Thursday, June 30, 2005

Youth defending his title at Mo-Kan
Not very many 11-year-old boys can lay claim to a championship driving title, but Logan Diggs does so proudly.
With a love for speed: Oahe Speedway opens this weekend
Spectators will expect to see speed, speed and more speed when they attend the opening of South Dakota's newest drag strip, the Oahe Speedway, this Saturday north of Pierre.
When you're out of beer, rules can be a real drag
Gary Scelzi, who has won three NHRA Top Fuel championships, switched to Funny Cars in 2002, challenging 13-time champion John Force. Now, according to Stu Durando of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 'The two have forged a relationship, born out of common personality and talent.
Main drag attraction
$101,000 prize brings 'baddest hot rods' to town -- this is the weekend of George Howard's big Top Fuel and Pro Mod bash at Huntsville Dragway.
Fuller's race team stunned by crew chief's defection
Rod Fuller on Wednesday lost crew chief Richard Hogan to Don Schumacher Racing, which announced the addition of a second NHRA Top Fuel team.

They're TOPS! Texas Outlaw Pro Stock Flashback
The Texas Outlaw Pros Stocks used to raced at the Stephens Family's Paris Drag Strip a decade ago. There were some great races on the narrow groove track. I do miss those races. Here are a few of the cars that got this doorslammer fan's heart beating.
2005 Edmonton & Madison Personal Best Performances
Steve Klemetti lists all the new drivers and personal best performances from 2005 IHRA Edmonton & NHRA St. Louis.
The season may be over but Team Bray get busy trying to catch up with the opposition
Walk into Team Bray's workshops at Kallangur just north of Brisbane and you wouldn't be blamed for thinking that the team was preparing for a race event on the following weekend.
Pro Import vs. Pro Stock: Bullish Racing to Match Race Bob Benza
It's a showdown that's been talked about for over a decade. Ever since the first import-powered tube chassis Pro Import door slammer took to the 1,320, import fans have clamored for the ultimate domestic vs. import showdown. Who would win between a Pro Import and an NHRA Pro Stock?
Updated Drag Racing Lists About Ready to Roll
Brian Clark emailed and said it was time for me to provide the user drop down titles for the expanded number of queries for the Drag Racing Lists… here are the 14 views that drag racing fans will be able to see, in addition to the detailed search.

Wednesday, June 29, 2005


Early Funny Cars from Australia and New Zealand
These early funny cars were the predecessors to the AA/FCs and BB/FCs that came later in the decade. They usually had to run in the altered classes.
Nitro Madness at the Slingshot Nationals
Rapid Randy takes us round by round through the emotions and fun of reaching the AA/Fuel Altered finals at the 2005 Slingshot Nationals at Cordova Dragway.
Bernstein Ends 26-Race Winless Streak
Brandon Bernstein ended a 26-race winless streak in Top Fuel competition Sunday night, turning a 4.553-second pass at 324.59 mph to beat Morgan Lucas at the Sears Craftsman NHRA Nationals at Gateway Raceway.
Verenka just missed
Not often you see a driver with a big smile on his face after losing a round. Edmonton's Ed Verenka had one after losing to Doug Foley in the first round of Top Fuel Sunday.
Life's a drag
Drag racing is in Andrew Stirk's blood. After all, with his father David having been a drag racer for close to 30 years and Andrew starting out as a junior drag racer at the age of 8, it's only logical that he would have a passion for the sport.

70s Funny Cars Round 34: Southern California Funnies
Southern California was a hotbed of nitro racing in the late '60s and early '70s. This round features ten regulars in the SoCal funny car wars.

New Zealand Alcohol Funny Cars
Alan offers up photos of Top Alcohol Funny Cars that raced in New Zealand during the 1990s.

Tuesday, June 28, 2005

Chris Graves's Photo Galleries
The Texas shutterbug has an impressive collection of drag pix.
Bellemeur Wins 2nd Straight NHRR
Racers from across America competed in eliminations as the 3rd Holley NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion came to a successful conclusion at Beech Bend Raceway Park in Bowling Green, Ky. Three days of beautiful weather, sell-out crowds and over 1,300 race/show cars made this an event to remember; especially for the High Speed Motorsports team who, for the second year in a row made the long tow from California to capture the coveted Top Fuel crown.
Cordova Dragway Park Hosts 2005 Slingshot Nationals
Race results from the AC Delco Slingshot Nationals & ThunderFest, Saturday, June 25th, 2005.
Remembering Those Who Are No Longer With Us
These are members of our drag racing family who are no longer with us. People that contributed to our sport (specifically dragsters) from 1950 to 1979. They are the drivers, owners, tuners, photographers, representives and manufactures who made it all happen in the dragster classes.

Monday, June 27, 2005

Darrell Russell's death prompted safety upgrades
The death of Darrell Russell at Gateway International Raceway last year prompted a flurry of equipment and rule changes by the National Hod Rod Association in an effort to improve the safety of Top Fuel dragsters. The type of tire was changed. Titanium was added to the protective roll cage surrounding a driver's head. A minimum tire pressure was mandated, and the percentage of nitromethane was reduced. Still, Houston attorney John Simpson, who represents Russell's wife, Julie, remains frustrated. The NHRA has not finalized its investigation, and Goodyear declined to settle the issue before a deadline this week.
2005 NHRA St. Louis Final Results
Final eliminations results and up to date POWERAde NHRA world championship points standings after the Sears Craftsman NHRA Nationals at Gateway Raceway.
2005 IHRA Edmonton Final Results
Final eliminations results and up to date Hooters IHRA world championship points standings after the Western RV Rocky Mountain Nationals in Edmonton, Alberta.

