If you've been following the play-by-play on our Facebook and Twitter pages, you know we're in Indianapolis for the Performance Racing Industry Show (if you haven't seen the updates, check them out. Lots of on-location accounts and teaser photos from throughout each day). Here's a report from Friday, December 13th:

Martin, MI - US 131 Motorsports Park has added the return of the Super Chevy Show, Fun Ford and Mega Mopar Action events for the 2014 season. All of these events are comprised of the Manufacturer Series which has 33 events nationwide.

All three branded Series tours will make a stop at “The Fastest Track in Michigan,” giving Chevrolet, Ford and Mopar fans in the Great Lakes region a place to see the finest show cars and fastest drag cars in the area compete for a historic first-place win during the 2014 stops in Martin, Michigan.

“We are excited to offer to our Chevy, Ford and Mopar fans these events that celebrate American muscle from Detroit that feature a car show, drag racing, swap meet and a manufacturer’s midway,” said Jason Peterson US 131 Motorsports Park general manager. The Super Chevy Show presented by Chevrolet Performance will be held on May 30-June 1, 2014, the Blue Oval Fun Ford event is on July 13, 2014 and the Mega Mopar Action event is on May 18, 2014.

Virginia Motorsports Park in Petersburg, VA presents the 2013 Fall ET Challenge on November 16th & 17th, 2013. Each day features a big bucks Super Pro / Top ET race and a big bucks Mod ET / Footbrake race. Each 1/8th mile Super Pro race pays $5,000 Win, $1,000 Runner-Up, $300 Semis, and $50 Round starting with 3rd Round win. Entry is $99 for each individual day, or $169 for a 2-day entry. Buybacks are $60.

Each Mod ET pays $2,000 Win, $500 Runner-Up, $150 Semis, and $30 Round starting with 3rd Round win. Entry is $60 for each individual day, or $99 for a 2-day entry. Buybacks are $40.

Gates open 9:00 am on Saturday and Sunday, with time trials at 10:30. Visit www.virginiamotorsports.com for more info.

John Force has won an unprecedented 16th NHRA Funny Car championship. The winningest driver in NHRA history has won championships with every major sponsor from Winston to POWERade to Full Throttle and now Mello Yello capping his championship day with another NHRA national event win, No. 138, at the 13th annual Toyota NHRA Nationals in Las Vegas. Force defeated his daughter Courtney for the first time in a final round to clinch the Mello Yello Funny Car championship.

It was Force’s third win in a row and fourth final in a row. The last time Force won three in row was 2005 and it was the 15th time Force has achieved this feat. As the No. 1 qualifier Force had to outrun Gary Densham, Del Worsham, Alexis DeJoria and then Courtney Force in the final.

The semi-final race had the most drama for Force as DeJoria’s Patron Tequila Toyota Funny Car smoked the tires and then Force’s Castrol GTX Ford Mustang lost traction. Force pedaled his 10,000 hp Funny Car numerous times sashaying down the right lane but getting the win light with a time of 5.865 seconds.

“I didn’t see her run. She must have gone up in smoke early. As much trouble as I was in only running five seconds. I almost hit the wall twice. It was like me and Cruz (Pedregon) in 1992 except then I hit the wall three times. There I was going sideways. I was hitting it (the throttle) again and then I was off it and then I would hit is again. I am thinking she is out there. You don’t want to think about it. If you look over you might drive over and she will run over you. She must have gone up on smoke bad and it took too much time to recover it. The biggest thing is she is just a great kid. What is cool is she is the future with my daughter and these young drivers,” said Force, who lost lane choice to Courtney Force in the final round.

In the final Force and his Jimmy Prock tuned Mustang blasted straight down their lane with a winning elapsed time of 4.062 seconds to Courtney’s equally impressive 4.085 seconds in a losing effort.

Calling all Crazy Lady’s, those who know them, live with them and love them! Jet drag racer Jill Canuso has launched her ‘1 Crazy Lady’ Booster T-Shirt Fundraiser. All funds raised will go directly to the Drag Racing Association of Women (DRAW). Here is your chance to show your colors and support this wonderful organization. The Limited Edition T-Shirt will be available for purchase at www.booster.com/1crazylady until November 30th, 2013.

“When we reach our goal of 125 shirts sold, we’ll have raised about $1,000.00 for DRAW. This will be a notable achievement, but I’m optimistic that the generosity and support of the racing community will push us well beyond 125,” said Canuso.

The ladies fit T-shirts feature the ‘1 Crazy Lady’ logo with motto, “It’s Time to Set Your World on Fire,” and are made of 100% certified pre shrunk organic cotton - Small to 3XL. Also, they’ll make the perfect holiday gift, as all shirts will be delivered approximately 2 weeks after the November 30th closing date. Jill stated that in addition to the funds generated by the Booster T-Shirts, a percentage of all ‘Crazy Lady’ merchandise, purchased at CrazyLadySuperStore.com, will also be donated to DRAW for the entire year.

Saturday November 2nd at Atco Dragway in Atco, NJ is BOPapalooza 2013, a Buick-Olds-Pontiac Show & Go. It includes a car show with 13 different classes, a swap meet, and drag racing in Super Pro and Pro ET categories. Super Pro and Pro ET each pays $500 Win, $200 Runner-Up, $100 Semis and $50 Quarters. Entry is $40. Gates open at 9:00 am with eliminations at 1:00 pm.

Then on Sunday at Atco is the Fall Finale Nostalgia Drags for vehicles 1985 and older. Features the East Coast Gassers, Nostalgia Stock / Super Stock, and bracket racing in Super Pro and Pro ET. Super Pro and Pro ET each pays $500 Win, $200 Runner-Up, $100 Semis and $50 Quarters. Entry is $40. Gates open at 8:00 am. For more information visit www.atco-dragway.com.

Virginia Motorsports Park in Petersburg, VA presents the 2013 Eastern Footbrake Bonanza on November 2nd & 3rd, 2013. Each day features a big bucks 1/8 mile Footbrake race. Saturday's race pays $5,000 Win, $1,000 Runner-Up, $300 Semis, and $50 Round starting with 3rd Round win. Entry is $95, buybacks are $60.

Sunday's race pays $3,000 Win, $800 Runner-Up, $200 Semis, and $30 Round starting with 3rd Round win. Entry is $75, buybacks are $45.

Gates open 9:00 am on Saturday and Sunday, with time trials at 10:30. Visit www.virginiamotorsports.com for more info.

Few areas of motorsports will benefit more than drag racing when the 26th Annual Performance Racing Industry Trade Show returns to Indianapolis at the Indiana Convention Center from December 12–14, 2013.

Each year the drag racing industry plays a prominent role in the show, not surprising as it is the industry that spawned the first performance parts and after-market shows going back to the days when racers would take their street car to the local drag strip on Friday and Saturday night. That role is expected to grow further now that the show has returned to the heart of the drag racing world. “PRI returning is great for us because a dozen or more of our vendors will be in Indianapolis for the show,” said Mike Lewis, Don Schumacher Racing (DSR) Senior Vice President. “We can get a lot of business done at the show, plan our budgets and inventories. And having the show here not only allows us to see the latest technology available on the show floor, but it’s going to allow us to build better personal relationships with vendors after show hours. We’ll invite some out to see our shop and let them get a first-hand look at what we do.”

While DSR will be looking to fill the needs of it’s seven-car Nitro operation, the show’s move is expected to be just as valuable to the smaller teams. “In today’s NHRA, we race into November, we may test in December, then there’s the open test in January and next year’s Winternationals begins February 6, 87 days after the 2012 season ends,” said Cruz Pedregon, driver of the Snap-on Tools Toyota Camry Funny Car. “Having the show here in the heart of the drag racing community – is not only going to save us money, but it’s also going to save us time - and as a small team, time is of the essence. Every day you have to spend on the road is one day less you’re either in the shop or at home with your family. Now, we have the opportunity to check out the latest innovations, touch base with vendors and sponsors and still sleep in our own beds at night and be back in the shop the next morning – it’s invaluable.”

This year’s PRI Trade Show is expected to play host to exhibits from over 1,100 racing companies occupying 3,300 booths, and attract more than 40,000 racing professionals from across the US and 72 countries. Among the distributors is Lucas Oil, where Morgan Lucas will spend time both representing the company as an exhibitor, as well as an attendee checking out the latest product.

“From a pure business point, I think everyone would want to have the show in Indy,” said Lucas. “So many racing companies that actually utilize the show will now be within driving distance. From the Lucas Oil side, it’s going to save us a lot of money not having to staff and travel to two shows – and from the team side, it allows us to maximize our time in a short off-season.”

Accompanying the show will be an expanded Race Industry Week consisting of more than 35 conferences, seminars and other special events that will provide discussion and share insight on the latest technologies and how to apply them throughout the racing world. "We are thrilled to be back in Indianapolis,” said PRI Trade Show Producer John Kilroy. “It’s the heart of the racing world and an ideal location way for our exhibitors to reach the drag racing world – from Top Fuel to sportsman to junior dragsters. We've got an extraordinary array of exhibitors that hasn't been experienced all in one place, all at one time in years. It's going to be an incredible showcase of the latest advances in racing technology."

Racers, if you're in the business of the performance industry, make sure to get to Indy for the 2013 PRI Show. You can register to attend by clicking HERE.

Those of you who know Stephanie and me know that Stephanie is diabetic. In support of Stephanie and the millions like her, on Saturday, October 26, 2013, I'll be participating in my fourth Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, NJ. I am asking for your support by making a donation.

Please VISIT MY PERSONAL PAGE on the American Diabetes Association website and make a donation by selecting the "donate to bob" button. My goal is $500. With your help we'll easily eclipse that. Feel like participating with us? You can join our team by clicking on the "join bob's team" button.

Stephanie commits 100% to our photo coverage of events. It's her photography that makes Dragtime News On Location what it is, so please show your appreciation by making a donation of any size. Thank you in advance and have a great day.

Maryland International Raceway hosts their 21st Annual Mopar Eastern Classic on Saturday, October 19th. This drag race, car show and swap meet is open to all Mopar, AMC, and Jeep Eagle vehicles.

American DRAGcar Season II points leader, Ron Shelly, came into the sixth race of the season at Southwestern International Raceway in Tucson, AZ ready to battle for the points lead as Jeff Sefranek had his sights set on getting his Ford around the Chevy racer to take over the lead. As luck would have it, Sefranek got his chance gift wrapped to him as the two were paired up on the ladder to meet for first round. Intent on getting the round win without giving any points to Shelly by virtue of an index run-under, Sefranek opted to drop his adjusted index by 5 hundredths from the 11.15 he came in with on the ladder but his strategy was to no avail as he went red on the tree, thereby giving Shelly a quick 300 points to help stretch out his lead and an easy pass into the next round. Bob Thurston became the newest member of the guild and drove straight into the final round for an impressive runner-up finish initiation.

Later, Sefranek could watch with some relief as Bob Thurston would put an end to Shelly’s run in the semi-finals but not before further extending the leader’s distance in the standings. Thurston had been suffering traction issues throughout qualifying in his Modified Stock/D4 ’57 Chevy and was a bit uneasy with his 12.15 adjusted index going into round one but was able to iron it out with the early round bye-run which ended up bringing him into the semis against Shelly with a 12.10 adjusted index. By the time Shelly’s Vega had left the line in the semi-final match-up, Thurston had netted more than a couple hundredths in reaction time advantage and continued on to take the stripe well ahead of the charging big block as he managed to stretch out his advantage by running nearly 6 hundredths under-index for the win.
The semi-final round win came at a cost to Bob Thurston however, as the run-under caused the round points to go to Shelly, and Thurston was to take another 5 hundredths index adjustment hit with a 12.00 re-adjusted index going into the final round against Mike Gardner and his flawlessly performing Experimental Production/C7 ’67 Falcon.

Gardner went into the final round with a theoretical 2 hundredths performance advantage as he had run a best of 10.97 against his 10.95 adjusted index while Thurston’s best was 4 hundredths off from his new 12 flat index. As the tree came down for the final round, Thurston seemingly felt the pressure and when his big Chevy leapt from the starting line, the glow was hard to miss as he went red and handed Gardner the guaranteed winner’s payout, but Mike showed Bob that his efforts at the tree were well warranted as he still knocked out a nice 10.962 pass to earn himself his first Annihilator trophy in only three tries.

Mike Gardner also claimed the Kenny Speed’s Tire & Performance Center’s Best Reaction Time $50.00 award for his .015 semi-final round reaction time while Ron Shelly took the Kenny Speed’s Tire & Performance Center’s Best Defeated Package $50.00 award with his .076 semi-final round defeat. Ron Shelly maintains his strong points lead with 8330 points and is well on track for a 9700 point total which could net him a nice $680.00 season series bonus. Jeff Sefranek holds in second place with 7415 points and outside of Shelly failing to show for the final race of the season, will need a race win to have any hope of taking over the points series championship. Mike Gardner’s win took him right up into fourth place in the points, less than 300 points behind third place John Nahodil, so a third place finish for Mike could come pretty easily with nothing more than just showing up at the final race of the season.

The Full Power Challenge Series Season II Finale will take place at Tucson’s Southwestern International Raceway on Saturday, November 16th 2013 so plan on running it if you can.

Maple Grove Raceway, boosted by Scott Smith’s Street Eliminator championship, won the team title in the NHRA Northeast Division Summit Racing E.T. Finals at Numidia Dragway. It’s the 13th championship for Team Maple Grove, an unprecedented amount. It’s the first title since 2010. Also helping the cause were semifinal finishes by Gary Simpers (North East, Md.) in Pro and Joe Stuebner (Hamburg, Pa.) in Top Bike.

Smith defeated Brittany Jones (York Haven, Pa.) in the final. Driving his Malibu, Smith made a pass of 11.745 seconds at 106.11 mph that was .105 over his dial-in. Jones had a better reaction time, but was way over her dial, giving the nod to Smith. Simpers and his Comet were eliminated by eventual champion Ray Whitehead, Jr. (Spotswood, N.J.) in a close semifinal. Whitehead had a .0150 margin of victory, using a .001 reaction time to his advantage. Simpers was closer to his dial-in (.017) with a run of 10.457 at 118.30.

Stuebner also lost to an eventual champion. Dale Hamilton (Mount Airy, Md.) pretty much had an even start with Stuebner, but got the nod by going .074 over his dial. Stuebner and his ’90 Kawasaki were .105 over.

Phoenix, Arizona’s Ron Shelly brought his ’74 big-block Chevy-powered Vega into the fifth race of American DRAGCAR's Season II at Tucson’s Southwestern International Raceway on the Friday night of August 16th with an agenda to put some distance between him and 2nd place points position Jeff Sefranek in the “Colt Of Arms” ’65 Mustang, also of Phoenix. Sefranek also came into this race having an agenda of his own, to put a stop to Ron’s charge and take over the points lead. This season is turning out to be a real battle between these two racers as nobody else at this stage can offer either of them any challenge to either a 1st or 2nd place points finish, so it’s all down to this Ford and Chevy pair to decide who will be DRAGSTAR Of The Year.

