NHRA Postpones O’Reilly Fall Nationals until October 6-9 due to Hurricane Rita's Unpredictable Path
posted by David @ 6:12 PM
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Sol & Anne Stewart's 2005 Old Drag Racers Reunion and Hall of Fame September 30 & October 1
Sol and Anne Stewart's 2005 Old Drag Racers Reunion & Hall of Fame is coming up soon! In about two weeks the annual event will be held at Panama City, Florida. A car show, Hall of Fame Induction, Memory Lane and more! Join in the fun at a casual, laid-back event! Unfortunately, I won't be able to attend this year because I'm having surgery Sept. 28, but I hope you can make it - you'll have a great time. This event has been growing every year and you'll get to mingle with some of drag racing's greatest stars. Don't miss it !
The 2005 Hall of Fame Inductees will be:
Harold Dutton
Joe Teuton
Billy "Cigar" Holt
M.A. Madden
Charles Smith
Sam McQuagg
Dick Brannan
Sonny Rollo
Sidney Foster
Frank Moring
Willie D. Smith
Jim Waibel
Dick Harrell (deceased)
Jabo Elam (deceased)
Bill Tanner (deceased)
Bill Aydelott (deceased)
Bobby Henderson (deceased)
Congratulations to all!
For more information, contact Sol Stewart at 251-246-5588 or T_Pet@Bellsouth.net .
2005 newsletter: http://community.webshots.com/album/264835355AIyHdh
2002 photos: http://georgiadragracing.com/photoalbum/ODRR2002/index.html
2002 article: http://www.georgiadragracing.com/articles/2002olddragracersreunion.html
2003 photos: http://georgiadragracing.com/photoalbum/ODRR03/index.html
2003 article: http://www.georgiadragracing.com/articles/em-2003-old-drag-racers.html
2004 photos: http://community.webshots.com/album/180953560FiRrFN
2004 article: http://www.georgiadragracing.com/articles/old-drag-racers-2004.html
The 2005 Hall of Fame Inductees will be:
Harold Dutton
Joe Teuton
Billy "Cigar" Holt
M.A. Madden
Charles Smith
Sam McQuagg
Dick Brannan
Sonny Rollo
Sidney Foster
Frank Moring
Willie D. Smith
Jim Waibel
Dick Harrell (deceased)
Jabo Elam (deceased)
Bill Tanner (deceased)
Bill Aydelott (deceased)
Bobby Henderson (deceased)
Congratulations to all!
For more information, contact Sol Stewart at 251-246-5588 or T_Pet@Bellsouth.net .
2005 newsletter: http://community.webshots.com/album/264835355AIyHdh
2002 photos: http://georgiadragracing.com/photoalbum/ODRR2002/index.html
2002 article: http://www.georgiadragracing.com/articles/2002olddragracersreunion.html
2003 photos: http://georgiadragracing.com/photoalbum/ODRR03/index.html
2003 article: http://www.georgiadragracing.com/articles/em-2003-old-drag-racers.html
2004 photos: http://community.webshots.com/album/180953560FiRrFN
2004 article: http://www.georgiadragracing.com/articles/old-drag-racers-2004.html
posted by David @ 2:27 AM
A Drag Racing Hall of Fame for the East Coast
By Jim Hill (Crane Cams & 2004 East Coast Drag Times Hall of Fame Member)
It is hardly a secret that the sport of drag racing set its earliest roots in California. Sources peg the year at about 1938 or 1939, perhaps even earlier, but just as the new shoots began to reach skyward, the dark clouds of war postponed such frivolities as the hot rodders found themselves in uniform, off to fight for their country's survival.
It was during that time of war that these same young men acquired new knowledge and skills that they would utilize for the design, building and competition of automobiles. They returned with their skills vastly improved in the ways to make engines roar and chassis handle the power produced. In the process they met other military servicemen with an equal thirst for the thrill of speed in a machine built, maintained and driven with their own hands. It was from this that a nationwide, coast to coast hot rodding culture was spawned.
Why then, did the hot rodding sport, and ultimately that offshoot of drag racing become so identified with California, when there was as much activity happening "back east"? The answer lies within the media coverage of the sport and its embryonic creation. Perhaps even more pointedly, "the media" pretty much consisted of one Robert E. Petersen and his fledgling Trend Publishing Company. Notably, the title of HOT ROD MAGAZINE, first published in 1948, and edited in the Los Angeles area, established California as the place where hot rodding and soon drag racing, was "happening". From the onset, Petersen's realm of editorial coverage focused on Southern California, and this quickly, if unintentionally, led his readers to assume that hot rodding was indeed a California invention.
Since then hot rodding and drag racing blossomed to become far more than a mere weekend diversion, a "hobby" for restless young men. In the half century since it's beginning - on both east and west coasts - hot rodding and drag racing has become a major motorsports activity and spawned an industry that now boasts a more than $1 billion dollar contribution to the nation's economy.
All well and good, except that there remained, until a scant four years ago, very little recognition for the contributions to this sport and industry made by those from "The Right Coast". Perhaps the only exception to this is the outstanding Museum of Drag Racing, founded and operated by drag racing legend Don Garlits, and his national Drag Racing Hall of Fame, which chooses its annual inductees from candidates whose careers occurred on both east and west coasts.
But four years ago, in 2002, one individual gathered about her a small yet determined group of eastern based drag racers, media types and fans and formed the East Coast Drag Times Hall of Fame. The site chosen for this pioneering effort, Henderson, North Carolina, was selected because of the efforts of one Nancy Wilson, a devoted fan of drag racing and Director of the Vance County Tourism Department. Nancy provided the location and the official support of the Vance County officials who were keen on the prospects of having such an organisation make its home in their community.
Along those lines Ms. Wilson and her colleagues created the entire East Coast Drag Times Hall of Fame weekend. Held each year in mid-October, this event has grown to become one of the Southeast"s largest car shows. The show part of the weekend literally closes down the main street of Henderson, forming a pedestrian mall that showcases several hundred rods, muscle cars, antique vehicles and race cars for a crowd of nearly 20,000 eager spectators. Each year's list of honored inductees gather on Friday evening at two different Henderson hotels to enjoy cocktails and re-establish old friendships and racing rivalries from days past. A massive cruise-in that same night gives the car show participants the opportunity to show off their rides and return to the hallowed cruising scene of the 1950's and 60's.
On Sunday, at the Vance-Granville Civic Center, the inductees are gathered for recognition and formal entrance into immortality within the East Coast based drag racing community. There old photographs, stories and memories are shared for those on hand as well as those who are honored posthumously.
This year's East Coast Drag Times Hall of Fame spans the weekend of October 14-16. Host hotels The Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express and Jameson Inn all report they are booked to capacity and registrations for the car show have again surpassed previous records! The 2005 Hall of Fame inductee list includes Dave Reitz, Frank Spittle, Sherman Sligh, Harold Dutton, Randy Payne, Jack Musilli, Jim Amos, Tony Feil, Ed Eaton, George Reese, Gene Fulton, Steve Bagwell, John Livingston, Clayton Harris, Tony Russo, and the "First Lady" of the East Coast Drag Times Hall of Fame, Nancy Wilson.
Other awards to be presented are the Jungle Jim Liberman Award, to Bob Banning, the "Jack Approved" Award, this year presented to the Robert L. Blake family and Posthumous Awards, honoring Clayton Harris and Tony Russo. The Motorsports Pioneer Award will be presented to "Cotton" Owens. Beginning with this 2005 edition of the Hall of Fame, a special "Motorsports Statesman" award is to be presented to a specially selected individual whose contributions to drag racing, not necessarily as a participant, warrant specific recognition. The first recipient has been named as Wally Parks, the first editor of Hot Rod Magazine and founder of the National Hot Rod Association. Hereafter, this annual award will be called "The Wally Parks Motorsports Statesman Award".
Additional details on the East Coast Drag Times Hall of Fame weekend (Oct. 14-16) are available at http://www.eastcoastdragtimeshalloffame.com/, or by calling the Vance County Tourism Department at 252/438-2222 or 1-866-438-4565.
It is hardly a secret that the sport of drag racing set its earliest roots in California. Sources peg the year at about 1938 or 1939, perhaps even earlier, but just as the new shoots began to reach skyward, the dark clouds of war postponed such frivolities as the hot rodders found themselves in uniform, off to fight for their country's survival.
It was during that time of war that these same young men acquired new knowledge and skills that they would utilize for the design, building and competition of automobiles. They returned with their skills vastly improved in the ways to make engines roar and chassis handle the power produced. In the process they met other military servicemen with an equal thirst for the thrill of speed in a machine built, maintained and driven with their own hands. It was from this that a nationwide, coast to coast hot rodding culture was spawned.
Why then, did the hot rodding sport, and ultimately that offshoot of drag racing become so identified with California, when there was as much activity happening "back east"? The answer lies within the media coverage of the sport and its embryonic creation. Perhaps even more pointedly, "the media" pretty much consisted of one Robert E. Petersen and his fledgling Trend Publishing Company. Notably, the title of HOT ROD MAGAZINE, first published in 1948, and edited in the Los Angeles area, established California as the place where hot rodding and soon drag racing, was "happening". From the onset, Petersen's realm of editorial coverage focused on Southern California, and this quickly, if unintentionally, led his readers to assume that hot rodding was indeed a California invention.
Since then hot rodding and drag racing blossomed to become far more than a mere weekend diversion, a "hobby" for restless young men. In the half century since it's beginning - on both east and west coasts - hot rodding and drag racing has become a major motorsports activity and spawned an industry that now boasts a more than $1 billion dollar contribution to the nation's economy.