Sunday, June 26, 2005

He looked for a classic, ended up with a racer
Hitting the track in his '68 Nova is a bit like a high school reunion for Ian Sorenson.
Heat poses problems in qualifying runs
Weather played a big part in qualifying Friday in the ninth annual Sears Craftsman Nationals at Gateway International Raceway.
It's always nice to come back to where your 'first' happened
It's always nice to come back to where your 'first' happened. First car. First love. First-born. Harold Martin is genuinely happy about being back in Edmonton. This will always be the sight of his first Nationals event win in IHRA Pro Modified.
Woodburn Hosts Wild Fire and Thunder Event
What a wild day it was for Woodburn dragstrip’s first day of the “Oldies but Goodies.” I can go for years without capturing an accident on tape and I get two in one day, hope that’s it for a long time. Lots of cars on hand and a photo op at every turn.

Ed Moss Takes a Tumble in Sonoma
A frightening crash photo sequence of Ed Moss taken at the Good Guys 17th Nitro Nationals at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, CA. Ed was OK.

Saturday, June 25, 2005


Drag Racing List - 2005 NHRA Englishtown Photos, Day Three
Greg Gage sends eight more great shots from the 2005 NHRA Englshtown event.
2005 NHRA St. Louis Final Qualifying Results
Final qualifying results and first round pairings from the 2005 Sears Craftsman NHRA Nationals at Gateway Raceway in Madison, Illinois.
2005 IHRA Edmonton Final Qualifying Results
Final qualifying results and first round pairings from the 2005 IHRA Western RV Rocky Mountain Nationals in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Georgia Perspective on the National Hot Rod Reunion
Georgians had many reasons to be extremely proud at the 2005 NHRR. To begin with, Hubert Platt, “The Georgia Shaker,” was selected to be one of five honorees at the event.
CONSTANT NETS 2K DURING PONTIACS EVENT AT HPT
Racing certainly paid off for Topeka native Deloris Constant at Saturday's Fourth Annual Pontiacs at the Park drag race Presented by Doug Richert Pontiac and NAPA Auto Parts.
Life's in the slow lane for 'Ohio' George
For more than three decades 'Ohio' George Montgomery was one of America's top drag racers. Seven times the Dayton native won National Hot Rod Association titles. In 1983, as he was winding down his racing career, he was inducted into the NHRA North Central Division's Hall of Fame. Nine years later, he was selected for membership in the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame. Now, at 72, Montgomery's taking life easier. Register to read or use bugmenot.com.
Event to benefit families of aerial firefighters
Drag races between a P-51 Mustang airplane and racing cars will highlight the 11th annual Ramona Air Show Props 'n Rods this weekend.

70s Funny Cars - Photos and info on over 300 funny cars!
Danny White has updated the 70s Funny Cars site with 30 more plastic fantastics! There are 10 rear engine cars, 10 more from Australia, thanks to David Cook, and 10 more from the Midwest, thanks to Norm and Gary Newgord.
Right on track
So far so good ... with both the weather and the newly resurfaced track at Bud Park.
Dave Connolly tries to make up ground
The Pro Stock driver was having an excellent season before economics forced a change in his team's ownership.
'Funny' describes more than cars
The Funny Car contingent of the Don Schumacher NHRA conglomerate is an interesting mix of personalities.
Springfield's Wilkerson enters today's NHRA sessions as top qualifier
Springfield's Tim Wilkerson hasn't been overjoyed with how the first half of his NHRA Funny Car season has unfolded. But Friday's first day of Sears Craftsman Nationals qualifying at Gateway International Raceway did nothing to dampen the demeanor of Wilkerson, who started the weekend in 13th place in the Funny Car standings but enters today's final two qualifying sessions as the top Funny Car qualifier.
CoolCat Magazine
Very cool hot rod and customs website. Nice music, too...
2005 NHRA St. Louis Friday Qualifying Results
Day one qualifying results from the 2005 Sears Craftsman NHRA Nationals Friday night at Gateway Raceway.
2005 IHRA Edmonton Friday Qualifying Results
Day one qualifying numbers from the 2005 IHRA Western RV Rocky Mountain Nationals in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Friday, June 24, 2005

Geiger Counter: June 2005
Numbers, notes, and news you need.
Fuel costs a concern
It's not the cost of fuelling the race car that could keep an Edmonton alcohol Funny Car racer parked, but the cost of getting to the race.
Olson on FIA European Top Methanol Dragster
In an exclusive interview, Eurodragster.com has spoken to FIA Drag Racing Commission Chairman Carl Olson about the proposal to remove FIA European Championship status from Top Methanol Dragster in favour of Pro Modified. We asked Carl about the background to the proposal, the vote itself, the future of Top Methanol Dragster outside the FIA European Championship, and the effect of the proposal upon the FIA Championship as a whole, and he has answered all of our questions in a frank and detailed manner.

