Tuesday, November 30, 2004

Pro Stock Bikes in for a landmark season in 2005
The 2005 Pro Stock Bike schedule has officially been released and fans of the world's quickest and fastest two-wheel racing action should be in for a landmark season. Two of the sport's biggest performance hurdles – the six-second quarter-mile pass and the 200-mph top speed mark – are likely to be cleared next in NHRA competition and many in the class are convinced at least one will fall in 2005, making each Bike race a must-see event.
Remembering a Head-Turning, Neck-Snapping Year for Cars
It's been a half a century now, but I can still feel the excitement of October 1954, when Detroit was revealing its 1955 model cars. In those days the fall introduction of new car models was always a big event. I remember many of us boys would hang around the auto showrooms in our little Pennsylvania town, hoping for a glimpse of one of the new cars being unloaded from a truck.
IHRA Announces Increased Purses for Funny Car and Torco Race Fuels Pro Stock in 2005
IHRA has announced increases in IHRA Hooters Series national event purses for Funny Car and Torco Race Fuels Pro Stock. The increase in Funny Car’s purse comes with the restructuring of the class’ qualifying field. In 2005, Funny Car will have an eight-car qualified field instead of 16.
NHRA: Darcy promoted to Senior Vice President; Cromwell named vice president
Worsham's career year came in three separate parts
It was the spring and fall of his dreams, yet the summer of his discontent. For Checker, Schuck's, Kragen Funny Car driver Del Worsham, his memory of the 2004 POWERade season seems not so much to be a continuous linear campaign, but much more like three distinct mini-seasons, each with their own flavor and each creating their own ramifications.

Monday, November 29, 2004

Like father, like son, in drive to succeed
The winningest Pro Modified driver in International Hot Rod Association history came to Moroso Motorsports Park this weekend not knowing what the future will have in store for him next year.
2004 High Altitude Flathead/Inline Nationals, Bandimere Speedway
Flathead fan Jim Marlett's coverage of this event. Sez Jim: "I am still convinced that Denver, Colorado, is the epicenter of flathead drag race competition. The Flatheaders of Denver and Vintage Timing Association put on a series of points races at several drag strips in the area, but the gathering in Denver is an event looked forward to by flathead and inline racers all over the country. Some actually make it to the race."
Bill Stephens: NHRA's Five Surprises of 2004
Two weeks have passed since the 2004 NHRA POWERade season wrapped up, which means it's time to reflect on the season that just thundered past. Plenty of surprises dotted the 23-event season, as usual, but some stood out more than the rest. The following is a subjective take on the five biggest surprises of the year. Believe us, even the most prescient drag racing devotee didn't see all these coming.

Sunday, November 28, 2004

Citrus Nationals brings NHRA down to South Florida this weekend
Holiday weekend at Moroso Motorsports Park means gas- and alcohol-powered, tire-shredding machines with a dash of supercharged nitrous added for seasoning as the Mountain Dew Citrus Nationals rolls into Palm Beach Gardens on Saturday and Sunday.
Musi back at Moroso in Pro Modifieds
AARWBA All-America 2004 team announced
Voting has begun among almost 300 members of the motorsports press to select the 2004 Auto Racing All-America team.
The Sadies Go Drag Racin* With Big Daddy Roth
The Sadies are going to be entering the world of hot rods and monsters. This, all thanks to filmmaker Ron Mann and a crazy old cat named Big Daddy Roth.
Ohio Drag Racing Times to Focus on the Bracket Racer in Ohio

Saturday, November 27, 2004

The Totally Unofficial Horsepower Heaven Digital Camera Buyers Guide
Larry Pfister of HH offers his thoughts on the digital cameras best suited to shooting drag races.
DRAGRACER.DE - Das Drag Racing Magazin!
Dragracer.de -- the German drag racing ezine -- has been updated. Check it out, but you'll need the Babblefish translator found on the front page of eDrags.com.
Bernie Hepworth Passes
Eurodragster.com reports that long time Top Alcohol and Fuel Bike racer Bernie Hepworth has passed away after a long illness. Our condolences to Bernie's family and many friends.