All well and good, except that there remained, until a scant four years ago, very little recognition for the contributions to this sport and industry made by those from "The Right Coast". Perhaps the only exception to this is the outstanding Museum of Drag Racing, founded and operated by drag racing legend Don Garlits, and his national Drag Racing Hall of Fame, which chooses its annual inductees from candidates whose careers occurred on both east and west coasts.
But four years ago, in 2002, one individual gathered about her a small yet determined group of eastern based drag racers, media types and fans and formed the East Coast Drag Times Hall of Fame. The site chosen for this pioneering effort, Henderson, North Carolina, was selected because of the efforts of one Nancy Wilson, a devoted fan of drag racing and Director of the Vance County Tourism Department. Nancy provided the location and the official support of the Vance County officials who were keen on the prospects of having such an organisation make its home in their community.
Along those lines Ms. Wilson and her colleagues created the entire East Coast Drag Times Hall of Fame weekend. Held each year in mid-October, this event has grown to become one of the Southeast"s largest car shows. The show part of the weekend literally closes down the main street of Henderson, forming a pedestrian mall that showcases several hundred rods, muscle cars, antique vehicles and race cars for a crowd of nearly 20,000 eager spectators. Each year's list of honored inductees gather on Friday evening at two different Henderson hotels to enjoy cocktails and re-establish old friendships and racing rivalries from days past. A massive cruise-in that same night gives the car show participants the opportunity to show off their rides and return to the hallowed cruising scene of the 1950's and 60's.
On Sunday, at the Vance-Granville Civic Center, the inductees are gathered for recognition and formal entrance into immortality within the East Coast based drag racing community. There old photographs, stories and memories are shared for those on hand as well as those who are honored posthumously.
This year's East Coast Drag Times Hall of Fame spans the weekend of October 14-16. Host hotels The Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express and Jameson Inn all report they are booked to capacity and registrations for the car show have again surpassed previous records! The 2005 Hall of Fame inductee list includes Dave Reitz, Frank Spittle, Sherman Sligh, Harold Dutton, Randy Payne, Jack Musilli, Jim Amos, Tony Feil, Ed Eaton, George Reese, Gene Fulton, Steve Bagwell, John Livingston, Clayton Harris, Tony Russo, and the "First Lady" of the East Coast Drag Times Hall of Fame, Nancy Wilson.
Other awards to be presented are the Jungle Jim Liberman Award, to Bob Banning, the "Jack Approved" Award, this year presented to the Robert L. Blake family and Posthumous Awards, honoring Clayton Harris and Tony Russo. The Motorsports Pioneer Award will be presented to "Cotton" Owens. Beginning with this 2005 edition of the Hall of Fame, a special "Motorsports Statesman" award is to be presented to a specially selected individual whose contributions to drag racing, not necessarily as a participant, warrant specific recognition. The first recipient has been named as Wally Parks, the first editor of Hot Rod Magazine and founder of the National Hot Rod Association. Hereafter, this annual award will be called "The Wally Parks Motorsports Statesman Award".
Additional details on the East Coast Drag Times Hall of Fame weekend (Oct. 14-16) are available at http://www.eastcoastdragtimeshalloffame.com/, or by calling the Vance County Tourism Department at 252/438-2222 or 1-866-438-4565.
posted by David @ 2:18 AM
2005 East Coast Drag Times Hall of Fame & Reunion October 14-16
It's hard to believe a year has gone by, but it's almost time for Nancy Wilson's annual East Coast Drag Times Hall of Fame & Reunion. This event has really grown into a BIG event! A huge car show (over 700 great classics, muscle cars, street rods, drag cars, etc.last year) on the streets of downtown Henderson, NC, entertainment and the Hall of Fame Induction ceremony will make you glad you attended! This is a must-see event. I hope to see you there!
East Coast Drag Times Hall of Fame website
2004 Photos
2004 Photos #2
2004 Photos #3
2004 Article
2003 Photos
2003 Article
2002 Photos
2002 Article
East Coast Drag Times Hall of Fame website
2004 Photos
2004 Photos #2
2004 Photos #3
2004 Article
2003 Photos
2003 Article
2002 Photos
2002 Article
posted by David @ 2:14 AM
NMCA at South Georgia Motorsports Park
by Marvin T. Smith
New Photos Added
Action at South Georgia Motorsports Park was as hot as the weather temperatures today. Racers battled in twelve categories.
The headline category is Pro Street. Number one qualifier Vinny Budano imported ace engine builder Scott Shafiroff for this race (actually Vinny works for Scott during the week). Unfortunately Vinny's day ended in the semifinals with breakage. Number two qualifier Troy Coughlin took a 6.77 205 victory over a fouling Kevin McCurdy. Coughlin was driving a Chevy Cavalier which surprisingly is not one of the family's ex Pro Stock cars. It is powered by a 815 inch Sonny Leonard hemi Chevy.
Super Street is the quickest class on 10.5 inch tires. Dan Millen took his turbocharged Mustang to a victory over number one Qualifier Bryan Markiwicz in his big inch nitrous Mustang. Millen took the opportunity to reset the NMCA speed record. The old record was 181 mph, but Millen raised it several times over the weekend and saved the best for last: 195.76! How's that for smashing a record?
Tony Nesbitt won Nostalgia Pro Steet in his 2002 Corvette running a 7.72 183 to beat Mike Radnis' 67 Camaro (7.82).
Xtreme Street saw Tony Orts' 68 Firebird take an 8.28 167 victory over the Mustang of Jimmy Byrne (8.49).
Pro Stock went to Jamie Stanton in an 00 Camaro at 9.05 151 beating Steve Cagle's 9.24.
Jimmy McDonagh won Street Race in his 70 Chevelle 9.74 over Mike Dezotell's Mustang (9.82). Dezotell had number one qualifier and top speed, but couldn't quite get it done in the final.
Nostalgia Super Stock was a battle of Mopars. Donnie Wilson's 65 Coronet beat Larry Martin's 63 Plymouth.
Heath Shemwell took Nostalgia Muscle Car in his immaculate 69 Camaro. The double breakout final (10.50 index) saw Shemwell break out least at 10.48 to beat Jim Barr's 10.44.
Open Comp went to Jamie Rickman over Jimmy Harrell Jr.
Super Trucks went to local racer Todd Sapp over the highly favored series points chaser Randy Shearin. Sapp's better light was all it took.
Super Pro went to first time winner and local racer Lisa Mouat over track Super Pro Points leader Ray Lloyd. Lisa comes from a real racing family. Her husband, Bruce, has won several big money bracket races and her son is the reigning Jr. Dragster track champion. Her daughter is also a winner in Jr. Dragster. Lisa has been racing for about a year and a half, and everyone was happy to see her take home the money. Lloyd ran dead on his dial in with a zero, but Lisa sawed down the tree to take the win.
Pro (Footbrake) went to Shawn Parker over Chris Escobar. Again, Parker had the better light.
New Photos Added
Action at South Georgia Motorsports Park was as hot as the weather temperatures today. Racers battled in twelve categories.
The headline category is Pro Street. Number one qualifier Vinny Budano imported ace engine builder Scott Shafiroff for this race (actually Vinny works for Scott during the week). Unfortunately Vinny's day ended in the semifinals with breakage. Number two qualifier Troy Coughlin took a 6.77 205 victory over a fouling Kevin McCurdy. Coughlin was driving a Chevy Cavalier which surprisingly is not one of the family's ex Pro Stock cars. It is powered by a 815 inch Sonny Leonard hemi Chevy.
Super Street is the quickest class on 10.5 inch tires. Dan Millen took his turbocharged Mustang to a victory over number one Qualifier Bryan Markiwicz in his big inch nitrous Mustang. Millen took the opportunity to reset the NMCA speed record. The old record was 181 mph, but Millen raised it several times over the weekend and saved the best for last: 195.76! How's that for smashing a record?
Tony Nesbitt won Nostalgia Pro Steet in his 2002 Corvette running a 7.72 183 to beat Mike Radnis' 67 Camaro (7.82).
Xtreme Street saw Tony Orts' 68 Firebird take an 8.28 167 victory over the Mustang of Jimmy Byrne (8.49).
Pro Stock went to Jamie Stanton in an 00 Camaro at 9.05 151 beating Steve Cagle's 9.24.
Jimmy McDonagh won Street Race in his 70 Chevelle 9.74 over Mike Dezotell's Mustang (9.82). Dezotell had number one qualifier and top speed, but couldn't quite get it done in the final.
Nostalgia Super Stock was a battle of Mopars. Donnie Wilson's 65 Coronet beat Larry Martin's 63 Plymouth.
Heath Shemwell took Nostalgia Muscle Car in his immaculate 69 Camaro. The double breakout final (10.50 index) saw Shemwell break out least at 10.48 to beat Jim Barr's 10.44.
Open Comp went to Jamie Rickman over Jimmy Harrell Jr.
Super Trucks went to local racer Todd Sapp over the highly favored series points chaser Randy Shearin. Sapp's better light was all it took.
Super Pro went to first time winner and local racer Lisa Mouat over track Super Pro Points leader Ray Lloyd. Lisa comes from a real racing family. Her husband, Bruce, has won several big money bracket races and her son is the reigning Jr. Dragster track champion. Her daughter is also a winner in Jr. Dragster. Lisa has been racing for about a year and a half, and everyone was happy to see her take home the money. Lloyd ran dead on his dial in with a zero, but Lisa sawed down the tree to take the win.
