Tony Bobo getting the Hemi ready in Bunky Bobo's Hemi Hurricane Willys. Thats Bunky in the background.
posted by David @ 2:02 AM
Friday, November 19, 2004
Tony Bobo getting the Hemi ready in Bunky Bobo's Hemi Hurricane Willys. Thats Bunky in the background.
More Hemi Hurricane Photos
Tony Bobo has sent a few more photos of the ongoing Hemi Hurricane restoration. I'll be posting new pics as he sends them. Thanks, Tony.
Bunky Bobo's Hemi Hurricane restoration photos
Bunky Bobo's Hemi Hurricane restoration photos
posted by David @ 1:29 AM
Tuesday, November 16, 2004
Bunky Bobo's Hemi Hurricane Restoration Nearing Completion
Tony Bobo informed me that the Bobo family has almost finished the restoration of Bunky's Hemi Hurricane Willys. They plan on displaying the car several times in 2005. Hopefully, we'll have more photos of the project soon.
Tony Bobo's Hemi Hurricane Restoration Journal
Hemi Hurricane Restoration Photos
Tony Bobo's Hemi Hurricane Restoration Journal
Hemi Hurricane Restoration Photos
posted by David @ 1:10 AM
Thanks to Tony Bobo for sending the Hemi Hurricane restoration photos to GeorgiaDragRacing.com!
posted by David @ 12:05 AM
Monday, November 15, 2004
Schumacher, Force, Anderson and Savoie Win at the NHRA POWERade Automobile Club of Southern California Finals
Tony Schumacher wins his tenth National event in 2004 to set a new Top Fuel season win mark.
John Force wins Funny Car over Del Worsham and joins his daughter Ashley ( TAD Winner ) in the winners circle.
Greg Anderson wins his fifteenth National event in Pro Stock this year to add to his all-time single season win record.
Angelle Savoie wins Pro Stock Bike over Antrone Brown in a Team Schumacher final.
NHRA Recap
John Force wins Funny Car over Del Worsham and joins his daughter Ashley ( TAD Winner ) in the winners circle.
Greg Anderson wins his fifteenth National event in Pro Stock this year to add to his all-time single season win record.
Angelle Savoie wins Pro Stock Bike over Antrone Brown in a Team Schumacher final.
NHRA Recap
posted by David @ 1:41 AM
Sunday, November 14, 2004
'YEAR ONE NIGHT' WINNERS ARE ALL-AMERICAN
Courtesy Tim Glover
BANKS CROSSING, GA Five Georgia street-legal racers drove American-made cars - and one potent pickup truck - to win the 'Year One Dash for Cash' competition on Saturday, November 13th at Atlanta Dragway.
Part of a special 'Year One Night' at the popular northeast Georgia dragstrip, the 'Dash for Cash' provided strictly street-legal cars and pickup trucks the opportunity to make one pass down the track to measure each racer's elapsed time (ET). And with Year One cash prizes and gift certificate vouchers up for grabs, the competition was intense among 16 qualifying drivers.
Coming out on top of the 'Dash for Cash' was Dewayne Stiles of Winder, who ran his lap in 9.649 seconds at 142.94 mph in a 1991 Mustang, and was rewarded with $750 in Year One cash for quickest ET, plus a $50 gift certificate voucher for the fastest pass. Sean Bass of Eatonton, driving a 1986 Z-28 Camaro, was awarded second place and $250 in the ET category, while Danielsville driver Terry Dalton picked up another $50 Year One gift certificate voucher for the third quickest ET in his 1979 Camaro. The final $50 voucher was presented to Terry Conner of Monroe for the Best Reaction Time of the 'Dash for Cash' competition, an .021 light in a 2004 Dodge Ram
pickup with Hemi power.
Billed as the finale for Year One's annual 'Christmas in Braselton' Car Show, 'Year One Night' at Atlanta Dragway was blessed with dry weather, and hundreds arrived to race and watch under clear skies. Not so the previous evening, when the Year One Fast Friday show was hampered by cold, damp conditions and an early onset of fog. As a result, the event was run on the 1/8-mile course and the 'Power Hour' competition deferred until the final Atlanta Dragway event of the season on Friday, November 19th.