As it turned out on this night though, the Ford racer crumbled to the pressure and ended up drawing the red light in the semi-final round thereby giving an easy opportunity for the Chevy racer to capitalize and stretch out his points lead which was made even easier as Ron Shelly drew the semi-final bye run into the final. Gilbert, Arizona’s Daryl Nance was a real head-turner for the night though as he came from out of nowhere to jump right into the money positions of the points chase with a strong showing in his “Packages From Home” flagged small block Ford powered “Stage Fright” Mustang II.

Daryl met Ron and his vintage Vega in the final for a real Classic Pro Stock appearing pair-up and he proved not to have any stage fright as he hammered out a deadly .008 reaction time to lead the chase. Ron brought his axe too though and took a good swing at the tree to get off the line with a nice .028 reaction time in pursuit of the Ford, and in all out DRAGCAR fashion, the two crossed the finish line at wide open throttle with only 4 hundredths separating them as Ron took the win running 9.896 to Daryl’s 10.560.
This surprise points windfall for Daryl vaulted him into 4th place in the points series and all he likely has to do is little more than show up for the final two races of the season to take over the 3rd place position currently held by John Nahodil who will likely miss the final two races of the season. At this time the only hope anybody has for taking over 1st or 2nd is that one of the two leaders fails to make either of the remaining two races for this season.

The final USDRAGCAR.com Full Power Challenge Series race will be coming up on Saturday, November 16th at Tucson, Arizona’s Southwestern International Raceway so get your cars ready for some all-out, no-breakout drag racing and come out to feel the rush. For more information visit www.USDragCar.com.

Congratulations to Earl Nichols on winning the 2013 championship of the Mid Atlantic Super Gas Association.

 

 

The ATI Performance Products COPO Camaro is running strong, especially now that the car is running in air under 75 degrees and the performance really took off! "Actually, it took off a little more than expected", ATI's JC Beattie, Jr said. "We were able to set the Super Stock SSA/A record at 8.449 and 161.83 MPH." The ATI crew took the motor apart for tech inspection, easily passed, and put it back together in order to make first round. The ET and MPH records where set at 3600 lbs, on a true 10.5" Hoosier, and running VP C16. The performance of the ATI COPO speaks volumes for the package the guys at GM put together for all the COPO owners to race.

Naturally, ATI’s COPO Camaro is fitted with plenty of ATI's performance products, including ATI’s Fuel Comp T400 transmission in an ATI SuperCase, paired with a 9" Fuel and Blown Torque Converter. The trans is filled with Super F ATF and mated to an LS1 crank adapter and flexplate with a 10 Rib ATI Super Damper to run the supercharger. The Katech built motor is from all factory parts and to factory specs as GM supplied and the Whipple 4.0L blower has never missed a beat. The ATI crew is looking forward to going some rounds in the upcoming races before the season is over.

MOHNTON, Pa. – The field has been set for the Money Trail E.T. Shootout that will be held during the Auto-Plus NHRA Nationals on Oct. 5-6:

NHRA Division 1 racer Rich Fetch recently upgraded his Camaro stocker with a Racepak Sportsman Drag Race Data Logger. The Data Logger is an economical solution suited to any competitor that is running a normally aspirated engine and only wanting to monitor a few items.

The lightweight composite housing Sportsman Data Logger includes engine RPM, driveshaft RPM, and battery voltage, 2 axis G meter and with the DatalinkII software this will calculate converter slip and more; plus 21 channels so you can monitor critical engine information such as water temperature, oil pressure, fuel pressure, EGT and air/fuel ratio just to name a few. With installation being simplified by the use of a factory terminated wiring harness and pre-programmed software the Sportsman Data Logger provides an ideal balance of cost and features.

The Sportsman Data Logger can also be easily integrated with the MSD Powergrid which is the next evolution of MSD’s Programmable 7-Series Ignition Controls. The Grid incorporates an efficient 32 bit microcontroller and an all new software program, called MSD View, and is USB compatible. The Windows based software is designed with tabs to help racers easily select different programming windows and parameters. Also, the data acquisition files of the ignition are now captured on a micro SD card for ease of storage and reviewing. Visit www.racepak.com for more info.

NHRA announced its 2014 Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule, which includes a return to racing Memorial Day weekend with the NHRA Kansas Nationals at Heartland Park Topeka, May 23-25:

(PSM) - Event will include Pro Stock Motorcycle

On Wednesday, August 14, 2013, Lingenfelter Performance Engineering's development vehicle, a 2014 Direct Injected 5.3L crew cab Chevrolet Silverado with a Magnuson TVS 1900 supercharger, made a test run at Muncie Dragway resulting in an elapsed time of 13.89 @ 100.07 mph on 93 octane pump gas.

Following the June delivery of Lingenfelter's 2014 Silverado, Lingenfelter engineers conducted baseline chassis dyno testing on gasoline that produced runs with peak power of 302 horsepower and 332 lb-ft. On E85 fuel, that increased to 321 horsepower and 355 lb-ft.

Lingenfelter 2014 Silverado Crew Cab 4WD specifics:
* L83 5.3L direct injection
* 3.07 rear differential
* Weighs 5,360 pounds with 1/2 tank of fuel and no driver

"Lingenfelter has worked for years with forced induction, direct injection engines as part of our in-house development and in the form of consultancy work for other OEM suppliers," said Ken Lingenfelter, CEO, Lingenfelter Performance Engineering. "With the advent of the Gen 5 direct injected V8 engines, our team was looking forward to this challenge."

The 2014 Silverado has the same direct injected architecture as the LT1 engine in the new C7 Corvette. Prototype camshafts for both truck and Corvette are already on hand. Lingenfelter has started cylinder head port flow development work and CNC programs for both cylinder head types, which will be completed soon. Supercharger and turbocharged packages are also in development for both trucks and C7 Corvettes. For more information, visit www.lingenfelter.com,

Racers, if you have friends who just don't understand the addiction we have with our cars and dragstrips, now's your chance to get them hooked by having them feel it themselves at Doug Foley's Dragster Experience.

Doug Foley's Drag Racing Experience is about raw speed and breathtaking acceleration. Ride in one of their 140 mph Dragster Blast machines or take the driver's seat in one of their high-horsepower dragsters. Either way, you'll never forget the adrenaline rush. So join them on Monday, September 23rd at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park in Englishtown, New Jersey. Spaces are limited. Call 866-DRAGSTER.

Grand Bend Motorplex, Grand Bend, ON hosted another superb drag race event last month. The Stratford Spectacular “Hot August Nationals” presented by Ideal Supply and NAPA Auto Parts (August 9 – 11) was a huge success and the National Drag Racing Association Alcohol Funny Cars presented by Ohsweken Speedway did their part to give race fans a big bang for their buck.

2012 NDRA Alcohol Funny Car Series champion Larry Dobbs captured the event win, his second victory of the 2013 series, by defeating London, Ontario’s Rob Atchison and his Atchison Machine Service ’06 Chevy Monte Carlo.

In the final, both Dobbs and Atchison were in full-out battle mode as they nosed to the line. At the top end, Dobbs took the win with a 5.77 at 249.65 over Atchison’s 5.81 at 249.30.

As for the NDRA Nitro Nostalgia Funny Cars, Doug Cadman and Gary Kraus did their entertainment magic once again.
The matchups of Cadman’s Chi-Town Hustler ’73 Dodge Charger and Kraus’ Pony Up ’72 Ford Mustang definitely gave the fans their money’s-worth!

The next event for the National Drag Racing Association will feature the Alcohol and Nitro Nostalgia Funny Cars as well as the popular NDRA Pro Doorslammers at Toronto Motorsports Park - Cayuga Dragway on the August 31 to September 1 Labour Day weekend. This will be the season finale with the NDRA Alcohol Funny Cars and Pro Doorslammers so the competition for the 2013 championships will be fierce.

For more information about the NDRA and their 2013 schedule, visit www.ndra.ca. Photo: Stacee Kenington.

John Smith and the "Jungle Jim" Vega won the Mickey Thompson DRO AA/FC Challenge as part of Maple Grove Raceway’s Geezers Reunion at The Grove and the Uni-Select Cavalcade of Funny Cars. He didn’t have to make a pass in the final as his opponent, Shawn Bowen, broke his car after beating Marc White in the semifinals.

After taking the win against White, Bowen and his ’77 Firebird broke down in the shutdown lane, causing a 43-minute cleanup. Replacement parts were available, but the crew couldn’t make the repairs in the 90-minute window.

On the other side of the bracket, “Crazy Jake” Crimmins upset top-seeded Lewis in the first round as he made a run of 5.971 at 232.35 as Lewis fell behind and couldn’t quite catch up at the end. Meanwhile, Smith ran against his brother, Mike, and won the sibling battle by going 5.829 at 246.21.

In the semifinals, Bowen got the jump on White at the start and got to the finish first as both cars struggled. Turns out, the run was too much for Bowen’s Firebird. On the other hand, Smith had an easy road when Crimmins fouled at the start.

The Alcohol Funny Cars used a Chicago-style format in which the two quickest in the first round of time shots faced each other in the second for the championship. Rocky Pirrone in the Screamin’ Eagle Firebird had a victory cruise when George Reidnauer in the Excalibur Corvette broke at the starting line.

To get to the final, Pirrone went 6.643 seconds at 210.21, while Reidnauer went 6.780 at 203.00.

NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Sportsman Racer Dan Fletcher is the only Sportsman racer to sweep the Western Swing, having won all three races in 1994, and again this season at the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Northwest Nationals on August 4.

Fletcher earned his second Swing sweep for wins 84 and 85 making him the 17th driver to accomplish the double-win feat, and earning the 28th double in NHRA history. Fletcher’s double is also especially remarkable because the 85th victory ties him with NHRA legend Bob Glidden, another Mickey Thompson competitor, for fourth place on the all-time NHRA wins list.

Fletcher competes using Mickey Thompson’s #30751 tires size 32.0/14.5-15 and Pro 5 Drag Wheels. He has been a loyal Team M/T Member since 1994. For more information about Mickey Thompson’s tires and wheels for the strip, visit www.mickeythompsontires.com.

Where: Lebanon Valley Dragway, West Lebanon, NY. When: Sunday, September 8th, 2013.

1320Xtreme with Brett Wagner comes to Lebanon Valley Dragway with racing in Super Pro (Electronics) and Pro ET (Footbrake). Each class pays $3,500 Win, $1,000 Runner-Up, $300 Semis and $200 Quarters. Entry is $75.

Gates open at 8:00 am, with racing beginning at 9:30 am. For more info visit www.dragway.com.

Where: Mt. Park Dragway, Clay City, KY. When: Saturday & Sunday, September 7 & 8.

Mt. Park Dragway hosts the 1st Annual Kentucky No-Box Challenge. Saturday’s race pays $5,000 Win, $1,000 Runner-Up, $300 Semis, $200 Quarters and $100 Eighths. Sunday’s race pays $2,500 Win, $500 Runner-Up, $200 Semis, $100 Quarters and $50 Eighths.

Saturday’s entry is $120 and there’s a $60 buyback. Sunday’s entry is $70 and there’s a $40 buyback. Enter both days for $160. Both days are 1/8 mile, all-run. There’ll also be a Gamblers Race on Friday night and a ¼ Mile Footbrake race and a Consolation race on Saturday. Gates open Saturday at 2:00 pm, Sunday at 10:00 am.

Visit www.MPDragway.com for more info.

 

As some of you may know, I've become friends with the Hanna Motorsports professional jet drag racing team. Last month the team was at Maple Grove Raceway in Reading, PA for the Super Chevy Show, and they invited me to join them. I thought it might be fun to share a photo-chronicle of the workings of a professional team. CLICK HERE to continue...

Where: Gulfport Dragway, Gulfport, MS. When: Friday – Sunday, September 27-29, 2013.

Race #4 of the King Of The Coast series is for racers in Pro Electronics, Pro Footbrake, Sportsman and Jr. Dragster.

Pro Electronics pays $4,000 Win, $500 Runner-Up, $350 Semis, and $25 Round starting 3rd Round Win, all based on 75 cars. Single day entry is $85, or enter Saturday and Sunday for $160. Buybacks are $60. Pro Footbrake pays $1,500 Win, $300 Runner-Up, $150 Semis, and $25 Round starting 3rd Round Win, all based on 50 cars. Single day entry is $60, or enter Saturday and Sunday for $100. Buybacks are $30. Sportsman pays $150 Win, $50 Runner-Up, and $25 Semis, based on 10 cars. Entry is $25 per day; buybacks are $15.

Gates open Friday at 4:00 pm for parking and a test & tune. Gates open Saturday and Sunday at 8:00 am.

Visit www.GulfportDragway.com.

The Nitroplate Ronnie “Uncle Buck” Memorial .90 Nationals & Nitroplate Stock / SS Shootout presented by AutoMeter will be held on September 13th & 14th, 2013 at Numidia Dragway in Catawissa, PA. Coming off of a very successful Inaugural event that saw Byron Worner (Stock / Super Stock Combo), Franklin DiBartolomeo (Super Comp), Al Dimino (Super Gas) and Keith Mayers (Super Street) all claim victory, this year’s event will have a little different twist to it all including an added race for Super Comp and Super Street Racers.

Starting off on Thursday, September 12th parking will take place from 10:00 am till 10:00 pm. Friday the 13th will feature a free test & tune from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm and is open to anyone who is entered to run the .90 Nationals. After the test & tune will be the Stock / SS Combo Race and the Comp Cams .90 Shootout. The race is open to all racers for a small fee.

On Saturday the 14th the 2nd Annual Ronnie “Uncle Buck” Memorial .90 Nationals & Nitroplate Stock / Super Stock Shootout goes off at 10:00 am, beginning with two time runs for Super Street, Super Comp, Stock, Super Gas & Super Stock. Event promoter Rob Keister and Numidia Dragway owner Bob DiMino have teamed up to award a guaranteed $3,000 winner’s purse for all classes. As an added bonus the winners of each class will get a free Weber Grill. On Sunday will be race #7 of the 2013 season for the 8.90 and 10.90 drivers in the Mid Atlantic Super Comp and Super Street Series as long as the rain date is not needed.

Event promoter Rob Keister would like to thank the sponsors who have committed to this event so far and is hoping to add more in the next coming weeks for the “Racer Appreciation Rounds”. So far sponsors include as Nitroplate, Autometer, Edelbrock, Wisco Pistons, Bushwacker Truck Accessories, Goldman Auto Race Specialties, Ultimate Converter Concepts, CD Design, Weaver Automotive, Ken Moses Race Transmissions, and Comp Cams. For more information on this event please visit www.dot90nationals.com.

Where: Maryland International Raceway, Budds Creek, MD. When: Sunday, September 1st, 2013.

