Thanks to John Fore for sharing these photos from last weekend's ORSCA Outlaw 10.5 race at Atlanta Dragway! See more of John's shots here
posted by David @ 12:36 AM
Friday, September 09, 2005
Thanks to John Fore for sharing these photos from last weekend's ORSCA Outlaw 10.5 race at Atlanta Dragway! See more of John's shots here
Thanks to John Fore for sharing these photos from last weekend's ORSCA Outlaw 10.5 race at Atlanta Dragway!See more of John's shots here
posted by David @ 12:32 AM
Thursday, September 08, 2005
Hayes Mopar Meet at Atlanta Dragway September 9 & 10, 2005
The annual Hayes Southeastern Mopar Meet will be held September 9 & 10 at Atlanta Dragway in Commerce, GA. A great car show and drag race - don't miss it!
2002 Photos
2003 Photos
2004 Photos
For more information:
View the 2005 Brochure
Hayes Chrysler
Atlanta Dragway
2002 Photos
2003 Photos
2004 Photos
For more information:
View the 2005 Brochure
Hayes Chrysler
Atlanta Dragway
posted by David @ 6:52 PM
Southeastern Dragway 50th Anniversary Race Video Available
Jerry Towns Photography has video available (DVD too - I believe) from the 50th Anniversary race at Southeastern Dragway (Dallas, GA). He has footage from both dates (July 9 & August 6, 2005). The video is all on-track footage and, of course, most of it is of bracket cars. The funny cars that made runs on either date are included. The Hemi Hurricane Willys is shown on the Dallas track for the first time in about 40 years! Some pretty cool stuff. No narration other than what you can hear over the PA.
Jerry is a great guy and he eeks out a living shooting photos and video from local tracks (and has been for years). I viewed the video (quickly) and was impressed.
For more details contact Jerry Towns at 770-787-3737 or jtphoto@bellsouth.net .
Let him know that you heard about it on GeorgiaDragRacing.com. No, we don't get anything out of it, but I'd like for him to know that you saw it here.
He has a lot of other videos available including Outlaw 10.5, Wrecks & Wheelies, modern bracket races from several GA tracks, etc.
Jerry is a great guy and he eeks out a living shooting photos and video from local tracks (and has been for years). I viewed the video (quickly) and was impressed.
For more details contact Jerry Towns at 770-787-3737 or jtphoto@bellsouth.net .
Let him know that you heard about it on GeorgiaDragRacing.com. No, we don't get anything out of it, but I'd like for him to know that you saw it here.
He has a lot of other videos available including Outlaw 10.5, Wrecks & Wheelies, modern bracket races from several GA tracks, etc.
posted by David @ 6:49 PM
Retooled CompetitionPlus.com Spring Open finds new home at South Georgia Motorsports Park; Event to be renamed Eastern Spring Test Nationals
Courtesy CompetitionPlus.com
(9-8-2005) - After successful stints in Darlington, SC and later Petersburg, Va., eRaceFuels CompetitionPlus.com will move their traditional open professional test session to South Georgia Motorsports Park in Valdosta, Ga., during the weekend and days prior to the NHRA MAC Tools Gatornationals in Gainesville, Fla. The event will begin on Thursday, March 9 and conclude the following Tuesday. A special "Chicago Style" Shootout will be held on Saturday, March 11.
As in the past, professional teams are granted free testing for the event in exchange for participation in the Saturday event.
Bobby Bennett, Publisher of eRaceFuels CompetitionPlus.com and promoter of the event, is excited about the new venture.
"We had a great run, but fighting the weather every season placed a huge burden on our staff and marketing partners," Bennett said. "All it took was one visit to South Georgia Motorsports Park and I knew this place would be a perfect home during that time of the year. I am looking forward to working with Shad Dean and his friendly team. They are first class.
"I would like to thank Bryan Pierce and the fine folks at Virginia Motorsports Park for helping us to build an event that was second to none in national test sessions."
Shad Dean, General Manager of South Georgia Motorsports Park, has long sought for his track to become the professional testing choice for the top professional drag racers.
"I am looking forward to the new alliance," Dean said. "Bobby and the staff at CompetitionPlus.com have done a great job over the years with their magazine and promoting these events. I'm looking at the Eastern Spring Test National event as the start to a long term program."
At 242 feet above sea level, SGMP makes for an optimum testing venue through its first class facility. The track is 4,500 feet in total length and sixty feet wide and the complete quarter-mile is concrete. A 31" concrete safety wall runs the entire length of the track and into the half-mile shutdown area. Musco lighting makes it possible for efficient night-time testing. SGMP also features VIP suites and has ready seating for 3,000 spectators.
eRaceFuels CompetitionPlus.com published their first issue in September of 1999. Since then, over 100 issues have been published in nearly six years. eRaceFuels CompetitionPlus.com is managed by EzineMedia, Inc., which is based in Spartanburg, SC. The average readership for eRaceFuels CompetitionPlus.com exceeds 270,000 unique readers per month.
The average high temperature during the week of eRaceFuels CompetitionPlus.com ESTN is 74-degrees with a low of 48-degrees.
(9-8-2005) - After successful stints in Darlington, SC and later Petersburg, Va., eRaceFuels CompetitionPlus.com will move their traditional open professional test session to South Georgia Motorsports Park in Valdosta, Ga., during the weekend and days prior to the NHRA MAC Tools Gatornationals in Gainesville, Fla. The event will begin on Thursday, March 9 and conclude the following Tuesday. A special "Chicago Style" Shootout will be held on Saturday, March 11.
As in the past, professional teams are granted free testing for the event in exchange for participation in the Saturday event.
Bobby Bennett, Publisher of eRaceFuels CompetitionPlus.com and promoter of the event, is excited about the new venture.
"We had a great run, but fighting the weather every season placed a huge burden on our staff and marketing partners," Bennett said. "All it took was one visit to South Georgia Motorsports Park and I knew this place would be a perfect home during that time of the year. I am looking forward to working with Shad Dean and his friendly team. They are first class.
"I would like to thank Bryan Pierce and the fine folks at Virginia Motorsports Park for helping us to build an event that was second to none in national test sessions."
Shad Dean, General Manager of South Georgia Motorsports Park, has long sought for his track to become the professional testing choice for the top professional drag racers.
"I am looking forward to the new alliance," Dean said. "Bobby and the staff at CompetitionPlus.com have done a great job over the years with their magazine and promoting these events. I'm looking at the Eastern Spring Test National event as the start to a long term program."
At 242 feet above sea level, SGMP makes for an optimum testing venue through its first class facility. The track is 4,500 feet in total length and sixty feet wide and the complete quarter-mile is concrete. A 31" concrete safety wall runs the entire length of the track and into the half-mile shutdown area. Musco lighting makes it possible for efficient night-time testing. SGMP also features VIP suites and has ready seating for 3,000 spectators.
eRaceFuels CompetitionPlus.com published their first issue in September of 1999. Since then, over 100 issues have been published in nearly six years. eRaceFuels CompetitionPlus.com is managed by EzineMedia, Inc., which is based in Spartanburg, SC. The average readership for eRaceFuels CompetitionPlus.com exceeds 270,000 unique readers per month.
The average high temperature during the week of eRaceFuels CompetitionPlus.com ESTN is 74-degrees with a low of 48-degrees.
posted by David @ 1:23 PM
NHRA Overturns Matt Smith's win at Indy- Steve Johnson is winner
Courtesy Jerry Battle
www.georgia-motorsports.com
G SQUARED MOTORSPORTS
OWNERS: GEORGE BRYCE & GEORGE SMITH
NHRA POWERADE DRAG RACING SERIES
PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE: G SQUARED S&S BUELL
RIDER: CHIP ELLIS and MATT SMITH
51ST ANNUAL NHRA MAC TOOLS U.S. NATIONALS
INDIANAPOLIS RACEWAY PARK - INDIANAPOLIS, IND.
AUGUST 31- SEPTEMBER 5, 2005
Looking back at the Pro Stock Motorcycle final round of the 51st annual NHRA Mac Tools U.S. Nationals between Matt Smith and Steve Johnson, it seems that all the drama of that final round and the events following has had more twists and turns than a soap opera.
As many may know, and for those who don't, NHRA announced yesterday (Sept. 6) that the posted results of Monday's Pro Stock Motorcycle final round, which had Smith as the winner, has been overturned and awarded the victory to Johnson.
