It might be somewhat belated, but the Flowmaster American Drag Racing League’s third full season will kick off on Friday at Houston Motorsports Park when drivers in three professional categories bring their machines to the line for the RacingJunk.com Dragpalooza III event.

EVENT PHOTO GALLERY  

EVENT RECAP

 

ADRL's Dragpalooza III Finishes with Three First-Time Winners

The Flowmaster American Drag Racing League's 2007 season-opener at Houston Motorsports Park finished Saturday night with three first-time ADRL event winners. Reaching the RacingJunk.com Dragpalooza III winner's circle were Mike Bell in Pro Extreme; Charles Carpenter in Pro Nitrous; and Rodney Rosenstiel, who became the first event winner in Extreme 10.5, which made its competitive ADRL debut at Dragpalooza III.

Bell entered Saturday's eliminations well down on the final qualifying sheet, but he found something extra in eliminations, beating three of the top four qualifiers on the way to his debut event win. Starting from the No. 9 spot after a 3.956 best left him just short of gaining lane choice, Bell reeled off wins over Mike Neal (3.93 to 4.21), No. 1 qualifier Todd Tutterow (with a 4.73 in a race where both drivers struggled), Joshua Hernandez (a spectacular 3.93 to 3.92 holeshot), and, in the final, a red-lighting John Lynam.

The Lynam race, while finishing in an unexpected manner, turned out to be Bell's easiest run of the day. One round earlier, he put on a show against Hernandez, getting off the line with a two-hundredths advantage and making it pay off with a narrow .008-second margin at the top end. The 3.92 and 3.93 posted by the two drivers represented the quickest side-by-side pass in ADRL history.

Bell's previous best finish in ADRL competition was a pair of first-round losses in the final two events of last season. For Lynam, a mysterious trend of final-round setbacks continued: his red-light start gave him his sixth consecutive loss in an ADRL final.

 Like Bell, Carpenter also won from the No. 9 spot. Following a 4.08 best in qualifying, Carpenter drove his crowd-pleasing '55 Chevy to wins over Dennis Radford (4.08 to 4.14), Jamie Hancock - who, one round earlier, had stunned No. 1 qualifier and defending event winner Mike Castellana - Johnny Pilcher (4.12 to 4.19), and Thomas Myers, who was unable to stage in the final round after developing mechanical problems. Before his disappointing final-round result, Myers had scored a semifinal win over No. 2 qualifier Shannon Jenkins, who was one of only two Pro Nitrous drivers to dip into the 3-second zone during the event. Carpenter's previous best ADRL result was a semifinals loss in the first Valdosta event in 2005. He reached eliminations at three events last season.

In the points-earning debut for the Extreme 10.5 class, Rosenstiel put together three consistent eliminations runs to grab a slice of ADRL history. Running out of the No. 3 spot on the eight-car ladder, Rosentiel beat Chad Wilson, Mary Baltzell, and Marcus Birt with a sequence of 4.47, 4.37, and 4.37. Earlier in the competition, Baltzell became the first female to win a round at an ADRL  national event when she outran Larry Webb in the first round.

No. 1 qualifier Steve Kirk Jr., the winner of the Extreme 10.5 exhibition last fall at DRAGSTOCK III, was upset in the first round on a holeshot by Bill Jewett, 4.53 to 4.33, in a race where both drivers scrambled after getting off the line late.

A total of 61 drivers attempted to qualify for their respective Dragpalooza III fields - including 32 in Pro Extreme - and each was able to take advantage of the ADRL's new points-scoring scheme. Every driver who attempts at least one qualifying run at an event is awarded 25 points, with the eventual qualifiers also scoring points on a
descending scale (16 points for No. 1, 15 for No. 2, etc.). Drivers with perfect attendance at all eight ADRL national events in 2007 will be awarded 50 bonus points.

Dragpalooza
winners, 2005-07

2007
PE: Mike Bell
PN: Charles Carpenter
XTF: Rodney Rosenstiel

2006
PE: Joey Martin
PN: Mike Castellana

2005
PE: Bil Clanton
PN: Shannon Jenkins

 

 

 

FINALS

 

ADRL Flowmaster Dragpalooza III – Houston, TX
Pro Extreme Finals

 

 

Mike Bell – 4.33 et – 136.99 mph**(Winner)**
John Lynam – 6.82 et – 69.31 mph

Mike Bell puts both bulbs on, Lynam nearly gets timed out, then goes red…. Bell looked like he hurt the motor on the top end, but takes his first ADRL Pro Extreme win!!!!

 

ADRL Flowmaster Dragpalooza III – Houston, TX
Pro Nitrous Finals

Charles Carpenter – 6.35 et – 72.13 mph **(Winner)**
Tom Myers – broke

Myers has problems after the burnout & cannot take the tree… Carpenter goes out & shakes, but takes the ADRL Pro Nitrous win!!!!!