Pro (Footbrake) went to Shawn Parker over Chris Escobar. Again, Parker had the better light.
posted by David @ 1:52 AM
Bryan Hanson's Trans Am before the crash at Brainerd Optimist Dragstrip. Wayne Holland photo.
posted by David @ 1:26 AM
Bryan Hanson suffered a top end crash at Brainerd Optimist Dragstrip last Saturday that destroyed his low 5 second Trans Am race car. Thankfully, Bryan walked away from the crash without a scratch. Thanks to Wayne Holland for the information and photos.
posted by David @ 1:22 AM
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
New Super Stock Calendars Added at the GeorgiaDragRacing.com Online Store!
posted by David @ 2:42 AM
Sunday, September 18, 2005
Tony Pedregon Wins at Reading - Q Racing Shows What It's All About
Mohnton, Pa. (September 18, 2005) - Tony Pedregon and his Q Racing Nitro Funny Car made it to winner’s circle during today’s NHRA National Event at Maple Grove Raceway.
In a nerve wreaking final round against John Force, Pedregon won a pedal fest with a 6.349-second elapsed time at 191.02 to beat Force's 8.339 seconds pass. Pedregon, while a Member of Force's team, won this race back in 2003. Todays win is Pedregon's first as a team owner.
"I could not ask for anyone better to beat than John (Force)," Pedregon said the 2003 Funny Car World Champion. "You know that when you beat Force, you have beaten the best. And of course, it also feels great to bring my first check home as a team owner."
Pedregon elaborated about the ride that took the Q team to victory.
"From the beginning, I felt the car was getting loose," Pedregon explained. "I thought my only chance was to get off and on the throttle and hope that the tires recovered. I fought it hard, and even the blower backfire on me, but I was able to pedal it down the track. Force had to deal with similar challenges to control the car."
After almost two years of hard work, Pedregon and his team brought together the performance and consistency necessary to achieve victory.
"My goal for this season was to bring a 'Wally' to Q's headquarters in Houston," Pedregon concluded. "Now I need to reset my goals. This is a long deserved win for Q Racing and all the support they have provided everyone. I am very proud of the Q Racing team, they are not only capable of winning, they also go out and prove it!"
Dickie Venables, crew chief, talks about what this win means to him.
"After more than a year and a half of hard work, this victory is very gratifying. It makes up for the incident we had on the starting line in Indy. I am very glad to bring this victory to Q Racing because they deserved better than what we had been doing so far. Now we have proved what we knew all along we could do."
During the first pass of the day, Pedregon beat Mike Ashley to the finish line, clicking off a 4.850-second elapsed time at 316.90 mph. In the second round, Pedregon had to face his brother Frank (Pedregon). recording an effort of 5.251 seconds to Frank's 5.871 seconds pass.
For the semifinal round, Pedregon ran against Gary Scelzi and, unlike Indianapolis, the Q driver arrived to the finish line first logging a 4.907-second elapsed time at 314.97 mph.
PedregonRacing.com
Public Relations Contact:
Alti Perea, Cox Marketing Group
Media Relations Representative
David Harris, Cox Marketing Group
Account Manager
Pedregon Racing
Advance Auto Parts Nitro Funny Car
‘Q’ Racing Nitro Funny Car
In a nerve wreaking final round against John Force, Pedregon won a pedal fest with a 6.349-second elapsed time at 191.02 to beat Force's 8.339 seconds pass. Pedregon, while a Member of Force's team, won this race back in 2003. Todays win is Pedregon's first as a team owner.
"I could not ask for anyone better to beat than John (Force)," Pedregon said the 2003 Funny Car World Champion. "You know that when you beat Force, you have beaten the best. And of course, it also feels great to bring my first check home as a team owner."
Pedregon elaborated about the ride that took the Q team to victory.
"From the beginning, I felt the car was getting loose," Pedregon explained. "I thought my only chance was to get off and on the throttle and hope that the tires recovered. I fought it hard, and even the blower backfire on me, but I was able to pedal it down the track. Force had to deal with similar challenges to control the car."
After almost two years of hard work, Pedregon and his team brought together the performance and consistency necessary to achieve victory.
"My goal for this season was to bring a 'Wally' to Q's headquarters in Houston," Pedregon concluded. "Now I need to reset my goals. This is a long deserved win for Q Racing and all the support they have provided everyone. I am very proud of the Q Racing team, they are not only capable of winning, they also go out and prove it!"
Dickie Venables, crew chief, talks about what this win means to him.
"After more than a year and a half of hard work, this victory is very gratifying. It makes up for the incident we had on the starting line in Indy. I am very glad to bring this victory to Q Racing because they deserved better than what we had been doing so far. Now we have proved what we knew all along we could do."
During the first pass of the day, Pedregon beat Mike Ashley to the finish line, clicking off a 4.850-second elapsed time at 316.90 mph. In the second round, Pedregon had to face his brother Frank (Pedregon). recording an effort of 5.251 seconds to Frank's 5.871 seconds pass.
For the semifinal round, Pedregon ran against Gary Scelzi and, unlike Indianapolis, the Q driver arrived to the finish line first logging a 4.907-second elapsed time at 314.97 mph.
PedregonRacing.com
Public Relations Contact:
Alti Perea, Cox Marketing Group
Media Relations Representative
David Harris, Cox Marketing Group
Account Manager
Pedregon Racing
Advance Auto Parts Nitro Funny Car
‘Q’ Racing Nitro Funny Car
posted by David @ 10:47 PM
Revised Atlanta Dragway Results by Tim Glover
MOTES INCREASES SUPER PRO LEAD WITH BORROWED CAR, POINTS LEADERS WIN THREE OF FIVE CLASSES
Photos
(Commerce, GA - September 17) All classes ran on the eighth mile course today at Atlanta Dragway, in preparation for the upcoming ET finals. There was drama in the Super Pro pits when points leader Tommy Motes' dragster broke for the second time in two weeks. However, his friends jumped in, and as it turns out, helped him all the way to the winner's circle. Russ Glover won the Super Pro portion of Run for the Money for the second week in a row with
his Hedman Hedders / Team PTI dragster. The current points leaders won three of the five classes contested today, in Super Pro, Sportsman and 13-17 Jr Dragster.
Tommy Motes' 1992 Undercover dragster was good to him earlier in the season, but it broke during last week's Hayes Mopar Meet, and then broke again in time trials today. Veteran Super Comp racer and former champion J.D. Reid came to the rescue, however, and offered Motes the use of his award winning '02 Undercover dragster. Motes had never sat in the car before, but apparently the experience of both Reid and Motes paid off, as Motes pulled off the win against another veteran, "Smoky Joe" Smith of Lawrenceville, GA. Smith's reaction time was uncharacteristically late in the final, which Motes took full advantage of, carding a winning 5.19 at 131.19mph (5.13 dial). Smith's car was right on, but second across the stripe at the big end, running 5.134 at 133.68mph (5.13 dial). Motes told Smith, "I was a nervous wreck!" Smith, who has won many rounds, and gone far in Division Two action, including second place in Super Gas in 1999, simply said, "I just screwed up. No excuses." Gary Adams' Carnesville, GA based '33 Willys made it to the semi-final round, along with now retired "Fireman Joe" Rampley ('79 Malibu - Gainesville, GA). Mathematically, Motes can still be caught, but the prospect for second place Gary Dunn catching him is dimming quickly, with only two Summit / Snap-On events left on the 2005 schedule.
Defending Sportsman champion Chris Carlile has been a frequent visitor to the Sportsman winner's circle in the last two months, and true to form, he came back again. His Canton, GA based '69 Camaro was a little vulnerable in the final, but the race was over before he even left the starting line, when Alpharetta, GA racer Kenny Jett left the cherry colored bulb glowing at the starting line with his '67 Chevelle. Carlile had put a 6.73 dial on his car, but ran 6.78 at 104.28 mph, and Jett had placed a 6.78 dial on his machine, but carded a 6.73 at 102.83 mph. Retired engineer Dickey Forrester, sometimes referred to as the "Mayor of Hickory Flat", finished in the semi-final round, along with Terrence Arrowood ('72 Nova - Hiwassee, GA). Carlile has a solid lead, and is a strong contender for the 2005 championship.
John Oliver from Buford, GA makes rounds with his '99 Durango in Trophy Street, and was in the final during last week's Mopar Meet. He went one better today against Hank Wilhelm from Commerce, GA, taking the win stripe away from Wilhelm's Chevy Z71 pickup. Oliver trimmed just a little bit of ET off his 10.33 goal, carding a 10.39 at 67.89mph. Wilhelm's truck broke out with a 11.20 at 60.68 (11.22 target), but was still the second vehicle to cross the finish line. Former champion and recent National Dragster Challenge winner Mel Abney ('67 Camaro - Cumming, GA) was the lone semi-finalist.
Two former Jr Dragster champions ended up facing each other in the 13-17 Jr Dragster final round. Team PTI racer and current 13-17 Jr Dragster points leader Lauren Turner from Pendergrass, GA met rival "Mad Matt" Gillen of Gainesville, GA in the final. This time, the 14 year old Turner ran a touch closer to her number than Gillen, who recently turned 14 years old. Her racecar put an 8.059 at 79.47 mph on the scoreboard for the final round. Gillen's Valvoline car was close with an 8.163 at 79.82 mph (8.10 dial). Turner thanked her entire team PTI, her parents, Fain & Mitchell properties and Tara Fine Jewelry. During the race, her crew discovered a crack in the engine block, but her Young Guns motor held together just fine for the race. Gillen thanked God, his mama, and Valvoline. Thomas Davis-Cox (15 - Buford, GA) was the semi-final trophy winner. Turner's win put her in a 100 point lead ahead of Matt Gillen and Kyle Denton, with two events left.
