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David Dilbeck
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Georgia Drag Racing News
Sometimes, David may have some additional photos he'd like to share that don't get linked into the main site. If you'd like to see them, check out his Photos on Imagestation.com or in our new Photo Album.
November 2002
Repeat Airing of NHRA POWERade Awards Ceremony 12/01/02
Posted Friday, November 29, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
If you missed it the first time it was on tv, here is another chance to see the NHRA POWERade award ceremony. It will air Sunday, December 1 at 4:00 (EST) on ESPN2.
Vote for Your Favorites in National Dragster's "Best Of" Awards
Posted Friday, November 29, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Vote
Info Needed on the 1970 Ford Mustang "Black Magic"
Posted Wednesday, November 27, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Another request for info/pics of a Mustang raced in the early 70's around Georgia and Alabama. It is a 1970 Ford Mustang fastback named "Black Magic". Can anyone help us out? The owner is attempting to restore the car to it's former racing trim/appearance.If you know anything about this car, please contact us.
Looking For Information/Photos of the Witchdoctor 1967 Plymouth Belvedere
Posted Tuesday, November 26, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
I've been contacted by the current owner of a 1967 Plymouth Belvedere ( Hemi ) that was named the "Witchdoctor" and was campaigned by Troy Shuttlesworth. The car was lettered SS/A and had Shuttlesworth-Wilson on the front fender. He said that he thought the car ran at Warner Robins frequently. If you know anything about this car please contact GeorgiaDragRacing.com.
Dixie Classic Funny Cars at US 19 Dragway December 7th
Posted Sunday, November 24, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Details
Gene Wilson Feature on NHRA.com
Posted Tuesday, November 19, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Gene Wilson Article
Atlanta Dragway Champions Banquet by Tim Glover
Posted Monday, November 18, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
BANQUET DATE: November 16, 2002
FROM: Tim Glover
EVENT: Ninth Annual Banquet of Champions for Atlanta Dragway
NOTES:
NINTH ANNUAL ATLANTA DRAGWAY BANQUET OF CHAMPIONS
by Tim Glover
(November 16, 2002) The Atlanta Dragway staff, a large number of racers,
their families, Warren and Arlene Johnson, some sponsors and even a few
"media moguls" enjoyed the ninth edition of Atlanta Dragway's Banquet of
Champions, held at the American Legion Hall in Buford, GA.
The evening started off with an address by Craig Armstrong and an
invocation by Racers For Christ pastor Lloyd Shanks, followed by the giving
away of a few door prizes just before the buffet style dinner. VP Racing
Fuel, Phillips Motorsports, Thunder Road USA, Holiday Inn, Darlene
Davis-Cox, Buford American Legion, Leon Farmer and Company, Expression
Unlimited, Road Atlanta, Tanger Outlet Center, Hayes Chrysler Dodge Jeep,
Inc, Warren Johnson and Ryans all pitched in with goodies, making the door
prizes highly sought after. The door prizes were given away during several
different intervals during the evening.
After everyone enjoyed dinner and conversation with friends, Craig "I am
not a Yankee, I'm a Left Coaster" Armstrong recognized others who helped
make the program at Atlanta Dragway a success, including Mayer Chevrolet in
Commerce, GA. He then highlighted the accomplishment of rookie racer Joshua
Sisson, Division Two's 2002 8-9 year old champion. Armstrong then called
the top racers in each class, minus the champions, to the stage for
recognition. He put on a presentation to the champions after all the groups
were called. The first group he brought to the stage was the younger Junior
Dragster racers in the 8-12 group, followed by the older Juniors, 13-17 year
old.
All the Junior participants received a trophy for their efforts. In
addition, all the Junior racers who raced in the Divisional race at Bristol
received a certificate for their participation. Then the top eight
finalists were named, including Bradley Myers, who came in fourth in the
8-12 points chase, Thomas Davis-Cox, third, Lauren Turner, second, and
finally the champ, Matt Gillen. Kristen Neal came in fourth in the 13-17
class, followed by Kelly Moore, Heath Snelgrove and then the 13-17 champion,
Kelly Gray.
As they have done the past few years, Jr. Pippin Trucking put up a $250
award for each Jr. Dragster Champion. Also, Bill Gillen III got a group of
sponsors together this year to put up an awesome prize package for the top
eight Junior finalists in each group. Each champion received $1000, second
place $500, third $250 and so on. The sponsors were Mulberry Farms,
Clements Electric, BCS Communications, M-1 Machine, Carry All Racks, Trinity
Motorsports, Neal Racing Transmissions, Heavenly Hams, Gainesville Truck
Sales and Myercon, Inc..
"The future of drag racing is here, and we appreciate you very much," added
Armstrong, referring to the Junior racers. He then recognized the 2002 High
School champion, Matthew Bates, followed by the Trophy Street racers. Steve
Marcum was recognized for finishing fourth in the Trophy Street series,
followed by Mark Hefley, Derek Anderson and 2002 champ Brian Harris. The
group of Trophy Street racers was on the young side, but very enthusiastic
during the banquet.
Craig introduced Jay Rhyne, three time Motorcycle champion, to the crowd as
the guy who was always there and always had a smile on his face. Rhyne
enjoyed eight Motorcycle wins this year.
Sportsman racers had the stage next. Joe Haddon finished fourth in the
points, and after a year of intense racing, Cindy Williams and Rob Hogue
finished tied for second place. Jacob "Lucky" Rutledge, the defending
champ, added another championship to his resume by winning the 2002
championship. He finished with five wins and three runner ups in the 2002
season. He also finished the year tied for tenth in Super Pro, which helped
him earn the Racer of the Year award as well.
VP Racing fuels donated some very nice VP jackets to the second place
finishers in Super Pro and Sportsman. Because both Sportsman and Super Pro
had a tie for second place, VP ended up donating four jackets.
Armstrong then added, "What a year in Super Pro!" There were numerous
ties, including a three way tie for thirteenth and for tenth place in
points. Sixth place had a four way tie, and like Sportsman, second place
was tied between two racers. Mike Ramsey finished the 2002 season fourth in
Super Pro points. An experienced racer, Jim McKelvey enjoyed a second place
finish tied with recent Junior Dragster graduate Jeremy "Hollywood" Hancock.
"John Boy Smith" enjoyed his first ever championship when he took the 2002
Super Pro crown. Smith also received another award for his accomplishments,
the Most Improved Driver award.
More special awards were given out. Owen Benton got the new "Good Guy"
award for his positive attitude toward everyone throughout the year. Floyd
Brown won the Team Spirit award for driving home from Montgomery after his
engine let go, replacing it, and returning the following morning at the ET
finals. Wayne Roberts, the ET slip guy, received a standing ovation from
the racers when he was announced as the Employee of the Year award winner.
Thomas Bell won the Entertainer of the Year award for his accomplishments at
the Division Two Summit ET finals. From the midpoint of the season, the
safe bet for Rookie of the Year in Junior Dragster was Lauren Turner, and
she nearly won the 8-12 Jr. Dragster championship in her first year. Jodee
Lee, Rookie of the Year in the "big car" classes, said her major
accomplishment this year was beating Mardy Kennedy.
The evening was capped off with the remainder of the door prizes being
given out. The only thing now is that everyone has to wait until late
February before they can get their next Atlanta Dragway racing "fix". Until
then.
