Top Alcohol Dragster -- Jim Whiteley, 5.321, 264.03 def. Brandon Lewis, 9.176, 82.86.

Top Alcohol Funny Car -- Frank Manzo, Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.570, 258.96 def. Steve Harker, Monte Carlo, 11.394, 70.80.

Competition Eliminator -- Sal Biondo, Chevy Beretta, 8.242, 161.17  def. Todd Patterson, Chevy Cobalt, 7.732, 175.75.

Super Stock -- Chris Chaney, Chevy Cavalier, 9.690, 130.13  def. Jeff Niceswanger, Chevy Camaro, 10.029, 124.41.

Stock Eliminator -- Adam Davis, Chevy Camaro, 11.188, 110.98  def. John Shaul, Plymouth Fury, 10.116, 129.65.

Super Comp -- Kari Larson, Dragster, 8.896, 166.09  def. Brian Forrester, Dragster, foul.

Super Gas -- Mike Sawyer, Chevy Cavalier, 10.002, 162.18  def. Rock Haas, Chevy Corvette, 10.236, 128.57.

Super Street -- Ryan Giacone, Ford Thunderbird, 10.953, 137.05  def. Chuck Lowry, Chevy Camaro, 10.960, 135.76.

Mike Ashley, a three-time NHRA Funny Car winner and owner of Antron Brown's Matco Tools dragster, will return to Professional competition this season. The winner of the 2007 Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Lucas Oil will field a second MAR Top Fuel dragster to team with Brown and the Matco Tools crew at the final four races on the 2009 NHRA Full Throttle schedule.

Ashley, who clocked the fastest Funny Car speed in NHRA history at 334.32 mph (Las Vegas 1 2007), will compete at the Memphis, Richmond, Las Vegas 2, and Pomona 2 races. He also will race a second MAR dragster on a part-time basis during the 2010 NHRA Full Throttle season. The dragster will fly the colors of Lend America. Chuck Ford and Rob Wendland will serve as co-crew chiefs on the Lend America dragster, teaming with MAR's current tuning duo of Brian Corradi and Mark Oswald, who have tuned Brown to two Top Fuel wins this season and a second-place ranking.

"I'm very excited to take on the challenge of driving a Top Fuel dragster," Ashley said. "After driving the Pro Mod and then a nitro Funny Car, oddly enough, I think Top Fuel is a combination of both in terms of driving style. I am excited to have Chuck and Rob run my car, and I am confident with guidance from Brian and Mark we will be in the thick of things."  

Ashley's move to Top Fuel means the popular racer will make a bid to join an elite group of NHRA racers who have collected Wally trophies in both nitromethane-powered categories. Oswald, the 1984 NHRA Funny Car world champion, was the second of 14 drivers in NHRA history to score wins in both Top Fuel and Funny Car, following racing legend Don "the Snake" Prudhomme. Other NHRA champions to accomplish the feat are Frank Hawley, Kenny Bernstein, Scott Kalitta, and Gary Scelzi.

National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Drag Racer, Nicole Lyons, has officially signed on with the William Morris Agency as of this February and Bischoff-Hervey Entertainment (BHE) as of this April to assist her in being the first African American female and potential first female to win a NHRA Pro Stock event and championship. William Morris Agency signed the "untitled" Nicole Lyons reality television show which is currently in pre-production under Bischoff-Hervey and Nicole Lyons Productions. Teaming up with Victor Cagnazzi will give any new potential sponsors the best they could ask for in terms of NHRA Pro Stock. I am so excited to have the opportunity to race with such a world class organization when sponsorship is in placeThe Tiger Woods of Drag Racing.Redefining history is what I do bestBeing a woman and on top of that, an African American woman, I had to overcome boundaries to make it where I am today, and I wouldn't change anything because it shows the example that with persistence, drive, determination, and faith anything and everything is possible.

Los Angeles, CA May 14, 2009 -- National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Drag Racer, Nicole Lyons, has officially signed on with the William Morris Agency as of this February and Bischoff-Hervey Entertainment (BHE) as of this April to assist her in being the first African American female and potential first female to win a NHRA Pro Stock event and championship. WMA and BHE will be assisting by using the world of entertainment a testament to what they do best. Lyons has teamed up with the championship title-holder Victor Cagnazzi Racing for a big push to racing NHRA Pro Stock 2010 contingent upon finding sponsorship. She has been soliciting final rounds of sponsorship for her 2010 year--Pro Stock Full Throttle Series.

"Teaming up with Victor Cagnazzi will give any new potential sponsors the best they could ask for in terms of NHRA Pro Stock. I am so excited to have the opportunity to race with such a world class organization when sponsorship is in place," said Lyons.

Woodville, AL: ThisIsBracketRacing.com, an instructional website aimed at helping sportsman drag racers develop and hone their racing skills, is proud to announce an all-star line-up of instructors for 2009. Site developer, and well respected sportsman competitor Luke Bogacki is ThisIsBracketRacing.com’s head instructor. Bogacki pens monthly tutorial columns centered around various topics related to the cerebral and strategic elements of bracket-style competition. Bogacki is joined, every other month, by a guest instructor, who pens a similarly constructed column for the sites growing subscriber base.

The 2009 roster of ThisIsBracketRacing.com JEGS guest instructors includes Jared Pennington, Danny Waters, Jr., Brian Folk, Jeg Coughlin, Jr., Peter Biondo, and Troy Williams, Jr. Combined, this all-star staff has accumulated a whopping 14 NHRA & IHRA World Championships. Additionally, the staff accounts for 6 titles at the prestigious Moroso 5-Day Bracket Championships, a Million Dollar Race victory, numerous divisional titles, and countless big dollar bracket wins.

An in depth biography for each instructor is available on ThisIsBracketRacing.com, but some notable highlights include:

Jared Pennington:
2-time B&M Racers Appreciation Series Footbrake Champion, 10-time track champion, and 2-time $20,000 Footbrake event winner (Huntsville, 2004 & Piedmont, 2007).

Danny Waters, Jr.:
2-time IHRA World Champion (Hot Rod ‘98 & Quick Rod ‘07), 2-time IHRA Division champion, 11-time IHRA National Event Winner.

Brian Folk:
2007 IHRA Super Rod World Champion, 5-time IHRA Division Champion, 22-time National Event Winner, 2-time Moroso 5-Day Points Champion, 1999 Gateway $50,000 winner.

Jeg Coughlin, Jr.:
5-time NHRA World Champion (4 in Pro Stock, 1 in Super Gas), 54-time NHRA National Event Winner (with victories in 5 different categories), 2003 Moroso 5-Day Points Champion, only driver in NHRA history to claim national event victories in 4 separate categories within the same season (Super Gas, Super Stock, Comp, Pro Stock; 1997).

Peter Biondo:
5-time NHRA World Champion (4 in Super Stock, 1 in Stock), 35-time NHRA National Event Winner, 13-time NHRA Division Champion, 2001 Moroso 5-Day Points Champion, 2-time $50,000 bracket winner.

Troy Williams, Jr:
2006 IHRA Quick Rod World Champion, 2-time Moroso 5-Day Points Champion, 1998 Million Dollar Race Winner, 1998 B&M Racers Appreciation Series Champion.

Luke Bogacki:
5-time Division Champion (4 IHRA, 1 NHRA), 6-time IHRA National Event Winner, 2-time DragRaceResults.com Bracket Series National Champion, 5-time DragRaceResults.com Bracket Series Division Champion, 2004 Tenn-Tuck Triple Crown Champion.

Jared Pennington’s instructional column, titled “The Perfect Plan” was the introductory JEGS Guest Instructor column on ThisIsBracketRacing.com, and has been available since February 15. Danny Waters, Jr. takes the stage next, with his column titled “Finding Your Comfort Zone” posting on the website April 15. The remaining instructors will have tutorial columns featured throughout 2009.

“I’m so excited to have six of the greatest racers on the planet involved. Their racing resume’s speak for themselves,” said Luke Bogacki. “In addition to their overwhelming accomplishments, these racers have been selected by ThisIsBracketRacing.com for their ability to share their thoughts and experiences with others, and their passion, not only for the sport, but for helping others to achieve success within it. I can’t imagine having a better group of racers and individuals to work with!”

In addition to these tutorials by some of the sports very best, ThisIsBracketRacing.com members also have access to the most comprehensive sportsman racing schedule available today. The ThisIsBracketRacing.com schedule includes every NHRA and IHRA National, Sportsman National, Divisional, and ET Finals event held in 2009. Additionally, the schedule features nearly every bracket race on the continent that boasts a winners purse of $5,000 or more.

