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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.
March 2004
Marvin T. Smith Reports on the Open House at South Georgia Motorsports Park
Posted Tuesday, March 30, 2004 by DavidDilbeck
South Georgia Motorsports Park, Cecil, Georgia (near Valdosta), held an
open house on Sunday, March 28. Hundreds of racers and fans turned out to
see the progress on the track and to enjoy displays, hot dogs, and cokes.
Tim Pafford, track manager, was amazed with the fan response. He expected
about 200 people, but many times that number attended. As Mr. Pafford
said, "I've seen less people at races." At the drivers meeting, Mr.
Pafford patiently answered all questions until everyone left. He should
consider running for political office. It looks like South Georgia
Motorsports Park will be a racer and fan-friendly place. NHRA Division 2
director, Bill Holt, was also present to answer questions. The racers were
particularly interesting in checking out the starting lights.
The track will have a points system, and the points winner over the
approximately 14 race schedule will win a new trailer and cash. Big
payouts are planned, and the competition should be fierce.
Construction at the track continues. The grandstands were up, the VIP
boxes were framed in, and the tower and the concession stand appeared to be
complete. The lighting system is in place, and the timing system is up and
running. About all that remains for the drag strip portion of the track is
the actual asphalt paving. Mr. Pafford said that if they had had two more
days, that would have been finished as well. Over half of the drag strip
is concrete, and the concrete work is complete. Work continues on the half
mile speedway portion of the park, scheduled to run ASA events. It will
open in a few months.
Drag strip test and tune sessions are scheduled for April 16, 17, and 23
with the first race scheduled for April 24. The first race will feature
blown Pro Mods. BEE THEREEEEE.
Marvin T. Smith
Photos
Atlanta Dragway Results by Tim Glover
Posted Tuesday, March 30, 2004 by DavidDilbeck
RACE DATE: March 27-28, 2004
EVENT: ORSCA race at Atlanta Dragway in 2004
ROBBINS WINS TOP CLASS, MOTES DOMINATES TOP ELIMINATOR DURING ORSCA RACE
HELD AT ATLANTA DRAGWAY
(Commerce, GA - March 27-28) Fans attending the first annual Outlaw Racing
Street Car Association (ORSCA) race at Atlanta Dragway were treated to some
"wild and wooly" action, watching waaaaaay overpowered race cars blasting
down the track on narrow 10.5 inch wide slicks! "Quick" Vandiver runs his
(ORSCA) events "Southern Style", having all the classes run on the 1/8 mile
course. The cars participating in this race are street legal, but some
might call them "street lethal" after watching them perform. The fastest
10.5 inch tire class, Outlaw 10.5, had race cars running high four second
runs at 150mph in only 660 feet (1/8 mile)! Terry Robbins came out on top
with his '67 Chevy II, defeating fellow Outlaw 10.5 racer Jack Barfield in
the finals with a holeshot win. The Limited Street cars were not far
removed from Outlaw, running in the low five second range. The Pro Modified
class was the fastest on the grounds, routinely exceeding 175mph and running
low 4.10 second passes on the short course. In addition to the heads up, no
breakout classes, two index classes (6.0 second and 7.0 second) and a
bracket race class (Saturday and Sunday Top Eliminator) were contested.
Local racer Tommy Motes dominated the Top Eliminator action, finishing
runner up by .0015 seconds on Saturday and winning Sunday.
An added treat for the Saturday fans came when Mark Whisnant brought his
brand new NHRA Pro Stocker to the track to test. After a few early shutoff
passes, Whisnant wowed the crowd with a 1/4mile pass at 6.890 at 200.87mph.
Whisnant is preparing his car for the fifth annual NHRA Summit Racing
Equipment Nationals event at Las Vegas, scheduled for April 1-4.
Besides the racing action, there was plenty for fans to see in the pits and
the vendor's midway. The Pure Power Outreach Community Center display was
located right next to the starting line side gate. They were raffling off a
Pro Street '69 Camaro, along with selling tee shirts and other gear. The
Nitrous Express trailer stayed busy all weekend. In addition to lots of
nitrous oxide refills, they sold pre-plumbed manifolds, nitrous accessories,
ignition components, tee shirts and more. Team Photo Finish made photos of
all the race cars, and printed them out on the grounds. David Stillinger's
Hoppin' Hot Rods display featured dozens of hand built model cars. The
American Racing Wheels / Lunati Cams trailer was another popular stop for
performance accessories shoppers.
Several Atlanta Dragway racers decided to participate in the ORSCA event.
