Bernstein, Hight, Anderson and Hines Top Qualifiers at the NHRA POWERade Mopar Mile-High Nationals
posted by David @ 10:24 PM
Saturday, July 16, 2005
Bernstein, Hight, Anderson and Schnitz Lead Early Qualifying at the NHRA POWERade Mopar Mile-High Nationals
All the professional category track records were broken in first day qualifying except for Joe Amato's 1999 4.584 ET record.
Brandon Bernstein continues his Top Fuel hot streak with a #1 4.596 at a track record 330.88 mph. Brandon smashed Amato's 1999 record of 318.54 mph. Tony Schumacher is #2 with a 4.601 @ 325.85 mph and Larry Dixon is a close #3 with his 4.609 @ 317.34 mph.
Robert Hight topped the Funny Car field with a best of 4.796 @ 322.58 mph that was good for #1. Robert's ET and speed were also new track records. Whit Bazemore is currently #2 with his 4.821 @ 318.39 mph.
Greg Anderson and his new Pontiac GTO leads the pack in Pro Stock with a 7.106 @ 194.07 mph. Greg's 7.106 is a new track ET record. Warren Johnson is a tick behind with his second-best 7.112 at a track record speed of 194.24 mph. Jason Line is #3 at 7.117 @ 193.52 mph and Kurt Johnson holds the #4 spot with his 7.134 @ 194.04 mph.
Ryan Schnitz set new track records with his #1 Pro Stock Bike qualifying times of 7.453 @ 186.54. Andrew Hines is #2 at 7.478 @ 181.96. Georgia's Chip Ellis is #4 with a 7.493 @ 174.17 mph.
NHRA Recap
Brandon Bernstein continues his Top Fuel hot streak with a #1 4.596 at a track record 330.88 mph. Brandon smashed Amato's 1999 record of 318.54 mph. Tony Schumacher is #2 with a 4.601 @ 325.85 mph and Larry Dixon is a close #3 with his 4.609 @ 317.34 mph.
Robert Hight topped the Funny Car field with a best of 4.796 @ 322.58 mph that was good for #1. Robert's ET and speed were also new track records. Whit Bazemore is currently #2 with his 4.821 @ 318.39 mph.
Greg Anderson and his new Pontiac GTO leads the pack in Pro Stock with a 7.106 @ 194.07 mph. Greg's 7.106 is a new track ET record. Warren Johnson is a tick behind with his second-best 7.112 at a track record speed of 194.24 mph. Jason Line is #3 at 7.117 @ 193.52 mph and Kurt Johnson holds the #4 spot with his 7.134 @ 194.04 mph.
Ryan Schnitz set new track records with his #1 Pro Stock Bike qualifying times of 7.453 @ 186.54. Andrew Hines is #2 at 7.478 @ 181.96. Georgia's Chip Ellis is #4 with a 7.493 @ 174.17 mph.
NHRA Recap
posted by David @ 1:40 AM
Thursday, July 14, 2005
Southeastern Dragway 50th Anniversary Race Rescheduled to August 6
Thanks to the efforts of promoter Donnie Reeves and Southeastern Dragway Track Operator Gene Fuller, a great turnout of race cars and spectators were on hand for the Southeastern Dragway 50th Anniversary Race. Unfortunately, the weather didn't cooperate and the event was rained out just as the funny cars were pulling into the staging lanes for the first round. The event has been rescheduled for August 6, 2005 and ticket stubs from July 9 will be honored for admission.
Two funny cars did make checkout runs earlier in the afternoon. Dennis Salzwimmer's Rubber City Thunder blown alcohol Monza that is driven by Chris Gerber made a crowd pleasing run and a little later John "Bodie" Smith made the initial checkout pass in Virgil Hartman's Sasquatch blown nitro Trans Am. The nitro fueled machine really got the fans pumped up and wanting more, even though Smith didn't make a full pass. Yes, the crowd (the largest at Southeastern Dragway in many years) was ready for the funny cars to put on a show that hadn't been seen at Dallas in a long time!
Several floppers were in the pits including blown nitro, blown alcohol, a jet funny and Mitch King's AA/FA. I was happy to see several Georgia drag racing legends in attendance, too. Hubert Platt, Roosevelt Johnson and Frank Oglesby were guys that I watched race at Dallas 35 years ago!
As many of you know, there is an ongoing situation that could have severe consequences for the Dallas area drag strip when it is all said and done. Original builder and owner Marvin "Red" Jones passed away earlier this year and it is questionable if the drag strip will continue to operate or the property will be sold for development. The answer should be known within the next few weeks. If this track is closed, it will be the last of the original five Atlanta area drag strips (and the first purpose built strip) to cease operations. I've spent many days at the Dallas track and seen many drag racing superstars race there. It would be a real shame to lose Southeastern Dragway and I'll be very sad if it happens. I know that Gene Fuller has put his heart and soul into this drag strip for many years and I'd like to thank him, the Hardy family and all of the track personnel for all their hard work and dedication over the years.
The August 6th race could potentially be the last race ever held at Southeastern International Dragway (this is still the name of the track although it is now known as Southeastern Dragway). I'm sure Donnie and Gene are going to put on a hell of a show - don't miss it, this may be your last chance to visit this historic track. If this is the last race at Dallas, what better way to go out than have nitro funny cars burn up the Dallas track one more time! We'll have a party either way - BE THERE!
Photos from Southeastern Dragway July 9, 2005
Two funny cars did make checkout runs earlier in the afternoon. Dennis Salzwimmer's Rubber City Thunder blown alcohol Monza that is driven by Chris Gerber made a crowd pleasing run and a little later John "Bodie" Smith made the initial checkout pass in Virgil Hartman's Sasquatch blown nitro Trans Am. The nitro fueled machine really got the fans pumped up and wanting more, even though Smith didn't make a full pass. Yes, the crowd (the largest at Southeastern Dragway in many years) was ready for the funny cars to put on a show that hadn't been seen at Dallas in a long time!
Several floppers were in the pits including blown nitro, blown alcohol, a jet funny and Mitch King's AA/FA. I was happy to see several Georgia drag racing legends in attendance, too. Hubert Platt, Roosevelt Johnson and Frank Oglesby were guys that I watched race at Dallas 35 years ago!
As many of you know, there is an ongoing situation that could have severe consequences for the Dallas area drag strip when it is all said and done. Original builder and owner Marvin "Red" Jones passed away earlier this year and it is questionable if the drag strip will continue to operate or the property will be sold for development. The answer should be known within the next few weeks. If this track is closed, it will be the last of the original five Atlanta area drag strips (and the first purpose built strip) to cease operations. I've spent many days at the Dallas track and seen many drag racing superstars race there. It would be a real shame to lose Southeastern Dragway and I'll be very sad if it happens. I know that Gene Fuller has put his heart and soul into this drag strip for many years and I'd like to thank him, the Hardy family and all of the track personnel for all their hard work and dedication over the years.
The August 6th race could potentially be the last race ever held at Southeastern International Dragway (this is still the name of the track although it is now known as Southeastern Dragway). I'm sure Donnie and Gene are going to put on a hell of a show - don't miss it, this may be your last chance to visit this historic track. If this is the last race at Dallas, what better way to go out than have nitro funny cars burn up the Dallas track one more time! We'll have a party either way - BE THERE!
Photos from Southeastern Dragway July 9, 2005
posted by David @ 11:47 PM
MOPAR MILE-HIGH NATIONALS IMPORTANT RACE FOR BAZEMORE
DON SCHUMACHER RACING
Contact: Judy Stropus
MORRISON, Colo. (July 12, 2005 - This weekend's Mopar Mile-High Nationals at Bandimere Speedway, just outside of Denver, the 13th of 23 events in the 2005 POWERade Drag Racing Series, is an important race for Whit Bazemore, driver of the Matco Tools Iron Eagle Dodge Stratus R/T Funny Car.
Bazemore, who is currently seventh in the Funny Car point standings, is working his way back up the rankings after a mid-season slump dropped him out of an early-season lead after two victories. The two-time U.S. Nationals champion is also adapting to new crew chiefs Dan Olson and Todd Okuhara and a whole new setup on the car.
The upcoming three-race Western Swing is crucial to his and the Matco Tools' team's goals.
"Denver is the first race of a very important segment of the season," he said. "It leads off another three races in a row (Denver, Seattle and Sonoma, Calif.) and it's just a critical time for any team that wants to contend (for a championship) and is not really in contention yet. It's a critical time to make a move.
"It's important to do well at all three races, but Denver is really critical because it's very difficult to tune the cars up here at this altitude. It's a whole different tune-up compared to what we normally would have. So, it's a good race to do well at because it's a very challenging race."