NHRA Pro Stock Top Guns
Posted Monday, November 18, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Top Guns
Jerry Battle's Drag Racing Memorabilia Auctions on eBay
Posted Sunday, November 17, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Jerry Battle has several outstanding sports related items being auctioned on eBay to help cover his grandson's ( TJ ) medical expenses. Click here to see what is currently offered. Remember, this is for a good cause!
GDR Website Updated
Posted Friday, November 15, 2002 by johndilbeck
Several new photos have been added today (GDR-00288 through GDR-00295).
David updated information for the GDR-00250 photo.
Thanks to David R. Burlington, Jerry Battle, Randy Payne and the Fermier Brothers for submitting these photos.
Sherman Adcock, Jr. Wins NHRA Division 2 Super Comp Title
Posted Wednesday, November 13, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Final NHRA Division 2 Points Standings
Gene Wilson Wins NHRA Rookie of the Year Award
Posted Wednesday, November 13, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
NHRA POWERade 2002 Awards Ceremony
Atlanta Dragway Results by Tim Glover
Posted Monday, November 11, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
RACE DATE: November 9, 2002
FROM: Tim Glover
EVENT: Southern Super Heavy Shootout
BARNES ENJOYS DOUBLE WIN IN SOUTHERN SUPER HEAVY SHOOTOUT
by Tim Glover
The "Sedans on Steroids" emblazoned on fastest ET trophy winner Mike
Fuller's tee shirt said it all for today's activities at Atlanta Dragway in
Commerce, GA during the Southern Super Heavy Shootout 2, presented by the
Georgia Super Sport Impala team. (Fuller's '95 Impala SS rumbled with a
much deeper tone than your usual factory piece, and backed up the talk with
the fastest ET of the day, an 11.45, 120mph plus blast.) The Southern Super
Heavy Shootout experienced its first Atlanta Dragway outing this weekend,
and the majority of the racers and spectators enjoyed their day at the
races. Racers came to compete for trophies from as far away as
Connecticut. This race was strictly for heavy cars, specifically Impala
SS', Crown Victorias, Mercury Marauders, and Lincolns. Only two Marauders
made it to the facility, both of them in the large car show. Mid '90s
Impala SS machines were in the majority, with four of the five class win
trophies going to Impala SS racers. Three bracket classes, a heads up class
and a King of the Hill race were on the schedule today. Big Dog for heads
up - no breakout racers, Class A (14 seconds and slower), Class B (13 - 14
seconds) and Class C (12 - 13 seconds). King of the Hill was for the three
bracket winners plus the best performing semi-finalist.
Bryan "Dr. Destruction" Lewis from Murfreesboro, TN thought, "I gotta drive
around this guy," as his nearly out of control "87 Lincoln Mk VII sashayed
down the race track in the Big Dog final. He won this race on a holeshot,
reacting with a .570 and running 11.94, 119.69 in the heads up affair. His
opponent, Canterbury, CT racer Paul Roswell, took the finish line .006
seconds later in his '94 Impala SS with a quicker but losing 11.67, 117.50.
"Dr. Destruction" earned his nickname last year when he broke a clutch, axle
and bent a rod in three different vehicles. Today started out on a rough
note when he broke an axle on his Mark VII. Lewis made the final qualifying
call for Big Dog with less than three minutes to spare after repairing his
car. Mike Fuller ('95 Impala SS - Daytona Beach, FL), who earned the
fastest ET trophy for his earlier 11.45 second pass, finished in the Big Dog
semi-final.
The next fastest group of cars raced in Class C. Scott Barnes from nearby
Lawrenceville, GA comes to Atlanta Dragway a couple of times a month on
grudge night to tweak a little more ET out of his 12 second daily driver '96
Impala SS. That experience paid off today with a win against Paul Roswell
in Class C. Roswell's '94 Impala SS left the starting just a tad too
quickly, leaving a .476 red light glowing on his side, and the win light
glowing in Barnes' lane. Roswell chose to lift early and cruised to a
12.51, 83.49 (12.00 dial). Barnes' legged it out through the finish line,
turning in a 12.74, 104.65 (12.80 target). Cliff Marano ('96 Impala SS -
Waterbury, CT) was the lone semi-finalist.
Nabil Guffey claims his '95 Impala SS is the fastest six speed B-Body car
in the country, and he was also the Class B winner today. He blew his
stroker engine a few weeks ago, then blew the original engine at Englishtown
two weeks ago. Today, the 600 mile drive home to Mechanicsville, MD became
a little easier with the knowledge he did the best in his class. Guffey met
another long distance racer in the final, Chris Nickell from Pleasant
Plains, IL. Nickell actually had the reaction time advantage, but lost the
race when Guffey almost nailed his 13.24 dial in time with a 13.25, 98.26.
Nickell's '96 Impala SS slowed a bit to 13.51, 99.34 (13.40 target). Trey
Jenkins ('96 Impala SS - Savannah, GA) and Mike Hill ('95 Impala SS -
Atlanta, GA) finished in the semi-finals.
Jose Hernandez lives in Haselwood, MS, but flew in this morning from Las
Vegas to race a '94 Impala SS wagon. By the end of the day, he realized he
made 29 passes in a car he had never seen before today, including one for
the win in Class A (and a semi-final finish in King of the Hill). Hernandez
was a bit tardy on the tree in the final, but that worked to his advantage
when Geoff Gill got too anxious and turned on the red light with his
Lawrenceville, GA based '93 Crown Victoria. Hernandez turned in a 15.71,
88.06 clocking (15.60 dial), while Gill slowed to a 16.85, 70.20 (16.25
target). "I had a great time today. This is a real nice place," said David
Hess, a prison guard from Ocala, FL who finished in today's Class A
semi-final with his '89 Mark VII.
All three bracket winners, plus the best finishing semi-finalist were
automatically entered into a "King of the Hill" race. Class C winner Scott
Barnes took on Class B winner Nabil Guffey in that final. Nabil had the
reaction time advantage, but his car fell off the pace this time, running
13.46, 103.45 (13.21 dial). Barnes' mount was right there, turning in a
12.79, 103.93 (12.78 dial). Cliff Marano and Jose Hernandez finished in
that semi-final.
BIG DOG CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH
Win: Bryan Lewis '87 Mark VII Murfreesboro, TN 11.94 119.69
R/U: Paul Roswell '94 Impala SS Canterbury, CT 11.67 117.50
Semi: Mike Fuller '95 Impala SS Daytona Beach, FL
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS C - 12.00 - 13.00 CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Scott Barnes '96 Impala SS Lawrenceville, GA 12.74 104.65 (12.80)
R/U: Paul Roswell '94 Impala SS Canterbury, CT (foul) 12.51 83.49 (12.00)
Semi: Cliff Marano '96 Impala SS Waterbury, CT
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS B - 13.00 - 14.00 CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Nabil Guffey '95 Impala SS Mechanicsville, MD 13.25 98.26 (13.24)
R/U: Chris Nickell '96 Impala SS Pleasant Plains, IL 13.51 99.34 (13.40)
Semi: Trey Jenkins '96 Impala SS Savannah, GA
Semi: Mike Hill '95 Impala SS Atlanta, GA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS A - 14.00 - UP CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Jose Hernandez '94 Impala SS wagon Hazelwood, MS 15.71 88.06 (15.60)
R/U: Geoff Gill '93 Crown Victoria Lawrenceville, GA 16.85 70.320 (16.25)
Semi: David Hess '89 Mark VII Ocala, FL
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KING OF THE HILL CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Scott Barnes '96 Impala SS Lawrenceville, GA 12.79 103.93 (12.78)
R/U: Nabil Guffey '95 Impala SS Mechanicsville, MD 13.46 103.45 (13.21)
Semi: Cliff Marano '96 Impala SS Waterbury, CT
Semi: Jose Hernandez '94 Impala SS wagon Hazelwood, MS
Four Georgia Pro Stock Racers in the NHRA Top Ten at Season End!
