MAPLE GROVE RACEWAY TAKES TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP FOR NHRA JR. DRAG RACING LEAGUE EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS
BRISTOL, Tenn. (July 31, 2010) – Maple Grove Raceway took home the Team Championship with the help of Heather Boyko who also grabbed the win the in the 13 year old age group and Brittany Boltz who went to the final in her class for the NHRA Jr. Drag Racing League Eastern Conference Finals presented by ViperizerRacing.com at Bristol Dragway.
The team racked up 32 points to edge out Mason-Dixon Dragway and National Trail Raceway who finished in second and third with 29 and 27 points respectively. This is Maple Grove’s fourth Team Championship, the most of any team in the competitions history.
Boyko, North Hampton, Pa., picked up her second trophy of the day when she held off Alex Nay, Newcomerstown, Ohio, and National Trail Raceway with an 8.018 second pass. Boltz, Lancaster, Pa., advanced to the final in the 15-year-old class but fell to Dillon Richards of Lake Charles, La., and Emerald Coast Dragway. Dillon, who also won the Closest to the Dial award in his class yesterday, ran a pass of 8.106 seconds for the win.
Joining in on the winner circle fun was Dillan Kyle out of Gay, Ga., and Silver Dollar Raceway who knocked out Nicholas Altenbach, Westerville, Ohio, National Trail Raceway for the 10-year-old win. Kyle was a runner up at last year’s event making this his second final in as many years.
Picking up her second Eastern Conference Finals Championship was York Spring, Pa., racer Erin Warner from Quarter Aces Drag-O-Way. Warner beat out William Marshall, Penndal, Pa., and Atco Raceway for the 16-17-year-old win. Warner won the 14-year-old championship in 2007.
Gage Esneault, Belle Rose, La., running for Huntsville Dragway clocked in at 13.498 seconds for the 8-9-year-old win over Brooklyn LeBlance also of Belle Rose but racing for No Problem Raceway while Daniel Young took the 11-year-old class out of Palm Harbor, Fla., and South Georgia Motorsports Park. Young ran 9.555 in beating Derek Raymond, South Lyon, Mich., Mid-Michigan Motorplex
Rounding out this year’s winners were Sydney Coleman of Elkton, Md., and Cecil County Dragway over Madison Lee, Campbell, S.C. and Atlanta Dragway in the 12-year-old class and Morgan Nappier in the 14-year-old class out of Hendersonville, Tenn. Coleman ran 9.130 seconds to Lee’s 9.212 and Nappier, running for Beech Bend Raceway Park ran 7.951 seconds pass Anthony Heiman, Elkhart, Ind., and Mid-Michigan Motorplex.
The following are final round results for the NHRA Jr. Drag Racing League Eastern Conference Finals presented by ViperizerRacing.com
Team Standings
1. Maple Grove Raceway 32
2. Mason-Dixon Dragway 29
3. National Trail Raceway 27
4. Atco Raceway 26
5. Tri-State Dragway/Cecil County Dragway Team tied at 25
Final rounds:
8-9-year old
Gage Esneault, Belle Rose, La. (Huntsville Dragway), 13.498 seconds def. Brooklyn Leblanc, Belle Rose, La. (No Problem Raceway Park), 13.883
10-year-old
Dillan Kyle, Gay, Ga. (Silver Dollar Raceway), 9.095 def. Nicholas Altenbach, Westerville, Ohio (National Trail Raceway), 9.022
11-year-old
Daniel Young, Palm Harbor, Fla. (South Georgia Motorsports Park), 9.555 def. Derek Raymond, South Lyon, Mich. (Mid-Michigan Motorplex), 8.936
12-year-old
Sydney Coleman, Elkton, Md. (Cecil County Dragway), 9.130 def. Madison Lee, Campbell, S.C. (Atlanta Dragway), 9.212
13-year-old
Heather Boyko, North Hampton, Pa. (Maple Grove Raceway), 8.018 def. Alex Nay, Newcomerstown, Ohio (National Trail Raceway), 7.951
14-year-old
Morgan Nappier, Hendersonville, Tenn. (Beech Bend Raceway Park), 7.951 def. Anthony Heiman, Elkhart, Ind. (Mid-Michigan Motorplex), 8.008
15-year-old
Dillon Richards, Lake Charles, La. (Emerald Coast Dragway), 8.106 def. Brittany Boltz, Lancaster, Pa. (Maple Grove Raceway), 7.925
16-17-year-old
Erin Warner, York Springs, Pa. (Quarter Aces Drag-o-Way), 8.059 def. William Marshall, Penndal, Pa. (Atco Raceway), 7.920
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Saturday Insanity Event at Atlanta Dragway Results
Suttles settles for first win, Smith takes revenge on Sinack
(Commerce, GA – July 31) The insanity for this weekend's Saturday Insanity was that the rain waited for the racers to have their fun. The 6.50 and 7.50 Index classes saw some excellent racing in the final rounds, and the Open Comp class boasts a first-time winner. Promptly following the race's closing moments, rain poured on the black-top, cooling off the overheated competitors after another great Saturday Insanity event.
