NHRA FULL THROTTLE DRAG RACING SERIES RESULTS FRIDAY FROM KENT, Wash.

CAPPS, MASSEY AND JOHNSON LEAD QUALIFYING AT O'REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA NORTHWEST NATIONALS PRESENTED BY SUPER START BATTERIES AT PACIFIC RACEWAYS

KENT, Wash. – Veteran driver Ron Capps raced to the Funny Car qualifying lead at the 25th annual O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Northwest Nationals presented by Super Start Batteries at Pacific Raceways.

Point leaders Allen Johnson (Pro Stock) and Spencer Massey (Top Fuel) were also qualifying leaders at the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series event.

Capps' 4.119 second pass at 298.47 mph during the second qualifying session Friday was quickest of the day for the 8,000 horsepower NHRA Funny Car class. Capps has a lot of history at Pacific Raceways; it is the home of his first career victory in 1995, when he beat NHRA legend Connie Kalitta in the Top Fuel final. The NAPA Auto Parts pilot has three victories at the track and four runner-up finishes, making it a favorite of the popular driver.

"We talked about mojo earlier and I must say that we have something here at Seattle," Capps said. "I didn't expect to go to the top but I'm glad we did. We'll just have to wait and see what happens Sunday. I'm not sure what it is, but I just love coming here and always have, ever since my rookie season."

Massey ran the quickest pass of the day during the second qualifying session, edging out his Don Schumacher Racing teammate Tony Schumacher for the qualifying lead with a 3.837 second pass at 319.60 mph. Schumacher equaled Massey's e.t. But was relegated to the no. 2 spot based on speed.

"Being number one is always what we want to do, but to actually come out and do it here makes it even that much better," Massey said. "We've been running really well lately. We went to the final round last weekend and got beat by our teammate Antron Brown, and here we come out and go no. 1 just by a little bit over Tony, it just shows that our DSR program is really great."

The driver of the FRAM/Prestone Top Fuel dragster has never been to a final round at Pacific Raceways in his Top Fuel career but the first time he reached a final round in his NHRA Drag Racing career was at Pacific Raceways in 2006, in the Top Alcohol Dragster category, which makes this track special for Massey as well.

"I've got a little bit of history here and I'd like to make some more of my own history here in Top Fuel as well and try get to a Wally here this weekend," Massey said. "We have an agenda and that agenda is to stay in the point lead heading into the Countdown, and we're doing our best to make that happen."

Johnson powered his Mopar Dodge Avenger to the provisional No. 1 position in Pro Stock with his 6.554-second pass at 211.66 mph under the sunny Northwest conditions Friday afternoon during qualifying for the final leg of of the Western Swing. Johnson has been the No. 1 qualifier at the past five events and eight times this season. He has made the quickest run of every qualifying session since the start of the Western Swing.

"We're just taking it round by round," Johnson said. "The Mopar Dodge Avenger is bad to the bone right now. We're just having fun and enjoying the highs right now because there are a lot of lows in the sport of NHRA Drag Racing. So we're really taking it round by round and enjoying it as it comes."

Qualifying continues Saturday with sessions at 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Sunday’s eliminations start at 11 a.m.

KENT, Wash. -- Friday's results after the first two of four rounds of qualifying for the 25th annual O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Northwest Nationals presented by Super Start Batteries at Pacific Raceways, 15th of 23 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series. Qualifying will continue Saturday for Sunday's final eliminations.

Top Fuel -- 1. Spencer Massey, 3.837 seconds,319.60 mph; 2. Tony Schumacher, 3.837, 318.02; 3. Steve Torrence, 3.838, 319.37; 4. Shawn Langdon, 3.842, 316.23; 5. Antron Brown, 3.842, 311.63; 6. Khalid alBalooshi, 3.857, 317.34; 7. Doug Kalitta, 3.861, 309.63; 8. Morgan Lucas,3.864, 318.62; 9. David Grubnic, 3.873, 312.42; 10. Bob Vandergriff, 3.906, 310.77; 11. Brandon Bernstein, 3.911, 313.44; 12. Clay Millican, 3.918, 312.78.

Not Qualified: 13. Steven Chrisman, 4.167, 259.31; 14. Ron Smith, 4.573, 235.35; 15. Terry McMillen, 4.784, 182.67; 16. Scott Palmer, 5.488, 121.40.

