RFC RACERS WIN BOTH JR DRAGSTER CLASSES, FRIZIE ENJOYS FIRST SUPER PRO WIN DURING POWERADE / INGLES NIGHT OF FIRE AT ATLANTA DRAGWAY
RACE DATE: June 24, 2006
FROM: Tim Glover
EVENT: Powerade / Ingles Night of Fire at Atlanta Dragway in 2006
(Commerce, GA - June 24) Racers and fans enjoyed another special event at Atlanta Dragway, the Powerade / Ingles Night of Fire. Fans were treated again to the largest fireworks show in North Georgia, flame throwing jet cars, a wheelstander and many activities in the anufacturer's midway like the Coca Cola Ticket Tank and the Applebee's display. Elaine Larsen from central Florida wowed the fans with her immaculately built, Embry Riddle University backed Miss Ta Fire jet dragster, which ran "Full Throttle" in the high five second range at 265 plus mph, after putting on a great flame and smoke show that rattled the tower windows. Running alongside Larson was Dennis Roslansky's Crossfire jet dragster which matched Larsen's performance
and even took two out of three wins in their match racing. Danny O'Day impressed the fans with his wheelstanding Superwinch '34 Ford, running down the quarter mile at an incredible 145mph on only the rear wheels. Fred "Airplane" Sibley entertained the fans by literally melting a hapless F150 pickup with the flamed exhaust blasting out the tailpipe of his Allison J33
powered "Beer Hauler" '23 Pierce Arrow. Ben Bridges, the Atlanta Dragway announcer, kept the fans entertained during down time by giving away Powerade, Koozies, tee shirts and Ingles Gift Certificates. A really lucky fan, Richard Izquierdo from McDonough, GA won one of two Schwinn chopper bicycles given away. "My boys will love it," he added.
Mother Nature added to the fireworks show by adding numerous lightning flashes in the distance, some of which kept time with the explosions. Although it was raining all around the area, to the delight of fans, the rain held off until after the show was over at Atlanta Dragway.
The two local RFC (Racers for Christ) chaplains were the proud fathers of the winners in both classes of Jr Dragster. Lloyd Shanks' daughter, nine year old Saline, won her first ever event in 8-12 Jr Dragster, followed moments later by Scott Griffith's son, Taylor (15 years old), who won 13-17 Jr Dragster.
Mike Frizie from Winston, GA debuted his '03 Racecraft dragster at the 2003 Powerade / Ingles Night of Fire, and enjoyed his first Atlanta Dragway Super Pro win at the 2006 edition of the same event. After an hour long wait in the staging lanes for the fireworks who and exhibition runs, Frizie strapped on his helmet, got behind the wheel, and slowed his machine just a tad to a
winning 5.19 at 130.20mph (5.16 dial). His final round victim was veteran racer Ed Nalley from nearby Maysville, who slowed even more in his '76 Vega to a 6.73 at 93.74mph (6.67 target). Last week's Super Pro winner, Hank Wilhelm ('88 Spitzer dragster - Commerce, GA), had a great 13 round win streak snapped in the semi-final round. The other semi-finalist was Jerry
Brown ('98 S10 pickup - Winder, GA). Frizie thanked sponsors Dugco Supply and Chicago Pneumatic for their part in the victory. Frizie gave a special thanks to his mom, dad, brother Brannon and friend Fred. He then dedicated his win to his wife Marcia and son Alex. Frizie received another pleasant surprise when he was a warded a special Dunco Construction / Atlanta Dragway Super Pro winner's trophy.
Madison, GA racer Adam Stratton and his dad Chris spend a lot of time together racing the '73 Maverick they put together a few years ago, and the work paid off again with a victory in Pro against veteran racer Jacob Rutledge, who hails from Braselton, GA. "I didn't really know who he was," said Stratton about Rutledge, and he just raced his own race. Stratton actually survived a double breakout affair after his machine went too quick with an 11.63 at 118.15mph (11.64 dial). However, Rutledge's '79 Capri broke out even more with an 11.77 at 112.75mph (11.80 target). Bill Boomhower of Walhalla, SC made it to the semi-final round with his Nostalgia Super
Stocker '65 Belvedere. Stratton thanked his dad, girlfriend Shelly and Gabriel Machine of Winterville, GA for the help.