David Smith ('68 Camaro—Bishop, GA) and Stan Sinack ('69 Dart—Lilburn, GA) gave the crowd déjà-vu, running head-to-head in the 6.50 Index finals for a second go (Sinack won their last match at the June 19th Saturday Insanity). Smith gained a great advantage with his impressive .003 reaction time; Sinack rushed after with a .029 green light. The two stayed neck-and-neck until the finish line, when Smith claimed the win with a 6.51 elapsed time at 109.65 mph. Sinack crossed the line moments after, in 6.50 seconds at 106.16 mph, giving Smith a satisfying .003 margin of victory. Smith was excited for his rematch with Sinack: "He got one, and now I've got one." Smith thanked God for the win, saying "everything just worked good today." David Brand ('67 Camaro—Covington, GA), tied for first in points with Sinack, ended his day in the semi-finals.
Having gone out in the semi-finals in the last Saturday Insanity competition, Shane Williams ('99 Mustang—Knoxville, TN) and Mel Abney ('64 Chevy II—Cumming, GA) were ready to place on top in the 7.50 Index finals. Williams responded quickly to the tree with a great .005 reaction time, while Abney tore after with a .034 reaction. The win was up in the air until Williams took hold of the finish line with a 7.52 second run at 87.42 mph. Abney finished in 7.51 seconds at 90.76 mph, allowing Williams a .021 margin of victory. "The track was working great with the heat," Williams noted, "and the car acted like it was supposed to." Williams thanked Tim Matherly at MV Performance for making his car run well. Jody Blalock, Sr. ('49 Hudson—Commerce, GA) finished in the semi-final round.
Randy Suttles ('81 Malibu—Elberton, GA) lined up against John Norris ('86 Camaro—Royston, GA) for the Open Comp final round, but Norris had some trouble starting at the line. Suttles misunderstood the starter, and sailed down the track before staging. Suttles had to come around for another run, giving Norris a chance to fix his engine. Luckily for Suttles, Norris's Camaro lost its fire in the finals; Suttles ran by himself for a victory lap. Launching with a .088 green light and his 6.83 dial-in, Suttles finished his winning run in 6.87 seconds at 99.84 mph. The race was Suttles first win after six years of drag racing : "It's my lucky day! Everything went smooth." Suttles thanked "all my friends that helped get my car set up," some of which "I had to race today and beat, but it was all good." Eric Smith ('71 Nova—Baldwin, GA) and Jimmy Mason ('93 Camaro—Canon, GA) placed in the semi-finals.
RACE DATE: July 31, 2010
FROM: Amy Glover
EVENT: Third Saturday Insanity event at Atlanta Dragway in 2010
NOTES:
6.50 HEADS-UP CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH INDEX
Win: David Smith '68 Camaro Bishop, GA 6.51 109.65 (6.50)
R/U: Stan Sinack '69 Dart Lilburn, GA 6.50 106.16 (6.50)
Semi: David Brand '67 Camaro Covington, GA
7.50 HEADS-UP CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH INDEX
Win: Shane Williams '99 Mustang Knoxville, TN 7.52 87.42 (7.50)
R/U: Mel Abney '64 Chevy II Cumming, GA 7.51 90.76 (7.50)
Semi: Jody Blalock, Sr. '49 Hudson Commerce, GA
OPEN COMP CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Randy Suttles '81 Malibu Elberton, GA 6.87 99.84 (6.83)
R/U: John Norris '86 Camaro Royston, GA Broke
Semi: Eric Smith '71 Nova Baldwin, GA
Semi: Jimmy Mason '93 Camaro Canon, GA
(Commerce, GA – July 31) The insanity for this weekend's Saturday Insanity was that the rain waited for the racers to have their fun. The 6.50 and 7.50 Index classes saw some excellent racing in the final rounds, and the Open Comp class boasts a first-time winner. Promptly following the race's closing moments, rain poured on the black-top, cooling off the overheated competitors after another great Saturday Insanity event.
David Smith ('68 Camaro—Bishop, GA) and Stan Sinack ('69 Dart—Lilburn, GA) gave the crowd déjà-vu, running head-to-head in the 6.50 Index finals for a second go (Sinack won their last match at the June 19th Saturday Insanity). Smith gained a great advantage with his impressive .003 reaction time; Sinack rushed after with a .029 green light. The two stayed neck-and-neck until the finish line, when Smith claimed the win with a 6.51 elapsed time at 109.65 mph. Sinack crossed the line moments after, in 6.50 seconds at 106.16 mph, giving Smith a satisfying .003 margin of victory. Smith was excited for his rematch with Sinack: "He got one, and now I've got one." Smith thanked God for the win, saying "everything just worked good today." David Brand ('67 Camaro—Covington, GA), tied for first in points with Sinack, ended his day in the semi-finals.