Posted Sunday, November 10, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Four out of the ten top 2002 NHRA Pro Stock points earners are Georgians! Warren Johnson (#4), Kurt Johnson (#6), Gene Wilson (#9), and Mark Wilson (#10) finished in the NHRA POWERade final top ten. For Gene Wilson and Mark Whisnant, it was especially significant. Neither of those drivers competed in all of the races this year. Gene went into Pomona in the #13 position and his runner up effort pushed him into the 9th spot. Mark Whisnant dropped one spot down to 10th at Pomona, but this first year RW Performance Pro Stock team did an amazing job throughout the 2002 season! Congratulations to all for your fine performances!
FINAL NHRA PRO STOCK CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS
Driver Wins Points
1. Jeg Coughlin Jr. 8 1643
2. Jim Yates 1 1432
3. Greg Anderson 2 1368
4. Warren Johnson 1 1296
5. Ron Krisher 1 1169
6. Kurt Johnson 1 1158
7. Mike Edwards 2 1007
8. Allen Johnson 1 946
9. Gene Wilson 0 885
10. Mark Whisnant 0 860
Kurt Johnson Wins and Gene Wilson is R/U in Pro Stock at the NHRA POWERade Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals
Posted Sunday, November 10, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Cory Mac, John Force, and Matt Hines win the other Pro categories. John Force picked up his 12th Funny Car championship! Kurt Johnson kept his streak ( at least one victory a year ) alive when he defeated Gene Wilson in the final.
NHRA Recap
The Kurt Chronicles
Posted Sunday, November 10, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
For Release: Nov. 10, 2002
Contact: Rick Voegelin
TMG Sports Marketing
rickvoegelin@compuserve.com
831-761-2201
THE KURT CHRONICLES: Kurt Johnson ACDelco Race Report from the Automobile
Club of Southern California NHRA Finals
QUICK RESULTS
Qualified: 2nd
Finished: Winner
Points: 6th
JOHNSON KEEPS WINNING STREAK ALIVE WITH NHRA FINALS VICTORY
POMONA, Calif. - Kurt Johnson saved his best performance for the
last event of the 2002 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. K.J. returned to
the NHRA winner's with a final-round victory over Gene Wilson at the Auto
Club NHRA Finals, keeping his winning streak alive. He has now won at least
one national event for eight consecutive seasons. Kurt's last victory came
at Pomona Raceway when he won the 2001 Winternationals.
"When you go up there in the final round and you haven't won a race
all year, it brings out the best in you," said Johnson. "I knew Gene was
going to be tough; he was hitting .40 reaction times all day. I was pumped
getting into the car. You have to stay cool, but my adrenaline was
flowing."
Johnson put his ACDelco Cavalier in the No. 2 qualifying spot for
the season-ending event with a single run down Pomona Raceway. On
Thursday afternoon K.J. nailed down the second spot behind his father
Warren with a 6.806-second elapsed time at 203.28 mph. After persistent
rain washed out scheduled qualifying sessions on Friday and Saturday, NHRA
officials set the field on the basis of the single qualifying runs along
with three seeded top-10 drivers.
"NHRA made a wise decision to run the race as scheduled instead
of postponing it," Kurt commented after qualifying. "The track is green
after the rain washed off the rubber, but it's really no different than
when we test at an unprepared race track. Looking at the track, we're
probably going to go with the right lane. We're the last pair out, so we
can see which lane to choose. Even little advantages like going last and
having lane choice work in your favor when the competition is as tough as
it is in Pro Stock."
Kurt's Cavalier again carried special KISS graphics that celebrated
the legendary rock 'n' roll band's 30th anniversary. The second-generation
driver dispatched Mark Whisnant in the first round of eliminations with
a 6.817-second elapsed time (the quickest of the round) and a 202.91 mph
speed (fastest of the round).
Johnson took out Tommy Lee in the second round, 6.825 to 6.846. He got
a break in the semifinal round when Greg Anderson's car broke behind
the starting line. Kurt put his foot down and won lane choice for his
final-round contest with Gene Wilson with a 6.842-second e.t.
The final outcome was never in doubt as K.J. was first off the
starting line with a .425-second reaction time and first to the finish line
with a 6.801-second elapsed time at 202.88 mph - the quickest run of
eliminations.
"You give it your best every time, but you never know if it's going
to happen or not," Kurt commented. "I've been trying just as hard for the
last six races; it just all came together today. I'm pretty happy right
now."
Johnson and his ACDelco team will have 13 weeks to prepare for the
start of the 2003 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series, which will begin at
the season-opening K&N Winternationals on Feb. 6-9 at Pomona Raceway.
KURT JOHNSON RACE RESULTS
Qualified: No. 2 at 6.806/203.28 mph
First Round: Johnson (6.817/202.91) defeated Mark Whisnant (6.8798/201.88)
Second Round: Johnson (6.825/202.58) defeated Tom Lee (6.846/202.00)
Semifinal Round: Johnson (6.842/202.21) defeated Greg Anderson (broke)
Final Round: Kurt Johnson (6.801/202.88) defeated Gene Wilson
(6.843/201.79))
Low ET: Warren Johnson, 6.797 seconds (track record)
Top Speed: Greg Anderson, 203.58 mph (track record)
PRO STOCK CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS
(After 23 of 23 events)
Driver Wins Points
1. Jeg Coughlin Jr. 8 1643
2. Jim Yates 1 1432
3. Greg Anderson 2 1368
4. Warren Johnson 1 1296
5. Ron Krisher 1 1169
6. Kurt Johnson 1 1158
7. Mike Edwards 2 1007
8. Allen Johnson 1 946
9. Gene Wilson 0 885
10. Mark Whisnant 0 860
NEXT RACE
K&N Filters Winternationals, Pomona, Calif., Feb. 6-9, 2003
The Warren Report
Posted Sunday, November 10, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
For Release: Nov. 10, 2002
Contact: Rick Voegelin
TMG Sports Marketing
rickvoegelin@compuserve.com
831-761-2201
THE WARREN REPORT: Warren Johnson GM Performance Parts Race Report from
the Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals
QUICK RESULTS
Qualified: 1st
Finished: Semifinal
Points: 4th
JOHNSON FINISHES SEASON WITH SEMIFINAL FINISH
POMONA, Calif. - Warren Johnson ended his reign as NHRA Pro Stock
champion with a semifinal finish in the season-ending Auto Club NHRA
Finals. W.J. scored one victory in three final-round appearances in 2002,
finishing fourth in the POWERade championship.
Johnson claimed the No. 1 qualifying spot for the second time in 2002
and the 127th time in his career when rain at the NHRA season finale
shortened qualifying to a single run on Thursday. After persistent showers
washed out the remaining three qualifying sessions, NHRA officials set the
field on the basis of the lone qualifying session, seeding three top-10
drivers who had not qualified based on their elapsed times.
Johnson set the performance pace with his GM Performance Parts Pontiac
in his lone qualifying run, establishing the Pomona Raceway elapsed time
record at 6.797 seconds. On the heels of Kurt Johnson's record-setting runs
in Dallas and Las Vegas, this was the third consecutive event in which the
Johnson family rewrote the NHRA record book. This event marked the 30th
time that the Johnsons qualified first and second.