Brian Harris, the 2002 Atlanta Dragway Sportsman champion, met 2003 Atlanta Dragway Sportsman champ (and 2005 points runner up), Mel Abney of Cumming, GA, during the 2006 Night of Fire Sportsman final. Abney took an early advantage in the reaction time department, but the TRD Racing Development package on Harris' Toccoa, GA based '06 Tacoma apparently did a great job, by helping him post a race winning 15.88 at 84.41mph (15.87 dial). Abney's
Camaro crossed the finish line 0.013 seconds later with a 13.25 at 102.02mph (13.16 dial). It's been a long day, added Harris. "I'm glad we were at least able to get finished," said Abney. I almost didn't come because of the possibility of rain. Abney is currently in a three way tie for second place in the points. Kevin Rich ('93 Explorer - Hull, GA), who is currently seventh in the points, finished in the semi-final round, along with Sid Hopper ('72 Satellite - Gainesville, GA).
Hershel Sorrells of Hull, GA brought out his ultra-fast '96 Suzuki Katana for the Night of Fire, and went home with the Motorcycle win. Sorrells met friend and fellow racer Dennis Willis ('97 Honda - Hull, GA) in the final. After Willis' machine kept insisting on going up, into a wheelstand, instead of going forward, Sorrells had a lot of room at the big end to slow down to a winning 9.50 at 115.32mph (8.78 dial). Willis put a way off pace 11.59 at 99.78mph (10.00 target) on the scoreboard. Last week's Motorcycle winner, Howard Bowman ('82 Harley - Homer, GA) was one of the semi-final finishers. Scott Saemisch ('78 Kawasaki - Dacula, GA) rounded out the field of
semi-finalists.
A very happy nine year old RFC racer, Saline Shanks, enjoyed winning her first ever event in 8-12 Jr Dragster. Shanks was actually a bit tardy in the reaction time department, but the win light popped on in her lane after her opponent Jacqueline Lastinger 912 - Lilburn, GA) took too much finish line and broke out with an 8.94 at 71.55mph (8.98 dial). Shank's Pendergrass, GA
based racecar went 13.13 at 49.78mph (13.07 goal) for the win. Chris Bowden (10 - Homer, GA) and Mitchell Hennessee (11 - Dallas, GA) earned semi-final trophies for their day's work. "I'm happy I finally won, added the second year racer, who repeated the verse, "I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength," prior to each round of competition.
Another RFC racer, Taylor Griffith, thanked Richard Lastinger and other friends who loaned their team parts all day en route to his 13-17 Jr Dragster victory. "We blew up nearly everything, including the motor and torque converter, during the race. It's been a rough day," added the happy Griffith. Griffith's troubles continued into the final when his car fell off
sharply to a 9.90 at only 48.42mph (9.65 dial). However, Griffith was aided by his opponent, "Wild Kyle" Denton (16 - McDonough, GA), who crossed the finish line first, but too quickly, posting a breakout loss time of 7.95 at 68.33mph (8.00 dial). Defending champ, Team PTI racer Lauren Turner (15 - Pendergrass, GA) and Chase Mullinax (14 - Buford, GA) were the semi-finalist trophy winners.
Sanctioned by the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), Atlanta Dragway is located just off I-85 at Exit 149 in the Banks Crossing area of Commerce, Georgia. Information on all 2004 events may be obtained by calling the track office (706-335-2301) or logging on to www.atlantadragway.com.
