The time has finally arrived for the start of one of the toughest, meanest, mind numbing races of the winter – the 3rd annual CompetitionPlus.com War Stories competition.

Qualifying for drag racing’s premiere story-telling contest kicks off this Wednesday to establish the seeding for the first round of eliminations which start next week.

Sixteen of drag racing’s most “colorful” characters will try to “tell” their way into the top spot, knowing that anyone can win from any position on the ladder. Fans will vote on who they think will tell the best story. Once qualifying is over, eliminations will be set, according to NHRA professional standard procedure, for the month-long competition to determine who can spin the best yarn in PG-13 fashion.

The time has finally arrived for the start of one of the toughest, meanest, mind numbing races of the winter – the 3rd annual CompetitionPlus.com War Stories competition.

Qualifying for drag racing’s premiere story-telling contest kicks off this Wednesday to establish the seeding for the first round of eliminations which start next week.

Sixteen of drag racing’s most “colorful” characters will try to “tell” their way into the top spot, knowing that anyone can win from any position on the ladder. Fans will vote on who they think will tell the best story. Once qualifying is over, eliminations will be set, according to NHRA professional standard procedure, for the month-long competition to determine who can spin the best yarn in PG-13 fashion.

When the final story has been told and the votes tabulated, we will crown the 2009 War Stories World Champion.

This year's winner will join Scotty Cannon and John Force, previous winners of the War Stories competition, never again eligible to expose the previously unexposed.

As the 2008 winner, Force won’t be participating this year but he’s hoping to keep the title of best story-teller in the family. Older brother, Louis Force, was the first official entrant.

“This is going to be a fun deal,” said the elder Force, who answers to the title ‘Diesel Louie’. “We Forces will always tell the truth, we just might embellish a little on the details.”

Force will be challenged by last year’s runner-up Pat Musi, who promises to deliver more of his “Hollywood Knights” style of stories that enabled him to reach the final round.

“I had people calling me out of the blue last year and telling me that I had some of the best stories,” Musi said. “I even had a few that told me, even though they couldn’t stand my guts, my stories were good and they voted for me. I felt like we had a story that was capable of beating John Force last year but what are you going to do.

“I mean the guy is John frigging Force.”

The competition will also feature a score of new contestants including “TV” Tommy Ivo, “240” Gordie Bonin, “Trickie” Rickie Smith, Billy Glidden, Billy Meyer and Gary Densham.

However, there is one new face that seems to have the veterans concerned that they’ll have their work cut out for them.

Veteran drag race promoter and creator of the 64 Funny Car and Fox Hunt events Bill Doner will participate.

“Waterbed” Fred Miller, a former high-profile Blue Max crewman, hopes that he doesn’t draw Doner in the first round of competition.

“Shoot we all might as well pack it in with Doner on the list,” said Miller, who used a Doner story to advance to the quarter-finals last year.

Miller is one of several veterans returning for another shot at the title -  including Roy Hill, Steve Reyes, Ted Jones, Jim Rockstad, Steve Earwood and Don Gillespie.

“On Wednesday, we want our readers to vote on the individual they believe is capable of telling the best story,” said Bobby Bennett, CompetitionPlus.com editor and event coordinator. “After that, we ask that our readers vote on the STORY and not their status as a fan. I know drag racing fans want their favorites to win, but to preserve the integrity of the event and fan participation, I ask that each and every voter choose the best story presented to them at the time.”


EVENT SCHEDULE

Qualifying, December 16 – 18, 2008 –
Eliminations
1st round - #1 vs. #16, #8 vs. #9 – Dec. 21, 22
#4 vs. #13, #5 vs. #12  - Dec. 22, 23
PAUSE FOR CHRISTMAS BREAK
#2 vs. #15, #7 vs. #10 – Dec. 28, 29
#3 vs. #14, #6 vs. #11 – Dec. 29, 30
PAUSE FOR NEW YEAR’S BREAK
Quarter-finals -
#1 vs. #16 winner versus #8 vs. #9 winner – Jan. 4, 5
#4 vs. #13, winner versus #5 vs. #12 winner – Jan. 4, 5
#2 vs. #15 winner versus #7 vs. #10 winner – Jan. 6, 7
#3 vs. #14 winner versus #6 vs. #11 winner – Jan. 6,7
Semi-finals
1st day QF winners – Jan. 11, 12
2nd day QF winners – Jan. 13, 14
Finals
January 18, 19, 20

ENTRY LIST

1.    Louie Force
2.    Pat Musi
3.    Roy Hill
4.    Rickie Smith
5.    Steve Earwood
6.    Billy Glidden
7.    Jim Rockstad
8.    Tommy Ivo
9.    Don Gillespie
10.    Bill Doner -
11.    Billy Meyer
12.    Ted Jones
13.    Gordie Bonin
14.    Steve Reyes
15.    Fred Miller
16.    Gary Densham

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