As you saw from our coverage of The 2010 PRI Show (see it HERE), we came away feeling that the show is a critical one for the hard-core racing industry. The show is focused on real racing parts, not on wheel covers and air fresheners. And while all forms of Motorsports are well represented, I was impressed by how much of the show was dedicated to drag racing. When the three biggest business days in racing take place at the 2011 PRI Trade Show in Orlando December 1st - 3rd, no form of motor sport will again be better represented than drag racing. In addition to numerous drag racing-related businesses, personalities from the sport are usually on hand – last year included Don Garlits, Pro Stock Motorcycle champ Hector Arana, Top Fuel driver Morgan Lucas and Pro Stock driver Allen Johnson.

But it’s the names and faces that many American drag racing fans don’t recognize that may hold the key to our sport’s popularity as drag racing businesses from around the globe will be represented at the show. “It’s important that NHRA is at PRI to represent the drag racing industry,” said Jeff Morton, Director of Advertising Sales for the NHRA. Article continues HERE

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Leave room for stuffing your wallet Thanksgiving weekend at Coastal Plains Dragway’s Fall Footbrake Frenzy III, Friday and Saturday November 25th and 26th 2011.

Both days include a $5K that pays $5,000 Win, $700 Runner-Up, $300 Semis, $160 5th Round Win, $120 4th Round Win, and $80 3rd Round Win. Entry per race is $85, 1st Round buybacks are $50. 100 car minimum. Saturday morning includes the big $20K that pays $20,000 Win, $5,000 Runner-Up, $1,000 Semis, $400 5th Round Win, $300 4th Round Win, and $200 3rd Round Win. Entry is $230, 1st Round buybacks are $100. 125 car minimum. Enter all three races for the weekend for $380.

Gates open Thursday evening for parking. Gates open Friday at 10:00 am, with time trials at 12:00 noon. Gates open 8:00 am with time trials at 9:00 am.

1/8th mile, footbrake only, deep staging honored, no dragsters. Other rules apply, so for more information visit www.coastalplainsraceway.com.

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Farmington Dragway’s 18th Annual MONEYFest is Thursday – Sunday, November 24th – 27th 2011. This 1/8th mile race for electronics-equipped bracket cars includes a $2.5K on Thursday, a $10K on Friday and Saturday, and a $5K on Sunday.

Thursday pays $2,500 Win, $600 Runner-Up, $200 Semis, and $20 Round starting 3rd Round win. Entry is $60, buybacks are $40. The Friday and Saturday $10K races each pay $10,000 Win, $2,000 Runner-Up, $1,000 Semis, and $50 Round starting 3rd Round win. 120 car minimum. Enter either $10K for $175, or enter both for $300. Sunday’s Leftover race pays $5,000 Win, $1,000 Runner-Up, $500 Semis, and $30 Round starting 3rd Round win. 120 car minimum. Entry is $100, buybacks are $50.

Gates open Wednesday for parking. Gates open Thursday at 8:00 am with time runs at 11:00 am. Gates open Friday and Saturday at 8:00 am with time runs at 10:00 am. Sunday gates open at 9:00 am. For more information visit www.farmingtondragway.net.

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Frank Pellegrini reset the NSS record at Maryland International Raceway on October 15th, 2011 with an 8.263 @ 161.77.

Running out of the 422 Motorsports stable, Pellegrini's "Dearborn Thunder" '65 Falcon has been fitted with a Rich LaMont-built Shelby aluminum 427 FE engine backed by a Leonard Long prepped 5-speed. For more information about 422 Motorsports visit their website at www.422motorsports.com.

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Ed Youmans, driving the Don Nicholson clone 1964 Mercury Comet, scored the 2011 422 Allstars Nostalgia Super Stock title as part of the nine race event series. In recent years Youmans has been close to the title, finishing in the number two spot in 2009 and 2010. Congratulations to Ed and the entire team on their winning effort.

The car is prepared and campaigned out of the 422 Motorsports shop in Oaks, PA and runs a Hilborn-injected cross-bolt 427 FE Ford built by Rich Lamont. The team also campaigns a variety of FE powered Fords and Mercurys that take part in the 422 Allstars series

For additional information on the 422 Allstars Race Series contact Rich Lamont by emailing 422 All Stars.

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If you’re into racin’ large then get to Montgomery MotorSports Park for The 2011 Million Dollar Weekend October 20th – 23rd. There’ll be more big-money bracket racing than you’ll know what to do with, including a $20K race each day Thursday, Friday and Sunday ($20,000 Win, $5,000 Runner-Up, $2,000 Semis, $200 Round starting with 3rd Round Win, $200 entry per race or enter all three for $490, 1st Round buybacks $150), and the big race on Saturday that pays a guaranteed minimum $100,000 Win, $50,000 Runner-Up, $10,000 Semis, $5,000 Quarters, and $1,000 Round starting with 4th Round win. Entry is $2,000, 1st Round buybacks are $500.

Gates open Wednesday October 19th for parking from 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm. Gates open Thursday – Sunday at 8:00 am each day, with time trials beginning at 9:00 a.m. Visit Montgomery MotorSports Park at www.mmpdragracing.com for more information.

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Ghosts, Goblins & Gearheads invade Pittsburgh Raceway Park on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, October 7th – 9th, 2011. Events include prizes for best decorated trailer and pit vehicle and a costume contest for adults and kids. And lots of bracket racing.

Friday includes the Gruesome Ghouls races for Jr. Dragster, Box, and No Box classes. Jr. Dragster pays $200 Win, $100 Runner-Up, and $25 Semis. Box and No Box each pays $600 Win, $200 Runner-Up, and $75 Semis.

Saturday features the Coffin Of Cash races for Jr. Dragster, Box, and No Box classes. Jr. Dragster pays $500 Win, $100 Runner-Up, and $25 Semis. Box and No Box each pays $2,000 Win, $1,000 Runner-Up, $250 Semis, and $25 Round.

Single-day entry fees for Jr. Dragster are $25 on Friday, $35 on Saturday, and $35 on Sunday, or buy a 3-Race Weekend Pass for $75. Single-day entry fees for Box or No Box are $40 for Friday, $65 for Saturday, and $65 for Sunday, or buy a 3-Race Weekend Pass for $125. 1st Round buybacks are $30.

Gates open Friday at 3:00 pm, with a single time-trial session at 6:00 pm. Gates open Saturday and Sunday at 8:00 am, with time trials at 10:00 am. Visit Pittsburgh Raceway Park’s website at www.pittsburghracewaypark.com.

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The Raider ET Challenge closes out its 2011 series at Maryland International Raceway on Saturday and Sunday, October 8th and 9th.

All classes will run in the 1/8 mile; classes include Top ET, Mod ET and Jr. Dragster. Top ET pays $5,000 Win, $1,000 Runner-Up, $250 Semis and $40 Round starting with 2nd Round win. Mod ET pays $2,000 Win, $500 Runner-Up, $150 Semis, and $25 Round starting with 2nd Round win. Jr. Dragster pays $1,000 Win, $200 Runner-Up, $150 Semis, $100 Quarters, and $50 Eighths.

Gates open both days at 9:00 am, with time trials at 10:00 am. Visit www.mirdrag.com for more information including entry fees.

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A week after his victory at the East Coast Nostalgia Stock / Super Stock Association (ECNSSA) race at Cecil County Dragway, George Gudat brought his "Big Red" 1963 1/2 Ford Galaxie to Atco Raceway in an effort to improve his standing in series points. Once again Team Big Red proved up to the task as George waded through the competition, getting by points leader Nick Berti's Fairlane in the semi final, before defeating the 1962 Impala of Allen George in the final round. This victory places Gudat at the top of the ECNSS points standings with a slight lead over Nick Berti. With just one points race left the battle for the ECNSS points championship will be going down to the wire.

The Mid Atlantic Super Gas Association (MASGA) closed out its 2011 season at Atco Raceway on September 17th & 18th. Going into the final 2 races 4 drivers had a shot at the 2011 MASGA Championship but after the smoke had cleared it was Tom Goldman and his “Bullets To Spare” 1958 Corvette holding the year end honor.

On Saturday there was a new face in the winner’s circle as Don Miller and his chop-top 1968 Camaro would be the lone car standing after beating Ed Alessi Jr. and his 1963 “Rat in the Cat” Select Performance Catalina. In the final Miller adapted to the dark conditions better then Alessi as he was .009 on the tree to Alessi’s .065. As the 2 cars traveled down the ¼ mile Alessi started to reel in Miller but, took too much real-estate and ran out with a 9.882 to Miller’s winning 9.928.

On Sunday Walter Olt from nearby Medford, NJ would wheel his “Team Advantage” 03 Corvette to the victory over Steve Sisko. At the flash of the green both drivers were tardy with Sisko getting the advantage .031 to Olt’s .048. As both drivers traveled down the track and got closer to the finish line it would be Olt who played the game better and made up the difference at the starting line with a 9.879 to 9.867 victory over Sisko.

With the Mid Atlantic Super Gas Season coming to a close the top 5 finishers for the season will be honored at the year-end banquet in February. They are Tom Goldman, Pete “Lucky” Luciano, Earl Nichols Jr, Iggie Boicesco, and Shawn Harp. Look for updates on the 2012 season in the near future and if you would like to become a sponsor or member please e-mail Leanne at leanneluciano@hotmail.com.

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After enduring two rain delays, the East Coast Nostalgia Super Stock Association race at Cecil County Dragway finally made it's way to the books on Saturday Sept. 10th.

With the season nearing the end, series points contenders Nick Berti and George Gudat faced off in an all Ford Galaxie final. As Berti rolled his huge 1964 Ford Galaxie into the beams to face down the "Big Red" 1963 1/2 Ford of 2010 series champion Gudat, nearly identical dial-ins on the boards made for an almost heads-up race, just as it would have been done in the old days. George and "Big Red" left the starting line first and Gudat's better reaction time forced Berti to charge hard to make up the difference. Berti broke out in the process, sending George to the winner's circle for the second time this year and tightening up the hotly contested points chase.

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Numidia Dragway has announced their 2011 schedule, and once again the track will present a number of big-money bracket races throughout the course of the year.

The money fun begins Memorial Day Weekend, with $5,000 Electronics and $5,000 Footbrake races on Saturday, May 28th and again on Monday, May 30th. Sandwiched between on Sunday, May 29th are $2,500 Super Pro and $1,500 Pro ET races.

In June, there’ll be $5,000 Electronics and a $2,500 Footbrake races on Friday, June 10th; on Saturday June 11th it’ll be $5,000 Electronics and $5,000 Footbrake, and on Sunday June 12th it’ll be $10,000 Electronics, $5,000 Footbrake, and $1,000 Street.

On Saturday, July 2nd Super Pro pays $2,500, Pro pays $1,500, and Street ET pays $1,000. In September, there are $5,000 Electronics and $5,000 Footbrake races on Saturday, September 3rd, and $2,500 Super Pro, $1,500 Pro, and $1,000 Street on Sunday, September 4th.

October includes three straight weekends of big money racing with $5,000 Electronics and $5,000 Footbrake on Saturday, October 1st and again on Sunday, October 2nd. On Saturday October 8th it’ll be $10,000 Electronics and $2,500 Footbrake; Sunday October 9th it’s $5,000 Electronics and $5,000 Footbrake. On Saturday October 15th and Sunday October 16th, each day includes $5,000 Electronics and $5,000 Footbrake.