Funny Car -- 1. Ron Capps, Dodge Charger, 4.119, 298.47; 2. Jack Beckman, Charger, 4.121, 302.82; 3. Cruz Pedregon, Toyota Camry, 4.125, 300.53; 4. Johnny Gray, Charger, 4.156, 300.86; 5. Matt Hagan, Charger, 4.157, 296.89; 6. Mike Neff, Ford Mustang, 4.161, 297.16; 7. Alexis DeJoria, Camry, 4.165, 293.54; 8. Jeff Arend, Camry, 4.224, 295.85; 9. John Force, Mustang, 4.232, 290.38; 10. Tim Wilkerson, Mustang, 4.244, 292.27; 11. Robert Hight, Mustang, 4.263, 263.20; 12. Tony Pedregon, Camry, 4.266, 280.14.

Not Qualified: 13. Courtney Force, 4.272, 262.08; 14. Gary Densham, 4.306, 289.20; 15. Joshua Crawford, 4.467, 239.31; 16. Jeff Diehl, 4.836, 178.21; 17. Todd Lesenko, 6.434, 87.70; 18. Bob Tasca III, 7.604, 87.45.

Pro Stock -- 1. Allen Johnson, Dodge Avenger,6.554, 211.66; 2. Vincent Nobile, Avenger, 6.564, 210.87; 3. Mike Edwards, Pontiac GXP, 6.573, 210.97; 4. Erica Enders, Chevy Cobalt, 6.573, 210.73; 5. Greg Anderson, Chevy Camaro, 6.577, 210.97; 6. Jason Line, Camaro, 6.597, 210.54; 7. V. Gaines, Avenger, 6.599, 210.70; 8. Warren Johnson, GXP, 6.599, 209.95; 9. Shane Gray, Camaro, 6.603, 210.01; 10. Larry Morgan,Ford Mustang, 6.606, 209.65; 11. Jeg Coughlin, Avenger, 6.612, 210.05; 12. Kurt Johnson, GXP, 6.629, 209.04.

Not Qualified: 13. Ron Krisher, 6.637, 209.56; 14. Mark Wolfe, 6.645, 207.62; 15. Matt Hartford, 6.668, 208.55; 16. JR Carr, 17.476, 46.22.

Rocky Reports: Indy Classical AA/GS update

We will have ten period correct (pre-june '67) AA/GS cars ready to do battle at this years Indy US Nationals.

Not only will we have some original cars that raced at Indy, we'll also have some of the original drivers!

Heading the list will be Fred Bear in the K.S. Pittman '33 Willys tribute car. The Ron Bizio original '33 Willys pick up, along with 1962 Nationals winner Bones Balogh driving the Big John Mazmanian '41 Willys tribute car. Other entries include the Finders Keepers '33 Willys, the Boss Hydro, the Johnny Rocca tribute car to Stone Woods and Cook, just to name a few. We're really excited to bring back these great cars to the Indy crowd!

http://rockypirrone.com

Big John Mazmanian Tribute update

We've been working over time getting the Big John Mazmanian tribute car ready for Indy. The body is at Dave Sano's having the candy red paint applied and the chassis is ready to be picked up from the powder coater. We still have a long ways to go but we're confident we'll have a competitive car ready to for Bones to drive... Rocky