What’s more? ThisIsBracketRacing.com also plays host to the BTE Power Rankings, an innovative ranking system in which drivers earn points for final round finishes for any event on the comprehensive schedule, regardless of class or sanction. This system stacks the top competitors from all facets of sportsman competition against one another in an effort to determine who in fact enjoyed the best season. The 2009 champion will receive a BTE Top Dragster (or Top Sportsman) transmission valued at $3590! Additional prize packages are currently being secured for each top ten finisher (to receive prizes, top finishers must be an annual member of ThisIsBracketRacing.com by 9/1/09).

For more information and to join, visit www.ThisIsBracketRacing.com today.

In the racing world, it is often heard that race tracks can have personalities and that no two tracks are alike.

None may fit that bill more than Dallas Raceway.

The newest and most state-of-the-art drag racing facility in Texas, Dallas Raceway has been aptly dubbed the “Concrete Palace” thanks to its one-of-a-kind all-concrete layout. From the pits to the track to the parking area and everything in between, Dallas Raceway has the distinction of being the only all-concrete national event drag racing facility in the world.

And its owner didn’t hold anything back in creating one of the most talked about drag strips in the southern United States.

“Looking around at other tracks, most of them are 20 to 25 years old and back then they did it the cheapest way possible and all they had to deal with were some of these smaller rigs,” said Dallas Raceway owner Kenny Barnes. “Things have changed so much; everybody is going with big motor homes, 18-wheelers, trailers and when they go to some of these tracks it starts tearing up the asphalt. We wanted to do something a little different so we created a maintenance free race track.”

And in just a few short weeks, Dallas Raceway and its streets of concrete will make its big debut on the national stage with the running of third Nitro Jam national event of the season, the IHRA Amalie Oil Texas Nationals, May 29-31. The facility will also host a Summit Racing Equipment Pro-Am Tour presented by Mr. Gasket event Aug. 21-23.

Sitting in a prime location just a few miles outside of downtown Dallas, Barnes is planning on seeing some big crowds when the world’s fastest cars hit the track for the first time next month.

“All the tracks around Dallas are close to two hours away and you could get racers there, but you couldn’t get the fans there,” Barnes said. “People still want entertainment, but they don’t want to drive two hours to and from the track. We are 24 miles from downtown Dallas and 14 miles from the interstate putting us in a great location.”

Along with the well documented all-concrete design, Dallas Raceway also has a few other unique features including a 3,600-square foot tower complete with a control room and suites, a massive hospitality center, 13-and-a-half acres of paved concrete pit parking and even a 24 million gallon lake stocked full of bass and catfish, adding a little extra incentive for drivers to make an early arrival to the track.

The 112-acre facility also has modern, air-conditioned bathrooms, showers, and even a game room, making Dallas Raceway a perfect destination for families.

“We are trying to make a nice track for the fans and for the racers. I have been a racer, they don’t like to park in the mud and be out of the way so we are trying to do the best we can to accommodate the fans and the racers,” Barnes said.

And to do that, Barnes did his homework hoping to create the perfect track without some of the hassles of older facilities.

“We went around and did some surveys on the dos and don’ts hoping to learn from everybody else’s mistakes instead of our own,” Barnes said. “This has been a big project, but things are starting to turn around and I can’t wait to get it up and running.”

As the IHRA continues to grow and expand its audience, the legendary sanctioning body has unveiled a new site aimed at assisting the media in covering IHRA events in 2009 and beyond.

The site, which can be viewed at http://media.ihra.com, will be a one-stop shop for all media needs, including high-resolution photos and graphics, full statistics covering the history of the IHRA, press releases, story ideas, credential request forms and much more.

Along with a detailed look at the history of the IHRA and its classes, the IHRA media site will also provide up-to-date standings and statistics, as well as logos, high-resolution photos, credential request forms, a style guide, event calenders and complete details on all Nitro Jam series activities.

Luke Bogacki drove his familiar ThisIsBracketRacing.com backed Vega to a $5,000 payday last Sunday afternoon by claiming a No Box victory at the TCI Twins Series event at Bristol Dragway. Bogacki, a professional bracket racer from Woodville, AL defeated Indiana’s Joe Robertson in the final round of competition.

“This was one of those days where it just all fell into place,” said Bogacki. “I worked on the Vega all winter, made some changes and updates, and just got it back to the track last weekend. Today I was pretty solid on the starting line, but the car was absolutely phenomenal. It just copied timeslips all day. Had I not won the race, it definitely would’ve been on me!”

Bogacki held up his end of the bargain, posting a string of reaction times that varied just .008 (.011 to .019) from third round thru his semi-final victory over friend and established bottom bulb competitor Steve Foley. He saved his best for last, posting a superb .005 reaction opposite Robertson in the final round, enabling the victory.
Bogacki’s latest triumph highlights an excellent start to his 2009 season. He kicked off the campaign with a $5,000 Footbrake victory at Mobile Dragway in January. Since, he added an IHRA Iron Man to his collection with a win in Quick Rod at the Mardi Gras Nationals in Baton Rouge, LA; and picked up a $10,000 pay day at the Tenn-Tuck Triple Crown event in Bowling Green, KY.

Durand, IL: The Folk Race Cars team is proud to present their inaugural driving school at Byron Dragway in Byron, IL June 26-27. The class, which will be hosted by Brian and Nick Folk, along with guest instructor Luke Bogacki, will be split into four main segments: two classroom sessions, and two on-track sessions on the fabled Byron Dragway quarter mile.

While the school is open to any interested parties, the curriculum has been designed for current racers who hold a basic understanding of the principles of bracket and/or class racing, but are looking to improve their game, and take their racing to the next level. The classes instructors have assembled enormous credentials and accomplishments between them, in all forms of sportsman drag racing competition. Brian Folk is a former IHRA Super Rod World Champion, and a two-time Moroso 5-Day points champion. His brother Nick Folk has a pair of IHRA World Championships to his credit, in Top Dragster and Stock Eliminator. Bogacki has a pair of DragRaceResults.com Bracket Series World Championships on his resume, and was voted the 2008 IHRA Sportsman Driver of the Year. Additionally, the trio has assembled countless national, divisional, and big dollar bracket wins and several divisional championships.

“What you can get out of this school really depends on what you come in looking for,” explained Brian Folk. “Between the three of us, I really think we’ve got the tools to help racers with all facets of the sport--from mental preparation, to proper race strategy, to the physical execution of those strategies. We’re not looking for drivers who are new to the sport, particularly. This isn’t a school where we’re going to show you how to ride down the race track and not get hurt--this is a school where our goal is to teach you how to win.”

The Folk Race Cars driving school will consist of 8-12 students, so as to allow significant one-on-one instruction for each student from all three instructors. Folk Race Cars encourages students to train in their own personal competition vehicle, though arrangements can be made for rental cars if necessary. Tuition for students providing their own vehicle is $1,000 for the two-day course. Call for pricing on renting a vehicle for the class.

If the Byron school is not geographically convenient for you, Brian Folk and Luke Bogacki are also teaming up for a similar on-track school at Mo-Kan Dragway (Joplin, MO) May 8-9. That class is a “Live” school presented by ThisIsBracketRacing.com.

 Baker Wins With Consistency and Quickness

A beautiful weekend in AL was capped off  by great side-by-side Nitrous Pro Mod action at Phenix Motorsports Park,  Sunday, March 22. 

Twelve cars attempted to qualify for the eight car Dixie Pro Mod field, with Johnny Pilcher taking the number 1 spot and setting low et with an outstanding 4.07.

MOPAR and drag racing.

It is a combination that has gone hand-in-hand for years and a relationship that will continue to grow into the future as Mopar celebrates its 10th anniversary as title sponsor of the IHRA MOPAR Canadian Nationals July 17-19 at Grand Bend Motorplex in Ontario

 NHRA ENTERS SOCIAL NETWORKING SPACE WITH PAGES ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER

GLENDORA, Calif. (March 18, 2009) — If you’re one of the 80,000 NHRA members, or one of the 300,000 NHRA participants, or one of the millions and millions of NHRA fans, and you want to share your passion for drag racing, the green bulb on the Christmas Tree has been lit.

TASCA, DIXON, LINE AND ARANA WIN ACDELCO NHRA GATORNATIONALS

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Bob Tasca completed a dream weekend Sunday by racing to his first career victory at the ACDelco NHRA Gatornationals.

Larry Dixon, Jason Line and Hector Arana also were winners at the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series event at historic Gainesville Raceway.