George Bryce and George Smith, partners of G Squared Motorsports, which owns and races the bike that Matt Smith rode throughout the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals, have jointly issued the following statement regarding NHRA’s decision to overturn the final round outcome:
"When Steve Johnson left on Matt Smith we were watching at the finish line hoping that Matt could catch him. When the win light came on in Matt's lane and he had run an 11 (7.114 seconds) versus Steve’s 20 (7.206 seconds), we were amazed but elated that we had won the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals, the most prestigious race on the circuit.
"We then did the winner's circle celebration and returned to our pit area to continue our celebration. We never saw the video at the track. It wasn't until sometime later that we saw the video replays. Even then and all throughout Tuesday we thought that we had come away victorious. Then we got a call from Graham (Light), and were notified that NHRA had overturned the on track decision. We want all to know that we accept that decision and think it was justified.
"NHRA did a lot of reviews, including the ESPN2 video of the questioned final round, and all reviews pointed out that Steve had crossed the line first. Perhaps it was a matter of time before an incident like this took place and becomes the precedent for the NHRA version of "instant replay" review.
"Looking back, we wish that Steve could have had his time in the winner's circle, but happy that NHRA corrected, what in hindsight, was obvious - Steve was the winner.
"All-in-all, both G Squared/S&S-powered Buells did well, as did Matt and Chip. Matt Smith was runner-up on race day on one Buell and Chip Ellis was runner-up in the Ringers Gloves Pro Bike Battle, a special race-within-a-race on Saturday, on the other. It was a great weekend for G Squared Motorsports, S&S Cycle, which supply our power, and the newest addition to our racing family, Mac Tools. We were proud that we could do well for Mac Tools at their race.
"Finally, the most important part, we give Steve Johnson sincere congratulation on his win and applaud the NHRA for correcting what was an obvious fluke in the system."
On paper, the results of the electronic timers had Smith, aboard the G Squared S&S-powered Buell, as the winner by .0013 seconds.
But upon further review of ESPN television tapes and inspection of the finish line timing system, together with the data from all of Johnson's previous runs at the event, as well as those of other competitors and consultation with industry experts, Graham Light, senior vice president of racing operations, NHRA, overturned what would have been Smith's first NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle win.
"Although it is always our (NHRA's) desire to provide finality to the event for both the competitors and the fans at the event’s conclusion, upon further review, it's obvious that the finish line beam did not detect the front tire of Johnson's motorcycle and instead was triggered by another component of the motorcycle," said Light.
"I am now convinced that the finish line camera angle did not distort the image and that Johnson's motorcycle was the first to cross the finish line. Therefore, we are reversing the original decision and declaring Steve Johnson the winner of the event."
FURNISHED BY:
G SQUARED MOTORSPORTS
OWNERS: GEORGE BRYCE & GEORGE SMITH
Visit our website at http://www.g2motorsports.net/
posted by David @ 12:46 PM
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
Steve Johnson Declared Pro Stock Bike Winner at Indy - NHRA Reverses Decision After Further Review of Video Tape
On Tuesday, NHRA reversed their decision from Monday regarding Matt Smith's win in the Pro Stock Bike final at the US Nationals. The video clearly showed that Steve Johnson crossed the finish line first and NHRA did the right thing today and awarded Steve the win. It is a tough break for Matt Smith and the G&G team, but Steve clearly won the race.
NHRA Article
NHRA Article
posted by David @ 12:49 AM
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
Here's a shot from the staging lanes at the 2004 Hayes Mopar Meet (Atlanta Dragway). The 2005 edition is September 9 & 10 at Atlanta Dragway.
posted by David @ 1:35 AM
Photo from the 2004 Hayes Mopar Meet at Atlanta Dragway. The 2005 edition is September 9 & 10 at Atlanta Dragway.
posted by David @ 1:33 AM
Another shot from the 2004 Hayes Mopar Meet at Atlanta Dragway. The 2005 edition is September 9 & 10 at Atlanta Dragway.
posted by David @ 1:32 AM
Here's a shot of Allen Johnson and Larry Morgan at the 2004 Hayes Mopar Meet at Atlanta Dragway. The 2005 edition is September 9 & 10 at Atlanta Dragway.
posted by David @ 1:30 AM
Monday, September 05, 2005
Matt Smith captures his first career win at Indy - Ellis advances to the quarterfinals
Courtesy Jerry Battle
www.georgia-motorsports.com
G SQUARED MOTORSPORTS
OWNERS: GEORGE BRYCE & GEORGE SMITH
Visit our website at www.g2motorsports.net
NHRA POWERADE DRAG RACING SERIES
PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE: G SQUARED S&S BUELL
RIDER: CHIP ELLIS and MATT SMITH
51ST ANNUAL NHRA MAC TOOLS U.S. NATIONALS
INDIANAPOLIS RACEWAY PARK - INDIANAPOLIS, IND.
AUGUST 31- SEPTEMBER 5, 2005
Chip Ellis:
Qualified: # 7 (7.112 seconds at 181.28 mph)
Eliminations:
Round 1: Ellis (7.109/186.54) def. Mike Berry (7.301/181.08)
Round 2: Ellis (7.139/185.82) lost to Matt Smith (7.162/180.19)
Matt Smith:
Qualified: # 2 (7.090 seconds at 184.52 mph)
Eliminations:
Round 1: Smith (7.207/185.72) def. Chris Rivas (7.272/176.81)
Round 2: Smith (7.162/180.19) def. Chip Ellis (7.139/185.82)
Round 3 (Semifinal): Smith (7.178/185.77) def. Matt Guidera (Red light: 7.350/178.99)
Round 4 (Final): Smith (7.114/186.12) winner over Steve Johnson (7.206/185.08)
CLERMONT, Ind. (September 5, 2005) - In the second final round of his career, Matt Smith rode his Red Line Oil G Squared S&S-powered Buell to a win over Steve Johnson at the 51 annual NHRA Mac Tools U.S. Nationals, the most prestigious event on the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series.
En route to the final round Smith turned back Chris Rivas, Chip Ellis and Matt Guidera. In the final round Smith caught Johnson at the finish line to capture his first career win.
Matt Smith, 32, from King, N.C., is the son of veteran Pro Stock (car) driver Rickie Smith. He began racing Pro Stock Motorcycle in 1996. His first final round came at Memphis last season when he finished runner-up to Antron Brown.
"Friday was the first time I even sat on this Buell," said Smith. "I knew immediately after that first pass that I had a bike that could win it all. I appreciate the opportunity that George Bryce and George Smith of G Squared gave me this weekend. To win the U.S. Nationals is awesome and a one of the kind experience. I know I’ll never forget it.
"I want to also thank Mac Tools and Mike Ashley's Gotham City Racing for their support."
EVENT RECAP:
Chip Ellis and Matt Smith, both aboard G Squared S&S Buells, set their sights on the most sought after prize on the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series - a Wally, emblematic of winning this weekend's NHRA Mac Tools U.S. Nationals.
In the opening round of eliminations, Ellis turned back Mike Berry. On a picture perfect Chamber of Commerce day, Ellis blazed the Indianapolis Raceway Park (IRP) quarter-mile in 7.109 seconds, easily outdistancing Berry's 7.301 run.
While Ellis was sending Berry packing, Smith won over Chris Rivas, also on a Buell. Smith overcame a .001-second reaction time by Rivas, running an elapsed time of 7.207 seconds to turn on the finish line lights.
This paired Ellis and Smith in round two.
On a holeshot, Smith overcame a pass of 7.139 seconds by Ellis. Smith turned an advantage of 38 hundredths, coupled with an elapsed time of 7.162 seconds, into a win. Smith's margin of victory was about four feet (.0157 of a second).
Smith moved into the semifinals against the Buell of Matt Guidera.
Guidera's red light in the semifinal round sent Smith into the final round against Steve Johnson. Smith had lane choice by virtue of his 7.178 second run against Guidera.
Johnson got out first at the green and it took every inch of the IRP track for Smith to run him down but the power of his S&S engine did the job. Smith's margin of victory was one ten thousandth of a second.
"I hesitated at the light because I didn’t want to red light," said Smith. "Fortunately, I didn't throw away the win. Since George (Bryce) teaches us to focus on a spot at the end of the track, I didn't know where Steve (Johnson) was. I hear it was close at the finish line."
