Monday, April 30, 2012

NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis

DREHER, MANZO OUTLAST THE ELEMENTS AT INDY REGIONAL

Jared Dreher made the two best runs of his career to overcome a top-flight Top Alcohol Dragster field at the cold, rainy North Central Regional opener at Lucas Oil Raceway, and veteran Frank Manzo struggled with the conditions but ultimately prevailed in Top Alcohol Funny Car.

"That's my first win in five years," said Dreher, who last scored in Valdosta, Ga., in early 2007. In the final against Canadian Ken Perry, who had run back-to-back 5.3s, Dreher shut off to a 5.55 at just 223 mph when Perry's engine banged in a flash of flame not far off the line. "I didn't see him and didn't hear him, so when the car started to nose over toward the top end, I clicked it," Dreher said. Perry coasted silently across the stripe 13 seconds later at 21 mph.

On his first qualifying attempt and first run anywhere all year, Dreher clocked a 5.37 – seven-hundredths of a second quicker than he'd ever run in his career – for the No. 3 spot in the field. "I knew it had to be something good by the way it felt when the clutch was locking up through the middle of the track," said Dreher, who thanked sponsors Speedco and Gerardot Performance Products. "But I didn't know it was that good." His VP Racing Fuels A/Fuel Dragster ran an even better 5.33 in the semifinals to take out Paul Fishburn, who also established a career-best over the weekend.

"The .33 kind of validated the .37 and showed us that we really did it," Dreher said." He got the only break he would need in round one when five-time world champ Bill Reichert smoked the tires at the hit. It couldn't have come at a better time; Dreher's chutes popped 2.1 seconds into the run, holding him to a 7.79 at just 87 mph.

Manzo didn't need any breaks, leading Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying by about a tenth and a half with a 5.53, but to him, it wasn't a particularly dominating performance. In the final, he ran just a 5.75, but it was enough against Brian Harvanek, who lost traction immediately and slowed to a 16.34 at 47 mph.

"It shook hard on that one, and I had to pedal it a couple of times," Manzo said. "I was shaking all weekend, actually, but in the other rounds I caught it sooner. I got myself in trouble that time and should have gotten beat."

Harvanek red-lighted in first round but was reinstated when Charlotte national event winner Andy Bohl was disqualified for brushing a half-track cone. In round two, he made his best run of the weekend, 5.75, to beat defending Division 3 champ Chris Foster, who shut off. Manzo pedaled to a 5.67 in the first round against Rick Cortino and ran low e.t. of eliminations, 5.58, against Cassie Simonton in the semifinals.

"I worked all weekend to take power out of the car," Manzo said. "The air was astronomical, 700 feet – good enough to run 5.30s. It looked fine, and the dragsters ran great on it, but it didn't work for me. That's nothing new, though. My car's been shaking all year. I shook at Gainesville, shook at Charlotte, and shook here. Something's wrong, and I can't put my finger on what it is. I wish I could say that I was just experimenting all weekend, but I wasn't. This thing was running a lot better at this time last year than it is now."

David Billingsley scored the win in the Comp Eliminator final over Bo Butner of Floyds Knobs, Ind.  Billingsley, Decatur, Ill., drove his ’93 Cutlass to the win at 150.26 mph in 8.734 seconds.

Joining Dreher in the winner’s circle from the home state were Ed Dudley, Fishers, Ind., Dennis Breeden, Plainville, Ind., and Bob Eaker, Camby, Ind.  Dudley went 211.56 mph on his winning pass against Dan Phelps, Labadie, Mo., in the division’s Spitzer Race Cars Top Dragster Series.  Phelps clocked in at 200.86 mph in 6.747 seconds.  Breeden won over Andres Hill in Stock Eliminator with his ’10 Challenger posting a time of 10.032 seconds at 134.59 mph while Eaker took the Super Gas trophy away from Tim Gillespie, Xenia, Ohio.

Five-time national champion Edmond Richardson picked up another win to go along with his 46 NHRA national event wins as he took out Troy Stone in Super Comp.  The racer from Greenbrier, Tenn., went 155.87 mph in 8.926 seconds to Stone’s quicker but losing effort of 8.916 seconds.

Rounding out the weekend’s winners were Jeff Niceswanger, Zanesville, Ohio, in Super Stock; John Scali, Louisville, Ky., in Top Sportsman over Brian Stultz, and Kevin Myers, Williamsport, Ohio, down fellow Ohio racer Corinne Rudy in Super Street.

Running in conjunction with the event this weekend was the Pro Stock Snowmobile Association who saw Edwin Wirbel out of Hope, Mich., take the win in defeating Scott Hagen in 8.527 seconds at 150.23 mph.

North Central Division racers head to Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park for their next NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, May 18-20.

The following are Sunday's final results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, North Central Division Spring Spectacle of Speed at Indy:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER:
Round 1
5) Gord Gingles, Winnipeg, Manit., 5.525, 261.17 def. 4) Dave Hirata, Lowell, Ind., 13.144, 80.26
2) Paul Fishburn, Rensselaer, Ind., 5.458, 239.65 def. 7) Robin Samsel, Marion, Ind., 14.212, 63.08
3) Jared Dreher, Clinton, Ind., 7.799, 87.28 def. 6) Bill Reichert, Owosso, Mich., 20.808, 35.52
8) Ken Perry, Markham, Ont., 5.375, 265.06 def. 1) Mike Kosky, Cuddy, Pa., 5.496, 261.52

Semifinals
Perry, 5.383, 266.64 def. Gingles, foul
Dreher, 5.332, 262.03 def. Fishburn, 6.738, 132.59

Final
Dreher, 5.553, 223.06 def. Perry, 18.308, 21.94

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR:
Round 1
1) Frank Manzo, Morganville, N.J., '10 Monte Carlo, 5.675, 258.17 def. 8) Rick Cortino, Wheaton, Ill., '97 Firebird, 12.990, 60.27
7) Brian Harvanek, Cheswick, Pa., '02 Camaro, 5.800, 245.94 def. 2) Andy Bohl, Racine, Wis., '08 Mustang, broke
5) Cassie Simonton, Brooklyn Park, Minn., '09 Monte Carlo, 5.634, 259.36 def. 4) Ray Drew, Hales Corner, Wis., '04 Firebird, 5.804, 254.33
3) Chris Foster, Davenport, Iowa, '11 Mustang, 8.716, 116.33 def. 6) Wayne Butler, Forest City, Ill., '02 Firebird, broke

Semifinals
Harvanek, 5.750, 245.99 def. Foster, 7.814, 121.69
Manzo, 5.584, 259.31 def. Simonton, 13.337, 83.70

Final
Manzo, 5.755, 255.77 def. Harvanek, 16.347, 47.17

COMP ELIMINATOR
David Billingsley, Decatur, Ill., '93 Cutlass, L/AA, 8.745, 150.26  def. Bo Butner, Floyds Knobs, Ind., '10 Cobalt, E/SMA, 8.406, 158.56.

SUPER STOCK
Jeff Niceswanger, Zanesville, Ohio, '87 Camaro, GT/FA, 9.898, 133.24 def. Bob Marshall, Columbus, Ohio, '65 Coronet, SS/BA, 9.822, 131.41.

STOCK ELIMINATOR
Dennis Breeden, Plainville, Ind., '10 Challenger, CC/SA, 10.032, 134.59 def. Andrew Hill, Lousiville, Ky., '70 Camaro, D/SA, 10.610, 120.92.

SUPER COMP
Edmond Richardson, Greenbrier, Tenn., dragster, 8.926, 155.87 def. Troy Stone, Elkhart, Ill., dragster, 8.916, 173.16.

SUPER GAS
Bob Eaker, Camby, Ind., '86 Firenza, 9.856, 137.60 def. Tim Gillespie, Xenia, Ohio, '33 Ford, foul.