The 10th Annual Quartermasters Challenge is coming to MIR, with Outlaw Pro Mod Quick 8 (1/8 mile, $2,000 Win, $1,000 Runner-Up, $250 Semis, $100 Quarters; entry is free plus 3 crew members); Top Sportsman (1/8 mile, $1,500 Win, $500 Runner-Up, $250 Semis, $75 Quarters, entry $75); Gambler’s Race (1/8 mile, $2,000 Win, $1,000 Runner-Up, $40 Round starts 3rd Round Win, entry $75, buybacks $40); and Jr. Dragster (1/8 mile, $500 Win, $200 Runner-Up, $100 Semis, $50 Quarters, entry $30, buybacks $20).

Gates open at 9:00 am. For more info visit www.MIRDrag.com.

What: MIRock Superbike Series

Where: Rockingham Dragway, Rockingham, NC

When: Friday – Sunday, August 9-11, 2013. Gates open Friday at 4:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday at 9:00 am

Classes: Bikes only. Grudge racing all day, 4.60, 5.60, Pro ET, Street ET, Top Sportsman, Crazy 8s

Payouts, Entries: visit website

Info: www.RockinghamDragway.com

What: IHRA Pro-Am

Where: Carolina Dragway, Aiken, SC

When: Friday – Sunday, August 16-18, 2013. Gates open Friday at 9:00 am, Saturday and Sunday at 8:00 am.

Classes: Top Dragster, Top Sportsman, Super Stock, Stock, Quick Rod, Super Rod, Hot Rod, Jr. Masters, Jr. Advanced, Jr. Beginners and ET Bracket classes Box, No Box and Jr. Dragster

Payouts, Entries: Top Dragster/Top Sportsman - $1,500 Win; Super Stock/Quick Rod/Super Rod - $1,100 Win; Stock/Hot Rod - $1,000 Win; Jr. Masters/Jr. Advanced - $300 Win; Jr. Beginners – Ironman Win. Entry fee per Pro-Am class $135; entry for Jr. Advanced and Masters $75, entry for Jr. Beginners $50.

Box pays $5,000 Win, based on 70 cars. Entry $100, buybacks $50. No Box pays $2,000 Win, based on 45 cars. Entry $80, buybacks $40. Jr. Dragster pays $1,000 Win, based on 30 cars. Entry $60, buybacks $30.

Info: www.CarolinaDragway.com

IRG Sports + Entertainment™ (IRG) announced that it has acquired Southwestern International Raceway™ (SWIR), formerly Merle’s SIR Dragway, located in Tucson, Arizona. SWIR is a 110-acre venue located at the Pima County Fairgrounds, 10 miles from downtown Tucson. The track features a dedicated quarter-mile Drag Strip and first opened in August 1997.

“Southwestern International Raceway was a natural fit for IRG’s portfolio of tracks and companies. The acquisition at this time is right in line with our growth strategy for 2013, since January’s purchase of the International Hot Rod Association by IRG. With our Nitro Jam series already being hosted at this facility, the Raceway will continue to be a key stop on the Nitro Jam schedule with additional IHRA events being held there,” said Jason Rittenberry, CFE, the chief executive officer of IRG.

IRG acquired the track from former owner operators Jon Bradford and Tom Koenan. Over the last 16 years, SWIR has hosted such premier events as the International Hot Rod Association’s Nitro Jam and Thunder Jam, Pro Nitro Warm-Up, Super Chevy Show, Pacific Street Car Association (PSCA), Import Face-Off, and Tucson Dragway Reunion. With one of the largest shut-down areas in the country at almost three-quarters of a mile, SIR has run some of the fastest race cars in the world. Driving schools, professional testing sessions, private rentals, and corporate team-building events are also held at SWIR year-round.

IRG will immediately take control of the operations of the track and has retained the General Manager, John Mabry, and key staff in the areas of customer service, accounting and track management. An enhanced brand identity for SWIR is in development while the newly redesigned website for the track will launch in the coming weeks. The current website, www.SIRACE.com, will remain active while the new rebranded site is being launched. IRG will continue to operate the remainder of the events on the 2013 schedule at SWIR, while adding new additional events for the 2014 season.

What: IHRA Ironman Classic
Where: Gulfport Dragway, Gulfport, MS
When: Sunday, August 4th, 2013. Gates open at 8:00 am, time trials at 9:00 am, eliminations at 12:00 noon.
Classes: Pro Electronics, Pro Footbrake, both 1/8th mile.
Payouts and entries: same for both classes - $1,200 Win, $600 Runner-Up, $300 Semis, $150 Quarters, $75 Eighths. $50 entry, $25 1st Round buyback.
Info: www.GulfportDragway.com.

What: Joliet Route 66 Classic
Where: Route 66 Raceway, Joliet, IL
When: Saturday, August 17th 2013. Gates open at 9:00 am.
Classes: Nostalgia Funny Cars, Nostalgia Pro Stock, Gassers, Roadsters, Altereds, Vintage Test & Tune for 1979 and older.
Payouts, entries: Run cards for Vintage Test & Tune, roadsters, altereds and dragsters are $25.
Info: www.Route66Raceway.com.

Elk Creek, VA - Proving once again that the racing community always bands together to help a good cause, Elk Creek Dragway presents Race 4a Cure on Saturday, July 20th. $10 from each race entry will go to cancer research. Enter the race and help make a difference!

Super Pro pays $2,500 Guaranteed. Depending on the car count, the Runner-Up gets at least $300 and at most $500, and there’s round money for earlier rounds. Footbrake pays $2,000 Win Guaranteed. Depending on the car count, the Runner-Up gets at least $200 and at most $325, and there’s round money for earlier rounds. Double entries are permitted.

Gates open Saturday at 12:00 noon with time runs at 2:00 pm. Visit www.ElkCreekDragway.com for more information.

Numidia, PA - Head to Numidia Dragway for the 2013 East Coast Diesel Nationals on Saturday, July 20th presented by Diesel Motorsports. The Diesel Nationals include a sled pull, drag racing, a tent sale, dyno, and The Shopettes. 8:00 am until done.

Diesel Motorsports Drag Racing Classes include: ET Bracket Class, 12.0 Quick Diesel, Unlimited Truck, Pro Stock (fiberglass-bodied diesel-powered trucks and cars compete heads up to the finish) and Top Diesel for diesel dragsters designed for all out speed.

Visit www.DieselMotorsports.US for more info.

Numidia, PA - Numidia Dragway plays host to two days of Mid Atlantic Super Gas Association and North East Timing Organization racing on Saturday and Sunday, July 13th and 14th.

If you’ve been thinking about racing Super Gas and also been planning to visit Numidia Dragway, then this is your weekend. If you’re not familiar with MASGA, it’s a great way to break into 9.90 Super Gas in a friendly, relaxed environment. The only true difference between MASGA Super Gas and the NHRA Super Gas is that MASGA runs a true .400 Pro Tree and not the .370 Pro Tree used at NHRA Divisional and National events. Also, once qualifying is completed MASGA goes on a true NHRA Sportsman ladder to make for a much more even playing field. For 1st round only the higher qualified car gets lane choice for that round only. Finally, MASGA completes each race in one day. There’s no waiting around for time shots on one day and eliminations on another. Each day is a new race with two qualifying shots in the morning and straight into first round until a winner is determined. To join MASGA visit their website at www.midatlanticsupergas.com, scroll to the middle of the page and click on the membership form button. For questions email Leanne Luciano at LMFogerty@hotmail.com.

Also at Numidia is the nostalgia club North East Timing Organization. NETO is for pre-1974 cars, front engine dragsters, funny cars, altereds, gassers, super stocks and stockers. Visit www.netonostalgia.com.

For information about Numidia Dragway, visit www.numidiadragway.com.

Crofton, MD - Bikes take to the hill at Capitol Raceway on Saturday, July 13th, 2013. Bring what you got, run what you brung and hope it’s enough to win the money. This bracket race only for bikes pays $2,000 Win, $800 Runner-Up, $300 Semis, $100 4th Round loser and $50 3rd Round loser. Entry is $65, buybacks are $50.

Gates open at 10:00 am, open session at 12:00 noon, time runs 2:30 pm, racing at 5:30 pm. Visit www.CapitolRaceway.net.

Joliet, IL - The NMRA rolls into Route 66 Raceway over the weekend of July 11-14, 2013. The 8th Annual Nitto Tire NMRA/NMCA Super Bowl of Street Legal Drag Racing presented by Miller Welders is one of the crown jewels in the ProMedia organization's family of events. By combining all of the classes across both racing sanctions, selecting an outstanding venue like Route 66 Raceway that is centrally located to much of the country, and bringing the baddest street-legal style cars in the country together in one place, the stage is set for ground-breaking, record-setting events to take place.

Over the last several years, Route 66 has been home to many record-setting passes - from John Kolivas' 7.321 in SSO a few years ago while running on a tiny 275/60/15 drag radial tire to last year's efforts from Lyon, Leslie, Jr. and more. It's called the Super Bowl of Street legal Drag Racing for a reason, and the racing action reflects that title. Over 30 race classes filled with all kinds of awesome Detroit iron makes this event an absolute must. Last year, in the Super Bowl portion of the event, the NMRA came out on top over the NMCA for the fifth time in seven years. Will 2013 be the NMCA's turn to take the title?

For more information about this or any NMRA / NMCA event, visit www.nmradigital.com.

Tucson, AZ - Results of June 29th, 2013 ET bracket racing at Southwest International Raceway:

JR. DRAGSTER SERIES AGES 8-12 SEMI FINALS: AJ Orlando from Chino Valley, AZ defeated Ryan Terreault from Tucson, AZ; Samantha Kidd from Marana, AZ defeated Samantha Barajas from Tucson, AZ. FINAL: Kidd takes the win running a 9.590 @ 66.20 mph over Orlando.

JR. DRAGSTER SERIES AGES 13-17 SEMI FINALS: Siena Coronado from Tucson, AZ advances to the final with a competition single; Gabriel Brown from Tucson, AZ defeated Katlin Jimerson from Tucson, AZ. FINAL: Coronado takes the win running a 7.930 @ 81.80 mph over Brown.

JR. DRAGSTER CONSOLATION RACE FINAL:
Ryan Terreault takes the win running a 9.210 @ 70.21 mph over Jakob Trammell.

MOTORCYCLE SEMI FINALS:
David Oller from Tucson, AZ advances to the final with a competition single; Jake Burris from Tucson, AZ. defeated Jim Burris from Tucson, AZ. FINAL: Jake Burris takes the win running a 10.296 @ 116.20 mph over Oller.

STREET ET SEMI FINALS: Doug Woods from Tucson, AZ. advances to the final with a competition single; J.R.Ward from Willcox, AZ. defeated Linda Brown from Tucson, AZ. FINAL: Ward takes the win running a 17.304 @ 80.50 mph over Woods.

NO-BOX SEMI FINALS: Brad Hawk from Tucson, AZ. advances to the final with a competition single; Larry Cannon from Tucson, AZ. defeated Matt Hawk from Tucson, AZ. FINAL: Hawk takes the win running a 12.916 @ 99.7 0mph over Cannon.

BOX SEMI FINALS: Cindy Hawk from Tucson, AZ. advances to the final with a competition single. Brad Hawk from Tucson, AZ defeated Bill Kidd from Marana, AZ. FINAL: Brad Hawk takes the win running a 10.948 @ 112.66 mph over Cindy Hawk.

Congratulations to all of the winners and late-rounders.

Numidia, PA - To help celebrate our country’s independence, Numidia Dragway will be providing a little financial independence to the winners of Super Pro, Pro ET and Street ET on Saturday and Sunday, July 6th & 7th.

The weekend is a double-points weekend for competitors in the track’s Summit Series ET Bracket Racing program. Each day, Super Pro pays a guaranteed $2,500 Win, Pro ET pays a guaranteed $1,500 Win, and Street ET pays $1,000 Win on Saturday and $500 Win on Sunday. Super Pro entry is $65, Pro ET entry is $50 and Street ET is $35. Numidia also has its Street Legal program on Friday night, for any street-legal cars that want to get some practice in for the weekend’s Street ET races. On Saturday night the track puts on a jet car and fireworks show. You'll also be racing for a good cause. Numidia Dragway routinely has fundraisers for charity, and this week's will be for Kevin Gnehm, who is the paralyzed son of longtime racer Rudy Gnehm. The track, along with Biondo Race Products, Insinger Fuels and A & A will have a 50/50 raffle to benefit the Gnehms.

Gates open Friday at 5:00 pm, Saturday at 10:00 am and Sunday at 8:00 am. For more information visit www.NumidiaDragway.com.

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Oxford, ME - Oxford Dragway’s 2nd Annual Nostalgia Dragfest Invitational is Saturday, July 6th. Featuring nitro dragsters, funny cars, blown cars, altereds, A and B/Gas dragsters, altered wheelbase cars and gassers. Featured cars include the Fireball Monza, Tweety’s Rate, the Funny Farmer, King & Marshall and the Man-O-War. There’s also a rod & custom show and Miss Oxford Pin-Up Contest.

Gates open at 10:00 am. For more information contact Oxford Dragway through www.Oxford-Dragway.com.

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On Sunday July 6th, Little River Dragway brings back good old Chevy vs. Ford match racing. In addition to the track’s Summit Super Series ET bracket racing program, they’re hosting a special match race between The Tree Hanger Chevy-powered blown altered and The Time Warp Ford-powered blown alcohol altered. If you’re a central Texas racer or fan, make your plans to be with Little River Dragway for the best bracket racing in central Texas and The Ford vs. Chevy Fuel Altered Match Race. Gates open at 2:00 pm, Jr. Dragster time trials at 4:00 pm and all other classes at 5:00 pm. Visit www.littleriverdragway.com for more info.

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Grand Bend, ON - Grand Bend Motorplex in Grand Bend, ON put on a grand event June 15th – 16th at “Canada’s Biggest All Bike Race Weekend” and the National Drag Racing Association’s 2nd Pro Doorslammer Series points race.

In only their second outing since the Pro Doorslammers joined up with the NDRA’s Alcohol Funny Cars earlier this year, the drivers were all out to win. Congratulations to Wayne Nielsen of Bayfield, ON, who piloted his StoneyBrook Auto Service nitrous-boosted 1994 Lumina Z34 to win the event with a 7.196 / 198.41. About the race, he said, “The track conditions were pretty good, considering the previous night’s rain. It was still spitting around 9:30 am, but as soon as it stopped, the track personnel did a great job, as always, to dry and prep the track. Their effort is much appreciated. The rest of the day turned out really nice and the racing was decent.”

Runner-up Al Martorino had to endure some aggravating “hiccups” and issues with his 526 Hemi powered ’06 Mustang throughout the weekend. That said, the seasoned competitor knows that these challenges are just part of drag racing. He took it all in stride and did what it takes to stay in the game. Martorino had the perseverance to go full track even when ignition troubles shut the engine down 21 times in the final round.

For information about the National Drag Racing Association, visit www.ndra.ca.