NEXT RACE: After a weekend off, G Squared Motorsports move to Maple Grove Raceway, near Reading, Penn., for the Toyo Tires Nationals, which unfolds September 15-18.
www.georgia-motorsports.com
G SQUARED MOTORSPORTS
OWNERS: GEORGE BRYCE & GEORGE SMITH
Visit our website at www.g2motorsports.net
NHRA POWERADE DRAG RACING SERIES
PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE: G SQUARED S&S BUELL
RIDER: CHIP ELLIS and MATT SMITH
51ST ANNUAL NHRA MAC TOOLS U.S. NATIONALS
INDIANAPOLIS RACEWAY PARK - INDIANAPOLIS, IND.
AUGUST 31- SEPTEMBER 5, 2005
Chip Ellis:
Qualified: # 7 (7.112 seconds at 181.28 mph)
Eliminations:
Round 1: Ellis (7.109/186.54) def. Mike Berry (7.301/181.08)
Round 2: Ellis (7.139/185.82) lost to Matt Smith (7.162/180.19)
Matt Smith:
Qualified: # 2 (7.090 seconds at 184.52 mph)
Eliminations:
Round 1: Smith (7.207/185.72) def. Chris Rivas (7.272/176.81)
Round 2: Smith (7.162/180.19) def. Chip Ellis (7.139/185.82)
Round 3 (Semifinal): Smith (7.178/185.77) def. Matt Guidera (Red light: 7.350/178.99)
Round 4 (Final): Smith (7.114/186.12) winner over Steve Johnson (7.206/185.08)
CLERMONT, Ind. (September 5, 2005) - In the second final round of his career, Matt Smith rode his Red Line Oil G Squared S&S-powered Buell to a win over Steve Johnson at the 51 annual NHRA Mac Tools U.S. Nationals, the most prestigious event on the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series.
En route to the final round Smith turned back Chris Rivas, Chip Ellis and Matt Guidera. In the final round Smith caught Johnson at the finish line to capture his first career win.
Matt Smith, 32, from King, N.C., is the son of veteran Pro Stock (car) driver Rickie Smith. He began racing Pro Stock Motorcycle in 1996. His first final round came at Memphis last season when he finished runner-up to Antron Brown.
"Friday was the first time I even sat on this Buell," said Smith. "I knew immediately after that first pass that I had a bike that could win it all. I appreciate the opportunity that George Bryce and George Smith of G Squared gave me this weekend. To win the U.S. Nationals is awesome and a one of the kind experience. I know I’ll never forget it.
"I want to also thank Mac Tools and Mike Ashley's Gotham City Racing for their support."
EVENT RECAP:
Chip Ellis and Matt Smith, both aboard G Squared S&S Buells, set their sights on the most sought after prize on the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series - a Wally, emblematic of winning this weekend's NHRA Mac Tools U.S. Nationals.
In the opening round of eliminations, Ellis turned back Mike Berry. On a picture perfect Chamber of Commerce day, Ellis blazed the Indianapolis Raceway Park (IRP) quarter-mile in 7.109 seconds, easily outdistancing Berry's 7.301 run.
While Ellis was sending Berry packing, Smith won over Chris Rivas, also on a Buell. Smith overcame a .001-second reaction time by Rivas, running an elapsed time of 7.207 seconds to turn on the finish line lights.
This paired Ellis and Smith in round two.
On a holeshot, Smith overcame a pass of 7.139 seconds by Ellis. Smith turned an advantage of 38 hundredths, coupled with an elapsed time of 7.162 seconds, into a win. Smith's margin of victory was about four feet (.0157 of a second).
Smith moved into the semifinals against the Buell of Matt Guidera.
Guidera's red light in the semifinal round sent Smith into the final round against Steve Johnson. Smith had lane choice by virtue of his 7.178 second run against Guidera.
Johnson got out first at the green and it took every inch of the IRP track for Smith to run him down but the power of his S&S engine did the job. Smith's margin of victory was one ten thousandth of a second.
"I hesitated at the light because I didn’t want to red light," said Smith. "Fortunately, I didn't throw away the win. Since George (Bryce) teaches us to focus on a spot at the end of the track, I didn't know where Steve (Johnson) was. I hear it was close at the finish line."
NEXT RACE: After a weekend off, G Squared Motorsports move to Maple Grove Raceway, near Reading, Penn., for the Toyo Tires Nationals, which unfolds September 15-18.
posted by David @ 9:29 PM
BAZEMORE SCORES SEMIFINAL FINISH AT U.S. NATIONALS
DON SCHUMACHER RACING
Contact: Judy Stropus
INDIANAPOLIS (Sept. 5, 2005) - Whit Bazemore and the Matco Tools Iron Eagle Dodge Stratus R/T Funny Car continue to make strides in performance, scoring a semfinal finish in today's prestigious U.S. Nationals, the crown jewel of the POWERade Drag Racing Series and an event Bazemore has won twice.
Bazemore nipped his teammate Ron Capps in the first round of eliminations, winning on a holeshot advantage with a 4.924/315.64 to Capps' quicker yet losing 4.905/310.48. Reaction times: .048 for Bazemore, .083 for Capps.
The No. 8 qualifier then disposed of Phil Burkart Jr. with a 4.892/316.38, but met his match in the semifinal round against the Skoal Showdown winner Del Worsham. Without lane choice, Bazemore was first relegated to the left lane, but after an oildown in that lane in the Gary Scelzi/Frank Pedregon match-up, Worsham swapped lanes at the last minute.
Bazemore launched with a .096 reaction time, Worsham with a .082, but soon after Bazemore was up in smoke and out of contention, as Worsham claimed the win with a 4.893/314.09 to Bazemore's 7.068/126.65.
"We'll be very optimistic tomorrow," said a disappointed Bazemore. "Right now we're kind of shattered, because it's Indy.
"Yesterday we ran well the first qualifying run in the heat and we were on a good lap in the second round - quite possibly the low ET of the round - and we had a small, freak mechanical thing happen that happens on occasion and right then I felt like we could win this race.
"And this race is what marks your season. This is it. When you lose a race, normally you think, Well, there's the next race, but when it's Indy there's no next race, it's next year. So, it's very, very frustrating to lose here.
"There was a problem with the race track," he said of the semifinal round. "They did their best to clean it up. Our car was plenty safe as far as wheelspeed, so it's all conjecture at this point as to what really happened. I'm sure if we were going to make that run again right now with no oildown in front of us we'd run the car the same way and I'm sure that (co-crew chiefs) Dan (Olson) and Todd (Okuhara) would agree that the Matco Tools Dodge would go right down the race track."
On his first-round win against Capps: "That was good. The first round at Indy is the hardest round of the whole year because it's Indy. The last couple of races we've raced Capps he's possibly had a slight advantage on the starting line, so I really dug deep.
"It's the first round of Indy, you absolutely have to be at your very best and the light went our way. We were both pretty deep, but we knew we would have lane choice (in the next round) if our car went down the race track given what our second-round match-up would be (Phil Burkart Jr.'s 4.983-second ET in his first-round win).
"It's hard having teammates like this because they're so good and the teams are even and we're all working together as a team. While that's good in most cases, when you have to race them it's not very good because it can kind of mess with your head a little bit. Because you know what they have. We almost know what they’re going to do and they know what we're going to do, almost. It puts a lot more pressure on the drivers, I think."
Bazemore is seventh in Funny Car points, 148 out of fifth place.
Next up is the Toyo Tires NHRA Nationals in Reading, Pa., Sept. 16-18, 2005.
NHRA FUNNY CAR POINT STANDINGS:
1. Gary Scelzi, 1172
2. Robert Hight, 1171
3. Ron Capps, 1136
4. John Force, 1125
5. Eric Medlen, 1117
6. Tommy Johnson Jr., 1024
7. Whit Bazemore, 969
8. Del Worsham, 946 (winner today)
9. Cruz Pedregon, 873
10. Tony Pedregon, 843
Contact: Judy Stropus
INDIANAPOLIS (Sept. 5, 2005) - Whit Bazemore and the Matco Tools Iron Eagle Dodge Stratus R/T Funny Car continue to make strides in performance, scoring a semfinal finish in today's prestigious U.S. Nationals, the crown jewel of the POWERade Drag Racing Series and an event Bazemore has won twice.