SUPER STREET
Kevin Myers, Williamsport, Ohio, '71 Nova, 10.845, 131.73 def. Corinne Rudy, Lima, Ohio, '75 Gremlin, foul.

TOP SPORTSMAN
John Scali, Louisville, Ky., '67 Camaro, 7.116, 185.92 def. Brian Stultz, New Lebanon, Ohio, '99 Monte Carlo, 7.130, 195.17.

TOP DRAGSTER
Ed Dudley, Fishers, Ind., dragster, 6.466, 211.56 def. Dan Phelps, Labadie, Mo., dragster, 6.747, 200.86.

PRO STOCK SNOWMOBILE
Edwin Wirbel, Hope, Mich., '03 Ski Doo, 8.527, 150.23 def. Scott Hagen, Orion, Mich., '99 Ski Doo, broke.

ADRL Northeast Drags II Presented by Penske Fact Sheet


ADRL Returns To Maple Grove Raceway For Northeast Drags II Presented By Penske

O'FALLON, MO – The American Drag Racing League (ADRL) makes its return to historic Maple Grove Raceway with the ADRL Northeast Drags II presented by Penske on May 4-5. It is the third of 10 races on the 2012 ADRL Tour.
With new classes, a World Championship format and expanded family fun midway, there is considerable excitement and anticipation surrounding the world's premier eighth-mile drag racing league as it returns to Maple Grove for the second time. The ADRL made its debut at the track in 2011. 

Along with the highly-anticipated and revolutionary new SuperCar Showdown class, all of the ADRL's professional classes will make compete at Maple Grove, including Pro Junior Dragster (PJD), Summit Racing Equipment Top Sportsman (TS), Aeromotive Fuel Systems Pro Modified (PM), Extreme Pro Stock (XPS), Pro Extreme Motorcycle (PXM), Mickey Thompson Extreme 10.5 (XTF), Pro Nitrous (PN) and Pro Extreme (PX), the quickest and fastest full-bodied, doorslammer class in the world.

Racing for the first time anywhere in the world in 2012 is the highly-anticipated SuperCar Showdown. The ADRL SuperCar Showdown will showcase the latest factory-produced, dealership-available automobiles in all-out drag racing with no handicap starts or performance restrictions, adding even more excitement to the ADRL's fast-paced show.

At the ADRL's debut at Maple Grove in 2011, Frankie Taylor set a new world record with an 1/8-mile pass of 3.581 in Pro Extreme, making it the quickest 1/8-mile ever in the United States. Khalid Al-Balooshi also piloted the first nitrous car in drag racing history to go 200 miles per hour in an 1/8-mile race at last year's event.

The gates open at 10 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, with the first round of qualifying on Friday set to begin at 12 p.m. On Saturday, the racing will begin at 12 p.m. with the final qualifying session. The first round of eliminations starts at 3:30 p.m., with special jet car passes and other exhibition runs concluding the evening on Friday and Saturday.

For more information on the ADRL Northeast Drags II presented by Penske, visit www.adrl.us/adrl-northeast-drags-ii/

Tickets are $15 for adults Friday or Saturday, $25 for a two-day, full-event pass, free for children 12-under and will be on sale soon. They will available at Maple Grove Raceway or through www.adrl.us/schedule/ticketsA $5 coupon is also available at all area NAPA Auto Parts stores.

WHAT: The ADRL Northeast Drags II presented by Penske takes place May 4-5 at Maple Grove Raceway in Mohnton, Pa. It is the third race of the 2012 season in the American Drag Racing League (ADRL), and the third of 10 races on the 2012 ADRL Tour.
Series includes seven all-professional, eighth-mile drag racing classes: Summit Racing Equipment Top Sportsman (TS), Aeromotive Fuel Systems Pro Modified (PM), Extreme Pro Stock (XPS), Pro Extreme Motorcycle (PXM), Mickey Thompson Extreme 10.5 (XTF), Pro Nitrous (PN) and Pro Extreme (PX), the quickest and fastest full-bodied, doorslammer class in the world.
The ADRL's NEW SuperCar Showdown will also race at this event. 
Pro Junior Dragsters (PJD) compete at each race and there will also be special exhibition jet car runs.

WHEN: Friday and Saturday, May 4-5, 2012

WHERE: Maple Grove Raceway, 30 Stauffer Park Lane, Mohnton, PA 19540

SCHEDULE (Subject to change; all times local)

FRIDAY: Gates Open at 10 a.m. Qualifying Round 1 at 12 p.m.; Qualifying Round 2 at 3:30 p.m.; Qualifying Round 3 at 6:30 p.m.; Jet Car at 9:30 p.m.

SATURDAY: Gates Open at 10 a.m.; Qualifying Round 4 at 12 p.m.; Eliminations Round 1 at 3:30 p.m.; Jet Car at 9 p.m. Final Eliminations at 9:30 p.m.

TICKETS: On sale soon at www.adrl.us/schedule/tickets or by calling Maple Grove Raceway at (610) 856-9200
Friday Adult $15; Saturday Adult $15; Full Event Pass Adult $25; All Kids 12-Under Free; General Parking $10/day. All tickets include ADRL VIP pit pass. A $5 coupon is also available at all area NAPA Auto Parts stores.

Mardi Gras Nitro Jam presented by Domino's Fact Sheet



Third race of 2012 Nitro Jam season gets underway May 4-5 at State Capitol Raceway

BATON ROUGE, La. (April 30, 2012) – The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) Nitro Jam series returns to State Capitol Raceway in Baton Rouge, La. on May 4-5 for the Mardi Gras Nitro Jam presented by Domino's Pizza.   

This year's Mardi Gras Nitro Jam features multiple professional and sportsman classes spread over the two-day weekend. The 2012 Mardi Gras Nitro Jam presented by Domino's Pizza will feature professional competition in Pro Fuel Dragster, AMSOIL Prostalgia™ Nitro Funny Car, Nitro Harley, Fuel Altered and Outlaw Pro Modified. The event will also feature multiple exhibitions including the 30,000 horsepower Super Shockwave jet semi, side-by-side 300 mph jet dragsters and jet funny cars, wheelstanders and the Louisiana debut of the Grave Digger vs. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle monster truck drag race.    

The weekend will also include a double Summit Racing Equipment Pro-Am Tour presented by AMSOIL weekend with competition in Top Sportsman, Top Dragster, Super Stock, Stock, Quick Rod, Super Rod and Hot Rod. Pro-Am points will be awarded both days and winners during Saturday's Nitro Jam portion of the weekend will earn a spot in the year-end Summit Racing Equipment Tournament of Champions presented by AMSOIL. 

This is the third race of the 2012 IHRA Nitro Jam season with championship points on the line in all professional classes. A spot in the year-end Summit Racing Equipment Tournament of Champions is on the line for racers in the sportsman classes on Saturday.  


WHAT: The Mardi Gras Nitro Jam presented by Domino's Pizza is the third race of the 2012 IHRA Nitro Jam season.    

The event will include five professional classes including Pro Fuel Dragster, AMSOIL Prostalgia™ Nitro Funny Car, Fuel Altered, Nitro Harley and Outlaw Pro Modified, multiple sportsman classes including Top Sportsman, Top Dragster, Super Stock, Stock, Quick Rod, Super Rod, Hot Rod, Top, Mod and Junior Dragster and thrilling exhibitions including Grave Digger battling Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle, the Super Shockwave jet truck, jet dragsters, jet funny cars, wheelstanders and more. 

Friday and Saturday will feature sportsman racing throughout the day followed by the FanFest Pit Party at 6:30 p.m. The FanFest Pit Party features driver autographs and interactive stations for fans of all ages. FanFest and complete VIP access to the pit area is included with the price of admission. The Nitro Jam professional rounds will begin at 8 p.m. both nights.    

WHEN: Friday-Saturday, May 4-5    

WHERE: State Capitol Raceway - 11436 Highway 190 West, Port Allen, LA 70767 

TICKETS: Adult Tickets $25; Junior Tickets (Ages 8-13) $10; Children 7 & Under FREE with paid adult. Tickets available at track or online at www.nitrojam.com.         

