Bobby Bennett, founder and publisher of Torco Race Fuels CompetitionPlus.com, was thrilled with the new venture. “The Summit Classic is nothing short of the US Nationals for Bracket Racers,” Bennett said Thursday. “This is an incredible opportunity for us, and I am excited about working with Bill Bader, Jr. He runs a first class drag race operation and I am proud to be associated with Norwalk.”

Bill Bader, Jr. is thrilled with the new partnership with Torco Race Fuels CompetitionPlus.com. “Bobby Bennett publishes on the top tier in Motorsports news, and we are honored to have his participation at the Summit Classic. It is my intention to use this event as the springboard for a long term relationship with Bobby Bennett and Torco Race Fuels CompetitionPlus.com.”

Along with providing news and results, Torco Race Fuels CompetitionPlus.com will publish its popular “Pit Notes” section from the Classic. Bennett is particularly interested in the many stories that will be gleaned from the largest sportsman drag race in the world. “The Summit Classic is more than drag racing. There will be over 1500 racers there and each one has a story.”

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TROPICAL STORM TAMMY POSTPONES WORLD FINALS FOR THREE WEEKS

(10-7-2005) - The remnants of Tropical Storm Tammy interrupted the start of the 10th annual IHRA World Finals Friday at Rockingham Dragway, forcing a three-week postponement of the concluding event in the 12-race 2005 IHRA Hooters Drag Racing Series.

"It's very frustrating to have 486 race teams on the grounds and then have to postpone the event," said track owner Steve Earwood. "According to all the forecasts, the weather wasn't likely to clear until Monday, at the earliest. So we felt, for the benefit of the racers, fans and sponsors, it would be best to go ahead and postpone now rather than to wait around in the rain all weekend for what likely would be the same result.

"The best option was to come back the weekend of Oct. 28-30, Halloween weekend," IHRA President Aaron Polburn said. "It's unfortunate because we had some momentum building for this race especially with (IHRA Top Fuel champion) Clay Millican going for his ninth straight win here at The Rock. No one, in any class, in any sanctioning body, anywhere, has ever won that many consecutive races on one track.

"So, we'll build on that when we return. We may even pick up a few more pro drivers who were committed elsewhere this week and, for our local racers, we're adding Top Eliminator and Footbrake brackets."

Also still to be crowned is a 2005 IHRA Funny Car Champion. That title was the only one not decided prior to the Finals. Two-time reigning champion Rob Atchison of London, Ontario, Canada leads Jim Sickles of Macedonia, N.Y., winner of the last three races in the series, by just six points.

When those drivers and 400 others return on Oct. 27, the race will be contested as if Tammy had never existed, beginning with a Night of Fire qualifying session on Friday night, a second "Richmond County Rocks" Night of Fire, presented by the Richmond County Tourism Authority, on Saturday and single elimination finals in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Modified, Pro Stock and seven sportsman categories on Sunday.

Tickets purchased in advance will be good for the corresponding days on the new race weekend. For new tickets, contact Rockingham Dragway at 910-582-3400 or on the worldwide web at www.rockinghamdragway.com.

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Amato Sells Top Fuel Team

(10-6-2005) - Las Vegas entrepreneur Doug Davenport has purchased Joe Amato’s Top Fuel operation. Amato will maintain ownership of the team until the day after the conclusion of the season-ending NHRA event in Pomona, California, which is scheduled for November 3-6.

Morgan Lucas will remain as driver up until that time, but as reported earlier, he will be moving on to drive for the new team his father Forrest Lucas is forming for 2006. Amato will remain with the team as an advisor, and plans call for the rest of the crew, including crew chief Jim Dupuy, to remain in place.

Davenport reportedly has a major sponsorship deal pending with a Las Vegas-based casino, and is planning to build a 12-15,000 square-foot NASCAR-style race shop and complex in the city.

Davenport is actively searching for a new driver for the car. “We’re going to do it right,” he said. “I think we’ll surprise a lot of people when we make our final choice.” Davenport refused to speculate on who might be in line for the ride, but he did say that he had narrowed the selection process down to three or four candidates.

