Drag Racing News Daily: January 2013

Bill Pratt · at 1/31/2013

The following is an interview with 2012 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series champions Antron Brown, Jack Beckman and Allen Johnson. All three begin their season at the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals at the Auto Club Raceway at Pomona on Feb. 14-17.

Below are excerpts from the teleconference.

Bill Pratt · at 1/31/2013

GLENDORA, Calif. (Jan. 31, 2013) – NHRA officials announced today that the world’s largest motorsports sanctioning body has renewed its relationship with KYMCO USA, as the Official Scooter and ATV of the NHRA through 2015.

KYMCO USA is a leader in quality, fuel-efficient scooters, motorcycles and ATVs and has been providing vehicles for use at NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series events and its five owned and operated drag racing facilities since 2009.

“NHRA is an incredibly exciting sport supported by a loyal fan base so it was an easy decision for us to continue to expand our involvement,” said Rick Pawelka, director of marketing, KYMCO USA. “It’s a real thrill for the folks at KYMCO USA to be involved with the NHRA, the race teams and the benefits we get from the race event activations, and we’ll be there to support them through the 2015 schedule.”

Bill Pratt · at 1/31/2013

News

IHRA's Summit Pro-Am opener this weekend at Immokalee, Florida
Drag Racing Online Magazine
The IHRA Heat Wave Division had three world champions, two runner-ups and one more racer finish on the podium in 2012. That is far and away the most success any one division enjoyed at the season-ending championship tournament last year. Michael ...
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Drag Racing Online Magazine

Experience the Speed, Power and Adrenaline of Drag Racing in 1/8th Scale with ...
PR.com (press release)
Shropshire, United Kingdom, January 30, 2013 --(PR.com)-- New Ford NHRA drag racing replica Remote Control funny cars now available from STO Racing Products. The Ford NHRA drag racing replica funny cars are another great addition to STO Racing ...
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PR.com (press release)

Web

View from the Left Coast - Drag Racing Online Magazine
An Open Letter to the New Ownership of the IHRA. I am an outside observer of the recent IHRA presented by Feld Entertainment. My perception is from ...
www.dragracingonline.com/columns/darr/xv_1-1.html

Bill Pratt · at 1/30/2013

News

NHRA says no plan for EFI for Pro Stock in 2014
Drag Racing Online Magazine
There has been a rumor floating around Pro Stock circles in the last few days that the NHRA was going to allow EFI for Pro Stock for the 2014 season. Currently the only racing series that allows EFI on Pro Stock is the X-DRL. It is not allowed in the ADRL.
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Story continues below this advertisement
Drag Racing Online Magazine
IHRA Entertainment, LLC, a newly formed corporation held by the ownership group of Palm Beach International Raceway and Memphis International Raceway, announced today its acquisition of the International Hot Rod Association, which was ...
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Bill Pratt · at 1/30/2013

GLENDORA, Calif. (Jan. 30, 2013) – NHRA announced today that the NHRA Jr. Drag Racing League Western Conference Finals and Eastern Conference Finals will be held at Bandimere Speedway in Denver and Bristol Dragway in Tennessee for the 2013 season. The two events highlight the NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League season.

The NHRA Jr. Drag Racing League Western Conference Finals will head back to Bandimere Speedway, June 27-29, 2013, while the NHRA Jr. Drag Racing League Eastern Conference Finals will return to Bristol Dragway one month later, July 25-27.

In 2013, both tracks will also be hosting activities and events throughout the weekend in addition to the racing action that will occur on the track. Both will also host events earlier in the week leading up to the Conference Finals events.

The viewing will be Friday evening from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Feb. 1, 2013 at May's Funeral

Bill Pratt · at 1/29/2013

POMONA, Calif. (Jan. 29, 2013) – The Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California announced the election of two new members to their board of directors today.

The museum welcomes newly elected board members Linda Louie, vice president and general counsel for the NHRA, and Glen Cromwell, vice president of national event marketing for the NHRA.

