Continuing with The Dragtime News digital flip-mags is the new issue for February 2016. It celebrates our Mopar racing brothers and sisters! Don't say we never gave you anything, Pentastar peeps. The flip-mag also includes News & Events for the month, and links to major sections here on the website such as Tech, Tests & Installs and Bracket Racing 101.

So what do you think? Is this format something you'd like to see more of? Send an email to info@dragtimenews.com and let us know.

Continuing with The Dragtime News digital flip-mags is the new issue for January 2016. It includes highlights of the 2015 Performance Racing Industry Show held in December 2015. However, the big installment of our show coverage will be right here, so make sure you're subscribed to the enewsletter! The show coverage is in the works and will be published shortly. The flip-mag also includes News & Events for the month (only a handful for now, but this will be expanded), and links to major sections here such as Tech, Tests & Installs and Bracket Racing 101.

So what do you think? Is this format something you'd like to see more of? Send an email to info@dragtimenews.com and let us know.

We tried this new format last month with a Stock Eliminator Photo Special; the feedback was encouraging so here's another test copy, this time focusing on the 10.90 racers. It also includes News & Events for the month (only a handful for now, but this will be expanded), and links to major sections here such as Tech, Tests & Installs and Bracket Racing 101.

So what do you think? Is this format something you'd like to see more of? Send an email to info@dragtimenews.com and let us know.

Trying something new here to see what everyone thinks. Be patient as this is an experiment that is still being sorted out. For example, you'll see that the bottoms of the pages are clipped off. This will be fixed for next time.

So what do you think? Is this format something you'd like to see more of? Send an email to info@dragtimenews.com and let us know.

Maryland International Raceway (MDIR) and TEN: The Enthusiast Network hosted the 23rd Annual Mid-Atlantic Ford Dealers Ford Fever Classic in October, 2016. The automotive event featured drag racing action, a premiere car and truck show, swap meet, car corral, vendor midway and much more.

The drag strip competition was highlighted by several different pro feature and sportsman classes including Ford vs. the World radial heads-up classes and classes exclusive to General Motors vehicles only. The Ford vs. the World classes included: Three Mules Welding (Limited Drag Radial), UPR Products (X275) and Ultra Street. All-General Motors classes included: JPR Racing (Super Stang), Johnny Lightning (Lightning Shootout), Top ET, Three Mules Welding (Mod ET), American High Performance (Street ET) and Stick ET. Each class had an opportunity to walk away with a cash prize and bragging rights as the winner of the 23rd Annual Mid-Atlantic Ford Dealers Ford Fever Classic at Maryland International Raceway.

Three Mules Welding (Limited Drag Radial)
Daniel Whetstine from La Plata, Maryland and Mike "Mustang Mike" Modeste from Brooklyn, New York advanced to the final round in the Limited Drag Radial class. Whetstine in his 1991 Ford Mustang claimed the victory when he made a 4.601-second pass at 156.17 mph with a .082 reaction time. Runner-up Modeste ran a 4.760 ET, 114.94 mph pass with a .148 reaction time.

UPR Products (X275)
It was a Ford vs. Chevrolet battle in the final round of the UPR Products (X275) class. Rich Bruder in his 1988 Ford Mustang and Ron Rhodes in his 1968 Chevrolet Camaro lined-up on the starting line and it was Bruder that took the top spot. The Edeison, New Jersey resident had a 4.397-second pass at 160.79 mph with a .094 reaction time against Rhodes' 4.487 ET, 158.52 mph, .070 reaction time.

Ultra Street
Chris Evans from Baltimore, Maryland and John Snyder from Middle River, Delaware paired off in the Ultra Street final round. Evans in his 1990 Ford Mustang took the win when he posted a 4.782 ET, 148.94 mph, .147 reaction time against Snyder's 4.903-second, 142.22 mph with a .132 reaction time. Evans also set an ET and mph track record with his 4.761-second pass at 149.48 mph qualifying effort.

JPR Racing (Super Stang)
The final round came down to a 2004 Ford Mustang and a 2011 Ford Mustang in the Super Stang class. Roxanne Shepard from Virginia Beach, Virginia in her 2004 Mustang landed in the winner's circle when she posted a 9.479 on a 9.45 dial-in, 126.12 mph with a .038 reaction time. Joe Marini from Clinton, Maryland finished in the runner-up position with a 10.611-second pass on a 10.49 dial-in, 126.27 mph with a .036 reaction time.

Johnny Lightning (Lightning Shootout)
Joseph Behensky from Lindenhurst, New York and Joe Cascio from Copiague, New York faced off in the final round. Behensky was victorious when he posted a 13.365-second pass on a 13.15 dial-in, at 102.15 mph with a .262 reaction time. Cascio was credited with a 11.097 on a 9.71 dial-in, 128.36 mph pass with a .921 reaction time.

Top ET
Brian McLaughlin from Mechanicsville, Maryland claimed the number one spot in Top ET during the 23rd Annual Mid-Atlantic Ford Dealers Ford Fever Classic. He ran 9.574 on a 9.56 dial-in, 137.50 mph with a .016 reaction time against Tavis Francis' 10.006 on a 10.01 dial-in, at 130.14 mph with a .014 reaction time.

Three Mules Welding (Mod ET)
Mark Price from Collegeville, Pennsylvania and Gary Kelican from Ranson, West Virginia advanced to the Mod ET final round. Price ran a near perfect dial-in of 10.288 on a 10.28 at 125.05 mph with a .070 reaction time to secure the win. Kelican finished off the final round of eliminations with a 9.428 on a 9.43 dial-in, 141.45 mph with a .083 reaction time.

American High Performance (Street ET)
Adam Douglas from Brandywine, Maryland and Robert Morris from Harper Ferry, West Virginia lined-up against each other in the Street ET final round. Douglas was announced the winner when Morris fouled at the starting line. Douglas posted a 11.699-second pass on a 11.65 dial-in at 107.78 mph with a .055 reaction time.

Stick ET
Andy Walker and John Morris made an appearance in the final round of Stick ET over the weekend. Walker from Roxboro, North Carolina visited the winner's circle when he posted an 8.583 on an 8.57 dial-in, 152.73 mph pass with a .081 reaction time. Morris from Maydel, Delaware ran a 9.146 on a 9.09 dial-in at 145.52 mph with a .097 reaction time.

From the NHRA Division 1 website about the 2016 Awards Banquet, to be held Saturday January 14th, 2017 at Hershey Lodge in Hershey, PA:

---

Come join us in honoring our 2016 Northeast Division Champions at this season's Awards Banquet. We will be gathering for a short cocktail hour prior to dinner and awards ceremony on Saturday January 14th, 2017.

Warm, welcoming, and distinctly Hershey, Hershey Lodge offers convenience and comfort for families and guests of all ages. You'll find 665 well-appointed guest rooms and deluxe suites featuring chocolate-themed decor and artwork. Relax by the lobby's signature fireplace, swim in the indoor and outdoor pools, choose from five unique restaurants, and partake in activities galore. For more information visit the Hershey Lodge website.

2016 Northeast Division Awards Ceremony & Banquet
Saturday, January 14th, 2017
5:30 pm reception & cocktail hour, 6:30 pm dinner, 7:45 pm ceremony (times are approximate)
________________________________________

The Hershey Lodge
325 University Drive
Hershey, PA 17033
Reservations: 1-800-533-3131 or direct 717-533-3311

NHRA hotel guest rate $119/night
Deadline for booking: December 1st, 2016
Mention nhra for discounted rate.
________________________________________

Banquet dinner tickets $70/each
To reserve a table, tickets must be sold in blocks of 10.
Ticket sales will close at noon Ffriday January 6th, 2017.
RSVP/ticket online credit card order form
RSVP/ticket printable order form - check/money order payment

Gainesville Raceway hosts its 2nd Annual 1/8th Mile Holiday Bracket Bash on Saturday, December 3rd, 2016. Classes include Box and No-Box.

Box pays $3,000 Win, $1,000 Runner-Up, $300 Semis and $150 Quarters. Entry is $65, 1st Round Buyback is $35.

No-Box pays $2,500 Win, $750 Runner-Up, $200 Semis and $100 Quarters. Entry is $60, 1st Round Buyback is $35.

Payouts are guaranteed. Door cars only in No-Box. Double-classing permitted. Deep staging honored. Gates open at 10:00 am, time runs at 11:00 am. Rain date is Sunday, December 4th.

For more information visit gainesvilleraceway.com.

For our friends in the Southwest part of the country, ring in the New Year at the track with Tucson Dragway’s inaugural Hangover Nationals, coming up Friday – Sunday, December 30th – January 1st, 2017. Classes include Electronics, Non-Electronics and Jr. Dragster.

Friday features a $40 open test & tune and two gamblers races ($50 high-roller and $25 Low Roller).

Saturday’s Electronics race pays $3,000 Win, $1,500 Runner-Up, $500 Semis, $225 5th Round Win, $150 4th Round Win and $75 3rd Round Win. Entry is $125, 1st Round buybacks are $75.

Saturday’s Non-Electronics race pays $2,000 Win, $1,000 Runner-Up, $350 Semis, $175 5th Round Win, $100 4th Round Win and $50 3rd Round Win. Entry is $110, 1st Round buybacks are $50.

Sunday’s Electronics race pays $1,500 Win, $700 Runner-Up, $250 Semis, $150 5th Round Win, $100 4th Round Win and $50 3rd Round Win. Entry is $100, 1st Round buybacks are $50.

Sunday’s Non-Electronics race pays $1,000 Win, $500 Runner-Up, $200 Semis, $125 5th Round Win, $75 4th Round Win and $25 3rd Round Win. Entry is $85, 1st Round buybacks are $25.

A discounted 3-Day Pre-Entry is available until December 16th, 2016 at www.TucsonDragway.com. Electronics is $200 and Non-Electronics is $150. After December 16th the 3-Day Entry is $250 for Electronics and $200 for Non-Electronics.

Gates open Friday at 7:00 am with the test & tune from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm. Gates open Saturday and Sunday at 7:00 am.

LAGUNA BEACH, Calif. — Drag racing parts, equipment and solutions will play a prominent role in this year’s Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show, where scores of suppliers for all levels of competition will converge on Indianapolis for the annual epicenter of new racing technology.

Indeed, the segment that spawned some of the first performance parts will be well-represented throughout the floor of the PRI Trade Show, which takes place at the Indiana Convention Center December 8–10, 2016.

“Indianapolis is truly a hub of drag racing because of the US Nationals and the many major teams located nearby,” relayed Bill Miller, PRI Trade Show general manager. “We see all aspects of the sport at PRI, everything from the top professional teams to sportsman racers from across the country, to an ever-growing international presence. The business of drag racing definitely starts here.”

Sixteen-time Funny Car world champion John Force, owner of John Force Racing, is among the many prominent drag racers that regularly attend the PRI Show. “We do a lot of business at PRI,” said Force. “I see a lot of our sponsors there, and I try to get with as many of them as I can. It’s a chance to meet up with sponsors like Chevrolet and Hurco, as well as get some one-on-one time with a lot of other vendors. They’re all here, and it gives our crew chiefs the chance to see the latest products first-hand.”

Straight-ahead racers and parts/service providers will find wall-to-wall offerings at PRI 2016, where exhibitors run the gamut from top OEMs like Ford and GM, to leading engine outfits like Jon Kaase Racing, Sonny’s Racing Engines and Lingenfelter Performance Engineering, to parts manufacturers like Dart Machinery, Edelbrock, Holley Performance Products, Precision Turbo & Engine, VAC Motorsports, and countless others catering to the drag racing market. “We hit the Show every year,” said 2015 IHRA Pro Mod World Champion Dina Parise. “We love getting to see our marketing partners one-on-one and seeing new products. The Show is fantastic.”

For exhibitors, the PRI Show presents opportunities to not only display their latest products, but also to meet face-to-face with customers. “For us to keep growing, it’s very important to attend the PRI Show and meet all of the racers who come to the Show looking for new products,” said Danny Vaca of LAT Racing Oils, which will promote a new, thicker automatic transmission fluid for Pro Mods and two new engine oils for sportsman racers at PRI 2016. “It’s been phenomenal. There are a lot of drag racers—a lot of sportsman, Pro Mod, and Pro Stock racers; just a wide variety of racers—that we want to know about our products.”

Activities connected to this year’s PRI Trade Show begin December 5 with the start of Race Industry Week, which includes more than 45 conferences, seminars and other special events in and around the Convention Center, offering unlimited business opportunities, as well as insight on the latest technologies and how to apply them throughout the racing world. To register, or for more on the Show, including hotel and travel information, visit www.pri2016.com.

MECHANICSVILLE, Maryland - Maryland International Raceway (MDIR) hosted the 24th Annual Mopar Eastern Classic presented by Mopar Muscle magazine at the Budds Creek facility the last weekend of October, 2016. The all-day event celebrated all things Mopar with drag racing, pro cars, premier car show, and swap meet.

The drag strip competition was highlighted by several different drag racing features including: an all Mopar and AMC drag race, Mopar Nostalgia Super Stock open race, match race with Bunny Burkett's "Bunny and the Boys" Funny Cars, F.A.S.T. vs. The World and sportsman races. The event was also highlighted by a swap meet and a "best of awards" car and truck show.

Top Sportsman
John Knapp from Smithfield, Virginia and Jeff Jones from King George, Virginia advanced to the final round in Top Sportsman. Knapp walked away victorious when he posted a 9.044 on a 9.03 dial-in, 146.77 mph with a .023 reaction time against Jones' 8.930 on an 8.88 dial-in, 149.08 mph with a .010 reaction time.

Nostalgia Super Stock
Chris Shaffer in his 1966 Plymouth went up against Roger Dalton Jr. in his 1968 Super Bee in the Nostalgia Super Stock competition. Shaffer from Middleburg, Pennsylvania claimed the top spot over Aberdeen, Maryland's Dalton Jr. with a near perfect 9.872 on a 9.87 dial-in, 129.55 mph pass with a .070 reaction time. Runner-up Dalton Jr. ran a 11.152 on a 11.10 dial-in, 117.57 mph, ,052 reaction time.

Top ET
John Knapp found himself in contention for another victory but in the Top ET class this time. Knapp and Brent Noll lined-up on the starting line for the final round. Noll from Painted Post, New York defeated the Top Sportsman winner when he ran a 9.039 on a 9.00 dial-in at 144.36 mph with a .140 reaction time. Knapp posted a 9.043 on a 9.04 dial-in at 146.93 mph pass, .346 reaction time.

Mod ET
The final round came down to Keith Burch from Mechanicsville, Maryland and Eddie Payne from Brunswick, Maryland in Mod ET. Burch had the winning pass in his 1971 Dart when he ran a 10.498 on a 10.51 dial-in at 123.75 mph, .060 reaction time. Payne posted a 10.115 on a 10.13 dial-in, 128.69 mph pass, .064 reaction time.

American High Performance Street ET
Keith Mayers from Ellendale, Delaware and Eric Wessell from Centreville, Maryland faced off in the Street ET final round. Mayers defeated Wessell when he ran a perfect 11.92 dial-in at 108.59 mph with a .024 reaction time against a 11.093 on a 11.12 dial-in, 118.31 mph, .108 reaction time.

Text & photos: Rick Lindner, Maryland Int'l Raceway

Attention to the bracket racers and fans of New England Dragway: the track's 2016 Racer Awards Banquet will be held on Saturday, January 28th 2017 at the Radisson Hotel in Nashua, NH. This will be a two-day celebration honoring New England Dragway's 2016 season champions. On Saturday night it's the annual New England Dragway Banquet & Awards Ceremony but all the fun begins on Friday, January 27th, 2017 with a special Racer Celebration featuring food, drinks and the return of the Reaction Time Winter Nationals!

Once again the Radisson Hotel is pleased to offer New England Dragway guests a deeply discounted rate of $89 a night. You can book online at www.radisson.com/nashua using the code DRAG17 or call them at (603) 888-9970.

Buy your tickets now for the Annual New England Dragway Banquet & Awards Ceremony at $50 per ticket. The ticket price will go up to $60 on Friday January 13th. Follow this link to purchase tickets.

Gateway Motorsports Park's Dragplex has added a special edition of Midnight Madness presented By Road Rage Fuel Booster to its 2016 calendar. The street-legal-only Midnight Madness will take place on Friday, November 11.

”We are doing this based on the fact we’ve had a warmer-than-expected autumn so far," said GMP Executive Vice President and General Manager Chris Blair. "It gives us one more opportunity this year to offer the community a safer alternative to illegal street racing."

The event will feature drifting, street-legal drag racing and music by D.J. Frizzy.

"This will be a street-legal-only Midnight Madness," Blair added. "The drag racing portion of the event is open only to street-legal vehicles. Drag racers must drive their cars into the track and no trailered vehicles will be allowed. The only exception will be for drifting participants. We will start earlier due to the switch from daylight saving time to standard time."

Admission is $15 for spectators and crew members and $25 to race. Spectators ages 12 and under are admitted free. Gates open at 5 p.m. with racing from 6 p.m. to approximately 12 a.m.

Aiken, SC - The 12th Annual Big Bucks Bracket Race is coming up at Carolina Dragway Saturday & Sunday, November 19 & 20, 2016.

Saturday’s race is an all-run that pays $20,000 Win, $5,000 Runner-Up, $1,000 Semis, $250 Quarters and $100 Eighths. Sunday’s all-run race pays $10,000 Win, $2,000 Runner-Up, $500 Semis, $100 Quarters and $50 Eighths.

Entry fee for the weekend is $250. 1st Round buybacks are $100. Payouts based on 170 car minimum. Gates open Friday for parking at 3:00 pm. Gates open Saturday and Sunday at 8:00 am with time trials at 10:00 am.

Visit www.HouseOfHook.com for more info.

Julian, NC - The Fall Footbrake Frenzy VIII is coming up Friday – Sunday, November 25-27, 2016. These 1/8-mile races for footbrake only pay big bucks on all three days.