Wednesday, November 24, 2004


Tim Lynch Shatters "Outlaw Racing Record" at E-Town
Tim Lynch and the "Lynch Mob" turbo Mustang set the new "Outlaw 10.5" record at Englishtown Raceway Park during the 2nd Annual Shake Down at E-Town. NY Motorsports put up the best of the best to run heads up on the final open day of Englishtown November 21st. Tim Lynch added his own touch by setting the Outlaw Racing world on its heels with his sub seven second blast.
NHRA releases injected-nitro changes for 2005
In an effort to maintain parity in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Top Alcohol Dragster category, the NHRA Competition Committee has announced a maximum nitromethane percentage for nitro-injected dragsters. Beginning in 2005, the nitromethane content will be restricted to a maximum of 96 percent.
Outlaw Street Car race at Huntsville, Alabama
The 2nd Annual ORCSA World Drag Challenge may have been the greatest Outlaw Street car event ever held!
Holidays bring demand for pastries
A Half Moon Bay baker who digs drag racing and the Three Stooges -- now THAT's where I'm buying MY doughnuts!
Paul Hutchins' 2004 CHRR Action Photos
Paul Hutchins' 2004 CHRR Photos
High Noon at Rockingham
440 Six Pack vs. Hemi ’70 ’Cuda BRAG Race
Milan drag racer honored
Dan Engel of Milan, competing in the Milan Dragway points division, recently won the top spot in his category, becoming track champion in the Amsoil Modified category.
Jack Harris Retires From Driving
Kaysville, Utah - After winning the 2004 Goodguys-VRA Top Fuel Championship and following his historic 262 pass at the 40th NHRA POWERade World Finals, Jack "The Sheriff" Harris has announced that he is hanging up his guns (but not his badge) and give his son, Brett the drivers seat. Harris, 61, had asked Brett to get him a World Championship. It took six years and happened this season. So, adding the championship to the first over 260mph run in a Nostalgia Top Fuel dragster (icing on the cake), Harris retires with reservations. He "may" drive at some match races next season but the Goodguys and NHRA events will have Brett behind the wheel. Jack, along with Billy Robins, will maintain his position as team owner and manager and remain totally active in the racing program.

2004 Velocity Tour - Tucson Photo Gallery
Chris Graves was on hand and captured these awesome shots.
Kubo leaps to Pro RWD with Marla Hoyos, Driven2Win team
Lisa Kubo will wheel a Pro RWD Chevy Cobalt in 2005 for the Driven2Win.net team owned by Marla Hoyos, wife of two-time NHRA Pro FWD champion Nelson Hoyos.
THQ Blows the Doors Off the Competition With the Release of NHRA Drag Racing 2005 for PlayStation 2
Exclusive Licensing Deal Brings Gamers the Nitro Burning Thrills of NHRA Drag Racing. This intensely competitive racing game will be published by THQ's ValuSoft division, will ship to retailers throughout North America during Summer 2005. 'When I first started working with ValuSoft and Lucky Chicken I was blown away by how serious and how realistic they want to make the game,' said NHRA Funny Car driver Ron Capps. 'Coming from a professional driver and serious gamer, this game is something every racing fan will love.'
Tasmanian drag racing proves national worth
For as many U.S. race cars that I've seen with the Tasmanian Devil character on the side, it's nice to see that the South Pacific island is actually taking to the strip...

Tuesday, November 23, 2004


Interview with the Pros: Jeg Coughlin
In a bombshell announcement, Team Jegs is moving to Mopar and is joining Team Schumacher for a 2005 PowerAde title run. Add the legendary Bob Glidden as crewchief and it's enough to make a Pro Stock fan's head swim. Jeggie fills us in...
Bill Stephens: NHRA mega-team: Jeg's joining Schumacher
Don Schumacher Racing will field the largest team ever in 2005

Monday, November 22, 2004

2004 Drag Racing Driver Earnings
2004 driver earnings computed from National Event purses, #1, 17 & 18 qualifier bonuses for pros at national events and #1 for TAD and TAFC at national and divisional events. Also includes Big Bud Shootout type races for the pros, Jeg's All-Stars for TAD and TAFC, PowerAde championship money, PowerAde top 10 running bonuses, TAD & TAFC Lucas Oil Top 2 money, Divisional Top 3 money, Motel 6 bonuses, and Rookie of the Year money.
Dragster couple races to top spot at nationals
GREENE, DEMITO, RATLIFF WIN FINAL EVENT IN MIROCK SERIES
Henson Claims Bike Shootout Title
Streak Complete - Larry "Spiderman" McBride
NHRA World Finals: Kings (and a Queen) Go Forth
CMTS Pro Mod Finals at Gateway
A Fond Farewell to Mid-America Raceways

