BLOG.SCHOOLOFHOTROD.COM

Nitromethane and Thunder Valley

dennisp — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 17:02:03 GMT

Bonus Interviews for the show week of June 18th - Hot Rod Magazine Live welcomes Anthony Vestal from NHRA to give a recap of the NHRA SuperNationals and a preview of the Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals presented by Tri-Cities Area Ford Dealers. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

Hot Rod Magazine Live HRPT A verbal montezuma's revenge

dennisp — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 01:18:44 GMT

Check out the podcast of the audio coverage of this years HOT ROD POWER TOUR. Listen in to interviews from Doug Evans, Chris Douglas from Comp Cams and many more...CLICK HERE

Look for more bonus coverage later this week...

Power Tour Countdown

dennisp — Mon, 23 May 2011 05:12:56 GMT

13 DAYS AND COUNTING...and the radio show guy is getting antsy

In less than two week I'll be boarding a plane and heading to Cocoa Beach Florida to embark on the 2011 Hot Rod Power Tour and I was thumbing through images from last year and thought I’d share…

...one of the great nights on the tour

it's always great to see such diversity in the types of cars...

...and top down weather is always a plus.

Look for more images and updates on my involvement with the 2011 PT Rustoleum 1969 Road Runner as we start the crazy push towards the Hot Rod Power Tour.

NHRA NEWS: Summer Nationals Review

dennisp — Mon, 23 May 2011 04:38:40 GMT

Robert Hight outran teammate Mike Neff in the Funny Car final at the 23rd NHRA Summer Nationals Sunday to win the 200th race for John Force Racing.

The other winners at the seventh of 22 races in NHRA’s 60th anniversary season were Spencer Massey (Top Fuel) and Shane Gray (Pro Stock).

It was the 21st career win for Hight, whose less-than-stellar 4.284-second final-round pass at 264.86 in his Auto Club Ford Mustang was still good enough to defeat Neff’s 4.562 and 215.27 in his Castrol GTX Ford Mustang.

“I came to this race 16 years ago to be a part of John Force Racing and I thought then my dreams had come true. I didn’t know what I was going to do, I didn’t care,” Hight said. “To be part of history like this, 200 wins, this is now my dream come true. This is unbelievable.”

The list of drivers who have won races for John Force Racing includes John Force (132), Tony Pedregon (27), Hight (21), Gary Densham (8), Eric Medlen (6), Ashley Force Hood (4) and Neff (2).

Massey’s win came at the expense of Bob Vandergriff, who extended his NHRA record of runner-up finishes without a win to 13.

“It feels unbelievable,” said Massey, who ran a 3.914 at 312.78 to Vandergriff’s 3.962 at 302.21. “We have the consistency now and that’s what it takes to do it.

“We’ve smoked our tires and beat ourselves; at Atlanta (May 13-15), we talked about getting down the track and make the other car beat us and that’s what we did (reaching the semis), and we did it again here at Topeka.”

Gray won for the second time in his career and moved back into the Top 10 in the standings with his final-round 6.679-second pass at 206.95 mph in his Service Central Pontiac to Greg Stanfield’s 6.695 at 206.29 in the NitroFish Pontiac.

“We’ve struggled pretty much since the year started, had car issues, engine issues, we just went back to the shop, regrouped, dissected the motor, dissected people, made probably 100 test runs, came here and the car ran really well,” Gray said.

“This win goes to (crew chiefs) Ian (Landies) and Craig (Hankinson) and the entire Service Central team,” Gray said.

NHRA’s 60th anniversary season resumes in two weekends with the NHRA SuperNationals June 2-5 at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park in Englishtown.

POINT STANDINGS for NHRA professional categories following the 23rd annual Summer Nationals at Heartland Park Topeka, the seventh of 22 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series -

Top Fuel

1. Del Worsham, 613; 2. Tony Schumacher, 534; 3. Larry Dixon, 530; 4. Spencer Massey, 526; 5.Antron Brown, 524; 6. Doug Kalitta, 416; 7. Shawn Langdon, 335; 8. Morgan Lucas, 327; 9.Brandon Bernstein, 317; 10. Terry McMillen, 299.

Funny Car

1. Mike Neff, 593; 2. Jack Beckman, 557; 3. Robert Hight, 529; 4. Cruz Pedregon, 459; 5. Matt Hagan, 409; 6. Jeff Arend, 384; 7. John Force, 381; 8. Bob Tasca III, 362; 9. Johnny Gray, 347; 10. Ron Capps, 329.

Pro Stock

1. Jason Line, 578; 2. Greg Anderson, 537; 3. Greg Stanfield, 513; 4. Mike Edwards, 473; 5.Rodger Brogdon, 453; 6. Vincent Nobile, 452; 7. Erica Enders, 363; 8. Allen Johnson, 356; 9. Shane Gray, 341; 10. Ron Krisher, 322.

NHRA NEWS: Summer Nationals Preview

dennisp — Tue, 17 May 2011 16:19:00 GMT

BERNSTIEN FEELS IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THE COPART DRAGSTER IS BACK IN THE WINNER’S CIRCLE

For a sport that prides itself on making extremely powerful runs in a straight line, when race teams find themselves mired in a slump, the quickest way out is usually just around the turn.

Brandon Bernstein and his Copart dragster crew finally can see the bright light of their ultimate destination — returning to the top of the order in NHRA Top Fuel competition. It is just ahead, and they are moving toward it at full speed.

After nearly winning the world championship title in 2007 following back-to-back seasons that produced nine victories in 14 finals, Bernstein has claimed only one victory in 14 final round appearances in the four seasons since then.

For a team that has long prided itself on being a front-running world championship contender, a dry spell from victory lane that dates back to Richmond 2009 is simply not acceptable. Not for Bernstein, his crew members, or his six-time world champion father and team owner, Kenny.

After posting a runner-up finish at Las Vegas and earning a bunch of qualifying bonus points as one of the strongest and most consistent running cars during qualifying sessions at Houston and Atlanta, the Copart team feels like it is on the verge of a breakthrough that could come as early as this weekend at the NHRA Summer Nationals, May 20-22 at Heartland Park Topeka. Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car) and Mike Edwards (Pro Stock) are the defending winners of the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series event that will be televised by ESPN2 HD.

“I think we’re really close to turning the corner,” the younger Bernstein said. “Our numbers in qualifying in Houston particularly showed that we could run with anybody. Mechanically, the car shows a tremendous amount of promise.”

Team owner Kenny Bernstein says the team is in the middle of going in a new direction with their tuning combination with new crew chiefs Todd Smith and Donnie Bender on board. He says the process takes time, but overall it is showing progress.

“We’re getting new data on every run and we’re learning every time we go down the track,” the elder Bernstein said. “We are going through a learning curve, which is a necessary step, but sometimes our decisions bite us. We have to find out what we can get away with. Once you get enough runs under different conditions then you have a dictionary that can help you. It becomes easier to make a good run without stepping off the edge. The break through comes when you accumulate a lot of knowledge. Then when you win a race, it gives you the opportunity to win more. And it doesn’t hurt to have a little luck every once in a while. But the key is being consistent, the driver included.

With victories to his credit at Heartland Park in 2007 and 2004 and a runner-up finish there in 2006, Brandon Bernstein feels the team could build some much-needed momentum at the Kansas track.

“We’ve been to the final round three of the seven years I’ve competed at Heartland Park,” said Bernstein, who has 18 career victories. “Those are great odds. It boosts your confidence when you have made that drive to victory circle at a track.

It is another boost to know that his car is capable of performing against a strong field of Top Fuel challengers, such as defending world champ Larry Dixon and seven-time champ Tony Schumacher. He has qualified in the top half of the field all season and posted top five qualifying performances in the last four races, including a second place effort at Las Vegas and a third place position at Atlanta this past weekend.