Ten year old Dylan Hutchins and his family enjoyed visiting the 8-12 year old Jr Dragster winner's circle for the very first time, after getting past multi time winner Ashton Shubert (12- Commerce, GA) in the final round. Hutchins had a good pass, running 9.08 at 71.70 mph (9.05 target), but Shubert made it easier for him by turning on the dreaded red light, with a slightly too quick reaction time. Shubert chose to run her car on out, posting a breakout 9.08 at 72.69 mph (9.11 target). Hutchins thanked his mom and dad, Angie, Freddie, Ralph Beam and Bill Gillen for their help and support this year. Blake Griffith ( Homer, GA) took home a semi-finalist trophy for his efforts.
PRO / SUPER PRO CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Tommy Motes '02 Undercover Loganville, GA 5.19 131.19 (5.13)
R/U: "Smoky Joe" Smith '00 Undercover Lawrenceville, GA 5.13 133.68 (5.13)
Semi: Joe Rampley '79 Malibu Gainesville, GA
Semi: Gary Adams '33 Willys Carnesville, GA
-----------------------------------------------
SPORTSMAN CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Chris Carlile '69 Camaro Canton, GA 6.78 104.28 (6.73)
R/U: Kenny Jett '67 Chevelle Alpharetta, GA 6.73 102.83 (6.78)
Semi: Dickey Forrester '68 Firebird Hickory Flat, GA
Semi: Terrence Arrowood 72 Nova Hiwassee, GA
-----------------------------------------------
TROPHY STREET CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: John Oliver '99 Durango Buford, GA 10.39 67.89 (10.33)
R/U: Hank Wilhelm '00 Chevy Z71 Commerce, GA 11.20 60.68 (11.22)
Semi: Mel Abney '67 Camaro Cumming, GA
-----------------------------------------------
8-12 JR DRAGSTER AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Dylan Hutchins 10 Monroe, GA 9.08 71.70 (9.05)
R/U: Ashton Shubert 12 Commerce, GA 9.08 72.69 (9.11)
Semi: Blake Griffith 11 Homer, GA
Semi:
-----------------------------------------------
13-17 JR DRAGSTER AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Lauren Turner 14 Pendergrass, GA 8.05 79.47 (8.00)
R/U: "Mad Matt" Gillen 13 Gainesville, GA 8.16 79.82 (8.10)
Semi: Thomas Davis-Cox 15 Buford, GA
Sanctioned by the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), Atlanta Dragway is located just off I-85 at Exit 149 in the Banks Crossing area of Commerce, Georgia. Information on all 2005 events may be obtained by calling the track office (706-335-2301) or logging on to http://www.atlantadragway.com/.
Photos
(Commerce, GA - September 17) All classes ran on the eighth mile course today at Atlanta Dragway, in preparation for the upcoming ET finals. There was drama in the Super Pro pits when points leader Tommy Motes' dragster broke for the second time in two weeks. However, his friends jumped in, and as it turns out, helped him all the way to the winner's circle. Russ Glover won the Super Pro portion of Run for the Money for the second week in a row with
his Hedman Hedders / Team PTI dragster. The current points leaders won three of the five classes contested today, in Super Pro, Sportsman and 13-17 Jr Dragster.
Tommy Motes' 1992 Undercover dragster was good to him earlier in the season, but it broke during last week's Hayes Mopar Meet, and then broke again in time trials today. Veteran Super Comp racer and former champion J.D. Reid came to the rescue, however, and offered Motes the use of his award winning '02 Undercover dragster. Motes had never sat in the car before, but apparently the experience of both Reid and Motes paid off, as Motes pulled off the win against another veteran, "Smoky Joe" Smith of Lawrenceville, GA. Smith's reaction time was uncharacteristically late in the final, which Motes took full advantage of, carding a winning 5.19 at 131.19mph (5.13 dial). Smith's car was right on, but second across the stripe at the big end, running 5.134 at 133.68mph (5.13 dial). Motes told Smith, "I was a nervous wreck!" Smith, who has won many rounds, and gone far in Division Two action, including second place in Super Gas in 1999, simply said, "I just screwed up. No excuses." Gary Adams' Carnesville, GA based '33 Willys made it to the semi-final round, along with now retired "Fireman Joe" Rampley ('79 Malibu - Gainesville, GA). Mathematically, Motes can still be caught, but the prospect for second place Gary Dunn catching him is dimming quickly, with only two Summit / Snap-On events left on the 2005 schedule.
Defending Sportsman champion Chris Carlile has been a frequent visitor to the Sportsman winner's circle in the last two months, and true to form, he came back again. His Canton, GA based '69 Camaro was a little vulnerable in the final, but the race was over before he even left the starting line, when Alpharetta, GA racer Kenny Jett left the cherry colored bulb glowing at the starting line with his '67 Chevelle. Carlile had put a 6.73 dial on his car, but ran 6.78 at 104.28 mph, and Jett had placed a 6.78 dial on his machine, but carded a 6.73 at 102.83 mph. Retired engineer Dickey Forrester, sometimes referred to as the "Mayor of Hickory Flat", finished in the semi-final round, along with Terrence Arrowood ('72 Nova - Hiwassee, GA). Carlile has a solid lead, and is a strong contender for the 2005 championship.
John Oliver from Buford, GA makes rounds with his '99 Durango in Trophy Street, and was in the final during last week's Mopar Meet. He went one better today against Hank Wilhelm from Commerce, GA, taking the win stripe away from Wilhelm's Chevy Z71 pickup. Oliver trimmed just a little bit of ET off his 10.33 goal, carding a 10.39 at 67.89mph. Wilhelm's truck broke out with a 11.20 at 60.68 (11.22 target), but was still the second vehicle to cross the finish line. Former champion and recent National Dragster Challenge winner Mel Abney ('67 Camaro - Cumming, GA) was the lone semi-finalist.
Two former Jr Dragster champions ended up facing each other in the 13-17 Jr Dragster final round. Team PTI racer and current 13-17 Jr Dragster points leader Lauren Turner from Pendergrass, GA met rival "Mad Matt" Gillen of Gainesville, GA in the final. This time, the 14 year old Turner ran a touch closer to her number than Gillen, who recently turned 14 years old. Her racecar put an 8.059 at 79.47 mph on the scoreboard for the final round. Gillen's Valvoline car was close with an 8.163 at 79.82 mph (8.10 dial). Turner thanked her entire team PTI, her parents, Fain & Mitchell properties and Tara Fine Jewelry. During the race, her crew discovered a crack in the engine block, but her Young Guns motor held together just fine for the race. Gillen thanked God, his mama, and Valvoline. Thomas Davis-Cox (15 - Buford, GA) was the semi-final trophy winner. Turner's win put her in a 100 point lead ahead of Matt Gillen and Kyle Denton, with two events left.
Ten year old Dylan Hutchins and his family enjoyed visiting the 8-12 year old Jr Dragster winner's circle for the very first time, after getting past multi time winner Ashton Shubert (12- Commerce, GA) in the final round. Hutchins had a good pass, running 9.08 at 71.70 mph (9.05 target), but Shubert made it easier for him by turning on the dreaded red light, with a slightly too quick reaction time. Shubert chose to run her car on out, posting a breakout 9.08 at 72.69 mph (9.11 target). Hutchins thanked his mom and dad, Angie, Freddie, Ralph Beam and Bill Gillen for their help and support this year. Blake Griffith ( Homer, GA) took home a semi-finalist trophy for his efforts.
PRO / SUPER PRO CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Tommy Motes '02 Undercover Loganville, GA 5.19 131.19 (5.13)
R/U: "Smoky Joe" Smith '00 Undercover Lawrenceville, GA 5.13 133.68 (5.13)
Semi: Joe Rampley '79 Malibu Gainesville, GA
Semi: Gary Adams '33 Willys Carnesville, GA
-----------------------------------------------
SPORTSMAN CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Chris Carlile '69 Camaro Canton, GA 6.78 104.28 (6.73)
R/U: Kenny Jett '67 Chevelle Alpharetta, GA 6.73 102.83 (6.78)
Semi: Dickey Forrester '68 Firebird Hickory Flat, GA
Semi: Terrence Arrowood 72 Nova Hiwassee, GA
-----------------------------------------------
TROPHY STREET CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: John Oliver '99 Durango Buford, GA 10.39 67.89 (10.33)
R/U: Hank Wilhelm '00 Chevy Z71 Commerce, GA 11.20 60.68 (11.22)
Semi: Mel Abney '67 Camaro Cumming, GA
-----------------------------------------------
8-12 JR DRAGSTER AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Dylan Hutchins 10 Monroe, GA 9.08 71.70 (9.05)
R/U: Ashton Shubert 12 Commerce, GA 9.08 72.69 (9.11)
Semi: Blake Griffith 11 Homer, GA
Semi:
-----------------------------------------------
13-17 JR DRAGSTER AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Lauren Turner 14 Pendergrass, GA 8.05 79.47 (8.00)
R/U: "Mad Matt" Gillen 13 Gainesville, GA 8.16 79.82 (8.10)
Semi: Thomas Davis-Cox 15 Buford, GA
Sanctioned by the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), Atlanta Dragway is located just off I-85 at Exit 149 in the Banks Crossing area of Commerce, Georgia. Information on all 2005 events may be obtained by calling the track office (706-335-2301) or logging on to http://www.atlantadragway.com/.
posted by David @ 9:51 PM
KJ Sees Red in Reading Semifinals
Contact: Jon Knapp
TMG Sports Marketing, Inc.
Three thousandths of a second is an almost immeasurable amount of time, barely imperceptible to the human eye. Unfortunately, during Sunday's final eliminations of the Toyo Tires NHRA Nationals in Reading, PA, it only took three thousandths for Kurt Johnson’s competitive day to come to an end.