Sunday, November 21, 2004

Densham back on his own after four-year stint at John Force Racing

Fuel Dragster Cowl Art
Bill Pitts knows a little something about the allure of the great logos and images that adorn the cowls of the country's front engined fuel dragsters. After all, he restored and displays the legendary Magicar. Here are some great photos of cowl art on these resurrected beauties.
Teenage drag racers embrace their sport
Mike Dunn Racing
Neat archives with a short but cool history of Mike's pro racing career.

Saturday, November 20, 2004

Drag boats to resume 6 weeks after tragedy
More than six weeks after a horrific crash resulted in the first driver fatality in at least seven years, the International Hot Boat Association resumes through Sunday with the Coors Light World Finals at Firebird Lake.
Mahmood's Den: We RUMBLED in the Desert!
One of the participants in the big drag race in Bahrain talks about it. Now THIS is what those folks over there should be doing!
74 drivers take off for drag race in Bahrain
Save Englishtown Raceway Park!
Sign the online petition to save the great New Jersey drag racing facility. They are under serious and constant attack.
Goodguys 2004 Fuel & Gas Finals
Goodguys put a period on the 2004 racing season.
Schumi voted top German star of 20th century
This is Formula One, but it's signficant to all motorsports. German television viewers voted seven-time Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher the country's sportsman of the 20th century on Friday. Pretty cool for a motorhead.
PlayStation 2: IHRA Professional Drag Racing 2005
How does the new IHRA drag racing game stack up?
Racing TV (November 20 - December 18)
Capps leaving Prudhomme Racing
All things, good or otherwise, usually don't last forever. That became crystal clear this week when it was announced that Ron Capps, who some regarded as the son Don "The Snake' Prudhomme never had, asked for and was released from Prudhomme Racing after eight years.

Thursday, November 18, 2004

straightlinemodeler.org hits the web
Dan Himmel and a bunch of model-building crazies have come out with a new website that aims to be 'the' place for online motorsports modelers.
Skoal Racing announces plans for 2005 season
Skoal Racing announces its plans for the 2005 drag racing season. As an official NHRA sponsor, Skoal Racing will remain involved in NHRA POWERade Drag Racing and its Skoal Showdown, as well as NHRA Summit Sport Compact Drag Racing.
2004 NHRA World Finals Personal Bests
Steve Klemetti provides the new personal best performances from the 2004 NHRA World Finals.
Bill Stephens: Capps officially breaks from Snake
Frankenstein on a moonshine bender
While the FEDA continues it's support of nostalgic slingshot racing, another branch of psychotics are preaching past sundown of their orthodox speed rapture, the Fuel Altered.

Wednesday, November 17, 2004

Hunter Walker a winner in drag races
Hunter Walker, a senior at Wickenburg High School, won his class of statewide racing competition of the Northern Arizona Shootout on Oct. 30. The event was held at the Speedworld drag strip in Wittmann.
80 drivers for drag race in the desert
Around 80 drivers from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain have so far registered for the Rumble In the Desert drag race set for a 3pm start tomorrow.

Monday, November 15, 2004

Pontiac and GMC Return as Official Vehicles Of NHRA
Pontiac-GMC Division announced today that it will return in 2005 as Official Car and Official Truck of the NHRA. It will mark the 10th consecutive season that Pontiac has served as the Official Car and the 16th for GMC as Official Truck of the series.
Finals audiocast a hit with fans, potential new members
NHRA.com's first-ever three-day audiocast from an NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series event allowed visitors to the site to enjoy all of the thrills and drama of the 2004 season-ending Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals.

2004 USA-1 Dragfest Photo Review
Mostly people pics from the 2004 USA-1 Dragfest at Bruce Larson's place. We had a blast!
2004 NHRA World Finals Final Results
Final results and PowerAde points standings after the Auto Club NHRA Finals.

Sunday, November 14, 2004

2004 NHRA World Finals Final Qualifying Results
Final qualifying numbers and first round pairings from the 40th annual Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals at Pomona Raceway.