Thursday, June 23, 2005


Match Race: US 36 Dragway Nitro Madness
Match racing a nitro powered fuel altered versus a nitro powered fuel dragster at a small eighth mile drag strip is the ultimate in hairy fun.
2005 NHRA Englishtown Personal Best Performances
Steve Klemetti details all the new drivers, and new personal best performances from 2005 NHRA Englishtown.
In the Pinks: Drivers drag for titles in new reality show
The format is simple: Two men -- fueled by testosterone, taunts from their buddies and faith in their own fast cars -- drag-race against each other. The winner gets the pink slip to the loser's car. The loser gets nothing, except his 15 minutes of fame.
Street Nationals grow as drag-racing draw
The Summer Nationals are still the biggest event of the year for Wichita International Raceway. They have been for the past 42 years. But the drag strip in northwest Wichita has another event that is quickly growing in popularity. The World Street Nationals returns to the track this weekend, and more than 200 cars are expected.
Daughter of Funny Car legend is following in his skid marks
While Danica Patrick has turned the racing world upside down with her success in the Indy Racing League, Ashley Force is biding her time in the National Hot Rod Association Top Alcohol Drugstore division.
Jeff Tinsley Honored at Smithsonian Folklife Festival
Photographer Jeff Tinsley was honored for his years of service today at the opening ceremonies for the annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival on the national mall in Washington, DC.
Post Race Notes: 36th Annual K&N Filters NHRA Supernationals
Facts and figures from top fuel, funny car, pro stock, and pro stock bike action at the 36th Annual K&N Filters NHRA Supernationals.
Afton 19-year-old drives 1967 Nova to first drag victory
A 19-year-old rookie from Afton used three weeks of practice, then on the fourth surprised a 52-car Super Pro field during Friday night drag racing at Eastside Dragway.
Burns Sets New Flathead World Record
Jim Marlett reported that Alan Burns of Gaithersburg, MD, set the lowest elapsed time ever recorded by a flathead dragster. His 7.68 beat Rick Schnell's previous record of 7.72. Both of these records were set with the same dragster, the Slider. Jim does not believe the motors were the same, but they no doubt shared some components. The Slider is the only flathead dragster to run in the sevens and has done so at three different races at three different tracks. Check out Jim's excellent flatheaddrag.com website.
Capps returns to site of his first Funny Car win in St. Louis
Only Ron Capps can boast winning the inaugural NHRA Funny Car race at Gateway International Raceway, which opened its doors in 1997 on the site of the original St. Louis Int'l Raceway, an eighth-mile strip that had hosted drag-racing since 1967.
Nelson setting drag records with his Corvette
Wayne Nelson, driving his LeMans blue 1969 Corvette, set two new speed records this season in his division of drag racing muscle cars on a quarter-mile strip.

Wednesday, June 22, 2005

Urban Legend or Fact? Delving into the Pro Stock Truck Association versus NHRA debacle
Since this article was originally published, the lawsuit has been to court several times with the NHRA reportedly exhausting all appeals. Rumors suggest that a recent tender was made to settle the suit, but the offer was refused. The lawsuit is scheduled to go to court in January of 2006.

Woods Sets New 330 Foot World Drag Record
Nic Woods, a 17 year-old Junior Dragster driver from Buena Park, California, set a new world record in his alcohol burning, Briggs & Stratton powered, Harden 330 car.
Kid Wins Event, Signs Sponsor
When you grow up at the dragstrip, you are more likely to become involved in the sport. When your uncle is Todd Tutterow, there is no doubt that racing and winning run in your veins.
Grand Theft Auto Meets Robocop
An automatic license-plate reader that can scan 500 license plates an hour looking for stolen vehicles underwent its first field tests by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department last week. Using character-recognition technology developed for the Italian Post Office to read postal addresses, four robot eyes in the course of one night queried more than 12,000 license plates, recovered seven stolen cars and resulted in three arrests.
A Classic's Look, but a Hot Rod's Heart
Until recently, the thought of customizing an all-original classic like my Ranchero, a car-based pickup, would have been deemed heresy or madness by the classic car community; installing a 350-horsepower Chevrolet V-8 and a General Motors automatic transmission as suggested would have slashed its value. But that is no longer true.

Tuesday, June 21, 2005


Clay Smith Cams Celebrates Diamond Anniversary
The home of “Mr. Horsepower,” the red woodpecker mascot with a cigar clenched in his beak, celebrates its 75th anniversary.
Night of Fire and Thunder 2005
Ah, yes, the Internet: wherein we go to England to bring you results from Bandimere's 'Night of Fire and Thunder' AA/FA race in May.
Top Alcohol Funny Car racer McVey tired of rain delays
The torrential rain and flooding that has gripped Southern Alberta is nothing new to Scott McVey. The top alcohol funny car driver is a Winnipeg native who had a front-row seat when the Red River overflowed its banks in 1997.
Dixon gets 37th NHRA win; fifth in a row on Father's Day
Larry Dixon raced to his fifth consecutive Father's Day victory Sunday, taking the Top Fuel competition at the K&N Filters Supernationals at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park.
Hot Rod Reunion Show-n-Shine winners
Street rods, muscle cars and classics had their day in the sun, as fifty of the most beautiful vehicles in the land paraded down the Beech Bend drag strip following an awards presentation for the Soffseal Show-n-Shine.
Holley NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion concludes with spectacular race action
Racers from across America ran side by side as the 3rd Holley NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion came to a successful conclusion Sunday at Beech Bend Raceway Park in Bowling Green, Ky.
Dixon continues his Father's Day tradition
Like many dads, Larry Dixon has made it an annual ritual to have a family portrait on Father's Day. The difference is Dixon's photo is always taken in the winner's circle.
Clay and Smida Win Super Pro at Dynatech Mountain Park BTE / Citgo Event
Clay City Dragway in the state of Kentucky was the venue for the Dynatech Mountain Park Bracket Nationals. Bracket racers from all over the country made the trip to the famous track located in the hills of eastern Kentucky.

Monday, June 20, 2005

The DRU Forum: Clutch Dust
Drag Racing Underground upgrades it's message board in a major way. Welcome to the future, John and Doc.
Video: Top Thrill Dragster
Top Thrill Dragster at Cedar Point, Ohio, is the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the world. Its drag-racing themed trains rocket from 0-120 miles per hour in just a few seconds, climb a 420-foot tower, and then descend to earth again.
Screamin' Eagle Maintains Pro Stock Lead
GT Tonglet increased his lead in the Pro Stock Motorcycle point standings while earning a semifinal appearance Sunday at the 36th annual K&N Filters NHRA SuperNationals at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park.
NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, Sunday from Bandimere Speedway
Robert Perkins in Top Alcohol Dragster and Bernie Harrington in Top Alcohol Funny Car out ran their fields for the wins at this weekend's Thunder on the Mountain NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event presented by Grease Monkey at Bandimere Speedway.
Amato and crew chief Dupuy part ways effective immediately
Five-time Top Fuel champion and team owner Joe Amato and crew chief Wayne Dupuy have amicably parted ways after more than three years together. Amato is searching for a new tuner to take his team into next weekend's race in St. Louis and beyond. Amato owns the Lucas Oil/Keystone dragster driven by 21-year-old Morgan Lucas. Dupuy is considering several job offers.
Bandimere isn't bolting
Popular speedway in Morrison, Colorado, content with 'Thunder Mountain' after looking into relocating.

