NHRA NEWS: MELLO YELLO SERIES RESULTS SUNDAY FROM ROUTE 66 RACEWAY IN CHICAGO

SCHUMACHER, HAGAN, COUGHLIN AND RAY EARN MELLO YELLO SERIES VICTORIES AT O’REILLY AUTO PARTS ROUTE 66 NHRA NATIONALS IN CHICAGO

JOLIET, Ill. – Tony Schumacher raced to the Top Fuel victory in spectacular fashion Sunday as his U.S. Army dragster’s 8,000-horsepower engine exploded in a huge fireball when he crossed the finish line in the final round of the O’Reilly Auto Parts Route 66 NHRA Nationals.

Matt Hagan (Funny Car), Jeg Coughlin (Pro Stock) and Michael Ray (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also were winners of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series event.

Schumacher’s fiery finish stopped the clocks in 3.930 seconds at 269.29 mph, but it was quick enough to hold off a determined Clay Millican, whose Parts Plus dragster trailed and the veteran driver remained winless in six career final round appearances.  It was the third win of the season and the 72nd overall for local favorite Schumacher, a longtime Chicagoland area resident.

Schumacher powered past David Grubnic, Khalid alBalooshi and defending world champ Antron Brown to advance to the final round. In the final, Millican was actually ahead of Schumacher near mid-track, but Schumacher’s machine surged forward, the engine eventually expiring just as he crossed the finish line first.

“It’s always great to have a hometown win here in Chicago,” said Schumacher of his fourth victory at Route 66 Raceway, located just south of Chicago. "It was a great day for Don Schumacher Racing with another double-up [Matt Hagan’s Funny Car win]. This is 37 times that we’ve done that, and it was personally gratifying with all the family and friends I had here this weekend.”

Going into the final with Millican, he was very aware of his record against drivers who are seeking their first wins.

“When you look back in Top Fuel history, whenever anybody gets their first win, it’s against me,” said Schumacher, who regained the series lead with the victory. “Between Shawn Langdon, J.R. Todd, and everybody else, that is what has happened. But I told myself today that this is not going to be an ongoing trait. We’re going to stop it right here and now. I don’t care when or if Clay wins a race, but just not today. Not here at my home track where we have a chance to extend our points lead, which is going to be very valuable when we get down to Indy [the last race of the regular season].”

In Funny Car, Hagan extended his series lead with his third win of the season as he edged final round opponent John Force at the finish line. Hagan’s Magneti Marelli/Rocky Boots Dodge Charger posted a 4.605 at 315.34, while Force’s Castrol GTX Ford Mustang finished just behind in 4.113 at 304.80.

“It’s so hard to get these wins, so I feel great to be here,” said Hagan, who had to knock of championship title contender Johnny Gray, defending world champ Jack Beckman and Bob Tasca III in earlier rounds.

“I don’t think you could put together a tougher line-up,” Hagan continued. “We’re doing good things right now and we want to keep it up, but I want to stay humble. This is such a humbling sport. Things can change fast, so we’re just gonna keep doing what we’ve been doing.”

It was Force’s third consecutive final round appearance and the 15-time world champ has surged from 10th to third place in the last three races. Hagan said his adrenaline was overflowing for that final round with the NHRA icon.

“John [Force] is tough so we knew we had to run well and that 4.06 in the final was stout,” said Hagan, who leads second place Cruz Pedregon by 106 points. “[Crew chief] Dickie [Venebles] and the crew have done a great job with this car. I just had to hang on and get it to the finish line.”

In Pro Stock, Coughlin raced to his second win of the season and fifth at Route 66 Raceway when he drove his JEGS.com/Mopar Dodge Avenger away from final round opponent Greg Anderson. Coughlin covered the distance in 6.603 at 209.85 while Anderson’s Summit Racing Equipment Chevy Camaro lost traction near mid-track and slowed.

“When I let out the clutch, the car didn’t feel the best that it had all day, and by the time I got into second and third gear I was just cracking the whip on the thing as hard as I could,” said Coughlin, who moved into second place in the standings with the win. “I didn’t know that Greg was struggling next to me, but to see that win light come on in my lane and to have such a huge win here feels amazing.”

Coughlin outran Bristol winner Rodger Brogdon, Jason Line and teammate and Epping winner Allen Johnson to get to the final. He says getting the victory here put a big yellow and black bow on an outstanding weekend for the entire JEGS operation.

“It certainly didn’t hurt taking out one of the Summit cars [Anderson] in the final,” said Coughlin of his 54th career victory. “But I think that the big exclamation point is that this was the weekend of the JEGS Allstars, which is a huge, huge deal for the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series and all the Sportsman racers. We put a lot of effort into this weekend, and I think that’s been a little bit of the ingredient that has contributed to our success at this track.”

Ray earned his second win of the season and third of his career in Pro Stock Motorcycle by defeating former teammate Matt Smith in the final round. Ray used a near-perfect reaction time and powered his Soeverign-Star Racing Buell to a 6.986 at 191.29 to hold off Smith’s charging Viper Motorcycle Company Buell, which finished in 6.992 at 190.22.

“Most people know that I rode for Matt last year and we do have a little bit of a rivalry,” Ray said. “When I moved to Star I think it was the best decision I’ve ever made. I’ve won two races so far and it was especially nice to beat my old crew chief. This was definitely a bit of redemption.”

Ray used a string of mid-6.9 second runs to defeat Epping winner John Hall, teammate Scotty Pollacheck and Hector Arana Sr. to advance to the final round.

“After I won in Englishtown we wanted to keep the momentum going,” said Ray, who moved to second in the series standings with the victory. “Then we went to Epping and I got beat on a holeshot. I told myself coming in here that I’d either be red or perfect and I was solid on the tree all weekend.”

The NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series continues July 4-7 with the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals at Norwalk, Ohio.

JOLIET, Ill. -- Final finish order (1-16) at the 16th annual O'Reilly Auto Parts Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by Super Start Batteries at Route 66 Raceway.  The race is the 12th of 24 events in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series.

TOP FUEL:

1.  Tony Schumacher; 2.  Clay Millican; 3.  Antron Brown; 4.  Terry McMillen; 5.  Doug Kalitta; 6. Khalid alBalooshi; 7.  Bob Vandergriff; 8.  Steve Torrence; 9.  Spencer Massey; 10.  Brittany Force; 11.  Morgan Lucas; 12.  Larry Dixon; 13.  Shawn Langdon; 14.  Brandon Bernstein; 15.  Leah Pruett; 16.  David Grubnic.

FUNNY CAR:

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

PRO STOCK:

1.  Jeg Coughlin; 2.  Greg Anderson; 3.  Allen Johnson; 4.  Mike Edwards; 5.  Shane Gray; 6. Vincent Nobile; 7.  Jason Line; 8.  Erica Enders-Stevens; 9.  V. Gaines; 10.  Rickie Jones; 11. Steve Kent; 12.  Larry Morgan; 13.  Rodger Brogdon; 14.  Greg Stanfield; 15.  Mark Martino; 16. Steve Spiess.

PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE:

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

JOLIET, Ill. -- Sunday's final results from the 16th annual O'Reilly Auto Parts Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by Super Start Batteries at Route 66 Raceway. The race is the 12th of 24 in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series:

Top Fuel -- Tony Schumacher, 3.930 seconds, 269.29 mph  def. Clay Millican, 4.094 seconds, 171.77 mph.

Funny Car -- Matt Hagan, Dodge Charger, 4.065, 315.34  def. John Force, Ford Mustang, 4.113, 304.80.

Pro Stock -- Jeg Coughlin, Dodge Avenger, 6.603, 209.85  def. Greg Anderson, Chevy Camaro, 11.680, 74.15.

Pro Stock Motorcycle -- Michael Ray, Buell, 6.986, 191.29  def. Matt Smith, Buell, 6.992, 190.22.

Top Alcohol Dragster -- Chris Demke, 5.319, 271.35  def. Rishi Kanick, 5.441, 262.49.

Top Alcohol Funny Car -- Annie Whiteley, Ford Mustang, 5.608, 257.33  def. Fred Hagen, Mustang, 5.968, 226.81.

Competition Eliminator -- Mike DePalma, Pontiac Trans Am, 10.702, 89.42  def. John Frech, Dragster, foul.

Super Stock -- Phil Unruh, Chevy Cobalt, 8.688, 153.30  def. Larry Hodge, Chevy Monte Carlo, 10.547, 116.89.

Stock Eliminator -- Drew Skillman, Ford Mustang, 8.869, 152.16  def. Don Fezell, Mustang, foul.

Super Comp -- Nick Folk, Dragster, 8.927, 163.83  def. Aaron Kinard, Dragster, 8.921, 160.84.

Super Gas -- Ray Connolly, Chevy Corvette, 9.908, 156.95  def. Ray Sawyer, Chevy Camaro, 9.914, 171.62.

Super Street -- Ricky Shipp, Chevy Nova, 10.913, 135.77  def. Mike Blodgett Jr., Chevy Vega, 10.899, 129.63.

JOLIET, Ill. -- Final round-by-round results from the 16th annual O'Reilly Auto Parts Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by Super Start Batteries at Route 66 Raceway, the 12th of 24 events in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series:

TOP FUEL:

ROUND ONE -- Khalid alBalooshi, 3.817, 322.88 def. Brandon Bernstein, 6.104, 107.90; Terry McMillen, 3.856, 322.11 def. Morgan Lucas, 4.139, 267.59; Clay Millican, 3.826, 316.52 def. Leah Pruett, 7.873, 78.58; Tony Schumacher, 3.896, 308.07 def. David Grubnic, 9.658, 67.26; Bob Vandergriff, 3.843, 304.46 def. Brittany Force, 3.846, 322.11; Doug Kalitta, 3.786, 323.89 def.

Larry Dixon, 4.154, 214.69; Antron Brown, 3.789, 320.51 def. Spencer Massey, 3.816, 315.86; Steve Torrence, 4.264, 245.36 def. Shawn Langdon, 4.440, 229.00;

QUARTERFINALS -- McMillen, 5.442, 297.29 def. Torrence, 6.995, 119.28; Schumacher, 3.805, 322.19 def. alBalooshi, 4.218, 250.18; Brown, 4.189, 255.48 def. Vandergriff, 4.240, 249.81; Millican, 3.853, 318.62 def. Kalitta, 4.130, 244.03;

SEMIFINALS -- Millican, 3.858, 317.94 def. McMillen, 9.046, 81.95; Schumacher, 3.804, 324.28 def. Brown, 3.827, 304.80;

FINAL -- Schumacher, 3.930, 269.29 def. Millican, 4.094, 171.77.

FUNNY CAR:

ROUND ONE -- Matt Hagan, Dodge Charger, 4.080, 314.83 def. Johnny Gray, Charger, 10.474, 74.29; John Force, Ford Mustang, 4.075, 314.68 def. Tony Pedregon, Toyota Camry, 4.225, 279.27; Ron Capps, Charger, 4.086, 308.43 def. Bob Bode, Chevy Impala, 4.792, 172.76; Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 4.064, 313.95 def. Jeff Arend, Charger, 4.215, 256.60; Jack Beckman, Charger, 4.074, 313.51 def. Alexis DeJoria, Camry, 4.599, 188.73; Del Worsham, Camry, 4.190, 299.13 def. Cruz Pedregon, Camry, 4.344, 212.09; Tim Wilkerson, Mustang, 4.090, 307.93 def. Courtney Force, Mustang, 4.123, 312.06; Robert Hight, Mustang, 4.059, 313.58 def. Chad Head, Camry, 5.374, 120.81;

QUARTERFINALS -- J. Force, 4.095, 314.97 def. Worsham, 6.309, 125.06; Hagan, 4.105, 310.70 def. Beckman, 4.100, 307.72; Tasca III, 5.056, 241.28 def. Wilkerson, 6.713, 124.10; Capps, 4.073, 310.55 def. Hight, 4.096, 310.77;

SEMIFINALS -- Hagan, 4.104, 309.63 def. Tasca III, 4.193, 307.79; J. Force, 4.097, 314.46 def. Capps, 5.998, 125.09;

FINAL -- Hagan, 4.065, 315.34 def. J. Force, 4.113, 304.80.

PRO STOCK:

ROUND ONE -- Vincent Nobile, Dodge Avenger, 6.627, 208.49 def. Greg Stanfield, Chevy Camaro, 6.684, 207.85; Shane Gray, Camaro, 6.614, 209.39 def. Larry Morgan, Ford Mustang, 6.647, 207.15; Jason Line, Camaro, 6.590, 209.52 def. Mark Martino, Pontiac GXP, 6.722, 206.89; Erica Enders-Stevens, Camaro, 6.589, 209.39 def. Rickie Jones, Camaro, 6.641, 208.20; Greg Anderson, Camaro, 6.619,

208.94 def. V. Gaines, Avenger, 6.602, 208.94; Mike Edwards, Camaro, 6.560, 210.18 def. Steve Spiess, Chevy Cobalt, 12.177, 71.09; Allen Johnson, Avenger, 6.581, 209.43 def. Steve Kent, Camaro, 6.645, 208.01; Jeg Coughlin, Avenger, 6.573, 209.82 def. Rodger Brogdon, Camaro, 6.654, 208.49;

QUARTERFINALS -- Anderson, 6.662, 206.67 def. Enders-Stevens, 6.660, 207.43; Johnson, 6.601, 208.78 def. Gray, 6.613, 208.97; Coughlin, 6.595, 209.65 def. Line, 6.642, 208.14; Edwards, 6.606, 209.01 def. Nobile, 6.636, 208.30;

SEMIFINALS -- Anderson, 6.672, 208.33 def. Edwards, 6.640, 209.62; Coughlin, 6.584, 209.72 def. Johnson, 6.611, 209.95;

FINAL -- Coughlin, 6.603, 209.85 def. Anderson, 11.680, 74.15.

PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE:

ROUND ONE -- LE Tonglet, Suzuki, 7.056, 188.49 def. Jerry Savoie, Suzuki, DQ; Michael Ray, Buell, 6.945, 184.42 def. John Hall, Buell, 6.999, 188.86; Adam Arana, Buell, 6.980, 192.33 def. Mike Berry, Buell, 7.003, 190.78; Angie Smith, Buell, 11.107, 69.80 def. Shawn Gann, Buell, foul; Hector Arana Jr, Buell, 6.987, 190.46 def. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 7.051, 188.65; Hector Arana, Buell, 7.008, 190.83 def. Joe DeSantis, Suzuki, 10.499, 77.09; Scotty Pollacheck, Buell, 6.935, 188.94 def. Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, foul; Matt Smith, Buell, 6.930, 192.33 def. Eddie Krawiec, Harley-Davidson, 7.000, 189.31;

QUARTERFINALS -- Arana Jr, 7.019, 189.44 def. A. Smith, 7.129, 170.88; H. Arana, 6.961, 189.44 def. A. Arana, 7.033, 189.95; Ray, 6.954, 192.22 def. Pollacheck, broke; M. Smith, 6.951, 191.32 def. Tonglet, foul;

SEMIFINALS -- Ray, 6.971, 192.25 def. H. Arana, 7.013, 190.48; M. Smith, 7.033, 189.92 def. Arana Jr, foul;

FINAL -- Ray, 6.986, 191.29 def. M. Smith, 6.992, 190.22.

JOLIET, Ill. -- Point standings (top 10) following the 16th annual O'Reilly Auto Parts Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by Super Start Batteries at Route 66 Raceway, the 12th of 24 events in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series -

Top Fuel

1.  Tony Schumacher, 973; 2.  Shawn Langdon, 936; 3.  Spencer Massey, 869; 4.  Antron Brown, 765; 5.  Doug Kalitta, 703; 6.  Khalid alBalooshi, 657; 7.  Clay Millican, 620; 8.  Morgan Lucas, 608; 9.  Bob Vandergriff, 559; 10.  Steve Torrence, 549.

Funny Car

1.  Matt Hagan, 904; 2.  Cruz Pedregon, 798; 3.  John Force, 762; 4.  Johnny Gray, 743; 5.  Ron Capps, 735; 6.  Jack Beckman, 717; 7.  Courtney Force, 710; 8.  Tim Wilkerson, 676; 9.  Del Worsham, 664; 10.  Robert Hight, 603.

Pro Stock

1.  Mike Edwards, 1,090; 2.  Jeg Coughlin, 962; 3.  Allen Johnson, 960; 4.  Jason Line, 765; 5. Erica Enders-Stevens, 743; 6.  Shane Gray, 727; 7.  Greg Anderson, 679; 8.  Vincent Nobile, 676; 9. Rodger Brogdon, 564; 10.  V. Gaines, 531.

Pro Stock Motorcycle

1.  Hector Arana Jr, 526; 2.  Michael Ray, 457; 3.  Hector Arana, 408; 4.  John Hall, 392; 5.  Matt Smith, 373; 6.  Scotty Pollacheck, 366; 7.  Adam Arana, 305; 8.  Eddie Krawiec, 288; 9.  Steve Johnson, 282; 10.  LE Tonglet, 278.

6/30/13 Drag Racing News

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NHRA NEWS: MELLO YELLO SERIES RESULTS SATURDAY FROM ROUTE 66 RACEWAY IN CHICAGO

CAPPS RECORDS FIRST THREE-SECOND FUNNY CAR RUN IN ROUTE 66 RACEWAY HISTORY TO LEAD NHRA MELLO YELLO SERIES QUALIFYING

Lucas, Edwards and M. Smith also earn No. 1 qualifying positions at O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Route 66 Nationals in Chicago

JOLIET, Ill. – Ron Capps led a parade of three-second Funny Car runs and claimed the No. 1 qualifying position Saturday at the O’Reilly Auto Parts Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by Super Start Batteries.

Morgan Lucas (Top Fuel), Mike Edwards (Pro Stock) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also will lead their categories into Sunday’s 11 a.m. eliminations as the No. 1 qualifiers at the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series event.

Capps posted the first three-second Funny Car run in Route 66 Raceway’s history and it proved to be quick enough to hold on to the top spot. His track record performance of 3.988 seconds at 320.28 mph in his NAPA Auto Parts Dodge Charger earned him his first No. 1 qualifying position of the season, 15th of his career and first at this track.

“I really didn’t think it would hold since we ran so early in the session,” said Capps, who will face Bob Bode in the opening round as he looks to earn his second win of the season and second victory at the state-of-the-art track just south of Chicago. “It was a great run. I thought (Matt) Hagan or (Jack) Beckman would go quicker than that, but we’ll take it. I’ve been hit or miss at this place, so maybe we can get one tomorrow. It’s great for the fans to have two night sessions. Funny Cars racing at night; it doesn’t get a lot better than that.”

There were four three-second runs in the final qualifying session. In addition to Capps’ run, Bob Tasca III (3.988, second), defending world champ Beckman (3.983, third) and Del Worsham (3.999, fourth) all broke the four-second barrier.

Saturday’s top qualifier, John Force, posted a career-best time of 4.010 at 316.67 in his Castrol GTX Ford Mustang that was good enough for fifth best. Epping winner Courtney Force was not qualified going into the final session, but she powered her Traxxas Mustang to a performance of 4.042 at 315.78 to qualify in seventh place.

In Top Fuel, Lucas claimed his first No. 1 qualifying position of the season with a track record time of 3.737 at a speed of 322.19. It was Lucas’ ninth No. 1 of his career and he will face Terry McMillen in the opening round of eliminations as Lucas looks for his first victory at this event.

“This was really big for our team,” Lucas said. “I was thinking while I was sitting in the car before the run that I would be happy with anything in the 3.7s because of the way we had been running lately and also because our car doesn’t always respond well to night time tune-ups. Afterwards, we had to see if it would stick. And when Tony [Schumacher] made his run, I was sweating it out, especially when [announcer] Alan Reinhart paused before giving out the last digit. We’ve made a ton of changes to our car, and hopefully things are starting to turn around for us. I have to thank everyone on our team for all their hard work and great efforts.”

Hometown favorite and three-time Route 66 winner Schumacher was second in his U.S. Army dragster with a 3.738 at 324.12 and will open against Australian David Grubnic, while Bob Vandergriff will start third in his C&J Energy Services dragster with a 3.742 at 324.28 and will meet rookie Brittany Force.