Friday, November 12, 2004

2004 NHRA World Finals Friday Qualifying Results
Friday qualifying from the World Finals in Pomona. More big numbers from the NHRA stars.


Goodguys 6th Fuel and Gas Finals Part 3
Bob Briggs fires off his final installment for the Goodguys 6th Fuel and Gas Finals at Famoso Raceway in Bakersfield, CA.
Heartland Park Topeka Adds Events to 2005 Drag Schedule
The biggest Ford weekend in the Midwest, and an additional bracket drag racing event highlight additions to the 2005 drag racing schedule at Heartland Park Topeka.
Event at Pomona Saturday will benefit family of Darrell Russell
SPEED demon Sarah ‘Holley’ Glassup looks set to become the UK’s youngest fully-licensed drag racer
IHRA Professional Drag Racing 2005 races to retail stores
Bethesda Softworks announced today it has shipped IHRA Professional Drag Racing 2005 (IHRA 2005) for the PlayStation2 computer entertainment system and the Xbox video game system from Microsoft. It will be available in retail stores everywhere this week. The PC version will ship to stores in two weeks.
Team Green Closes Season With Motorcycle Drag Racing World Final Wins
Muzzy To Drag Race Buells
Rob Muzzy Racing is also excited to be able to announce that, starting in 2005 Team Muzzy with Ryan Schnitz will run the full NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle series with an S&S V-twin powered Buell Pro Stock Motorcycle.

Thursday, November 11, 2004

2004 NHRA World Finals Friday Qualifying Results
Day one pro qualifying results from the 40th annual Auto Club NHRA Finals at Pomona Raceway.
Recently
A Phil's-eye view of some topics to hopefully make you sit up and think.
Are They Kidding?
Flyin' Phil takes a ponderous look at a few of the rumors that are floating about the ozone.
Classic Gassers at the Southern Nostalgia and Muscle Car Shootout
The Cloud boys rolled into Bradenton Motorsports Park and washed away the competition in A/Gas and B/Gas.

Goodguys 6th Fuel and Gas Finals Photos, Part 2
Robert Briggs provides the 2nd installment of his Goodguys 6th Fuel and Gas Finals photo review.

Wednesday, November 10, 2004

Tony Schumacher: With season wrapping up, it'd be nice to tuck away one more win
Waltrip heads 2005 Motorsports Hall of Fame class
Waltrip is joined by longtime drag racing stars Joe Amato and Bob Glidden, powerboat champion Chip Hanauer and Formula One and CART champion Nigel Mansell.
Q&A with Lee Beard
Q&A with Lee Beard, crewchief on the Matco Tools Iron Eagle Dodge Stratus Funny Car driven by Whit Bazemore.

Goodguys 6th Fuel and Gas Finals Photos - Part 1
Robert Briggs offers up the first installment of the Goodguys 6th Fuel and Gas Finals from Famosa Raceway in Bakersfield, CA.

Tuesday, November 09, 2004

Pedregon brothers recreate father's 'Coupe' memories
NHRA O'Reilly Auto Parts Jr. Drag Racing League conference finals set for 2005
Legal motorsport 'hoon' is burnout king in Warrnambool, Australia

Fansfueler Club Needs You!
The concept of the club is that individuals, families, and companies can pledge an amount of money to help fund a European Top Fuel team. Club membership starts from as little as $100 and goes all the way through six levels to corporate sponsorship at $5000. Each membership level has its own unique benefits but every member will have their name on the car. Other benefits include free gifts, discount merchandise and a regular newsletter.

Monday, November 08, 2004

Erica Enders successfully upgrades to Pro Stock license
Look out Pro world, the Disney darling is on her way...
CMKXtreme Racing announces '05 plans
Urban Casavant, founder and current Chairman of the Board of CMKM Diamonds, has announced the support of three racers in 2005 – Jeff Arend, Connie Cohen, and Tony Bartone.

Sunday, November 07, 2004

Heartland Park to host Sport Compact event in 2005
The National Hot Rod Association has announced that the 2005 O'Reilly NHRA Summer Nationals event at Heartland Park Topeka will also include a stop for the NHRA Summit Sport Compact Series schedule.