Sunday, June 19, 2005


"One Hot Chili Pepper" - FED
This is one great looking and well-maintained racer website. Awesome!
2005 NHRA Englishtown Final Results
Final eliminations results and up to date NHRA POWERAde points standings after the 2005 K&N Filters Supernationals at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park.
Enjoying life in fast lane
Six-year-old Daniel Marshall was perhaps the envy of fans at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park yesterday. The Chatham youth got a behind-the-scenes tour of the park thanks to Hands on Racing, a joint program for critically ill children by the Believe in Tomorrow National Children's Foundation and the National Hot Rod Association.

Bic Lighters to sponsor Hanna Motorsports 'Queen of Diamonds' jet
Bic Corporation, Milford, CT, has agreed to a sponsorship program for the Jessie Harris-driven ‘Queen of Diamonds’ 300 MPH Jet Dragster, by its Bic Lighters Division.

Saturday, June 18, 2005


2005 NHRA Englishtown Photos, Day Two
Greg Gage got these additional excellent photos on day two of qualifying action at E-town 2005.

2005 NHRA Englishtown Photos, Day One
Greg Gage was on hand for day one qualifying action at NHRA Englishtown and sent these awesome shots.
2005 NHRA Englishtown Final Qualifying Results
Final pro qualifying numbers and first round pairings from the 2005 K&N Filters Supernationals presented by Advance Auto Parts at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park.
NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series-Friday from Pacific Raceways
In the first rounds of qualifying of the Jet Chevrolet Lucas Oil Championships, Top Alcohol Dragster driver Brandon Johnson and Top Alcohol Funny Car pilot Brian Hough took the No. 1 qualifying positions in their classes.
NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, Friday from Memphis Motorsports Park
In the first rounds of qualifying at Memphis Motorsports Park, James Thompson and Jackie Stidham grabbed the top qualifying spots in Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car.
IHRA clears Janis Pro Mod team after fuel test
Further testing confirmed the presence of water in the methanol which was the sole cause of the deviation from the accepted specification. The presence of water is not power enhancing, however it does change the accepted specific gravity and will make the sample fail the hydrometer test.
Female drivers make mark at Supernationals
News about Danica Patrick has been all the rage in the Indy car ranks lately, but ask any NHRA drag racing fan, and they'll tell you that Shirley Muldowney blazed the trail for female racers long ago.
"Gentleman Joe" Schubeck top honoree at hot rod reunion
40 years later, Schubeck is still called “Gentleman Joe,” and he is being honored this weekend for his service to the world of hot rods. Schubeck is the grand marshal for this weekend’s Holley NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion at Beech Bend Raceway.
A Hot Rod Champ Tries to Overtake a Titan
For 13 of the last 15 years, John Force, a gregarious 56-year-old Southern Californian, has won the National Hot Rod Association championship in the funny-car class. But someone is gaining on him, and fast. That rival happens to be his friend.
NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, Friday from Bandimere Speedway
In the first rounds of qualifying, Top Alcohol Dragster driver Richard Putz and Top Alcohol Funny Car pilot Kirk Williams took the No. 1 qualifying positions in their classes.
Bernstein's drag racing crash doesn't affect him
Brandon Bernstein attempts to win at the track where he suffered the worst injury of his career.
2005 NHRA Englishtown Friday Qualifying Results
Day one pro qualifying results from the 2005 K&N Filters Supernationals presented by Advance Auto Parts at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park.

Friday, June 17, 2005

Geiger Counter: June 2005
Numbers, notes, and news you need with NHRA.com Senior Editor Rob Geiger.
2005 NHRA Joliet 1 & IHRA Grand Bend Personal Bests
Steve Klemetti provides new drivers and new personal best ellapsed times and speeds from 2005 NHRA Joliet 1 and IHRA Grand Bend.

Thursday, June 16, 2005

Bazemore's losing skid leads to changing of crew chief
Whit Bazemore left the NHRA SummitRacing.com Nationals in Las Vegas in April with his second victory of the season and the Funny Car points lead. In the ensuing five races, Bazemore suffered four consecutive first-round defeats and then failed to qualify for last weekend's race at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Ill. Team owner Don Schumacher had seen enough.

FIA/UEM European Championship 2005 - Round 1
With a record breaking number of cars in Top Fuel, would European fans get to see the fastest ever Top Fuel field at the season opening FIA/UEM Main Event?

Wednesday, June 15, 2005


ANRA Classic Summer Nationals: Starting Line Action Photos
A photo spectacular of the great looking cars at the ANRA Classic Summer Nationals at LACR Palmdale, California, on June 12, 2005.

ANRA Classic Summer Nationals: Winners Action Photos
Gary Brown presents the winner trophy presentation and action shots of the winners at the 2005 ANRA Classic Summer Nationals.

The Next, Next Generation of Force Racing
James Drew was on hand with his camera and notepad as John Force rented California Dragway so Brittany and Courtney could get some seat time and one on one coaching with Fast Jack Beckman.
Racing News Daily
The Connection to the World of Motorsports - NASCAR, IHRA, NHRA, F1, CART, IRL, INDY, ALMS, and Draglist.com news!
2005 High Altitude Flathead/Inline Nationals
Friday and Saturday were rain outs at this year's Nationals, but Sunday was a beautiful day for racing.
Torrence wins third straight
The hottest driver and team in Top Alcohol Dragster, Steve Torrence and Conway Racing, kept the heat turned up on the competition by taking their third straight win in as many weeks.
Local girl hits the big time in drag racing
Living in McAlpin is a tiny 20-year-old girl with a tiny voice and a big attitude. Lindsey Wood likes to take on the big boys of drag racing and make them eat her dust. She likes to win.
FIA Top Methanol Dragster crisis
European FIA Top Methanol Dragster (aka Top Alcohol Dragster) racers could be contesting their last FIA European Championship after the FIA Drag Racing Commission voted to remove FIA Championship status from the class in 2006 to make way for Pro Modified. The TMD racers are strenuously resisting the move by every means possible and you can read all about it on Eurodragster.com
Victor Wouk, 86, Dies; Built Early Hybrid Car
Dr. Victor Wouk, an electrical engineer and entrepreneur who built one of the first hybrid cars, operating on both gasoline and electricity, died at his home in Manhattan on May 19. He was 86.
Good Guys 17th Annual Hot Rod Nationals Funny Car Results
2005 Goodguys Indy was rained out, but Sharky got classic funny car results from Friday and Saturday.