SUPER PRO CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Mike Frizie '03 Racecraft Winston, GA 5.19 130.20 (5.16)
R/U: Ed Nalley '76 Vega Maysville, GA 6.73 93.74 (6.67)
Semi: Hank Wilhelm '88 Spitzer dragster Commerce, GA
Semi: Jerry Brown '98 S10 pickup Winder, GA
-----------------------------------------------
PRO CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Adam Stratton '73 Maverick Madison, GA 11.63 118.15 (11.64)
R/U: Jacob Rutledge '79 Capri Braselton, GA 11.77 112.75 (11.80)
Semi: Bill Boomhower '65 Belvedere Walhalla, SC
Semi:
-----------------------------------------------
SPORTSMAN CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Brian Harris '06 Tacoma Toccoa, GA 15.88 84.40 (15.87)
R/U: Mel Abney '67 Camaro Cumming, GA 13.25 102.02 (13.16)
Semi: Kevin Rich '93 Explorer Hull, GA
Semi: Sid Hopper '72 Satellite Gainesville, GA
-----------------------------------------------
MOTORCYCLE BIKE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Hershel Sorrells '96 Katana Hull, GA 9.50 115.32 (8.78)
R/U: Dennis Willis '97 Honda Hull,GA 11.59 99.78 (10.00)
Semi: Howard Bowman '82 Harley Homer, GA
Semi: Scott Saemisch '78 Kawasaki Dacula, GA
-----------------------------------------------
8-12 JR DRAGSTER AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Saline Shanks 9 Pendergrass, GA 13.13 49.78 (13.07)
R/U: Jacqueline Lastinger 12 Lilburn, GA 8.94 71.55 (8.98)
Semi: Mitchell Hennessee 11 Dallas, GA
Semi: Chris Bowden 10 Homer, GA
-----------------------------------------------
13-17 JR DRAGSTER AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Taylor Griffith 15 Homer, GA 9.90 48.42 (9.65)
R/U: "Wild Kyle" Denton 16 McDonough, GA 7.95 68.33 (8.00)
Semi: Lauren Turner 15 Pendergrass, GA
Semi: Chase Mullinax 14 Buford, GA
-----------------------------------------------
FROM: Tim Glover
EVENT: Powerade / Ingles Night of Fire at Atlanta Dragway in 2006
(Commerce, GA - June 24) Racers and fans enjoyed another special event at Atlanta Dragway, the Powerade / Ingles Night of Fire. Fans were treated again to the largest fireworks show in North Georgia, flame throwing jet cars, a wheelstander and many activities in the anufacturer's midway like the Coca Cola Ticket Tank and the Applebee's display. Elaine Larsen from central Florida wowed the fans with her immaculately built, Embry Riddle University backed Miss Ta Fire jet dragster, which ran "Full Throttle" in the high five second range at 265 plus mph, after putting on a great flame and smoke show that rattled the tower windows. Running alongside Larson was Dennis Roslansky's Crossfire jet dragster which matched Larsen's performance
and even took two out of three wins in their match racing. Danny O'Day impressed the fans with his wheelstanding Superwinch '34 Ford, running down the quarter mile at an incredible 145mph on only the rear wheels. Fred "Airplane" Sibley entertained the fans by literally melting a hapless F150 pickup with the flamed exhaust blasting out the tailpipe of his Allison J33
powered "Beer Hauler" '23 Pierce Arrow. Ben Bridges, the Atlanta Dragway announcer, kept the fans entertained during down time by giving away Powerade, Koozies, tee shirts and Ingles Gift Certificates. A really lucky fan, Richard Izquierdo from McDonough, GA won one of two Schwinn chopper bicycles given away. "My boys will love it," he added.
Mother Nature added to the fireworks show by adding numerous lightning flashes in the distance, some of which kept time with the explosions. Although it was raining all around the area, to the delight of fans, the rain held off until after the show was over at Atlanta Dragway.