Pro Extreme=  Todd Tutterow 3.925  201.46 mph defeated Jason Scruggs 4.241  136.41

Pro Nitrous = Stan Allen  4.134  168.81 defeated  Jim Halsey 4.203 149.18

Extreme 10.5 =  Billy Glidden 4.143  175.23 defeated. Jake Carlton 4.194  175. 98

Pro Extreme Motorcycle = Charlie Prophit  4.237  168.75  defeated Matt Prophit  LB3A 

Extreme Pro Stock =  Doug Kirk  4.165  175.25  defeated  Brian Gahm  DNF

Gatornationals TV Schedule and Event Facts

ON TV: ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise two hours of qualifying highlights at 2 a.m. (ET) on Sunday, March 15. A 90-minute qualifying show will re-air on Sunday, March 15 at 10 a.m. (ET) on ESPN2.  NHRA Race Day, a 30-minute pre-race show, will air at 11:30 a.m. (ET) on Sunday, March 15, also on ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD. Three hours of eliminations coverage beginning at 3 p.m. (ET) on Sunday, March 15, will air on ESPN and ESPN HD,

 LUCAS OIL SERIES: The ACDelco NHRA Gatornationals also will feature competition in six categories in the NHRA Lucas Oil Series, where the future stars of the NHRA Full Throttle Series earn their racing stripes. Lucas Oil Series qualifying begins at 9 a.m. on March 12. Lucas Oil Series eliminations begin at 7:30 a.m. on March 13.

United Association to sponsor Chicago and Englishtown events

United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada (UA) has secured title-rights sponsorship of NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series events in Chicago and Englishtown.

The United Association Route 66 NHRA Nationals will be contested June 4-7 at Route 66 Raceway in Chicago, and the United Association NHRA SuperNationals will take place the following week, June 11-14, at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park in Englishtown.

What started out as a bit of a gloomy morning turned into a marvelous day of racing as Bruce Litton, Ray Commisso and Jason Collins claimed Ironman trophies during Belle of Baton Rouge Championship Sunday at the IHRA Summit Racing Equipment Mardi Gras Nationals at State Capitol Raceway in Baton Rouge.

The weather is warm, the crawfish is cooking and State Capitol Raceway is littered with purple and gold decorations in preparation for the inaugural Summit Racing Equipment Mardi Gras Nationals which are set to begin this weekend in Port Allen.

BIKES SET FOR RETURN AND START OF SEASON AT ACDELCO NHRA GATORNATIONALS

It’s a tradition as old as the class itself. Since it became a professional category in 1987, the Pro Stock Motorcycle class has begun each season under the warm Florida sun at the historic Gainesville Raceway.

Holt, Fl. – After taking the top qualifying position at the Emerald Coast Outlaw Winter Nationals, 2008 NHRA Promod Rookie of the Year Joe Baker bested his competition and took home a resounding event victory, the first in the 3-round ECHO (Emerald Coast Heads Up Outlaw) Series.

”This is just great,” said an elated Baker after the race.  “We stayed to our game plan for this race, and it worked.  We were up against cold weather and a cold track, just like everyone else.  We didn’t put down any big numbers, remained consistent throughout, and it paid off.”

Baker qualified No.1 after making a stellar 4.05, 180 mph pass and backed it up with a 4.02, 182 mph lap while defeating Mike Neal during the second round of eliminations.

In the finals, Baker recorded a 4.07, 177 mph to win the event.

”I have a really good feeling about this season and we are off to a good start. We were fortunate to win the Heads Up Nationals finale held here last year and to come out and win the first promod race of the season is just incredible. Now that we have gotten the first win for 2009, I’m sure it’s just going to make us hungrier for more.”

 In 2009, Baker will compete in the Get Screened America Promod Challenge for M.A.R. (Mike Ashley Racing) and select IHRA events.  After a successful Valdosta test session with crew chief Chuck Ford, the team is more than ready for the season. The team posted a 5.936, 243.90 with the new Tim McAmis built 68’ Camaro.

”The new season is already here and I feel that we are ready. Chuck Ford and our crew have been working hard to get this new car going and it shows.  I think it’s going to be a great year for M.A.R.”

Next up for Baker is the 40th annual NHRA ACDelco Gatornationals in Gainesville, Fla., March 12-15.

Be sure to register for 2009 Arm Drop Live at Mobile Dragway, March 13-14. There are a few slots remaining. The following racers have registered:

Click here to register!

2009 Mobile Dragway Arm Drop Live Participants

Woodville, AL: A new topic has been posted on Question and Answer portion of bracket racings new online driving school, ThisIsBracketRacing.com, on Friday, February 27.

“Personally, the Question and Answer portion of ThisIsBracketRacing.com is my favorite part of the site,” says ThisIsBracketRacing.com head instructor Luke Bogacki.

“The feedback from our subscribers not only allows myself and the guest instructors to have a more hands-on, one-on-one approach with our members, but it also challenges us to think outside of our normal curriculum so to speak.

The Q&A portion is my opportunity to learn and challenge myself as much as the members of the site.”

In this weeks Q&A, ThisIsBracketRacing.com subscriber Tony N. asks:

“When picking a spot on your opponents car for the finish line, are you looking 90 degrees or are you trying to gauge the stripe taker? What tips, if any, do you have for picking a spot on your opponents car.”

See Luke Bogacki’s response only on www.ThisIsBracketRacing.com.

LSU head football coach Les Miles named Grand Marshall for Mardi Gras Nationals

IHRA is proud to announce that Louisiana State University head football coach Les Miles will be the Grand Marshall for the inaugural Summit Racing Equipment Mardi Gras Nationals March 6-8 at State Capitol Raceway in Port Allen, Louisiana.

Miles, a native of Elyria, Ohio, has complied a 70-31 career head coaching record at two schools including a 42-11 record in four years at LSU and a BCS National Championship in 2008. He also has a Southeastern Conference championships coming in ’07.

Miles has won championships and coached award winning athletes, but in a few short days he will be trading in his whistle and playbook for ear plugs and a cozy spot on the starting line as Miles and his family will open the festivities Saturday, March 7 by sending the first set of professional cars down the track.

 “I enjoy going out and attending events such as these,” Miles said. “I certainly enjoy the events that fit my family calendar because I enjoy taking my family wherever I go.”

And there certainly will not be a shortage of things to see and do when the IHRA rolls into town.

Along with special ticket packages aimed at easing the cost to race fans, the IHRA will also throw in its own unique Mardi Gras twist on the action including a crawfish boil, wheelie contest, dash for cash and a parade – with plenty of Mardi Gras beads, of course – all piled on top of the already jam-packed lineup of professional and sportsmen racing.

Top it all off with the thrilling Saturday “Night of Fire” and the weekend of March 6-8 looks to be one of the biggest shows in IHRA history.

“I am really looking forward to it,” Miles said.

And Miles is no stranger to the sport of drag racing.

In his younger days the adventurous coach, known by some in football circles as “The Mad Hatter,” was known to get an occasional adrenaline rush from time to time at his local drag strip.

“I can pop a clutch as good as the next,” Miles admitted. “I enjoy the speed and the mechanical strategy. Back years ago as a young man I enjoyed the occasional trip to the speedway and occasional drag race very much.”

Now Miles will get a chance to relive those earlier years when the engines fire up for the first race of the 2009 IHRA season in a little over a week. The inaugural race, the first of 10 events on the ’09 Nitro Jam tour, will feature three professional classes of racing including Top Fuel, Pro Modified and Pro Stock plus hundreds of sportsman competitors capped off by Saturday’s “Night of Fire” which will feature the ground-shaking jet semi of Bob Motz, the blazing jet bike of Kevin Martin and much more.

The Summit Racing Equipment Mardi Gras Nationals will also mark the first time in years that professional drag racing has visited the state of Louisiana. But while it has been some time since big league drag racing has been to the area, the diverse history and uniqueness of Louisiana and its residents will provide the perfect backdrop for the season opener.

“I think the people here are so special,” Miles noted. “They are very representative of our society and our country. It is a wonderful place full of very sincere, passionate people.”

It is for those reasons and many more that the IHRA has teamed up with Louisiana State University and coach Miles for the upcoming Summit Racing Equipment Mardi Gras Nationals for a weekend of fun and exciting racing.

Along with Saturday’s “Night of Fire,” Friday night will be LSU Student Night where students with a valid LSU I.D. will receive admission for just $10. The weekend will wrap up with Belle of Baton Rouge Championship Sunday on March 8.

Top it all off with a weekend long Mardi Gras celebration and the Summit Racing Equipment Mardi Gras National will be one event that can’t be missed.

“Mardi Gras is certainly very specific to Louisiana and this culture and there is a great spirit there,” Miles said. “There is an enjoyment of life and a celebration of life that is, in my opinion, is one of the great things about Louisiana.”

Holt, FL – Tim Tindle is ready to take the Tindle Enterprises’ Promod Ford Mustang to higher grounds in 2009 following a solid 2008 performance. The team will kick off the season this weekend at the Heads Up Winter Outlaw Nationals at Emerald Coast Dragway at Holt, FL.  This weekend’s event marks the beginning of Tindle’s third full Promod season behind the wheel. 