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

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Skyview Drags, Tioga Center, N.Y. -- With Hurricane Irene barreling up the eastern seaboard and threatening to bring several inches of rain to Upstate NY beginning Saturday evening, Skyview Drags worked hard to bring a full day of drag racing to Rumble Ridge for the August 27 bracket race.

In Super Pro, Jack Reome from Blodgett Mills, N.Y. has struggled to find his rhythm. Finally, everything worked perfectly this week and Reome powered his dragster into Victory Lane. In the final, Reome drew the equally fast dragster of Russ Denmark out of Ovid, N.Y. Denmark ran a 4.936 ET on his 4.92 dial while Reome ran a 4.793 ET on his 4.78 dial. Reome had the starting line advantage with a better reaction time to give him the win. Chuck Fish from Ithaca, N.Y was the semi-finalist.

In the Pro class final (pictured), it was Frank Lagalbo from Frankfort, N.Y. against John Tracy out of Athens, Pa. Lagalbo left first with his slower-dialed Nova with Tracy giving chase in his ’55 Ford. Tracy had the reaction time advantage that sealed the deal and earned Tracy his first bracket racing win ever.

In the Bike/Sled class, Jamie Hitchcock powered his Ski-Doo sled to Victory Lane for the second week in a row.

Other Skyview winners: Kenneth Roberts (Street Money); Michael Lamb (Street Trophy); Camrie Caruso (Jr. Dragster). Visit www.skyviewdrags.com for full event and schedule information.

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Empire Dragway’s Nostalgia Gold Cup is Saturday August 27th and Sunday August 28th. There are five classes in this 1/8th mile race. No delay boxes allowed in any class.

Nostalgia Gas is for 1966 and older cars running 8.50 and quicker. Mod Gas is for 1972 and older cars running 7.50 and quicker. The payout is the same for Nostalgia Gas and Mod Gas: Winner gets $250 + Gold Cup Trophy, Runner-Up gets $200, Semis get $125, and Quarters get $75. Entry is $25 per day. Street Gas is for 1972 and older street & strip cars; slicks, open headers & transbrakes are permitted. Winner gets $600 + Gold Cup Trophy, Runner-Up gets $250, Semis get $100, and Quarters get $50. Entry is $40 per day. Open Comp is for altereds & front engine dragsters. Winner gets $200 + Gold Cup Trophy, Runner-Up gets $100, Semis get $50, based on 10 entries. Entry is $40 per day. Quick 8 Nostalgia is for 1972 and older; nitrous & blowers are permitted. Winner gets $500 + Gold Cup Trophy, Runner-Up gets $200, Semis get $75. Entry is $75 per day; non-qualifiers can run in Mod Gas, Open Comp, or Nostalgia Gas.

Gates open Saturday at 12:00 noon with time trials at 1:00 pm; gates open Sunday at 9:30 am with time trials at 10:30. Visit www.empiredragway.com for more information.

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Skyview Drags, Tioga Center, N.Y. -- With the weather forecast predicting a high chance of rain in the afternoon of Saturday, August 13th, Skyview Drags successfully pushed hard to get their weekly event finished before the skies opened up.

In Super Pro twenty-two racers signed up to vie for the $900 top prize. In the final, Chet Dragon and his altered would run the left lane dialed a 6.57 and Kathy Kiekel in her pick-up would run the right lane dialed a 6.03. With nearly identical reaction times, Kiekel gave chase to Dragon and in one of the closest finish line runs, Dragon broke out by 1/10,000 of a second running a 6.5699 to give Kiekel her third win of the season.

In the Pro class, thirty-three racers competed for the $900 top prize. In the final round, Mike Scribani from Delhi, N.Y. dialed a 6.60 on his Camaro and Jeff Coleman from Barton, N.Y. dialed a 7.10 on his Camaro. As both cars staged, Scribani suffered a trans-brake failure that caused his car to back out of the staging beams. The win light came on for Coleman and he notched his very first victory in Skyview’s Pro class.

Other Skyview winners: Brent Garcia (Bike/Sled); Shanon Fenton (Street Money); Howie Conklin (Street Trophy); Brandon Searcy (Teen); Jared Baker (Jr. Dragster).

Visit www.skyviewdrags.com for full event and schedule information.

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If you're in the business of building race engines, the latest issue of Performance Racing Industry magazine is for you. The cover story by Andy Heintzelman is Race Machining Technology, and discusses advances in CNC, honing and balancing. Keep up with all of these advances by attending the 24th Annual PRI Show, December 1st - 3rd in Orlando, FL. For information on attending, click HERE.

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Maryland International Raceway’s $10K - $2K Poker Bash is Saturday and Sunday, August 20th and 21st. Each day has a $10,000 Top ET race, a $2,000 Win Mod ET race, and a $1,000 Win Poker Contest.

Top ET pays $10,000 Win, $2,000 Runner-Up, $750 Semis, $500 Quarters, $250 Eighths, and $150 Sixteenths. Entry is $161, 1st and 2nd Round buybacks are $100.

Mod ET pays $2,000 Win, $750 Runner-Up, $250 Semis, $100 Quarters, and $75 Eighths. Entry is $61, 1st and 2nd Round buybacks are $40.

No double entries, no throttle stops. Gates open Saturday at 11:00 am with times runs at 2:30 pm. Gates open Sunday at 9:00 am with a time trial at 10:00 am.

Visit www.mirdrag.com for more info.

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Saturday August 20th is the Footbrake Moneyfest at Elk Creek Dragway, paying $2,500 Win, $500 Runner-Up, $125 Semis, and $20 per round won starting with 3rd Round. Payouts based on a 65-car minimum. Entry is $60, 1st and 2nd Round buybacks are $30.

Double entries are permitted, but transbrakes and delay boxes are not allowed in footbrake cars.

Gates open at 11:00 am, with time runs at 1:00 pm. Visit www.elkcreekdragway.com for more information.

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Skyview Drags, Tioga Center, N.Y. – It was another gorgeous day of bracket racing at Skyview Drags today, Saturday, July 30th.

In Super Pro, 21 racers brought their dragsters, door slammers, altereds and roadsters to the staging lanes looking to take home the $900 winner’s prize. After losing first round, Don Kiekel from Binghamton, N.Y. and his Danny Nelson Racecraft dragster made their way through buybacks and continued to win rounds. Meanwhile, Randy Teed from Friendsville, Pa. was working his Camaro through the field with his sights set on the final. In the final, Teed dialed a 6.16 and would leave first against Kiekel’s 5.33 dial. Unfortunately, mechanical difficulties sent Teed’s Camaro lurching ahead, breaking the beams early causing him to foul and handing the win to Kiekel.

In Pro ET, 34 racers rolled their modified cars onto the track looking to take home the $900 top prize. Rookie racer and current points leader Tim Zyla, out of Sayre, Pa. has been dominating the class in the Manley Houghtalen Camaro that he started driving this year. Zyla steamrolled his way through the field and into another final. This time he would face the Belvedere of Zane Furman out of Camptown, Pa. Furman had a good .557 reaction time but his car broke out when it ran a 7.00 on his 7.02 dial and the win light automatically went to Zyla. Zyla had a better .525 reaction time off the starting line and the Camaro ran dead on his 6.34 dial.

Other winners: Boyd McGarry (Bike/Sled), Shanon Fenton (Street Money), Howie Conklin (Street Trophy), Teresa Kurtz (Teen Championship).

For more information about Skyview Drags or to see a full schedule of track events visit www.skyviewdrags.com.

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New England Dragway’s Ford Fest is Saturday August 13th and Sunday August 14th. In addition to other Ford eliminators and shootouts, there are four bracket racing classes for all Fords and Ford-powered vehicles.

Fast Ford: delay boxes and other electronics allowed. ET Break 12.99 & quicker. Handicapped start .500 full tree. Payout is $1,000 Win, $500 Runner Up, $200 Semis (all based on 100 entries). Entry is $50 each day. Quick Ford: no delay boxes or throttle stops allowed. Transbrakes and two-steps okay. ET Break 9.00 & slower. Handicapped start .500 full tree. Payout is $1,000 Win, $500 Runner Up, $200 Semis (all based on 100 entries). Entry is $50 each day. Street Ford: DOT approved drag tires & open headers allowed. No delay boxes, two-steps, trans-brakes or throttle stops allowed. No ET break. Handicapped start .500 full tree. Payout is $350 Win, $150 Runner Up, $50 Semis (all based on 64 entries). Entry is $35 each day. Tuff Truck: DOT approved drag tires & open headers allowed. No delay boxes, two-steps, trans-brakes or throttle stops allowed. No ET break. Handicapped start .500 full tree. Payout is $350 Win, $150 Runner Up, $50 Semis (all based on 64 entries). Entry is $35 each day.

Gates open Saturday and Sunday at 8:00 am, with time trials at 9:00 am. Visit newenglanddragway.com for more info.

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Come out to Maryland International Raceway on Saturday August 13th for MIR’s Mod ET $2K Doubleheader for two chances to win $2,000 in one day. Each race pays $2,000 Win, $750 Runner-Up, $250 Semis, $100 Quarters, and $75 Eighths. Entry is $61 per race, and 1st & 2nd Round buybacks are $40.

Run either race, or run both. 1 driver may drive 2 cars; no double entry permitted. Delay boxes, trans brakes, two steps (unless manual transmission), air or electric shifters, dual line locks and throttle stops are prohibited in Mod ET. All purses guaranteed except in the event of low car count, due to rain or inclement weather. Break Policy: 50% of entry issued in gate credit.

Gates open at 10:00 am, with Mod ET test & tune at 10:30 am. The first race’s eliminations begin at 1:00 pm; the second race’s eliminations will be approximately 7:00 pm. For more information visit www.mirdrag.com.

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After two years running their nostalgia drags at Island Dragway, the 2011 Dover Nostalgia Drags will be held August 20th – 21st at Lebanon Valley Dragway. This year’s event will include a car show & swap meet, along with NETO, The East Coast Gassers, and six nostalgia funny cars including Bob Sweatland’s “Lil Missbehaviour.” Classes include Dover New for anything post-1976 (the year the track closed), Dover Vintage for pre-1976, Dover 4-Speed Eliminator, and Dover Comp for altereds, gassers, rails, and anything supercharged.

Richmond Dragway’s 10 Grand Slam weekend is coming up Saturday and Sunday August 6th - 7th. These 1/8th Mile gambler races are open to Top ET / Super Pro vehicles dialing 0.00 to 8.49, electronics permitted. No double entries allowed.

 

 

 

 

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You think drag racing isn't big in other countries? Think again! I’ve noticed a lot of traffic lately coming to The Dragtime News from Sweden, so I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge my Swedish visitors.

I first began seeing traffic from Sweden when I published Burnouts 101: Heat Your Tires Without Beating Your Parts. The Swedish Stock & Super Stock Association picked it up and posted a link on their Facebook page. I didn’t even know there was a Swedish Stock & Super Stock Association! When I visited their page, it was apparent that they take their Stock and Super Stock racing seriously.