Friday’s and Sunday’s races each pay $5,000 Win, $1,500 Runner-Up, $600 Semis, $400 6th Round Win if 9-round race, $300 5th Round Win, $200 4th Round Win and $100 3rd Round Win. Entry per day is $100, 1st Round buybacks are $60.

The big race is Saturday and pays $20,000 Win, $5,000 Runner-Up, $2,000 Semis, $800 6th Round Win if 9-round race, $600 5th Round Win, $400 4th Round Win and $200 3rd Round Win. Entry is $230, 1st Round buybacks are $100.

Enter the weekend for $380. No dragsters, altered or bikes. Left-hand steer roadsters are OK. Deep staging honored, double-entries permitted.

All payouts based on 150 entries. Gates open for parking Thursday at 5:00 pm. Gates open Friday at 8:00 am with time trials at 9:30 am. Gates open Saturday at 8:00 am with time trials at 9:30 am. Gates open Sunday at 10:00 am with a new-entry time trial at 12:15 pm. New entries must be new car and new driver. Visit www.PiedmontDragway.com.

Old Bridge Township Raceway Park will be going strong through November with a series of Sunday Gambler’s Races. The 2016 dates are November 6, November 13 and November 20.

Super ET (electronics; 7.00 – 12.99) pays $2,000 Win guaranteed based on 64 cars. $80 entry, $40 buybacks. Pro ET (no electronics; 9.00 – 17.99) pays $1,000 Win guaranteed; payout will increase if more than 40 cars. Deep staging honored, no two-steps / throttle stops / transbrakes / delay boxes. $60 entry, $40 buybacks. Pro Dial Dash (9.00 – 15.99) is .500 Pro tree, handicapped start, breakout in effect. Deep staging honored, no delay boxes. $50 entry; $30 of entry goes to payout. Grocery Getter (15.00 and slower, no race cars) is a .700 Pro tree eliminator for muffled street cars. Cars must be driven in and cannot change tires. Entry is $40; 50% of entry goes to payout.

There’ll also be a Stock/Super Stock Combo Race on October 30 that pays $1,500 Win (based on 32 cars). Entry is $100.

Gates open at 8:00 am. Visit www.racewaypark.com for more info.

Owingsville, KY – I-64 Motorplex is hosting a huge 4-day event coming up Thursday – Sunday, November 3rd – 6th 2016. It’s the 2nd Annual Kentucky Footbrake Nationals and it features a $5K on Thursday, a $10K on Friday, a $12.5K on Saturday and a $10K on Sunday.

Thursday’s race pays $5,000 Win, $1,000 Runner-Up, $400 Semis and $50 Round starting with 3rd Round Win. Entry is $100, 1st Round buybacks are $40. Friday pays $10,000 Win, $2,000 Runner-Up, $1,000 Semis and $100 Round starting with 3rd Round Win. Entry is $150, 1st Round buybacks are $75. Saturday pays $12,500 Win, $2,000 Runner-Up, $1,000 Semis and $100 Round starting with 3rd Round Win. Entry is $200, 1st Round buybacks are $75. Sunday pays $10,000 Win, $2,000 Runner-Up, $1,000 Semis and $100 Round starting with 3rd Round Win. Entry is $150, 1st Round buybacks are $75. All payouts guaranteed with 150 entries. Weekend entry at the gate is $400.

There’ll also be a Friday night Gambler’s race and a Saturday night Super 64 Shootout. Double-entries permitted. Deep staging permitted. All races in the 1/8th mile.

Gates open Thursday at 1:00 pm with a $30 test & tune starting at 3:00 pm. Gates open Friday and Saturday at 9:00 am, gates open Sunday at 8:30 am. Visit www.i64motorplex.com for more info.

Atco, NJ – In what has become an annual tradition in the Fall in the Northeast, the Philadelphia Modifiers brings its Yesteryear Drags & Car Show to Atco Dragway on Sunday, October 30th, 2016.

Open to pre-1975 cars only, there’ll be four bracket classes for racing: Street, Pro, Street Rod and Super Pro (electronics allowed in Super Pro only). No double-entries: one driver / one car / one class. Racer entry is $40.

Super Pro (7.00-11.99) pays $ 500 Win, $200 Runner-Up and $50 Semis. Pro (9.00 – 15.99) pays $400 Win, $200 Runner-Up and $50 Semis. Street (11.50 – 19.99) pays $200 Win, $100 Runner-Up and $50 Semis. Street Rod pays $200.00 winner-take-all. Street Rod must be street legal & tagged no electronics.

There will also be exhibition cars, gassers, altered, funny cars, and dragsters. Gates open at 8:00 am, time trials starts at 10:00 am and eliminations are at 1:00 pm.

Visit www.PhiladelphiaModifiers.org for more info.

Holland, TX – Little River Dragway presents its Shootout on Friday – Sunday, November 4 – 6, 2016.

The weekend kicks off with a Gamblers Race on Friday night that pays 50% Win, 30% Runner-Up. Entry is $75, no buybacks.

On Saturday and Sunday there are Box races that pay $5,000 Win, $1,000 Runner-Up, $400 Semis and $200 Quarters. Enter either day for $150, or enter both for $275. Also on Saturday and Sunday are No Box races that pay $2,000 Win, $800 Runner-Up, $200 Semis and $100 Quarters. Entry is $75 each day, buybacks are $35.

On Saturday night, there’ll be a Box race open to the first 64 cars to enter. Payout is $8,000 Win, $2,000 Runner-Up, $1,000 Semis and $300 Quarters. Entry is $250, no buybacks. There’ll also be a No Box race open to the first 32 cars to enter. Payout is $2,000 Win, $750 Runner-Up and $250 Semis. Entry is $125, no buybacks.

Gates open Friday at 3:00 pm, Saturday at 9:00 am and Sunday at 8:00 am. Visit www.LittleRiverDragway.com for more info.

Marion, TX - It was time again for another 'Night of Fire' event on the 1/8 mile San Antonio Raceway surface. The action was highlighted by the Texas Outlaw Pro Modified Association (TOPMA), Southwest Superchargers (SWSC) and the Outlaw Fuel Altered Association (OFAA). Also on the nights racing card were the Nogolitas Gear 5.80 and 7.00 index classes.

TOPMA is a 'run what ya brung' series featuring some of the baddest door slammers on the planet. Current points leader Steve Wiley had a rough outing in the Memorial weekend show at SAR when he crashed in the first qualifying session. Ed Hickl and Bob Alexander were scheduled to meet in the final, but ... CONTINUED HERE.

Numidia, PA - One of the biggest months in bracket racing in the Northeast is coming up October 2016 at Numidia Dragway.

It's Octoberbucks, and it features three straight weekends of big-dollar, guaranted-payout races for Super Pro (electronics) and Footbrake classes. That's six Super Pro races and six Footbrake races in one month. That's more than some tracks do in a year. There'll be a Super Pro $10K and five Super Pro $5Ks; there'll be a Footbrake $5K and five Footbrake $3Ks. View the full flier by clicking the image below; visit www.numidiadragway.com for more info.

The Million comes to Montgomery Raceway Park in Montgomery, AL on October 20-23, 2016.

The event features three $25Ks and a $100K. The $25Ks are Thursday, Friday and Sunday; each pays $25,000 Win, $5,000 Runner-Up, $2,000 Semis, $1,000 7th Round Win, $800 6th Round Win, $600 5th Round Win, $400 4th Round Win, and $200 3rd Round Win. Entry is $250 per day, or enter all three $25Ks for $675. Buybacks are $150.

Saturday is the $100K that pays $100,000 Win, $50,000 Runner-Up, $10,000 Semis, $5,000 7th Round Win, $4,000 6th Round Win, $3,000 5th Round Win, $2,000 4th Round Win, and $1,000 3rd Round Win. At 126 cars or more, the purse to the Win increases. At 551 or more entries, it’s $1,000,000. Entry is $2,000, buybacks are $500.

Gates open each day at 8:00 am. Visit www.TheMillionOnline.com for more info.

At the recent NHRA Summernationals at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park, Top Fuel driver Doug Herbert held a press conference in the tower to announce that his B.R.A.K.E.S. Teen Pro-Active Driving School will be coming to the track October 29th-30th, 2016. Racers, I know that many of you out there are parents just like Doug Herbert is, and Doug's B.R.A.K.E.S just wants everyone to Be Responsible And Keep Everyone Safe.

B.R.A.K.E.S. will help teen drivers to improve skills and confidence behind the wheel. Topics include Skid Recovery, Panic Stop, Distraction, Drop Wheel Recovery and Accident Avoidance/Slalom. This course is FREE, but there there is a $99 refundable deposit that is required to hold your spot and so that B.R.A.K.E.S knows how many will be in attendance.

To participate in B.R.A.K.E.S., teenagers 15-19 must have a valid learner's permit or driver's license, 30 hours of driving experience behind the wheel (so start now if they're new and you want to take the course) and be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

REGISTER NOW for the class at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park or for any of the B.R.A.K.E.S. course around the county by visiting www.PutOnTheBRAKES.org.

Attention bracket racers in North Carolina: the Carolina Powerfest is coming up on October 21-23, 2016 at Rockingham Dragway. The weekend includes 1/8-mile money gamblers races for Top ET, Footbrake and Jr. Dragster.

Friday’s and Sunday’s Top ET races each pay $5,000 Win, $1,200 Runner-Up, $500 Semis and $50 Round starting with 3rd Round win. Entry per day is $100, buybacks are $50. Payouts based on 125 entries. Saturday’s Top ET race pays $10,000 Win, $2,500 Runner-Up, $1,000 Semis and $100 Round starting with 3rd Round Win. Entry is $175, buybacks are $100. Payouts based on 150 entries. Buy a three-race tech card for $275.

Friday’s, Saturday’s and Sunday’s Footbrake races each pay $2,000 Win, $300 Runner-Up, $150 Semis and $30 Round starting with 3rd Round win. Payouts based on 75 entries. Enter any single race for $50, buybacks are $30. Buy a three-race tech card for $100.

Saturday’s and Sunday’s Jr. Dragster races each pay $300 Win, $75 Runner-Up and $25 Semis. Enter a single day for $25 or enter both for $40; buybacks are $20. Payouts based on 24 entries.

Gates open Thursday for parking from 4 – 10 pm. Gates open Friday and Saturday at 8:00 am, Sunday at 8:30 am. For more info visit www.RockinghamDragway.com.

Be a king for a day, or maybe even two days if you’re lucky, at Lebanon Valley Dragway’s King of the Hill Weekend coming up Saturday & Sunday, October 8 & 9, 2016.

Saturday has Gamblers Races for Electronics and Footbrake. Payout is 100%, and the splits are determined by the number of entries. Up to 16 cars the split is 70/30; for more than 16 cars the split is 60/20/10/10. The entry for the gamblers races is $50. There’s also a $35 gate fee that is not a part of the payout.

Sunday is a King of the Hill $2,000 To Win with two classes, Electronics and Footbrake. $50 Round Money begins with 2nd Round Win. Entry for each class is $80; 1st Round buybacks are $40.

Also on Sunday is a Jr. Dragster Break The Bank. The winner takes home a bank filled with money; the Runner-Up gets $100 and Semis gets $25. Entry is $35.

Gates open 8:00 am both days, with racing at 9:00 am on Saturday and 9:30 am on Sunday. Visit www.dragway.com for more info.

Mohnton, Pa. – Mustangs from 1964-1/2 to 2017 filled Maple Grove Raceway last month for the 8th Annual AmericanMuscle Car Show. AM2016 was packed full of customized Mustangs, hardcore enthusiasts, popular vendors, and even a few automotive celebrities, who all braved the heat to make for one of the most memorable shows. As always, charity was a large portion of the show which made for an awesome car reveal and raising $60,200 benefiting Make-A-Wish®. AM2016 featured:

• Over 1,700 Mustangs
• A burnout contest, revving competition, drag racing, & dyno contest
• Two Mustang Celebrities
• A Make-A-Wish® surprise car reveal
• $60,200 raised for charity

AM2016 had two automotive celebrities in attendance, who signed countless autographs for fans throughout the show. Chip Foose, legendary hot rod hall of famer, was at the show with his signature personality. Professional Drifter and all around gearhead Vaughn Gittin Jr. was ‘ready to rock’, bringing a few of his signature Mustangs along with him. Both Chip Foose and Vaughn Gittin Jr. picked out their favorite Mustangs of the show, with Chip picking a 1970 Boss 302 and a Vaughn picking out a 2015 EcoBoost.

Some exhibition drag races put on a performance for all the attendees by running some blistering fast 1/4-mile times. Everything from a Shelby GT500, Shelby GT350, two GTs and supercharged F-150 made a trip down the strip, with some surprising outcomes. The drag races were wrapped up by an awe inspiring performance from Ernie Bogue's "Beast From The East" jet dragster that screamed down the drag strip in 5.5 @ 298 MPH.

However, AM2016 wasn’t just about celebrating America’s favorite pony car, it was also about charity. AM2016 helped to raise $60,200 for Make-A-Wish®, while also packing in a few automotive themed surprises. Mustang enthusiast and Make-A-Wish® recipient Austin was presented with a reveal of his AmericanMuscle overhauled Mustang, that was completely customized inside and out. From getting a special factory Ford color, set of RTR Tech 7 Wheels, Airlift Suspension System, and a long list of other mods, Austin’s 2005 V6 Mustang was totally transformed into a one-off Mustanger’s dream. Make-A-Wish® recipients were also treated to a parade ride along down the drag strip before the exhibition races in convertible Mustangs, helping to put an excellent focus on the charity.

Measuring for a window net is not as difficult as one may think. The new Stroud Safety Instructional Video “How to Measure for Window Nets, Wheelie Bar and Door Nets” features easy-to-follow instructions and suggestions for getting it right the first time. The video also includes helpful advice and procedures to fit your vehicle with wheelie bar and door nets as well. See the video at www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFMDrn6uUg0.

The Stroud Safety YouTube channel also features instructional videos on How to Pack a Drag Chute, Remove and Install a Drag Chute Launcher Bag, Remove and Install a Pilot Chute and Deployment Bag, and How to Replace a Release Loop Kit. Stroud will soon be releasing a video on how to measure for Standard and Custom fit fire suits.

Stroud Safety has been supplying competitive drivers with Drag Chutes and Launchers, Seat Belts, Window Nets, Ballistic Blankets and Diapers, Fire Suits, Safety Apparel, Fire Suppression Kits, and more for over 26 years! Stroud re-certifies all their SFI rated products and specializes in custom design applications for many of their products.

Call 800-554-4648 for more information and free catalog, visit their website at www.stroudsafety.com and follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/stroudsafety.

OK racers, I know this news item is not related to drag racing, but it's still big, especially if you'll be attending the 2016 Performance Racing Industry Show in Indianapolis in December. Past guests at the PRI Grand Opening Breakfast have included Don Prudhomme, Tom McEwen and John Force. Just goes to show how important PRI is in the industry.

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Indy car legend Rick Mears and NASCAR superstar Jeff Gordon will help kick off the world’s premier event for motorsports professionals by headlining the 2016 PRI Trade Show’s Grand Opening Breakfast. Hosted by MAVTV’s Dave Despain, the Breakfast takes place immediately before the PRI Show opens for three days of hardcore racing and performance exhibits, seminars, networking events and more. Mears, who retired from racing in 1992, is one of the winningest racers ever, having won the Indianapolis 500 four times, the IndyCar/CART series three times, and a record six pole positions in the Indy 500. With 93 NASCAR Cup Series victories to his credit, Gordon remains one of the most celebrated race car drivers of all time. The two iconic racers will join Despain in a casual and intimate stage setting, sharing personal stories and experiences for a captive audience of more than 3000 industry professionals who will be treated to a hot, catered meal while enjoying the live talk show-style program. Doors open at 7 a.m., and the program begins at 8 a.m. All PRI attendees are invited to the Breakfast free of charge, but guests are advised to arrive early, as seating is first-come, first-served.

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If you're in the business of racing and haven't registered yet to attend the 2016 PRI Show, do so HERE.

Rising Sun, MD - The 2016 Jim Harrington Footbrake Classic is Saturday and Sunday, September 24th and 25th, 2016 at Cecil County Dragway.

Each day pays $10,000 Win, $4,000 Runner-Up, $1,000 Semis, $100 3rd Round Win. Entry is $185, buybacks are $100. Payouts are based on 200 entries.

Deep honored, double-entries OK, left-hand steer roadsters are permitted, no dragsters. Air and electric shifters are allowed.

Gates open 7:30 am; time shots at 9:00 am. Visit www.cecilcountydragway.com for more info.

Huntsville, AL – Huntsville Dragway presents the Drive for Five weekend of guaranteed-payout, big-money bracket racing coming up Friday – Sunday, September 30th – October 2nd, 2016.

Each day’s Super Pro gamblers race pays $5,000 Win, $1,500 Runner-Up, $500 Semis, $250 Quarters, $125 Eighths, $75 Sixteenths and $50 Thirty-seconds. Entry for a single day is $100. Entry for two days is also $100. Yup, you read that right. Entry for all three days? $100. You can’t beat it with a stick. 1st or 2nd Round buybacks are $75. There’s also a special Weekend Gamblers Pass for $250 that covers the entry fees for the weekend and all potential buybacks.

Gates open Friday at 8:00 am with time trials starting at 9:00 am. Gates open Saturday at 7:30 with time trials at 8:00 am. Gates open Sunday at 8:00 am with a time run for new entries at 9:30 am. Visit huntsvilledragway.us.

West Lebanon, NY - Lebanon Valley Dragway presents the Ken Strong Footbrake Classic on Sunday, October 2, 2016. This guaranteed-payout race pays $5,000 Win, $2,500 Runner-Up, $750 Semis, $350 Quarters and $50 Round starting with second-round win. Entry is $150, 1st Round buybacks are $50. There’ll also be a buyback duck race for any losers of the buyback round for a chance to win the $150 Entry back. Runner-Up of the duck race pays $75. No additional entry for the duck race.

One driver can drive two cars or two drivers can drive one car; one driver cannot run same car twice. Buybacks will run together, with winners advancing to Round 2 of eliminations. All NHRA Division 1 rules apply. There’ll also be an electronics gamblers race with an entry of $60. Payout will be based on the number of entries.