After qualifying third, the ACDelco Cobalt Racing team continued to display the consistent performance that had powered them to second place in the POWERade championship standings. In the first round, KJ bettered his best qualifying time and speed, using a 6.700-second, 205.44 mph pass to eliminate V. Gaines. In the quarter-finals, he used the second quickest pass of the round at 6.714-seconds to gain the win over his father, Warren Johnson, and advance to the semi-finals for twelfth time this season.
Standing between Johnson and his 61st career final round was rival Greg Anderson. Racing without lane choice, Johnson knew he would need to gain every advantage in order to advance, and rolled to the line looking to get the jump at the start. Unfortunately, Johnson's reactions proved to be too quick, as he left the line three thousandths of a second too early, handing the automatic win to his opponent.
"The way the sun is at Maple Grove Raceway, there's a lot of glare, and it’s really bright behind the tree, especially in the left hand lane, which is where we were all day. By the time we ran the semifinals, it was 3:30 in the afternoon, and the sun had changed position, so it was now dark behind the tree, letting you really focus on the top bulb.
"I knew I had every bit of it, and just ended up three thousandths on the wrong side of the line. It could have been a perfect light, but it just wasn't. In the end, it didn't matter because we had transmission problems with it not going into second gear. On a positive note, since we went to manually-shifted transmissions in 1999, this has only happened twice, so the odds of its happening again in the next three years are pretty slim.
"Certainly, we would have liked to have gotten that round, but we're not about to give up. We've got a fast ACDelco Cobalt, and a great team behind it, so we'll go on to Dallas, and keep pecking away at it."
TMG Sports Marketing, Inc.
Three thousandths of a second is an almost immeasurable amount of time, barely imperceptible to the human eye. Unfortunately, during Sunday's final eliminations of the Toyo Tires NHRA Nationals in Reading, PA, it only took three thousandths for Kurt Johnson’s competitive day to come to an end.
After qualifying third, the ACDelco Cobalt Racing team continued to display the consistent performance that had powered them to second place in the POWERade championship standings. In the first round, KJ bettered his best qualifying time and speed, using a 6.700-second, 205.44 mph pass to eliminate V. Gaines. In the quarter-finals, he used the second quickest pass of the round at 6.714-seconds to gain the win over his father, Warren Johnson, and advance to the semi-finals for twelfth time this season.
Standing between Johnson and his 61st career final round was rival Greg Anderson. Racing without lane choice, Johnson knew he would need to gain every advantage in order to advance, and rolled to the line looking to get the jump at the start. Unfortunately, Johnson's reactions proved to be too quick, as he left the line three thousandths of a second too early, handing the automatic win to his opponent.
"The way the sun is at Maple Grove Raceway, there's a lot of glare, and it’s really bright behind the tree, especially in the left hand lane, which is where we were all day. By the time we ran the semifinals, it was 3:30 in the afternoon, and the sun had changed position, so it was now dark behind the tree, letting you really focus on the top bulb.
"I knew I had every bit of it, and just ended up three thousandths on the wrong side of the line. It could have been a perfect light, but it just wasn't. In the end, it didn't matter because we had transmission problems with it not going into second gear. On a positive note, since we went to manually-shifted transmissions in 1999, this has only happened twice, so the odds of its happening again in the next three years are pretty slim.
"Certainly, we would have liked to have gotten that round, but we're not about to give up. We've got a fast ACDelco Cobalt, and a great team behind it, so we'll go on to Dallas, and keep pecking away at it."
posted by David @ 9:46 PM
WJ Gets Locked Out in Reading Quarter-finals
Contact: Jon Knapp
TMG Sports Marketing, Inc.
In order to win an NHRA Pro Stock race, every aspect of the race team must work to perfection. After qualifying sixth for Sunday’s final eliminations of Toyo Tires NHRA Nationals in Reading, PA, Warren Johnson and the GM Performance Parts GTO Racing team looked to put four such runs together and score their fourth win of the 2005 season.
Things seemed to go according to plan in the first round, as Johnson took advantage of the improved atmospheric conditions to better his qualifying effort by over five hundredths of a second, with his 6.693-second, 205.41 mph pass more than enough to trailer rival Jeg Coughlin.
This set the stage for an all-Johnson second round, as "The Professor" would square off against his son Kurt. However, as WJ attempted to stage following his pre-race burnout, it was apparent that he was dealing with a mechanical issue that prevented him from properly staging for the start. Although he was able to muster a solid 6.736-second, 204.20 mph pass, it was not enough to overcome his starting-line difficulties or his son's 6.714-second, 204.20 mph run, putting an early end to his day at Maple Grove Raceway.
"We had a problem with the line-lock. Everything seemed normal when I did my burnout, but when I hit the (line-lock) button after I pre-staged, the brake pressure kept fluctuating, first going up and then slamming back down. I must have hit it a dozen times trying to get it to engage, and by then, Kurt had already staged, so I kept pounding on it, trying different sequences.
"Just as I felt I was going to be counted out, it held, but unfortunately, by that time all I could do was bang it in there. I had also heated up the clutch with the unorthodox starting line procedure, but it still made a decent run.
"When we got to the top end, Kurt asked what happened, and I told him to jump in the car and find out for himself. He did just that and told me right away that I had no line lock. Ironically, by the time we got back to the pits, it was working again.
"Even with the abbreviated day, we're encouraged by the progress we're making with our GM Performance Parts GTO. We feel it's just a matter of time before we make some very positive strides, especially if we get a little time to work with it. Today just wasn't our day."
TMG Sports Marketing, Inc.
In order to win an NHRA Pro Stock race, every aspect of the race team must work to perfection. After qualifying sixth for Sunday’s final eliminations of Toyo Tires NHRA Nationals in Reading, PA, Warren Johnson and the GM Performance Parts GTO Racing team looked to put four such runs together and score their fourth win of the 2005 season.
Things seemed to go according to plan in the first round, as Johnson took advantage of the improved atmospheric conditions to better his qualifying effort by over five hundredths of a second, with his 6.693-second, 205.41 mph pass more than enough to trailer rival Jeg Coughlin.
This set the stage for an all-Johnson second round, as "The Professor" would square off against his son Kurt. However, as WJ attempted to stage following his pre-race burnout, it was apparent that he was dealing with a mechanical issue that prevented him from properly staging for the start. Although he was able to muster a solid 6.736-second, 204.20 mph pass, it was not enough to overcome his starting-line difficulties or his son's 6.714-second, 204.20 mph run, putting an early end to his day at Maple Grove Raceway.
"We had a problem with the line-lock. Everything seemed normal when I did my burnout, but when I hit the (line-lock) button after I pre-staged, the brake pressure kept fluctuating, first going up and then slamming back down. I must have hit it a dozen times trying to get it to engage, and by then, Kurt had already staged, so I kept pounding on it, trying different sequences.
"Just as I felt I was going to be counted out, it held, but unfortunately, by that time all I could do was bang it in there. I had also heated up the clutch with the unorthodox starting line procedure, but it still made a decent run.
"When we got to the top end, Kurt asked what happened, and I told him to jump in the car and find out for himself. He did just that and told me right away that I had no line lock. Ironically, by the time we got back to the pits, it was working again.
"Even with the abbreviated day, we're encouraged by the progress we're making with our GM Performance Parts GTO. We feel it's just a matter of time before we make some very positive strides, especially if we get a little time to work with it. Today just wasn't our day."
posted by David @ 9:42 PM
BAZEMORE IS SEMIFINAL FINISHER FOR FOURTH TIME IN SIX RACES
DON SCHUMACHER RACING
Contact: Judy Stropus
READING, Pa. (Sept. 18, 2005) - Whit Bazemore and the Matco Tools Iron Eagle Dodge Stratus R/T Funny Car team led by crew chiefs Dan Olson and Todd Okuhara continue to make solid strides in performance, as Bazemore reached the semifinal round for the fourth time in six races today at the Toyo Tires Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway.
The No. 7 qualifier eliminated the U.S. Nationals double-up winner Del Worsham in the opening round of eliminations with a 4.912/312.86, then helped his teammates Ron Capps and Gary Scelzi, who are fighting for the Funny Car championship, by dismissing Eric Medlen in the second round with a 4.872/311.56.
The semifinal round found Bazemore rekindling his rivalry with his perennial antagonist John Force in one of their classic battles. Force took off first with a slight edge, but the race was over for Bazemore when he got loose immediately and could only pull out a 5.831-second pass at 193.38 mph to Force's winning 4.790/317.35.
The two-time U.S. Nationals champion and Indianapolis resident holds on to seventh place in the Funny Car point standings, and is now just 126 points out of fifth.
"We just got loose about one and a half seconds into the run," he explained. "We got beat by the guy who ran well today and made it to the final round.
"It's disappointing, but we're happy that we went to the semis, because we struggled a lot this weekend. We had little things go wrong with the Matco Tools Dodge. We never really had a perfect run.
"You can go to the semis with those circumstances as you continue to work on the car and have the team fine-tune it. It's not unrealistic to expect better results when things get more perfect.
"All in all, not a bad day, but for us to be in the championship again we really have to win every race, and we haven't. I guess we'll just work on next year and try to win these last couple of races and maybe try to help our teammates take out some guys, like we did with Medlen earlier today.
"It's a hard track. There are bumps out there and the groove is very, very narrow and for some reason it's always been a very hard track to drive perfectly.
"It's a challenge here, but the track was good for everybody."
Contact: Judy Stropus
READING, Pa. (Sept. 18, 2005) - Whit Bazemore and the Matco Tools Iron Eagle Dodge Stratus R/T Funny Car team led by crew chiefs Dan Olson and Todd Okuhara continue to make solid strides in performance, as Bazemore reached the semifinal round for the fourth time in six races today at the Toyo Tires Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway.