The two local RFC (Racers for Christ) chaplains were the proud fathers of the winners in both classes of Jr Dragster. Lloyd Shanks' daughter, nine year old Saline, won her first ever event in 8-12 Jr Dragster, followed moments later by Scott Griffith's son, Taylor (15 years old), who won 13-17 Jr Dragster.
Mike Frizie from Winston, GA debuted his '03 Racecraft dragster at the 2003 Powerade / Ingles Night of Fire, and enjoyed his first Atlanta Dragway Super Pro win at the 2006 edition of the same event. After an hour long wait in the staging lanes for the fireworks who and exhibition runs, Frizie strapped on his helmet, got behind the wheel, and slowed his machine just a tad to a
winning 5.19 at 130.20mph (5.16 dial). His final round victim was veteran racer Ed Nalley from nearby Maysville, who slowed even more in his '76 Vega to a 6.73 at 93.74mph (6.67 target). Last week's Super Pro winner, Hank Wilhelm ('88 Spitzer dragster - Commerce, GA), had a great 13 round win streak snapped in the semi-final round. The other semi-finalist was Jerry
Brown ('98 S10 pickup - Winder, GA). Frizie thanked sponsors Dugco Supply and Chicago Pneumatic for their part in the victory. Frizie gave a special thanks to his mom, dad, brother Brannon and friend Fred. He then dedicated his win to his wife Marcia and son Alex. Frizie received another pleasant surprise when he was a warded a special Dunco Construction / Atlanta Dragway Super Pro winner's trophy.
Madison, GA racer Adam Stratton and his dad Chris spend a lot of time together racing the '73 Maverick they put together a few years ago, and the work paid off again with a victory in Pro against veteran racer Jacob Rutledge, who hails from Braselton, GA. "I didn't really know who he was," said Stratton about Rutledge, and he just raced his own race. Stratton actually survived a double breakout affair after his machine went too quick with an 11.63 at 118.15mph (11.64 dial). However, Rutledge's '79 Capri broke out even more with an 11.77 at 112.75mph (11.80 target). Bill Boomhower of Walhalla, SC made it to the semi-final round with his Nostalgia Super
Stocker '65 Belvedere. Stratton thanked his dad, girlfriend Shelly and Gabriel Machine of Winterville, GA for the help.
Brian Harris, the 2002 Atlanta Dragway Sportsman champion, met 2003 Atlanta Dragway Sportsman champ (and 2005 points runner up), Mel Abney of Cumming, GA, during the 2006 Night of Fire Sportsman final. Abney took an early advantage in the reaction time department, but the TRD Racing Development package on Harris' Toccoa, GA based '06 Tacoma apparently did a great job, by helping him post a race winning 15.88 at 84.41mph (15.87 dial). Abney's
Camaro crossed the finish line 0.013 seconds later with a 13.25 at 102.02mph (13.16 dial). It's been a long day, added Harris. "I'm glad we were at least able to get finished," said Abney. I almost didn't come because of the possibility of rain. Abney is currently in a three way tie for second place in the points. Kevin Rich ('93 Explorer - Hull, GA), who is currently seventh in the points, finished in the semi-final round, along with Sid Hopper ('72 Satellite - Gainesville, GA).
Hershel Sorrells of Hull, GA brought out his ultra-fast '96 Suzuki Katana for the Night of Fire, and went home with the Motorcycle win. Sorrells met friend and fellow racer Dennis Willis ('97 Honda - Hull, GA) in the final. After Willis' machine kept insisting on going up, into a wheelstand, instead of going forward, Sorrells had a lot of room at the big end to slow down to a winning 9.50 at 115.32mph (8.78 dial). Willis put a way off pace 11.59 at 99.78mph (10.00 target) on the scoreboard. Last week's Motorcycle winner, Howard Bowman ('82 Harley - Homer, GA) was one of the semi-final finishers. Scott Saemisch ('78 Kawasaki - Dacula, GA) rounded out the field of
semi-finalists.