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US Navy to Honor NHRA for Support of Troops

(10-6-2005) - The United States Navy will present a rare commemorative gift to the NHRA in appreciation of the continued support and encouragement its members provide to Navy personnel both at home and abroad. Navy Master Chief Lee McKinney, Director of Training Support for the Navy Technical Training Center at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, will make the presentation honoring the NHRA to its president, Tom Compton, at 3:30 p.m. Friday, September 7 during the O’Reilly NHRA Fall Nationals at Ennis, Texas. The presentation will take place in Mike Ashley’s Funny Car hospitality pit at the Texas Motorplex.

What started out as a solider trying to keep up with his passion for drag racing grew into an international support system from the world’s fastest motorsport to the men and women of the U.S. Navy and other branches of the military.

“Being deployed is tough, but it’s a job,” said Master Chief Lee McKinney. “While you’re out, you do whatever you can to keep your focus and remember why you’re doing what you’re doing. I’ve been a drag racing fan since I was a kid, so while I was overseas, my wife sent me tapes of the NHRA events so I could keep up on what was happening in the sport I loved.

“When I got home from Iraq in December of 2003, I wanted to do something to support my buddies who were still over there. I remembered how much they all loved watching the NHRA tapes, so, I put some feelers out with some of the teams, asking for whatever they were willing to supply our troops,” McKinney said.

The response was tremendous, according to McKinney.

“Things really started to pick up momentum when I got a call from Pro Modified driver Mike Ashley, asking me what I was trying to accomplish and what he could do to help. A few days later I received several boxes of t-shirts, posters and hero cards, all courtesy of Mike Ashley’s Gotham City Racing. One thing lead to another, and Mike and his team became one of my key contacts for the whole NHRA, helping me put together care packages with everything from baby wipes and sun tan lotion to t-shirts and notes from drivers and teams.

Mike Ashley said, “Supporting our troops is something I think everyone should do, and Lee gave me a way to help. We invited him to be our guest at the 2004 Houston race, and then made him an honorary member of Team Gotham at the Dallas ’04 race.”

The feelings of appreciation and respect were mutual.

McKinney said, “Because of all Mike had done up to that Houston race, I wanted to say thanks in a special way, so I arranged to give Mike a one-of-a-kind U.S. flag that had been flown over Baghdad on September 11, 2003. After Houston, things continued with our program, and it seemed his generosity knew no bounds. I wanted to do something for him that few people ever can receive. I worked through the chains of command to have the Navy appoint Mike as an honorary civilian Chief and name him to the Chief’s Mess because he displayed the characteristics of a Navy leader -- honor, courage and commitment.

“Since then, the program has grown and so many teams have participated. John Force Racing, Kenny Bernstein, Karen Stoffer, Angelle Sampey, Greg Anderson, Don Schumacher, – the list just goes on and on,” he said.

“Because they have all given so much, we wanted to take an opportunity to recognize the NHRA sanctioning body, all of the drivers, teams and fans of a sport that continues to support those who defend our country’s freedom and help to bring a little bit of home to them during their tour of duty,” he said.

McKinney has been able to send almost 150 drag racing shipments to sailors and soldiers around the globe and hopes to continue his program in the future.

“There are men and women all around the world wearing NHRA t-shirts, watching races and dreaming about drag racing – thanks to Tom Compton, Mike Ashley and the people involved in this incredible sport. We were even able to help out victims of Katrina and Rita – taking care of our people at home.”

“It’s one thing to be a fan and just follow something. It’s quite another to get support in return as thanks for what you do. I guess that’s one reason why I love drag racing,” McKinney said.

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NHRA’s Scott Kalitta and Mac Tools to celebrate the first year of the Mac Card™ with special Top Fuel paint scheme in Dallas

(10-5-2005) - To further solidify their mantra of “Customers for Life”, Mac Tools, a worldwide tool industry leader, introduced the Mac Card™ one year ago to give technicians the power to purchase Mac Tools with great interest rates. To celebrate the financing program’s tremendous success during its inaugural year, Mac Tools and Kalitta Motorsports are giving NHRA drag racing fans the 1st anniversary gift of a specially decorated Mac Card/Mac Tools Top Fuel dragster to be driven by 24-year Top Fuel driving ace and two-time Top Fuel World Champion Scott Kalitta this weekend, Oct. 6-9, in at the O’Reilly NHRA Fall Nationals in Ennis, Tex., just south of downtown Dallas at the Texas Motorplex.