U.S. 131 Motorsports Park celebrates 50 years at Nitro Jam

Funny Car's fastest man Peter Gallen a big part of Nitro Jam, U.S. 131 history MARTIN, Mich. (August 3, 2012) – In the spring of 1962 Martin Dragway opened to the fanfare of the western Michigan motorsports community. Providing a world-class quarter-mile drag racing facility located between Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo, Martin Dragway was a welcomed addition to the roster of great tracks in the motorsports-rich state. For decades Martin Dragway hosted some of the biggest names in drag racing's rich history, from Rickie Smith and Shirley Muldowney to Bob Glidden, Don Garlits, John Force, Don Prudhomme and many more, on its way to becoming one of the premier racing facilities in the county. In 1986 the track, located in the small town of Martin, Mich., hosted its first IHRA national event with a one-off race and went on to become one of the most anticipated races on the schedule when it was added to the lineup fulltime in 2002. AMSOIL Prostalgia Nitro Funny Car star Peter Gallen is a big part of U.S. 131 and Nitro Jam history That same year the track, now known as U.S. 131 Motorsports Park, underwent $14 million in renovations turning it into one of the top motorsports destinations in the country. Today many of the biggest teams in the straight line game travel to Martin, Mich. to test and race culminating with the annual IHRA national event each summer. This year, during the 50th anniversary celebration of U.S. 131 Motorsports Park, that history will be remembered and celebrated when the IHRA returns to the track the weekend of August 10-11 for the CarSafe Northern Nitro Jam. Like a snapshot from the days of old, the 2012 Northern Nitro Jam will feature classic AMSOIL Prostalgia Nitro Funny Cars and Fuel Altereds just like mom and pop used to watch back in the day. In addition, race fans will also see two of the more state-of-the-art nitro-powered classes as Pro Fuel Dragsters and Nitro Harleys share the stage with the classic machines all in one weekend during the Nitro Jam season finale. And one man that has been there through it all is Peter Gallen.  Gallen, from Broomall, Pa., was in the final round of the very first IHRA race at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park back in 1986, falling to eventual Alcohol Funny Car champion Bunny Burkett. Not long after Gallen hung up his racing gloves for nearly two decades to raise a family, returning to the sport once again in 2010 this time behind the wheel of a nitro machine. "Chi-Town Hustler" will be one of the famous names racing at the 2012 CarSafe Northern Nitro Jam And in the true definition of irony Gallen, at the very same track where he took his first final, blasted down the Martin strip in August of last year with the fastest ever pass in nostalgia Funny Car history – a blistering 5.557-second lap – on his way to sealing his first career championship. "We raced a couple of IHRA races back in the day and we even won at Bristol in 1989," Gallen said. "That year, I don't remember much about the race, but I do remember the track. What can I say? We made the final in '86 and went on to seal our first championship and set the record at the same place all these years later. "As far as I am concerned the track in Martin is our favorite track.  We have a good history there and obviously some success. We can't wait to go there again." Now, during the 50th anniversary celebration of U.S. 131 Motorsports Park, Gallen will once again return to the famed facility where he picked up his first final seeking his second career championship.  "Maybe the racing gods will be with us again this year," Gallen said. "We ran 5.55 there last year and hopefully we will be able to have another big weekend this year. This place has a lot of history and obviously we have been a big part of that and we look forward to adding another piece to the puzzle next weekend." Joining Gallen at the big show will be a collection of some of the most famous nostalgia Funny Cars in racing including the "Chi-Town Hustler" driven by Troy Martin, "Candies & Hughes" driven by Mike Savage and "All-Star Dodge" driven by Greg Jacobsmeyer. Also in action in Martin will be the "Bullet Bob" machine piloted by former IHRA champion Laurie Cannister and "McAttack" driven by Mike McIntire. Gallen's classic "Poverty Stricken" Funny Car seen here in 1989 Behind the wheel of the "Poverty Stricken" 1977 Vega – the same name he ran on the side of his car back in the 80s – Gallen is locked in a tight battle with Savage and the "Candies & Hughes" team for the 2012 AMSOIL Prostalgia Nitro Funny Car championship. Gallen has two wins this season, while Savage has three leading to only 13 points of separation between the two. While not in the hunt for a championship, Greg Jacobsmeyer will also be a factor as he recently went head-to-head with the fastest man in Funny Car racing and beat him in Canada last month. "We haven't had the consistency this year that we had last year with the new car, but it is definitely coming around," Gallen said. "In Grand Bend we smoked the tires in the first final which is very uncharacteristic, but we came back in the second final and showed what we are made of. I think you will see another great race in Martin as there are some pretty strong cars in the field." Joining the classic Funny Cars will be a field of old-timey Fuel Altereds including "Nanook", "Blind Faith", "Arizona Thunder" and "Nasty Benjamin." The battle for the Fuel Altered championship will also go down to the wire as rookie Kyle Hough in "Nanook" will try to hold off hard-charging Ron Maroney in the "Blind Faith" entry. Bill Evans in the "Black Pearl" dragster has all but sealed up his second championship in three years in Pro Fuel Dragster, joining Jay Turner who has done the same in Nitro Harley. All four classes will be in action Friday and Saturday night. Don't miss a weekend of classic drag racing mixed with modern nitro excitement all with championships on the line during the CarSafe Northern Nitro Jam August 10-11 at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park.

Today's Drag Racing News

News

Drag Racing Set to Return at Fontana – Fan's Reaction Yahoo! Sports "Auto Club Speedway may resume operations at the Auto Club Dragway if it first complies with a series of requirements intended to mitigate the environmental impacts to the surrounding community, including construction of a soundwall." That announcement ... See all stories on this topic »

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY: Drag racing could resume at speedway Press-Enterprise The drag strip at the Auto Club Speedway that has been shut down since March could be holding amateur races again. The speedway in Fontana has reached a settlement with a group of neighbors who sued it and San Bernardino County over noise from the ... See all stories on this topic » Press-Enterprise

Drag Racing: Drag and Superbike racing on tap at BIR Brainerd Daily Dispatch With only two races left in the six-race Bracket Drag Racing Series, points are at a premium, which means action will be fierce this weekend on the Brainerd International Raceway drag strip. The series continues this weekend with the fifth race at BIR. Friday is ... See all stories on this topic »

