CELEBRATION OF AMERICANA AND SPEED AT SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT MOTORSPORTS PARK NHRA EVENT JULY 5-8
NORWALK, Ohio -- NHRA and the team at Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park have come up with the perfect way to extend your July Fourth celebrations this year.
NHRA fans are in for a real treat with great action on and off the track all weekend when the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals returns to Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park July 5-8.
On track, all four NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series categories will be in competition as well as the NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by ProCare Rx and NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series for sportsman racers. In addition, NHRA fans will be treated to the K&N Horsepower Challenge, a specialty race featuring top Pro Stock racers. Off the track, visitors to one of the most family-friendly venues in motorsports and entertainment can take part in numerous events to celebrate America's 236th birthday that are free with their race ticket.
Upon arrival, spectators will be immersed in a Fourth of July celebration as they drive into the historic raceway, as American flags will adorn routes 18 and 601. Upon entering Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park, guests will be greeted by patriotic features at the main entrances along with red, white and blue bunting and other patriotic decor facility wide.
Throughout the grounds, groups of roving entertainers will help to make the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals a family-friendly festival. Balloon clowns and magicians plus fife and drum performers will roam the immaculate facility all weekend, and fans should keep their eyes open for ice-cream carts with free novelties.
Live music will be performed by numerous bands each evening at both the party pavilion and the campgrounds. Forest & the Evergreens, Yellow No. 5, Breakfast Club and other bands will entertain the crowds long into the night.
After watching the 7,000-horsepower Top Fuel cars thunder down the track on Friday night, fans will be treated to a signature Fourth of July fireworks show presented by Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park. Long known as one of the best fireworks shows on the NHRA circuit, this Fourth of July celebration will be sure to thrill fans and keep them talking until the next Fourth of July. Just before the fireworks, Bob Motz, in his jet Kenworth, and jet dragster pilots Ernie Bogue and Jill Canuso will close the on-track action for the night.
Saturday will include the K&N Horsepower Challenge, the winner of which will receive $50,000 and wear the crown of top Pro Stock racer for the following year, and a special unveiling of John Force's Funny Car featuring an American pride paint scheme that will be run during the Night of Fire at the track Aug. 11.
Following racing on Saturday, fans are invited to stay in their seats and witness the union of Nancy Miller and T.J. Moffitt as they become husband and wife. The couple met at the inaugural NHRA event at the track and found it fitting to get married at this special facility.
Championship pre-race activities will kick off at 9 a.m. on Sunday, July 8, with a thrilling concert by Phil Dirt and the Dozers followed by driver introductions at 10 a.m. The weekend will come to a crescendo with eliminations taking place at 11 a.m., highlighted by a flyover of four T-6 Texan, or SNJ, airplanes that flew in World War II and the Korean War; the planes will be piloted by members of the Cleveland Wing of the Commemorative Air Force. Following the flyover, 4,000 red, white and blue balloons will be released immediately before the first pair of Top Fuel cars comes to life.
* SCHEDULE: NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series qualifying sessions are scheduled for 4 and 6:30 p.m. on Friday, July 6, and 11:40 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. on Saturday, July 7. Final eliminations will begin at 11 a.m. on Sunday, July 8.
* TICKETS: For tickets for the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals, please call Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park at (419) 668-5555 or log on to www.summitmotorsportspark.tix.com.
* ON TV: ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise 90 minutes of qualifying coverage at 6 p.m. (ET) on Saturday, July 7, and three hours of eliminations coverage at 8 p.m. (ET) on Sunday, July 8.
* LUCAS OIL SERIES: The Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals will feature competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, where the future stars of the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series are born. Lucas Oil Series qualifying begins at 9 a.m. on July 5; eliminations begin at 8 a.m. on July 6 and continue through July 8.
* ON THE WEB: Get live timing, scoring, multimedia and the latest news updates from every NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series event on the Internet at www.nhra.com. Visit the official NHRA pages on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.
SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT NHRA NATIONALS FACT SHEET
WHAT: Sixth annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals, the 12th of 23 events in the 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series. Drivers in four categories - Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle - earn points leading to 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series world championships.
WHERE: Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park, Norwalk, Ohio. The track is located at 1300 State Route 18, half way between Cleveland and Toledo; just an hour and a half north of Columbus. The Ohio Turnpike is less than 10 minutes away. www.summitemotorsportspark.com
WHEN: Thursday through Sunday, July 5-8.
SCHEDULE:
THURSDAY, July 5 - LUCAS OIL SERIES qualifying at 9 a.m.
FRIDAY, July 6 - LUCAS OIL SERIES eliminations begin at 8 a.m.
FULL THROTTLE SERIES qualifying at 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
SATURDAY, July 7 -- LUCAS OIL SERIES eliminations continue at 8 a.m.
FULL THROTTLE SERIES qualifying at 11:40 a.m. and 2:15 p.m.
K&N HORSEPOWER CHALLENGE at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 6:15 p.m.
SUNDAY, July 8 - Pre-race ceremonies, 10 a.m.
FULL THROTTLE SERIES eliminations begin at 11 a.m.
TELEVISION:
Saturday, July 7, ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise 90 minutes of qualifying coverage at 6 p.m. (ET).
Sunday, July 8, ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise three hours of eliminations coverage starting at 8 p.m. (ET).
SATELLITE (Digital HD feed):
Friday, July 6, 9:30 - 10 p.m. (ET), AMC 9 / Transponder 14C
Saturday, July 7, 6:30 - 7 a.m. (ET), AMC 9 / Transponder 14C
Sunday, July 8, 7- 7:30 p.m. (ET), AMC 9 / Transponder 14C
(3980 MHz, vertical; Data Rate: 40.461470554 Mbp; Symbol Rate: 29.27 Ms; FEC: ¾; Bandwidth: 36 Mhz)
Video news release contains race action highlights each day and winners' interviews on Sunday.
2011 WINNERS: Del Worsham, Top Fuel; Mike Neff, Funny Car; Vincent Nobile, Pro Stock; Eddie Krawiec, Pro Stock Motorcycle.
MOST VICTORIES: Larry Dixon, 2, TF; Greg Anderson, 2, PS; Andrew Hines, 2, PSM.
TRACK RECORDS:
Top Fuel -- 3.780 seconds by Larry Dixon, June '10; 320.43 mph by Dixon, June '10.
Funny Car -- 4.032 seconds by Ashley Force Hood, June '10; 313.15 mph by Del Worsham, June '10.
Pro Stock -- 6.583 seconds by Ron Krisher, June '11; 209.36 mph by Krisher, June '11.
PS Motorcycle -- 6.887 seconds by Hector Arana Jr., June '11; 194.49 mph by Andrew Hines, June '10.
NATIONAL RECORDS:
Top Fuel - 3.735 sec. by Del Worsham, Oct. '11, Reading, Pa.; 332.18 mph by Spencer Massey, April '12, Charlotte, N.C.
Funny Car - 3.995 sec. by Matt Hagan, Sept. '11, Charlotte, N.C.; 318.99 mph by Jack Beckman, Sept. '11, Charlotte, N.C.