After a successful test session at South Georgia Motorsports Park during the off season, the team is more than ready.

”I’m eager to get this season started,” said Tindle.  Quain (Stott) and the guys have worked really hard to get us here. But, it’s game time. The summer vacation is over and it’s time to put on our game face and go racing for real.”

"We went into day 2 at Valdosta scratching our heads but left there very optimistic after a few good passes.  We tried some things and they worked.”

”So, I think we’re rolling into Emerald Coast with the same confidence that we ended the season with last year.  I can’t see why we couldn’t leave there with a trophy.”

Tindle finished 9th in the 2008 JEGS Promod Challenge standings. In 2009, the team will compete in all ten NHRA Promod Series events while attending various outlaw promod events. 

In the face of stories of national economic hardship, Lexington, Ky.-based Stivers HVAC, Inc., owned by Pro Mod racer Rick Stivers, bucked the trend and is now celebrating their recent award from industry-leader Trane as the 2008 New Dealer of the Year award for the Kentucky/Tennessee Dealer Sales Region.

Stivers added the Trane product line in early 2008 and out-performed almost 100 other new dealers in Tennessee, Kentucky, southern Ohio, and southern Indiana combined, according to Tom Robeson, local territory manager of the Central Ky. sales region.

"It's quite an accomplishment to jump into such a prestigious group and excel so quickly. These guys worked incredibly hard and earned a position among the best of the best in our industry," Robeson said.

"Trane is ranked number one in the premium heating and air market segment, and Stivers has done a remarkable job representing us. Their customer satisfaction ratings are outstanding, and thy certainly have started our relationship the right way, despite the threatening economy."

Gateway International Raceway recently filled two key openings with the hires of Tony Funderburg as the facility's director of business development and Kim Chrisman as its advertising/marketing/merchandise manager.

Funderburg, a former general manager for the Frontier League's Gateway Grizzlies baseball team, is a graduate of Ft. Zumwalt South High School, earning a communications degree from Missouri State University. He worked with the River City Rascals, another team in the Frontier League, as an interns starting in 2001 and was quickly promoted to the position of director of stadium operations. He moved to the Grizzlies in 2002 to perform the same function and was promoted to general manager following that season.

His first season at the helm saw him recognized as the league's Executive of the Year, an award he would win twice more in 2005 and 2007. The team also set two league attendance records during his tenure as well as earning a league title in 2003.

Prior to his hire at GIR, Funderburg was the chief operating officer for the Reno Bighorns, a team in the NBA Developmental League.

Chrisman has worked extensively with Gateway in the past as a contracted media buyer and consultant. The Parkway Central High School and University of Missouri graduate has more than 20 years of advertising and marketing experience and is responsible for the negotiating and purchasing of ad placement for Gateway International Raceway and its more than 200 annual events. Chrisman is also responsible for GIR's merchandise, from the design phase to its eventual sale at the track.

In a joint venture; Cottrell Motorsports led by Len Cottrell and W2 Motorsports led by John Wilson and Bob Weickgenannt have signed a major sponsor; Do Dealz.com, to a one year agreement. The team will represent Do Dealz.com at ten races on the NHRA Lucas Oil / Full Throttle racing series.

The partnership will benefit Do Dealz.com by providing a platform to create a network of Investors and Wholesalers. The website is in it's infancy now but will be growing as the word gets out through the marketing of our race team. "The concentration of NHRA races in the Mid Atlantic is our target area for growth; this partnership will boost the Do Dealz.com's brand awareness". Do Dealz.com principal Jason Balin said. "We are always looking for opportunities to grow relationships that lead to a larger network of investors."

"It's a great opportunity for our team to build a long term relationship with a progressive company," Weickgenannt said, " John Wilson and I have been avid real estate investors for many years. We have experienced the wealth-building success that comes with real estate. Our objective is to build Do Dealz.com's business which will in turn cement the growth of our partnership."

Do Dealz.com a subsidiary of Hard Money Bankers, LLC is a leader in hard money lending (fast turn around, low documentation, short term lending) to Real Estate Investors and Wholesalers. The headquarters for Do Dealz.com and Hard Money Bankers, LLC are located in Baltimore, MD. Their goal is to expand their mortgage and real estate investor pool in the Mid-Atlantic area over the next 12 months.

The Champion Systems Sportsman Nationals winners from Immokalee are the first in a series of IHRA sportsman competitors to qualify for the season ending Tournament Of Champions.
This sportsman world championship race will take place at the IHRA World Finals in Rockingham and these competitors, by virtue of their Champion Systems Sportsman Nationals win have earned a spot to race against some of the best racers in North America.

Congratulations to:
Hot Rod - RL Koontz
Super Rod - Todd Thompson
Quick Rod - Brendon George
Stock - Nick Folk
Super Stock - David Hunt
Top Sportsman - Wayne King
Top Dragster - Steve Witherow

There are now just 34 remaining spots left in each class. For a complete breakdown of the Tournament Of Champions, go to Tournament of Champions

The next opportunity to qualify for the Tournament Of Champions will come at the IHRA Mardi Gras Nationals nitro jam national event at State Capitol Raceway March 6-8.

IHRA has announced that Summit Racing Equipment has signed on as the title sponsor for the Inaugural IHRA Summit Mardi Gras Nationals brought to you by Wolverine Boots and Academy Sports & Outdoors March 6-8 at State Capitol Raceway in Baton Rouge.
Summit Racing Equipment already has a longstanding history with the IHRA through sponsorship of the Summit Pro-Am Tour, Summit All-Star Race and Summit Super Series and this latest partnership simply furthers Summit's commitment to the IHRA and to the drag racing community.

"Summit Racing is excited to further strengthen our commitment to IHRA sportsman racers by sponsoring the Inaugural Summit Racing Equipment Mardi Gras Nationals in Baton Rouge," said Summit Motor Sports Event Manager Jim Greenleaf. "This event is a great way to kick off the 2009 IHRA Nitro Jam season and an excellent opportunity to support racers and race fans in the southern United States."

The inaugural event will mark the first time in several years that professional drag racing has visited Louisiana and both the IHRA and Summit are excited to be bringing big league drag racing back to the area.

"We are thrilled that Summit Racing Equipment will be a part of our season opening race," said IHRA national sales director Tommy Dupree. "Summit has been a long time partner with IHRA and we couldn't ask for a better company to be a part of our brand new event."

The Summit Mardi Gras Nationals brought to you by Wolverine Boots and Academy Sports & Outdoors will be the first of 10 races on the 2009 Nitro Jam tour. It will feature three professional classes of racing including Top Fuel, Pro Modified and Pro Stock and hundreds of sportsman competitors capped off by the "Night of Fire" Saturday night.

Sally Gilbertson, wife of Funny Car racer Bob Gilbertson, passed away Monday, Feb. 23, at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte. She was 52. Sally was a loving mother, wife, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend.

She was born February 12, 1957, in Portland, Oregon, the daughter of Beverly Shaffer and the late Chester "Pat" Shaffer.

Mrs. Gilbertson attended nursing school in Portland and worked as a registered nurse for several years at CMC after moving to the Charlotte area in 1982. She and her husband started Truck Equipment Manufacturing Company of Charlotte in 1992.

In addition to her mother she is survived by her husband of 33 years, Bob Gilbertson; son and daughter-in-law Rob and Kristen Gilbertson of Harrisburg; daughter Sandy Ann Gilbertson a student at UNCC; and son Jake Gilbertson a student of Gaston Day School; her grandson Luke Gilbertson; brother and sister-in-law Greg and Betty Shaffer of Warren, OR; sister and brother-in-law Sandy and Dale Willocks of Charlotte; mother-in-law and father-in-law Maryann and Keith Manley of Boring, OR; numerous nieces and nephews; and several loving well dressed dogs.

The service to celebrate the life of Sally Gilbertson will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27, 2009, at Bethlehem Church in Gastonia; burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Belmont.

A visitation is scheduled from 6 until 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, 2009, at Withers & Whisenant Funeral Home in Gastonia.

Memorial contributions may be made to:
Gaston Humane Society
PO Box 2334
Gastonia, NC 28053-2334

Visitation:
Thursday, Feb. 26, 2009 6-8 PM.
Withers & Whisenant Funeral Home
2916 Union Road
Gastonia, NC 28054
http://www.withersandwhisenantfuneral.com/

Church Service:
Friday, Feb. 27, 2009 2 PM
Bethlehem Church
3100 Bethlehem Church Road
Belmont, NC 28054
http://www.bethlehembc.com/

Interment after Church service:
Evergreen Cemetery
1462 Armstrong Ford Road
Belmont, NC 28012
http://web2.userinstinct.com/32409266-evergreen-cemetery.htm

This is a 1927 Ford Style Brogie Roadster, Originally built by Brogie Race Cars, that Race Craft Chassis has for sale. The chassis company took this on Trade for a new Dragster in November of 2008 and completely dis-assembled the car, updated the chassis to SFI 10.4 Specs, added helmet bars, and roll cage gussetts.

