Kelly. Payne, Pritchett, Null, Whaley, Turner, Fera, Scott and Graham Win the NHRA Lucaas Oil Drag Racing Series, Southeast Division, event at Bristol Dragway
 
Congratulations to David Watson ( Atlanta, GA ) for his runner up performance in Super Gas!
http://www.dragracecentral.com/DRCStory.asp?ID={669D493C-D005-4C3B-9639-2F1BF6944FE9}#indextop

For more information:
http://www.nhra.com/2004/sportsman/div2/Bristol.html

Schumacher, Force and Johns Top Qualifiers at the NHRA POWERade CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Nationals
 
Whit Bazemore is #7 in Funny Car with his Team Schumacher '04 Stratus  ( 5.048 @ 296.24  ).
 
The Georgia Pro Stock teams all made the field:
Kurt Johnson #10 (  6.801 @ 202.94 )
Warren Johnson #14 (  6.814 @ 202.70  )
Mark Whisnant #16 ( 6.823  @ 202.82  )
 
Mark Whisnant made an impressive run in the third qualifying session to put his PiranaZ Cavalier into the show.

http://www.nhra.com/2004/events/race14/index.html

Kelly, Payne, Eaton, Coughlin, Livingston and Russell Top Qualifiers at the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, Southeast Division, event at Bristol Dragway

Georgia qualifiers:
 
Top Alcohol Funny Car:
Mark Billington ( Norcross, GA ) #3 - 5.879 @ 244.96
 
Comp:
Van Puckett ( Monroe, GA ) #13 - 8.418 (-0.362 )
 
Super Stock:
Joe LoCicero ( Snellville, GA ) #16 - 10.021 ( -0.679 )
 
Stock:
Tom Stevenson ( Flowery Branch, GA ) #5 - 11.489 ( -0.811 )
Butch Payne ( Rome, GA ) #7 - 11.263 ( -0.737 )
Harold Culpepper ( Hamilton, GA ) #11 - 11.010 ( -0.690 )
Russell Johnson ( Tyrone, GA ) #31 - 11.184 ( -0.366 )
Mike Mayhew ( Savannah, GA ) #36 - 12.836 ( -0.314 )
 
Top Sportsman:
Ronnie Davis ( Commerce, GA ) #5 - 7.191 @ 190.62
Jerry Barker ( Byron, GA ) #11 - 7.423 @ 185.97
Jeffrey Barker ( Warner Robins, GA ) #14 - 7.511 @ 181.11
Billy Bridges ( Tallapoosa, GA ) #16 - 7.553 @ 180.94

http://www.nhra.com/2004/sportsman/div2/Bristol.html

East Coast Drag Times Hall of Fame and Reunion

October 15, 16 & 17, the East Coast Drag Times Hall of Fame and Reunion will bring together legendary drag racers, car collectors, owners, writers, photographers, historians, track operators, promoters and fans in HistoricDowntown Henderson, NC.  Drag race legends from the East Coast will gather for a weekend filled with nostalgia drag cars, entertainment, vendors, antique and classic cars, award presentations, muscle car burnout's and lots of bench racing.

The festivities will begin with a pork barbeque cookout on Friday afternoonfrom 3 to 7 p.m. hosted by Superior Chrysler Dodge Jeep at the dealership located at the junction of Hwy. 158 Bypass and Dabney Drive, (exit 213 offI-85).  Following the cookout, out-of-town guest staying at the host motels will be treated to a manager's reception at their respective motels from 7 -8:30 p.m.  Host motels this year are the Jameson Inn, the Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn Express.  At the date of this release, all of the host motels are sold out.  Please call the Sleep Inn 252-433-9449 for reservations.