“The competition in this category is extremely tough,” said Bernstein, who sits ninth in the series standings. “About half of the starting field on a given Sunday has a great chance to win. Morgan (Lucas) got a win early in the season, and Del (Worsham) has been extremely successful since his switch to Top Fuel this year. The Al-Anabi cars and Schumacher cars are always a threat, as are the Kalitta cars, and Morgan’s team. In this class you’re surrounded by some pretty intimidating talent.”

In Funny Car, Mike Neff has been pulling double duty this season, serving as both crew chief and driver for the Castrol GTX Ford Mustang. His hard work is paying off as the Southern California native leads the point standings with one victory in three final round appearances. His teammate, defending event winner Hight, is third in points with two wins in the Auto Club Mustang. Other pre-race favorites include nine-time Heartland Park Topeka winner John Force, two-time season winner Jack Beckman, who is currently second in points, along with 2010 series runner-up Matt Hagan. Two-time world champ Cruz Pedregon is a four-time winner at Topeka, while three-time Topeka winner Ron Capps has new tuner Tim Richards calling the shots for the NAPA Dodge Charger.

In a parity filled Pro Stock class, 2006 world champ Jason Line leads the way with three victories aboard his Summit Racing Pontiac GXP. Rookie phenom Vincent Nobile, defending world champ Greg Anderson and 2009 champ Mike Edwards have also claimed Wallys this season. Several drivers have emerged as title contenders as they chase their first career victories, including Pomona top qualifier Erica Enders, Houston runner-up Rodger Brogdon and Houston No. 1 qualifier Ronnie Humphrey.

FUNNY CAR DRIVER RON CAPPS ALWAYS A THREAT TO WIN NHRA SUMMER NATIONALS AT HEARTLAND PARK TOPEKA

Ron Capps isn’t off to the fast start that the veteran driver of the NAPA Auto Parts Dodge Charger has grown accustomed to over the years, but in his estimation, at the end of the day, that may not be a bad thing.

In the past Capps has been a familiar face in quite a few winner’s circle celebrations during the first five to 10 races in each NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series season. He was racking up Wally trophies at a frenetic pace at historic races like the Winternationals and Gatornationals in February and March.

However, by November when the steam cooled off of his early-season locomotive rush his team was left to ponder what might have been in the Countdown to the Championship playoffs. Capps has been a championship runner-up three times in his career and the world championship title that has so far eluded him remains his single biggest pursuit.

Not that he’s decided to change his gameplan or anything, but in a season of well-documented transition for his NAPA team, Capps is OK biding his time and letting new crew chief Tim Richards get settled into his new post. Capps wants to hit his stride near the end of the season this year and peak at the right time. Playoff time.

“We’ve been hot early before and then come up short in the Countdown,” said Capps, who has posted one semifinal and two quarterfinal finishes so far this season and sits ninth in the series standings. “It’s about getting hot when it matters. We’ve seen in the past few years, the car winning the championship is not necessarily the best car during the season, which is a product of the Countdown format. You have to get hot at the right time and that’s our goal. It’s like the NFL playoffs – first you have to get in, then you have to win all the games to get to the Super Bowl.”

He feels confident that with well-decorated tuner Richards at the helm, it could be as early as this weekend at the NHRA Summer Nationals at Heartland Park Topeka, May 20-22, when his NAPA team returns to the winner’s circle. Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car) and Mike Edwards (Pro Stock) are the defending winners of the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series event that will be televised by ESPN2 HD.

A three-time winner in four finals at the ultra-fast Kansas dragstrip, Capps feels confident returning to a track where he’s had success over the years. His most recent victory at HPT came in 2009, when he defeated Ashley Force Hood in the final.

“Topeka has always been a demanding track, especially in June,” said Capps, who has earned 31 victories in his NHRA career. “The (hot-weather) conditions make it tricky. You have to work well as a team to overcome a day of track temperatures in the 120s. When you can win at a track like this – which is a great facility with great people – it seems more gratifying at the end of the day on Sunday.”

It is also gratifying to know that you have outlasted an all-star field of competitors in the 7,000 horsepower category, including 15-time world champ John Force, two-time champ Cruz Pedregon, defending winner Hight, former drag racing instructor Jack Beckman who has won twice this season, and rising star Matt Hagan, among others.

“I’ve been racing Funny Car since 1997, and I keep saying it gets tougher and tougher each year,” Capps said. “You don’t roll into a race and have a goal of winning – you have to accomplish your first goal which is qualifying, regardless whether you are a 15-time champ or someone searching for your first championship, first you have to qualify. And thanks to the depth of the Funny Car category, there will be good cars which do not make the Countdown. So, the first goal for the season is getting into the Countdown since you have to be in it to win it.”

In Top Fuel, Del Worsham holds the series lead with three victories so far in his Al-Anabi Racing dragster. Worsham’s teammate, defending race winner and world champ Dixon, hopes to make his first visit of the season to winner’s circle at this event. A strong field of contenders also will be racing for the trophy, including seven-time world champ Tony Schumacher, two-time season winner Antron Brown, Doug Kalitta, Spencer Massey, Brandon Bernstein and Morgan Lucas.

* SCHEDULE: Full Throttle Drag Racing Series qualifying sessions are scheduled for 5 and 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 20 and 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 21. Final eliminations begin at 11 a.m. on Sunday, May 22.

* TICKETS: Tickets are available for the NHRA Summer Nationals. Call Heartland Park Topeka at (800) 43-RACES (72237) or visit www.HPT.com.

* ON TV: ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise two hours of qualifying highlights at 5:30 p.m. (ET) on Saturday, May 21. ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise three hours of eliminations coverage beginning at 7 p.m. (ET) on Sunday, May 22.

* LUCAS OIL SERIES: The NHRA Summer Nationals also will feature competition in eight categories in the NHRA Lucas Oil Series, where the future stars of the NHRA Full Throttle Series gain experience. In addition, the Top Dragster category also will be featured. Lucas Oil Series qualifying begins at 8 a.m. on May 20. Lucas Oil Series eliminations begin at 8 a.m. on May 21 and continue through May 22.

NHRA SUMMER NATIONALS FACT SHEET

WHAT: 23rd annual NHRA Summer Nationals, the seventh of 22 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series. Drivers in three categories - Top Fuel, Funny Car, and Pro Stock - earn points leading to 2011 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series world championships. NHRA is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2011 and will pay tribute to the evolution of the hot rod and honor its legendary racers as well as the sport’s current stars.

WHERE: Heartland Park Topeka. From Kansas City, take the Kansas Turnpike (I-70) to the Topeka Boulevard exit and travel south to the track. From Wichita, take the Kansas Turnpike (I-335) to the Topeka Boulevard exit and travel south to the track.

WHEN: Friday through Sunday, May 20-22

SCHEDULE:

FRIDAY, May 20 - LUCAS OIL SERIES qualifying at 8 a.m.

FULL THROTTLE SERIES qualifying at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, May 21 – LUCAS OIL SERIES eliminations begin at 8 a.m.

FULL THROTTLE SERIES qualifying at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

SUNDAY, May 22 - Pre-race ceremonies, 10 a.m.

FULL THROTTLE SERIES eliminations begin at 11 a.m.

TELEVISION:

Saturday, May 21, ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise two hours of qualifying coverage at 5:30 p.m. (ET).

Sunday, May 22, ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise three hours of eliminations coverage starting at 7 p.m. (ET).

2010 EVENT WINNERS: Tony Schumacher, Top Fuel; Robert Hight, Funny Car; Mike Edwards, Pro Stock.

MOST VICTORIES: John Force, 9, FC; Scott Kalitta, 6, TF; Warren Johnson, 5, PS; Cruz Pedregon, 4, FC; Greg Anderson, 4, PS.

TRACK RECORDS:

Top Fuel – 3.785 seconds by Antron Brown, May ’10; 321.96 mph by Brown, May ’10.

Funny Car – 4.074 seconds by Robert Hight, May ’10; 310.70 mph by Hight, May ’10.

Pro Stock – 6.638 seconds by Mike Edwards, May ’10; 207.56 mph by Edwards, May ’10.