“We are thrilled at the success the Mac Card™ financing program has given to our Distributors’ businesses and the financing options it gives to our Mac Tools customers,” said Brian Kaner, CFO for Mac Tools. “We are looking forward to advancing the program to provide even more solutions making our Distributors’ and customers’ lives easier.”

Scott’s career at the Texas Motorplex is as impressive as the Mac Card’s rookie year. In 1990, Scott became only the third driver ever to qualify both a Top Fuel dragster and a Funny Car in the sport’s pinnacle professional classes. He won the Lone Star State event in 1995 and was the runner-up at the all-concrete drag strip in 1993, 1996, 1999 (fall), and 2003. He won the low qualifier award in Dallas in the fall event of 1999 as well.

Scott, 43, won the opening event of the 2005 season, the famed Winternationals, in Pomona in February, and he also won the spring NHRA event in Chicago in June. He has 18 (17 Top Fuel, 1 Funny Car) NHRA national event victories in his career. The Snead Island, Fla., resident is currently eighth in championship points.

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Carrier Boyz and McClenathan extend contract to 2009

(10-5-2005) - Andy and Mark Carrier, owners of Carrier Boyz Racing, and Cory McClenathan, who drives the Carrier Boyz Racing Top Fuel dragster, jointly announced the extension of McClenathan’s contract to drive for Carrier Boyz Racing through the 2009 season.

“Having Cory Mac with Carrier Boyz Racing for the next four years is a big plus for our race team,” said Andy Carrier. “It keeps our foundation sound, keeps with our philosophy of staying with the same people and continues our growth. During our talk regarding the extension on Sunday you could sense Cory’s excitement and that excitement is contagious and will help this whole team strive to do better.

“Cory brings a lot of things to the table, but I feel one of his best qualities is how he represents all our marketing partners. He’s one of the best out here at that.

“Cory is an important part of the plans to make Carrier Boyz Racing a better team. We'll have a few more surprises to announce in the very near future.”

Mark Carrier added, “Carrier Boyz racing is here to stay and having Cory on board makes us a sound team for the future and give us a strong foundation to strive for the top tier in Top Fuel and hopefully bring home the championship.”

McClenathan, who has 28 career wins and 29 No. 1 qualifying position, began driving for Carrier Boyz Racing at the start of the 2004 season.

“I’m very excited,” said McClenathan. “It turned a dismal Sunday at the Ameriquest Nationals in Chicago into an exciting day for me. After you exit in the first round and the bosses come to you and tell you they want to talk with you, you get a little edgy. Well, let me tell you that talk was all good. They asked me if I wanted to extend my contract with them for the next four year. I immediately said yes and hope that this extension quiets all the rumors that had me going elsewhere.

“I never wanted to jump camp, but you will always have some people out there that are not happy unless they're stirring the pot. Sure I had people approach me but let me tell you I never wanted to go to any other team. I’m really excited to know that I have a long future with Mark and Andy and mom, Shirley.

“Four extra years sounds good, especially when it means that I have a home and team and owners that I respect and have a good relationship with them both on the track and off. I plan to work real hard for them and do all we can for all our sponsors over the next four years.”

McClenathan has done and accomplished much since he began Top Fuel racing in 1991. The one thing that has eluded the driver who now calls Lake Havasu City, Ariz., home is the NHRA POWERade Top Fuel point championship. He has been every so close finishing No. 2 four times (1992, 1995, 1997-98).

“The future looks bright,” added McClenathan. “I really want to add that NHRA POWERade championship to my résumé. This team can do it and I will do everything in my power to lead them to the top.”

For 2005, Carrier Boyz Racing and primary marketing partners FRAM and Honeywell welcome the support of our associate marketing partners: American Racing Wheels, Autolite Spark Plugs, Bendix by Honeywell, Fabtech Performance Suspensions, GMC, Mac Tools, Prestone Antifreeze, PurePower Lubricants and Torco Race Fuels/Skull Gear.