CONTACT: Call State Capitol Raceway at (225) 627-4574 or visit www.nitrojam.com or www.statecapitolraceway.com. For media requests, contact Larry Crum with IHRA Communications at (304) 812-0104 or at lcrum@feldinc.com.

   

SCHEDULE (Subject to change; all times local)

FRIDAY: Spectator gates open @ 2 p.m.; FanFest Pit Party @ 6:30 p.m.; Nitro Jam @ 8 p.m.    

SATURDAY: Sportsman Racing @ 9 a.m.; Spectator gates open @ 2 p.m.; FanFest Pit Party @ 6:30 p.m.; Nitro Jam @ 8 p.m.    

2011 MARDI GRAS WINNERS: Pro Fuel – Robin Samsel (Sat) & Bill Evans (Sun); Prostalgia Nitro Funny Car – Peter Gallen (Sat & Sun); Fuel Altered – Chris Bennett (Sat) & Jim Maroney (Sun); Nitro Harley – Steve Dorn (Sat) & Mike Scott (Sun); Outlaw Pro Mod – Joe Palmisano; Top Sportsman – Les Herod; Top Dragster – Clayton Nance; Super Stock – Gilbert Johnson; Stock – Myron Piatek ; Quick Rod – Clayton Nance; Super Rod – Jeff Southerland; Hot Rod – Ray Todd; Top ET – Louis Gregoire; Mod ET – Eric Landry; Junior Master – Tara Elliser; Junior Advanced – Wyatt Sproles; Junior Beginner – Blaze LeBlanc


NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series

WHITELEY, PAYNE LEAD WINNERS IN HOUSTON

BAYTOWN, Texas – Jim Whiteley and Jay Payne took home wins this past weekend for the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Spring Nationals presented by Super Start Batteries at Royal Purple Raceway.
           
Whiteley scored his second national event win and his third of the year as he took out defending Lucas Oil Series National Champion Duane Shields in the final round of Top Alcohol Dragster.  The Grand Junction, Colo., racer qualified No. 1 and worked his way through the field beating Buddy Domingue and Mark Taliaferro in rounds two and three.  He then ran low elapsed time of the event with a 5.264 second lap at 273.77 mph in the final to Shields’ 5.380, 268.97.

Shields came from the No. 3 qualifying position, defeating Lee Callaway, David Brounkowski and Ryan Copeland to advance to the finals.

Payne, Claremont, Calif., grabbed his 40th national event career win as he ran down fellow California racer Steve Gasparrelli of West Covina, Calif., in the final of Top Alcohol Funny Car.  Payne had his work cut out for him with close races in every round including a 1st round match up with Mark Billington with Payne running a 5.622 to Billington’s 5.644.

Gasparrelli took the early lead in the final with a starting line advantage but Payne moved ahead by half-track and stayed there for the win, 5.631, 260.06 to Gasparrelli’s 5.652, 259.26. 

A pair of Texas won trophies for the home state with Hagen Gary winning in Stock and Rob McKinley Jr. in Top Dragster.  Gary, Pearland, Texas, beat Britt Cummings, Hammond, La., in his ’70 Plymouth and McKinley, Conroe, Texas, beat Todd Schumert, La Place, La.  McKinley clocked in at 6.303 seconds at 220.69 mph to Schumert’s 6.654, 203.68.

Cummings missed out on the double-up but would not be denied the winner’s trophy as he came right back to beat Shannon Brinkley in the Super Comp class running 8.920 on the 8.90 dial in.  Brinkley, Highlands, Texas, got the holeshot but ran too quick with an 8.898 second pass.

Doug Baumgardner, Wichita, Kan., and Luck Bogacki, Carterville, Ill., rounded out the winners.  Baumgardner ousted Gary Emmons, Friendswood, Texas, in Super Stock with his ’69 Camaro and Bogacki beat Jeff Lopez, Bedford, Texas, in a match-up of ’63 Corvettes.

The following are the final results from the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Spring Nationals presented by Super Start Batteries at Royal Purple Raceway:

Top Alcohol Dragster -- Jim Whiteley, 5.264, 273.77 def. Duane Shields, 5.380, 268.97.

Top Alcohol Funny Car -- Jay Payne, Ford Mustang, 5.631, 260.06 def. Steve Gasparrelli, Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.652, 259.26.

Super Stock -- Doug Baumgardner, Chevy Camaro, 9.468, 134.36 def. Gary Emmons, Pontiac Firebird, 10.005, 126.21.

Stock Eliminator -- Hagen Gary, Pontiac GTX, 10.132, 128.79 def. Britt Cummings, Chevy Corvette, 10.503, 126.00.

Super Comp -- Britt Cummings, Dragster, 8.920, 164.85 def. Shannon Brinkley, Dragster, 8.898, 167.97.

Super Gas -- Luke Bogacki, Chevy Corvette, 9.918, 144.41 def. Jeff Lopez, Corvette, 9.878, 152.68.

Top Dragster -- Rob McKinley, Dragster, 6.303, 220.69 def. Todd Schumert, Dragster, 6.654, 203.68.



FULL THROTTLE ENERGY DRINK JOINS FORCES WITH THE USO TO RECOGNIZE AMERICA'S TROOPS AND THEIR FAMILIES

Whitestone, NY (April 30, 2012) -- Full Throttle Energy Drink prides itself on delivering hard-working energy.  The USO provides support for America’s hard working military men and women and their families.  This common ground has led the organizations to join hands on an impactful partnership aimed to celebrate and honor the efforts of our country’s military heroes.

The new collaboration will include custom USO-centric Full Throttle packaging and point of sale materials, co-branded traditional and digital media, and USO integration and experiential interactivity at Full Throttle’s National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) event footprint. 

To help inaugurate the project, Full Throttle will make a $250,000 contribution to the USO in a check presentation during the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals on May 5th in Commerce, GA.  Fittingly, “The Sarge”, as US Army Top Fuel driver and seven-time world champion Tony Schumacher is affectionately known, will be on hand to help make the announcement. 

“Full Throttle is for the every-day hard-working men and women that need reliable energy,” Eric Helms, director of marketing, Full Throttle.  “There’s no better representation of that classification than the men and women in the armed forces, and for more than 70 years, the USO has provided unwavering support to them and their families.  We’re excited to partner with such a terrific organization and look forward to joining their great cause.”

The mission of the USO is to lift the spirits of America’s troops and their families.  When the USO was formed in 1941, Coca-Cola was the first to step up and help serve troops around the world, in battle zones, and coming home. The Full Throttle venture is the latest highpoint in a relationship that continues to prosper.

“Every day of the year, the USO works to provide our service men and women with the things they need most, such as comforts of home and a connection to their loved ones during lengthy deployments,” said USO SVP and Chief Development Officer Kelli Seely. “Partners like Full Throttle make it possible for the USO to lift the spirits of troops and their families. We are grateful for Coca Cola’s longstanding support and excited about this latest phase of our partnership.”

NHRA NEWS: NEFF CONTINUES JOHN FORCE RACING DOMINANCE IN FUNNY CAR AS THE NHRA HEADS TO ATLANTA


COMMERCE, Ga. – Funny Car driver Mike Neff earned his first win of the 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series season in Houston, and his victory was the sixth of the season out of six NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series races for his John Force Racing team.

“There are a lot of high expectations, especially when you are on a top team like John Force’s team,” Neff said. “John Force Racing is built on winning. Everyone knows what’s at stake here, and anything can happen out here. You get one shot at it, and you either get it right or it’s over with, and we got it right.”

As the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads south May 4-6 for the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway, JFR looks to continue its dominating performance one race at a time. Neff’s win snapped his JFR teammate Robert Hight’s impressive span of four race wins in a row.