Bazemore has conquered this mile-high quarter-mile in the past, having won here in 1997 and 2000. He was also runner-up here in 1999, and has qualified No. 1 here five times, in 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001 and 2004. The Indianapolis resident still holds the ET track record here of 4.842 seconds, set last year.
WHIT BAZEMORE QUICK FACTS:
* Two-time U.S. Nationals champion, 1997 and 2001
* Seventh in 2005 Funny Car point standings after 12 events, 205 points out of lead
* Won two events this year (Gainesville, Las Vegas), No. 1 qualifier once (Columbus)
* Qualified No. 1 at 2004 Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals, lost first round to Robert Schwab
* Won here in 1997 and 2000; was runner-up in 1999
* No. 1 qualifier here five times (1997, '98, '00, '01, '04)
* Qualified in the top two in nine events in 2004, four times in No. 1
* No. 6 in 2004 Funny Car points, with two wins, five final rounds
* First Funny Car driver to break 325-mph barrier (U.S. Nationals 2001)
* Career quickest ET is 4.713 seconds, career fastest speed is 333.25 mph, both set at Route 66 Raceway in 2004 in what was at the time the quickest and fastest speed in Funny Car history
* Won three times in 2003, runner-up five times
* Has 19 career Funny Car event wins in in 43 final rounds in 307 races
* Took the 2003 championship chase to penultimate race in Las Vegas in an exciting final round against eventual champion Tony Pedregon
* Was second twice in the Funny Car championship in 2001 and 2003, third in 1997 and '99 and has finished in the top five six times and 12 times in the top 10 since 1992
* Age 42, born in New York City, an avid cyclist, lives in Indianapolis with wife Michelle, a competitive amateur cyclist, and son Dashiell Aidan, born March 12, 2005
* 2005 is his fifth season with Don Schumacher Racing
Contact: Judy Stropus
MORRISON, Colo. (July 12, 2005 - This weekend's Mopar Mile-High Nationals at Bandimere Speedway, just outside of Denver, the 13th of 23 events in the 2005 POWERade Drag Racing Series, is an important race for Whit Bazemore, driver of the Matco Tools Iron Eagle Dodge Stratus R/T Funny Car.
Bazemore, who is currently seventh in the Funny Car point standings, is working his way back up the rankings after a mid-season slump dropped him out of an early-season lead after two victories. The two-time U.S. Nationals champion is also adapting to new crew chiefs Dan Olson and Todd Okuhara and a whole new setup on the car.
The upcoming three-race Western Swing is crucial to his and the Matco Tools' team's goals.
"Denver is the first race of a very important segment of the season," he said. "It leads off another three races in a row (Denver, Seattle and Sonoma, Calif.) and it's just a critical time for any team that wants to contend (for a championship) and is not really in contention yet. It's a critical time to make a move.
"It's important to do well at all three races, but Denver is really critical because it's very difficult to tune the cars up here at this altitude. It's a whole different tune-up compared to what we normally would have. So, it's a good race to do well at because it's a very challenging race."
Bazemore has conquered this mile-high quarter-mile in the past, having won here in 1997 and 2000. He was also runner-up here in 1999, and has qualified No. 1 here five times, in 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001 and 2004. The Indianapolis resident still holds the ET track record here of 4.842 seconds, set last year.
WHIT BAZEMORE QUICK FACTS:
* Two-time U.S. Nationals champion, 1997 and 2001
* Seventh in 2005 Funny Car point standings after 12 events, 205 points out of lead
* Won two events this year (Gainesville, Las Vegas), No. 1 qualifier once (Columbus)
* Qualified No. 1 at 2004 Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals, lost first round to Robert Schwab
* Won here in 1997 and 2000; was runner-up in 1999
* No. 1 qualifier here five times (1997, '98, '00, '01, '04)
* Qualified in the top two in nine events in 2004, four times in No. 1
* No. 6 in 2004 Funny Car points, with two wins, five final rounds
* First Funny Car driver to break 325-mph barrier (U.S. Nationals 2001)
* Career quickest ET is 4.713 seconds, career fastest speed is 333.25 mph, both set at Route 66 Raceway in 2004 in what was at the time the quickest and fastest speed in Funny Car history
* Won three times in 2003, runner-up five times
* Has 19 career Funny Car event wins in in 43 final rounds in 307 races
* Took the 2003 championship chase to penultimate race in Las Vegas in an exciting final round against eventual champion Tony Pedregon
* Was second twice in the Funny Car championship in 2001 and 2003, third in 1997 and '99 and has finished in the top five six times and 12 times in the top 10 since 1992
* Age 42, born in New York City, an avid cyclist, lives in Indianapolis with wife Michelle, a competitive amateur cyclist, and son Dashiell Aidan, born March 12, 2005
* 2005 is his fifth season with Don Schumacher Racing
posted by David @ 11:33 PM
WJ Aims to Start Improving on his Mid-Term Grade in Denver
Contact: Jon G. Knapp
TMG Sports Marketing
GM Performance Parts Racing Team Shoots for Fifth Mile-High Nationals title
Sugar Hill, Ga., July 11, 2005 - By all accounts, Warren Johnson and the GM Performance Parts Pontiac Racing Team have acquitted themselves well in the first twelve races of the 2005 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing season.They have been in contention for the win at almost every event and have firmly established themselves as serious contenders for the 2005 Pro Stock championship. With five No. 1 qualifying positions and two wins in four final round appearances, they have consistently maintained their position at or near the top of the standings.
It is a performance that would thrill most participants in this highly competitive category. However, "The Professor of Pro Stock" tends to grade himself on a slightly tougher scale, part of his never-ending search for improvement. As the straight-liners look to kick off the second half of their year with the Mile-High Nationals in Denver, CO, Johnson took time to evaluate his competitive efforts of the last six months.
"If I had to grade our performance to this point in the season, I would have to give us a B-minus," stated Johnson. "Obviously, we're not totally satisfied with where we are performance-wise, and that encompasses the car, the driver and the team. Fortunately, we are still in contention because, in my opinion, there have been no A-graded teams so far. If we are able to shore up a few of our weak spots, I believe we can be much more effective in the second half of the season.
"However, the positives certainly outweigh the negatives in the first twelve races, which are the result of everybody's hard work. For example, the DRCE III engine has proven itself to be a solid piece, and although the coordination of the entire package between the engine and the car may have taken a little longer than we would have liked, we're pleased with its current progress. We've done a pretty good job to this point with our GM Performance Parts Pontiac going rounds and scoring points, but we're not about to rest on our laurels. We have to keep moving forward, trying to do even better."
The Johnson crew's aspirations of raising their game will be severely challenged by the conditions at Bandimere Speedway, site of this weekend's race. Located just outside of Denver, the wafer-thin air significantly reduces the amount of horsepower available to the "factoryhot rods", putting a premium on hitting the right chassis combination to maximize the power available.
Fortunately, it has been a good racetrack for Johnson, whose four previous wins in nine final rounds on the mountain are the most by any active Pro Stock driver.
"The unique conditions in Denver make it one of the tougher tracks to race on," said Johnson. "We have an adjusted altitude of nearly 9000 feet, and the thin air means these Pro Stock cars are down about 300 horsepower. As such, it requires a set-up unlike any other we use throughout the year. Therefore, you have to have impeccable notes ofwhere you are before you start making wholesale changes to get the car to be effective in Denver, because you have to change it right back for the following race.
"We've done relatively well there over the years, most likely because I learned to race under less than favorable conditions, with Denver fitting right in that scenario. In fact, I raced for several years in Pueblo, which is at an even higher altitude than Bandimere, making it easier for me to adapt to the conditions for the Mile-High Nationals. Hopefully, that experience will help us this weekend, as we look to kick off the second half of the season on a positive note. I believe our GMPerformance Parts Pontiac's performance is on an upswing, and it's up to us to take advantage of it this weekend. After all, it's all part of the plan."
Notes on Warren Johnson and the GM Performance Parts Pontiac Racing teamentering the Mile-High Nationals:
* WJ is the Boss in Bandimere: This will be Warren's 22nd NHRA appearance at Bandimere Speedway, where he has four wins (in 1984, 1991,2001 & 2003) in nine final round appearances, which is the most among active Pro Stock drivers. In addition, WJ was the No. 1 qualifier four times, has an 4.24 average starting position (with only four starts outside the top half of the field) and has an elimination round record of 47-17 in his previous twenty-one Colorado starts.
* No. 1 in National event wins: WJ's 94 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 at this year's O'Reilly Thunder Valley NHRA Nationals in Bristol, TN.
* One year ago: Warren was the fifteenth qualifier with an elapsed time of 7.218 seconds and a top speed of 191.62, and advanced to the quarter-finals.