 

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TORCO RACING FUELS, Inc. JOINS WORSHAM PROGRAM AS MAJOR ASSOCIATE SPONSOR THROUGH 2006

(10-4-2005) - Worsham Racing has announced that TORCO Racing Fuels, Inc. will become the major associate sponsor on Del Worsham's red Checker, Schuck's, Kragen Monte Carlo for the remainder of 2005 and the entire 2006 NHRA season. Building toward a run at the 2006 POWERade championship, Worsham will add TORCO Racing Fuels, Inc. to his Checker, Schuck's, Kragen family of partners, and will position TORCO as the key associate sponsor on his car.

Beginning with this weekend's race in Dallas, the TORCO Racing Fuels logo will be positioned on the rear quarter panels of Worsham's red CSK Funny Car, and will remain there for the full 2006 campaign. The addition of TORCO to the Worsham Racing program further integrates this marketing partnership, which began midway through the 2005 season when TORCO's Skull Gear apparel brand announced its sponsorship of Mike
Ashley's Funny Car, a program owned and operated by Worsham Racing.

"All of us at Worsham Racing are extremely pleased, and very honored, to welcome TORCO Racing Fuels to our Checker, Schuck's, Kragen program," Worsham said. "All of our dealings with Evan Knoll, the President of TORCO Racing Fuels, Inc., have been professional, supportive, and absolutely first class. With TORCO and Skull Gear's backing, we were able to get the Mike Ashley program up and running competitively almost immediately, and now we're thrilled to bring TORCO Racing Fuels, Inc. on board with our red CSK team.

"We consider ourselves legitimate contenders for the 2006 POWERade Funny Car championship, and we've worked hard to build our team into the sort of organization that is clearly part of the elite group at the top of the class. The addition of TORCO Racing Fuels as our major associate sponsor represents a huge step forward in that mission. We absolutely believe this takes us to another level."

Knoll, who has built a sizable presence for TORCO Racing Fuels, Inc. and Skull Gear throughout the drag racing world, joins a Worsham program which has consistently competed at a level very near the top of the Funny Car class, and is now poised to take its next big step.

"I've paid close attention to Del Worsham and his Checker, Schuck's, Kragen program for many years, and have always appreciated how they work tirelessly to compete well on the track," Knoll said. "I firmly believe they will be title contenders in 2006, but to us it's just as important that Del has also consistently proven that he is among the great personalities in the sport. Everything about the Worsham team is based on hard work, family values, and class. That's exactly the type of program we want to be associated with, and we're honored to be partners with Del, his team, and Checker, Schuck's, Kragen."

Del Worsham is a 21-time winner on the NHRA POWERade tour, including a dramatic win at this year's Mac Tools U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis, where he not only took home the Funny Car trophy but also "doubled up" by winning the $100,000 Skoal Showdown. Worsham also recently announced a new multi-year extension to his Checker, Schuck's, Kragen primary sponsorship, which will mark its 10th season in 2006. Worsham Racing fields three Nitro Funny Cars on the NHRA POWERade tour. The red and blue Checker, Schuck's, Kragen cars are driven by Worsham and his teammate Phil Burkart, while the Skull Gear car is driven by Mike Ashley.

 

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“Aussie Dave” Grubnic’s Top Fuel dragster gets StriVectin-SD® makeover for NHRA’s make-up race in Dallas

(10-4-2005) - When Top Fuel dragster pilot “Aussie Dave” Grubnic and the rest of the stars of the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series descend upon the smooth quarter-mile drag strip at the Texas Motorplex this weekend, Oct. 6-9, there will be new StriVectin-SD® “skin” covering Grubnic’s 330-mph machine as a major sponsorship partner at the O’Reilly NHRA Fall Nationals in Ennis, Tex., just south of downtown Dallas.

Grubnic drives for the Kalitta Motorsports NHRA-only full-time, three-car dragster team with teammates Doug and Scott Kalitta. StriVectin-SD® previously endorsed the magnesium body panels of a part-time fourth Kalitta Motorsports dragster driven by Ben Marshall at NHRA events this season in Las Vegas, Englishtown, N.J., and Sonoma, Calif.

“StriVectin was the talk of the track every time we ran the car,” said Gina Gay, spokesperson for Klein-Becker USA, maker of StriVectin-SD®. “People don't expect to see a high-end cosmetic brand on high-speed race car. StriVectin positively stands out. Customer response and the reaction of our retail partners to our sponsorship have been overwhelming, so we want to test the great NHRA market again at a different level.”

