Georgia Drag Racing News

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

Monday, August 02, 2004

BAZEMORE TAKES OVER SECOND IN FUNNY CAR POINTS

Courtesy Judy Stropus
DON SCHUMACHER RACING

SONOMA, Calif. (Aug. 1, 2004) - When Del Worsham was defeated in the Funny Car first round of the Fram-Autolite Nationals at Infineon Raceway today and Whit Bazemore advanced to the second round after eliminating Ron Capps, Bazemore took over second place in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series Funny Car point standings.

With points leader John Force fouling out in the final round against Tim Wilkerson, Bazemore is now 146 points out of the lead and still very much in the running for his first Funny Car championship.

Bazemore's first-round win against Capps was a nail-biter, held in cool and cloudy conditions. Both launched nearly identically (.073 reaction time for Bazemore; .075 for Capps). They were neck-to-neck down the quarter-mile, with Bazemore squeaking out the victory by a margin of .0124 of a second.

The second round against Tim Wilkerson saw a change in conditions as the clouds dispersed, the sun appeared and the track warmed up - never a favorite scenario for Bazemore and crew chief Lee Beard. Wilkerson took off first, with a .104 light, .118 for Bazemore. It was anyone's race, until the Matco Tools Iron Eagle Dodge Stratus lost traction downtrack and Bazemore coasted to a 7.240-second elapsed time at 123.68 mph to Wilkerson's winning 4.946/312.78.

"The sun came out and it changed the whole complexion of the race and the track surface like it did two weeks ago (in Denver, where he lost in the first round) and last week (in Seattle where he lost in the semis)," said a disappointed Bazemore.

"Our guys are a super bunch of guys," he added. "I feel like we have the best team in the pit area. But we're struggling when the sun comes out, there's no denying that, and it's something that we've got to totally focus on and overcome.

"As a team that's exactly what we're going to do."

The match-up with Ron Capps was the duo's fourth first-round meeting of the year, and each has been a close win for Bazemore. "Lately it seems like they've been very close races when we run Capps, especially in the first round," said the Indianapolis resident who holds the national ET record of 4.713 seconds and the fastest speed ever in Funny Car history of 333.25 mph, "and it's a challenge because they're a team that's capable of stepping up any time, and they do. And we've been fortunate that we've been right there.

"We've won several times now by just a hundredth (of a second) or so. It just shows that you can't give anything up, either on the race track or on the starting line as a driver any time, and if you give something up anywhere, most likely you're going to go home."

Bazemore's teammate Gary Scelzi advanced to the semifinal round for the second event in a row and seventh of the year. He was defeated by John Force, but had he won he would have taken over second place from his teammate. "At one point I wanted to crush my teammate and establish some dominance in the team," Bazemore said, "and obviously now that we're in our second year together on the Don Schumacher Racing team, we've become better friends and it's a good relationship. I certainly want him to do well and have success, not necessarily at our expense, but if we're struggling like we are, then we want those guys to be the ones that set the pace and rise to the occasion."

NHRA POWERade DRAG RACING SERIES FUNNY CAR POINT STANDINGS:
1. John Force, 1132
2. Whit Bazemore, 986
3. Del Worsham, 972
4. Gary Scelzi, 951
5. Eric Medlen, 876
6. Gary Densham, 860
7. Tim Wilkerson, 834
8. Phil Burkart Jr., 799
9. Tony Pedregon, 758
10. Cruz Pedregon, 735

Sunday, August 01, 2004

D. Kalitta, Wilkerson, Anderson and Savoie Win the NHRA POWERade FRAM-Autolite NHRA Nationals presented by Supercuts

Top Fuel finale is an all Kalitta affair, Wilkerson over a redlighting Force in Funny Car, Anderson sweeps western swing in Pro Stock and Savoie/Brown in a Army/Team Schumacher Pro Stock Bike final.