Gates open at 8:00 am with time runs at 9:30 am. Visit www.dragway.com for more info.

Atmore, AL - Atmore Dragway presents its Klash of the Titans no-prep race on Friday and Saturday, September 16th & 17th, 2016.

Big Tire pays $20,000 Win and $3,000 Runner-Up. Small Tire pays $10,000 Win and $2,000 Runner-Up. Think you got what it takes? Check the rules, buck-o (this is only a partial list):

SMALL TIRE
-29.5” x 10.5” or smaller, and no “W” tires.
-No wheelie bars
-No round-tube chassis (square tube with stock wheelbase is OK).

BIG TIRE:
-Door cars only, no Pro Mods
-Roots-blown conventional-head big blocks allowed (no Hemis, no screw-type)
-No direct-drive transmissions
-You’re not eligible to run this event if your time has been shown in the previous 12-months
-Must be within three inches of stock wheelbase, otherwise there’ll be a 200 lb. weight penalty.

Check the website for the complete rules. This event also features an instant green tree.

Gates open at 9:00 am on Friday for parking and a 5:00 pm test & tune. Gates open at 9:00 am on Saturday with eliminations at 5:00 pm. Visit www.AtmoreDragway.com.

Iannotti Brothers Top Sportsman will be featured on Saturday and Sunday, September 17th & 18th at the Super Chevy Show at New England Dragway.

Each day is $1,500 Win guaranteed. All New England Dragway Top Sportsman Rules will be in effect. It’s an all-run field open to all makes 8.49 and quicker. All entries must meet current NHRA safety requirements.

Entry is $140 each day, includes car, driver and two crew. Gates open 7:00 am on Saturday and 8:00 am on Sunday.

Other classes will include Pro Comp, Pro 7.0, Outlaw 10.5, Stock, Super Stock, Bracket #1 Super Pro, Bracket #2 Pro, & DOT Street! PLUS a True Street Road Run, Car Show, Swap Meet, AND K.C Jones and the Choo Choo Jet Trains.Visit newenglanddragway.com for more info.

Gulfport, MS - The 2016 King of The Coast series at Gulfport Dragway continues on Friday – Sunday, September 23-25. The weekend includes money bracket racing on Saturday and Sunday in Electronics, Footbrake, Sportsman and Jr. Dragster.

Each Electronics race pays $4,000 Win, $500 Runner-Up, $350 Semis and $40 Round starting with 3rd Round win. Payouts based on 75 entries. Entry per race is $85, or buy a two-race entry for $165. 1st Round buybacks are $60.

Each Footbrake race pays $2,000 Win, $300 Runner-Up, $150 Semis and $25 Round starting with 3rd Round win. Payouts based on 50 entries. Entry per race is $70, or buy a two-race entry for $130. 1st Round buybacks are $30.

Each Sportsman race pays $150 Win, $50 Runner-Up and $25 Semis. Payouts based on 10 entries. Entry is $30 per day or $55 for a two-race entry; 1st Round buybacks are $15.

Jr. Dragster Age 8-9 pays $100 Win and $50 Runner-Up, based on 6 entries. Jr. Dragster Ages 10-12 and 13-17 each pay $225 Win, $75 Runner-Up and $25 Semis, based on 15 entries.

Gates open Friday at 4:00 pm for a test & tune and a Gambler’s Race. Gates open Saturday and Sunday at 8:00 pm. For more information visit www.GulfportDragway.com.

The Nostalgia Drag Racing League (NDRL) is a Midwest-based organization that emulates the early days of the sport, not only in style but in spirit as well.

NDRL members come from far and wide in the US and Canada, to compete in four classes with Front Engine Dragsters, Funny Cars, Altereds, Gassers and early Pro Stock lookalikes. The program has grown to a five race series held at events such as the Nostalgia Rendezvous at Gateway Motorsports Park, the NHRA Hot Rod Reunion, the Summit Motorsports Park Blue Suede Cruise, and the Goodguys Rod and Custom Association’s return to drag racing at Beech Bend Raceway Park.

NDRL events run concurrent with other complimentary drag race and car show programs providing a highly diverse experience, typically spanning a 2 to 3 day time period. Racing classes are for 1979 and older cars with no electronics, no nitrous, and no rear engine dragsters. Front Engine Dragsters, Funny Cars, Supercharged Gassers, Altereds and early Pro Stock lookalikes are the stars at NDRL events. NDRL classes use a four tenths pro tree and a heads up racing format.

Currently there are four NDRL classes. The two top classes; Pro 7.0 and Pro 7.50, run strictly heads up. Competitors in both classes qualify for top spots on an all run ladder. Pro 7.0 cars run ¼ mile speeds exceeding 200 mph, and Pro 7.50 cars typically exceed 180 mph, with supercharged and injected cars in the mix. Front Engine Dragsters, Altereds, Door Slammers, and Funny Cars are typical of these two classes.

NDRL Pro Comp and Pro Gas classes run 8.0, 8.50, 9.0, 9.50, and 10.0 ¼ mile index times. Both classes run heads up during early rounds of eliminations and then are paired in a very close handicap format to the final round. Pro Comp consists of Dragsters, Altereds and Roadsters. Pro Gas is for door slammer Coupes and Sedans.

The next event is October 14-16, 2016 for NDRL's ET Genie Fall Finals at the 5th Goodguys Nostalgia Nationals, Beech Bend Raceway Park, Bowling Green, KY. Visit www.nostalgiadragleague.com for more information.

Numidia, PA - One of the biggest bracket races in the Northeast is coming up Labor Day weekend, Saturday & Sunday September 3rd & 4th at Numidia Dragway.

It's the big Super Bucks in the Hills, and it features a $5,000 Electronics race and a $3,000 Footbrake race each day and a $10,000 King Of The Hill High Roller Shootout on Saturday night. View the full flier by clicking the image below; visit www.numidiadragway.com for more info.

Laguna Beach, CA (August 16, 2016) - Dozens of workshops, seminars, and special events have been confirmed and finalized for the 2016 Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show, taking place December 8–10, 2016, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana.

As the world’s premier event dedicated solely to the business of racing and all things motorsports, the PRI Show provides racing retailers, race engine builders, race car builders, warehouse distributors, racers and race teams with a bevy of new products and equipment, systems solutions, business strategies and innovative technologies to help further their businesses and racing programs.

“The 2016 PRI Show is on track to be the best ever,” said PRI General Manager Bill Miller. “With great conferences, 1,100 plus exhibiting companies and thousands of buyers, Indianapolis is the place to be the second week of December.”

This year’s lineup of pre-Show events and conferences includes:

• Nearly a dozen activities will take place before the PRI Show officially opens, making it convenient for attendees to participate in conferences and seminars like the Vehicle Dynamics & Data Acquisition Seminar, Advanced Engineering Technology Conference (AETC), Race Track Business Conference (RTBC) and more. Events begin Monday, December 5, and continue through the Show. “Many attendees like to fly in early and join in the pre-Show activities, thereby leaving their schedules wide open to connect with exhibitors and do business later in the week,” said Miller. “These pre-Show events are among the highest rated activities at the Show.”

• International Council of Motorsport Sciences’ (ICMS) Annual Congress: The two-day event provides sanctioning body personnel, car designers and builders, race team managers, and drivers with the latest information in safety and technology. Sponsored by the ICMS, the program features leading experts in medicine, physiology, applied science and motorsports safety.

• Day at the Speedway: PRI Show guests are invited to tour the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway and take a ride around its 2.5-mile oval before having lunch at the nearby Union Jack’s. After lunch, participants will return to the Hall of Fame Museum, which houses 75 historic vehicles, the famed Borg-Warner Trophy and much more.

The PRI Show officially kicks off with the Grand Opening Breakfast on Thursday, December 8, at 8 a.m., in the Indiana Convention Center’s Sagamore Ballroom, where renowned motorsports journalist Dave Despain of MAVTV will interview Indy car legend Rick Mears in a live talk show format served alongside a hot, catered breakfast. In addition, a pair of new events for 2016 will be featured during Show days:

• Student Breakfast: Headlined by NASCAR Sprint Cup driver David Ragan, the all-new Student Breakfast is a chance for current industry members to connect with aspiring industry professionals. PRI exhibitors and attendees will meet top students from throughout the country to share stories, advice and experiences, and help inspire a future generation of racing professionals.

• International Motorsports Trade Seminar: Join a panel of leading international buyers and top manufacturers for a primer on selling internationally at the inaugural PRI International Motorsports Trade Seminar, presented in partnership with the Motorsport Industry Association (MIA) and SEMA, in which seasoned exporters, top overseas buyers and other key stakeholders will share best practices and proven success strategies.

“The primary focus of the PRI Show remains on the Show floor, where attendees come to discover and purchase the latest and most advanced hardcore racing products for their businesses,” said Miller. “With everyone in the motorsports industry gathered together, the PRI Show is also the ideal time for the industry to connect and immerse itself in new ideas, trends and solutions. December in Indy will be the ideal time to focus on the business of racing.”

The 2016 PRI Show is scheduled to include more than 1,100 exhibiting companies, and attracts tens of thousands of motorsports professionals. As a trade event, proof of industry affiliation is required to attend. To secure credentials and learn more about the events and activities at PRI 2016, visit www.pri2016.com.

August 17, 2016, St. Louis Region – The third annual Street Car Super Nationals -- also known as "Anarchy at the Arch" -- will take place on August 25-27 at Gateway Motorsports Park (GMP). As a bonus GMP also will feature nostalgia drag racing (Nostalgia Drag Racing League and Victory Nostalgia Super Stocks) during the day with the Street Car Super Nationals scheduled to run under the lights.

Street Car Super Nationals (www.streetcarsupernationals.com) qualifying will take place on Thursday and Friday with eliminations on Saturday. Racing will include the following classes: Outlaw Pro Mod, Pro Mod vs. Pro Boost, Radial ss. World, Outlaw 8.5, Limited Drag Radial, 275 Drag Radial and new for 2016, two 1/8th-mile Index classes (6.0 & 7.0). All classes have substantial, guaranteed payouts and contingency cash posted.

Pro Mod entries include: Frankie Taylor, Kevin Fiscus, Jim Whitely, Steven Whitely and Jim Bell. The exotic Pro Mods, whether supercharged or turbocharged, are boosted by nitrous oxide and easily attain speeds in excess of 240 miles per hour.

The Nostalgia Drag Racing League (www.nostalgiadragleague.com) and Victory Nostalgia Super Stocks (www.victorynss.com) will qualify on Friday with eliminations on Saturday. For more information, please call GMP at (618) 215-8888 or visit www.gatewaymsp.com.

Atco, NJ - The Summer Series Shootout at Atco Dragway continues its 2016 season on Saturday, September 10 – Sunday September 11 with two $5,000 races and a big $10,000 race for Super Pro / Top ET cars with electronics and 6.50 – 12.99 dials.

Saturday has a $5K and the big $10K; Sunday is a $5K. The payouts for the $5Ks are $5,000 Win, $2,000 Runner-Up, $800 Semis, $400 Quarters (must be an 8-round race to pay Quarters) and $75 Round starting with 3rd Round lose. Entry is $155, buybacks are $100.

The $10K pays $10,000 Win, $3,000 Runner-Up, $1,000 Semis, $500 Quarters (must be an 8-round race to pay Quarters) and $100 Round starting with 3rd Round lose. Entry is $205, buybacks are $130.

Gates open Saturday and Sunday at 9:00 am with time trials at 10:00 am and first round at noon. For info visit www.AtcoDragway.rocks.

For racers in the vicinity of Maple Grove Raceway near Reading, PA, here's a link to the latest issue of the track's newspaper The 1320 Hotline:

Millington, TN - Memphis International Raceway’s “Fortune Hunters” Big Bucks Series continues on Friday – Sunday, August 26-28, 2016. These are 1/8th-mile races for Super Pro / Box-equipped cars.

Friday’s and Sunday’s races each pay $5,000 Win, $1,000 Runner-Up, $500 Semis, $300 Quarters and $100 Eighths. Saturday’s race pays $10,000 Win, $2,000 Runner-Up, $750 Semis, $500 Quarters and $200 Eighths. All payouts are based on 85 entries.

Entry fees are $125 each for Friday and Sunday, and $200 for Saturday. Enter the weekend for $399. Buybacks are $75 for 1st or 2nd Round on Friday and Sunday, and $125 1st or 2nd Round on Saturday.

Gates open all three days at 8:00 am with time trials at 10:00 am. For more information visit www.RaceMIR.com.

Montgomery, AL - The Super 7 Series at Montgomery Raceway Park comes to a close for the 2016 season. Now in its 9th season, the series wraps up on the weekend of Friday – Sunday, September 2-4, 2016 with racing in Super Pro (electronics), Pro and Jr. Dragster.

Super Pro races all three days, and this weekend it’s Triple $15Ks! The payout each day is $15,000 Win, $2,000 Runner-Up, $1,000 Semis, $500 Quarters and $50 Round starting 3rd Round Win. Enter any single day for $200, or enter the weekend for $399. Buybacks are $125.

Pro class races on Saturday and Sunday. Each day pays $1,750 Win, $500 Runner-Up, $100 Semis and $50 Quarters, based on 40 entries. Entry is $50 per day; buybacks are $30.

Jr. Dragster races on Saturday and Sunday. Each day pays $500 Win, $100 Runner-Up and $25 Semis, based on 16 entries. Entry is $30 per day; buybacks are $20.

Gates open Thursday at 2:00 pm – 10:00 pm for parking only. Gates open Friday and Saturday at 8:00 am, Sunday at 9:00 am. Visit www.MontgomeryRacewayPark.com for more information.

West Lebanon, NY - The 4th Annual Shakedown Shootout is coming up at Lebanon Valley Dragway on Friday, August 12, 2016. If you have a street car, then bring it for some “street racing at the strip.”

The rules are simple: if you think you’re going to sneak in a race car and call it a street car, you ain’t! All cars must be registered and inspected; registration and insurance cards need to be shown. The VIN on car must match the registration. If it has an inspection sticker w/o mufflers...no problem. No transporter or dealer plates, and no towing to the lanes. All cars must be driven to the lanes and back.

There’ll be two classes, one for Big Tire and one for Small Tire (for true 10.5 tires of any diameter, no “W” tires. 275/60 drag radial and smaller) .400 Pro Tree start without times displayed, only win lights.

Payout is $2,500 Win with a $100 entry. Final for purse is Big Tire Winner vs Small Tire Winner. Runner up prize money possible depending on participation

Gates open at 3:30 pm; tech is 3:30 – 6:00 pm; timetrials at 5:00 pm; 1st Round is 6:00 pm. For more info visit www.dragway.com.

From www.nhraracer.com-

To all competitors utilizing screw type superchargers, including ET, advanced ET, Top Dragster, TAD, and TAFC categories: The use of an SFI 14.21 supercharger restraint is required. The restraint must be installed as described in the SFI 14.21 specification. Please visit SFIfoundation.com for full details. Of particular concern is the following portion of the spec:

INJECTOR STRAP ASSEMBLY
For a standard-placement OR forward-placement injector cover, the injector strap assembly is used to constrain the injector body in the event of a failure. The injector strap assembly shall confine the injector by coverage across the top. There shall be a minimum of four attachment points on the upper plate.

Racers, I've seen posts on some of the forums that ask about quotas at National events. When I saw this on www.NHRARacer.com I wanted to share it here.

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One of the many important duties of NHRA’s Racing Administration department is the setting of class quotas at NHRA national events. Deciding on the number of entrants per class and in total takes into account many factors that reflect the current environment of the events, including historical data, the size of facility, television broadcast times, track and local curfews, weather history, the size and number of haulers, and past on-site experience. Despite quotas being set, at many events already this year racing has run well into the evening or NHRA officials were forced to reduce the number of qualifying passes to time constraints. Below are some examples of the challenges:

Facility size: In many situations we are limited on the amount of entries we can accept due to overall size of the facility. In Gainesville, approximately 20 teams were parked in the spectator lot.

Live TV: With the move to FS1 and 17 live TV shows changes are made to ensure that segments of racing meet time slots set by FOX.
Curfews/weather: Based on a growing population around many of the facilities, curfews have been established, which limits the amount of time that race cars can be run. That challenge is made tougher early and late in the season when cool weather conditions can produce conditions that are not ideal.

Size of haulers: Over the past several years, the size of haulers have grown, which limits the amount of useable space to have additional cars on property.

NHRA strives to deliver the best experience possible to everyone attending a national event, and the ability to do so is challenged when NHRA is forced to park racers in spectator parking, schedules force us to run late into the evening under conditions that are not ideal, which is why the establishment and enforcement of quotas is so important.

Listen up, 11.50 racers! This is for you!

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In an effort to grow the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) sportsman programs and provide an abundance of options for competitors, the IHRA is pleased to continue the entry-level sportsman index class that will run at select events in 2016.

The class, currently labeled the No Throttle Stop (NTS) 11.50 class, will be run at select events in 2016 and will feature entry-level, heads-up index racing for racers without the need for additional expenditures. The class will be featured next at the President's Cup ...

Read the full article here...

For our friends who race Pro Mod, get it to Montgomery Raceway Park in Montgomery, AL on Saturday, June 18, 2016 for the Pro Mod Shootout. Payout is $2,000 Win, $500 Runner-Up and $250 Semis. Eight car minimum, entry is $100.

Also on the schedule are 6.00 Index and 7.00 Index. 6.00 pays $1,200 Win, $200 Runner-Up and $75 Semis. 7.00 pays $1,000 Win, $200 Runner-Up and $75 Semis. Eight car minimum in each class; entry is $75 in each class.

Visit www.montgomeryracewaypark.com for more info.

Clay City, KY - For our bracket racing friends in the Bluegrass State is the 11th Annual Ultimate Sixty-Four Shootout at Mt. Park Dragway coming up Friday – Sunday, June 10 – 12, 2016.