Pro Stock - 6.477 sec. by Jason Line, Oct. '11, Reading, Pa.; 213.91 mph by Jason Line, April '12, Charlotte, N.C.
PS Motorcycle - 6.750 sec. by Eddie Krawiec, March '12, Gainesville, Fla.; 199.26 mph by Eddie Krawiec, March '11, Gainesville, Fla.
TICKETS: For tickets, call (419) 668-5555 or purchase online at www.summitmotorsportspark.tix.com.
NHRA FULL THROTTLE DRAG RACING SERIES WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS STANDINGS
GLENDORA, Calif. -- Point standings (top 10) following the 11th of 23 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series -
Top Fuel: 1. Tony Schumacher, 879; 2. Antron Brown, 876; 3. Spencer Massey, 868; 4. Steve Torrence, 775; 5. Morgan Lucas, 698; 6. Doug Kalitta, 656; 7. Shawn Langdon, 616; 8. Brandon Bernstein, 536; 9. David Grubnic, 521; 10. Clay Millican, 490.
Funny Car: 1. Robert Hight, 950; 2. Ron Capps, 854; 3. Jack Beckman, 701; 4. Johnny Gray, 687; 5. Mike Neff, 686; 6. Jeff Arend, 556; 7. Courtney Force, 554; 8. Bob Tasca III, 549; 9. Cruz Pedregon, 545; 10. John Force, 536.
Pro Stock: 1. Greg Anderson, 995; 2. Jason Line, 893; 3. Allen Johnson, 888; 4. Mike Edwards, 783; 5. Erica Enders, 695; 6. Vincent Nobile, 694; 7. Ronnie Humphrey, 519; 8. Rodger Brogdon, 461; 9. Shane Gray, 427; 10. Larry Morgan, 403.
Pro Stock Motorcycle: 1. Eddie Krawiec, 522; 2. Andrew Hines, 447; 3. Hector Arana, 383; 4. Hector Arana Jr, 381; 5. LE Tonglet, 292; 6. Michael Ray, 270; 7. Karen Stoffer, 267; 8. Matt Smith, 243; 9. Scotty Pollacheck, 225; 10. Shawn Gann, 222.
Monday, July 02, 2012
NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Results Sunday From Chicago
WHITELEY AND MANZO TAKE THE WIN AT THE O'REILLY AUTO PARTS ROUTE 66 NHRA NATIONALS
JOLIET, Ill. -- In the final results from Route 66 Raceway and the O'Reilly Auto Parts Route 66 NHRA Nationals, Jim Whiteley, Grand Junction, Colo., and Frank Manzo, Morganville, N.J., took home the wins in Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car respectively.
Whiteley, worked his way through the field and ran 5.294 seconds at 270.05 mph in his final round victory over Randy Meyer, Spring Hill, Kan., who clocked in at 5.332 seconds, 268.28 mph.
Manzo faced off against Cassie Simonton, Brooklyn Park, Minn. and posted a winning run of 5.597 seconds, 259.66 mph in his '10 Monte Carlo.
Manzo, making his 20th appearance in the JEGS Allstars which showcases the best Sportsman-level drivers from NHRA's Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, scored his 10th victory in Top Alcohol Funny Car. Other Allstar winners are Bruno Massel, Woodridge, Ill., in Comp Eliminator; Sherman Adock, Fortson, Ga., in Super Gas; and Ricky Shipp, Needham, Ind., in Super Street.
Other racers visiting the winner's circle this weekend were Massel, in Comp Eliminator; Mike Lund, Bettendorf, Iowa, in Super Stock; Daryl Bureski, Elgin, Ind., in Stock Eliminator; Tom Stalba, Williamstown, N.J., in Super Comp; Adock, in Super Gas; and Shipp, in Super Street.
The following are the final results from O'Reilly Auto Parts Route 66 NHRA Nationals at Route 66 Raceway:
Top Alcohol Dragster
Jim Whiteley, Grand Junction, Colo., 5.294, 270.05 def. Randy Meyer, Spring Hill, Kan., 5.332, 268.28.
Top Alcohol Funny Car
Frank Manzo, Morganville, N.J., Monte Carlo, 5.597, 259.66 def. Cassie Simonton, Brooklyn Park, Minn., Mote Carlo, 9.027, 98.00.
Comp
Bruno Massel, Woodridge, Ill., Chevy Cobalt, 8.941, 104.96 def. Al Ackerman, Saddle Brook, N.J., Pro Start, 9.305, 104.22.
Super Stock
Mike Lund, Bettendorf, Iowa, Camaro, 10.515, 100.83 def. Joe Santangelo, Marlborough, Conn., Camaro, 11.034, 95.57
Stock
Daryl Bureski, Elgin, Ill., Oldsmobile, 11.396, 112.94 def. Bo Butner, Flyods Knobs, Ind., 9.291, 133.54
Super Comp
Tom Stalba, Williamstown, N.J., Undercover, 8.920, 63.63 def. Rusty Cook, Cynthiana, Kan., American, 8.930, 173.43
Super Gas
Sherman Adock, Fortson, Ga., Trans Am, 9.902, 161.00 def. Tommy Phillips, Forney, Texas, Corvette, 9.943, 144.92
Super Street
Ricky Shipp, Needham, Ind., Nova, 10.867, 139.60 def. Trevor Larson, Starbuck, Minn., Corvette, 10.849, 147.31
JOLIET, Ill. -- In the final results from Route 66 Raceway and the O'Reilly Auto Parts Route 66 NHRA Nationals, Jim Whiteley, Grand Junction, Colo., and Frank Manzo, Morganville, N.J., took home the wins in Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car respectively.
Whiteley, worked his way through the field and ran 5.294 seconds at 270.05 mph in his final round victory over Randy Meyer, Spring Hill, Kan., who clocked in at 5.332 seconds, 268.28 mph.
Manzo faced off against Cassie Simonton, Brooklyn Park, Minn. and posted a winning run of 5.597 seconds, 259.66 mph in his '10 Monte Carlo.
Manzo, making his 20th appearance in the JEGS Allstars which showcases the best Sportsman-level drivers from NHRA's Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, scored his 10th victory in Top Alcohol Funny Car. Other Allstar winners are Bruno Massel, Woodridge, Ill., in Comp Eliminator; Sherman Adock, Fortson, Ga., in Super Gas; and Ricky Shipp, Needham, Ind., in Super Street.
Other racers visiting the winner's circle this weekend were Massel, in Comp Eliminator; Mike Lund, Bettendorf, Iowa, in Super Stock; Daryl Bureski, Elgin, Ind., in Stock Eliminator; Tom Stalba, Williamstown, N.J., in Super Comp; Adock, in Super Gas; and Shipp, in Super Street.
The following are the final results from O'Reilly Auto Parts Route 66 NHRA Nationals at Route 66 Raceway:
Top Alcohol Dragster
Jim Whiteley, Grand Junction, Colo., 5.294, 270.05 def. Randy Meyer, Spring Hill, Kan., 5.332, 268.28.