“That was a heck of a string he had going,” Neff said. “That’s hard to do in Funny Car or any class for that matter. I’m just glad I could keep the string going for John Force Racing.”

Neff earned his first win of the season in his third final-round appearance, defeating Don Schumacher Racing driver Ron Capps and his NAPA Auto Parts Funny Car. Capps made his second straight final-round appearance after struggling early in the season and suffering a tough DNQ in Las Vegas.

"That's two finals in a row for this NAPA team, and that's great,” Capps said. “This crew is just top notch. Like I said all weekend, Rahn Tobler [crew chief] could make this car go down the return road.”

Capps’ DSR teammate and the defending event champ at Atlanta Dragway, Jack Beckman, had his own struggles in Houston, where he failed to qualify for the first time in 87 races, which was the longest qualifying streak of active drivers. Last season, Beckman defeated Neff in the final round in Atlanta, and he hopes for the same success this year. DSR’s other two Funny Car drivers, defending Funny Car world champ Matt Hagan and Johnny Gray, have struggled this season as well but plan to turn that around in Atlanta.

Snap-On Tools driver Cruz Pedregon is coming off a semifinal finish and his second No. 1 qualifying position of the season as the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to Atlanta, where the two-time world champ has earned one victory, in 1998, beating none other than John Force.

Rookies Courtney Force and Alexis DeJoria are still working to make their impact on the 7,000-horsepower class, DeJoria’s Kalitta Motorsports teammate, Jeff Arend, is coming off his first semifinal finish of the season, and Pedregon’s teammate and brother, Tony, is looking to earn his first round-win of the season. Despite all of the JFR dominance this season, the top 10 is still up for grabs with 10 races left before the Countdown to the Championship, NHRA’s championship playoffs, which kicks off in Charlotte, N.C.

Matco Tools driver Antron Brown is coming off his fifth final of the 2012 season and regained the championship points lead in Top Fuel even after losing to GEICO/Lucas Oil driver Morgan Lucas, who is in third place. Brown’s DSR teammates, Spencer Massey and Tony Schumacher, are in second and fourth place, respectively, and Al-Anabi Racing driver Shawn Langdon is fifth. Capco Contractors pilot Steve Torrence, who is coming off his second straight semifinal-round appearance, is currently in sixth place, followed by Doug Kalitta, Bob Vandergriff Jr., David Grubnic, and Clay Millican.

In Pro Stock, the Summit Racing duo of Greg Anderson and Jason Line are still atop the point standings while sophomore sensation Vincent Nobile moved up to third after his win in Houston. Former Pro Stock world champ Mike Edwards if fourth, Nobile’s Dodge teammate Allen Johnson is in fourth, and Erica Enders sits sixth, Ronnie Humphrey is seventh, Greg Stanfield is eighth, Roger Brogdon is ninth, and Larry Morgan is 10th.

The two-wheel class heads to Atlanta for its third appearance of the season with the Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson duo of Andrew Hines and Eddie Krawiec leading the championship points standings. Lucas Oil Buell rider Hector Arana Jr. is right behind them in third, followed by GEICO Suzuki rider Karen Stoffer. Matt Smith, Hector Arana Sr., Scotty Pollacheck, LE Tonglet, Michael Ray, and John Hall round out the top 10 in the class.

* SCHEDULE: Full Throttle Drag Racing Series qualifying sessions are scheduled for 3:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Friday, May 4, and 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 5. Final professional eliminations will begin at 11 a.m. on Sunday, May 6.

* TICKETS: Tickets are available for the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals. For tickets, call the NHRA at 800-884-6472 or visit NHRATIX.com.

* ON TV: ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise two hours of qualifying coverage at 7 p.m. (ET) on Saturday, May 5. ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise three hours of eliminations coverage at 7 p.m. (ET) on Sunday, May 6.

* LUCAS OIL SERIES: The Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals also will feature competition in seven NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series categories, where the future stars of the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series are born. Lucas Oil Series qualifying begins at 8 a.m. on May 4. Lucas Oil Series eliminations begin at 8 a.m. on May 5 and continue through May 6.

* ON THE WEB: Get live timing, scoring, multimedia, and the latest news updates from every NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series event on the Internet at www.nhra.com. Visit the official NHRA pages on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter.

SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT NHRA SOUTHERN NATIONALS

WHAT: 32nd annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals, the seventh of 23 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series. Drivers in four categories - Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle - earn points leading to 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series world championships.

WHERE: Atlanta Dragway, Commerce, Ga. I-85 to Exit 149 (Hwy 441).  After exiting the freeway, go north on Highway 441 to Steven Tanger Blvd. Take left on Tanger and then go right on Ridgeway Road.

WHEN: Friday through Sunday, May 4-6

SCHEDULE:
FRIDAY, May 4 - LUCAS OIL SERIES qualifying at 9:30 a.m.
FULL THROTTLE SERIES qualifying at 3:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.

SATURDAY, May 5 – LUCAS OIL SERIES eliminations begin at 9 a.m.
FULL THROTTLE SERIES qualifying at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.

SUNDAY, May 6 - Pre-race ceremonies, 10 a.m.
FULL THROTTLE SERIES eliminations begin at 11 a.m.

TELEVISION:
Saturday, May 5, ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise two hours of qualifying coverage at 7 p.m. (ET).
Sunday, May 6, ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise three hours of eliminations coverage starting at 7 p.m. (ET).
               
SATELLITE (Digital HD feed):  
Friday, May4, 10-10:30 p.m. (ET), SES 2 / Transponder 1C
Saturday, May 5, 6:30 -7 p.m. (ET), SES 2 / Transponder 22C
Sunday, May 6, 7-7:30 p.m. (ET), SES 2 / Transponder 22C
(3720 MHz, horizontal; Data Rate: 40.461470554 Mbp; Symbol Rate: 29.27 Ms; FEC: ¾; Bandwidth: 36 Mhz)
Video news release contains race action highlights each day and winners’ interviews on Sunday.
               
2011 EVENT WINNERS: Antron Brown, Top Fuel; Jack Beckman, Funny Car; Jason Line, Pro Stock; LE Tonglet, Pro Stock Motorcycle.

MOST  VICTORIES: Dave Schultz, 8, PSM; John Force, 7, FC; Warren Johnson, 5, PS; Kenny Bernstein, 4, TF/FC; Larry Dixon, 4, TF; Angelle Sampey, 4, PSM; Lee Shepherd, 4, PS.

TRACK RECORDS:
Top Fuel – 3.820 seconds by Spencer Massey, April ’09; 323.19 mph by Massey, May ’11.
Funny Car – 4.072 seconds by John Force, May ’11; 312.13 mph by Ashley Force Hood, April ’09.
Pro Stock – 6.557 seconds by Greg Anderson, April ’09; 211.26 mph by Warren Johnson, April ’09.
PS Motorcycle – 6.877 seconds by Andrew Hines, April ’09; 195.34 mph by Michael Phillips, May ’11.

NATIONAL RECORDS:    
Top Fuel - 3.735 sec. by Del Worsham, Oct. ’11, Reading, Pa.; 332.18 mph by Spencer Massey, April ’12, Charlotte, N.C.
Funny Car - 3.995 sec. by Matt Hagan, Sept. ’11, Charlotte, N.C.; 318.99 mph by Jack Beckman, Sept. ’11, Charlotte, N.C.
Pro Stock - 6.477 sec. by Jason Line, Oct. ’11, Reading, Pa.; 213.91 mph by Jason Line, April  ’12, Charlotte, N.C.
PS Motorcycle - 6.750 sec. by Eddie Krawiec, March ’12, Gainesville, Fla.; 199.26 mph by Eddie Krawiec, March ’11, Gainesville, Fla.

TICKETS: For tickets call NHRA at (800) 884-6472, or visit www.NHRATIX.com.

GENERAL ADMISSION (includes pit pass) - Friday: Adult, $37. Saturday: Adult, $49 Sunday: Adult, $49; children 12 and under are admitted free with paying adult in general admission and pit access areas each day.