Most recently I was at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park for the Summer Motorsports Spectacular when I met Benny Alvenstrand. He was taking pictures of the Dodge so I went over and introduced myself. As we chatted he said we was here visiting from Sweden and that he publishes a website called Snucke (www.snucke.com) which is dedicated to his love of racing and Mopars. He’s a true die-hard drag racing fan.

It's pretty cool when our sport is being actively supported and grown beyond our own borders.

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Numidia Dragway plays host to The .90 Nationals on Saturday, August 27th (rain date: Sunday, August 28th), open to all NHRA and IHRA 8.90 and 9.90 cars. These classes will run separately; this is not a combo race. Each race pays $5,000 Win, $1,900 Runner-Up, $1,000 Semis, $500 Quarters, $225 4th Round, and $120 3rd Round, based on 85 entries per class.

Gates open at 8:00 am, with time shots at 11:00 am and 1st round to start 45 minutes after qualifying (1st round is random lane pairings, 2nd round will go on a ladder).

The entry fees per class are $155 if pre-paid by May 31st; $170 if pre-paid by July 17th, and $200 at the gate (cash only). E-mail Rekeister@aol.com for more information.

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The Mid Atlantic Super Comp Association (MASCA) and The Mid Atlantic Super Gas Association (MASGA) will return to action at Atco Raceway on August 13th & 14th. MASCA & MASGA will be joined by the East Coast Stock / Super Stock series and the $10,000 & $5,000 Hoosier Footbrake Races.

MASCA has completed 4 events so far in the 2011 season with Tom Boyle, Jeff Livezey Jr, and Joey Cambria each claiming victories. Boyle is leading the points going into Atco with 4 races to go but is closely followed by Cambria, Dave Long, Livezey and Bill Hardifer.

MASGA has completed 6 races in the 2011 season with Tom Goldman claiming two wins and Iggie Boisceco, Kelli Barbato, Earl Nichols Jr and Scott Reinfod each claiming a win each. Goldman leads the points going into Atco with a small lead over Nichols, Pete Luciano, Shawn Harp and George Smith.

Gates will be open on Friday night (weather permitting) for anyone who is traveling from a long distance and would like to park. On Saturday and Sunday gates open at 9:00 am and time runs start at 10:00 am. Entry fees are $70.00 for Super Gas, to be paid to Lucky or Leanne, and $65.00 for Super Comp to be paid to Rob Keister. Gate & crew fees are paid at the entrance and are separate from the associations’ entry fees.
For any questions on MASCA, email Rob Keister at ReKeister@aol.com. For questions about MASGA e-mail Leanne at leanneluciano@hotmail.com or visit the webpage at www.midatlanticsupergas.com.

Skyview Drags, Tioga Center, N.Y. - Hot weather has invaded the Northeast and Saturday July 16th was no exception as a blazing sun blistered the Mid-Season Championships held at Skyview Drags. With an entire day filled with double points races on the line, racers filled the pits to take their shot at the top money and to add to their points as the standings in each class tighten up for the second half of the season.

In the Super Pro final, Ontario, NY’s Chuck White and his Malibu faced points leader Kathy Kiekel from Binghamton, N.Y. White had a .517 reaction time to Kiekel’s best-of-the-day .503. Kiekel ran a 6.059 on her 6.03 dial and White ran a 6.671 on his 6.66 dial. In the end, the margin of victory was .003 in White’s favor as he earned his second win at Skyview this season.

In the Pro final, current points leader Tim Zyla out of Sayre, Pa. faced second place points racer Steve Cross from Friendsville, Pa. Zyla had the advantage off the starting line with a .562 reaction time to Cross’ .621 but both race cars would break out by running under their dials. Cross ran a 6.335 ET on his 6.39 dial while Zyla ran a 6.319 on his 6.33 dial in to take the win light.

In the Bike/Sled final, Kenny Dolatowski from Camillus, N.Y. faced Brent Garcia his Buell from Cincinnatus, N.Y. Garcia, dialed in at a 6.92, would leave first with Dolatowski, dialed in at a 6.24 giving chase. Garcia had a .632 reaction time but Dolatowski was too eager to chase him down and went red off the starting line, handing the win over to Garcia.

Visit www.skyviewdrags.com for their complete schedule and racing information.

Virginia Motorsports Park presents The Big Showdown on Saturday, July 30th, including Quick 8 Shootout, 4.40 Shootout, Grudge Racing and testing for ADRL cars and bikes.

The Quick 8 Shootout pays $2,000 Win, $1,000 Runner-Up, and $500 Semis. Open to all doorcars, entry is free with a $30 Test & Tune card. The 4.40 Shootout pays $1,200 Win, $600 Runner-Up, and $300 Semis. Also open to all door cars, entry is free with a $30 Test & Tune card.

Gates open 2:00 pm. Visit www.virginiamotorsports.com for more information.

The Mid Atlantic Super Comp Association (MASCA) ran race #s 3 & 4 of their 2011 season on July 9th & 10th at Maple Grove Raceway. On Saturday Frank Lauria and his '02 Quay dragster took the #1 qualifying spot with an 8.902. As eliminations got underway it would be local resident Joey Cambria and his “Bushwacker” 2003 Ken’s Kustoms dragster who would pull a “double-up” over the weekend. Cambria would start out by taking down Jeremy Hine, #3-in-points Dave Long and Bill Hardifer. In the final Cambria would take down Middletown, DE’s Chris Garretson’s '96 Quay dragster after Garretson took a slight starting line advantage but couldn’t run on the 8.90 index, handing the win the Cambria.

Elk Creek Dragway presents Mustang Mania on Friday, July 15th, 2011 and Ford vs. The World on Saturday July 16th, 2011.

Mustang Mania includes Street Mustang that pays $200 Win and $50 Runner-Up; entry is $15, and there’s a $5 buyback. Footbrake Mustang pays $500 Win and $100 Runner-Up, entry is $15, and there’s a $5 buyback. Gates open Friday at 5:00 pm, with time runs at 6:00 pm.

Ford Vs. The World includes Super Pro Eliminator that pays a guaranteed $2,500 Win, $300 Runner-Up, and $50 Semis; entry + Wild Card Buy Back: $80. Footbrake pays a guaranteed $2,000 Win and $200 Runner-Up; Entry + Wild Card Buy Back: $55. Gates open Saturday at 11:00 am, with time runs at 1:00 pm.

The Wild Card Buy Back is a one and only buy back into the race. It can be used in any round. For example, if you lose in the 4th round, turn in the wild card and you’re back in. According to Elk Creek Dragway's event flyer, if you have your unused Wild Card at the end of the race they’ll buy it back.

For more information visit www.elkcreekdragway.com.

Social media may be a new frontier for some racing businesspeople, but when used properly, it can prove to be cost-effective and beneficial to a racing business. Here are some ways racing businesses are using Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn and more to promote themselves. Learn what's right for your racing business, and how social media keeps you connected to your best customers. CLICK HERE to continue...

 

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TIOGA CENTER, N.Y. - A perfect race day was on tap for the Tommy Ingalls No Guts No Glory Gambler's Race hosted by Skyview Drags on Saturday, July 9. Ingalls, from Oneonta, N.Y. was a long time bracket racer and had called Skyview his home track since 2005. He passed away on October 21, 2010 at age 53 after a courageous battle with cancer. His family joined their closest friends in honoring his love of drag racing by participating in a Box / No Box gamblers race with over $4,500 in payout money.

The day got underway as 36 Box cars took to the track. In the semi-final round, Joe Ingalls took the win over Dean Olschewske from Ontario, N.Y. Ingalls had a stellar .502 reaction time and ran a 6.157 on his 6.11 dial. Olschewske had a .550 reaction but his car ran a 6.523 on a 6.19 dial. Paul Kelsch, also from Ontario, N.Y. had a bye into the final.

The No Box class started with 38 cars. In the semi-finals Rob Nelson defeated Mike Scribani from Delhi, N.Y. Dave Fetterman, from Binghamton, N.Y. had a bye run into the final.

With only four cars remaining, the finals of each class were set. Unfortunately, it was then late at night and the dew had set in. There was also debris on the track from the fireworks show courtesy of track owner George Swansbrough. All four drivers got together and agreed to split the purse money and give the Tommy Ingalls No Guts No Glory trophies to the local racers, declaring them the winners of this one-time event. Pictured in photo are Tommy Ingalls No Guts No Glory Gambler's Race winners Paul Kelsch, Rob Nelson, Joe Ingalls and Dave Fetterman as they celebrate in Victory Lane with the late Ingalls' Corvette.

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The Mid Atlantic Nostalgia Drag Racers Association (MANDRA) has announced its 2011 schedule, which features 15 points events and 3 non-points weekends.

MANDRA’s points series kicks off April 2nd at Mason Dixon Dragway; after that it’s May 1st (Island Dragway), May 15th (Numidia Dragway), May 22nd (Quarter Aces), May 28th & 29th (Beaver Springs Dragway), June 4th (Atco Raceway), June 11th (Cecil County Dragway), June 26th (Island Dragway), July 2nd & 3rd (Maple Grove Raceway), July 23rd (Mason Dixon Dragway), August 14th (Numidia Dragway), September 3rd & 4th (Beaver Springs Dragway), September 11th (Quarter Aces), October 8th (Atco Raceway), and October 22nd ( Cecil County Dragway).

The non-points weekends are June 10th – 12th (Beaver Springs Dragway’s Gasser Reunion), June 16th – 18th (Bowling Green’s Hot Rod Reunion), and July 8th – 10th (York US30 Reunion).

Members receive decals for their cars as well as the MANDRA newsletter, which is published throughout the year featuring race results, current points standings, and other current news. Race winners also receive a winner’s decal, and, at certain events, a share of a cash purse. At the season’s end, the top 20 points earners receive cash awards, with special trophies going to the top 3.

For more information or to download a MANDRA membership application, visit www.mandraracing.com.

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The East Coast Gassers are back for another season of old-school drag racing. Their 2011 schedule kicks off June 10th -12th with the Gasser Reunion at Beaver Springs Dragway. The week after they’ll be at Numidia Dragway on June 19th, then it’s back to Beaver Springs on July 9th & 10th for the York US30 Reunion. On July 24th, the Gassers make the trip to Old Bridge Township Raceway Park in Englishtown, NJ for the Old Time Drags & Funny Car Reunion. In August, they pay a visit to Lebanon Dragway for the two-day Dover Nostalgia Drags August 20th & 21st. On September18th the next stop is the Mopar Nationals at Atco Raceway. Rounding out the schedule is the Jalopy Showdown at Beaver Springs Dragway on October 1st, Atco Raceway on October 8th, and Atco Raceway on November 6th for the track’s Fall Finale.

The East Coast Gassers’ intent is that all cars in competition closely resemble the outward appearance of the gas cars that competed in the 50s through the early 70s.

For a complete list of rules, visit www.eastcoastgassers.com.

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If you’re a racing professional (dragstrip owner / operator, engine builder, chassis builder, transmission or drivetrain builder, machinist, racing retailer, etc.), make sure to keep yourself current with the cutting-edge of technology and go to Orlando the week of Monday, November 28, through Saturday, December 3 and attend the events of Race Industry Week 2011. It's the week of the annual Performance Racing Industry Trade Show (The PRI Show), December 1-3, 2011, in the the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. With 1,100 companies exhibiting the latest advances in racing components and over 40,000 racing business people in attendance, the PRI Trade Show has been the gathering place each year for racing professionals for over two decades. If you've never attended The PRI Show, visit our Dragtime News On Location coverage of the 2010 show HERE to see a report from the show floor.

