OLIVAREZ, PAYNE ON TOP IN ATLANTA
NHRA LUCAS OIL DRAG RACING SERIES – SOUTHEAST DIVISION
ATLANTA DRAGWAY, COMMERCE, GA.
Saturday, September 30, 2006
Contact: Eric Lotz, NHRA
COMMERCE, Ga. – Aaron Olivarez and Jay Payne out ran their fields to take the top spots at this weekend’s NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series at Atlanta Dragway. Olivarez took the No. 1 spot in Top Alcohol Dragster away from Ashley Force by three hundredths of a second in the final qualifying session running 5.356 seconds at 264.44 mph. The Sandy, Utah, racer is 12 points behind Force and Artie Allen who are tied for in the NHRA Southeast Division point’s battle.
Force, daughter of 13-time NHRA Funny Car Champion and star of A&E Network’s “Driving Force”, ran a lap of 5.382 seconds at 264.96 mph. The Yorba Linda, Calif., racer is followed by Guy Kelly in third.
Force has two national event wins this year but is still looking for her first in the NHRA Lucas Oil Divisional series.
Payne clocked in at 5.707 seconds, 256.80 mph for the top spot in Top Alcohol Funny Car. The multi-time funny car division and former Top Alcohol Dragster National Champion is followed by Steve Harker out of Gainesville, Ga., and Mark Billington of Norcross, Ga., in second and third respectively. Harker ran a 5.725 second, 253.99 mph lap while Billington recorded a run of 5.848 seconds, 241.32 mph.
Bo Butner of Floyd Knobs, Ind., jumped to the top spot in Comp Eliminator running 7.095 seconds while Larry Pritchett, Friday’s top qualifier, held on to second. Butner, who is currently third in the national championship point’s standings, is looking for his fifth win of the year.
In Super Stock it was Johnny Fogle leading the field in his ’05 Cavalier and Jeff Velde leads Stock Eliminator running 10.062 seconds in his ’67 Shelby.
The TracStar Systems Satellites Top Sportsman class saw Jerry Barker out of Fort Valley, Ga., race to the top with a pass of 6.894 seconds at 202.12 mph with Mike Gardner in second at 6.895, 203.00 mph. Commerce, Ga., racer Ronnie Davis landed in the fourth qualifying position with a best time of 6.908 seconds, at 199.52 mph.
Racing continues Sunday at 10 a.m. with round 1 of Top Alcohol Dragster and Funny Car set for 1 p.m. Gates open at 8 a.m. Tickets are $20 for Sunday. For more information, call Atlanta Dragway, (706) 335-2301.
The following are Saturday’s final qualifying results and Sunday’s first-round pairings for TAD and TAFC at the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Atlanta Dragway:
TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) Aaron Olivarez, Sandy, Utah, 5.356 seconds, 264.44 mph
2) Ashley Force, Azusa, Calif., 5.382, 264.96
3) Guy Kelly, Wadley, Ala., 5.409, 262.79
4) Artie Allen, Jacksonville, Fla., 5.495, 257.97
5) Marty Thacker, Robinson, Ill., 5.533, 261.17
6) Robin Samsel, Marion, Ind., 5.578, 248.20
7) Cherissa Griffis, Gainesville, Fla., 6.055, 205.91
8) Dan Lucas, Cumming, Ga., 6.427, 209.69
First round TAD pairings
1) Aaron Olivarez, Sandy, Utah, 5.356 seconds, 264.44 mph vs. 8) Dan Lucas, Cumming, Ga., 6.427,
209.69
2) Ashley Force, Azusa, Calif., 5.382, 264.96 vs. 7) Cherissa Griffis, Gainesville, Fla., 6.055,
205.91
3) Guy Kelly, Wadley, Ala., 5.409, 262.79 vs. 6) Robin Samsel, Marion, Ind., 5.578, 248.20
4) Artie Allen, Jacksonville, Fla., 5.495, 257.97 vs. 5) Marty Thacker, Robinson, Ill., 5.533,
261.17
TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
1) Jay Payne, Claremont, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.707 seconds, 256.80 mph
2) Steve Harker, Gainesville, Ga., '06 Monte Carlo, 5.725, 253.99
3) Mark Billington, Norcross, Ga., '01 Avenger, 5.848, 241.32
4) Monty Todd, Wetumpka, Ala., '01 Camaro, 5.966, 241.11
5) Bill Naves, Salisbury, N.C., '97 Firebird, 6.299, 227.54