"During the middle of the season, we didn't have a lot of time
to concentrate on our own research and development program," W.J.
explained. "After Indy we finally had the opportunity to focus on our
program and we've picked up our performance ever since then. We really have
the potential to run a lot better when we return here in February for the
Winternationals."
Race day brought sunshine and blue skies to Pomona Raceway. In a
first round Johnson vs. Johnson battle, Warren defeated Dodge driver Allen
Johnson, 6.838 to 6.882. He beat perennial rival Jim Yates in the second
round, 6.827 to 6.864. In the semifinal round, Johnson lost to Pro Stock
rookie Gene Wilson with an off-pace 6.881 to Wilson's 6.873.
"The performance we needed just wasn't there in the semifinal,"
said Johnson. "We made a couple of changes and obviously they didn't work
correctly because we lost some e.t. The big problem was that the
transmission wouldn't go into high gear.
"On the burnout it felt kind of soft, so I deliberately banged the
shifter hard into high gear, and it still wouldn't go," Johnson explained.
"There was no way of catching him at that point, so I shut it off just
before the mph light.
"We're gratified that we had one car in the semifinal and one in
the winner's circle," W.J. noted. "Both cars are running better and both
drivers are driving better. When everything starts going right, you become
more confident in the entire program, everyone works harder, and the effect
just snowballs."
Johnson will begin his quest for a seventh NHRA championship when the
2003 POWERade Drag Racing Series begins at the season-opening K&N
Winternationals on Feb. 6-9 at Pomona Raceway.
WARREN JOHNSON RACE RESULTS
Qualified: No. 1 at 6.797/203.31 mph
First Round: Warren Johnson (6.838/202.36) defeated Allen
Johnson (6.882/201.91)
Second Round: Johnson (6.827/203.02) defeated Jim Yates (6.864/200.86)
Semifinal Round: Gene Wilson (6.873/200.89) defeated Johnson (6.881/200.89)
Final Round: Kurt Johnson (6.801/202.88) defeated Gene Wilson
(6.843/201.79)
Low ET: Warren Johnson, 6.797 seconds (track record)
Top Speed: Greg Anderson, 203.58 mph (track record)
PRO STOCK CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS
(After 23 of 23 events)
Driver Wins Points
1. Jeg Coughlin Jr. 8 1643
2. Jim Yates 1 1432
3. Greg Anderson 2 1368
4. Warren Johnson 1 1296
5. Ron Krisher 1 1169
6. Kurt Johnson 1 1158
7. Mike Edwards 2 1007
8. Allen Johnson 1 946
9. Gene Wilson 0 885
10. Mark Whisnant 0 860
NEXT RACE
K&N Filters Winternationals, Pomona, Calif., Feb. 6-9, 2003
Mark Whisnant Press Release
Posted Sunday, November 10, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
RW PERFORMANCE PRO STOCK CHEVY CAVALIER
MARK WHISNANT – DRIVER REID WHISNANT – OWNER
November 10, 2002
CONTACT: Patti Miles 336-798-7212
704-957-3940 (Mobile)
pattie.miles@worldnet.att.net
Whisnant Retires After First Round
POMONA, Calif. – Mark Whisnant, driver of the RW Performance Chevrolet Cavalier, entered eliminations at today’s 38th Annual Auto Club of Southern California seeded in the 15th position on the eliminations ladder.
Whisnant’s opponent in Round 1 was fellow Georgian Kurt Johnson. So far this season Whisnant and Johnson have met four times in the first round. To date the score is Johnson four, Whisnant zero.
When the lights went green Whisnant and Johnson were practically dead even. Johnson pulled away at 330 feet, and kept that advantage to the finish line. Johnson ran a 6.871 / 202.91 mph to defeat Whisnant with a 6.878 / 201.88 mph.
“I am not totally disappointed,” said Whisnant of Stockbridge, Ga. “As a racer, I always want to win, but I did my job on the starting and gave him everything I had. He had the performance advantage and there was nothing I could do.
“For a rookie team, who didn’t even attend the first three races of the year, we have a lot to be proud of. My team did a great job this year. We went to two final rounds, was the Number 1 qualifier in Seattle, and we end the season in the top ten in points. That is a record that teams who have been out here for years would love to have. We have nothing to be ashamed of.
“Now we will turn our attention to testing and getting ready for the Winternationals. A have a very talented group of guys working for us. I know that we have the room to improve, and that we have lots of potential to do better next season.
“We will attend the POWERade banquet on Monday, take a little time off, and get started on next season.”
# # #
Whisnant Quick Facts
Finishes the NHRA POWERade 2002 season 10th in NHRA Pro Stock Points
7th in King Demon Points
2 Final Round Appearance in 2002 (Topeka & Seattle)
3 Semi-Final Round Appearances in 2002 (Gainesville, Columbus, and St. Louis)
Number 1 Qualifier at Seattle 2002
Career Best ET 6.777 (Seattle 2002)
Career Best mph 202.73 (Englishtown 2002
Posted Sunday, November 10, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Fields set at Pomona- Rain Washes Out Remainder of Qualifying
Posted Saturday, November 9, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
The top ten drivers in points were guaranteed a spot and this bumped several previously qualified racers. Mark Whisnant was one of the recipients of the rule.
Details from Drag Race Central
Mark Whisnant Press Release
Posted Saturday, November 9, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
RW PERFORMANCE PRO STOCK CHEVY CAVALIER
MARK WHISNANT – DRIVER REID WHISNANT – OWNER
November 9, 2002
CONTACT: Patti Miles 336-798-7212 704-957-3940 (Mobile)
pattie.miles@worldnet.att.net
Whisnant To Race in Pomona
POMONA, Calif. – When eliminations at the 38th Annual Auto Club of Southern California NHRA Finals, Mark Whisnant driver of the RW Performance Chevrolet Pro Stock Cavalier will assume the 15th position on Sunday’s eliminations ladder.
Due to heavy rain on Friday and Saturday, the field for Sunday’s race was set according to NHRA policy for rain dates. The policy states that the top ten in points will be seeded in the field placing Whisnant in the 15th position.
When eliminations get under way tomorrow, Whisnant will face old nemesis Kurt Johnson. So far this season Whisnant has faced Johnson four times in Round 1. To date Whisnant’s score against Johnson is zero and four. Whisnant plans to even the score on Sunday.
“I’m just happy to be in the show,” said Whisnant of Stockbridge, Ga. “NHRA’s decision to seeded the top ten will not be popular with all the racers, but it was lucky break that worked in our favor this time.
“We have Kurt (Johnson) in Round 1. I have met him in Round 1 four times this year, and have not been able to get past him. I think we can change that tomorrow.
“Tomorrow anything will be possible. There have not been any cars on the track since Thursday, so lane choice will pretty much be a guess. If we get a couple breaks on Sunday like we got today, we could go some rounds and with some more luck see the winner’s circle here in Pomona.”
Eliminations at the 38th Annual Auto Club of Southern California NHRA Finals will begin as scheduled at 11:00 AM PST on Sunday Nov. 10.