Gates will open for the final Year One Fast Friday of 2004 at 6:00 PM for both racers and spectators, with racing action beginning at 6:45 and the 'Year One Power Hour' competition for strictly street-legal cars and pickups starting at 9 PM.
Sponsored by Year One Automotive Restoration in Braselton, along with the Hayes Family Dealerships in Lawrenceville, Gainesville and Baldwin, 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, which will resume on Friday, March 4, 2005.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Craig Armstrong (706) 423-9265
BANKS CROSSING, GA Five Georgia street-legal racers drove American-made cars - and one potent pickup truck - to win the 'Year One Dash for Cash' competition on Saturday, November 13th at Atlanta Dragway.
Part of a special 'Year One Night' at the popular northeast Georgia dragstrip, the 'Dash for Cash' provided strictly street-legal cars and pickup trucks the opportunity to make one pass down the track to measure each racer's elapsed time (ET). And with Year One cash prizes and gift certificate vouchers up for grabs, the competition was intense among 16 qualifying drivers.
Coming out on top of the 'Dash for Cash' was Dewayne Stiles of Winder, who ran his lap in 9.649 seconds at 142.94 mph in a 1991 Mustang, and was rewarded with $750 in Year One cash for quickest ET, plus a $50 gift certificate voucher for the fastest pass. Sean Bass of Eatonton, driving a 1986 Z-28 Camaro, was awarded second place and $250 in the ET category, while Danielsville driver Terry Dalton picked up another $50 Year One gift certificate voucher for the third quickest ET in his 1979 Camaro. The final $50 voucher was presented to Terry Conner of Monroe for the Best Reaction Time of the 'Dash for Cash' competition, an .021 light in a 2004 Dodge Ram
pickup with Hemi power.
Billed as the finale for Year One's annual 'Christmas in Braselton' Car Show, 'Year One Night' at Atlanta Dragway was blessed with dry weather, and hundreds arrived to race and watch under clear skies. Not so the previous evening, when the Year One Fast Friday show was hampered by cold, damp conditions and an early onset of fog. As a result, the event was run on the 1/8-mile course and the 'Power Hour' competition deferred until the final Atlanta Dragway event of the season on Friday, November 19th.
Gates will open for the final Year One Fast Friday of 2004 at 6:00 PM for both racers and spectators, with racing action beginning at 6:45 and the 'Year One Power Hour' competition for strictly street-legal cars and pickups starting at 9 PM.
Sponsored by Year One Automotive Restoration in Braselton, along with the Hayes Family Dealerships in Lawrenceville, Gainesville and Baldwin, 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, which will resume on Friday, March 4, 2005.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Craig Armstrong (706) 423-9265
posted by David @ 7:53 PM
Warren Johnson To Retire From Driving Following 2005 Season: GM Performance Parts Announces "The Professor's School's Out" Tour
Contact: Jon G. Knapp
TMG Sports Marketing
POMONA, Cal., November 14, 2004 - Warren Johnson has been a mainstay of the National Hot Rod Association's Pro Stock division virtually since its inception in 1970. For over 31 years, he has taken on all challengers, including such legends as Lee Shepherd, Bill "Grumpy" Jenkins and Bob Glidden, rising to the top of what is arguably the most competitive category in motorsports. With six championships, 92 national event wins, 130 No. 1 qualifying performances and countless records, "The Professor" has firmly established himself as one of drag racing's legends.
However, Johnson's contributions to the sport extend well beyond his achievements on the race track. For example, he has played a vital role in the evolution of the Pro Stock race car from a modified version of a production vehicle to the purpose-built thoroughbred currently used in competition. From his tireless dedication and work ethic to his many technological advances, the man known simply as "WJ" is a competitor unlike any other.
Therefore, an era will come to an end following the completion of the 2005 season, as Johnson today announced that he will step out of the GM Performance Parts Grand Am's driver's seat after the next POWERade Drag Racing season.
