NEW YORK NATIVE CASTELLANA TAKES QUALIFYING LEAD IN PRO MOD SERIES AT TOYOTA NHRA SUPERNATIONALS
ENGLISHTOWN, N.J. - New Yorker Mike Castellana powered his nitrous-injected Al-Anabi Racing ’69 Camaro to the qualifying lead in the NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by ProCare Rx portion of the Toyota NHRA SuperNationals Friday at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park.
Castellana’s first qualifying attempt was disqualified due to a tech violation, but he made up for it on his second attempt as his machine covered the quarter-mile distance in 5.856 seconds at 245.72 mph.
If his time stands through Saturday’s final qualifying session (1:45 p.m.) it would be his third No. 1 position of the season and fifth of his career. A runner-up at this event in 2010, Castellana is a three-time winner on the circuit including one victory this season, but has never won at his home track.
The only female competitor in the Pro Mod series, Leah Pruett, was second in her turbocharged ProCare Rx Ford Mustang with a 5.883 at 247.88. Donald Martin was third overall behind the wheel of his supercharged Sterling Bridge ’68 Camaro with a 5.898 at 247.07.
Martin’s teammate, series points leader Danny Rowe, was sixth in his identically prepared supercharged Sterling Bridge Camaro, posting a 5.910 at 246.44.
The first round of eliminations starts Saturday at 4:15 p.m. and Pro Mod eliminations continue Sunday at approximately 2:30 p.m.
ENGLISHTOWN, N.J. -- Friday's results after the first two of three rounds of qualifying for the 43rd annual Toyota NHRA SuperNationals at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park, fourth of 10 events in the NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by ProCare Rx.
Pro Modified -- 1. Mike Castellana, Chevy Camaro, 5.856, 245.72; 2. Leah Pruett, Ford Mustang, 5.883, 247.88; 3. Donald Martin, Camaro, 5.898, 247.07; 4. Chip King, Dodge Daytona, 5.899, 251.63; 5. Robert Patrick Jr., Mustang, 5.904, 238.60; 6. Danny Rowe, Camaro, 5.910, 246.44; 7. Pete Farber, Daytona, 5.920, 246.35; 8. Roger Burgess, Chevy Corvette, 5.926, 248.16; 9. Rickie Smith, Camaro, 5.927, 241.89; 10. Mike Janis, Mustang, 5.966, 244.07; 11. Steve Matusek, Mustang, 5.970, 251.39; 12. Jay Payne, Camaro, 5.977, 244.12; 13. Donald Walsh, Mustang, 6.061, 252.05; 14. Vinny Budano, Camaro, 6.141, 233.56; 15. Troy Coughlin, Camaro, 6.218, 238.30; 16. David Hance, Chevy Bel Air, 6.324, 230.49.
Not Qualified: 17. Kevin McCurdy, 6.367, 222.07; 18. Kenny Lang, 8.495, 110.41.
Friday, June 01, 2012
NHRA NEWS: FULL THROTTLE SERIES RESULTS FRIDAY FROM ENGLISHTOWN
MASSEY, CAPPS, LINE AND KRAWIEC LEAD QUALIFYING AT TOYOTA NHRA SUPERNATIONALS AT ENGLISHTOWN
ENGLISHTOWN, N.J. - Spencer Massey and Ron Capps raced to the quickest runs in NHRA history in their respective categories to lead qualifying Friday at the Toyota NHRA SuperNationals at historic Old Bridge Township Raceway Park.
Jason Line (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also were qualifying leaders at the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series event.
Both nitro drivers took advantage of cool weather conditions in the evening qualifying session to post the track record performances. Should each driver record another performance within 1 percent as required by NHRA rules during the course of the weekend, those times will become NHRA national records.
Massey powered his FRAM/Prestone dragster to a time of 3.728 seconds at 329.91 mph to lead an extremely quick Top Fuel field. Morgan Lucas was second with a 3.739 at 324.51 in the GEICO/Lucas Oil dragster and Shawn Langdon powered his Al-Anabi Racing dragster to a 3.742 at 324.36.
"It’s unbelievable watching all these cars go down the racetrack and go excellent numbers," Massey said. "I mean, Morgan [Lucas] went a .73. I believe Tony [Schumacher] went a .74 and didn’t even get bonus points for getting in the top three. That just shows you how awesome this Top Fuel field is. Todd [Okuhara] and Phil [Shuler, crew chiefs] both told me if it sticks, hang on because it’s going to run. I’ve heard that from them before, and it’s usually right."
Massey, who leads the points standings with three victories in four finals this season, said it was an amazing run from his viewpoint.
"It left, and it started quivering the tires a little bit when it started setting the front end down, and I’m just going, ‘Don’t smoke, don’t smoke, don’t smoke,’ and it made it," Massey said. "Once it made it past that point, I knew it was going to be killer. I didn’t think it was going to be .72. I figured maybe a .73 and change, but a .72 with an eight came up on the board, and I watched it go past when I crossed the finish line. Trust me, it was like winning a race jumping out at the top end. It’s amazing to have a great group of crew guys and crew chiefs back there that can put my entire race car together and give me a chance to do what I just did."
Capps became the second Funny Car driver in history to post a three-second time when he finished his qualifying attempt in 3.964 seconds at 320.89 in his NAPA Auto Parts Dodge Charger. His teammate, Matt Hagan, was the first Funny Car driver to post a three-second run, with a 3.995 second effort, last September in Charlotte, N.C.
"It still hasn’t sunk in," Capps said. "My teammate [Matt] Hagan came over and high-fived me and about hurt my arm. I just can’t believe it. We rolled up there and guys kept throwing down quicker and quicker numbers. It was like a video game. We were the next pair and we saw the .02 and the .01 pop up, and at that point Rahn [Tobler, crew chief] said, ‘Strap in as tight as you’ve ever been because we’re going for it.’ John Collins [assistant crew chief] was on the radio screaming something, something, six, and I was hoping it wasn’t a 4.06, so I screamed back, ‘Now before I get out of the car and make an idiot of myself on the other end, you’re saying 3.96, right?’ And he was screaming, so that’s when I knew. What a feeling."
Like Top Fuel, the Funny Car session was very quick as well. More than 10 of the cars posted runs in the 4.0 second range. Robert Hight was second in the Auto Club Ford Mustang with a 4.013 at 318.02 and Johnny Gray was third in his Service Central Charger with a 4.022 at 318.84.
"Believe me, if we have the clouds and stuff tomorrow like could happen, this track is legendary when it cools off," said Capps, who has advanced to the last four final rounds and is second in the points standings. "It’s legendary anyway, but it’s neat to get this historic track a record like that because it deserves it."
Defending Pro Stock world champ Line sped to the top spot in the factory hot rod category with a 6.518 at 212.16 in his Summit Racing Pontiac GXP.
"I should have my new Camaro in Bristol, but I am still liking my old car," Line said. "We slipped the clutch just a little, but it was a good run. I don’t know if it will be good enough to hold up tomorrow but I’m happy with it. To be honest, we should have run a little faster than that. This track is fast and as long as we don’t have rain, it might be even faster tomorrow."
Topeka winner Allen Johnson was second in his Team Mopar Dodge Avenger with a 6.528 at 211.56 and 2009 world champ Mike Edwards was third, pushing his Penhall/Interstate Batteries Pontiac to a 6.529 at 211.73.
Krawiec, an Englishtown native and former track manager here, powered his Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson to a track record performance of 6.782 at 197.48 to lead the Pro Stock Motorcycle category.
"It’s a great feeling to be back out here making runs," Krawiec said. "When you run so good off the trailer, it always sets the tone for the weekend. Our bike is running really well lately. I have an awesome motorcycle. It’s fun to ride, and it’s very consistent and smooth. That lets me do my job."
Hector Arana took the second spot on his Lucas Oil Buell with a 6.836 at 195.42 while his son, Hector Arana Jr., was third with a 6.856 at 194.21, also on a Lucas Oil Buell.
"I’d love to stay No. 1, but qualifying really doesn’t mean much," said series points leader Krawiec, a two-time winner this season who has never won at his home track. "I want to make good consistent clean runs on race day. Having fast bike helps, but making good runs is the most important thing."
Qualifying continues Saturday with sessions at noon and 2:30 p.m. Sunday’s eliminations start at 11 a.m.
ENGLISHTOWN, N.J. -- Friday's results after the first two of four rounds of qualifying for the 43rd annual Toyota NHRA SuperNationals at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park, ninth of 23 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series. Qualifying will continue Saturday for Sunday's final eliminations.