Bazemore nipped his teammate Ron Capps in the first round of eliminations, winning on a holeshot advantage with a 4.924/315.64 to Capps' quicker yet losing 4.905/310.48. Reaction times: .048 for Bazemore, .083 for Capps.
The No. 8 qualifier then disposed of Phil Burkart Jr. with a 4.892/316.38, but met his match in the semifinal round against the Skoal Showdown winner Del Worsham. Without lane choice, Bazemore was first relegated to the left lane, but after an oildown in that lane in the Gary Scelzi/Frank Pedregon match-up, Worsham swapped lanes at the last minute.
Bazemore launched with a .096 reaction time, Worsham with a .082, but soon after Bazemore was up in smoke and out of contention, as Worsham claimed the win with a 4.893/314.09 to Bazemore's 7.068/126.65.
"We'll be very optimistic tomorrow," said a disappointed Bazemore. "Right now we're kind of shattered, because it's Indy.
"Yesterday we ran well the first qualifying run in the heat and we were on a good lap in the second round - quite possibly the low ET of the round - and we had a small, freak mechanical thing happen that happens on occasion and right then I felt like we could win this race.
"And this race is what marks your season. This is it. When you lose a race, normally you think, Well, there's the next race, but when it's Indy there's no next race, it's next year. So, it's very, very frustrating to lose here.
"There was a problem with the race track," he said of the semifinal round. "They did their best to clean it up. Our car was plenty safe as far as wheelspeed, so it's all conjecture at this point as to what really happened. I'm sure if we were going to make that run again right now with no oildown in front of us we'd run the car the same way and I'm sure that (co-crew chiefs) Dan (Olson) and Todd (Okuhara) would agree that the Matco Tools Dodge would go right down the race track."
On his first-round win against Capps: "That was good. The first round at Indy is the hardest round of the whole year because it's Indy. The last couple of races we've raced Capps he's possibly had a slight advantage on the starting line, so I really dug deep.
"It's the first round of Indy, you absolutely have to be at your very best and the light went our way. We were both pretty deep, but we knew we would have lane choice (in the next round) if our car went down the race track given what our second-round match-up would be (Phil Burkart Jr.'s 4.983-second ET in his first-round win).
"It's hard having teammates like this because they're so good and the teams are even and we're all working together as a team. While that's good in most cases, when you have to race them it's not very good because it can kind of mess with your head a little bit. Because you know what they have. We almost know what they’re going to do and they know what we're going to do, almost. It puts a lot more pressure on the drivers, I think."
Bazemore is seventh in Funny Car points, 148 out of fifth place.
Next up is the Toyo Tires NHRA Nationals in Reading, Pa., Sept. 16-18, 2005.
NHRA FUNNY CAR POINT STANDINGS:
1. Gary Scelzi, 1172
2. Robert Hight, 1171
3. Ron Capps, 1136
4. John Force, 1125
5. Eric Medlen, 1117
6. Tommy Johnson Jr., 1024
7. Whit Bazemore, 969
8. Del Worsham, 946 (winner today)
9. Cruz Pedregon, 873
10. Tony Pedregon, 843
posted by David @ 9:15 PM
Worsham Doubles - Dixon, Anderson and Smith Also Win the NHRA POWERade Mac Tools U.S. Nationals
posted by David @ 6:23 PM
Southeastern Dragway 50th Anniversary Race Video Now Available
Jerry Towns Photography has video available (DVD too - I believe) from the 50th Anniversary race at Southeastern Dragway (Dallas, GA). He has footage from both dates (July 9 & August 6, 2005). The video is all on-track footage and, of course, most of it is of bracket cars. The funny cars that made runs on either date are included. The Hemi Hurricane Willys is shown on the Dallas track for the first time in about 40 years! Some pretty cool stuff. No narration other than what you can hear over the PA.
Jerry is a great guy and he eeks out a living shooting photos and video from local tracks (and has been for years). I viewed the video (quickly) and was impressed.
For more details contact Jerry Towns at 770-787-3737 or jtphoto@bellsouth.net . Let him know that you heard about it on GeorgiaDragRacing.com. No, we don't get anything out of it, but I'd like for him to know that you saw it here.
He has a lot of other videos available including Outlaw 10.5, Wrecks & Wheelies, modern bracket races from several GA tracks, etc.
Jerry is a great guy and he eeks out a living shooting photos and video from local tracks (and has been for years). I viewed the video (quickly) and was impressed.
For more details contact Jerry Towns at 770-787-3737 or jtphoto@bellsouth.net . Let him know that you heard about it on GeorgiaDragRacing.com. No, we don't get anything out of it, but I'd like for him to know that you saw it here.
He has a lot of other videos available including Outlaw 10.5, Wrecks & Wheelies, modern bracket races from several GA tracks, etc.
posted by David @ 12:22 AM
KJ Qualifies Third for the U.S. Nationals
Contact: Jon Knapp
TMG Sports Marketing, Inc.
During Friday's first qualifying session for the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals, Kurt Johnson powered his ACDelco Cobalt Racing through the quarter-mile in a very impressive 6.728 seconds with a top speed of 205.38 mph. Having virtually guaranteed themselves a strong starting position in Monday's final eliminations, the Johnson team used their final four attempts at Indianapolis Raceway Park to fine tune their set-up for race day.
In the end, Johnson's opening run remained his run of record, and earned the second-generation racer the third starting position. Having gathered valuable information on their race day under varying conditions, Johnson is quietly optimistic as he pursues his third win at "The Big Go."
"After that strong opening run on Friday, we used the final four qualifying sessions to try different things. We tweaked it a little bit for Saturday morning and ran a 6.74, which wasn't bad, but fell off a little when compared to the best times, so we started throwing things at it from different angles, none of which really gelled the way we would have liked it to.
"For tomorrow, we will go back to our initial set-up. We'll tweak our ACDelco Cobalt a little for the conditions and just run our race. Hopefully, we'll be able to go a few rounds, make it to the final and see if we can make a great day here in Indianapolis."
TMG Sports Marketing, Inc.
During Friday's first qualifying session for the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals, Kurt Johnson powered his ACDelco Cobalt Racing through the quarter-mile in a very impressive 6.728 seconds with a top speed of 205.38 mph. Having virtually guaranteed themselves a strong starting position in Monday's final eliminations, the Johnson team used their final four attempts at Indianapolis Raceway Park to fine tune their set-up for race day.
In the end, Johnson's opening run remained his run of record, and earned the second-generation racer the third starting position. Having gathered valuable information on their race day under varying conditions, Johnson is quietly optimistic as he pursues his third win at "The Big Go."
"After that strong opening run on Friday, we used the final four qualifying sessions to try different things. We tweaked it a little bit for Saturday morning and ran a 6.74, which wasn't bad, but fell off a little when compared to the best times, so we started throwing things at it from different angles, none of which really gelled the way we would have liked it to.
"For tomorrow, we will go back to our initial set-up. We'll tweak our ACDelco Cobalt a little for the conditions and just run our race. Hopefully, we'll be able to go a few rounds, make it to the final and see if we can make a great day here in Indianapolis."
posted by David @ 12:15 AM
WJ Steps Up, Will Start Second in Indianapolis
Contact: Jon Knapp
TMG Sports Marketing, Inc.
This weekend's Mac Tools U.S. Nationals marks only the third event where Warren Johnson has raced his new GM Performance Parts GTO. During that time, he has been experiencing a bit of a learning curve as he and his team have worked to learn with their race car's tuning envelope.
That procedure was complicated even further when a mysterious part failure skewed their tuning data. Having solved this problem just prior to their arrival in Indianapolis, the veteran crew slowly closed in on their race car's "sweet spot" until their fourth attempt on Sunday morning, when "The Professor" made his best run at 6.727 seconds with a top speed of 205.66 mph to earn the second starting position for Sunday's final eliminations.
"When we assembled this new GM Performance Parts GTO, we transferred several components from the car we ran previously to this one, including the shocks. Unfortunately, the right front's performance had deteriorated, and we had been compensating for how the car reacted, not knowing that one component was the source of our problem until it really became evident that we simply couldn't adjust for it. We finally diagnosed and fixed it before this race, and have been slowly backing our way in to a combination that would work.
"We kept working at it until this morning, when we finally got back into the right zone, producing that 6.72. Knowing no one would bump us out of second this afternoon, we tried something new, and learned something. We'll go back to a known shock set-up for tomorrow, and do some testing before Reading to fine tune it.