Racing: Rally full of motorcycle racing Rapid City Journal The WMDRA takes over for the All Harley Drag Racing Association, which hosted racing at the eighth-mile dragway in recent years, but the AHDRA focuses more on the eastern and southern parts of the nation. Association president Sandra Alberti said the ... See all stories on this topic »

NHRA: Courtney Force Heads to Memorable Track at Seattle Auto Racing Daily One more stop on the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing series tour stands between Courtney Force and the completion of the Western Swing, and it just so happens to be one of her favorites. This week, Force will travel to Seattle in hopes of driving her Traxxas ... See all stories on this topic » Auto Racing Daily

NHRA Racing Champ Jack Beckman to be Honored at Irwindale Dragstrip ... WhoWon.com The NHRA MoPar driver, who was born in Granada Hills and makes his home in nearby Norco, pilots the Valvoline NextGen Nitro Funny Car for Don Schumacher Racing in championship drag racing events across the country. "We plan on presenting Jack ... See all stories on this topic »

Courtney Force seeking to continue family's winning tradition at Pacific Raceways The Seattle Times What: 25th annual O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Northwest Nationals, race 14 of 23 in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series. Where: Pacific Raceways in Kent (10 miles east of I-5 on Highway 18). When: Qualifying will be between 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. on ... See all stories on this topic »

NHRA: Successful Seattle Defense at Top of Jason Line's List Auto Racing Daily In the first 15 races of the 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing season, the reigning Pro Stock champion has logged one win in four final round appearances, along with five No. 1 qualifying positions. In addition, he has earned valuable bonus qualifying ... See all stories on this topic » Auto Racing Daily

Drivers looking forward to 25th Annual Northwest Nationals this weekend at ... Maple Valley Reporter Coming into the National Hot Rod Association's 15th event on the Full Throttle Drag Racing Series, Capps is in second place behind Robert Hight of John Force Racing. Not only does Capps have fond memories of racing, he also had praise for the fans of the ... See all stories on this topic »

Schumacher and Seattle's Pacific Raceways a powerful match NHRA.com Seven-time NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series Top Fuel world champion Tony Schumacher has a particular fondness for the Pacific Northwest. It may seem unlikely that the Chicago resident would feel at home in such a serene setting so far from the ... See all stories on this topic » NHRA.com

Web

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Today's Drag Racing News

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Dragstrip offers racing for teenagers Buffalo News They were on the one-eighth mile dragstrip at Dunn Tire Raceway Park, participating in the track's new 12-week Tuesday Teen Championship drag racing program. The elder Baron, who is a veteran drag competitor - as well as the facility's drag racing ... See all stories on this topic » Buffalo News

Melanie Simmons, Katie Ward, and Sydnie Hyde Big Part of Drag Racing Series WhoWon.com CAYUGA, Ontario -- Drag racing is one of the few forms of motorsport that embraces female competitors, and that is certainly the case with the Quick 32 Sportsman Series presented by NAPA Auto Parts. Three of the top drivers in the drag race series are ... See all stories on this topic »

Four in the Funny Car chase have previous Seattle wins Examiner.com When the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series visits Pacific Raceways near Seattle, Washington for the O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Northwest Nationals this weekend, four of the drivers chasing down spots in the Countdown to the Championship will already ... See all stories on this topic » Examiner.com

Brown, Johnson aim to make NHRA history in Seattle The Spokesman Review (blog) WIth the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series invading Seattle's Pacific Raceways this weekend all eyes will be on two of the sports best as they aim to sweep the series famed Western Swing. Courtesy: NHRA Media Relations. KENT, Wash. — For the ... See all stories on this topic »

2012 NHRA: NHRA Newsmakers: Aug 1, 2012 PaddockTalk WILKERSON READY TO MAKE IT FOUR IN A ROW IN SEATTLE: Tim Wilkerson has struggled a bit this season, but as the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to Washington for the 25th annual O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Northwest Nationals ... See all stories on this topic »

Schnitz Racing Low-Profile Radiator Fan Sport Rider Magazine Schnitz Racing distributes 20000 parts and accessories for streetbikes and drag-racing machines from more than 50 leading manufacturers. The company stands behind every item with superior customer service and a technical support team led by former ... See all stories on this topic » Sport Rider Magazine

Drag Racing this Saturday Informante On Saturday 4 August, the Okahandja Air Strip is going to roar with the sound of souped-up engines, turbo-chargers and all-out aggression as the boys from the Okahandja Motor Club host their latest drag racing event. The day of racing is expected to attract ... See all stories on this topic »