New innovations were also added, such as: Interior Lights, Glove Box etc. Interior Master Cut Off Switch

The complete chassis and interior were powder coated and the chassis was serialized as a 2009 Racecraft for NHRA Certification.

View More Photos of this Hot Rod

The gender barrier is about to be broken in Pro Extreme Motorcycle (PXM) as Kimberly Morrell of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, plans to make her National Guard American Drag Racing League (ADRL) debut Mar. 6-7, in the Safety-Kleen Dragpalooza V at Houston Raceway Park in Baytown, Texas.

Morell admits it may be a challenge to meet that deadline, but insists she and her new ride will be ready when it comes time for her to strap on the helmet.    

"They are putting together the bike at the very last minute," she says. "Let me put it this way, they will be wiring it on the way to Houston."

Riding an M&W Motorsports Suzuki, Morrell is sponsored by Palm Beach International Raceway, along with Bates Leathers and Underpressure from Dania Beach, Florida. Her Timblin Chassis-built machine carries a 1570cc Suzuki engine assembled and tuned by Dan Wagner of DTM Performance.

Morrell has been working for several months on putting together a PXM effort with Wagner, a top-level engine builder who also will serve as her crew chief, but the project became a reality only recently.   

Noted chassis man Walt Timblin also is building Morrell a new state-of-the-art PXM that she hopes to debut with the ADRL later this year.

In an automotive industry that is searching for positive news, Martin Industries is proud to announce the new Martin M4 car.  On February 22, 2009 at 2:00pm at the Martin Headquarters in New Hudson, Michigan, a private ceremony will be held to announce and unveil the new Martin M4 car.  Harold Martin, CEO and President of Martin Industries and creator of the M4 states, “We are extremely proud of this announcement and credit our entire team for all of the efforts to innovate, prototype and launch this new vehicle during these tough economic times.”
 
   The Martin organization has set a new standard for specialty vehicles and a niche market with their continuous record for high technology innovations.  The Martin team is a leader in performance engineering, manufacturing and Motorsports and has developed an amazing new vehicle consistent with their “Dreams are Possible” mantra that they have brought from concept to reality in less than one year.

Racers residing in North Carolina or traveling to North Carolina to race, whether they compete on bull-ring oval tracks, superspeedways, or drag strips, can breathe a little easier if House Bill 69 passes the Legislature this session. The bill, sponsored by NC State Representative Nelson Cole, working with former State Representative Karen Ray, addresses and defines the length for “vehicle combinations used in connection with motorsports competition events” that travel on North Carolina highways.

HB 69 provides that tractor and trailer combinations that do not exceed 90 feet may be legally operated on all state highways provided they are traveling “(1) to or from a motorsports competition event; (2) for trips conducted for the purpose of purchasing fuel or conducting repairs....on the competition vehicle; (3) for other activities related to motorsports purposes.”

“Thanks to the tireless efforts of former State Representative Karen Ray, who now serves as Business Affairs Director for the North Carolina Motorsports Association (NCMA), working with the State Highway Patrol, the Department of Transportation, the Division of Motor Vehicles and legislators, House Bill 69 has been filed to address the length issues and concerns that surround racing in North Carolina,” said Steve Earwood, owner of Rockingham Dragway and Chairman of the NCMA’s Board of Directors.

“The NCMA works to grow and maintain the motorsports industry in North Carolina and those efforts may include working with our Legislature from time to time.  We appreciate the attention the General Assembly has given the industry in the past and look forward to working with them in the future on matters that affect the best interests of racing and related businesses in our State,” Earwood said.  “Motorsports has made its mark in North Carolina and our goal is to continue to be the “hub” of the industry.”                     

“Thank you to Representative Cole for his initiative in filing House Bill 69 and to the entire legislature for the support they have given us.”

After a daunting 2008 season, the brother team of Zach and Cody Barklage are ready to take on the 2009 race season.  During 2008 the team suffered a series of on-the-track accidents leaving them to regroup over the winter.  Now, sporting a rebuilt car, new supercharger, and new attitude, the team will kick off the season with upcoming testing.

“We will take my car out this weekend and test in Houston, providing the weather is good” commented Cody Barklage.  “We’ve worked very hard this winter making the necessary changes we feel will make us more competitive.  With our new set-up, we plan on making a full season return with the ADRL, some SuperChevy Show Nitro Coupe, and possibly some local outlaw racing.  In the past, we were able to be a very strong, winning team.  This year we are ready to show our fans and sponsors we're still here and better then ever!”

Remaining at the helm of the operation, Crew Chief, Chad Wilson also has high hopes for 2009.

“We’ve worked very hard all winter,” said Wilson.  “Both cars needed a lot of work after last summer, so we took the time to not only rebuild but make some changes.  We anticipate Zach’s car to be finished sometime very soon, and hope to make it back out as a two car team early in the season.  Overall, we feel our hard work will pay off and we will be back in our usual top form.  I think we will have a definite competitive edge in 2009.”

In addition to the major car changes, the team also has a new addition.  During the off season, Cody Barklage married his long-time girlfriend Lacey Cowan.

“It was definitely a busy off season,” said Barklage.  “Lacey and I got married in October so between building our home this winter, being newly married, and working around the clock on the race car we’ve had our hands full.  Although the work was hard, I have no doubt it will all pay off in the end.”

The team has will first appear in competition with the ADRL, which will begin in only two weeks at Houston Raceway Park

Crew Chief Software has agreed to support the Joe's Transmission TNT Hot Rod Super Series once again for 2009.  The leading manufacturer of drag racing software will pay contingency postings of $50 for winner and $25 for runner up.  "We're going to step up this year and pay whether they are using our software or not," said Don Higgins of Crew Chief Software - The makers of Crew Chief Pro 7.0.  "Our goal is to liven things up in a depressed economy!"

To qualify, all a TNT racer needs to do is run a Crew Chief decal from first round - decals will be available at all events.  "I've been using Crew Chief Software for over 2 years now and find it the most versatile ET / Throttle Stop prediction software money can buy," said Ted Barnes, TNT Series Director.  "This drag racing game is all about data.  The more data you have, the more likely you will go rounds.  Crew Chief Pro 7.0 played a significant part in our winning the 2008 TNT Championship."

Don spent 2 years of intensive work and over 5,000 hours of design & development in this latest version.  Crew Chief Pro 7.0 covers everything from ET and throttle stop prediction to weather analysis and graphing.  It even links to the popular iCard receiver and 1320go.com.  And all you need is a basic laptop computer to run it.  Check it out at www.crewchiefpro.com.

CAPPS, BROWN AND COUGHLIN WIN LUCAS OIL SLICK MIST NHRA NATIONALS

CHANDLER, Ariz. --  Ron Capps raced to his second consecutive Funny Car victory of the season Sunday at the Lucas Oil Slick Mist NHRA Nationals at Firebird International Raceway.

Capps took a single pass to claim his 27th career victory after final round opponent Mike Neff’s John Force Racing Ford Mustang broke on the burnout. Capps powered his NAPA Auto Parts Dodge Charger to an impressive performance of 4.048 at 306.81 anyway to win for the second time at the Phoenix track.

"Neff was having one of those weekends going where they looked like they couldn't be beat," said Capps, the event’s top qualifier who raced beat Jeff Arend, rookie Matt Hagan and Del Worsham to advance to the final. "They had [crew chief] John Medlen in the hospital, and we're all glad to hear that he's OK. It was one of those stories that you almost hate to upset. The start we're having to the season is what NAPA signed up for. We were disappointed with what we gave NAPA last year. This is more like it. I'm living a dream right now."

With the win, Capps increased his Full Throttle Series lead to 97 over Robert Hight and Worsham.

Antron Brown and Jeg Coughlin also were winners in their categories at the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series event.

CAPPS, DIXON AND EDWARDS TAKE NO. 1 QUALIFYING POSITIONS AT PHOENIX

CHANDLER, Ariz. – Ron Capps raced to his first No. 1 qualifying performance in Funny Car in more than four years Saturday at the Lucas Oil Slick Mist NHRA Nationals.

Larry Dixon and Mike Edwards also will lead their categories into Sunday’s 11 a.m. eliminations at the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series event.

DIXON, CAPPS AND EDWARDS RACE TO QUALIFYING LEAD AT LUCAS OIL SLICK MIST NHRA NATIONALS

CHANDLER, Ariz. – Larry Dixon turned his season around Friday at the Lucas Oil Slick Mist NHRA Nationals by racing to the qualifying lead in Top Fuel.