"We're encouraged heading into tomorrow. Looking at the incremental numbers, we have the strongest car from the 330-foot mark to the finish line, so we just have to get to through the first 330 feet a little bit quicker, and we should be in great shape."
TMG Sports Marketing, Inc.
This weekend's Mac Tools U.S. Nationals marks only the third event where Warren Johnson has raced his new GM Performance Parts GTO. During that time, he has been experiencing a bit of a learning curve as he and his team have worked to learn with their race car's tuning envelope.
That procedure was complicated even further when a mysterious part failure skewed their tuning data. Having solved this problem just prior to their arrival in Indianapolis, the veteran crew slowly closed in on their race car's "sweet spot" until their fourth attempt on Sunday morning, when "The Professor" made his best run at 6.727 seconds with a top speed of 205.66 mph to earn the second starting position for Sunday's final eliminations.
"When we assembled this new GM Performance Parts GTO, we transferred several components from the car we ran previously to this one, including the shocks. Unfortunately, the right front's performance had deteriorated, and we had been compensating for how the car reacted, not knowing that one component was the source of our problem until it really became evident that we simply couldn't adjust for it. We finally diagnosed and fixed it before this race, and have been slowly backing our way in to a combination that would work.
"We kept working at it until this morning, when we finally got back into the right zone, producing that 6.72. Knowing no one would bump us out of second this afternoon, we tried something new, and learned something. We'll go back to a known shock set-up for tomorrow, and do some testing before Reading to fine tune it.
"We're encouraged heading into tomorrow. Looking at the incremental numbers, we have the strongest car from the 330-foot mark to the finish line, so we just have to get to through the first 330 feet a little bit quicker, and we should be in great shape."
posted by David @ 12:11 AM
BAZEMORE AND MATCO TOOLS TEAM ON CONSISTENT PATH AT U.S. NATIONALS
DON SCHUMACHER RACING
Contact: Judy Stropus
INDIANAPOLIS (Sept. 4, 2005) - Whit Bazemore and the Matco Tools Iron Eagle Dodge Stratus R/T Funny Car team came on strong in the first round of qualifying for the 51st running of the prestigious U.S. Nationals at Indianapolis Raceway Park, posting a rock steady 4.795-second elapsed time at 324.12 mph.
Four more good runs down the quarter-mile produced a quicker, No. 8 qualifying pass of 4.768/323.81 in the third session, followed by a 4.861/320.43. The other two less-than-stellar runs in the 5-second range still gave the team valuable data to continue to improve the car's performance.
"It's been a great weekend so far," said the two-time U.S. Nationals champion. "The Matco Tools team has made a lot of good progress and I'm excited about going into the race tomorrow. We ran well in the heat, the guys are doing a fanstastic job, and we have confidence."
Bazemore will face his teammate Ron Capps in first round of eliminations on Monday in the quickest Funny Car field in NHRA's history.
"It doesn't matter," he said. "It's not politically correct for me to say this, but, on one hand, they're teammates, but on the other hand they're not, they're competitors, just like any other team. The only difference is they're under the same roof and we're friends, we communicate. But tomorrow they're not teammates, they're enemies and competitors, and that's how we approach it."
Contact: Judy Stropus
INDIANAPOLIS (Sept. 4, 2005) - Whit Bazemore and the Matco Tools Iron Eagle Dodge Stratus R/T Funny Car team came on strong in the first round of qualifying for the 51st running of the prestigious U.S. Nationals at Indianapolis Raceway Park, posting a rock steady 4.795-second elapsed time at 324.12 mph.
Four more good runs down the quarter-mile produced a quicker, No. 8 qualifying pass of 4.768/323.81 in the third session, followed by a 4.861/320.43. The other two less-than-stellar runs in the 5-second range still gave the team valuable data to continue to improve the car's performance.
"It's been a great weekend so far," said the two-time U.S. Nationals champion. "The Matco Tools team has made a lot of good progress and I'm excited about going into the race tomorrow. We ran well in the heat, the guys are doing a fanstastic job, and we have confidence."
Bazemore will face his teammate Ron Capps in first round of eliminations on Monday in the quickest Funny Car field in NHRA's history.
"It doesn't matter," he said. "It's not politically correct for me to say this, but, on one hand, they're teammates, but on the other hand they're not, they're competitors, just like any other team. The only difference is they're under the same roof and we're friends, we communicate. But tomorrow they're not teammates, they're enemies and competitors, and that's how we approach it."
posted by David @ 12:07 AM
Sunday, September 04, 2005
Chip Ellis No. 7 on new G Squared S&S Buell - Matt Smith No. 2 on second G Squared S&S Buell
Courtesy Jerry Battle
www.georgia-motorsports.com
G SQUARED MOTORSPORTS
OWNERS: GEORGE BRYCE & GEORGE SMITH
NHRA POWERADE DRAG RACING SERIES
PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE: G SQUARED S&S BUELL
RIDERS: CHIP ELLIS and MATT SMITH
Visit our website at www.g2motorsports.net
QUALIFYING:
Session 1 Friday: 7.203 seconds at 183.52 mph (# 7)
Session 1 Saturday: 7.112 seconds at 181.28 mph (# 4)
Session 2 Saturday: 7.231 seconds at 182.01 mph (# 4)
Session 1 Sunday: 7.137 seconds at 185.82 mph (# 7)
Session 2 Sunday: 7.167 seconds at 181.40 mph (# 7)
CLERMONT, Ind. (September 4, 2005) - Fresh from a runner-up spot at yesterday's Ringers Gloves Pro Bike Battle, Chip Ellis, aboard one of the G Squared S&S Buell, ended qualifying in the No. 7 position for the 51st annual NHRA Mac Tools U.S. Nationals being held this weekend at IRP - Indianapolis Raceway Park.
Even though he went to the final round of the Ringers Gloves Pro Bike Battle, a change was in store for the final two qualifying sessions and elimination.
"We put a new engine in for the final two qualifying sessions," said partner and co-owner George Smith. "The other engine got us through the Ringers Gloves Battle but was going away as we headed into the semifinal and final rounds. With the Battle behind us our concentration is now on the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals."
G Squared Motorsports debuted its second generation Buell at the start of this event. Ellis' best pass of five qualifying opportunities aboard the new motorcycle came in the first round of the Ringers Gloves Pro Bike Battle, which doubles as a qualifying session. Ellis covered the IRP quarter-mile in 7.112 seconds at 181.28 mph.Tomorrow Ellis will square off against Mike Berry in the opening round of eliminations. Berry qualified 10th with an elapsed time of 7.135 seconds. Ellis is looking to move up in the NHRA POWERade Pro Stock Motorcycle point standings. The Americus, Ga., driver enters this event No. 6.
Matt Smith No. 2 on second G Squared S&S Buell
QUALIFYING:
Session 1 Friday: 7.154 seconds at 181.89 mph (# 2)
Session 1 Saturday: 11.483 seconds at 65.47 mph (# 9)
Session 2 Saturday: 7.144 seconds at 187.42 mph (# 9)
Session 1 Sunday: 7.090 seconds at 184.52 mph (# 2)
Session 2 Sunday: 7.185 seconds at 187.94 mph (# 2)
CLERMONT, Ind. (September 4, 2005)- If you've wonder what has happened to the Buell that Chip Ellis vacated when he moved to his new Buell, you only have to look around the G Squared pit area. It's there.
G Squared is fielding two Buells this weekend. Matt Smith is on board.
"Matt's running the bike that Chip used to run. It’s still a good bike even though it has over 200 runs on it," said George Bryce, who along with George Smith co-owns G Squared Motorsports.
"We had at least three goals for Indy. First was to get Ken Johnson back on board. He's here and has helped a whole bunch. Second was to debut our new Buell. It's here with Chip on board. And our final goal was to become a two-bike team. That's happened too. Matt Smith joined us here at Indy on our second Buell.
"It's cool that we can give Matt a chance. We now have two opportunities to put a G Squared S&S-powered Buell in the winner’s circle."
Moving from his Suzuki, Smith adapted immediately to his new ride. Running a 7.154-second pass, he was qualified second at the end of Friday's qualify and No. 9 after Saturday. He moved back to No. 2 on Sunday morning when he ran an elapsed time of 7.090 seconds at 184.52 mph.