Top Fuel -- 1. Spencer Massey, 3.728 seconds, 329.91 mph; 2. Morgan Lucas, 3.739, 324.51; 3. Shawn Langdon, 3.742, 324.36; 4. Tony Schumacher, 3.746, 327.11; 5. Steve Torrence, 3.759, 324.20; 6. Brandon Bernstein, 3.764, 323.27; 7. Khalid alBalooshi, 3.775, 322.81; 8. Antron Brown, 3.798, 322.34; 9. Clay Millican, 3.805, 313.07; 10. Doug Kalitta, 3.809, 319.37; 11. Bob Vandergriff, 3.828, 320.89; 12. Terry McMillen, 3.834, 316.75.
Not Qualified: 13. T.J. Zizzo, 3.843, 309.27; 14. Dom Lagana, 3.864, 317.49; 15. David Grubnic, 3.867, 313.58; 16. Cory McClenathan, 3.869, 309.49; 17. Luigi Novelli, 3.931, 302.35; 18. Bruce Litton, 3.950, 303.71; 19. Ike Maier, 4.147, 262.49; 20. Rit Pustari, 4.424, 193.18; 21. Brady Kalivoda, 6.509, 99.06.
Funny Car -- 1. Ron Capps, Dodge Charger, 3.964, 320.89; 2. Robert Hight, Ford Mustang, 4.013, 318.02; 3. Johnny Gray, Charger, 4.022, 318.84; 4. Tim Wilkerson, Mustang, 4.028, 309.56; 5. Matt Hagan, Charger, 4.035, 306.05; 6. Alexis DeJoria, Toyota Camry, 4.040, 313.66; 7. Mike Neff, Mustang, 4.052, 312.71; 8. Jeff Arend, Camry, 4.060, 311.20; 9. Jack Beckman, Charger, 4.065, 313.73; 10. Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 4.065, 307.93; 11. John Force, Mustang, 4.066, 311.85; 12. Blake Alexander, Chevy Monte Carlo, 4.116, 302.96.
Not Qualified: 13. Jim Head, 4.167, 293.35; 14. Bob Bode, 4.192, 296.11; 15. Terry Haddock, 4.258, 286.56; 16. Todd Lesenko, 4.545, 197.74; 17. Tony Pedregon, 5.475, 163.00; 18. Courtney Force, 6.177, 135.86; 19. Mike Smith, 7.216, 164.49; 20. Cruz Pedregon, 8.464, 81.64.
Pro Stock -- 1. Jason Line, Pontiac GXP, 6.518, 212.16; 2. Allen Johnson, Dodge Avenger, 6.528, 211.56; 3. Mike Edwards, GXP, 6.529, 211.73; 4. Vincent Nobile, Avenger, 6.538, 211.69; 5. Erica Enders, Chevy Cobalt, 6.543, 211.39; 6. Ronnie Humphrey, GXP, 6.546, 211.63; 7. Rodger Brogdon, GXP, 6.548, 211.30; 8. Steve Kent, GXP, 6.552, 210.60; 9. Greg Anderson, Chevy Camaro, 6.554, 211.56; 10. V. Gaines, Avenger, 6.555, 210.64; 11. Ron Krisher, GXP, 6.561, 211.36; 12. Shane Gray, GXP, 6.564, 210.57.
Not Qualified: 13. Kurt Johnson, 6.568, 210.41; 14. Warren Johnson, 6.580, 210.37; 15. Bob Benza, 6.585, 209.43; 16. Larry Morgan, 6.587, 209.92; 17. Grace Howell, 6.612, 208.23; 18. Jeg Coughlin, 15.282, 79.52.
Pro Stock Motorcycle -- 1. Eddie Krawiec, Harley-Davidson, 6.782, 197.48; 2. Hector Arana, Buell, 6.836, 195.42; 3. Hector Arana Jr, Buell, 6.856, 194.21; 4. LE Tonglet, Suzuki, 6.862, 194.30; 5. Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 6.874, 196.53; 6. Michael Ray, Buell, 6.911, 194.02; 7. Michael Phillips, Suzuki, 6.912, 194.83; 8. Shawn Gann, Buell, 6.912, 194.44; 9. Karen Stoffer, Suzuki, 6.919, 184.25; 10. John Hall, Buell, 6.926, 191.76; 11. Matt Smith, Buell, 6.934, 193.16; 12. Mike Berry, Buell, 6.935, 192.55.
Not Qualified: 13. Scotty Pollacheck, 6.946, 189.58; 14. Steve Johnson, 6.969, 191.67; 15. Jerry Savoie, 7.004, 193.46; 16. Joe DeSantis, 7.295, 154.05; 17. Stephen Terkowski, 8.021, 126.60.
ENGLISHTOWN, N.J. - Spencer Massey and Ron Capps raced to the quickest runs in NHRA history in their respective categories to lead qualifying Friday at the Toyota NHRA SuperNationals at historic Old Bridge Township Raceway Park.
Jason Line (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also were qualifying leaders at the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series event.
Both nitro drivers took advantage of cool weather conditions in the evening qualifying session to post the track record performances. Should each driver record another performance within 1 percent as required by NHRA rules during the course of the weekend, those times will become NHRA national records.
Massey powered his FRAM/Prestone dragster to a time of 3.728 seconds at 329.91 mph to lead an extremely quick Top Fuel field. Morgan Lucas was second with a 3.739 at 324.51 in the GEICO/Lucas Oil dragster and Shawn Langdon powered his Al-Anabi Racing dragster to a 3.742 at 324.36.
"It’s unbelievable watching all these cars go down the racetrack and go excellent numbers," Massey said. "I mean, Morgan [Lucas] went a .73. I believe Tony [Schumacher] went a .74 and didn’t even get bonus points for getting in the top three. That just shows you how awesome this Top Fuel field is. Todd [Okuhara] and Phil [Shuler, crew chiefs] both told me if it sticks, hang on because it’s going to run. I’ve heard that from them before, and it’s usually right."
Massey, who leads the points standings with three victories in four finals this season, said it was an amazing run from his viewpoint.
"It left, and it started quivering the tires a little bit when it started setting the front end down, and I’m just going, ‘Don’t smoke, don’t smoke, don’t smoke,’ and it made it," Massey said. "Once it made it past that point, I knew it was going to be killer. I didn’t think it was going to be .72. I figured maybe a .73 and change, but a .72 with an eight came up on the board, and I watched it go past when I crossed the finish line. Trust me, it was like winning a race jumping out at the top end. It’s amazing to have a great group of crew guys and crew chiefs back there that can put my entire race car together and give me a chance to do what I just did."
Capps became the second Funny Car driver in history to post a three-second time when he finished his qualifying attempt in 3.964 seconds at 320.89 in his NAPA Auto Parts Dodge Charger. His teammate, Matt Hagan, was the first Funny Car driver to post a three-second run, with a 3.995 second effort, last September in Charlotte, N.C.
"It still hasn’t sunk in," Capps said. "My teammate [Matt] Hagan came over and high-fived me and about hurt my arm. I just can’t believe it. We rolled up there and guys kept throwing down quicker and quicker numbers. It was like a video game. We were the next pair and we saw the .02 and the .01 pop up, and at that point Rahn [Tobler, crew chief] said, ‘Strap in as tight as you’ve ever been because we’re going for it.’ John Collins [assistant crew chief] was on the radio screaming something, something, six, and I was hoping it wasn’t a 4.06, so I screamed back, ‘Now before I get out of the car and make an idiot of myself on the other end, you’re saying 3.96, right?’ And he was screaming, so that’s when I knew. What a feeling."
Like Top Fuel, the Funny Car session was very quick as well. More than 10 of the cars posted runs in the 4.0 second range. Robert Hight was second in the Auto Club Ford Mustang with a 4.013 at 318.02 and Johnny Gray was third in his Service Central Charger with a 4.022 at 318.84.
"Believe me, if we have the clouds and stuff tomorrow like could happen, this track is legendary when it cools off," said Capps, who has advanced to the last four final rounds and is second in the points standings. "It’s legendary anyway, but it’s neat to get this historic track a record like that because it deserves it."
Defending Pro Stock world champ Line sped to the top spot in the factory hot rod category with a 6.518 at 212.16 in his Summit Racing Pontiac GXP.
"I should have my new Camaro in Bristol, but I am still liking my old car," Line said. "We slipped the clutch just a little, but it was a good run. I don’t know if it will be good enough to hold up tomorrow but I’m happy with it. To be honest, we should have run a little faster than that. This track is fast and as long as we don’t have rain, it might be even faster tomorrow."
Topeka winner Allen Johnson was second in his Team Mopar Dodge Avenger with a 6.528 at 211.56 and 2009 world champ Mike Edwards was third, pushing his Penhall/Interstate Batteries Pontiac to a 6.529 at 211.73.
Krawiec, an Englishtown native and former track manager here, powered his Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson to a track record performance of 6.782 at 197.48 to lead the Pro Stock Motorcycle category.
"It’s a great feeling to be back out here making runs," Krawiec said. "When you run so good off the trailer, it always sets the tone for the weekend. Our bike is running really well lately. I have an awesome motorcycle. It’s fun to ride, and it’s very consistent and smooth. That lets me do my job."