Having gone out in the semi-finals in the last Saturday Insanity competition, Shane Williams ('99 Mustang—Knoxville, TN) and Mel Abney ('64 Chevy II—Cumming, GA) were ready to place on top in the 7.50 Index finals. Williams responded quickly to the tree with a great .005 reaction time, while Abney tore after with a .034 reaction. The win was up in the air until Williams took hold of the finish line with a 7.52 second run at 87.42 mph. Abney finished in 7.51 seconds at 90.76 mph, allowing Williams a .021 margin of victory. "The track was working great with the heat," Williams noted, "and the car acted like it was supposed to." Williams thanked Tim Matherly at MV Performance for making his car run well. Jody Blalock, Sr. ('49 Hudson—Commerce, GA) finished in the semi-final round.
Randy Suttles ('81 Malibu—Elberton, GA) lined up against John Norris ('86 Camaro—Royston, GA) for the Open Comp final round, but Norris had some trouble starting at the line. Suttles misunderstood the starter, and sailed down the track before staging. Suttles had to come around for another run, giving Norris a chance to fix his engine. Luckily for Suttles, Norris's Camaro lost its fire in the finals; Suttles ran by himself for a victory lap. Launching with a .088 green light and his 6.83 dial-in, Suttles finished his winning run in 6.87 seconds at 99.84 mph. The race was Suttles first win after six years of drag racing : "It's my lucky day! Everything went smooth." Suttles thanked "all my friends that helped get my car set up," some of which "I had to race today and beat, but it was all good." Eric Smith ('71 Nova—Baldwin, GA) and Jimmy Mason ('93 Camaro—Canon, GA) placed in the semi-finals.
RACE DATE: July 31, 2010
FROM: Amy Glover
EVENT: Third Saturday Insanity event at Atlanta Dragway in 2010
NOTES:
6.50 HEADS-UP CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH INDEX
Win: David Smith '68 Camaro Bishop, GA 6.51 109.65 (6.50)
R/U: Stan Sinack '69 Dart Lilburn, GA 6.50 106.16 (6.50)
Semi: David Brand '67 Camaro Covington, GA
7.50 HEADS-UP CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH INDEX
Win: Shane Williams '99 Mustang Knoxville, TN 7.52 87.42 (7.50)
R/U: Mel Abney '64 Chevy II Cumming, GA 7.51 90.76 (7.50)
Semi: Jody Blalock, Sr. '49 Hudson Commerce, GA
OPEN COMP CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Randy Suttles '81 Malibu Elberton, GA 6.87 99.84 (6.83)
R/U: John Norris '86 Camaro Royston, GA Broke
Semi: Eric Smith '71 Nova Baldwin, GA
Semi: Jimmy Mason '93 Camaro Canon, GA
Today's Drag Racing News
| ||
| ||
| O'Reilly Raceway Park at Indianapolis to Upgrade Timing and Scoring System on ... WhoWon.com The system will be designed and installed by Compulink Timing and Scoring, a leader in drag racing timing systems. O'Reilly Raceway Park is now on many ... See all stories on this topic » | ||
| Motorsports Preview: Double the fun Rapid City Journal Rovere has been drag racing since 1995 but had participated in just a few autocross events before this year's Classic. "I've been around cars, ... See all stories on this topic » | ||
| NHRA Divisional Series Arrives At Spokane County Raceway The Spokesman Review (blog) Spokane County Raceway will host the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series July 30 – Aug. 1. The event is one of six events in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing ... See all stories on this topic » | ||
| Tony Pedregon now sponsored by ADRL Radioactive Drag Racing News Tony Pedregon and Kenny Nowling, founder of the American Drag Racing League (ADRL), have formed a unique partnership, one that has Pedregon promoting the ... See all stories on this topic » | ||
| Estevan Drag Racing Association holds their second event of the year Lifestyles Publications Races were held in four classes: the Quick 16, the A event, the junior dragsters and the motorcycles. Byron Ludlam of Reston, Manitoba won the Quick 16 ... See all stories on this topic » |
| ||
| Rc Drag Racing Dallas Texas | US Drag | Social-Bookmarking.Net By vfreese rc drag racing dallas texas Ultimate R/C Drag Racing ShootOut rc drag racing dallas texas. Social Bookmarking Net | Published News - http://www.social-bookmarking.net/ | ||
| Nissan Owner Displays Predictable Ignorance Of How Drag Racing Works By Matt Hardigree Remember when a Nissan executive called GT-R owners "Parkinsons-ridden testicles with arms?" He should have called them "George of the Jungle." As in — watch out for that tree! Jalopnik - http://jalopnik.com/ | ||
| Stumpy goes drag racing - darkmesa By stangman Stumpy goes drag racing Motor City Media. ... Old Today, 10:26 AM. stangman. Charles in charge, brch. stangman's Avatar. Join Date: Mar 2004. Location: East coast playa. Posts: 7181. Stumpy goes drag racing ... darkmesa - http://www.darkmesa.com/ | ||
| Are 06 gsxr 1000 wheel bearings the same as 07gsxr - Psychobike ... By P.Cooper Psychobike.com - Motorcycle Drag Racing Headquarters ... Psychobike.com - Motorcycle Drag Racing Headquarters > Drag Racing Main Discussion > Drag Racing Forums > 1000's. Are 06 gsxr 1000 wheel bearings the same as 07gsxr ... Psychobike.com - Motorcycle Drag... - http://psychobike.com/forums/ | ||
| TSDRA Heads Up Series Closes Its Doors - Dragzine.com By Andrew Wolf The True Street Drag Racing Series, a Midwest-based heads up organization that catered to the hardcore racer in a region lacking that style of racing, announced this week that effectively immediately, it would be closing its operations ... Dragzine - http://www.dragzine.com/ |
| ||
| Charlotte Motor Speedway | Dragway | News | Full Weekend of Muscle ... Two of the country's top sanctioning bodies for street-legal drag racing, the National Mustang Racing Association and the National Muscle Car Association, ... www.charlottemotorspeedway.com/dragway/.../576477.html?... |
Friday, July 30, 2010
Awards A Plenty For Super Chevy Show Participants
MORRISON, Colo. (July 30) - For the participants, the Super Chevy Show is like a progressive slot machine - the payouts are plentiful.