NHRA Recap:
http://www.nhra.com/2004/events/race15/index.html
TEAM PTI PLACES THREE FINALISTS, SISSON CONTINUES ROLL IN JR. DRAGSTER
by Tim Glover

Photos: http://community.webshots.com/album/169975398ZitOrR

(Commerce, GA -July 31) First year racer Ashley Snelgrove enjoyed her first taste of winning when she won her portion of the Run for the Money program in Jr. Dragster. Her grandpa, defending champion Henry Snelgrove, Sr, won the Super Pro portion, and Trophy Street standout Clay Stancil won the Sportsman portion. Team PTI had a good evening, with three of their racers making it to the final round in their respective classes, and one (Lauren Turner - 13-17 Jr. Dragster) winning. Clay Fancher of Team PTI was runner up in Super Pro, and his son, Justin Fancher, earned the runner up trophy in 8-12 Jr. Dragster.

"It's about time!" said Super Pro winner John Hobbs after defeating his Conyers, GA neighbor Clay Fancher. Hobbs' former Bracket Racing USA '71 Nova Lady in Red project car had a .000 react and ran a 7.009 on a 7.00 dial in the semi-final round. While it didn't do quite as well in the final, Hobbs crossed the finish line first with a 7.05, 96.64mph pass (7.00 dial) against Clay Fancher, whose '98 Horton dragster slipped to a 5.33, 129.44mph (5.27 dial). Although dragsters generally do well, Fancher's was the only dragster remaining in competition by the quarter-final round. "I just got lucky tonight," added Hobbs. Lloyd Kaylor ('87 Regal - Winder, GA) was the lone semi-finalist.

2002 Mallory Cup champion Jacob "Lucky" Rutledge from Braselton, GA crossed the finish line considerably behind Canton, GA racer Chris Carlisle in the final, but got the lucky Sportsman win when Carlisle broke out by .003 seconds. Rutledge's '79 Capri slowed to an 11.27, 104.96mph pass (11.22 dial) and Carlisle's show quality '68 Camaro barely broke out with a 10.467, 119.39mph (10.47 target). Kim Ellington ('81 Camaro - Conyers, GA) was the semi-final finisher. "It was his to win. I was just out there driving and spectating," added Rutledge. He then thanked wife Holly and son Tyler for putting up with the heat all day while watching him win.

"An old guy finally won," exclaimed first time winner George Peters after winning Trophy Street with his Lawrenceville, GA based '70 Cutlass. "It's lots of fun coming to a good facility," he added. Peters met up with Bogart, GA racer Steve Marcum in the final, and although he crossed the finish line behind Marcum, his 13.07, 102.56mph pass (13.04 dial) was good for the win after Marcum broke out with a 14.66, 94.64mph effort (14.70 dial) in his '01 Mustang. Joe Goddard ('04 Yeah, it's a hemi Dodge RAM - Conyers, GA) finished in the semi-finals.

"Lightning Linda" Walton from Peachtree City, GA hasn't been on a dragstrip since the early 1970s, when she raced a '66 Fairlane 390 GT in Pure Stock. Walton's husband, Tom, a long time racer, talked her into running Sport Compact, and she took the win, pedaling her 2.0 liter powered '96 Ford Contour at the finish line on points leader Eric "Buford Heavy" Duncan. Duncan's Homer, GA based '97 Cavalier slowed to an 18.97, 70.10mph (18.85 dial), while Walton's car went closer with an 18.53, 70.88mph on an 18.46 dial). Duncan has virtually locked up the Sports Compact championship for 2004.

Ten year old Joshua Sisson is virtually unstoppable for 2004 in 8-12 Jr. Dragster. Tonight he took his sixth 2004 win in his eighth final round appearance; a repeat of last week's final against ten year old Justin Fancher from Conyers, GA. Sisson was definitely vulnerable in the final with a late react and an off pace 9.11, 72.05mph run (9.01 dial), but took the winner's trophy again when Fancher broke out, running 9.45, 67.36mph (9.48 dial). Sisson thanked Mulberry Farms, Fresh Frozen Foods, C&L Landscaping, Swinehart Equipment, Mingledorff, Specialty Lawn Services and American Finest for all their assistance. Ashton Shubert (11 - Commerce, GA) and Dylan Kent (9 - Acworth, GA) earned the semi-final trophy.