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West Lebanon , NY – Mark your calendar for the 5th Annual Dover Drag Strip Nostalgia Drags & Car Show beign held August 10th & 11th at Lebanon Valley Dragway. This two-day event is a full fun family nostalgia weekend. This will be the third year a car show and swap meet are included on Sunday, featuring the finest rods & customs in the Northeast. Top 40 Favorite awards are given out, with the show presided over by the capable Capital Area Rods.

For racers, Saturday is test & tune, unlimited time trials, a gamblers race and ‘fun & grudge’. Sunday is eliminations day including Comp for altereds, dragsters and gassers, Dover Vintage for pre-1973, and Dover 4-Speed. Also scheduled to compete with their own points races each day are The Northeast Timing Organization (NETO) and The East Coast Gassers. Joining them on Saturday is the East Coast Nostalgia Super Stock Association and the North East Nostalgia Drag Racing Association.

For complete details on the race, show, swap meet, directions, schedule, sponsor opportunities, commercial vendors and updates, visit the website forum Event heading with all its topics at: www.doverdragstrip.com/phpBB3/index.php or contact Dino Lawrence at 910-997-4444.

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Grand Bend, ON – The first of the four-event series for Canada's National Drag Racing Association (NDRA) kicked off recently at Grand Bend Motorplex’s “Spring Blowout” on Sunday May 20th.

In a pre-event interview, Larry Dobbs (right) indicated that he was determined to keep his 2012 NDRA AFC championship intact and he certainly accomplished that in this, his first time in the seat for this year’s series. He piloted his Sportz Tent-sponsored ’02 Trans Am to a 5.81 @ 241.02 MPH win over Dylan Hache’s 6.10 / 219.08 pass in his ’02 For Wheels Auto Care Firebird. In the same run, Dobbs took the day’s low E.T. and top speed.

Although Trevor Deeks’ E.T. in the final round of Pro Doorslammer was a little slower than his 6.58 quickest of the weekend, his 6.65 @ 211.81 MPH pass was enough for the victory. NDRA newcomer Dan Aitken Jr. of Belle River, ON had to settle for runner up with a 7.09 @ 193.79 in his ’95 Ford Mustang. Dave Earhart of Strathroy, ON missed the opening win that he was looking for, but did muscle the Earhart Heating & Cooling INC., Performance Unlimited sponsored ’02 Camaro to a decent 217.02 MPH, the fastest Pro Doorslammer speed of the event.

It was a crowd pleasing opening for the National Drag Racing Association series. Rivalries were initiated and a high competition was set amongst the racers that will spell great entertainment for the rest of the season’s events. The NDRA heads to Toronto Motorsports Park - Cayuga Dragway on July 12 - 14 for the 4th Annual Canadian Nitro Nationals. There, the Pro Doorslammers and Alcohol Funny Cars will team up with the NDRA Nitro Nostalgia Funny Cars. For more information about the NDRA and their 2013 schedule, visit their website at www.ndra.ca.

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Retired Marine and former street stock and drag racer Richard Severance and his Jr. Dragster-racing daughters Treasure and Angelica have teamed with Prolong Super Lubricants to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP). The Severance family will donate all the monetary proceeds from the girls' winnings throughout 2013 to WWP on behalf of Prolong.

Richard, who is a wounded warrior, joined the Marines in 1983 and retired from a military career in 2004. His daughters, Treasure, 14 (left in photo), and Angelica, 13 (right), were both born in Okinawa and are proud to be able to support the WWP. "I truly appreciate Prolong giving me the opportunity to race and I'm proud to be able to showcase Prolong as my sponsor," said Treasure. "Prolong allows us to do what we love and support our favorite organization at the same time."

In March, Treasure won her first race at Kinston Dragway, running in the Jr. Drag Racing League Advanced Class. A relatively new driver, she is working her way up to the Masters Division. She drives a Hardings car powered by a Blossom Super Rhino. Angelica graduated from Doug Foley's Racing School at the age of 12 and is now running in the Masters Division. She has a new 2013 East Coast Performance chassis with a Blossom Super Rhino. "They both have such phenomenal potential," said Richard. "I expect them to show great advancement over the next few years."

Richard has used Prolong products since the Fall of 2012. "I was impressed with Prolong because the products work as they say they do," he said.

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Clay City, KY - Racers in the vicinity of Mt. Park Dragway should put the track’s Memorial Classic on their calendars May 24th – 26th, 2013. As part of Mt. Park’s 50th Anniversary celebration, the Memorial Classic is three days of 1/8th-mile big buck racing for Top ET (delay box) and Modified ET (no delay box).

Top ET pays $2,000 Win on Friday (entry $65, re-entry $35; payouts based on 65 entries), $10,000 Win on Saturday (entry $160, re-entry $80; payouts based on 135 entries) and $5,000 Win on Sunday (entry $100, re-entry $50; payouts based on 100 entries). Race all three days of Top ET for an entry of $260.

Modified ET pays $500 Win on Friday (entry $40, re-entry $20; payouts based on 35 entries), $2,000 Win on Saturday (entry $80, re-entry $40; payouts based on 50 entries) and $1,000 Win on Sunday (entry $50, re-entry $25; payouts based on 45 entries). Race all three days of Modified ET for an entry of $150.

There’ll also be Quick 8 Doorcars, Quick 8 Dragsters and consolation races for Top ET. Gates open Friday at 1:00 pm, with time runs starting at 3:00 pm. Gates open Saturday at 9:00 am with time runs at noon, gates open Sunday at 9:00 am with time runs at 11:00 am.

For more info visit www.MPDragway.com.

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Gulfport, MS - Attention to my racers in Mississippi: if you know someone who’s into street racing and has never been to the track, here’s your chance to get them off the street. Tell them to get to Gulfport Dragway on Saturday, June 22nd, 2013 for the 14th Annual Street Wars.
Street Wars is ¼ mile, run-what-ya-brung, unlimited street and grudge racing. There’ll also be a burnout contest, live music and entertainment on the main stage. Free street-style racing from 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm, and only $10 to race after 5:00 pm. At 10:30 pm, there’s the Miss Street Wars Bikini Contest.

Gates open at 3:00 pm. Visit www.GulfportDragway.com for more info.

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Clay City, KY - Mark down June 28th – 30th on your calendar and head to Mt. Park Dragway for their Golden Anniversary race, with three days of big money 1/8 mile bracket racing for Top ET and Modified ET.

Friday’s Top ET race pays $1,963 Win, $500 Runner-Up, $250 Semis, $125 Quarters and $75 Eighths. Entry is $50, buybacks are $30. Saturday’s Top ET race pays $25,000 Win, $5,000 Runner-Up, $1,200 Semis, $650 6th Round Win, $400 5th Round Win, $250 4th Round Win and $100 3rd Round Win. Entry is $225, buybacks are $125. Sunday’s Top ET race pays $2,013 Win, $500 Runner-Up, $250 Semis, $125 Quarters and $75 Eighths. Entry is $50, buybacks are $30.

Modified ET pays $1,000 Win, $500 Runner-Up, $100 Semis, $50 Quarters and $25 Eighths. Entry is $45, buybacks are $25.
Gates open Thursday from 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm for parking. Gates open Friday at 1:00 pm with time runs at 4:00 pm. Gates open Saturday at 10:00 am with time runs at 12:00 noon. Gates open Sunday at 9:00 am with time runs at 11:00 am.

Visit www.MPDragway.com for more info.

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Elk Creek , VA – Elk Creek Dragway will be hosting the Hot Street Heads-Up Racing series, including 5.70 Street Outlaw, 6.70 Street Eliminator, 7.70 Super Street & the New 8.70 Trophy Street.

Cars competing in the Hot Street series must be street appearing and have headlights and taillights factory for the car. No throttle stops or down track stutter boxes are allowed, but wheelie bars, power adders, any fuel and any size tire are allowed. This is 1/8 mile Pro tree racing. The 5.70 and 6.70 will run on a .400 pro tree. The 7.70 and 8.70 will run on a .500 pro tree. The remaining race dates for 2013 are June 15, July 6, August 10, and September 7.

Entry Fees are $20 for 8.70 Trophy Street, $30 for 7.70 Super Street, $50 for 6.70 Street Eliminator and $50 for 5.70 Street Outlaw.
For more information about the Hot Street Head Up Racing series, email series organizer Joey Nester at protreeisbest@yahoo.com. For more info about Elk Creek Dragway, visit www.ElkCreekDragway.com.

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Milan, MI – Attention in the Michigan pits: get to Milan Dragway on Saturday, June 15th for the Saturday Shootout Series. Classes include Outlaw Limited Street, X275, Ultra Street, Wild Street and Open Comp. There’s also a Super Pro Shootout that pays $1,500 Win with 45 or more cars.

Qualifying starts at 2:00 pm. Visit www.MilanDragway.com for more info.

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Mocksville, NC - Saturday & Sunday June 15th & 16th is the Cosmo Motors Shootout at Farmington Dragway. Outlaw Extreme Street 275 / 28 x 10.5 payouts are $10,000 Win, $1,500 Runner-Up and $250 Semis. Entry is $200. Brutal Elite Fwd pays $5,000 Win, $1,000 Runner-Up and $250 Semis. Entry is $100.

Visit www.FarmingtonDragway.com for more information. I couldn’t find gate times on the event flyer so you’ll need to call the track.

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Clay City, KY – Racers, get to Mt. Park Dragway in Clay City, KY June 7th – 9th, 2013 for the 8th Annual Ultimate Sixty-Four Shootout.

Friday is the Ultimate 64 Showdown, pitting 32 dragsters against 32 doorcars. The race pays $12,000 Win, $4,000 Runner-Up, $1,500 Semis, $1,000 Quarters and $750 Eighths. Entry is $500, no buybacks. Saturday is the Ultimate 64 Shootout that pays $50,000 Win, $10,000 Runner-Up, $3,000 Semis, $1,500 Quarters, $750 Eighths and $500 Sixteenths. Entry is $1,500, no buybacks. Sunday features the Ultimate 32 Dragster Shootout and the Ultimate 32 Doorcar Shootout. Each pays $5,000 Win, $500 Runner-Up and $250 Semis. Entry for each is $250, no buybacks.

Montgomery, AL – The 2013 Southern Outlaw Tour returns to Montgomery MotorSports Park in Montgomery, AL on June 7th & 8th.

Check with Montgomery MotorSports to find out the specific classes that will compete at this stop on the Tour, but typically it includes Outlaw Super Pro, Outlaw Bottom Bulb, Pro Modified, 7.00 Class, 6.00 Class and 5.00 Class.

Visit www.mmpdragracing.com for more information about payouts and gate times.

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Elk Creek, VA – Elk Creek Dragway’s Footbrake Frenzy is Saturday, June 8th, 2013. The Frenzy pays out $2,500 Win, $500 Runner-Up, $125 Semis and $20 per won round starting with 3rd Round. Payouts based on a 65 car minimum. Entry is $60, 1st and 2nd Round buybacks are $30.

Double entries allowed, deep staging honored, no center-steer cars, no gold cards. No delay boxes or transbrakes allowed in the footbrake cars.

Gates open 12:00 pm with time runs at 2:00 pm and eliminations at 6:00 pm. For more information visit www.ElkCreekDragway.com.

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Until the Maple Grove Divisional, Dan Pomponio has won every round in Top Alcohol Funny Car racing in his division this season, having won two NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series regional races, and posting victories at the Amalie Oil NHRA Gatornationals and the Dollar General NHRA Four-Wide Nationals. Pomponio Racing is leading TA/FC points and has posted its quickest run to date of 5.54 in defeating the iconic Frank Manzo at Charlotte.

Although the Pomponio Racing Monte Carlo has not always been the quickest and fastest car, Dan’s driving has been getting the job done with quick and consistent reaction times. His performance at the starting line has allowed Dan to mow down some of the best racers in the country on his way to the winners circle.

Says Dan, “The key has been the Boninfante Friction 10.5” all-titanium pedal clutch. It features three sintered discs, two 'floater' reaction plates and six release levers. Unlike centrifugal clutches that engage as RPM is increased, the Boninfante pedal clutch engages as soon as the pedal is released, providing a more predictable engagement and quicker reaction times.”

Dan and Pomponio Racing are looking to keep the streak going at the NHRA Route 66 Nationals at Route 66 Raceway in Chicago June 27th – 30th.

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Maryland International Raceway gives their Electronics racers three chances to win $5,000 the weekend of Saturday - Sunday June 15th - 16th, 2013 at the Top ET $5K Triple Header. Each race pays $5,000 Win, $1,000 Runner-Up, $300 Semis, and $40 Round starting with 2nd Round Winners. Entry is $99 per race, $189 for two or $279 for all three. 1st & 2nd Round buybacks are $75.

Each race is on the 1/8th Mile for 0.00 – 8.49 dials. No throttle stops. No double-entries, but one driver may drive two cars. Gates open Saturday at 9:00 am, with time trials for the first race at 10:00 am. Gates open Sunday at 9:00 am with time trials at 10:00 am. For more information visit www.mirdrag.com.

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This article apears in the latest issue of Performance Racing Industry magazine (May 2013) and is proof of why PRI is the go-to source of useful information for any entity in the business of racing. The article examines how race track owners and operators are using creative, outside-the-box thinking to increase their business. Although the tracks that are discussed are roundy round short-tracks, the principles will apply to any motorsports facility. This is a must-read for any track owner / operator. You can see the article along with the entire issue on PRI's website HERE.

For more information about Performance Racing Industry, including joining PRI, registering for the 2013 PRI Show and signing up for the PRI Newsletter, visit www.performanceracing.com.

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Greer, SC - Greer Dragway hosts their Nostalgic Gassers Race on Saturday, May 25th, 2013. Featuring 1960s-era gassers and drivers Quain Stott, Greg Porter, Jeremy Pearson, and Gene Cromer, who’ll be unveiling his original A/G Willys for the first time in more than forty years.

In addition, Greer Dragway will be holding their IHRA Summit SuperSeries bracket race for Pro, Footbrake, Jr. Dragster and TCR. Gates open 11:00 am.

Visit www.GreerDragway.com for more info.

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Atco, NJ - Atco’s Summer Series is back for another season of big-money gambler’s races. The 2013 series continues Memorial Day Weekend with $5,000 gambler’s races on Friday May 24th and Sunday, May 26th, and a $10,000 on Saturday, May 25th. ET Breaks are 6.50 – 12.99, electronics permitted.

The $5Ks each pay $5,000 Win, $2,000 Runner-Up, $800 Semis, and $400 Quarters. Below the quarters, $75 Round starts with 3rd Round loser. Entry is $150, buybacks are $90. The $10K pays $10,000 Win, $3,000 Runner-Up, $1,000 Semis, and $500 Quarters. Below the quarters, $100 Round starts with 3rd Round loser. Entry is $200, buybacks are $120.

Gates open Friday at 11:00 am with time trials until 3:30 pm and eliminations following. Gates open Saturday and Sunday at 9:00 am, with time trials until 12:00 noon and eliminations following. For a complete list of rules, visit www.AtcoRaceway.com.