 

ADRL Flowmaster Dragpalooza III – Houston, TX
Extreme 10.5 Finals

 

Marcus Birt – 4.53 et – 165.08 mph
Rodney Rosensteil – 4.37 et – 168.87 mph**(Winner)**

Rodney got the Opel settled down & dominated the last 2 rounds to take the first ever Extreme 10.5 win!!!!!

 

SEMI-FINALS

 

ADRL Flowmaster Dragpalooza III – Houston, TX
Pro Extreme Semi-Finals

Mike Bell – 3.938 et – 176.06 mph**(Winner)**
Josh Hernandez – 3.926 et – 191.82 mph

With I believe the fastest race in ADRL history, Mike Bell goes to the final on a .096 to .116 holeshot!!!

John Lynam – 6.52 et – 65.66 mph**(Winner)**
single

Lynam gets the competition bye & rattles the tires….

 

ADRL Flowmaster Dragpalooza III – Houston, TX
Pro Nitrous Semi-Finals

Charles Carpenter – 4.12 et – 178.71 mph **(Winner)**
Johnny Pilcher – 4.19 et – 176.82 mph

Johnny took a bite at the line, .072 to .107, but the Legend is going to the Final Round!!!!

Shannon Jenkins – 6.08 et – 76.84 mph
Tom Myers – 4.08 et – 172.22 mph **(Winner)**

Jenkins shakes & has to lift while “Slick” takes a trip to the finals… We will have a first time ADRL winner…

 

ADRL Flowmaster Dragpalooza III – Houston, TX
Extreme 10.5 Semi-Finals

Bill Jewett – 4.50 et – 159.46 mph
Marcus Birt – 4.47 et – 158.23**(Winner)**

Jewett goes red, but makes a competitive pass, however Birt goes to the final…

Mary Baltzell – 4.48 et – 160.26 mph
Rodney Rosensteil – 4.37 et – 166.60 mph**(Winner)**

After a pretty long burndown, Rodney finally rolls in first… They leave together & Rodney goes in the 30’s & to the final!!!!

 

SECOND ROUND

 

 

 

FIRST ROUND

 

ADRL Flowmaster Dragpalooza III – Houston, TX
Pro Extreme Round #1 Eliminations

Todd Tutterow – 3.96 et – 187.19 mph**(Winner)**
Herman Sheppard – 4.80 et – 102.76 mph

Unbelievable save by Herman Sheppard!!!! On 2 wheels, nearly taking out Tutterow, I could see the undercarriage!!!! Meanwhile Tutterow makes another good run…

Mike Neal – 4.21 et – 138.93 mph
Mike Bell – 3.93 et – 181.67 mph**(Winner)**

Mike Neal loses a blower belt while Bell makes a great run!!!

Josh Hernandez – 3.875 et – 193.47 mph**(Winner)**
Michael Neal – 4.000 et – 178.93 mph

Michael has the Lumina runnin good, but Josh just crushed ‘em!!! Another new track record… That car was haulin!!!! .974 60’ & 2.58 to the 330’…

Bobby Booth – 3.95 et – 181.97 mph**(Winner)**
Joe Baker – 5.52 et – 88.60 mph

Wow… Booth had a .260 light to Bakers .054, but Baker had problems & Booth made a killer run!!! He got lucky as well after that light!!!

Jason Scruggs – 3.90 et – 191.25 mph**(Winner)**
Brian Daniels – 4.14 et – 159.80 mph

Scruggs was all over the wall, scrubbed off a bunch of et & still went .90!!!

Troy Critchley – 4.00 et – 178.64 mph
Bubba Stanton – 3.93 et – 178.64 mph**(Winner)**

Bubba had the laundry out a little early & still went .93!!!

John Lynam – 3.90 et – 183.82 mph**(Winner)**
Brandon Pesz – 4.26 et – 140.58 mph

Lynam is carrying the front end like mad!!!!

Bil Clanton – 4.78 et – 106.51 mph
Steve Engel – 3.99 et – 176.40 mph**(Winner)**

 

ADRL Flowmaster Dragpalooza III – Houston, TX
Pro Nitrous Round #1 Eliminations

Mike Castellana – 4.07 et – 183.76 mph
Jamie Hancock – 4.78 et – 114.07 mph **(Winner)**

Castellana goes .008 red & give Hancock the win!!!

Dennis Radford – 4.14 et – 185.41 mph
Charles Carpenter – 4.08 et – 180.72 mph **(Winner)**

Radford had the holeshot .097 to .132 but Carpenter drives around him!!!!!

 

Doug Reisterer – 3.99 et – 178.86 mph **(Winner)**
Billy Harper – 4.07 et – 185.34 mph

Doug Reisterer with a 3 second run on a wounded motor!!!!!!.

Johnny Pilcher – 4.11 et – 180.85 mph **(Winner)**
Rod Houck – broke

Houck breaks after the burnout way down track & leave a mess on the racetrack… Johnny is shut off for a few minutes… Fired back up, Johnny drives through some shake to a decent run…

Shannon Jenkins – 4.18 et – 149.06 mph **(Winner)**
Harold Martin – 5.61 et – 91.62 mph

Martin has problems, and looks like Shannon clicked it a little early…

Keith Baker – 4.138 et – 178.36 mph **(Winner)**
Randy Weatherford – 4.131 et – 165.99 mph

What a race!!!!! Baker cuts a .047 light & gets the holeshot win!!!!