Point standings (top 10) following the sixth of 22 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series -

Top Fuel: 1. Del Worsham, 547; 2. Antron Brown, 477; 3. Larry Dixon, 468; 4. Tony Schumacher, 449; 5. Spencer Massey, 410; 6. Doug Kalitta, 342; 7. Shawn Langdon, 300; 8. Morgan Lucas, 295; 9. Brandon Bernstein, 284; 10. Terry McMillen, 247.

Funny Car: 1. Mike Neff, 496; 2. Jack Beckman, 476; 3. Robert Hight, 412; 4. Cruz Pedregon, 399; 5. Matt Hagan, 356; 6. Jeff Arend, 353; 7. John Force, 345; 8. Bob Tasca III, 330; 9. Ron Capps, 276; 10. Johnny Gray, 265.

Pro Stock: 1. Jason Line, 515; 2. Greg Anderson, 465; 3. Mike Edwards, 429; 4. (tie) Vincent Nobile, 420; Greg Stanfield, 420; 6. Rodger Brogdon, 374; 7. Erica Enders, 331; 8. Allen Johnson, 295; 9. Ron Krisher, 287; 10. Ronnie Humphrey, 265.

Pro Stock Motorcycle: 1. Karen Stoffer, 278; 2. Andrew Hines, 263; 3. Eddie Krawiec, 244; 4. LE Tonglet, 240; 5. Hector Arana, 197; 6. Gerald Savoie, 159; 7. Michael Phillips, 141; 8. Matt Smith, 140; 9. Shawn Gann, 136; 10. Jim Underdahl, 135.

EDUCATION NEWS: Craftsman awards tool grants to 17 students

dennisp — Tue, 17 May 2011 16:01:00 GMT

Craftsman awarded 17 collision repair students with a tool grant scholarship through the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF).

Each student will receive a 268-piece mechanic tool set along with a lift-top lid case, Microtork torque wrench and 10-drawer ball-bearing tool chest.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Collision Repair Education Foundation to arm these students with Craftsman tools, and in turn help them on their journey to becoming professionals in their trade,” said Kris Malkoski, vice president and general manager of Craftsman.

The student recipients of the 2011 Craftsman tool grant include:

• Claudia Linda Carr, Texas State Technical College in Harlingen, Texas

• Candice Mae Churchill, Walla Walla Community College in Walla Walla, Wash.

• Justin Furman, Tuscola Technology Center in Caro, Mich.

• Blake Grover, College of Western Idaho in Boise, Idaho

• Jeff Hines, Cypress College in Cypress, Calif.

• Nina Hunter, Weber State University in Ogden, Utah

• Justin Jaszewski, WyoTech in Laramie, Wyo.

• Matthew Jozwiak, Tuscola Technology Center in Caro, Mich.

• Melissa Mayberry, Guilford Technical Community College in Jamestown, N.C.

• Joshua Ortiz, Cypress College in Cypress, Calif.

• Ulises Pina, Dennis Technical Education Center in Boise, Idaho

• Brianda Flores Ruiz, Southeast Career Technical Academy in Las Vegas, Nev.

• Christina Sepulveda, Middleburg High School in Middleburg, Fla.

• Franky Skiles, Area 30 Career Center in Greencastle, Ind.

• Matthew Dylan Smith, Lecroy Career Technical Center in Clanton, Ala.

• Patrick Nolan Smith, Lecroy Career Technical Center in Clanton, Ala.

• David Stotts, Portland Community College in Portland, Ore.

“Craftsman has helped fuel the future of the collision industry through their annual spring student tool grants and as a long-time sponsor our student technician shirts fundraiser,” said Scott Kruger, executive director of the CREF. “Through these Craftsman tool grants, students are provided the equipment necessary to further their careers.”

PRODUCT NEWS: Holley LS Hi-Ram Modular Intake System

dennisp — Mon, 16 May 2011 17:21:00 GMT

Holley Performance Products is proud to announce their Hi-Ram™
Intake System for GM’s popular LS engine.

The Holley cast aluminum Modular Hi-Ram™ Intake System fits GM LS3/L92 engines and is introduced as a cost effective alternative to fabricated sheet-metal for high-performance applications where induction system height is not limited. The base is a modular design to accept a wide range of carbureted and EFI tops and to be attractive to builders and fabricators as the foundation for custom induction systems. There are four tops: a forward mount throttle body style, dual 4150™, dual 4500™, and a blank top to machine for any induction style.

The runner length and tapered cross–section are designed to perform well for a wide range of engine configurations from street to race. The LS Hi-Ram™ intake system is intended for use on N/A or forced induction engines in the 6.0 to 7.0+ liter range with max power at 7,000-8,000+ RPM.

NHRA NEWS: Full Race Report from Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals

dennisp — Mon, 16 May 2011 17:14:00 GMT

BROWN GETS FOURTH ATLANTA DRAGWAY WIN; BECKMAN, LINE, TONGLET ALSO WINNERS IN ATLANTA at SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT NHRA S. NATIONALS

Antron Brown held off his teammate Tony Schumacher as he raced to his second win of the season Sunday at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway.

Jack Beckman, Jason Line and LE Tonglet also won in their respective categories at the sixth of 22 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series.

Brown drove his Matco Tools dragster to a 3.856-second run at 318.69 mph to hold off teammate Tony Schumacher and earn his second win of the season, 27th of his career and fourth at Atlanta Dragway (two in Top Fuel, two in Pro Stock Motorcycle).

“It was tough all weekend,” said Brown. “Qualifying didn’t go like we wanted it to of course. But our boys just pulled together like they did in Vegas and when race day comes, the game face goes on. Any given Sunday anybody can win it. We came out here this weekend and just took it one round at a time.”

With the win Brown moved up to the second spot in the Top Fuel point standings, 70 points behind leader Del Worsham, who lost in the first round of eliminations to Shawn Langdon.

In Funny Car, fellow Don Schumacher Racing driver Beckman also collected his second win of the season. Beckman powered his Aaron’s/Valvoline Dodge Charger to a 4.111 at 311.05 to charge past points leader Mike Neff in the final round. The win was the 11th of Beckman's career win and his second win at Atlanta Dragway.

“Any win is good,” said Beckman. “You take everybody serious. But beating a John Force car has kind of got a nice topping on that ice cream sundae if you know what I mean. They are at the top of their game.”

Beckman moved up to the second spot in the Funny Car points standings with the win, 20 points behind leader and runner up Neff.

Jason Line held off teammate Greg Anderson in an all Summit Racing Pro Stock final to secure his third win of the season and first at his sponsor’s event. Line drove his Summit Racing Pontiac GXP to a 6.600 at 208.42 to get his 23rd career win in Pro Stock.

“It was a good day, it really was,” said Line. “After the semis, Greg and I got down there and we were excited. We felt we needed a miracle to win because we didn’t feel like we performed like we should’ve. But somehow we got it. But Summit won today and that was the biggest thing.”

The final round matchup between Line and Anderson gave the two drivers the first and second place spot in the point standings, respectively.

In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Tonglet held off the fast-charging Karen Stoffer in the final round to collect his first win of the season and sixth of his career. Tonglet rode his Nitro Fish Suzuki to a 6.924 at 191.62 to get the win and move to fourth in the point standings.

“We’re really happy with the way that Nitro Fish Suzuki is running,” said Tonglet. “It’s really been a fun bike to ride. It’s so smooth and it’s just hauling butt. There is really nothing more we can do to it.”

With her runner-up finish, Stoffer secured the top spot in the Pro Stock Motorcycle standings, 15 points ahead of second-place Andrew Hines.

The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series continues May 20-22 with the 23rd annual NHRA Summer Nationals at Heartland Park Topeka in Kansas.

Final finish order (1-16) for professional categories at the 31st annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway. The race is the sixth of 22 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series.

TOP FUEL:

1. Antron Brown; 2. Tony Schumacher; 3. Spencer Massey; 4. Terry McMillen; 5. Larry Dixon; 6.

Doug Kalitta; 7. Bob Vandergriff; 8. Shawn Langdon; 9. Del Worsham; 10. Morgan Lucas; 11.

