Georgia Drag Racing News

Information about Georgia drag racing history, personalities, activities and events from GeorgiaDragRacing.com.

Saturday, June 26, 2004

1989 Camaro RS for sale
1989 Camaro RS, V-6 Engine blown ( previous owner thinks it broke a rod - I don't know ), AT, interior rough, body decent. Car has been parked for about four years. Might make a decent start for a drag car or ???. Clear title. $500. Wife says car has to go.
Photos
Bogan Renfroe Cat Skinner III SOHC Willys/GeorgiaDragRacing.com t-shirts now available in very limited quantities. Send an email to me at dayfalcon@earthlink.net for availability and pricing. Click here to see the artwork.
Russell, Scelzi, Anderson, Treble and Janis Lead Qualifying at the NHRA POWERade Sears Craftsman NHRA Nationals
Friday Recap

Friday, June 25, 2004

Holley NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion
by Ed Miles


Take nostalgic drag racing with Top Fuel, Supercharged Gassers, Funny Cars, Super Stocks, Altereds, and Stocks, and combine with display cars back to the earliest years of drag racing, and surround that with over 1200 entries of street rods custom cars, classic cars, antique cars, muscle cars; mix in various DJ booths spinning the oldies music, add a swap meet for classic and racing parts, a live stage show featuring The Diamonds, along with shaded riverside camping for over 500 spots, next to a full amusement park with rides and games for all ages, have a continuous cruising with cars from all the eastern segment of the U.S. and you truly have something for everyone. That was the setting June 18 through June 20, 2004 at the Second Annual NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion at Bowling Green, Kentucky.

I did not think last years' Inaugural event could have been topped, but through the hard work of The Wally Parks N.H.R.A. Museum, along with Holley and Dupont Automotive Finishes, two companies with over 100 years of experience, this years event far surpassed last year. Friday nights' program at the University Plaza Hotel Convention Center Ballroom began with Dave McClelland as Master of Ceremonies. Bowling Green Mayor Sandy Jones welcomed everyone, stayed for the entire program and then got into the spirit of things as she sat in the cockpit of the Weekly-Fox-Rivera-Holding Top Fuel Dragster as it was fired up at the main entrance of the convention center.

Al Bergler who campaigned the famous competition coupe "More Aggravation", the funny car "Motown Shaker" and many other cars led the presentations. He was car owner for the car Butch Maas drove on the Coca-Cola Cavalcade Match Race Circuit during the 1972 season and returned as driver again in 1973, after which he retired. Following Al, the gracious Virginia couple of Jim and Allison Lee were presented their award for a career that spanned from the early 60's through the end of the 1982 season, and they certainly lived up to their cars name of "Great Expectations". The next honoree was Bob Larivee Sr. who was one of the founders of the Michigan Hot Rod Association and creator of the International Show Car Association, the International Auto Show Producers Association, and Promotions Inc. that originated the well-known Detroit Autorama. Next was Art Malone, who aside from his legendary career as a drag racer and track operator, also drove the
famous Novi cars in the Indy 500 and set a world record closed course speed record at the Daytona International Speedway. Another honoree was Bill Smith whose cars won races in sprint cars, NASCAR, modifieds, super modifieds, drag racing, along with the Pikes Peak Hill Climb and the Bonneville Salt Flats. All this while operating the largest supplier of auto racing and street rod parts called Speedway Motors, which he opened in Lincoln, Nebraska in 1952. Last but certainly not least was Georgia's own contribution to motorsports and the world, the First Lady of Auto Racing, Miss Linda Vaughn who was honored with the Spotlight Award. Linda is known in every segment of the auto racing world as her role as Miss Hurst Golden Shifter, in addition to her tireless work in many charities and efforts visiting our military forces throughout the world.

Saturdays activities resumed at the rack track with qualifying and time trials, highlighted by Joe Jacono, at age 70, coming out of retirement to drive the famous "Rollin' Stoned" 1973 Cuda funny car. Joe began his career in 1955 racing all up and down the east coast and the Midwest in both alcohol and fuel cars laying waste left and right to big time competition while setting many records including the first driver to clock an ET of 6.59.

