Friday, December 31, 2004

Willowbank Warrior Ready For The Big Time
On the back end of four straight Event successes, an Australian record-equalling 12 straight round victories, numerous World standard marks plus no shortage of future potential, it's fair to say 20 year-old Ben Bray has well and truly stepped from the shadows of his iconic drag racing father Victor Bray.
Celebrating 40 Years of the GTO and 25 Years of the GTOAA
You could surmise that 2004 was a banner year for both the GTO and the GTOAA. To have the 40th Anniversary of the GTO coincide with the 25th Anniversary of the GTO Association of America and to have a new GTO thrown into the mix would probably make for one hell of an event. And so it did.
Bill Stephens: Vandergriff has knack for business, racing
Bob Vandergriff Jr.'s resourceful talents as a businessman and a racer -- in the best traditions of Kenny Bernstein -- have clearly become his calling card.

Wednesday, December 29, 2004

Hi-octane twins set their own race plans
LIFE is certainly no drag for identical twin sisters Kate and Diana Harker. The 21-year-olds from Greenbank, southwest of Brisbane, have sent the national drag racing scene into a spin.
Drag racing could be in Lincoln's future
A Lincoln, Nebraska, man is looking at Lancaster and two other counties for a site to host national drag races and other motor sports events. Greg Sanford, owner of Nebraska Motorplex, said he has an option to buy 250 acres just west of the Bluff Road Landfill and north of Interstate 80.
Bill Stephens: WJ a busy elf
For years, the running joke passed around NHRA's Pro Stock pits was that Warren Johnson was such an obsessive worker, he even spent Christmas Day in the shop. It's no joke.

Monday, December 27, 2004

Draglist.com Launches Real Time Chat
In his never-ending quest to improve the experience at Draglist.com, Computer Magic Online boss Bob Gettys has added real time chat to the Computer Magic - Draglist.com message board. After an extensive search of chat services, Bob has selected the current one for a test drive. Come sign up and let us know if this is the one we should keep!
Pro Modified Racing Association launches website
The Pro Modified Racing Association now has its website on-line. The PMRA website, www.promodifiedracing.com, offers a comprehensive and informative look at this new drag racing association. Many aspects of the PMRA are available through the new site, including a history of Pro Modified racing, the 2005 schedule and racing venues, and in-depth profiles of the PMRA teams and drivers.

Sunday, December 26, 2004

Love of cars has woman racing, restoring 'em
Yvonne McKenzie doesn't just exhibit her trophies from car shows that she, not her husband, has won. On the wall opposite the fireplace hangs a framed and personally autographed head gasket from John Force's 'Castrol' funny car. And her couch is made from the rear section of a '56 Plymouth Belvedere, with taillights, fins and all, painted cherry red and upholstered in white vinyl.