Top Alcohol Funny Car
Frank Manzo, Morganville, N.J., Monte Carlo, 5.597, 259.66 def. Cassie Simonton, Brooklyn Park, Minn., Mote Carlo, 9.027, 98.00.
Comp
Bruno Massel, Woodridge, Ill., Chevy Cobalt, 8.941, 104.96 def. Al Ackerman, Saddle Brook, N.J., Pro Start, 9.305, 104.22.
Super Stock
Mike Lund, Bettendorf, Iowa, Camaro, 10.515, 100.83 def. Joe Santangelo, Marlborough, Conn., Camaro, 11.034, 95.57
Stock
Daryl Bureski, Elgin, Ill., Oldsmobile, 11.396, 112.94 def. Bo Butner, Flyods Knobs, Ind., 9.291, 133.54
Super Comp
Tom Stalba, Williamstown, N.J., Undercover, 8.920, 63.63 def. Rusty Cook, Cynthiana, Kan., American, 8.930, 173.43
Super Gas
Sherman Adock, Fortson, Ga., Trans Am, 9.902, 161.00 def. Tommy Phillips, Forney, Texas, Corvette, 9.943, 144.92
Super Street
Ricky Shipp, Needham, Ind., Nova, 10.867, 139.60 def. Trevor Larson, Starbuck, Minn., Corvette, 10.849, 147.31
Today's Drag Racing News
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| Erica Enders speeds into history in Joliet Chicago Tribune NHRA Pro Stock driver Erica Enders has been toasted in Hollywood as inspiration for the 2003 Disney Channel drag-racing movie "Right On Track." She has been the first woman in her class to qualify No. 1 and reach a final round. But until Sunday at the ... See all stories on this topic » | ||
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| Funny Car Pioneer, Owner Of Current NHRA 'Super Team' Voted Into ... PaddockTalk Ramey traveled to Joliet to personally tell Schumacher of the honor and that he will be the 12th member of the drag racing fraternity to be inducted into the Hall that includes the biggest names in all motorsports from throughout the world. Schumacher ... See all stories on this topic » |
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Sunday, July 01, 2012
NHRA NEWS: FULL THROTTLE SERIES RESULTS SUNDAY FROM CHICAGO
ENDERS MAKES NHRA HISTORY BY BECOMING FIRST FEMALE TO WIN IN PRO STOCK CATEGORY
Brown, Arend and Hines also earn victories at O’Reilly Auto Parts Route 66 NHRA Nationals near Chicago
JOLIET, Ill. – Erica Enders made history Sunday at the O’Reilly Auto Parts Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by Super Start Batteries by becoming the first female to win an NHRA Pro Stock race.
Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Jeff Arend (Funny Car) and Andrew Hines (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also were winners at the rain-delayed NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series event near Chicago.
Enders drove her GK Motorsports Chevy Cobalt to a final round winning performance of 6.627 seconds at 207.40 mph to hold off four-time world champion Greg Anderson, who trailed in the race in his Summit Racing Chevy Camaro with a 6.641 at 208.36.
Enders, one of only six females to ever compete in the 200-mph factory hot rod category, raced past Kurt Johnson, Vincent Nobile and V. Gaines in the first three rounds to advance to her seventh career final round. From there the 28-year-old Houston native led season points leader Anderson all the way down the track in the final round to finally get the victory she has been seeking since starting her Pro Stock career in 2005.
“It’s awesome,” said Enders, who becomes the 12th female to win an NHRA pro category race. “I think that if I could have planned it, I would have asked to run Greg in the final. You know that he made it very clear that he didn’t want to lose to me. He’s a very competitive guy and I love him to death, but I couldn’t wait to beat him. I’m glad [the win] came here in Chicago. I had my first final in Pro Stock here in 2005, and so it was nice to circle back around and get it done here.
“Pro Stock is tough. It will humble you in an instant. When you think you’ve got it figured out, you go to Bristol and blow all your [engines] up. I can’t say enough about my guys (crew). They’re amazing and I love them.”
In Top Fuel, Brown raced to his second victory of the season behind the wheel of his Matco Tools dragster when final round opponent Steve Torrence fouled at the start in his Capco Contractors dragster. It was Brown’s 33rd career victory and his third win at this track, as he claimed two wins here in Pro Stock Motorcycle.
“It doesn’t get better than this,” Brown said. “Coming here to Route 66 Raceway is always special and goes beyond words because our team owner Don [Schumacher] will be inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame, and what he’s done for the sport and our teams is amazing. Right now you look at Top Fuel and see how competitive that the class is. It’s as tight as Pro Stock car. We’re running e.t.s that are neck and neck, winning by 12 inches or less at over 320 mph.”
With the win, Brown moved to second in the points standings, behind series leader Tony Schumacher, the event’s No. 1 qualifier who was upset in the first round. Brown outran Morgan Lucas, David Grubnic and Shawn Langdon to advance to the final round.
“When you get a race win now with the competition that we have to go through, it’s just remarkable,” Brown said. “The team is doing a great job, and it’s all worth it. The blood, the sweat, and the tears. The heat was like a sauna, I mean I’m 10 pounds lighter than I was on Wednesday. It just feels good to knock one out of the park again. To gain some points and get it done. Because the Countdown is right around the corner. We have just six races left. So we have to get some momentum going for the Western Swing, Indy, and the Countdown. It’s crucial right now, and we’re going to have some hot races in the countdown.”
Veteran driver Arend claimed his first Funny Car win of the season and fourth of his career by defeating rookie Courtney Force in the final round. Arend powered to a performance of 4.131 at 309.20 in his DHL Toyota Camry to hold off the 24-year-old Force, who finished in 4.454 at 272.67 in her Traxxas Ford Mustang.
“This was a real team effort this weekend,” Arend said. “I didn’t do the best job as a driver, at least not with my lights, but we were able to get it done. My crew got this car turned around faster than I’ve ever seen them do it and that made all the difference in the world. This is the first win for the new Toyota Camry so that makes it even more special. I got to the final (here) last year and didn’t win so this also makes up for that. I like to make the most of second chances.”
Arend raced past Tony Pedregon, Tim Wilkerson and Jack Beckman to get to the final. He said the three hour rain delay, which forced teams to have quicker turnaround times in the pits between rounds, actually helped him stay focused today.
“We have some new guys on our team this year and they really stepped it up especially after it rained and we had to turn the car around quicker than usual,” Arend said. “I call them the “yeller fellas” and they did a heck of a job this weekend. That 4.10 in the semis was a great run but we were solid all weekend. We ran good numbers every time. In the semis we had Jon O [Oberhofer, crew chief] Connie [Kalitta] and Del [Worsham] in our trailer and they make the right call and the car responded.”
Arend jumped from 10th to sixth in the points standings and locked up the seventh starting position in the lucrative Traxxas Funny Car Shootout at the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals. Robert Hight, who lost to Courtney Force in the second round, remained at the top of the points order, while second-place Ron Capps saw his six-race final round streak come to an end with a first round loss to rookie Alexis DeJoria.