Saturday evenings night session of Top Fuel qualifying was concluded with Linda Vaughn atop the Hurst Golden Shifter Oldsmobile, taking bows and blowing kisses to the crowd down the length of the track. Following Linda, a group of 20 cars were push started from the far end of the strip for the famous "Cacklefest". These included the Tennessee Bo-Weevil and the beautiful English Leather Corvette funny cars, the Ventura Motors AA/SR, the Hills Brothers Willys, the Freight Train Top Gas dragster, the Howard Cams Rattler, the Jade Grenade, the Frantic Four Top Fuel dragster with its headers glowing cherry red, and last, Big Daddy himself in one of his beautiful restored Swamp Rat Dragsters. Needless to say, this was a thrill to everyone, and its safe to say that not all the tears in the crowd were caused by the nitro fumes.

I, along with my fellow contingent from GeorgiaDragRacing.com, David Dilbeck, Fred Simmons and Bob Beasley would like to thank Bob Daniels, Sam Jackson, Greg Sharp and Steve Gibbs from N.H.R.A and Michael Hollander and Bill Groak with Pacific Communications Group for making all this possible and would strongly urge all of you fans to put this event at the very top of your priority list for next year.
Photos
50th US Nationals Website
An amazing site filled with results, photos and the history of the U.S.Nationals!
Dick Brannan at the Third Annual York US 30 Musclecar Madness

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-York, PA The year 2004 marks the
Fortieth Anniversary of the Ford Thunderbolt and the celebration reaches the
Third Annual York US 30 Musclecar Madness show that will be presented
on July 9th and 10th at the York Expo Center, York Fairgrounds.

Dick Brannan former factory racer for Ford Motor Company will join the group
of Thunderbolts and Ford products from 422 Motorsports and the factory
performance display to highlight the festivities surrounding this momentus
occasion.

Bill Stiles of York, PA will display his factory hemi Barracuda, "Mousie"
Marcellus of the famed Marcellus and Borsch "Winged Express" fuel altered,
Lou Downing and his "Pete' Patriot" AMX, and Ronnie Sox will be reunited
with his final factory MoPar Pro Stock Duster which will be some of the many
World Famous cars and personalities that will be available for a weekend
that will relive the '60's and '70's.

Over 145 entries have been accepted to the show that has become an annual
reunion for the Legends of Drag Racing in addition, the being an annual reunion
for the staff at the former York US 30 Dragway that was one of the countries' finest
drag racing facilities in it's time.

The event is a benefit for the York County SPCA. A special live auction will be
presented on Saturday evening at 7 p.m. which will feature memorabilia items and special racing items with the proceeds benefiting the local SPCA. All proceeds from
the People's Choice voting and special 50-50 drawings will be presented to the
York County SPCA. "Last year's event raised $3600 for our charity of choice.
We want to continue as the largest car event contributor to this
worthwhile cause" said Darwin Doll co-promoter of the event.
"We have set $5,000 as our goal."

The show features a Cruisin' Into Summer cruise in both days
Friday and Saturday, along with a Concours & Fun event which
will be presented by the York County Corvette Club. A special
cruise in to the Gettysburg Bike Week will be held on Friday
evening.

Show hours are Friday, July 9th 1 p.m. until 9 p.m. and Saturday,
July 10th from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m.

FOR INFORMATION:
Darwin Doll (717) 755-5849, www.yorkus30.com or email mcmyork02@suscom.net
Warren Johnson Looks to Get off to a Quick Start in St. Louis

GM Performance Parts team keys on improving sixty-foot performance

SUGAR HILL, GA., June 22, 2004 - The standard distance for an NHRA national event competition is one quarter-mile, which translates into 1,320 feet. Whether a competitor wins, loses or even qualifies is determined by when his or her race vehicle breaks the infrared beams at the end of said distance.

However, as GM Performance Parts pilot Warren Johnson will readily attest, the strength of the run is most often decided in the first sixty feet, a distance that a current Pro Stock race car will cover in just under one second. Ironically, that is the main area on the track where the Johnson crew was most dissatisfied with their recent performance.

Therefore, upon his return from Englishtown, NJ on Sunday, Johnson spent long hours poring over reams of race notes, searching for any potential gremlins. Fortunately, heading into this weekend's Sears Craftsman Nationals in Madison, IL, The Professor is confident that a solution has been found.