The fastest, Sean McDonald, was driving a supercharged '67 GTO in the Pro
Modified Class. Tracy Simmons raced his '88 Mustang in Limited Street. A
former Jr. Dragster competitor, Justin Myers, was racing a freshly painted
(Prowler Orange) '67 Chevelle in 6.0 Heads Up, along with Jr. Dragster racer
Melissa Camp's dad, Dwayne Camp, who entered his '85 Firebird. Eddy
Sandford put his wheelstanding '88 Ford F-150 4WD pickup into the 6.0
competition; he also races the truck in Sand Drag events. The 7.0 class
featured some of Atlanta Dragway's Sportsman racers, including Andy Schaefer
('72 Cutlass), Al Hause ('70 Cutlass) and Brent Wheeler (Dodge). John Hobbs
was also racing his '71 Nova in 7.0 class.
The first winner of the weekend was Saturday Top Eliminator winner Don
Brown, Sr. from Buford, GA. Brown met another long time Atlanta Dragway
racer, Tommy Motes, in the final. Although Motes had a slight reaction time
advantage at the starting line, Brown squeezed his '02 Spitzer dragster
across the finish line .0015 seconds ahead of Motes' '92 Undercover
dragster. Brown managed to put down a dead on 4.908, 136.43mph pass (4.90
target), to Motes' otherwise good 5.259, 130.37mph shot (5.24 dial). Steve
Adams ('78 Malibu wagon - Buford, GA) and Henry Snelgrove, Jr. ('95 Spitzer
dragster - Dahlonega, GA) shared the semi-finalist portion of the purse.
"That was my seventh race in 2004, and until now I have been going out at
round four. Maybe the spell's been broken," said Don Brown, Sr. He then
added, "Also, thanks to Gary Peeples, my crew chief, who has been dedicated
to me."
"Wow! That was stress relief," commented Sunday Top Eliminator winner
Tommy Motes from Loganville, GA after taking on Jeremy Hancock in the final.
Motes narrowly missed the win light on Saturday, but made up for it today
with a string of 5.26 passes. Motes said he re-jetted his carburetor on
his '92 Undercover dragster, and the car responded very well. In the final,
Motes nailed his dial-in time of 5.26 with a 5.268, 130.73mph pass.
Hancock, a former Jr. Dragster racer from nearby Commerce, turned on the big
red bulb by leaving the starting line in his '98 Fab Concepts dragster .007
seconds too early. His car also broke out a little, running 5.476,
125.96mph on a 5.49 dial. Motes still owns a Vega race car, but is
considering retiring the machine now. Ray LaCount ('77 Vega - Hull, GA) was
the lone semi-finalist.
"I haven't been to the winner's circle for so long I forgot where it was,"
commented Outlaw 10.5 winner Terry Robbins. Robbins ended up in victory
lane courtesy of a 4.77, 152.60mph blast in his immaculate Mooresboro, NC
based '67 Chevy II. Robbins actually had the slower car in the final, but
his holeshot launch earned the victory for him despite Pembroke, GA racer
Jack Barfield's quicker 4.73, 151.80mph pass in a '68 Camaro. Barfield had
to re-run the quarter final round against Mike Hill, so his crew was
extremely busy from then through the end of the race. "We got pretty hot,"
Barfield added. Marcus Birt ('97 Camaro - Gray, GA) and Brian Morris ('68
Camaro - Hepzibah, GA) were the semi-final finishers. Robbins added this
was the final race for his '67 Chevy II. He is debuting a brand new '02
Camaro for the next ORSCA race which will be held at Hattiesburg, MS.
The Limited Street racers were also extremely quick, running in the low
five second range. Keith Szabo from Soddy Daisy, TN put his '93 Mustang
into the winner's circle with a 5.10, 145.53mph pass. Opponent Phillip
Tarlton's '95 Mustang overpowered the track and spun hard, slowing to 5.41,
146.29mph. Carlton Thompson from Tallahassee, FL earned a place in the
semi-finals with a wild quarter final pass when one of the ladder bars broke
on his '03 Mustang, causing the car to go the entire eighth mile with the
left front tire off the ground. Unable to fix it in time, he showed up to
the semi-finals hoping his opponent, Keith Szabo, would mess up. He didn't.
The other semi-final finisher was Terry Woodson ('81 Z-28 - White, GA).
Three of the top four EZ Street finalists came from Dallas, GA. Kell
Eubanks out of Dallas, GA, arrived at Atlanta Dragway late Saturday, made an
EZ Street qualifying pass, got in the program, and never looked back.
Eubanks' '86 Mustang took the win light in a close race against Scott
Taylor's Dallas, GA based '67 Chevy II, running 6.073, 117.14mph to Taylor's
6.099, 118.71mph pass. Bob Labreogue ('73 Nova - Dallas, GA) and number one
qualifier, Billy Smith ('71 Nova - Rossville, GA) took home the semi-final
money.