Based on the strength of that 7.090-second pass, Smith finished No. 2 on the final qualifying ladder for the 51st annual NHRA Mac Tools U.S. Nationals.
When eliminations begin tomorrow, Smith will be match against Chris Rivas, who qualified No. 15 with a 7.201 second pass at 178.33 mph.
Smith is No. 13 in the NHRA POWERade Pro Stock Motorcycle point standings with 390 points entering this event.
www.georgia-motorsports.com
G SQUARED MOTORSPORTS
OWNERS: GEORGE BRYCE & GEORGE SMITH
NHRA POWERADE DRAG RACING SERIES
PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE: G SQUARED S&S BUELL
RIDERS: CHIP ELLIS and MATT SMITH
Visit our website at www.g2motorsports.net
QUALIFYING:
Session 1 Friday: 7.203 seconds at 183.52 mph (# 7)
Session 1 Saturday: 7.112 seconds at 181.28 mph (# 4)
Session 2 Saturday: 7.231 seconds at 182.01 mph (# 4)
Session 1 Sunday: 7.137 seconds at 185.82 mph (# 7)
Session 2 Sunday: 7.167 seconds at 181.40 mph (# 7)
CLERMONT, Ind. (September 4, 2005) - Fresh from a runner-up spot at yesterday's Ringers Gloves Pro Bike Battle, Chip Ellis, aboard one of the G Squared S&S Buell, ended qualifying in the No. 7 position for the 51st annual NHRA Mac Tools U.S. Nationals being held this weekend at IRP - Indianapolis Raceway Park.
Even though he went to the final round of the Ringers Gloves Pro Bike Battle, a change was in store for the final two qualifying sessions and elimination.
"We put a new engine in for the final two qualifying sessions," said partner and co-owner George Smith. "The other engine got us through the Ringers Gloves Battle but was going away as we headed into the semifinal and final rounds. With the Battle behind us our concentration is now on the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals."
G Squared Motorsports debuted its second generation Buell at the start of this event. Ellis' best pass of five qualifying opportunities aboard the new motorcycle came in the first round of the Ringers Gloves Pro Bike Battle, which doubles as a qualifying session. Ellis covered the IRP quarter-mile in 7.112 seconds at 181.28 mph.Tomorrow Ellis will square off against Mike Berry in the opening round of eliminations. Berry qualified 10th with an elapsed time of 7.135 seconds. Ellis is looking to move up in the NHRA POWERade Pro Stock Motorcycle point standings. The Americus, Ga., driver enters this event No. 6.
Matt Smith No. 2 on second G Squared S&S Buell
QUALIFYING:
Session 1 Friday: 7.154 seconds at 181.89 mph (# 2)
Session 1 Saturday: 11.483 seconds at 65.47 mph (# 9)
Session 2 Saturday: 7.144 seconds at 187.42 mph (# 9)
Session 1 Sunday: 7.090 seconds at 184.52 mph (# 2)
Session 2 Sunday: 7.185 seconds at 187.94 mph (# 2)
CLERMONT, Ind. (September 4, 2005)- If you've wonder what has happened to the Buell that Chip Ellis vacated when he moved to his new Buell, you only have to look around the G Squared pit area. It's there.
G Squared is fielding two Buells this weekend. Matt Smith is on board.
"Matt's running the bike that Chip used to run. It’s still a good bike even though it has over 200 runs on it," said George Bryce, who along with George Smith co-owns G Squared Motorsports.
"We had at least three goals for Indy. First was to get Ken Johnson back on board. He's here and has helped a whole bunch. Second was to debut our new Buell. It's here with Chip on board. And our final goal was to become a two-bike team. That's happened too. Matt Smith joined us here at Indy on our second Buell.
"It's cool that we can give Matt a chance. We now have two opportunities to put a G Squared S&S-powered Buell in the winner’s circle."
Moving from his Suzuki, Smith adapted immediately to his new ride. Running a 7.154-second pass, he was qualified second at the end of Friday's qualify and No. 9 after Saturday. He moved back to No. 2 on Sunday morning when he ran an elapsed time of 7.090 seconds at 184.52 mph.
Based on the strength of that 7.090-second pass, Smith finished No. 2 on the final qualifying ladder for the 51st annual NHRA Mac Tools U.S. Nationals.
When eliminations begin tomorrow, Smith will be match against Chris Rivas, who qualified No. 15 with a 7.201 second pass at 178.33 mph.
Smith is No. 13 in the NHRA POWERade Pro Stock Motorcycle point standings with 390 points entering this event.
posted by David @ 11:44 PM
Franky Bishop has Big Night at South Georgia Motorsports Park
by Marvin T. Smith
September 3, 2005 - South Georgia Motorsports Park hosted a multi-event on Saturday of Labor Day weekend. Following an earlier rainout, three events were run on the same day: the National Dragster Challenge, the O'Reilly Jr. Drag Racing League Challenge, and the NHRA King of the Track race. The National Dragster Challenge is a special bracket race featuring NHRA Wally trophies for the winners in Pro and Super Pro. The Jr. Drag Racing League Challenge winners in three age categories take home special crystal dragster trophies. The King of the Track event pits the eight highest point earners over the course of the last year in the Pro category in a special run-off. The Pro winner then faces the winner of a similar eight car Super Pro runoff for the King of the Track title and a special gold Wally trophy.
In the Jr. Dragster category, all entries faced off for eliminations, with the driver from each age group who advanced the furthest in eliminations receiving the trophy for his or her age group. Ladson Selph was the overall winner and winner of the 10-12 year old group. Beau Gay won the 13-18 age group and was runner-up in the overall eliminations. In the final, Selph ran a 9.029 on is 9.01 dial to beat Gay’s 8.681 on his 8.64 dial. The 8-9 year old age group needed a special run-off to determine the winner. A. J. Williams beat his brother Neil for the trophy, using a perfect .000 rt and a 13.145 on his 13.13 dial.
The Dial In For Dollars competition, in which the driver who is closest to his/her dial-in without breaking out wins, was run just prior to eliminations. Jeff Parker from Adel, Georgia took home the money in Pro, and Shannon Newell ran a 6.562 on his 6.56 dial in to take the Super Pro bucks.
In National Dragster Challenge Pro action semifinals, Daniel Salyers took his Monte Carlo to victory over Terry Granett's Dodge Dart, and Franky Bishop in the Budweiser Chevy II beat Ricky Kent's Camaro. In the finals, Salyers wasted a fine 8.241 on his 8.24 dial with a foul to hand the Wally to Franky Bishop who ran what would have been a breaking out 6.807 on his 6.81 dial. Sometimes it is just your night.
In the National Dragster Challenge Super Pro semifinals, Larry McDuffie ran a 6.98 on his 6.96 dial to beat Roger Mann’s 6.938 break out on his 6.94 dial. Ashley King singled with a fine 6.781 on his 6.78 dial to show he was ready. In the finals McDuffie took his little Luv truck to a 6.98 on his 6.96 dial to beat King’s break out 6.771 on his 6.78 dial for the Wally.
King of the Track featured Super Pro racers Jack Ivey, Ray Lloyd, Jimmy Owen, Bruce Mouat, Glen Newmans, Benny Owen, Larry McDuffie, and Ashley King. In the Super Pro final, Bruce Mouat ran a 4.982 on his 4.98 dial to beat Jimmy Owen's 5.08 on his 5.06 dial to win the right to face the Pro winner for the Golden Wally. Pro racers Frankie Bishop, Brandon Wood, Tony Holland, Ray Williams Sr., Shane Parker, Todd Sapp, Kenny Bevins, and Gene Tenland faced off. In the Pro final, Frankie Bishop used a great .019 light and a 6.842 on his 6.80 dial to beat Tony Holland's 8.309 on his 8.29 dial when he was a little late on the start (.051 reaction time). In the big run for the Golden Wally, Pro winner Bishop ran a 6.801 on his 6.80 dial and had a near perfect reaction time of .001 to beat Super Pro winner Bruce Mouat's breaking out 4.975 on his 4.98 dial (reaction time .016). So Frankie Bishop won both the Silver Wally for the National Dragster Challenge and the Gold Wally for the King of the Track event in one night! This was a night he will never forget!!
This was a great event. Watch for the big NMCA race in two weeks and keep an eye out for the official announcement of the ESTN professional testing session in the Spring.