Hector Arana took the second spot on his Lucas Oil Buell with a 6.836 at 195.42 while his son, Hector Arana Jr., was third with a 6.856 at 194.21, also on a Lucas Oil Buell.
"I’d love to stay No. 1, but qualifying really doesn’t mean much," said series points leader Krawiec, a two-time winner this season who has never won at his home track. "I want to make good consistent clean runs on race day. Having fast bike helps, but making good runs is the most important thing."
Qualifying continues Saturday with sessions at noon and 2:30 p.m. Sunday’s eliminations start at 11 a.m.
ENGLISHTOWN, N.J. -- Friday's results after the first two of four rounds of qualifying for the 43rd annual Toyota NHRA SuperNationals at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park, ninth of 23 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series. Qualifying will continue Saturday for Sunday's final eliminations.
Top Fuel -- 1. Spencer Massey, 3.728 seconds, 329.91 mph; 2. Morgan Lucas, 3.739, 324.51; 3. Shawn Langdon, 3.742, 324.36; 4. Tony Schumacher, 3.746, 327.11; 5. Steve Torrence, 3.759, 324.20; 6. Brandon Bernstein, 3.764, 323.27; 7. Khalid alBalooshi, 3.775, 322.81; 8. Antron Brown, 3.798, 322.34; 9. Clay Millican, 3.805, 313.07; 10. Doug Kalitta, 3.809, 319.37; 11. Bob Vandergriff, 3.828, 320.89; 12. Terry McMillen, 3.834, 316.75.
Not Qualified: 13. T.J. Zizzo, 3.843, 309.27; 14. Dom Lagana, 3.864, 317.49; 15. David Grubnic, 3.867, 313.58; 16. Cory McClenathan, 3.869, 309.49; 17. Luigi Novelli, 3.931, 302.35; 18. Bruce Litton, 3.950, 303.71; 19. Ike Maier, 4.147, 262.49; 20. Rit Pustari, 4.424, 193.18; 21. Brady Kalivoda, 6.509, 99.06.
Funny Car -- 1. Ron Capps, Dodge Charger, 3.964, 320.89; 2. Robert Hight, Ford Mustang, 4.013, 318.02; 3. Johnny Gray, Charger, 4.022, 318.84; 4. Tim Wilkerson, Mustang, 4.028, 309.56; 5. Matt Hagan, Charger, 4.035, 306.05; 6. Alexis DeJoria, Toyota Camry, 4.040, 313.66; 7. Mike Neff, Mustang, 4.052, 312.71; 8. Jeff Arend, Camry, 4.060, 311.20; 9. Jack Beckman, Charger, 4.065, 313.73; 10. Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 4.065, 307.93; 11. John Force, Mustang, 4.066, 311.85; 12. Blake Alexander, Chevy Monte Carlo, 4.116, 302.96.
Not Qualified: 13. Jim Head, 4.167, 293.35; 14. Bob Bode, 4.192, 296.11; 15. Terry Haddock, 4.258, 286.56; 16. Todd Lesenko, 4.545, 197.74; 17. Tony Pedregon, 5.475, 163.00; 18. Courtney Force, 6.177, 135.86; 19. Mike Smith, 7.216, 164.49; 20. Cruz Pedregon, 8.464, 81.64.
Pro Stock -- 1. Jason Line, Pontiac GXP, 6.518, 212.16; 2. Allen Johnson, Dodge Avenger, 6.528, 211.56; 3. Mike Edwards, GXP, 6.529, 211.73; 4. Vincent Nobile, Avenger, 6.538, 211.69; 5. Erica Enders, Chevy Cobalt, 6.543, 211.39; 6. Ronnie Humphrey, GXP, 6.546, 211.63; 7. Rodger Brogdon, GXP, 6.548, 211.30; 8. Steve Kent, GXP, 6.552, 210.60; 9. Greg Anderson, Chevy Camaro, 6.554, 211.56; 10. V. Gaines, Avenger, 6.555, 210.64; 11. Ron Krisher, GXP, 6.561, 211.36; 12. Shane Gray, GXP, 6.564, 210.57.
Not Qualified: 13. Kurt Johnson, 6.568, 210.41; 14. Warren Johnson, 6.580, 210.37; 15. Bob Benza, 6.585, 209.43; 16. Larry Morgan, 6.587, 209.92; 17. Grace Howell, 6.612, 208.23; 18. Jeg Coughlin, 15.282, 79.52.
Pro Stock Motorcycle -- 1. Eddie Krawiec, Harley-Davidson, 6.782, 197.48; 2. Hector Arana, Buell, 6.836, 195.42; 3. Hector Arana Jr, Buell, 6.856, 194.21; 4. LE Tonglet, Suzuki, 6.862, 194.30; 5. Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 6.874, 196.53; 6. Michael Ray, Buell, 6.911, 194.02; 7. Michael Phillips, Suzuki, 6.912, 194.83; 8. Shawn Gann, Buell, 6.912, 194.44; 9. Karen Stoffer, Suzuki, 6.919, 184.25; 10. John Hall, Buell, 6.926, 191.76; 11. Matt Smith, Buell, 6.934, 193.16; 12. Mike Berry, Buell, 6.935, 192.55.
Not Qualified: 13. Scotty Pollacheck, 6.946, 189.58; 14. Steve Johnson, 6.969, 191.67; 15. Jerry Savoie, 7.004, 193.46; 16. Joe DeSantis, 7.295, 154.05; 17. Stephen Terkowski, 8.021, 126.60.
FRIDAY'S ACTION WASHED OUT AT PITTSBURGH NITRO JAM
Friday's action washed out at Pittsburgh Nitro Jam
Racing to resume on Saturday with sportsman racing and Nitro Jam at 7 p.m.
NEW ALEXANDRIA, Pa. (June 1, 2012)
– Heavy rains and a less than stellar forecast for Friday evening has
forced the cancellation of Friday's portion of the Pittsburgh Nitro Jam
at Pittsburgh Raceway Park.
Racing
at the second annual Pittsburgh Nitro Jam will resume on Saturday at 9
a.m. with sportsman racing throughout the day followed by the FanFest
Pit Party at 5:30 p.m. and two rounds of Nitro Jam beginning at 7 p.m.
A
much brighter forecast is on tap for Saturday as Nitro Jam hits the
track with four nitro-powered classes including Pro Fuel Dragsters,
AMSOIL Prostalgia Nitro Funny Cars, Nitro Harleys and Fuel Altereds,
exhibition action featuring the Grave Digger monster truck and the
30,000 horsepower Shockwave jet semi and multiple sportsman classes
including Top Sportsman, Top Dragster, Super Stock, Stock, Quick Rod,
Super Rod and Hot Rod.
Check back with NitroJam.com throughout the weekend for any changes or updates to the schedule.
Summer Showdown next stop for PMRA, Quick 32 Sportsman Series, and PBSS
Drag racing series to compete June 8-9 at popular US 131 Motorsports Park
MARTIN, MICHIGAN (June 1, 2012) – The second round of 2012 drag racing in the Pro Modified Racing Association, the Quick 32 Sportsman Series presented by NAPA Auto Parts, and the Pro Bike & Sled Series presented by Wiseco Performance Products will be held June 8-9 at US 131 Motorsports Park in Martin, Michigan.
This is the first time this popular Michigan track has hosted the three series, and the racing will be part of the track's Summer Showdown.
Opened in 1962, the facility received a $14 million upgrade 10 years ago. For 2012, US 131 Motorsports Park is celebrating its 50th year of operation.
We have tried to get a date set for several years now, but there was always a conflict, said US 131 Motorsports Park General Manager Jason Peterson. But the timing was right for this opportunity to come along.
Peterson, who raced a Pro Modified himself in the 1990s, has been at the track for the past 10 years and has been instrumental in presenting some of the best in drag racing competition.
We are very excited in going to US 131 Motorsports Park, said Bruce Mehlenbacher, Director of Operations for the three Series. This is our first time in Michigan, and US 131 is a perfect fit for our three Series. Not only will it give each Series and its teams a chance to showcase in a new market, but also an opportunity for new competitors to tryout our Series. Michigan is a hot-bed of serious and very competitive race teams.
Along with the PMRA Pro Modifieds, the Top Dragster and Top Sportsman entries of the Quick 32 Sportsman Series, and the motorcycles and snowmobiles of the PBSS, the Summer Showdown will also feature Bob Motz and his jet-powered Kenworth truck, 300+ MPH Top Fuel Dragsters and a Wheel standing PT Cruiser.
General admission tickets for Friday's show are $12 and $20 on Saturday. Children 12 and under are admitted free both days.
As part of its 50th anniversary, US 131 Motorsports Park is offering exclusive Champions Club VIP seating Saturday. This $50 package includes admission, a pit pass, buffet with drinks, and a special commemorative 50th US 131 Motorsports Park hat.