Additional events have chosen to co-locate with the PRI Trade Show, offering even more value for the price of a plane ticket to those who make a living in racing. Race engine builders, race track owners and operators, race safety personnel, race car builders and more will find extraordinary special events specifically for their interests and education. Here's a look at the schedule of events for Race Industry Week 2011: AETC Race Engine Seminar Series (Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday); Vehicle Dynamics & Data Acquisition Seminar - Advanced Advice on Chassis Tuning For Race Teams (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday); Professional Motorsport Circuit Convention 2011 - Business Strategies for Race Track Owners & Operators (Tuesday, Wednesday); Annual Congress of ICMS - Meeting of Racing's Most Prestigious Safety Organization (Wednesday, Thursday); Industry Roundtable - The Best Annual Panel Discussion on Key Issues in Racing Today (Wednesday); EFI University XFI Training Course - Seminar on Electronic Fuel Injection for Performance & Racing Applications (Wednesday); PRI Trade Show - 3 Biggest Business Days in Racing (Thursday, Friday, Saturday); Exhibitor Seminars - Over 20 Technical Seminars Offered by Exhibiting Companies at no charge (Thursday, Friday, Saturday); Management Seminars - 6 Business Seminars Specifically for Racing Entrepreneurs (Friday, Saturday); Bobby Rahal Young Drivers Symposium - Career Advice from Rahal & Other Experts (Saturday).

To register, reserve room or get more information on The PRI Show, go to www.performanceracing.com/tradeshow.

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Great Meadows NJ, June 26th 2011 - Today's Nostalgia Race Event at Island Dragway showcased the cars of three nostalgia drag racing organizations (MANDRA, NETO and NENDRA) along with four nostalgia brackets which allowed non-club members to participate at this historic New Jersey drag racing venue. Of particular note were the class victories of two diehard AMC racers, Blaine Hertzog (left in the photo) and Rob Dunham. Hertzog, a multi-time class and bracket title winner, brought home top honors in the Nostalgia 4 bracket with his deadly consistent 1971 AMC S/C Hornet.

The Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Spectacular is coming to Maryland Int’l Raceway on July 8th - 10th with cash purses and awards up for grabs for the track’s Speed Unlimited ET Series racers in Top ET, Modified ET and Junior Dragster.

In Top ET (1/4 mile, 12.99 & quicker), the winner payout will be $5,000 to win plus an IHRA Ironman Trophy. There's also $2,000 to the runner-up, $750 to the semi-finalists and $100 per round starting with 2nd round winners. The entry fee in Top ET is $125, and re-entry is $80. In Modified ET (1/4 mile, all run race), the winner payout will be $2,000 to win plus an IHRA Ironman Trophy. There's also $750 to the runner-up, $250 to the semi-finalists, $100 to the quarter-finalists and $75 to the eighth-finalists. The entry fee in Modified ET is $60, and re-entry is $40.

In Junior Dragster, the winner payout will be a $1,000 savings bonds plus an IHRA Ironman Trophy. There’s also a $200 savings bond going to the runner-up, $100 savings bond to the semis and a $50 savings bond to the quarters. The class will consist of one age group only (the same as MIR’s weekly ET program) and is treated just like Top Dragster, Quick Rod or any of the other IHRA classes. The entry fee in Junior Dragster is $40, and re-entry is $20.

Both IHRA and NHRA valid memberships, licenses and chassis tags accepted. If you are running the ET classes only, you only need to have an IHRA/NHRA membership if you’re fast enough to require it. Visit MIR’s website at www.mirdrag.com for more info.

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Beaver Springs Dragway’s 8th Annual York Nostalgia Nationals is Saturday and Sunday July 9th and 10th. This is one of Beaver Springs’ biggest events of the year, and includes NETO, Nostalgia Super Stock, Jr. Stock, Nostalgia Funny Cars, East Coast Gassers, and Nostalgia ET bracket racing. Jr. Stock is for 1975 and earlier, period-correct, factory or flat hood cars. No electronics, $1,000 purse. Nostalgia ET is for 1975 and earlier race cars, no electronics (transbrakes are OK), $1,000 purse.

Gates open Saturday at 8:00 am with nostalgia test & tune beginning at 10:00 am. Gates open Sunday at 8:00 am, with time trials at 9:00 am. Visit www.beaversprings.com for more info.

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Atco’s Summer Series continues July 4th weekend with $5,000 gambler’s races on Friday and Sunday, and a $10,000 on Saturday. ET Breaks are 6.50 – 12.99, electronics permitted.

The $5Ks each pay $5,000 Win, $2,000 Runner-Up, $800 Semis, and $400 Quarters. Below the quarters, $75 Round starts with 3rd Round loser. Entry is $140, buybacks are $90. The $10K pays $10,000 Win, $3,000 Runner-Up, $1,000 Semis, and $500 Quarters. Below the quarters, $100 Round starts with 3rd Round loser. Entry is $190, buybacks are $120.

Gates open Friday at 11:00 am with time trials until 3:30 pm and eliminations following. Gates open Saturday and Sunday at 9:00 am, with time trials until 12:00 noon and eliminations following. Visit www.atcoraceway.com.

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Hanna Motorsports, Enfield, CT, a 47-year professional exhibition drag race company, announces the signing of a sponsorship agreement with GOJO Industries, Inc. Akron, Ohio. GOJO will be represented on Hanna Motorsports’ exhibition jet car teams, with the primary car being the “First Strike” Firebird of driver Rich Hanna, which will now be known as the “GOJO Firebird.” The Firebird is the current ‘World Speed and ET Record Holder’ in the Jet Funny Car category, having run a best time of 5.42 @ 296 MPH. “We are extremely proud to represent GOJO with our exhibition jet car teams and look forward to a successful, growing, and long-term relationship”, states Al Hanna, President of Hanna Motorsports. Driver Rich Hanna adds, “This is really exciting for Hanna Motorsports. I am proud to represent GOJO, America’s #1 Brand of Heavy Duty Hand Cleaner, at events across the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico. 2011 should be great.”

Diana Costanzo, Marketing Director for GOJO, echoed the Hannas’ comments. “We look forward to working with Al, Rich, and the entire Hanna Motorsports team. Many of their loyal fans enjoy fixing cars and doing work that gets their hands dirty, and we want them to know GOJO is the best choice for getting their hands clean. We believe Hanna Motorsports is the perfect fit to help us connect with our customers. We’re very excited to start and grow this program with them.”

The Hanna Motorsports team cars, the “Queen of Diamonds” 300 MPH Jet Dragster, driven by Jill Canuso, the ”GOJO Firebird”, and the “Top Secret” Firebird, driven by Ken Hall, are recognized as one of the top teams in the history of the exhibition jet car category. In 2011, the team cars will appear in between 60 and 70 events, including race events, trade shows, auto shows, and other special venues, and all will carry the GOJO logo.

The GOJO Firebird makes its initial 2011 debut at the traditional Easter Weekend event at Roxboro Dragway, Roxboro, North Carolina, April 23-24. The entire team debuts the ‘GOJO’ colors at the upcoming Blaster Racing/Lucas Oil NHRA Points Series Championship race being held at Summit Motorsports Park, Norwalk, Ohio, May 13-15.

For more information about the GOJO Skin Health Program for Tough Soils Environments, visit www.gojo.com/automotive.

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Have you ever thought of running at a Mid-Atlantic Nostalgia Drag Racing Association (MANDRA) event, but you’re not currently a member? If so, come out and race with MANDRA at Beaver Springs Dragway on Saturday, July 9 during the York US30 Reunion. On this day only, MANDRA is opening its roster to non-members for non-points racing. Dust off your pre-1972 muscle car and test your reaction time against some of the best nostalgia racers in the Mid-Atlantic region. On the day of the race, simply sign in at the MANDRA headquarters trailer. All entries must meet MANDRA rules, which are available at www.mandraracing.com.

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Many racers in The Dragtime News audience own speed shops, engine shops, transmission and chassis shops, lettering shops, or other performance retail businesses. This article by Performance Racing Industry is for you.

The Tri-State Stock / Super Stock Association has announced a seven-race series for 2011: April 2nd – 3rd (Mason-Dixon Dragway), May 29th (Quaker City Motorsports Park), June 4th (Pittsburgh Raceway Park), July 10th (Beaver Springs Dragway), September 10th (Pittsburgh Raceway Park), September 17th (Quaker City Motorsports Park), and November 5th & 6th (Mason-Dixon Dragway). All races are 1/4 mile and are open to any legal NHRA or IHRA classed S/SS car.

Points and non-points racers are eligible for the same race payouts: 23 cars guarantees $1,000 Win and $500 Runner-Up; 40 cars guarantees $1,500 Win and $700 Runner-Up. Round money starts at $50 2nd round, and doubles each round after ($100 3rd round, $200 4th round, $400 5th round, in a six round race).

These payouts apply to Tri-State Stock / Super Stock races with a $100 entry. Win two rounds and get your entry fee back. Win one round, get half of it back.

For more information about joining the Tri-State Stock / Super Stock Association, contact Mike Carr at dragrace1302@verizon.net.

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The East Coast Electric Drag Racing Association (ECEDRA) will be coming to Numidia Dragway on June 25, 2011. ECEDRA is a coalition of racing enthusiasts, EV racing owners and supporters with a goal in promoting the sport of electric vehicle racing. The association promotes the use of electric vehicles for racing as a sport. The EV world is growing daily with members from all over the east coast of the United States and beyond.

Gates open at 9:00 am, with a test & tune at 10:00 am. I’m guessing you can leave the earplugs at home. For more information about the ECEDRA, visit their website at www.ecedra.com.

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The East Coast Nostalgia Super Stock series held their 2011 opener at Atco Raceway on June 5, 2011. With twelve cars entered, the final round came down to the same pair that faced off at the series finale last November: Steve Consentino's 413 Max Wedge-powered "Yankee Clipper" 1962 Dodge Dart wagon from Dumont, NJ against the 2010 series champion "Big Red" 1963 1/2 406 Ford Galaxie of George Gudat and Charlie Morris of Toms River, NJ. On this day Steve was robbed of his chance at revenge for the previous final round defeat at the hands of George and his big Ford when a charging system problem caused him to miss the call to the lanes. George soloed at 11.38 118 mph for the win and an early points lead for the season.

The Mid Atlantic Super Gas Association will invade Numidia Dragway for 2 races on Father’s Day Weekend June 18th & 19th, 2011. This will be the 5th year that MASGA has visited the “Thrills in the Hills” in Numidia, Pa.

An added bonus to joining MASGA at Numidia on Father’s Day Weekend is what Track Owner Bob DiMino is doing for the association. DiMino is stepping up to the plate and guaranteeing the payout of $1,000 to the winner on each day. DiMino has also added an additional bonus to the MASGA racers. If the car count is more than 30, DiMino will up the payout to the winner to $1,500 dollars. DiMino will once again live up to Numidia Dragway’s nickname as the “Home Of The Guaranteed Payout.”