In Pro Stock Motorcycle, three-time world champ Hines claimed his second win of the season on his Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson when final round opponent LE Tonglet turned on the red light at the start on his Nitro Fish Buell. It was Hines’ 27th career victory.
“As soon as I popped the clutch I saw LE’s red-light and I knew I’d won,” Hines said. “Then, it was a nice comfortable ride. I saw him in front of me and paid more attention to his bike than mine and I think I probably missed high gear.”
In earlier rounds, Hines defeated Scotty Pollacheck, Chip Ellis and Hector Arana Jr. The victory continued the Vance & Hines team’s streak of victories this season as Hines and teammate Eddie Krawiec have won all five bike races this weekend. Hines, however, was looking for a get healthy weekend after back-to-back second round losses at the last two events.
“We came in here with a new mindset,” Hines said. “I’ve been down on myself the last few weeks and after Englishtown we took the bike and changed all the wiring and then went testing. I rode my bike and then rode Eddie’s [teammate Eddie Krawiec’s] bike and I ran pretty much the same on both so I came in here with a lot of confidence. Matt [Hines, crew chief] has a good tune-up for hot and muggy conditions and that made the bike a joy to ride. I’m also looking forward to going to Norwalk next weekend.”
With the victory, Hines cut Krawiec’s series lead to 75 points.
The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series continues July 5-8 with the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals at Norwalk, Ohio.
* * *
JOLIET, Ill. -- Final finish order (1-16) at the 15th annual O'Reilly Auto Parts Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by Super Start Batteries at Route 66 Raceway. The race is the 11th of 23 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series.
TOP FUEL: 1. Antron Brown; 2. Steve Torrence; 3. Shawn Langdon; 4. Hillary Will; 5. Spencer Massey; 6. T.J. Zizzo; 7. David Grubnic; 8. Doug Kalitta; 9. Brandon Bernstein; 10. Clay Millican; 11. Khalid alBalooshi; 12. Terry McMillen; 13. Tony Schumacher; 14. Morgan Lucas; 15. Bob Vandergriff; 16. Cory McClenathan.
FUNNY CAR: 1. Jeff Arend; 2. Courtney Force; 3. Alexis DeJoria; 4. Jack Beckman; 5. Tim Wilkerson; 6. Robert Hight; 7. Johnny Gray; 8. John Force; 9. Mike Neff; 10. Matt Hagan; 11. Cruz Pedregon; 12. Tony Pedregon; 13. Dale Creasy Jr.; 14. Ron Capps; 15. Terry Haddock; 16. Bob Tasca III.
PRO STOCK: 1. Erica Enders; 2. Greg Anderson; 3. Mike Edwards; 4. V. Gaines; 5. Allen Johnson; 6. Vincent Nobile; 7. Larry Morgan; 8. Rodger Brogdon; 9. Jason Line; 10. Jeg Coughlin; 11. Greg Stanfield; 12. Kurt Johnson; 13. Warren Johnson; 14. Shane Gray; 15. Ronnie Humphrey; 16. Ron Krisher.
PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE: 1. Andrew Hines; 2. LE Tonglet; 3. Hector Arana Jr; 4. Hector Arana; 5. Eddie Krawiec; 6. Chip Ellis; 7. Karen Stoffer; 8. Shawn Gann; 9. Scotty Pollacheck; 10. Matt Guidera; 11. Mike Berry; 12. Steve Johnson; 13. Matt Smith; 14. Angie Smith; 15. Michael Phillips; 16. Michael Ray.
JOLIET, Ill. -- Sunday's final results from the 15th annual O'Reilly Auto Parts Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by Super Start Batteries at Route 66 Raceway. The race is the 11th of 23 in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series:
Top Fuel -- Antron Brown, 3.784 seconds, 322.88 mph def. Steve Torrence, foul.
Funny Car -- Jeff Arend, Toyota Camry, 4.131, 309.20 def. Courtney Force, Ford Mustang, 4.454, 272.67.
Pro Stock -- Erica Enders, Chevy Cobalt, 6.627, 207.40 def. Greg Anderson, Chevy Camaro, 6.641, 208.36.
Pro Stock Motorcycle -- Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 6.940, 192.69 def. LE Tonglet, Suzuki, foul.
Top Alcohol Dragster -- Jim Whiteley, 5.294, 270.05 def. Randy Meyer, 5.332, 268.28.
Top Alcohol Funny Car -- Frank Manzo, Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.597, 259.66 def. Cassie Simonton, Monte Carlo, 9.027, 98.00.
Competition Eliminator -- Bruno Massel, Chevy Cobalt, 8.941, 104.96 def. Al Ackerman, Dragster, foul.
Super Stock -- Michael Lund, Chevy Camaro, 10.515, 100.83 def. Joe Santangelo, Camaro, foul.
Stock Eliminator -- Daryl Bureski, Olds 442, 11.396, 112.94 def. Bo Butner, Ford Mustang, 9.291, 133.54.
Super Comp -- Tom Stalba, Dragster, 8.920, 163.63 def. Rusty Cook, Dragster, 8.930, 173.43.
Super Gas -- Sherman Adcock, Pontiac Trans Am, 9.902, 161.00 def. Tommy Phillips, Chevy Corvette, 9.943, 144.92.
Super Street -- Ricky Shipp, Chevy Nova, 10.867, 139.60 def. Trevor Larson, Chevy Corvette, 10.849, 147.31.
JOLIET, Ill. -- Final round-by-round results from the 15th annual O'Reilly Auto Parts Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by Super Start Batteries at Route 66 Raceway, the 11th of 23 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series:
TOP FUEL:
ROUND ONE -- David Grubnic, 3.842, 316.45 def. Brandon Bernstein, 3.834, 318.99; Steve Torrence, 3.859, 318.99 def. Cory McClenathan, 5.258, 133.13; Shawn Langdon, 3.829, 318.62 def. Bob Vandergriff, 4.588, 167.84; T.J. Zizzo, 3.872, 311.20 def. Tony Schumacher, 4.144, 210.21; Antron Brown, 3.820, 319.98 def. Morgan Lucas, 4.321, 229.94; Spencer Massey, 3.815, 324.98 def. Terry McMillen, 3.863, 315.71; Doug Kalitta, 3.812, 320.97 def. Clay Millican, 3.847, 311.27; Hillary Will, 3.852, 313.58 def. Khalid alBalooshi, 3.857, 316.30;
QUARTERFINALS -- Will, 3.858, 311.05 def. Zizzo, 4.009, 267.00; Brown, 3.801, 323.04 def. Grubnic, 6.184, 101.38; Torrence, 3.833, 320.36 def. Massey, 3.836, 323.27; Langdon, 3.826, 319.14 def. Kalitta, 6.803, 128.40;
SEMIFINALS -- Torrence, 3.817, 319.37 def. Will, 7.780, 76.85; Brown, 3.794, 321.04 def. Langdon, 3.803, 319.37;
FINAL -- Brown, 3.784, 322.88 def. Torrence, foul.