StriVectin-SD® will utilize its black and pink Top Fueler to cater to their retail partners and to help thank them for their support. On hand for the Dallas event will be retail partner representatives from Saks 5th Avenue, Bloomingdale's, Macy's, Foley's and Sephora. StriVectin-SD® was formulated to reduce the appearance of existing stretch marks, but it also helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and crow's feet. Now, the fastest-growing segment of the product's users is men who are using StriVectin-SD® as an off-label aftershave.

Native Australian Grubnic, 43, won the Budweiser Shootout last fall in Las Vegas. He made history May 29th in Topeka, Kans., by becoming the first non-North American to win an NHRA Top Fuel national event. The win in Topeka was Grubnic’s first in his 11-year career. The Ennis, Mont., resident is currently fourth in championship points.

Zantrex-3 will remain on Grubnic’s nitro-guzzling 7,000 horsepower race car as an associate sponsor.

 

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SCHUMACHER WINS AGAIN, EXTENDS LEAD IN POWERADE SERIES TOP FUEL POINTS RACE; Ron Capps wins in Funny Car, closes in on Gary Scelzi; In Pro Stock, Jason Line wins fourth event of season over first-time finalist Erica Enders

(10-2-2005). -- POWERade Series points leader Tony Schumacher backed up his national-record run in qualifying with a win Sunday at the Fifth annual Ameriquest Mortgage NHRA Nationals at Route 66 Raceway.

The other winners at the $1.5 million race, the 20th of 23 events in the $50 million POWERade Series, were Ron Capps (Funny Car) and Jason Line (Pro Stock). Line's win came against 21-year old Erica Enders, who became the first female to advance to an NHRA Pro Stock final round.

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NHRA Points after Chicago

(10-2-2005) -- Point standings (top 10) for NHRA professional categories following the Fifth annual Ameriquest Mortgage NHRA Nationals at Route 66 Raceway, the 20th of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series -

Top Fuel

1. Tony Schumacher, 1,630; 2. Larry Dixon, 1,425; 3. Doug Kalitta, 1,422; 4. David Grubnic, 1,232; 5. Morgan Lucas, 1,192; 6. Brandon Bernstein, 1,182; 7. Doug Herbert, 1,149; 8. Scott Kalitta, 1,007; 9. Cory McClenathan, 999; 10. Scott Weis, 686.

Funny Car

1. Gary Scelzi, 1,326; 2. John Force, 1,283; 3. Ron Capps, 1,281; 4. Robert Hight, 1,256; 5. Eric Medlen, 1,226; 6. Tommy Johnson Jr., 1,135; 7. Whit Bazemore, 1,075; 8. Tony Pedregon, 1,054; 9. Del Worsham, 1,032; 10. Cruz Pedregon, 931.

Pro Stock

1. Greg Anderson, 1,633; 2. Kurt Johnson, 1,451; 3. Warren Johnson, 1,372; 4. Jason Line, 1,369; 5. Dave Connolly, 1,199; 6. Greg Stanfield, 963; 7. Richie Stevens, 940; 8. Ron Krisher, 939; 9. Jeg Coughlin, 904; 10. Jim Yates, 900.

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Pro Modified racer Critchley uninjured in Carolina Dragway crash

(10-2-2005) - During a Quick Eight event in Jackson, SC., Troy Critchley crashed the AMS Staff Leasing 1941 Willys during the final qualifying session. Critchley was uninjured in the mishap, but the same could not be said for the Tommy Mauney-built machine which was missing major body panels.

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Mauney, Hernandez Lead AMS Team to 23-16 Win at DRAGSTOCK II

(10-2-2005) - There is no official MVP award given
out at FLOWMASTER American Drag Racing League team events, but if
such an honor did exist, it surely would have been shared by Tommy
Mauney and Joshua Hernandez at the conclusion of Sunday's ADRL
Fatheadz.com DRAGSTOCK II event at Carolina Raceway.