A very happy nine year old RFC racer, Saline Shanks, enjoyed winning her first ever event in 8-12 Jr Dragster. Shanks was actually a bit tardy in the reaction time department, but the win light popped on in her lane after her opponent Jacqueline Lastinger 912 - Lilburn, GA) took too much finish line and broke out with an 8.94 at 71.55mph (8.98 dial). Shank's Pendergrass, GA
based racecar went 13.13 at 49.78mph (13.07 goal) for the win. Chris Bowden (10 - Homer, GA) and Mitchell Hennessee (11 - Dallas, GA) earned semi-final trophies for their day's work. "I'm happy I finally won, added the second year racer, who repeated the verse, "I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength," prior to each round of competition.
Another RFC racer, Taylor Griffith, thanked Richard Lastinger and other friends who loaned their team parts all day en route to his 13-17 Jr Dragster victory. "We blew up nearly everything, including the motor and torque converter, during the race. It's been a rough day," added the happy Griffith. Griffith's troubles continued into the final when his car fell off
sharply to a 9.90 at only 48.42mph (9.65 dial). However, Griffith was aided by his opponent, "Wild Kyle" Denton (16 - McDonough, GA), who crossed the finish line first, but too quickly, posting a breakout loss time of 7.95 at 68.33mph (8.00 dial). Defending champ, Team PTI racer Lauren Turner (15 - Pendergrass, GA) and Chase Mullinax (14 - Buford, GA) were the semi-finalist trophy winners.
Sanctioned by the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), Atlanta Dragway is located just off I-85 at Exit 149 in the Banks Crossing area of Commerce, Georgia. Information on all 2004 events may be obtained by calling the track office (706-335-2301) or logging on to www.atlantadragway.com.
SUPER PRO CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Mike Frizie '03 Racecraft Winston, GA 5.19 130.20 (5.16)
R/U: Ed Nalley '76 Vega Maysville, GA 6.73 93.74 (6.67)
Semi: Hank Wilhelm '88 Spitzer dragster Commerce, GA
Semi: Jerry Brown '98 S10 pickup Winder, GA
-----------------------------------------------
PRO CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Adam Stratton '73 Maverick Madison, GA 11.63 118.15 (11.64)
R/U: Jacob Rutledge '79 Capri Braselton, GA 11.77 112.75 (11.80)
Semi: Bill Boomhower '65 Belvedere Walhalla, SC
Semi:
-----------------------------------------------
SPORTSMAN CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Brian Harris '06 Tacoma Toccoa, GA 15.88 84.40 (15.87)
R/U: Mel Abney '67 Camaro Cumming, GA 13.25 102.02 (13.16)
Semi: Kevin Rich '93 Explorer Hull, GA
Semi: Sid Hopper '72 Satellite Gainesville, GA
-----------------------------------------------
MOTORCYCLE BIKE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Hershel Sorrells '96 Katana Hull, GA 9.50 115.32 (8.78)
R/U: Dennis Willis '97 Honda Hull,GA 11.59 99.78 (10.00)
Semi: Howard Bowman '82 Harley Homer, GA
Semi: Scott Saemisch '78 Kawasaki Dacula, GA
-----------------------------------------------
8-12 JR DRAGSTER AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Saline Shanks 9 Pendergrass, GA 13.13 49.78 (13.07)
R/U: Jacqueline Lastinger 12 Lilburn, GA 8.94 71.55 (8.98)
Semi: Mitchell Hennessee 11 Dallas, GA
Semi: Chris Bowden 10 Homer, GA
-----------------------------------------------
13-17 JR DRAGSTER AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Taylor Griffith 15 Homer, GA 9.90 48.42 (9.65)
R/U: "Wild Kyle" Denton 16 McDonough, GA 7.95 68.33 (8.00)
Semi: Lauren Turner 15 Pendergrass, GA
Semi: Chase Mullinax 14 Buford, GA
-----------------------------------------------
posted by David @ 6:37 PM
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