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Oxford, ME – Oxford Dragway has new owners and will be run under new management in 2013. The track is unsanctioned for the time being but plans are for IHRA sanctioning in the near future. Among other events, Oxford is planning big buck bracket gambler's races. Visit www.oxforddragway.com for info.

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Long Island , NY –The final numbers are in... After expenses and making a donation to the Central Islip, NY Fire Department, the April 28th Classic Car Show and Test & Tune presented by Long Island Drag Racing in Central Islip, Long Island NY raised almost $13,000 for the Cooley's Anemia Foundation.

There were 125 cars (including three dragsters) for the 60-foot Test & Tune and more than1,000 spectators. More information about Long Island Drag Racing can be found at www.LIDragRacing.com.

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Rockingham Dragway presents their IHRA Iron Man Memorial Weekend Bracket Nationals Friday May 24th – Monday May 27th, 2013 with big money races for Top ET, Footbrake, and Jr. Dragster.

SATURDAY, MAY 25th and MONDAY, MAY 27th: Top ET pays $5,000 Win, $1,000 Runner-Up, $500 Semis, and $50 Round after 3rd Round win. Footbrake pays $1,000 Win, $300 Runner-Up, $100 Semis, $50 Quarters, and $25 Eighths. Jr. Dragster pays $500 Win, $150 Runner-Up, $50 Semis, and $25 Quarters. SUNDAY MAY 27th: Top ET PAYS $7,500 Win, $2,000 Runner-Up, $1,000 Semis, $100 Round after 3rd Round win. Footbrake pays $1,000 Win, $300 Runner-Up, $100 Semis, $50 Quarters, and $25 Eighths. Jr. Dragster pays $1,000 Win, $300 Runner-Up, $100 Semis, and $50 Quarters.

ENTRY FEES: Top ET is $100 each on Saturday and Monday, with $50 buy backs 1st or 2nd round. Top ET is $200 on Sunday, with $100 buy backs 1st or 2nd round. Enter the weekend for $300. Footbrake is free entry all weekend, with $30 buy backs 1st or 2nd round each day. Jr. Dragster weekend entry is $100, with $25 buy backs on Saturday and Monday, and $50 buy backs on Sunday.

SCHEDULE: Gates open 3:00 pm on Friday May 24th for a Test & Tune beginning at 5:00 pm. Gates open 8:00 am Saturday – Monday.

For more information visit www.rockinghamdragway.com.

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Milan, MI – The second annual Motor City Run’Em Nationals takes place on Saturday, June 8, 2013 at Milan Dragway in Milan, MI. If you enjoy fast cars, motorcycles and good competition, you won’t want to miss this event. Drivers have the opportunity to win more than $10,000 in cash and prizes. This year’s event will be hosted once again by Ken Herring from the hit shows “Pass Time” and “Pinks All Out.”

There are several competitions that will take place on race day, including Open Competition, Outlaw Limited Street, 9.50 Bike, X275 and Grudge Racing. Individuals who just want to experience will have a chance to race the quarter mile with “Test & Tune” sessions. Sponsors for 2013 are RacingJunk.com, Michigan Hot Rod, Mickey Thompson Performance Tires and Wheels, Payso Productions and Brodix Cylinder Heads. Sponsorships are available at various ranges for those in the racing and car industry that may be interested in participating in this highly entertaining family oriented event.

Gates open at 3:00 pm. For additional information please visit the Run’Em Nationals official website at www.runemnationals.com or contact Andrew Harrell at 313-799-7751 or via email at info@runemnationals.com.

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Bristol, TN - Bristol Dragway’s K&N Spring Fling 20s are coming up the weekend of May 16 – 19, 2013, with four days of big bucks, electronics bracket racing. Bristol is running their Spring Fling 20s like last year in 1,000 feet.

Thursday’s kick-off race pays $12,500 Win, $5,000 Runner-Up, $1,200 Semis, $600 6th Round Win, $450 5th Round Win, $300 4th Round Win and $200 3rd Round Win. Each race on Friday, Saturday and Sunday pays $20,000 Win, $6,000 Runner-Up, $2,000 Semis, $800 6th Round Win, $600 5th Round Win, $400 4th Round Win and $200 3rd Round Win.

Entry fees are $175 for Thursday and $250 each day for Friday, Saturday or Sunday. If you enter Friday, Saturday and Sunday together, the three-day special is $650. 1st Round-only buybacks are $125 on Thursday and $150 for Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Gates open Wednesday at 12:00 pm for parking, registration and tech. Gates open Thursday 7:00 am, Friday 7:30 am, Saturday and Sunday at 8:00 am.

Visit www.bristoldragway.com for more information.

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The Back Seat Drivers front-engine dragster racing club has announced its 2013 schedule. Their season kicks off on May 25th at Capitol Raceway in Crofton, MD. Then it’s June 8th at Cecil County Dragway in Rising Sun, MD for the North vs. South Slingshot Shootout, June 15th at Atco Raceway in Atco, NJ, July 28th at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park in Englishtown, NJ, August 3rd & 4th at Maple Grove Raceway in Mohnton, PA, and September 15th and October 5th both at Atco Raceway.

The club’s rules are simple: front-engine dragsters only, all NHRA or IHRA safety rules apply, no delay boxes or throttle stops, zoomie-style headers only, and driver must be current member of NHRA and have Competition License if ET is quicker than 10.00.

If you own a front-engine rail and are interested in The Back Seat Drivers, visit their website at www.bsdrivers.com.

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April 21st was the date of the season opening race of the East Coast Nostalgia Super Stock Association at Atco Raceway in Atco, NJ.

14 members made the first round call and did not disappoint with superb reaction times and tight finish line antics. When it was all said and done Stephanie Dimino in her 1966 Chevrolet prevailed with a 9.010 on a 9.00 over new ECNSSA member Steve McDevitt and his 1968 Dart. Steve had the better reaction time but was pushed under his dial-in by the hard-charging Chevrolet.

The next race of the 8 race series will be at Cecil County Dragway on June 8th. If you're interested in racing with the group contact actionange1@att.net for more information.

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Clay City, KY - The Dream Team Bracket Challenge is Saturday, May 4th 2013 at Mountain Park Dragway. Besides racing for the day’s base purses (Top ET $1,500 Win; Mod ET $750 Win; Super ET Footbrake $350 Win; Jr. Dragster $150 Win), racers are asked to pick teams from those who are in competition; the teams will be racing for increased purse. Teams consist of 8 members each of any combination of Top ET, Modified, Super Street, & Jr. Dragster racers. Teams from any track are welcomed. Once your team is set pick a name for the team and go to the gate to register the team. You will be issued a special sticker that designates your team from others. Then, each time a racer from your team wins, your team earns one point. Each team member pays $20 entry fee (above base entry) so each team that signs up adds $160 to the pot. This can add up fast and the payout is 100%. The winning team gets 70% and the runner-up team gets 30%.

Gates open at 12:00 noon, with time trials at 2:00 pm. For complete info visit www.MPDragway.com.

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McLeod Racing has announced a Killer Clutch Shootout, a special race-within-a-race for the fastest manually-shifted True Street competitors that will take place at the McLeod Racing NMRA Ford Nationals at Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, OH the weekend of June 14th -16th, 2013. This is the 3rd stop of the NMRA Keystone Automotive Ford Nationals series, the #1 all-Ford Motorsport show in the U.S.

The top eight stick-shifted cars in True Street will each receive a product certificate ($250 for bottom six) and custom plaque from McLeod Racing. From there things will heat up as the quickest two manual-equipped vehicles will compete heads-up on Sunday in a winner-take-all match race for a $1,000 McLeod Racing product certificate ($500 for the runner-up) and the title of Stick Shift King of Ohio.

The McLeod Racing NMRA Ford Nationals at Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio, will feature multiple special events that will make it one of the largest Blue Oval events in 2013. Additional special events include the Muscle Mustangs & Fast Fords 25th anniversary celebration, a Granatelli Motor Sports 2011-2014 5.0L Mustang Shootout, and the Muscle Mustangs All-Female Shootout presented by Royal Purple.

For more info on the NMRA Norwalk, OH event please log on to www.nmradigital.com/OH. For True Street questions please contact Gene Bergstrom at gbergstrom@promediapub.com.

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Rockingham, NC – Joey Gladstone (pictured) experienced both the agony and the ecstasy of Orient Express Pro Street motorcycle racing during Sunday’s FBR Shop Spring Bike Nationals at Rockingham Dragway.

The Townsend, Del., pro set a MIRock Mickey Thompson Performance Tires Superbike Series speed record of 212.33 miles per hour during qualifying and, after No. 1 qualifier Rodney Williford was upset in the semifinals, it appeared that Gladstone would waltz to his third MIRock win, especially since he was unopposed in the other semifinal. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be. On his bye run, the veteran suffered a broken camshaft and was forced to just stand and watch Doug Gall of Loveland, Ohio, single for the victory in the Orient Express Pro Street class. Williford, the reigning and four-time series champion, was surprised in the semifinals when his bike slowed to 7.876 while Gall sped to his first final in 7.298 seconds.

Other winners in the first of nine races in the 2013 series were Jeremy Teasley of Columbus, Ohio, who used his starting line skills to claim yet another DME Real Street victory; brother Cameron Teasley of Orient, Ohio, who won in the Crazy 8s class; and Andy Baumbach of Fairfax Station, Va., who prevailed in the FBR Shop 5.60 index category.

Terry Singleton of Clarkston, Ga., and Michael Herman Sr. of Fredericksburg, Va., were the Nitrous Express Pro ET winners; and Michael Herman Jr. of Woodbridge, Va., and Ben Knight of Beavercreek, Ohio, the winners in Brock’s Performance Street ET. Jerry Turner of Bluff City, Tenn., won the Trac King Top Sportsman crown and Kenny Cornell of Manassas, Va., was the winner of the inaugural race in the Louis Concrete 4.60 Index class.

Teasley, the reigning series champion in Real Street, won for the category for the seventh time at The Rock and, en route, recorded the quickest time in the history of the class at 7.704 seconds. But it wasn’t easy. In the final, in fact, it took a .040 of a second starting line advantage to make his 7.888 a winner over Chris Moore’s quicker 7.867.

Although he didn’t win an individual title, Michael Rankin of Staunton, Va., walked away with the $500 Nitrous Express bonus for winning the most rounds during the weekend.

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Milan Dragway’s Spring Blast is Saturday, April 28th, with gambler races for Super Pro, Pro ET, Sportsman and Bikes. Super Pro (1/8th mile, delay boxes OK, 11.99 and quicker) and Pro ET (no delay boxes or rear-engine dragsters, 13.99 and quicker) each pay $1,200 Win, $350 Runner-Up, $125 Semis, and $50 Quarters, based on 30 cars. Entry is $45, 1st Round buybacks are $20.

Sportsman (no two-steps or transbrakes, 11.50 and slower) pays $300 Win, $100 Runner-Up, $50 Semis and $20 Quarters, based on 15 cars. Entry is $35, 1st Round buybacks are $20. Bike pays $300 Win, $100 Runner-Up and $50 Semis, based on 15 bikes. Entry is $35, 1st Round buybacks are $10.

Gates open 9:00 am. Visit www.MilanDragway.com for more info.

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Greer Dragway’s Raise The Bar is Saturday April 27th. This charity car show event benefits the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. Raise The Bar is for pre-’72 hot rods, gassers and bikes, and includes trophies, a silent auction and a BBQ. For more information including entry fees and gate times visit www.GreerDragway.com.

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The Holcomb Motorsports Spring Civil Wars hits Rockingham Dragway April 26th – 28th for a weekend of outlaw racing action.

Classes include X275 Drag Radial, Outlaw 275, Real Street 275, King Of The Street, Outlaw 10.5, Pro Tree Doorslammer, Sportsman Footbrake, and Open Comp. There’ll also be a swap meet and vendor midway.

Gates open Friday at 9:00 am; gates open Saturday at 8:00 am and Sunday at 9:00 am. Sunday time trial for new entries at 10:30 am, with eliminations at 12:00 noon. For more info visit www.RockinghamDragway.com.

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Bring your bottle-fed race car to Carolina Dragway on Saturday, April 27th for N.O.S. Wars, featuring a 28” $5,000 Shootout and a 29” $5,000 Shootout. Each Shootout allows NOS only, stock-style front suspension, any rear suspension, no wheelie bars. 28” Shootout allows 28 x 10.5 slicks (Ws OK) or 275 Drag Radials only. 29” Shootout allows 29 x 10.5 slick (Ws OK) or 315 Drag Radials only. Shootouts open to all brands.

Gates open 9:00 am. Visit www.HouseOfHook.com for more info.

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Maple Grove Raceway’s Spring Pro Eliminator Footbrake Nationals are Saturday & Sunday April 20th & 21st. Each day features a $10K race that pays $10,000 Win, $2,000 Runner-Up, $750 Semis, $500 Quarters, $150 Round 6, $125 Round 5, $100 Round 4, and $75 Round 3. Entry is $130, buybacks are $60. Double entries permitted, deep staging allowed.

Gates open Friday at 4:00 pm for parking and tech. Gates open Saturday & Sunday at 8:00 am, with a time trial at 9:00 am.

For more information visit www.MapleGroveRaceway.com.

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I first saw Proform's Wedge-Locking Header Bolts at the PRI Show and thought they were a great, simple solution to a problem we've all encountered: loose header bolts. This short video shows how they work.

Learn more about Proform's locking header bolts at their website HERE.

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Racers, I saw this short video about Flowmaster's short- and longtube headers and thought it was informative so I wanted to share it here.

For more information visit Flowmaster at www.FlowmasterMufflers.com.

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With GM's highly successful 2012 COPO Camaro program ramped up for 2013, ATI is proud to once again be a valuable part of the program. In 2012, all of the sixty-nine COPO Camaros produced were outfitted with ATI ProGlide® Transmissions, Treemaster® Converters, Super Dampers® & flexplates as well as ATI's own fully synthetic Super F® transmission fluid.

GM chose ATI Performance Products to return and be a part of the team for the 2013 program. ATI will continue to support the GM factory racecar program with all of the aforementioned products and looks forward to working with individual racers after the sale to ensure their COPO Camaro runs to the best of its ability.

The staff at ATI was honored in 2012 and is eagerly looking forward to working with the COPO program in 2013. The GM Powertrain group demands the highest quality products for their vehicles and only chooses suppliers that can meet those expectations, which shows in the performance of their COPO Camaro racecars. For more info about ATI Performance Products vist www.ATIracing.com.

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Maryland International Raceway’s twin $5.000 Top Sportsman Pros vs. Joes is Saturday & Sunday, April 20th – 21st. Each day pays $5,000 Win, $2,000 Runner-Up, and $100 Round once the race goes on the ladder. Entry is $150 per day, re-entry is $100.

These 1/8-mile races feature two separate fields of Top Sportsman that will compete for the $5K each day. The Pros will be the quickest 16 in qualifying, while the Joes will be the rest of the 5.99 and quicker field.