Rickie Smith – 4.48 et – 168.04 mph
Terry Housley – 4.09 et – 126.87 mph **(Winner)**

Rickie has to lift & Housley takes the win, but it looked like more damage on the top end..

Burton Auxier – 4.11 et – 173.88 mph
Tom Myers – 4.07 et – 177.17 mph **(Winner)**

Myers with a great run to take the win, then Burton slides the car sideways in the shutdown because he had no chutes!!! What a job & Burton is ok…

 

 

FINAL ELIMINATIONS PAIRINGS

 

Pro Extreme First Round Matchups

Todd Tutterow vs Herman Sheppard

Mike Neal vs Mike Bell

Josh Hernandez vs Michael Neal

Bobby Booth vs Joe Baker

Jason Scruggs vs Brian Daniels

Troy Critchley vs Bubba Stanton

John Lynam vs Brandon Pesz

Bil Clanton vs Steve Engel

 

Pro Nitrous First Round Matchups

Mike Castellana vs. Jamie Hancock

Dennis Radford vs Charles Carpenter

Doug Reisterer vs. Billy Harper

Jonny Pilcher vs Rod Houck

Shannon Jenkins vs Harold Martin

Keith Baker vs. Randy Weatherford

Rickie Smith vs. Terry Housley

Burton Auxier vs. Tom Myers

 

Extreme 10.5 First Round Matchups

Steve Kirk vs Bill Jewett

Michelle Wilson vs Marcus Birt

Mary Baltzell vs Larry Webb

Rodney Rosensteil vs Chad Wilson

 

SATURDAY QUALIFYING

 

 

Flowmaster ADRL Dragpalooza II – Houston, TX

Pro Extreme Qualifying Notes - Round 2

 

Extreme 10.5 Round 2 Qualifying Order

1. Steve Kirk – 4.325 et – 167.29 mph
2. Mary Baltzell – 4.385 et – 164.96 mph
3. Rodney Rosensteil - 4.463 et - 168.48 mph
4. Michelle Wilson – 4.551 et – 155.76 mph
5. Marcus Birt – 4.813 et – 148.27 mph
6. Chad Wilson – 4.850 et – 149.30 mph
6. Bill Jewett - 5.545 et - 98.12 mph

 

Flowmaster ADRL Dragpalooza II – Houston, TX
Extreme 10.5 Qualifying Notes - Round 2


Left Lane: Marcus Birt – 5.28 et – 158.56 mph
Right Lane: Rodney Rosensteil - 4.46 et – 168.48 mph

Rodney was carrying the tires all the way down again!!!…

Left Lane: Larry Webb – broke
Right Lane:

Webb has problems again…

Left Lane: Chad Wilson – 8.92 et – 68.86 mph
Right Lane: Bill Jewett – 5.54 et – 98.12

Wilson blows the tires off while Jewett in the old Von Smith mustang loses a collector…

 

---

 

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

Click to visit our sponsor's website

---

 

FRIDAY QUALIFYING

 

 

 

Todd Tutterow and Doug Riesterer fired the first shots of the 2007 Flowmaster American Drag Racing League season Friday night, finishing on top of their respective classes after one round of qualifying at the RacingJunk.com Dragpalooza III event.

Tutterow threw down an early gauntlet to the rest of the Pro Extreme class with a spectacular 3.89-second pass to easily grab the top spot. Entering Saturday's final two rounds of qualifying, he is three-hundredths in front of Bobby Booth, who led a group of four other drivers to reach the 3-second zone. Included in that group is No. 5 Steve Engel, who posted the top speed of the session at 187.97 mph.

A large field of 33 cars was on hand to take a shot at the first Pro Extreme qualifier of the season. A number of the class' top drivers will be looking to improve their standing in Saturday's sessions, including Tommy Mauney, Michael Neal, John Lynam, and Frankie Taylor.

Riesterer got in the first body-blow of the 2007 Pro Nitrous wars, posting a 4.04 to lead qualifying after one round. Johnny Pilcher was in at a solid No. 2 with a 4.05 best, followed by Rickie Smith, Burton Auxier, and Keith Baker, who all recorded 4.06s. Baker, the 2006 ADRL world champion, had the top speed of the session at 181.89 mph.

The Extreme 10.5 class made its official ADRL debut Friday night at Houston Motorsports Park, with Steve Kirk Jr. running a 4.32 to move into the top qualifying spot. The class competed at last year's DRAGSTOCK III event on an exhibition basis.

All three of the ADRL's pro classes will have two more chances to qualify Saturday before the 16-car eliminations competitions begin at 4 p.m. local time.