6) John Sullivan, Montgomery, Ala., '04 Firebird, 6.526, 181.23
7) William Fulford, Virginia Beach, Va., '01 Corvette, 6.851, 206.23
First round TAFC pairings
1) Jay Payne, Claremont, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.707 seconds, 256.80 mph vs. Bye
2) Steve Harker, Gainesville, Ga., '06 Monte Carlo, 5.725, 253.99 vs. 7) William Fulford, Virginia Beach, Va., '01 Corvette, 6.851, 206.23
3) Mark Billington, Norcross, Ga., '01 Avenger, 5.848, 241.32 vs. 6) John Sullivan, Montgomery, Ala., '04 Firebird, 6.526, 181.23
4) Monty Todd, Wetumpka, Ala., '01 Camaro, 5.966, 241.11 vs. 5) Bill Naves, Salisbury, N.C., '97 Firebird, 6.299, 227.54
COMP ELIMINATOR
1) Bo Butner, Floyds Knobs, Ind., '05 Cavalier, AA/SM, 7.095 seconds, -0.655 (under index)
2) Larry Pritchett, Clarkrange, Tenn., '05 Sunfire, B/SM, 8.109, -0.651
3) David Eaton, Merritt Island, Fla., '32 Bantam, A/AP, 6.858, -0.632
4) Rick Hord, Kissimmee, Fla., '63 Corvette, BB/A, 7.524, -0.626
5) David Rampy, Piedmont, Ala., '32 Bantam, A/EA, 7.289, -0.621
6) Glen Treadwell, Sorrento, Fla., '23 roadster, F/EA, 8.070, -0.620
7) Jeff Taylor, Floyds Knobs, Ind., '05 Grand Am, G/SMA, 8.832, -0.618
8) Tony Stephenson, Willow Springs, N.C., '06 GTO, E/AA, 7.796, -0.614
9) George Gallimore Jr, Memphis, '32 Bantam, A/AP, 6.889, -0.601
10) Gary Wisecarver, Rustburg, Va., '05 Cavalier, H/SM, 9.194, -0.546
SUPER STOCK
1) Johnny Fogle, Norway, S.C., '05 Cavalier, GT/AA, 9.171 seconds, -1.229 (under index)
2) Mark Nowicki, Gaylord, Mich., '98 Avenger, GT/HA, 10.140, -1.210
3) Bobby Dennis, Shorter, Ala., '97 Firehawk, GT/MA, 10.841, -1.209
4) Mike Crutchfield, Montgomery, Ala., '05 Sunfire, SS/BS, 8.887, -1.163
5) James Caro, Houma, La., '03 Stratus, GT/CA, 9.561, -1.139
6) Tim Cole, Collierville, Tenn., '96 Corvette, SS/AX, 8.732, -1.118
7) Rick Brewer, Jacksonville, Fla., '67 Corvette, SS/IA, 9.907, -1.093
8) Bret Voges, Van Buren, Ohio, '67 Nova, SS/HA, 9.816, -1.084
9) Don Barber, Hohenwald, Tenn., '05 Cavalier, GT/BA, 9.477, -1.073
10) Terry Pearson, Spanish Fort, Ala., '05 Cavalier, GT/BA, 9.477, -1.073
STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) Jeff Velde, Vero Beach, Fla., '67 Shelby GT, A/SA, 10.062 seconds, -1.238 (under index)
2) Robbie Shaw, Douglasville, Ga., '87 Firebird, F/FIA, 11.718, -1.232
3) John Livingston, Murfreesboro, Tenn., '90 Camaro, E/FIA, 11.445, -1.155
4) Daryl Summerton, Auburndale, Fla., '76 Cutlass, K/SA, 11.796, -1.154
5) Raymond Skipper Jr., Richmond, Va., '95 Camaro, B/FIA, 10.563, -1.137
6) Sterling Simmons Jr., Midlothian, Va., '98 Camaro, B/FIA, 10.567, -1.133
7) Jeff Warren, Clinton, N.C., '98 Firebird, B/FIA, 10.576, -1.124
8) Wayne Shaw, Douglasville, Ga., '83 Malibu, M/SA, 12.027, -1.123
9) Painter Stevenson, Flowery Branch, Ga., '69 Nova, F/SA, 11.037, -1.113
10) Jimmy Parker, Columbus, Ga., '91 Corvette, D/FIA, 11.195, -1.105
TOP SPORTSMAN
1) Mike Gardner, Haymarket, Va., '04 Corvette, 6.674 seconds, 206.35 mph
2) Jim Harrington, Ft. Walton Bch., Fla., '99 Cutlass, 6.740, 210.47
3) Jerry Barker, Fort Valley, Ga., '06 Cobalt, 6.894, 202.12
4) Ronnie Davis, Commerce, Ga., '63 Corvette, 6.908, 199.52
5) Tommy Turner, Naples, Fla., '04 Cavalier, 6.936, 202.15
6) Dan Morrow, St. Pete, Fla., '06 GTO, 6.964, 198.61
7) Dale Ashley, Cape Coral, Fla., '05 Cavalier, 6.991, 198.38
8) Bobby Burgett, Longwood, Fla., '53 Corvette, 7.009, 195.70
9) Robert Sellers, Daytona Beach, Fla., '06 Avenger, 7.072, 195.25
10) Jeffrey Barker, Warner-Robins, Ga., '02 Camaro, 7.145, 193.10
Schumacher, Johnson, Stanfield and Sampey Lead Pro Qualifiers at the NHRA POWERade Toyo Tires Nationals
NHRA LUCAS SERIES KICKS OFF AT ATLANTA DRAGWAY
NHRA LUCAS OIL DRAG RACING SERIES - SOUTHEAST DIVISION
ATLANTA DRAGWAY, COMMERCE, GA.