“The museum board is pleased to have the ongoing support of NHRA executives in helping to preserve the rich history of racing and its future success,” said Thomas McKernan, chairman of the NHRA Motorsports Museum Board.

Louie joined NHRA in 1999. She received her bachelor’s degree from University of California, Los Angeles and her J.D. from the University of Southern California. Prior to NHRA, Louie was a business litigator in private law firms. She has been a lawyer for more than 20 years.

“I am honored to be able to do my part to support this aspect of Wally Parks’ legacy,” Louie said. “I look forward to working with the board of directors as the museum works to further its mission.”

Cromwell joined NHRA in 1997 and is responsible for marketing services and a variety of functions at NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series events. He has also served as director of national event marketing and Division 7 (Pacific) director in NHRA’s National Field Office.

“Wally Parks worked hard to make the NHRA Museum the popular tourist destination that it is today,” said Cromwell. “I’m looking forward to working with the museum’s management team to offer positive feedback, and help develop resources to advance the museum’s projects, as well as provide long-term marketing goals that will continue Wally’s legacy.”

Rotating off of the museum board after serving 12 years is NHRA executive vice president and general manager Peter Clifford, and Gary Darcy, NHRA senior vice president of sales and marketing, who served since 2005.

Gale Banks, president and founder of Gale Banks Engineering, and Jack O’Bannon, a five-time NHRA world championship team owner, were elected to the board in September. Louie and Cromwell will join the following board members: McKernan, Alex Xydias, Steve Gibbs, Dave McClelland, Wayne McMurtry, Banks and O’Bannon.

Bill Pratt · at 1/29/2013

www.facebook.com/mirdrag

Bill Pratt · at 1/29/2013

PALM BEACH AND MEMPHIS RACEWAY OWNERSHIP GROUP ACQUIRES INTERNATIONAL HOT ROD ASSOCIATION® (IHRA)

JUPITER, Fla. (January 29, 2013) – IHRA Entertainment, LLC, a newly formed corporation held by the ownership group of Palm Beach International Raceway™ and Memphis International Raceway™, announced today its acquisition of the International Hot Rod Association® (IHRA), which was majority-owned by Feld Motor Sports®, a division of Feld Entertainment, Inc. The new ownership group will immediately take over management of the 43 year old organization and operate as IHRA Motorsports™.

Bill Pratt · at 1/29/2013

News

Video: Tesla Model S Beats Viper At Drag Strip, Sets EV Racing Record
Gas 2.0
So to recap; a more than two-ton electric car with seating for the whole family and a bevy of luxury features managed to beat a purpose-built sports car in heads-up drag racing. Oh, and the Tesla set a new drag racing world record for production EVs.
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McGonegal still putting in the 'Times'
Drag Racing Online Magazine
If you've been wondering what veteran journalist Ro McGonegal was up to these days (besides relaxing by the pool in Florida) we're happy to say that he has been putting together a new print magazine for Source Interlink Media. Elapsed Times takes a ...
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Drag Racing Online Magazine

Web

Competition Plus - Drag Racing Magazine - LIVE VIDEO ...
Thanks to our coverage partners at DragStory.com and Mark Walter, we present to you the live video feed from the NMCA World Street Finals in Indianapolis.
www.competitionplus.com/.../18567-live-video-bradentons-us...

Bill Pratt · at 1/28/2013

I have just received word that we have lost Ken Montgomery this evening. A long and valiant fight has come to an end. May he RIP and God Bless his family, Tina, Gina, and Ken, Jr.

Darwin Doll

Bill Pratt · at 1/28/2013

01-28-2013 Levittown, NY – The 2012 series champions were crowned Saturday Night at the annual "Night of Champions" gala evening for the Northeast Outlaw Pro Mod Association.

The event honored the top five in each Pro Modified class, along with this year's presentation of the Life Time Achievement Award and other awards at Domenico's Restaurant and Conference Center in Levittown, NY.