Tuesday, June 14, 2005

She's happy in the fast lane
Rochelle Pappel didn't see Danica Patrick almost win the Indianapolis 500 this year.
She was too busy winning her own races.

Monday, June 13, 2005

Connolly snares Crown
Dave Connolly took the $50,000 King Demon Crown on Saturday at the CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Nationals, winning the special bonus event for the season's eight quickest Pro Stock cars when final-round opponent Jason Line fouled at the start.
Pro Stock driver enjoys strong finish
Pro Stock driver Jason Line crossed the starting line two one-hundredths of a second before the start of Saturday's NHRA King Demon Crown race, costing the 35-year old a victory in the $50,000 event.
'Luck bank' denies top fuel racer
Todd Paton figures his lucky loonie must have fallen out of his top fuel dragster en route to yesterday's final.
Hall, Hanna beat each other, but not rain, in Super Chevy event
The ear-splitting, teeth-rattling roar from Ken Hall's Top Secret Funny Car might not have all been coming from his jet engine.
Scelzi becoming force in Funny Car battle
The Funny Car season points race got more fun Sunday when Gary Scelzi closed in on points leader John Force by blowing out Eric Medlen in the National Hot Rod Association finals at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet.

29th IHBA Lucas Oil Budweiser Nationals Results and Photos
Story and photo coverage of the racing, weather, partying, and fun at the 2005 IHBA Lucas Oil Budweiser Nationals at Red Bluff, California.
Event Info: K&N Filters Supernationals presented by Advance Auto Parts
All the info you need to enjoy 2005 NHRA Englishtown whether at the track or at home.
There is indeed racing beyond NASCAR
While the casual motorsports fan may focus just on stock car racing and the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series, there's more racing out there. While some may not know this, drag racing is one of the most popular motorsports in the country.
Mechanical woes sideline two-time funny car champ
Rob Atchison stepped into the box yesterday and took his best swing. 'It's like a broken bat, right?' the 29-year-old London driver said after mechanical failure saw the two-time Hooters IHRA Drag Racing Series funny car champion eliminated in the quarter-finals.
Morgan, Victor Bray, Rogan Win Ozzie Winternats Titles
A bumper weekend crowd like never before seen in the 38-year history of the Winternationals at Queensland's Willowbank Raceway bore witness to a sensational exhibition of professional drag racing.
Female drag racer is no underdog
She's pretty, petite and dark-haired and she races for a living. No, she's not Danica Patrick. She's three-time NHRA Pro Stock Bike champion Angelle Sampey.
Thomas corny and proud of it
This may sound corny to some, but drag racing is all about corn to five-time IHRA funny car champion Mark Thomas.
Harley's return to IHRA in works
The insane world of the nitro Harley-Davidson motorcycle may be returning to the International Hot Rod Association.
Orangeburg Drag Strip re-opens after fatal crash
Racer Woody Elders says, although the strip is showing its age, it's still a safe place to bring his pride and joy Miss Pauline, 'They try to maintain it, it's probably safe as any track you have in South Carolina.'

Sunday, June 12, 2005

2005 Mopar Canadian Nats (T/F, P/M, P/S, F/C)
Dragpics.com's photo gallery from the 2005 IHRA Canadian Nationals.

'70s Funny Cars Round 33: The Newgord Collection
Gary Newgord was kind enough to send us photos taken by his father, Norm Newgord. These where taken at the legendary Union Grove drag strip and at hotels around the track.
2005 NHRA Joliet Final Results
Final eliminations results and updated POWERAde points standings after the 2005 Auto Parts NHRA Nationals at Route 66 Raceway.
2005 IHRA Grand Bend Final Results
Final results and up to date Hooters IHRA points standings after the 2005 Mopar Canadian Nationals.
Even in his final year of racing, 'The Professor' is still teaching classes
Sixty-one year-old Warren Johnson, who will retire after this season as arguably the greatest driver in Pro Stock history, clinched his fifth No. 1 qualification spot of the year Saturday at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet.
Lawson fails to qualify at Joliet
John Lawson, after snapping a blower belt 700 feet into his late-morning pass, was thinking along the lines of a Riverboat gambler heading into Saturday afternoon's final qualifying run in the Funny Car division of the Carquest Auto Parts NHRA Nationals.

Rain Washes Out Final Eliminations at Goodguys 17th Hot Rod Nationals
“Arlene” obviously isn’t a hot rodder. The soggy remnants of tropical storm Arlene washed out final eliminations, Sunday, June 12th at the Goodguys 17th Hot Rod Nationals.
Connolly King Demon at Joliet drag strip
Dave Connolly took the $50,000 King Demon Crown on Saturday at the CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Nationals, winning the special bonus event for the season's eight-quickest Pro Stock cars when final-round opponent Jason Line fouled at the start.
NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series-Friday from Cherokee County Motorsports Park
Rookie driver Steve Torrence of Kilgore, Texas, set the pace in Top Alcohol Dragster and Chickasha, Okla., racer Jackie Stidham leads the Top Alcohol Funny Car pack.
2005 Goodguys 17th Hot Rod Nationals Final Qualifying Results
Final qualifying numbers from the Goodguys 17th Hot Rod Nationals Nostalgia Drags presented by Advance Auto Parts at Indianapolis Raceway Park, Clermont, Indiana.
2005 IHRA Grand Bend Final Qualifying Results
Final qualifying results and first round pairings from the 2005 Mopar Canadian Nationals Saturday in Grand Bend, Ontario.
2005 NHRA Joliet Final Qualifying Results
Final qualifying results and first round pairings from the 2005 CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Nationals at Route 66 Raceway.