Saturday morning promises to be the start of the biggest show yet. Registration opens at 7 a.m. for participation in the East Coast Drag Times Hall of Fame and the "Show, Shine, Shag & Dine" car show.  Last years show attracted 600+ cars and 15,000 spectators for the event.  Come see a huge collection of nostalgia drag cars, muscle cars and antique and classic carson display spread out over the courthouse commons and an eight-block area ofthe historic district of Henderson.  In celebration of the 40th anniversaryof the Thunderbolt, Dick Brannan will be appearing with the #1, '64 Thunderbolt and the owner Don Snyder.  An impressive list of drag race icons and cars will be on display.  Those attending include Ronnie Sox, with the Sox & Martin Duster owned by Hemi Fred, King and Marshall top fuel dragster, Jack Olcott and the Russo & Santo gasser, Hubert Platt and  the "GeorgiaShaker", Gassers of the S&S Team, (Gene Altizer, Fred Bear, Dave Hales and his '37 Willys. "Pork" Zartman). Bobby Warren, Tom Sneden and the BountyHunter, Dave Reitz, Charlie Fishback, Tom "Smoker" Smith, Rocky Pirrone with the Boss Hydro '33 Willys gasser,  "Jersey" John Anzelmo and his Anglia, Barb Hamilton, the first women to receive an NHRA license in 1964 with her '37 Willys Coupe, John Livingston, Marco DeCesaris and his T-Bolt, Butch & Gene Mori, Phil Bonner, Red Coleman, Tom Raley, Jerry Baltes, Bob Callaham, Randy Payne, Ralph Landolfi with his "East Wind 3"Anglia, Sam Auxier, HoytGrimes, Dickie Estevez with his "Daddy Warbucks", Terry Earwood, Dan Smoker"Big Red), Harold Dunton, Billy West, Al Gore, Bud Faubel, Julio Marra, Kenny Warren, Jack Redd, David Dilbeck writer and photographer for www.GeorgiaDragRacing.com , Jeff Tinsley, The Reinford Bro's "Moose Too", Hahn & Turnerdragster, Jim Oddy's '48 Austin, S&W front end dragster, and Steve Honnell will have his '64 T-Bolt along with one of the three original King Cobra cars built by Holman Moody.  The list of drag car and legendary personalities from the glory days of the 50's - 70's continues to increase daily.

Also this year, make plans to spot by and view NASCAR favorite DaleEarnhardt, Jr's car on display the day of the show, courtesy of HarrisWholesale, Inc.  In addition, live entertainment by the "Band of Oz" and food vendors offering a wide variety of choices will add to you enjoyment. Renowned announcer "Koto" who works major shows and who most recently worked Beech Bend Park for the NHRA Reunion in Bowling Green, KY will be our show announcer and provide Carolina Shag music.  Judgingof the cars and awards in forty classes along with musclecar burnout's will highlight the show.  We are very proud to announce that this year's showwill be filmed for viewing on ESPN2 and aired on "Inside Drag Racing" twice in January 2005.

Saturday evening join us for a step back in time when we transform the civic center at Vance-Granville Community College into a '50's themed soda shop complete with soda fountain, sundaes, shakes, ice cream, finger foods and hot dogs.  Live entertainment provided by Keith Henderson performing his"Illusions of The King", a tribute to Elvis.  The show is open to the public and admission is twenty dollars per person.  Progress Energy Carolinas, Inc. is a co-sponsor of the evening event.  Tickets will be on sell Saturday at the show registration desk for $20.00 each or may be purchased in advance.

On Sunday morning at 10 a.m., also at the Civic Center, join us for the opening of the East Coast Drag Times Hall of Fame and Reunion.  This year wewill honor another group of outstanding drag race legends from the eastcoast.  The 2004 inductees include Barbara Hamilton, Dick Brannan, Jim Oddy, Billy Holt, Bob Plumer, "Jersey" John Anzelmo, Joe Pirrone (PosthumousAward), Chick Deninno, Don Snyder, "Coney Island" Ralph Landolfi, "Rapid"Red Lang, Paul & John Reinford, Bogan Renfroe, Jim Hill, Dickie Estevez, Steve Earwood, Sam Carroll, Dick & Gary Gore, Ralph Hamilton (PosthumousAward), Sy Sidebotham and Richard & Carroll Hahn.  Other award recipients include George Weiler, receiving the "Jungle Jim" Memorial Award and Johnny Walker, receiving the Al Sylvester Memorial Award, pressed by Julio Marra.Each inductee will be awarded a plaque in recognition of their achievements and contributions to the sport of drag racing.  Terry Earwood will serve as our Master of Ceremony.  Terry is a former U.S. Nationals drag racing champion (1973) who went onto enjoy considerable success in road racing.  He is a 2002 inductee of the East Coast Drag Times Hall of Fame.  Today, Terry is the Chief Instructor for Skip Barber Racing.  Drag cars will be ondisplay, a scrapbook viewing room, bench racing, autograph signings, photo session and a chance to meet drag race legends from the past. Admission is free and open to the public.