Pro Extreme qualifying
(through 1 of 3 rounds)
1. Todd Tutterow, 3.897, 184.80
2. Bobby Booth, 3.929, 184.43
3. Bil Clanton, 3.943, 162.85
4. Troy Critchley, 3.979, 183.37
5. Steve Engel, 3.985, 187.97
6. Brian Daniels, 4.034, 179.00
7. Kelly Martin, 4.037, 179.07
8. Josh Hernandez, 4.055, 184.80
9. Herman Sheppard, 4.248, 162.57
10. Hugh Scott, 4.252, 158.23
11. Bubba Stanton, 4.258, 131.69
12. Jason Scruggs, 4.260, 152.49
13. Jeff Balton, 4.351, 155.82
14. Dwayne Watkins, 4.476, 105.98
15. Mike Neal, 4.594, 121.16
16. Joe Baker, 5.039, 95.66
(not qualified)
17. Tommy Mauney, 5.349, 87.21
18. Mike Bell, 5.442, 86.11
19. Tom Ashley, 5.976, 74.99
20. Wes Johnston, 7.554, 68.94
21. Travis Swearingen, 8.426, 63.41
22. Gaylen Smith, 8.785, 51.45
23. Steve Wiley, 8.903, 45.67
24. Jerry Hicks, 11.112 61.03
25. Michael Neal, NTR, 120.81
26. Bill Kuhlmann, NTR
27. Brandon Pesz, NTR
28. John Lynam, NTR
29. Bennie McDonald, NTR
30. Dan Bandish, NTR
31. Frankie Taylor, NTR
32. Chris Smith, NTR
33. Don Wooton, NTR

Flowmaster ADRL Dragpalooza II – Houston, TX
Pro Extreme Qualifying Notes - Round 1

Left Lane: Kelly Martin – 4.03 et – 179.07. mph
Right Lane: Dwayne Watkins - 4.47 et – 105.98 mph

Dwayne Watkins has another awesome 60’ - .961, then again got loose at half track, Martin with a nice run…

Left Lane: Steve Engel – 3.98 et – 187.97 mph
Right Lane: Tom Ashley – 5.97 et – 74.99 mph

Tom Ashlet gets crossed up at half track…Engel makes a great pass then gets way crossed up after the finish line, but the chutes straighten him out…

Left Lane: Josh Hernandez – 4.05 et – 184.80 mph
Right Lane: Frankie Taylor – no time

Frankie takes out the 330 cones…

Left Lane: Joe Baker–5.03 et – 95.56 mph
Right Lane: Troy Critchley – 3.978 et – 183.37 mph

Baker nearly gets in the wall while Troy goes to #1 with a great pass…

Left Lane: Bubba Stanton – 4.25 et – 131.69 mph
Right Lane:

Man, Bubba had a .973 60’ and was carrying the tires BIG TIME, then looks like he lost a motor…

Left Lane: Gaylen Smith– 8.78 et – 51.45 mph
Right Lane: Mike Bell – 5.44 et – 86.11 mph

Both cars have lots of shake…

Left Lane: Travis Swearingen – 8.46 et – 63.41 mph
Right Lane: Brian Daniels – 4.03 et – 179.00 mph

Travis has a ton of shake & Daniels makes a good run…

Left Lane: Micheal Neal– 4.57 et – 120.81 mph
Right Lane: Bennie McDonald – no time

Bennie has problems & doesn’t get a run, then Michael Neal takes out the 330 cones…

Left Lane: Jeff Balton – 4.35 et – 155.82 mph
Right Lane: Mike Neal – 4.59 et – 121.16 mph

Mike Neal pedals 2 or 3 times & is all over the lane..

Left Lane: Hugh Scott – 4.25 et – 158.23 mph
Right Lane: Jason Scruggs – 4.25 et – 152.49 mph

Scruggs has to pedal it .. Hugh with a good pass in the old Willys…

Left Lane: Bill Kuhlmann – no time
Right Lane: Brandon Pesz – 5.431 et – 92.71 mph

Kuhlmann with a big crash… He made a hard right, nearly hitting Pesz, back left hard into the wall, back across, hitting the right wall, then coming to a stop… That was ugly…

Left Lane: Bil Clanton – 3.94 et – 182.85 mph
Right Lane: John Lynam – 5.06 et – 97.44 mph

WOW!!! Lynam crosses the centerline right at Clanton, Bil, just eases over a bit & goes to #1!!! What a job by Clanton!!!

Left Lane: Tommy Mauney – 5.34 et – 87.21 mph
Right Lane:

Mauney with a .990 60’, then major tire shake..

Left Lane: Todd Tutterow – 3.897 et – 184.80 mph
Right Lane:

Tutterow goes to the #1 spot with a great run!!!

Left Lane: Steve Wiley – 8.90 et – 45.67 mph
Right Lane: Herman Sheppard – 4.24 et – 162.57 mph

Wiley with a wild wheelstand...