This event runs in conjunction with MIR’s Door Wars. Gates open Friday at 9:00 am for test & tune. Gates open Saturday at 8:00 am with Top Sportsman qualifying at 10:00 am and eliminations at 3:00 pm. Gates open Sunday at 8:00 am with Top Sportsman qualifying at 10:00 am and eliminations at 12:00 pm. Visit www.MIRdrag.com for more info.

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Virginia Motorsports Park, Petersburg, VA – Virginia Motorsports Park hosts the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series April 12th – 13th, 2013.

Classes in competition at this event include Stock, Super Stock, Super Street, Super Gas, Super Comp, Top Sportsman, Top Dragster, NHRA Harley-Davidson, Pro Stock Sled, Top Alcohol Funny Car and Top Alcohol Dragster.

Gates open Friday at 7:30 am, with NHRA inspections from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm. Time trials start at 8:30 am. Gates open Saturday at 8:00 am, with time trials at 8:30 am and eliminations starting at 11:30 am. For more information visit Virginia Motorsports Park at www.VMPdrag.com.

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Calling all Mopars to Dunn-Benson Dragstrip in Benson, NC on Friday & Saturday April 19th & 20th for all Mopar drag racing, swap meet and car show.

Friday is a test & tune and a Gambler’s race. Saturday race classes include Pro ET (pays $1,200 Win, $400 Runner-Up and $100 Semis. Entry is $35, 1st and 2nd Round buybacks are $30) and Footbrake (pays $750 Win, $250 Runner-Up and $50 Semis. Entry is $25, 1st and 2nd Round buybacks are $20).

Gates open Friday at 5:00 pm; time runs are from 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm. Gates open Saturday at 9:00 am, with time runs at 12:00 noon and racing at 12:30 pm. Visit www.DunnBensonDragstripInc.com.

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I received this press release from Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels:

"The late Mickey Thompson was recently recognized with the prestigious Shav Glick Award. Justice Brothers presented the award on March 24 at Fontana Motor Speedway prior to the start of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Auto Club 400. Named for the longtime L.A. Times motorsports Hall of Fame journalist Shav Glick who passed away in 2007, the award recognizes an industry personality who has made valuable or distinguished contributions in the state of California.

The 2013 nominees included George Follower, Tom McEwen, Chris Pook and Mickey Thompson. Ed Justice, Jr., president and CEO of Justice Brothers, made the presentation during prerace ceremonies.

“We are very proud that Mickey Thompson has been selected to receive this very special award in recognition of his substantial contributions to the industry here in the state of California,” stated Ken Warner, VP sales and marketing, Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels. “It is especially meaningful to us and to the Thompson family as we celebrate the company’s 50th anniversary this year.”

The legendary Mickey Thompson was the first to develop the “sling shot” dragster, built and raced funny cars and expanded to off-road racing in the 1970s. He later founded SCORE International and began building his own versions of off-road sprint cars for his indoor stadium off-road racing series. An innovative racecar driver, designer and promoter, Mickey Thompson held 485 national and international speed and endurance records at the time of his passing. His family and the company he founded remain dedicated to his legacy."

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On a personal note, many of you know I'm a devoted customer of Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels, theirs being the only tires I use on the Dragtime Dodge. Consequently I've gotten to know some of the people at the company and have witnessed their devotion to us sportsman racers. I have to think that this was instilled at the start by Mickey Thompson himself. I wish I could have met him in person to thank him for all he did for our sport.

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Farmington Dragway, Mocksville, NC - I know, I know: this is not a racing event, but it’s for charity so I’m running it here. Farmington Dragway hosts the 29th Annual Charity Car Show on Saturday, April 13th, 2013; the proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House. The first 200 participants receive a dash plaque; awards include Sponsor & Participant’s Choice Awards and a Club Participation Award. There’ll also be music, food and door prizes, live & silent auctions, 50/50 drawing and three raffle drawings. Registration is $15 pre-entered or $20 day of show. Registration starts at 8:00 am on the day of the show. For more information visit www.HeartOfCarolina.net.

Racers, this is a great opportunity to show your race cars and talk to people about bracket racing; maybe even get some new people to bring their daily drivers to the track and enter Street or Trophy class.

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We welcome I-64 Motorplex in Owingsville, KY and Mountain Park Dragway in Clay City, KY to the Track Info page.

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Listen up, VW racers: the SEVWA and Piedmont Dragway present their Big Bug Shootout on Sunday, April 7, 2013.

1/8-mile bracket classes include Super Pro (0.00-7.49, entry fee is $20 for SEVWA members and $35 for non-members), Pro (7.50-9.49, entry fee is $20 for SEVWA members and $30 for non-members), Sportsman (9.50 & up,entry fee is $20 all racers). Test & Tune entry is $20.

Gates open 8:00 am with time runs at 12:00 noon and eliminations at 2:00 pm. Visit www.PiedmontDragway.com for info.

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We have a cool new addition to the Reader's Rides page: the Pro ET bike of multi-event winner Keith LeBlanc of Beech Island, SC.

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The Slick Tire Shootout comes to Old Bridge Township Raceway Park in Englishtown NJ on Saturday & Sunday June 15th & 16th 2013.

The Carolina Coalition bracket series makes a stop on April 6th & 7th at Farmington Dragway. Each day has a Top ET and Footbrake / Modified big money gambler’s race. Top ET pays $3,000 Win, $1,000 Runner-Up, $200 Semis, and $40 Round starting 3rd Round win. Entry is $75 for either day, or $125 for both. Footbrake / Modified pays $1,500 Win, $500 Runner-Up, $150 Semis, and $20 Round starting 3rd Round win. Entry is $50 for either day, or $90 for both.

Double entries allowed. Friday is open for parking. Gates open Saturday at 8:00 am with time trials at 10:00 am. Gates open Sunday at 8:00 am, with a time run for new entries at 12:15. Visit www.farmingtondragway.com for more information.

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Montgomery MotorSports Park’s Super 7 Series continues on Thursday – Sunday, April 11th – 14th, 2013. Friday’s Super Pro race pays $5,000 Win, $1,000 Runner-Up, $500 Semis and $250 Quarters. Saturday’s and Sunday’s Super Pro races each pay $10,000 Win, $2,000 Runner-Up, $1,000 Semis and $500 Quarters. Entries are $150 each, or enter all three races for $300. Buybacks are $50. Two people may drive the same car in a single class, but one driver cannot drive the same car twice.

Friday’s, Saturday’s and Sunday’s No Box races each pay $2,000 Win, $500 Runner-Up, $100 Semis and $50 Quarters. Entry is $50 per race, with a $30 buyback. Payouts based on 40 entries.

Gates open Thursday for parking at 4:00 pm. Gates open Friday at 8:00 am with time trials at 10:00 am. Gates open Saturday and Sunday at 9:00 am. For more information visit www.MMPDragRacing.com

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Team M/T member Bill Glidden will showcase an all-new Mickey Thompson vehicle wrap on his championship Mustang as he competes in the six-event NMCA series. Competing in Pro Street class, the longtime tire development competitor for Mickey Thompson will take on the turbocharged, supercharged and nitrous powered competitors in Pro Street proudly sporting the 50th anniversary wrap by GregZ Designs.

“Billy is a fierce Team M/T racer who always gives it his best out there,” said Tom Kundrik, Motorsports Manager, Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels. “We’re proud to have him feature this stunning vehicle wrap in celebration of 50 great years, and the significant contribution he has made to our Big Tire Development Program over the years.”

For more info. about NMCA, visit www.nmcadigital.com. For more information about M/T tires, visit www.mickeythompsontires.com.

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The Nitroplate Ronnie “Uncle Buck” Memorial .90 Nationals & Nitroplate Stock / SS Shootout will be held on September 13th & 14th, 2013 at Numidia Dragway in Catawissa, PA. Coming off of a very successful Inaugural event that saw Byron Worner (Stock / Super Stock Combo), Franklin DiBartolomeo (Super Comp), Al DiMino (Super Gas) and Keith Mayers (Super Street) all claim victory, this year’s event will have a little different twist to it all including an added race for Super Comp and Super Street Racers.

Starting off on Thursday, September 12th parking will take place from 10:00 am till 10:00 pm. Friday the 13th will feature a free test & tune from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm and is open to anyone who is entered to run the .90 Nationals. After the test & tune will be the Stock / SS Combo Race and the Comp Cams .90 Shootout. The race is open to all racers for a small fee.

On Saturday the 14th the 2nd Annual Ronnie “Uncle Buck” Memorial .90 Nationals & Nitroplate Stock / Super Stock Shootout goes off at 10:00 am, beginning with two time runs for Super Street, Super Comp, Stock, Super Gas & Super Stock. Event promoter Rob Keister and Numidia Dragway owner Bob DiMino have teamed up to award a guaranteed $3,000 winner’s purse for all classes. As an added bonus the winners of each class will get a free Weber Grill. On Sunday will be race #7 of the 2013 season for the 8.90 and 10.90 drivers in the Mid Atlantic Super Comp and Super Street Series as long as the rain date is not needed.

Event promoter Rob Keister would like to thank the sponsors who have committed to this event so far and is hoping to add more in the next coming weeks for the “Racer Appreciation Rounds”. So far sponsors include as Nitroplate, Autometer, Edelbrock, Wisco Pistons, Bushwacker Truck Accessories, Goldman Auto Race Specialties, Ultimate Converter Concepts, CD Design, Weaver Automotive, Ken Moses Race Transmissions, and Comp Cams. For more information on this event please visit www.dot90nationals.com.

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There’s a big weekend coming up at Piedmont Dragway. The $50,000 Top Eliminator Classic is April 12th – 14th, 2013 that features three days of big money bracket racing for Top ET cars.

Friday’s Warm-Up race pays $5,000 Win, $1,000 Runner-Up, $300 Semis, $150 5th Round Win, $100 4th Round Win, and $75 3rd Round Win. Single-day entry is $80 and there’ll be a $60 buyback for 1st Round.

Saturday’s Main Event pays $20,000 Win, $5,000 Runner-Up, $1,200 Semis, $400 5th Round Win, $300 4th Round Win, and $200 3rd Round Win. Single-day entry is $230 and there’ll be a $150 buyback for 1st Round.

Sunday’s Wrap-Up race pays 10,000 Win, $3,000 Runner-Up, $800 Semis, $400 5th Round Win, $200 4th Round Win, and $150 3rd Round Win. Single-day entry is $160 and there’ll be a $100 buyback for 1st Round.

Instead of single-day entries, enter the weekend for $450. Gates open Friday at 8:00 am with time runes at 11:00 am. Gates open Saturday at 8:00 am with time runs at 10:00 am. Gates open Sunday at 9:00 am with time runs only for new entries. For more info visit www.PiedmontDragway.com.

Whether you have junk to sell or junk to race, bring it to Maryland International Raceway on Saturday March 30th for the track’s swap meet and test & tune.

For the testers & tuners there’ll be time runs from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm. All MIR test & tunes will have a free $1,000 Win Gambler’s Race (pro-rated if less than 64 cars). Test & Tune entry fees are $30 ($40 for “no-time” test & tune).

Gates open at 9:00 am. Visit www.MIRdrag.com for more info.

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Listen up, Pennsylvania-area racers. Here’s your chance to introduce new people to our sport at a race just for beginners. Thanks to County Corvette of West Chester, PA you can do just that and help a great cause, the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House. On Sunday May 19th, 2013 and again on Sunday, September 15th, 2013 County Corvette will be holding their annual Race Day for the Beginner at Maple Grove Raceway. There will be First, Second, Third & Fourth place Trophies for the winners and $25 Visa Gift Cards. Also two plaques will be awarded, one for the best Reaction Time (R/T) of the first Elimination, and one for the fastest Elapsed Time (E/T) of the first elimination.

To help make the day go smoothly there will be an overview course on Wednesday, May 15th at 7:00 pm at County Corvette. They’ll discuss what you can expect at the track including doing a burnout and staging the car. The price of a ticket to race will be $65.00. That will cover the cost of one (1) driver and one (1) crewmember seated in the car at arrival. Anybody else who isn’t racing but would still like to support you can purchase a ticket for $20.00 per carload. All tickets must be pre-paid through County Corvette to avoid any complications with Maple Grove Raceway. No tickets will be sold for this event at the gate.

County Corvette would like to have the car count for this event set by April 30th.. All types of cars are welcome, from street cars to hot rods to motorcycles. If you’re interested in purchasing racer or spectator tickets for the event, send an email to Denny Parisan at denny.parisan@countycorvette.com.

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You might remember reading about Michigan racer Vince Porcelli's flying Falcon here a few months ago (if you didn't, it's migrated to the 2013 Archives page here). At the time Vince submitted his photos and info, the Ford was in the process of getting a new chassis. I asked Vince to send some updates on the progress, and here they are. The car is on target for an April 1st completion, and Vince is planning on racing it at the Detoit Dragway Reunion.

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Easter Weekend marks the kick-off of the 2013 JEGS Summer Series Shootout at Atco Dragway. Friday’s and Sunday’s races each pay $5,000 Win, $2,000 Runner-Up, $800 Semis, $400 Quarters, and $75 round starting 3rd Round lose. Entry is $150, buybacks are $90. Saturday’s race pays $10,000 Win, $3,000 Runner-Up, $1,000 Semis, $500 Quarters and $100 round starting 3rd Round lose. Entry is $200, buybacks are $120.

Gates open Friday at 11:00 am and Saturday and Sunday at 9:00 am. Visit www.AtcoRaceway.com.

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We welcome The House of Hook, Carolina Dragway in Aiken, SC to the Track Info page.

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Thomas, the photographer at Auto-Plus Raceway, is a new addition to the Featured Photographers section of the Photos page.

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We also have two new additions to the Reader's Rides page: the sharp 1970 Dodge Dart of Inverness, FL's Leigh Zaremba and the 9-second 1937 Chevrolet Coupe of W. Suffield, CT's Mark Waterman.

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Kitchener, ON – March 16, 2013 - Canada's National Drag Racing Association (NDRA) has announced its 2013 schedule which includes the addition of Pro Doorslammers to the headlining Alcohol Funny Cars. The Pro Doorslammers are a contingent of all types of door cars including Pro Mods, Top Sportsman and Super Street.

Dale Boeru, NDRA’s President & Director of Operations is excited about the expansion and has grand expectations for the second year of the rapidly growing popularity of this enhancement to Canadian drag racing. “We are looking forward to kicking off our 2013 season at Grand Bend Motorplex for the RPM Magazine/Lucas Oil “Spring Blowout” on the May 18th -19th weekend. Grand Bend Motorplex is where it all started for the NDRA and we are extremely pleased that track owners Paul & Kim Spriet are supporting the association for this event along with the August 11th – 12th NAPA/Stratford Spectacular Hot August Nights this season once again.”