On Friday, Saturday and Sunday there’s an Ultimate $10s race each day that pays $10,000 Win, $2,000 Runner-Up, $500 Semis and $50 Round starting with 3rd Round Win. Payouts based on 150 cars. Single-day entry is $150, or buy a three-day for $350. Buybacks are $75.

On Friday there’s a 64 Hi-Roller open to the first 64 racers. Payout is $8,000 Win, $2,000 Runner-Up, $1,000 Semis, $500 Quarters and $300 Eighths. Entry is $300. No buybacks so bring your “A” game!

On Saturday is the huge Ultimate Sixty-Four Shootout that’s open to the first 64 racers. The payout is $50,000 Win, $10,000 Runner-Up, $3,000 Semis, $1,500 Quarters, $750 Eighths and $500 Sixteenths. Entry is $1,500; no buybacks!

On Sunday there’s a gambler’s race open to the first 32 racers. Payout is $8,000 Win, $1,500 Runner-Up, $750 Semis and $500 Quarters. Entry is $500. No buybacks.

Gates open Wednesday night and Thursday for parking. Gates open Frida and Saturday at 7:00 am; gates open Sunday at 8:00 am. Visit www.mpdragway.com for info.

Lyons, IN - Lyons Raceway Park’s pulls the trigger on its Gunslingers Bracket Series coming up Friday – Sunday, June 3 – 5, 2016. This 1/8-mile big-dollar bracket weekend is open to electronics-equipped dragsters and door cars.

Friday’s and Sunday’s races each pay $5,000 Win, $1,500 Runner-Up, $600 Semis, $250 Quarters, $175 Eighths, $75 Sixteenths and $30 Thirty-Seconds. Entry is $100, buybacks are $50.

Saturday’s big $10K pays $10,000 Win, $2,000 Runner-Up, $800 Semis, $400 Quarters, $200 Eighths, $100 Sixteenths and $50 Thirty-Seconds. Entry is $200, buybacks are $50.

Door cars will be separate from dragsters for as long as possible or until ladder. Two drivers my drive the same car, one driver my drive two cars, one driver cannot double-enter the same car.

Additional dates for the series are July 29 – 31 and September 30 – October 2.

Gates open Thursday at 9:00 am for parking, a $30 test & tune and a gamblers race. Gates open Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 8:00 am. Visit www.LyonsRacewayPark.com for more info.

May 24, 2016, St. Louis Region – Entries for Gateway Motorsports Park's "Door Car vs. Dragster" bracket race on June 18 will open on Thursday, June 2. The winner will take home $7,500 and entries are limited to the first 64 door cars and 64 dragsters to sign up.

The MegaBucks Door Cars vs. Dragsters race will provide racers with an opportunity to take home a $7,500 top prize. In addition to Saturday night’s event, the weekend also will also feature the rescheduled NHRA Division 3 JEGS Super Quick Series, two $2,500-to-win MegaBucks races on Friday night and complete GMP bracket races on both Saturday and Sunday.

While the majority of bracket races are pay-at-the-gate and all-run fields, the unique MegaBucks Door Cars vs. Dragsters race is limited to the first 64 cars of each class to enter. In addition to the $7,500 to win top prize, second place in the final match-up between door cars and dragsters will receive $3,000. The total payout will exceed $14,000. Open registration will take place beginning Thursday, June 2. The entry fee is $150 per car. Buybacks will not be offered for the MegaBucks Door Cars vs. Dragsters race.

.500 Full Tree with Compulink Cross-Talk; race will be 1/8 mile. Entry fee: $150. No buybacks. Full payout based on minimum of 48 of 64 cars in each class. Pro-rata only if fewer than 96 of the possible 128 positions. A roadster will be considered a door car for entry purposes. However, management reserves the right to move roadsters into other category to balance the field. No time trial scheduled as it follows the Friday event, the Saturday bracket event and the Saturday JEG's Super Quick qualifying.

Pre-entry for Door Cars vs. Dragsters will begin on Thursday, June 2, by phoning Sarah Allison at (618) 215-8888 ext. 114. Payment may be made via phone with credit card, or via check, cash or money order (provided that entries are received within 48 hours of signing up). Please indicate your vehicle type when registering.

For more information, please call GMP at (618) 215-8888 or visit www.gatewaymsp.com.

ROCKINGHAM, N.C. – Rockingham Dragway owner Steve Earwood is hoping to show that everything old is new again when he opens his racetrack for an “old school” event on June 4 that will scrap all the electronic gadgetry that has become so commonplace in drag racing.

No Christmas Tree, no incremental times and speeds, no digital scoreboards. Instead of all the complexities of the modern sport, Rockingham will offer heads up, run-what-you-brung-and-hope-you-brung-enough street-style drag racing in a manageable environment. The electronic timing will be offered to those who wish to record their times, upon request.

“We had a lightning issue at one of our “Fun Run” test and tune events,” Earwood said, “and in desperation, we kind of told everyone what was going on and offered them the option of running without timing equipment. Surprisingly, many of them preferred the simple ‘arm drop’ start to the complexities of the Christmas Tree and really didn’t care about timing.

“That goes back to the beginnings of the National Hot Rod Association,” Earwood said. “They started with ‘arm drop’ starts, then flagmen, then electronics. Obviously, if you’re looking for precision, you have to have electronic timing but, if you’re just looking to have some fun with like-minded friends, I can see how simpler might be better.”

The NHRA originally was founded to address the perils of street racing by providing a controlled environment in which Americans could feed their inherent need for speed without fear of unnecessarily endangering their lives or the lives of others. Today, thanks to movie franchises like “The Fast and the Furious” and reality TV shows like American Outlaws, street racing once again has become a major concern for civic leaders, law enforcement and safety-minded racing enthusiasts like Earwood.

So, while others are looking ahead for “new solutions” to an old problem, Rockingham’s owner has decided that the future may lie in the past. “We’ll see,” said the 2016 winner of the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame’s Founder’s Award. “We’re not trying to re-invent the wheel. We’re just trying to provide alternatives. For those who prefer electronic timing and scoreboards, we’ll make allowances for them, too. It’s all just about having fun. Twenty-five dollars for car-and-driver or motorcycle-and-rider for unlimited runs down the quarter mile starting at 6 p.m. If people like it, sure, it could become something we do on a regular basis.”

Numidia, PA - if you're a racer with a 4x4, a UTV or an ATV and want to try a different kind of racing, then bring it to Numidia Dragway for the 2016 Mud Drags coming up June 11 & 12. See the flier below for info; visit www.NumidiaDragway.com for more..

BRAMPTON, ONTARIO – R&L Racing have signed on to become the Main title sponsor for DSE Racing Promotions Burndown at the Bend 1. The event will be held June 10-12, 2016 at Canada’s premier racing facility Grand Bend Motorplex and will be awarding thousands of dollars in cash prizes to racers in Modified, Super Bike/Sled, Jr Dragster, Quick 16 with the big prize of $5000 to win in Super Pro.

The “Burndown at the Bend” event will feature three days of bracket racing for sportsman racers, with Saturday and Sunday featuring high dollar prizes for racers in Super Pro (Box), Modified (No Box), Super Bike/Sled (box/no box combo), Jr Dragster as well as Top Sportsman and Top Dragster competitors. In addition, the event will feature select Box and No box racers going head-to-head for big cash prizes in separate special Saturday Night Shootouts.

Friday night June 10th will kick off the weekend with a $1000 to win Box/No Box combo race. Saturday and Sundays main event races which will see Super Pro drivers racing for $5000 to win each day, with Modified drivers gunning for $2000 to win, Super Bike/Sled racers going for $1000 to win, and Jr Dragster pilots running for $500 to win.

Top Sportsman and Top Dragster racers will be able to compete in the Quick 16 class, which will take the fastest eight Door-cars and fastest eight dragsters from qualifying and place them on a sportsman style ladder, where the final round will feature a Top Sportsman versus Top Dragster match-up. Quick 16 racers will be gunning for a $2000 top prize, while round money will start with a Round 1 win.

The Saturday night High Roller Shoot-outs will feature a unique format where the sixteen Box and No/Box drivers picked, will come via a lottery raffle. Racers will be allowed to pay and enter one raffle entry per person when they arrive at the event, then on Saturday afternoon, the sixteen lucky racer names will be drawn and the ladder set for what should be an extremely exciting Saturday night Shoot-out. In the event more than 32 racers sign up for either Box or No Box, an additional bonus 16 car field will created for either class, giving more racers a chance at running in the shootout’s.

A full event flyer with rules, full payouts and schedule will be available soon, additional announcements on new and returning Advertising partners for the event will also be released over the coming weeks. For more information on DSE Sportsman Racing Promotions and its Advertising Partners, please visit www.SportsmanRacingSeries.ca.

Photo Credit: Mike Seguin/ThePhotoguys.ca

Gulfport, MS - Our biker friends in Mississippi have a big event coming up at Gulfport Dragway May 27 – 30, 2016 at the 34th Annual Mississippi Gulf Coast Memorial Day Blowout.

The event includes ET bracket racing, a bike show and live music. Proceeds will benefit local charities. Gates open Friday at noon for registration. At 3:00 on Friday there’ll be Street Wars racing for all bikes.

Gates open Saturday at 9:00 am; Saturday includes a time trial session. Gates open Sunday at 9:00 am with time trials at 11:00 am and eliminations at 2:00 pm.

For more information visit www.GulfportDragway.com.

Lidy wins Pro final by just .0008; Wills Jr. scores third Super Pro Motorcycle win of 2016

Budds Creek, MD - The DragBike.com Inaugural All-Star Shootout is coming up Friday–Sunday, May 20–22, 2016 at Maryland International Raceway.

Friday features an Early Bird Test Session from 10 am-5 pm for $100 per bike. Friday evening there will be Test & Tune from 6:30p -11pm for $25 per bike.

Saturday includes Top Sportsman, Pro ET, Street ET, Crazy 8s, and 5.60 Index; qualifying will start at 9 am. 4.60 Index, Pro Street, Real Street, and Grudge will run at 1 pm, 4 pm, and 7 pm. Pro ET and Street ET eliminations will start on Saturday at 2 pm.

On Sunday Top Sportsman, Pro ET, Street ET, Crazy 8s and 5.60 Index will get one time run at 9 am. Eliminations for pro classes will start at 11:30 am, and Noon for sportsman classes.

Pro Street pays $3,000 Winner, $1,000 Runner-Up, $250 Semis, $150 Quarters and $100 Eighths. $200 Entry Fee includes rider admission for Saturday & Sunday.

Real Street and 4.60 Index each pay $2,000 Winner, $500 Runner-Up, $150 Semis, $100 Quarters and $50 Eighths. $150 Entry Fee includes rider admission for Saturday & Sunday.

5.60 Index pays $1,000 Winner, $400 Runner-Up, $100 Semis and $50 Quarters. $75 Entry Fee includes rider admission for Saturday & Sunday.

Crazy 8s pays $1,000 Winner, $ 300 Runner-Up, $50 Semis and $25 Quarters. $50 Entry Fee includes rider admission for Saturday & Sunday.

Pro ET pays $3,000 Winner, $500 Runner-Up, $150 Semis, $75 Quarters and $50 Eighths. Single day entry is $70; two day entry is $120.

Top Sportsman pays $3,000 Winner, $ 500 Runner-Up, $150 Semis and $75 Quarters. Top Sportsman racers must purchase a two day Pro ET tech card.

Gates open Friday at 9 am and Saturday-Sunday at 8 am. Visit www.RaceMDIR.com for more info.

From NHRARacer.com:

Question: What rules would I need to follow to have a video camera mounted inside or outside of my race car while going down the track?

Answer: One camera is permitted, and it may not be intentionally directed at the racer in the other lane without NHRA permission. Camera must be securely attached to the vehicle with appropriate fasteners. The camera may not be attached with suction cups, wire ties, hose clamps, etc. For any camera mounted externally, all mounting brackets, associated fasteners, hardware, etc. from the camera to the vehicle attachment point must be metal; no plastic or nonmetallic components permitted.

May 7, 2016, St. Louis Region – Results from the third annual St. Louis Nostalgia Rendezvous at Gateway Motorsports Park. More than 200 race cars -- including Nostalgia Funny Cars and Gassers -- packed the pits.

The competition portion of the show nearly was complete, but was delayed more than two hours by a passing storm. During the downtime, the Ozark Mountain Super Stocks decided to call it a day and the Nostalgia Pro bracket class final was a three-way split between Tim Schaffer, Clay Tyler and Bob Westhoff.

Doug Duell of Newburgh, Indiana, claimed the Victory Nostalgia Super Stocks win over Jim Hagenhoff of Holts Summit, Missouri.

Michael Sexton won the Ross Racing Engines Pro 7.0 finale for front-engine dragsters over Billy Smith. Kerry Millet defeated Bo Boles in the Phenix Industries Pro 7.5 final.

Final-round results, indicating name, hometown, car, reaction time, elapsed time (ET), top speed:

VICTORY NOSTALGIA SUPER STOCKS
Winner: Doug Duell (Newburgh, Indiana) 1964 Fury .130 9.633 sec. 131.46 mph.
Runner-up: Jim Hagenhoff (Holts Summit, Missouri) 1965 Belvedere .366 9.749 sec. 125.38 mph.

ROSS RACING ENGINES PRO 7.0
Winner: Michael Sexton (Bloomington, Indiana) 2007 FED* .027 7.033 sec. 180.31 mph.
Runner-up: Billy Smith (Pickerington, Ohio) 2003 FED* .045 7.124 sec. 186.41 mph.

PHENIX INDUSTRIES PRO 7.5
Winner: Kerry Millet (Piqua, Ohio) 1941 Willys .033 7.607 sec. 172.14 mph.
Runner-up: Bo Boles (Slaughters, Kentucky) 1923 Model T .098 7.577 177.81 mph.

HOT HEADS PRO COMP
Winner: Gary Williams (Mattoon, Illinois) 1999 FED* .128 9.571 sec. 137.86 mph.
Runner-up: Tim Reis (Cloves, Ohio) 1993 FED* .165 9.039 sec. 141.43 mph.

QUICK FUEL PRO GAS
Winner: Phil Stamps (Tipon, Indiana) 1970 Camaro .014 9.515 sec. 138.31 mph.
Runner-up: John Treesh (Cicero, Indiana) 1961 Corvette .094 8.930 sec. 147.37 mph.

NOSTALGIA SPORTSMAN
Winner; John Ratulowski (Highland, Illinois) 1971 Camaro .029 6.582 sec. 103.22 mph.
Runner-up: Jeremy McKague (Chamois, Missouri) 1969 Nova .031 6.475 sec. 104.44 mph.
*Front-engine dragster.

For more information about Gateway Motorsports Park, please call GMP at (618) 215-8888 or visit www.gatewaymsp.com.

Bristol, TN - Racers, one of the biggest bracket races of the entire 2016 season is just around the corner. It’s the K&N 5-Day Spring Fling at Thunder Valley, Bristol Dragway Tuesday – Saturday, May 17 - 21, 2016.

This mega-money race features a $15K and three $20Ks! The $15K is on Wednesday and pays $15,000 Win, $3,500 Runner-Up, $1,200 Semis, $600 6th Round Win, $450 5th Round Win, $300 4th Round Win and $200 3rd Round Win. Entry is $175.

Thursday, Friday and Saturday each feature a $20K race that pays $20,000 Win, $5,000 Runner-Up, $2,000 Semis, $800 6th Round Win, $600 5th Round Win, $400 4th Round Win and $200 3rd Round Win. Enter any single $20K for $250, or take advantage of the 3-Day Special: $650 gets you into all three $20Ks. 1st Round buybacks are $150. Buybacks are not guaranteed to happen; they are only if time permits.

All racing is in 1,000 feet. A car can only go down the track once per round; no sharing cars, no double-entering the same car, but 1 driver may drive two different cars. New for this year: TruStart “Worst Redlight” will be in effect.

Gates open Tuesday at 11:00 am for parking and tech. Gates open Wednesday at 7:00 am with a time run session at 8:30 am. Gates open Thursday at 7:00 am with a time run session at 8:00 am. Gates open Friday at 7:30 am with a time run session (time permitting) at 8:15 am. Gates open Saturday at 8:00 am.

For more information, visit www.BracketRaces.com.

Holland, TX – Little River Dragway hosts its Big Bucks Sunday on May 15, 2016 with big money gamblers races for Box and No-Box.

Box pays $5,000 Win, $1,500 Runner-Up, $500 Semis and $250 Quarters. Entry is $200; buybacks are $100.

No-Box pays $4,000 Win, $1,000 Runner-Up, $400 Semis and $200 Quarters. Entry is $150; buybacks are $75.

Payouts are guaranteed. Gates open 9:00 am; time trials begin at 11:00 am. Visit www.LittleRiverDragway.com for more info.

Gulfport, MS – Gulfport Dragway’s Double Hitter for its Summit Super Series bracket racers is coming up on Saturday, May 14, 2016. Classes include Pro Electronics and Pro Footbrake.

Each Pro Electronics race and each Pro Footbrake race pays out $1,000 Win, $300 Runner-Up, $100 Semis and $40 Quarters. Entry per race is $40; 1st Round buybacks per race are $20. The morning races start time trials at 9 am; the afternoon races start time trials at 4 pm..

Visit www.gulfportdragway.com for more info.

The North East Timing Organization (NETO) held its first event of 2016 Saturday April 30 at Atco Dragway. Thirty two racers competed in the race which was sponsored by Sew & Show from Garwood, N.J. Guy Griese presented the Comp trophies, Frank Martinez presented the Nostalgia trophies.

COMP ELIMINATOR
In Comp eliminator a 1963 Nova was guaranteed to win. First time NETO winner Brian Vradenburg from Lake Hopatcong N.J. was the winner in his yellow '63, turning a 9.74 on a 9.60 index. Brian is pictured with crew Chris and Andrew. Bob Bendoni from Yorktown Hts., N.Y. was runner up in his red '63, turning a 9.33 on a 9.20 index. Here is Bob with wife Marian and crew, Aria and Antonia.