Friday, September 29, 2006
Contact: Eric Lotz, NHRA
COMMERCE, Ga. - In the first rounds of qualifying at Atlanta Dragway, Larry Pritchett of Clarkrange, Tenn., grabbed the top spot in Comp Eliminator for this weekend's NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event. Pritchett ran a lap of 8.109 seconds and is followed by David Eaton in the No. 2 spot and reigning Lucas Oil National Champion Jeff Taylor in third.
Local racer Ronnie Davis landed in the No. 2 qualifying position in the TracStar Systems Satellites Top Sportsman class running 6.934 seconds at 199.23 mph. The Commerce, Ga., resident just missed the number one spot which went to Mike Gardner out of Haymarket, Va., in his '04 Corvette running 6.895 seconds at 203.00 mph.
In Super Stock Bobby Dennis was quickest running 10.858 seconds in his '97 Firehawk followed by James Caro in second while Jeff Velde put his '67 Shelby on top in Stock Eliminator with a 10.062 second pass. Velde is followed by Flowery Branch, Ga., racer Painter Stevenson in second.
Racing continues Saturday at 10 a.m. Gates open at 8 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Funny will make two qualifying runs scheduled for 5 and 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 on Saturday and $20 on Sunday. Atlanta Dragway is located at 500 E. Ridgeway Road in Commerce, approximately 60 miles NE of Atlanta near the intersection of I-85 and Highway 441 in Banks Crossing. For more information, call Atlanta Dragway, (706) 335-2301.
The following are Friday's qualifying results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Atlanta Dragway:
COMP ELIMINATOR
1) Larry Pritchett, Clarkrange, Tenn., '05 Sunfire, B/SM, 8.109 seconds, -0.651 (under index)
2) David Eaton, Merritt Island, Fla., '32 Bantam, A/AP, 6.858, -0.632
3) Jeff Taylor, Floyds Knobs, Ind., '05 Grand Am, G/SMA, 8.832, -0.618
4) Tony Stephenson, Garner, N.C., '06 GTO, E/AA, 7.796, -0.614
5) David Rampy, Piedmont, Ala., '32 Bantam, A/EA, 7.298, -0.612
6) George Gallimore Jr, Memphis, Tenn., '32 Bantam, A/AP, 6.889, -0.601
7) Gary Wisecarver, Rustburg, Va., '05 Cavalier, H/SM, 9.194, -0.546
8) Mike Saye, Johnston, S.C., '92 Cutlass, H/A, 8.885, -0.525
9) Van Puckett, Monroe, Ga., '05 Cavalier, F/AA, 8.191, -0.519
10) Glen Treadwell, Sorrento, Fla., '23 roadster, F/EA, 8.181, -0.509
SUPER STOCK
1) Bobby Dennis, Shorter, Ala., '97 Firehawk, GT/MA, 10.858 seconds, -1.192 (under index)
2) James Caro, Houma, La., '03 Stratus, GT/CA, 9.572, -1.128
3) Tim Cole, Collierville, Tenn., '96 Corvette, SS/AX, 8.732, -1.118
4) Mark Nowicki, Gaylord, Mich., '98 Avenger, GT/HA, 10.245, -1.105
5) Mike Crutchfield, Montgomery, Ala., '05 Sunfire, SS/BS, 8.953, -1.097
6) Jim Smiley, Springfield, Tenn., '91 Calais, SS/BM, 8.647, -1.053
7) Rick Brewer, Jacksonville, Fla., '67 Corvette, SS/IA, 9.953, -1.047
8) David Swimm, Conway, S.C., '87 Camaro, GT/HA, 10.321, -1.029
9) Don Barber, Hohenwald, Tenn., '05 Cavalier, GT/BA, 9.541, -1.009
10) Terry Pearson, Spanish Fort, Ala., '05 Cavalier, GT/BA, 9.543, -1.007
STOCK
1) Jeff Velde, Vero Beach, Fla., '67 Shelby GT, A/SA, 10.062 seconds, -1.238 (under index)
2) Painter Stevenson, Flowery Branch, Ga., '69 Nova, F/SA, 11.073, -1.077
3) David Lindsay, Ft. Pierce, Fla., '95 Cobra, C/FI, 10.887, -1.063
4) John Livingston, Murfreesboro, Tenn., '90 Camaro, E/FIA, 11.538, -1.062
5) Raymond Skipper Jr., Richmond, Va., '95 Camaro, B/FIA, 10.649, -1.051
6) Bud Rowe, Bridgeton, N.C., '95 Camaro, B/FIA, 10.651, -1.049
7) Robbie Shaw, Douglasville, Ga., '87 Firebird, F/FIA, 11.905, -1.045
8) Jimmy Parker, Columbus, Ga., '91 Corvette, D/FIA, 11.260, -1.040
9) Eric Wingo, Springfield, Tenn., '66 Chevy II, F/S, 11.078, -1.022
10) Wayne Shaw, Douglasville, Ga., '83 Malibu, M/SA, 12.141, -1.009
TOP SPORTSMAN
1) Mike Gardner, Haymarket, Va., '04 Corvette, 6.895 seconds, 203.00 mph
2) Ronnie Davis, Commerce, Ga., '63 Corvette, 6.934, 199.23
3) Dale Ashley, Cape Coral, Fla., '05 Cavalier, 6.991, 196.04
4) Jeffrey Barker, Warner-Robins, Ga., '02 Camaro, 7.145, 193.10
5) Corey Glidewell, Corinth, Miss., '95 Camaro, 7.306, 187.36