* Career Best Elapsed Time: 6.679 seconds, Gainesville, FL,3/20/05
* Career best top speed: 207.50 mph, Englishtown, NJ, 6/19/05
TMG Sports Marketing
GM Performance Parts Racing Team Shoots for Fifth Mile-High Nationals title
Sugar Hill, Ga., July 11, 2005 - By all accounts, Warren Johnson and the GM Performance Parts Pontiac Racing Team have acquitted themselves well in the first twelve races of the 2005 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing season.They have been in contention for the win at almost every event and have firmly established themselves as serious contenders for the 2005 Pro Stock championship. With five No. 1 qualifying positions and two wins in four final round appearances, they have consistently maintained their position at or near the top of the standings.
It is a performance that would thrill most participants in this highly competitive category. However, "The Professor of Pro Stock" tends to grade himself on a slightly tougher scale, part of his never-ending search for improvement. As the straight-liners look to kick off the second half of their year with the Mile-High Nationals in Denver, CO, Johnson took time to evaluate his competitive efforts of the last six months.
"If I had to grade our performance to this point in the season, I would have to give us a B-minus," stated Johnson. "Obviously, we're not totally satisfied with where we are performance-wise, and that encompasses the car, the driver and the team. Fortunately, we are still in contention because, in my opinion, there have been no A-graded teams so far. If we are able to shore up a few of our weak spots, I believe we can be much more effective in the second half of the season.
"However, the positives certainly outweigh the negatives in the first twelve races, which are the result of everybody's hard work. For example, the DRCE III engine has proven itself to be a solid piece, and although the coordination of the entire package between the engine and the car may have taken a little longer than we would have liked, we're pleased with its current progress. We've done a pretty good job to this point with our GM Performance Parts Pontiac going rounds and scoring points, but we're not about to rest on our laurels. We have to keep moving forward, trying to do even better."
The Johnson crew's aspirations of raising their game will be severely challenged by the conditions at Bandimere Speedway, site of this weekend's race. Located just outside of Denver, the wafer-thin air significantly reduces the amount of horsepower available to the "factoryhot rods", putting a premium on hitting the right chassis combination to maximize the power available.
Fortunately, it has been a good racetrack for Johnson, whose four previous wins in nine final rounds on the mountain are the most by any active Pro Stock driver.
"The unique conditions in Denver make it one of the tougher tracks to race on," said Johnson. "We have an adjusted altitude of nearly 9000 feet, and the thin air means these Pro Stock cars are down about 300 horsepower. As such, it requires a set-up unlike any other we use throughout the year. Therefore, you have to have impeccable notes ofwhere you are before you start making wholesale changes to get the car to be effective in Denver, because you have to change it right back for the following race.
"We've done relatively well there over the years, most likely because I learned to race under less than favorable conditions, with Denver fitting right in that scenario. In fact, I raced for several years in Pueblo, which is at an even higher altitude than Bandimere, making it easier for me to adapt to the conditions for the Mile-High Nationals. Hopefully, that experience will help us this weekend, as we look to kick off the second half of the season on a positive note. I believe our GMPerformance Parts Pontiac's performance is on an upswing, and it's up to us to take advantage of it this weekend. After all, it's all part of the plan."
Notes on Warren Johnson and the GM Performance Parts Pontiac Racing teamentering the Mile-High Nationals:
* WJ is the Boss in Bandimere: This will be Warren's 22nd NHRA appearance at Bandimere Speedway, where he has four wins (in 1984, 1991,2001 & 2003) in nine final round appearances, which is the most among active Pro Stock drivers. In addition, WJ was the No. 1 qualifier four times, has an 4.24 average starting position (with only four starts outside the top half of the field) and has an elimination round record of 47-17 in his previous twenty-one Colorado starts.
* No. 1 in National event wins: WJ's 94 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 at this year's O'Reilly Thunder Valley NHRA Nationals in Bristol, TN.
* One year ago: Warren was the fifteenth qualifier with an elapsed time of 7.218 seconds and a top speed of 191.62, and advanced to the quarter-finals.
* Career Best Elapsed Time: 6.679 seconds, Gainesville, FL,3/20/05
* Career best top speed: 207.50 mph, Englishtown, NJ, 6/19/05
posted by David @ 11:23 PM
KJ & Crew Work to Continue the ACDelco Cobalt's Charge in Colorado
Contact: Jon G. Knapp
TMG Sports Marketing
Second Generation Racer Looks for Third Mile-High Nationals Win
Sugar Hill, Ga., July 13, 2005 - Kurt Johnson and the ACDelco Racing team opened the 2005 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing season with the same race car they had used throughout the 2004 campaign. It was a solid piece, one that had carried them to a win in Phoenix and a fifth place finish in the championship standings. As such, it allowed them to make a representative start, highlighted by a semifinal performance at thes eason-opening Winternationals.
However, once the team unveiled their sleek new ACDelco Cobalt at the sixth event of the year in Bristol, TN, their performance truly hit the fast track. After scoring an impressive semifinal finish in the new car's debut event, the Sugar Hill-based team powered through the learning curve, culminating with their historic win in Madison, IL two weeks ago.
Overall, in seven races they have posted one win in two final round appearances, two No. 1 qualifying performances and six starts in the Top Three, allowing them to advance five positions in the POWERade standings. It is a positive trend that Johnson and his close-knit crewwill look to continue at next weekend's Mile-High Nationals in Denver,CO.
"There was really nothing wrong with our old car," stated Johnson. "It was more of a situation where we started the year with several new pieces in our combination, and it took us a few races to establish the performance parameters. In fact, we incorporated some of the lessons we learned with the old car into the set-up for the new one.
"Perhaps the biggest compliment I can pay this new ACDelco Cobalt is that although it might not have shown it in the results, we did have to go through somewhat of a learning curve with it. Fortunately, it now seems to be pretty happy, making good runs, telling us what it needs and responding to the changes we make to it.
"Everything seems to be going in the right direction. From the car, the clutch and the crew, it's all jelling. The momentum is definitely going in a positive direction, and hopefully, we can use that to put a few more wins together, make a move in the points, and see if we can do something by the end of the year."
In order to maintain their winning ways, the team will have to master the unique conditions at Bandimere Speedway. Nestled in the side of a mountain overlooking Denver, it is arguably one of the most picturesque locations on the POWERade tour. However, located at an altitude of over 5,000 feet, the thin air robs the naturally aspirated Pro Stock engines of horsepower, putting a premium on hitting the right set-up.Fortunately the team will arrive at the Colorado quarter-mile armed with a record of previous success and with their confidence bolstered by their most recent win.
"Denver is always a bit different," said Johnson. "You never really know what to expect until you get there. Hopefully, Mother Nature will cooperate and allow us to get four runs in qualifying so we can put a package together for race day. Although we did not test, Dad (six-time NHRA Pro Stock Champion and four-time Bandimere winner Warren Johnson) was up there last week with his car, so we can use his information, as well as our notes from the past to get an idea of where we will want to start on Friday.
"Obviously, you want to be quicker and faster than everyone else each time out, but if we can be close on the first run and fine-tune it from there, making sure we qualify, we'll be pretty happy. It all comes down to adapting to the air. We've had some decent success on the mountain, winning in 1995 and again in 2000, so I guess it's time for us to win another race in Denver.
"I think the team is pretty pumped up after our win in St. Louis. It had been a while, and it's a good feeling to know you're the baddest hotrod out there, which made getting ready for Denver a little easier. However, that race is behind us now, and it's time for us to do it all over again at Bandimere."
Notes on Kurt Johnson and the ACDelco Cobalt Racing team entering the Mile-High Nationals:
* KJ's Record at Bandimere: This will be Kurt's 13th appearanceat Bandimere Speedway, where he has two wins in 1995 and 2000 and oneNo. 1 qualifying performance in 2000. Overall, KJ has a 24-10 elimination round record on the mountain.
* Trying to go back-to-back: Kurt will be looking to win consecutive races for the fifth time in his career, having last done so at the 2003 Houston and Bristol races.
* Potential KJ milestone: Having been the No. 1 qualifier at the last two NHRA national events in Englishtown, NJ and Madison, IL, Kurt will be gunning to be the No. 1 qualifier in three consecutive races forthe first time in his career. Kurt has now been the No. 1 qualifier at consecutive races three times in his career.
* One year ago: Kurt qualified fourteenth with an elapsed timeof 7.215 seconds and a top speed of 192.22 mph, and advanced to the semi-finals.
* Career Best Elapsed Time: 6.671 sec., Gainesville, FL, 3/20/05
* Career best top speed: 207.13 mph, Gainesville, FL, 3/20/05
Event Schedule:
Friday, July 15 - Two qualifying sessions at 4:15 & 7:15 p.m.