Each day’s entry is $35.00 at the gate and then once inside racers pay Lucky or Leanne the $70.00 MASGA entry to run the MASGA race for that day. You can race on one day or both, it is not required that you attend both days.

To join MASGA visit www.midatlanticsupergas.com, scroll to the middle of the page and click on the membership form button; otherwise you can simply join at the track. For questions you can forward them to Leanne Luciano at leanneluciano@hotmail.com.

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Maryland International Raceway gives their Electronics racers two chances to win $5,000 on Saturday June 18th, 2011 at the Top ET $5K Double Header. Each race pays $5,000 Win, $1,000 Runner-Up, $300 Semis, and $40 Round starting with 2nd Round Winners. Entry is $99 per race, or $179 for both. 1st & 2nd Round buybacks are $75.

Each race is on the 1/8th Mile for 0.00 – 8.49 dials. No throttle stops. No double-entries, but one driver may drive two cars. Gates open 10:00 am, with time trials for the first race at 10:30 am and 1st Race at 1:00 pm; the 2nd Race is 7:00 pm. For more information visit www.mirdrag.com.

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For those of you interested in going really flat-out but don’t want to go all the way to the Bonneville Salt Flats, did you know there’s a high-speed event in the Northeast? It’s in Maine at the upcoming 2011 Maine Event to be held July 15th – 17th at Loring Air Force Base in Limestone, ME.

Numidia Dragway continues their 2011 series of big bucks bracket races this weekend with Super Bucks In The Hills for three days of guaranteed-payout big-money bracket racing.

Friday, June 10th has races for Electronics and Footbrake. Electronics pays $5,000 Win, $2,000 Runner-Up, $800 Semis, $400 Quarters, and $75 Round beginning 3rd round loser. Entry is $150, and buybacks are $90. Footbrake pays $2,500 Win, $1,000 Runner-Up, $500 Semis, and $60 Round beginning 3rd round loser. Entry is $100, and buybacks are $50. Gates open Friday at 10:00 am.

Saturday June 11th has $5,000 races for Electronics and Footbrake. Each race pays $5,000 Win, $2,000 Runner-Up, $800 Semis, $400 Quarters, and $75 Round beginning 3rd round loser. Entry is $150, and buybacks are $90. Gates open Saturday at 9:00 am.

Sunday June 12th has has races for Electronics and Footbrake. Electronics pays $10,000 Win, $3,000 Runner-Up, $1,000 Semis, $500 Quarters, and $100 Round beginning 3rd round loser. Entry is $190, and buybacks are $120. Footbrake pays $5,000 Win, $2,000 Runner-Up, $800 Semis, $400 Quarters, and $75 Round beginning 3rd round loser. Entry is $150, and buybacks are $90. Gates open Sunday at 8:00 am.

For more information, visit Numidia Dragway’s website at www.numidiadragway.com.

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Montgomery MotorSports Park's Super 7 Series continues June 17th - 19th with three days of money races. Friday includes a Gambler's Race. The big money is Saturday and Sunday for Super Pro. Each day pays $7,000 Win, $2,000 Runner-Up, $1,000 Semis, $500 Quarters, and $50 Round starting with 3rd Round Winner. Entry for any single race is $150; 1st or 2nd Round buybacks are $100. Payouts based on 100 entries. Each day also has races for No Box that pay $1,500 Win, $300 Runner-Up, $150 Semis, and $50 Quarters. Entry is $45 per race.

Mason-Dixon Dragway’s Memorial Day Weekend Classic is Friday May 27th - Monday May 30th, 2011, with a $50-entry Gambler’s Race on Friday night, followed by three days of brackets for Super ET, Pro ET, Street ET, Motorcycle, Trophy, and Jrs.

Super ET pays $2,500 Win, $750 Runner-Up, and $50 Round beginning 3rd Round win. Entry is $75 per race. Pro ET pays $1,500 Win, $600 Runner-Up, and 50 Round beginning 3rd Round win. Entry is $60 per race. Street ET pays $300 Win and $150 Runner-Up. Entry is $40 per race. Motorcycle pays $500 Win, $200 Runner-Up. Entry is $40 per race. Trophy and Jr. Dragster winners receive a trophy.

Gates open Friday at 3:00 pm, Saturday at 10:00 am, Sunday and Monday at 8:00 am. Visit www.masondixondragway.com.

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Lebanon Valley Dragway plays host to MusclePalooza XIII on Sunday, May 29th, 2011, with 1/4 mile drag racing and a muscle car show. The event is open to all domestic street-legal muscle cars in sound, working order. A special feature is the F.A.S.T. SHOOTOUT (open to qualifying candidates). F.A.S.T is for stock-appearing, tweaked and tuned muscle cars running quite offten in the 10s, going at it in head-to-head dragstrip shootouts.

Gates open at 8:00 am; bracket racing time trials start at 10:00 am, with eliminations at 1:00 pm. The Muscle Car Show registration closes at 12:00 noon, with judging at 1:00 p.m. Visit www.dragway.com for more info.

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Numidia Dragway kicks off their 2011 series of big bucks bracket races Memorial Day Weekend, with three days of guaranteed-payout big-money bracket racing.

Saturday, May 28th has $5,000 money races for Super Pro (electronics, 6.00 – 14.99) and Pro ET (footbrake, 9.00 – 19.99). Each race pays $5,000 Win, $1,200 Runner-Up, $225 6th Round, $165 5th Round, $120 4th Round, and $75 3rd Round. Entry for each race is $150, and buybacks are $50. Gates open Saturday at 10:00 am.

Sunday May 29th is a Summit Series Points Race with bonus payouts: Super Pro (electronics, 7.00 – 11.99) pays $2,500 Win, $800 Runner-Up, and $55 Round beginning 3rd Round loss. Super Pro entry is $65, with a $50 buyback. Pro ET (footbrake, 9.00 – 17.99) pays $1,500 Win, $700 Runner-Up, and $40 Round beginning with 3rd Round loss. Pro ET entry is $50, with a $40 buyback. Gates open Sunday at 8:00 am.

Monday, May 30th has $5,000 races for Super Pro and Pro ET. Each race pays $5,000 Win, $1,200 Runner-Up, $225 6th Round, $165 5th Round, $120 4th Round, and $75 3rd Round. Entry for each race is $150, and buybacks are $50. Gates open Monday at 8:00 am.

Never been to Numidia Dragway? Check out our Dragtime News On Location coverage from last year's Memorial Day and Labor Day events. For more information, visit Numidia Dragway’s website at www.numidiadragway.com.

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Elk Creek Dragway keeps it really old on May 21st, 2011 at Charlie Overfelt’s Nostalgia Show, and I do mean really old: the age break is for 1964 and older cars only. My Dodge would just make it in!

Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels returns to the funny car racing scene in support of NHRA Heritage Series racers at several upcoming Heritage Series events including the March Meet (Bakersfield CA, March 18-20), the Nightfire Nationals (Boise ID, August 11-14) and the California Hot Rod Reunion, (Bakersfield CA, October 21-23).

Mickey Thompson motorsports staff will be on-site at each event to provide trackside support and service to the Heritage Series racers. In addition, Mickey Thompson will reward winning racers with $500, and event runners up with $200. This is considered to be an independent support program developed by Mickey Thompson for NHRA Heritage Series racers and is not part of a formal contingency awards program as defined by the NHRA.

“We enjoy supporting the NHRA Heritage Series racers,” stated Carl Robinson, Motorsports Manager, Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels. “We’re looking forward to being trackside with support at some of the big races this year in the midst of funny car racing action.”

For more information about Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels, visit their website at www.mickeythompsontires.com.

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Empire Dragway’s 1/8 Mile Shootout is Sunday, May 29th, 2011, with gambler’s races for Box (0.00 – 8.99 dial) and No Box (any dial).

The 2011 North East Nostalgia Drag Racing Association (NENDRA) season got underway recently, albeit at a venue other than originally planned. With their first event (scheduled for Island Dragway) cancelled due to flooding, Lebanon Valley Dragway was the season kick off for NENDRA. And, with NENDRA's previous season ending in a controversy over the final points tally, the 2011 season kicked off promptly into high-gear as NENDRA's members now know that every point counts and they were determined to let it all hang out and charge hard for the crown at this season-opener event.

Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels has been named the official tire of Frank Hawley Drag Racing School this year. Mickey Thompson provides high performance tires and wheels for the drag racing vehicles used by the students. School founder and instructor Frank Hawley has been using the Mickey Thompson brand at the school since 2003.

“We love the consistent results we see with Mickey Thompson tires,” said Frank Hawley. “We use several of the different drag tires and sizes, and we select certain compounds for certain applications. Our Super Comp Dragster, the Super Gas Firebird and both of our alcohol cars are outfitted with Mickey Thompson tires. We even have them on our Pro Stock bike.”

The feedback the Mickey Thompson team receives from the teaching staff and students at the school is extremely valuable, and aids in further product development. “The information we receive from Frank and the students helps us in our development of the best high performance drag racing products,” said Carl Robinson, Motorsports Manager, Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels. “As in years past, Mickey Thompson will continue to offer $250 Team M/T Gift Cards for students who graduate from one of Frank Hawley’s programs during the course of the year and would like to continue using Mickey Thompson tires.”

For information on Frank Hawley's Drag Racing School, visit www.frankhawley.com/intro-from-frank-hawley/. For information about Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels, visit www.mickeythompsontires.com.

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The 422 All Stars have announced their 2011 Nostalgia Super Stock Series.

The first event is April 30 at Capitol Raceway in Crofton, MD. After that the series runs May 14 at Numidia Dragway in Numidia PA, June 12 at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park in Englishtown NJ, June 25 at Maryland International Raceway in Budds Creek MD, July 2 at Maple Grove Raceway in Reading PA, July 30 at Maryland International Raceway in Budds Creek MD, August 13 at Beaver Springs Dragway in Beaver Springs PA, September 4 at US-13 Dragway in Delmar DE, and then wrapping up October 8 at Atco Raceway in Atco, NJ.

Additional information is available www.422allstars.com.

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The popular Super 7 series is back for another year of big-money bracket racing at Montgomery MotorSports Park in Montgomery, AL. The five-weekend series kicks off February 25th – 27th. The other four weekends are April 29th - May 1st, June 17th – 19th, July 22nd – 24th, and September 1st – 5th with the “4 10s for $200” season finale.

This year’s Super 7 Series Points Super Pro Champion will win a complete weekend at the 16th Annual Million Dollar Race at MMP October 19th – 23rd (or cash option). The No Box Points Champion will earn entry in 11th Annual Footbrake Classic in October at MMP.

Continuing their commitment to family-focused entertainment, Numidia Dragway has purchased a new gym set for their younger visitors to the track. The new playset is 60’ long with slide, tunnel, climbing wall, play house, swings, bridge and much more. Also, Numidia will once again have their kids’ bounce room up every weekend.