6) Jeremy Glidewell, Corinth, Miss., '95 Cutlass, 7.367, 187.13
7) Billy Vaughn, Knoxville, Tenn., '00 S-10, 7.383, 181.40
8) Larry Smith, Ridgeland, Miss., '94 Cutlass, 7.412, 185.05
9) John Glenn, Andrews, N.C., '97 S-10, 7.426, 181.32
10) Brad Clarke, Raymond, Miss., '98 Corvette, 7.626, 175.02
Blast from the Past! Harmon Caldwell's AA/FD at Indy 1967
Thanks to Hugh Greeson for taking the photo and Wayne Holland for submitting it to GeorgiaDragRacing.com!
Old Drag Racers Reunion - Sept 29 - October 1, 2006 - Panama City, Florida
Old Drag Racers Reunion - Sept 29 - October 1, 2006 - Panama City, Florida2006 Event FlyerFor more information, contact:
Sol Stewart
PO Box 144
Jackson, AL 36525
251-246-5588 t_pet@bellsouth.net
2002 Article2003 Article2004 Article2002 Photos2003 Photos2004 Photos2005 PhotosFINAL MAIL OUT 2006 OLD DRAG RACERS REUNIONFrom Sol Stewart
THIS IS LONG...LOTS OF INFORMATION...PLEASE READ VERY CAREFULLY
FRIDAY Sept. 29th Legends Of Drag Racing Dinner/Ceremony
We only have 63 tickets left fot this Dinner-Ceremony. When they are all gone, we will be full....Sold out. Friday, Sept.15th is the date I have to meet with the caterer and turn in the money and the head count for the dinner. Any money received after Sept. 14th will be returned. NO TICKETS, if any are left, will be sold after that date and no tickets will be available at the door on Sept. 29th. A Panama City police officer will be taking up tickets at the door and only persons holding a ticket will be allowed in. The door opens at 7pm CST, a cash bar will be available thru out the evening...The buffet will be served at
7:45pm and the Ceremony will start shortly there after.
Special guests for the Dinner/Ceremony will be Don Garlits, Darrell Gwynn, Jerry Gwynn
and Buddy Martin...There is a fair chance Roy Hill and David Pearson will come with Buddy Martin. HOW TO GET TICKETS TO THIS??? CONTACT ME.....
____________________________________________________________________
A video production company from Nashville, Tenn. is coming to the ODRR to video interviews for a SPECIAL "The Early Days of Drag Racing". They were at the big NHRA Reunion in Bowling Green, Ky. several weeks back and heard about our Event and now they are coming to Panama City to see what we are about.
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Do we have any members of the ODRR who use Royal Purple Oil Products? Bobby Likis has this company as one of his major sponsors. Bobby would like to interview at least 3 of you on his National Radio Show on Saturday morning Sept. 30th, direct from the Car Show. PLEASE get in touch with me if you use the Royal Purple products and would like to be interviewed on national radio...just might be something in it for you!
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CHARLIE MORRIS from the famous 422 Racing Group in Penn. will be at the Reunion
doing interviews and gathering information and pictures for his new book, "Drag Racing
In the 60's".
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HALL OF MEMORIES 8:30am CST Saturday morning, Sept. 30th Ball Room
Again we ask everyone to bring old drag racing pictures, memorabilia, and racing artifacts
and place them in the "Hall of Memories" for everyone to see, enjoy and reminisce over.
Share these old treasures with others, just as the car show people share their cars in the
Car Show.
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CAR SHOW 8:30am CST Saturday morning, Sept. 30th Rear Park Lot Motel
PLEASE let me or ROB COLE know if you plan to enter your car in the CAR SHOW. It is FREE ENTRY and we are expecting a big turnout. PHIL BONNER is bringing his famous 1964 T-Bolt to the CAR SHOW. We understand a gent from central Fla. is bringing the "FireBall" Roberts 57 Ford round track car...300HP 312. Also there is a good chance Marvin Panch will bring his 62 Pontiac round track car, thanks to the help of his good friend and ODRR member Sonny Rollo. There is a good chance that we will have as many as 7 origional 1964 T-Bolts at the CAR SHOW. We hope Todd Werner will bring his 1968 RONNIE SOX BARRACUDA.