RESERVED SEATS (includes pit pass) – Friday: Adult, $43; Junior (6-12 years), $18; Child (5 years-under), $8.  Saturday: Adult, $59; Junior (6-12 years), $24; Child (5 years and under), $12.  Sunday: Adult, $59; Junior (6-12 years), $24; Child (5 years and under), $12. Call NHRA for four-day passes and campground information.

GLENDORA, Calif. -- Point standings (top 10) for NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series categories following the sixth of 23 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series -

Top Fuel: 1.  Antron Brown, 537; 2.  Spencer Massey, 523; 3.  Morgan Lucas, 505; 4.  Tony Schumacher, 500; 5.  Shawn Langdon, 348; 6.  Steve Torrence, 343; 7.  Doug Kalitta, 313; 8.  Bob Vandergriff, 300; 9.  David Grubnic, 259; 10.  Clay Millican, 258.

Funny Car: 1.  Robert Hight, 597; 2.  Mike Neff, 489; 3.  Ron Capps, 379; 4.  Jack Beckman, 343; 5.  Cruz Pedregon, 342; 6.  Johnny Gray, 333; 7.  John Force, 323; 8.  Bob Tasca III, 319; 9.  Courtney Force, 268; 10.  Jeff Arend, 252.

Pro Stock: 1.  Greg Anderson, 532; 2.  Jason Line, 472; 3.  Vincent Nobile, 436; 4.  Mike Edwards, 435; 5.  Allen Johnson, 412; 6.  Erica Enders, 323; 7.  Ronnie Humphrey, 275; 8.  Greg Stanfield, 268; 9.  Rodger Brogdon, 254; 10.  Larry Morgan, 248.

Pro Stock Motorcycle: 1.  Andrew Hines, 216; 2.  Eddie Krawiec, 210; 3.  Hector Arana Jr, 184; 4.  Karen Stoffer, 129; 5.  Matt Smith, 127; 6.  Hector Arana, 102; 7.  Scotty Pollacheck, 89; 8.  LE Tonglet, 88; 9.  Michael Ray, 83; 10.  John Hall, 82.

Racers and fans ready for 2012 opening day of drag race action

PMRA, Quick 32 Sportsman Series, and PBSS take to track May 18-20 for Victoria Day Weekend Challenge at TMP's Cayuga Dragway

CAYUGA, ONTARIO (April 30, 2012) – The teams have been working hard during the off-season and the fans are ready for the opening round in the 2012 Pro Modified Racing Association, the Quick 32 Sportsman Series, and the Pro Bike & Sled Series.

Racers had spent the past few months updating, modifying, and everything else to get more power from their racecars. Along with several new teams in the three drag race series, many are returning for the starting race of the year, the Victoria Day Weekend Challenge to be held May 18-20 at the Cayuga Dragway of Toronto Motorsports Park.

Qualifying sessions will take place Saturday, May 19, with elimination rounds scheduled to begin Sunday, May 20.

This race marks the beginning of the eighth year for the PMRA, the fourth for the Quick 32 Sportsman Series, and the second for the PBSS.

We will have a great contingent of racers in all series this year, noted Bruce Mehlenbacher, Director of Operations for the three series. A lot of teams have spent the winter rebuilding and upping their game plan, and we should see some terrific racing for the Cayuga opener.
 
Last year's PMRA championship was won by a mere point as Vito Montesano of Maple, Ontario, just edged out three-time champ Bruce Boland of Hamilton, Ontario, 1534 to 1533. And with his new race car, Eric Latino of Whitby, Ontario came on strong, placing third with 1526 points.

The Quick 32 Sportsman Series presented by NAPA Auto Parts is comprised of two classes, Top Dragster and Top Sportsman. In 2011, for the third straight year, a Top Sportsman entry won the championship, as Phil Sampson of Granton, Ontario amassed 1239 points with his Chevy Cavalier over the second-place Top Dragster of Napanee, Ontario's Jamie Bridge with 1201 points.

The inaugural season in the PBSS presented by Wiseco Performance Products, which pits Pro Motorcycle riders against Pro Sled riders, was a great success, with Randy Hope of London, Ontario taking home the championship with his Pro Bike Kawasaki entry. The Pro Bike of Dan Cryderman of Thamesville, Ontario was second, and the Arctic Cat Pro Sled of Bill Anderson of Seaforth, Ontario placed third.

The Victoria Day Weekend Challenge will be the first of six rounds of racing for the Quick 32 Sportsman Series and the PBSS. These two series will also race at Cayuga June 22-24 and August 3-5, along with events at the Grand Bend Motorplex August 10-12 and August 31 – September 2.

All three series will be travelling to the US 131 Motorsports Park in Martin Michigan June 8-9, for an inaugural event at this famous drag race facility.

The PMRA Pro Modifieds will also race at the six above mentioned dates, plus will compete as part of the IHRA Mopar Nitro Jam Nationals July 20-22 at the Grand Bend Motorplex.

For information about Toronto Motorsports Park in Cayuga, Ontario call (905) 772-0303 or visit online at www.torontomotorsportspark.com

Today's Drag Racing News

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Rowe, Coughlin Lead First Round Winners in NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series ...
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3 qualifier Danny Rowe advanced his Sterling Bridge '68 Chevy Camaro to the second round of eliminations and was among the first-round winners Saturday in the NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by ProCare Rx portion of the O'Reilly Auto Parts ...
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Lucas, Neff, Nobile, Hines collect Houston victories
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Morgan Lucas (Top Fuel), Vincent Nobile (Pro Stock), and Andrew Hines (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also earned victories at the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series event near Houston. Neff powered his Castrol GTX Ford Mustang past Ron Capps' NAPA Auto ...
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Lucas And Neff Leads NHRA Baytown Victory Parade
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(Photo courtesy of the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Schedule) Neff powered his Castrol GTX Ford Mustang past Ron Capps' NAPA Auto Parts Dodge Charger R/T in the final round of eliminations. Neff's 4.239 second pass at 301.67 mph was too much for ...
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Off the Streets, To the Tracks
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PRAIRIE HILL (April 29, 2012) -- It happens almost every night on streets across Central Texas--illegal drag racing that can lead to tickets, jail time and accidents that can sometimes be fatal. Drivers say they do it anyways, for a variety of reasons ...
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Heading to Atlanta for the 2012 NHRA Southern Nationals? Check this out
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The seventh stop on the 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series schedule is Atlanta Dragway in Commerce, Georgia, home of the 32nd annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals, Friday through Sunday, May 4th through 6th.
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Mike Neff, Morgan Lucas and Vincent
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Morgan Lucas (Top Fuel) and Vincent Nobile (Pro Stock) also earned victories at the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series event near Houston. Neff powered his Castrol GTX Ford Mustang past Ron Capps' NAPA Auto Parts Dodge Charger R/T in the final round ...
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2012 NHRA Spring Nationals: Neff earns first Funny Car Wally of 2012
Examiner.com
My dad taught me everything I know about driving a race car and drag racing period. This win is a win for the both of us. He never won a Wally because he never had the power. But now we're doing it both together." Hines picked up his first win of the ...
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Sara Hamdan; Tokyo International Bar Show brimming with world champs aprile 27, 2012. Here's an idea for Golden Week -- spend it recovering from the vast ...
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Sunday, April 29, 2012

NHRA NEWS: FULL THROTTLE SERIES RESULTS SUNDAY FROM HOUSTON

NEFF TAKES O'REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA SPRING NATIONALS VICTORY TO GIVE JOHN FORCE RACING SIX STRAIGHT WINS TO OPEN SEASON

Lucas, Nobile and Hines also score victories at Houston’s Royal Purple Raceway


BAYTOWN, Texas - Mike Neff continued John Force Racing's dominance in Funny Car as he raced to his first victory of the 2012 season Sunday at the 25th annual O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Spring Nationals presented by Super Start Batteries at Royal Purple Raceway. With the win, Neff gave John Force Racing its sixth consecutive win to open the season.