The 3rd Annual St. Louis Nostalgia Rendezvous will take place Saturday at the Gateway Motorsports Park Dragplex. This throwback event will feature nostalgia drag racing (including Nostalgia Funny Cars), a pin-up girl contest, a traditional custom car and hot rod show (nothing newer than 1972) and rockabilly bands. Spectator gates will open at 9 a.m. Admission is $19 for adults. Kids 12 and under are free with a paid adult.

All-nostalgia drag racing includes Nitro Nostalgia Funny Car exhibition, the Great Lakes Funny Car Association, the Nostalgia Drag Racing League's 2016 season-opener, the Victory Nostalgia Super Stocks club, the Nostalgia Gassers Racing Association, Ozark Mountain Super Shifters and bracket racing for 1979-and-older vehicles. The first round of Nostalgia Funny Cars are scheduled to take to the track at noon.

The Gears And Gals Magazine pin-up girl contest is open to ladies 18 and older. There will be two separate, judged categories: best period-correct costume and period-correct bathing suit. The highest score from both contests will be crowned the overall Ms. Nostalgia Rendezvous. Overall prizes include: $300 for first place, $200 for second place, $100 for third place, $50 for fourth and $25 for fifth. Additional trophies will be awarded to Best Costume and Best Swimsuit. Contestants may pre-register up until 5 p.m. on May 5 to receive free admission to the show. The contest will be held at the party pavilion stage with two rounds: costume at 2 p.m., swimsuit at 5 p.m.

The traditional hot rod and custom car show will award 11 trophies (Best Rat Rod, Best Lead Sled, Best Engine, Best Chopper, Best Fabrication, Best Interior, Rat Rod Kings Pick, Trip Daddys Pick, Gears & Gals Magazine Pick, Chuck-A-Burger Pick and Track Crew Pick). The car show is open to pre-1973 cars and motorcycles. Car show roll-in starts at 9 a.m. and car entry is free with paid driver admission. Car show awards will be presented at 6:15 p.m. St. Louis music legends the Trip Daddys and Rat Rod Kings, will perform on the party pavilion stage from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday.

Gates open at 7:00 am; time trials start at 9:00 am. Entry fee for Nostalgia Sportsman Bracket ¼-mile is $50; entry for Nostalgia Pro Bracket 1/8-mile is $50; entry for Nostalgia grudge/fun runs in the ¼-mile is $35. For more information, visit www.gatewaymsp.com.

Great news from our friends at Performance Racing Industry. Exhibitors and attendees of the upcoming 2016 PRI Show alike will have more time to shop the world's largest showcase of new racing parts, equipment and technology thanks to expanded Show Hours (until 6 p.m. on December 8 & 9) and exclusive Exhibitor-To-Exhibitor Hours (7-9 a.m. on December 8; 8-9 a.m. on December 9 & 10).

Watch for the latest updates on PRI's Trade Show homepage HERE.

The PC Richard.com Northeast Division National Open is coming up at Atco Dragway Wednesday – Sunday May 11 – 15, 2016. Classes are Top Dragster, Top Sportsman, Stock, Super Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas, Super Street, 8.50 Index, 10.00 Index and 11.50 Index.

Stock, SS, SC, SG, and SST pays $2,500 Win, $1,000 Runner-Up and $75 Round beginning 3rd Round (round money not paid to finalists). Payouts based on 32 car fields. Entry is $140. According to the new release, payouts for Top Dragster and Top Sportsman are listed on www.nhradiv1.com. Sorry, couldn’t find it.

Gates open Wednesday at noon for parking. Gates open Thursday at 7 am with a test & tune from 10 am – 5 pm. Gates open Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 7 am with the track going live at 9:30 am.

Boiling Springs, PA – South Mountain Raceway has announced its 2016 schedule. Coming up in May will be the Import and Kit Car Nationals on Sunday, May 22nd. The next weekend (Sunday May 29 and Monday May 30) is Street Wars that includes Pure Street, Real Street and Outlaw Street.

June has the Frantic Ford Nationals on Sunday, June 5, the GM Nationals on Friday, June 17 and the Nostalgia Weekend Warriors on Sunday June 26.

Sunday July 3rd has the Firecracker Nationals, Sunday July 10 is the US30 York Reunion Mountain Nationals, Sunday July 15 is the Chrysler Nationals, Sunday July 24th is the Mid Atlantic Nostalgia Drag Racing Association (MANDRA).

In August on Friday August 5 it’s the Truck Nationals. Sunday August 14 is Street Wars that includes Pure Street, Real Street and Outlaw Street.

For the rest of the season’s events at South Mountain Raceway visit the track’s website at www.southmountainraceway.com.

Holland, TX - The Bar None Fade All 2 is coming up on Saturday, May 7, 2016 at Little River Dragway.

Shootouts include Small Tire that pays a $2,500 1st Place Prize (entry is $100), Trucks that pays a $1,500 1st Place Prize (entry is $100) and Door Slammers that pays a $2,000 1st Place Prize (entry is $100).

Index classes include 5.80 that pays $1,000 Win ($100 entry) and 7.00 that pays $600 Win ($50 entry).

Gates open at noon, lanes open at 4:00 pm and the Shootouts start at 7:00 pm. For more information visit www.LittleRiverDragway.com.

Mechanicsville, Maryland – Fans were greeted with postcard weather and record setting performances all weekend long at the 8th Annual Haltech Door Wars presented by Winegardner Auto Group at Maryland International Raceway™ (MDIR).

Pro mod racer Bill Lutz of Canal Winchester, Ohio would serve notice first in his turbocharged Camaro laying down a MDIR track speed record in the class at 262.95 mph early on Friday during qualifying. In X275, Rich Bruder of Edison, New Jersey once again....

Full story here...

Rockingham, NC – There’s a big event coming up at Rockingham Dragway Friday and Saturday, April 29 and 30. It’s the 21st Annual Spring Sportsman Door Wars. Classes include Pro Tree Door Slammer, Footbrake (Mod), Open Comp, 5.30 Index, 6.00 Index and 7.00 Index.

Pro Tree Door Slammer and Footbrake each pay $1,500 Win, $400 Runner-Up, $100 Semis and $75 Quarters based on 32 entries in each class. Entry is $45; buybacks are $30.

5.30 Index pays $1,200 Winner, $300 Runner-Up, $150 Semis and $100 Quarters based on 20 entries. Entry is $50.

6.00 Index and Open Comp each pay $1,000 Win, $200 Runner-Up, $100 Semis and $50 Quarters. Payouts in Open Comp based on 32 cars. Entry in each class is $40; buybacks in Open Comp are $20.

7.00 Index pays $800 Win, $200 Runner-Up $100 Semis and $50 Quarters. Entry is $40.

Gates open Friday at 1:00 pm for parking and a Test & Tune. Gates open Saturday at 8:00 am with time runs and qualifying at 9:00 am. For more info visit www.RockinghamDragway.com.

April 24, 2016, St. Louis Region – Disclaimer: No farm animals were harmed during the making of this event. The inaugural PSCA Heads-Up Hootenanny was herded into the record books today at the Gateway Motorsports Park Dragplex in Madison, Illinois.

DeWayne Mills of Sand Springs, Oklahoma, was king of the barnyard after he earned No. 1 Qualifier status and then...

Full story here...

Reading, PA - The NMRA will visit Maple Grove Raceway when the 16th Annual NMRA Ford Motorsport Nationals are held over the weekend of Thursday – Sunday, April 28 – May 1, 2016.

The NMRA offers many different classes for all different levels of racer. From the entry-level True Street class all the way up to the Street Outlaw class – if you’ve got a Ford-powered, Ford-bodied car, there’s a class for you to fit in. The True Street class draws the largest participation, with vehicles ranging from the fifteen-second zone all the way down to eight-second heavy hitters.

The weekend also includes 1/4-mile bracket races on Saturday and Sunday that require no NMRA or NMCA membership. Classes are Fast Ford / Bracket 1 for Top ET / Super Pro (7.00 & slower, electronics OK), Quick Ford / Bracket 2 for Mod ET / Pro (9.00 & slower, footbrake only), Street Ford / Bracket 3 for Sportsman (11.50 & slower, footbrake only, no slicks, no open exhaust) and Nostalgia Ford (1975 & older, no electronics, any dial).

Saturday’s payouts each for Fast Ford and Quick Ford are $1,000 Win, $400 Runner-Up, $150 Semis, $75 Quarters and $40 Eighths. Saturday’s payouts each for Street Ford and Nostalgia Ford are $250 Win, $100 Runner-Up, $50 Semis and $25 Quarters.

Sunday’s payouts each for Fast Ford and Quick Ford are $1,500 Win, $500 Runner-Up, $200 Semis, $75 Quarters and $40 Eighths. Sunday’s payouts each for Street Ford and Nostalgia Ford are $300 Win, $125 Runner-Up, $50 Semis and $25 Quarters.

Fast Ford and Quick Ford entries are $150 (Thurs-Sunday), $125 (Saturday – Sunday) or $70 (Sunday only). Buybacks are $40 per day. Street Ford and Nostalgia Ford entries are $100 (Thurs-Sunday), $75 (Saturday – Sunday) or $40 (Sunday only). Buybacks are $30 per day.

For more information visit www.MapleGroveRaceway.com.

Sebring, Fla. – Sebring International Raceway’s legendary concrete front straight will come to life on select Thursday nights this year with street drag racing. Not normally associated with drag racing, Sebring International is a road course auto racing facility located near Sebring, Florida.

After a successful test run in February, the Raceway will host a series of runs on the one-eighth mile front straight beginning April 7th. The 2016 Sebring Drag Racing schedule includes seven dates through June 23rd, followed by a summer break. Drag racing resumes on September 29th and concludes on December 8th. All drag racing will take place on Thursday evening with the exception of a Tuesday program on Nov. 22nd. Gates will open at 5 pm and drivers can make all the runs they can fit into a four-hour window ending at 10 pm.

Sebring International Raceway's 2016 Drag Racing Schedule:

Atco, NJ - The Summer Series Shootout at Atco Dragway kicks off its 2016 season this coming weekend Saturday, April 23 – Sunday April 24 with two $5,000 races and a big $10,000 race for Super Pro / Top ET cars with electronics and 6.50 – 12.99 dials.

Saturday has a $5K and the big $10K; Sunday is a $5K. The payouts for the $5Ks are $5,000 Win, $2,000 Runner-Up, $800 Semis, $400 Quarters (must be an 8-round race to pay Quarters) and $75 Round starting with 3rd Round lose. Entry is $155, buybacks are $100.

The $10K pays $10,000 Win, $3,000 Runner-Up, $1,000 Semis, $500 Quarters (must be an 8-round race to pay Quarters) and $100 Round starting with 3rd Round lose. Entry is $205, buybacks are $130.

Gates open Saturday and Sunday at 9:00 am with time trials at 10:00 am and first round at noon. For more information visit www.AtcoDragway.rocks.

At 3 races into American DRAGCAR's five-race Arizona Race Company Street Car Showdown Series with the completion of the March 19th Chandler, Arizona's Race at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park, this last race had yet the largest total number of Streetcar showdown entrants to date in this first full season.

For the second race in a row there was a Pro OutLaw field though it was quite small; nevertheless one racer was here all the way from Wisconsin? Wow, what a tow! And for the second race in a row, it was the under-dogged Rob Parsons coming away the Pro OutLaw winner in his Ford Lightning. Full story here...

From NHRARacer.com, April 15, 2016:

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NHRA announced today improvement in the insurance coverage provided to its valued members and racers. A new program will automatically provide $1,000,000 of Commercial General Liability insurance on pit vehicles for each racer participant at NHRA Mello Yello and Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series events. In addition, the excess medical benefit for NHRA members at standard member track events, Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series events, designated contracted events and national events has increased from $525,000 to $575,000.

For national events, the pit vehicle insurance covers registered/entered racers and properly NHRA-stickered pit vehicles. For Lucas Oil Series events, the pit vehicle insurance covers registered/entered racers. The pit vehicle policy provides coverage for bodily injury and property damage claims made arising out of the operation of pit vehicles at NHRA Mello Yello and Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series events. Pit vehicles covered include ATVs, golf carts and motorized two wheel vehicles that are not competing in the event.

"Personal insurance may not provide any liability coverage when operating a pit vehicle at a race track. People are potentially exposed to significant liability if someone is injured or property is damaged by a pit vehicle. This program can provide insurance coverage people wouldn't otherwise have. We’re very glad that we were able to extend this coverage to pit vehicles not only at our national events, but at our sanctioned Lucas Oil events also,” said Josh Peterson, NHRA vice president of racing administration. “For just $20 added to the insurance surcharge when entering a National Event, we think providing $1,000,000 in pit vehicle coverage and a $50,000 higher excess medical benefit is a great bargain,” Peterson continued.

Insurance coverage referenced in this announcement is a general summary and limited to the specific terms, conditions, exclusions, and limits of the insurance policy.

Attention all you .90 racers in the Northeast, information about the A.A. Auto Salvage, Inc., King/Queen of Dot-90 Program:

Numidia, PA - Our friends at Numidia Dragway have published their 2016 schedule. You can see a high-res version of Numidia's schedule by clicking the image.

As usual the track as a wide variety of racing events including ET bracket racing, Street Legal Drags, mud drags, specialty events with the East Coast Gassers, the Northeast Timing Organization, diesel drags, and lots and lots of big money bracket races including Memorial Day Shootout, Superbucks In The Hills and Octoberbucks. Once again Numidia is the Home of the Guaranteed Payout, no ifs, ands, buts or fine print.

Visit www.NumidiaDragway.com for more information.

Rockingham, NC - Rockingham Dragway has three days of big money 1/8th mile races for Top ET, Footbrake and Jr. Dragster coming up Friday – Sunday, April 22 – 24, 2016.

Each day Top ET pays $10,000 Win, $2,500 Runner-Up, $1,000 Semis and $50 Round starting with 3rd Round Win. Entry per day is $150, or enter the weekend for $350. Buybacks are $100. Payouts based on 160 car minimum per day.

Each day Footbrake pays $2,000 Win, $400 Runner-Up, $200 Semis and $25 Round starting with 3rd Round Win. Entry per day is $50, or enter the weekend for $100. Buybacks are $25. Payouts based on 85 car minimum per day.

Jr. Dragster races on Saturday and Sunday. Payout is $500 Win, $100 Runner-Up and $50 Semis. Entry is $50 per day or enter both days for $80. Buybacks are $20. Payouts based on 24 car minimum per day.

Gates open Thursday from 4 – 10 pm for parking. Gates open Friday and Saturday at 8 am. Gates open Sunday at 8:30 am. Visit www.RockinghamDragway.com.

The first race for the EFI Source Northeast Index Racers Series at Maple Grove Raceway is scheduled for April 23rd. A total of 6 races are planned throughout the 2016 racing season.

Classes include 8.50 Index, 10.00 Index, 11.50 Index and the brand-new 12.50 Index.

The rest of the dates in 2016 are June 25th, July 30th, August 27th-28th and October 8th-9th. For more information, visit the Maple Grove Raceway website at www.MapleGroveRaceway.com.

Budds Creek, MD - Grudge racing is getting bigger and bigger, and Maryland International Raceway steps up with a big event on Sunday, April 10th, 2016 with the Big Tire Showdown. This pays $5,000 Win + (this is a first) a solid gold rope chain that has to be defended whenever you get called out. The Runner-Up gets $3,000 and the Semis get $1,000. There'll also be a No Time 29" Tire Shootout and no-time test & tune and grudge races.

Say what you want but these racers are on the ragged edge every time down the track; it's a lot of fun. Gates open at 10:00 am. Visit www.mirdrag.com for more info.

Aiken, SC - If you’re a racer from the Carolinas with something nasty on 28s or 29s, then get it to Carolina Dragway on Friday and Saturday, April 29th and 30th, 2016 for the Baddest of the Badd. Classes in G-Body / Nova, 29” / 315, 28” / 275 and Small Block NOS.

G-Body / Nova pays $5,000 Win, $1,000 Runner-Up, $500 Semis and $250 Quarters. Entry is $200. 29” / 315 and 28” / 275 each pay $7,000 Win, $2,000 Runner-Up, $750 Semis and $500 Quarters. Entry is $200. Small Block NOS pays $5,000 Win, $1,500 Runner-Up, $750 Semis and $500 Quarters. Entry is $200.

All payouts based on 16 cars. Gates open Friday at 4:00 pm for a test & tune from 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm. Gates open Saturday at 9:00 am with testing at 11:00 am and the shootouts at 3:00 pm.

For more information about Carolina Dragway, visit www.houseofhook.com. To see the complete flyer that has all of the rules per class, click HERE.

Our friend Mike Rezny from Denver CO shared some of the changes he's made to his Stock Eliminator DragPak during the off-season. Mike writes, "All new car for me this year. Flames are gone, new Ray Barton motor, new Protrans and I got rid of that pesky Big Stuff EFI and went with the Holly HP."

After testing on April 16&17, Mike plans to race at the LODRS in Great Bend, KS in mid-May. "Until then it's Pro ET at Bandimere!" YES! Bracket racing! You can read more about Mike's Challenger on the Readers Rides page.

This is so sad. He was a very nice guy, liked by the Professional and Sportsman racers alike.

GLENDORA, Calif. – Incentives for racers looking to attend the JEGS NHRA SPORTSnationals, May 27-29 at Beech Bend Raceway Park in Bowling Green, Ky., have been sweetened with JEGS boosting the cash purse to an all-time SPORTSnationals record $99,250. Add contingency awards in excess of $275,000 and special bonus races, and the total award posting approaches $380,000. A dramatic increase over the 1974 posted awards of $50,700.

The JEGS NHRA SPORTSnationals is the most lucrative all-sportsman drag racing event in the country. Include a Racer Appreciation cookout and JEGS Family Fun Night at Beech Bend Park Friday night and you have a Memorial Day weekend celebration of NHRA Drag Racing that you can’t miss.

Class elimination in Super Stock and Stock at the JEGS NHRA SPORTSnationals is one of four national events offering class winner contingency payouts. Twenty-three companies have posted product contingency bonuses totaling $4,855 in Super Stock and $4,655 in Stock for each individual class winner. Each of the other eliminators will also have special bonus races on Saturday.