Brandon Bernstein; 12. Ike Maier; 13. David Grubnic; 14. Doug Foley; 15. Pat Dakin; 16. Clay Millican.

FUNNY CAR:

1. Jack Beckman; 2. Mike Neff; 3. Cruz Pedregon; 4. Bob Tasca III; 5. Jeff Arend; 6. Tony Pedregon; 7. Matt Hagan; 8. John Force; 9. Jim Head; 10. Tim Wilkerson; 11. Ron Capps; 12.

Robert Hight; 13. Jon Capps; 14. Paul Lee; 15. Melanie Troxel; 16. Johnny Gray.

PRO STOCK:

1. Jason Line; 2. Greg Anderson; 3. Allen Johnson; 4. Mike Edwards; 5. Erica Enders; 6.

Rodger Brogdon; 7. Vincent Nobile; 8. Ronnie Humphrey; 9. Greg Stanfield; 10. Ron Krisher; 11.

Larry Morgan; 12. V. Gaines; 13. Warren Johnson; 14. Shane Gray; 15. Robert Patrick; 16. Steve Kent.

PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE:

1. LE Tonglet; 2. Karen Stoffer; 3. Jim Underdahl; 4. Andrew Hines; 5. Gerald Savoie; 6. Matt Smith; 7. Hector Arana; 8. Hector Arana Jr; 9. Eddie Krawiec; 10. Michael Phillips; 11. Chip Ellis; 12. Steve Johnson; 13. Michael Ray; 14. Shawn Gann; 15. Angie Smith; 16. Mike Berry.

Sunday's final results from the 31st annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway. The race is the sixth of 22 in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing

Series

Top Fuel -- Antron Brown, 3.856 seconds, 318.69 mph def. Tony Schumacher, 3.905 seconds, 315.86 mph.

Funny Car -- Jack Beckman, Dodge Charger, 4.111, 311.05 def. Mike Neff, Ford Mustang, 4.119, 305.49.

Pro Stock -- Jason Line, Pontiac GXP, 6.600, 208.42 def. Greg Anderson, GXP, 6.610, 208.33.

Pro Stock Motorcycle -- LE Tonglet, Suzuki, 6.924, 191.62 def. Karen Stoffer, Suzuki, 6.970, 192.30.

Pro Modified -- Ed Hoover, Chevy Camaro, 5.958, 240.51 def. Mike Castellana, Camaro, foul

Competition Eliminator -- Bruno Massel, Chevy Cobalt, 7.109, 183.17 def. David Rampy, Bantam Roadster, 7.261, 179.42

Top Sportsman -- Mark Pickens, Pontiac GTO, 7.821, 130.38 def. Billy Vaughn, Chevy Monte Carlo, foul.

Super Stock -- Mike Crutchfield, Pontiac G5, 8.919, 143.87 def. James Caro, Dodge Challenger, 10.044, 128.93.

Stock Eliminator -- Mickey Whaley, Chevy Camaro, 25.558, 54.06 was unopposed.

Super Comp -- Roger Warren, Dragster, 8.908, 173.65 def. Jeff Brooks, Dragster, 8.897, 172.96.

Super Gas -- Matt Cooke, Chevy Corvette, 11.944, 102.64 def. David Tatum, Chevy Cavalier, foul.

Final round-by-round results from the 31st annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway, the sixth of 22 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing

Series

TOP FUEL:

ROUND ONE -- Doug Kalitta, 3.878, 315.34 def. Doug Foley, 8.247, 81.45; Bob Vandergriff, 3.954,

308.43 def. Clay Millican, 9.265, 76.15; Tony Schumacher, 3.852, 319.67 def. Ike Maier, 3.992, 258.57; Larry Dixon, 3.861, 320.97 def. Morgan Lucas, 3.960, 301.47; Shawn Langdon, 3.853, 316.01 def. Del Worsham, 3.875, 315.49; Spencer Massey, 3.863, 317.79 def. Pat Dakin, 8.306, 71.86; Terry McMillen, 3.906, 313.00 def. Brandon Bernstein, 3.970, 309.56; Antron Brown, 3.923, 309.70 def.

David Grubnic, 5.274, 123.86;

QUARTERFINALS -- McMillen, 3.924, 298.80 def. Vandergriff, 4.035, 257.33; Brown, 3.880, 314.09 def.

Langdon, 5.852, 112.98; Massey, 3.903, 315.27 def. Kalitta, 3.919, 312.93; Schumacher, 3.886,

316.38 def. Dixon, 3.892, 316.38;

SEMIFINALS -- Schumacher, 3.880, 318.32 def. Massey, 3.890, 315.93; Brown, 3.880, 314.02 def.

McMillen, 4.002, 300.13;

FINAL -- Brown, 3.856, 318.69 def. Schumacher, 3.905, 315.86

FUNNY CAR:

ROUND ONE -- Mike Neff, Ford Mustang, 4.091, 303.57 def. Jon Capps, Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 6.170, 108.97; Tony Pedregon, Chevy Impala SS, 4.156, 304.25 def. Jim Head, Toyota Solara, 4.154, 301.94; John Force, Mustang, 4.168, 304.19 def. Tim Wilkerson, Mustang, 4.257, 286.86; Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 4.133, 305.49 def. Johnny Gray, Dodge Charger, DQ; Matt Hagan, Charger, 4.107, 301.81 def.

Paul Lee, Impala SS, 6.968, 90.86; Cruz Pedregon, Solara, 4.518, 252.24 def. Robert Hight, Mustang, 4.591, 224.85; Jeff Arend, Solara, 4.188, 300.86 def. Ron Capps, Charger, 4.262, 291.95; Jack Beckman, Charger, 4.083, 311.56 def. Melanie Troxel, Solara, 7.755, 98.98; QUARTERFINALS -- C. Pedregon, 4.152, 306.33 def. T. Pedregon, 4.408, 222.25; Tasca III, 4.121,

306.46 def. Arend, 4.214, 294.11; Neff, 4.126, 301.13 def. Hagan, 4.484, 212.39; Beckman, 4.107,

306.12 def. Force, 4.611, 192.63;

SEMIFINALS -- Neff, 4.560, 274.55 def. Tasca III, 6.744, 117.42; Beckman, 4.095, 306.88 def. C.

Pedregon, 4.150, 301.74;

FINAL -- Beckman, 4.111, 311.05 def. Neff, 4.119, 305.49.

PRO STOCK:

ROUND ONE -- Erica Enders, Chevy Cobalt, 6.607, 208.55 def. Steve Kent, Pontiac GXP, foul; Vincent Nobile, Dodge Avenger, 6.623, 208.81 def. V. Gaines, Avenger, 6.636, 207.94; Ronnie Humphrey, GXP, 6.627, 207.69 def. Ron Krisher, GXP, 6.627, 208.42; Greg Anderson, GXP, 6.618, 207.18 def. Warren Johnson, Cobalt, 6.650, 207.56; Rodger Brogdon, GXP, 6.611, 208.14 def. Larry Morgan, Ford Mustang, 6.631, 207.72; Mike Edwards, GXP, 6.605, 209.04 def. Robert Patrick, Mustang, 6.721, 204.98; Jason Line, GXP, 6.611, 207.18 def. Shane Gray, GXP, 6.676, 207.18; Allen Johnson, Avenger, 6.605, 209.43 def. Greg Stanfield, GXP, 6.626, 208.46; QUARTERFINALS -- Line, 6.605, 208.17 def. Nobile, foul; Anderson, 6.622, 207.50 def. Brogdon, 6.625, 206.99; Edwards, 6.581, 209.20 def. Enders, 6.611, 208.81; A. Johnson, 6.618, 209.20 def. Humphrey, 9.535, 96.22;

SEMIFINALS -- Line, 6.607, 208.49 def. A. Johnson, 16.772, 48.01; Anderson, 6.627, 207.69 def.

Edwards, 18.949, 37.00;

FINAL -- Line, 6.600, 208.42 def. Anderson, 6.610, 208.33.

PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE

ROUND ONE -- Gerald Savoie, Suzuki, 7.072, 184.93 def. Michael Ray, Buell, 7.036, 184.47; Matt Smith, Buell, 6.981, 186.85 def. Michael Phillips, Suzuki, 7.004, 191.38; Hector Arana, Buell, 6.966, 187.42 def. Chip Ellis, Buell, 7.007, 188.73; Hector Arana Jr, Buell, 6.973, 188.44 def.

Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 7.008, 189.39; Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 6.983, 190.22 def. Angie Smith, Buell, 7.051, 182.95; Karen Stoffer, Suzuki, 6.972, 187.29 def. Mike Berry, Buell, 7.070, 182.58; LE Tonglet, Suzuki, 6.956, 190.73 def. Shawn Gann, Buell, 7.045, 185.74; Jim Underdahl, Suzuki, 7.050, 189.26 def. Eddie Krawiec, Harley-Davidson, 6.997, 189.44; QUARTERFINALS -- Hines, 7.064, 191.95 def. Arana Jr, broke; Stoffer, 16.702, 39.71 def. M. Smith, foul; L. Tonglet, 6.917, 192.41 def. Savoie, 6.966, 191.08; Underdahl, 7.001, 190.89 def. Arana, 7.084, 182.35; SEMIFINALS -- Stoffer, 6.992, 190.48 def. Underdahl, 7.065, 187.76; L. Tonglet, 6.893, 192.71 def.

Hines, 7.112, 191.16;

FINAL -- L. Tonglet, 6.924, 191.62 def. Stoffer, 6.970, 192.30.

Point standings (top 10) for NHRA professional categories following the 31st annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway, the sixth of 22 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series -

Top Fuel

1. Del Worsham, 547; 2. Antron Brown, 477; 3. Larry Dixon, 468; 4. Tony Schumacher, 449; 5.

Spencer Massey, 410; 6. Doug Kalitta, 342; 7. Shawn Langdon, 300; 8. Morgan Lucas, 295; 9.

Brandon Bernstein, 284; 10. Terry McMillen, 247.

Funny Car

1. Mike Neff, 496; 2. Jack Beckman, 476; 3. Robert Hight, 412; 4. Cruz Pedregon, 399; 5. Matt Hagan, 356; 6. Jeff Arend, 353; 7. John Force, 345; 8. Bob Tasca III, 330; 9. Ron Capps, 276; 10. Johnny Gray, 265.

Pro Stock

1. Jason Line, 515; 2. Greg Anderson, 465; 3. Mike Edwards, 429; 4. (tie) Vincent Nobile, 420; Greg Stanfield, 420; 6. Rodger Brogdon, 374; 7. Erica Enders, 331; 8. Allen Johnson, 295; 9.

Ron Krisher, 287; 10. Ronnie Humphrey, 265.

Pro Stock Motorcycle

1. Karen Stoffer, 278; 2. Andrew Hines, 263; 3. Eddie Krawiec, 244; 4. LE Tonglet, 240; 5.

Hector Arana, 197; 6. Gerald Savoie, 159; 7. Michael Phillips, 141; 8. Matt Smith, 140; 9.

Shawn Gann, 136; 10. Jim Underdahl, 135.

NHRA NEWS: ANTRON BROWN WINS NHRA SOUTHERN NATIONALS TO CLAIM SECOND TROPHY OF THE YEAR

dennisp — Mon, 16 May 2011 17:08:00 GMT

Antron Brown won his second race of the 2011 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series season defeating Don Schumacher Racing teammate Tony Schumacher today in a close final-round race of the 31st annual NHRA Southern Nationals here at Atlanta Dragway.

Schumacher got away from the starting line before Brown, but the 35-year-old New Jersey native drove the Matco Tools Top Fuel dragster around him for the unique 60th-anniversary pewter Wally, winning by a .038-second margin.

“We knew we would have to step it up for the finals, because we knew the U.S. Army team would,” he said. “So Brian Corradi and Mark Oswald (co-crew chiefs) made the adjustments and we put on a hell of a race for the fans.

“Tony had lane choice because, although we both ran identical 3.880s to win our semifinal rounds, his faster (318.32 miles per hour versus 314.02) pass – against our other DSR teammate Spencer Massey – was the tie breaker.

“But we didn’t think the lanes made much difference. We saw Mike Neff run a 4.11 in the right lane during the Funny Car finals (where he lost to DSR’s Jack Beckman) just before we ran, so weren’t concerned about the lane.”

Brown posted a 3.856-second pass at 318.69 mph to Schumacher’s 3.905 at 315.86, eliminating Schumacher’s .011-second reaction-time advantage (.045 vs. .056). His march to the finals included round wins against David Grubnic, Shawn Langdon and Terry McMillen. He began the day from the seventh starting position.

“We had a great day today,” said the four-time Southern Nationals winner, who captured the 2001 and 2006 Pro Stock Motorcycle titles before defeating Schumacher in the 2008 race, his rookie Top Fuel season. “This is the only place on the NHRA Full Throttle circuit where Tony has not won; I told him I’d trade him an Atlanta trophy for 30 of his Wallys

“I’ve always liked this track (he was also a 2003 PSM runner up), which I see as a ‘backyard track’ like the ones I grew up on.

Today’s win, second of the season (Las Vegas last month, where he also had to defeat Schumacher, in the second round, en route to the finals) brings his career total to 11 in Top Fuel, with an additional 16 on a Pro Stock Motorcycle. He remains the first and only NHRA driver to win in a Top Fuel dragster and on a Pro Stock Motorcycle.

“The wins are great right now,” Brown said. “But when it all counts is during the last six races, during the Countdown to 1 playoffs.”

The top-10 drivers in each category after the first 16 races of the “regular” season make the Countdown. Today’s victory moved Brown, with 477 points, into second place, 70 points behind Del Worsham, who has three wins, and just ahead of Larry Dixon, Schumacher and Massey (respectively).

Brown drives the Matco Tools/U.S. Army dragster into Kansas next weekend for the 23rd annual NHRA Summer Nationals at Heartland Park Topeka.

NHRA NEWS: TASCA WALKS AWAY FROM ATLANTA WITH CAREER-BEST ET AND SEMIFINAL FINISH

dennisp — Mon, 16 May 2011 17:00:00 GMT

The Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Shelby Mustang Funny Car ran better than it has all season at the NHRA Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway, and Bob Tasca III has a new career-best elapsed time and a semifinal finish to prove it.

It was a star-studded weekend for Tasca, who played host to both NASCAR Sprint Cup Crew Chief Donnie Wingo, who guided rookie Trevor Bayne to a win at the Daytona 500 in the Wood Bros. No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Fusion, and Bill Elliott, also of NASCAR fame. Elliott and his son Chase got a first-hand look at how the team runs on race day, even riding along in the team’s tow vehicle.

Tasca clocked his new career-best ET, a 4.074-second pass, in the final round of qualifying in the hot, sticky heat of the south. It’s a good omen for Tasca, who defeated Johnny Gray and Houston winner Jeff Arend in the early rounds.

In the semifinals, the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Shelby Mustang struck the tires early and coasted to a 6.74 to opponent and ‘One Ford’ teammate Mike Neff’s 4.56. Neff advanced to his second-consecutive final round, losing to Jack Beckman in the final round.

Tasca now heads to Florida to see the Shuttle Endeavour launch as a friend of the Kelly family. His friend Mark Kelly, husband of U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz), will serve as Commander of the flight. Giffords’ appearance has been eagerly anticipated and hailed as a major step in her recovery from a gunshot wound she suffered during a public appearance in front of a Tuscon, Ariz. grocery store.

“It was a great weekend for our team over all,” said Tasca, who will get little sleep on his way to Cape Canaveral. “I wish we had two more runs in us to close out the weekend, but I’m certainly very proud of our team, especially (Crew Chief and Co-Crew Chief) Chris (Cunningham) and Marc (Denner).