Mauney and Hernandez, both driving for the AMS All-Stars team, scored
six points apiece to lead the AMS team to a 23-16 win over the
FLOWMASTER Outlaws in Sunday's event, which featured the top
qualifiers from Saturday's individual competition squaring off on 11-
man teams. The win gave the AMS team (made up of drivers who
regularly participate on the AMS Staff Leasing Pro Mod Challenge
tour) a 2-1 lead over the Outlaws in the three ADRL team events
contested to date.

Although both scored six points, Mauney and Hernandez reached that
figure in different ways. Mauney went unbeaten in six head-to-head
races, winning three times apiece with both his Pro Extreme and Pro
Nitrous car; Hernandez won all three of his races in his Pro Extreme
'57 Chevy and also added three bonus points (low e.t. of the first
round, and low e.t. and top speed of the third round). The three-
round event featured 11 head-to-head races each round, plus two bonus
points per round, making a total of 39 points available.

Sunday's competition was close from the beginning, with neither team
gaining a lead of greater than four points through the first 31
pairs. Mauney then clinched the title for the AMS All-Stars in the
32nd race, winning on a Mike Neal red-light that gave the AMS team an
unbeatable 20-16 lead. Hernandez then followed with a three-point
run, beating John Lynam in the final race of the day and tacking on
both bonus points with his 3.963 at 182.60 mph numbers.

Joey Martin also finished unbeaten on the day, winning all three of
his races for the AMS team. For the FLOWMASTER Outlaws, John Lynam
finished with three points (including both bonus points from the
second round) and five drivers finished with two wins and one loss.

The ADRL's unique team concept began at last year's DRAGSTOCK event,
where the AMS team scored a 21-18 win. The Outlaws then got a large
measure of measure of revenge with a 31-8 win at the 2005 DRAGPALOOZA
event, clinching their victory before the third of the three rounds
had even begun.

ADRL Fatheadz.com DRAGSTOCK II team results
First round
1. Ron Stokes (F) def. Shannon Jenkins (A)
2. Rod Houck (F) def. Doug Palmer (A)
3. Tommy Mauney (A) def. Randy Weatherford (F)
4. Joey Martin (A) def. Charles Carpenter (F)
5. Todd Bauknecht (F) def. Frankie Taylor (A)
6. Michael Neal (F) def. Thomas Patterson (A)
7. Rodney Rosentiel (F) def. Chip King (A)
8. Herman Sheppard (F) def. Eddie Ware (A)
9. Joshua Hernandez (A) def. Mike Neal (F)
10. Mauney (A) def. Bil Clanton (F)
11. Quain Stott (A) def. John Lynam (F)
Bonus points: Hernandez (low e.t.); Stott (top speed)
Score: AMS All-Stars 7, FLOWMASTER Outlaws 6

Second round
1. Lynam (F) def. Terry Housley (A)
2. Carpenter (F) def. King (A)
3. Weatherford (F) def. Palmer (A)
4. Martin (A) def. Houck (F)
5. Mauney (A) def. Mikael Lindahl (F)
6. Rosentiel (F) def. Patterson (A)
7. Taylor (A) def. Sheppard (F)
8. Mauney (A) def. Michael Neal (F)
9. Ware (A) def. Stokes (F)
10. Bauknecht (F) def. Stott (A)
11. Hernandez (A) def. Mike Neal (F)
Bonus points: Lynam (both)
Score: tied, 13-13

Third round
1. Sheppard (F) def. Taylor (A)
2. Houck (F) def. King (A)
3. Stott (A) def. Clanton (F)
4. Carpenter (F) def. Housley (A)
5. Palmer (A) def. Bauknecht (F)
6. Mauney (A) def. Weatherford (F)
7. Patterson (A) def. Michael Neal (F)
8. Martin (A) def. Stokes (F)
9. Ware (A) def. Rosentiel (F)
10. Mauney (A) def. Mike Neal (F)
11. Hernandez (A) def. Lynam (F)
Bonus points: Hernandez (both)
Score: AMS All-Stars 23, FLOWMASTER Outlaws 16

Thompson's Win is a Gift

(10-2-2005) - Talk about giving your wife a great birthday present.

Visalia's Brad Thompson took home the honors in the Nostalgia Top Fuel class
that concluded the 14th Annual NHRA California Hot Rod Reunion, presented
by the Automobile Club of Southern California.
.
"It's my wife's birthday today, and I'm just happy she let me come down here
today to win that trophy," Thompson concluded.