In Pro Stock, Edwards used a track record performance of 6.542 at 210.64 to claim his category-leading 10th No. 1 qualifying position of the season and 51st of his career. A two-time winner at Route 66 Raceway, Edwards will face local favorite Steve Spiess in the first round.

“We made some good calls and made another good run and it was a great job by all my guys,” said Edwards of his fourth No. 1 at Route 66 Raceway. “It was a phenomenal job by the guys at the engine shop. We came here with a totally different combination and it looks like it runs really good. It’s so hard to do that in this class and to continue to do it. I can’t believe that’s 51 number ones for me.”

Defending world champ Allen Johnson was second in his Team Mopar Dodge Avenger with a 6.556 at 209.56 and will meet Steve Kent in the first round, while four-time Chicago winner Jeg Coughlin qualified third in his JEGS.com/Mopar Avenger and will race Bristol winner Rodger Brogdon in the opener.

Smith rode his Viper Motorcycle Company Buell to a 6.908 at 193.82 to claim his second No. 1 of the season and 20th of his career in Pro Stock Motorcycle. The 2007 world champ in the two-wheel category will meet defending world champ Eddie Krawiec in a high-profile first round match.

“We’ve had top speed on every run, but we needed the 60-foot times to go with it,” Smith said. “This track is so good that we were bogging the bike, but I made a lot of changes to both my bike and (wife) Angie’s bike for the last run, and we ended up 1 and 2 for that session.

Smith was proud that he helped wife Angie make the second-quickest run of the final session and qualify in the top half of the field, in the fifth position.

“This track has a lot of teeth, and you need to get after it,” Smith continued. “You need to make a lot of changes, like gear and fuel, to take advantage of it. John [Hall, teammate] won last weekend, and I’ve been running really good lately, so we decided to work on Angie’s bike and try to see if we can get her in the top 10. She has a fast bike, and she made a good run that time. I’m excited about our whole deal.”

After opening Friday as the leader, Scotty Pollacheck dropped to second on his Sovereign Star Buell with a 6.929 at 191.24 and he will face Andrew Hines in the opening round. Hector Arana Sr. qualified third on his Lucas Oil Buell with a 6.930 at 193.32 and he will race 71-year-old Joe DeSantis in the first round.

* * *

JOLIET, Ill. -- Sunday's first-round eliminations pairings for the 16th annual O'Reilly Auto Parts Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by Super Start Batteries at Route 66 Raceway, the 12th of 24 events in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series.  Pairings based on results in qualifying, which ended Saturday. DNQs listed below pairings.

Top Fuel -- 1. Morgan Lucas, 3.737 seconds, 322.27 mph  vs. 16. Terry McMillen, 3.863, 316.60; 2. Tony Schumacher, 3.738, 326.08  vs. 15. David Grubnic, 3.852, 316.82; 3. Bob Vandergriff, 3.742, 324.28  vs. 14. Brittany Force, 3.849, 317.49; 4. Clay Millican, 3.750, 323.81 vs. 13. Leah Pruett, 3.834, 316.08; 5. Doug Kalitta, 3.753, 328.22  vs. 12. Larry Dixon, 3.832, 317.87; 6. Spencer Massey, 3.758, 324.28  vs. 11. Antron Brown, 3.805, 314.97; 7. Brandon Bernstein, 3.761, 327.82  vs. 10. Khalid alBalooshi, 3.798, 326.32; 8. Steve Torrence, 3.784, 326.24  vs. 9. Shawn Langdon, 3.787, 325.92. Did Not Qualify: 17. T.J. Zizzo, 3.866, 319.90; 18. Sidnei Frigo, 3.873, 312.50; 19. Pat Dakin, 3.873, 308.07; 20. Tim Cullinan, 3.910, 301.40; 21. Luigi Novelli, 4.021, 256.99; 22. Chris Karamesines, broke.

Funny Car -- 1. Ron Capps, Dodge Charger, 3.988, 320.28  vs. 16. Bob Bode, Chevy Impala, 4.141, 295.85; 2. Bob Tasca III, Ford Mustang, 3.988, 316.97  vs. 15. Jeff Arend, Charger, 4.134, 297.16; 3. Jack Beckman, Charger, 3.993, 319.52  vs. 14. Alexis DeJoria, Toyota Camry, 4.124, 306.88; 4. Del Worsham, Camry, 3.999, 318.99  vs. 13. Cruz Pedregon, Camry, 4.094, 299.53; 5. John Force, Mustang, 4.010, 316.67  vs. 12. Tony Pedregon, Camry, 4.093, 304.67; 6. Matt Hagan, Charger, 4.040, 317.19  vs. 11. Johnny Gray, Charger, 4.064, 310.70; 7. Courtney Force, Mustang, 4.042, 315.78  vs. 10. Tim Wilkerson, Mustang, 4.060, 306.74; 8. Robert Hight, Mustang, 4.052, 315.71  vs. 9. Chad Head, Camry, 4.053, 312.21. Did Not Qualify: 17. Justin Schriefer, 4.379, 277.94; 18. Terry Haddock, 4.498, 279.85; 19. Todd Lesenko, 5.041, 155.52; 20. Dale Creasy Jr., 6.836, 283.25.

Pro Stock -- 1. Mike Edwards, Chevy Camaro, 6.542, 210.64  vs. 16. Steve Spiess, Chevy Cobalt, 6.674, 206.20; 2. Allen Johnson, Dodge Avenger, 6.556, 209.56  vs. 15. Steve Kent, Camaro, 6.637, 208.30; 3. Jeg Coughlin, Avenger, 6.565, 209.92  vs. 14. Rodger Brogdon, Camaro, 6.634, 202.09; 4. Greg Anderson, Camaro, 6.569, 209.30  vs. 13. V. Gaines, Avenger, 6.633, 208.68; 5. Erica Enders-Stevens, Camaro, 6.581, 209.75  vs. 12. Rickie Jones, Camaro, 6.625, 208.30; 6. Jason Line, Camaro, 6.584, 209.33  vs. 11. Mark Martino, Pontiac GXP, 6.609, 208.75; 7. Shane Gray, Camaro, 6.589, 208.88  vs. 10. Larry Morgan, Ford Mustang, 6.604, 207.62; 8. Vincent Nobile, Avenger, 6.599, 209.01  vs. 9. Greg Stanfield, Camaro, 6.602, 208.04. Did Not Qualify: 17. Mark Hogan, 6.734, 205.60; 18. Dave River, 6.818, 203.46.