FUNNY CAR:
ROUND ONE -- Tim Wilkerson, Ford Mustang, 4.231, 283.13 def. Dale Creasy Jr., Chevy Impala, 4.299, 287.66; Courtney Force, Mustang, 4.116, 310.13 def. Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 8.761, 79.60; John Force, Mustang, 4.172, 300.60 def. Terry Haddock, Impala, 5.754, 120.72; Jack Beckman, Dodge Charger, 4.093, 308.00 def. Matt Hagan, Charger, 4.176, 301.60; Robert Hight, Mustang, 4.087, 312.50 def. Cruz Pedregon, Toyota Camry, 4.182, 275.96; Johnny Gray, Charger, 4.120, 306.81 def. Mike Neff, Mustang, 4.164, 299.46; Jeff Arend, Camry, 4.112, 307.44 def. Tony Pedregon, Camry, 4.295, 236.88; Alexis DeJoria, Camry, 4.320, 226.70 def. Ron Capps, Charger, 4.728, 177.98;
QUARTERFINALS -- DeJoria, 4.168, 302.96 def. J. Force, 6.934, 116.79; Arend, 4.162, 305.56 def. Wilkerson, 4.281, 264.29; Beckman, 4.099, 306.60 def. Gray, 5.751, 124.12; C. Force, 4.147, 306.40 def. Hight, 4.929, 181.23;
SEMIFINALS -- C. Force, 4.123, 305.49 def. DeJoria, 4.191, 306.88; Arend, 4.106, 306.95 def. Beckman, 4.213, 292.71;
FINAL -- Arend, 4.131, 309.20 def. C. Force, 4.454, 272.67.
PRO STOCK:
ROUND ONE -- Greg Anderson, Chevy Camaro, 6.649, 207.88 def. Ron Krisher, Pontiac GXP, 6.696, 206.92; V. Gaines, Dodge Avenger, 6.649, 206.29 def. Greg Stanfield, Camaro, 6.644, 207.24; Rodger Brogdon, GXP, 6.646, 207.30 def. Ronnie Humphrey, GXP, 6.685, 206.35; Larry Morgan, Ford Mustang, 6.678, 206.23 def. Jason Line, Camaro, 6.625, 207.62; Erica Enders, Chevy Cobalt, 6.621, 207.21 def. Kurt Johnson, GXP, 6.660, 207.18; Allen Johnson, Avenger, 6.618, 207.94 def. Jeg Coughlin, Avenger, 6.643, 208.20; Mike Edwards, GXP, 6.634, 207.88 def. Warren Johnson, GXP, 6.665, 205.66; Vincent Nobile, Avenger, 6.652, 207.56 def. Shane Gray, Camaro, 6.679, 206.45;
QUARTERFINALS -- Gaines, 6.658, 206.61 def. Morgan, 6.697, 207.11; Edwards, 6.629, 207.18 def. Brogdon, foul; Enders, 6.607, 207.53 def. Nobile, 6.634, 208.17; Anderson, 6.634, 208.46 def. A. Johnson, 6.612, 209.04;
SEMIFINALS -- Anderson, 6.637, 207.91 def. Edwards, 6.641, 207.62; Enders, 6.622, 207.27 def. Gaines, 6.653, 206.57;
FINAL -- Enders, 6.627, 207.40 def. Anderson, 6.641, 208.36.
PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE:
ROUND ONE -- Karen Stoffer, Suzuki, 6.985, 190.51 def. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 7.041, 188.83; Shawn Gann, Buell, 7.073, 188.10 def. Michael Ray, Buell, 7.253, 159.42; LE Tonglet, Suzuki, 6.984, 190.22 def. Angie Smith, Buell, foul; Eddie Krawiec, Harley-Davidson, 6.944, 190.75 def. Matt Guidera, Buell, 7.017, 188.02; Hector Arana Jr, Buell, 6.921, 191.81 def. Mike Berry, Buell, 7.022, 187.47; Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 6.934, 192.49 def. Scotty Pollacheck, Buell, 7.007, 189.04; Hector Arana, Buell, 7.005, 189.79 def. Michael Phillips, Suzuki, 7.099, 188.91; Chip Ellis, Buell, 7.003, 190.11 def. Matt Smith, Buell, 7.057, 188.65;
QUARTERFINALS -- Arana, 6.955, 191.87 def. Stoffer, 7.092, 189.39; Tonglet, 6.993, 190.75 def. Krawiec, 6.971, 192.03; Hines, 6.959, 192.66 def. Ellis, foul; Arana Jr, 6.954, 191.70 def. Gann, 7.136, 187.94;
SEMIFINALS -- Tonglet, 7.023, 188.65 def. Arana, foul; Hines, 6.969, 192.71 def. Arana Jr, 7.002, 191.19;
FINAL -- Hines, 6.940, 192.69 def. Tonglet, foul.
JOLIET, Ill. -- Point standings (top 10) following the 15th annual O'Reilly Auto Parts Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by Super Start Batteries at Route 66 Raceway, the 11th of 23 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series -
Top Fuel
1. Tony Schumacher, 879; 2. Antron Brown, 876; 3. Spencer Massey, 868; 4. Steve Torrence, 775; 5. Morgan Lucas, 698; 6. Doug Kalitta, 656; 7. Shawn Langdon, 616; 8. Brandon Bernstein, 536; 9. David Grubnic, 521; 10. Clay Millican, 490.
Funny Car
1. Robert Hight, 950; 2. Ron Capps, 854; 3. Jack Beckman, 701; 4. Johnny Gray, 687; 5. Mike Neff, 686; 6. Jeff Arend, 556; 7. Courtney Force, 554; 8. Bob Tasca III, 549; 9. Cruz Pedregon, 545; 10. John Force, 536.
Pro Stock
1. Greg Anderson, 995; 2. Jason Line, 893; 3. Allen Johnson, 888; 4. Mike Edwards, 783; 5. Erica Enders, 695; 6. Vincent Nobile, 694; 7. Ronnie Humphrey, 519; 8. Rodger Brogdon, 461; 9. Shane Gray, 427; 10. Larry Morgan, 403.
Pro Stock Motorcycle
1. Eddie Krawiec, 522; 2. Andrew Hines, 447; 3. Hector Arana, 383; 4. Hector Arana Jr, 381; 5. LE Tonglet, 292; 6. Michael Ray, 270; 7. Karen Stoffer, 267; 8. Matt Smith, 243; 9. Scotty Pollacheck, 225; 10. Shawn Gann, 222.
Big sweeps in Salt Lake City in front of packed house
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CROWDS FILL ROCKY MOUNTAIN RACEWAYS FOR NITRO JAM FINALE
PROSTALGIA NITRO FUNNY CAR
Mike Savage, Tucson, Ariz., '70 Barracuda, 6.007, 236.22 def. Jason Rupert, Anaheim, Calif., '69 Camaro, 6.150, 231.18.
PRO FUEL DRAGSTER
Don St. Arnaud, Edmonton, Alb., dragster, 5.791, 242.00 def. Casey Grisel, Orangevale, Calif., dragster, 5.801, 247.11.