Saturday, June 11, 2005

Friday Qualifying from the Goodguys 17th Hot Rod Nationals
Qualifying Results from Friday, June 10th at the Goodguys 17th Hot Rod Nationals Nostalgia Drags presented by Advance Auto Parts at
Indianapolis Raceway Park, Clermont, Indiana.
Atchison enjoys help on weather
Rob Atchison has a big advantage over the rest of the funny car field -- he married the weather girl.
2005 NHRA Joliet Friday Qualifying Results
Day one pro qualifying results from the 2005 CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Nationals at Route 66 Raceway.
The Enders of the Road
The name of Erica Enders stands alongside those of Ashely Force and Danica Patrick in the motorsports world, all three driving full speed ahead to crack down another gender barrier.

Friday, June 10, 2005

2005 IHRA Grand Bend Friday Qualifying Results
Day one qualifying results from the sixth annual Mopar Canadian Nationals presented by Castrol at Grand Bend Motorplex.
Junior drag winners announced
The future of drag racing was clearly evident last Saturday, at the Inyokern Airport, when the Dust Devils Car Club's Junior Drag divisions staged the O'Reilly Challenge to conclude their 2005 points season.
Willowbank Winternationals Delivers On Day One
The Winternationals drag racing spectacular has finally arrived at Ipswich's Willowbank Raceway and so too has the boy wonder of the Australian drag racing scene, 21 year-old Ben Bray.
Fast times on tap in Joliet
In its short existence, Route 66 Raceway has earned the reputation of world's fastest drag strip, and with good reason. At Route 66, records fall.
Connolly team stays together under new ownership
Dave Connolly will continue his bid for the 2005 NHRA Pro Stock championship now that a Michigan businessman has purchased the assets of the Bullet Motorsports team.
Young upstart ready to star at Winternats
IN a sport where speeds reach a nerve-jangling 500km/h, Brisbane pocket-rocket Brandon Gosbell yesterday had one question for drag racing legend Brett Stevens: 'Who's the boss?'
IHRA Funny car revisions get mixed response
Paul Noakes isn't a regular in the Hooters Drag Racing Series, but he's not daunted by the IHRA's revised field size for funny cars. This year, instead of 16 cars qualifying for the eliminations, only eight advance. 'We totally plan on being in that top eight,' the 37-year-old Saunders secondary school teacher said yesterday.
Funny Car field aims to derail mighty Force
Gary Scelzi spoke for the rest of the National Hot Rod Association's Funny Car class. 'We need to stop the big green machine of John Force. That's what needs to start happening. Otherwise he's going to be the champion again for the umpteenth time.'
Hawkeye Nationals set for Cedar Falls
Mike Klemme has focused his energies on making the 2005 season at the Cedar Falls Raceway better than the previous.
Top fueler chases bugs
Todd Paton is three years into this top fuel stuff and is still trying to figure out what makes these racing machines tick -- or, in his case, blow up.
Ride the Roadzombie!
Eurodragster.com is very pleased to offer its readers the chance to take a 230 mph ride on a Jet Dragster courtesy of UK Jet Dragster pilot Ian Caseley, who has kindly supplied some spectacular on-board video from his Viper-powered Roadzombie 2 dragster. On this particular occasion the camera was mounted directly above the tailpipe of the jet looking backwards. The video clip starts with the pre-run flame and thunder show and continues until the dragster turns off at the end of the track (3.72 Meg, Windows Media format, 1 minute 41 seconds).

Thursday, June 09, 2005

Drag racer Kathleen Tuttle wins at Firebird
There's probably little disputing that May 2005 will go down in the annals of auto racing as Danica Patrick's big month, but two full weeks before Patrick was making headlines at Indy, a woman became the first female to claim a coveted prize in Southwest Idaho's racing scene.
A Very Special Winternationals Weekend
Casting an eye over a record breaking starting list of close to 560 for this weekend's Winternationals drag racing spectacular at Queensland's Willowbank Raceway, one can easily appreciate how the sport is making massive headway towards regaining its status as the most watched sport in the World.
Salute to Sixties-Era Drag Race Photographers Opens at UCR California Museum of Photography
Before auto-focus lenses and high-speed motor drive cameras simplified taking pictures of fast-moving objects, photographers working for National Dragster magazine strove to chronicle some of the planet's fastest cars in the 1960s - the dragsters of the new National Hot Rod Association (NHRA).
Lehman Racing Sold to Group of Investors
Peter Lehman, owner of Peter Lehman Racing, LLC, sold his company to a group of investors, led by NHRA Pro Stock driver Kenny Koretsky, that includes crew chief Mike Kloeber and driver Clay Millican.
Adams Named NHRA Northwest Division Director
Jonathan Adams has been named NHRA Division 6 Director. The 28 year old will manage the competition at 19 NHRA-member facilities in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan.
Garlits brings legendary Swamp Rat 1-B to 3rd Annual Holley NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion
Ask someone on the street to name the greatest drag racer of all time and chances are, the name will be 'Big Daddy' Don Garlits. Ask them to name the car, and Swamp Rat will come right up. On Father's Day weekend, both Garlits and one of his original creations, Swamp Rat 1-B, will be a prime attraction at the 3rd Annual Holley NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion.