“We got this car pointed in the right direction. Just pushed a little too hard against Mike. He had to go a great time to beat us and we just went over the edge by a little bit. At the end of the day, we collected valuable points. We’re just a handful of points away from the third spot.”

The Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Shelby Mustang team leaves Atlanta eighth in the NHRA Full Throttle Series point standings with 330, 82 points away from the third spot. He trails leader Neff by 166 points.

NHRA NEWS: SPENCER MASSEY BLASTS INTO SEMIFINALS OF NHRA SOUTHERN NATIONALS

dennisp — Mon, 16 May 2011 16:55:00 GMT

Spencer Massey drove the Valvoline NextGen/FRAM Top Fuel dragster to a seven-round solid weekend, reaching the semifinals today of the 31st annual NHRA Southern Nationals here at Atlanta Dragway.

The 28-year-old Fort Worth native and resident capped off the three days, which included achieving his first number-one-qualifying position, with a dramatic side-by-side race against Don Schumacher Racing teammate and seven-time world champion Tony Schumacher.

Both left the starting line with identical .057-second reaction times and Schumacher edged Massey, who ran the 1,000 feet in 3.890 seconds at 315.93 miles per hour, at the finish line, with a 3.880-second, 318.32 mph run.

“We had three great runs today, but we came up a little short,” said the Don Schumacher Racing driver. “If we’re going to get beat by someone, might as well be “the Sarge (who then lost to the other DSR Top Fuel driver, Antron Brown, in the finals).”

“Overall, it was a great weekend – we qualified number one and followed with today’s runs.”

Massey’s Sunday began with a first-round 3.863 at 317.79 mph pass and victory over Pat Dakin, who ran 8.306 at 71.86. Next it was a 3.903 at 315.27 to oust Doug Kalitta, who posted a 3.919 at 312.93 lap and set up the crucial 1,000-foot trip against Schumacher.

“I didn’t see Tony until I got past the finish and shut off,” Massey said. “Drag racing is just a game of inches.

“We were totally pleased with the run. It was exactly what Todd (Okuhara) and Phil (Shuler, co-crew chiefs) wanted to run, and it was probably what they wanted to do (in the other lane) as well. I’ve said it before, will say it again and again – Todd and Phil, and the guys on the team, just keep giving me a great race car for every round.”

Getting down the track consistently remains the goal of the team, on race day as well as in qualifying.

“We wanted to go A to B and not beat ourselves,” explained Massey. “That’s what we did today and what we did in qualifying where we put four great runs together, despite difficult track and weather conditions, which really made it challenging for the crew chiefs.”

He opened Friday’s qualifying with a 3.888 at 315.42, good enough for second quickest of the round. During the nightcap, he ran a 3.825-second, 323.19-mph pass, which would put him on the pole for final eliminations.

Saturday Massey opened qualifying with a 3.923 at 314.03 pass and followed with a 3.882 at 316.30 in the fourth session.

“It was just a great weekend here in Georgia, but now it’s on to Kansas,” he said.

Massey, with 410 points, holds fifth position in the Top Fuel standings heading into the May 20-22 23rd annual NHRA Summer Nationals at Heartland Park Topeka (Kan.). He trails Del Worsham, Brown, Larry Dixon and Schumacher (respectively).

NHRA NEWS: New hope, new sponsor lifts Troxel's Funny Car team

dennisp — Mon, 16 May 2011 16:48:00 GMT

Melanie Troxel’s first race day of the season was briefer than ideal, but after a slow start to the season just being a part of the elimination rounds at the 31st annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals was a major step in the right direction.

"We made real improvement qualifying the Funny Car this weekend," Troxel said. "We’re seeing a positive change in the chassis. We don’t have it entirely figured out yet, but a least we are not doing the same thing all the time."

Troxel and the ProCare Rx Toyota Funny Car lost in the first round to Jack Beckman when the car’s tires spun off the start. She also fell in the second round of Get Screened America Pro Mod Series racing to Troy Coughlin on a holeshot.

Against Beckman, Troxel drove to a 7.755 second lap at 98.98 mph as she smoked and pedaled her way down the Atlanta Dragway track. Beckman ran a solid 4.083 at 311.56 mph. Nevertheless, Troxel said the entire weekend was a lift to the team and a big step forward for the whole program.

"We’ve got a lot of new technology coming to the team," Troxel said. "(R2B2 Racing VP of research and development) John Medlen is a new set of eyes and has a different way of thinking about things. There’s just more good things to come."

In the RoadRage.com supercharged Camaro, Troxel ran a 5.963-second pass at 245.94 mph but it wasn’t enough to overcome a .017-second reaction time by Coughlin and his 6.008-second pass at 248.61 mph.

"The bright side is, we could have left here down as the 18th qualifier," Troxel said. "By luck we got in, won a round, and had a really good number for a blower car in the second round. My hat is off to Troy, he cut a great light.

"It wasn’t our time, but we’d already had a lot of luck come our way during the weekend."

A new associate sponsor, PAETEC, joined Troxel’s Funny Car team this weekend and she said it was fun to show the guests from PAETEC, a nation-wide communications solutions company, all about NHRA drag racing.

"It was a great time for them to see the progress we’ve made," Troxel said. "We’re excited for them to be involved and really glad to show them what drag racing is all about."

Troxel will next race the ProCare Rx Toyota Funny Car at next weekend’s NHRA Summer Nationals in Topeka, Kan. The RoadRage.com Camaro will be at the next scheduled Get Screened America Pro Mod Series race, which will be the NHRA SuperNationals, June 3-5, in Englishtown, N.J.

NHRA NEWS: Lucas Oil's Langdon gets lift from Sunday performance

dennisp — Mon, 16 May 2011 16:41:00 GMT

Shawn Langdon and the Lucas Oil/Speedco Top Fuel dragster team got the shot in the arm they were looking for Sunday at the 31st annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals.

Langdon, who qualified 15th on the ladder, pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the season by beating No. 2 qualifier and current points leader Del Worsham in the first round of eliminations. Worsham had won three of the last four races on tour.

"When you are running Del, you have to make a perfect run against him," Langdon said. "He’s been really solid this year so we knew we had to lay down a big run."

Langdon’s winning pass was in 3.853 seconds at 316.01 mph, which was enough to hold off a hard-charging Worsham who ran a 3.875 at 315.49 mph.

"Our goal was to run a 3.85 or better," Langdon said. "It was an all or nothing shot for us on that round. It held for us. It was an excellent job by the guys, considering all the adversity we’ve faced lately."

In the second round against eventual race winner Antron Brown, Langdon’s engine lost a cylinder at the starting line and couldn’t keep up with Brown’s car. Langdon crossed the finish in 5.852 seconds at 112.98 mph as Brown zipped to a 3.880 at 314.09 mph.

NHRA NEWS: ZaZa Energy pro Enders leaves Atlanta with head held high

dennisp — Mon, 16 May 2011 16:34:00 GMT

ZaZa Energy NHRA Pro Stock driver Erica Enders was at her best Sunday at Atlanta Dragway, and her Cagnazzi Racing Chevrolet was plenty fast too. But Enders simply couldn't find that little bit of luck it takes to win it all at the 31st annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals.

Enders ran two of the quickest passes in Pro Stock eliminations but happened to run into the driver who ran the best pass of the weekend, 2009 series champion Mike Edwards, in the second round. Edwards went 6.581 at 209.20 mph to narrowly edge Enders' 6.611 at 208.81 mph pass.

"Mike laid down a tremendous run," Enders said. "He was .964 down low (at 60 feet), which is just absolutely unheard of, especially here at this race track."

Enders' pass would have beaten every other Pro Stock driver in the quarterfinals, and it came after running a 6.607 at 208.55 mph in the first round. Edwards went 6.605 at 209.04 mph in Round 1 to knock out Robert Patrick, matching two of the quickest cars on the property in the quarterfinals.

"After the first round, I looked at the sheet, and we were dead even," Enders said. "We both ran 6.60s, so I knew we were evenly matched. I figured if I could go up there and drill him on the tree, we would have a great chance to advance to the next round.