It was a year to remember for the Blower/Turbo Class Champion, Steve Drummond. Steve ran the tables and won every event in 2012, which is an incredible feat.

"This is definitely an incredible honor", said Steve Drummond, who is from Delaware and drives the twin turbo powered 2008 Ford Mustang Pro Modified owned by Mike Bradford. "It was an unbelievable year for us, and it was a very competitive field. I want to thank not only my wife Kathy for her support, but also all my team members that helped made this happen."

Rounding out the top five in blower/turbo points - Tim, O'Hare, Gerry Capano, Jim Bersani and Dwayne Wolfe.

In the Nitrous Class, Fred Scriba wins his 2^nd Championship in the past 3 years.

Bill Pratt · at 1/28/2013

IHRA's Summit Pro-Am opener this weekend at Immokalee to provide early season test

NORWALK, Ohio (January 28, 2013) – Want to know what you can expect to see at Immokalee Regional Raceway this weekend?

Lots of the numbers one and two.

Mike Thompson Sr. will have one on his car. So will Michael Beard and Michael Ruff, Donny Urban and B.J. Bianchi. So what do they all have in common? All five drivers finished either first or second in the final IHRA national standings last year at the Summit Racing Equipment Tournament of Champions and all five call Division 2 home.

Mike Thompson (near) and Rick McDonough were part of an incredible battle last season

And that's not all.

As unlikely as it may seem, the Heat Wave Division had three world champions, two runner-ups and one more racer finish on the podium in 2012. That is far and away the most success any one division enjoyed at the season-ending championship tournament last year. And all are expected to be back to begin their title defenses when the 2013 Summit Racing Equipment Pro-Am Tour presented by AMSOIL kicks off its season this weekend at Immokalee Regional Raceway. This double points meet is located in the heart of Division 2 country, but is actually open to racers from any division.

"What can I say, as far as the competition goes, you won't find a tougher division," said Rick McDonough, driver of the McDonough Motorsports 2001 Chevrolet S-10 Top Sportsman machine. "We are very excited about the division opener this weekend. We have been working tirelessly to make sure we have everything ready to go with no hiccups as we try to go head-to-head against these guys once again."

McDonough was part of one of the most unlikely championship scenarios you will ever find last season. McDonough, from Southwest Ranches, Florida, finished third in the final Division 2 Top Sportsman Pro-Am standings behind division champion Donny Urban and runner-up Mike Thompson Sr.

McDonough says last season's performance proves just how tough Division 2 has become

With all three advancing to the year-end Summit Tournament of Champions via a top three points finish, one would expect that the trio might meet again in Memphis. But when they each found themselves all alone in the semifinals, it became quite clear that the path to the Top Sportsman world championship rested solely in the Heat Wave division.

"That says a lot about the competition in Division 2," McDonough said. "The three of us finished first, second and third in the division and went on to finish first, second and third in the world. I don't know that any other division could claim such an awesome achievement. That is something we are really proud of, to represent our division like that on the national stage."

Indeed the trio of McDonough, Urban and Thompson did go on to finish top three in the final year-end standings, with Mike Thompson driving his 2003 Cavalier to the winner's circle and Donny Urban coming home second and McDonough third.

But that isn't the end to this incredible story.

Division 2 Super Stock champion Michael Beard went on to claim the world championship in Memphis, joining divisional runner-up Michael Ruff in the winner's circle in Super Rod. Division 2 Stock champion B.J. Bianchi finished second in the world as well.

Thompson didn't win the division, but he did win the IHRA World Championship in Top Sportsman

That is quite a winning percentage for the division with one of the largest regional footprints. Competition in Division 2 stretches from south Florida to the Carolinas, but it counts among its racers some of the most loyal and competitive drivers in the business.

"We had a good year last year battling Donny for the championship. We had a few wins, finished second in the division and that is how we got to the TOC," Thompson said. "Racing in Division 2 is a lot of fun and it is very competitive. Having it all come down to the three of us for the championship last year was a big deal for the group."