Wednesday, June 08, 2005

Racing fans concerned about future of race track after land doesn't sell
An old drag strip property eyed for reuse went unsold at an auction last week. Local drag racing fans are concerned about the track's fate and expressed frustration with the auction process.
Topeka tests prepare Capps for record-breaking Route 66
Ron Capps, crew chiefs Ed 'Ace' McCulloch and Dan Olson, and the entire Brut Dodge Stratus Funny Car team took advantage of a day off on Memorial Day following the ninth round of the 2005 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series at Heartland Park Topeka to make some test runs down the quarter-mile.
Funny Car Reunion or Bust?
Bust seems to be the more operative description at this point. With under two months left until the 4th Annual Funny Car Reunion is slated to be run, problems abound for this event.
Troy Coughlin switches to Pro Street
As the Pro Edelbrock Drag Racing Series continues to grow in popularity, it figured to be just a matter of time before it attracted the attention of professional racers from other venues.

Tuesday, June 07, 2005

Drag racer talks about crash that left him in critical condition
Ron Fassl, the world record setting drag racer who was in critical condition after an accident at Bandimere Speedway, says it's all just a part of the game.
Leslie Smith, 87, a Matchbox Car Creator, Dies
Leslie Smith, who for several decades after World War II was the world's largest automaker, at least in part because he made the world's smallest autos, died on May 26 at his home in North London. Mr. Smith, a founder, president and longtime chief executive of Matchbox Toys, was 87. RIP Mr. Smith. Your toys helped to send me and thousands of others on their way to careers and lifetime hobbies in autos and motorsports. bp
Sincerely, the Other 32
Dear Sports Illustrated: You probably don't know our names, but we're the 32 drivers in the Indianapolis 500 who weren't on the cover of your magazine this week. We'd like to take this opportunity to introduce ourselves. Combined, we've spent 158 years in this sport and have won 68 IRL races and six championships.
Chrysler 300C SRT8
A mere $42,000 buys a 425-horsepower version of Chrysler's hot sedan, making this the sort of muscle car Detroit quit building decades ago.
UK company launches in-car toilet
May you never have to stop at a McDonald's again: the Indipod boasts an eight-day capacity.
What Would Steve McQueen Rent?
Ever wonder what it would be like to see the face of eternity at 183 miles per hour on the West Side Highway? I sure did. So on a recent Thursday morning, I slipped into the cockpit of a red Ferrari 360 Modena I had rented from Gotham Dream Cars. Then I wheeled onto the highway at 59th Street, and put the pedal to the metal.
Carrier Boyz secure deal for Dave Connolly
After Carrier Boyz Racing backed Connolly and his team at the O'Reilly Summer Nationals, Brian Olson and the Carrier Boyz opened discussions with Torco Race Fuels and Gear and their owner to become associated with the Pro Stock team headed by rising superstar David Connolly. Those negotiations reached a win-win situation between all the parties involved today.
Former Road Racer Ienatsch Makes Successful Professional Drag Racing Debut
How good is Stotz Racing�s new 2005 turbocharged CBR1100XX? So good that team owner Kent Stotz chose to debut the mighty Honda at the 2005 AMA Prostar Pro Street Series in the hands of novice drag racer Nick Ienatsch.

Monday, June 06, 2005

NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series-Final rounds from Brainerd Int'l Raceway
It's a day later than scheduled but NHRA West Central division Lucas Oil Series racers finished up their event at Brainerd Int'l Raceway. Rain plagued the event throughout the weekend and officials put a halt to eliminations late Sunday evening and completed the event today.
Eliminations continued to Monday at BIR's NHRA Lucas Oil Series event
The rain that plagued the NHRA West Central division Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Brainerd Int'l Raceway (BIR) all weekend finally forced officials to pull the plug late Sunday evening. Eliminations in all classes except Top Alcohol Funny Car will begin Monday morning. The Top Alcohol Funny Car final will be run at the division's next race at Bandimere Speedway in Denver.
Capps to Join NASCAR Drivers on Eldora's Dirt
Ron Capps, who drives the Brut Dodge Stratus Funny Car for Don Schumacher Racing in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series and will do so this weekend at the CARQUEST NHRA Nationals at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Ill., will make a side trip to Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio, on Wednesday, June 8, to run the Nextel Prelude to the Dream.
Fact Sheet: CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Nationals
All the info you need to enjoy the eighth annual CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Nationals, whether you're going to the race or catching it on the tube.
Utah driver posts top Ignitor time
A pair of drivers ripped off side-by-side five-second runs in AA/Fuel Dragster qualifying Saturday at the 35th annual Ignitor at Firebird Raceway.
Vintage cars in rare auction
A unique collection of rare antique cars and parts that was accumulated by a late car buff is being auctioned off in Shelby Township. Highlights of the collection include a 1929 Ford flathead Model A Roadster on a 1932 frame (Brookville body); 1950s homemade nostalgia dragster that won an Autorama top award in 2002 and was part of the acclaimed "Eyes on Design" show in 2004 at the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House in Lake Township; 1929 KJ Henderson motorcycle; and SCoT blower engine that was in the dragster but is being sold separately.
Strong Top Doorslammer line-up set to do battle
One of the largest yet contingents of Group One drag racing vehicles is expected to assemble at this years Winternationals spectacular at Queenslands Willowbank Raceway next weekend. There is an added incentive in becoming the first drag racer in the world to claim a class-legal five-second pass in Top Doorslammer.
Asphalt jungle
There's an old adage in the form of a question: How do you make a million dollars in auto racing? Start with $4 million. This elicits just the slightest chuckle from Rob Reeves, one of the owners of Budweiser Motorsports Park.