September 3, 2005 - South Georgia Motorsports Park hosted a multi-event on Saturday of Labor Day weekend. Following an earlier rainout, three events were run on the same day: the National Dragster Challenge, the O'Reilly Jr. Drag Racing League Challenge, and the NHRA King of the Track race. The National Dragster Challenge is a special bracket race featuring NHRA Wally trophies for the winners in Pro and Super Pro. The Jr. Drag Racing League Challenge winners in three age categories take home special crystal dragster trophies. The King of the Track event pits the eight highest point earners over the course of the last year in the Pro category in a special run-off. The Pro winner then faces the winner of a similar eight car Super Pro runoff for the King of the Track title and a special gold Wally trophy.
In the Jr. Dragster category, all entries faced off for eliminations, with the driver from each age group who advanced the furthest in eliminations receiving the trophy for his or her age group. Ladson Selph was the overall winner and winner of the 10-12 year old group. Beau Gay won the 13-18 age group and was runner-up in the overall eliminations. In the final, Selph ran a 9.029 on is 9.01 dial to beat Gay’s 8.681 on his 8.64 dial. The 8-9 year old age group needed a special run-off to determine the winner. A. J. Williams beat his brother Neil for the trophy, using a perfect .000 rt and a 13.145 on his 13.13 dial.
The Dial In For Dollars competition, in which the driver who is closest to his/her dial-in without breaking out wins, was run just prior to eliminations. Jeff Parker from Adel, Georgia took home the money in Pro, and Shannon Newell ran a 6.562 on his 6.56 dial in to take the Super Pro bucks.
In National Dragster Challenge Pro action semifinals, Daniel Salyers took his Monte Carlo to victory over Terry Granett's Dodge Dart, and Franky Bishop in the Budweiser Chevy II beat Ricky Kent's Camaro. In the finals, Salyers wasted a fine 8.241 on his 8.24 dial with a foul to hand the Wally to Franky Bishop who ran what would have been a breaking out 6.807 on his 6.81 dial. Sometimes it is just your night.
In the National Dragster Challenge Super Pro semifinals, Larry McDuffie ran a 6.98 on his 6.96 dial to beat Roger Mann’s 6.938 break out on his 6.94 dial. Ashley King singled with a fine 6.781 on his 6.78 dial to show he was ready. In the finals McDuffie took his little Luv truck to a 6.98 on his 6.96 dial to beat King’s break out 6.771 on his 6.78 dial for the Wally.
King of the Track featured Super Pro racers Jack Ivey, Ray Lloyd, Jimmy Owen, Bruce Mouat, Glen Newmans, Benny Owen, Larry McDuffie, and Ashley King. In the Super Pro final, Bruce Mouat ran a 4.982 on his 4.98 dial to beat Jimmy Owen's 5.08 on his 5.06 dial to win the right to face the Pro winner for the Golden Wally. Pro racers Frankie Bishop, Brandon Wood, Tony Holland, Ray Williams Sr., Shane Parker, Todd Sapp, Kenny Bevins, and Gene Tenland faced off. In the Pro final, Frankie Bishop used a great .019 light and a 6.842 on his 6.80 dial to beat Tony Holland's 8.309 on his 8.29 dial when he was a little late on the start (.051 reaction time). In the big run for the Golden Wally, Pro winner Bishop ran a 6.801 on his 6.80 dial and had a near perfect reaction time of .001 to beat Super Pro winner Bruce Mouat's breaking out 4.975 on his 4.98 dial (reaction time .016). So Frankie Bishop won both the Silver Wally for the National Dragster Challenge and the Gold Wally for the King of the Track event in one night! This was a night he will never forget!!
This was a great event. Watch for the big NMCA race in two weeks and keep an eye out for the official announcement of the ESTN professional testing session in the Spring.
posted by David @ 11:15 PM
Ellis in fourth after three of five qualifying runs - Runner-up in the Ringers Gloves Pro Bike Battle
Courtesy Jerry Battle
http://www.georgia-motorsports.com/
G SQUARED MOTORSPORTS
RIDER: CHIP ELLIS
MEDIA CONTACT: Mickey Schultz
CLERMONT, Ind. (September 3, 2005) - As the second day of qualifying for the 51st annual NHRA Mac Tools U.S. Nationals came to an end, Chip Ellis, aboard the G Squared S&S-powered Buell, moved into the No. 4 qualifying position.
The Americus, Ga., driver also advanced to the final round of the Ringers Gloves Pro Bike Battle before finishing runner-up to GT Tonglet.
QUALIFYING:
Session 1 Friday: 7.203 seconds at 183.52 mph (# 7)
Session 1 Saturday: 7.112 seconds at 181.28 mph (# 4)
Session 2 Saturday: 7.231 seconds at 182.01 mph (# 4)
Ellis' first round of the Ringers Gloves Pro Bike Battle (see below) also counted as today's first session of qualifying and as a result of a 7.11-second elapsed time the G Squared S&S-powered Buell moved to No. 4 on the Pro Stock Bike qualifying ladder.
The semifinal round of the Ringers Gloves Pro Bike Battle again counted toward qualifying runs. This time as today's second session of qualifying. Therefore Ellis' 7.231-second pass counted as a qualifying run but did not help him move to a higher position. Ellis' Buell remained in the fourth spot after three of five qualifying sessions.
RINGERS GLOVES PRO BIKE BATTLE
Eliminations:
Round 1: Ellis (7.112/181.28) def. Angelle Sampey (7.102/192.25)
Round 2 (Semifinal): Ellis (7.231/162.01) def. Andrew Hines (red-light: 7.110/187.11)
Round 3 (Finals): Ellis (7.345/177.04) runner-up to GT Tonglet (7.288/176.60)
Ellis laid a holeshot on Angelle Sampey and took the opening round of the Ringers Gloves Pro Bike Battle. Ellis gained 33 hundredth at the green light - reaction times were .014 for Ellis and .047 for Sampey.
On the IRP quarter-mile it was a pass of 7.112 seconds for Ellis, while Sampey crossed the finish line stripe in 7.102 seconds. The margin of victory was .021 of a second in favor of Ellis.
In the semifinals Ellis squared off against Andrew Hines. Although Hines ran quicker, Hines gave Ellis an early Christmas gift when he red-lighted. Ellis ran an E.T. of 7.231 seconds. Hines recorded a 7.110-second pass. The foul start by Hines moved Ellis to the final round against GT Tonglet.
In a good old fashion drag race, it was Tonglet from start to finish. Tonglet cruised the IRP strip in 7.288 seconds to take the $15,000 winner's share of the Ringers Gloves Pro Bike Battle purse. Ellis, who ran a 7.345-second pass, collected $5,000 for finishing in the runner-up position.
KEN JOHNSON
Ken Johnson indicated that in addition to the racers, teams and fans that he gave thanks to yesterday, there are still many people that got him back on his feet and back at the track in record time.
Explained Ken, "I want to give a special thank you to Tracy Slemker of Prosthetic Design in Dayton (Ohio) for all his help not only in designing my new leg but also for his and his team's therapy and rehabilitation help so that I could get back to work as quickly as possible.
"Also, a special thank you needs to go out to Reggie Showers for all his insight into what I could expect during my time in the hospital and then later during rehabilitation on how to face life with a prosthetic. Working with Reggie in the past and now as a result of this accident prepared me mentally more than words can describe.
"To you both: THANK YOU!"
George Bryce, a partner and co-owner of G Squared Motorsports along with George Smith, said, "After twenty years of having Ken by side for every race until his accident, it's good to have him back. No, it's great to have him back. He has helped a whole bunch this week."
QUALIFYING: Qualifying ends Sunday with two final sessions for Ellis and the G Squared/S&S Buell at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Ellis begins his quest for the Pro Stock Motorcycle title on Monday, Labor Day, with eliminations for all professional classes getting underway at 11 a.m. All times are local Indianapolis times – Indianapolis remains on Eastern Standard Time year-around which currently is the same as Central Daylight Time (CDT): 1 hour behind the Eastern Daylight Time zone -- and subject to change at anytime.