Saturday, July 16 - Two qualifying sessions at 10: 15 a.m. & 5:15 p.m.
Sunday, July 17 - Pre-race ceremonies begin at 11:00 a.m. followed by the first round of eliminations at 12:00 noon
Television Schedule:
Qualifying: Saturday, July 16 -8:00 - 10:00 p.m.
(Repeat) Sunday, July 17 -3:00 - 5:00 a.m.
Eliminations: Sunday, July 17 -9:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.
(Repeat) Monday, July 18 -3:00 - 4:30 a.m.
NHRA2Day: Sunday, July 17 -11:30 a.m. - 12 noon.
(Please consult your local listings for exact times, as the schedule is subject to change.)
TMG Sports Marketing
Second Generation Racer Looks for Third Mile-High Nationals Win
Sugar Hill, Ga., July 13, 2005 - Kurt Johnson and the ACDelco Racing team opened the 2005 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing season with the same race car they had used throughout the 2004 campaign. It was a solid piece, one that had carried them to a win in Phoenix and a fifth place finish in the championship standings. As such, it allowed them to make a representative start, highlighted by a semifinal performance at thes eason-opening Winternationals.
However, once the team unveiled their sleek new ACDelco Cobalt at the sixth event of the year in Bristol, TN, their performance truly hit the fast track. After scoring an impressive semifinal finish in the new car's debut event, the Sugar Hill-based team powered through the learning curve, culminating with their historic win in Madison, IL two weeks ago.
Overall, in seven races they have posted one win in two final round appearances, two No. 1 qualifying performances and six starts in the Top Three, allowing them to advance five positions in the POWERade standings. It is a positive trend that Johnson and his close-knit crewwill look to continue at next weekend's Mile-High Nationals in Denver,CO.
"There was really nothing wrong with our old car," stated Johnson. "It was more of a situation where we started the year with several new pieces in our combination, and it took us a few races to establish the performance parameters. In fact, we incorporated some of the lessons we learned with the old car into the set-up for the new one.
"Perhaps the biggest compliment I can pay this new ACDelco Cobalt is that although it might not have shown it in the results, we did have to go through somewhat of a learning curve with it. Fortunately, it now seems to be pretty happy, making good runs, telling us what it needs and responding to the changes we make to it.
"Everything seems to be going in the right direction. From the car, the clutch and the crew, it's all jelling. The momentum is definitely going in a positive direction, and hopefully, we can use that to put a few more wins together, make a move in the points, and see if we can do something by the end of the year."
In order to maintain their winning ways, the team will have to master the unique conditions at Bandimere Speedway. Nestled in the side of a mountain overlooking Denver, it is arguably one of the most picturesque locations on the POWERade tour. However, located at an altitude of over 5,000 feet, the thin air robs the naturally aspirated Pro Stock engines of horsepower, putting a premium on hitting the right set-up.Fortunately the team will arrive at the Colorado quarter-mile armed with a record of previous success and with their confidence bolstered by their most recent win.
"Denver is always a bit different," said Johnson. "You never really know what to expect until you get there. Hopefully, Mother Nature will cooperate and allow us to get four runs in qualifying so we can put a package together for race day. Although we did not test, Dad (six-time NHRA Pro Stock Champion and four-time Bandimere winner Warren Johnson) was up there last week with his car, so we can use his information, as well as our notes from the past to get an idea of where we will want to start on Friday.
"Obviously, you want to be quicker and faster than everyone else each time out, but if we can be close on the first run and fine-tune it from there, making sure we qualify, we'll be pretty happy. It all comes down to adapting to the air. We've had some decent success on the mountain, winning in 1995 and again in 2000, so I guess it's time for us to win another race in Denver.
"I think the team is pretty pumped up after our win in St. Louis. It had been a while, and it's a good feeling to know you're the baddest hotrod out there, which made getting ready for Denver a little easier. However, that race is behind us now, and it's time for us to do it all over again at Bandimere."
Notes on Kurt Johnson and the ACDelco Cobalt Racing team entering the Mile-High Nationals:
* KJ's Record at Bandimere: This will be Kurt's 13th appearanceat Bandimere Speedway, where he has two wins in 1995 and 2000 and oneNo. 1 qualifying performance in 2000. Overall, KJ has a 24-10 elimination round record on the mountain.
* Trying to go back-to-back: Kurt will be looking to win consecutive races for the fifth time in his career, having last done so at the 2003 Houston and Bristol races.
* Potential KJ milestone: Having been the No. 1 qualifier at the last two NHRA national events in Englishtown, NJ and Madison, IL, Kurt will be gunning to be the No. 1 qualifier in three consecutive races forthe first time in his career. Kurt has now been the No. 1 qualifier at consecutive races three times in his career.
* One year ago: Kurt qualified fourteenth with an elapsed timeof 7.215 seconds and a top speed of 192.22 mph, and advanced to the semi-finals.
* Career Best Elapsed Time: 6.671 sec., Gainesville, FL, 3/20/05
* Career best top speed: 207.13 mph, Gainesville, FL, 3/20/05
Event Schedule:
Friday, July 15 - Two qualifying sessions at 4:15 & 7:15 p.m.
Saturday, July 16 - Two qualifying sessions at 10: 15 a.m. & 5:15 p.m.
Sunday, July 17 - Pre-race ceremonies begin at 11:00 a.m. followed by the first round of eliminations at 12:00 noon
Television Schedule:
Qualifying: Saturday, July 16 -8:00 - 10:00 p.m.
(Repeat) Sunday, July 17 -3:00 - 5:00 a.m.
Eliminations: Sunday, July 17 -9:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.
(Repeat) Monday, July 18 -3:00 - 4:30 a.m.
NHRA2Day: Sunday, July 17 -11:30 a.m. - 12 noon.
(Please consult your local listings for exact times, as the schedule is subject to change.)
posted by David @ 11:09 PM
G Squared and Chip Ellis hope to be hot the last half of the season
Courtesy Jerry Battle
G SQUARED MOTORSPORTS
OWNERS: GEORGE BRYCE & GEORGE SMITH
NHRA POWERADE DRAG RACING SERIES
PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE: G SQUARED S&S BUELL
RIDER: CHIP ELLIS
MEDIA CONTACT: Mickey Schultz
MORRISON, Colo. (July 13, 2005) – You can rest assured that for the next several months the weather conditions will be hot. G Squared Motorsports, owned by partners George Bryce and George Smith, and Chip Ellis, driver of the G Squared S&S Buell, hope to be hot also. But they want to be hot on the track beginning with the 26th annual NHRA Mopar Mile-High Nationals at Bandimere Speedway, near Denver, just north of the historic town of Morrison, Colo., this weekend.
"We finished last year with a bang - going quick and winning Las Vegas," said Bryce. "This year everybody, including us, was surprised that we didn’t jump out of the gate galloping. We started the year at a trot but have been making up ground as the season progresses.
"Competition picked up some over the winter. We didn't get passed the second round until the fourth race. Then, in the fifth race at Chicago, we took home the win. Although we have run well since then, like Afleet Alex in the Kentucky Derby, we have stumbled the last two races. But, like Afleet Alex, we hope to get hot. Denver should be a race that will be kind to the big cubic engines of the V-Twins."
Bryce indicated the Competition Eliminator class is a good example of the cubic engine premise. They have cars with engines of all sizes in that class and if you look at the qualifying sheets for the races at Bandimere Speedway you will always see the big cubic inch engines at the front of the pack and hardly any small engine cars. Larger cubic inch engines produce more power at the higher elevation. Because of the altitude the same holds true for the bigger cubic inch Pro Stock Motorcycles like the V-Twin Buells and Harley Davidson V-Rods.
"But that will be just for this one race," added Bryce, "then we’ll be back to the tracks that are at sea level and everything will equal out again. Our job will be to be hot from Denver on to the end of the season."
Also, since Ellis left the starting line before the green light at the last race in St. Louis, he and Bryce have been working on Ellis' starting line procedures and will utilize their new procedures beginning at Denver.
"We’re going to focus on the things we’ve been doing right and do more of those and do less of the things we’ve been doing wrong. Instead of trying to be the quickest on the lights, Chip has a goal that he is going to make sure that every light is a green light start," said Bryce.
Looking forward to the last half of the season, George Smith shared these thoughts.
"There have been several reasons we failed to pick up at the beginning of this season like we ended 2004," said Smith. "The greatest among those has been the loss of Ken Johnson, although all the guys from both G Squared and S&S Cycle have stepped up to fill the void.
"Our biggest downfall has been the lack of consistency and again the guys at G2 and S&S have been working closely to insure that we have maximum performance on each and every run. I think you will see us step up and realize this goal during the last half of the year. Denver will be a pivotal race for our team."