Mason-Dixon Dragway presents Street Night on Saturday May 14th, including a $1,000-To-Win Kwik 16 eliminator. The quickest 16 cars on the property will qualify on the ¼ but race on the 1/8. Payout is $1,000 Win, $300 Runner-Up, and $100 Semis. 1st Round losers can fall into 1st Round of Pro Street, which is for street-appearing, 11.49 and quicker muffled vehicles. There’s also Modified Street for 11.50 and slower muffled vehicles, Limited Street for DOT-tire muffled cars, Pure Street, Street Bike, Diesel Pick-Up and Import Street. Entry fee is $30 for car & driver.

Then on Sunday, May 15th, it’s Mason-Dixon’s $2,000 Footbrake Race. Entry is $50, gates open at 10:00 am, with time trials at 12:00 noon.

Visit Mason-Dixon’s website at www.masondixondragway.com for more information.

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That’s the Patriot Ultimate Racing Series, and it goes down May 13th-14th at Montgomery MotorSports Park with three Pro classes and three Index Classes.

The Pro classes are Pro Mod (no entry fee, $10,000 total purse); Extreme Street (no entry fee, $10,000 total purse); and Super Street (no entry fee, $6,000 total purse). The Index classes are 5.00 ($70 entry, $3,000 total purse); 6.00 ($60 entry, $3,000 total purse); and 7.00 ($50 entry, $2,500 total purse).

The 25th Annual Mopars @ Etown are coming this weekend, Friday 5/13 - Sunday 5/15, with all-Mopar drag racing, car show and swap meet.

Friday night kicks things off with the Mopars vs. The World Challenge, paying $500 Win, $200 Runner-Up, and $50 Semis; Entry is $50.

The Mid Atlantic Nostalgia Drag Racers Association (MANDRA) will be racing at Numidia Dragway on Sunday, May 15th.

MANDRA is for vehicles with body styles built prior to 1973, except purpose built late model front engine dragsters or altered replicating cars in competition prior to 1973. For more information or to download a MANDRA membership application, visit www.mandraracing.com. For more information about this specific event, visit Numidia Dragway's website at www.numidiadragway.com.

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Racers Lee Zane and Brian Van Poppel are organizing a $10,000 To Win Stock/Super Stock combo race at Numidia Dragway on Saturday May 7th, 2011. The overall structure is $10,000 Win, $4,000 Runner-Up, $1,000 Semis, $400 5th Rd lose, $200 4th Rd lose, $100 3rd Rd lose. Payouts are based on 125 cars, but the $10,000 Winner’s payout is guaranteed at 100 cars. Entry: $275 cash only.

Flashing the form that made him a two-time IHRA World Champion, Fayetteville’s Chip Johnson (right) raced to the Top ET Championship in bracket racing competition at Rockingham Dragway.

Johnson’s starting line reactions were the big difference. The former Rockingham track champion grabbed the starting line advantage in each of the final four rounds with reaction times of .022, .001, .014 and .008 and his 1968 Chevrolet Camaro never was more than .031 off the dial. In a dragster-vs.-door car final, Johnson beat John Seabolt of Pleasant Garden, NC for the championship.

Among the last 16 drivers in competition was Carolina Panthers’ defensive lineman Tyler Brayton (right), who performed surprisingly well in his first drag racing appearance. The 6’6”, 280-pounder made it as far as round three before his inexperience cost him in a race with Chadbourn, NC’s Jeff Allen. Brayton used a great .003 reaction time to take a big advantage at the start only to give it back at the stripe where he pushed his 1964 Chevy .024 under his 6.91 dial-in.

Other winners included David Scottow of Robbins, NC in Footbrake and Robert Vogler of Lewisville, NC in Jr. Dragster. Vogler beat his sister, Janna, in round three before stopping Breanne Wall of Kenly, NC on a breakout foul in the final.

Dale Sanders of Eagle Springs, NC drove his 1991 Mustang to the Open Comp title in the Network Distributors Mustangs at the Rock event held concurrently with the bracket race. It was his second Open Comp win in two weeks.

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The NMRA Ford Nationals come to Atco Raceway on Friday May 13th through Sunday May 15th for an all out East Coast blue oval show down. In addition to drag racing, there’s also a vendor midway, car show, swap meet and burnout contest.

Richmond Dragway’s 10 Grand Slam weekends are coming up. There are two of them in 2011: Saturday and Sunday April 30th - May 1st, and then again Saturday and Sunday August 6th - 7th.

These 1/8th Mile gambler races are open to Top ET / Super Pro vehicles dialing 0.00 to 8.49, electronics permitted. No double entries are allowed.

Each day pays $10,000 Win, $1,500 Runner-Up, $750 Semis, $300 Quarters, $150 Eighths, and $100 Sixteenths. A single day entry is $150, or enter the weekend for $200. 1st or 2nd Round buybacks are $100.

Gates open each day 10:00 am. Visit the track's website at www.richmonddragway.com for more info.

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There’s no shortage of races for those of you with nostalgia race vehicles, as NENDRA, MANDRA and NETO all have events this weekend.

Saturday April 30th it’ll be NENDRA at Lebanon Valley Dragway. NENDRA, or North East Nostalgia Drag Racing Association, is for any American-made vehicle from 1961 to 1974. All cars must run between 8.50 and 12.50. Racing is dial-your-own with a breakout rule in effect. All racing is done on a Pro .500 tree. NENDRA's rules and membership package is online and available for download at www.nendra.com. For more information about Lebanon Valley Dragway, visit www.dragway.com.

On Sunday, May 1st, MANDRA and NETO visit Island Dragway. To race with MANDRA (Mid Atlantic Nostalgia Drag Racing Association), cars must be body styles built prior to 1973, except purpose-built late model front engine dragsters or altereds replicating cars in competition prior to 1973. Vehicles compete bracket style, with dial-your-own handicaps. Visit www.mandraracing.com for more info.

NETO (North East Timing Organization) is for pre-1974 cars, front engine dragsters, funny cars, altereds, gassers, super stocks and stockers. For more information visit NETO at www.netonostalgia.com. For more about Island Dragway, visit www.islanddragway.com.

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If you have racing parts and pieces you no longer need, bring them to Numidia Dragway’s 2011 Spring Swap Meet In The Hills on Saturday, May 14th. Vendor spots are still available but are going fast so reserve your spot. Vendor spots are $25 for a single-trailer space, or $40 for a double.

Gates open for vendors at 8:30 am, and swap meet hours are 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. Visit www.numidiadragway.com for more information.

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Just like the changing seasons, Atco’s Summer Series is a sure thing year after year. The 2011 series kicks off Easter Weekend with $5,000 gambler’s races on Friday and Sunday, and a $10,000 on Saturday. ET Breaks are 6.50 – 12.99, electronics permitted.

The $5Ks each pay $5,000 Win, $2,000 Runner-Up, $800 Semis, and $400 Quarters. Below the quarters, $75 Round starts with 3rd Round loser. Entry is $140, buybacks are $90. The $10K pays $10,000 Win, $3,000 Runner-Up, $1,000 Semis, and $500 Quarters. Below the quarters, $100 Round starts with 3rd Round loser. Entry is $190, buybacks are $120.

Gates open Friday at 11:00 am with time trials until 3:30 pm and eliminations following. Gates open Saturday and Sunday at 9:00 am, with time trials until 12:00 noon and eliminations following. Visit www.atcoraceway.com.

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In addition to being an ongoing ADRL contingency sponsor, Mickey Thompson has been selected as the Official Tire of the 2011 American Drag Racing League (ADRL) for the second consecutive year.

“It is a great pleasure for us to support the ADRL,” said Carl Robinson, Motorsports Manager, Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels. “The ADRL staff understands that we are passionate about working with and meeting the needs of the racers, and that really means a lot to us.”

A great deal of momentum has been generated following the collaboration between Mickey Thompson and ADRL resulting in the successful fulfillment of the ADRL Extreme 10.5 Three-Second Club. This program, awarding a number of prizes to the first five race teams achieving less than four-second runs in the Extreme 10.5 Class, was completed in the 2010 season. This year, Mickey Thompson will be rewarding Extreme 10.5 racers a low qualifier bonus for their efforts.

For more information about the ADRL, including race news and schedules, visit www.adrl.us. For more information about Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels, visit www.mickeythompsontires.com.

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The Dover Nostalgia Drags are returning to New York in 2011 and if you haven’t raced yet at a Dover event…mark your calendar for this one. After two successful years running their now-annual event at Island Dragway in Great Meadows, NJ, the Dover Drags decided to get back to their home state of New York (the original Dover Dragstrip was located in Wingdale, NY). The date: August 20th – 21st, 2011 at Lebanon Valley Dragway. Back when Dover Dragstrip was in operation (1961-1976) Lebanon Valley was the destination for Dover’s racers if Dover rained out. This year’s event is being expanded to include a Car Show & Swap Meet. NETO and The East Coast Gassers will be attending.

Classes include Dover New for anything post-1976 and Dover Vintage for anything pre-1976. There’s also Dover 4-Speed Eliminator and Dover Comp for altereds, gassers and rails, and anything supercharged. The first Dover Nostalgia Drags saw 197 entries, with plenty of vintage Dover Racers with their old or current drag car. Last year’s inaugural two-day format was just as popular.Returning as Title Sponsor is M&M Speed & Custom. Founder Rich Marchese supported Dover racers back in the day, and he’ll be backing 6 cars this year.

For all the latest news & updates on the event, including rules and schedule, visit the forum at www.doverdragstrip.com.

Two new index races have been added to Maple Grove Raceway’s 2011 schedule. Dubbed Hudson Performance Door Warz, these will be run on July 31st and August 13th.

Entry is $35. Payout per class is $400 Win, $200 Runner-Up, and $50 Semis. There will be four index classes that run under a five-tenths pro tree. Race vehicles must be full-bodied door cars with full fenders, hood, grille, top, windshield and functioning doors. The four classes are for 9.0, 10.0, 11.0 and 12.0 seconds.

The July 31 event will also feature a stick shift class along with a Super Eliminator gamblers’ race and a test and tune for other racers. The stick shift class is for manual transmission vehicles that are clutch operated off the starting line. The cars can’t be clutch-activated automatics or air-shifted. Also prohibited is nitrous oxide, delay devices or hydraulic throw-out bearings with release button. Linelocks and two steps are OK. Door cars only; ET is 7.50 through 11.49. The Super ET gambler’s race on July 31 is $15 to enter with $25 tech card fee; test and tune is $30.

For more information, visit www.maplegroveraceway.com.

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The American Drag Racing League (ADRL) is bringing their breathtaking racing, world-record speeds and a grand opening back to Memphis, TN in 2011.

ADRL and Memphis International Raceway officials announced that the 350-acre track will open its 2011 season with an ADRL event on May 20-21. With the addition of Memphis International Raceway to the schedule, the American Drag Racing League will now have 10 races on its 2011 ADRL Tour.

Formerly known as Memphis Motorsports Park, Memphis International Raceway was recently purchased by Moroso Investment Partners, the ownership group of Palm Beach International Raceway (PBIR) in Jupiter, FL. The ADRL event will serve as Memphis International's first official event under the new ownership group, and track officials are currently enhancing the track and facility in time to host the May event.

For more information on the ADRL, visit www.ADRL.us.

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This is from my new column which debuted in the January 2011 issue of Drag Racer Magazine.