NDRA will also return to the legendary Cayuga Dragway of Toronto Motorsports Park once again for two major events. “Again, the NDRA will be part of the annual Canadian Nitro Nationals event set for July 13th – 14th and the Canadian Funny Car Championships on the Labour Day weekend Aug 31st - Sept 1st.” continued Boeru. “We are thrilled that Toronto Motorsports Park owner Uli Bieri and track manager Neale Armstrong have added our new NDRA Pro Doorslammer class to run with our Alcohol Funny Car program at both events”.

Added to both Cayuga Dragway dates will be the NDRA Nitro Nostalgia Funny Cars of Gary Kraus and his “Pony Up” 1972 Mustang and Doug Cadman’s 1973 Dodge Charger “The Chi Town Hustler.” For more information about the NDRA, visit www.ndra.ca.

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The 2013 Southern Outlaw Tour kicks off March 15th and 16th at Montgomery MotorSports Park in Montgomery, AL.

The Southwest Heritage Racing Association, the premier nostalgia drag racing organization in the five-state Texas region, has announced its 2013 schedule. Their season kicks off Saturday, April 6th at North Star Dragway in Denton, TX before moving to The Texas Motorplex in Ennis, TX on Sunday, April 21st. The month of June finds the SHRA going to Little River Dragway in Holland, TX on Saturday, June 1st. Saturday July 6th the SHRA heads back to North Star Dragway. Saturday, August 31st it’s Ardmore Dragway in Ardmore, OK, and they wrap their season on Saturday, October 5th at North Star Dragway.

The Southwest Heritage Racing Association is proud to announce a series title sponsor for 2013. Mallory Screenprint and Embroidery in Joshua, Texas has agreed to a multi-year sponsorship that will recognize them as the title sponsor of the SHRA in 2013. Mallory Screenprint and Embroidery is a one stop producer of high quality screen printing, embroidery, banners, decals and more supplying the racing industry, corporate clients, schools and large event needs.

The Southwest Heritage Racing Association includes classes for blown, injected front engine dragsters, altered, roadsters and more. Additionally, the SHRA has classes for traditional cars that includes a great variety of nostalgia drag racing machines that were so popular in the early years of the sport. You can learn more about the SHRA at their website www.SHRAracing.com.

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When qualifying starts for the Amalie Oil Gatornationals on Friday one team with a new look as well as some new sponsors will be the Haskett Bros. Top Alcohol Funny Car Team out of Wilkesboro, North Carolina.

For team owner Bob Haskett, 2013 represents the 46th year that he has fielded a race car. Ranging from a Nitro Funny Car back in the 60s to several Comp Eliminator machines, a match race Pro Mod car, a Top Alcohol Dragster to today’s Top Alcohol Funny Car, Haskett just loves to race. “Racing is my passion and allows me to spend time with my sons, Josh and Jared who make up the crew for the team.” said Haskett.

During the off season, Haskett brought the Firebird body back to his old stomping grounds of Long Island, New York where BonaFide Auto Collision of Patchogue sprayed the new black and red paint scheme. BonaFide owner Carmine Napolitano, who painted Haskett’s first Nitro car along with his son Patrick and grandson Patrick Jr., has also jumped on board to sponsor the team for the season.

In addition, new sponsorship has come from BehindtheScenez.net, a race car photo website owned by official Auto Plus Raceway photographer Thomas Gaines. Said Gaines, “I am pleased to help the Haskett’s this year as they represent what a true family race team is.”

Additional sponsorship is coming from Victory 1 Performance of Mooresville, North Carolina a manufacturer of valve train components used by many of the top teams. For the Gainesville event, LFG Rigging a heavy crane operation of Patchogue, New York has also provided support.

Returning for his second season behind the wheel is New Jersey based- Duane Beers, a former 2 time NHRA Division champion in the Super Comp class. “I am excited to get the season started, it’s been a long winter and I can’t wait to race. We’ve got our work cut out for us as qualifying will be tough but we’re ready” said Beers.

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Lots of good reading out there this month in the world of magazines. First, we have to congratulate our friend Jill Canuso for being included in the March 2013 issue of Drag Illustrated. Jill is the driver of the Hanna Motorsports Queen of Diamonds 300 MPH Jet Dragster. She is a fearless drag racer and is totally deserving of being a part of this feature article. Read the article HERE.

Next, for those racers who are currently in the market to buy a new trailer, the March 2013 issue of Performance Racing Industry includes a feature article about trailers and tow rigs. Although the article's primary focus is on the business trends within this particular market, it includes a lot of useful info that a racer can use to zero-in on the type of trailer or options that he or she needs. Read the issue HERE.

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Racers on Long Island, NY (where there's a ton of racers but no drag strip, ironically) will come together for a good cause on Sunday, April 28th, 2013 at the Central Islip Fire Department Training Facility. It’s a Classic Car Show and Test & Tune presented by the Cooley’s Anemia Foundation in conjunction with Long Island Drag Racing.

The test & tune is a single lane format using a full-size tree. Racers will get times for reaction and 60 feet. Racers entering the test & tune must wear a DOT-approved helmet, and cars will undergo complete inspection. Entry for the test & tune is $60; entry for the car show is $20. All proceeds support the Cooley’s Anemia Foundation.

Registration starts at 8:00 am. The event is open to the first 125 cars, so don’t be late. Visit www.LIDragRacing.com for more info.

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The 2013 Fun Ford Weekend Series kicks off at Royal Purple Raceway in Baytown, TX, March 23rd and 24th. A favorite of racers and fans from all over Texas, the track has been hard at work getting ready for the new season of racing.

"We had a great time kicking off the 2012 Fun Ford Weekend Series at Royal Purple Raceway," notes Jeff Lacina, Marketing Director for the Series. "We had a great assortment of Ford-powered racers show up, a great field of true street cars and a very popular autocross event. Coming back for our second year will bring out even more racers and show cars."

In other Fun Ford Weekend news, VMP Superchargers has signed on as the title sponsor of the VMP Superchargers True Street Shootout that will be held at all 12 of the 2013 Fun Ford Weekend events across the U.S. and Canada. In addition to title sponsorship of the True Street class, the VMP team will be appearing at select Fun Ford Weekend events with their Mobile Dynojet, offering product sales, support, and dyno-tuning.

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March 6, 2013, Eastlake, OH – After a one-year hiatus, Top Alcohol Funny Car racer John Bojec returns to NHRA racing this season at the Gatornationals in Gainesville with Speed City Racing.

Bojec, winner of the Toyo Tires Nationals at Reading in 2010, returns for his ninth year of competition in Top Alcohol Funny Car. With him will be longtime sponsor CAM2 Blue Blood Racing Oils. Their support of Speed City Racing is part of CAM2’s marketing effort to reunite their brand with the motorsports community. Their relationship extends beyond the racetrack. Recently CAM2 partnered with Bojec’s performance parts and service company, Speed City, to distribute and market their ‘Blue Blood’ product line. “While I was away from racing I took the time to establish Speed City,” says Bojec. “I wanted to create a purpose for our race team, and not rely on racing as our only business. Now the race team serves as our major outlet for marketing our Speed City brand.” It was this growth that attracted CAM2 to Speed City.

Speed City, located in Eastlake, Ohio, offers new and used performance parts and specializes in race car builds and updates and custom pit equipment. Speed City also has extensive experience reconstructing blown alcohol engines. CAM2’s Blue Blood product line features motor oil, gear oil and transmission fluid. Their motor oils are high in zinc, providing excellent anti-wear protection for high revving engines. They are available in 0W30 as a full synthetic, 10W30 and 20W50 as a synthetic blend, and Drag Pack Plus 70 weight.

For more information about Speed City or about CAM2 Blue Blood Racing Oils visit www.SpeedCityPerformance.com.

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We welcome Little River Dragway in Holland, TX and Luskville Dragway in Luskville, Quebec to the Track Info page.

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Farmington Dragway’s Spring Dollars Day Weekend is coming up Saturday & Sunday March 9th & 10th with a flea market and free bracket race.

Saturday is the flea market and time runs / test & tune. Time runs are free with the $10 gate admission. On Sunday there are bracket races for Top ET (0.00 – 7.99) and Footbrake (all run). Entry to either is free with $10 gate admission. Top ET pays $800 Win, $200 Runner-Up, $100 Semis and $50 Quarters. Buybacks are $30. Footbrake pays $600 Win, $150 Runner-Up, $75 Semis and $50 Quarters. Buybacks are $20.

Gates open Saturday at 8:00 am with time runs from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm. Gates open Sunday at 8:00 am with a time run at 12:00 noon. For more information including flea market vendor info visit www.FarmingtonDragway.com.

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Coastal Plains Dragway hosts the 4th Annual St. Patrick’s Classic on March 16th & 17th, with big money races for Top ET and Footbrake.

Each day’s 1/8th-mile Top ET and Footbrake races each pays $10,000 Win, $2,000 Runner-Up, $700 Semis, $300 5th Round win, $200 4th Round win and $100 3rd Round win. Entry is $160 for either single day $250 for a 2-day entry. 1st Round buybacks are $80.
Gates open Friday March 15th at 5:00 pm for parking. Gates open Saturday at 8:00 am with time runs starting at 9:00 am. Gates open Sunday at 8:00 am with a time run for new entries at 12:00 noon.

Visit www.coastalplainsraceway.com for more info.

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Following an offseason highlighted by format changes, increased payouts and new looks to some familiar programs, the International Hot Rod Association has announced that the 2013 Contingency postings are currently up 12 percent from last season with more sponsors on the way.

Already in 2013 some two dozen companies have posted for racing products. Heading into the IHRA Summit Racing Equipment Pro-Am Tour presented by AMSOIL season opener at Immokalee Regional Raceway these sponsors are looking forward to the start of the 2013 IHRA racing season and the new-look Summit Pro-Am Tour and Nitro Jam racing series. In 2013 IHRA Contingency sponsors will be a part of upwards of 40 IHRA events including the Summit Racing Equipment Pro-Am Tour, Nitro Jam series and the IHRA Summit Racing Equipment World Finals at Memphis International Raceway.

Sponsors currently committed to the 2013 IHRA racing season include Altronics, ATI Performance Products, Auto Meter, Brodix, Cometic Gaskets, Dart Machinery, Ford Racing, Goodyear Tire, Haulmark Trailers, Holley Performance, Hoosier Tires, Hughes Performance, JEGS, The Mad Scientist, Manley Performance, Mickey Thompson Tires, Moser Engineering, MSD Ignition, PTC, RJS Racing Equipment, Sonny’s Racing Engines, Strange Engineering, Summit Racing Equipment. With more sponsors signing, check back with www.ihra.com often and visit Contingency Central to find the latest sponsor updates.

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Team owners committed to pro mod cars and their continued participation at NHRA events have formed Real Pro Mod (RPM). The association has been created to preserve and promote the future of the class that’s regarded as the fuel altereds of the 21st century. RPM is committed to securing sponsorship so the NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series can continue past 2013, providing input to NHRA on rule changes to achieve parity between the different power adder combinations, and promoting diversity within the class to invite spectator interest and involvement.

RPM has worked with NHRA regarding its formation and intention. NHRA applauds the efforts of the RPM to secure funding for the future, because such funding is necessary for the NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series to continue beyond the 2013 season.

The accomplishments and resumes of the founders of RPM are impressive in their own right. All members are self-made businessmen that actively participate as drivers, team owners and/or crew chiefs who understand how to make a venture successful. The formation of the Real Pro Mod Association highlights that this is not just a passing fancy but instead, a commitment by the stars of the sport to shepherd the future of this class.

For more information or how to get involved with the RPM, visit www.legalpromod.com.

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S&W Race Cars & Components has launched their 2013 ‘Cyber Sales Weekend’ Series. The Cyber Sales Weekends will take place during the last weekend of every month in 2013. They will feature deep discounts on S&W’s most popular ‘Made in the USA’ Bolt-On & Weld-On Race & Rod Parts.

The monthly ‘CSW’ details can be found on the Sales & Savings Programs page that’s located on S&W’s website.

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After a successful first season, Maple Grove Raceway’s Stock/Super Stock Series will be returning with a new sponsor: ATI Performance Products. The ATI Stock/Super Stock Series will once again feature a four-race schedule on June 8-9 and Aug. 24-25.

“ATI Performance Products and Maple Grove Raceway have been serving racers for over 50 years,” said J.C. Beattie Jr., chief operating officer for the Baltimore-based company. “Over the past half-century, ATI has always supported Maple Grove and its racers – especially in the Stock and Super Stock categories. ATI has always been dedicated to bracket racers and those racers are still an integral part to our continued success.”

A point system will be maintained and a points fund will be created paying the top five finishers in the series. Awards will be presented as part of the Money Trail Awards Banquet in February 2014. Points will be awarded based on the current Money Trail ET point structure. The guaranteed purses and the entry fees for the series were also announced: $1,000 Win, $400 Runner-Up, $200 Semis and $100 Quarters. Entry fee to race is $75 for one day and $140 for both days on a weekend. There is also a $25 Money Trail membership fee. Crew and spectators are $15 per day, while children 12 and under are free.

Glen Hartzler won the 2012 championship in his 1972 Barracuda. Rounding out the top five were Byron Worner, James Perrone, Patric Fox, and Marty Rinehart Jr. and Jeff Tripp (tied).

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Dave Rieff will be filling the ESPN anchor spot formerly occupied by Paul Page beginning with the 2013 season. Here's the release from NHRA:

"GLENDORA, Calif. (Feb. 6, 2013) — NHRA will enter the 2013 season with a new anchor on its ESPN telecasts and a fresh approach to the television coverage of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. Dave Rieff, who has been a pit reporter since ESPN began its NHRA coverage in 2001 and a staple of NHRA television for 17 years, will move into the anchor announcer position for the 2013 season. In addition to hosting coverage of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, Rieff will continue his lead role on the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series telecasts.

Joining Rieff in calling the action from the booth will be former NHRA racer Mike Dunn, who is beginning his 12th year with ESPN as a color analyst for the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series viewers can anticipate a fresh approach to the telecasts in 2013. As ESPN and NHRA constantly work together to bring viewers the highest-quality coverage, programs will capture even more of the drama of NHRA, showcase the stars of the sport, and incorporate new format changes to both the qualifying and race day telecasts.

ESPN will look to deliver more stories and analysis on the strategy of the sport, a stronger focus on head-to-head matchups and more technical pieces. The stars of NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing will be showcased with all-access wired segments, features on the drivers and the development of power rankings in the categories. ESPN and NHRA also will work to make more use of social media platforms during the telecasts."

Dave is a walking fact book of drag racing knowledge, and I always got the sense both when watching him and when speaking with him in person that he just loves drag racing, that he's still as much of a fan as we are. With Dave, it's apparent that he gets what we do and he wants to share his enthusiasm with the audience. This is great for our sport: we'll now have two passionate, knowledgeable anchors who'll be able to keep the experienced and novice viewers alike both informed and entertained. I'd always been wishing that Mike Dunn would get back into the driver's seat, but Dave and Mike are such a perfect pair I now might have to hope that Mike stays where he is!