Online registration opened March 16 for all Grade levels. An NHRA Grading Point is not required for entry at the gate for the JEGS SPORTSnationals, but is required as part of the standard NHRA online registration process. The online pre-entry offers a $40 savings over the gate entry fee of $250. Crew passes for the event are only $60 and are available only at the gate.

Owingsville, KY - Our racing friends in Kentucky have a big weekend of bracket racing coming up Friday – Sunday, April 22-24, 2016 at the Kentucky Big Bucks Bonanza at I-64 Motorplex.Each day has money races in Top ET and No Box.

Friday’s and Sunday’s Top and No Box races each pay $5,000 Win, $1,000 Runner-Up, $500 Semis and $60 Round starting after 3rd Round Win. Entry is $110 for each day; 1st Round buybacks are $60.

Saturday’s Top ET and No Box races each pay $7,500 Win, $1,000 Runner-Up, $500 Semis and $80 Round starting after 3rd Round win. Entry is $150; 1st Round buybacks are $75. A weekend entry in Top ET or No Box is $275.

There’ll also be a Top ET and No Box 32-Car Shootout on Saturday that pays $5,000 Win, $800 Runner-Up, $400 Semis and $250 Quarters. Entry is $250.

Gates open Thursday at 3:00 pm for parking and a test & tune. Gates open Friday at 10:00 am with time trials at 11:00 am. Gates open Saturday at 9:00 am with time trials at 10:00 am. Gates open Sunday at 8:30 am with a time trial at 10:00 am for new entries only. Visit www.I64Motorplex.com for more info.

North Dinwiddie, VA – The Virginia Door Car Shootout is coming up Saturday & Sunday, April 9th & 10th, 2016 at Virginia Motorsports Park. Classes for these 1/8th-mile races are Top ET / Super Pro and Mod ET / Footbrake.

Saturday’s Top ET / Super Pro pays $10,000 Win, $2,000 Runner-Up, $1,000 Semis and $100 Round starting with 3rd Round Win.

Sunday’s Top ET / Super Pro and Saturday’s and Sunday’s Mod ET / Footbrake races each pay $5,000 Win, $1,000 Runner-Up, $500 Semis and $50 Round starting with 3rd Round Win.

Entry for Top ET / Super Pro is $150 for Saturday and $100 for Sunday. Buy a 2-day entry for $220. Buybacks are $90 on Saturday and $60 on Sunday. Entry for Mod ET / Footbrake is $100 per day. Buy a 2-day entry for $160. Buybacks are $60 per day.

Gates open Friday at 2:00 pm for parking. Gates open Saturday at 8:30 am and Sunday at 9:00 am. Visit www.VirginiaMotorsportsPark.com.

Commerce, GA - The second stop on the NMRA tour in the 2016 season lands at Atlanta Dragway in a combination NMRA/NMCA race, the 8th Annual NMRA/NMCA All Star Nationals presented by Miller Welders, held over the weekend of April 7-10, 2016.

The NMRA offers many different classes for all different levels of racer. From the entry-level True Street class all the way up to the Street Outlaw class – if you’ve got a Ford-powered, Ford-bodied car, there’s a class for you to fit in. The True Street class draws the largest participation, with vehicles ranging from the fifteen-second zone all the way down to eight-second heavy hitters.

The weekend also includes 1/8-mile bracket races on Saturday and Sunday that require no NMRA or NMCA membership. Classes are Bracket 1 for Top ET / Super Pro (4.40 – 9.99) and Bracket 2 for Mod ET / Pro (5.70 – 9.99).

Bracket 1 pays $1,100 Win, $300 Runner-Up, $100 Semis, $60 Quarters and $30 Eighths. Entry for Saturday and Sunday is $110; Sunday only is $60. Buybacks are $30.

Bracket 2 pays $1,000 Win, $300 Runner-Up, $100 Semis and $40 Quarters. Entry for Saturday and Sunday is $90; Sunday only is $50. Buybacks are $30.

The 2016 New York International Auto Show at the Jacob Javits Center will showcase the latest automotive trends and of course an incredible collection of cutting-edge design and extraordinary innovation. Nestled within that plethora of innovation will be Dina Parise along with ‘Stella’ the 3,000HP Pro Mod Cadillac of Dina Parise Racing. She is appearing at Lincoln Technical Institute booth. Parise is the owner/driver for DPR and this former professional figure skater (for the famed Ice Capades) is 2015 IHRA Pro Mod World Champion and the first woman to hold that title.

Parise’s appearance will be on Wednesday March 30th from 10AM to 12PM, in the Lincoln Tech booth (1E Hall). She will be signing autographs and available for photos with Stella the Cadillac as well. Be sure to follow along on all of DPR’s social media for updates, photos and video. Parise will to come to you via ‘live’ Facebook Mentions video from the NYIAS.

“I am thrilled to be appearing at the New Your Auto show along with Lincoln Tech for many reasons. Their career training programs are second to none.” Said Parise “They believe in pushing people to following their dreams. Lincoln Tech speaks to what people are passionate about, and encourages them to expand on it. That is surely a recipe for success in my book!”

Lincoln Tech is an exhibitor at the 2016 Automotive Career & Education Fair at the New York International Auto Show. The New York International Auto Show’s Career Fair brings carmakers, suppliers, and advanced automotive training programs together so candidates can learn about careers in the automotive industry. Tuesday March 29th to Wednesday March 30th will be the national finals of the National Automotive Technology Competition. The competition is a is a test of skill, a measure of knowledge, and a race against the clock-all rolled into one. Parise encourages you all to stop by 1E Hall throughout the finals of the National Automotive Technology Competition to cheer on the students as they vie for the title of The Nation's Best Automotive Technician.

For more information about Dina Parise Racing, visit dinapariseracing.com.

Tioga Center, NY - It’s been a busy off-season for Skyview Drags owner George Swansbrough and track promoter Amy Culver as the duo prepares for the 2016 season of IHRA Summit Series racing at the popular eight-mile IHRA sanctioned facility.

On the calendar this year is the return of the highly popular Jet Jam event and other yet to be announced special events. As for the track’s “bread and butter,” the weekly Test & Tune events and the official IHRA Summit Series points will take place weekly as usual at the former IHRA Sportsman Track of the Year.
With full emphasis on the drag racing side of the Skyview Drags and Shangri-La II business, look for more special events to appear in 2016 “on the hill” as track owner George Swansbrough recently explained.

“We’re going full speed ahead with the IHRA Summit Series Drag Racing in 2016 while the oval track will curtail back to a special six-race series of events instead of the weekly program of oval racing. Right now, we’re putting all of our efforts into Skyview Drags as we know it’s been a popular stop for the drag racers in the area. Now I know the last couple of years have been difficult, but I assure all racers 2016 is going to put us in what I call ‘positive territory’ again.” Swansbrough explained that he wants to make sure people know that neither of his tracks are closing for 2016, and erase the many rumors that are floating around.

Said Swansbrough, “I don’t want anyone to think we’re closing the oval track, or the drag strip. We’re just cutting back to a six-race oval track series that will include leased and sponsored races instead of trying to operate it on a weekly basis. I want to make sure that racers everywhere know that Skyview Drags IHRA Drag Racing is our top priority and will indeed run on a weekly basis again in 2016 just as it has since we opened back in 2004. The bottom line is that Skyview Drags is open for business like we’ve always been and we’re going to put more money into the track this season.

Swansbrough and Culver then alluded to just a few of the improvements planned this off season, including a new announcing system, enhanced paving upgrades, improved concessions and more upgrades that will be announced soon. The owner/promoter, father/daughter team is excited about the prospects for 2016 and beyond. Said Culver, “We’re looking forward to re-establishing Skyview Drags as the place to race once again. It’s been a difficult two years of operating two tracks at the same time, one an oval and the other a drag strip. It’s not a surprise that paved oval tracks everywhere have had some difficult seasons, and we weren’t immune to that fact. That’s why we’re happy that for 2016 all of our weekly race efforts will be directed at re-establishing Skyview Drags as one of the most popular eighth-mile IHRA sanctioned tracks in the area thanks to our great payouts and dedicated racers.” Stay tuned to the Skyview’s homepage and Facebook pages for the posting of the official 2016 schedule, pit spot availability graphic, 2016 class payouts and much more. “There’s going to be some nice changes, enhancements, additions and more special shows for the racers and fans in 2016, said Culver. “We’re all getting really excited as April will be here before you know it.”

For information, visit skyviewdrags.com.

From www.nhraracer.com:

"As the result of runs under the Automatic Horsepower Factoring System (AHFS) 1.20-second under policy at the Carquest Auto Parts, and LORDS event, the following changes have been made.

The horsepower rating for 2010 Ford Cobra Jet, entries with the 352 cubic inch engine and a factory rating of 285 currently rated at 338, has been increased by eleven horsepower, to 349 horsepower; for Stock Eliminator.

NHRA's 2016 Automatic Horsepower Factoring System outlines that any run of 1.20-seconds or more under the index will receive an immediate index decrease or horsepower increase. These changes are effective March 22, 2016."

Attention IHRA class racers: Farmington Dragway’s IHRA Pro-Am Tour is coming up Friday – Sunday April 8 – 10, 2016. Classes include Top Dragster, Top Sportsman, Super Stock, Stock, 8.90 Quick Rod, 9.90 Super Rod, 10.90 Hot Rod, Jr. Dragster Masters, Jr. Dragster Advanced and Jr. Dragster Beginners.

Top Dragster and Top Sportsman each pay $1,500 Win, $600 Runner-Up, $250 Semis and $50 Round starting with 3rd Round win. Super Stock, Quick Rod and Super Rod each pay $1,100 Win, $500 Runner-Up and $40 Round starting with 3rd Round Win. Stock and Hot Rod each pay $1,000 Win, $400 Runner-Up and $40 Round starting with 3rd Round Win. Jr. Dragster Masters and Advanced each pay $300 Win, $100 Runner-Up and $50 Semis. Jr. Beginners pays Ironman Win and Plaque Runner-Up.

Entry fees for the big cars are $135 per day. Entry fees for Jr. Advanced and Master are $75 per day. Entry fee for Jr. Beginner is $50 per day. Gates open Friday at 12: 00 noon with tech at 1:00 pm and a test & tune at 5:00 pm. Gates open Saturday at 8:00 am; gates open Sunday at 9:00 am. Visit www.FarmingtonDragway.com for more info.

The 25th Annual Mopars @ The Rock are coming up Saturday April 2, 2016 at Rockingham Dragway and includes a car show, swap meet and drag racing. Racing classes include Pro ET, Footbrake and Trophy.

Pro ET pays $1,200 Win, $400 Runner-Up, $100 Semis and $35 Quarters. Entry is $35; payouts based on 32 cars. Footbrake pays $750 Win, $250 Runner-Up, $50 Semis and $25 Quarters. Entry is $25; payouts based on 32 cars. Trophy is for street-driven cars, no slicks. Entry is $10 plus general admission.

Visit www.RockinghamDragway.com for more information such as gate times and run schedule.

Millington, TN - The 4th Annual $25K Showdowns are coming up Friday – Sunday, April 1 – 3, 2016 at Memphis International Raceway. Each day has a huge $25K race with a points fund in effect; 1st place takes home a set of Brodix SR-20 heads.

Each day pays $25,000 Win, $7,500 Runner-Up, $1,500 Semis, $1,000 8th Round (if race goes 10 rounds), $750 7th Round, $500 6th Round, $300 5th Round and $150 4th Round. Single race entry is $300; buybacks are $175. Enter all three races with a Weekend Entry for $799. Payouts are based on 150 cars.

Races are 1/8th mile. Dragsters vs. dragsters / door cars vs. door cars until the 4th round. Double-entries are sort of permitted: Two drivers may drive one car. One driver may drive two cars. One driver may not drive the same car twice.

Gates open Thursday at noon for parking. Friday has open time trials from 10:00 am – 11:00 am. Saturday has a single time shot session at 10:00 am. Sunday has 1st Round at 10:00 am.

For more info visit www.RaceMIR.com.

NORWALK, Ohio - The International Hot Rod Association™ (IHRA) welcomes St. Thomas Raceway Park to the family of member tracks. The Ontario, Canada based motorsports venue serves sportsman racers in the London, Detroit, Toronto, Niagara Falls and Windsor markets.

Jay and Michelle Morse, operators of the facility, have garnered support of the local racers since 2010. "We're excited and proud to be the newest member of the premier sanctioning body in Canada," Jay Morse said. "As a strong supporter of sportsman drag racing we're pleased to be aligned with an organization that focuses its attention on that same set of cost and product oriented goals for our racers."

The partnership with St.Thomas Raceway Park solidifies the racers' opportunity to be part of the Summit SuperSeries and Team Finals while fighting to become a National Champion. Track champions in the Box, No Box and Junior categories will immediately be eligible for the World Championship race at Memphis International Raceway to crown the winners of the largest point's package in sportsman racing.

"The opportunity for our member tracks to provide for their racers has grown exponentially with the recent shift in the Summit SuperSeries," said IHRA Division Director Jon O'Neal. "The racers of St. Thomas can now earn a place in the fight for the $200,000 prize package directly from their home track."

The facility, constructed in 1962, hosts events from April-November and has seen notable changes and improvements over the years. St. Thomas Raceway Park takes pride in claiming it's the first purpose built dragstrip as well as the first drag racing sanctioned facility in Canada.

For more information about St. Thomas Raceway Park, visit www.StThomasRaceway.com.

JUPITER, Fl. - Super Chevy, the world's largest manufacturer show, will be making its return to Palm Beach International Raceway™ (PBIR). This year's original Super Chevy Show returns with the history and prestige of TEN: The Enthusiast Network along with full coverage from Super Chevy Magazine. The April 23 - 24, 2016 event brings together Chevy enthusiasts from around the country to celebrate their favorite manufacturer.

"We are very excited for the Super Chevy Show this year at Palm Beach International Raceway™. This will be the first year that we will host a car show on both Saturday and Sunday featuring some of the best Chevrolet automobiles in Florida," said Bill Murray, Director of Drag Strip Operations at Palm Beach International Raceway™. "In addition to the cars on display we will have plenty of drag racing action at this family friendly event, offering something for everyone. Mark your calendars now for extraordinary drag racing, car show, swap meet and pro shows all Super Chevy style," Murray continued.

The gates open at 8 a.m. on Friday, April 22 for racers and vendors to begin load in. Drag racing action will be continuous and kicks off on Friday at 6 p.m. with Test & Tune action for all racers taking part in the Saturday and Sunday Sportsman races.

On Saturday, the event heats up with a full swap meet, car show and drag racing at its finest. Drag racing classes will include Bracket 1 (Box, a.k.a. Electronics, a.k.a. Super Pro, a.k.a. Super Eliminator), Bracket 2 (No Box, a.k.a. No Electronics, a.k.a. Pro, a.k.a. Top Eliminator), Junior Dragster, and the Gen 5 Camaro Challenge. All classes will have complete races on both Saturday and Sunday. Racers will be competing at the 1,000 ft distance except for Junior Dragster which will be at the standard 1/8-mile.

The Super Chevy Show wraps up on Sunday with more big money bracket racing, pro show runs, car show and much more. Sunday's car show activities conclude with the coveted best of class awards.

PBIR is thrilled to welcome back the crowd pleasing pro show featuring attractions by Danny O' Day in his Superwinch Wheelstander, and for the first time at PBIR the Homewrecker Jet Semi Truck and Wicked Willy Jet Funny Car of Jerry McCart. .

For more info and to view the complete 2016 Super Chevy Show event schedule click HERE.

The IHRA Summit SuperSeries race season at Palm Beach International Raceway continues with the ninth race on Saturday, April 2, 2016. Classes competing during the race will include: Top Eliminator sponsored by South Florida Choppers, Modified Eliminator sponsored by Chassis Engineering, Street Bike, and Junior Dragster sponsored by All Star Auto Service, Quick 16 Dragster.

PAYOUTS:
Top Eliminator (Box) - 1/8 Mile
Winner $1,000
Runner-Up $400
Semi $125
Quarter $50
Tech Card $50
Buy Back $25

Modified Eliminator (No Box) - 1/8 Mile
Winner $800
Runner-Up $400
Semi $125
Quarter $50
Tech Card $40
Buy Back $20

Street Bike - 1/8 mile
Winner 50%
Runner-Up 25%
Tech Card $30
Buy Back $15

Junior Dragster -1/8 mile
Winner $150
Runner-Up $100
Semi $25
Tech Card $20
Buy Back $10

Quick 16 Dragster - 1/4-mile
Winner $1,100
Runner Up $400
Semi $150
Tech Card $125
Complete 16-car field required for full payout

Gates open at 3:00 pm; time runs at 4:30 p.m.. Visit www.RacePBIR.com for more information.

North Dinwiddie, VA - Virginia Motorsports Park has three days of big money 1/8th mile racing for you Top ET and Footbrake racers. The 7th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Classic is Friday – Sunday, March 18-20, 2016. Friday features a Fat $5K Warmup; Sunday is the Fat $5K Finale, each day includes races for Top ET and Footbrake. Payouts for each race are $5,000 Win, $1,500 Runner-Up, $600 Semis and $100/Round starting with 3rd Round Win. Entry is $100, buybacks are $60. Double entries permitted.

Saturday is the $10,000 Main Event, with races for Top ET and Footbrake. Payouts for each class are $10,000 Win, $3,000 Runner-Up, $1,000 Semis and $125/Round starting with 3rd Round Win. Entry is $150, buybacks are $80. Double entries permitted.

Payouts based on 120 cars. Deep staging honored in Footbrake. A 3-race Weekend Entry is $290, a $60 saving vs. buying three separate 1-day entries. Gates open Thursday at 1:00 pm for parking and stay open all night. Gates open Saturday at 8:00 am, Sunday at 9:00 am. Visit www.virginiamotorsports.com for more information.

Montgomery, AL - Montgomery Raceway Park’s Pro Mod Grudge Madness is coming up on Sunday, March 20, 2016. In addition to the Pro Mods and the grudge racing, there’ll racing for 4.70 Index, 5.30 Index, 6.00 Index, 7.00 Index and 8.00 Index.