Wednesday, December 22, 2004

Hangoverfest January 1st to include Jet Funny Car land speed record attempt
With the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it's great to know that just around the corner is a growing holiday tradition as the 4th Annual Hangoverfest is presented at Cordova Dragway Park on Saturday, January 1st.
Force Named to the All-America Team for 12th Time
Four-time Jerry Titus Award winner John Force, the NHRA Funny Car Champion for the 13th time in 15 years, is among the 14 drivers named to the 2004 Auto Racing All-America team by the membership of the American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association (AARWBA).
Inaugural NHRA Northern Sportsnationals to be held at National Trail Raceway
Competitors from select categories of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series will be able to earn national event championship points when National Trail Raceway hosts the inaugural NHRA Northern SPORTSnationals, July 28-31, NHRA officials announced today.
Bill Stephens: Anderson clearly still class of Pro Stock
Despite some impressive runs by other drivers as several of the NHRA's top Pro Stock teams conducted their first series of preseason test sessions this past week at Bradenton (Fla.) Motorsports Park, it was clear that two-time POWERade champion Greg Anderson will still be the man to beat in 2005.
Foley and Lewis Add Second Top Fuel Team Dragster for 2005
Top Fuel driver Doug Foley and partner Tim Lewis have announced today, the addition of a second Top Fuel Dragster to campaign in the IHRA for the entire 2005 season. “We have always kept an open mind to opportunities to enhance our team. After a third place finish and winning three events in our first season, the encore wasn’t going to be an easy one. Our goals for 2005 are to put two competitive top fuel cars in the field.”
Bob Frey: It's A Jeep King
In a class that included a 1966 Dodge Coronet, an '80 Malibu, a 1967 Chevrolet Nova, two vintage Mopars including a Barracuda and a Plymouth Valiant, and two Camaros the last man standing in the Summit Racing Equipment Pro Eliminator at Pomona was driving a Jeep. That's right, a Jeep. Sure it had a 468 cubic inch Chevrolet big block engine but to the casual observer it was still a Jeep. And when Kelly King drove it past the Camaro of Jimmie Barrett and the Barracuda of Jason Novacek I'm sure they were thinking, "I can't believe that I just got beat by a Jeep." Or something like that.
Mr. Consistency Takes Steady iTel Nationals Approach
During almost three and a half decades of drag racing competition there have been very few drivers to come close to rivalling the success of Brisbane's reigning ANDRA Top Alcohol Australian champion Gary Phillips.
Cruz Pedregon to compete in Chili Bowl
Cruz Pedregon, who normally drives the Advance Auto Parts Nitro Funny Car Monte Carlo on the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series circuit, will take his turn behind the wheel of a midget sprint car during the upcoming 19th annual Chili Bowl at the Tulsa Expo Raceway on Jan. 5-8.
Revving their engines for charity
A line of cars as shiny as if they were on the showroom floor drew the admiration of dozens of modified car enthusiasts yesterday, who gathered at the Adesa Auction center to check out each other's handiwork and raise a few dollars for a good cause.

Tuesday, December 21, 2004

Veteran drag-racer wants to go faster
DRAG-RACING is a young man's sport, right? But what happens when young drag-racers get older? They just keep on trucking, it seems.
goDragRacing.com: The Year In Review "2004"
During the end of the year, gDR sits back and evaluates itself on exstensive levels. We take into consideration the many aspects of moving forward and where we are heading; if we have moved off course or are still at our target goal. This is one of the most important aspects of our web and track presence. Many events that sit on this list, and some accomplishments on a personal basis, we feel our readers should know about. Keeping you in the loop for the most part will help us aspire to the highest levels we can and make gDR the best it can be for all out Drag Racing.
The Battle in Seattle - Honda Tuning Magazine
Battle of the Imports fathered sanctioned import drag racing. But several years since the dawn of import dragging, does the race series still have the goods?

Sunday, December 19, 2004

Warren Johnson stops in Goldsboro
Drag racing has changed a lot over the years and one man has contributed to its growing popularity. Warren Johnson, or 'The Professor of Pro Stock,' as he is known by fans of the sport, is a six-time NHRA Pro-Stock Champion. He spent two hours at the Chevrolet-Cadillac of Goldsboro on Tuesday signing autographs and discussing with fans how things have progressed in racing.

Saturday, December 18, 2004

2004 All-America Auto Racing Team is selected
In some of the closest voting ever for the annual Auto Racing All-America Team, 15 have been chosen in seven categories by members of the motorsports press.
A fast start in drag racing
I just got my driver’s license and want to get into NHRA drag racing. What is your recommendation? I want to do it right and make sure I don’t waste the money I have put aside since I was 10 years old...