PLEASE let me know if you would like to enter the "CACKLE FEST" during the CAR SHOW. This will start at 11am. We will also have a limited number of cars for the "BURN OUT" contest(10) which starts a 11:30am. PLEASE let me know if you would like to enter your car in this. Trophies will be awarded in the Car Show, the CACKLE FEST
and the BURNOUTS.
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DRAG RACING SATURDAY NIGHT
Any cars entered in our CAR SHOW will be able to run in a special Bracket Race at the local drag strip on Saturday night. Entry fee for car and driver will be $40.00 and there will be a 100% pay back...For Instance...if we have 20 cars from the CAR SHOW race, there will be an $800.00 payout. There will be a special race for ODRR members over 75 yrs. old. Already there has been one protest filed that claims GEORGE WARREN is not old enough to race in this event. He will be required to provide a birth certificate proving he is 75 or older. Also, ELLIS MILNER(WOW, 49 yrs. in drag racing) is bringing his beautiful 1957 Chevy PRO MOD car to the CAR SHOW and for his daughter LYNN MILNER to drive in a MATCH RACE Saturday night at the track. LYNN is an outstanding PRO MOD racer and consistantly turns the 1/8 mile in the 4.20's at better than 170 MPH.
Below is a partial list of Race Cars we hope will be ready to race after the CAR SHOW...
AUBREY PADGETT...."BIG IRON" CHEVY
ROBERT McLELLAND..."BIG CHIEF" PONTIAC
BILL TRIPOLI...SS/DA 67 FAIRLANE 427
RUSTY GILLIS...69 MUSTANG 428CJ
WILLARD O'BRIAN..."OLD RUSTY" CHEVY
JIMMY SPINKS..."COUNTRY BOY" CHEVY
R. D. HELMS...CHEVY
SPEEDY BALL...CHEVY POWERED FORD
JOE TEUTON...426 HEMI BARRACUDA
CHARLES COOK...WILLYS COUPE
MARCO DeCESARIS...DICK BRANNAN'S T-BOLT
TOM GOULD...28 TIMES NAT. RECORD CORVAIR
JEFF NELSON...71 MUSTANG
MIKE OSBURN... 1964 FORD 427
PLEASE advise me if you would like to race your car at the local drag strip on Saturday
night sept. 30th. The car must be in the CAR SHOW Saturday morning in order to get into our SPECIAL BRACKET RACE Saturday night.
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HALL OF FAME CEREMONY SATURDAY 2pm MOTEL BALL ROOM
The WORD is out...there are two or three of the 2006 Hall Of Fame inductees who may
get "ROASTED" real good....LOOK OUT RANDY....There will be celebs galore for everyone to meet and talk to....
__________________________________________________________________
THE HOST MOTEL THE HOLIDAY INN SELECT PANAMA CITY, FLA.
The phone # for reservations is 850-769-0000. REMEMBER to tell them you are with the OLD DRAG RACERS REUNION to get the good room rate.
FOR ANYTHING ELSE.....CONTACT ME SOL STEWART
P. O. BOX 144
JACKSON, ALA. 36545
251-246-5588
EMAIL: T_P@Bellsouth.net
Whit Bazemore to drive Matco Tools Dragster in 2007
BELL WINS EVENT, KING OF THE TRACK WALLY AND 2006 SUPER PRO CHAMPIONSHIP
EVENT: Final Summit ET points event and King of the Track race at Atlanta Dragway in 2006
by Tim Glover
(Commerce, GA - September 23) A mild weather day and great racing marked the final Summit ET points event for the 2006 season at Atlanta Dragway. All but one of the championships (Motorcycle) were still up for grabs. As it turned out, all the leaders coming in to the final race ended up winning their respective championships. Super Pro racer Thomas Bell almost "swept the table" in today's activities. First, he won the track championship in the quarter-final round after Stan Sinack bowed out of competition. Next, he won the race. To top it off, he then won the King of the Track event by a narrow margin of .001 seconds. The only thing he did not win was the Top 8 race, which he helped sponsor. "I just felt sorry for Jim (Onda)," Bell said with a smile about his round one Top 8 loss.
Congratulations go to all the 2006 Atlanta Dragway track champions. The winners are: Thomas Bell (Super Pro), Chris Carlile (Pro), Chad Brewer (Sportsman), Paul Cavanaugh (Motorcycle), Blake Griffith (8-12 Jr Dragster) and Kyle Denton (13-17 Jr Dragster).