Morgan Lucas (Top Fuel), Vincent Nobile (Pro Stock) and Andrew Hines (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also earned victories at the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series event near Houston.

Neff powered his Castrol GTX Ford Mustang past Ron Capps’ NAPA Auto Parts Dodge Charger R/T in the final round of eliminations. Neff’s 4.239 second pass at 301.67 mph was too much for Capps, who hazed the tires in the Texas heat and clocked a 4.476 second pass at 211.79 mph.

"This whole race was one of a kind," Neff said. "To not be qualified until the last session and then have a wacky couple of rounds today was a nail-biter. Racing Jim Head, my old buddy, it took so long for the Tree to come on. I never let go of the brake but I blipped the throttle. Thankfully, I was staged shallow so I didn’t red-light. I looked down and saw green so I legged it and then it smoked the tires. It was a total mistake on my part as a driver and a crew chief."

Neff struggled during qualifying and made it into the 16-car field during the final qualifying session in the heat of the day Saturday. That tune up proved to be what the JFR driver needed throughout Sunday’s eliminations as he beat first round foe Head, top qualifier Cruz Pedregon and defending event winner Jeff Arend en route to his seventh career Funny Car victory.

Neff is currently second in the NHRA Full Throttle point standings behind his JFR teammate Robert Hight, who saw his four race win streak snapped with a semifinal loss to Capps.

"That was a heck of a string he had going," Neff said about Hight. "That’s hard to do in Funny Car or any class for that matter. I’m just glad I could keep the string going for John Force Racing. I feel pressure but that’s just the business we’re in. We’re a top team and we were built on winning. I feel it, but I don’t get pressure from John or anyone else. Just myself."

In Top Fuel, Lucas proved that he is a championship contender with his win Sunday as he posted low e.t. during each round of eliminations. The GEICO/Lucas Oil dragster outran Antron Brown’s Matco Tools dragster in the final round with his 3.848 second pass at 320.81 to Brown’s losing 5.894 second pass at 117.05 mph.

"I’m just as proud as can be for this race team, the whole GEICO pit area, and my parents (Forrest and Charlotte)," Lucas said. "Just to be able to go up to the starting line on race day and feel like you can beat anybody is a feeling that I’ve never had before. This is probably the first time in my career, Top Alcohol Dragster included, that I’ve ever had low e.t. of every round of eliminations."

Lucas started from the No. 1 qualifying spot for the fourth time of the season and the win moved him to third in points. With the runner-up finish Brown took over the series points lead.

Nobile earned his first Pro Stock win of the season by outrunning veteran driver Dave Connolly in the final round. Nobile’s 6.595 second pass at 210.14 in his Mountain View Tire Dodge Avenger edged Connolly’s 6.604 second pass at 210.41 mph in his Alamo Iron Works/KLR Group Chevy Cobalt to claim his second consecutive win in Houston.

"It’s an amazing feeling [to win this event two years in a row]," said Nobile, who beat Greg Stanfield, Larry Morgan and Mike Edwards to advance to the final. "In the semis, we actually had to swap motors in that short amount of time [before the final] and the crew did it with now flaws and everything was perfect. The crew produces a really fast race car. I owe it to all of them. My dad taught me everything I know about driving a race car and drag racing period. This win is a win for the both of us. He never won a Wally because he never had the power. But now we’re doing it both together."

Nobile’s win moved him from fifth to third in the series standings.

Hines used a perfect reaction time to beat sophomore rider Hector Arana Jr. in the final round in Pro Stock Motorcycle. Arana’s 6.886 second pass at 196.33 mph on his Lucas Oil Buell was quicker than Hines' 6.905 second pass at 194.52 mph on his Screamin' Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson, but Hines won the race on the starting line.

"I knew I’d need a good light, but I wasn’t expecting a .000," Hines said. "I’m lucky I didn’t roll in an eighth of an inch more or I’d have red-lighted. We had to add 20-pounds so I figured I’d need to win on a holeshot in order to have a chance, especially after he [Hector Jr.] ran that 6.84 in the semifinals."

Hines has won this event three years in a row and he is now the series leader in Pro Stock Motorcycle.

"I knew this was the 25th anniversary of this race so I really wanted to win that silver Wally," Hines said.

The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series continues with the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway in Commerce, Ga., May 4-6.

BAYTOWN, Texas -- Final finish order (1-16) for categories at the 25th annual O'Reilly NHRA Spring Nationals presented by Super Start Batteries at Royal Purple Raceway. The race is the sixth of 23 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series.

TOP FUEL:

1. Morgan Lucas; 2. Antron Brown; 3. Steve Torrence; 4. Bob Vandergriff; 5. Spencer Massey; 6. Tony Schumacher; 7. Shawn Langdon; 8. David Grubnic; 9. Doug Kalitta; 10. Clay Millican; 11. J.R. Todd; 12. T.J. Zizzo; 13. Brandon Bernstein; 14. Troy Buff; 15. Terry McMillen; 16. Khalid alBalooshi.

FUNNY CAR:

1. Mike Neff; 2. Ron Capps; 3. Robert Hight; 4. Jeff Arend; 5. Bob Tasca III; 6. Courtney Force; 7. Cruz Pedregon; 8. Tim Wilkerson; 9. Matt Hagan; 10. Alexis DeJoria; 11. John Force; 12. Jim Head; 13. Tony Pedregon; 14. Johnny Gray; 15. Bob Bode; 16. Gary Densham.

PRO STOCK:

1. Vincent Nobile; 2. Dave Connolly; 3. Allen Johnson; 4. Mike Edwards; 5. Jason Line; 6. Ronnie Humphrey; 7. Greg Anderson; 8. Larry Morgan; 9. Ron Krisher; 10. Steve Kent; 11. Rodger Brogdon; 12. Kurt Johnson; 13. Greg Stanfield; 14. Rickie Jones; 15. Shane Gray; 16. Erica Enders.

PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE:

1. Andrew Hines; 2. Hector Arana Jr; 3. Karen Stoffer; 4. Michael Ray; 5. Eddie Krawiec; 6. Matt Smith; 7. Mike Berry; 8. John Hall; 9. Hector Arana; 10. Jerry Savoie; 11. Jim Underdahl; 12. Scotty Pollacheck; 13. Chip Ellis; 14. LE Tonglet; 15. Shawn Gann; 16. Steve Johnson.

BAYTOWN, Texas -- Sunday's final results from the 25th annual O'Reilly NHRA Spring Nationals presented by Super Start Batteries at Royal Purple Raceway. The race is the sixth of 23 in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series:

Top Fuel -- Morgan Lucas, 3.848 seconds, 320.81 mph def. Antron Brown, 5.894 seconds, 117.05 mph.

Funny Car -- Mike Neff, Ford Mustang, 4.239, 301.67 def. Ron Capps, Dodge Charger, 4.476, 211.79.

Pro Stock -- Vincent Nobile, Dodge Avenger, 6.595, 210.14 def. Dave Connolly, Chevy Cobalt, 6.604, 210.41.

Pro Stock Motorcycle -- Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 6.905, 194.52 def. Hector Arana Jr, Buell, 6.886, 196.33.

Top Alcohol Dragster -- Jim Whiteley, 5.264, 273.77 def. Duane Shields, 5.380, 268.97.

Top Alcohol Funny Car -- Jay Payne, Ford Mustang, 5.631, 260.06 def. Steve Gasparrelli, Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.652, 259.26.

Super Stock -- Doug Baumgardner, Chevy Camaro, 9.468, 134.36 def. Gary Emmons, Pontiac Firebird, 10.005, 126.21.

Stock Eliminator -- Hagen Gary, Pontia GTX, 10.132, 128.79 def. Britt Cummings, Chevy Corvette, 10.503, 126.00.