"If you lose a considerable amount of time in the first sixty feet, it's virtually impossible to make it up in the remainder of the run, particularly in the warmer weather," stated Johnson. "That has been the problem we have been battling of late. We could run great sixty foot times on occasion, but not with any true regularity. I guess you could call it a consistent inconsistency.

"Once I had the time to sit down and review every run we had made throughout the season, I noticed an irregularity that first surfaced three or four races ago. Although it progressed as time went on, it was at such a slow pace that it really wasn't noticeable. Of course, hindsight is always 20/20.

"As soon as the problem was identified, we made the necessary changes to eliminate it. The final step will be to spend one day before heading to Madison testing to make sure our assessment of the situation was correct."

Having resolved any outstanding issues with their race car, The Professor and crew will now turn their attention towards taming the quarter-mile located in the shadows of the famous St. Louis Gateway Arch. This event will take on an added twist this year, as the professional categories will compete in the late afternoon and early evening to avoid the searing summer heat. As expected, it is a change welcomed by racers and fans alike.

"Anyway you look at it, holding this race at night makes sense," said Johnson. "During a previous day race at Gateway, I remember the fuel cars had tremendous difficulty getting down the extremely warm track, which is not a good scenario for the competitors or the spectators, who had to endure tremendous heat and humidity, just to be there.

"Everyone will be racing under the same conditions, so it doesn't make a difference if it's during the day or at night, as long as there is enough lighting so I don't hit anything. Although the air will be a little better at night, which is conducive to making power, the big factor will be the track temperature. It should be relatively cool and consistent throughout, making it better for all involved.

"Our goals for this weekend are quite simple - to qualify our GM Performance Parts Grand Am in the top half of the field, and go some rounds on Sunday. That will get us back in the swing of things, and headed back to where we want to be, which is on top."

WJ's Comments:

On how the Gateway Racing Surface has evolved -

"When we first started racing here in 1997, this was not a particularly good surface, particularly at the starting line. Ironically, that played into our hands, as we had extensive experience racing under such adverse conditions. As a result, we had a pretty good handle on the tune-up. The work they've done on the surface, combined with racing at night, should pretty much level the playing field."

Facts on Warren Johnson and the GM Performance Parts Racing Team entering
The Sears Craftsman Nationals:

* WJ is Solid in St. Louis: This will be Warren's eighth NHRA Pro Stock national event appearance in Madison, where he has two wins in 1997 and 2001, and a 11-5 elimination round record for a .688 win percentage.

* Warren's Qualifying Stats in St. Louis: In his seven previous starts at Gateway International Raceway, WJ has three No. 1 qualifying positions, with only one start outside the top half.

* One year ago: WJ captured the No. 1 qualifying position of his career with a track-record elapsed time of 6.808 seconds with a top speed of 202.12 mph, but was upset in the first round.

* Winning Streak: Warren Johnson is looking to extend a streak where has won at least one race a year for 22 consecutive years, which is the longest in NHRA history.

* No. 1 in National event wins: WJ's 92 national event victories are the most ever in the history of the Pro Stock division and place him second on the all-time NHRA win list. His most recent win came last year at the Lucas Oil Nationals in Reading, PA.

* Career best elapsed time: 6.715 seconds, Englishtown 2003

* Career best top speed: 205.69 mph, Englishtown 2003

Contact: Jon G. Knapp
TMG Sports Marketing
Kurt Johnson is Poised to Mount Another Charge in Madison

Strong performance in last month has ACDelco crew focused on second 2004 win

Sugar Hill, Ga., June 22, 2004 - As the 2004 POWERade Drag Racing season approaches its midpoint, Kurt Johnson and the ACDelco Racing team find themselves in the midst of another championship battle. With one win in four final round appearances, Johnson is solidly in second place and fighting to stay within striking distance of the lead. Although some teams might feel added pressure being in such a situation, entering this weekend's Sears Craftsman Nationals in Madison, IL, Johnson and crew are taking it all in stride.

"Some people may find this surprising, but we're pretty kicked back heading into St. Louis," said Johnson. "Our ACDelco Cavalier is working really well and the entire team is on the same page, making good decisions at the racetrack. Our top priority, as it has been for the last few months, is to find more power, so we can put a few more wins on the board."

This weekend, the NHRA's four professional classes will face an unusual challenge, as the entire event at Gateway International Raceway will be run in the late afternoon and early evening, which should provide added comfort for the fans, a more consistent race track for the teams, as well as other benefits for the hard-working crews.