"I've never had any qualms about stepping out of the seat, as long as it was the best approach for our organization, and this seems like the right time," said Johnson. "Naturally, I will still be involved in racing. It's just gotten to the point lately that I'm wearing too many hats, which prevents me from doing the job as well as I would like to. Therefore, if I can eliminate one assignment and make our operation more successful, it's a positive move. By not driving, I will have more time to spend on some very important projects.
"Of course, I still have one full season behind the wheel, and both Kurt (son and fellow Pro Stock competitor) and I will both be trying to win the championship, and based on some of our recent developmental work, I believe next year could be our best in terms of competitiveness. I know that's a pretty bold statement considering how many good cars there are in Pro Stock, but I think we're going to step up and raise the bar."
Throughout his career, a key component to Johnson's long-term success has been his relationship with General Motors' Service Parts Operations (GM SPO) through their GM Performance Parts, ACDelco and GM Goodwrench brands. From his black and silver GM Goodwrench Performance Parts Olds Firenza in 1986 to the current GM Performance Parts Pontiac Grand Am with the distinctive yellow paint scheme and the star-spangled tail, WJ's race cars have not only carried the company's colors on the track, but they have also served to develop components for the automotive performance enthusiast.
GM Performance Parts announced plans to mark Johnson's final season with "The Professor's School's Out" tour, a multi-faceted marketing program designed to commemorate his legendary career, as well as his many contributions.
"Warren Johnson has been a valued member of the GM SPO family since 1986, but unfortunately, all good things must come to an end," said Jim Moloney, Director of Marketing for GM Accessories. "Therefore, throughout the course of the 2005 season, GM Performance Parts will celebrate Warren Johnson's illustrious career with "The Professor's School's Out" tour, which will be a year-long celebration of the man and everything he has done, not only for the sport of drag racing, but for GM Performance Parts.
"We will be releasing the details of the School's Out tour at a later date, but for now, we are looking forward to riding along for one final exciting season with The Professor, which we hope will end with his seventh Pro Stock championship."
Warren Johnson's Pro Stock Career Highlights:
* Six NHRA Pro Stock Championships
* 92 National Event Wins*
* 143 Final Round Appearances*
* 130 No. 1 qualifying performances**
* 134 Low Elapsed Times of the Event**
* 198 Top Speeds of the Event**
* Six Time U.S. Nationals Champion
* 453 Career races, spanning from 1971 to 2004
* - The most by any driver in Pro Stock history, and second only to John Force among all NHRA professional categories.
** - The most among all NHRA professional categories
TMG Sports Marketing
POMONA, Cal., November 14, 2004 - Warren Johnson has been a mainstay of the National Hot Rod Association's Pro Stock division virtually since its inception in 1970. For over 31 years, he has taken on all challengers, including such legends as Lee Shepherd, Bill "Grumpy" Jenkins and Bob Glidden, rising to the top of what is arguably the most competitive category in motorsports. With six championships, 92 national event wins, 130 No. 1 qualifying performances and countless records, "The Professor" has firmly established himself as one of drag racing's legends.
However, Johnson's contributions to the sport extend well beyond his achievements on the race track. For example, he has played a vital role in the evolution of the Pro Stock race car from a modified version of a production vehicle to the purpose-built thoroughbred currently used in competition. From his tireless dedication and work ethic to his many technological advances, the man known simply as "WJ" is a competitor unlike any other.
Therefore, an era will come to an end following the completion of the 2005 season, as Johnson today announced that he will step out of the GM Performance Parts Grand Am's driver's seat after the next POWERade Drag Racing season.
"I've never had any qualms about stepping out of the seat, as long as it was the best approach for our organization, and this seems like the right time," said Johnson. "Naturally, I will still be involved in racing. It's just gotten to the point lately that I'm wearing too many hats, which prevents me from doing the job as well as I would like to. Therefore, if I can eliminate one assignment and make our operation more successful, it's a positive move. By not driving, I will have more time to spend on some very important projects.
"Of course, I still have one full season behind the wheel, and both Kurt (son and fellow Pro Stock competitor) and I will both be trying to win the championship, and based on some of our recent developmental work, I believe next year could be our best in terms of competitiveness. I know that's a pretty bold statement considering how many good cars there are in Pro Stock, but I think we're going to step up and raise the bar."