Smith also added, "The other teams that are S&S-powered, the bikes of Ryan Schnitz, Chris Rivas, Matt Guidera and David Feazell, are performing outstandingly well and I expect that they will continue to do well for the remainder of the season.
"While we will continue to lend a helping hand to these teams and others as they are added, our main focus is and always has been directed at the G Squared S&S-powered entry with Chip Ellis aboard."
QUALIFYING:
Qualifying gets underway for Ellis and the G Squared/S&S Buell with two sessions on Friday, scheduled for 4:15 and 7:15 p.m. Qualifying concludes with two additional sessions on Saturday, at 10:15 a.m. and 5:15 p.m. Ellis begins his quest for the Pro Stock Motorcycle title on Sunday with eliminations for all classes getting underway at 12 noon. All times are local Denver times -- Mountain Time (MT): 2 hours behind the Eastern Time zone - and subject to change at anytime.
TELEVISION: Qualifying highlights for the 26th annual NHRA Mopar Mile-High Nationals can be seen on ESPN2 on Saturday evening (July 16) from 8-10 p.m. The qualifying show repeats on early Sunday morning (July 17) from 3-5 a.m. ESPN2 will also air three hours of same-day television coverage of eliminations beginning at 9 p.m. on Sunday evening (July 17). The elimination show repeats on the "Deuce" early Monday morning, July 18, from 2:30 until 4:30 a.m. Also, tune in to NHRA2Day on ESPN2, the weekly show that gives you the latest information about the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. NHRA2Day can be seen on Sunday, July 17 at 11:30 a.m. Television times are Eastern Time (ET) and subject to change at anytime. Check local listings.
G SQUARED MOTORSPORTS: When Harley Davidson accelerated their effort in NHRA, S&S Cycle decided in 2002 to join the battle. Because of his vast R&D experience, coupled with his racing background, S&S asked George Smith to head their project to field a competitive S&S V-Twin bike on the NHRA circuit. Smith immediately asked George Bryce, who had been working with S&S Cycle on a similar project, to join the new endeavor and G Squared Motorsports was formed in 2003. Both Smith and Bryce knew if they collaborated on the project, joining the resources, knowledge and talents of S&S and Star Racing, they could produce a competitive bike to race in Pro Stock Motorcycle competition on the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. The G Squared/S&S-powered V-Twin Buell debuted in 2004.
G SQUARED MOTORSPORTS
OWNERS: GEORGE BRYCE & GEORGE SMITH
NHRA POWERADE DRAG RACING SERIES
PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE: G SQUARED S&S BUELL
RIDER: CHIP ELLIS
MEDIA CONTACT: Mickey Schultz
MORRISON, Colo. (July 13, 2005) – You can rest assured that for the next several months the weather conditions will be hot. G Squared Motorsports, owned by partners George Bryce and George Smith, and Chip Ellis, driver of the G Squared S&S Buell, hope to be hot also. But they want to be hot on the track beginning with the 26th annual NHRA Mopar Mile-High Nationals at Bandimere Speedway, near Denver, just north of the historic town of Morrison, Colo., this weekend.
"We finished last year with a bang - going quick and winning Las Vegas," said Bryce. "This year everybody, including us, was surprised that we didn’t jump out of the gate galloping. We started the year at a trot but have been making up ground as the season progresses.
"Competition picked up some over the winter. We didn't get passed the second round until the fourth race. Then, in the fifth race at Chicago, we took home the win. Although we have run well since then, like Afleet Alex in the Kentucky Derby, we have stumbled the last two races. But, like Afleet Alex, we hope to get hot. Denver should be a race that will be kind to the big cubic engines of the V-Twins."
Bryce indicated the Competition Eliminator class is a good example of the cubic engine premise. They have cars with engines of all sizes in that class and if you look at the qualifying sheets for the races at Bandimere Speedway you will always see the big cubic inch engines at the front of the pack and hardly any small engine cars. Larger cubic inch engines produce more power at the higher elevation. Because of the altitude the same holds true for the bigger cubic inch Pro Stock Motorcycles like the V-Twin Buells and Harley Davidson V-Rods.
"But that will be just for this one race," added Bryce, "then we’ll be back to the tracks that are at sea level and everything will equal out again. Our job will be to be hot from Denver on to the end of the season."
Also, since Ellis left the starting line before the green light at the last race in St. Louis, he and Bryce have been working on Ellis' starting line procedures and will utilize their new procedures beginning at Denver.
"We’re going to focus on the things we’ve been doing right and do more of those and do less of the things we’ve been doing wrong. Instead of trying to be the quickest on the lights, Chip has a goal that he is going to make sure that every light is a green light start," said Bryce.
Looking forward to the last half of the season, George Smith shared these thoughts.
"There have been several reasons we failed to pick up at the beginning of this season like we ended 2004," said Smith. "The greatest among those has been the loss of Ken Johnson, although all the guys from both G Squared and S&S Cycle have stepped up to fill the void.
"Our biggest downfall has been the lack of consistency and again the guys at G2 and S&S have been working closely to insure that we have maximum performance on each and every run. I think you will see us step up and realize this goal during the last half of the year. Denver will be a pivotal race for our team."
Smith also added, "The other teams that are S&S-powered, the bikes of Ryan Schnitz, Chris Rivas, Matt Guidera and David Feazell, are performing outstandingly well and I expect that they will continue to do well for the remainder of the season.
"While we will continue to lend a helping hand to these teams and others as they are added, our main focus is and always has been directed at the G Squared S&S-powered entry with Chip Ellis aboard."
QUALIFYING:
Qualifying gets underway for Ellis and the G Squared/S&S Buell with two sessions on Friday, scheduled for 4:15 and 7:15 p.m. Qualifying concludes with two additional sessions on Saturday, at 10:15 a.m. and 5:15 p.m. Ellis begins his quest for the Pro Stock Motorcycle title on Sunday with eliminations for all classes getting underway at 12 noon. All times are local Denver times -- Mountain Time (MT): 2 hours behind the Eastern Time zone - and subject to change at anytime.
TELEVISION: Qualifying highlights for the 26th annual NHRA Mopar Mile-High Nationals can be seen on ESPN2 on Saturday evening (July 16) from 8-10 p.m. The qualifying show repeats on early Sunday morning (July 17) from 3-5 a.m. ESPN2 will also air three hours of same-day television coverage of eliminations beginning at 9 p.m. on Sunday evening (July 17). The elimination show repeats on the "Deuce" early Monday morning, July 18, from 2:30 until 4:30 a.m. Also, tune in to NHRA2Day on ESPN2, the weekly show that gives you the latest information about the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. NHRA2Day can be seen on Sunday, July 17 at 11:30 a.m. Television times are Eastern Time (ET) and subject to change at anytime. Check local listings.
G SQUARED MOTORSPORTS: When Harley Davidson accelerated their effort in NHRA, S&S Cycle decided in 2002 to join the battle. Because of his vast R&D experience, coupled with his racing background, S&S asked George Smith to head their project to field a competitive S&S V-Twin bike on the NHRA circuit. Smith immediately asked George Bryce, who had been working with S&S Cycle on a similar project, to join the new endeavor and G Squared Motorsports was formed in 2003. Both Smith and Bryce knew if they collaborated on the project, joining the resources, knowledge and talents of S&S and Star Racing, they could produce a competitive bike to race in Pro Stock Motorcycle competition on the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. The G Squared/S&S-powered V-Twin Buell debuted in 2004.
posted by David @ 10:50 PM
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
NHRR Article Now Online
After much too long, here is the article about my 2005 NHRR experience.
NHRR - 2005
NHRR - 2005
posted by David @ 12:35 PM
Monday, July 11, 2005
Southeastern Dragway's 50th Anniversary Race Rescheduled to August 6, 2005
Southeastern Dragway's (Dallas, GA) 50th Anniversary race has been rescheduled to Saturday August 6, 2005 after being rained out July 9th. The line up has not been finalized, but nitro funny cars will definitely be racing. As things firm up, I'll pass along more info. If you couldn't make it last time, be sure to be in Dallas for this one! It was shaping up to be a barn burner with the pits full of cars and spectators packing the place.
If you attended the race July 9th, keep your ticket stubs and they will be honored on the new date.
Thanks to Donnie Reeves and Gene Fuller for announcing the new date so quickly.
More Info
If you attended the race July 9th, keep your ticket stubs and they will be honored on the new date.
Thanks to Donnie Reeves and Gene Fuller for announcing the new date so quickly.