For additional information contact:  Nancy Wilson, Director, EventsCoordinator/Promoter or Norman Dickerson, Asst. & Events Coordinator,Vance County Tourism Department, toll free at 1-866-438-4565, visit ourwebsite at http://www.kerrlake-nc.com/ or email us at vctourism@gloryroad.net

Photos from the 2003 East Coast Drag Times Hall of Fame and Reunion:
http://georgiadragracing.com/photoalbum/hnc03/index.html

 
Photos from the 2002 East Coast Drag Times Hall of Fame and Reunion:
http://georgiadragracing.com/photoalbum/ECHF2002/index.html

Schumacher, Force and Anderson Lead Qualifying at the NHRA POWERade CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Nationals

Whit Bazemore is #5 in Funny Car with a 5.048 @  296.24.

Georgia Pro Stock teams:

Kurt Johnson is #12 with a 6.834 @ 202.73,  Warren Johnson is #14 with a 6.850 @ 201.88  and Mark Whisnant just missed ( by .004 ) making the field with a 17th best 6.855 @ 202.03 

NHRA Friday Recap: http://www.nhra.com/2004/events/race14/index.html

ATLANTA DRAGWAY "TEN-FIVE" EVENT CANCELLED
 
COMMERCE, GA     The "Ten-Five Racing Association Meet" scheduled for Saturday, August 7th  has been cancelled by the event organizers, according to Atlanta Dragway officials.  The race meet will not be rescheduled in the current racing season.
 
"Needless to say we are disappointed," said Atlanta Dragway General Manager Craig Armstrong.  "I know a lot of our fan base really enjoys fast, 'heads-up' street car racing.  I wish the promoters could have worked it out for this year, but hopefully we'll be able to schedule another '10-5' event in 2005."

CLEGHORN, GILLICH TAME POWER HOUR; CROWE COPS HAYES SPORT COMPACT CHALLENGE
 
BANKS CROSSING, GA   With moderate temperatures and humidity prevailing, Tom Cleghorn of Canton, in his first Year One Power Hour appearance, made a quarter-mile blast of 11.963 seconds in his 1967 Camaro, at 116.56 MPH,  to take home two Year One $50 Gift Certificate Vouchers.  Cleveland racer Henry Jason Gillich earned the third $50 voucher for the "Best Reaction Time" (.507 seconds) during the 9-10 PM competition for strictly street-legal cars and pickup trucks.
 
In the Hayes Sport Compact Challenge, newcomer Jason Crowe of Norcross bested three other first-time entrants in the "Fast Four" finale.  Crowe picked up the champion's trophy and earned the maximum three points available at each Hayes Sport Compact Challenge race, part of a ten-race series during Year One Fast Friday events through August 20.
 
2004 CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS
HAYES SPORT COMPACT CHALLENGE
ATLANTA DRAGWAY (As of 7/9/04)
 
1. Terry Turpin, 7     
2. Shane Smallwood, 3
3. TIE -  Keith Fortner, 2   
                Steven Feren, 2      
                David Draz, 2          
               Jay Cerboraz, 2    
               Jeremy Wade, 2
8. TIE - John Vang, 1  
               Kris Adams, 1 
               Troy Keyes, 1
 
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:   Craig Armstrong (706) 423-9265

Yarini Racing Announces New Associate Sponsor: the Original Pancake House
 
Joe Yarini will be dispaying his 1937 Chevy Nitro Coupe at the Original Pancake House in Duluth, GA on July 24th, 2004 and invites everyone to come by for photos and autographs. If you would like to show off your Hot Rod or need more information, contact Joe Yarini at 770-938-7150 or YariniRacing.com.