The big draw for the national touring series, which this season is celebrating its 30th anniversary, is that competitors know they have a good shot at bringing home some hardware as each of the series' 10 events produces close to 300 class winners among 40-plus categories, in addition to best of show, Super Chevy Magazine Editors' Choice and specialty awards.
A big part of the Super Chevy Show's ability to honor so many participants rests with U.S. Recognition, an award and embroidery company that will supply the awards for the winners at each of the upcoming races on the Super Chevy Show tour, including next month's Denver Super Chevy Show, which is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 20-Sunday, Aug. 22 at Bandimere Speedway.
The upcoming event takes on added importance for U.S. Recognition, because it is based in nearby Lakewood, Colo. and already has a working relationship with Bandimere Speedway.
"We are proud to be providing the awards for the Super Chevy Show at Bandimere Speedway this year,"
U.S. Recognition owner Brenda Gruninger said. "U.S. Recognition has designed unique custom awards, tee shirts, and event merchandise for many local and national car shows, as well as race events throughout the years. Being car enthusiasts, we are excited to have the Super Chevy show back at our home track."
U.S. Recognition provides awards and outfits for several business, including sporting events and teams throughout the country. Bandimere Speedway is one of the company's biggest clients.
"While we continue to be the official supplier for Bandimere Speedway, we also pride ourselves on creating awards and products for corporate functions, sporting events as well as any personalized recognition need you might have," Gruninger said. "We offer worldwide service from a family business."
But there will be extra pride at next month's event.
"We are really happy to be involved with the Super Chevy Show," Gruninger said.
The Denver Super Chevy Show presented by Stevinson Chevrolet will feature the car show, a swap meet and both sportsman and pro show racing. The highlights will include an appearance from the Six Second West Coast Outlaw Pro Mods, along with jet cars and a wheelstander. The sportsman racing competition will also feature the popular Shoebox class. There will also be the Car Toys Aftershock Stage, which will provide round the clock entertainment.
DENVER SUPER CHEVY SHOW Presented by Stevinson Chevrolet
Bandimere Speedway – Morrison, CO
August 20-22, 2010
ADMISSION
Race Participant: $60
Friday Test: $30
Saturday Bonus Race: $35
Spectators
Friday Adult GA: $12
Saturday Adult GA: $20
Sunday Adult GA: $20
2-Day Pass: $32
3-Day Pass: $40
Junior (6-12): $5/day
Child (6 & under): free
Junior 3-day: $10
Buy Tickets Now!
Car Show Judged: $45
Show & Shine not Judged: $35
Car Corral: $45
Swap Meet: $45
Extra Vehicle Pass: $30
Parking: $10
Motor Home Parking: $50
SCHEDULE
THURSDAY, AUGUST 19, 2010
Stacking: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 2010
Gates Open: 9:00 am
Registration/Tech Opens: 10:00 am
Time Trials: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Secure Track: 6:00 pm
SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 2010
Gates Open: 8:00 am
Registration/Tech Opens: 8:00 am
Time Trials: 9:30 am
Pro Mod Practice: 2:00 pm
Show Awards: 4:00 pm
Bonus Race Round 1 Pre Race: 6:30 pm
FEATURE CARS: 7:00 pm & 9:00 pm
Secure Track: 10:00pm
(Feature vehicles will be Pro Mods, 2-Jet Dragsters, Wheelstander and the SCS Shoebox class.)