More Info
posted by David @ 7:00 PM
Sunday, July 10, 2005
Atlanta Dragway Results by Tim Glover
FROM: Tim Glover
FATHER AND SON MEET IN SUPER PRO FINAL, HENRY SNELGROVE WINS, SWAIM DOUBLES IN 13-17 JR DRAGSTER
Photos
(Commerce, GA - July 9) Although rain threatened, for the first time in three events a race was started and completed the same day. The racer gates to Atlanta Dragway opened early Saturday morning for remaining racers from the rain delayed Night of Fire. By early afternoon, that race was complete, with Jake Swaim claiming two wins in a row in 13-17 Jr Dragster class. Some heavy clouds and a few sprinkles threatened to delay the regularly scheduled July 9 Summit race to another weekend, but fortunately the Atlanta Dragway personnel were able to get all the racers down the track by 9:30pm without incident. The highlight of the July 9 race was when father Henry Snelgrove Sr met his son Henry Snelgrove Jr in the Super Pro final. Like he did to racers in some of his previous rounds, Henry Jr showed no mercy to his dad, reacting .015 seconds quicker (.013 to .028 react) and carding a .01 over 5.40 to claim the win and the bigger check. Henry Sr didn't mind at all, he was just proud and happy to race his son.
RAIN DELAYED POWERADE / INGLES NIGHT OF FIRE RACE
Jesse Young has won the Night of Fire race before, albeit in a Jr Dragster. Young enjoyed the Super Pro version of a Night of Fire win by defeating his former boss, Gary Dunn from Flowery Branch, GA. Young, who is now a Hall County fireman, took the win stripe with his '00 Undercover dragster .015 seconds before Dunn's '92 S&W dragster did, earning the win, the points and the winner's check. "I want to give a big Thanks to dad. That was for him. I also want to thank Buford Heavy for the engine work, and of course, my girlfriend Corie," added Young. Super Comp racer J.D. Reid ('02 Undercover dragster - Conyers, GA) finished his day in the semi-final round.
"I wanted to win. Really wanted to win. But not that way!," said Sportsman winner Ed Nalley of Maysville, GA. After realizing he had a late reaction time, when Nalley caught defending Sportsman champion Chris Carlile's ailing '69 Camaro too early on the race course, he knew he had the win secured. Nalley rode alongside and slightly in front with his '74 Vega taking the win with a 10.47 at 103.77mph pass (10.09 dial). Carlile's machine carded a way off pace 11.17 at 110.64mph (10.32 target). After the race, Carlile said the master cylinder had failed, causing extra drag on the rear brakes. "I was very, very, very, very lucky," added Nalley. Carlile was not so lucky later in the day, when his oil pump broke during a time trial, putting his '69 Camaro to the trailer. Andy Schaefer ('72 Cutlass - Flowery Branch, GA) took home the semi-finalist portion of the purse.
Conyers, GA racer John Snapp also knew his final round reaction time was way off, but he kept the pedal to the metal in his '68 Charger during the Trophy Street final hoping for some luck. He was rewarded with a win light after Clay Stancil ('72 Chevelle - Athens, GA) broke out by a narrow margin, with a 14.217 at 90.66mph (14.22 dial in time). Snapp crossed the finish line .212 seconds later, but still got the win due to Stancil's breakout. "I was real lucky I won. He had a lot better light. This is kind of a re-match of the 2002 Night of Fire final (Snapp red lighted that time, handing the win to Stancil), but the results were better this time," added a happy Snapp. Jerry Polk ('01 Ford - Jackson, GA) was the lone semi-finalist.
Team PTI racer Jake Swaim (15 - Jefferson, GA) may be beginning to like the rain delayed makeup races. He won the previous rain delayed June 11 event on June 25, and then doubled up today with another 13-17 Jr Dragster win in the rain delayed Night of Fire event. Swaim quietly said, "It's just a race." He met 14 year old Danielle Krause from Peachtree City, GA in this race, and took the win with a nice package, .019 react and 8.840 at 72.22mph (8.82 dial). Krause broke out with an 8.43 at 78.11mph (8.52 dial) trying to beat Swaim. Like Sportsman racer Chris Carlile, Swaim also experienced hard luck later in the day when the crankshaft on his engine broke. Swaim thanked the many people who helped him get to the winner's circle, including Fain & Mitchell Properties, Tara Fine Jewelry, Mr. George of Team PTI, and his parents. Thomas Davis-Cox (15 - Buford, GA) earned the semi-finalist trophy.
Former champion Joshua Sisson from Gainesville, GA, who runner upped in the 8-12 Jr Dragster class during the 2004 Night of Fire event, stepped up and took the 2005 Night of Fire win in 8-12 Jr Dragster. Sisson, who is now 11, nailed his dial in time of 9.00 with a near-perfect 9.003 pass at 70.26mph. His opponent, Bailey Denton (11 - McDonough, GA) was also good, but was just a little further off the mark with a 9.08 at 71.03mph (9.06 target). Another Team PTI racer, Justin Fancher (11 - Conyers, GA) had a pretty good day, finishing in the semi-final round. Sisson thanked his sponsors, C.L. Landscape, TRI Refrigeration, Randy Kinsey Construction, Specialty Lawn Service, Mingledorff's, Mulberry Farms and America's Finest Car Wash.
REGULARLY SCHEDULED JULY 9 SUMMIT ET SERIES RACE
By the semifinal round in Super Pro, spectators and racers out of competition were wondering aloud, could it happen? The father and son team of Henry Snelgrove, Sr and Henry Snelgrove Jr from Dahlonega, GA were still in competition, along with recent Night of Fire winner Jesse Young ('00 Undercover dragster - Danielsville, GA) and Tommy Motes ('00 Undercover dragster - Loganville, GA). Rather than take the safe route and run each other in the semi-finals to ensure at least one would go to the final round, the Snelgroves chose to go for it, in what turned out to be a good decision. Henry Jr. laid a near perfect .007 second package (.000 react and a 5.397 on a 5.39) on Jesse Young in the semis, while Henry Sr. disposed of Tommy Motes with a dead on 5.137 in the semis. For the final, there was no mercy on either side, and Henry Jr used his '98 Bos dragster to beat his dad with a .013 react and a close 5.400 at 127.75mph (5.39 dial). Henry Sr.'s '95 Spitzer dragster slipped a little to a 5.164 at 133.01mph (5.13 dial). "This was the greatest race we've ever run," added Henry Jr. He used to work at his father's drywall business, but now sells Appalachian Springs water for a living, something his dad calls with a smile "a steady job". The Snelgroves have now raced as a team for over 10 years. A very happy Henry Sr. added, "This is a first for the family," but still held his son to the pre-race agreement that the winner had to buy dinner. For some mysterious reason, the "For Sale" sign went missing from Henry Jr's car after the race. Henry Jr thanked Dairy Queen of Cleveland, and Dairy Queen of Daholonega for their help with the Snelgrove racing operation. He concluded the post race interview with, "I want to thank my dad very much. If it wasn't for him, five out of the six of us wouldn't be there (racing at Atlanta Dragway)."
Cumming, GA racer Chuck Conaway improved his points position today, moving back into the top three with his Sportsman victory against Greg Allen of Anderson, SC. Allen's '80 Camaro slipped a little off pace to a 10.90 at 124.48mph (10.80), and the wily Conaway took full advantage, slowing his '66 Chevy II wagon to a race winning 11.76, 100.95mph pass (11.68 dial), still crossing the finish line .041 seconds in front of Allen. "It's a new milestone for me, winning two races in the same year! Still, there's a lot of luck involved," added Conaway. Travis Bryant ('68 Camaro - Bowman, GA) was the lone semi-finalist.
"I don't get to come down here often. That's why it means so much to me," said Trophy Street winner Michael Duvall of Blairsville, GA. Duvall met Cornelia, GA racer Eric Lewis in the final and took an easy win with his '69 Mustang after Lewis missed third gear in his '82 Mustang. Duvall slowed to a 13.73 at 92.06mph (13.42 dial), while Lewis crossed the win stripe a few moments later with a 13.76 at 99.44mph (13.40 target). Matthew Bates ('98 Chevy pickup - Loganville, GA) and Mike Puckett ('90 Thunderbird - Norcross, GA) were the semi-final finishers.Thirteen year old Courtney Pierce of McDonough, GA took her second 2005 win in 13-17 Jr Dragster, this time against Buford, GA racer Thomas Davis-Cox. Cox actually had a big reaction time advantage, but was unable to capitalize on it after his car slowed to an 8.25 at 79.74 mph. Pierce took the win stripe .019 seconds ahead of Cox, thanks to a deadly 8.641 at 72.20mph (8.63 dial). Yet another Snelgrove, Harvey (11 years old - Dahlonega, GA - Henry Sr.'s son) made it to the later rounds. Snelgrove ended his day as a semi-finalist trophy winner.