Atlanta Dragway Results by Tim Glover
 
YOUNG DOUBLES UP IN BORROWED CAR, MARSH EARNS FIRST WIN
Photos: http://community.webshots.com/album/164725679fnoSZk
 
(Commerce, GA -July 17)  While the majority of the Southeast U.S. was being blessed with rain for a large portion of the day, racers at Atlanta Dragway only had one rain delay interrupting the action.
 
Since Super Pro racer Jesse Young from Danielsville, GA was unable to get his dragster back together, he borrowed "Fireman Joe" Rampley's '00 Undercover dragster for the second week in a row.  The 19 year old Young took the win for the second week in a row, this time against good friend and co-worker Jeremy Hancock from Commerce, GA (also 19), making this the first time at Atlanta Dragway that two Jr. Dragster "graduates" faced each other in a "big car" final.  Young had a big holeshot advantage, which he parlayed into a win with a 4.99, 129.58mph pass (4.97 dial).  Hancock was near perfect on the dial, running 5.534, 124.19mph (5.53 target), but crossed the finish line .01 seconds after Young.  Hancock was still happy, stating, "Me and my best friend got to the final!"  Young gave another big thanks to Joe Rampley for his help.  Last week's runner up, Mike Ramsey ('80 Camaro - Commerce, GA), finished in the semi-finals, along with Lloyd Kaylor ('87 Regal - Winder, GA).
 
Paul Shultz from Snellville, GA was the top Sportsman racer, getting the final round win light against Joe Haddon of Oxford, GA.  Shultz's '77 Nova was a bit off pace, running 13.00, 100.16mph on a 12.95 dial.  However, Joe Haddon said he used the brake pedal in his '67 Chevy II just a little too much, slowing to 10.66 at 118.02mph (10.59 dial) and crossing the finish line .018 seconds behind Shultz.  Shultz has been racing for four years, but said this was his first year in the Summit ET points chase.  He was happy with the outcome, saying this was his first real race win.  Jacob "Lucky" Rutledge ('79 Capri - Braselton, GA) was the lone semi-finalist.
 
2003 Trophy Street champion Mel Abney ('67 Camaro - Cumming, GA) was the semi-final finisher for the July 10 race, and came back this week to the winner's circle, defeating Adam Stratton, who also won a race earlier in the 2004 season.  Abney used a stellar .515 second reaction time to get the final round win.  Stratton was late off the starting line with his Madison, GA based '73 Maverick, so Abney purposely took it easy on the big end of the track, carding a race winning 13.33, 97.28mph pass (13.22 dial).  Stratton's machine went 13.82, 96.23mph on a 13.77 dial.  Abney noted that he earned the bye run in round two, but did not get to use it until the semi-final round, as there were an even number of cars each round prior to the semis.  George Peters ('70 Cutlass - Lawrenceville, GA) was the semi-final finisher in Trophy Street.
 
Points leader Eric "Buford" Duncan ('97 Cavalier - Homer, GA) won this week's edition of Sport Compact.
 
Because 14 of Atlanta Dragway's Jr. Dragster contingent were representing Atlanta Dragway at the Eastern Conference Finals in Bristol this weekend, the remaining racers were combined into one class, with no points involved.  Fourteen year old James Marsh from Anderson, SC experienced engine problems all day with his Jr. Dragster, but kept the pedal to the metal, earning the first place trophy by day's end.  Marsh met Brett Bowman (turned 13 today - Homer, GA) who celebrated his birthday with a runner up trophy.  Although Marsh had the reaction time advantage, he was the second one across the win stripe with an 8.66, 73.20mph pass (8.50 dial).  Fortunately for Marsh, Bowman's machine broke out by a large margin, 13.34, 46.20mph (13.44 dial).  Scott Digby (12 - Walhalla, SC) took home the semi-final trophy.  This was only Marsh's third race, and he gave credit to Spitzer Race Cars, Crazy Steve's Fireworks, American Promotional Events and good ole Mom and Dad for helping him win.
 