Sunday, June 05, 2005

NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, Saturday from Memphis Motorsports Park
Steve Torrence in Top Alcohol Dragster and defending Top Alcohol Funny Car South Central division Champion Jackie Stidham took home wins at this weekend's TCI Sportsman Challenge NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series.
Englefield's ride and a half
UK Pro Mod racer Bert Englefield had a wild ride in qualifying for last week's FIA Main Event at Santa Pod Raceway when his blown-alcohol Coupe turned hard right not far off the start line, went up on its two left two wheels, then touched down heading for the guardrail. Bert gave Eurodragster.com the inside track on the incident although modestly underplaying his role in saving the car from a head-on.
NHRA Northwest Division Lucas Series racers ready for eliminations at 35th Annual Napa Auto Parts Ignitor at Firebird Raceway
The NHRA Northwest Division continued to roll out the 2005 season at Firebird Raceway as the 35th Annual Napa Auto Parts Ignitor presented by Don Wiebold Ford wrapped up its second day and evening of qualifying and time trials. The race featured the popular Top Comp category of quick doorslammers and nostalgia dragsters.

Saturday, June 04, 2005

Scion goes racing: Toyota's youth brand to campaign two cars
Scion has just revealed that it is entering the motorsports arena. However, it's not entering the hype-filled world of drifting. Instead, the company is opting to go into drag racing.
Chesterman, Wells dig in for qualifying at BIR’s Lucas Oil event
Defending Top Alcohol Funny Car national and divisional champion Cy Chesterman set the pace in the Top Alcohol Funny Car class at Brainerd Int'l Raceway's NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event. In Top Alcohol Dragster, Lemars, Iowa's David Wells was the top qualifier.

Friday, June 03, 2005

Thunder Zone Memories
The good ole days of drag racing as remembered by rocket car racer Ky Michaelson.
Parris wins Super Pro at Sikeston Drag Strip
Ken Parris took the Sikeston Drag Strip's top race, Super Pro, on Saturday.
Second-generation drag racer making her mark
The comparisons between drag racer Ashley Force and the Indy Racing League's Danica Patrick are only natural. Use bugmenot.com for login help.
Thrills and skills at drag race
The first ever quick shift drag racing event takes place at Enniskillen Airport, Belfast, Ireland, next weekend, with organisers promising a fantastic display of cars.
Drag race to be held at Marina South as part of National Day celebrations
While Singapore might not be having the A1 Race, there is still something for motor sports fans to look forward to. A Drag race with cars sprinting at speeds of up to 200 kilometres an hour will be the highlight of this year's National Day celebrations.
Drag boats on their way to Manning River, Australia
The support program for the World GP hydroplane titles to be held in Taree on June 18/19 and 25/26 will feature Australia's fastest drag boats.
Scion Racing Makes Its Debut at Moroso Motorsports Park
Scion is entering the motorsports arena with Scion Racing and has partnered with Sport Compact drag racing stars Christian Rado of WORLD Racing and Leslie Durst of Horizon Motorsports.
Post Race Notes: 17th annual O'Reilly NHRA Summer Nationals
Behind the scenes info and special award winners from 2005 NHRA Topeka.
Ashley Force gets her first lesson in dad's nitro Funny Car
Ashley Force, 22-year-old daughter of legendary Funny Car driver John Force, warmed up her father's 7,000-horsepower Mustang Funny Car Monday after the O'Reilly NHRA Summer Nationals, then made a burnout and a 60-foot launch in the nitro monster.
NHRA video game a big hit at E3
Lights, noise, people everywhere -- you'd think we were at an NHRA event! It was an E3 (Electronics Entertainment Expo) filled with excitement. This year saw the unveiling of the PS3, the Xbox360 and NHRA Championship Drag Racing for the PS2.
Capps, Brut Dodge featured in more high-profile Brut ads
Brut continues its national campaign to promote Ron Capps and the Brut Dodge Funny Car team.
Force is with daughter, too
The National Hot Rod Association got a little taste of its future this week. Ashley Force, daughter of 13-time Funny Car champion John Force, got an early baptism into what driving a nitro coupe feels like.

Thursday, June 02, 2005

Dragster goes 303 mph at IMSP
Billings, MT, drag racer Chuck Haynes set the Montana land speed record Saturday night at the Intermountain Motor Sports Park.
ET Raceway Night of Fire Nostalgia Funny Car Photos
Shots of the nostalgia funnies who raced at ET Raceway on May 28.

Wednesday, June 01, 2005

BugMeNot.com
You're browsing the web and you click a link to an article on a site (let's say nytimes.com) but instead of getting the article you get a screen asking you to login or register. Infuriated at the idea of pointlessly registering for yet another site you turn to your good buddy bugmenot.com.

Pete Gemar let me know that many of the links we post dead end at registration pages. I actually don't post many of the story links I get because they go to registration pages. But I guess way back when, I signed up for these, because I'm not seeing a registration page for any of them... try this site and let me know how it works with a comment on this post. Thanks to Mark Hovsepian for the tip.
Drag racers, fans invited to event
Beck Motor Co. in Pierre, SD, will hold a vehicle tech inspection and racer registration on June 4 at the car sales lot for drag racers interested in competing at the new Oahe Speedway this summer.
Willowbank Winternationals Drag Racing's Largest Ever
Like never before, sports fans are encouraged to come along to Willowbank Raceway in a fortnight and witness what has been confirmed as the biggest and best ever field of competitors ever assembled in Ipswich for the annual Winternationals drag racing spectacular on June 10-12.
As Patrick's Star Rises, I.R.L. Is Along for Ride
By almost every measure, Danica Patrick's performance in May at Indy has caused a wave of good vibrations for the I.R.L. and open-wheel racing, a sport that has been eclipsed in recent years by the stock cars in the Nascar Nextel Cup series.
Surf's Up, Tops Down: A Drive to Find California's Soul
Remember the Southern California of Jan and Dean, Sonny and Cher, woodies and lowriders? Remember the place where everyone was blond and young, and no one had to work on days when the surf was up? Most of all, remember when the freeways were free of traffic jams and the three most romantic words in the English language were Pacific Coast Highway?
For Pace Cars, a Life Beyond Indy
Even if their only point of differentiation is stickers and badges, Indy Pace Car replicas remain desirable collectibles.