# # #
Whisnant Quick Facts
Currently 9th in NHRA Pro Stock Points
7th in King Demon Points
2 Final Round Appearance in 2002 (Topeka & Seattle)
3 Semi-Final Round Appearances in 2002 (Gainesville, Columbus, and St. Louis)
Number 1 Qualifier at Seattle 2002
Career Best ET 6.777 (Seattle 2002)
Career Best mph 202.73 (Englishtown 2002)
Let's Get TJ Walking - eBay Fundraising Items
Posted Friday, November 8, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Please check out Jerry Battle's auctions on eBay. He is trying to raise funds for his grandson's medical needs. For more info click on:
Auctions to help TJ
Warren Johnson Leads Day One Pro Stock Quaifying at the NHRA POWERade Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals
Posted Friday, November 8, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Russell, Force, Johnson, and Gann lead the Pro fields at Pomona. Georgia Pro Stock racers Warren Johnson (#1), Kurt Johnson (#2), and Gene Wilson (#5) are qualified after the first session. Mark Whisnant, who is trying to hold onto his #9 position in the points standings, failed to hit the setup and finished in the 29th position today. Another pro session will be held on Friday.
Star Racing's Angelle Savoie is currently #2 in Pro Stock M/C.
Thursday Recap
Gene Wilson/Mopar Racing 2003 Pro Stock Plans
Posted Thursday, November 7, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Mopar officially announces the new Stratus Pro Stock and 2003 factory teams. Mopar Pro Stock 2003
Gene Wilson/Mopar Press Release
Posted Wednesday, November 6, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Tue, 5 Nov 2002, 06:51 PM
A Case for Gene Wilson
Courtesy of David Harris, Cox Marketing Group
POMONA, Calif. -- Mopar Parts Pro Stock rookie Gene Wilson was recently named as one of four nominees for NHRA’s annual Automobile Club of Southern California Road to the Future Award. The 29-year-old driver will compete in this weekend’s season-ending NHRA Finals at Pomona Raceway.
Wilson, who made his debut during the Gatornationals at Gainesville (Fla.) Raceway last March, has been impressive in his first NHRA season. The Canton, Ga., resident currently sits 13th in the NHRA POWERade Pro Stock points race, only 34 points out of tenth. Wilson has qualified in the top half of the field 11 times, which ranks fifth (tied with Kurt Johnson) among all NHRA Pro Stock drivers this season. In addition, Wilson earned his first No. 1 qualifier award during the second NHRA tilt at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Ill.
Wilson has also been strong on race day as well, winning 14 rounds of competition and making two final-round appearances at Memphis (Tenn.) Motorsports Park and the Texas Motorplex in Ennis.
“I have had a great season,” Wilson said. “It has been a big task to adjust to a new car, new team and new series, but I’m starting to become one with the car right now. I feel real comfortable, and it’s shown on track. Everyone has worked hard and done a tremendous job helping me get to this point.”
Wilson joined the NHRA after winning the IHRA Pro Stock World Championship in 2001; grabbing multiple No. 1 qualifiers, tying legendary Bob Glidden’s single-season national event victory record at eight and holding IHRA’s national elapsed time and speed records.
WRAP IT UP, BOYS.
Mopar would like to reflect on the triumph’s of the 2002 Pro Stock season as the NHRA POWERade Drag racing Series heads into the Automobile club of Southern California NHRA Finals at Pomona Raceway this weekend.
Back in March, three-time NHRA POWERade Pro Stock World Champion Darrell Alderman relived a bit of old glory by winning his first race since 1997 during the Gatornationals at historic Gainesville (Fla.) Raceway. The Morehead, Ky., resident also battled for his fourth title early on, rising as high as third following a semifinal-round showing in the Fram Southern Nationals at the Atlanta Dragway in late April.
“After not getting a win since 1997, it is the sweetest,” said Alderman, after posting his 28th-career national event victory. “I was getting to the point where I thought I was getting too old to win one of these. Things worked my way today and I got back to victory circle and its really sweet.”
Another special moment came for a Mopar driver at Infineon Raceway in early August. In what could be called one of the category’s highlights of the 2002 season, Larry Morgan whipped up some starting-line magic to capture the ninth victory of his Pro Stock career. Morgan used holeshot advantages on two-time and newly crowned Pro Stock World Champion Jeg Coughlin, Jr., and perennial front-runner Greg Anderson en route to his first triumph since 1994. It was also Morgan’s first final since 1997.
“We’ve worked real hard at this new Hemi program,” said Morgan, during the post-race press conference. “I left General Motors in 1999 to work on this program because I knew there was a big future in it. As you can see, it is all starting to come together because we had six Hemi cars in the program today. We’re just real proud of that fact alone. Without the support from Mopar, we wouldn’t be anywhere near where we are today.”
As Morgan mentioned, six Hemi-powered Pro Stock machines sat in the 16-car field at Infineon Raceway; which marked the first time that feat had been accomplished in Dodge history and the first time in more than 30 years for Mopar-powered efforts. A similar accomplishment happened in late September at Route 66 Raceway, as Hemi-powered Dodge Neon R/T’s swept the top-three qualifying positions. It was the first time that had happened since 1972.
A NEW ERA. Mopar officials will be unveiling its 2003 Hemi-powered Dodge Stratus R/T during a Noon press conference at the annual SEMA show held in the Las Vegas Convention Center Wednesday. It will signify the third step in Mopar’s Pro Stock revolution, one that’s already garnered the current NHRA national speed record (204.35) and four NHRA national event victories since the 2000 season – when the 500-cubic-inch Pro Stock Hemi was introduced.
The Warren Report
Posted Wednesday, November 6, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
For Release: Nov. 5, 2002
Contact: Rick Voegelin
TMG Sports Marketing
rickvoegelin@compuserve.com
831-761-2201
THE WARREN REPORT: Warren Johnson GM Performance Parts News & Notes for
the Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals, Pomona, Calif.,
Nov. 7-10
JOHNSON EXPECTS THE UNEXPECTED IN NHRA SEASON FINALE
Although he has competed in 42 NHRA national events at Pomona Raceway
over a span of 26 years, Warren Johnson will take nothing for granted when
the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series returns to the fastest quarter-mile in
Southern California for this weekend's Auto Club NHRA Finals. Not even the
experienced Professor of Pro Stock has all the answers for the track that
has hosted the season-ending race since 1984.
"Something unexpected always seems to crop up at Pomona," said
Johnson. "Sometimes it's induced by the racers themselves with oildowns and
explosions, and other times it's Mother Nature playing pranks. I've given
up trying to foresee all of the possibilities."
Johnson has scored a total of eight victories in 14
final-round appearances at Pomona Raceway. He has won the NHRA Finals six
times - twice when the race was held in Irvine, Calif., in 1982 and 1983,
and four times in Pomona: in 1988 over Morris Johnson Jr., in 1992 over
Jerry Eckman, in 1993 over Kurt Johnson and in 1995 over Steve Schmidt.
He's been the No. 1 qualifier 11 times at Pomona Raceway, including six
times in the NHRA Finals.
"Pomona can be very fast this time of year," Warren noted. "The track
has improved dramatically since it was resurfaced and the concrete pad
extended in 2001. The track's only shortcoming is that it sees very little
use during the year. It typically gets better day by day as more cars make
runs."
Johnson holds the Pomona Raceway track speed record at 203.12 mph, a
mark he established at the season-opening Winternationals. He also holds
the NHRA Finals event speed record at 201.61 mph, a record he set last
November. Johnson clinched his sixth career Pro Stock championship at last
year's NHRA Finals, but this time he is fourth in the points standings
going into the last race of the season. W.J. trails third-ranked Greg
Anderson by 74 points, and he could overtake his former crew chief with a
strong performance in Pomona.