In speaking with Drag Racer's editor Pete Ward, we thought the magazine's readers would be interested in hearing from a racer devoted to bracket and index racing, as opposed to strictly traditional heads-up drag racing. There are still many purist racers out there who don't understand all that goes into what we do; the thought is that if they learn more about it, perhaps they'll participate more regularly at their own local track.

Drag Racer Magazine is available at better bookstores and magazines stands and you can subscribe HERE.

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The American Drag Racing League (ADRL) has announced that it will increase the purse and payouts for all five of its professional classes (Pro Extreme, Pro Nitrous, Extreme 10.5, Pro Extreme Motorcycle and Extreme Pro Stock) at each national event on the 2011 ADRL Tour.

Every class received a payout increase and some finishing places received as much as a 100 percent increase. Event winners in Pro Extreme and Pro Nitrous will now earn $10,000 for their victories, while runner-ups in each class will be awarded $5,000. Semifinalists will get $2,500; quarterfinalists will earn $2,000 and qualifiers will earn $1,500, all of which is an increase over previous seasons.

In Extreme 10.5, champions at each event will now get $8,000, with $3,500 now going to the runner-up. An increased sum of $1,500 will be awarded to semifinalists, while $1,250 and $1,000 will now go to quarterfinalists and qualifiers, respectively.

Winners in Pro Extreme Motorcycle will get $5,000, while the runner-up will now get $2,000. Semifinalists will earn $1,000; $750 will go to quarterfinalists and qualifiers will be awarded $500, which are all increases from 2010.

In Extreme Pro Stock, single-event victors will now see a payout of $8,000. The runner-up at each race will now earn $3,500, while the semifinalists will get $2,000. Racers who advance to the quarterfinals will get $1,500, while qualifiers will earn $1,250.

Additionally, the ADRL officially announced Low Qualifier Programs in three classes (Pro Extreme, Pro Nitrous and Extreme 10.5). Larry Jeffers Pro Cars will sponsor the program in Pro Extreme and Mickey Thompson Tires is the official sponsor of the program in Extreme 10.5. RJ Race Cars and Quarter-Max was announced as the program sponsor in Pro Nitrous earlier this month. The low qualifier at each event in Pro Extreme and Pro Nitrous will earn $1,000, while $500 will go to the top qualifier at every race in Extreme 10.5.

The increased payouts and low qualifier program will begin at the first race of the 2011 season, which begins on March 25-26 with CarSafe Dragpalooza VII presented by LenMar Motorsports at Royal Purple Raceway in Baytown, Texas.

For more information on the ADRL, visit www.ADRL.us.

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Island Dragway (Great Meadows, NJ) will feature Top Street class on their schedule in 2011.

The 16-car, 11.99 and quicker qualified field pays $300 Win, $150 Runner-Up, $70 Semis, and $60 for Number 1 Qualifier. Entry is $60, no buybacks.

Racing is handicapped on a .500 Sportsman tree. Full-body, factory rear-wheel-drive street cars only. Mufflers are not required, but lights, mirrors, bumpers, etc are. For the complete list of rules, visit Island Dragway's website at www.islanddragway.com.

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The Philadelphia Modifiers’ Spring nostalgia race is Sunday, May 1st at Atco Raceway, open to 1975 and older domestic powered race vehicles.

Classes include Super Pro (7.00 – 11.99 dial, electronics OK, payout $500.00 Win, $200 Runner-Up, $50.00 Semis), Pro ET (9.00 – 15.99, no electronics, payout $400 Win, $200 Runner-Up, $50 Semis), Street ET (11.50 – 19.99, no electronics, payout $200 Win, $100 Runner-Up, $50 Semis), and Street Rod (must be street legal & tagged, no electronics).

Entry is $35. Gates open 8:00 am, time trials 10:00 am, eliminations at 1:00 pm. For more information visit www.philadelphiamodifiers.com.

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The Warrior’s Racing Team makes a stop at Mason-Dixon Dragway on Saturday, April 23rd (RESCHEDULED TO APRIL 30th). The Warrior's Racing Team is dedicated to raising awareness of the Wounded Warrior Project by holding 10.5 Outlaw Pro Street races in the Northeast.

The team’s website states, “The families of our severely wounded veterans are struggling daily under mounting financial and medical decisions that threaten their ability to care for our nation’s heroes. They deserve our help and they deserve it now! The Warrior's racing team's goal is to help make people aware of the problem, and send a message to our nation’s wounded veterans letting them know they have not been forgotten. The show will host ground shaking, wheelstanding and fire shooting 1/8 mile heads up drag racing that will keep you on your feet watching the cars battle to the finish line.

Fords, GMs and Mopars will race side by side at speeds over 140 mph on 10.5 inch tire. Large cubic inch engines, small cubic inch engines with super chargers, nitrous powered fuel injected prochargered cars racing in a last man, last lady standing action you will not want to miss.” Visit www.warriorsraceteam.com for more information.

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Piedmont Dragway presents its $50,000 Door Car Nationals on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, April 15th – 17th.  

Friday’s warm-up race pays $5,000 Win, $500 Runner-Up, $200 Semis, and $25 Round starting after 3rd Round win. Entry fee is $60, and buybacks are $40. Saturday is the big race that pays $20,000 Win, $5,000 Runner-Up, $1,000 Semis, and $100 Round starting after 3rd Round win. Entry is $200, and buybacks are $100 for 1st or 2nd Round. Sunday’s wrap-up race pays $3,000 Win, $500 Runner-Up, $200 Semis, and $25 Round starting after 3rd Round win. Entry fee is $60, and buybacks are $35.

Minimum car count 175. Delay boxes welcomed, no dragsters, no throttle-stops, roadsters must be left-hand steer. Gates open Friday at 8:00 am, with time trials at 11:00 am. Gates open Saturday at 8:00 am, with time trials at 10:00 am. Racing starts at noon on Sunday. Visit www.piedmontdragway.com for more information.

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Hagerstown MD - Russell "Bubba" Linke of Old Bridge NJ drove his C/SA '96 Camaro to a win at the season opener of the Tri-State Stock / Super Stock Association on April 3rd, defeating the SS/HA Camaro of Hagerstown MD's Larry Mohar. Bubba was .009 on the tree, and a +.02 10.64 beat Mohar's too-quick 9.92 on a 9.93 dial. Linke beat Chris Bowman's K/CM ‘84 Mustang in the Semis, while Mohar took out the R/SA '96 Impala of Dave Campolito.

Linke backed up previous 2011 wins at the NHRA Gatornationals and Division 2 LODRS event.

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Farmington Dragway goes mad on Saturday April 23rd with their Pro Tree Madness and Jr. Dragster Spring Fling.

Classes include Pro Tree Top Eliminator (electronics-equipped vehicles dialing 0.00 – 8.49, throttle stops and NOS timers are permitted, tree is 4-tenths with handicapped start, payout is $1,500 Win, $300 Runner-Up, $100 Semis, entry is $50, minimum 48 cars), Pro Tree Footbrake (no electronics, all-run, 5-tenths handicapped-start tree, payout is $1,500 Win, $300 Runner-Up, $100 Semis, entry is $50, minimum 48 cars), and 5.49, 6.00, 7.00 and 7.49 Heads-Up Index classes (payout per class is $500 Win, $200 Runner-Up and $100 Semis, entry is $30, check Farmington’s website for rules specific to each index). For the Jr. Dragsters there’s Pro Tree Junior for 7.90 and slower and 7.90 Index Heads-Up.

Gates open 9:00 am with an Easter Egg Hunt at 11:00 for the kids and time trials beginning at 12:00 noon. Visit www.farmingtondragway.net for more info.

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• If two qualifying sessions are unable to be completed and no elimination rounds are completed, the event will be considered canceled. All racers with an event tech card will receive 25 points for participation.

• If any elimination rounds are completed prior to an event being declared a rainout, points and payouts will be awarded to that point in the contest under the normal system and the event will be declared complete.

The ADRL will continue its policy of not racing on Sundays and in no case will an event be carried over or completed at a later date.

ADRL Adds Ford Safety Truck and Staff For 2011 Season

The ADRL has announced the development of a new track safety program that includes a state-of-the-art, fully-customize safety truck, a full contingent of emergency equipment and the addition of two new safety technicians for the 2011 season. A high-tech Ford F-150 will be equipped with a full array of track safety gear. Among the featured equipment will be six CO2 fire extinguishers. The fire system and reel will hold nearly 100 gallons of cold fire and water, and Tim McAmis Race Cars (TMRC) is building it with the help of the ADRL track prep and maintenance staff. In addition to the Ford safety truck, a Hurst ML 50 extraction cutter and power unit for cutting the chassis during extraction has also been obtained for the 2011 season.

There’s going to be a major infestation of bugs on April 10th, but leave the Raid at home. These are the Bugs of the Volkswagen variety, and they’ll be landing at Farmington Dragway in Mocksville, NC and Old Bridge Township Raceway Park in Englishtown, NJ.

Farmington’s event is the South Eastern Volkswagen Association (SEVWA), with classes in Pro Outlaw (Pro tree, heads-up), Super Pro (0.00 – 7.49), Pro (7.50 – 9.49, no electronics), and Sportsman (9.50 & slower). I believe these are all 1/8th mile ET breaks. Gates open 8:00 am, with time shots at 12:00 noon and racing at 2:00 pm. For more information, visit www.farmingtondragway.net. For information about the SEVWA, visit www.sevwa.com.

Englishtown plays host to the 13th Annual Spring VW & Audi Show & Go, for all air- and water-cooled VWs and Audis. The day will include VW / Audi-only drag racing, show car classes, parts vendors, and live music (probably not The Beatles, though). Gates open at 8:00 am, with time shots at 10:00 am and racing at 1:30 pm. For more information, visit www.racewaypark.com.

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If you have a 25-year-old or older drag car, make way to Virginia Motorsports Park for the Best Of Times Nostalgia Nationals on Friday April 8th – Sunday April 10th, to include bracket racing and nostalgia funny cars.

Friday night street-legal ET Bracket Racing is on hand once again at Coastal Plains Dragway in 2011, with the next scheduled Street Legal Drags set for Friday, April 8th. This is 1/4–mile, .500 Full tree bracket racing for full-bodied street-appearing cars running 11.50 and slower, with mufflers, four D.O.T. tires and lights. No electronics, trans-brakes, four-wheel line-locks, or air/electric shifters. Entry is $20.00; gates open at 7:00 pm.

ATI Performance Products driver Peter Biondo started off 2011 by collecting 3 NHRA Wallys in 2 weeks. Driving in the Super Gas and Super Stock categories, Biondo achieved the "Double Up" at the Lucas Oil Division 2 race in Gainesville FL, winning both classes at the same event. "Doubling up at an NHRA event is something a racer dreams about. With all the hot lapping of the late rounds, the consistency and reliability of my ATI transmissions and converters was vital in me sealing the deal in Gainesville", said Peter. This double win took place just 7 days after Peter picked up the Super Gas Wally in Bradenton, FL. Peter plans to try to carry this momentum into the 2011 Gatornationals with his ATI-equipped entries.

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Numidia Dragway has launched their newly redesigned website at www.numidiadragway.com. Some of the new features are a Track History section that includes pictures and newspaper clippings; another new section is for Driver Profiles.

Numidia has also set up the Numidia Dragway Channel on YouTube for all videos they take this coming season. CLICK HERE to subscribe to the channel and receive an email when new video is posted.