The Pro Modified class had the fastest cars on the grounds. A pair of '63
split window Corvettes faced off in final round action. Johnny Pilcher put
down a 4.13, 177.88mph second pass to win against Dan Parker's traction
impaired 4.46, 174.87mph effort. Jeff Ensslin ('54 Studebaker - Lakeland,
FL) and James Hancock ('57 Chevy - Opelika, AL) finished in the semi-finals.
Wesley Kelley's Stone Mountain, GA based 6.00 Heads Up Class '81 Malibu
left the starting line with the front wheels hanging high in the air on
every pass, and crossed the finish line first in the final with a 6.04,
107.99mph pass. His opponent, Jeff Plemmons of Old Fort, NC was close, but
second, with a 6.04, 119.97mph shot due to a late reaction time. Ken
Rainwater ('83 Mustang - Mt. Olive, AL) and David Harvey ('84 Trans Am -
Richmond Hill, GA) were the semi-finalists.
Dalton, GA racer Dennis Smith's slight holeshot advantage in the 7.00 Heads
Up Class was all he needed to take the final round win with his purple '76
Duster. Smith crossed the finish line with a great 7.02, 98.01mph pass.
Mark Wilson's Hiram, GA based '86 Mustang LX broke out with a heart breaking
6.998, 95.95mph effort trying to catch Smith. Jamie Rainwater ('81 Camaro -
Mt. Olive, AL) and Mark Jones ('78 Nova - Covington, GA) earned the
semi-final portion of the purse.
OUTLAW 10.5 CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH
Win: Terry Robbins '67 Chevy II Mooresboro, NC 4.77 152.60
R/U: Jack Barfield '68 Camaro Pembroke, GA 4.73 151.80
Semi: Marcus Birt '97 Camaro Gray, GA
Semi: Brian Morris '68 Camaro Hepzibah, GA
------------------------------------------------
LIMITED STREET CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH
Win: Keith Szabo '93 Mustang Soddy Daisy, TN 5.10 145.53
R/U: Phillip Tarlton '95 Mustang Monroe, NC 5.41 146.29
Semi: Carlton Thompson '03 Mustang Tallahasse, FL
Semi: Terry Woodson '81 Camaro Z/28 White, GA
------------------------------------------------
EZ STREET CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH
Win: Kell Eubanks '86 Mustang Dallas, GA 6.07 117.14
R/U: Scott Taylor '67 Chevy II Dallas, GA 6.09 118.71
Semi: Bob Labreogue '73 Nova Dallas, GA
Semi: Billy Smith '71 Nova Rossville, GA
------------------------------------------------
6.0 HEADS UP CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH INDEX
Win: Wesley Kelley '81 Malibu Stone Mountain, GA 6.04 107.99 (6.00)
R/U: Jeff Plemmons '74 Nova Old Fort, NC 6.04 119.97 (6.00)
Semi: David Harvey '84 Trans Am Richmond Hill, GA
Semi: Ken Rainwater '83 Mustang Mt. Olive, AL
------------------------------------------------
7.0 HEADS UP CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH INDEX
Win: Dennis Smith '76 Duster Dalton, GA 7.02 98.01 (7.00)
R/U: Mark Wilson '86 Mustang LX Hiram, GA 6.99 95.95 (7.00)
Semi: Mark Jones '78 Nova Covington, GA
Semi: Jamie Rainwater '81 Camaro Mt. Olive, AL
------------------------------------------------
SATURDAY TOP ELIMINATOR CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Don Brown, Sr. '02 Spitzer Dragster Buford, GA 4.90 136.43 (4.90)
R/U: Tommy Motes '92 Undercover dragster Loganville, GA 5.25 130.37 (5.24)
Semi: Henry Snelgrove, Jr. '95 Spitzer dragster Dahlonega, GA
Semi: Steve Adams '78 Malibu wagon Buford, GA
------------------------------------------------
SUNDAY TOP ELIMINATOR CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Tommy Motes '92 Undercover dragster Loganville, GA 5.26 130.73 (5.26)
R/U: Jeremy Hancock '98 Fab Concepts dragster Commerce, GA
(foul) 5.47 125.96 (5.49)
Semi: Ray LaCount '77 Vega wagon Hull, GA
------------------------------------------------
PRO MODIFIED CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH
Win: Johnny Pilcher '63 Corvette Chancellor, AL 4.13 177.88
R/U: Dan Parker '63 Corvette Columbus, GA 4.46 174.87
Semi: James Hancock '57 Chevrolet Opelika, AL
Semi: Jeff Ensslin '54 Studebaker Lakeland, FL
Photos
GARHOFA Car Show Photos
Posted Sunday, March 28, 2004 by DavidDilbeck
On Saturday, I had the pleasure of attending the Georgia Automobile Racing Hall of Fame Association car show with drag racing legend Hoyt Grimes. The Chapter One event was held in Byron, GA. This organization is not just for round trackers, drag racers are welcomed and encouraged to join in.