Left Lane: Bobby Booth – 3.92 et – 184.43 mph
Right Lane: Wes Johnston – 7.55 et – 68.94 mph

Johnston with a big bang off the line, meanwhile Booth was rocking to a .92… great run!!

Left Lane: Jerry Hicks – 11.11 et – 61.03 mph
Right Lane:

Huge shake for Hicks..

Pro Nitrous Round 1 Qualifying Order

1. Doug Reisterer – 4.041 et – 179.00 mph
2. Johnny Pilcher – 4.056 et – 181.52 mph
3. Rickie Smith – 4.065 et – 180.43 mph
4. Burton Auxier – 4.066 et – 173.88 mph
5. Keith Baker – 4.068 et – 181.89 mph
6. Randy Weatherford – 4.096 et – 178.22 mph
7. Mike Castellana – 4.110 et – 167.47 mph
8. Tom Myers – 4.118 et – 171.97 mph
9. Terry Housley – 4.138 et – 173.95 mph
10. Rod Houck – 4.142 et – 177.10 mph
11. Jamie Hancock – 4.145et – 173.48 mph
12. Charles Carpenter– 4.574 et – 118.05 mph
13. Harold Martin – 4.961 et – 117.83 mph
14. Billy Harper – 5.483 et – 84.10 mph
15. Shannon Jenkins – 6.027 et – 89.70 mph
16. Terry Murphy – 6.324 et – 73.71 mph

17. Steve Vick – 7.242 et – 72.62 mph 

 

 

Flowmaster ADRL Dragpalooza II – Houston, TX
Extreme 10.5 Qualifying Notes - Round 1


Left Lane: Michelle Wilson – 4.55 et – 155.73 mph
Right Lane: Chad Wilson - 4.85 et – 149.30 mph

Nice pass by Michelle Wilson… Chad is in the sweet Dave Wood ’57 Chevy…

Left Lane: Rodney Rosensteil – broke
Right Lane: Marcus Birt – 4.81 et – 148.27 mph

Rodney had problems after the burnout... Birt uses all the lane…

Left Lane: Mary Baltzell – 4.385 et – 164.96 mph
Right Lane: Larry Webb – broke

Baltzell with an awesome pass!!!! Webb had a bang at the hit of the throttle…

Left Lane: Steve Kirk – 4.320 et – 167.29 mph
Right Lane:

And Kirk just crushes ‘em…. That car goes straight as an arrow…

 

---

 

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

Click to visit our sponsor's website

---

 

 

 

PREVIEW NOTEBOOK -

IM READY, MATE - Troy Critchley will bring "The Other Jack Hammer," a '93 Corvette Outlaw Pro Modified fielded by AMS-Rage Racing, this weekend to Houston.

"The first run of the season is always the most exciting," Critchley said.  "Myself, I could just do a burnout and pull of to the side and be happy then," he laughed.  

Ending the 2006 season with great performances in the eighth-mile and an event win in quarter-mile competition, Critchley said the winter was full of fine-tuning and strategic modifications to his car under the direction of his crew chief, Howard Moon. 

"Off season we didn't go too crazy. The biggest changes are that we've got a Hemi in the Corvette along with Howard's tune up," he said. "In testing we ran a 3.95/186 in the eighth, and there looks to be a lot more we can get out of it, so it will be a really fast season." 

According to Moon, the goal for Critchley's car is start the season right where they left off: running consistent and quick. 

Moon said, "I want to come out running fast this year, and not have to look back. We've got the cars and the drivers to do it - now we get to see it all work out."
 
Critchley added, "Any day at the race track is a great day, and running fast is even better."

WAKE UP, FELLA - Charles "Cornbread" Carpenter has had trademark "World's Fastest '55 Chevy" safely tucked away in hibernation for several month. After hitting the snooze button with the postponed season opener in Montgomery, he's ready to blast out of the gate in Houston.

 

 

THAT FIVE (eh..THREE) SECOND GUY - Josh Hernandez raced his way to the Pro Extreme finals where he lost to Joey Martin in 2006. 

"We just need to win one more round this year to make it a perfect event,” Hernandez said. “I feel really confident that this season is going to be better than ever. We've got a handle on the car we debuted last year and the team is making really good progress.
 
"In pre-season testing, we made a few changes to our car and the blower system, and if things remain consistent, we will be running 3.80's and low '90's. Howard [Moon, crew chief] has such a great grasp on the way these cars run, and he really seems to have fun when we're running the eighth-mile." he said.
 
Moon said, "Running the eighth is great because it's even quicker than the quarter, you still get a great show of acceleration, and, you don't hurt as many parts.
 
"I'm really amped up and ready to go," Moon said.
 
Hernandez added, "Hopefully we're going to put a really good package together and win some more races and a championship. No matter what, it will definitely be a lot of fun. I always love running in Houston, because it's home for me, and I'll have a lot of friends as well as my family there at the race.”

FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE RACE - For Team AMS-Rage clutch and chassis master Chad Wilson, racing at ADRL events won't be the same. He will be racing.