After time trials were complete, Applebees Restaurants representative Ashley Sasher held a special presentation for the restaurant chain's "Race to the Wall of Fame" winners in the Junior Dragster class. The contest spanned the time from March 25 to September 2, 2006. Ashton Shubert walked away with the top prize, a $1000 sponsorship check from Applebees for her
2007 season. Chase Mullinax came in second, winning a $50 Applebees gift card, and Blake Griffith began what turned out to be his 8-12 Jr Dragster championship day after receiving third place in the contest. ($25 Applebees gift card).
During the invocation for the race, a moment of silence was held for two people missing from the drag racing world. Pro racer Randall Lewis ('77 Corvette - Cleveland, GA) passed away recently due to injuries from a motorcycle accident, and Anthony Collins, a starter for many years at
several area dragstrips, passed away from a heart attack a couple of weeks ago.
At the end of the Summit ET race, the annual NHRA King of the Track event was also held, where the four "big car" winners held a runoff to see who could lay down the best package (amount of time off of perfect for a single pass). All four contestants received a King of the Track hat, and the King of the Track winner, Thomas Bell, also received a coveted "Wally" trophy.
Thomas Bell ('05 Undercover dragster, Toccoa, GA) had a 0.068 second package, Jay "Bird" Rhyne ('81 Kawasaki, Athens, GA) put down a 0.069 second package, Toby Barnes ('77 LUV truck, Palmetto, GA) was a little further off with a 0.079 second package, and John Oliver ('99 Durango, Buford, GA) finished the event with a 0.102 second package.
After the NHRA King of the Track event was in the books, a Top 8 event was held for both Footbrake and Super Pro racers. Smokey Joe Smith donated two sets of RCI neck collars, seat belts and arm restraints, one for each winner. Thomas Bell and Ed Nalley also stepped up, adding $100 each toward the Super Pro purse.
Blackwell's Garage and Racing, Inc. proprietors Ricki and Debbie Blackwell made things even better for the two Jr Dragster class winners, donating a $50 gift certificate to each winner.
While the NMCA race was being held at Atlanta Dragway last week, two Atlanta Dragway racers enjoyed victories. Super Pro racer Brian Smith won his first ever race against Wayne Brooks, and Jr Dragster racer Danielle Krause enjoyed setting a new Outlaw Jr Dragster world record at Outer Banks, covering the 330 foot course with a blistering 4.234 second pass.
Two Toccoa, GA racers faced off in the Super Pro final. Thomas Bell had his entire crew with him this time to watch his victory, including his nephew, Christopher Lee, whom he called his good luck charm. Bell's '05 Undercover dragster was right on its number, posting a race winning 5.158 at 133.98mph (5.15 target), coupled with a telepathic .002 react. Friend and neighbor Jim Onda gave him a great race, reacting with a .012 second time, and crossing the finish line .012 seconds later with a close .01 over 4.980 at 140.84mph in his '96 "Handrail" dragster. Chad Kennnedy ('67 Camaro - Cornelia, GA) came within striking distance of the final, along with Mark Brooks ('71 Demon - Woodstock, GA). Both finished their day in the semi-final round.
Bell thanked his crew, including wife Tammy, nephew Christopher Lee, and Freddie and Angie Lewis. He also gave a special thanks to Carl Smith, who runs Bell's Drive In in Toccoa while he is racing. "I wouldn't be here without him," added Bell.
The dreaded "green shirt" added to its list of Pro victories today (accompanied by long time veteran Toby Barnes). Barnes won his 15th 2006 final this evening against the Elberton, GA based '69 Chevelle belonging to Tim Prince. Prior to the final, Prince had been doing well, but he left the starting line a fraction of a second too soon against Barnes' '77 LUV pickup, leaving the dreaded cherry colored bulb glowing. Prince went on to record a 7.12 at 96.01mph (7.10 dial). Barnes' truck went a tad on the quick side with a 7.709 at 90.96mph (7.73 dial). Dale Anderson ('68 Camaro - Hayesville, NC) and Robert Wilbanks ('65 Mustang GT - Winder, GA) finished
in the semi-finals.
"I'm just glad to get my picture taken. We couldn't let Chad (Brewer) have all the fun," said Sportsman winner John Oliver from Buford, GA. Oliver faced the newly crowned Sportsman champ Chad Brewer in the final, and used a holeshot to help force Brewer's Kennesaw, GA based '83 Thunderbird into a breakout loss of 9.74 at 73.74mph (9.80 dial). Oliver's '99 Durango was
close to the money with a 10.475 at 67.52mph (10.48 dial). Harold Wilson ('74 Nova - Winder, GA) was the lone semi-finalist. Although this was Oliver's first 2006 win, he enjoyed two wins in 2005, at the Southern Super Heavy Shootout and one of the bracket races. He was also in the finals during the 2006 Atlanta Dragway Spring Bracket Bash.