Photos
Millican, Thomas, Montecalvo and Kerunsky Win the Hooters IHRA Amalie Oil Texas Nationals presented by Ancira Cars, Trucks & RVs and the San Antonio Express-News
Posted Sunday, March 28, 2004 by DavidDilbeck
Bruce Litton suffers a top end crash while winning his semi-final Top Fuel match. Litton was airlifted to the hospital and reportedly was released after being checking out by the medical staff. IHRA Results
Photos
Atlanta Dragway Results from Tim Glover
Posted Sunday, March 28, 2004 by DavidDilbeck
'OUTLAWS' AND STREET LEGAL RACERS MIX WELL DURING ATLANTA DRAGWAY "FAST FRIDAY" SHOW
BANKS CROSSING, GA With pleasant spring weather prevailing, the 2004
"Year One Fast Friday" series at Atlanta Dragway brought together an
interesting mix of fans and racers for the Friday, March 26th event. Event
set-up for the Saturday-Sunday Outlaw Racing Street Car Association meet
brought out many new racecars, fans and vendors to the popular dragstrip,
and gave "Fast Friday" regulars the opportunity to see super-fast Outlaw
10.5 and Pro Modified cars make passes on the quarter-mile. The "Outlaws",
in turn, were intrigued with the heated street-legal "Year One Power Hour"
competition.
Driving his very consistent Ford Mustang, Jonathon Schulte of Lawrenceville,
GA drilled the Christmas Tree with a .502 for Best Reaction Time of the
9:00-10:00 PM Power Hour, taking home a $50 Year One Gift Certificate
voucher. Aboard a surprisingly quick 1992 Honda Civic, Peter Heu of Commerce
ran the Quickest ET (11.686 seconds) and Fastest Pass (121.07 MPH) in the
nightly competition for street-legal cars and pickups, picking up two $50
Year One Gift Certificate vouchers and high praise from his peers.
Sponsored by Year One in Braselton, along with the Hayes Family Dealerships
in Lawrenceville, Gainesville and Cornelia, Atlanta Dragway's Fast Friday
show is primarily an opportunity for drivers of street-legal vehicles to
"race the strip, not the street." Racecars and motorcycles are also welcome
for Test & Tune and grudge match racing on designated Friday nights at
"Georgia's House of Speed." The next Year One Fast Friday program is
scheduled for Friday, April 9th, with gates opening at 6:00 PM for both
racers and spectators.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Craig Armstrong (706) 654-1898
Millican, Atchison, Montecalvo and Barklage take Top Qualifying Honors at the Hooters IHRA Amalie Oil Texas Nationals presented by Ancira Cars, Trucks & RVs and the San Antonio Express-News
Posted Sunday, March 28, 2004 by DavidDilbeck
Clay Millican leads Top Fuel with a 4.631 @ 309.77.
Rob Atchison is #1 in Funny Car with a 5.814 @ 239.78.
John Montecalvo takes the top spot in Pro Stock with a 6.533 @ 213.57. Charlie Peppers ( Auburn, GA )qualifies #10 at 6.589.
Zach Barklage jumps to the head of the Pro Mod field with a 6.208 @ 229.16 pass. Eddie Ware ( Marietta, GA ) fails to qualify with a 27th best 6.390 @ 220.04.
William Parris picks up a win in Top Stock Round 2 and advances to the semi-finals.
Millican, Atchison, Jones and Billes Lead Day One Qualifying at the Hooters IHRA Amalie Oil Texas Nationals presented by Ancira Cars, Trucks & RVs and the San Antonio Express-News
Posted Saturday, March 27, 2004 by DavidDilbeck
2003 IHRA Champion Clay Millican is #1 in Top Fuel with a 4.642 @ 303.23, 2003 Funny Car Champ Rob Atchinson leads Funny Car at 5.853 @ 239.31 and Rick Jones paces Pro Stock with a 6.553 @ 212.06 in his Dodge Stratus. Charlie Peppers ( Auburn, GA ) is currenty #6 in Pro Stock with his Ford Mustang ( 6.589 @ 211.33 ). Al Billes is the quickest in Pro Mod at 6.224 ( 225.86 ) with Scotty Cannon right on his heels with a 2nd best 6.227 @ 228.15. Marietta, GA's Eddie Ware is currently # 21 with a 6.390 @ 219.40 in his '41 Willys.