Thompson, twice track champion at Auto Club Famoso Raceway, put his
experience to good use. He drove easily to the win as his opponent left the
starting line too early, causing a "red-light" foul. It was the first win in the
class for Thompson, after Denver Schutz left the line early.

"I spotted the red light out of the corner of my eye and swatted the
throttle," said Thompson. "I knew we didn't have to drive it hard."

The Reunion is produced by and benefits the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports
Museum, which keeps the roots of American motor sports alive.

Thompson's most likely challenger and National Hot Rod Reunion Champion
Sean Bellemeur, went out in today's second round of elimination, leaving just
0.009 seconds too early, according to the timing computer.

"I've got the Auto Club flag painted on the side," Thompson said. "And this is
the first anniversary of my licensing pass right here. [Parks Museum Board
Member] Steve Gibbs gave me a chance to get my license last year."

Thompson won track championships twice at Auto Club Famoso Raceway's
weekly drag racing series, but drives a "door slammer" in that series. "It's
amazing to do it at my home track," Thompson continued. He thanked his
crew include Henry Cherist and Steve Feria for their help, as well as sponsor
LG Bless Concrete.

In other action, Bobby Shahan crashed his '68 Dodge Dart against the wall,
but he was not injured. The car, called the "Drag-on Lady," was damaged,
but can be repaired. Shahan's mother, Shirley, was honored at the Reunion
for her place as the first female to win an NHRA elimination race.

Mike Austin won in A Fuel. Austin red-lighted, but got the victory when his
opponent, Kin Bates, drifted across the center line.

Other winners included Sean Renteria in AA/Gas, Bud Hammer in Junior Fuel B,
John Haire in Junior Fuel, Mark Mahood in A Gas, and Rich Raymond in
Nostalgia Eliminator.

Crowds much larger than in previous years enjoy a cooler day at the track.

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a d v e r t i s e m e n t

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SCHUMACHER LEADS THE WAY IN TOP FUEL QUALIFYING AT AMERIQUEST MORTGAGE NHRA NATIONALS
Cruz Pedregon sets pace in Funny Car, Greg Anderson sets track record in Pro Stock

(10-1-2005) - POWERade Series points leader Tony Schumacher set a conditional national record with a 4.437-second pass en route to claiming the No. 1 qualifying position in Top Fuel at the Fifth annual Ameriquest Mortgage NHRA Nationals at Route 66 Raceway.

The other top qualifiers at the $1.5 million race, the 20th of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Series, were Cruz Pedregon (Funny Car) and Greg Anderson (Pro Stock).

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She's a bit lean today

(10-1-2005) - Things got a little warm for Dale Creasy, Jr., during Saturday Joliet qualifying. (Motel 6 Vision).

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DENSHAM IS NOT HURT IN BRUSH WITH WALL

(10-1-2005) – Gary Densham took a nasty turn into the
wall Saturday at the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing series event at Route 66
Raceway.

Densham was making the third qualifying pass of the weekend when his
Racebricks Chevy Monte Carlo suffered a mechanical problem that drove
the car into the retaining wall. Densham started in the right lane, but
slammed into the wall in the left lane, barely missing Mike Ashley's
Funny Car entry.

"Something in the steering obviously broke," Densham said."The car
just went left and there was nothing I could do to turn back. I tried,
but nothing worked.

"Thank God the car in the other lane was out of the way by the time I
had the problem."

Densham was not injured in the incident.

"Are you kidding, my wife has slapped me harder than that," Densham
joked.

"It was a pretty good hit, but I feel worse for the team. We are going
to have to work real hard to make the fourth session. That was the new
car body and everyone put a lot of effort into making sure it was ready
to race."

Densham is currently 16th in the qualifying order for the Ameriquest
NHRA Nationals. Densham ran a 4.842-second time at 319.98 mph on
Friday. He has one more session before the final 16-car elimination
field is set.

"We still have a little time to get this Racebricks car back in order
and ready for the fourth round," Densham said. "We have to get out the
back up car body and the backup chassis and get to work." (Motel6 Vision)

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