Enders delivered, ripping off a .016-second reaction time, and the ZaZa Chevrolet made an excellent pass, but she was a fraction of a second behind at the other end.

"For not having lane choice, we went up and did a really good job," Enders said. "The guys did a great job setting up the car. We made a very respectable run, and I was .016 on the tree – I did drill him. Our run would've beaten anybody else. It's just one of those deals. That's the way it goes some times."

Enders raised her season-long average of leaving first to 76.7 percent to maintain her statistical lead in that category.

"It makes me feel a lot better," Enders said of her Christmas Tree performance. "Coming from Houston, I knew I had to get back on my game. I went home and worked hard at it. I showed up here mad, like I said I would, and I feel good about my performance."

Enders beat Steve Kent in the first round after Kent red-lighted – though Kent would've been hard-pressed to match Enders' speed.

"I'm leaving with my head high," Enders said. "After Houston, I said I was going to work hard at it. To be able to go .016 on the tree against Mike, I'm on my game. We're going to be all right. My guys are doing an awesome job. We're looking forward to Topeka."

NHRA NEWS: NHRA AND RED CROSS RAISE OVER $10K FOR TORNADO STRICKEN AREA

dennisp — Mon, 16 May 2011 16:29:00 GMT

NHRA and the Red Cross raised more than $10,000 at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway. The monies earned will go directly to help those affected by the tornado disasters that have stuck the Southeast region of the country.

Fans, crew members and drivers turned out during the event to make donations to the Red Cross at a booth set up in the midway in the pit area. In total, the weekends amount exceeded the $10,000 goal, with the race sponsor, Summit Racing Equipment, pitching in $500 before the final round to push the total over the $10,000 mark. Drivers also participated in a special autograph session Saturday after qualifying to help raise funds for the East Georgia chapter of the Red Cross. The donations collected throughout the weekend will go directly to a Tornado Relief Fund for the Southeast region of the country impacted by the tornados and severe storms that ripped through the region.

“We appreciate all the fans and drivers that pitched in and did their part,” said Pro Stock driver Allen Johnson, whose hometown of Greeneville, Tenn. was one of the hardest hit areas in Tennessee during the April storms this year. Allen participated in the autograph session Saturday and was a strong supporter of the Red Cross throughout the weekend.

“NHRA fans need to be proud of themselves and what they did this weekend,” said Johnson. “It means a lot for me. There were seven people in my hometown of Greeneville that lost their lives, so the work we did here was tremendous.”

“So many people came to me from all over Georgia and Alabama telling me about the devastation that hit down here,” said Steve Johnson, who raced the Red Cross logo on his bike this weekend. “It was so great and amazing to see how the fans reacted here at Atlanta Dragway and the money Red Cross was able to raise for those affected.”

NHRA fans that would still like to donate can do so by calling 1-800-RED CROSS, or online at eastgeorgia.redcross.org/. They can also text a $10 donation by texting the phrase “REDCROSS” to 90999.

NHRA NEWS: Jason Line Will Start Second in Atlanta

dennisp — Sun, 15 May 2011 05:10:00 GMT

Summit Racing Pro Stock standout Jason Line completed a very impressive qualifying performance on Saturday, capturing the second starting position for Sunday’s final eliminations of the Summit Racing Equipment Southern NHRA Nationals in Atlanta, GA. In each of the four sessions at Atlanta Dragway, Line’s time was among the top three of the twenty cars attempting to qualify, highlighted by his 6.608-second, 207.91 mph best on Saturday morning. Although this performance earned the current championship points leader a total of eight bonus points, he remained focused on finding ways to improve his race car’s performance even further for race day.

“I’m pretty happy with this Summit Racing Team’s performance in qualifying,” said Line. “Throughout all four rounds, we just kept working on it, trying to make it better. Although we still have a few things left to do, we certainly have a good car for tomorrow. Now it’s up to us to capitalize on it

“Looking at the times from the last two sessions, it seems lane choice will be very important, so we will have to make sure and keep it through all four rounds. Thanks to a tremendous effort by our team, our Summit Racing Pontiac is running well, and Greg (teammate Anderson) and I are on opposite sides of the ladder, so we have as good a chance as anyone to end the day in the winner’s circle celebrating with all of our friends from Summit. I’m ready to win my first race in Atlanta.”

Established in 1968, Summit Racing Equipment is the leading high performance parts and accessories company. Summit Racing offers the largest selection, lowest prices, and best customer service in the high performance industry via catalogs, Internet, and Retail Super Stores. The company is headquartered in Tallmadge, Ohio with retail locations in Tallmadge, Ohio; Sparks, Nevada; and McDonough, Georgia. For more information, please visit www.summitracing.com.

NHRA NEWS: FORCE HOLDS ONTO NO. 1 IN ATLANTA, TIES ALL-TIME RECORD

dennisp — Sun, 15 May 2011 05:01:00 GMT

John Force had to wait through multiple rain delays at Atlanta Dragway but at the end of Saturday’s qualifying session he held onto the No. 1 qualifying position and added one more record to the ever growing list of career achievements. Force tied Pro Stock legend Warren Johnson with 138 career No.1 qualifiers. The Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals top spot was the fourth in a row for the 15-time Funny Car champion and his eighth at Atlanta Dragway.

“I never thought I would live this long. I used to be on fire every weekend. I have never driven a Pro Stock car but Warren Johnson is the Babe Ruth of Pro Stock and I have tied him,” said Force. “I wasn’t excited yesterday because I didn’t want to get too into it. I have never raced him but I can honestly say I did it without steroids. I told you I embellish (Force was waving can of Full Throttle). I am just glad to see my Mustang running consistently.”

Force credited his crew chief tandem of Ron Douglas and Dean “Guido” Antonelli for getting his Castrol GTX High Mileage Mustang on a consistent roll in qualifying. This is the eight time that Force has had at least four No. 1 qualifying efforts in a row. It is the first time since 1996, the year Force was named Driver of the Year, for the Yorba Linda resident to get on a long No. 1 qualifying streak.

“I am just real excited. Dean Antonelli was taught by the great Austin Coil and to watch how he and Ron Douglas think is like watching Coil and Bernie Fedderly. Fedderly is still here with me and still giving input. Me and Bernie are the two oldest in this camp still hanging on. I am just excited for the future. I just really love racing. I come into town all bummed with stupid stuff, nothing major. At the end of the day some things just went good. Things just went right. That is amazing and maybe my luck will turn around.

Tying the record at Atlanta Dragway had additional significance for Force when he considered Johnson is a Sugar Hill, Georgia resident and Force cut his racing teeth here match racing for many years.

“I match raced at Atlanta for years. The fans came here and fed me. I know how they feel about Warren Johnson. I am not going to make these fans mad. He is their guy and I always respected that. He is a great racer. The whole family is. I never expected records like that. We race two different worlds but it is fun. Like I said last night to put my name with his and if the tie stays forever that is good enough for me. He is just really a good guy. I am almost as old as him he just looks a whole lot better. I am loving what I am doing.”

During the end of the day media session Force was asked about his qualifying success but his lack of winner’s circle appearances on Sunday.

“Isn’t that something? I have a great hot rod I just can’t seem to get a win. I’ll get there. I am learning more about this blue tree. The amber is the same but the blue is something I have to get used to. I have done this for so long I am programmed. Now there is blue and I am having to get used to that. I have a great race car and four low qualifiers in the heat or in the cold shows we can run.”

Mike Neff and the Castrol GTX Ford Mustang are hot on Force’s heels. Neff tuned and drove his way to the second quickest run of the final qualifying session. For the crew chief tuned driver it was not enough and he felt that he had missed a little. Neff will enter race day as the No. 6 qualifier.

“It has been running better. I am looking for more than it is doing. The biggest thing is it is going down the track and that is the important part,” said the two-time 2011 finalist. “We are learning stuff. We had some good runs this weekend but that last one wasn’t what we were looking for. It was second quickest but I think there was more out there. We’ll try it again tomorrow and it should be an exciting day.”