Wilson will take his turn behind the wheel of a team car this weekend, piloting their latest racing entry: a '57 Chevy Bellaire configured to compete this weekend in the ADRL's Extreme 10.5 class at the RacingJunk.com Dragpalooza III in Houston, Texas. 

"I've actually got my own nitrous-car, so this won't be completely new for me, but I'm really excited," Wilson said. "We made several passes in testing, and I think we've got it set up so it will be competitive. After just five passes, we ran a 4.76, and we were still way off on the clutch, so it definitely has tons of potential," he said. 
Crew chief Howard Moon agrees.
 
"That's one mean hot rod," Moon said.  
 
"We took Dave Wood's [owner of AMS Staff Leasing and team sponsor] old nitro coupe, made some changes, and hopped it up to run the 10.5's, and it really should be a lot of fun," he said.
 
Wilson said he's anxious to see what they can do with the car.
 
"It's all new, so we're just working things out - but all of us are really excited to see what we can do," Wilson said.

---

 

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

Click to visit our sponsor's website

---

 

THIRD YEAR IS THE CHARM FOR FLOWMASTER ADRL

It might be somewhat belated, but the Flowmaster American Drag Racing League’s third full season will kick off on Friday at Houston Motorsports Park when drivers in three professional categories bring their machines to the line for the RacingJunk.com Dragpalooza III event.

The Houston event unexpectedly became the ADRL’s 2007 season-opener when the SpeedTech Winter Drags were postponed in their entirety by poor weather conditions last month. It was the third straight year that the ADRL’s scheduled first event of the season was at least partially affected by weather. The Winter Drags will be made up next month in Montgomery, Ala. Dragpalooza III begins Friday with open testing from 1 to 7 p.m. local time, followed by the first round of pro-class qualifying at 8 p.m. On Saturday, two more rounds of qualifying (noon and 2 p.m.) will set the 16-car fields for eliminations, which begin at 4 p.m.

The Houston event will introduce a number of debuts and other off-season changes for the ADRL:

* The Extreme 10.5 class will make its debut as a full pointsearning
class. The class competed once last season on an exhibition
basis.

* A modified points system is in place, with drivers earning fewer
points for setting ADRL records (50, down from 100), but earning
more points for attending ADRL events. Drivers making at least one
qualifying attempt will earn 25 points, with an end-of-season bonus
of 50 points available for drivers who attend all eight ADRL national
events.

* Dragpalooza is the first stop on an expanded schedule for 2007.
Included in the eight-event circuit are stops at Norwalk, Ohio, and
Radford, Va., both new markets for the ADRL.

Also, in a category that is of great concern to the drivers in all three pro classes, the Battle for the Belts points slate is totally clean heading into Friday’s action, as the weather-related delays at both the 2006 ADRL World Finals and the 2007 Winter Drags prevented any points from being scored at those events. The Belts competition also picked up a major sponsor earlier this week when Canadian financial services company AlphaTrade.com agreed to become the title-rights sponsor for a number of ADRL programs.

The event’s defending champions are Joey Martin (Pro Extreme) and Mike Castellana (Pro Nitrous). Castellana went wire-to-wire at last year’s event, recording six straight 4.0-second runs to qualify No. 1 and cruise through the four rounds of eliminations.

---

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

Click to visit our sponsor's website

 

---

 

PRO EXTREME RAISES QUESTIONS

A number of Pro Extreme drivers are facing some interesting questions as the Flowmaster American Drag Racing League season gets under way Friday and Saturday at Houston Motorsports Park. Among those looking for answers are:

* Bubba Stanton, the 2006 ADRL Battle for the Belts world champion, who will be wondering if he can put together the kind of season that will allow for the chance of a repeat performance. That's easier said than done, though, as only the top eight drivers in the final points standings will qualify to run in the Belts eliminator.

* John Lynam, the 2005 series champion, who must be wondering when he'll win another Pro Extreme final round. After winning once in 2004 and 2005, Lynam has lost in each of his last five final-round appearances.

* Jason Scruggs, who will be hoping to combine his otherworldly numbers from last season with a more consistent performance in eliminations. Despite holding both ends of the ADRL Pro Extreme record and leading the Battle for the Belts points competition last season, Scruggs has yet to race in an ADRL final.

* Drivers such as Joshua Hernandez, Brian Daniels, and Troy Critchley, who ran well in the second half of the season. Each will be hoping that some sort of momentum can be carried over into the 2007 season.

There are a handful of other mysteries, too, as the Pro Extreme class prepares to begin racing for real on Friday night. Will Quain Stott - who, at one point, had won three ADRL events in a six-race span - decide to compete full-time on the eighth-mile circuit? Not to mention: will there be a breakout star this year who can duplicate Stanton's zero-to-hero feat in 2006?

Following is a look back at the 2006 Pro Extreme season, along with a look at some of the drivers expected to challenge for the 2007 ADRL championship:

Battle for the Belts recap: Stanton was the most consistent driver on championship day and he has rewarded with his first ADRL world championship. After qualifying for the competition as an alternate and starting from the No. 8 spot, he beat Scruggs, Lynam, and Hernandez with a sequence of 3.89, 3.92, and 3.91. The other qualifiers for the eight-man Belts field were Bil Clanton, Joey Martin, Mike Neal, and Critchley.