Friday, December 17, 2004

Zizzo Racing Partners with Torco Racing Fuels
The Zizzo Racing Top Fuel team has signed Torco Racing Fuels as a major associated marketing partner for the 2005 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. The marketing partnership will mark the first full year that the two organizations will be teamed together.
Bob Frey: Pro Stock Bike: Bigger & Better Than Ever
2004 may have been the best year in the history of the Pro Stock Bike class or motorcycle drag racing in any class. I base that statement on the participation that we saw, the competitiveness of the teams who raced and the overall strength, from top to bottom, of the class.
Anderson's awesome 6.65 the best in Bradenton
Back-to-back Pro Stock champ Greg Anderson rolled his Summit Racing Equipment Pontiac Grand Am out of the trailer in Bradenton, Fla., and immediately posted the quickest run ever – 6.650 seconds – to lead Wednesday's testing action.
Haddock Comes to a Detour in His Funny Car Career
Terry Haddock has announced that he will be temporarily parking his race operation, putting his "Only in America" tour on hold. Haddock, known as the kid from New Jersey struggling to live out his lifelong dream of driving a Funny Car got a tremendous boost when Bill and Patti Barrett of Barrett Enterprises came on board as major sponsors of Haddock's team this year. But with the news of Barrett Enterprises moving to another team for 2005, Haddock needs some time to regroup.
Erica Enders OK After Crash In Testing
Erica Enders was unhurt after a crash in her Pro Stock car during testing today in Bradenton, Florida. Victor Cagnazzi, owner of the car, told me, “Erica said the car did the same thing it had done on a couple of earlier runs and she reacted the same way but the car just didn’t respond this time.”
Force featured at Motor Press Guild banquet in Hollywood
John Force, the most prolific winner in drag racing history, was the special guest of honor and featured speaker at the annual Motor Press Guild banquet at the Petersen Automotive Museum.
Burkart returns to Team CSK for 2005
Phil Burkart Jr., who drove the Checker, Schuck's, Kragen blue car to two race wins and a POWERade Top 10 finish in 2004, will return to the team in '05 to drive for co-crew chiefs Marc Denner and Chris Cunningham. A Funny Car pilot since 1998, Burkart enjoyed his first full season behind the wheel in 2004, and he made the most of it by rewriting his personal record book.
Savoie, Brown survive Mini Basic Combat Training
U.S. Army Pro Stock Bike drivers Angelle Savoie and Antron Brown have experienced a lot in the short amount of time they have been partnered with the United States Army, but nothing can be compared to a recent Mini Basic Combat Training program at Fort Jackson.
Incoming freshman Enders uninjured in testing mishap
Pro Stock racer Erica Enders was unscathed after a high-speed testing accident at Bradenton Motorsports Park in Bradenton, Fla. Enders' Cagnazzi Racing Chevrolet Cavalier went out of control just past mid-track and momentarily flipped onto it's roof before rolling back over and coming to a stop upright. The car did not impact either retaining wall.

Thursday, December 16, 2004

Burnitzki takes title
Good junior dragster coverage in the Porterville, CA, paper.
News from the PRI Show
Each December for the past seventeen years the automotive racing parts industry has gathered for the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) trade show. Any time you assemble 1300 racing parts manufacturers, 3100 booths and 40,000 racers in the same building there's no doubt that more than a little racing news is going to come out of it. This is the story of this year's PRI Show and some of the drag racing related news and tidbits that I was able to uncover.
Date Set for 13th annual Pontiac Pro Stock SuperBowl
The 2005 racing calendar for Houston Raceway Park has just been published and the 13th Annual Pontiac Pro Stock SuperBowl will be the first major event of the year at the Baytown, Texas facility.
Gaines, Connolly, Enders impress in early test session
The Canadian cold front pressing through the country has turned Bradenton Motorsports Park near Tampa, Fla., into a virtual mineshaft as a handful of NHRA Pro Stock teams begin their first concerted testing of the off-season. With a pair of 6.67-second passes, Vieri Gaines and Dave Connolly grabbed low E.T. honors Tuesday as the adjusted altitude readings dipped to 500 feet below sea level. Newcomer Erica Enders cranked out a would-be national record top speed of 207.94 mph during her best run.
Drag racing bonanza for Taupo
Taupo, NZ, may be hosting international drag racing each year from next summer. The New Zealand Drag Racing Association has signed a memorandum of understanding with MIT Development Ltd, to consider bringing international drag racing to Taupo.

Wednesday, December 15, 2004

Bristol Dragway to undergo major expansion
Bristol Dragway, one of the nation’s premier drag racing venues, will under go a major expansion prior to the 2005 NHRA O’Reilly NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals with an all-new, doubled-in-size Thunder Valley Club, and a brand-new terrace grandstand topped by suites, including the revolutionary Bruton’s Suite.