And the battle for divisional supremacy will once again get underway this weekend in southern Florida as Immokalee Regional Raceway hosts not only the heavy hitters who call D2 home, but also all racers who want a chance to test their talents early in the year. The event is open to all IHRA racers with in-division claims on the line for all.

And ironically, the two drivers who started the season off with the first wins of the year in 2012? Rick McDonough and Mike Thompson, who took home wins at Immokalee last season.

"That fact is not lost on me. I know how important it is to get off to a good start, especially with divisional points counting even more this year," McDonough said. "I guess we will just have to tighten those straps a bit tighter this season and try to make a move on those guys. Maybe this year is our year, but I am sure there are a lot of extremely talented racers and friends that will try to spoil my plans."

Bill Pratt · at 1/28/2013

Web

The Lost Drag Racing Photos of Robert Carter | Megadeluxe
We're pleased to showcase artist Robert Carter's photos of drag races in England . Most of these photos are being shown here for the very first time in forty years.
megadeluxe.com/photography/the-lost-photos-of-robert-carter

Bill Pratt · at 1/27/2013

Web

Spring Nostalgia Drag Racing Nationals at North Star Dragway ...
Southwest Heritage Racing Association (SHRA) Spring Nostalgia Nationals, experience drag racing like in the old days with blown and injected rail dragsters, ...
listings.dfw.com/.../304949585-spring-nostalgia-drag-racing-n...

Spring Nostalgia Drag Racing Nationals - Dallas Events
Denton Events: Spring Nostalgia Drag Racing Nationals - Southwest Heritage Racing Association (SHRA) Spring Nostalgia Nationals, experience drag racing .. .
listings.dallasnews.com/.../304949585-spring-nostalgia-drag-r...

Bill Pratt · at 1/26/2013

Racin' and Rockin': Racin & Rockin with Antron Brown on January 28! by Bill Pratt. 2012 NHRA Top Fuel champion Antron Brown joins us on Racin & Rockin with Draglist.com on January 28! Check in to hear the champ recap his history-making season!

Bill Pratt · at 1/26/2013

News

Snowmobile drag-racing returns
New Baltimore Voice Newspapers
Snowmobile drag racing will be one of the new events at the Richmond Chamber of Commerce Winter and Ice Festival scheduled for Feb. 9 and 10 in downtown Richmond. Racers can test their snowmobiles in five different classes out at Beebe Park.
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Changes made to HRH rules for AA/FD and AA/FC
Drag Racing Online Magazine
Head honcho Steve Gibbs has issued some updated NHRA Hot Rod Heritage rules the racers must follow beginning with the March Meet on March 7-10 at Auto Club Famoso in Bakersfield, Calif. One item of particular importance is that in both classes all ...
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Drag Racing Online Magazine

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Drag racing! : funny
Attention: New rules! Please read this. NEW! /r/funny will be removing all facebook, tumblr, youtube, twitter, omegle, cleverbot, 4chan, yahoo answers, and ...
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Drag racing - Imgur
Imgur is used to share photos with social networks and online communities, and has the funniest pictures from all over the Internet.
imgur.com/gallery/ecyiHKP?utm_source...utm...

Pro Drag Racing Xtreme - iPhone & iPad Gameplay Video - YouTube
Gameplay Video of Pro Drag Racing Xtreme by http://www.igamesview.com/. Connect with us ...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsX3aOtolH8

Bill Pratt · at 1/26/2013

PALM BEACH INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY TO HOST SEASON OPENER OF THE SUPER CHEVY SHOW PRESENTED BY CHEVROLET PERFORMANCE AGAIN N 2013

JUPITER, Fla., (January 21, 2012) – Though winter is in full-swing for most of the country, Palm Beach International Raceway (PBIR) is heating up by planning the Super Chevy Show season opener scheduled for March 22 – 24, 2013.