The No. 7 qualifier eliminated the U.S. Nationals double-up winner Del Worsham in the opening round of eliminations with a 4.912/312.86, then helped his teammates Ron Capps and Gary Scelzi, who are fighting for the Funny Car championship, by dismissing Eric Medlen in the second round with a 4.872/311.56.
The semifinal round found Bazemore rekindling his rivalry with his perennial antagonist John Force in one of their classic battles. Force took off first with a slight edge, but the race was over for Bazemore when he got loose immediately and could only pull out a 5.831-second pass at 193.38 mph to Force's winning 4.790/317.35.
The two-time U.S. Nationals champion and Indianapolis resident holds on to seventh place in the Funny Car point standings, and is now just 126 points out of fifth.
"We just got loose about one and a half seconds into the run," he explained. "We got beat by the guy who ran well today and made it to the final round.
"It's disappointing, but we're happy that we went to the semis, because we struggled a lot this weekend. We had little things go wrong with the Matco Tools Dodge. We never really had a perfect run.
"You can go to the semis with those circumstances as you continue to work on the car and have the team fine-tune it. It's not unrealistic to expect better results when things get more perfect.
"All in all, not a bad day, but for us to be in the championship again we really have to win every race, and we haven't. I guess we'll just work on next year and try to win these last couple of races and maybe try to help our teammates take out some guys, like we did with Medlen earlier today.
"It's a hard track. There are bumps out there and the groove is very, very narrow and for some reason it's always been a very hard track to drive perfectly.
"It's a challenge here, but the track was good for everybody."
posted by David @ 9:38 PM
SCELZI'S STELLAR READING RUN END IN SEMIS, PADS POINTS LEAD
DON SCHUMACHER RACING
Contact: Judy Stropus
READING, Pa. (Sept. 18., 2005) - Gary Scelzi looked like he was well on his way to his fourth win of the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series Funny Car season today at the NHRA Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway until a clutch lever caused his demise in the semifinal round.
Despite that, the driver of the Mopar/Oakley Dodge Stratus R/T Funny Car goes home to Fresno, Calif., with a 26-point lead in the Funny Car championship over Robert Hight, whom he defeated in the quarterfinal.
Scelzi was unstoppable all weekend after dominating three of the four qualifying rounds and the first two rounds of eliminations today.
The No. 1 qualifier and event defending champion first disposed of Gary Densham with a 4.785/312.42, then Hight with a 4.818/319.98 before meeting up with eventual event winner Tony Pedregon in the semifinal round.
The race was over for Scelzi at the hit of the throttle, as the car went up in smoke, while Pedregon cruised to the finish line with a 4.907/314.97 winning lap to Scelzi's 11.963/73.76.
"It broke the clutch lever right off at the starting line, which caused it to smoke the tires," said Scelzi, who is seeking his first Funny Car crown to go with his three Top Fuel championships. "It's unfortunate. The levers were new at Indy (U.S. Nationals on Labor Day). That's something that doesn't normally happen.
"Goofy things happen, but we're going to leave here with a bigger points lead than we came with. That's the main goal. We're in the hunt. We're playing hardball and we're making some moves.
"We're focused, we're ready, we're going to go over everything again and just hope that bad luck doesn't bite us like it did today.
"We're all right. We'll be fine. We'll just tighten that belt another notch and go to Dallas."
Next on NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series' schedule is the O'Reilly NHRA Nationals, Sept. 23-25, 2005.
NHRA FUNNY CAR POINT STANDINGS:
1. Gary Scelzi, 1250
2. Robert Hight, 1224
3. John Force, 1219
4. Eric Medlen, 1174
5. Ron Capps, 1168
6. Tommy Johnson Jr., 1080
7. Whit Bazemore, 1042
8. Del Worsham, 978
9. Tony Pedregon, 957 (winner today)
10. Cruz Pedregon, 883
Contact: Judy Stropus
READING, Pa. (Sept. 18., 2005) - Gary Scelzi looked like he was well on his way to his fourth win of the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series Funny Car season today at the NHRA Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway until a clutch lever caused his demise in the semifinal round.
Despite that, the driver of the Mopar/Oakley Dodge Stratus R/T Funny Car goes home to Fresno, Calif., with a 26-point lead in the Funny Car championship over Robert Hight, whom he defeated in the quarterfinal.
Scelzi was unstoppable all weekend after dominating three of the four qualifying rounds and the first two rounds of eliminations today.
The No. 1 qualifier and event defending champion first disposed of Gary Densham with a 4.785/312.42, then Hight with a 4.818/319.98 before meeting up with eventual event winner Tony Pedregon in the semifinal round.
The race was over for Scelzi at the hit of the throttle, as the car went up in smoke, while Pedregon cruised to the finish line with a 4.907/314.97 winning lap to Scelzi's 11.963/73.76.
"It broke the clutch lever right off at the starting line, which caused it to smoke the tires," said Scelzi, who is seeking his first Funny Car crown to go with his three Top Fuel championships. "It's unfortunate. The levers were new at Indy (U.S. Nationals on Labor Day). That's something that doesn't normally happen.
"Goofy things happen, but we're going to leave here with a bigger points lead than we came with. That's the main goal. We're in the hunt. We're playing hardball and we're making some moves.
"We're focused, we're ready, we're going to go over everything again and just hope that bad luck doesn't bite us like it did today.
"We're all right. We'll be fine. We'll just tighten that belt another notch and go to Dallas."
Next on NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series' schedule is the O'Reilly NHRA Nationals, Sept. 23-25, 2005.
NHRA FUNNY CAR POINT STANDINGS:
1. Gary Scelzi, 1250
2. Robert Hight, 1224
3. John Force, 1219
4. Eric Medlen, 1174
5. Ron Capps, 1168
6. Tommy Johnson Jr., 1080
7. Whit Bazemore, 1042
8. Del Worsham, 978
9. Tony Pedregon, 957 (winner today)
10. Cruz Pedregon, 883
posted by David @ 9:35 PM
Ellis to semifinals; Smith out early - S&S power shows throughout weekend
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
21ST ANNUAL NHRA TOYO TIRES NATIONALS
MAPLE GROVE RACEWAY - READING, PENN.
SEPTEMBER 15-18, 2005
Chip Ellis:
Qualified: # 2 (7.101 seconds at 188.41)
Eliminations:
Round 1: Ellis (7.071/187.50) def. Michael Phillips (7.202/190.83)
Round 2: Ellis (7.103/181.98) def. Chris Rivas (7.307/178.42)
Round 3 (semifinals): Ellis (7.144/186.82) lost to. Ryan Schnitz (7.307/178.42)
Matt Smith:
Qualified: # 3 (7.121 seconds at 186.54 mph)
Eliminations:
Round 1: Smith (7.143/185.28) lost to Karen Stoffer (7.178/189.44)
MOHNTON, Penn. (September 18, 2005) - Reaction time proved to be the difference for teammates Chip Ellis and Matt Smith during eliminations at today's NHRA Toyo Tires Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway.
Ellis, aboard his G Squared S&S Buell, advanced to the semifinals before dropping a close race to Ryan Schnitz. Smith, on his G2 Red line Oil/Torco Racing Fuels/Skull Gear Buell, exited in the opening round.
Smith, who ran an elapsed time of 7.143 seconds, lost on a holeshot to Karen Stoffer, who stopped the finish line clocks in 7.188 seconds. The difference was reaction time.
In the opening round, Ellis showed the power of his S&S engine running the low elapsed time of the weekend - a 7.071 - defeating Michael Phillips.
Ellis then proceeded to run the quickest elapsed time of the quarterfinals when he ran a 7.103 to turn back Chris Rivas, also aboard a Buell.
The semifinals matched Ellis against Ryan Schnitz in another battle of Buells. Schnitz was out first at the green and carried his advantage to the finish line. Schnitz's 7.178 elapsed time bested Ellis, who ran a 7.144-second pass.
"It's disappointing," said George Bryce, who along with George Smith are partners at G Squared Motorsports. "The guys at S&S Cycle have been working really hard. Todd and the boys in the dyno room in the engine shop have been finding to make new power and it showed this weekend. It was great to step up our performance and run near the front.
"It's unfortunate that both drivers lost on holeshots. It really frustrates the drivers and is disappointing to all those that put in so much effort to make this team a success. But please believe me that both Chip and Matt are trying to cut good clean lights. It not lack of effort on their parts.
"Now, we just need to go back and analyze what going on and see if we can help them do a better job."
NEXT RACE: The next race for Pro Stock Motorcycle is the fifth annual NHRA AC Delco Las Vegas Nationals at the Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Oct. 20-23.
G Squared Motorsports would like to thank all their marketing partners who support their racing operation: S&S Cycle, Mac Tools, Red Line Oil and Torco Racing Fuels/Skull Gear.
G SQUARED MOTORSPORTS
OWNERS: GEORGE BRYCE & GEORGE SMITH
Visit our website at www.g2motorsports.net
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
21ST ANNUAL NHRA TOYO TIRES NATIONALS
MAPLE GROVE RACEWAY - READING, PENN.
SEPTEMBER 15-18, 2005
Chip Ellis:
Qualified: # 2 (7.101 seconds at 188.41)
Eliminations:
Round 1: Ellis (7.071/187.50) def. Michael Phillips (7.202/190.83)
Round 2: Ellis (7.103/181.98) def. Chris Rivas (7.307/178.42)
Round 3 (semifinals): Ellis (7.144/186.82) lost to. Ryan Schnitz (7.307/178.42)
Matt Smith:
Qualified: # 3 (7.121 seconds at 186.54 mph)
Eliminations:
Round 1: Smith (7.143/185.28) lost to Karen Stoffer (7.178/189.44)
MOHNTON, Penn. (September 18, 2005) - Reaction time proved to be the difference for teammates Chip Ellis and Matt Smith during eliminations at today's NHRA Toyo Tires Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway.