Pro Stock Motorcycle -- 1. Matt Smith, Buell, 6.908, 193.82  vs. 16. Eddie Krawiec, Harley-Davidson, 7.038, 188.99; 2. Scotty Pollacheck, Buell, 6.929, 191.24  vs. 15. Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 7.037, 189.39; 3. Hector Arana, Buell, 6.930, 193.32  vs. 14. Joe DeSantis, Suzuki, 7.033, 190.46; 4. Hector Arana Jr, Buell, 6.946, 192.44  vs. 13. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 7.007, 190.00; 5. Angie Smith, Buell, 6.948, 192.06  vs. 12. Shawn Gann, Buell, 7.005, 190.06; 6. Adam Arana, Buell, 6.966, 191.35  vs. 11. Mike Berry, Buell, 7.001, 190.46; 7. John Hall, Buell, 6.980, 192.60  vs. 10. Michael Ray, Buell, 6.988, 192.06; 8. LE Tonglet, Suzuki, 6.981, 192.00  vs. 9. Jerry Savoie, Suzuki, 6.985, 190.62. Did Not Qualify: 17. Jim Underdahl, 7.047, 191.73; 18. Michael Phillips, 7.109, 188.54; 19. Wesley Wells, 7.206, 183.54.

NHRA NEWS: JEGS AUTOMOTIVE, INC. EXTENDS TITLE RIGHTS SPONSORSHIP OF JEGS ALLSTARS THROUGH 2016

JOLIET, Ill. (June 29, 2013) – JEGS Automotive, Inc., has extended its agreement with the NHRA as title sponsor of the JEGS Allstars event, it was announced today.

The extension will keep the JEGS name on the race-within-a-race bonus program for the best of the best NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series competitors through 2016.  JEGS has been the title sponsor since 2002 and in that time, the JEGS Allstars event continues to be one of the most anticipated events during the season where individual and team bragging rights are at stake.

“JEGS is excited to renew our support of the JEGS Allstars race,” said Scott Woodruff, director of media and motorsports at JEGS. “Having the best of the best compete from coast-to-coast each year is something we look forward to as a company. The Coughlin family takes great personal pride in this special event. John, Troy, Mike and Jeg Jr. have all competed in the event and I know it's something third generation driver Troy Jr. is gunning for.”

“It’s the racers, JEGS and the NHRA that have helped to make the JEGS Allstars Race what it is today and what it will be tomorrow,” Woodruff continued.  “JEGS is honored to help elevate NHRA Lucas Oil Sportsman racers by putting them on this prestigious stage.”

6/29/13 Drag Racing News

News

Drag racing fever reaches Lobatse Mmegi Online Hot on the heels of the Toyota 1,000 kilometres Desert race last weekend, motor sport lovers are in for another adrenaline rushing weekend as the second round of the drag race gets under way in Lobatse tomorrow. See all stories on this topic »

McKinney's career kind of a drag Cincinnati.com HAMERSVILLE — In the American Drag Racing League, sometimes a good day's work is over in just a shade over four seconds. That's how fast Eric McKinney's Pro Extreme Motorcycle covers one-eighth of a mile, the distance of most of his races on the ... See all stories on this topic »

Pro Stock returns to IHRA competition for two Nitro Jams Drag Racing Online Magazine The IHRA has announced that Pro Stock will be featured at two of their Nitro Jam events this year. Pete Berner and the Summit Racing Equipment team will be among four teams returning to the genesis of Mountain Motor Pro Stocks for the Grand Bend Nitro ... See all stories on this topic »

Snoop Dogg Drag Races a Camaro in "Let The Bass Go" Clip [Video] autoevolution If you've ever wanted to see Snoop Dog drag racing, now is the perfect occasion, as the artist has recently released the video for the "Let The Bass Go" track, which sees him doing that behind the wheel of a Chevrolet Camaro. We have to explain that ... See all stories on this topic »

Checking up on some drag news Fayetteville Observer (blog) He's branched out into drag racing this year under the GALOT banner, fielding Pro Mod cars for Wallace's Kevin Rivenbark and former ADRL champion Todd Tutterow of Lewisville. He's also got a Top Sportsman car that his son-in-law, John Strickland ... See all stories on this topic »

We Found the Perfect Mirror Decals for Racing BMW Drivers autoevolution (blog) We Found the Perfect Mirror Decals for Racing BMW Drivers. We Found the Perfect Mirror Decals for Racing BMW Drivers. share: text size: A- A+. After looking at so many drag racing videos like this one, this one or this one, we found something in common. See all stories on this topic »

F1, Formula 1, NASCAR, IndyCar, MotoGP, ALMS, And More! PaddockTalk As the 2013 season of NHRA's Mello Yello Drag Racing Series hits the midpoint with its annual stop at Route 66 Raceway near Chicago, Shane Gray and the Gray Motorsports Pro Stock crew are in the midst of proving their worth as a team in the running for ... See all stories on this topic »

NHRA NEWS: MELLO YELLO SERIES RESULTS FRIDAY FROM ROUTE 66 RACEWAY IN CHICAGO

FORCE, SCHUMACHER, EDWARDS AND POLLACHECK LEAD O’REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA ROUTE 66 NATIONALS QUALIFYING FRIDAY IN CHICAGO

JOLIET, Ill. – John Force kept his recent hot streak going Friday at Route 66 Raceway by powering to the qualifying lead in Funny Car at the O’Reilly Auto Parts Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by Super Start Batteries.

Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel), Mike Edwards (Pro Stock) and Scotty Pollacheck (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also were qualifying leaders in their categories at the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series event.

Force, who won at Bristol, Tenn. two weeks ago and was the top qualifier and finished runner-up at Epping, N.H. last weekend, was the quickest in the 8,000-horsepower category during a rain-shortened day of qualifying at the state-of-the-art dragstrip just south of Chicago. NHRA officials were forced to cancel one of the day's two scheduled qualifying sessions due to early afternoon rain showers.

Still riding the momentum from his success at the past two events, Force covered the distance in 4.035 seconds at 314.02 mph in his Castrol GTX Ford Mustang to lead the qualifying order.

“Anytime you come to Chicago you usually have killer conditions and after old [rookie Chad] Head went out there and ran 4.05 we knew it was there,” said Force, a three-time winner at this track who has moved from 10th to fifth place in the series standings in the last two weeks . “Anytime you run good you’re excited and I ain’t had a car that runs like this for a while. Mike Neff [crew chief] and the crew did a great job.”

If the performance holds through Saturday’s final two qualifying sessions (4:15 and 7:15 p.m.) it will be the 143rd No. 1 qualifying position of the 15-time champ’s legendary career. Sunday’s eliminations are scheduled for 11 a.m.

Force says with the right conditions Route 66 Raceway’s first three-second run in the Funny Car category might be possible. Matt Hagan holds the track record at 4.022 seconds.

“Now, tomorrow, we’ll push it because we made a good run tonight,” Force said. “Then, you might see a three.”

Series leader Hagan was second with a 4.040 at 317.19 in his Magneti Marelli/Mopar/Rocky Boots Dodge Charger and defending world champ Jack Beckman qualified third in his Valvoline/MTS Charger with a 4.043 at 313.15.