Warren was runner-up to newly crowned champion Jeg Coughlin Jr. at
the preceding event, the ACDelco Las Vegas NHRA Nationals on October 27.
That performance was Johnson's first final-round appearance since he won
in Bristol, Tenn., in April. During that extended dry spell, Johnson
embarked on an intensive engine R&D program that has returned his GM
Performance Parts Pontiac to its customary place at the head of the Pro
Stock pack. W.J. and his son Kurt had the quickest and fastest cars in Las
Vegas, but both drivers were sidelined by holeshots on race day.
"I'm never satisfied with a runner-up finish, but it could have been a
lot worse," said Johnson. "I think there were 14 other guys who would have
gladly traded places with me.
"Our recent performances in Dallas and Las Vegas have given us
clear indications that we're going to need a number of engine combinations
for different weather conditions next year," Johnson revealed. "That's what
we're working on now.
"When you have hot and humid conditions, the track requires a
different power band than a cool racing surface to get maximum
performance," W.J. explained. "Based on that fact, I believe it's going to
take three different engine configurations to be competitive at every race
track next year: a hot-track combination, a cold-track combination, and an
intermediate combination.
"I could even see us using a cold weather engine on Friday night,
an intermediate motor on Saturday morning and a hot weather engine on
Sunday," he continued. "Because each combination has a distinctive power
curve, we'll also need to adjust gear ratios, tires sizes and chassis
setups to achieve maximum efficiency.
"I foresee Pro Stock becoming even more specialized next year,"
Johnson predicted. "Only the shops that can do their own development work
from top to bottom will be able to utilize this approach."
Warren Johnson admits that he doesn't have all the answers, but
the sport's most successful Pro Stock racer is relentless in his pursuit of
racing knowledge.
WARREN JOHNSON'S NHRA FINALS RECORD:
Year Qual. Result
1982 Irvine 1 Winner (over Shepherd)
1983 Irvine 3 Winner (over Shepherd)
1975 Ontario Alt. First Round
1976 Ontario 2 First Round
1977 Ontario 7 Second Round
1978 Ontario 5 Second Round
1984 5 First Round
1985 5 Second Round
1986 2 Second Round
1987 2 Semifinal
1988 1 Winner (over M. Johnson, Jr.)
1989 3 Runner-up (to Glidden)
1990 2 First Round
1991 Did not compete (Japan trip)
1992 3 Winner (over Eckman)
1993 1 Winner (over K. Johnson)
1994 1 Semifinal
1995 1 Winner (over Schmidt)
1996 1 Second Round
1997 7 Semifinal
1998 1 Semifinal
1999 3 Runner-up (to J. Coughlin Jr.)
2000 13 Semifinal
2001 5 First Round
The Kurt Chronicles
Posted Wednesday, November 6, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
For Release: Nov. 5, 2002
Contact: Rick Voegelin
TMG Sports Marketing
rickvoegelin@compuserve.com
831-761-2201
THE KURT CHRONICLES: Kurt Johnson ACDelco News & Notes for the Automobile
Club of Southern California NHRA Finals, Pomona, Calif., Nov. 7-10
JOHNSON READY TO MAKE FRONT PAGE NEWS AT NHRA FINALS
He has a fast race car in his transporter, a seven-year winning streak
on the line, and a winning record at Pomona Raceway. What more could
ACDelco Pro Stock driver Kurt Johnson want for motivation at this weekend's
season-ending NHRA Finals?
"We just have to take care of business," said Johnson, who qualified
No. 1 and set the track speed and elapsed time records at the preceding
event in Las Vegas on October 27. "Our game plan is to go out to Pomona and
do what we've been doing."
Kurt's performance at the ACDelco Las Vegas NHRA Nationals earned a
place on the front page of the official results sheet - a spot reserved for
the finalists, the No. 1 qualifiers, and the drivers who run the quickest
times and fastest speeds of the event. Savvy observers rely on the front
page to determine who's hot and who's not. And right now, K.J. is very hot
in Pro Stock.
"It feels good to have a fast race car again," said Johnson. "After we
set the track records in Dallas and Las Vegas, I remembered the races where
we struggled during the summer. A good e.t. is like a breath of fresh air.
Now it's just a matter of putting the ACDelco Cavalier in the winner's
circle."
Johnson has competed 20 times in NHRA national event competition at
Pomona Raceway, scoring three victories in five final-round appearances. He
won the NHRA Finals in 1997 over Tom Martino and in 2000 over Jeg Coughlin
Jr. Johnson also won the 2001 Winternationals at Pomona Raceway, defeating
Darrell Alderman in the final round.
K.J. is often reminded that 45 races have passed since that last
victory at the Winternationals. He's also aware that he has won at least
one race for seven consecutive seasons, and he knows that the NHRA Finals
is his last chance to keep that streak going.
"It's tough out there on Sunday," he conceded. "Drivers have
qualified 16th and won races this season. It's so important to make the
right calls at the right time. The only way to control your fate is to
maintain lane choice on Sunday and keep digging for those good reaction
times."
Johnson's ACDelco Chevy will wear special KISS graphics that it debuted
in Las Vegas, and K.J. will again don his red-hot flamed driver suit. The
special edition ACDelco Cavalier salutes the legendary rock band's 30th
anniversary.
"The 20 pounds of vinyl definitely didn't slow the car down in Las
Vegas," Johnson laughed. "It was cool to meet Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley
from KISS. I have to take my hat off to them because they were all business
at the races. They signed autographs for hours and did media interviews all
day long. They're real rock 'n' roll pros."
While many drivers are thinking about new cars for next season, Johnson
is quite content with his current ride.
"Dad's trying to talk me into a new car, but I said 'No thanks,'"
Kurt laughed. "I like this one. It's less than a year old. It's ready to
win - and so am I."
KURT JOHNSON'S POMONA RACEWAY RECORD:
Year Qual. Result
1993 Spring 15 Semifinal
1993 Fall 2 Runner-up (to W. Johnson)
1994 Spring 3 Semifinal
1994 Fall 7 Second Round
1995 Spring 3 First Round
1995 Fall 4 Semifinal
1996 Spring 4 Second Round
1996 Fall 13 First Round
1997 Spring 5 Runner-up (to W. Johnson)
1997 Fall 6 Winner (over Martino)
1998 Spring 11 First Round
1998 Fall 3 Second Round
1999 Spring 2 Semifinal
1999 Fall 7 First Round
2000 Spring 8 Second Round
2000 Fall 6 Winner (over J. Coughlin)
2001 Spring 5 Winner (over Alderman)
2001 Summer 2 Semifinal
2001 Fall DNQ
2002 Spring 6 Semifinal
Atlanta Dragway Results by Wanda, Amy, and Tim Glover
Posted Tuesday, November 5, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
RACE DATE: November 2, 2002
FROM: Tim Glover
EVENT: Last bracket race at Atlanta Dragway for 2002
HOLMAN SCORES FIRST EVER VICTORY AT ATLANTA DRAGWAY
by Wanda, Amy and Tim Glover
Racers came today for their last shot at Atlanta Dragway for the 2002
racing season. In addition to all the bracket cars, six Nostalgia race cars
added to the show today. Also, today was Racer's for Christ day at the
track, and they raised over $2000 for the Blake Shaw fund.