Bob Sharp leads Top Stock" in his '69 Camaro with a 10.018 @ 134.97. Pro Stock pioneer William Parris is #2 with a 10.046 @ 130.23 in his '68 Barracuda.
Photos
GARHOFA Car Show March 27, 2004
Posted Friday, March 26, 2004 by DavidDilbeck
What: Chapter One Open Car Show
When: Saturday, March 27, 2004
Where: Vinson Valley Park, Byron, GA
This will be the Third Annual Open Car Show sponsored by GARHOFA Chapter One. Over 120 cars from across the southeast are expected to be on display at this year's show. In addition to the many door prizes to be given away, Chapter One will raffle off a beautiful red gas-powered E-Z-GO Golf Cart and Trailer valued at over $3000.00. For more details contact: John Knowles 478-956-3643.
GARHOFA Upcoming Events
New Photos of the Atlanta Speed Shop
Posted Tuesday, March 23, 2004 by DavidDilbeck
Julius Hughes III is building a new Atlanta Speed Shop near Gainesville, GA. Here are the latest photos.
Schumacher, Worsham, Anderson, Hines and Billes Win the NHRA POWERade Mac Tools Gatornationals - David Tatum III Runner-Up in Super Comp
Posted Monday, March 22, 2004 by DavidDilbeck
Andrew Hines wins Pro Stock Bike and gives Harley Davidson their first NHRA win. David Tatum III ( Palmetto, GA ) is runner up in Super Comp.
More Info:
NHRA Recap
Drag Race Central Recap
Gatornationals Photos
Atlanta Dragway Results by Tim Glover
Posted Monday, March 22, 2004 by DavidDilbeck
"BUFORD HEAVY" WINS FIRST SUMMIT SPORT COMPACT RACE AT ATLANTA DRAGWAY,
SISSON AND MARTIN WIN SECOND RACE OF YEAR
(Commerce, GA - March 20) Although lightning and then heavy rain "won" some
of the categories contested during this Summit ET Series race at Atlanta
Dragway in Commerce, GA, three winners emerged just before the "plug" was
pulled. The Atlanta Dragway crew ran the race as long as possible, but when
lightning started striking dangerously close to the track, they told the
racers to go ahead and put their cars up for the night. Points were awarded
for rounds won, and the purse was split among the remaining racers in the
Sportsman and Super Pro class. Joshua Sisson and Cody Martin have been in
all three of the Jr. Dragster finals contested in 2004, winning two each.
Sisson won the first race and tonight's race (in 8-12 year old Jr. Dragster)
with his Fresh Frozen Foods entry. Martin made it two in a row in the 13-17
year old class.
Some of the day's earlier winners won their class in the Run for the Money
round. Sportsman (no electronics) racer Tom Truluck's luck held up,
winning the Run for the Money for the second week in a row with the Dickey
Forrester owned '68 Camaro he is currently driving. Truluck went 13.145 on
a 13.14 dial. Billy Kittle won the Super Pro (electronics allowed) edition
with his dragster. Whitney Samples, driving the Valvoline car owned by Bill
Gillen, went 8.375 on an 8.37 to win the Jr. Dragster portion of the Run for
the Money purse. The fastest car on the grounds was Quain Stott's "Mohengan
Sun" Pro Mod Corvette, a low six second, 200plus mile per hour machine,
which was making practice laps.
Ten year old Joshua Sisson from Gainesville, GA has been on a roll in 8-12
year old Jr. Dragster. Sisson jumped to an early lead in the points by
winning the first 2004 race, and has put his Fresh Frozen Foods race car in
all three finals contested so far this year. For the second week in a row,
10 year old Valerie Clements from Central, SC has been in the final, but
this time she had to settle for the runner up spot with her Zorn General
Contracting machine. Sisson took the early advantage in the final with a
.544 react (to Clement's .565). He then crossed the finish line .007
seconds ahead of Clements, carding a 9.294, 69.68mph effort (9.10 dial).
Clements' car was also off, with a 9.22, 71.00mph (9.04 dial). Scott Digby
(12 - Walhalla, SC) was the lone semi-finalist.
Three of the final four 13-17 year old Jr. Dragster contestants came
from Buford, GA. The torque converter on 15 year old Cody Martins' Buford,
GA based race car locked up and then disintegrated during the first round of
13-17 Jr. Dragster action today, making the car slide to a stop after the
finish line and scattering numerous parts, (including the carburetor and
dial in board!). Thanks to quick help from many of the Jr. Dragster racing
"family", his car was back together in time for round two, where he ran a
dead-on 8.69 pass. Martin continued the streak with several more dead-on or
close passes en route to the winner's circle. Martin may want to keep some
of those borrowed parts. Martin met PTI Transport racer Lauren Turner (13
years old - Pendergrass, GA) in the final, and used a telepathic .508 react
to win. Seeing he had some room on the finish line, Martin slowed his car a
tad to 8.67, 72.96mph (8.62 dial). Turner's car was spot on, but second
across the finish line with a 9.14, 71.77mph effort (9.13 target). Casey
Free (15 - Sugar Hill, GA) and Thomas Davis-Cox (14 - Buford, GA) were the
semi-final pair.