Hometown favorite Schumacher, from nearby Long Grove, Ill., led Top Fuel qualifying with a performance of 3.772 at 325.45 in his U.S. Army dragster, edging out Doug Kalitta for the top spot by virtue of his faster speed. Kalitta qualified second with an identical time at a slower speed of 322.34 in his Mac Tools dragster.

“We were actually a bit conservative on the run because we knew we had to make it down the track just in case we have rain tomorrow,” Schumacher said. “But if we don’t have any problems with the weather, the conditions could be even better on Saturday because it will be a couple of degrees cooler. I’m sure that a 3.77 won’t hold for No. 1 tomorrow. But having run the 3.77 on our first pass, that gives us the luxury of going all out on Saturday, and that’s what we plan to do.”

Top Fuel series leader Shawn Langdon qualified third in his Al-Anabi Racing dragster with a 3.789 at 325.92 and Brandon Bernstein, who sat out the last two events recovering from back surgery, was fourth in his ProtectTheHarvest.com/MAV TV dragster with a 3.794 at 323.04.

In Pro Stock, series leader Edwards is in position to earn his 10th No. 1 of the season and 51st of his career as he drove his Interstate Batteries/I Am Second Chevy Camaro to a quick pass of 6.602 at 208.68.

“We made a nice run and feel like we might have been a little bit soft in some areas,” Edwards said. “We didn’t know how many runs we were going to get so we just wanted to get down the track. The conditions will be better tomorrow so we’ll see a lot of changes. I think it will be quite a bit better.”

Defending world champ Allen Johnson was second in his Team Mopar Dodge Avenger with a 6.614 at 208.68 and his teammate, four-time Chicago winner Jeg Coughlin, was third overall in his JEGS.com/Mopar Avenger with a 6.615 at 209.36.

Defending event Pro Stock winner Erica Enders-Stevens, who made history at this event last year by becoming the first female to win an NHRA Pro Stock race, qualified fourth in her Cagnazzi Racing Camaro with a 6.620 at 207.75.

If Pollacheck’s leading time of 6.929 at 191.24 on his Sovereign Star Racing Buell holds he will earn his first career No. 1 qualifying position in Pro Stock Motorcycle.

“We hope that will hold up because we really need a good weekend especially after last week,” said Pollacheck, who qualified fourth at Epping but was upset in the first round by No. 13 qualifier Steve Johnson. “Michael [Ray, teammate] has had a great bike, but we’ve had some gremlins with mine. Hopefully we have them exterminated. I think we do have some left over. That wasn’t a perfect run, so maybe tomorrow we can run quicker.”

Hector Arana Sr. qualified second on his Lucas Oil Buell with a 6.930 at 193.32 and Matt Smith was third on his Viper Motorcycle Company Buell with a 6.937 at 193.82.

* * *

JOLIET, Ill. -- Friday's results following the first of three rounds of qualifying for the 16th annual O'Reilly Auto Parts Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by Super Start Batteries at Route 66 Raceway, the 12th of 24 events in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series.  Qualifying will continue Saturday for Sunday's final eliminations.

Top Fuel -- 1. Tony Schumacher, 3.772 seconds, 325.45 mph; 2. Doug Kalitta, 3.772, 322.34; 3. Shawn Langdon, 3.789, 325.92; 4. Brandon Bernstein, 3.794, 323.04; 5. Spencer Massey, 3.795, 319.98; 6. Khalid alBalooshi, 3.798, 326.32; 7. Morgan Lucas, 3.798, 322.27; 8. Bob Vandergriff, 3.827, 315.56; 9. Larry Dixon, 3.832, 317.87; 10. Brittany Force, 3.849, 317.49; 11. Leah Pruett, 3.853, 316.08; 12. Tim Cullinan, 3.910, 301.40.  Not Qualified: 13. Sidnei Frigo, 3.912, 311.13; 14. T.J. Zizzo, 3.913, 311.34; 15. Steve Torrence, 4.016, 323.81; 16. Chris Karamesines, 4.216, 281.01; 17. Clay Millican, 4.370, 182.38; 18. David Grubnic, 4.380, 182.67; 19. Antron Brown, 6.366, 100.46; 20. Pat Dakin, 7.714, 81.24; 21. Terry McMillen, 8.359, 79.62; 22. Luigi Novelli, 10.900, 70.68.

Funny Car -- 1. John Force, Ford Mustang, 4.035, 314.02; 2. Matt Hagan, Dodge Charger, 4.040, 317.19; 3. Jack Beckman, Charger, 4.043, 313.15; 4. Chad Head, Toyota Camry, 4.053, 312.21; 5. Robert Hight, Mustang, 4.055, 315.71; 6. Tim Wilkerson, Mustang, 4.060, 306.74; 7. Johnny Gray, Charger, 4.064, 310.70; 8. Ron Capps, Charger, 4.069, 311.27; 9. Tony Pedregon, Camry, 4.093, 304.67; 10. Cruz Pedregon, Camry, 4.094, 299.53; 11. Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 4.100, 305.63; 12. Alexis DeJoria, Camry, 4.124, 306.88.  Not Qualified: 13. Jeff Arend, 4.139, 295.59; 14. Dale Creasy Jr., 4.268, 283.25; 15. Terry Haddock, 4.410, 279.85; 16. Bob Bode, 4.649, 182.28; 17. Del Worsham, 4.679, 179.09; 18. Courtney Force, 9.742, 52.00; 19. Todd Lesenko, 10.176, 65.21; 20. Justin Schriefer, 12.149, 67.87.

Pro Stock -- 1. Mike Edwards, Chevy Camaro, 6.602, 208.68; 2. Allen Johnson, Dodge Avenger, 6.614, 208.68; 3. Jeg Coughlin, Avenger, 6.615, 209.36; 4. Erica Enders-Stevens, Camaro, 6.620, 207.75; 5. Greg Anderson, Camaro, 6.636, 208.17; 6. Jason Line, Camaro, 6.637, 208.30; 7. Vincent Nobile, Avenger, 6.642, 208.23; 8. Shane Gray, Camaro, 6.643, 208.55; 9. V. Gaines, Avenger, 6.645, 208.52; 10. Rodger Brogdon, Camaro, 6.666, 199.46; 11. Greg Stanfield, Camaro, 6.669, 207.21; 12. Rickie Jones, Camaro, 6.670, 208.10.  Not Qualified: 13. Larry Morgan, 6.670, 206.51; 14. Steve Kent, 6.724, 206.54; 15. Mark Martino, 6.738, 180.43; 16. Mark Hogan, 6.749, 204.23; 17. Steve Spiess, 6.758, 204.88; 18. Dave River, 6.836, 202.27.