 

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The American Drag Racing League (ADRL) has announced that Chris Bell has been named the ADRL’s Director of Technical Services after a lengthy and successful career in the sport. Most recently, Bell worked as the crew chief for the standout Extreme Pro Stock (XPS) team of Cary and Dean Goforth. Bell, who started his professional career in drag racing in 1994, is excited about the new opportunity. “I’m honored that I was asked to take on this role in the ADRL,” Bell said. “I’ve been a big proponent of the ADRL from the start. The ADRL is a great organization and has an amazing following, and I simply hope to do my part to make it even better.”

“One of our goals in the ADRL is to have a strong technical department and bringing Chris on as the Director of Technical Services is a great move and definitely another step in the right direction,” ADRL Executive Vice President Jeff Fortune said. “He has a wealth of experience and is extremely talented, and I think this move will be well-received among everyone in the racing community, including our drivers and teams.”

Bell will be responsible for all matters relating to the cars and everything involving the rulebook, from changes to new safety specifications. He will also be an integral and vital part of the ADRL introducing its new Chassis Certification Program, which will debut in Baytown, Texas at Royal Purple Raceway, the site of the first race of the 2011 ADRL season on March 25-26.

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Montgomery MotorSports Park’s Super 7 Series kicks off this coming weekend, February 25th – 27th 2011, with racing for Super Pro (electronics) and No Box (no electronics).

Super Pro pays $7,000 Win, $2,000 Runner-Up, $1,000 Semis, $500 Quarters, $50 Round starting 3rd round winner (based on 100 paid entries). Entry Fee: all three races $300, or a single day: $150. Buybacks are $100 1st or 2nd round.

No-Box (Non-Electronics) pays $1,500 Winner, $300 Runner-Up, $150 Semis, and $50 Quarters, all based on 50 cars. Entry Fee: $120 all Three Races, or a single day: $45; Buybacks are $25 1st or 2nd round.

Gates open Friday at 2:00 pm with Test & Tune at 5:00 pm. Gates open Saturday at 8:00 am with time trials at 10:00 am; gates open Sunday at 9:00 am with Run For The Money at 10:30 am. For more information, visit www.mmpdragracing.com.

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The Pro Tree Racers Association makes their season-debut at Mooresville Dragway on Saturday, April 2nd. Classes include 7.00 Index, 6.00 Index, 5.30 Index, Pro Tree Eliminator (7.99 dial and quicker), Pro Tree Dragster (7.99 dial and quicker), Pro Tree Jr. Dragster, Super Street, Performance Street, and Street Eliminator (8.00 dial and slower). All classes run on a .400 Pro Tree, except Jr. Dragster and Street Eliminator, which run on a .500 Pro Tree.

For more information including gate times, entry fees and payouts visit www.headsupsuperseries.com.

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Cecil County Dragway’s popular Outlaw Street Car Shootout makes its 2011 debut on Saturday, April 2nd (raindate: Sunday April 3rd) with eleven classes of street car action: Outlaw 10.5, Outlaw Drag Radial, 275 Drag Radial, Outlaw Big Tire, 8.50 Index, 10.00 Index, 11.50 Index, Pro Dial, Pro Street, Super Street, and Pro Dial Bike.

Outlaw 10.5 pays $5,000 Win, $1,200 Runner-Up and $500 Semis; entry is $125. Outlaw Drag Radial and 275 Drag Radial each pay $1,000, $400 Runner-Up and $200 Semis; entry for each is $75. Outlaw Big Tire pays $1,500 Win, $500 Runner-Up and $200 Semis; entry is $125. 8.50 Index pays $1,000 Win, $500 Runner-Up and $200 Semis; entry is $75. 10.00 Index, 11.50 Index, and Pro Dial each pay $450 Win, $150 Runner-Up and $100 Semis; entry for each is $55. Pro Street and Super Street each pays $500 Win, $250 Runner-Up and $125 Semis; entry for each is $50. Pro Dial Bike pays $150 Win, $50 Runner-Up and $25 Semis; entry is $25.

Gates open at 10:00 am with qualifying at 12:00 noon. For more information visit www.cecilcountydragway.com.

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Montgomery MotorSports Park presents the 2nd Annual ARC Gritz Blitz Jr. Dragster National Event presented by SERJA on April 1st-3rd. This will be the first of two events for the popular Series at MMP. The event will feature big buck bracket racing, heads-up classes, age group classes and the baddest Jr. Dragsters around, the Outlaw 330s.

Friday includes a Test & Tune with a free bracket race included with the Test & Tune tech card. The payout is $400 Win, $200 Runner-Up, and $50 Semis.

Saturday includes 7.90, 8.90 and 12.90 Index classes that each pay $200 Win, $100 Runner-Up and $50 Semis; there’s also a $1,000 All Run bracket class that pays $1,000 Win, $200 Runner-Up and $50 Semis. In addition to the action on the track, there will be a tent with live music, cookout, games, prizes and more.

Sunday features 8-9, 10-12, and 13+ age-group classes that each pay $200 Win, $100 Runner-Up and $50 Semis; there’s also a $1,000 All Run bracket class that pays $1,000 Win, $200 Runner-Up and $50 Semis.

For more information including entry fees and gate times visit www.mmpdragracing.com.

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Summit Racing Equipment announced recently that it will retain the title as the official high-performance source of the American Drag Racing League (ADRL) in 2011 in addition to continuing as the official title sponsor for the Summit Racing Equipment Ohio Drags at Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, OH on September 23rd - 24th.

In addition, Summit Racing will also offer contingency to drivers during the 2011 ADRL Tour. Summit Racing will pay contingency to each eligible winner and runner-up in the five ADRL professional classes (Pro Extreme, Pro Nitrous, Extreme 10.5, Pro Extreme Motorcycle and Extreme Pro Stock) at every ADRL race during the 2011 season.

To be eligible for contingency payouts for event win or runner-up finishes, drivers must display the official Summit Racing contingency decal on each side of their car or bike.

The 2011 ADRL season begins on March 25-26 at Royal Purple Raceway in Baytown, Texas.

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Owners of Fords and Buicks will square off against each other on Sunday, March 27th at Atco Raceway’s Ford Vs. Buick Showdown.

Three classes will be contested: Super Pro for electronics-equipped Fords and Buicks dialing 7.00 – 12.99, Pro for non-electronics Fords & Buicks dialing 9.00 – 19.99, and Ford Lightning Truck for non-electronics Ford Lightnings dialing 8.00 – 19.99. Payouts for all classes are $500 + trophy Win, $200 + trophy Runner-Up, $100 +trophy Semis, and $50 Quarters, all based on minimum 32 cars. Entry is $40.

Gates open 9:00 am. Visit www.atcoraceway.com for more information.

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Edmund Hall and Bell’s Transmission presents the season opener Baby Promod Shootout at Montgomery MotorSports Park on Sunday March 20th..

Classes include 4.70 Class ($2,000 Win, $75 entry); 5.30 Class ($1,500 Win, $400 Runner-Up, $100 Semis; $65 entry); 6.00 Class ($1,000 Win, $250 Runner-Up, $75 Semis; $50 entry); 7.00 Class ($1,000 Win, $250 Runner-Up, $75 Semis; $50 entry); and 8.00 class ($300 Win, $100 Runner-Up, $40 Semis, $35 entry).

Gates open at 10:00 am, with time trials at 12:00 pm and 1st round at 3:00 pm. Visit www.mmpdragracing.com.

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Coastal Plains Dragway’s 2nd Annual St. Patrick’s Spring Fling is this weekend, March 18th – 20th, 2011.

The Pro Tree Racers Association takes to Mooresville Dragway on Saturday, March 5th for an open house and warm-up event.

The day includes an all-welcome test & tune, 5.30, 6.00, 7.00, Pro Tree Eliminator, Pro Tree Dragster, a Gambler’s Race for Pro Tree Eliminator, Super Street, True Street, and Performance Street. Entry fees are $10 for test & tune, and $30 for the Gambler’s Race. Gates open at 11:00 am, with test & tun at 12:00 noon and the Gambler’s Race at 2:00 pm. For more information visit www.headsupsuperseries.com.

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Grand Blanc, Mich. – GM Performance Parts (GMPP) will auction the first production LSX454R crate engine at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale event this month, with the proceeds going to the American Heart Association. The charity sale is scheduled for the evening of Friday, Jan. 21, and will be carried live on SPEED’s coverage of the Barrett-Jackson auction. The engine carries lot number 1032.1 and bids can be submitted at the auction in person or online.

“GM Performance Parts is thrilled with the opportunity to leverage our high-performance engine, the heart of a vehicle, to help prevent heart disease and stroke,” said Dr. Jamie Meyer, product integration manager for GM Performance Parts. “This sale gives the highest bidder the opportunity to buy the first production version of the most powerful small-block V-8 ever engineered by General Motors.”

The all-new LSX454R crate engine (part number 19257880) is officially rated at 750 plus horsepower and 680 lb.-ft. of torque. It was developed for drag racing, bringing together many of the specialized GMPP LSX parts racers are already using, including the robust LSX Bowtie block. GMPP engineers designed the LSX454R for the unique, high-rpm demands of drag racing. It is a high-compression, solid-roller combination that uses new LSX DR cylinder heads (part number 19166979). The 11-degree, six-bolt aluminum heads feature raised ports that provide tremendous airflow. They are matched on the engine with an exclusive, all-new high-rise open-plenum intake manifold and a Holley 1,150-cfm Dominator carburetor.

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The American Drag Racing League (ADRL) has announced that its growing partnership with Powersource Transportation, an industry leader in trailer delivery service, will continue for the 2011 season.

Improvements began this past week at Luskville Dragway, the NHRA facility just outside of Aylmer, Quebec. The first steps in the repaving of the race track began as Tom Orr Cartage and Construction and Intercity Paving started work on what will be the first phase of a scheduled upgrade of the race track.

The complete repaving of the race track to 100 feet mark past the 1/8 mile finish line will be Phase 1, with Phase 2 being the remainder of the racetrack in what the track’s management hopes will be the following season.

Saw cuts and removal of the old pavement at the end of the concrete pads was the first step, this to ensure a smooth and flat transition from the pad to the new pavement. The same will be done at the end of the paving. For more information about Luskville Dragway, visit www.luskvilledragway.com.

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Maple Grove Raceway's The Geezers Reunion at The Grove has been included in the 2011 NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Racing Series as an Affiliate Event, NHRA officials have announced. The 10th annual Geezers Reunion at The Grove, the second affiliate event and seventh race overall in the 2011 Hot Rod Heritage schedule, will be held July 2-3.

The race will feature 16 nostalgia racers taking part in the NAPA Auto Parts Cavalcade of Funny Cars. Other major highlights of the event include a Cacklefest, car show and several sportsman competition classes. The event will have several classes of cars, including bracket racing for cars 1984 and older with separate categories for electronics and non-electronics; the Northeast Timing Organization; the Mid Atlantic Nostalgia Drag Racers Association; East Coast Gassers; and the 422 All-Stars.

The NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Racing Series was developed in 2008 to help preserve NHRA’s history and tradition while providing racing opportunities for those enthusiasts who enjoy nostalgia drag racing competition.

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