Ron Capps and Mike Edwards also were qualifying leaders in their categories at the second race of the season in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series.

Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels Announces Partnership With Bill Glidden Racing For The 2009 Season

02/19/09

Stow, OH - Mickey Thompson Tires & Wheels is proud to announce their partnership with Billy Glidden Racing for 2009. Through this renewed partnership, Glidden will continue to help Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels develop new performance products, and Mickey Thompson will provide financial support to Glidden to defend his ADRL Extreme 10.5 Class Championship.

02/19/09

Stow, OH - Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels is proud to announce its sponsorship of the 14th Annual Comp Cams Million Dollar Bracket Race. The race features the finest competitors found on U.S soil, all competing for the largest payout in bracket racing history.

“Mickey Thompson has been involved in this race since its inception and it is truly the premiere event in high dollar bracket racing,” stated Carl Robinson, Motorsports Manager, Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels. “It’s a great way to show off the tire products developed in our Big Tire Development program. Many of our ‘Team M/T’ members like Luke Bogacki, Anthony Bertozzi and others will be there to carry our flag, and we’ll be there with our Race Support Team be make sure that they have everything they need to win this event.”

George Howard’s original 14th Annual Comp Cams Million is guaranteed to be an action packed, highly competitive race event starting on October 8th and running through October 14th at the acclaimed Memphis Motorsports Park in Millington, TN.

For more information, visit http://www.race2themillion.com.

Only the state of North Carolina  rivals Alabama in the number of drag strips per capita and Alabama has added another first class facility to its count. I-22 Motorsports Park in Eldridge is scheduled to open next month and boast an all concrete 1/8 mile racing surface.  

The NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series season opener is in the books and the winners have been crowned at Bradenton Motorsports Park.  Top honors went to John Finke of Selkirk, N.Y., in Top Alcohol Dragster and Mickey Ferro from Stamford, Conn., won once again in Top Alcohol Funny Car.

Tewksbury, Mass. resident Arnie Martel competed in two categories, coming up just shy of making a repeat appearance in the winner’s circle.  The 2008 Southeast Division Comp Eliminator champ proved his strength in the class once again by picking up the hardware, and was also runner-up in Super Stock.

Other drivers who received the prestigious Wally trophy included Joe Teuton Jr., Schriever, La., in Super Stock; Jeff Strickland of Red Bay, Ala., in Stock Eliminator; Lake Worth, Fla., resident Tim Nemmo in Super Comp; Sherman Adcock Jr., Fortson, Ga., in Super Gas; and Bart Graham from Fruitland Park, Fla., in Super Street. 

Delon Pleasants, Williamstown, N.J., drove his '88 Ciera to the Davis Golf Carts Top Sportsman title and the Hickory Enclosed Trailer Sales Top Dragster trophy was awarded to 2008 divisional champ Bill Empke from West Palm Beach, Fla.

Southeast Division racers head to Gainesville Raceway for the next NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event, held February 20-22.

COMP ELIMINATOR
Arnie Martel, Tewksbury, Mass., '34 Chevy, B/SR, 7.848, 156.11 def. Glen Treadwell, Sorrento, Fla., '23  roadster, F/EA, 8.258,
128.04.

TOP SPORTSMAN
Delon Pleasants, Williamstown, N.J., '88 Ciera, 7.966, 171.10 def. Jeffrey Barker, Warner-Robins, Ga., '02 Camaro, 7.180, 184.42.

TOP DRAGSTER
Bill Empke, W Palm Beach, Fla., dragster, 7.069, 190.31 def. Al Miller, Chester, Md., dragster, 6.757, 200.35.

SUPER STOCK
Joe Teuton Jr., Schriever, La., '68 Barracuda, SS/AH, 10.092, 100.30 def. Arnie Martel, Tewksbury, Mass., '08 Cobalt, SS/BS, foul.

STOCK ELIMINATOR
Jeff Strickland, Red Bay, Ala., '95 Camaro, D/SA, 10.937, 111.45 def. Ralph Porpora, Poughkeepsie, N.Y., '69 Camaro, A/S, 10.197,
130.45.

SUPER COMP
Tim Nimmo, Lake Worth, Fla., dragster, 8.921, 180.50 def. Adam Roach, Lake Worth, Fla., '72 Cutlass, 8.819, 140.97.

SUPER GAS
Sherman Adcock Jr, Fortson, Ga., '02 Trans Am, 9.872, 163.51 def. Brian Forrester, Lake Wales, Fla., '63 Corvette, foul.

SUPER STREET
Bart Graham, Fruitland Park, Fla., '74 Vega, 10.886, 144.20 def. Bill Carmichael, Cocoa, Fla., '92 Beretta, 10.859, 135.74.

Following a tremendous first full season in IHRA Alcohol Funny Car for Kalbones Racing with Laurie Cannister as driver and Dale Cannister tuning, the entire team is looking forward to testing new waters in 2009.

 While quite disappointing for the team to be unable to defend their 2008 IHRA World Championship due to the cancellation of the class by IHRA, they’re currently putting the final touches on what they feel will be a very competitive combination for NHRA TAFC competition.

 “We are very excited to be able to race again,” said the 2008 IHRA Professional Driver of the Year. “Of course, we wanted to get back out and go for back-to-back IHRA Alcohol Funny Car Championships, but that wasn’t to be. Thanks to team owners Kevin and Wendy Sims, they are once again providing us with everything we need to be as competitive as possible in 2009.  The only difference is it will be an NHRA schedule.”

New venues, new and old faces, plus several car changes all face the Kalbones Grill’n Sauce team in the season ahead. The latter of the three, namely the blower change, has tuner Dale Cannister excited about the new challenge.

“I’m pretty pumped to see what we can do with the screw blower. I know it will be different and I really will enjoy figuring out the new combination,” he said. “We successfully ran on many ‘new to us’ tracks under new weather situations last season and I’m not going to approach this season any differently.”

“Making the switch to NHRA has been pretty simple so far,” commented Laurie.  “From my phone calls with NHRA officials to getting the equipment we need. Just about everything is in place for the new season ahead.”

Woodville, AL: The first Question and Answer portion of bracket racings new online driving school, ThisIsBracketRacing.com, was posted on the live site Friday, February 13.

“Personally, the Question and Answer portion of ThisIsBracketRacing.com is my favorite part of the site,” says ThisIsBracketRacing.com’s Luke Bogacki. “The feedback from our subscribers not only allows myself and the guest instructors to have a more hands-on, one-on-one approach with our members, but it also challenges us to think outside of our normal curriculum so to speak. The Q&A portion is my opportunity to learn and challenge myself as much as the members of the site.”

The first question, which is in response to head instructor Luke Bogacki’s first monthly tutorial column, comes from ThisIsBracketRacing.com subscriber Jim G.
In the Q&A, Jim asks:
 
“My question: Judging your opponents reaction time if they are Deep Staging? I realize you’re probably going to get to that so, if need be, I'll be patient.”

See Luke Bogacki’s response only on www.ThisIsBracketRacing.com.

Luke Bogacki’s ThisIsBracketRacing.com is a one-of-a-kind website that has been set up essentially as a subscription only online driving school for sportsman drag racing competitors. While the main site can be accessed by anyone, the meat of ThisIsBracketRacing.com is reserved for site members. Those members enjoy not only the monthly tutorial columns from sportsman racing standout Bogacki, along with the Q&A feedback, but also bi-monthly guest editorial columns from some of the premier sportsman drivers in the nation.

Two-time B&M Racers Appreciation Series Footbrake Champion Jared Pennington will post the first guest instructor column on Monday, February 16. In the coming months, Jared will be followed by former Million Dollar Race winner, IHRA World Champion, and 2-time Moroso 5-Day Champion Troy Williams, Jr. 5-time NHRA World Champion Peter Biondo will follow, as will another IHRA World Champion & 2-time Moroso 5-Day Champion Brian Folk!

In addition to these tutorials by some of the very best, ThisIsBracketRacing.com members also have access to the most comprehensive sportsman racing schedule available today. The ThisIsBracketRacing.com schedule includes every NHRA and IHRA National, Sportsman National, Divisional, and ET Finals event held in 2009. Additionally, the schedule features nearly every bracket race on the continent that boasts a winners purse of $5,000 or more.

What’s more? ThisIsBracketRacing.com also plays host to the BTE Power Rankings, an innovative ranking system in which drivers earn points for final round finishes for any event on the comprehensive schedule, regardless of class or sanction. This system stacks the top competitors from all facets of sportsman competition against one another in an effort to determine who in fact enjoyed the best season. The 2009 champion will receive a BTE Top Dragster (or Top Sportsman) transmission valued at $3590! Additional prize packages are currently being secured for each top ten finisher (to receive prizes, top finishers must be an annual member of ThisIsBracketRacing.com by 9/1/09).