Thirteen year old Team PTI racer Lauren Turner from Pendergrass, GA has been in five 2004 13-17 Jr. Dragster finals, and finally won her first this year, against "Wild Kyle" Denton (14 - McDonough, GA). This was Turner's third final against Denton in 2004. Turner had the better react and ran closer to the dial with a 8.31, 76.86mph pass (8.25 dial). Denton finished his evening with an 8.10, 78.39mph effort (8.01 dial). Turner thanked sponsors PTI, Randy Fain of Fain Mitchell Properties, her dad George and all the people who helped her win. Megan Marsh (13 - Anderson, SC) finished in the semi-finals. Marsh's brother won in the same car during the July 17 Summit race at Atlanta Dragway.

Sanctioned by the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), Atlanta Dragway is located just off I-85 at Exit 149 in the Banks Crossing area of Commerce, Georgia. Information on all 2004 events, including the Hayes Mopar Meet, may be obtained by calling the track office (706-335-2301) or logging on to www.atlantadragway.com.

PRO / SUPER PRO CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: John Hobbs '71 Nova Conyers, GA 7.05 96.64 (7.00)
R/U: Clay Fancher '98 Horton dragster Conyers, GA 5.33 129.44 (5.27)
Semi: Lloyd Kaylor '87 Regal Winder, GA
Semi:

SPORTSMAN CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Jacob Rutledge '79 Capri Braselton, GA 11.27 104.96 (11.22)
R/U: Chris Carlisle '68 Camaro Canton, GA 10.46 119.39 (10.47)
Semi: Kim Ellington '81 Camaro Conyers, GA

TROPHY STREET CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: George Peters '70 Cutlass Lawrenceville, GA 13.07 102.56 (13.04)
R/U: Steve Marcum '01 Mustang Bogart, GA 14.66 94.64 (14.70)
Semi: Joe Goddard '04 Dodge RAM Conyers, GA

SPORT COMPACT CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: "Lightning" Linda Walton '96 Contour Peachtree City, GA 18.53 70.88 (18.46)
R/U: Eric "Buford" Duncan '97 Cavalier Homer, GA 18.97 70.10 (18.85)

8-12 JR. DRAGSTER AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Joshua Sisson 10 Gainesville, GA 9.11 72.05 (9.01)
R/U: Justin Fancher 10 Conyers, GA 9.45 67.36 (9.48)
Semi: Ashton Shubert 11 Commerce, GA
Semi: Dylan Kent 9 Acworth, GA

13-17 JR. DRAGSTER AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Lauren Turner 13 Pendergrass, GA 8.31 76.86 (8.25)
R/U: "Wild Kyle" Denton 14 McDonough, GA 8.10 78.39 (8.01)
Semi: Megan Marsh 13 Anderson, SC
Semi:
Foley, Janis, Sickles and Patrick Win the Hooters IHRA ACDelco Canadian Nationals

Details:
http://www.dragracecentral.com/DRCStory.asp?ID={C0C74ECA-D942-4546-8FB0-5DC77678246D}#indextop

THREE SHARE 'POWER HOUR' PRIZES ON DAMP 'FAST FRIDAY'
by Tim Glover

BANKS CROSSING, GA Afternoon rain showers didn't dampen the spirits of Year One Fast Friday racers, as three street-legal racers took home the 'Power Hour' prizes. David Thai of Lawrenceville made a quarter-mile blast of 132.22 MPH in his 1996 Honda Civic to claim a Year One $50 Gift Certificate Voucher. Rabun Gap racer Bobby Potts picked up another $50 Voucher for the "Quickest ET" (11.238 seconds), while Cris Mata of Gainesville was awarded the third Voucher for "Best Reaction Time" - a nearly perfect .004 seconds - during the 9-10 PM competition for strictly street-legal cars and pickup trucks.