Qualifying for the PMRA, the Quick 32 Sportsman Series, and the PBSS will begin at 7 p.m. Friday June 8. Final qualifiers will be held Saturday June 9 at 2 p.m., with round one of eliminations scheduled for 3:30 pm.
After the opening event held in May, Jeff Roth of New Dundee, Ontario leads the Pro Modified Racing Association Championship Point Award Series, with three-time PMRA champion Bruce Boland of Hamilton, Ontario second and Derek Hawker of Corbyville, Ontario third.
Going into the Summer Showdown, Dan Aitken Jr of Belle River, Ontario heads up the Quick 32 Sportsman Series presented by NAPA Auto Parts Championship Point Award Series Standings, followed by Mike Everitt of Stratford, Ontario, and former champion Kevin Wicke, also of Stratford.
In the Pro Bike & Sled Series Championship Point Award Series Standings presented by Wiseco Performance Products, Chris Bondi of Aurora, Ontario is the leader at present, followed by Ted Glinny of Milton, Ontario, and the Beachville, Ontario team of Danny Staples and Kevin McKay.
Harlan Thompson and Jim Adolph on Racin' & Rockin' June 4!
Racin' and Rockin': Harlan Thompson and Jim Adolph on Racin' & Rockin' June 4! by Bill Pratt. We have funny car stars from two continents on Monday, June 4. Harlan Thompson made his name in Division 1 before becoming a certified superstar in Europe. And funny car racer and magazine publisher Jim Adolph joins us for a lively discussion about racin' and writin' about cars! And John Bockelman takes us on another groovy musical trip through rock history with a discussion about the best drummers in history. AND we play 3 solid hours of the best rock music of all time after the show! Ya comin'? Hope so!
Thursday, May 31, 2012
NHRA NEWS: ROWE READY TO DEFEND ENGLISHTOWN VICTORY AND TURNING FOCUS TO FIRST PRO MOD SERIES WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
ENGLISHTOWN, N.J. – Danny Rowe enters this weekend’s Toyota NHRA SuperNationals riding a wave of momentum. The Laguna Hills, Calif., native is coming off his first win of the season, is the current NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by ProCare Rx points leader and the defending race winner at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park.
At the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals in April, Rowe powered his Sterling Bridge ’67 Camaro to victory over Kenny Lang in the final round. This was the third career victory for Rowe and jump starts the beginning of the season for he and his team.
“Any time you get a win it puts confidence in the whole team,” Rowe said. “It also gives you an appreciation for all the hard work and dedication that my team has shown me, all of them: Jimmy, Junior, Karen, Darryl, Chop, Michael, and Donnie.”
In the first three races of the 2012 season, two different drivers have been No. 1 qualifiers and there have been three different winners. Rowe knows the field is wide open and success isn’t a guarantee each weekend.
“The NHRA Pro Mod Series has been crazy; every car that shows up has a shot at winning the race,” Rowe said. “You never know what is going to happen. The quality of the teams that are participating is world class. It seems every year different combinations have a little advantage. Last year it was the turbos; this year the nitrous cars have picked up and we are a little behind them. All we can do is keep working hard and try to stay competitive.”
Rowe has raced in the series since its inception in 2010 and in each of the two years he has finished just outside of the No. 1 position, including 31 points behind the champion last year. He enters the Toyota NHRA SuperNationals as the points leader by the narrowest of margins, one point, and the focus of the team is to continue racing each round as hard as they can.
“Every year we go out there with the goal of winning a championship, and this year is no different,” Rowe said. “We are dedicated to do whatever we can for us to make that happen.”
Ricke Smith, Leah Pruett, Jay Payne and 2010 Englishtown event winner Von Smith will all take to the track in their nearly high-horsepower Pro Mod machines that are some of the most exciting racecars on the planet.
Featuring the world’s fastest and most unique doorslammer cars with an extremely diverse collection of vehicles, including ’63 Corvettes, ’68 Camaros, ’67 Mustangs, ’68 Firebirds, as well as late model cars, the NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by ProCare Rx offers something for every kind of hot-rodding enthusiast.
• SCHEDULE: NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series qualifying sessions are scheduled for 3:15 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. on June 1 and at 1:45 p.m. on June 2. The first round of Pro Mod eliminations begins on June 2 at 4:15 p.m. Pro Mod eliminations continue on June 3.
• TICKETS: Tickets are available for the Toyota NHRA SuperNationals by calling (732) 914-7800 or available online at www.racewaypark.com.
• ON THE WEB: Get live timing, scoring, multimedia and the latest news updates from every NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by ProCare Rx event on the Internet at www.nhra.com. Visit the official NHRA pages on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.
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NHRA PRO MOD DRAG RACING SERIES PRESENTED BY PRO CARE RX FACT SHEET
TOYOTA NHRA SUPERNATIONALS, ENGLISHTOWN, N.J.
WHAT: Toyota NHRA Supernationals, the fourth of 10 events in the NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by ProCare Rx. The race will also showcase the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series and NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series.
WHERE: Old Bridge Township Raceway Park, Englishtown, NJ. The track is located at 230 Pension Road, Englishtown, NJ
COURSE: Championship drag strip; Track elevation is 700 feet above sea level; Track direction is northeast to southwest
WHEN: Thursday through Sunday, May 31-June 3.
SCHEDULE:
FRIDAY, June 1
NHRA PRO MOD DRAG RACING SERIES qualifying at 3:15 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
SATURDAY, June 2
NHRA PRO MOD DRAG RACING SERIES qualifying at 1:45 p.m.; first round of eliminations at 4:15 p.m.
SUNDAY, June 3
Pre-race ceremonies, 10 a.m.
NHRA PRO MOD DRAG RACING SERIES eliminations continue at approximately 2:30 p.m.
2011 WINNER: Danny Rowe
TRACK RECORDS: 5.772 sec. by Melanie Troxel, June. ’11, Englishtown; 258.71 mph by Troxel, June ’11, Englishtown.
NATIONAL RECORDS: 5.772 sec. by Melanie Troxel, June. ’11, Englishtown; 258.71 mph by Troxel, June ’11, Englishtown.
TICKETS: For tickets call (732) 446-7800. Tickets also available online at www.racewaypark.com
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NHRA PRO MOD DRAG RACING SERIES PRESENTED BY PROCARE RX POINT STANDINGS
(Following the third of 10 races; victories in parentheses)
1. Danny Rowe, Laguna Hills, Calif., Sterling Bridge Chevy Camaro (1) 231
2. Mike Castellana, Muttontown, N.Y., Al-Anabi Chevy Camaro (1) 230
3. Rickie Smith, King, N.C., IDG Chevy Camaro (1) 206
4. Leah Pruett, Cherry Valley, Calif., ProCare RX Ford Mustang 191
5. Donald Walsh, Wixom, Mich., Walsh Precision Turbo Ford Mustang 160
6. Donald Martin, Lake Forest, Calif., Sterling Bridge Chevy Camaro 155
7. Mike Knowles, Grand Junction, Colo., Mike Knowles Racing Chevy Camaro 152
8. Steve Matusek, Olathe, Kan., Aeromotive/Ford/Roush Yates Ford Mustang 149
9. Kenny Lang, Grande Pointe, Manit., Summit Racing Equipment Chevy Camaro 144
10.Troy Coughlin, Delaware, Ohio, Jeg's Chevy Camaro 143
Today's Drag Racing News
| Drag racing series coming to Epping next year The Union Leader By PAUL FEELY National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) executives held a press conference at the Old City Hall building in Boston Wednesday to announce that its Full Throttle Drag Racing Series will make a pit stop next year in Epping. See all stories on this topic » | ||
| NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing to Arrive in New England in 2013 WhoWon.com Nearly two years ago, NHRA promised its legion of fans in the New England states that it would soon bring the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series – the fastest, most exciting form of motorsports on the planet – to that region of the country. See all stories on this topic » | ||
| RACING: NHRA rumbles into BIR for Thunder at the Lakes Brainerd Daily Dispatch Thunder at the Lakes rolls into Brainerd International Raceway this weekend, bringing with it national-level drag racing and BMW club racing. Thunder at the Lakes features the NHRA West Central Division's Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, which starts ... See all stories on this topic » | ||
| NHRA set to bring Full Throttle series to NH Boston.com NHRA officials will announce Wednesday at Boston's Old City Hall it will sanction an event at New England Dragway in Epping, NH, adding to its 2013 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series schedule. "It's the drag racing equivalent to a [Sprint] Cup race ... See all stories on this topic » | ||
| NHRA Newsmakers: May 30, 2012 PaddockTalk TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR TOYOTA NHRA SUPERNATIONALS: One of the most tradition-rich events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series returns to Old Bridge Township Raceway Park, May 31-June 3, for the 43rd annual Toyota NHRA SuperNationals. See all stories on this topic » | ||
| Full Throttle Drag Racing coming to New England The Providence Journal (blog) By Peter CT Elsworth The National Hot Rod Association will be bringing its Full Throttle Drag Racing Series to New England next year, according to competitionplus.com citing the NHRA. The NHRA said Wednesday the New England Dragway in Epping, NH, ... See all stories on this topic » | ||
| NHRA's New England Connection Motor Authority Read More The National Hot Rod Association is coming to the New England area next year when it presents its first Full Throttle Drag Racing Series New England Nationals on June 20-23, 2013 on the New England Dragway dragstrip at Epping, NH. See all stories on this topic » | ||
| Atlanta Motor Speedway's Friday Night Drags & Show-N-Shine Week Five News and ... WhoWon.com Vintage race cars will be on-hand for racing enthusiasts to browse and enjoy as they take in the drag racing excitement at AMS. This year, Friday Night Drags will feature several challenge and clash nights for various divisions, the popular kids' Power ... See all stories on this topic » | ||
| Bob Tasca Sr honored with special Mystery 4 paint scheme for Englishtown Motorsport.com The Mystery 4 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Shelby Mustang Funny Car brings back the legendary "Mystery" series Bob Sr. campaigned in the early days of NHRA Drag Racing. DEARBORN, MICH. –The late Bob Tasca Sr.'s story began in the eighth grade, ... See all stories on this topic » | ||
| NHRA to expand to New England next year Racer The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series will visit New England Dragway in Epping, NH, for the inaugural NHRA New England Nationals, June 20-23, 2013. The announcement marks a process that began more than a decade ago when NHRA decided it wanted to ... See all stories on this topic » |
| Drag Racing School in the Camaro ZL1 | AutoGuide.com News Muscle cars of the 1960s were originally conceived with one thing in mind – accelerate as fast as possible in a straight line. Today, their modern. www.autoguide.com/.../2012-camaro-zl1-drag-racing-school.... |
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
NHRA NEWS: FORMER FULL THROTTLE SERIES WORLD CHAMPS READY TO MAKE A MOVE AT REGULAR SEASON MIDPOINT AS COUNTDOWN PLAYOFFS LOOM
FORMER FULL THROTTLE SERIES WORLD CHAMPS READY TO MAKE A MOVE AT REGULAR SEASON MIDPOINT AS COUNTDOWN PLAYOFFS LOOM
ENGLISHTOWN, N.J. – The first half of the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series regular season has presented several prominent winning streaks, record-breaking performances, the end of a winless skid and a first time winner. It has also offered its share of slumps, high-profile droughts and bad breaks.