Drag racing fans will fill the stands to watch the bracket racing action, from the DriveDuracell.com Bracket 1 race to the CamaroGuys.com Gen 5 Challenge at the first Super Chevy Show of 2013. Chevy Car show enthusiasts can check out the judged and non-judged car show entries, while the autocross participants compete and test their agility against the clock and cones for their personal best of the course. READ MORE

MEMPHIS INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY PLANNING ANOTHER HISTORIC SUPER CHEVY SHOW PRESENTED BY CHEVROLET PERFORMANCE IN 2013

MILLINGTON, Tenn., (January 23, 2012) – After a phenomenal return to the Series in 2012, Memphis International Raceway (MIR) is counting on Super Chevy Show fans and participants in the Mid-South to break last year’s historic records, securing its place once again as one of the largest Super Chevy Show events in the Series. The Super Chevy Show presented by Chevrolet Performance will stop at MIR, April 12 – 14, 2013.

Beginning at noon on Friday, the three-day car show starts with a Show & Shine Festival of Cars, with specialty awards on Saturday and Sunday’s activities concluding the event with the coveted class awards. READ MORE

ROCKAUTO.COM EXPANDS SUPPORT OF THE 2013 MANUFACTURERS SERIES

After successful 2011 and 2012 event seasons, RockAuto.com is continuing their support for the Manufacturers Series with an expanded commitment to the Super Chevy Show, Fun Ford Weekend and Mega Mopar Action Series for 2013.

RockAuto’s 2012 support of the Manufacturers Series included promotional discounts offered on each Series Web Site for enthusiasts, participant promotions such as limited-edition magnets and postcards for the Super Chevy Show and Mega Mopar Action, plus reusable branded goodie bags for Fun Ford Weekend in 2012. In 2013 RockAuto will increase their partnership in the Mega Mopar Action Series by providing environment-friendly goodie bags for participants. READ MORE

Bill Pratt · at 1/25/2013

IHRA season opener at Immokalee Regional Raceway less than a week away

NORWALK, Ohio (January 25, 2013) – Following a busy offseason highlighted by format changes, increased payouts and exciting new looks to some familiar programs, the International Hot Rod Association is pleased to announce that the 2013 Contingency program is as strong as ever as postings are currently up 12 percent from last season with more sponsors on the way.

Already in 2013 some two dozen companies have posted for racing products with more being added every week. Heading into the IHRA Summit Racing Equipment Pro-Am Tour presented by AMSOIL season opener at Immokalee Regional Raceway these sponsors are looking forward to the start of the 2013 IHRA racing season and are excited to be involved in the new-look Summit Pro-Am Tour and Nitro Jam racing series.

"Our contingency sponsors are the backbone of IHRA sportsman racing," said Robert Jaramillo, IHRA Director of Contingency. "Every competitor that races with the IHRA owes a big thank you to each and every one. In these tough economic times it is great to see so many sponsors actively supporting those that support them."

In 2013 IHRA Contingency sponsors will be a part of upwards of 40 IHRA events including the Summit Racing Equipment Pro-Am Tour, Nitro Jam series and the IHRA Summit Racing Equipment World Finals at Memphis International Raceway.

Sponsors currently committed to the 2013 IHRA racing season include Altronics, ATI Performance Products, Auto Meter, Brodix, Cometic Gaskets, Dart Machinery, Ford Racing, Goodyear, Haulmark Trailers, Holley Performance, Hoosier Tires, Hughes Performance, JEGS, The Mad Scientist, Manley Performance, Mickey Thompson Tires, Moser Engineering, MSD Ignition, PTC, QA1, RJS Racing Equipment, Sonny's Racing Engines, Strange Engineering and Summit Racing Equipment.

With more sponsors signing up every day, check back with www.ihra.com often and visit Contingency Central to find the latest sponsor updates.