Super Comp -- Britt Cummings, Dragster, 8.920, 164.85 def. Shannon Brinkley, Dragster, 8.898, 167.97.

Super Gas -- Luke Bogacki, Chevy Corvette, 9.918, 144.41 def. Jeff Lopez, Corvette, 9.878, 152.68.

Top Dragster -- Rob McKinley, Dragster, 6.303, 220.69 def. Todd Schumert, Dragster, 6.654, 203.68.

BAYTOWN, Texas -- Final round-by-round results from the 25th annual O'Reilly NHRA Spring Nationals presented by Super Start Batteries at Royal Purple Raceway, the sixth of 23 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series:

TOP FUEL:

ROUND ONE -- Shawn Langdon, 3.820, 319.14 def. Brandon Bernstein, 4.253, 197.88; Bob Vandergriff, 3.866, 318.69 def. Khalid alBalooshi, broke; Morgan Lucas, 3.776, 325.06 def. Troy Buff, 4.737, 157.25; Steve Torrence, 3.830, 322.11 def. T.J. Zizzo, 4.041, 288.95; David Grubnic, 3.843, 317.94 def. Clay Millican, 3.898, 311.92; Spencer Massey, 3.847, 323.66 def. Terry McMillen, 4.853, 153.37; Antron Brown, 3.803, 325.92 def. J.R. Todd, 3.974, 238.72; Tony Schumacher, 3.825, 320.74 def. Doug Kalitta, 3.870, 319.82;

QUARTERFINALS -- Vandergriff, 4.260, 260.66 def. Grubnic, 5.415, 126.57; Lucas, 3.834, 322.19 def. Schumacher, 3.865, 319.67; Brown, 3.838, 323.27 def. Massey, 3.859, 323.12; Torrence, 3.878, 320.20 def. Langdon, 3.895, 318.02;

SEMIFINALS -- Brown, 4.011, 278.35 def. Torrence, 4.030, 276.80; Lucas, 3.870, 320.97 def. Vandergriff, 5.198, 138.07;

FINAL -- Lucas, 3.848, 320.81 def. Brown, 5.894, 117.05.

FUNNY CAR:

ROUND ONE -- Tim Wilkerson, Ford Mustang, 4.149, 301.54 def. Johnny Gray, Dodge Charger, 5.976, 117.39; Ron Capps, Charger, 4.165, 302.62 def. Bob Bode, Chevy Impala, 7.350, 91.06; Cruz Pedregon, Toyota Solara, 4.057, 313.88 def. Gary Densham, Charger, 7.424, 102.61; Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 4.111, 309.49 def. John Force, Mustang, 4.673, 186.51; Jeff Arend, Solara, 4.141, 308.57 def. Matt Hagan, Charger, 4.179, 303.57; Robert Hight, Mustang, 4.119, 309.63 def. Tony Pedregon, Impala, 5.245, 144.52; Courtney Force, Mustang, 4.126, 309.98 def. Alexis DeJoria, Toyota Camary, 4.202, 294.31; Mike Neff, Mustang, 4.495, 251.30 def. Jim Head, Solara, 4.840, 250.69;

QUARTERFINALS -- Arend, 4.204, 303.78 def. Wilkerson, 8.836, 90.18; Hight, 4.139, 307.09 def. Tasca III, 4.175, 305.70; Neff, 4.199, 305.22 def. C. Pedregon, 4.280, 294.50; Capps, 4.165, 302.69 def. C. Force, 4.175, 296.11;

SEMIFINALS -- Neff, 4.176, 306.81 def. Arend, 5.772, 130.00; Capps, 4.162, 303.50 def. Hight, 5.102, 155.10;

FINAL -- Neff, 4.239, 301.67 def. Capps, 4.476, 211.79.

PRO STOCK:

ROUND ONE -- Ronnie Humphrey, Pontiac GXP, 6.607, 210.54 def. Ron Krisher, GXP, 6.608, 209.65; Mike Edwards, GXP, no time def. Steve Kent, GXP, broke; Mike Edwards, GXP, 6.580, 209.88 def. Steve Kent, GXP, 6.611, 209.85; Larry Morgan, Ford Mustang, 6.655, 208.55 def. Erica Enders, Chevy Cobalt, 6.723, 208.84; Dave Connolly, Cobalt, 6.569, 211.13 def. Rodger Brogdon, GXP, 6.628, 208.94; Vincent Nobile, Dodge Avenger, 6.581, 210.73 def. Greg Stanfield, Chevy Camaro, 6.637, 208.17; Allen Johnson, Avenger, 6.564, 211.20 def. Shane Gray, GXP, 6.644, 208.20; Jason Line, GXP, 6.571, 210.08 def. Rickie Jones, GXP, 6.637, 209.10; Greg Anderson, GXP, 6.605, 209.79 def. Kurt Johnson, GXP, 6.631, 209.39;

QUARTERFINALS -- Nobile, 15.277, 55.65 def. Morgan, foul; Edwards, 6.603, 209.75 def. Line, 6.591, 210.50; Connolly, 6.596, 210.11 def. Anderson, 6.611, 210.05; A. Johnson, 6.595, 211.46 def. Humphrey, 6.603, 210.41;

SEMIFINALS -- Nobile, 6.622, 209.33 def. Edwards, 6.644, 209.79; Connolly, 6.584, 210.34 def. A. Johnson, 6.580, 211.56;

FINAL -- Nobile, 6.595, 210.14 def. Connolly, 6.604, 210.41.

PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE:

ROUND ONE -- Michael Ray, Buell, 6.951, 193.05 def. Shawn Gann, Buell, 9.963, 83.67; Matt Smith, Buell, 6.948, 193.07 def. LE Tonglet, Suzuki, 7.738, 126.36; Karen Stoffer, Suzuki, 6.960, 191.70 def. Chip Ellis, Buell, foul; Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 6.902, 194.35 def. Jim Underdahl, Suzuki, 7.047, 191.76; Eddie Krawiec, Harley-Davidson, 6.884, 195.62 def. Jerry Savoie, Buell, 7.018, 188.46; Hector Arana Jr, Buell, 6.897, 195.53 def. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 15.550, 73.40; Mike Berry, Buell, 6.998, 187.96 def. Hector Arana, Buell, foul; John Hall, Buell, 7.001, 189.79 def. Scotty Pollacheck, Buell, 7.244, 152.99;

QUARTERFINALS -- Ray, 6.995, 189.42 def. Berry, 6.994, 191.19; Hines, 6.972, 192.80 def. Hall, 7.120, 185.36; Arana Jr, 6.882, 195.68 def. Smith, 6.975, 193.46; Stoffer, 6.907, 192.85 def. Krawiec, 6.928, 192.41;

SEMIFINALS -- Hines, 6.955, 192.74 def. Ray, foul; Arana Jr, 6.846, 196.85 def. Stoffer, 6.954, 190.70;

FINAL -- Hines, 6.905, 194.52 def. Arana Jr, 6.886, 196.33.

BAYTOWN, Texas -- Point standings (top 10) following the 25th annual O'Reilly NHRA Spring Nationals presented by Super Start Batteries at Royal Purple Raceway, the sixth of 23 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series -

Top Fuel

1. Antron Brown, 537; 2. Spencer Massey, 523; 3. Morgan Lucas, 505; 4. Tony Schumacher, 500; 5. Shawn Langdon, 348; 6. Steve Torrence, 343; 7. Doug Kalitta, 313; 8. Bob Vandergriff, 300; 9. David Grubnic, 259; 10. Clay Millican, 258.

Funny Car

1. Robert Hight, 597; 2. Mike Neff, 489; 3. Ron Capps, 379; 4. Jack Beckman, 343; 5. Cruz Pedregon, 342; 6. Johnny Gray, 333; 7. John Force, 323; 8. Bob Tasca III, 319; 9. Courtney Force, 268; 10. Jeff Arend, 252.