Ellis, aboard his G Squared S&S Buell, advanced to the semifinals before dropping a close race to Ryan Schnitz. Smith, on his G2 Red line Oil/Torco Racing Fuels/Skull Gear Buell, exited in the opening round.
Smith, who ran an elapsed time of 7.143 seconds, lost on a holeshot to Karen Stoffer, who stopped the finish line clocks in 7.188 seconds. The difference was reaction time.
In the opening round, Ellis showed the power of his S&S engine running the low elapsed time of the weekend - a 7.071 - defeating Michael Phillips.
Ellis then proceeded to run the quickest elapsed time of the quarterfinals when he ran a 7.103 to turn back Chris Rivas, also aboard a Buell.
The semifinals matched Ellis against Ryan Schnitz in another battle of Buells. Schnitz was out first at the green and carried his advantage to the finish line. Schnitz's 7.178 elapsed time bested Ellis, who ran a 7.144-second pass.
"It's disappointing," said George Bryce, who along with George Smith are partners at G Squared Motorsports. "The guys at S&S Cycle have been working really hard. Todd and the boys in the dyno room in the engine shop have been finding to make new power and it showed this weekend. It was great to step up our performance and run near the front.
"It's unfortunate that both drivers lost on holeshots. It really frustrates the drivers and is disappointing to all those that put in so much effort to make this team a success. But please believe me that both Chip and Matt are trying to cut good clean lights. It not lack of effort on their parts.
"Now, we just need to go back and analyze what going on and see if we can help them do a better job."
NEXT RACE: The next race for Pro Stock Motorcycle is the fifth annual NHRA AC Delco Las Vegas Nationals at the Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Oct. 20-23.
G Squared Motorsports would like to thank all their marketing partners who support their racing operation: S&S Cycle, Mac Tools, Red Line Oil and Torco Racing Fuels/Skull Gear.
G SQUARED MOTORSPORTS
OWNERS: GEORGE BRYCE & GEORGE SMITH
Visit our website at www.g2motorsports.net
posted by David @ 8:33 PM
Schumacher, Pedregon, Anderson and Sampey Win the NHRA POWERade Toyo Tires NHRA Nationals
posted by David @ 8:10 PM
SCELZI HOLDS ON TO NO. 1 IN READING, GAINS FIVE POINTS ON HIGHT
DON SCHUMACHER RACING
Contact: Judy Stropus
READING, Pa. (Sept. 17, 2005) - Except in the first round of Funny Car qualifying for this weekend's NHRA Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway, when he qualified No. 2, Gary Scelzi has stormed through each remaining session with the quickest passes in each.
The driver of the Mopar/Oakley Dodge Stratus R/T Funny Car ripped down the quarter-mile Friday night to a pole-setting 4.765-second elapsed time at 322.11 mph, and held it through the final qualifying round, posting a 4.817/316.90 earlier today and finally a crushing 4.769/323.58 in the heat.
The three-time Top Fuel champion who is seeking his first Funny Car crown sent a clear message that his is the car to beat in Sunday's eliminations.
Scelzi collected his fourth No. 1 of the season, his 40th career, and gained five points on Robert Hight, who qualified No. 8. Scelzi now leads the Funny Car point standings by six points over Hight.
The Fresno, Calif., native and defending Funny Car titlist here, faces Gary Densham in the first round of eliminations, while his teammate Ron Capps, also in the Funny Car championship chase, will meet Hight.
"[The Mopar/Oakley Dodge] has been the most consistent, it's been the quickest, or right next to the quickest every single run, which is scary. Because sometimes you wait for that one bad one and you think, OK, that's out of the way. We've done well when we've made four qualifying runs in the past. We'll see what tomorrow brings.
"Nobody knows. It's going to be a hell of a race tomorrow, first and second round."
On Maple Grove Raceway being famous for great numbers because of the usually cooler conditions present here at this time of year: "This track is really good when it's cold," said Scelzi. "I've got to eat my words. It's pretty darn good when the sun's out. We ran well, the dragsters have run well and as porous as the asphalt is I wouldn't think that would be possible.
"The NHRA has done a hell of a job. I'll eat my hat...if it had a steak on top of it.
"We just deal with the weather as it comes. There's nothing we can do about it. So I'm not one to play much into it. That's all (crew chief) Mike Neff's problems. That's not my problem.
"My problem is to hit the gas on time and keep it in the groove and hopefully the win lights will come on."
Contact: Judy Stropus
READING, Pa. (Sept. 17, 2005) - Except in the first round of Funny Car qualifying for this weekend's NHRA Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway, when he qualified No. 2, Gary Scelzi has stormed through each remaining session with the quickest passes in each.
The driver of the Mopar/Oakley Dodge Stratus R/T Funny Car ripped down the quarter-mile Friday night to a pole-setting 4.765-second elapsed time at 322.11 mph, and held it through the final qualifying round, posting a 4.817/316.90 earlier today and finally a crushing 4.769/323.58 in the heat.
The three-time Top Fuel champion who is seeking his first Funny Car crown sent a clear message that his is the car to beat in Sunday's eliminations.
Scelzi collected his fourth No. 1 of the season, his 40th career, and gained five points on Robert Hight, who qualified No. 8. Scelzi now leads the Funny Car point standings by six points over Hight.
The Fresno, Calif., native and defending Funny Car titlist here, faces Gary Densham in the first round of eliminations, while his teammate Ron Capps, also in the Funny Car championship chase, will meet Hight.
"[The Mopar/Oakley Dodge] has been the most consistent, it's been the quickest, or right next to the quickest every single run, which is scary. Because sometimes you wait for that one bad one and you think, OK, that's out of the way. We've done well when we've made four qualifying runs in the past. We'll see what tomorrow brings.
"Nobody knows. It's going to be a hell of a race tomorrow, first and second round."
On Maple Grove Raceway being famous for great numbers because of the usually cooler conditions present here at this time of year: "This track is really good when it's cold," said Scelzi. "I've got to eat my words. It's pretty darn good when the sun's out. We ran well, the dragsters have run well and as porous as the asphalt is I wouldn't think that would be possible.
"The NHRA has done a hell of a job. I'll eat my hat...if it had a steak on top of it.
"We just deal with the weather as it comes. There's nothing we can do about it. So I'm not one to play much into it. That's all (crew chief) Mike Neff's problems. That's not my problem.
"My problem is to hit the gas on time and keep it in the groove and hopefully the win lights will come on."
posted by David @ 12:56 AM
KJ Qualifies Third in Reading
Contact: Jon Knapp
TMG Sports Marketing, Inc.
After posting the quickest time among the 29 Pro Stock entries on Friday at the Toyo Tires NHRA Nationals in Reading, PA, Kurt Johnson and the ACDelco Cobalt Racing team looked to solidify their position during Saturday's final qualifying sessions. Unfortunately, their progress was slowed by a mechanical problem during the morning session, although they were able to rebound with the third quickest pass in the final qualifying session.
In the end, Johnson’s 6.739-second, 204.54 mph pass from Friday evening remained his run of record, earning the second-generation racer the third starting position for Sunday's final eliminations at Maple Grove Raceway.
"We felt we had a car that could hold on to the pole today, but it just didn't pan out. It was on a pretty good lap this morning, but we had some issues that I believe cost us that No. 1 position. Fortunately, it could have been a lot worse, but after replacing a few valve springs and transmission parts, we were good to go. In addition, we were able to get some information from that run to tune on for this afternoon.
"The weather really has not been an issue. In fact, it's a lot like Columbus (Ohio) and Atlanta (Ga.) where we've run in the past. In addition, the track is pretty decent, which makes it a little bit easier.
"The bottom line is that our ACDelco Cobalt is making good, consistent runs, and I’m doing my job driving. I’m pretty confident going in to tomorrow. We're looking forward to going some rounds."
TMG Sports Marketing, Inc.
After posting the quickest time among the 29 Pro Stock entries on Friday at the Toyo Tires NHRA Nationals in Reading, PA, Kurt Johnson and the ACDelco Cobalt Racing team looked to solidify their position during Saturday's final qualifying sessions. Unfortunately, their progress was slowed by a mechanical problem during the morning session, although they were able to rebound with the third quickest pass in the final qualifying session.
In the end, Johnson’s 6.739-second, 204.54 mph pass from Friday evening remained his run of record, earning the second-generation racer the third starting position for Sunday's final eliminations at Maple Grove Raceway.
"We felt we had a car that could hold on to the pole today, but it just didn't pan out. It was on a pretty good lap this morning, but we had some issues that I believe cost us that No. 1 position. Fortunately, it could have been a lot worse, but after replacing a few valve springs and transmission parts, we were good to go. In addition, we were able to get some information from that run to tune on for this afternoon.
"The weather really has not been an issue. In fact, it's a lot like Columbus (Ohio) and Atlanta (Ga.) where we've run in the past. In addition, the track is pretty decent, which makes it a little bit easier.
"The bottom line is that our ACDelco Cobalt is making good, consistent runs, and I’m doing my job driving. I’m pretty confident going in to tomorrow. We're looking forward to going some rounds."
posted by David @ 12:53 AM
WJ Will Roll Off Sixth in Reading
Contact: Jon Knapp
TMG Sports Marketing, Inc.
GM Performance Parts GTO pilot Warren Johnson completed a challenging qualifying effort on Saturday, overcoming various problems to capture the sixth starting spot for Sunday's final eliminations of the Toyo Tires NHRA Nationals in Reading, PA.