Relative newcomer Jacquelyn Lastinger (12 - Lilburn, GA) scored yet another win in 8-12 Jr Dragster, defeating Gage Carlton (10 - Seneca, SC). Like Courtney Pierce, Lastinger had a slower react than her opponent, but her car was right on the money with a 9.16 at 72.15mph (9.15 dial). Carlton's car discovered some extra elapsed time on the track, running too quick and suffering a breakout loss of 10.89 at 58.72mph (11.01 dial). Dylan Kent (10 - Acworth, GA) earned a semi-finalist trophy for his efforts.
RAIN DELAYED NIGHT OF FIRE RACE WINNERS FROM JUNE 25, 2005
PRO / SUPER PRO CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Jesse Young '00 Undercover Danielsville, GA 5.04 133.70 (5.01)
R/U: Gary Dunn '92 S&W dragster Flowery Branch, GA 5.32 129.25 (5.30)
Semi: J.D. Reid '02 Undercover Conyers, GA
Semi:
SPORTSMAN CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Ed Nalley '74 Vega Maysville, GA 10.47 103.77 (10.09)
R/U: Chris Carlile '69 Camaro Canton, GA 11.17 110.64 (10.32)
Semi: Andy Schaefer '72 Cutlass Flowery Branch, GA
Semi:
TROPHY STREET CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: John Snapp '68 Charger Conyers, GA 13.87 97.79 (13.79)
R/U: Clay Stancil '72 Chevelle Athens, GA 14.21 90.66 (14.22)
Semi: Jerry Polk '01 Ford Jackson, GA
Semi:
JR. DRAGSTER 8-12 AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Joshua Sisson 11 Gainesville, GA 9.00 70.26 (9.00)
R/U: Bailey Denton 11 McDonough, GA 9.08 71.03 (9.06)
Semi: Justin Fancher 11 Conyers, GA
Semi:
JR. DRAGSTER 13-17 AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Jake Swaim 15 Jefferson, GA 8.84 72.22 (8.82)
R/U: Danielle Krause 14 Peachtree City, GA 8.43 78.11 (8.52)
Semi: Thomas Davis-Cox 15 Buford, GA
Semi:
SUMMIT / SNAP ON RACE WINNERS FROM JULY 9, 2005
PRO / SUPER PRO CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Henry Snelgrove, Jr '95 Spitzer dragster Dahlonega, GA 5.40 127.75 (5.39)
R/U: Henry Snelgrove, Sr '98 Bos dragster Dahlonega, GA 5.16 133.01 (5.13)
Semi: Jesse Young '00 Undercover Danielsville, GA
Semi: Tommy Motes '00 Undercover Loganville, GA
SPORTSMAN CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Chuck Conaway '66 Chevy II wagon Cumming, GA 11.76 100.95 (11.68)
R/U: Greg Allen '80 Camaro Greenwood, SC 10.90 124.48 (10.80)
Semi: Travis Bryant '68 Camaro Bowman, GA
Semi:
TROPHY STREET CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Michael Duvall '69 Mustang Blairsville, GA 13.73 92.06 (13.42)
R/U: Eric Lewis '82 Mustang Cornelia, GA 13.76 99.44 (13.40)
Semi: Matthew Bates '98 Chevy pickup Loganville, GA
Semi: Mike Puckett '90 Thunderbird Norcross, GA
JR. DRAGSTER 8-12 AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Jacquelyn Lastinger 12 Lilburn, GA 9.16 72.15 (9.15)
R/U: Gage Carlton 10 Seneca, SC 10.89 58.72 (11.01)S
emi: Dylan Kent 10 Acworth, GA
Semi:
JR. DRAGSTER 13-17 AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Courtney Pierce 13 McDonough, GA 8.64 72.20 (8.63)
R/U: Thomas Davis-Cox 15 Buford, GA 8.25 79.94 (8.14)
Semi: Harvey Snelgrove 13 Dahlonega, GA
Semi:
FATHER AND SON MEET IN SUPER PRO FINAL, HENRY SNELGROVE WINS, SWAIM DOUBLES IN 13-17 JR DRAGSTER
Photos
(Commerce, GA - July 9) Although rain threatened, for the first time in three events a race was started and completed the same day. The racer gates to Atlanta Dragway opened early Saturday morning for remaining racers from the rain delayed Night of Fire. By early afternoon, that race was complete, with Jake Swaim claiming two wins in a row in 13-17 Jr Dragster class. Some heavy clouds and a few sprinkles threatened to delay the regularly scheduled July 9 Summit race to another weekend, but fortunately the Atlanta Dragway personnel were able to get all the racers down the track by 9:30pm without incident. The highlight of the July 9 race was when father Henry Snelgrove Sr met his son Henry Snelgrove Jr in the Super Pro final. Like he did to racers in some of his previous rounds, Henry Jr showed no mercy to his dad, reacting .015 seconds quicker (.013 to .028 react) and carding a .01 over 5.40 to claim the win and the bigger check. Henry Sr didn't mind at all, he was just proud and happy to race his son.
RAIN DELAYED POWERADE / INGLES NIGHT OF FIRE RACE
Jesse Young has won the Night of Fire race before, albeit in a Jr Dragster. Young enjoyed the Super Pro version of a Night of Fire win by defeating his former boss, Gary Dunn from Flowery Branch, GA. Young, who is now a Hall County fireman, took the win stripe with his '00 Undercover dragster .015 seconds before Dunn's '92 S&W dragster did, earning the win, the points and the winner's check. "I want to give a big Thanks to dad. That was for him. I also want to thank Buford Heavy for the engine work, and of course, my girlfriend Corie," added Young. Super Comp racer J.D. Reid ('02 Undercover dragster - Conyers, GA) finished his day in the semi-final round.
"I wanted to win. Really wanted to win. But not that way!," said Sportsman winner Ed Nalley of Maysville, GA. After realizing he had a late reaction time, when Nalley caught defending Sportsman champion Chris Carlile's ailing '69 Camaro too early on the race course, he knew he had the win secured. Nalley rode alongside and slightly in front with his '74 Vega taking the win with a 10.47 at 103.77mph pass (10.09 dial). Carlile's machine carded a way off pace 11.17 at 110.64mph (10.32 target). After the race, Carlile said the master cylinder had failed, causing extra drag on the rear brakes. "I was very, very, very, very lucky," added Nalley. Carlile was not so lucky later in the day, when his oil pump broke during a time trial, putting his '69 Camaro to the trailer. Andy Schaefer ('72 Cutlass - Flowery Branch, GA) took home the semi-finalist portion of the purse.
Conyers, GA racer John Snapp also knew his final round reaction time was way off, but he kept the pedal to the metal in his '68 Charger during the Trophy Street final hoping for some luck. He was rewarded with a win light after Clay Stancil ('72 Chevelle - Athens, GA) broke out by a narrow margin, with a 14.217 at 90.66mph (14.22 dial in time). Snapp crossed the finish line .212 seconds later, but still got the win due to Stancil's breakout. "I was real lucky I won. He had a lot better light. This is kind of a re-match of the 2002 Night of Fire final (Snapp red lighted that time, handing the win to Stancil), but the results were better this time," added a happy Snapp. Jerry Polk ('01 Ford - Jackson, GA) was the lone semi-finalist.
Team PTI racer Jake Swaim (15 - Jefferson, GA) may be beginning to like the rain delayed makeup races. He won the previous rain delayed June 11 event on June 25, and then doubled up today with another 13-17 Jr Dragster win in the rain delayed Night of Fire event. Swaim quietly said, "It's just a race." He met 14 year old Danielle Krause from Peachtree City, GA in this race, and took the win with a nice package, .019 react and 8.840 at 72.22mph (8.82 dial). Krause broke out with an 8.43 at 78.11mph (8.52 dial) trying to beat Swaim. Like Sportsman racer Chris Carlile, Swaim also experienced hard luck later in the day when the crankshaft on his engine broke. Swaim thanked the many people who helped him get to the winner's circle, including Fain & Mitchell Properties, Tara Fine Jewelry, Mr. George of Team PTI, and his parents. Thomas Davis-Cox (15 - Buford, GA) earned the semi-finalist trophy.
Former champion Joshua Sisson from Gainesville, GA, who runner upped in the 8-12 Jr Dragster class during the 2004 Night of Fire event, stepped up and took the 2005 Night of Fire win in 8-12 Jr Dragster. Sisson, who is now 11, nailed his dial in time of 9.00 with a near-perfect 9.003 pass at 70.26mph. His opponent, Bailey Denton (11 - McDonough, GA) was also good, but was just a little further off the mark with a 9.08 at 71.03mph (9.06 target). Another Team PTI racer, Justin Fancher (11 - Conyers, GA) had a pretty good day, finishing in the semi-final round. Sisson thanked his sponsors, C.L. Landscape, TRI Refrigeration, Randy Kinsey Construction, Specialty Lawn Service, Mingledorff's, Mulberry Farms and America's Finest Car Wash.