A new class, Sport Compact, was put together for the 2004 Atlanta Dragway
season. Tonight a group of racers headed by Kevin Davis from Blairsville,
GA got together and helped make the class happen. Tim Houghland from
Buford, GA marched through the rounds, meeting local favorite Eric "Buford
Heavy" Duncan in the final. Thinking he needed a good reaction time to win,
Houghland "squeezed" the tree a little too hard in his '02 Focus SVT,
red-lighting his chances of victory away with a .433 react and a 17.02,
84.48mph shot (16.65 dial). Duncan also went through rounds in his high
mile (200,000 plus) '97 Cavalier, and earned the first Summit / Snap-On ET
Series Sport Compact Winner's trophy awarded by Atlanta Dragway with his
18.92, 72.52mph pass (19.02 dial). Kevin Davis ('96 Eclipse - Blairsville,
GA) was the semi-final finisher. Buford gave part of the credit to his
sponsor Wayne Smith of Hedman Hedders, "We've got a special Hedman Hedder on
this car."
Trophy Street was almost finished, with only the finalists left by the time
the Summit event was called to a halt. Chris Lee ('98 Mustang GT - Toccoa,
GA) and Mardy Kennedy ('64 Econoline pickup - Auburn, GA) were close to
running the final round when the action was halted. The Trophy Street
semifinalists were Harold Wilson ('74 Nova - Winder, GA) and Doug Edmonds
('98 Z/28 - Toccoa, GA).
Nine racers were left in Super Pro. They are, in alphabetical order: John
Anderson ('97 Undercover dragster - Conyers, GA), John Bates ('77 Camaro -
Loganville, GA), Brian Cates ('96 Undercover dragster - Flowery Branch, GA),
Clay Fancher ('98 Horton dragster - Conyers, GA), Phil Owens ('01 Bantam
Roadster - Lithia Springs, GA), J.D. Reid ('02 Undercover dragster -
Conyers, GA), Jacob "Lucky" Rutledge ('79 Footbrake Capri - Braselton, GA),
Howard Snelgrove ('68 Camaro - Dahlonega, GA) and Jesse Young ('89 Horton
dragster - Danielsville, GA).
Five racers were left in Sportsman. They are, in alphabetical order: Rusty
Brown ('04 Mach 1 - Loganville, GA), Dickey Forrester ('67 Camaro - Canton,
GA), Rob Hogue ('84 Monte Carlo SS - Loganville, GA), Andy Thigpen ('80
Monza - Flowery Branch, GA) and Robert Wilbanks ('65 Mustang - Winder, GA).
------------------------------------------------
SPORT COMPACT CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: "Buford Heavy" '97 Cavalier Commerce, GA 18.92 72.52 (19.02)
R/U: Tim Houghland '02 Focus SVT Buford, GA (foul) 17.02 84.48 (16.65)
Semi: Kevin Davis '96 Eclipse Blairsville, GA
Semi:
------------------------------------------------
JR. DRAGSTER 8-12 AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Joshua Sisson 10 Gainesville, GA 9.29 69.68 (9.10)
R/U: Valerie Clements 10 Central, SC 9.22 71.00 (9.04)
Semi: Scott Digby 12 Walhalla, SC
------------------------------------------------
JR. DRAGSTER 13-17 AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Cody Martin 15 Buford, GA 8.67 72.96 (8.62)
R/U: Lauren Turner 13 Pendergrass, GA 9.14 71.77 (9.13)
Semi: Casey Free 15 Sugar Hill, GA
Semi: Thomas Davis-Cox 14 Buford, GA
Photos
Atlanta Dragway Results from Tim Glover
Posted Monday, March 22, 2004 by DavidDilbeck
CLEAR SKIES, BIG CROWD FOR ATLANTA DRAGWAY "FAST FRIDAY" SHOW
BANKS CROSSING, GA No rain showed up, but throngs of racers and spectators did come to enjoy the third installment of the 2004 "Year One Fast Friday"
series at Atlanta Dragway on Friday, March 19. The racing and grudge match
action was hot, however, and the crowd stayed until the last pass was made
down the track's quarter-mile dragstrip.