In the Hayes Sport Compact Challenge, current championship leader Terry Turpin of Maysville bested three other street-legal sport compact drivers in the "Fast Four" finale. Driving a quick 2003 Mitsubishi EVO, Turpin picked up the winner's trophy and extended his season points lead in the event, part of a ten-race series during Year One Fast Friday events through August 20.

The next Year One Fast Friday program is scheduled for Friday, August 6th, 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 at 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 through November 19, and spectators are encouraged to cheer on their favorites.

2004 CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS
HAYES SPORT COMPACT CHALLENGE
ATLANTA DRAGWAY(As of 7/30/04)

1. Terry Turpin, 112.
Charlie Bass, 53.
TIE - Shane Smallwood, 4
Jason Mooney, 4
Jeremy Wade, 4
6. TIE - Jason Crowe, 3
Peter Heu, 3
8. TIE -Keith Fortner, 2
Steven Feren, 2
David Draz, 2
Jay Cerboraz, 2
Alan Wallhansen, 2
Ritha Kim, 2
David Thai, 2
15. TIE -John Vang, 1
Kris Adams, 1
Troy Keyes, 1
Isaac Agular, 1

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Craig Armstrong (706) 654-1898
BAZEMORE NO. 6 IN SONOMA QUALIFYING

SONOMA, Calif. (July 31, 2004) - Whit Bazemore and crew chief Lee Beard are making strides in developing a new setup for the Matco Tools Iron Eagle Dodge Stratus Funny Car under the recent new NHRA regulations, including a newly-mandated Goodyear tire. Bazemore ended up No. 6 in qualifying for the Fram-Autolite NHRA Nationals, based on the 4.908/315.12 lap he posted in last night's session.

The two-time U.S. Nationals champion and fastest Funny Car driver on the planet (333.25 mph) hazed the tires in the third round of qualifying today (6.399/139.86), then helped to produce a picture-perfect side-by-side pass against his teammate Gary Scelzi in the final round. Bazemore nipped Scelzi's 4.998/306.67, with a quicker 4.963/310.27.

"It was really very smooth," he said of that last pass. "That's what we're working on, trying to get the car smooth. It seems to be very important with this tire, because if it goes into any kind of rattle at all the tire won't recover. The tire basically has to be nearly perfect. I think we made really good progress today. I actually feel a lot better.

"We struggled in the heat at Denver (ousted in the first round) and we struggled in the heat at Seattle when the sun came out in the semifinals (lost in semis). And I think today Lee made good progress with the tune-up and it's starting to come around and react to his inputs in a consistent way. We feel better and it will be a good race tomorrow."

Courtesy Judy Stropus
DON SCHUMACHER RACING
D. Kalitta, Force, Anderson and Savoie Top Qualifiers at the NHRA POWERade FRAM-Autolite Nationals presented by Supercuts

Bob Vandergriff qualified #14 in Top Fuel with a 4.770 @ 295.59, Whit Bazemore is #6 in Funny Car with a 4.908 @ 315.12 and Kurt Johnson holds down the #12 spot in Pro Stock with a 6.746 @ 204.42. Mark Whisnant ( #18 - 6.776 @ 203.95 ) and Warren Johnson ( #20 - 6.789 @ 203.98 ) fail to qualify in Pro Stock.

NHRA Recap:
http://www.nhra.com/2004/events/race15/index.html
Millican, Harper, Atchison and Gahm Top Qualifiers at the Hooters IHRA ACDelco Canadian Nationals

More details:
http://www.dragracecentral.com/DRCStory.asp?ID={50085C78-E410-4AA3-A33B-621BE121C99A}#indextop