NOSTALGIA FUEL ALTERED
Tom Padilla, Arlington, Wash., '23 roadster, 6.528, 214.43 def. Ron Hope, Franklin, Tenn., '33 Bantam, 6.873, 195.73.
NITRO HARLEY
Ron Gledhill, Taylorsville, Utah, 6.752, 208.28 def. Tony Ruggiero, Fresno, Calif., 8.277, 172.57.
TOP DRAGSTER
Paul Snell, Sandy, Utah, dragster, 7.150, 188.79 def. Tom Bailey, Soda Spgs, Idaho, dragster, 7.785, 166.72.
TOP SPORTSMAN
Kenneth Covington, Grand Junction, Colo., '70 RX-7, 9.100, 147.90 def. Ed Olpin, Pleasant Grove, Utah, '63 Corvette, foul.
STOCK ELIMINATOR
Jesse Sanderson, W. Jordan, Utah, dragster, G/SA, 12.155, 108.65 def. Steve Hagberg, Berthoud, Colo., '64 Savoy, AA/SA, 10.444, 120.70.
SUPER STOCK
Carroll Warling, Brighton, Colo., '74 Grand Am, GT/MA, 11.407, 114.82 def. Brad Rounds, Reno, Nev., '02 S-10, SS/TB, foul.
QUICK ROD
Russ Stevenson, S. Jordan, Utah, dragster, 9.262, 149.82 def. Eddie Olpin, Pleasant Grove, Utah, dragster, 9.233, 150.85.
SUPER ROD
Ed Olpin, Pleasant Grove, Utah, '63 Corvette, 10.363, 151.87 def. Terry Keddington, Bluffdale, Utah, '57 Corvette, 10.343, 157.75.
BOX ET
James Shepherd, Springville, Utah, '74 Luv, 10.279, 130.58 def. Tim Vincent, Orem, Utah, dragster, 8.091, 160.22.
NO BOX ET
Travis Gaylord, Sandy, Utah, '87 Mustang, 12.633, 89.26 def. Jeff Cornick, N. Salt Lake City, Utah, dragster, foul.
MOTORCYCLE/SNOWMOBILE
Mike Cragun, Sandy, Utah, dragster, 10.713, 115.81 def. Larry Mota, Orem, Utah, '09 GSXR, 10.531, 135.39.
JUNIOR DRAGSTER OPEN
Kyle Anderson, Sandy, Utah, dragster, 8.831, 73.81 def. Alexis Myers, W. Valley City, Utah, dragster, 10.128, 65.07.
WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah -- Final round-by-round results from the NAPA Auto Parts Nitro Jam presented by Good Vibrations and Cricket, Day Two at Rocky Mountain Raceway, the fifth of eight events in the 2012 Nitro Jam Series:
PROSTALGIA NITRO FUNNY CAR:
ROUND ONE -- Mike Savage, Plymouth Barracuda, 6.151, 228.25 def. Tim Boychuk, Pontiac Firebird, 6.365, 216.50; Bob Godfrey, Chevy Camaro, 6.305, 224.66 was unopposed;
Jason Rupert, Camaro, 6.177, 227.38 def. Roger Garten, Ford Mustang, 6.747, 208.28; Steven Densham, Camaro, 6.221, 219.24 def. Dale Pulde, Pontiac Trans Am, 7.175, 182.22;
CONSOLATION -- D. Pulde, 6.158, 223.71 def. R. Garten, 6.427, 216.55; T. Boychuk, 6.160, 226.70 def. B. Godfrey, 6.106, 230.71; S. Densham, 6.008, 229.12 was unopposed;
FINAL -- M. Savage, 6.007, 236.22 def. J. Rupert, 6.150, 231.18.
PRO FUEL DRAGSTER:
ROUND ONE -- Casey Grisel, McKinney, 5.913, 233.76 def. Kristen Dennis, Monden, broke; Don St. Arnaud, Hadman, 5.965, 223.99 def. Johnny Ahten, Uyehara, 13.397, 77.79;
CONSOLATION -- J. Ahten, 12.570, 85.75 def. K. Dennis, 16.169, 63.71;
FINAL -- D. St. Arnaud, 5.791, 242.00 def. C. Grisel, 5.801, 247.11.
NOSTALGIA FUEL ALTERED:
ROUND ONE -- Ron Hope, Bantam, 7.131, 203.80 def. Randy Bradford, Fiat Topolino, 8.055, 168.76; Tom Padilla, '-T Ford, 6.467, 213.67 def. Kyle Hough, '-T Ford, 6.787, 216.60;
CONSOLATION -- K. Hough, 6.776, 214.43 def. R. Bradford, 7.809, 183.63;
FINAL -- T. Padilla, 6.528, 214.43 def. R. Hope, 6.873, 195.73. T. Padilla, 6.528, 214.43 def. R. Hope, 6.873, 195.73.
NITRO HARLEY:
ROUND ONE -- Ron Gledhill, 7.009, 200.80 def. Tony Ruggiero, 8.864, 124.12;
FINAL -- R. Gledhill, 6.752, 208.28 def. T. Ruggiero, 8.277, 172.57.
Tim Glover: Atlanta Dragway Night of Fire
ABNEY, SUTTON AND MANSOLILLO REPEAT FINALISTS AT ATLANTA DRAGWAY'S NIGHT OF FIRE
(Commerce, GA -- June 30) Thousands of fans enjoyed attending the 2012 edition of the Night of Fire at Atlanta Dragway, which included the largest fireworks show in North Georgia, along with three jet cars, a wheelstander, a Pro Mod, and six different classes of Summit ET racing along with a manufacturer's midway capped off with a play area for the younger fans. For the second event in a row, Mel Abney (Sportsman), Tim Sutton (Motorcycle) and Peter Mansolillo (Pro) found themselves in the final round. Abney and Sutton went on for the win, and Mansolillo had to settle for the second place spot after his car slowed in the final. Two Gwinnett County police officers, Frank Woods and Mark Welch, brought their Beat the Heat entries (no taxpayer dollars here, this was done on their nickle) and Woods enjoyed making it to the semi-final round in Sportsman on his first try with his modified '96 Impala SS.
"Hotlanta" truly lived up to its name today, with 108 degree air temperatures giving Atlanta Dragway's Night of Fire new meaning. However, everyone prepared for it, and the racers overwhelmingly stated the track worked great in spite of being hotter than it has ever been.
A very popular attraction on the manufacturer's midway was Bobby Brantley, one of the stars on Tru TV's Lizard Lick Towing show. Hundreds of fans stood in line to buy tee shirts, talk with him and get autographs. Also signing autographs on the midway were Jet Dragster pilots Marisha Falk and Elaine Larsen in the GE J-85 jet engine powered Embry Riddle and Miller welding dragsters. The two women drivers were by far the fastest ones on the grounds, running in the 270 mph range in the 5.8 second range. They were joined by Sam Ives in the Heat Wave Jet Funny Car, which posted seven second, high 190mph passes. Longtime wheelstander Danny O'Day put on a great show with his Superwinch '34 Chevy, tripping the finish line timers with his rear wheels in nine seconds at over 140mph. Matt Davis showed off his Tin Man Pro Mod car with low four second, 169mph plus passes. Although he did not take his creation down the track, Robert Killian brought his custom wrecker with a Towmater tag to the event for people to enjoy viewing.