For the first time, there was a tie for Best Reaction Time of the the
9:00-10:00 PM Year One Power Hour. Chris Morris from Lawrenceville, GA laid
down a great .502 react with his '94 Mustang. This was followed soon by yet
another .502 reaction time from Jeremy Wade of Flowery Branch, GA in a '97
Honda Prelude. Both racers earned a $50 Year One Gift Certificate voucher.
Richard Patch from Dacula, GA showed the crowds how fast his 2003 Mustang
Cobra was with a 121.00mph blast down the track, earning a $50 Year One
voucher for the fastest pass of the evening. Another $50 Year One Gift
Certificate was awarded to Chris Leech from Loganville, GA, when he earned
the Quickest ET award with his '94 Camaro, an 11.896 second shot.
Sponsored by Year One in Braselton, along with the Hayes Family Dealerships
in Lawrenceville, Gainesville and Cornelia, Atlanta Dragway's Fast Friday
show is primarily an opportunity for drivers of street-legal vehicles to
"race the strip, not the street." Racecars and motorcycles are also welcome
for Test & Tune and grudge match racing on designated Friday nights at
"Georgia's House of Speed." The next Year One Fast Friday program is
scheduled for Friday, March 26, with gates opening at 6:00 PM for both
racers and spectators.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Craig Armstrong (706) 654-1898
GDR Website Maintenance
Posted Sunday, March 21, 2004 by johndilbeck
GeorgiaDragRacing.com was hacked yesterday and the main index page was changed. That has been corrected. A few other things were modified and they have been corrected, also.
After months of wondering how they were getting into the system, I'm about 99% sure that I have tracked it down. For the next couple of days, parts of the site may not work as I upgrade the programming and close a couple of security holes.
Hopefully, this will be completed by Tuesday or Wednesday. I won't be listing details, and I probably won't put up a notice when it is complete. No need to give these guys any further ideas.
Most of the site will be unaffected by the upgrades.
Sorry for the disruption, if you experience one.
JD
KJ Will Defend his Gatornationals Title from the Seventh Position
Posted Sunday, March 21, 2004 by DavidDilbeck
On the strength of a 6.798-second, 204.96 mph pass made on Friday evening, Kurt Johnson qualified his ACDelco Cavalier seventh for Sunday's final eliminations of the Mac Tools Gatornationals.
After securing his spot in the field on Friday, KJ looked to improve his standing during one of his final two attempts on Saturday. Although his elapsed times were certainly competitive, Johnson was forced to bring his car back into the racing groove each time, which scrubbed off valuable time, and prevented any advancement.
Facing another tough field in eliminations, Johnson and crew were facing a long night of data review and analysis in preparation for race day.
"We spun (the tires) really hard this morning, which caused it to hook to the right. Between the bad sixty-foot time, and getting out of the groove, we probably knocked about three hundredths out of that run, which means we could have run about a 6.78.
"This afternoon, the air actually got a hundred feet better, and the track temperature was down a little bit, so we thought we could go 6.76 or 6.77, but we weren't going to do it shaking the tries as we did.
"The car has just not been happy this weekend. I can feel it in the car that something just isn't right. This is the first time we've run on this type of racetrack under these conditions, and it seems to be a little off in every part of the run.
"We're going to go over our data and figure out what it needs for tomorrow. Obviously, the key will be to make sure our ACDelco Cavalier makes a smooth run every round. If we can do that, we figure to pick up about five hundredths right off the bat. However, we've certainly got our homework cut out for us."
Jon G. Knapp
TMG Sports Marketing
WJ Works His Way to the Ninth Starting Position in Gainesville
Posted Sunday, March 21, 2004 by DavidDilbeck
Contact: Jon G. Knapp
TMG Sports Marketing
Phone: (704) 662-3121
Entering the final day of qualifying at the Mac Tools Gatornationals, Warren Johnson found himself in the uncharacteristic position of being outside of the top sixteen required to qualify. In addition, in order to produce the necessary performance, he would have to solve a mechanical mystery that had slowed him on Friday.
As could be expected, the Johnson crew worked tirelessly, replacing the engine, as well any many other components on their race car. Fortunately, their efforts were rewarded on their third attempt, as the GM Performance Parts Grand Am recorded the third quickest pass of the session at 6.802 seconds with a top speed of 202.42 mph, earning the ninth position in Sunday's starting field.
The Professor continued his search for performance on his fourth and final time trial, once again changing engines before the run. Although he did not better his position, Johnson obtained data that could prove valuable on race day.
"The GM Performance Parts team certainly put in a full day's work. We've been working on a new combination, which we used on our first two runs on Friday. We then changed to one of our normal rotation engines to qualify this morning, and then went back to the new set-up for this afternoon. We have no real data to go on, so every run is invaluable. It (the new engine) is really pretty close. We feel pretty confident that once we have a few races with it, we should be fully dialed in.