"The biggest difference in this being a night race is that we get to sleep in a little," joked Johnson. "In all seriousness, the track should be a little more consistent, and less subject to big temperature fluctuations. However, it is summertime, so it could still be warm when we run.

"Fortunately, we have gotten into such a groove with this race car that it doesn't seem to matter if the racing surface is 80 degrees or 130. No matter what the track or Mother Nature has thrown at us, we've been able to find the right combination to go from A to B on almost every run.

"With most of the race being held later in the day, the changes between rounds should be less than normal, but some adjustments will still have to be made. As we have become more familiar with this ACDelco Cavalier, that has become our strong point, and has us excited going into the weekend."

Another factor that has the Georgia driver enthused is his team's strong performance over the last few races. With two final round appearances in the last three events, Johnson has gained ground on the one person ahead of him in the standings, a trend he looks to continue this weekend in Illinois.

"We've been flirting with the winner's circle at the last few races, so we need to crank the control knob up a notch and see if we can complete the picture," stated Johnson. "This is one of our better racetracks, with a nice, smooth, surface, so we should be in business. We've won there in the past, and it would be great to end the first half on a high note.

"The gains we've made in the points race have really energized the entire ACDelco crew. We know we're still facing a substantial deficit, but we know if we can duplicate last week's effort, in a few races it could be a whole new ball game. Nobody's luck lasts forever, and we feel we have a little on reserve somewhere, while some our competitors are seriously overdrawn. It's about time the pendulum swings our way."

Facts on Kurt Johnson and the ACDelco Racing Team entering the
Sears Craftsman Nationals:

* KJ in Madison: This will be Kurt's 12th appearance at Gateway International Raceway, where he has one win (in 2000) and one No. 1 qualifying performance.

* One year ago: Kurt qualified 13th with an elapsed time of 6.854 seconds and a top speed of 202.24 mph, and advanced to the quarter-finals.

* Winning percentage: Kurt's .646 elimination round winning percentage (370-203) ranks 10th among all active NHRA professional drivers.

* National event wins: Kurt's 28 national event victories ties him for 14th on the all-time NHRA professional win list, and tie him for fourth on the all-time Pro Stock win list. Kurt's most recent win came at this year's Checker Schuck's Kragen Nationals in Phoenix, AZ.

* Career best elapsed time: 6.716 seconds, Englishtown, NJ. 2003

* Career best top speed: 206.61 mph, Englishtown, NJ. 2003

Event schedule:
Qualifying: Friday, June 25 : Two sessions at 5:00 & 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, June 26: Two sessions at 5:00 & 8:00 p.m.
Eliminations: Sunday, June 27:
Pre-race ceremonies and driver's introduction start at 3:30 p.m.,
followed by the first round of eliminations at 4:30 p.m.
TV Schedule:
Qualifying Highlights:
Saturday, June 26: 10:00 -11:00 p.m. (ESPN2)
Final Eliminations Coverage:
Sunday, June 27: 9:00 p.m. - 12:00 midnight (ESPN2)
NHRA2Day:
Sunday, June 27: 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon (ESPN2)
(Note: All TV times are Eastern. Please check your local listings for updated air times, as they are subject, and most likely to change.)

Contact: Jon G. Knapp
TMG Sports Marketing
Learning curve continues to improve for G2/S&S/Star Racing Buell

G SQUARED MOTORSPORTS/STAR RACING
PRO STOCK BIKE: G2/S&S/STAR RACING BUELL
RIDER -- FRED COLLIS
NHRA POWERade DRAG RACING SERIES


ENGLISHTOWN, N.J. (June 20, 2004) – The learning curve continues to improve for Fred Collis and the G2/S&S/Star Racing Buell, powered by an S&S Cycle V-Twin engine.

Collis advanced to the second round at the 35th annual NHRA K&N Filters SuperNationals presented by Strauss Discount Auto before losing to the eventual winner, Andrew Hines.

“I’m very pleased thus far because the team has exceeded our goals at this point. The G2/S&S/Star Racing Buell is gaining on them,” said George Smith, part owner of S&S Cycle, Incorporated, who along with Star Racing owner George Bryce are partners in G Squared Motorsports.