JFR track specialist Lanny Miglizzi have been working overtime keeping up with changing track conditions. Miglizzi has been constantly feeding information to the crew chiefs after every rain shower, oil down or change in temperature. For a crew chief like Neff who cannot get out on the track as much as he would like the information is invaluable.

“Lanny has been keeping us updated every day. Honestly the lanes haven’t been a factor. The best runs have been made in the left lane but I don’t think lane choice will be that big of a deal.”

The Auto Club Mustang driven by Robert Hight has been nearly unstoppable the past six years at Atlanta Dragway. Hight has reached four final rounds and picked up two Wally’s for his effort including a win last year. If Hight is going to race to a fifth final round and pick up a third Wally he has his job cut out for himself on Sunday.

His Mustang has been “moody” and crew chief Jimmy Prock has spent some late night looking at options to make the 8,000 hp Mustang more reactive at a number of points on Atlanta Dragway’s tricky track.

Hight is undeterred in his confidence in Prock. As the No. 13 qualifier Hight will face off with two-time Full Throttle Funny Car champion Cruz Pedregon.

“We dropped a cylinder on that last run. We had a part break in the first run today. I would rather get that stuff out of the way on Saturday,” said Hight a 20-time Funny Car winner. “We’ll be ready for race day. You have to get ready for a racer like Cruz Pedregon. It will be a good race. I am excited and ready. Jimmy is looking at all our data and talking with Guido, Ron, Neff and Bernie. I am not worried about my Auto Club Mustang.”

The other first round match-ups for JFR include a Ford vs. Ford battle Force against Tim Wilkerson. Mike Neff will race Jon Capps, brother of Ron Capps, in the first round. All three JFR Ford Mustangs could advance to the semi-finals tomorrow.

“I think I’ve got a little bit more learning to do on that,” Wingo said. “It’s something I’ve always loved, drag racing, but being at NASCAR races every weekend, I could never go. Being on the starting line and seeing Bob’s run was pretty cool. Maybe I can bring him some luck.”

NHRA NEWS: TASCA RUNS CAREER-LOW ET TO ROCKET TO NO. 2 QUALIFYING POSITION IN ATLANTA

dennisp — Sun, 15 May 2011 04:54:00 GMT

Bob Tasca III clocked his career-best elapsed time to qualify No. 2 in the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Shelby Mustang Funny Car Saturday at the NHRA Southern Nationals with NASCAR Sprint Cup Crew Chief Donnie Wingo looking on.

Tasca drove to a 4.074-second finish at 308.57 during the last qualifying run of the weekend to launch three spaces to No. 2 from the fifth qualifying position. It was his best qualifying performance to date in 2011 as Wingo, who directed rookie Trevor Bayne to victory at the Daytona 500 in February, watched from the starting line. Bayne drives the Wood Brothers’ No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Fusion.

“I’m real proud of my whole team,” Tasca said. “(Crew Chief and Co-Crew Chief) Chris (Cunningham) and Marc (Denner) and Tommy (Leskovan, team leader), hats off to them. We’ve been through some crap, more or less, this year and have paid our dues to say the least. Coming into this race, Chris told me ‘I’ve never learned so much as I have this season.’ Now it’s time to show it. We’ve been working hard on every part of this race car and to run three great passes in a weekend is just what we needed.”

Tasca and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Shelby Mustang team turned in the low ET for both the first and last qualifying sessions at Atlanta Dragway.

“We just really, really, really flexed the muscles of this Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Shelby Mustang,” Tasca said. “As a driver, this is what you dream about. Getting a car as good as this car and putting the whole team in position to win. We’ve got to go out tomorrow and get past the first round. You can never count out that first round.”

Tasca’s ‘One Ford’ teammate John Force qualified No. 1 with a 4.072 at 310.98.

Wingo was as close to the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Funny Car as a person can be without driving as Tasca went quicker than he’s ever gone.

“Donnie got the opportunity to see the Motorcraft/Quick Lane car win Daytona, and see the Motorcraft/Quick Lane (Funny) car run an .07 with the heat still on the track,” Tasca said. “That’s a pretty good run to make.”

“I thought it was cool being there,” Wingo said. “It looks like he’s going to have a pretty good car on race day. That’s the main thing.”

So now that he’s seen the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Funny Car in action close-up, is he ready to dive under the hood and crew chief the car

NHRA NEWS: LE Tonglet bounces back to No. 1 qualifier for Southern Nationals

dennisp — Sun, 15 May 2011 04:49:00 GMT

LE Tonglet bounces back to No. 1 qualifier for Southern Nationals

LE Tonglet shrugged off Friday’s slow qualifying effort with a promise to do better on Saturday, and he certainly did, leaping from 11th to the No. 1 starting slot for Sunday’s Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway

“We tried our new motor Friday and had some problems tuning it, so we put our old one back in,” said Tonglet, the reigning Pro Stock Motorcycle champion. “We knew we would improve.”

The Tonglet Racing Nitro Fish Suzuki GSXR did just that, zipping down the quarter-mile in 6.954 seconds at 189.79 mph in the opening session that lifted Tonglet from 11th into third place. It was the quickest run of the session and just set the stage for his last lap – an imposing 6.904 at 192.93 mph that put Tonglet on top for the second consecutive race.

“We knew after our first run (Saturday) that we could step it up and go for it with whatever we did to (the tune-up),” he commented. “I think we’re in our championship form. We were at the last race (at Houston), too, but we had that (first-round, foul start) mishap. We’ll be ready on Sunday.”

His first-round rival is Shawn Gann (No. 16, 7.084 at 188.41 mph).

NHRA NEWS: SPENCER MASSEY GRABS POLE FOR NHRA SOUTHERN NATIONALS

dennisp — Sun, 15 May 2011 04:44:00 GMT

SPENCER MASSEY GRABS POLE FOR NHRA SOUTHERN NATIONALS

Spencer Massey secured his first number-one starting position of the 2011 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series season today for the 31st annual NHRA Southern Nationals here at Atlanta Dragway.

The driver of the Valvoline NextGen/FRAM Top Fuel dragster blasted into the pole position during Friday’s second qualifying round with a 3.825-second, 323.19-mile-per-hour pass, which held up during today’s final two sessions.

Massey’s first-round opponent is Pat Dakin, who he has faced once – and defeated - at the 2009 Norwalk race.

The 28-year-old Fort Worth native and resident continued his mastery of Atlanta Dragway where he has two poles and a final-round appearance in his two professional starts in this race

“I love Atlanta. I love this race track,” said the Don Schumacher Racing driver. “I’ve raced here twice in Top Fuel, been number one both times and went to the finals in 2009. And I had won here driving an alcohol dragster in 2007 and 2008.

“But last time, I lost to Morgan Lucas in an ugly final round. I would like to repeat getting to the finals, but this time seal the deal.”

Massey was one of the few drivers to have four solid qualifying runs during the hot, humid weather which challenged the nitro crew chiefs. He was sitting second after Friday’s first round on a 3.888/315.42 pass, and then moved around Del Worsham in the night run.

Saturday’s qualifying opened with a 3.923/314.83, fourth quickest lap, and closed with a 3.882/316.30, quickest of the round.

“Phil and Todd (Shuler and Okuhara, co-crew chiefs) and the NextGen/FRAM team have been giving me a great race car all year,” said the 2009 NHRA Top Fuel rookie of the year. “I just do my job and good things happen

“It’s an honor being back in a Top Fuel car again (he lost his ride after the 2009 season when his former team folded) and I can’t think of anything better than putting the NextGen/FRAM car in the winner’s circle.

“When I first got a Top Fuel ride, all I wanted was a Top Fuel win. When I got my first win, all I wanted was a championship. But I won’t be thinking of that or anything else except my first-round race when we get started tomorrow.”

Massey begins the race – 11 a.m. EDT – holding fifth place in the 2011 NHRA Full Throttle Top Fuel standings, behind Worsham and Larry Dixon and his DSR teammates Antron Brown and Tony Schumacher.