Brown Tops Goodyear-Shod List of Winners at Sonoma WhoWon.com SONOMA, Calif. -- When Antron Brown and Spencer Massey met in the final round of Top Fuel in the NHRA Sonoma Nationals at Sonoma Raceway, they did more than settle the matter of victory for that event. They served drag racing fans a glimpse of the ... See all stories on this topic »

Web

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NHRA NEWS: PACIFIC RACEWAYS HOSTS INAUGURAL RAINIER CUP AS PREVIEW TO O'REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA NORTHWEST NATIONALS

KENT, Wash. – Washington Governor Chris Gregoire raced down Pacific Raceways historic quarter mile in celebration of this weekend's 25th annual O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Northwest Nationals presented by Super Start Batteries.  The governor was among many elected officials and media who participated in Wednesday's inaugural Pacific Raceways Rainier Cup.

The governor rode in a two-seated 160-mile per hour Super Comp dragster thanks to the Frank Hawley Drag Racing School. The dragster was piloted by NHRA Funny Car driver "Fast" Jack Beckman. Funny Car drivers Bob Tasca and Todd Lesenko also attended the event and offered pointers to the local dignitaries. 

Track owner Jason Fiorito was pleased with the turnout of eager participants, and emphasized the importance of events like the inaugural Pacific Raceways Rainier Cup to demonstrate the excitement and thrill of the drag races. Fiorito is confident that after today's event these elected officials will become drag race fans. 

In conjunction with Operation Ward 57, the event honored a wounded soldier from Joint Base Lewis-McCord in Tacoma.

Other local officials who turned out for this unique driving experience were Auburn Mayor Pete Lewis and Kent Mayor Suzette Cooke. The event was sponsored by Epic Seats, Griot's Garage, Columbia River Advisors, Parker Paint, AAA Washington, Scarff Ford, and Roundup Media.

The event was a prelude to this weekend's 25th annual O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Northwest Nationals presented by Super Start Batteries, Aug. 3-5, at Pacific Raceways. Qualifying begins Friday, with racing Saturday and Sunday. The entire event will be televised on ESPN2. Gates open at Pacific Raceways each day at 7:30 a.m.

Pacific Raceways is the 15th stop in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series, the only major automobile racing series to run in the Pacific Northwest. It is also the third race in the grueling three-week Western Swing, that also included stops in Denver and Sonoma, Calif. The Full Throttle race features professional classes of Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and six sportsman categories in the Lucas Oil Series. Qualifying takes place on Friday and Saturday with final eliminations on Sunday.

Located on 320-acres in unincorporated King County, Pacific Raceways is the largest motorsports facility in the state. In addition to its national event drag strip, the raceway has a 2.25-mile road course, a karting facility, and a motocross track. The King County Council recently approved a pathway for the raceway's privately financed $130 million improvement and redevelopment plan. When approved, the revamped facility, including a world-class motorsports business park, will create up to 1,000 living wage jobs and an additional tens of millions of dollars in regional economic impact. Locally owned by the Fiorito family since 1960, Pacific Raceways is conveniently located off SR-18 at the SE 304th Street exit.

  

O'REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA NORTHWEST NATIONALS PRESENTED BY SUPER START BATTERIES FACT SHEET

WHAT: 25th annual O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Northwest Nationals presented by Super Start Batteries, the 15th of 23 events in the 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series. Drivers in three categories - Top Fuel, Funny Car, and Pro Stock- earn points leading to NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series world championships.

WHERE:  Pacific Raceways, Kent, Wash. The track is located 10 miles east of Interstate 5 on Highway 18. From I-5, use Exit 142A (Auburn exit) and travel east 10 miles on Highway 18, following the signs to the track. From other points, use Highway 18 and exit S.E. 304th St. or S.E. 312th St.

WHEN: Friday through Sunday, Aug. 3-5.

SCHEDULE:        

FRIDAY, Aug. 3- LUCAS OIL SERIES qualifying at 9:15 a.m.

FULL THROTTLE SERIES qualifying at 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, Aug. 4- LUCAS OIL SERIES eliminations begin at 9:15 a.m.

FULL THROTTLE SERIES qualifying at noon and 3 p.m.

SUNDAY, Aug. 5- Pre-race ceremonies at 10 a.m.

FULL THROTTLE SERIES eliminations begin at 11 a.m.

TELEVISION:      

Saturday, Aug. 4, ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise 90 minutes of qualifying coverage at 10:30 p.m. (ET).