After the Summit event was in the books, participants in the nearby Year One Braselton Bash car show enjoyed test and tune passes at Atlanta Dragway, thanks to Year One leasing the facility from 10 to 12pm.  Several hundred spectators enjoyed watching their friends make passes down the racing surface.
 
PRO / SUPER PRO CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Jesse Young '00 Undercover Danielsville, GA 4.99 129.58 (4.97)
R/U: Jeremy Hancock '95 S&W dragster Commerce, GA 5.53 124.19 (5.53)
Semi: Mike Ramsey '81 Camaro Commerce, GA
Semi: Lloyd Kaylor '87 Regal Winder, GA
 
SPORTSMAN CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Paul Shultz '77 Nova Snellville, GA 13.00 100.16 (12.95)
R/U: Joe Haddon '67 Chevy II Oxford, GA 10.66 118.02 (10.59)
Semi: Jacob Rutledge '79 Capri Braselton, GA
 
TROPHY STREET CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Mel Abney '67 Camaro Cumming, GA 13.33 97.28 (13.22)
R/U: Adam Stratton '73 Maverick Madison, GA 13.82 96.23 (13.77)
Semi: George Peters '70 Cutlass Lawrenceville, GA
 
JR. DRAGSTER combo    AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: James Marsh 14 Anderson, SC 8.66 73.20 (8.50)
R/U: Brett Bowman 13 Homer, GA 13.34 46.20 (13.44)
Semi: Scott Digby 12 Walhalla, SC

Kurt Johnson Drives to the Semifinals of the Mile-High Nationals
 
After qualifying fourteenth, Kurt Johnson knew he would have his work cut out for him during Sunday's final eliminations of the Mile-High Nationals in Denver, CO.  However, the ACDelco crew quickly showed they were up to the challenge at Bandimere Speedway, as Johnson combined a lightning-fast .021 reaction time with a 7.224-second, 191.21 mph pass to upset No. 3 qualifier Kenny Koretsky in the opening round.
 
Johnson continued his great driving in the second round, as he left the starting line over seven hundredths of a second ahead of local favorite V. Gaines, and powered through the quarter-mile in 7.246 seconds to overcome his opponent's quicker 7.221-second effort and score the holeshot win. 
 
The final barrier between Johnson and his fifth final round of the season was veteran Larry Morgan.  Despite being relegated to the less-preferred lane, Johnson again responded, making his best run of the day at 7.217-seconds with a top speed of 191.48 mph.  However, it was not enough to hold off his rival's 7.203-second run, cutting short KJ's pursuit of a third win at Bandimere Speedway.
 
"We made a pretty marginal run in the second round, with the car chattering throughout second gear, which slowed us to that 7.24, so we made a series of adjustments for the semis.   Unfortunately, within 10-15 minutes of our pulling into the staging lanes, the skies clouded up and the track temperature went down twenty degrees.  I guess Mother Nature lost my cell phone number, because she never called to warn me not to set up for a hot race track.
 
"Even so, it wasn't a bad day for the ACDelco crew, especially when you consider we came out of the fourteenth spot.  I drove well, and the car was competitive.  It probably would have helped to have tested here before the race, but we concentrated instead on our engine program, where I believe we made some gains.  The loss of the two qualifying sessions also didn't help.
 
"But, all in all, we learned a lot, which will allow us to come back here next year even better prepared than we were this year.  Any way you look at it, we had a decent day.  We'll take this on to Seattle and see if we can complete the deal."
 