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Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels, a company whose front and rear tires I'm proud to use, just announced their 50th Anniversary. This company has a long history in all forms of motorsports, and it seems particularly committed to Sportsman, index and bracket racers.

“This is an incredible milestone for our company,” stated Ken Warner, VP Sales & Marketing, Mickey Thompson. “We want to celebrate this achievement and commemorate this anniversary by honoring both our history and the future of our company.”

I thought this might be a great time to take a look back at Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels, so follow the link to learn about this great company. Article continues HERE...

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High performance and racing cylinder head manufacturer Trick Flow Specialties will be building the engine for the Maddox Race Cars dragster that will be awarded to the 2013 IHRA Summit Racing SuperSeries Top Class Champion. Trick Flow designed and assembled the 565 cubic inch big block Chevrolet engine (pictured) that was part of the prize package awarded to Tim Butler, the 2012 Summit Racing SuperSeries Top Class Champion. Outfitted with Trick Flow PowerPort® 360 cylinder heads modified by two-time NHRA Pro Stock champion Jason Line, the big block Chevy made 1,103 peak horsepower and 770 lbs.-ft. of peak torque on Trick Flow’s SuperFlow dyno.

For 2013, Trick Flow will be going Blue Oval with a big block Ford. Based on a Ford Racing 460 siamesed-bore iron block, the engine will feature a pair of Trick Flow’s PowerPort® A460 360 cylinder heads. Other manufacturers featured in the engine build include Scat, Crower, Howards Cams, ARP, and Clevite. While the configuration of the engine has not been finalized, all of the parts used in the build will be off-the-shelf and readily available from suppliers like Summit Racing Equipment.

“We’re proud and excited to build another engine for the Summit Racing SuperSeries Top Class Champion prize package,” said Mike Downs, Trick Flow General Manager. “It’s an opportunity to showcase our cylinder heads and other products to IHRA sportsman racers, plus let people see how easy it is to build big power with off-the-shelf parts. In fact, our goal with this Ford big block is to surpass the horsepower we made with the Chevy—and by a substantial margin, too!”

As with last year’s 565 Chevy, IHRA’s Drag Review Magazine will be documenting the build and dyno-testing of the big Ford at Trick Flow’s facility in Tallmadge, Ohio. The engine will be awarded to the 2013 Summit Racing SuperSeries Top Class champion at IHRA’s Summit Racing Equipment World Finals, October 11-12 at Memphis International Raceway.

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NHRA officials announced a new engine program for the NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League with the acceptance of the Briggs & Stratton 206 engine beginning in 2013. The accepted 206 crate engine must be factory sealed and is approved for all NHRA age groups: 8-9 year old class (12.90-seconds & slower), 10-12 year old (8.90 & slower) and 13-17 year old class (7.90 & slower). No alterations or modifications are permitted except for installation of exhaust header and air filter.

Briggs & Stratton launched the 206 crate engine program in 2008 to give racers a simple out-of-the-box, cost-effective, performance solution. Building from the proven reliability of the Animal racing engine, the 206 crate engine maintains a level playing field by isolating the performance variables commonly found in standard, mainstream manufacturing. Each 206 crate engine is hand-built in a dedicated facility to exacting standards and measured against a factory developed rule set. The end-result is a performance racing engine with the proven repeatability that has led to four years of world-wide wins at the highest levels of racing right out of the box.

“We are incredibly excited to once again have the opportunity to work with the NHRA and their Jr. Drag Racing League” said David Klaus, director-Briggs & Stratton Racing. “As one of the original founding partners we were able to help be a part of the growth of the league as well as get to know the racing families involved. This sport makes great racers but it also helps make family memories. That is something that Briggs & Stratton Racing loves to be a part of and we look forward to the future.”

“NHRA’s acceptance of the 206 crate engine is a great opportunity for us to support the league with a new option for cost-effective racing,” continued Klaus. “Families now have another cost-effective option to help build memories that will last a lifetime.” For more information and availability of the 206 Engine (part # 124332 8201-01) please visit www.BriggsRacing.com.

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Applications for automotive scholarships are now available through the 2013 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund (SMSF) at www.sema.org/scholarships. Students preparing for careers in the auto or auto parts industries may be eligible for financial awards of up to $5,000.

The $5,000 Top Student award marks an increase from the award’s previous amount of $4,000. Similarly, scholarships for students attending four-year programs are up from $2,000 to $3,000, and awards for students attending two-year programs increased from $1,000 to $2,000. “Students coming through the SEMA Scholarship Program have demonstrated such great potential. We’ve increased the scholarship prizes to reward and better help prepare these students for careers in the specialty-equipment industry,” said Jamie Eriksen, SEMA education director. “Our hope is that we’ll continue to attract highly qualified students who will contribute and make strong, positive impacts in our industry.”

Unlike financial aid and student loans, the SEMA Memorial Scholarship is a one-time award that does not have to be paid back. Awards are granted to eligible applicants based on academic achievements, work experience, community involvement, essay content and recommendations. Students may re-apply each year, provided that they still meet the eligibility criteria.

A loan forgiveness award is also available to recent graduates who are working for SEMA-member companies and paying off existing student loans. Details and applications for both the scholarship and the loan-forgiveness awards are available at www.sema.org/scholarships.

The application deadline for all SMSF awards is March 29, 2013. For additional details, visit www.sema.org/scholarships or contact Juliet Marshall at julietm@sema.org or 909-978-6655.

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Joliet, Ill. - The Route 66 Raceway 15th Anniversary event schedule was released this past week and includes a variety of events including Test & Tunes, ET Bracket Races, the Four Seasons Heating & Air Conditioning Burndown at Sundown!, Nitto NMRA/NMCA Super Bowl of Street Legal Drag Racing, five Team Demolition Derby’s, the Traxxas TORC Series, Route 66 Classic and Downright Diesels join the O’Reilly Auto Parts Route 66 NHRA Nationals to form the complete 2013 lineup.

The season opens in April with the first of 15 Test & Tunes on April 13 and the first of nine ET Bracket races on April 28, providing local competitors with 24 opportunities to enter the Stadium of Drag Racing. The Junior Dragsters get their first crack at the drag strip on May 18, in the first of five competitions for the season.

Taking place under the lights on Saturday, June 9, The Four Seasons Heating & Air Conditioning Burndown at Sundown! features fire-breathing jet cars being propelled to speeds approaching 300 miles per hour. The Burndown at Sundown! serves as a precursor for the O’Reilly Auto Parts Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by Super Start Batteries, June 27-30.

The Super Bowl of Street Legal Drag Racing showcases the NMRA and NMCA, July 11-14. On top of the monumental street legal drag racing, the weekend features a car show, swap meet, manufacturer’s midway and much more.

On August 17, the Route 66 Classic returns to pay homage to early drag racing and hot rod culture. Featuring Nostalgia match racing including funny cars, gassers and pro stocks and a Show ‘n Shine, the Route 66 Classic is a quarter-mile blast down memory lane.

Downright Diesels roars back to Route 66 on September 21, welcoming diesel vehicles of all shapes and sizes. If it has a diesel engine, it belongs in this race. From high stakes "outlaw" competition to "run what you brung" Fun Runs, drivers of any drag racing experience level can participate.

To close the season, the Route 66 Raceway Swap Meet will return for its fifth year, inviting buyers and sellers from all over the Midwest to exchange items and display their cars in a Show ‘n Shine. Visit www.Route66Raceway.com for more information.

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Auto-Plus Raceway in Gainesville, FL has released its 2013 dragstrip schedule. Highlighted by the 44th Annual NHRA Gatornationals, scheduled for March 14th-17th, 2013, Auto-Plus Raceway will again play host to the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. The traditional East Coast opener and the season's first of 16 events for Pro Stock Motorcycle riders and first of 10 for Pro Mod racers, this event has a rich tradition of history-making performances.

"Prelude to the Gators" will feature a collaboration between the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, Bread of the Mighty Food Bank, and Auto-Plus Raceway. Free spectator tickets will be given away in return for non-perishable food donations at the main gate during the race. The event is scheduled for February 15th-17th.

The All Harley Drag Racing Association (AHDRA) and National Hot Rod Diesel Association (NHRDA) make stops in Gainesville on the weekends of March 9th and 23rd, respectively. Import Face-Off has two dates on the schedule, and the $2013 Grassroots Motorsports Challenge returns, as well.

The track’s 1/8 Mile Summit ET Series has seven dates throughout the season, while a new 1/4 Mile Championship Bracket Series debuts with eight dates in 2013. Other new additions are Midnight Madness, the Triple 7s, and the UCoat It Tuesday Night Shootout Series (formerly Wednesday Night Test & Tune). Details on these events will be released in the near future. Lastly, the Turkey Trots National Open makes its return to Auto-Plus Raceway on the weekend of November 30th.

For a printable version of the schedule, click HERE.

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Los Angeles, CA - December 19, 2012 - The newly formed Foolish Pleasure Racing will be fielding a carbon fiber 1970 Mustang Nitro Funny Car with the renowned "Howard Cams Rattler" name scribed on it. The Howard Cams Rattler ran in the late 1960s and early 70s with Larry Dixon Sr. behind the butterflies while Jerry Johansen, Brett's Father, handled the tuning duties for owner Danny Porche. The group consists of former NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Series Top Fuel Champion Troy Green, Champion Crew Chief Brett Johansen whose famous Howards family has been winning for decades, Joe Monden a former Top Fuel driver and respected A/fuel tuner & chassis builder along with Bill Morando former Top Fuel Flat Bottom Boat owner as well as Fuel Altered racer.

The car will be based in Oklahoma and run in the Midwest at various DRO races and match races. Troy Green will have driving duties of this new eye catching beauty. The former Champ is ready to get back in the seat of a Johansen tuned machine. This time in a flopper not a dragster, which is a departure from their norm, but sure to be an exciting one with this winning duo back together again.

Foolish Pleasure Racing would like to thank their sponsors for their continued support over the years: Paint Booth Specialists, Boyd's Racing Engines, SCE Gaskets, East West Performance Parts, Moroso, C & C Automotive, Arias, Titan Speed Engineering & Hampton Inn Meridian.

Visit www.FoolishPleasureRacing.com and like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FPRNitroFunnyCar.

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Maryland International Raceway wins our First Off The Line Award (whatever that is) for releasing their 2013 schedule. The 2013 MIR Season Schedule sees the return of popular events as well as new and expanded races. "You’ll see the return of MIR’s legendary special events including the Mountain Motor Nationals, Jet Wars, Legends, SuperChargers Showdown and the World Cup Finals,” stated Royce Miller, Promoter and President of Maryland Int’l Raceway. “This year’s schedule is again all about our racers and fans. We have kept and expanded the best events on our schedule for the fans. Also, we now have four races in the Dash Playoffs for the Speed Unlimited ET Series Championships, including a special 2-day season finale. MIR’s Speed Unlimited ET Series is the most successful, well-attended ET series in the region, if not in the country. Our mission, as always, is to give our racers and fans the best events and racer programs ever at MIR.”

To see Maryland International’s schedule, visit www.MIRDrag.com.

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I’d like to take a moment to introduce two new subscribers to The Dragtime News.

Marianne Costa from Putnam County NY joined our email list and wrote, “I have a modified 2001 SVT Cobra Mustang with Moser solid 9" rear with 4.56s and a spool, a custom single cut gear Powerglide, cat back exhaust, adjustable racing suspension, and many more mods. I have been racing for 8 seasons and am totally addicted.”

In the same week, David Tortolani also subscribed and wrote, “I have been bracket racing at E-Town since 1996. Currently I race a 1999 Corvette. It runs high 10s to low 11s depending on weather. I had been running mostly in the Corvette Challenge but for the last 4 years I had been racing Mean Street on Friday nights and last year I participated in the Wednesday night gamblers races.

I first was introduced to the sport in the very early 1980s. I am from Rhode Island and I had a friend who raced at Connecticut International Raceway. After CIR closed I was away from the sport until I moved to New Jersey in 1994. At that time I quickly located E-Town and began racing again. I am a research scientist by training and I work for a major company in NJ. BTW I love New Jersey and E-Town! “

I’m spotlighting these two racers because I feel they embody what’s great about our sport: they are dedicated and passionate about racing. The other aspect that deserves mentioning is that they both race stock-looking, street-legal cars. Although both cars have their share of modifications, these still aren’t full-blown race cars. That doesn’t matter to these racers or others like them: they know that whether it’s a 7.50 dragster or a 17.50 Neon, we're all staging our cars one bulb at a time.

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For the 2nd year in a row, Auto-Plus Raceway in Gainesville, FL is teaming up with Bread of the Mighty Food Bank to feed the hungry while showcasing the exciting sport of NHRA sportsman drag racing.

During the weekend of February 15-17, Auto-Plus Raceway, home of the NHRA Gatornationals, will play host to the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series. Being dubbed as the "Prelude to the Gators," spectators will have an opportunity to watch what can be considered as a warm-up to the Gatornationals for free.

Spectators are encouraged to donate any number of non-perishable food items at the main spectator gate during the weekend in exchange for a free ticket to the races. Bread of the Mighty Food Bank will have a truck on-site to accept donations. Visit www.autoplusraceway.com.

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I received a call yesterday from the manager of Island Dragway, the 1/4 mile NHRA track in Great Meadows, NJ. The news he shared was not good: Island Dragway is shutting down and will not re-open. The reasons are too many to get into here, and quite frankly are their business. With any luck, someone who sees an investment potential will step up to the plate to discuss options of possibly saving it. The chances are slim, but stranger things have happened. I always thought Island would make a great 1/8-mile IHRA track, being that IHRA currently has no presence in the immediate area at all.

As upsetting as this news is, even worse is the treatment that it's received on Yellow Bullet. Let's see, some celebrated the news by virtually jumping up and down and clapping, while others chimed in that they'll miss Island, but they still won't race at one of the other two remaining tracks in New Jersey because "(that track) is crap...they dont support Bracket racers."

Does anyone else see the irony here? These people are logging onto, y'know, A DRAG RACING SITE and CELEBRATING THAT A DRAG STRIP IS CLOSING, THEN IN THE SAME BREATH BASHING THE TRACKS THAT REMAIN. If you hate our sport that much, maybe it's not for you. Maybe you should try something else.

First off, some of us are happy to race anywhere, and those comments are a slap in the face to those who actually like and appreciate having a place to race. Second, while some racers might have the financial or logistical ability to simply race elsewhere, some don't and will stop racing altogether. This leads to the third point, what about the businesses that rely on the local racing program, like the neighborhood transmission or engine shop? What about the local restaurants or diners that will lose business now? Celebrating a track's closing is celebrating the loss that those racers and businesses will realize.

There's a bigger picture here: cheering about the closing of a track shows no regard for the overall well-being of our sport. Why don't you all keep bashing and cheering until all the tracks are gone one by one; perhaps then you'll finally be happy. If you want to do that, then go ahead. I'll go the other way and will continue to use The Dragtime News to support our sport in a positive environment in hopes that the sport I love might just grow a little bit as a result.

RIP Island Dragway, I'm going to miss you.

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