Two-time Outlaw Racing Street Car Association 6.0 Index Champion and DragCoverage member Lebron Hill recently returned from Texas with a new car in tow.

Urbanhillbilly's Sean Melton ran into a close encounter after this hot rod went airborne. Check out the video above

"Now this is a cool shot of action at Emerald Coast Dragway."  Don Sieburg recently visited the track and emailed the following photos to DragCoverage.com.

DragCoverage.com received this photo and message from one of our viewers.

"This is Duster and she loves Drag Coverage so much that she sits on the computer. We enjoy the website and I will have to send you more pictures."

The Great American Bracket Race presented by BracketNews.com, in association with American Race Cars and Luke Bogacki Race Services is proud to present a special 32-car shootout as a portion of the Great American Bracket Race at No Problem Raceway in Belle Rose, LA May 22-24. The shootout event will feature 32 entrants at $1,000 each. The winner will receive a brand new 2009 American Swing Arm Dragster, assembled as a complete roller by Luke Bogacki Race Services (details listed below). The complete roller is valued at $29,000. The runner-up of the special shootout event will receive $3,000.

This special “Hi-Rollers” shootout is an addition to what already promises to be a huge weekend of bracket racing, featuring the richest purse that the gulf coast has ever seen. Saturday’s main event pays a whopping $50,000 to the winner, with Friday and Sunday’s champions earning $5,000 and $10,000 respectively!

Calvert Racing Suspensions is proud to announce their 10th year of support of the Pacific Street Car Association and their racers. As in the past, we will continue our Contingency support in 2009 on Our Caltrac Traction Bars. This year we have decided to step up to the Class Title Sponsor for Bracket-1 in the PSCA and SCSN series. We believe this will be a great opportunity with added exposure for Calvert Racing, the PSCA, and especially the grassroots racer.

Over the past few seasons, Calvert Racing Products has had great success in several of the PSCA classes; both Heads-Up & Bracket. Last year Wild Street racer Al Jimenez not only won the 2008 Championship but is now considered the Fastest and Quickest Leaf Spring car in the World 7.56 187mph. Right behind Al was George Raygoza, the 2008 runner up and past two time True Street Champion. A quick fact about Raygoza, George has been to more final rounds than any racer in the history of the PSCA. What do both of these racers have in common??

Caltrac Traction Bars and Calvert Racing Split Mono Leaf Springs!!!  Other PSCA notables…Artis Houston was the 2005 Wild Street Champion and we believe the first leaf spring cars in the 7’s. Caleb Hunter of SCE Gaskets recorded his first Championship in 2007 in Quick Street. 2008 PSCA Event winners using Caltracs include, Charles Jackson, Mike Saiki, Steve Cox, Chris Biggerstaff, George Raygoza & Al Jimenez…Calvert Racing would like to congratulate all of our Customers in the PSCA and we will continue to be the leader in leaf spring suspension and we’ll see you at the races!!! Contact us at 661-728-9600 or www.calvertracing.com

Calvert Racing Suspension would like to remind and or introduce the racers & fans of the PSCA our New 90-10 Drag Shocks. We are now selling a Non Adjustable Drag shock that everyone is looking for. This New Drag shock offers High and Low speed Valving, The Calvert Drag Shock will give you the lightning quick separation that our competitors say they provide and don't. This new design will also allow the vehicle's suspension to settle down at high speeds on the big end of the track.

IHRA is pleased to announce that Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels has stepped up to present an exciting new bonus program for the Pro Modified class. For 2009, a $10,000 payday is up for grabs in the winner-take-all Mickey Thompson Ten Grand Slam.

Points will accrue through the first nine events of the season, ending at the IHRA President’s Cup Nationals in September. To be eligible, participants must have the Mickey Thompson program decal on their cars.

During the Friday night qualifying session at the IHRA World Finals at Rockingham Dragway the weekend of October 24-25, the names of the top eight points earners will be dropped into a hat. A representative from Mickey Thompson will then draw two names, and the lucky racers will have a chance to go head-to-head for all the cash. 

The final showdown will take place during Saturday night qualifying. The two combatants will be paired up during qualifying and run for a $10,000 winner-take-all purse. If the winner is running Mickey Thompson tires on the rear of his or her car, there’s an additional $2,500 bonus available.

The PSCA is very proud to announce the addition of Braswell Carburetion to the PSCA family of official sponsors including participation in our 2009 Racer Contingency Program.... Braswell Carburetion has a complete line of high quality carburetors designed for today’s modern race engines. They are fully CNC machined from state of the art aluminum castings. This provides the competitor with a light weight and very durable racing carburetor. Braswell performance is unmatched in open competition!!



2008 NHRA & IHRA Pro Stock Champs (Jeg Coughlin & Pete Berner) used Braswell Caburetion exclusivly during the 2008 season .....   Braswell offers carburetors for all PSCA Heads-Up Classes from Wild all the way to our quickest & fastest class.....Pro Street!!

Look for Braswell company representatives at many of the 2009 events working closely with PSCA racers to get into the winners circle!!! Speaking of the winner's circle, Braswell is posting Contingency Cash on their carburetors in all of the PSCA & SCSN "Heads-Up Classes" rewarding their customers for racing and winning with their quality products!!!

Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels is proud to announce their 2009 sponsorship of the Pacific Street Car Association events and racers. 2009 marks the 10th anniversary of Mickey Thompson’s involvement with this sanctioning body, the sixth consecutive year as a Wild Street Class racing sponsor, and the fifth consecutive year as a sponsor of the Street Car Super Nationals.

"Having the leader in racing tires involved in our series says a lot for our program," said Mel Roth President of the PSCA "The Mickey Thompson engineers have always worked closely with our race teams in an effort to build the quickest, fastest and safest tires, and they are always trackside with to provide service that is second to none."

Mickey Thompson is a proud supporter of the PSCA Contingency & Championship Points Program, and is at the track for every PSCA event supporting the racers. They also work closely with the Pro Street Teams through the Mickey Thompson Big Tire Development program.

“Mickey Thompson is passionate about offering the best products for the racers,” said Carl Robinson, Motorsports Manager, Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels. “When we need good racers to test the product, we can count on PSCA racers to get it done.”

The 2008 PSCA racing season closed with 10 World Champions on Mickey Thompson Tires:

“The Real Deal” Richard Gadson Teams with Cooper Performance In National Guard ADRL National Championship

Cooper Performance of Macon Georgia is proud to announce that “The Real Deal” Richard Gadson will be racing the “Fulmer / Memphis Car Audio Pro Extreme Suzuki” in the 2009 National Guard American Drag Racing League (ADRL) National Championship Series. 

The ADRL recently announced the National Guard as their series title sponsor and kick starts the 2009 drag race season with the “ADRL Safety-Kleen Dragpalooza V” at Houston Raceway Park in Baytown Texas on March 6th-7th.  The 10 race series will also visit Georgia, Tennessee, Michigan, Virginia, Illinois, Ohio, North Carolina, and finally concludes at the Texas Motorplex in Ennis Texas with the “LenMar Motorsports ADRL World Finals V”.

The young Richard Gadson will be racing a new Cooper Performance built machine consisting of a D&G Chassis with an engine based on the Suzuki GS1150 pushed to over 1500cc.  In addition to the Cooper Performance parts, including a custom Pro-Mod head, the engine also features a MTC Engineering cylinder block, pistons, and Generation-2 Clutch, as well as Ferrea titanium valves, and an Accurate Crankshaft.  Additional support for 2009 will come from VP Fuels, Redline Oils, Shift Racing, and of course the team’s title sponsors Fulmer Helmets and Memphis Car Audio.

Jerry Cooper, owner of Cooper Performance and engine builder, was looking for a new racer in 2009 when he spoke with friend and partner Glenn “GWIZZ” Allen.  Allen referred Cooper to Richard Gadson, nephew and student of 8-time AMA Nat’l Drag Race Champion Rickey Gadson.  The crew coordinated a test with Richard and the Cooper Performance Suzuki, and the team was on its way.  Richard had already been in conversations with Fulmer Helmets and Memphis Car Audio at the December PRI show in Orlando, who later signed as the team’s title sponsors.

 “I’m really excited about the 2009 ADRL season and glad to be with Glenn and Coop.”  Richard Gadson commented.  “We have a top of the line chassis and power plant that should give us a good chance to compete for the National Championship.”  When asked about his readiness for the 2009 season, Richard replied “I’ve had the best teacher in the world (Uncle Rickey), I’ve been very fortunate.  We’ve set high expectations for ourselves this year, so I’m really looking forward to getting to Houston.”