Thursday, November 04, 2004


MAZDA6 Dragster First Import-Nameplate Pro Front-Wheel Drive Car to Run Seven-Second Quarter-Mile
MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development recently added a new chapter to its storied racing history as Ed Bergenholtz's PRO-FWD MAZDA6 dragster officially became the first import-nameplate front-wheel drive vehicle to tackle the quarter-mile in less than eight seconds. With a time of 7.934 seconds at nearly 184 miles per hour, MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development and Bergenholtz now are members of an elite group of high-octane, high-speed performers.
GM announces entry-level Cobalt dragster
Chevrolet will broaden its sport compact drag racing program in 2005 with the introduction of the new Cobalt Phase 5 dragster. Unveiled today at the SEMA Show, the production-based Cobalt Phase 5 race car features powertrain, chassis and safety components developed by GM Racing - including a 500-plus horsepower race-prepared Ecotec engine that inspired the Phase 5 name. This demonstration vehicle is designed to show sport compact drag racers how they can build their own front-wheel-drive Cobalt dragsters using GM and aftermarket parts.

Wednesday, November 03, 2004

Three Top Gasser Racers from Merced area
Steve Wood and Gary Reinero -- both of Merced -- and Rich Roberts (Winton) all compete in the AA Gas class. They are among more than 400 competitors with vintage race cars (at least 32 years old) taking part in the season-ending finals.

Classic Thunder Coming to Bradenton, Florida, November 6-7
Hope our Southeastern pals can join us at Bradenton Motorsports Park this weekend for the SOUTHERN NOSTALGIA & MUSCLE CAR SHOOTOUT on November 6 & 7 featuring the Classic Thunder Funny Cars & Gassers!
Mustang Racing History
The iconic status of the Ford Mustang can be attributed to several major factors, including its lasting hallmarks of great looks and performance combined with affordability -- as well as it's starring roles on the big screen. But, for enthusiasts who have nurtured this image, the legend of Mustang began on the racetrack and grew quickly over four decades of dominating performances.

Tuesday, November 02, 2004

Albertan turns on the jets
With two Alberta track speed records under his belt this year, Brad Janishewski would have loved to pad his resume with a third last night at Race City Motorsport Park's annual Night of Fire jet car show. However, the 42-year-old owner and driver of Canada's only jet funny car -- Rollin' Thunder -- knew that was impossible.
Ron Folk earns world crown at drag race event
Ron Folk has won plenty of big races and titles in his 40-year, drag-racing career, but none can equal his latest honor. The Durand, Illinois driver won the IHRA world championship in the Quick Rod class.
NHRA announces major rule changes for 2005
Prior to releasing the 2005 NHRA Rulebook, NHRA is announcing a summary of notable changes for 2005. NHRA members are scheduled to receive a complimentary copy of the 2005 NHRA Rulebook with one of 2004's final issues of National DRAGSTER.
Jenkins a winner at Vegas, Ashley Pro Mod champ
With his win in the first round, coupled with Al Billes' loss to Ashley's teammate Danny Rowe, Mike Ashley wrapped up the championship for 2004 for the Pro Mod class. He received the DRO/NMM Cup at the AMS Staff Leasing Pro Mod Challenge awards banquet at the Monte Carlo Resort & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip Sunday night.
Bill Stephens: Viva John Force!
Staying power. Stamina. Resiliency. Whatever word you choose to describe the remarkable championship success story that has been written by John Force, it remains one of motorsports' most awe-inspiring sagas.
Anderson Sets Single - Season Wins Record
Greg Anderson makes the New York Times...

Monday, November 01, 2004

Greene, Slowe, and Ratliff Shine in MIR Finale
Pro Stock champion Anderson making quick work of records
You don't have to chase around to sense these thrills
But you just don't watch a drag race, you breathe and feel it. Try inhaling the Nitro fumes as the cars idle at the Christmas tree and then feel the percussion in your chest as they "light the candles" and blast down the track and see if you don't agree.
Greg Anderson sets NHRA single-season record with 14th victory
SCELZI WINS ANOTHER ONE AGAINST JOHN FORCE
It's becoming a habit - and it has nothing to do with the nun's outfit he wore this weekend for an ESPN2 piece on Halloween - for Gary Scelzi to beat John Force this year, and he did it again today in the second consecutive final round against the 13-time Funny Car championship (crowned on October 31).