Contact: Jon G. Knapp
TMG Sports Marketing
 
 

Scott Kalitta, Burkart, Anderson and Gann Win the NHRA POWERade Mopar Mile-High Nationals
 
http://www.nhra.com/2004/events/race13/index.html

Allison, Billes, Atchison and Jones Win the Hooters IHRA Motor City Nationals presented by the Milan News Leader and Saline Reporter  
 
 
http://www.dragracecentral.com/DRCStory.asp?ID={495E04D7-203C-49F0-98E8-B5AB3C25A5AC}#indextop

Kurt Johnson Will Start 14th at the Mile-High Nationals
 
On the basis of a 7.215-second, 192.22 mph run made on his first attempt on Saturday afternoon, Kurt Johnson qualified his ACDelco Cavalier in the fourteenth position for Sunday's final elimination of the Mile-High Nationals in Denver, CO.  Although Johnson had hoped to improve his standing on his final attempt, a brief rain shower that interrupted qualifying for one half hour at Bandimere Speedway caused a deterioration in the atmospheric conditions, resulting in Johnson's opening pass remaining his run of record.
 
"I thought we could run a solid 7.17 on that last run, but a combination of things hurt us, between the car, the lane and the weather. By the time we ran, the humidity went up about twenty percent, and we were slightly off on the set-up. In addition, if you look at the five cars that ran in the right lane after the rain, the amount of improvement was not even close to what the cars were making before the interruption.  We had hoped to get into the top half of the field, but it just didn't happen. 
 
"We'll make some changes for tomorrow and get this ACDelco Cavalier ready to run at altitude.  It's time to get serious."
 
Contact: Jon G. Knapp
TMG Sports Marketing

Warren Johnson Drives through the Drizzle to Qualify 15th in Denver
 
After rain washed out the first day of qualifying at the Mile-High Nationals in Denver, CO, participants were left with only two opportunities to qualify for Sunday's final eliminations.  As if this was not enough of a challenge, the weather on Saturday afternoon made Warren Johnson's assignment even tougher.
 
On his first attempt, the GM Performance Parts Grand Am driver posted a representative 7.226-second, 191.46 mph pass, which placed him in the middle of the field.  Conditions then improved for the second session, and Johnson found himself in the precarious 16th and final qualifying position as he rolled to the line.  However, just as he was about to make his run, intermittent showers interrupted all on-track activities, forcing Johnson to wait. 
 
Approximately thirty minutes later, racing resumed.  Even though drops continue to hit his windshield as he raced down the track, Johnson used his extensive skills to complete the run, with his 7.218-second pass enough to secure the fifteenth starting position, as The Professor looks to defend his title from a year ago.
 
"The racing surface was fairly different from what it was two weeks ago when we tested here, particularly at the starting line, and with only two attempts there was little opportunity to make the right adjustments.  Fortunately, our first run was fairly representative of what we thought we could do.  We were using an engine that had looked good on the dyno, and it did what we expected. 
 
"As for the showers that interrupted the second session, we basically had to grin and bear it. The fact that the truck pulling the jet dryer had its wipers on while it was drying the track was the first  indication that something was awry.  I knew I could get down the track, even if it was pouring rain, but the change in the track and the atmospheric conditions certainly didn't help our positioning in the field.  But that's the way things go from time to time.
 
"We'll take what we learned today, see what Mother Nature gives us tomorrow, adjust our GM Performance Parts Grand Am accordingly and go from there."
 
Contact: Jon G. Knapp
TMG Sports Marketing

Bernstein, Bazemore, Anderson and Hines Lead Qualifing at the NHRA POWERade Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals
 
Bob Vandergriff ( Alpharetta, GA ) qualifies #12 in Top Fuel with a 5.015 @ 250.92, Whit Bazemore ( former Atlanta resident ) is #1 in Funny Car with a 4.842 @ 312.50, Kurt Johnson ( Sugar Hill, GA )  is #14 in Pro Stock with a 7.215 @ 192.22, Warren Johnson ( Sugar Hill, GA ) is #15 in Pro Stock with a 7.218 @ 191.62 and Mark Whisnant ( Stockbridge, GA ) is #16 in Pro Stock with a 7.224 @ 191.13.      
 
http://www.nhra.com/2004/events/race13/index.html