Pro Stock Motorcycle -- 1. Scotty Pollacheck, Buell, 6.929, 191.24; 2. Hector Arana, Buell, 6.930, 193.32; 3. Matt Smith, Buell, 6.937, 193.82; 4. Hector Arana Jr, Buell, 6.946, 192.44; 5. Adam Arana, Buell, 6.979, 191.27; 6. John Hall, Buell, 6.980, 192.60; 7. LE Tonglet, Suzuki, 6.981, 192.00; 8. Michael Ray, Buell, 6.988, 192.06; 9. Mike Berry, Buell, 7.028, 190.46; 10. Angie Smith, Buell, 7.051, 192.06; 11. Shawn Gann, Buell, 7.067, 189.84; 12. Joe DeSantis, Suzuki, 7.069, 189.34.  Not Qualified: 13. Andrew Hines, 7.073, 189.39; 14. Jerry Savoie, 7.074, 190.03; 15. Steve Johnson, 7.082, 187.29; 16. Jim Underdahl, 7.097, 190.54; 17. Eddie Krawiec, 7.109, 188.99.

IHRA Summit Pro-Am Division 6 @ Eagle Motorplex

 

Faul, Shannon double-up at IHRA Division 6 season opener

Border Bandits hitters McNally, Congdon, Neitsch add wins at Eagle Motorplex

ASHCROFT, British Columbia (June 28, 2013) – Western Canada’s top IHRA racers were on hand for the Division 6 season opener over the weekend at the NL ‘Akapxm Eagle Motorplex in Ashcroft, British Columbia with the usual hitters quickly rising to the top.

Four of the seven Division 6 champions from 2012 found victory lane during the two-race competition headed by double winner Mark Faul.

Mark Faul

Faul won both Super Stock and Stock over the weekend and added a runner-up finish in Super Stock on Day 2 to give the Tacoma, Washington native three Ironman trophies in one day. Due to rain both events were finished on Sunday.

Kelowna, British Columbia’s Mike Shannon also took home multiple trophies over the weekend with a pair of wins in Quick Rod and Super Rod on Day 2 plus a runner-up finish.

The rest of the winners from the Division 6 season opener were Pat McNally and Zak Clark (Top Sportsman), Dan Provost and Trevor Ritchie (Top Dragster), Faul and Art Congdon (Super Stock), Sean Ferguson and Faul (Stock), Mike Pople and Shannon (Quick Rod), Kirk Lanz and Shannon (Super Rod) and Jack Slinger and Warren Neitsch (Hot Rod).

Junior Dragster winners were Chevy Reeves and Ethan Ochitwa (Master), Darren Provost and Mackenna Ochitwa (Advanced) and Ryan O’Connor (Beginner).

Mike Shannon

Faul claimed the Super Stock win on Day 1 over Darrell Stobbe when the Abbotsford, B.C. native lit the red light by -.434 to hand Faul the win. On Day 2 Faul made both finals, driving his ’95 Grand Am Super Stocker to a second final and a runner-up finish to defending division champion Art Congdon and taking the win in his ’98 Firebird in Stock over Casey Plaizier. Faul had a .002 light and ran a 11.620 on an 11.61 dial to give him a .012 package and an easy win.

Fellow double winner Mike Shannon began his weekend with a runner-up finish in Super Rod to Kirk Lanz before firing off two wins on Day 2. Shannon drove his ’57 Corvette back to the Super Rod final and this time brought home the win over Scott Robinson who went red and added a Quick Rod win over Eric Goulden who also went red.

Pat McNally and Zak Clarke picked up wins in Top Sportsman, both times keeping Shawn LaChambre at bay. McNally drove his ’06 GTO to an easy win on Day 1 with a .032 light and a 7.180 on a 7.16 dial and Clarke put his ’67 Nova in the winner’s circle after LaChambre went red.

Defending Hot Rod champion Warren Neitsch put his incredibly unique 2002 PT Cruiser back in the winner’s circle on Day 2 with a solid .016 package to defeat Carey Borchuk.

Warren Neitsch

In perhaps the most competitive class of the weekend, Trevor Ritchie too the Day 1 Top Dragster title over Andy Scheu who lit the red bulb by -.014 and Dan Provost put his dragster in the winner’s circle with a .009 light and a 7.223 on a 7.18 to defeat Dave Senid.

Border Bandits racers head to Castrol Raceway for their next IHRA Summit Racing Equipment Pro-Am Tour presented by AMSOIL event July 5-7.

The following are the final results from the IHRA Summit Racing Equipment Pro-Am Tour presented by AMSOIL doubleheader at NL ‘Akapxm Eagle Motorplex.

DAY 1

GOOD VIBRATIONS TOP SPORTSMAN - Pat McNally, St. Albert, Alb., '06 GTO, 7.180, 194.51 def. Shawn LaChambre, Pilot Butte, B.C., '00 Corvette, 8.029, 172.51.

GOOD VIBRATIONS TOP DRAGSTER - Dan Provost, Abbotsford, B.C., dragster, 7.223, 188.00 def. Dave Senid, Rally View, Alb., dragster, 7.694, 175.47.

SUPER STOCK - Mark Faul, Tacoma, Wash., '95 Grand Am, UNK, 10.464, 110.75 def. Darrell Stobbe, Abbotsford, B.C., '64 Chevelle, UNK, foul.

STOCK ELIMINATOR - Sean Ferguson, Lamgley, B.C., '88 Mustang, UNK, 12.596, 97.44 def. Tom Skjonsberg, Red Deer, Alb., '70 Barracuda, UNK, 10.484, 125.48.

QUICK ROD - Mike Pople, Calgary, Alb., dragster, 8.993, 167.34 def. Andy Sheu, Calgary, Alb., dragster, foul.

SUPER ROD - Kirk Lanz, Mission, B.C., '12 Cavalier, 10.028, 156.14 def. Mike Shannon, Kelowna, B.C., '57 Corvette, 10.081, 142.02.

HOT ROD - Jack Slinger, Chestermere, Alb., '71 Chevy, 10.995, 138.10 def. Warren Neitsch, Edmonton, Alb., '02 PT Cruiser, 10.963, 138.86.

TOP ET - Al Quigley, Aldergrove, B.C., '95 Mustang, 9.466, 138.52 def. Dan Provost, Abbotsford, B.C., dragster, 7.202, 188.00.

MOD ET - Al Stefiuk, Lower Nicola, B.C., '02 Silverado, 15.818, 85.07 def. Keith Vahle, Ashcroft, B.C., '00 Blazer, 9.861, 125.71.

GOOD VIBRATIONS JUNIOR DRAGSTER MASTERS - Chevy Reeves, Edmonton, Alb., dragster, 8.029, 79.67 def. Matthew Michaud, Edmonton, Alb., dragster, 7.975, 79.59.

GOOD VIBRATIONS JUNIOR DRAGSTER ADVANCED - Darren Provost, Abbotsford, B.C., dragster, 9.402, 69.61 def. Jenna Michaud, Edmonton, Alb., dragster, 8.909, 74.47.