4.70 Index pays $2,000 Win, $700 Runner-Up, $250 Semis and $125 Quarters. Entry is $85. 5.30 Index pays $1,500 Win, $400 Runner-Up and $200 Semis. Entry is $65. 6.00 Index pays $1,200 Win, $300 Runner-Up and $100 Semis. Entry is $50. 7.00 Index pays $1,200 Win, $300 Runner-Up and $150 Semis. Entry is $50. 8.00 Index pays $300 Win, $150 Runner-Up and $75 Semis. Entry is $35.

Gates open at 10:00 am; racing starts at noon. For more info visit www.montgomeryracewaypark.com.

Albany, GA - If you have a street car then get to US-19 Dragway on March 26 for the Street Car Shootout. Classes are True Street, Daily Driver and All Motor.

True Street pays $1,500 Win (16 car minimum, $85 entry). Must be street legal, fiberglass hood/bumpers OK, slicks or drag radials OK, 20 mile cruise.

Daily Driver and All Motor each pay $1,000 Win (16 car minimum, $65 entry). Daily Driver must have current tag, regular DOT tires, working lights, full exhaust, full interior, all accessories, 20 mile cruise. All Motor must have a cast intake (if carbureted), a single carb, full interior, full exhaust and working lights.

Gates open at 12:00 noon, test & tune at 2:00 pm, cruise at 4:00 pm, eliminations at 4:30 pm. Visit www.US19-dragway.com.

Gulfport, MS - The 2016 King of The Coast series at Gulfport Dragway continues on Friday – Sunday, March 18-20. The weekend includes money bracket racing on Saturday and Sunday in Electronics, Footbrake, Sportsman and Jr. Dragster.

Each Electronics race pays $4,000 Win, $500 Runner-Up, $350 Semis and $40 Round starting with 3rd Round win. Payouts based on 75 entries. Entry per race is $85, or buy a two-race entry for $165. 1st Round buybacks are $60.

Each Footbrake race pays $2,000 Win, $300 Runner-Up, $150 Semis and $25 Round starting with 3rd Round win. Payouts based on 50 entries. Entry per race is $70, or buy a two-race entry for $130. 1st Round buybacks are $30.

Each Sportsman race pays $150 Win, $50 Runner-Up and $25 Semis. Payouts based on 10 entries. Entry is $30 per day or $55 for a two-race entry; 1st Round buybacks are $15.

Jr. Dragster Age 8-9 pays $100 Win and $50 Runner-Up, based on 6 entries. Jr. Dragster Ages 10-12 and 13-17 each pay $225 Win, $75 Runner-Up and $25 Semis, based on 15 entries.

Gates open Friday at 4:00 pm for a test & tune and a Gambler’s Race. Gates open Saturday and Sunday at 8:00 pm. For more information visit www.GulfportDragway.com.

NHRA’s revamped race coverage on FOX Sports earned more than 300,000 additional viewers through the first two Mello Yello Drag Racing Series events of the season, which included the Circle K NHRA Winternationals at Pomona, Calif. on Feb. 14 and the CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Nationals at Phoenix on Feb. 28.

“We’re extremely happy with the numbers from our first two events on FOX Sports 1,” said Peter Clifford, NHRA president. “Our fans’ response has been incredible and we look forward to continuing to provide a great product on FOX the rest of the season. Our audience is trending younger and we are keeping our viewers tuned in for longer periods of time during each telecast. It is a terrific start with our new television partner.”

According to Nielsen Media Research, FOX Sports 1’s airings of the two NHRA events realized a 15 percent increase over the same two events last year. The 2016 coverage had a total of 2.6 million viewers for the finals telecasts, qualifying shows and re-airs on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Sports 2.

Circle K NHRA Winternationals coverage reached more than 1.4 million viewers, including the two qualifying shows, Sunday finals show, and re-airs the following week. The CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Nationals reached more than 1.2 million viewers overall, with a 300-percent increase on Saturday night qualifying from the previous year.

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So what do you think, racers? Is the coverage is better? Worse? The same? Do you even watch the broadcasts?

Huntsville, AL – Our friends at Drag Race Results are presenting some big races at Huntsville Dragway in 2016. The 2016 DRR Ultimate Series pays $25K / $50K / $25K every weekend.

The first weekend is coming up Thursday – Saturday, March 24-26, 2016. Day 1’s and Day 3’s $25K each pays $25,000 Win, $5,000 Runner-Up, $2,000 Semis, $800 6th Round Win, $600 5th Round Win, $400 4th Round Win and $200 3rd Round Win. Entry per race is $250; buyback is $150.

Day 2’s big $50K pays $50,000 Win, $10,000 Runner-Up, $3,000 Semis, $1,200 6th Round Win, $900 5th Round Win, $600 4th Round Win and $300 3rd Round Win. Entry is $500; buyback is $300.

Other dates in 2016 are Friday – Sunday, July 1-3 and Friday – Sunday, October 14-16. Payouts are guaranteed with no minimum car count. All races are 1/8-mile. Double-entries are permitted, except in the case of the same driver driving the same car twice. NHRA-approved throttle stops are OK. Dragster and door cars will run separate for as long as possible or until ladder round.

Gates open Wednesday, March 23 at 12:00 noon for parking and a test & tune. Gates open Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8:00 am. For more information visit huntsvilledragway.us.

At selected NHRA events in 2016, Super Stock and Stock Eliminator competitors who win their respective sub-class during class eliminations will be eligible for contingency awards posted by select NHRA Contingency program partners. The featured events for 2016 where awards are posted are:

· AMALIE Oil NHRA Gatornationals (Gainesville, Fla.)
· JEGS NHRA SPORTSnationals (Bowling Green, KY)
· Chevrolet Performance U. S. Nationals (Indianapolis)
· Toyota NHRA Nationals (Las Vegas).

Atmore, AL – Atmore Dragway’s Bracket Nationals are coming up Friday – Sunday, March 11 – 13, 2016. The classes for these 1/8th-mile races are Super Pro (Box) and No Box.

Friday’s and Sunday’s Super Pro races each pay $5,000 Win, $1,000 Runner-Up, $300 Semis, $200 Quarters and $100 Eighths. Saturday’s race pays $7,500 Win, $1,000 Runner-Up, $300 Semis, $200 Quarters and $100 Eighths. All payouts are based on 100 entries. Entry fees are $125 each for Friday and Sunday, and $150 for Saturday. Enter the weekend for $275. Buybacks are $60 for 1st Round on Friday and Sunday, and $65 1st Round on Saturday.

Friday’s and Sunday’s No-Box Pro races each pay $2,000 Win, $500 Runner-Up, $200 Semis, $100 Quarters and $50 Eighths. Saturday’s race pays $4,000 Win, $500 Runner-Up, $200 Semis, $100 Quarters and $50 Eighths. All payouts are based on 75 entries. Entry fees are $70 each for Friday and Sunday, and $80 for Saturday. Enter the weekend for $175. Buybacks are $25 for 1st Round on Friday and Sunday, and $30 1st Round on Saturday.

Double-entries allowed; deep-staging honored. Additional dates for this series are July 1-3, 2016. Gates open Friday and Saturday at 7:00 am with time trials at 9:00 am. Gates open Sunday at 9:00 am.

For more information visit www.AtmoreDragway.com.

JUPITER, Fla. (March 3, 2016) - First blood was drawn for the Real Pro Mod (RPM) drivers during the Bennett Auto Supply RPM & Sportsman Southern Showcase on the drag strip at Palm Beach International Raceway™. On Friday night, weather conditions forced race officials to move the second round of pro mod qualifying to Saturday. Bob Rahaim ran a 5.795 sec, 247.07 mph pass to lead the way in his 2015 Corvette after round one.

Saturday proved to be a different story with conditions warming up and three full rounds of qualifying taking place. In round two, it was Steven Whiteley taking the top spot from Rahaim with his 5.780 sec, 251.81 mph pass. Jonathan Gray driving a turbo boosted pro mod for the first time in RPM qualifying made the biggest move in rounds two and three, up to third from 17th. Troy Coughlin, 2015 RPM Champion, ran his fastest pass during round four at 5.766 sec, 259.21 mph where he briefly held the top spot until Jonathan Gray staged into the beam for his final qualifying pass. Gray made an unofficial record pass of 5.751 sec, 255.19 mph to take the top spot away and gained the title "fastest pro mod in history".

Jonathan Gray launching off the line for his record setting qualifying pass.
(AP Photo/Palm Beach International Raceway™)

The final day presented teams with another challenge as the weather shifted again and track conditions changed. In round one of eliminations, teammates Steve Matusek and Danny Rowe were facing off to stay in the first race of the year. Matusek defeated Rowe running a 5.891 sec, 247.79 mph pass. Rahaim, Gray, Whiteley, and Coughlin all advanced to the semi-finals. The match-ups were Gray vs. Rahaim and Whiteley vs. Coughlin. Jonathan Gray advanced after running another blistering pass at 5.785 sec., 254.23 mph to defeat Bob Rahaim. Troy Coughlin had the better reaction time with a .006 on the tree but it was the supercharged Cadillac of Steven Whiteley taking the win light at 5.793 sec., 250.18 mph.

The final round of eliminations were set to see who would take home the Bennett Auto Supply RPM & Sportsman Southern Showcase victory. The turbocharged Camaro of Gray, choosing the right lane, faced off against the supercharged Cadillac of Whiteley for the final round. As both drivers inched closer to the final stage the red light came on for Jonathan Gray as he rolled through the beam giving the first victory of the year to Steven Whiteley.

Jeff Ensslin - Outlaw/X 632 (AP Photo/Palm Beach International Raceway™)

RPM Pro Mod Final Results - Heads up at 1/4-mile
Steven Whitely, 7.545 seconds, 220.62 mph def. Jonathan Gray, Foul

Outlaw 632/X632 Final Results - Heads up at 1/8-mile
Jeff Ensslin, 4.574 seconds, 156.92 mph def. Alexander Padilla, 4.523 seconds, 156.14 mph

Top Eliminator Final Results - Sunday - Dial in at 1/8-mile
Steve Hatfield(4.84), 4.848 seconds, 142.85 mph def. Troy Coughlin Jr.(4.50), 4.511 seconds, 150.75 mph

Top Eliminator Final Results - Saturday - Dial in at 1/8-mile
Shawn Spyker(4.53), 4.530 seconds, 152.54 mph def. Brendon George(4.77), 4.781 seconds, 138.75 mph

Modified Eliminator Final Results - Sunday - Dial in at 1/8-mile
Rob Reynolds(6.21), 16.953 seconds, 43.16 mph def. Richard Mortell, Foul

Modified Eliminator Final Results - Saturday - Dial in at 1/8-mile
Sonny Freeland(6.19), 6.609 seconds, 85.77 mph def. Niki Thomas(6.31), 15.238 seconds, 22.73 mph

The Dina Parise Racing team heads to the first race of the 2016 season with a fresh perspective. “The 2015 season was a wild ride,” said Dina. “Coming out with the (IHRA) Championship just makes me want to work harder. I’m looking forward to this season; the direction my team is going as well as the direction IHRA is going.”

DPR does not seem to find themselves having an ‘off' season. This husband and wife duo works continuously to keep the team and the dream of racing alive. “Our hard work and persistence is paying off,” said Parise. “We gained some amazing new partners such as Lucas Oil, Eastwood and Hussey Performance over the winter and are solidly still partnered with companies such as NGK and CRC. We owe so much to the companies that stand behind us and cannot thank them enough.”

With the beginning of the season comes more exciting news for DPR. Sunday March 6th (Spike TV 9 AM est) Parise and her Cadillac Pro mod Stella will appear on Power Nation TV with host Katie Osborne. “I was honored to be asked to appear and do an interview on Power Nation TV. It’s an exciting time for me and the team.” If you miss the episode Sunday, it will re-air March 11th on NBC Sports Network at 10PM est and March 12th on CBS Sports Network at 10AM est.

The DPR team continues to push the envelope in every way. From performance to detail this team acknowledges and does it all. Stella sparkles and looks great because of the products provided by Eastwood and CRC Auto. She runs well and safely with products from as NGK, Lucas Oil, Speedwire Systems, Hussey Performance, Motorsports Unlimited , Hoosier and DJ Safety. The DPR website looks great and runs efficiently thanks to the professionals at Crank It Media. For all things DPR please visit dinapariseracing.com.

Photo Courtesy: RTM Productions

IRG Sports + Entertainment™ (IRGSE), a TPG portfolio company, Sunoco, and the Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau announced that the World Series of Drag Racing is returning this summer, but to a new and larger facility in a major league sports market. The world's longest continually running drag racing event will celebrate its 63rd year at the Mid-South's premiere motorsports destination, Memphis International Raceway (MIR) August 26 - 27 with support from Sunoco and the Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The transition to MIR moves the historic event to a centralized location that can withstand the growth potential and bring in even more racers, fans, vendors, live music and much more. The new facility will serve as a fitting showcase for the world's fastest drag racing and focus on a fan and racer friendly atmosphere. The two days of nonstop drag racing action will include professional racers from around the country as well as local sportsman racers competing to become the next Champion of the World Series of Drag Racing presented by Sunoco and the Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The World Series of Drag Racing attracts sportsman and professional racers from around the country to compete against each other. The top names in drag racing participate in exhibition runs, match racing, and competitive eliminator action. Notable participants in past World Series of Drag Racing events include: IHRA President Mike Dunn, hometown favorite Clay Millican, 'Big Daddy' Don Garlits, Shirley Muldowney, T.J. Zizzo, Cruz Pedregon, Tony Pedregon, Tim Wilkerson, Bruce Litton, Chris "The Greek" Karamesines, Warren Johnson, Larry Morgan, Dom Lagana, and many more.

The World Series of Drag Racing has a storied history with the first-ever event taking place in Lawrenceville, Illinois in 1953 and later transitioning to IRGSE-owned Cordova International Raceway (CIR). Since its conception, the event has featured the world's best drag racing in a family friendly environment with vendors, good food and open access to the pit area for autographs and to meet the drivers. The tradition will continue at MIR with additional events and a star studded driver line-up.

Tickets go on sale Friday, March 4 at Ticketmaster or call (800) 745-3000. Additional announcements will be made in the coming months regarding the professional driver line-up, live performances during the event and much more. Please check RaceMIR.com for pricing and schedule updates.

Gulfport, MS - Gulfport Dragway's 2016 season is getting underway. Wednesday, March 2 is the King of the Hill test & tune 1/4 mile event and they'll also have an 1/8 mile Gambler's Race. Gates open 6 pm; test & tune 6 pm, eliminations at 9 pm. Entry is $25 for car & driver. Then March 4 is a test & tune.

March 5 is a Double Hitter Summit SuperSeries race in the 1/8th mile. Each Pro Electronics race and each Pro Footbrake race pays out $1,000 Win, $300 Runner-Up, $100 Semis and $40 Quarters. Entry per race is $40; 1st Round buybacks per race are $20. The morning races start time trials at 9 am; the afternoon races start time trials at 4 pm.

There’ll also be a single Jr. Dragster race in the morning that pays out $150 Win, $60 Runner-Up, $40 Semis and $20 Quarters. Entry is $20; 1st Round buybacks are $10.

Visit www.gulfportdragway.com for more info.

DALLAS — Racers in four classes, at all six Division 4 NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series events will be competing for increased payouts in 2016. With help from the School of Automotive Machinist and Scoggin Dickey Raceshop, the winners and runner-ups at each event in Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas, and Super Street will receive Sportsman Performance Bonus Awards worth an additional $500 for the winner and $250 for the runner-up, totally $18,000 in added bonus awards for the 2016 season.

The following sponsors have raised the bar to support Sportsman racers in Division 4:

• School of Automotive Machinists (SAM): Lucas Oil Stock Eliminator, Sportsman Performance Bonus Award (sponsor program decal must be displayed on both sides of the car)

• Scoggin Dickey Raceshop: Lucas Oil Super Comp, Sportsman Performance Bonus Award.

• Scoggin Dickey Raceshop: Lucas Oil Super Gas, Sportsman Performance Bonus Award.

• Scoggin Dickey Raceshop: Lucas Oil Super Street, Sportsman Performance Bonus Award.

NHRA’s Division 4, the historic South Central Division, is the home of “The Good Guys” and includes tracks in Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Louisiana. Division 4 facilities host NHRA-sanctioned competitions throughout the year along with countless other events for drag racing competitors and fans. For more information, including schedules and points standings, go to the Division 4 website: www.nhradiv4.com.

The season in the Northeast just getting underway and Old Bridge Township Raceway Park will be going strong through November with a series of Sunday Gambler’s Races. The 2016 dates are March 6, March 20, November 6, November 13 and November 20.

Super ET (electronics; 7.00 – 12.99) pays $2,000 Win guaranteed based on 64 cars. $80 entry, $40 buybacks.

Pro ET (no electronics; 9.00 – 17.99) pays $1,000 Win guaranteed; payout will increase if more than 40 cars. Deep staging honored, no two-steps / throttle stops / transbrakes / delay boxes. $60 entry, $40 buybacks.

Pro Dial Dash (9.00 – 15.99) is .500 Pro tree, handicapped start, breakout in effect. Seep staging honored, not delay boxes. $50 entry; $30 of entry goes to payout.

Grocery Getter (15.00 and slower, no race cars) is a .700 Pro tree eliminator for muffled street cars. Cars must be driven in and cannot change tires. Entry is $40; 50% of entry goes to payout.

There’ll also be a Stock/Super Stock Combo Race on October 30 that pays $1,500 Win (based on 32 cars). Entry is $100.

Gates open at 8:00 am. Visit www.racewaypark.com for more info.

Rockingham, NC – Rockingham Dragway gives back to its racers on Saturday and Sunday, March 5 and 6 with its Racer Appreciation ET Race Shootout.

Super (Top) ET pays $2,000 Win, $500 Runner-Up, $150 Semis and $50 Quarters. $50 buybacks. Payouts based on 75 entries.