While Spencer Massey (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle) are the regular season mid-point series leaders and have been producing incredible results all season, four former NHRA Full Throttle Series world champs come to the Toyota NHRA SuperNationals, May 31-June 3 at historic Old Bridge Township Raceway Park looking to change recent trends in their programs as the Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship looms in the distance.
Seven-time Top Fuel world champion Tony Schumacher is second in points, but is hoping to put an end to a 32-race drought from the winner’s circle. Defending Funny Car world champ Matt Hagan is mired in a slump and is currently 13th in the points standings. Four-time Pro Stock champ Jeg Coughlin is also trying to find his way into the top 10 before the Countdown begins. In Pro Stock Motorcycle, 2010 world champ LE Tonglet sits 10th overall, but needs to press forward if he’s going to make the playoffs.
Much has been made about Schumacher’s slump in Top Fuel. He has advanced to 11 final rounds since his last win came in Oct. 2010 in Las Vegas. During that span he’s even led the points standings a few times. However, he desperately wants to end this stall and add more Wally trophies to his category-leading win total of 67 victories. As strong as his U.S. Army dragster has been running lately, Schumacher feels the time is now. He’s a past winner at Raceway Park, and feels this could finally be his week to end the drought and start a winning streak as the circuit rolls toward the playoffs.
“Even though we have yet to win a race, we’re definitely moving in the right direction,” Schumacher said. “At each event, we seem to get that much better and that’s what counts. We’ve been the points leader a couple of times, already, which is nice. As long as we remain in serious contention over the next nine races, we’ll be positioned where we need to be when the six-race Countdown to the Championship rolls around. Of course, that’s when you want to be running at your best. I would give up winning now in favor of winning six straight races in the playoffs and capturing another world championship.”
Meanwhile, in Funny Car, 2011 world champ Hagan has found defending his title to be somewhat of a tough chore. The Virginia cattle rancher has posted five first round losses and one DNQ. His best finishes have been two quarterfinal exits. He’s qualified in the top five only one time. Despite the slow start, Hagan feels confident that with crew chief Tommy DeLago calling the shots, his Aaron’s Dream Machine Dodge Charger will roar to life at Englishtown. Cool conditions during Friday’s evening qualifying session could allow the team to better its national record time of 3.995 seconds which they set last September in Charlotte, N.C.
“It’s going to happen and it could be this weekend,” said Hagan. “We are the same team we were when we won two races at the end of last season and won the championship. Our first goal now is to move into the top-10 in points before the last six events so we can defend our title.”
After sitting out a year, Coughlin returned to action full time this season and started off with a runner-up finish at the Winternationals. Since then his JEGS Dodge Avenger has reeled off four first round losses and two uncharacteristic DNQs. Coughlin hopes a strong performance at Raceway Park, where he’s won three times in five career finals, will get his team back on track and help improve upon his 13th place points position.
“We feel like we’re building momentum,” Coughlin said. “Every motor we build at JNR comes out a little bit better than the last one and the guys on the crew are making the right adjustments on the chassis. We’re pecking away at it. Just like in a golf tournament, our first big goal this year is to make the cut for the Countdown playoffs. We have nine races left to earn a spot and we’re focused on that goal. Englishtown would be a great place to take a big step forward. We’ve won there before, the fans are some of the most knowledgeable and passionate in the sport and the facility hold legendary status for drag racers. It’s one of our majors. We’re not holding anything back.”
The first three races of the 16-event Pro Stock Motorcycle season have gone to the Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson tandem of defending world champ and points leader Eddie Krawiec and three-time world champ Andrew Hines. Krawiec, an Englishtown native, has two wins, while Hines has one. Tonglet, who comes to Englishtown with renewed sponsorship support from local resident and former NHRA driver Kenny Koretsky through his Nitro Fish brand, is eager to recapture the magic he had during his 2010 world championship run. Tonglet knows he got hot at the right time during his 2010 title run on his family-owned Suzuki and he feels he can do the same this season.
“We go in there in 10th place and we want to make sure we get into the Countdown to the Championship in a few months,” Tonglet said. “We have been working on a few things . . . trying to squeeze out every one-thousandth of a second we can on each run.”
SCHEDULE: Full Throttle Drag Racing Series qualifying sessions are scheduled for 3:45 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. on Friday, June 1, and noon and 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 2. Final eliminations are scheduled for 11 a.m. on Sunday, June 3.
TICKETS: Tickets are still available for the Toyota NHRA SuperNationals. For tickets, please call Old Bridge Township Raceway Park at (732) 446-7800 or visit www.RacewayPark.com
ON TV: ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise 90 minutes of qualifying coverage at 4:30 p.m. (ET) on Saturday, June 2. ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise two hours and 30 minutes of eliminations coverage at 4:30 p.m. (ET) on Sunday, June 3.
LUCAS OIL SERIES: The Toyota NHRA SuperNationals also will feature competition in seven categories in the NHRA Lucas Oil Series, where the future stars of the NHRA Full Throttle Series are born. Lucas Oil Series qualifying begins at 8 a.m. on May 31. Lucas Oil Series eliminations begin at 8 a.m. on June 1 and continue through June 3.
NHRA PRO MOD SERIES PRESENTED BY PROCARE RX: NHRA’s popular Pro Mod touring series will make its fourth start of the 10-race 2012 season at the Toyota NHRA SuperNationals. The series features some of the world’s fastest and most unique doorslammer cars, with an eclectic mix of vintage and late-model body styles, in quarter-mile competition. Two of three scheduled rounds of qualifying will be held on Friday, June 1 at 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. The final round of qualifying is set for 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 2. The first round of eliminations is scheduled for Saturday, June 2 at 1:30 p.m. Eliminations will continue on Sunday, June 3.
ON THE WEB: Get live timing, scoring, multimedia and the latest news updates from every NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series event on the Internet at www.nhra.com. Visit the official NHRA pages on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.
TOYOTA NHRA SUPERNATIONALS FACT SHEET
WHAT: 43rd annual Toyota NHRA SuperNationals, the ninth of 23 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series. Drivers in four categories - Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle - earn points leading to 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series world championships. The race also will feature competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series and the NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by ProCare Rx.
WHERE: Old Bridge Township Raceway Park, Englishtown, N.J. From the North, take N.J. Turnpike South to Exit 9, follow the signs to Rt. 18 South. Go six miles to the Englishtown exit. Take Rt. 527 South five miles. Make a left onto Pension Rd. Go ¼ mile, track entrance on left.