Pro Extreme records: Scruggs set both ends of the ADRL record at lastyear's DRAGSTOCK III event, posting marks of 3.813 and 198.44 mph and setting the stage for an ADRL driver to post a possible 3.7-second or200-mph run in 2007.

Pro Extreme career leaders: Clanton and Stott have the most event wins (three apiece), Lynam has been to the most finals (seven) and has the most round-wins (22, including one from the rain-delayed World Finals). Lynam and Neal are the PE qualifying leaders, having each reached eliminations in 13 of the 14 events held to date.

Defending event winners: Dragpalooza (Martin); Winter Drags (Neal);Georgia Drags (Clanton); Summer Drags (Daniels); Dragstock (Martin);

World Finals (postponed until April). This year's Independence Drags and Chevy Drags are inaugural editions.World Finals competitors: Seven drivers remain in the Pro Extreme eliminations from the rain-delayed GetWorkComp.com World Finals last October. The World Finals eliminations will be completed at the SpeedTech Winter Drags, April 13-15 in Montgomery, Ala. The remaining drivers are: Stanton, Lynam, Hernandez, Martin, Brandon Pesz, Dwayne Watkins, and Bobby Booth.

2006 Battle for the Belts final points standings

1. Keith Baker 1,558
2. Terry Housley 1,437
3. Burton Auxier 1,362
4. Johnny Pilcher 1,258
5. Rex Kelley 851
6. James Hancock 843
7. Shannon Jenkins 841
8. Todd Tutterow 836

2005 Battle for the Belts final points standings
1. John Lynam 1,737
2. Bil Clanton 1,227
3. Mike Neal 926
4. Michael Neal 713
5. Quain Stott 406
6. Herman Sheppard 406
7. Joshua Hernandez 405
8. Todd Bauknecht 310

 

---

 

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

Click to visit our sponsor's website

---

PRO NITROUS TO PROVIDE REAL RACING TREAT 

If last season is any indication, getting to the top of the Flowmaster American Drag Racing League’s Pro Nitrous ranks in 2007 will not be a matter of dominance so much as one of survival.

The ADRL’s Pro Nitrous class was arguably the most wideopen category in all of drag racing last season, with 12 different drivers reaching the 12 finalists’ spots in the season’s first six events (the ADRL’s seventh and final event was rain-shortened and will be completed later this year). Also, despite an increase to a 16-car qualified field at every event in 2006, only three Pro Nitrous drivers — James Hancock III, Johnny Pilcher, and Keith Baker — managed to qualify for all seven events. It was Baker who eventually emerged from a crowded field to have his best day of the season at the right time, winning three rounds at the season-ending Battle for the Belts competition to claim the 2006 ADRL world title.

Those three drivers, along with many of the class’ other hitters, will start all over again and find out where they stand when the ADRL opens its 2007 season this weekend at the RacingJunk.com Dragpalooza III event at Houston Motorsports Park. That event, the first of eight on the 2007 ADRL schedule, will also be the first indication of whether the wide-open nature of the 2006 season will continue, or if a dominant driver can emerge from the pack, as Shannon Jenkins did in 2005.

Following is a look back at the 2006 Pro Nitrous season, along with a look at some of the drivers expected to challenge for the 2007 ADRL championship:

Battle for the Belts recap: Baker easily outran Harold Martin, Jenkins, and Burton Auxier to claim his first ADRL championship, putting together a string of 4.10, 4.11, and 4.12 e.t.s. The other qualifiers for the eight-man Belts field were Pilcher, Hancock, Rex Kelley, and Terry Housley.

Pro Nitrous records: Jenkins ran a 3.992 in the 2006 seasonopener at Valdosta to set the class’ e.t. record (it was also the first 3-second pass by a nitrous-oxide-added car in sanctioned competition); Rickie Smith had a 189.26-mph run at DRAGSTOCK III to claim the speed record.

Pro Nitrous career leaders: Jenkins leads in event wins (four),If last season is any indication, getting to the top of the Flowmaster American Drag Racing
League’s Pro Nitrous ranks in 2007 will not be a matter of dominance so much as one of survival.

The ADRL’s Pro Nitrous class was arguably the most wideopen category in all of drag racing last season, with 12 different drivers reaching the 12 finalists’ spots in the season’s first six events (the ADRL’s seventh and final event was rain-shortened and will be completed later this year). Also, despite an increase to a 16-car qualified field at every event in 2006, only three Pro Nitrous drivers — James Hancock III, Johnny Pilcher, and Keith Baker — managed to qualify for all seven events. It was Baker who eventually emerged
from a crowded field to have his best day of the season at the right time, winning three rounds at the season-ending Battle for the Belts competition to claim the 2006 ADRL world title.