Bill Pratt · at 1/25/2013

News

Norwegian champion heads for Pomona
Drag Racing Online Magazine
Former FIA European Champion Fred Hanssen's dream of competing in the USA is getting closer to reality as his Norwegians Racing team is set to make their NHRA debut at the O'Reilly Winternationals in Pomona, Calif., Feb. 14-17. After winning the 2011 ...
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Blogs

Drag Racing | Stix Blog - My rants on politics and life
By stix1972
Gallery Drag Racing. posted January 24, 2013 by stix1972 / No Comments / 14 views. Well, it is almost time for Mardi Gras in St Louis again. Time for some Drag racing drag. 0 Recommend ...
Stix Blog

Bill Pratt · at 1/24/2013

01-24-2013 Huntington, NY – The NEOPMA's 2013 seasons "2013 Pro Mod Warrior Series" is set to return Pro Modified to its glory days with 16 Car Pro Modified Fields with all power adders running in one class down the quarter mile.

Bill Pratt · at 1/24/2013

News

Amalie Oil signs multi-year Sponsorhsip of NHRA Gatornationals
Drag Racing Online Magazine
The NHRA announced that the Amalie Oil Company has agreed to a multi-year title rights sponsorship of the prestigious NHRA Gatornationals scheduled for March 14-17, the third event in the 24-race 2013 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. "We are ...
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Drag Racing Online Magazine

National Electric Drag Racing Association Season Opener is Jan. 27th!
Gas 2.0
The National Electric Drag Racing Association is set to kick-off its 2013 season this weekend at South Florida's Palm Beach International Raceway! If you're lucky enough to make it, DragTimes.com founder (and old friend from my RENNtech Karting days) ...
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State plans to spend $1M on Kauai drag racing strip upgrade
Pacific Business News (Honolulu)
State plans to spend $1M on Kauai drag racing strip upgrade. Mark Abramson: Reporter- Pacific Business News: Email | Twitter. The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources is taking bids for work to renovate the Mana Drag Racing Strip on Kauai.
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Web

ANDRA Drag Racing - Harris on the verge of a new nitro phase ...
Damien Harris will return to the ANDRA Drag Racing Series at Perth Motorplex in round four of the Australian Top Fuel championship, putting his team back...
rpm2night.com/.../andra-drag-racing-harris-on-the-verge-of-a...

Drag racing all car stats
Drag Racing | AppBrain Android Market - Top Android Apps and. Get the Drag Racing Android app (☆ race 1 on 1, drive your opponent's car , Android Market ...
digsitevalue.net/k/drag-racing-all-car-stats

Thursday, January 31, 2013

NHRA TELECONFERENCE TRANSCRIPT: ANTRON BROWN, JACK BECKMAN, ALLEN JOHNSON

NHRA NEWS: KYMCO USA RENEWS RELATIONSHIP WITH NHRA AS THE OFFICIAL SCOOTER AND ATV OF NHRA

Today's Drag Racing News

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Today's Drag Racing News

NHRA NEWS: NHRA JR. DRAG RACING LEAGUE CONFERENCE FINALS TO RETURN TO BRISTOL DRAGWAY AND BANDIMERE SPEEDWAY IN 2013

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Ken Montgomery Services

NHRA NEWS: NHRA MUSEUM ELECTS TWO NEW BOARD MEMBERS

MIR Racer's Party & Awards Ceremony - Sat., February 16, 2013

PALM BEACH AND MEMPHIS RACEWAY OWNERSHIP GROUP ACQUIRES INTERNATIONAL HOT ROD ASSOCIATION®

Today's Drag Racing News

Monday, January 28, 2013

Ken Montgomery passes

NEOPMA CROWNS 2012 CHAMPIONS IN SPECIAL AWARDS CEREMONY

IHRA's Heat Wave division home to some of the best

Today's Drag Racing News

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Today's Drag Racing News

Saturday, January 26, 2013

Racin & Rockin with Antron Brown on January 28!

Today's Drag Racing News

Palm Beach & Memphis Event Details Announced

Friday, January 25, 2013

IHRA contingency postings up 12 percent in 2013

Today's Drag Racing News

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Northeast Outlaw Pro Mods Announce a New Format for its Popular “1320 Pro Mod Warriors Series” for its 2013 Season

Today's Drag Racing News