TELEVISION: Qualifying highlights and eliminations coverage for the 51st annual NHRA Mac Tools U.S. Nationals can be seen on ESPN2 as follows:
Sunday, Sept. 4, ESPN2 will televise two hours of qualifying coverage at noon (ET)
Sunday, Sept. 4, ESPN2 will televise three hours of qualifying coverage at 10:30 p.m. (ET)Monday, Sept. 5, ESPN2 will televise one hour of eliminations coverage at noon (ET)
Monday, Sept. 5, ESPN2 will televise three hours of eliminations coverage at 8 p.m. (ET)
Friday, Sept 16, ESPN2 will televise a two-hour repeat show of eliminations at 2 a.m. (ET)
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 as follows:
Sunday, Sept. 4, ESPN2 will televise NHRA 2Day at 11:30 a.m. (ET)
Monday, Sept. 5, ESPN2 will televise a special presentation of NHRA 2Day at 11:30 a.m. (ET)Television times are Eastern Time (ET) and subject to change at anytime. Check local listings.
FURNISHED BY:
G SQUARED MOTORSPORTSOWNERS: GEORGE BRYCE & GEORGE SMITH
Visit our website at http://www.g2motorsports.net/
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G SQUARED MOTORSPORTS
RIDER: CHIP ELLIS
MEDIA CONTACT: Mickey Schultz
CLERMONT, Ind. (September 3, 2005) - As the second day of qualifying for the 51st annual NHRA Mac Tools U.S. Nationals came to an end, Chip Ellis, aboard the G Squared S&S-powered Buell, moved into the No. 4 qualifying position.
The Americus, Ga., driver also advanced to the final round of the Ringers Gloves Pro Bike Battle before finishing runner-up to GT Tonglet.
QUALIFYING:
Session 1 Friday: 7.203 seconds at 183.52 mph (# 7)
Session 1 Saturday: 7.112 seconds at 181.28 mph (# 4)
Session 2 Saturday: 7.231 seconds at 182.01 mph (# 4)
Ellis' first round of the Ringers Gloves Pro Bike Battle (see below) also counted as today's first session of qualifying and as a result of a 7.11-second elapsed time the G Squared S&S-powered Buell moved to No. 4 on the Pro Stock Bike qualifying ladder.
The semifinal round of the Ringers Gloves Pro Bike Battle again counted toward qualifying runs. This time as today's second session of qualifying. Therefore Ellis' 7.231-second pass counted as a qualifying run but did not help him move to a higher position. Ellis' Buell remained in the fourth spot after three of five qualifying sessions.
RINGERS GLOVES PRO BIKE BATTLE
Eliminations:
Round 1: Ellis (7.112/181.28) def. Angelle Sampey (7.102/192.25)
Round 2 (Semifinal): Ellis (7.231/162.01) def. Andrew Hines (red-light: 7.110/187.11)
Round 3 (Finals): Ellis (7.345/177.04) runner-up to GT Tonglet (7.288/176.60)
Ellis laid a holeshot on Angelle Sampey and took the opening round of the Ringers Gloves Pro Bike Battle. Ellis gained 33 hundredth at the green light - reaction times were .014 for Ellis and .047 for Sampey.
On the IRP quarter-mile it was a pass of 7.112 seconds for Ellis, while Sampey crossed the finish line stripe in 7.102 seconds. The margin of victory was .021 of a second in favor of Ellis.
In the semifinals Ellis squared off against Andrew Hines. Although Hines ran quicker, Hines gave Ellis an early Christmas gift when he red-lighted. Ellis ran an E.T. of 7.231 seconds. Hines recorded a 7.110-second pass. The foul start by Hines moved Ellis to the final round against GT Tonglet.
In a good old fashion drag race, it was Tonglet from start to finish. Tonglet cruised the IRP strip in 7.288 seconds to take the $15,000 winner's share of the Ringers Gloves Pro Bike Battle purse. Ellis, who ran a 7.345-second pass, collected $5,000 for finishing in the runner-up position.
KEN JOHNSON
Ken Johnson indicated that in addition to the racers, teams and fans that he gave thanks to yesterday, there are still many people that got him back on his feet and back at the track in record time.
Explained Ken, "I want to give a special thank you to Tracy Slemker of Prosthetic Design in Dayton (Ohio) for all his help not only in designing my new leg but also for his and his team's therapy and rehabilitation help so that I could get back to work as quickly as possible.
"Also, a special thank you needs to go out to Reggie Showers for all his insight into what I could expect during my time in the hospital and then later during rehabilitation on how to face life with a prosthetic. Working with Reggie in the past and now as a result of this accident prepared me mentally more than words can describe.
"To you both: THANK YOU!"
George Bryce, a partner and co-owner of G Squared Motorsports along with George Smith, said, "After twenty years of having Ken by side for every race until his accident, it's good to have him back. No, it's great to have him back. He has helped a whole bunch this week."
QUALIFYING: Qualifying ends Sunday with two final sessions for Ellis and the G Squared/S&S Buell at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Ellis begins his quest for the Pro Stock Motorcycle title on Monday, Labor Day, with eliminations for all professional classes getting underway at 11 a.m. All times are local Indianapolis times – Indianapolis remains on Eastern Standard Time year-around which currently is the same as Central Daylight Time (CDT): 1 hour behind the Eastern Daylight Time zone -- and subject to change at anytime.
TELEVISION: Qualifying highlights and eliminations coverage for the 51st annual NHRA Mac Tools U.S. Nationals can be seen on ESPN2 as follows:
Sunday, Sept. 4, ESPN2 will televise two hours of qualifying coverage at noon (ET)
Sunday, Sept. 4, ESPN2 will televise three hours of qualifying coverage at 10:30 p.m. (ET)Monday, Sept. 5, ESPN2 will televise one hour of eliminations coverage at noon (ET)
Monday, Sept. 5, ESPN2 will televise three hours of eliminations coverage at 8 p.m. (ET)
Friday, Sept 16, ESPN2 will televise a two-hour repeat show of eliminations at 2 a.m. (ET)
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 as follows:
Sunday, Sept. 4, ESPN2 will televise NHRA 2Day at 11:30 a.m. (ET)
Monday, Sept. 5, ESPN2 will televise a special presentation of NHRA 2Day at 11:30 a.m. (ET)Television times are Eastern Time (ET) and subject to change at anytime. Check local listings.
FURNISHED BY:
G SQUARED MOTORSPORTSOWNERS: GEORGE BRYCE & GEORGE SMITH
Visit our website at http://www.g2motorsports.net/
WSB-TV, Atlanta, WSB Radio Join Community Groups for Hurricane Relief http://www.wsbtv.com/community/4916151/detail.html
WWL-TV New Orleans http://www.wwltv.com/
WWL-TV live video http://www.wwltv.com/perl/common/video/yahooPlayer.pl
posted by David @ 12:55 AM
Schumacher, Force, Anderson and Hines Lead Pro Qualifying After Three Sessions at the NHRA POWERade Mac Tools U.S. Nationals
Tony Schumacher leads the way at 4.459 @ 329.18 in Top Fuel with his second 4.459 run this weekend. Twenty-Seven Top Fuelers have made qualifying attempts and the bump is currently Jack Beckman's 4.701.
Johns Force is back on top of Funny Car with a 4.726 @ 326.24. Former Georgian Whit Bazemore is #8 with a 4.768 @ 324.12. Twenty-Five Funny Cars have made qualifying attempts and the bump is currently Phil Burkart's 4.852.
Johns Force is back on top of Funny Car with a 4.726 @ 326.24. Former Georgian Whit Bazemore is #8 with a 4.768 @ 324.12. Twenty-Five Funny Cars have made qualifying attempts and the bump is currently Phil Burkart's 4.852.
Greg Anderson is #1 in Pro Stock with a 6.689 @ 205.51 that leads second place qualifier Kurt Johnson by almost 4 hundreths of a second. Kurt Johnson ran a 6.728 @ 205.35 for the second spot. WJ is #7 with a 6.744 @ 205.47. Barry Grant is currently #26 with a best of 6.838 @ 201.13. Thirty-Four Pro Stocks have made qualifying attempts and the bump is currently Jim Yates' 6.758.
Andrew Hines is tops in Pro Stock Motorcycle with a 7.081@ 189.04. Chip Ellis was the RU in the Ringers Gloves Pro Bike Battle and is currently qualified #4 with a 7.112 @ 183.52. GT Tonglet picked up the $15,000 for winning the Ringers Gloves Pro Bike Battle. Twenty-Eight Pro Stock Bikes have made qualifyng attempts and the bump is currently Buddy Robinson's 7.256.
Two more Pro qualifying sessions will be held on Sunday.
posted by David @ 12:03 AM