Tuesday, December 14, 2004

Mark Griffith: Super Pro Champion
“I’ve been racing every weekend since 1981 and this is the best thing that’s ever happened to me,” said Mark Griffith, the 2005 Summit Racing Series Super Pro champion after his win at Pomona a few weeks ago.
Arend shows off 2005 designs for his CMKXtreme Machine
Veteran Funny Car driver Jeff Arend has released the preliminary renderings of the new Chevrolet Monte Carlo that he will be driving during the 23-race NHRA POWERade Drag Racing series in 2005.
Weis nails down another big sponsor
Scott Weis and his Virginia-based, family-owned Top Fuel race team got a huge financial shot in the arm Monday when construction giant Barrett Enterprises joined Weis Racing as a co-title sponsor with RaceGirl International clothing line. Sharing space on the car will be LobsterGram.com, which joined the group at the season-ending Auto Club NHRA Finals.
Heard along the Strip: NHRA's upcoming season to see numerous changes
The 2005 NHRA season is still two months away, but already there has been a laundry list of changes, possible changes and unlikely changes that have had the sport on a full-tilt buzz since the 2004 campaign ended last month.
Mohammed wins drag race
First he moves mountains, now this...

Drag Racing Gifts Updated
Bill's Drag Racing Gifts has been updated with dozens of new products including the entire line of Jackson Bros. Nostalgia Videos, the entire line of Dick Harrell racing products, Sy Sidebotham's great 'REAL Men Drive Front Engine Dragsters' T-shirts, plus all our other great products! We have also completely upgraded our online shopping cart for an improved shopping experience. Hurry -- only a week or so to shop before Christmas!

Monday, December 13, 2004

Drag king shows up youngsters (South Africa)
By day's end, the fastest man on the track was also the oldest competitor. Manu Khan, 70, retained his crown. He was also the fastest competitor at the inaugural race held in August. Yesterday, he eclipsed Gauteng entrant Logan Naicker by 0.2 seconds with a time of 11.65 seconds with his Ford Escort.

Sunday, December 12, 2004

Bill Stephens: Jeg's Stratus unveiled
Since the end of the 2004 NHRA POWERade season, the hottest topic has been the collaboration of two-time Pro Stock champion Jeg Coughlin Jr. with Don Schumacher's enormous drag racing operation.
Bruce & Kolleen Wheeler's 2004 Vacation Pictures
We departed from Maui on Saturday, August 28th, on our way to visit six Eastern states over the ensuing 17 days. Along the way I took some 2500 digital images. Here are about 150 of them, pictures that I feel convey particularly well the emotions and diversity of our experience. I hope you'll enjoy seeing them every bit as much as I enjoyed taking them! Aloha, Bruce Wheeler

Saturday, December 11, 2004

Glowfoto - Free Image Hosting
Glowfoto is a dedicated image hosting solution provided by Glowdot. Use Glowfoto to host images for use on message boards, social networking sites, auction sites, and anywhere else on the web that you need a quick, easy place to host your image. This is a great utility gang. If you frequent the message boards, you should not be without it. bp
Bonneville: Wide Open
An award-winning documentary about creative engineering and lead feet...
Who's Counting the Audience in Drag Racing?
Schumacher and Jeg's seal the deal at PRI show
Don Schumacher Racing and Jeg Coughlin solidified their deal Friday with the unveiling of the Jeg's Mail Order Dodge Stratus R/T at the Performance Racing Industry Trade Show in downtown Indianapolis.
Force shows his heart for fans
Hundreds stood in line, oblivious to the rain. They were prepared to wait at least an hour for the opportunity to see, to speak with, and get an autograph from their favorite driver.
Gone Racin' by Richard Parks
This is a cool racing newsletter that's up to its 48th issue. Wow, that's some longevity...
Bob Frey: Greg Anderson and Other Pro Stock Stuff
Top Stock To Continue In 2005
IHRA announces that the Top Stock category will be contested in 2005. A sponsorship package has just been secured within the last several days which will enable the category to compete for this season. The program and event schedule will be similar to the format that was contested in 2004 with minimal competition adjustments.
Hanna Tabbed to Drive ATC Motorsports TAFC in '05
Current Top Alcohol Dragster Crew Chief Will Hanna has been selected as the driver for Harry Clack's ATC Motorsports NHRA Top Alcohol Funny Car in 2005. The car will feature the new Lencodrive Transmission and the team will compete in NHRA's South Central Division (Division 4).
IHRA Announces Expansion of Track Services and Racing Operations Departments
IHRA has announced the expansion of its Track Services and Racing Operations Departments, hiring Frank Kohutek as Area Director for Divisions Two and Four, and promoting Duane Eiskant to Pro-Am Technical Manager.
A Heart for Racing
Student doesn't let health issue slow him down.
South African Dragsters gear up for street race
Ian Turboville 2004 Top Fuel Supertwin Champion of Great Britain
Malta Holds Final Drag Race of the Year
The seventh and last drag racing series of the year was organised recently by the Malta Drag Racing Association at the Hal-Far Raceway. The event was a success, described by many as one of the best this year, particularly on the third day when the warm weather played a decisive part.