Paul Cavanaugh from Loganville, GA began racing Motorcycle class this year, and ended his season as the 2006 Atlanta Dragway Motorcycle champion. "Yeah, I got it, but I lost to Jay (Rhyne) again!," stated Cavanaugh at the end of the day. Cavanaugh actually had the reaction time advantage at the starting line, but his '02 Suzuki Hayabusa decided to reach for the sky three different times down the track, carrying the front wheel three feet high in the air at one point in the run. Unfortunately, as the saying goes, when he was going up, he wasn't going forward, and slowed to a 6.89 at 110.82mph (6.40 dial). Seeing he had room to spare at the finish line stripe, the experienced Rhyne went off the throttle a bit, posting a 7.75 at 81.58mph
(7.71 dial). Howard Bowman from Homer, GA rode his wife's '06 Harley to the semi-finalist position. Cavanaugh, who is also fourth in the Street ET division of Prostar, won his Atlanta Dragway championship by consistency, as he has not enjoyed a race win yet.
Usually, the younger competitors in 8-12 Jr Dragsters get beaten early in competition, but second year competitor Salina Shanks (10 years old) of Pendergrass, GA rose to the top for the second time in 2006, winning tonight's event against 11 year old Dylan Kent of Acworth, GA. Shanks' machine was very close to the 12.15 second mark during each of the last three rounds, and only missed it by .001 seconds in the final against Kent. Shanks had almost a tenth of a second advantage in her pocket at the starting line, and although she broke out with a 12.149 at 53.14mph (12.15 dial), Kent broke out a little more with an 8.956 at 73.13mph (8.97 dial)
trying to catch her. Ashton Shubert (12 - Commerce, GA) ended the day with a semi-finalist trophy (but didn't worry too much, as she also had the Applebees' sponsorship check). "Thanks to the little people first, then the big people," said Shanks. Then she mentioned her favorite Bible verse from Phillipians 4:13, "I can do all things in Christ."
Fourteen year old Allen Long's time on the practice tree paid off handsomely with a win in 13-17 Jr Dragster against Buford, GA racer Chase Mullinax, who is also 14 years old. Long's Ballground, GA based machine left the line with a .013 react and was only .003 seconds off its target time of 10.03 seconds, posting a 10.027 at 64.67mph. Mullinax was also close to perfect in the reaction time department, but unfortunately, his react was ..010 seconds on the red side of the tree, handing the automatic win to Long. Mullinax went on to an otherwise good 7.96 at 81.95mph (7.94 dial). Jordan Thurmond (14 - Statham, GA) earned a semi-finalist trophy for his efforts. Long thanked all of his family and friends who helped him get to the winner's circle.
Jim Onda ('96 "Handrail" dragster - Toccoa, GA) earned the Top 8 - Electronics win against Dennis Coover ('04 Fab Concepts dragster - Cartersville, GA). Onda was on the react (.011 seconds) and just a little off his dial in the final, running 5.00 at 140.07mph (4.98 goal), but he got an automatic win the moment Coover's machine left the starting line with the tomato colored bulb glowing. Coover has done well, making his way to several Super Pro finals in 2006. Youngsters Hank Wilhelm ('96 Ed Quay dragster - Commerce, GA) and Jesse Young ('00 Undercover dragster - Danielsville, GA) were the semi-final finishers. Onda thanked his wife Denise, who helped him get to two different finals in the same day.
The Top 8 - Footbrake final round featured the exact same pairing as the 2005 Pro runoff, with Chris Carlile facing friend and mentor Dickey Forrester. The outcome ended in a similar fashion, with Carlile taking the win stripe by a narrow .011 second margin in his Canton, GA based '69
Camaro. Carlile posted a 6.662 at 102.28mph (6.65 dial). Forrester, who hails from Hickory Flat, GA, nailed the dial in time of 6.99 posted on the rear window of his '67 Camaro with a 6.994 at 99.13mph. Larry Chance ('68 Camaro - Canton, GA) and Jacob Rutledge ('79 Capri - Hoschton, GA) made it to the semi-final round.
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 2006 events may be obtained by calling the track office (706-335-2301) or logging on to www.atlantadragway.com .