SUNDAY, AUGUST 22, 2010
Gates Open: 8:00 am
Registration/Tech Opens: 8:00 am
RFC Chapel Service: 8:30 am
Eliminations: 8:30 am
SHOWTIME: NOON
Show Awards: 4:00 pm
Secure Track: 6:00 pm
More information can be found at superchevyshow.com
The big draw for the national touring series, which this season is celebrating its 30th anniversary, is that competitors know they have a good shot at bringing home some hardware as each of the series' 10 events produces close to 300 class winners among 40-plus categories, in addition to best of show, Super Chevy Magazine Editors' Choice and specialty awards.
A big part of the Super Chevy Show's ability to honor so many participants rests with U.S. Recognition, an award and embroidery company that will supply the awards for the winners at each of the upcoming races on the Super Chevy Show tour, including next month's Denver Super Chevy Show, which is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 20-Sunday, Aug. 22 at Bandimere Speedway.
The upcoming event takes on added importance for U.S. Recognition, because it is based in nearby Lakewood, Colo. and already has a working relationship with Bandimere Speedway.
"We are proud to be providing the awards for the Super Chevy Show at Bandimere Speedway this year,"
U.S. Recognition owner Brenda Gruninger said. "U.S. Recognition has designed unique custom awards, tee shirts, and event merchandise for many local and national car shows, as well as race events throughout the years. Being car enthusiasts, we are excited to have the Super Chevy show back at our home track."
U.S. Recognition provides awards and outfits for several business, including sporting events and teams throughout the country. Bandimere Speedway is one of the company's biggest clients.
"While we continue to be the official supplier for Bandimere Speedway, we also pride ourselves on creating awards and products for corporate functions, sporting events as well as any personalized recognition need you might have," Gruninger said. "We offer worldwide service from a family business."
But there will be extra pride at next month's event.
"We are really happy to be involved with the Super Chevy Show," Gruninger said.
The Denver Super Chevy Show presented by Stevinson Chevrolet will feature the car show, a swap meet and both sportsman and pro show racing. The highlights will include an appearance from the Six Second West Coast Outlaw Pro Mods, along with jet cars and a wheelstander. The sportsman racing competition will also feature the popular Shoebox class. There will also be the Car Toys Aftershock Stage, which will provide round the clock entertainment.
DENVER SUPER CHEVY SHOW Presented by Stevinson Chevrolet
Bandimere Speedway – Morrison, CO
August 20-22, 2010
ADMISSION
Race Participant: $60
Friday Test: $30
Saturday Bonus Race: $35
Spectators
Friday Adult GA: $12
Saturday Adult GA: $20
Sunday Adult GA: $20
2-Day Pass: $32
3-Day Pass: $40
Junior (6-12): $5/day
Child (6 & under): free
Junior 3-day: $10
Buy Tickets Now!
Car Show Judged: $45
Show & Shine not Judged: $35
Car Corral: $45
Swap Meet: $45
Extra Vehicle Pass: $30
Parking: $10
Motor Home Parking: $50
SCHEDULE
THURSDAY, AUGUST 19, 2010
Stacking: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 2010
Gates Open: 9:00 am
Registration/Tech Opens: 10:00 am
Time Trials: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Secure Track: 6:00 pm
SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 2010
Gates Open: 8:00 am
Registration/Tech Opens: 8:00 am
Time Trials: 9:30 am
Pro Mod Practice: 2:00 pm
Show Awards: 4:00 pm
Bonus Race Round 1 Pre Race: 6:30 pm
FEATURE CARS: 7:00 pm & 9:00 pm
Secure Track: 10:00pm
(Feature vehicles will be Pro Mods, 2-Jet Dragsters, Wheelstander and the SCS Shoebox class.)
SUNDAY, AUGUST 22, 2010
Gates Open: 8:00 am
Registration/Tech Opens: 8:00 am
RFC Chapel Service: 8:30 am
Eliminations: 8:30 am
SHOWTIME: NOON
Show Awards: 4:00 pm
Secure Track: 6:00 pm
More information can be found at superchevyshow.com
Friendly Rivals Add Flare To Prostalgia Nitro Funny Car Field
Gallen and Nichols in dead heat for inaugural Nitro Jam Prostalgia championship
NORWALK, Ohio (July 29, 2010) – From the stands it certainly looks like just an ordinary race.
Peter Gallen, in his purple Vega, rolls into the staging beams. Across from him sits a bright yellow Camaro driven by Steve Nichols. The pair pushes forward, carefully monitoring who will flinch first. The green light flashes. In an instant they are away.
At the stripe it is Nichols by a nose, but this race isn’t over just yet. Gallen, who moments ago wanted nothing more than to destroy his opponent, also wants to be the first to congratulate him after a hard earned victory. Today it was Nichols who proved the fastest, tomorrow who knows.
Welcome to the fun and unique world of Prostalgia Nitro Funny Car racing.
Gallen (front) and Nichols are never far apart, either on the track or in the pits
“What can I say? We are racers,” Gallen said following an epic showdown between himself and Nichols at the recent MOPAR Nitro Jam Nationals in Grand Bend. “When we put our helmets on we want to rip each others lungs out, but other than that we are pretty friendly with one another. It is just the nature of the sport.