Despite having to fine tune his set-up without any computer data from his Friday evening attempt, Johnson made two solid runs, improving to a best effort of 6.748-seconds with a top speed of 204.23 mph to earn his 19th start in the top half of the field at Maple Grove Raceway.
"Even though it didn't register as such given the conditions, our last run (a very consistent and competitive 6.759-second, 203.79 mph effort) was our quickest of the weekend. The car did exactly what we expected it to do based on the changes we had made.
"Even though we had yet to run that particular combination in that car, we were the second quickest in that lane. In fact, if we had gone perfectly straight, it would have been the best. It's just a matter of fixing that for tomorrow, and we will be good to go. We are absolutely pleased with where we are with this GM Performance Parts GTO."
TMG Sports Marketing, Inc.
GM Performance Parts GTO pilot Warren Johnson completed a challenging qualifying effort on Saturday, overcoming various problems to capture the sixth starting spot for Sunday's final eliminations of the Toyo Tires NHRA Nationals in Reading, PA.
Despite having to fine tune his set-up without any computer data from his Friday evening attempt, Johnson made two solid runs, improving to a best effort of 6.748-seconds with a top speed of 204.23 mph to earn his 19th start in the top half of the field at Maple Grove Raceway.
"Even though it didn't register as such given the conditions, our last run (a very consistent and competitive 6.759-second, 203.79 mph effort) was our quickest of the weekend. The car did exactly what we expected it to do based on the changes we had made.
"Even though we had yet to run that particular combination in that car, we were the second quickest in that lane. In fact, if we had gone perfectly straight, it would have been the best. It's just a matter of fixing that for tomorrow, and we will be good to go. We are absolutely pleased with where we are with this GM Performance Parts GTO."
posted by David @ 12:51 AM
BAZEMORE SNARES SEVENTH SPOT IN READING
DON SCHUMACHER RACING
Contact: Judy Stropus
READING, Pa. (Sept. 17, 2005) - Whit Bazemore snared the No. 7 qualifying
position in the Funny Car class for this weekend's NHRA Nationals at Maple
Grove Raceway today, despite a few mechanical problems in the pits.
Bazemore posted a 5.152-second elapsed time at 282.01 mph in the first
session on Friday, then surpassed that with his best qualifying pass Friday
night of 4.813/320.13. In today's last two attempts, the driver of the Matco
Tools Iron Eagle Dodge Stratus Funny Car recorded a 4.985/258.62 and a
7.888/98.07.
"Today we smoked the tires twice, but the Matco Tools guys are working
hard," he said. "We had a couple mechanical issues in the pits. We're
working hard to get our team perfect again, and that's really what it takes
to be successful out here. You have to have a perfect team, and we're
working towards that."
Bazemore will meet U.S. Nationals double-up winner Del Worsham in first
round of eliminations on Sunday. "That team is going to be good, as always.
We'll be ready to give them our best shot."
Contact: Judy Stropus
READING, Pa. (Sept. 17, 2005) - Whit Bazemore snared the No. 7 qualifying
position in the Funny Car class for this weekend's NHRA Nationals at Maple
Grove Raceway today, despite a few mechanical problems in the pits.
Bazemore posted a 5.152-second elapsed time at 282.01 mph in the first
session on Friday, then surpassed that with his best qualifying pass Friday
night of 4.813/320.13. In today's last two attempts, the driver of the Matco
Tools Iron Eagle Dodge Stratus Funny Car recorded a 4.985/258.62 and a
7.888/98.07.
"Today we smoked the tires twice, but the Matco Tools guys are working
hard," he said. "We had a couple mechanical issues in the pits. We're
working hard to get our team perfect again, and that's really what it takes
to be successful out here. You have to have a perfect team, and we're
working towards that."
Bazemore will meet U.S. Nationals double-up winner Del Worsham in first
round of eliminations on Sunday. "That team is going to be good, as always.
We'll be ready to give them our best shot."
posted by David @ 12:49 AM
Ellis No. 2 and Smith No. 3 for G Squared Motorsports at Reading
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
21ST ANNUAL NHRA TOYO TIRES NATIONALS
MAPLE GROVE RACEWAY - READING, PENN.
SEPTEMBER 15-18, 2005
Chip Ellis:
Session 1 Friday: 7.101 seconds at 187.60 mph (#1)
Session 2 Friday: 20.389 seconds at 32.64 mph (# 1)
Session 1 Saturday: 7.136 seconds at 182.85 mph (# 1)
Session 2 Saturday: 7.101 seconds at 188.41 mph (# 2)
Matt Smith:
Session 1 Friday: 7.138 seconds at 185.84 mph (# 3)
Session 2 Friday: 7.121 seconds at 186.54 mph (# 3)
Session 1 Saturday: 7.145 seconds at 181.76 mph (# 3)
Session 2 Saturday: 8.754 seconds at 100.95 mph (# 3)
MOHNTON, Penn. (September 17, 2005) - Chip Ellis, from Americus, Ga., and Matt Smith, from King, N.C., placed their G Squared Motorsports-prepared, S&S-powered Buells in the top half of the field for the 21st running of the NHRA Toyo Tires Nationals. Ellis qualified No. 2 and Smith No. 3.
Ellis and Smith ended the first day of qualifying in the No. 1 and No. 3 positions respectively. With two sessions remaining today, the teammates picked up where they left off.
Ellis, driving the G Squared S&S Buell, recorded the second quickest elapsed time of Saturday's first qualifying session, a 7.136-second pass. Smith, on his G2 Red Line Oil/Skull Gear/Torco Racing Fuels Buell, was third best when he covered the Maple Grove Raceway quarter-mile in 7.145 seconds.
In the final qualifying sessions of the weekend, Ellis ran 7.101 seconds, only to be nudged out of the top spot by Andrew Hines who ran a 7.098. Ellis will start eliminations from the No. 2 position. Smith had problems but remained in third.
"We had our best outing in some time," said George Bryce, who is co-owner of G Squared Motorsports along with George Smith. "Working together and sharing information between the two has really paid off. I'm pleased with number two and three."
George Smith added, "We're making history. This is a great year for NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle drag racing. The field for tomorrow’s eliminations is one-half V-Twins and six of those are Buells powered by S&S engines.
"The guys at S&S Cycle have picked up some additional power for us and it shows on the two bikes that we are running this weekend. We are learning from the data on the two bikes that Matt and Chip ride and the extra S&S power is paying off. We're looking to have a lot of fun tomorrow."
Chip Ellis will square off against No. 15 qualifier Michael Phillips and Matt Smith will take on No. 14 qualifier Karen Stoffer. Both Phillips and Stoffer are on Suzukis.
G SQUARED MOTORSPORTS
OWNERS: GEORGE BRYCE & GEORGE SMITH
Visit our website at www.g2motorsports.net
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
21ST ANNUAL NHRA TOYO TIRES NATIONALS
MAPLE GROVE RACEWAY - READING, PENN.
SEPTEMBER 15-18, 2005
Chip Ellis:
Session 1 Friday: 7.101 seconds at 187.60 mph (#1)
Session 2 Friday: 20.389 seconds at 32.64 mph (# 1)
Session 1 Saturday: 7.136 seconds at 182.85 mph (# 1)
Session 2 Saturday: 7.101 seconds at 188.41 mph (# 2)
Matt Smith:
Session 1 Friday: 7.138 seconds at 185.84 mph (# 3)
Session 2 Friday: 7.121 seconds at 186.54 mph (# 3)
Session 1 Saturday: 7.145 seconds at 181.76 mph (# 3)
Session 2 Saturday: 8.754 seconds at 100.95 mph (# 3)
MOHNTON, Penn. (September 17, 2005) - Chip Ellis, from Americus, Ga., and Matt Smith, from King, N.C., placed their G Squared Motorsports-prepared, S&S-powered Buells in the top half of the field for the 21st running of the NHRA Toyo Tires Nationals. Ellis qualified No. 2 and Smith No. 3.
Ellis and Smith ended the first day of qualifying in the No. 1 and No. 3 positions respectively. With two sessions remaining today, the teammates picked up where they left off.
Ellis, driving the G Squared S&S Buell, recorded the second quickest elapsed time of Saturday's first qualifying session, a 7.136-second pass. Smith, on his G2 Red Line Oil/Skull Gear/Torco Racing Fuels Buell, was third best when he covered the Maple Grove Raceway quarter-mile in 7.145 seconds.
In the final qualifying sessions of the weekend, Ellis ran 7.101 seconds, only to be nudged out of the top spot by Andrew Hines who ran a 7.098. Ellis will start eliminations from the No. 2 position. Smith had problems but remained in third.
"We had our best outing in some time," said George Bryce, who is co-owner of G Squared Motorsports along with George Smith. "Working together and sharing information between the two has really paid off. I'm pleased with number two and three."
George Smith added, "We're making history. This is a great year for NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle drag racing. The field for tomorrow’s eliminations is one-half V-Twins and six of those are Buells powered by S&S engines.
"The guys at S&S Cycle have picked up some additional power for us and it shows on the two bikes that we are running this weekend. We are learning from the data on the two bikes that Matt and Chip ride and the extra S&S power is paying off. We're looking to have a lot of fun tomorrow."
Chip Ellis will square off against No. 15 qualifier Michael Phillips and Matt Smith will take on No. 14 qualifier Karen Stoffer. Both Phillips and Stoffer are on Suzukis.
G SQUARED MOTORSPORTS
OWNERS: GEORGE BRYCE & GEORGE SMITH
Visit our website at www.g2motorsports.net
posted by David @ 12:42 AM