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SUPER PRO CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Thomas Bell '05 Undercover Toccoa, GA 5.15 133.98 (5.15)
R/U: Jim Onda '96 Handrail Toccoa, GA 4.98 140.84 (4.97)
Semi: Chad Kennedy '67 Camaro Cornelia, GA
Semi: Mark Brooks '71 Demon Woodstock, GA
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PRO CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Toby Barnes '77 LUV truck Palmetto, GA 7.70 90.96 (7.73)
R/U: Tim Prince '69 Chevelle Elberton, GA (foul) 7.12 96.01 (7.10)
Semi: Dale Anderson '68 Camaro Hayesville, NC
Semi: Robert Wilbanks '65 Mustang GT Winder, GA
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SPORTSMAN CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: John Oliver '99 Durango Buford, GA 10.475 67.52 (10.48)
R/U: Chad Brewer '83 Thunderbird Kennesaw 9.74 73.74 (9.80)
Semi: Harold Wilson '74 Nova SS Winder, GA
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MOTORCYCLE CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Jay Bird Rhyne '81 Kawasaki Athens, GA 7.75 81.58 (7.71)
R/U: Paul Cavanaugh '02 Suzuki Hayabusa Loganville, GA 6.89 110.82 (6.40)
Semi: Howard Bowman '06 Harley Homer, GA
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8-12 JR DRAGSTER AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Salina Shanks 10 Pendergrass, GA 12.149 53.14 (12.15)
R/U: Dylan Kent 11 Acworth, GA 8.956 73.13 (8.97)
Semi: Ashton Shubert 12 Commerce, GA
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13-17 JR DRAGSTER AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Allen Long 14 Ballground, GA 10.027 64.67 (10.03)
R/U: Chase Mullinax 14 Buford, GA (foul) 7.96 81.95 (7.94)
Semi: Jordan Thurmond 14 Statham, GA
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TOP 8 - ELECTRONICS CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Jim Onda '96 dragster Toccoa, GA 5.00 140.07 (4.98)
R/U: Dennis Coover '04 Fab Concepts Cartersville, GA
(foul) 5.30 102.51 (4.95)
Semi: Hank Wilhelm '96 Ed Quay Commerce, GA
Semi: Jesse Young '00 Undercover Danielsville, GA
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TOP 8 - FOOTBRAKE CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Chris Carlile '69 Camaro Canton, GA 6.662 102.28 (6.65)
R/U: Dickey Forrester '67 Camaro Hickory Flat, GA 6.994 99.13 (6.99)
Semi: Larry Chance '68 Camaro Canton, GA
Semi: Jacob Rutledge '79 Capri Hoschton, GA
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KING OF THE TRACK VEHICLE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Thomas Bell '05 Undercover Toccoa, GA (0.068 second package)
R/U: Jay Bird Rhyne '81 Kawasaki Athens, GA (0.069 second package)
Semi: Toby Barnes '77 LUV truck Palmetto, GA (0.079 second package)
Semi: John Oliver '99 Durango Buford, GA (0.102 second package)
KJ Battles to a Semi-Final Finish in Dallas
Contact: Jon Knapp
TMG Sports Marketing, Inc.
After qualifying fifth for Sunday's final eliminations of the O'Reilly Fall Nationals in Ennis, TX, Kurt Johnson looked to score his fourth win of the 2006 POWERade Drag Racing season, and fourth of his career at the Texas Motorplex. He got off to a good start in the first round by combining a .023 reaction time with a 6.685-second, 206.29 mph pass to defeat David Howard on a holeshot, who posted a quicker 6.678-second time in the losing effort.
Johnson's chances for victory looked even better in the quarterfinals, as he left the line with a .020 reaction time and recorded the quickest pass of the round at 6.673-seconds to trailer No. 4 qualifier Tommy Lee. However, damage suffered during the run sent the crew scrambling to effect emergency repairs, using some creative engineering in order to make it to their semifinal match-up against good friend Richie Stevens.
Arriving at the starting line with only moments to spare, the team had another scare when the engine backfired as Johnson initially attempted to start his race car. He was able to get it fired on his second attempt, and launched with a solid .041 reaction time, but slowed to a 6.706-second, 205.91 mph run. Unfortunately, the drop-off cost him, as he fell shy of overcoming his opponent's starting line advantage, who used a .022 reaction time and a slightly slower 6.714-second pass to score the win.
"That was ugly. For a reason we have yet to identify, the engine had been backfiring throughout the day, and even caught fire in the pits twice. However our ACDelco Cobalt kept running well, and we were going rounds.
"As if that wasn’t enough, when I got out of the car at the top end after the second round, I noticed a quarter-inch stream of what appeared to be oil behind the car, which turned into a puddle after the car sat for a few seconds. Apparently when I hit the chutes and the car bounced. Looking back, maybe we should have changed engines, but we had just run low elapsed time of the round with that motor, so we decided to repair it instead.
"We used a combination of some UltraWeld (an instant sealing epoxy), a piece of an aluminum Hawaiian Punch can and some tape, and managed to patch it up in time for the semis. We also replaced the starter, since we weren't sure if it played a role in the engine backfiring. I have to commend my crew, because they never gave up, working through our problems and making sure we made it to the line in time.
"Unfortunately, it backfired again under the tower and blew the gasket out of the intake manifold, which certainly didn't help our run. I let the clutch out and it spun the tires a little bit, which might have hurt the reaction time. But even so, it still felt good. Unfortunately, we slowed by three hundredths from the last round and it cost us.
"Since you can't really see the win light here, I turned off the top end thinking I had won. When the camera crew started heading to Richie's car, I realized we had lost. What can you say - it was a drag race. I guess you could say it was a good day making it to the semifinals, but we're here to win. Even so, we'll take today’s results and go on to Reading next weekend and see if we can get this ACDelco Cobalt back to the winner’s circle."
Bernstein, Hight and Stevens Win the NHRA POWERade O'Reilly Fall Nationals presented by Castrol Syntec