Feld Motor Sports International Hot Rod Association division has hired Larry Crum to the position of Media and Publicity Manager

 Crum comes to IHRA following three years as sports editor for the Ohio Valley Publishing newspaper chain, where he was an accredited NASCAR media member and award-winning AP photographer.

“Larry is the kind of passionate, “can-do” employee we count on to wear many different hats, “said IHRA Vice President Jim Marchyshyn.  “Larry’s mandate is to increase national visibility, work closely with IHRA racers and sponsors and develop a strong rapport between our media platforms, including press, Drag Review Magazine and the IHRA family of websites.”

"I’m extremely excited to be joining Team IHRA. As a fan of all racing, including drag racing, I can't wait to get started," Crum said. "I look forward to working with the fans, drivers and the IHRA/Feld Motor Sports team. I am extremely excited to be able to work at something I love”

Crum is a Marshall University graduate and will be based at IHRA headquarters in Norwalk, Ohio. His first day at IHRA will be February 9th.

Persistent rain showers throughout the day Sunday forced NHRA officials to postpone eliminations for the Kragen O’Reilly NHRA Winternationals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona until Monday.

It was the fourth consecutive day of rain delays for the season-opening event in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series. The continuation of Top Fuel and Funny Car eliminations will open Monday’s racing, starting at 11:30 a.m., and will be followed by the continuation of the first round of Pro Stock.

On Sunday, one round of eliminations was completed in Top Fuel and Funny Car. Among the first round winners in Top Fuel were defending world champ Tony Schumacher, who posted the quickest time among all first round winners in his U.S. Army dragster, and event top qualifier Antron Brown.

Brown, who pedaled his Matco Tools dragster to get the first-round win, will meet Mike Strasburg in the second round.

"We caught a bit of a break in that first round because it dropped a hole and I had to pedal the car," Brown said. "It's all good though. I have all the confidence in the world in  (crew chiefs) Brian (Corradi), Mark (Oswald) and this Matco Tools crew and we'll be good to go in the second round. If we're sticking around another day, we're in it to win it."

In Funny Car, top qualifier Robert Hight, Del Worsham and Ron Capps, who produced the quickest run of the first round in his category in his NAPA Dodge Charger, were among the first-round winners, while defending world champ Cruz Pedregon lost to Jack Beckman. Only two pairs of cars were able to run in Pro Stock.

Worsham, who drives the Al-Anabi Racing Toyota Solara, will face veteran Gary Densham in the second round. A two-time Winternationals runner-up, Worsham feels good about his chances on Monday.

“I’m extremely confident about tomorrow," Worsham said. "The first round’s gone, and that really is the nerves, first round at the first race of the season. I feel a lot better about tomorrow, and I’m looking forward to tomorrow. When you get in these cool conditions like this, the track doesn’t become slippery; it actually gets more traction. When these tires bite like that, if they don’t slip a little bit, they tend to want to shake, and that’s what you were seeing with the tire shake out there and everybody trying to pedal it and get it down there. We just don’t run in these conditions enough to get good at it, so when we get into a situation like this when it happens, everybody’s just doing the best job they can do. If you can get it to where it’s not shaking, you could easily set a record out here right now."
 
Tickets will be available for Monday’s racing for $26. Fans holding tickets for any of the rain-delayed days (Thurs., Fri. or Sun.) may redeem those tickets on Monday for entry.

Monday’s racing will air during a two-hour show on ESPN2 and ESPN2HD at 9:30 p.m. (ET).

Qualifying for the O'Reilly NHRA Winternationals has been completed. Due to a timing system error, some times will not be recorded. Congratulations to Tom Hammonds for making the Pro Stock Field!

Pairing for Sunday

TOP FUEL
1. Antron Brown, *3.708 seconds, no speed recorded vs. 16. Steve Faria, 4.854, 252.61 mph;
2. Joe Hartley, *3.748, nsr vs. 15. Morgan Lucas, 4.548, 270.81;
3. Cory McClenathan, 3.851, 313.66 vs. 14. Shawn Langdon, 4.091, 307.79;
4. Brandon Bernstein, 3.866, 317.42 vs. 13. Andy Carter, 4.020, nsr;
5. Tony Schumacher, 3.897, 311.99 vs. 12. Del Cox, 4.020, nsr;
6. Urs Erbacher, 3.915, 305.63 vs. 11. Doug Kalitta, 4.016, nsr;
7. David Baca, 3.920, nsr vs. 10. Steve Chrisman, 4.000, nsr;
8. Spencer Massey, 3.968, nsr vs. 9. Mike Strasburg, 3.980, 305.01;

Did Not Qualify: 17. Clay Millican, 5.142, 144.84; 18. Larry Dixon, 6.326,
102.68. *Due to a timing system error, these elapsed times will not be
officially recorded.

FUNNY CAR
1. Robert Hight, Ford Mustang, 4.037 seconds, no speed recorded vs. 16. Jerry Toliver, Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.061, 187.52 mph;
2. Del Worsham,Toyota Solara, 4.038, nsr vs. 15. Bob Bode, Chevy Impala, 4.891, 244.65;
3. Ashley Force Hood, Ford Mustang, 4.061, nsr vs. 14. Matt Hagan, Dodge Charger, 4.345, 283.01;
4. John Force, Mustang, 4.092, 304.39 vs. 13. Ron Capps, Charger, 4.289, nsr;
5. Bob Tasca, Mustang, 4.143, 301.20 vs. 12. Mike Neff, Mustang, 4.286, 304.12;
6. Tony Pedregon, Impala, 4.164, 300.40 vs. 11. Jim Head, Solara, 4.286, nsr;
7. Gary Densham, Impala, 4.183, nsr vs. 10. Jeff Arend, Solara, 4.222, nsr;
8. Jack Beckman, Charger, 4.197, 289.14 vs. 9. Cruz Pedregon, Solara, 4.205, 305.91;

Did Not Qualify: 17. Tim Wilkerson, Mustang, 5.141, nsr; 18. Terry Haddock, Stratus, 8.668, nsr.

FUNNY CAR
1. Robert Hight, Ford Mustang, 4.037 seconds, no speed recorded vs. 16. Jerry Toliver, Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.061, 187.52 mph;
2. Del Worsham,Toyota Solara, 4.038, nsr vs. 15. Bob Bode, Chevy Impala, 4.891, 244.65;
3. Ashley Force Hood, Ford Mustang, 4.061, nsr vs. 14. Matt Hagan, Dodge Charger, 4.345, 283.01;
4. John Force, Mustang, 4.092, 304.39 vs. 13. Ron Capps, Charger, 4.289, nsr;
5. Bob Tasca, Mustang, 4.143, 301.20 vs. 12. Mike Neff, Mustang, 4.286, 304.12;
6. Tony Pedregon, Impala, 4.164, 300.40 vs. 11. Jim Head, Solara, 4.286, nsr;
7. Gary Densham, Impala, 4.183, nsr vs. 10. Jeff Arend, Solara, 4.222, nsr;
8. Jack Beckman, Charger, 4.197, 289.14 vs. 9. Cruz Pedregon, Solara, 4.205, 305.91;

Did Not Qualify: 17. Tim Wilkerson, Mustang, 5.141, nsr; 18. Terry Haddock, Stratus, 8.668, nsr.

PRO STOCK
1. Greg Anderson, Pontiac GXP, 6.588 seconds, 209.59 mph vs. 16. Ron Krisher, Chevy Cobalt, 6.832, 172.17;
2. Jason Line, GXP, 6.616, 209.43 vs. 15. Rickie Jones, Dodge Stratus, 6.691, 206.26;
3. Allen Johnson, Stratus, 6.625, 207.82 vs. 14. Tom Hammonds, 6.682, 206.20;
4. Mike Edwards, GXP, 6.628, 208.59 vs. 13. Greg Stanfield, GXP, 6.677, 207.08;
5. Warren Johnson, GXP, 6.629, 208.62 vs. 12. Jim Yates, GXP, 6.665, 206.64;
6. Jeg Coughlin, Cobalt, 6.629, 208.23 vs. 11. Larry Morgan, Stratus, 6.662, 207.69;
7. Kurt Johnson, Cobalt, 6.642, 207.91 vs. 10. Johnny Gray, Stratus, 6.661, 208.33; 
8. David Beckley, Stratus, 6.650, 206.61 vs. 9. V. Gaines, Stratus, 6.654, 206.32;

Did Not Qualify: 17. Jerry Haas, Pontiac GTO, 6.854, 202.55; 18. Bob Panella, Stratus, 7.202, 149.25; 19. Steve Spiess, Cobalt, 7.221, 148.79; 20. Erica Enders, Ford Mustang, 11.959, 73.12; 21. Frank Gugliotta, GXP, 23.129, 53.91; 22. Gordie Rivera, GTO, 25.448, 31.85.