“It is nice to have somebody you are comfortable with and will have your back. We can borrow from each other and not think twice about it. It is also nice to have someone with a fast car you can really feel good about beating – and boy do we enjoy beating that yellow car.”
Added at the beginning of this year, the Prostalgia Nitro Funny Car class has become an overwhelming hit with fans and drivers alike as these easily recognizable, very quick nitro machines put on an amazing show at Nitro Jam events across the country. And like the unique cars, elaborate designs and fun nicknames adorning the sides of the cars are the drivers themselves, a collection wildly entertaining and talented individuals who have made a living match racing and putting rubber to the pavement wherever their services are needed next.
It hasn’t always been easy not having a permanent home, but the experiences gained elsewhere have created unique bonds and unlikely friendships that have spilled over into Nitro Jam this season as part of the restructured series.
Gallen has one of the most consistent Prostalgia Funny Cars in drag racing today
“It makes it fun. We are all very competitive, but we are all also willing to help,” Nichols said. “Everyone is different, obviously, but that is what makes it fun. We have people who are just racers and are there to win and we have others who are there to have a good time.
“I mean we are all working hard to make our machines go and most of these guys will help you in a minute, but when you get out there to race we are racing and we are there to win. Ultimately, no matter the person, that is really what it is all about.”
And when it comes to friendly rivalries and unique competition no one fits that bill more than Nichols and Gallen.
Having met for the first time at a Good Guys race in Indianapolis last year, the pair have become good friends over the past year traveling with the Nitro Jam tour and have together been pushed into the limelight as two of the fastest and most consistent cars on the series.
And what a year it has been.
A successful trip out west has given Nichols the championship lead
Combined the duo have won half of the races in 2010 and are currently first and second in points. Gallen has four wins and is 13-3 in competitive rounds, while Nichols has two wins and is 17-7 in round-by-round competition. Combined the pair have faced one another five times this year, with Gallen winning three of those meetings.
Nichols, on the other hand, has been the only driver able to keep up with the “Poverty Stricken” machine, having handed Gallen two of his three round losses so far this year. Thanks to that, and a successful trip out west, Nichols currently holds a 66 point lead over his friend and rival.
Together the pair have formed a deadly duo as close friends off the track, but on the track you won’t find a pair more likely to trade paint and run each other into the wall just like the thousands of oval track racers across the country. And that, combined with two wildly differing personalities, has placed Nichols and Gallen on a stage all their own on the Nitro Jam tour.
“It is a friendly rivalry as far as I am concerned. We pit near each other and kind of help each other out,” Gallen said. “It is nice, to be honest with you. I actually don’t leave the pits much, my wife is the social one. I like to keep to myself most of the time, but Steve is close by and that makes it easy to work together and, if needed, kick his ass a little.”
While the pair has met sporadically over the year, their rivalry reached a fevered pitch at the most recent Nitro Jam in Grand Bend. After toying with different combinations throughout the weekend the two racers met both nights in the Prostalgia NFC final, splitting the series with one win apiece.
Gallen took nearly 20 years off to raise his family before returning to racing in 2009
“I have to give credit to that yellow car, that is one of baddest hot rods here,” Gallen said following his victory. “Steve is an experienced tuner, he is a fantastic driver and, while you never say you are afraid of someone, I greatly respect that team. You got a guy that leaves on time and a car that is very, very fast. That is a heck of a combination.”
“We are simply trying to keep up and have some fun,” Nichols added. “At the end of the day I have the utmost respect for that man and his driving and tuning abilities. No one on this planet is more consistent and fast. When I look at that team I know that they have got it. We call it the bracket car and you have to be on your game because he is going to be consistent.”
Adding to the intrigue is the fact that Gallen is just getting back into the sport while Nichols is a longtime competitor in the class. Gallen took the better part of the last two decades off to raise his children before deciding to return to the track last year.
“To be honest with you when you take 18 or 19 years off and have this crazy pipe dream of putting together a nitro car and to have the success we have had is unreal,” Gallen said. “I told my guys last year that they have no idea how good a year we had and I don’t think we can duplicate it and then here we are this year doing even better. I would never have dreamt we would be as successful as we have been.”
Nichols, on the other hand, has been steadily getting better over the past few years culminating with what he hopes is a championship season in 2010.
Riding with a Hemi for the first time, Nichols has struggled to find consistency through the early portion of the season
“The year, for us, has been a learning curve. I have run a Chevrolet for five years coming into this season, but this year we came out with the Hemi for the first time. I know it is the motor of choice, but I am a Chevy guy so it has been a bit of a struggle,” Nichols said. “I was talked into running the Hemi and right now we are running our race against ourselves. We still have some things we are trying and hopefully we can get rid of these gremlins.