WHEN: Thursday through Sunday, May 31-June 3
SCHEDULE:
THURSDAY, May 31 – LUCAS OIL SERIES qualifying at 9 a.m.
FRIDAY, June 1 – LUCAS OIL SERIES eliminations begin at 9:30 a.m.
FULL THROTTLE SERIES qualifying at 3:45 p.m. and 6:15 p.m.
PRO MOD SERIES presented by ProCare RX qualifying at 3:15 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
SATURDAY, June 2 – LUCAS OIL SERIES eliminations continue at 10:15 a.m.
FULL THROTTLE SERIES qualifying at noon and 2:30 p.m.
PRO MOD SERIES presented by ProCare RX qualifying at 1:45 p.m. and first round of eliminations at 4:15 p.m.
SUNDAY, June 3 - Pre-race ceremonies, 10 a.m.
FULL THROTTLE SERIES eliminations begin at 11 a.m.
PRO MOD SERIES presented by ProCare RX eliminations continue at approximately 2:30 p.m.
TELEVISION:
Saturday, June 2, ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise 90 minutes of qualifying coverage at 4:30 p.m. (ET).
Sunday, June 3, ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise two hours and 30 minutes of race coverage starting at 4:30 p.m. (ET).
SATELLITE (Digital HD feed):
Friday, June 1, 9-9:30 p.m. (ET), SES 2 / Transponder 18C
Saturday, June 2, 6:30 -7 p.m. (ET), SES 2 / Transponder 18C
Sunday, June 3, 7:30-8 p.m. (ET), SES 2 / Transponder 18C
(4060 MHz, vertical; Data Rate: 40.461470554 Mbp; Symbol Rate: 29.27 Ms; FEC: ¾; Bandwidth: 36 Mhz)
Video news release contains race action highlights each day and winners’ interviews on Sunday.
2011 EVENT WINNERS: Spencer Massey, Top Fuel; Mike Neff, Funny Car; Allen Johnson, Pro Stock; Matt Smith, Pro Stock Motorcycle.
MOST VICTORIES: Kenny Bernstein, 7, (4 FC, 3 TF); Joe Amato, 6, TF; Larry Dixon, 6, TF; Don Prudhomme, 6, FC; John Force, 4, FC; Greg Anderson,4, PS; Bob Glidden, 4, PS; Warren Johnson, 4, PS; Dave Schultz, 4, PSM; John Myers, 4, PSM.
TRACK RECORDS:
Top Fuel – 3.752 seconds by Cory McClenathan, June ’10; 324.75 mph by McClenathan, June ’10.
Funny Car – 4.025 seconds by Robert Hight, June ’10; 314.09 mph by Mike Neff, June ’11.
Pro Stock – 6.508 seconds by Jason Line, June ’11; 213.03 mph by Ron Krisher, June ’11.
PS Motorcycle – 6.819 seconds by Eddie Krawiec, June ’11; 197.36 mph by Michael Phillips, June ’11.
NATIONAL RECORDS:
Top Fuel - 3.735 sec. by Del Worsham, Oct. ’11, Reading, Pa.; 332.18 mph by Spencer Massey, April ’12, Charlotte, N.C.
Funny Car - 3.995 sec. by Matt Hagan, Sept. ’11, Charlotte, N.C.; 318.99 mph by Jack Beckman, Sept. ’11, Charlotte, N.C.
Pro Stock - 6.477 sec. by Jason Line, Oct. ’11, Reading, Pa.; 213.91 mph by Jason Line, April ’12, Charlotte, N.C.
PS Motorcycle - 6.750 sec. by Eddie Krawiec, March ’12, Gainesville, Fla.; 199.26 mph by Eddie Krawiec, March ’12, Gainesville, Fla.
TICKETS: Order tickets by phone at (732) 446-7800. Tickets also are available online at www.racewaypark.com.
NHRA FULL THROTTLE DRAG RACING SERIES WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS
GLENDORA, Calif. -- Point standings (top 10) following the eighth of 23 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series -
Top Fuel: 1. Spencer Massey, 670; 2. Tony Schumacher, 658; 3. Antron Brown, 638; 4. Morgan Lucas, 598; 5. Steve Torrence, 527; 6. Doug Kalitta, 452; 7. Shawn Langdon, 420; 8. David Grubnic, 405; 9. Brandon Bernstein, 399; 10. Bob Vandergriff, 384.
Funny Car: 1. Robert Hight, 775; 2. Ron Capps, 596; 3. Mike Neff, 557; 4. Jack Beckman, 491; 5. Cruz Pedregon, 467; 6. Johnny Gray, 438; 7. Bob Tasca III, 419; 8. John Force, 386; 9. Courtney Force, 358; 10. Jeff Arend, 355.
Pro Stock: 1. Greg Anderson, 755; 2. Jason Line, 662; 3. Allen Johnson, 623; 4. Vincent Nobile, 542; 5. Mike Edwards, 529; 6. Erica Enders, 430; 7. Ronnie Humphrey, 381; 8. Shane Gray, 332; 9. Rodger Brogdon, 319; 10. Greg Stanfield, 309.
Pro Stock Motorcycle: 1. Eddie Krawiec, 337; 2. Andrew Hines, 270; 3. Hector Arana Jr, 224; 4. Hector Arana, 190; 5. Karen Stoffer, 182; 6. Michael Ray, 178; 7. Matt Smith, 158; 8. Scotty Pollacheck, 141; 9. Shawn Gann, 138; 10. LE Tonglet, 121.
NHRA NEWS: NHRA FULL THROTTLE DRAG RACING TO ARRIVE IN NEW ENGLAND IN 2013
GLENDORA, Calif. (May 30, 2012) — Nearly two years ago, NHRA promised its legion of fans in the New England states that it would soon bring the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series – the fastest, most exciting form of motorsports on the planet – to that region of the country.
Today, NHRA made it official by announcing the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series will visit New England Dragway in Epping, N.H., for the inaugural NHRA New England Nationals, June 20-23, 2013. The announcement marks a process that began more than a decade ago when NHRA decided it wanted to stage an NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series event in this region of the country. NHRA enjoys the most geographically diverse schedule of any of the major motorsports and the addition of New England only reinforces that position.
“This is a landmark announcement for NHRA and the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series,” said Tom Compton, president, NHRA. “We identified the New England area as one of the primary regions to expand our schedule and today’s announcement is very exciting for everyone involved in NHRA.”
New England Dragway in Epping, N.H. will be making capital improvements to the facility over the course of the next 12 months in preparation for the arrival of the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series in June 2013. The facility joined the NHRA member track network in 2011 with the goal of one day hosting a NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series event. The nearly two years of hard work put in by track officials and its owners have resulted in today’s announcement.
“To bring the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series to New England and specifically the state of New Hampshire is very exciting,” said Joe Lombardo, track general manager, New England Dragway. “We have started the process of preparing our facility to host an event of this magnitude and look forward to hosting the stars of NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing next June.”
The event will be headlined by 15-time NHRA Funny Car world champion John Force, seven-time Top Fuel champ Tony Schumacher, as well as many other top stars including New England’s own Bob Tasca III, Antron Brown, Ron Capps, Greg Anderson, Cruz Pedregon, Courtney Force, Morgan Lucas, Robert Hight, Terry McMillen, and Jeg Coughlin, among others. The event expects to entertain fans from the entire New England region, including Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Canada. The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series is broadcast on ESPN2/ESPN2HD.
Fans attending the event are in store for an experience unlike any other in sports and entertainment. NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing showcases the world’s fastest race cars, a spectacle of high speed, side-by-side races with jaw-dropping performances where the sophisticated machines accelerate to more than 100 mph in less than a second and routinely exceed 300 mph. A total sensory racing experience that you can see, hear, feel and taste, every NHRA Full Throttle event is a highly engaging and genuine fan experience that provides all-day entertainment on and off the track with NHRA’s open pit environment that allows every person attending an event to get up close and personal with the sport’s biggest stars.
The New England area has a long and storied drag racing history with the sport making its debut at the old Newington Airport in 1953. Eventually, and after much due diligence, New England Dragway was opened in September 1966. The facility has been active ever since, becoming an NHRA member track in 2011 and it will now host the biggest drag racing event in the history of the facility as well as the state of New Hampshire – an NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series event.
NHRA and New England Dragway officials will make additional announcements in the coming weeks and months regarding sponsors, tickets and promotional events and activities. Tickets for the event are expected to go on sale on Tuesday, Nov. 13. For more information, log on to NHRA.com.
NHRA brings Thunder to Brainerd Int'l Raceway this weekend
BRAINERD, Minn. – Thunder at the Lakes rolls in to Brainerd International Raceway this weekend, bringing with it national-level drag racing and BWM club racing.Thunder at the Lakes features the NHRA West Central division’s Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, which starts Friday with testing. Qualifying and time trials are Saturday, and elimination rounds are Sunday. Some of the top Sportsman drag racers in the country will be racing for series points that lead to a shot at a national championship next fall and a piece of the $519,000 prize purse.