Collis, who had elapsed times of 7.179 seconds and 7.120 seconds in eliminations, was pleased with today’s results.

“We gave it our best effort and we continue to gain experience,” said Collis. “We had an opportunity to win that race with Hines all the way up to the 1000-foot mark. I’m excited about our performance and we’ll just take what we’ve got to St. Louis and go after them there.”

“The learning curve is advancing. It looks like we are right in between the two V-Rods. Because of the potential we feel we have in this bike, it was somewhat disappointing to qualify No. 8 but Fred did a great job on the bike,” said Bryce.

“We were second-quickest of the second round today. I know that’s kind of like being a bridesmaid. In our case it was the wrong round to run Andrew (Hines) as he had the quickest E.T. of the round. But it happened that way due to where we qualified.

“We didn’t tear up anything this weekend. We really didn’t have to make any adjustments to the bike except for clutch, timing and jetting. Other than that, the V-Twin engine from S&S Cycle is an unbelievable power plant to be so fast and so reliable. I’m very proud of the guys at S&S and everyone on this team would like to thank them.”

With six more passes on the G2/S&S/Star Racing Buell, the team now moves to St. Louis and the eighth annual NHRA Sears Craftsman Nationals at Gateway International Raceway in Madison, Ill.

MEDIA CONTACT: Mickey Schultz
Provided by Star Racing/G Squared Motorsports
Distributed here by: Jerry Battle

Wednesday, June 23, 2004

10.5 Outlaws at South Georgia Motorsports Park
by Marvin T. Smith

Last Saturday, June 19, South Georgia Motorsports Park hosted the ORSCA outlaw street car races. This was my first experience with this type of racing, and I must say I was impressed! The 10.5 Outlaws were a real mixed breed: Blowers, nitrous, single turbo, and twin turbo cars fought for traction on narrow 10.5 inch slicks. The result was wheels-up action and
runs that were rarely straight. Nonetheless, many cars dipped into the 4.80s and even 4.70s on the eighth mile track. The cars were an interesting mix, ranging from a Studebaker and a Rambler, to the ubiquitous early Camaros with some turbo Mustangs and a turbo Firebird thrown in for good measure. Some eighteen cars were running in the last qualifying session.

The Outlaw 10.5 race was won by Steve Kirk in his early Camaro running a 4.78 @ 153 mph. Chuck McFadden beat a 23 car field of 7.0 index cars. Jody Loyles took the 6.0 index class. Shannon Ragsdale took Limited Street with a 5.07 @147, and Ala Belford conquered EZ Street with a 5.97. I really liked the heads-up action and lack of throttle stops. In my opinion, this racing is much better for the spectator than Super Gas or
Super Comp. If there is a downside, it's the lack of lettering on the cars. I know they want to preserve a street image, but to me they just look like unfinished race cars. Well, that's one man's opinion! At least put the driver's name in the side window. Trying to cover this type of racing is a reporter's nightmare!

In regular action, the Dixiemailorder.com Pro division was won by Brendan George in his 1967 Camaro at 7.50. Jimmy Owen took the Hualmark Super Pro division, and Nathan Ross won Junior Dragster.
Photos

Monday, June 21, 2004

2004 National Hot Rod Reunion Photos

I'll be posting photos from the 2004 NHRR in Bowling Green, Kentucky as time allows.
18TH ANNUAL NIGHT OF FIRE COMING TO ATLANTA DRAGWAY

For More Information, Contact: Craig Armstrong (706-654-1898)


The 18th Annual Night of Fire, presented by Ingles Supermarkets and
POWERade, is coming to Atlanta Dragway on June 26, 2004, according to
officials of the NHRA-sanctioned dragstrip in Banks Crossing, Georgia.

"The Night of Fire is always one of the most popular events that we put on
during the year, " said Atlanta Dragway's General Manager Craig Armstrong.
"It's one of those unique shows that appeals to fans of all ages, and not
just drag racing fans. This is a show for the whole family"

The main attractions of the event will be exhibition runs by two 300-mph Jet
Dragsters, the "Heartbeat High" Wheelstander, eight of the fastest and most
exotic Pro Modifieds in the Southeast, and a monstrous Jet Semi Truck,
driven by long time jet racing standout "Pepi" Urban.