Footbrake pays $1,000 Win, $300 Runner-Up, $75 Semis and $25 Quarters. $25 buybacks. Payouts based on 60 entries.

Jr. Dragster pays $150 Win, $50 Runner-Up and $25 Semis. Buybacks are $25.

There is no class entry fee for these races, just the gate admission of $35 for both days, or $20 for Sunday only. Gates open Friday from 4 pm – 10 pm for parking. Gates open Saturday and Sunday at 8 am.

For info visit www.RockinghamDragway.com.

Kansas City, Mo. – WELD Wheels continues its longtime support for the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) by announcing its 2016 NHRA contingency program. This year WELD will pay contingency on the latest and most technically advanced WELD Racing wheels: Delta-1, TT63, Full Throttle and Black Draglite.

Competitors who use these contingency-specific WELD Racing wheels and display the brand’s decal on their race cars during the 2016 season are eligible for contingency payouts. Please refer to the NHRA Contingency website www.nhraracer.com/contingency.asp for specific details on the program and rules.

For more information about WELD, visit www.WELDwheels.com.

The Midwest Super Comp Series (MWSCS) has announced its 2016 schedule. The MWSCS is a racer-run organization for 8.90 Super Comp that currently races at Route 66 Raceway, Byron Dragway, Central Illinois Dragway and Cordova Dragway (all in Illinois) and Tri-State Raceway (in Iowa). Events are typically over two days, with separate races Saturday and Sunday to help keep travel costs down.

The payout is typically $1,000 to win for 20 cars or more and payout starts with first round winners. You do not need to be a member to race with MWSCS and they can accommodate racers who bracket race as well. If you're interesting in racing with the MWSCS, visit www.midwestsupercomp.com for more information.

Midwest Super Comp Series 2016 Schedule

Mike Dunn has been installed as President of the IHRA organization in advance of the complete reorganization of the company and its various operations. Dunn, one of the most successful drivers and team organizers in the history of motorsports, joins the IHRA after spending the last 14 years as the face of major league professional drag racing for ESPN.

"We welcome Mike Dunn, one of the most respected figures not just in drag racing but in all of motorsports, to the IRGSE family of companies and specifically the IHRA as we begin to reshape the entire organization; Racing Operations, Television and Digital, Licensing, Track and Individual Membership and a newly developed Team Ownership Sponsorship Business Unit into a first class motorsports and entertainment platform. The future of the IHRA intends on delivering the world's fastest race cars, in important automotive manufacturer influenced global markets, as a platform for growth in the important 9-19 socially active generation Z consumers, while re-igniting the platform of our traditional drag racing consumers with new investment and engagement," said Vice Chairman of the Board and CEO of IRGSE, Chris Lencheski. "Mike has been a part of the most memorable moments that this sport has ever seen, and we are excited to have his expertise as a winning driver, businessman and influential media member to help lead us forward."

"I welcome this new opportunity after so many years in a race car and in front of the screen at ESPN," Dunn said. "I think the vision that IRGSE and the IHRA is pulling together fits a younger and engaged fan base that loves action, speed and the personalities around those elements. I am looking forward to working with Chris and the entire IRGSE family of tracks and properties, the current drivers, the current race teams and the traditional IHRA tracks and all fans of this great sport to get things moving forward quickly." Dunn added, "The IRGSE Board are committed to the their decisions and vision for drag racing into the future but are staying flexible in their approach to teams, markets, promoters, media and sponsorship. I think they may have the best vision to come along in Drag Racing in a very long time and I am excited to be a part of the leadership team."

The current 2016 IHRA Drag Racing Series is serving as an interim year between the current format and the restructuring format which will be announced throughout the 2016 season. The 2016 Competition Schedule begins at Orlando Speed World Dragway (Orlando, Florida) with the AMSOIL Spring Nitro Nationals on Friday, March 4, 2016. Highlighting the 2016 schedule will be stops in: San Antonio, Texas; Grand Bend, Ontario; Edmonton, Alberta; Martin, Michigan; West Salem, Ohio and Budds Creek, Maryland. The full schedule can be found at www.ihradrs.com/schedule.

Reading, PA - 257 of Maple Grove Raceway's racers, families, sponsors, and staff gathered together to celebrate a season of success. The gorgeous ballroom at the Double Tree by Hilton Reading hosted the 53rd Annual Money Trail Awards Ceremony.

Mike Miller, Owner of Reading Standard Motorsports, presented the awards to the top five finishers in Top Bike. Cory Stuebner of Orwigsburg finished the season with 547 points, being named champion over second place Kyle Gockley and third place finisher Austin Youndt.

Sinking Springs native Paul Werner drove his Chevy Malibu station wagon to a championship in the PC Richard & Son Street class with 498 points. Just two points above second place finisher Adam Werner. Werner's 2015 championship marks his 12th Money Trail Championship of his career, a record for all Money Trail competitors!

In the Ciccarone Racing Products Pro class Robert Smith of West Chester earned the championship with 598 points. Smith has been a loyal member of Maple Grove Raceway for over 30 years. Second place finisher Paul Werner and third place Rich Pennington continued to fight until the last race.

Gold Rush Custom Trailers President Phil Lankford presented the awards to the top ten drivers in Super. Rick Terkowski of Gilbertsville, persevered through a rocky season to claim the championship. Terkowski expressed his determination to press on when the season seemed tough by saying, "that is racing. That's what I love to do, race." Terkowski held off second place finisher Derrick Fox, in addition to 'King of the Track' winner and third place finisher Shane Beck.

The top ten finishers in the UTI Junior Dragster class were recognized for outstanding performance throughout the season. Special consideration was given to Kelsey Brinckman for winning the 10 to 11 year old class and Nathan Harding who won the 14 to 15 year old class at the NHRA Division I Junior Championships. Matthew Witkowski from Elverson won the championship with 423 points by holding off Jessie Rothenberger and Jeremy Ketterer. Witkowski started the final day of points in fifth place and he combined great driving skills and a little luck to end the day in the Sunoco Race Fuels Victory Lane, not only with the class victory for day, but the overall Championship as well.

The 2016 Money Trail Racers Meeting is scheduled for Sunday, March 6th at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. The meeting for drivers participating in Super, Pro, Street and Top Bike is set for 10 AM. Racers in Junior Dragster and Junior Street will meet at noon. All other racers competing in index (8.5, 10.0 and 11.5) classes meet upon completion of juniors meeting.

Written by Sarah Gingrich

MECHANICSVILLE, Maryland (February 10, 2016) – Maryland International Raceway™ (MDIR) is proud to announce that it will raise the guaranteed weekly purse to $3,000 in Top ET for all 2016 Speed Unlimited ET Series events. The racer entries for the weekly events will remain the same as last season at $85 and the winner will still receive an Irontree trophy.

“We are pleased to be able to make this positive increase for our Top ET racers for the 2016 season,” said Jason Miller, MDIR Vice President and General Manager. “We appreciate the on-going support our great sportsman racers continue to show and for them choosing to race at MDIR. We continue to look for ways to give back to our racers.”

MDIR will also host special Quad 5K Top ET weekends on August 5-7 and September 9-11 as well as 5K Top ET events September 23-24 during the 31st Annual Snap-On Tools Superchargers Showdown. More information on these special events will be released soon.

For more information, visit www.RaceMDIR.com.

Outfit your classic muscle car with an AutoMeter direct-fit American Muscle gauge kit. Every easy-to-install kit comes complete with a durable replacement dash panel, six iconic American Muscle gauges, a universal wiring harness, sending units, LED lighting dimmer and all the necessary mounting hardware. Easy, no fab installation guarantees a professional result. The LED through dial lighting insures optimal visibility during low-light conditions and looks great.

• Complete, direct-fit gauge packages featuring the award winning American Muscle gauges for the most popular muscle car applications
• Dash panels feature a direct fit, no-fab application for a clean, quick, and easy installation process
• Period correct look and exceptional build quality
• Tach, Speedo, Oil Pressure, Water Temp, Fuel Level and Voltmeter with all necessary sending units included
• LED dimmer module and universal wiring harness with indicator lights also included

Applications:
• 1967-1968 Camaro
• 1970-1976 A-Body Duster, Demon, Dart
• 1971-1974 B-Body Charger, GTX, Road Runner
• 1970-1974 E-Body Cuda, Challenger
• 1970-1981 Firebird
• 1973-1983 Chevy Truck, Suburban
• 1970-1972 Chevelle, El Camino, Malibu
• 1970-1972 Chevelle SS, El Camino, Monte Carlo
• 1969-1976 Nova
• 1969-1981 Camaro
• 1967-1962 Chevy Truck C, K, K5, Suburban

Visit www.autometer.com for a full list of available applications.

The world's fastest Pro Mods will host their preseason warm-up at Palm Beach International Raceway. Danny Rowe, Kevin Fiscus, Steve Matusek, and Troy Coughlin are just a few of the stars featured in the full field competing. In addition to all of the Pro Mod action, some of the top sportsman racers from around the country will be dialing in for their chance at victory.

Sportsman classes include Top ET (box) and Modified (no box). These 1/8th-mile races will run on Saturday February 27th and Sunday February 28th. Saturday’s Top ET pays $3,000 Win, $1,500 Runner-Up, $250 Semis and $125 Quarters. Entry is $125. Saturday’s Modified pays $2,000 Win, $1,000 Runner-Up, $250 Semis and $100 Quarters. Entry is $90.

Sunday’s Top ET pays $5,000 Win, $2,500 Runner-Up, $1,000 Semis and $500 Quarters. Entry is $150. Sunday’s Modified pays $3,000 Win, $1,500 Runner-Up, $500 Semis and $250 Quarters. Entry is $100.

Gates open Friday at 10:00 am; gates open Saturday and Sunday at 8:00 am. Visit www.RacePBIR.com for more info.

Racers, I received this letter from a racer named Rochelle Robnett, one of our bracket racing friends on the West coast:

"Hello Dragtime News,

I am competing in a sponsorship contest called Search for a Champion. This contest gives racers the opportunity to win a sponsorship from Champion Spark Plugs for the 2016 season. The first part of this contest is a public voting period going on now until February 2. If I were to get enough votes I could be 1 of 15 racers to win a $5000 sponsorship for the upcoming season and be able to go for the grand prize of a $50000
I am going into my 10th year of racing and 5th in my Chevy Luv Truck. I have many race wins including have won two "Wallys" racing in my Luv Truck. Prior to the 2015 season in my truck I was only able to race June to August as I was working toward my degree in Marketing. Our plans for this upcoming season are to run points at our home track of Portland International Raceway! This sponsorship would help our racing operation so much, it would allow us to travel to more tracks on the west coast.

You can vote for my entry by going to this link: http://sfac.championautoparts.com/search-for-a-champion/view/3195/#.VqWV91J9CJ9 and signing up to vote. Once you have signed up to vote you will be directed to choose a category and my entry is in the advanced category and the name of it is "Champion Luv Truck the Next Great Champion" People can vote daily until February 2. The more times they vote the better chance I have in winning a sponsorship from Champion Spark Plugs.

I was wondering if you could post it on your website to help promote votes for this contest. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Thank You!

Rochelle"

So racers, what do you say? Can we show the Luv some love?

Summit Racing Equipment has signed a multi-year deal to return as the title sponsor of the International Hot Rod Association World Finals and the 14-race Bracket Racing Series program at Memphis International Raceway.

The Summit Racing Equipment World Finals features two championship tournaments for the best racers in IHRA's sportsman classes. Racers from all over the country come together at MIR to determine who the best-of-the-best is. Seven champions in the Summit Racing Equipment Tournament of Champions presented by AMSOIL and three champions with the Summit SuperSeries presented by AMSOIL are crowned at the Summit Racing Equipment World Finals. The premiere sportsman championship event is slated for October 14-16, 2016.

The Summit Bracket Racing Series program will feature 14 scheduled events in 2016 with a guaranteed purse structure at each event and a year-end point's fund. The sportsman program will run on alternate weekends at MIR to reduce the overlap of other local programs. The current schedule is February 14 and 28; March 5; April 16 and 30; May 7 and 21; June 4; July 2 and 16; August 6 and 20; Sept 17 and 25.

For more information visit www.RaceMIR.com.

News for our friends in the Southeast: Tucson Dragway, in Tucson, Arizona, has joined the NHRA Member Track Network as part of Division 7, the Pacific Division. Located just south of Interstate 10 on the Pima County Fair Grounds, Tucson Dragway is one of the nation’s most active drag racing facilities. Formerly an IHRA track, Tucson Dragway offered a full and dynamic schedule with nearly 100 events in 2015 and is looking forward to even more success in 2016 with NHRA.

Jim Hughes, of Phoenix, is the owner-operator of Tucson Dragway. Hughes has over 40 years of experience in the performance and racing industry and even spent time behind the wheel. He started racing in the 1970s and earned multiple victories across the country, including four division titles. Most notably, he raced to the NHRA Super Comp world championship title in 2002.

Tucson Dragway has already begun preparing for an exciting and eventful 2016 season. Recent improvements to the track include widening the staging lanes with a shoulder for easier maneuverability, grounding down the transition on the track surface and crack-sealing the shutdown area with help from Paul Polito of Tucson Asphalt. Highlighting the 2016 season at Tucson Dragway will be the NHRA Pacific National Open Series, February 19-21. The track also offers a full complement of weekly drag racing, serving the community with Friday Night Drags, weekend Test & Tunes, Midnight Drags, the Summit Super Series, and Jr. Drag Racing.

As an NHRA-sanctioned track, the facility will be eligible to offer racers a variety of NHRA racing opportunities, including the NHRA Summit Racing Series, the NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League, NHRA Jr. Street and the NHRA Drags: Street Legal Style presented by AAA. Additionally, the track has the opportunity to host NHRA’s specialty events including the National DRAGSTER Challenge, NHRA Summit King of the Track, and NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League Challenge, where racers compete for the coveted Wally trophy.

For more information on Tucson Dragway and to view Tucson Dragway’s 2016 schedule, please visit www.tucsondragway.com.

The NHRA Technical Department released Horsepower changes December 21, 2015 after review and evaluation of written requests from Lucas Oil Sportsman Series competitors. All changes are effective January 1, 2016. Only those requests received by November 17, 2015 were considered during this scheduled evaluation. Any requests received after November 17, 2015 will be reviewed during the next scheduled evaluation of 2016.

Letter review is part of NHRA's commitment to evaluating input from the Sportsman racing community and is an important element of NHRA's Automatic Horsepower Factoring System. “No Change” combinations are listed so that competitors may see that requests were reviewed by the Technical Department, even though the request resulted in no change.

Requests for horsepower changes or reviews can be made here www.nhraracer.com/ahfs.asp. Requests for reviews must be received no later than November 15, 2016 to be included in the next scheduled horsepower and index review.

See the full list of Stock and Super Stock H.P. adjustments at www.nhraracer.com/content/general.asp?articleid=65566&zoneid=132.

Lucas Oil Products Inc., a longtime supporter of Sportsman racing, unveiled a new contingency program for the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, honoring Sportsman racers across the country. The new Lucas Oil Contingency program will award $300 to all winners of national events in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, as well as pay $100 to all runners-up. In addition, racers will be paid immediately, in the winner's circle of each event. There will be two different contingency programs, one for transmission and differentials lubricants and one for engine oil.

"The racers have been asking for this for a long time now, so we put together this program to give them a little extra incentive to use our products, which are the best in the world," Lucas Oil co-founder Forrest Lucas said. "We also heard them when they said other contingency programs took a long time to pay them, so we will be paying them right there in the winner's circle. We're excited to kick this off in Pomona."

To be eligible for the new Lucas Oil Contingency program, racers must display the applicable Lucas Oil engine oil decal and/or Lucas Oil transmission and differential lubricants decal on every car, even if racers are entered in different classes with different cars. Lucas Oil-sponsored race cars must also display the applicable decal. Racers can get decals at the Lucas Oil trailer at each event. There is a buy-in for each program: $100 for engine oil and $75 for transmission/differential lubricants, and it is a one-time buy-in that lasts the entire season. But each car for each category of racing must buy into the program, including Lucas Oil-sponsored cars. Entrance to the new contingency program must be completed by the start of the first round of eliminations. Lucas Oil will announce a special price list for all Lucas Oil products for Sportsman racers who buy product at events.

The Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, featuring Top Alcohol Dragster, Top Alcohol Funny Car, and many other classes, kicks off in February at the Circle K NHRA Winternationals at Auto Club Raceway in Pomona. Fox Sports 1 and Fox Sports 2 plan to broadcast 16 Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series races throughout the season.

The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) announced that the IRG Sports + Entertainment™ (IRGSE) Board of Directors has appointed Mr. Skooter Peaco as Interim President of the Company effective immediately. Mr. Peaco replaces Mr. Scott Gardner who resigned as President of the Company, effective as of the same date in order to pursue other interests.

Mr. Peaco possesses a deep knowledge of the Company's business and he assumes his responsibilities as Interim President with the full support of the Board. Since 2003, Mr. Peaco has served as the Director of Racing Operations and most recently as the Vice President of Racing Operations at the IHRA.

The Company also announced that a Search Committee within the Board of Directors has been created, which will oversee the process for the identification and selection of a permanent President. The Committee has been charged with selecting an experienced individual to take over as the permanent President, improve the performance of the Company and drive long-term growth for the Company upon a newly formed platform that will be announced in the fourth quarter of 2016.

Additionally, the IHRA announced the revision to the 2016 National Schedule by reducing two national events; the current Baton Rouge, Louisiana event on March 18-19 and Cordova, Illinois June 2-4. These are the only schedule changes to the 2016 National Schedule.

Jupiter, FL - Outlaw Saturday Night is coming up on January 30, 2015 at Palm Beach International Raceway. This is an Open Test & Tune where no times are displayed on the scoreboards. Racer entry is $20; time slips are available for $1 each. There are also eight locked-in grudge races going on during this event. Gates open at 6:00 pm, test & tune starts at 6:30 pm.

All vehicles must adhere to IHRA safety rules; IHRA rules can be found HERE.

For more information about Palm Beach International, visit www.RacePBIR.com,