Throughout his career, a key component to Johnson's long-term success has been his relationship with General Motors' Service Parts Operations (GM SPO) through their GM Performance Parts, ACDelco and GM Goodwrench brands. From his black and silver GM Goodwrench Performance Parts Olds Firenza in 1986 to the current GM Performance Parts Pontiac Grand Am with the distinctive yellow paint scheme and the star-spangled tail, WJ's race cars have not only carried the company's colors on the track, but they have also served to develop components for the automotive performance enthusiast.
GM Performance Parts announced plans to mark Johnson's final season with "The Professor's School's Out" tour, a multi-faceted marketing program designed to commemorate his legendary career, as well as his many contributions.
"Warren Johnson has been a valued member of the GM SPO family since 1986, but unfortunately, all good things must come to an end," said Jim Moloney, Director of Marketing for GM Accessories. "Therefore, throughout the course of the 2005 season, GM Performance Parts will celebrate Warren Johnson's illustrious career with "The Professor's School's Out" tour, which will be a year-long celebration of the man and everything he has done, not only for the sport of drag racing, but for GM Performance Parts.
"We will be releasing the details of the School's Out tour at a later date, but for now, we are looking forward to riding along for one final exciting season with The Professor, which we hope will end with his seventh Pro Stock championship."
Warren Johnson's Pro Stock Career Highlights:
* Six NHRA Pro Stock Championships
* 92 National Event Wins*
* 143 Final Round Appearances*
* 130 No. 1 qualifying performances**
* 134 Low Elapsed Times of the Event**
* 198 Top Speeds of the Event**
* Six Time U.S. Nationals Champion
* 453 Career races, spanning from 1971 to 2004
* - The most by any driver in Pro Stock history, and second only to John Force among all NHRA professional categories.
** - The most among all NHRA professional categories
posted by David @ 6:30 PM
Day 3: Ellis Officially No. 1
Courtesy Jerry Battle - www.georgia-motorsports.com
40TH ANNUAL NHRA AUTOMOBILE CLUB OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA FINALS
POMONA RACEWAY (LA COUNTY FAIRPLEX) – POMONA, CALIF.
NOVEMBER 11-14, 2004
Qualifying:
Session 1 Thursday: 7.063 seconds at 187.36 mph (# 1)
Session 1 Friday: 7.101 seconds at 185.97 mph (# 1)
Session 1 Saturday: 7.024 seconds at 188.38 mph (# 1)
Session 2 Saturday: 7.098 seconds at 188.15 mph (# 1)
POMONA, Calif. (November 13, 2004) – Setting a track record in the opening round of qualifying on Saturday, Chip Ellis, aboard the G2/S&S/Star Racing Buell, took the No. 1 position at the NHRA Automobile Club of Southern California Finals.
Making a nearly flawless pass of 7.024 seconds down the Pomona Raceway quarter-mile, Ellis claimed his second top spot of his 4-race NHRA career with G Squared Motorsports (G2), owned by George Bryce and George Smith. His pass of 7.024 seconds is the fourth quickest in Pro Stock Bike history.
“I was surprised with that 02 run (7.02 seconds),“ said Ellis. I was looking for a 7.08 or 7.09. As usual the tune up was right on and everything went like it was supposed to. It was the best run since I joined the team.”
Since joining G2 at Indy and qualifying No. 1, where he became the first Pro Stock Motorcycle driver to take top honors in his first race, he also qualified No. 4 at Reading and No. 2 at Las Vegas.
“Anytime you can be number one is awesome. It doesn’t matter whether it’s NHRA or little league We’re happy to get it. Tomorrow we forget about number one and take it one run at a time. I’m going to try to cut good lights. The hope is to go four rounds,” said Ellis.
Ellis begins his quest for the Pro Stock Bike title on Sunday with eliminations for all classes beginning at 11 a.m. His opening round opponent will be Karen Stoffer, who qualified No. 16. Time is local Pomona time (PST) and subject to change at anytime.