Sunday, Aug. 5, ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise three hours of eliminations coverage starting at 6 p.m. (ET).

SATELLITE (Digital HD feed):      

Saturday, Aug. 4, Midnight - 12:30 a.m. (ET), AMC 1 / Transponder 10C

Saturday, Aug. 4, 10 - 10:30 p.m. (ET), AMC 1 / Transponder 10C

Sunday, Aug. 5, 10:30 - 11 p.m. (ET), AMC 1 / Transponder 10C

(3720 MHz, horizontal; Data Rate: 40.461470554 Mbp; Symbol Rate: 29.27 Ms; FEC: ¾; Bandwidth: 36 Mhz)

Video news release contains race action highlights each day and winners' interviews on Sunday.

2011 EVENT WINNERS: Del Worsham, Top Fuel; Tim Wilkerson, Funny Car; Jason Line, Pro Stock.

MOST VICTORIES: John Force, 7, FC; Bob Glidden, 6, PS; Joe Amato, 5, TF; Tony Schumacher, 4, TF; Warren Johnson, 4, PS.

TRACK RECORDS:            

Top Fuel–3.802 seconds by Tony Schumacher, July '08; 322.19 mph by Schumacher, July '10.

Funny Car–4.056 seconds by Robert Hight, July '08; 308.85 mph by John Force, Aug '11.

Pro Stock–6.531 seconds by Jason Line, Aug '11; 211.69 mph by Allen Johnson, Aug '11.

NATIONAL RECORDS:    

Top Fuel - 3.735 sec. by Del Worsham, Oct. '11, Reading, Pa.; 332.18 mph by Spencer Massey, April '12, Charlotte, N.C.

Funny Car - 3.995 sec. by Matt Hagan, Sept. '11, Charlotte, N.C.; 318.99 mph by Jack Beckman, Sept. '11, Charlotte, N.C.

Pro Stock - 6.477 sec. by Jason Line, Oct. '11, Reading, Pa.; 213.91 mph by Jason Line, April  '12, Charlotte, N.C.

TICKETS: For tickets, log on to NHRATix.com; call (800) 884-NHRA or (253) 639-5927.

NHRA FULL THROTTLE DRAG RACING SERIES WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS STANDINGS

SONOMA, Calif. -- Point standings (top 10) following the 14th of 23 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series. -

Top Fuel:  1.  (tie) Antron Brown, 1,174*; Spencer Massey, 1,174*; 3.  Tony Schumacher, 1,048*; 4.  Steve Torrence, 984; 5.  Doug Kalitta, 828; 6.  Morgan Lucas, 796; 7.  Shawn Langdon, 741; 8.  Brandon Bernstein, 734; 9.  David Grubnic, 684; 10.  Bob Vandergriff, 601.

Funny Car:  1.  Robert Hight, 1,112*; 2.  Ron Capps, 1,031*; 3.  Jack Beckman, 943; 4.  Mike Neff, 899; 5. Johnny Gray, 881; 6.  Cruz Pedregon, 761; 7.  Courtney Force, 740; 8.  Jeff Arend, 717; 9.  Bob Tasca III, 687; 10.  John Force, 674.

Pro Stock:  1.  Allen Johnson, 1,234*; 2.  Greg Anderson, 1,180*; 3.  Jason Line, 1,149*; 4.  Mike Edwards, 974*; 5.  Vincent Nobile, 940*; 6.  Erica Enders, 823; 7.  Shane Gray, 560; 8.  Ronnie Humphrey, 550; 9.  Ron Krisher, 527; 10.  Jeg Coughlin, 518.

Pro Stock Motorcycle:  1.  Eddie Krawiec, 842*; 2.  Andrew Hines, 774*; 3.  Hector Arana Jr., 655*; 4.  Hector Arana, 587*; 5.  Karen Stoffer, 450; 6.  Michael Ray, 387; 7.  Scotty Pollacheck, 381; 8.  LE Tonglet, 378; 9. Matt Smith, 342; 10.  Shawn Gann, 336.

*Clinched berth in NHRA Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship playoffs

ADRL Makes Its Debut at zMAX Dragway For Dragstock IX

O'FALLON, MO – The American Drag Racing League (ADRL) makes its debut at zMAX Dragway in Concord, N.C. for Dragstock IX on Aug. 3-4. It is the seventh of 10 races on the 2012 ADRL Tour.

With new classes, a World Championship format and expanded family fun midway, there is considerable excitement and anticipation surrounding the world's premier eighth-mile drag racing league as races for the first time at the state-of-the-art zMAX Dragway.

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

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

For more information on ADRL Dragstock IX, go to http://www.adrl.us/adrl-dragstock-ix.