"Thank goodness for the right lane nobody wanted," Super Pro winner Mike
Holman exclaimed after his first ever win in what he described as a "pumpkin
vs. banana" match. (Young's car is solid orange and Holman's is bright
yellow.) Holman's '70 Buick GSX was close to it's number in the final,
running a wheelstanding 6.40, 105.39 (6.39 target), taking the victory away
from Jesse Young's '89 Horton dragster, which could only muster a 5.11,
134.34 (5.06 dial) in the final. Although Holman has been competing for
seven years, this was his first full year of racing. He went on to thank
Year One, Gerald Whitley and Sons, and VP Race Fuels for all their help in
making this happen. He then added, "It's about time!" Billy Thigpen, also
in his first full year of racing, scored a semi-final finish today with his
Sudderth Auto Air prepared '79 Malibu.
Former 1/8 mile champ Rusty Brown has been away from the track for a while,
but was back in the saddle again tonight, winning Sportsman. Brown brought
his '02 Mustang to the track, and worked his way through the field, meeting
Cindy William's husband, Gerry Williams, in the final. Williams hit an
oh-so-close .497 red light with his '73 Challenger in the final, and then
chose to let his car ease through the finish line, running 13.99, 90.73 on
an 11.27 dial. Knowing he had the win light, Brown chose to run his car
out, carding a 14.54, 94.54 (14.58 dial). "I'm back in the saddle again. I
finally got another Mustang, and it looks like a good one," added Brown.
Kim Ellington ('81 Camaro) was the lone semi-finalist.
Kim Callahan was in last week's Trophy Street final but red-lighted away
his chance of victory then. He redeemed himself this week with the Trophy
Street win against former champ Mardy Kennedy. Although both finalists
broke out by the same margin, Callahan's better reaction took the win light
in his '67 Camaro. It ran 12.989, 102.74 on a 13.00 dial. Kennedy's '64
Econoline Pickup went 13.089, 102.04 on a 13.10 target. Steve Marcum has
continually finished well this year, and tonight was no exception, when he
finished in the semi-finals.
Twelve year old Kyle Denton bookended his season tonight when he took the
8-12 Jr. Dragster win tonight against newly crowned 8-12 champion "Mad Matt"
Gillen (11), who has been to seven finals this year in 8-12 Jr. Dragster.
Although Gillen had the reaction time advantage, Denton's 8.92, 70.98 on an
8.90 target won the race after Gillen's machine slowed to a 9.03, 74.01
(8.94 dial). Denton, who won the 10th anniversary race at Silver Dollar
recently, also won the first race this season. When Gillen's dad was
kidding with Denton's dad right before the final about who would win,
Denton's dad exclaimed, "You can't have this one. You won all the races in
between!" Ashton Shubert (8) was the semi-final trophy winner.
Johnny Turner was going to let his teenage crew chief, Adam Mayo, race his
car today in 13-17 Jr. Dragster, but Mayo was too tall to fit. Turner went
ahead and got in, and won the whole event with his PTI machine. Turner, who
is 13, met previous track champ Cody Martin (14) in the finals. They were
close together on the reaction time, but Mayo's call of a 9.08 dial won the
race when Turner went 9.09, 69.66. Martin's machine broke out with a 9.39,
66.27 (9.42 dial). "This race is dedicated to Adam Mayo," said Turner. He
then thanked his dad, Team PTI and Tara Fine Jewelry Company for their help.
Ashley Dumas (16) and Kelly Moore (16) were the semi-final finishers.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRO / SUPER PRO CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Mike Holman '70 Buick GSX Flowery Branch, GA 6.40 105.39 (6.39)
R/U: Jesse Young '89 Horton Danielsville, GA 5.11 134.34 (5.06)
Semi: Billy Thigpen '79 Malibu Covington, GA
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SPORTSMAN CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Rusty Brown '02 Mustang Loganville, GA 14.54 94.54 (14.58)
R/U: Gerry Williams '73 Challenger Snellville, GA F O U
L 13.99 90.73 (11.27)
Semi: Kim Ellington '81 Camaro Conyers, GA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TROPHY STREET CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Kim Callahan '67 Camaro Dawsonville, GA 12.98 102.74 (13.00)
R/U: Mardy Kennedy '64 Ford Auburn. GA 13.08 102.04 (13.10)
Semi: Steve Marcum '00 Dakota Bogart, GA
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JR. DRAGSTER 8-12 AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Kyle Denton 12 McDonough, GA 8.92 70.09 (8.90)
R/U: Matt Gillen 11 Gainesville, GA 9.03 74.01 (8.94)
Semi: Ashton Shubert 8 Homer, GA
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JR. DRAGSTER 13-17 AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Johnny Turner 13 Lawrencville, GA 9.09 69.66 (9.08)
R/U: Cody Martin 14 Buford, GA 9.39 66.27 (9.42)
Semi: Ashley Dumas 16 Commerce, GA
Semi: Kelly Gray 16 Adairsvile, GA
Silver Dollar Finals and National Dragster Challenge at Silver Dollar Raceway Results by Tim Glover
Posted Tuesday, November 5, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
RACE DATE: November 2, 2002
FROM: Tim Glover
EVENT: Silver Dollar Finals at Silver Dollar Raceway in Reynolds, GA
PARKER, WELSH AND DIKE CLAIM WINS AT SILVER DOLLAR
by Tim Glover
Three racers graced the Saturday night winner's circle at Silver Dollar
Raceway in Reynolds, GA in the first of two races held this weekend. This
race was titled Silver Dollar Finals.
"It's been a long time since I've been in the winner's circle," stated
Super Pro winner Shane Parker from Ambrose, GA. Although he "missed the
bulb" in his first round reaction time, Parker bought back in and stayed on
his game the rest of the day with his 383 powered '85 S10. Parker's final
round opponent, Dudley Clifton, made things easy for Parker when Clifton
turned on the big red bulb with his '87 Buick GN en route to a 6.05, 118.16
(6.06 dial). Parker was ready anyway, reacting with a near perfect .504,
and running 6.91, 99.79 (6.89 dial). Parker sold his operation two years
ago and just started racing again a few months ago for his car owner, John
McGuirt, and rewarded him tonight with a win. He then gave special thanks
to John and Scott McGuirt for their help. Larry McDuffie ('76 LUV -
Douglas, GA) and Mickey Cleveland ('84 Camaro - McDonough, GA) finished in
the semi-finals.
Joyce Welsh from Augusta, GA, doesn't get to travel to Silver Dollar
Raceway often, but has always finished in the Pro finals. Tonight she drew
the bye run first round, but never got to take it in her "Grandma's Rocking
Chair" '65 Chevy II until the semi-finals. She got the automatic win when
local racer Lamar Hammock left the starting line just a tad too quickly,
leaving the big red bulb glowing with his Roberta, GA based '68 Mustang.
Hammock ran his machine to a 6.65, 100.67 (6.60 target). Welsh's machine
also slowed a bit, to an 8.03, 84.61 (8.00 dial). "This is a great way to
end the season," added Welsh. Local Pro champion Allen Williams ('76 Camaro
- Stockbridge, GA) finished in his first of two semi-finals tonight.
Hampton, GA racer Mike Dike Jr. is trying to make a name for himself in
bracket racing, much like his father, Mike Dike, Sr. has done. As of
tonight, Dike, Jr. has been to four Sportsman finals in as many races, and
brought the total to two wins, two runner ups tonight after defeating Robert
Johnson's Oglethorpe, GA based '79 Mustang. Dike's huge holeshot allowed
him to scrub a little ET off his '84 Firebird's time, running 10.43, 66.22
(10.40 dial). Johnson's car ran 8.26, 81.22 (8.20 dial). Allen Williams
drove his friend's '70 Nova to a semi-final finish in Sportsman.