Congratulations to Atlanta Dragway regulars Chad Brewer and John Norris. Brewer took the 11.00 Index win during last week's NHRA Lucas Oil Division Two event , and Norris won the 12.00 Index class against another regular, Dickey Forrester during the same event. Brewer mentioned this was his fourth time in the 11.00 Index class, and it was the first time he made it past the first round.
The exhibition portion of the program was kicked off with a presentation by Captain Shilo Crane of the Army National Guard 121st Infantry Regiment. After they presented the colors and the national anthem, track manager Ray Wilkings thanked them, saying, "We are able to do what we do here because of your service to our country."
Michael Morris from Woodstock, GA has been racing at Atlanta Dragway for three decades, and rose to the top in Super Pro with his '01 Undercover dragster. He faced off against former Jr. Dragster racer Hank Wilhelm of Commerce, GA in the final. Both drivers were gunning for the win, and Morris had it even before he left the starting line after Wilhelm's '96 Ed Quay dragster tripped the dreaded cherry colored bulb with a -0.008 second red light. However, Morris did not leave any room to work with, reacting with a telepathic 0.007 reaction time, and backing it up with a dead-on 5.084 at 134.64mph (5.08 dial in time). Ricky Rogers ('00 Spitzer roadster -- Hiawassee, GA) and James Wilson ('00 Undercover dragster -- Taylors, SC) earned the semi-finalist purse. Both Wilhelm's and Wilson's family also had a good day, with Wilhelm's sister Katie finishing runner up in 8-12 Jr Dragster, and Wilson's son Wallace winning the qualifier shootout round earlier in the day. Morris mentioned he had overcome trans brake problems earlier in competition (ground wire had broken), and then thanked the guys who did the track preparation for a very good job.
Pro winner Jeff Voyles from Hoschton, GA said he has been trying to win the Night of Fire event for years, and finally accomplished his goal (he came close in 2010 when he finished runner up to Larry Chance). Voyles' '69 Camaro has already been to the winner's circle in 2012, when Tim Polnaszek won with it, and Voyles took the victory this time against Peter Mansolillo ('80 Monza -- Suwanee, GA) with a good 6.62 at 104.24mph (6.60 dial). Mansolillo reacted with a great 0.003 second time, but then his car fell off after spinning the tires, running 7.60 at 92.23mph (7.50 dial). Dickey Forrester ('68 Firebird -- Hickory Flat, GA) and Travis Bryant ('68 Camaro -- Bowman, GA) ended their day in the semi-final round. "I waited a long time to win the Night of Fire," said Voyles. He then added, "Whew. It's been miserable today".
Cumming, GA racer Mel Abney won his second event in a row with his '67 Camaro, this time against Rickey Morris, who recently won his class at the Chevy High Performance Nationals. Morris had a good reaction time advantage in the final, but broke out in his Ellenwood, GA based '06 Trailblazer with a 14.75 at 80.83mph (14.77 dial). Abney crossed the win stripe with a 12.47 at 108.12mph (12.39 dial). Frank Woods (Beat the Heat '96 Impala SS -- Lawrenceville, GA) was the lone semi-finalist. "It was a good day, and I had a couple of lucky breaks," Abney said. He then added, "I think the toughest opponent today was the weather."
Tim Sutton also took home a win for the second week in a row, in Motorcycle class. This time his opponent was Scott Saemisch ('00 Kawasaki -- Lawrenceville, GA). Sutton dialed his Clermont, GA based '89 Suzuki on an 8.97, had a good reaction time, and then posted an 8.99 time at 143.11mph at the big end stripe. Saemisch broke out by 0.008 seconds with an 8.592 at 149.58mph, but his run was already negated with a red light start. Jimmy "Cha Cha" Heisler ('00 Kawasaki -- Woodstock, GA) and David Fletcher ('84 Kawasaki -- Lawrenceville, GA) took home the semi-finalist portion of the purse. "I want to thank my wife Jennifer, she didn't complain (about the heat) all day," said Sutton. He then thanked Eli for pulling him around, and also thanked the track guys for a great job of preparation.
Although most of the Jr Dragster eliminations were finished by early afternoon, the finals took place later in the day, shortly before the second session of exhibition cars. In addition to the two final rounds, all the other Jr Dragster racers were able to do crowd pleasing exhibition passes for the Night of Fire spectators.
Eleven year old Atlanta Dragway newcomer Daetyn Bates from Locust Grove, GA took the win in 8-12 Jr Dragster class with his new car against Katie Wilhelm (12 -- Commerce, GA). Bates' reaction time advantage made the difference after his car ran a 0.02 over 8.98 at 71.67mph. Wilhelm's car also ran 0.02 over, with an 8.92 at 69.58mph. Charlie Smith (13 -- McDonough, GA) and Jessie Daniel (11 -- Loganville, GA) took home a semi-finalist trophy for their efforts. Bates, who is a spokesman for RAD (racers against drugs), said this was only his car's third race, and it now has two wins and a semi-final finish. He then thanked Direct Metals for their help.
Mackenzie Butler (14 -- Jackson, GA) earned the 13-17 Jr Dragster win against Wesley Mayfield (15 -- Gainesville, GA). Butler's win was sealed before her car even left the starting line after Mayfield's car left too soon, leaving the red-light glowing in his lane. Butler went on to a 7.873 at 82.14mph (7.90 dial) and Mayfield's car ran closer to its 7.90 dial with a 7.891 at 82.45mph. Chris Bowden (16 -- Homer, GA) thanked the Miller Welding people for re-welding his broken header earlier in the day, enabling him to make it to the semi-final round. He was joined by semi-final finisher Austin Solesbee (14 -- Sautee Nacoochee, GA). "I want to thank God first, for letting us be able to come. I then want to thank Mom and Dad, by brother Trey, PawPaw and Jeff Brown for their help. I also want to thank Ronnie Hellemn for loaning us an engine, as mine is still not repaired yet," added Butler.
(Commerce, GA -- June 30) Thousands of fans enjoyed attending the 2012 edition of the Night of Fire at Atlanta Dragway, which included the largest fireworks show in North Georgia, along with three jet cars, a wheelstander, a Pro Mod, and six different classes of Summit ET racing along with a manufacturer's midway capped off with a play area for the younger fans. For the second event in a row, Mel Abney (Sportsman), Tim Sutton (Motorcycle) and Peter Mansolillo (Pro) found themselves in the final round. Abney and Sutton went on for the win, and Mansolillo had to settle for the second place spot after his car slowed in the final. Two Gwinnett County police officers, Frank Woods and Mark Welch, brought their Beat the Heat entries (no taxpayer dollars here, this was done on their nickle) and Woods enjoyed making it to the semi-final round in Sportsman on his first try with his modified '96 Impala SS.