Tickets are $15 for adults Friday or Saturday, $25 for a two-day, full-event pass, free for children 12-under and are on sale now. They are available through www.adrl.us/schedule/tickets or www.charlottemotorspeedway.com/dragway/tickets/adrl_dragstock.

WHAT: ADRL Dragstock IX takes place at zMAX Dragway on Aug. 3-4. It is the seventh race of the 2012 season in the American Drag Racing League (ADRL), and the seventh of 10 races on the 2012 ADRL Tour.

Series includes seven all-professional, eighth-mile drag racing classes: Summit Racing Equipment Top Sportsman (TS), Aeromotive Fuel Systems Pro Modified (PM), Extreme Pro Stock (XPS), Pro Extreme Motorcycle (PXM), Mickey Thompson Extreme 10.5 (XTF), Pro Nitrous (PN) and Pro Extreme (PX), the quickest and fastest full-bodied, doorslammer class in the world.

The ADRL's revolutionary NEW SuperCar Showdown will also race at this event.

Pro Junior Dragsters (PJD) compete at each race and there will also be special exhibition jet car runs.

WHEN: Friday and Saturday, Aug. 3-4, 2012

WHERE: zMAX Dragway, 5555 Concord Pkwy. South, Concord, NC 28027

SCHEDULE (Subject to change; all times local)

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

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

TICKETS: They are available through www.adrl.us/schedule/tickets or www.charlottemotorspeedway.com/dragway/tickets/adrl_dragstock.

Friday Adult $15; Saturday Adult $15; Full Event Pass Adult $25; All Kids 12-Under Free; General Parking $10/day. All tickets include ADRL VIP pit pass.

Melanie Simmons, Katie Ward, and Sydnie Hyde big part of drag racing series

Women racers to take part in upcoming South Coast Community Weekend at TMP as PMRA, Quick 32 Sportsman Series, and PBSS suit up for fourth race of 2012

 
CAYUGA, ONTARIO (July 31, 2012) -  Drag racing is one of the few forms of motorsport that embraces female competitors, and that is certainly the case with the Quick 32 Sportsman Series presented by NAPA Auto Parts.

Three of the top drivers in the drag race series are experienced women racers who take a back seat to no-one when they come up to the starting line.

Melanie Simmons, Katie Ward, and Sydnie Hyde are all strong racers in the series, and all three have increased their efforts since the series began four seasons ago.

 
Simmons, from Orillia, Ontario, drives the Toyrific Racing Top Dragster. With a number one qualifier and quarter-final finish at the IHRA National Event at the Grand Bend Motorplex recently, she is able to blast down the quarter-mile in the mid six-second range at over 200 mph.

Ward has stepped into a faster car this season. The Orangeville, Ontario racer, a driver for the Hinbest Racing team, started in the Quick 32 Sportsman Series with a normally-aspirated Top Dragster, but for 2012 she is co-driving the team's other car, a supercharged Top Dragster, with Michael Hinbest. This car is one of the quickest in the series, and Ward has recorded runs in the mid-six second range at over 205 mph.

 
Now in her second year of  Quick 32 Sportsman Series racing, Hyde drives the Hyde Racing Top Dragster, a new car for her this year, with a huge 740-cubic inch engine, and the Stratford, Ontario racer has run the quarter-mile in the high-six second bracket at almost 200 mph.

Melanie and Sydnie started their racing in Junior Dragsters, and progressed into the faster cars. Katie started racing in 2010 in an eight-second Quick 32 Sportsman Series Top Dragster.

And all three women are dedicated ambassadors of the sport, taking part in off-track promotions, media interviews, and autograph sessions. 

Not to be outdone, the Pro Bike & Sled Series, a companion race series with the Quick 32 Sportsman Series, has had women compete with their Pro Bike entries at events.

Melanie, Katie, and Sydnie will all be part of the South Coast Community Weekend on the Cayuga Dragway of Toronto Motorsports Park August 3-5. This is the fourth event for the 2012 season. The PBSS will also compete this weekend, as well as the other companion series, the Pro Modified Racing Association, offering a colorful and diverse package of drag racing excitement.

 
Complimentary spectator event tickets are available at businesses in Cayuga and the surrounding areas, or by contacting the Quick 32 Sportsman Series, the Pro Modified Racing Association or the Pro Bike & Sled Series.

General parking is $20 per car load and weekend camping is available. 

Tickets can be downloaded at www.quick32.ca/schedule/

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

The Quick 32 Sportsman Series, www.Quick32.ca will race six times in 2012. The series also competes with its two companion series, the Pro Modified Racing Association, www.PMRA.ca and the Pro Bike & Sled Series, www.PBSS.ca offering a solid and full package of drag racing action.