GOOD VIBRATIONS JUNIOR DRAGSTER BEGINNER - Ryan O'Connor, Ft. St. John, B.C. , RPC, 12.070, 52.50 def. Travis Hartley, Red Deer, Alb. , Junior, foul.

DAY 2

GOOD VIBRATIONS TOP SPORTSMAN - Zak Clarke, Mission, B.C., '67 Nova, 7.787, 176.05 def. Shawn LaChambre, Pilot Butte, B.C., '90 Corvette, foul.

GOOD VIBRATIONS TOP DRAGSTER - Trevor Ritchie, Sherwood Park, Alb., dragster, 7.160, 191.81 def. Andy Scheu, Calgary, Alb., dragster, foul.

SUPER STOCK - Art Congdon, Calgary, Alb., '91 Calais, UNK, 9.946, 128.82 def. Mark Faul, Tacoma, Wash., '96 Grand Am, UNK, 10.350, 127.42.

STOCK ELIMINATOR - Mark Faul, Tacoma, Wash., '98 Firebird, 11.620, 108.48 def. Casey Plaizier, Edmonton, Alb., '96 Firebird, 10.750, 109.21.

QUICK ROD - Mike Shannon, Kelowna, B.C., UnderCover, 13.450, 61.05 def. Eric Goulden, Airdrie, Alb., Fritz, foul.

SUPER ROD - Mike Shannon, Kelowna, B.C., '57 Corvette, 9.976, 143.44 def. Scott Robinson, Abbotsford, B.C., '27 roadster, foul.

HOT ROD - Warren Neitsch, Edmonton, Alb., '02 PT Cruiser, 11.005, 140.16 def. Carey Borchuk, Beaumont, Alb., '97 Camaro, 11.004, 139.64.

TOP ET - Ken Goldade, Medicine Hat, Alb., '72 Mustang, 10.931, 140.49 def. Dan Provost, Abbotsford, B.C., dragster, foul.

MOD ET - Andy Closkey, Quesnel, B.C., '65 Chevy, 10.367, 125.94 def. Norm Fleenor, Kamloops, B.C., '55 Chevy, 10.198, 124.98.

GOOD VIBRATIONS JUNIOR DRAGSTER MASTERS - Ethan Ochitwa, Beaumont, Alb., dragster, 7.952, 81.69 def. Sheena Okrainetz, Devon, Alb., dragster, 7.946, 81.69.

GOOD VIBRATIONS JUNIOR DRAGSTER ADVANCED - Mackenna Ochitwa, Beaumont, Alb., dragster, 8.910, 72.45 def. Shelby Hagen, Whitelaw, Alb., dragster, 10.094, 65.62.

GOOD VIBRATIONS JUNIOR DRAGSTER BEGINNER - Ryan O'Connor, Ft. St. John, B.C., dragster, 12.154, 49.92 def. Travis Hartley, Red Deer, Alb., dragster, 12.361, 48.51.

Mountain Motor Pro Stock Returns to IHRA in 2013

Mountain Motor Pro Stock returns to IHRA in 2013

Berner, select teams to compete at Grand Bend, Martin Nitro Jam events

NORWALK, Ohio (June 28, 2013) – Throughout 2013, rumor mills teemed with hints and questions about the return of Pro Stock to the IHRA. Recently, the rumors were put to rest as IHRA made the announcement that Pro Stock would be featured at two of their Nitro Jam events this year.

Pete Berner and the Summit Racing Equipment Team will be among four teams returning to the genesis of Mountain Motor Pro Stocks for the MOPAR Nitro Jam Nationals at the Grand Bend Motorplex, July 19-21 and the CarSafe Northern Nitro Jam presented by Perry Harley-Davidson at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park, August 9-10.

Pete Berner's Summit Racing Equipment Pro Stock will be in action at two Nitro Jam events in 2013

"The secret is out," Berner said. "We're going back to IHRA, and I'm really looking forward to racing again at what used to be home for Mountain Motor Pro Stock. This four car, Chicago style shootout is sponsored by Summit and I want to thank Jim [Greenleaf], as well as Scooter [Peaco, IHRA Vice President], for their efforts in making this a reality. I know that Pro Stock is a favorite class of many drag racing fans and I hope they are as glad to see us back at IHRA as we are to go back.

"The last time we ran quarter-mile, we set the World Record. With the car and power we have now, we've surpassed our eighth-mile time on that record setting run, so depending on the conditions, we might have the opportunity to reset it again."

Paul Spriet, Grand Bend Motorplex Owner/Operator, is also looking forward to seeing Pro Stock return to his facility with the IHRA

"Having Mountain Motor Pro Stock back at GBM for the 14th Annual IHRA Mopar Nitro Jam Nationals is a dream come true. Many of our fans grew to love this class as it evolved within the IHRA program because it is the one class based on pure power, no power adders, no blowers, just 800 cubic inches of raw horsepower. GBM also holds many firsts for the Mountain Motor Pro Stock program. We were the first track to have a Pro Stock break into the 6.30's and then into the 6.20's. With the advancements the class has made since then there is no telling what they will run this year!"

"We're thrilled to have the thunder of Mountain Motored Pro Stock back at GBM," added GBM General Manager, Rob Biekx. "There's nothing else with the authoritative roar of 900 plus inches of power and it's going to be great to hear that music again at the Mopar Nitro Jam Nationals!"

Two-time IHRA champion Berner will return to IHRA for the first time since 2009

Berner will also be attending the Martin Nitro Jam, August 9-10.

"We always look forward to racing at U.S. 131. Even just testing there, we have fans come out to show their support. I'm sure the Pro Stock and Summit fans in that area will be happy to see the return of Pro Stock to IHRA. I know that I and my team are excited and looking forward to what the future holds.

Jason Peterson, General Manager of U.S. 131 Motorsports Park, is excited to see what Pro Stocks will do on his quarter-mile track

"It's been several years since we've seen 900 cubic inch, unlimited Pro Stocks run on the quarter-mile. It's great to have them back and to see great side-by-side, 220 miles-per-hour racing. I'm confident it will be worth the wait."

Berner won championships in IHRA competition in 2008 and 2006 and he finished runner-up to series veteran John Montecalvo by five points in IHRA's last fulltime season of Pro Stock racing in 2009. He has eight wins and 21 final round appearances during his IHRA career.

"At both events, we'll have a variety of the fastest Pro Stock cars in the world," Berner elaborated. "Fans will certainly not be disappointed. This is a great chance to showcase our heritage in front of the IHRA fans and will be a good move for our class and for the sport. Many of our fans have been asking us about racing on the quarter-mile again. I hope their enthusiasm in seeing us back at IHRA will match my own! This Summit Racing Equipment Team is very excited about returning to the quarter-mile and seeing our old friends and fans!"

Tickets are on sale now for both events and are available online at www.nitrojam.com.