G SQUARED MOTORSPORTS
OWNERS: GEORGE BRYCE & GEORGE SMITH
NHRA POWERADE PRO-STOCK BIKE: G2/S&S/STAR RACING BUELL
RIDER: CHIP ELLIS
MEDIA CONTACT: Mickey Schultz
40TH ANNUAL NHRA AUTOMOBILE CLUB OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA FINALS
POMONA RACEWAY (LA COUNTY FAIRPLEX) – POMONA, CALIF.
NOVEMBER 11-14, 2004
Qualifying:
Session 1 Thursday: 7.063 seconds at 187.36 mph (# 1)
Session 1 Friday: 7.101 seconds at 185.97 mph (# 1)
Session 1 Saturday: 7.024 seconds at 188.38 mph (# 1)
Session 2 Saturday: 7.098 seconds at 188.15 mph (# 1)
POMONA, Calif. (November 13, 2004) – Setting a track record in the opening round of qualifying on Saturday, Chip Ellis, aboard the G2/S&S/Star Racing Buell, took the No. 1 position at the NHRA Automobile Club of Southern California Finals.
Making a nearly flawless pass of 7.024 seconds down the Pomona Raceway quarter-mile, Ellis claimed his second top spot of his 4-race NHRA career with G Squared Motorsports (G2), owned by George Bryce and George Smith. His pass of 7.024 seconds is the fourth quickest in Pro Stock Bike history.
“I was surprised with that 02 run (7.02 seconds),“ said Ellis. I was looking for a 7.08 or 7.09. As usual the tune up was right on and everything went like it was supposed to. It was the best run since I joined the team.”
Since joining G2 at Indy and qualifying No. 1, where he became the first Pro Stock Motorcycle driver to take top honors in his first race, he also qualified No. 4 at Reading and No. 2 at Las Vegas.
“Anytime you can be number one is awesome. It doesn’t matter whether it’s NHRA or little league We’re happy to get it. Tomorrow we forget about number one and take it one run at a time. I’m going to try to cut good lights. The hope is to go four rounds,” said Ellis.
Ellis begins his quest for the Pro Stock Bike title on Sunday with eliminations for all classes beginning at 11 a.m. His opening round opponent will be Karen Stoffer, who qualified No. 16. Time is local Pomona time (PST) and subject to change at anytime.
G SQUARED MOTORSPORTS
OWNERS: GEORGE BRYCE & GEORGE SMITH
NHRA POWERADE PRO-STOCK BIKE: G2/S&S/STAR RACING BUELL
RIDER: CHIP ELLIS
MEDIA CONTACT: Mickey Schultz
posted by David @ 1:03 AM
Kurt Johnson Starts 15th in Pomona
On the strength of a 6.766-second, 204.08-mph pass made during his first attempt on Thursday afternoon, Kurt Johnson qualified the ACDelco Cavalier in the fifteenth position for Sunday's final eliminations of the Auto Club of Southern California Finals. Ironically, even at the last race of the season, the team continued to work on new ways to improve their performance, with lessons learned during their four qualifying runs giving the team their game plan for Sunday.
"We made quite a few changes both in Las Vegas and here this weekend trying to pick up the pace, but unfortunately the car just didn't respond the way we wanted it to. We'll change the set-up back to where we were on Thursday, make a few adjustments based on what we've learned, and take it from there
"We know we'll be in the right lane, which has been significantly slower this weekend, so our work is cut out for us. We have some ideas on what we need to do to improve, and although some of the changes will have to wait until the off-season, we have a few things up our sleeves for tomorrow to hopefully help this ACDelco Cavalier close the year on a positive note."
Contact: Jon G. Knapp
TMG Sports Marketing
"We made quite a few changes both in Las Vegas and here this weekend trying to pick up the pace, but unfortunately the car just didn't respond the way we wanted it to. We'll change the set-up back to where we were on Thursday, make a few adjustments based on what we've learned, and take it from there
"We know we'll be in the right lane, which has been significantly slower this weekend, so our work is cut out for us. We have some ideas on what we need to do to improve, and although some of the changes will have to wait until the off-season, we have a few things up our sleeves for tomorrow to hopefully help this ACDelco Cavalier close the year on a positive note."
Contact: Jon G. Knapp
TMG Sports Marketing
posted by David @ 1:02 AM