“Still, we are enjoying the heck out of the season. We just want to thank the IHRA for the shot they took this year. I am excited and glad to be a part of the IHRA and the success they have had this year.”
Nichols also said that while most of the attention over the past few weeks has been focused on Gallen and himself, the rest of the Prostalgia group is quickly making up ground.
With only four races remaining the rivalry between the two should continue to heat up
“I know that Pete and myself are getting a lot of attention right now, but I still give accolades to all the other guys,” Nichols said. “They are all out there working just as hard and they all do a great job. I want those guys to know that I think the world of them.”
With only four races remaining this season, the duo of Nichols and Gallen have unfinished business as they go head-to-head for the inaugural Prostalgia Nitro Funny Car championship beginning at the Northern Nitro Jam at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park in Martin, Mich. in mid-August.
And no matter what happens you can at least count on one thing – this rivalry won’t slow down anytime soon.
“Peter and that group have a great team and that is why they have more trophies than me,” Nichols said. “But we are going to change that in Michigan.”
Today's Drag Racing News
| ||
| Pacemakers Club to be in Kil-Kare Hall of Fame Hamilton Journal News (subscription) When he was looking for potential inductees into Kil-Kare Dragway's 2010 Drag Racing Hall of Fame, Ed Crowder just knew a group of Middletown hot rodders ... See all stories on this topic » | ||
| DRAG RACING: Reichert moves into Top Alcohol lead Argus Press HEBRON, Ohio — Owosso's Bill Reichert took home a victory during Sunday's finals of the National Trail Raceway's Buckeye Fuel Wars. ... See all stories on this topic » | ||
| Full Weekend of Muscle Car, Drag Racing, Car Shows and More at zMAX Dragway ... WhoWon.com by Adrian Parker CONCORD, NC -- Two of the country's top sanctioning bodies for street-legal drag racing, the National Mustang Racing Association and the ... See all stories on this topic » | ||
| ||
| Motor Sports Notebook: Two-trophy weekend at HRP Houston Chronicle "It is by far one of the best weekends I've ever had in drag racing," Montecalvo said. "I've never doubled up before . I'm just so pumped right now. ... See all stories on this topic » | ||
| Red Dawn has earned respect on the drag strip Delaware News Almost immediately, she started drag racing with her friends at strips like National Trails. "Soon after that, I met my fiance," she said of a Columbus ... See all stories on this topic » | ||
| Enstrom's hosting drag racing cars Grand Junction Sentinel Enstrom's Almond Toffee will host the Jelly Belly Wheelstander and other drag racing cars and drivers from 11 am to 1 pm Friday, in the Enstrom's parking ... See all stories on this topic » | ||
| Hagan lands in his fifth semifinal of 2010 in Denver Autochannel (press release) (July 25, 2010) - Matt Hagan continues to check off those semifinal-round finishes in the 2010 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series, making it five ... See all stories on this topic » |
| Australian Drag Racing History | Brooke Harris Racing By admin Describes drag racing and why it is only legal in a closed track. Provides information about the history of the sport, characteristics of the vehicles, important events, and famous drivers. ... Brooke Harris Racing - http://www.brookeharrisracing.com/ | ||
| DRAG Racing in need for speed most wanted:How will I do that? By rikkyponnting Drag racing in need for speed has been the most difficult kind of racing for me.I can't get it!The tutorial in NFS Most Wanted doesn't really explain. Scion tC Forum - http://www.club-tc.com/forums/ | ||
| NASCAR racer Papis showing keen interest in drag racing | Nascar ... By admin Craig Wack, Senior Editor Wednesday, 28 July 2010 Max Papis, driver of the No. 13 GEICO Toyota in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, got a taste of what it takes. Nascar News Update - http://nascar-news-update.com/ | ||
| Airport Drag Racing - Gladwin, MI ! - Vintage Mustang Forums By polecat I haven't been around here lately, but thought some northern/mid Michigan members might be interested that the Gladwin (Michigan) Business and. Vintage Mustang Forums - http://forums.vintage-mustang.com/ | ||
| cam combo - Psychobike.com - Motorcycle Drag Racing Headquarters By slo poke Psychobike.com - Motorcycle Drag Racing Headquarters ... Psychobike.com - Motorcycle Drag Racing Headquarters > Drag Racing Main Discussion > Drag Racing Forums > Suzuki Hayabusa. cam combo ... Psychobike.com - Motorcycle Drag... - http://psychobike.com/forums/ |
Thursday, July 29, 2010
FRIEND OF NHRA, LEGENDARY MOTORSPORTS REPORTER NORM FROSCHER DIES AT 79
Norm Froscher, a longtime friend and supporter of NHRA Drag Racing, who worked for several Florida newspapers including the Gainesville Sun and later as a freelance writer, died July 29 at the age of 79. The media center at NHRA's Gainesville Raceway, where Froscher tirelessly worked to cover nearly every edition of the NHRA Gatornationals, is named in his honor.