RACE DATE: November 3, 2002
FROM: Tim Glover
EVENT: National Dragster Challenge at Silver Dollar Raceway
DIKES HOLD FIRM AT SILVER DOLLAR RACEWAY
by Tim Glover
Racers came from miles around for today's National Dragster Challenge race
held at Silver Dollar Raceway in Reynolds, GA. What made todays race
special is that NHRA "Wally" awards (a very nice trophy given to national
and divisional event winners) were awarded to winners in each category
contested. During the first final, announcer Bill Carey stated, "This is
for the Wallys. This is for the Buckos." The majority of racers in late
rounds said the money was good, but they were racing for that trophy.
Father and son team Mike Dike Sr. and Jr. ruled the weekend at Silver
Dollar Raceway, located in Reynolds, GA. Jr. has been in four different
Sportsman finals in the past four races, winning last night and one other
time, and runner up in the other two. Sr. won the 2001 Summit / NHRA
Division Two ET Finals in Super Pro, getting an NHRA "Wally" award, and won
another "Wally" in Super Pro during today's National Dragster Challenge
event. Although previous weather forecasts predicted a clear day for
Sunday, the chance of rain had increased to 70% by race time. It did hold
up the show three times, but the crew just waited each time and the race was
complete by 6:00pm, shortly before showers would have forced the show to be
finished another weekend. "I feel relief," said track owner Ed Swearingen
during the winner's circle photo session. He did have a rain date picked
out in case rain did stop today's show.
"Thank you for working that track," Super Pro winner Mike Dike Sr. from
Hampton, GA told the Silver Dollar crew when the race was finished. (After
the last two rain delays the crew dragged the track to help dry it.) "I
also want to thank Mid State RV in Byron, Mike Gruber at Valvoline, Frank
Papp at Mickey Thompson, Crane Cams, TCI, CPA Bill Amos, my crew chief of 30
years Cathy and my son Mike Jr., who helped me unload quickly today," added
Mike Sr.. This morning, Mike Sr. was at Montgomery Motorsports Park for a
race, but rain cancelled that event. He decided to come to Silver Dollar,
and made it just in time to enter round one (no time trials). He guessed
4.99 for a dial, and won with a 5.02. Dike also had to earn his round two
win, but got free passes in rounds three, four and five when his opponents
went red. He then got past Bug McCarty in the semis, and slowed his 2000
Worthy dragster a bit in the final against Gray, GA racer Jerry Mays,
running 5.08, 133.08 on a 5.06 target. Mays' '93 Undercover dragster was
also off the pace a little, running 5.23, 131.78 (5.20 dial). Just before
the final, his entire family was with him. Mays' wife, Dell commented,
"Thank the good Lord he made it this far. Two years ago he faced Mike Dike
in the final, and the rain cancelled that round. I really don't care if he
comes in first or second." Bug McCarty ('27 Ford roadster - Hazelhurst, GA)
was the lone semi-finalist.
Thad Kitchens' car owner, Wayne Johnson, was more excited than he was about
winning the "Wally" in Pro class. Kitchens' Lilly, GA based '80 Mustang.
Kitchens had to work to win rounds one and two, but like Mike Dike, Sr., he
received free passes in rounds three through five when his opponents turned
on the red light. His final round opponent, Scotty James from Warm Springs,
GA, actually had the better reaction time, but Kitchens got the win light
and the "Wally" when James' '73 Maverick went too quick, breaking out with a
7.58, 89.08 (7.63 dial). Kitchens' machine went 7.08, 97.12 on its 7.05
dial. "We won this one for "Little Wayne", said Kitchens. He then added,
"That's some tough boys we had to beat today." Jeff Hairington ('79 Malibu
- Perry, GA) and Stockbridge, GA racer Robby Nelson were the semi-final
pair.
Jimmy Santos from Albany, GA (no relation to Top Alcohol champ Rick Santos)
had only $7 to his name when he came to the racer gate today. Santos'
friend, Johnney Thompson paid his entry, and was rewarded with Santos
winning in Sportsman, plus a "Wally". Santos at least has the money to get
back home to Albany now. Santos was on kill with his '79 Camaro, carding a
.501 reaction time. However, the race was over as soon as his opponent,
Terry Adams, fouled with his '97 Chevy Z71 pickup. Santos turned in a
slight breakout 8.61, 78.89 (8.63 target). Adams chose to run his
Meansville, GA based truck out, finishing with a 10.52, 61.95 (10.48
target). A large contingent of US19 Dragway racers were with him after the
race celebrating the victory. Santos has been racing a few years, was the
Rookie of the Year at US19 a few years ago. Ray Lloyd ('68 Barracuda -
Sycamore, GA) took home the semi-final purse.
SILVER DOLLAR FINALS ON NOVEMBER 2, 2002
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUPER PRO CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Shane Parker '85 S10 Ambrose, GA 6.91 99.79 (6.89)
R/U: Dudley Clifton '87 Regal Garfield, GA (foul) 6.05 118.16 (6.06)
Semi: Larry McDuffie '76 LUV Douglas, GA
Semi: Mickey Cleveland '84 Camaro McDonough, GA
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PRO CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Joyce Welsh '65 Chevy II Blythe, GA 8.03 84.61 (8.00)
R/U: Lamar Hammock '68 Mustang Roberta, GA (foul) 6.65 100.67 (6.60)
Semi: Allen Williams '79 Camaro Stockbridge, GA
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SPORTSMAN CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Mike Dike, Jr. '84 Firebird Hampton, GA 10.43 66.22 (10.40)
R/U: Robert Johnson '79 Mustang Oglethorpe, GA 8.26 81.22 (8.20)
Semi: Allen Williams '70 Nova Stockbridge, GA
NATIONAL DRAGSTER CHALLENGE ON NOVEMBER 3, 2002
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SUPER PRO CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Mike Dike, Sr. '2000 Worthy dragster Hampton, GA 5.08 133.08 (5.06)
R/U: Jerry Mays '93 Undercover dragster Gray, GA 5.23 131.78 (5.20)
Semi: Bug McCarty '27 Ford roadster Hazelhurst, GA
Semi:
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PRO CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Thad Kitchens '80 Mustang Lilly, GA 7.08 97.12 (7.05)
R/U: Scotty James '73 Maverick Warm Springs, GA 7.58 89.08 (7.63)
Semi: Jeff Hairington '79 Malibu Perry, GA
Semi: Robby Nelson car Stockbridge, GA
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SPORTSMAN CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Jimmy Santos '79 Camaro Albany, GA 8.61 78.89 (8.63)
R/U: Terry Adams '97 Chevy Z71 Meansville, GA (foul) 10.52 61.95 (10.48)
Semi: Ray Lloyd '68 Barracuda Sycamore, GA
A Family Needs Your Help - Let's Get TJ Walking
Posted Sunday, November 3, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
I usually don't get away from the subject of the site, but I'm going to make an exception. A fellow Georgian, Jerry Battle, Sr., has informed me of a fundraising effort to allow his grandson ( TJ ) to be able to get needed medical attention. Jerry is the owner of Georgia-Motorsports.com and he has never mentioned TJ's condition to me before. I was saddened by this cute little boy's struggles, but I'm also aware of the many generous people out there that might be willing to help in one way or another. Please take a look at this and help if you can. David
Let's Get TJ Walking
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