Pro Stock

1. Greg Anderson, 532; 2. Jason Line, 472; 3. Vincent Nobile, 436; 4. Mike Edwards, 435; 5. Allen Johnson, 412; 6. Erica Enders, 323; 7. Ronnie Humphrey, 275; 8. Greg Stanfield, 268; 9. Rodger Brogdon, 254; 10. Larry Morgan, 248.

Pro Stock Motorcycle

1. Andrew Hines, 216; 2. Eddie Krawiec, 210; 3. Hector Arana Jr, 184; 4. Karen Stoffer, 129; 5. Matt Smith, 127; 6. Hector Arana, 102; 7. Scotty Pollacheck, 89; 8. LE Tonglet, 88; 9. Michael Ray, 83; 10. John Hall, 82.

NHRA NEWS: PRO MOD DRAG RACING SERIES PRESENTED BY PROCARE RX RESULTS SUNDAY FROM HOUSTON

ROWE WINS NHRA PRO MOD DRAG RACING SERIES PRESENTED BY PROCARE RX EVENT AT HOUSTON

BAYTOWN, Texas - No. 3 qualifier Danny Rowe earned his first NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by ProCare Rx victory of the 2012 season Sunday at the O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Spring Nationals at Royal Purple Raceway.

Rowe’s Sterling Bridge ’68 Chevy Camaro powered to a winning performance of 5.969 seconds at 244.43 mph in the final round of eliminations to beat Kenny Lang’s pass of 6.043 seconds at 238.51 mph.

Rowe defeated Mike Knowles, Troy Coughlin and Danny Walsh in earlier rounds en route to his first final round appearance of the season.

The next NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by ProCare Rx event is the Toyota NHRA SuperNationals at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park in Englishtown, N.J., May 31-June 3.

BAYTOWN, Texas -- Final finish order (1-16) for the NHRA Pro Mod Series presented by ProCare Rx at the 25th annual O'Reilly NHRA Spring Nationals presented by Super Start Batteries at Royal Purple Raceway. The race is the third of ten events in the NHRA Pro Mod Series presented by ProCare Rx.

PRO MODIFIED:

1. Danny Rowe; 2. Kenny Lang; 3. Donald Walsh; 4. Steve Matusek; 5. Brad Brand; 6. Troy Coughlin; 7. Pete Farber; 8. Leah Pruett; 9. Chip King; 10. Donald Martin; 11. Mike Castellana; 12. Jay Payne; 13. Mike Knowles; 14. Rickie Smith.

BAYTOWN, Texas -- Sunday's final results from the 25th annual O'Reilly NHRA Spring Nationals presented by Super Start Batteries at Royal Purple Raceway. The race is the third of ten events in the NHRA Pro Mod Series presented by ProCare Rx.

Pro Modified -- Danny Rowe, Chevy Camaro, 5.969, 244.43 def. Kenny Lang, Camaro, 6.043, 238.51.

BAYTOWN, Texas -- Final round-by-round results from the 25th annual O'Reilly NHRA Spring Nationals presented by Super Start Batteries at Royal Purple Raceway, the third of ten events in the NHRA Pro Mod Series presented by ProCare Rx:

PRO MODIFIED:

ROUND ONE -- Pete Farber, Dodge Daytona, 6.052, 244.87 def. Donald Martin, Chevy Camaro, 6.338, 233.24; Troy Coughlin, Camaro, 5.997, 247.70 def. Leah Pruett, Ford Mustang, 5.972, 249.86; Kenny Lang, Camaro, 5.995, 239.95 def. Jay Payne, Camaro, 9.974, 89.93; Brad Brand, Chevy Corvette, 5.977, 245.49 def. Chip King, Daytona, 6.074, 248.25; Danny Rowe, Camaro, 5.951, 244.92 def. Mike Knowles, Camaro, 11.413, 78.30; Donald Walsh, Mustang, 6.098, 247.34 def. Rickie Smith, Camaro, 15.686, 53.51; Steve Matusek, Mustang, 6.267, 226.20 def. Mike Castellana, Camaro, 6.613, 203.46; QUARTERFINALS -- Matusek, 7.712, 133.83 was unopposed; Walsh, 6.112, 249.03 def. Farber, 6.323, 238.64; Lang, 6.019, 241.07 def. Brand, 5.987, 249.95; Rowe, 5.954, 245.45 def. Coughlin, 6.041, 247.43; SEMIFINALS -- Lang, 6.280, 231.08 def. Matusek, foul; Rowe, 5.978, 244.21 def. Walsh, 6.051, 249.76;

FINAL -- Rowe, 5.969, 244.43 def. Lang, 6.043, 238.51.

BAYTOWN, Texas -- Point standings (top 10) for the NHRA Pro Mod Series presented by ProCare Rx following the 25th annual O'Reilly NHRA Spring Nationals presented by Super Start Batteries at Royal Purple Raceway, the third of ten events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series -

Pro Modified

1. Danny Rowe, 231; 2. Mike Castellana, 230; 3. Rickie Smith, 206; 4. Leah Pruett, 191; 5. Donald Walsh, 160; 6. Donald Martin, 155; 7. Mike Knowles, 152; 8. Steve Matusek, 149; 9. Kenny Lang, 144; 10. Troy Coughlin, 143.

Today's Drag Racing News

News

Castellana Leads NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series Presented by ProCare Rx After ...
WhoWon.com
BAYTOWN, Texas -- Mike Castellana powered his Al-Anabi Racing Chevy Camaro to the top of the qualifying order Friday in the NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by ProCare Rx portion of the O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Spring Nationals presented by ...
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Drag racing: Mixed fortunes for Downham team
Lynn News
THERE were mixed fortunes for the two Downham-based NGMotorsport super pro dragsters at the Easter Thunderball at Santa Pod Raceway. Dave Catton, in the number two car, ran his first seven second quarter-mile pass in the second qualifying session and ...
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Lucas holds No. 1 spot in Top Fuel
Dayton Daily News
Pedregon raced to the qualifying lead with a performance of 4.103 seconds at 305.29 mph at the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series event near Houston. (AP Photo/NHRA, Robert Grice) In this photo provided by NHRA, Morgan Lucas races to the qualifying ...
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Hight, Pedregon aiming high at NHRA's final eliminations
Houston Chronicle
By Russ Goodall Hight is one of the most focused drivers in all of the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series and it is currently on display during final round eliminations every Sunday. "There is a lot of talent over there," John Force said of Hight's ...
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Hight qualifies 6th in NHRA Spring Nationals
Albany Times Union
1 position with a performance of 3.772 seconds at 327.74 mph at the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series event near Houston. (NHRA, Robert Grice / AP) In this photo provided by NHRA, Cruz Pedregon powers his car off the starting line at the O'Reilly ...
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Friday's leaders hold on through final qualifying in Houston
NHRA.com
1 qualifiers and will lead their categories into Sunday's 11 am eliminations at the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series event near Houston. The GEICO/Lucas Oil Top Fuel team ran low et of the event Friday evening, and the 3.772-second pass at 327.74 ...
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NHRA.com
Drag racer pulls into hall of fame
Goldstream News Gazette
Born in England, Clark was raised in Victoria since the age of three, and started drag racing in 1962, his last year of high school. The car was owned by the Quarter Miler's Club of Victoria, though there was no drag strip in town.
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2012 NHRA Spring Nationals qualifying: Lucas earned fourth No. 1 of 2012
Examiner.com
Top Fuel driver Morgan Lucas' fast pass of 327.74 mph (3.772 seconds) from Friday qualifying held up on Saturday through the final rounds, giving him his fourth number one qualifying position of the 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing season.
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Web

:::Drag Racing Online::: The Sportsman Report - LODRS at Texas ...
Four Texas racers were among the winners April 20-22 for the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series at Texas Motorplex. Dick Maris, Montgomery, Texas, took the ...
www.dragracingonline.com/.../xiv_4-lodrs-mp_sm-1.html