“Everyone at NHRA is saddened by today’s news of the passing of Norm Froscher,” said Jerry Archambeault, NHRA vice president of communications and public relations. “Norm was a constant fixture at Gainesville Raceway, treating the facility as though it was his second home. He was not just a reporter, but a friend to every racer that went down the dragstrip and everyone at NHRA. We will miss him, but his spirit will always be with us.”
Froscher began his professional career as a newspaper sports writer upon graduation from the University of Florida in 1953 and earned numerous awards, including the NHRA Media Award in 1975. He's a past winner of the Ray Marquette Memorial Award and the Bloys Britt Memorial Writing Award for motorsports writing excellence, and won awards at annual national press competitions for both auto racing and thoroughbred horse racing reporting. In 2003, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Driver of the Year Foundation, joining Chris Economaki as the only two racing journalists to be so honored.
Froscher was a past president of the American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association and the Florida Sports Writers Association.
“Everyone at NHRA is saddened by today’s news of the passing of Norm Froscher,” said Jerry Archambeault, NHRA vice president of communications and public relations. “Norm was a constant fixture at Gainesville Raceway, treating the facility as though it was his second home. He was not just a reporter, but a friend to every racer that went down the dragstrip and everyone at NHRA. We will miss him, but his spirit will always be with us.”
Froscher began his professional career as a newspaper sports writer upon graduation from the University of Florida in 1953 and earned numerous awards, including the NHRA Media Award in 1975. He's a past winner of the Ray Marquette Memorial Award and the Bloys Britt Memorial Writing Award for motorsports writing excellence, and won awards at annual national press competitions for both auto racing and thoroughbred horse racing reporting. In 2003, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Driver of the Year Foundation, joining Chris Economaki as the only two racing journalists to be so honored.
Froscher was a past president of the American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association and the Florida Sports Writers Association.
Today's Drag Racing News
| NASCAR racer Papis showing keen interest in drag racing Radioactive Drag Racing News "I've always had a curiosity about coming over and seeing what drag racing is like," Papis said. "I would love to get an opportunity to see how one of these ... See all stories on this topic » | ||
| ||
| Denver: James Day final report Motorsport.com NHRA Funny Car driver James Day waited several years to compete on the big stage of the premier drag racing sanctioning body. And the experience he and the ... See all stories on this topic » | ||
| ||
| Roush recovering from 2nd plane crash News & Observer He was an engineer with Ford Motor Co. and taught college physics before getting involved in drag racing and sports cars. Roush founded a NASCAR team in ... See all stories on this topic » | ||
| Siebert learns lessons well Topeka Capital Journal By Rick Peterson Emporia's Luke Siebert has had a couple of good teachers early in his drag racing career, picking up anything he could from his father, ... See all stories on this topic » | ||
| McClenathan improves, goes out in Denver opening round Autochannel (press release) It marked the FRAM team's second-only first-round loss in the first 16 events of a stellar 2010 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series so far, which included ... See all stories on this topic » |
| Power Tool Drag Racing in Columbus Ohio – ToolRaces.com By Marc Power Tool Drag Racing sponsored by Ohio Power Tool, August 2010 at the Columbus Idea Foundry. HomeFixated - http://homefixated.com/ | ||
| Colorado Real Estate : Drag Racing, Real Estate, and Morrison ... By Stephanie A. Curd-Goulette However, to the world of drag racing Morrison equals Bandimere Speedway, the premiere quarter-mile racing venue in our beautiful state. I am lucky enough to live in Morrison and run my own real estate business here, and luckier yet to ... Colorado Real Estate - http://livinthedreamrealestate.blogspot.com/ | ||
| The Jalopy Journal » Blog Archive » Lewistown, Montana… Drag ... By Ryan Drag Racing in 1959. I've been through Lewistown, Montana before. It's a tiny little town with a tiny population and if not for the well cared-for buildings that spec the streets, it could easily be mistaken for a ghost town. ... The Jalopy Journal - http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ | ||
| Treble signs with Brogdon/Kent/Pistonator team | Dragbike Live.com ... By Dragbike Live.com With eight races left in the 2010 season, Treble will have the opportunity to close the year with a top 10 finish and make a run for another win on the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series tour; his last was midway through the 2009 ... Dragbike Live.com- News In The... - http://dragbikelive.com/news/ | ||
| Ghosts Of The Great Highway: 10 Fine Examples. Vintage Drag Racing ... By Robert Mars 10 Fine Examples. Vintage Drag Racing Icons. Posted by Robert Mars at 11:35 PM. Labels: Drag Racing, Ford, National Hot Rod Association, NHRA, Plymouth, Vintage Ephemera, Winternationals ... Ghosts Of The Great Highway - http://robertmars.blogspot.com/ |
| Photos: Drag racing in California, NHRA-style Current sports news in hockey, baseball, tennis, football, basketball and golf. Check scores, schedules, blog and newsletters of your favorite sports. www.vancouversun.com/sports/Photos+Drag.../story.html |
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)