For fans, Thunder at the Lakes is an annual preview to what they can expect to see during the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals in August.
“This is really intense drag racing by guys who have their sights set on a national championship this fall,” BIR Owner Jed Copham said. “Fans will see some really fast times by a lot of drivers who will be back in August to compete during the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals.”
The event is the second of six in the division and one of 43 scheduled across the country. Categories include Comp Eliminator, Super Stock, Stock Eliminator, Super Comp, Super Gas and Super Street. The division’s Jerry Haas Race Cars Top Sportsman, Fineline Madcap Top Dragster and Sportsman Motorcycle Series presented by Harley Davidson are also in competition.
On BIR’s 2.5-mile Competition Road Course, the BMW Club will be racing. Fans can watch both races for the price of a single ticket. Daily admission is $25 for adults and $15 for kids aged 6-12. Kids 5 and younger are free. Every ticket includes a pit pass. Camping is free with a multi-day ticket.
Gates at BIR open at 7 a.m. every day. Friday is for open testing. Qualifying and time trials on the drag strip start Saturday at 9 a.m. Top Sportsman and Top Dragster will qualify on Saturday at 11 a.m., 2:30 and 6 p.m. Comp Eliminator qualify Saturday at 11:45 a.m., 3:15 and 6:45 p.m. Eliminations start Sunday at 9 a.m.
Now in its 44th season, Brainerd International Raceway is one of North America’s largest race tracks, featuring a world-class quarter-mile drag strip, the 3.1-mile, 10-turn Donnybrooke Road Course, the 2.5-mile, 13-turn Competition Road Course, 300 acres for rustic camping, 164 full-service RV sites and 12 on-site condos. BIR is about 120 miles north of the Twin Cities. For more information, visit www.BrainerdRaceway.com, or call 1-866-444-4455.
NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Thunder At The Lakes: Fact Sheet
WHAT:
Thunder at the Lakes, the second of six events in West Central Division competition where drivers earn points leading to divisional and national championships as well as a chance at a share of the year-end purse of more than $519,000. This is the second of six events in the West Central Division. Categories include Comp Eliminator, Super Stock, Stock Eliminator, Super Comp, Super Gas and Super Street. The division’s Jerry Haas Race Cars Top Sportsman Series, Fineline Madcap Top Dragster Series and the Sportsman Motorcycle Series presented by Harley Davidson will also run in conjunction with the event.
WHERE:
Brainerd International Raceway, Brainerd, Minn. Track is located a few miles north of the Brainerd area off Highway 371. The track is located on the east side of the highway.
WHEN:
Friday through Sunday, June 1-3
SCHEDULE
THURSDAY – Gates open at 5 p.m
FRIDAY – Gates open at 7 a.m. Testing all day on the drag strip. BMW Club racing on the Competition Road Course.
SATURDAY - Gates open at 7 a.m. Qualifying and time trials at 9 a.m. Top Sportsman and Top Dragster qualify at 11 a.m., 2:30 and 6 p.m. Comp Eliminator qualifying is at 11:45 a.m., 3:15 and 6:45 p.m. BMW Club racing all day.
SUNDAY - Gates open at 7 a.m. Eliminations on the drag strip begin at 9 a.m. BMW Club racing all day.
TICKETS:
Daily admission is $25 for adults and $15 for kids aged 6-12. Children 5 and under are admitted free with a paid adult. Tickets are available at the gate. For more information please call BIR, (866) 444-4455 or visit www.BrainerdRaceway.com.
2011 EVENT
WINNERS: Richard Putz, Top Alcohol Dragster; Scott McVey, Top Alcohol Funny Car; Pat Nahan, Comp Eliminator; Justin Jenkins, Super Stock; Glen De Menge, Stock Eliminator; Gary Stinnett, Super Comp; Mark Hovorka, Super Gas; Greg Grundman, Super Street; Monte Green, Top Sportsman, JR Lobner, Top Dragster; Jason Clampitt, Sportsman Motorcycle.
BONUS PROGRAMS: NHRA LUCAS OIL DRAG RACING SERIES POINTS FUND: a $519,000 point fund from Lucas Oil, which will be shared by 2012 NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series divisional, regional and national champions. Regional awards include $10,000 each to the Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car champions with Divisional awards of $3,000 to the champions in both Competition and Super Stock; $2,000 each to the champions in Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas and Super Street. The seven national champions will share a bonus of $135,000.
JEGS ALLSTARS: The best of the best from each of NHRA’s seven divisions will compete for a share of the $119,000 point fund from Jegs High Performance. The 2012 Jegs Allstars event will culminate a year-long points battle between drivers in each of NHRA’s Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series’ eight classes as well as Top Sportsman and Top Dragster. The top points earner in each category will qualify to represent his/her division at the 2012 Jegs Allstars. Points are based on in-division races only.
The winning division’s team will share $20,000 and individual awards include $7,000 each to the Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car champions, $6,000 to champions in Comp Eliminator and Super Stock, $5,000 to Top Sportsman and Top Dragster champions, and $4,500 to the Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas, and Super Street champions. Runners-up in all categories will earn $2,000 apiece. Each Allstars competitor will also receive a share of a $25,000 towing fund to get to the event.
Event sponsor, Jegs High Performance, is offering a “double up” bonus to Jegs Allstars participants. Any 2012 Jegs Allstars champion who also wins the national event will have his/her Allstars prize doubled.
AEROMOTIVE LOW QUALIFIER BONUS: A $3,000 bonus fund paid to the low qualifiers in Comp Eliminator, Super Stock and Stock Eliminator at each of the division’s six races. The best qualifying driver in Comp Eliminator and Super Stock will each get $200 per event, while the best qualifier in Stock Eliminator will get $100 per race.
JERRY HAAS RACE CARS TOP SPORTSMAN SERIES: The Jerry Haas Race Cars Top Sportsman Series, run in conjunction with the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, is an opportunity for competitors in the West Central division’s Top Sportsman class to earn points toward divisional championships. The $2,750 champions’ purse posted by Jerry Haas Race Cars will be paid to first-, second- and third-place points finishers.
FINLINE MADCAP TOP DRAGSTER SERIES: The West Central Division Top Dragster Series, run in conjunction with the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, is an opportunity for competitors in the West Central division’s Top Dragster class to earn points toward divisional championships. The $2,750 champions’ purse will be paid to first-, second- and third-place points finishers.
NHRA SPORTSMAN MOTORCYCLE SERIES presented by HARLEY DAVIDSON: The NHRA Sportsman Motorcycle Series presented by Harley Davidson, run in conjunction with the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, is an opportunity for competitors in NHRA’s Sportsman Motorcycle class to earn points toward divisional championships. The $14,000 champions’ purse posted by Harley Davidson will be paid to first-, second- and third-place points finishers in NHRA divisions that host Sportsman Motorcycles.
Today's Drag Racing News
| Brown, Nobile and Lagana are hometown favorites at Old Bridge Township Raceway ... Motorsport.com ENGLISHTOWN, NJ – Every NHRA racer looks forward to competing at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park due to its storied history and rich tradition in the sport of NHRA Drag Racing, but for NHRA Full Throttle Series drivers Antron Brown, Dom Lagana and ... See all stories on this topic » | ||
| 2012 NHRA: Local Favorites Brown, Nobile And Lagana Looking Forward To Racing ... PaddockTalk Spencer Massey (Top Fuel), Mike Neff (Funny Car) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) are also defending winners of the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series event that will be televised on ESPN2 HD. "I'm very confident in my driving and my car this ... See all stories on this topic » | ||
| John Force Racing wants to add another major win in Englishtown Motorsport.com For example, when he won in 1998, he drove his Castrol GTX® Ford Mustang to an NHRA national Funny Car speed record of 323.89 miles per hour which, at the time, made his the fastest drag racing vehicle in the known universe, faster even than the Top ... See all stories on this topic » | ||
| Coughlin ready to take his swings at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park Motorsport.com ENGLISHTOWN, NJ (May 29) -- Drag Racing champion Jeg Coughlin Jr. grew up in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio, and was fortunate enough to learn the game of golf at Muirfield Golf Club, the site of this weekend's Memorial PGA Tournament. See all stories on this topic » | ||
| Al-Anabi Racing Team heads to Englishtown Motorsport.com Langdon joined the Al-Anabi Racing team prior to the 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series season. He won the 2007 and '08 NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Super Comp championships and the 1997 NHRA Junior Dragster championship in the 14-under ... See all stories on this topic » | ||
| Reichert, Manzo Continue Maple Grove Dominance WhoWon.com Many-time world champions Bill Reichert and Frank Manzo won the Eastern regional Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Maple Grove Raceway, each for the fourth time in five years. Reichert edged reigning event and world champ Duane Shields in a ... See all stories on this topic » | ||
| An NHRA Funny Car Trophy From Fabled Englishtown Would Be A Jewel PaddockTalk "I can't imagine any Funny Car driver considering his career complete without a trophy from Englishtown," said Beckman, who won his 13th title two weeks ago in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series event at Topeka, Kan., for Don Schumacher Racing. See all stories on this topic » |
| Dobbs takes first NDRA win - Drag Racing Online Magazine It has been three decades since Kevin McHugh last entered a quarter-mile competition, but at this weekend's Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Maple ... www.dragracingonline.com/agent1320/.../1320-xiv_5-33.html | ||
| Drag Racing News May 27, 2012 Need for speed is in their genes. The Province Their union is the blend of two drag-racing families. He's quiet and a calm thinker. She's more the talker and very ... www.bracketracing.com/drag.../drag-racing-news-may-27-20... | ||
| Drag Racing - Topix Why don't they have Drag Racing at Thunder Ridge ? Tell me when this thread is updated: (Registration is not required). Add to my Tracker. Send me an email ... www.topix.com/forum/city/...ky/TLUMEC10ACH8C1PL9 |
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, Mission Raceway Park - photos
Photos of Mission Raceway Park winners Steve Gasparrelli, Top Alcohol Funny Car and Joey Severance, Top Alcohol Dragster
NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Final Results from Mission Raceway Park
SEVERANCE, GASPARRELLI LEAD MISSION WIRE TO WIRE
MISSION, B.C. – Joey Severance dominated Top Alcohol Dragster at the LORDCO Auto Parts BC Nationals, the Western Regional event at Mission Raceway, qualifying No. 1 and setting low e.t. of all three rounds en route to victory, and defending division champ Steve Gasparrelli did likewise in Top Alcohol Funny Car.