Those three drivers, along with many of the class’ other hitters, will start all over again and find out where they stand when the ADRL opens its 2007 season this weekend at the RacingJunk.com Dragpalooza III event at Houston Motorsports Park. That event, the first of eight on the 2007 ADRL schedule, will also be the first indication of whether the wide-open nature of the 2006 season will continue, or if a dominant driver can emerge from the pack, as Shannon Jenkins did in 2005.

Following is a look back at the 2006 Pro Nitrous season, along with a look at some of the drivers expected to challenge for the 2007 ADRL championship:

Battle for the Belts recap: Baker easily outran Harold Martin, Jenkins, and Burton Auxier to claim his first ADRL championship, putting together a string of 4.10, 4.11, and 4.12 e.t.s. The other qualifiers for the eight-man Belts field were Pilcher, Hancock, Rex Kelley, and Terry Housley.

Pro Nitrous records: Jenkins ran a 3.992 in the 2006 seasonopener at Valdosta to set the class’ e.t. record (it was also the first 3-second pass by a nitrous-oxide-added car in sanctioned competition); Rickie Smith had a 189.26-mph run at DRAGSTOCK III to claim the speed record.

Pro Nitrous career leaders: Jenkins leads in event wins (four),If last season is any indication, getting to the top of the Flowmaster American Drag Racing
League’s Pro Nitrous ranks in 2007 will not be a matter of dominance so much as one of survival.

Defending event winners: Dragpalooza (Mike Castellana); Winter Drags (Martin); Georgia Drags (Steve Vick); Summer Drags (Housley); Dragstock (Jenkins); World Finals (postponed until April).

This year’s Independence Drags and Chevy Drags are inaugural
editions. World Finals competitors: Six drivers are still alive in the Pro Nitrous eliminations from the rain-delayed GetWorkComp.com World Finals last October. The World Finals eliminations will be completed at the SpeedTech Winter Drags, April 13-15 in Montgomery, Ala. The remaining drivers are: Jenkins, Auxier, Housley, Billy Harper, Dennis Radford, and Stan Allen.

2006 Battle for the Belts final points standings
1. Keith Baker 1,558
2. Terry Housley 1,437
3. Burton Auxier 1,362
4. Johnny Pilcher 1,258
5. Rex Kelley 851
6. James Hancock 843
7. Shannon Jenkins 841
8. Todd Tutterow 836

2005 Battle for the Belts final points standings
1. Shannon Jenkins 1,830
2. Johnny Pilcher 1,230
3. Keith Baker 813
4. Dan Parker 709
5. James Hancock 615
6. Charles Carpenter 309
7. Rickie Smith 308
8. Rex Kelley 210

 

A FULL TIME CLASS AT LAST

 

Eastern Race Fuels DRAGSTOCK III event - will debut next weekend in Following a successful one-race experiment late in the 2006 season, the Flowmaster American Drag Racing League will introduce Extreme 10.5 as a new class for 2007. The Extreme 10.5 class - known as Pro 10.5 when it competed at last fall's Houston and begin earning points toward sending its top eight drivers to the season-ending Battle for the Belts competition at the ADRL World Finals.

The Extreme 10.5 class has found itself in the spotlight since early January, when the ADRL announced its plans to be the home of a wide-open version of 10.5 racing. The class will feature street-appearing doorslammers burning alcohol, methanol, or racing gasoline, and competing on tires with a maximum 12-inch width (with a switch to an 11.5-inch maximum on June 1), but the ADRL's version of 10.5 racing also calls for no minimum weight or maximum cubic-inch
restrictions. More details on the new class' rules and safety requirements can be found at http://www.adrl.us/rules.html.

The class debuted on an exhibition basis at last year's DRAGSTOCK III, with an entry list comprised of 20 drivers and an eight-car eliminatoron the event's final day. The top two qualifiers - No. 1 Steve Kirk Jr. and No. 2 Marcus Birt - ended up squaring off in the final, with Kirk claiming a close win. Those two drivers, along with racers such as Bobby Cole, Craig Miller, Billy Glidden, Jeff Naiser, and Eric Caryare expected to compete for the 2007 ADRL championship.

At the conclusion of the 2007 DRAGSTOCK event in Rockingham, the top eight points-earners in Extreme 10.5 will qualify to compete at the ADRL's Battle for the Belts world championships in October at the GetWorkComp.com ADRL World Finals.


2007 Schedule

March 2-3
RacingJunk.com
Dragpalooza III, Houston

April 13-15
SpeedTech Winter Drags
Montgomery, Ala.

May 4-5
Georgia Drags, Valdosta, Ga.

June 1-2
AMS Staff Leasing Summer Drags, Huntsville, Ala.

July 6-7
Independence Drags
Radford, Va.

Aug. 24-25
Chevy Drags, Norwalk, Ohio

Sept. 14-15
Eastern Race Fuels Dragstock IV,
Rockingham, N.C.

Oct. 12-13
GetWorkComp.com World Finals, Ennis, Texas

---