In addition to all day and evening drag racing with the NHRA Summit Racing
Series ET bracket cars, the 8 to 17 year old stars of the NHRA O'Reilly
Junior Drag Racing League, presented by Denny's at Tanger II Outlet Mall,
will strut their stuff on the track at speeds nearing 80mph, and then gladly
talk to all interested spectators about how much fun they are having.

Fans will first get to see NHRA qualifying and bracket racing beginning at 1
PM, while the Jet Dragsters blast off for the first of three exhibition runs
at 5:30 PM, followed by the Pro Modifieds and the "Heartbeat High"
wheelstander. In between the exhibition passes, NHRA Summit Series bracket
cars will keep the track surface heated up all evening with eliminations in
five separate drag racing classes.

A final pass by "Pepi" Urban's enormous and powerful Jet Semi Truck,
followed by one of the largest aerial fireworks displays in North Georgia,
will top off the 2004 Night of Fire, a much-anticipated annual tradition at
"Georgia's House of Speed."

The gates will be open for spectators at 1 PM on Saturday, June 26. Adult
ticket prices (Ages 13+) are $20, while Juniors (Ages 6-12) are $10 and Kids
under 6 are admitted free. Special deals include a Family Pass, good for
two Adults, two Juniors and four POWERades for $55. Ticket discounts are
also available, $5.00 off one Adult admission, or $10.00 off one Family
Pass, with a POWERade purchase receipt from any Ingles supermarket.

For more information on the 18th Annual Night of Fire, call Atlanta Dragway
at 770-682-3782, or log on to www.atlantadragway.com.
FATHER AND SON TEAM WIN THREE AWARDS AT ATLANTA DRAGWAY TUNERFEST
By Tim Glover

Photos

(June 19 - Commerce, GA) Thousands of fans enjoyed the 2004 edition of the
Hayes / Mopar Tunerfest Shootout, presented by Hayes Family Dealerships and
ImportAtlanta.com. The show featured a variety of activities, with racing
action, a car show, the vendor's midway, burnout contest, bikini contest, a
chassis dynomometer to measure real horsepower, a disc jockey and a sound
off contest to see whose machine had the loudest stereo, and much more.

Many vendors came to give technical support to their customers and to
display their latest wares. Hayes Family Dealerships had a large group of
new performance Dodges and Chryslers on hand, and also had a display of
Mopar Performance Sport Compact parts and accessories for sale. Jeff Steer
from Knowledge Performance had two of his highly modified Hondas on display,
one with a trick turbo setup. Torque videos were available in the house.
Several vendors had high performance parts for sale. Peter Hageman, a local
Scion (descendant of Toyota) car dealer, had two different models on
display, an xA and the very distinctive xB. The DynoJet Automotive chassis
dyno was set up on the grounds, offering free dyno pulls to anyone
interested in seeing how much power their car really delivers to the rear
wheels.

When Buford, GA residents Jimmy Clark, his wife Kathey, his son Blake and
Blake's girlfriend Shelley Picha came to the track today, they had no idea
they would leave with three trophies. Jimmy's wild looking street legal
(lethal?) dual carb, 1000 hp supercharged 502 big block powered Chevy Pickup
won a Top Five Wild Trucks / SUVs trophy in the car show. Son Blake entered
his daily driver '71 Chevelle in the Street Legal competition and won two
awards, Quickest Street Legal ET and closest to 11.00 seconds with his
11.700 second pass. Clark was thrilled with this Father's Day experience,
and said they were going to the Year One Cruise In at Braselton after the
Tunerfest was over.

All race track competition winners received a cash award in addition to a
trophy. Other on track winners were David Thai from Alpharetta, GA, who
earned the fastest speed award with his '96 Honda, at 125.26mph. Ken Wilson
('91 Civic - Atlanta, GA) had the best reaction time at .505 seconds. Adam
Dismuke's '03 VW GTI went closest to 14 seconds with a 14.015 second pass,
and was actually tied for that ET by another racer, but won due to a better
reaction time. Shawn Robertson of Norcross, GA took his '95 Civic to a
13.165 second pass to win the closest to the thirteen second mark award.
Paul Smith ('98 Corvette - Alpharetta, GA) went closest to a 12 second ET
with a 12.060 pass.