REGULARLY SCHEDULED JULY 9 SUMMIT ET SERIES RACE
By the semifinal round in Super Pro, spectators and racers out of competition were wondering aloud, could it happen? The father and son team of Henry Snelgrove, Sr and Henry Snelgrove Jr from Dahlonega, GA were still in competition, along with recent Night of Fire winner Jesse Young ('00 Undercover dragster - Danielsville, GA) and Tommy Motes ('00 Undercover dragster - Loganville, GA). Rather than take the safe route and run each other in the semi-finals to ensure at least one would go to the final round, the Snelgroves chose to go for it, in what turned out to be a good decision. Henry Jr. laid a near perfect .007 second package (.000 react and a 5.397 on a 5.39) on Jesse Young in the semis, while Henry Sr. disposed of Tommy Motes with a dead on 5.137 in the semis. For the final, there was no mercy on either side, and Henry Jr used his '98 Bos dragster to beat his dad with a .013 react and a close 5.400 at 127.75mph (5.39 dial). Henry Sr.'s '95 Spitzer dragster slipped a little to a 5.164 at 133.01mph (5.13 dial). "This was the greatest race we've ever run," added Henry Jr. He used to work at his father's drywall business, but now sells Appalachian Springs water for a living, something his dad calls with a smile "a steady job". The Snelgroves have now raced as a team for over 10 years. A very happy Henry Sr. added, "This is a first for the family," but still held his son to the pre-race agreement that the winner had to buy dinner. For some mysterious reason, the "For Sale" sign went missing from Henry Jr's car after the race. Henry Jr thanked Dairy Queen of Cleveland, and Dairy Queen of Daholonega for their help with the Snelgrove racing operation. He concluded the post race interview with, "I want to thank my dad very much. If it wasn't for him, five out of the six of us wouldn't be there (racing at Atlanta Dragway)."
Cumming, GA racer Chuck Conaway improved his points position today, moving back into the top three with his Sportsman victory against Greg Allen of Anderson, SC. Allen's '80 Camaro slipped a little off pace to a 10.90 at 124.48mph (10.80), and the wily Conaway took full advantage, slowing his '66 Chevy II wagon to a race winning 11.76, 100.95mph pass (11.68 dial), still crossing the finish line .041 seconds in front of Allen. "It's a new milestone for me, winning two races in the same year! Still, there's a lot of luck involved," added Conaway. Travis Bryant ('68 Camaro - Bowman, GA) was the lone semi-finalist.
"I don't get to come down here often. That's why it means so much to me," said Trophy Street winner Michael Duvall of Blairsville, GA. Duvall met Cornelia, GA racer Eric Lewis in the final and took an easy win with his '69 Mustang after Lewis missed third gear in his '82 Mustang. Duvall slowed to a 13.73 at 92.06mph (13.42 dial), while Lewis crossed the win stripe a few moments later with a 13.76 at 99.44mph (13.40 target). Matthew Bates ('98 Chevy pickup - Loganville, GA) and Mike Puckett ('90 Thunderbird - Norcross, GA) were the semi-final finishers.Thirteen year old Courtney Pierce of McDonough, GA took her second 2005 win in 13-17 Jr Dragster, this time against Buford, GA racer Thomas Davis-Cox. Cox actually had a big reaction time advantage, but was unable to capitalize on it after his car slowed to an 8.25 at 79.74 mph. Pierce took the win stripe .019 seconds ahead of Cox, thanks to a deadly 8.641 at 72.20mph (8.63 dial). Yet another Snelgrove, Harvey (11 years old - Dahlonega, GA - Henry Sr.'s son) made it to the later rounds. Snelgrove ended his day as a semi-finalist trophy winner.
Relative newcomer Jacquelyn Lastinger (12 - Lilburn, GA) scored yet another win in 8-12 Jr Dragster, defeating Gage Carlton (10 - Seneca, SC). Like Courtney Pierce, Lastinger had a slower react than her opponent, but her car was right on the money with a 9.16 at 72.15mph (9.15 dial). Carlton's car discovered some extra elapsed time on the track, running too quick and suffering a breakout loss of 10.89 at 58.72mph (11.01 dial). Dylan Kent (10 - Acworth, GA) earned a semi-finalist trophy for his efforts.
RAIN DELAYED NIGHT OF FIRE RACE WINNERS FROM JUNE 25, 2005
PRO / SUPER PRO CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Jesse Young '00 Undercover Danielsville, GA 5.04 133.70 (5.01)
R/U: Gary Dunn '92 S&W dragster Flowery Branch, GA 5.32 129.25 (5.30)
Semi: J.D. Reid '02 Undercover Conyers, GA
Semi:
SPORTSMAN CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Ed Nalley '74 Vega Maysville, GA 10.47 103.77 (10.09)
R/U: Chris Carlile '69 Camaro Canton, GA 11.17 110.64 (10.32)
Semi: Andy Schaefer '72 Cutlass Flowery Branch, GA
Semi:
TROPHY STREET CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: John Snapp '68 Charger Conyers, GA 13.87 97.79 (13.79)
R/U: Clay Stancil '72 Chevelle Athens, GA 14.21 90.66 (14.22)
Semi: Jerry Polk '01 Ford Jackson, GA
Semi:
JR. DRAGSTER 8-12 AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Joshua Sisson 11 Gainesville, GA 9.00 70.26 (9.00)
R/U: Bailey Denton 11 McDonough, GA 9.08 71.03 (9.06)
Semi: Justin Fancher 11 Conyers, GA
Semi:
JR. DRAGSTER 13-17 AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Jake Swaim 15 Jefferson, GA 8.84 72.22 (8.82)
R/U: Danielle Krause 14 Peachtree City, GA 8.43 78.11 (8.52)
Semi: Thomas Davis-Cox 15 Buford, GA
Semi:
SUMMIT / SNAP ON RACE WINNERS FROM JULY 9, 2005
PRO / SUPER PRO CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Henry Snelgrove, Jr '95 Spitzer dragster Dahlonega, GA 5.40 127.75 (5.39)
R/U: Henry Snelgrove, Sr '98 Bos dragster Dahlonega, GA 5.16 133.01 (5.13)
Semi: Jesse Young '00 Undercover Danielsville, GA
Semi: Tommy Motes '00 Undercover Loganville, GA
SPORTSMAN CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Chuck Conaway '66 Chevy II wagon Cumming, GA 11.76 100.95 (11.68)
R/U: Greg Allen '80 Camaro Greenwood, SC 10.90 124.48 (10.80)
Semi: Travis Bryant '68 Camaro Bowman, GA
Semi:
TROPHY STREET CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Michael Duvall '69 Mustang Blairsville, GA 13.73 92.06 (13.42)
R/U: Eric Lewis '82 Mustang Cornelia, GA 13.76 99.44 (13.40)
Semi: Matthew Bates '98 Chevy pickup Loganville, GA
Semi: Mike Puckett '90 Thunderbird Norcross, GA
JR. DRAGSTER 8-12 AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Jacquelyn Lastinger 12 Lilburn, GA 9.16 72.15 (9.15)
R/U: Gage Carlton 10 Seneca, SC 10.89 58.72 (11.01)S
emi: Dylan Kent 10 Acworth, GA
Semi:
JR. DRAGSTER 13-17 AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Courtney Pierce 13 McDonough, GA 8.64 72.20 (8.63)
R/U: Thomas Davis-Cox 15 Buford, GA 8.25 79.94 (8.14)
Semi: Harvey Snelgrove 13 Dahlonega, GA
Semi:
posted by David @ 11:52 PM
John Smith driving Virgil Hartman's Trans Am Funny Car at Southeastern Dragway's 50th Anniversary race. Fred Simmons photo.
posted by David @ 4:32 PM
Southeastern Dragway 50th Anniversary Race Postponed
The race at Dallas was shaping up to be a great event, but was rained out Saturday evening. A large crowd was on hand and spectators were still lined up down the street waiting to get in when the rains hit. I've talked to Donnie Reeves and Gene Fuller (Track Operator) today and the race is going to be rescheduled as soon as it is possible to have the funny cars back. If you attended the race, hold on to your ticket stubs and they will be honored on the new date.
Stay tuned to the GeorgiaDragRacing.com news and Nostalgia Funny Car News for further information.
Photos
Stay tuned to the GeorgiaDragRacing.com news and Nostalgia Funny Car News for further information.
Photos
posted by David @ 2:59 PM