Friday, December 10, 2004

Topnitro's favourite video clips
A nice collection of drag racing video clips from around the web.
akciddento bus racing team - drag racing VW campervans in 2004 VWDRC championship
Follow our progress racing VWSP97, a 1984 t25 VW camper and VWSP21 a 1969 pop top VW bay window camper in the VWDRC championships. check the weblog, chat in the forums, checkout the galleries and movies, read the articles and grab some cool gear in the AKshop to help us keep racing!

Thursday, December 09, 2004

Drag Racing and 1/4 Mile times 0-60 Database - DragTimes.com
Dragtimes.com is an online database of 1/4 mile drag racing timeslips submitted by drag racing enthusiasts. This site serves as a resource for readers to share information about their car or motorcycle, find out what other cars and motorcycles are running, and what modifications it took to get those times.
Gilbertson unveils Autolite Xtreme Performance/Prestone paint scheme
Funny Car racer Bob Gilbertson has unveiled the Autolite Xtreme Performance/Prestone Chevrolet Monte Carlo he'll campaign in 2005.
Online Digital Image Resizer - Resize digital photo or pictures online!
An online resize website utility developed for digital camera owners, webmasters, people traveling, my sister or anybody who quickly wants to resize a digital image for email or publishing on a web site. No need to open a photo editor to do this!
Team JEG'S
If you like the Jeg's Automotive team cars, this is the place for you.
Warren Johnson looks toward 2005
Gilbertson unveils Autolite Xtreme Performance/Prestone paint scheme
Funny Car racer Bob Gilbertson has unveiled the Autolite Xtreme Performance/Prestone Chevrolet Monte Carlo he'll campaign in 2005.

Wednesday, December 08, 2004

Top Ten AA/FCs of 2004
This is a completely biased review of the top ten AAFCs of 2004. Eligibility and rank were determined by the following criteria: 1) limited to 'contemporary' AAFCs, 2) limited to part time teams, 3) performance during the 2004 season, 4) David Hapgood's own personal whims... And not a Force, Whit, or Worsham among 'em...
Bill Stephens: Herbert's Top Fuel attack strengthens
Schumacher, Anderson finalists for Economaki award
2004 Pro FWD champion profile: Nelson Hoyos
Lucky #13!!
John Force wins again...
Scion Performance Challenge
NHRA committed to Pro FWD in 2005, accepts V-Drive configuration
Team Titan/Titan Motorsports vehicle to be unveiled at PRI
It Was Very Good Sportsman Year
Drag racing champ dreams of making a living on Harley
No Small Steps
Doug Foley's transition from Super Gas to Top Fuel.
Edelbrock Family, Company honored at Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum
Get the 411 on Sponsorship
A new site offering free information on obtaining a sponsor for your race car.

Tuesday, December 07, 2004

DRAGBlog RU
From Russia with Love...
The New York Times: The Newest Hot Rods: Retro, Resto and Rat
Oh my God.... Rat Rods have made the New York TImes...
Draglist.com offers new personalized toolbar
Are you tired of plunking through your favorites to get the latest info at draglist.com? Then we have the hook up for ya! We just fired off our own Internet Explorer toolbar! It contains quick links to Draglist.com, the Google search engine, eDrags.com, our popular Message Board, Top Fuel Blogster, Drag Racing Super News, and Drag Racing Gifts (OK, so I'm a capitalist at heart). It also includes a feature that provides lots of link suggestions right in the toolbar for any web page or internet search you are on. It's spam free, adware free, virus free, and FREE free... and NO personal information is required... If you want to keep up with all the classwork, download our toolbar and your friendly neighborhood draglist pals will never be more than one click away!