"Hotlanta" truly lived up to its name today, with 108 degree air temperatures giving Atlanta Dragway's Night of Fire new meaning. However, everyone prepared for it, and the racers overwhelmingly stated the track worked great in spite of being hotter than it has ever been.
A very popular attraction on the manufacturer's midway was Bobby Brantley, one of the stars on Tru TV's Lizard Lick Towing show. Hundreds of fans stood in line to buy tee shirts, talk with him and get autographs. Also signing autographs on the midway were Jet Dragster pilots Marisha Falk and Elaine Larsen in the GE J-85 jet engine powered Embry Riddle and Miller welding dragsters. The two women drivers were by far the fastest ones on the grounds, running in the 270 mph range in the 5.8 second range. They were joined by Sam Ives in the Heat Wave Jet Funny Car, which posted seven second, high 190mph passes. Longtime wheelstander Danny O'Day put on a great show with his Superwinch '34 Chevy, tripping the finish line timers with his rear wheels in nine seconds at over 140mph. Matt Davis showed off his Tin Man Pro Mod car with low four second, 169mph plus passes. Although he did not take his creation down the track, Robert Killian brought his custom wrecker with a Towmater tag to the event for people to enjoy viewing.
Congratulations to Atlanta Dragway regulars Chad Brewer and John Norris. Brewer took the 11.00 Index win during last week's NHRA Lucas Oil Division Two event , and Norris won the 12.00 Index class against another regular, Dickey Forrester during the same event. Brewer mentioned this was his fourth time in the 11.00 Index class, and it was the first time he made it past the first round.
The exhibition portion of the program was kicked off with a presentation by Captain Shilo Crane of the Army National Guard 121st Infantry Regiment. After they presented the colors and the national anthem, track manager Ray Wilkings thanked them, saying, "We are able to do what we do here because of your service to our country."
Michael Morris from Woodstock, GA has been racing at Atlanta Dragway for three decades, and rose to the top in Super Pro with his '01 Undercover dragster. He faced off against former Jr. Dragster racer Hank Wilhelm of Commerce, GA in the final. Both drivers were gunning for the win, and Morris had it even before he left the starting line after Wilhelm's '96 Ed Quay dragster tripped the dreaded cherry colored bulb with a -0.008 second red light. However, Morris did not leave any room to work with, reacting with a telepathic 0.007 reaction time, and backing it up with a dead-on 5.084 at 134.64mph (5.08 dial in time). Ricky Rogers ('00 Spitzer roadster -- Hiawassee, GA) and James Wilson ('00 Undercover dragster -- Taylors, SC) earned the semi-finalist purse. Both Wilhelm's and Wilson's family also had a good day, with Wilhelm's sister Katie finishing runner up in 8-12 Jr Dragster, and Wilson's son Wallace winning the qualifier shootout round earlier in the day. Morris mentioned he had overcome trans brake problems earlier in competition (ground wire had broken), and then thanked the guys who did the track preparation for a very good job.
Pro winner Jeff Voyles from Hoschton, GA said he has been trying to win the Night of Fire event for years, and finally accomplished his goal (he came close in 2010 when he finished runner up to Larry Chance). Voyles' '69 Camaro has already been to the winner's circle in 2012, when Tim Polnaszek won with it, and Voyles took the victory this time against Peter Mansolillo ('80 Monza -- Suwanee, GA) with a good 6.62 at 104.24mph (6.60 dial). Mansolillo reacted with a great 0.003 second time, but then his car fell off after spinning the tires, running 7.60 at 92.23mph (7.50 dial). Dickey Forrester ('68 Firebird -- Hickory Flat, GA) and Travis Bryant ('68 Camaro -- Bowman, GA) ended their day in the semi-final round. "I waited a long time to win the Night of Fire," said Voyles. He then added, "Whew. It's been miserable today".
Cumming, GA racer Mel Abney won his second event in a row with his '67 Camaro, this time against Rickey Morris, who recently won his class at the Chevy High Performance Nationals. Morris had a good reaction time advantage in the final, but broke out in his Ellenwood, GA based '06 Trailblazer with a 14.75 at 80.83mph (14.77 dial). Abney crossed the win stripe with a 12.47 at 108.12mph (12.39 dial). Frank Woods (Beat the Heat '96 Impala SS -- Lawrenceville, GA) was the lone semi-finalist. "It was a good day, and I had a couple of lucky breaks," Abney said. He then added, "I think the toughest opponent today was the weather."
Tim Sutton also took home a win for the second week in a row, in Motorcycle class. This time his opponent was Scott Saemisch ('00 Kawasaki -- Lawrenceville, GA). Sutton dialed his Clermont, GA based '89 Suzuki on an 8.97, had a good reaction time, and then posted an 8.99 time at 143.11mph at the big end stripe. Saemisch broke out by 0.008 seconds with an 8.592 at 149.58mph, but his run was already negated with a red light start. Jimmy "Cha Cha" Heisler ('00 Kawasaki -- Woodstock, GA) and David Fletcher ('84 Kawasaki -- Lawrenceville, GA) took home the semi-finalist portion of the purse. "I want to thank my wife Jennifer, she didn't complain (about the heat) all day," said Sutton. He then thanked Eli for pulling him around, and also thanked the track guys for a great job of preparation.
Although most of the Jr Dragster eliminations were finished by early afternoon, the finals took place later in the day, shortly before the second session of exhibition cars. In addition to the two final rounds, all the other Jr Dragster racers were able to do crowd pleasing exhibition passes for the Night of Fire spectators.
Eleven year old Atlanta Dragway newcomer Daetyn Bates from Locust Grove, GA took the win in 8-12 Jr Dragster class with his new car against Katie Wilhelm (12 -- Commerce, GA). Bates' reaction time advantage made the difference after his car ran a 0.02 over 8.98 at 71.67mph. Wilhelm's car also ran 0.02 over, with an 8.92 at 69.58mph. Charlie Smith (13 -- McDonough, GA) and Jessie Daniel (11 -- Loganville, GA) took home a semi-finalist trophy for their efforts. Bates, who is a spokesman for RAD (racers against drugs), said this was only his car's third race, and it now has two wins and a semi-final finish. He then thanked Direct Metals for their help.
Mackenzie Butler (14 -- Jackson, GA) earned the 13-17 Jr Dragster win against Wesley Mayfield (15 -- Gainesville, GA). Butler's win was sealed before her car even left the starting line after Mayfield's car left too soon, leaving the red-light glowing in his lane. Butler went on to a 7.873 at 82.14mph (7.90 dial) and Mayfield's car ran closer to its 7.90 dial with a 7.891 at 82.45mph. Chris Bowden (16 -- Homer, GA) thanked the Miller Welding people for re-welding his broken header earlier in the day, enabling him to make it to the semi-final round. He was joined by semi-final finisher Austin Solesbee (14 -- Sautee Nacoochee, GA). "I want to thank God first, for letting us be able to come. I then want to thank Mom and Dad, by brother Trey, PawPaw and Jeff Brown for their help. I also want to thank Ronnie Hellemn for loaning us an engine, as mine is still not repaired yet," added Butler.
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