Severance was the only driver in the 5.30s and the only one to crack to 270 mph in qualifying with a best of 5.35, 270.86, half a tenth ahead of eventual runner-up Ray Martin's 5.40. He established low e.t. of the meet on his first-round single with a 5.33.
Martin ran a competitive 5.44 in the opening round to take out Greg Sereda's 5.58, and Canadian Gord Gingles dipped into the 5.30s with a career-best 5.39 in a win over quick-leaving Greg Hunter. Gingles fouled away a 5.41 in the semi's opposite Severance's 5.369, and Martin moved to within striking distance of Severance with a 5.372 on his semifinal single.
Both drivers slowed in the final, but Severance got off the mark first and streaked to a 5.39 to cover Martin's solid 5.43, reversing the outcome of the 2011 Mission final, which Martin won in his Top Alcohol Dragster debut.
In Top Alcohol Funny Car, Gasparrelli duplicated Severance's qualifying feat by being the only driver in the 5.50s and putting five-hundredths between himself and the next closest driver. Clint Thompson, who once won the Mission event three years in a row, hit a 5.64 for the No. 2 spot, just ahead of John Evanchuk's 5.67 and six-time Division 6 champion Brian Hough's 5.68.
Gasparrelli, like Severance, set low e.t. in the opening round, running a 5.57 at 261.83 mph to eliminate Dave Germain, who smoked the tires and shut off. Hough maintained his qualifying performance with a 5.64 win over Evanchuk, and Thompson did the same with a 5.66 against Jeff Ashwell.
The final was over early when Hough, who won this event in 2009 and 2010, lost traction immediately, opening the door for Gasparrelli, who would have been hard to get around anyway with a 5.63, his slowest run of the day but still quicker than any other driver's best run.
Jeff Lane and Brad Burton made it two for two in the Northwest division as each grabbed their second win of the year. Lane, the defending event champion out of North Bend, Wash., took on Alan Ellis, Mapleton, Utah, in Comp Eliminator taking the win in 8.065 seconds at 151.48 mph. Burton, Kirkwood, Wash., drove his ’72 Formula to victory over Dallas Glenn, Covington, Wash., in Stock Eliminator.
Local racer Al Omond, Surrey, B.C. defended his title from a year ago in the Sportsman Motorcycle Series presented by Harley Davidson. Omond ran down Jeff Havens, Yakima, Wash., with an 8.187 second lap at 153.11 mph on his ’97 Kawasaki.
Four other British Columbia residents scored wins this weekend with Marv Wiebe, Abbotsford, B.C., winning in Super Gas over Randy Sides, Selah, Wash; Stefan Kondolay, Chilliwack, B.C., won on a hole-shot in Super Comp; Jim Behnke, Mission, B.C., won in Pro; and Mike Shannon, Kelowna, B.C., took out Randy Beck in Super Pro.
Defending Lucas Oil Super Stock National Champion Jackie Alley, Eagle, Idaho, beat the reigning division Stock Champion Jody Lang in Super Stock; Tom Koenen, Tucson, Ariz., won in Top Dragster; and Dave Robinson, Red Deer, Alb., took home the trophy in Top Sportsman.
Northwest Division racers head to Spokane County Raceway for the next NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event, June 22-24.
The following are the final results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Lordco B.C. Nationals event at Mission Raceway Park:
TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER:
Round 1
1) Joey Severance, Woodburn, Ore., 5.332, 266.85 was unopposed
2) Ray Martin, Anchorage, Alaska, 5.443, 262.23 def. 5) Greg Sereda, Spruce Grove, Alb., 5.581, 255.39
3) Gord Gingles, Winnipeg, Manit., 5.399, 270.81 def. 4) Greg Hunter, Calgary, Alb., 5.741, 250.51
Semifinals
Severance, 5.369, 262.79 def. Gingles, foul
Martin, 5.373, 264.08 was unopposed
FINALS
Severance, 5.391, 267.59 def. Martin, 5.439, 264.29
TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR:
Round 1
4) Brian Hough, Junction City, Ore., '09 Mustang, 5.640, 251.95 def. 3) John Evanchuk, Edmonton, Alb.,
'06 Monte Carlo, 16.925, 30.84
2) Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls, Ore., '06 Monte Carlo, 5.660, 255.43 def. 5) Jeff Ashwell, Keizer, Ore., '09 Mustang, 6.052, 241.15
1) Steve Gasparrelli, W. Covina, Calif., '06 Monte Carlo, 5.574, 261.83 def. 6) Dave Germain, Toledo, Wash., '02 Firebird, 7.571, 195.34
Semifinals
Gasparrelli, 5.593, 260.16 was unopposed
Hough, 5.646, 254.38 def. Thompson, 6.437, 163.14
Finals
Gasparrelli, 5.638, 260.91 def. Hough, 15.150, 35.92
COMP ELIMINATOR
Jeff Lane, North Bend, Wash., '11 Cobalt, B/SMA, 8.065, 151.48 def. Alan Ellis, Mapleton, Utah, '23
roadster, A/AA, 6.572, 209.98.
SUPER STOCK
Jackie Alley, Eagle, Idaho, '69 Camaro, SS/DA, 9.392, 136.70 def. Jody Lang, Puyallup, Wash., '81
Malibu, GT/KA, 10.754, 119.70.
STOCK ELIMINATOR
Brad Burton, Kirkland, Wash., '72 Formula, E/SA, 10.834, 115.60 def. Dallas Glenn, Covington, Wash.,
'96 Corvette, C/SA, 10.537, 124.41.
SUPER COMP
Stefan Kondolay, Chilliwack, B.C., dragster, 8.961, 170.47 def. Ed Hauter, Lynnwood, Wash., dragster,
8.939, 171.79.
SUPER GAS
Marv Wiebe, Abbotsford, B.C., '00 S-10, 9.914, 155.11 def. Randy Sides, Selah, Wash., '57 Corvette,
9.898, 164.57.
SUPER STREET
Allen Macham, Everett, Wash., '67 Nova, 10.910, 134.98 def. Mike Scheffler, Lynwood, Wash., '64
Chevelle, foul.
SPORTSMAN MOTORCYCLE
Al Omond, Surrey, B.C., '97 Kawasaki, 8.187, 153.11 def. Jeff Havens, Yakima, Wash., '95 Suzuki,
8.993, 148.58.
TOP SPORTSMAN
Dave Robinson, Red Deer, Alb., '03 Grand Am, 7.455, 185.72 def. Zak Clarke, Mission, B.C., '67 Nova,
7.775, 172.39.
TOP DRAGSTER
Tom Koenen, Tucson, Ariz., dragster, 6.608, 201.64 def. Jim Morris, Olympia, Wash., dragster, foul.
SUPER PRO
Mike Shannon, Kelowna, B.C., dragster, 8.905, 174.50 def. Randy Beck, Tacoma, Wash., dragster, 8.892,
172.96
PRO
Jim Behnke, Mission, B.C., '67 Cuda, 10.313, 128.92 def. Jason Biscay, Rochester, Wash., '71 Vega,
foul.
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