Sunday, December 05, 2004

2005 Goodguys Nostalgia Drag Racing Event Schedule
The premier nostalgia drag racing organization is back for 2005 with six big West Coast events.
SPEED-TV Behind the Headlights: Garlits Dragster
Rather than a larger-than-life study of Big Daddy himself, this documentary is centered on Swamp Rat 14. In keeping with the stated mission of the show, the changes Don Garlits and his team made in perfecting the rear-engine Top Fuel dragster created a vehicle so unique that it changed the history of drag racing.
Burk's Blast - A simple solution to cure some of drag racing's ills?
Jeff Burk is on to something here. I used to love the old AHRA style of racing because it was more of a truck tuner's and driver's duel. Should NHRA and IHRA follow suit?
Baca to run full 2005 schedule
Coming off a sophomore season that began with high expectations and ended with a show of great potential for 2005, David Baca announced plans to run the entire 2005 POWERade Drag Racing Series.

Saturday, December 04, 2004

Six drag racers on AARWBA's 2004 All-America Team ballot
Reigning POWERade champions Tony Schumacher, John Force, and Greg Anderson lead the 2004 class of drag racing nominees for the American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association (AARWBA) All-America Team. The three straight-line champs are joined on the ballot by Rookie of the Year Jason Line, three-time Top Fuel champion turned Funny Car pro Gary Scelzi, and IHRA standout Clay Millican.
Hooters IHRA Drag Racing on TV Monday through Friday
IHRA fans and racers can relive the 2004 Hooters Drag Racing Series, from San Antonio to the final event at Rockingham. Starting Monday, December 6th through February 18th, SPEED will air IHRA drag racing at 5:00pm Monday through Friday, followed by Monster Jam.
Modena to host new challenge
Drag racing is coming to Italy in a big way.
Bill Stephens: Fuel class intrigue
Capps to Schumacher team? Some say so. The NHRA's offseason has been a playground for prognosticators as the POWERade series slips deeper into hibernation. It's rare for so many unanswered questions to hover over the sport heading into the holiday season.
Force event set for Sunday
Here's a sight to imagine: John Force as Santa Claus.
G-Squared Buell showed big promise in short span
Multiple championship-winning team owner George Bryce partnered with George Smith this year and debuted the instantly competitive G-Squared S&S Buell V-Twin. Ridden by a newcomer to NHRA competition, Chip Ellis, the group racked up a win and two No. 1 qualifying efforts in just four races, setting the table for a big 2005 charge.
IHRA announces major reorganization
IHRA announced a major reorganization, promoting three vice presidents from within the company and hiring two new team members in the business development and operations departments.
Time to celebrate a record-breaking season
The 2004 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series season has come to an end. And what a season it was for the U.S. Army Top Fuel Drag Racing Team.
Online portion of Russell Auction pushes grand total to $300,000
The online portion of the Darrell Russell Memorial Auction pushed the grand total of all three benefit auctions to $300,000, with all proceeds going directly to Darrell's wife Julie. Combined with the $225,000 raised in an historic live auction at Pomona Raceway during the season finale, and the $45,000 posted early that day in a silent auction, the $30,000 raised on the Internet helped organizers more than triple their expected tally.
Impressive line-up for Force's Holiday Car Show
A celebrity autograph session that includes the top five Funny Car drivers in the 2004 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series is just one of the enticements expected to bring several thousand car enthusiasts to the John Force Racing complex Sunday for the annual JFR Holiday Car Show benefitting the "ChiPs for Kids" Christmas charity.

Friday, December 03, 2004

Wednesday, December 01, 2004

The Winged Express
The lengendary Al 'Mousie' Marcellus hits the web in a big way with a great new site dedicated to the baddest hot rod ever to gyrate down a drag strip -- the Winged Express AA/Fuel Altered.
G Squared Motorsports season in review
G Squared Motorsports, Inc., owned by George Smith and George Bryce, broke onto the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Pro Stock motorcycle scene in 2004. Here's how it went...
250mph jet car booked for drag season final
Hot times down in Wairarapa...
Full Throttle -- Blog Stuff
The guys at the Full Throttle auto racing blog (which is just amazing) were kind enough to mention Top Fuel Blogster in a piece today. It's very gratifying to receive the notice of our steering wheel using cousins! Thanks, guys. bp