Another interesting car on the track was the '79 MG Midget belonging to
Daniel Rodriguez. He swapped a 1.2 liter RX-7 Wankel engine into his car,
placed a Holley 700 cfm double pumper upstream and cranked out high 12
second passes on the 221 hp motor. He said he will use the nitrous oxide in
the future to make it even quicker after he sorts out the rest of his
combination.

The fastest car on the grounds was the Mopar backed 2004 Neon driven by Mike
Crawford. Crawford and team mate Sean Carlson were there to sign autographs
and also judged the burnout contest. Crawford blistered the track during
his exhibition passes, running 8.50s at 169mph on the quarter mile course.
Even more impressive is he accomplished this with a modified SRT-4 four
cylinder engine and front wheel drive!

Pritchett Tire Company from nearby Commerce, GA sponsored the burnout
contest, where the winner received a $500 credit toward a set of new tires.
Brooks Rezmer ('96 S10 - Lawrenceville, GA) made the largest smoke screen
with what was left of his rear tires to win the first place trophy and cash
award. The left front turn signal on David Sparr's '93 Civic fell out
moments before he destroyed the transmission during a second burnout, good
enough for an honorable mention.

In addition to the burnout contest, another crowd pleaser was the Bikini
Contest. Five contestants, Christi Novack, Emily Giragosian, Nikki Basista,
Seana and Atlanta Dragway's own Jennifer Bruce walked the runway on the back
of the Mopar trailer. When all the cheering was done, Christi Novack came
away with the first place award.

As usual, the car show was very popular, with well over one hundred highly
detailed and / or customized machines. Ferrari style doors seem to be more
popular, featured on nearly a half dozen cars.

The Best Overall Car Club award went to Jamel Allen, Steve Kubon, Eddie
Moreno, Tim West and Josh Nixon of Team ECI. Their cars were simple, neat,
clean and bad to the bone. The loudest machine in the SLAP Sound Off
contest was the '80 Corolla wagon belonging to Roy Rose of Rose Auto
Accessories in Blairsville, GA. Rose's machine emitted a deafening 178.8
decibels today, 28 more than the closest competitor. The highly modified
wagon weighed 7000 lbs, with four inches of concrete in the floor and the
roof. Multiple latches made sure the door stayed in place, and even the one
inch thick plexiglass side window couldn't take the sound level, cracking
under the strain.

When the promoter asked the crowd if they wanted more next year, the answer
was a resounding yes. He said that was good, because they were already
planning next year's show.
THREE WINNERS IN YEAR ONE POWER HOUR; TURPIN WINS AGAIN

BANKS CROSSING, GA Facing sauna-like heat and humidity, three street-legal
racers took home Power Hour awards during the Year One Fast Friday program
on June 18. Brian Collins ran 115.11 MPH in his 1995 Ford Mustang to take
the "Fastest Pass" award, a $50 Gift Certificate Voucher from Year One
Automotive Restoration in Braselton. Billy Leachman of Commerce picked up
another $50 Year One voucher for his Quickest Elapsed Time quarter-mile pass
(12.175 seconds) in another Ford. Grayson driver Joe Amador earned the
third $50 voucher for the Best Reaction Time (.537 seconds) during the 9-10
PM competition for strictly street-legal cars and pickup trucks.

In other action, Terry Turpin of Maysville continued his winning ways in the
Hayes Sport Compact Challenge, picking up the maximum three points and
champion's trophy for the evening's contest, part of a ten-race series on
Year One Fast Fridays through August 20.

The next Year One Fast Friday program is scheduled for Friday, June 25, and
will feature another round of the Hayes Sport Compact Challenge in addition
to the Year One Power Hour. Gates will open at 6:00 PM for both racers and
spectators, with racing action beginning at 6:45 and the Hayes Sport Compact
Challenge starting around 11 PM.

Sponsored by Year One Automotive Restoration in Braselton, along with the
Hayes Family Dealerships in Lawrenceville, Gainesville and Cornelia, Atlanta
Dragway's Fast Friday show is primarily an opportunity for drivers of
street-legal vehicles to "race the strip, not the street." Racecars and
motorcycles are also welcome for Test & Tune and grudge match racing on most
Friday nights at "Georgia's House of Speed."

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Craig Armstrong (706) 654-1898
Don Young Remembered
Here is a nice article about the late Don Young - World Champion drag racer and Georgia native.