Photo Credit: Dave Erauw Photography ~ www.erauw-photo.com, Mike Goodwin ~ www.MGdigital.ca and Brennan Shortall ~ www.DragRaceCanada.com

Today's Drag Racing News

News

Wilkerson looking forward to Pacific Raceways visit NHRA.com The business owner from Springfield, Ill., has an old-school approach to NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing, and it's a process that has worked well for the veteran driver over the years, especially at Pacific Raceways, where he has won the last three Funny Car ... See all stories on this topic » NHRA.com

High-Profile Funny Car Rookies Alexis Dejoria and Courtney Force Excited to ... WhoWon.com The battle between rookie Funny Car drivers Alexis DeJoria and Courtney Force is heating up as the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to the Northwest for the 25th annual O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Northwest Nationals presented by Super Start ... See all stories on this topic »

History of drag racing in Cayuga uncovered Grand River Sachem The article is unique because drag racing at the local strip began in 1954 so this article was, I suspect, the first recognition of drag racing and motorsports in Ontario or maybe even Canada by a major newspaper like the Toronto Star. Joe Scanlon of the ... See all stories on this topic »

ADRL Dragstock At Home In Charlotte, The Heart Of Doorslammer Country PaddockTalk This weekend, when the American Drag Racing League's [ADRL] Dragstock event rolls into zMAX Dragway, there will be many memories of the now defunct Shuffletown Dragway, which is now partially covered by Interstate 485. There will certainly be a few ... See all stories on this topic »

Atlanta Motor Speedway's Friday Night Drags & Show-N-Shine Week 14 News ... WhoWon.com Practice runs begin at 6:15 p.m. and grandstand gates open at 6:30 p.m. Show-N-Shine car show judging begins at 6:15 p.m. with a track cruise at 8:15 p.m. Drag racing eliminations begin at 9:09 p.m.. All racers ages 16 and 17 must have a fully-executed ... See all stories on this topic »

422 All-Stars to make two August appearances at Maple Grove Raceway Drag Racing Online Magazine For those wanting to see first-hand what the glory days of drag racing looked like, a visit by the 422 All-Stars will bring plenty of thrills. The Oaks, Pa.-based race team features dozens of Nostalgia Super Stock cars of the mid-1960s that were an integral part of ... See all stories on this topic » Drag Racing Online Magazine

MagnaFuel Steps up for PSCA Events in Vegas, Denver WhoWon.com We can't thank (PSCA President) Mel Roth and the PSCA enough for what they've done with the sport of drag racing and what they're doing to bring that excitement to Colorado." For Roth, MagnaFuel's title sponsorship is another great example of the PSCA's ... See all stories on this topic »

The Legend of "Broadway Bob" - All the Stories Were True Drag Racing Online Magazine When word spread of the death of Robert W. Metzler on Friday, July 27, 2012, social media was immediately flooded with thousands of farewells, comments and remembrances of one of the most revered individuals in the history of the hot rodding industry. See all stories on this topic » Drag Racing Online Magazine

Second man arrested in hit and run case Cedartown Standard Darius Jamal Strong, 22, of 537 Irwin St., Cedartown, had already been charged in the incident, but now faces a new charge of drag racing, according to Newsome. Newsome said the child, Elijah Diamond, 8, is recovering in an Atlanta hospital. He said police ... See all stories on this topic »

Web

VW at Waterfest Recap: burnouts, drag racing, and other hoonigans. View a recap of the 2012 Waterfest car show in Englishtown, NJ, where VW fans alike enjoyed drag racing, model previews, contests, and much more! blogs.vw.com/enthusiast/2012/07/27/waterfest-2012/

Watch a Drag Racing Crash That Was Inches Away From Being A ... We sound dumber than usual when we tell you that this video depicts a "lucky" drag racing crash ... bangshift.com/.../watch-a-drag-racing-crash-that-was-inches-a...

Cat Power + Drag Racing = This This is what happens to a 6000lb spring load Lipe when your do some drag racing with it. Had it in for less then 2 years and less then 10000 Miles. Probably ... www.thetruckersreport.com/.../185306-cat-power-drag-racing...

:::Drag Racing Online::: Agent 1320 - 7/30/2012 Yipee! Hagan makes the finals at Sonoma. Matt Hagan and his Aaron's Dream Machine Funny Car team had not advanced past the second round in the first 13 ... www.dragracingonline.com/agent1320/.../1320-xiv_7-66.html