"The track is a little questionable right now, simply because it's so green. A year from now, it will be an excellent surface. We're not in too bad a shape, especially compared to the fuel classes, who seem to have been having a tough time getting down the track.
"As for tomorrow, I've always been of the opinion that you have to take it one round at a time, and knock them all off, no matter who is in the other lane. Although a few may lie about it, I haven't seen anyone out here walk on water yet, so we like our chances. We'll decipher all the information from today's runs, see what it looks like, and go from there."
Jon G. Knapp
TMG Sports Marketing
Puckett, W. Adcock, LoCicero, Lewis, Tatum and S. Adcock, Jr. Move Into Late Rounds at the Gatornationals
Posted Sunday, March 21, 2004 by DavidDilbeck
Here are the Georgia racers ( Sportsman categories ) still in competition at the NHRA POWERade Mac Tools Gatornationals.
Van Puckett defeats Mike Saye in round #2 of Comp.
Woody Adcock, Joe LoCicero and Grant Lewis win in round 3 of Super Stock.
David Tatum III and Sherman Adcock win round 4 of Super Comp.
Grubnic, Wilkerson, Anderson, Hines, and Janis are Top Qualifiers at the NHRA POWERade MAC Tools Gatornationals
Posted Sunday, March 21, 2004 by DavidDilbeck
David Grubnic leads the Top Fuel class in Connie Kalitta's #3 dragster with a 4.623.
Tim Wilkerson takes the #1 spot in Funny Car with a 4.906 that just edged Whit Bazemore's 4.909.
Greg Anderson nips Larry Morgan's 6.764 with his #1 Pro Stock qualifying 6.763. Four Georgia Pro Stock teams made the field in Gainesville with Mark Whisnant's sixth best 6.795 the quickest of the bunch. Kurt Johnson ( #7 - 6.798 ), Warren Johnson ( #9 - 6.802 )and Barry Grant ( #14 - 6.811 ) are the other Georgians.
Andrew Hines topped the Pro Stock Bikes on his Harley with a 7.097.
Mike Janis is the top Pro Mod qualifier with a 6.157.
NHRA Recap
Russell, Bazemore, Morgan, Scali and Ashley Lead Day One Qualifying at the NHRA POWERade MAC Tools Gatornationals
Posted Saturday, March 20, 2004 by DavidDilbeck
Darrell Russell manages to get down the track a little better than the rest of the Top Fuelers, Whit Bazemore leads the funny cars, Larry Morgan breaks the track record in Pro Stock, Geno Scali also sets a new track record and Mike Ashley is #1 in Pro Mod.
Pro Stock driver Mark Whisnant rebounds nicely from his early slump with a #5 6.795. KJ is #6 and Barry Grant is #11. WJ is not currently qualified with his 20th best 6.834. KJ sets a new track speed record at 204.96.
Mark Billington from Norcross, GA is qualified #11 in Top Alcohol Funny Car with a 5.847 @ 248.13.
Don Eberly ( Brunswick, GA ) is #6 and Van Puckett ( Monroe, GA ) is #13 in Comp Eliminator.
Joe LoCicero from Snellville ( #25 )leads the Georgia drivers in Super Stock. Other Georgia qualifiers are Grant Lewis ( #27 - Jesup, GA ), Woody Adcock ( #36 - Columbus, GA ), Woodro Josey ( #39 - Byron, GA ) and Jonathan Horton ( #43 - Bonaire, GA ).
Georgian Brandon Wood ( Thomasville, GA ) is #1 in Stock Eliminator with a 11.717 ( -1.233 ) pass in his F/FIA '85 Camaro. Other Georgians in Stock are Tom Stevenson ( #4 - Flowery Branch, GA ), Mike Mayhew ( #55 - Savannah, GA ), Doug Frazier ( #59 - Ringgold, GA ) and Wayne Shaw ( #62 - Douglasville, GA ).
NHRA Friday Recap
Classic Thunder at Macon National Dragway March 20, 2004
Posted Tuesday, March 16, 2004 by DavidDilbeck
Be sure to check out the Classic Thunder event at Macon National Dragway this coming Saturday, March 20, 2004. For more information:
Macon National Dragway
Classic Thunder
GDR Website Updated
Posted Monday, March 15, 2004 by johndilbeck
Two new articles were added to the Articles & Stories section for March, 2004.
Thanks to Nancy Wilson for the 2004 East Coast Drag Times Hall of Fame Inductees and to Billy Holt for an article about his Drag Racing Career.
Grant Lewis, David Tatum III, and Jeffrey Barker Post Runner-Up Finishes at NHRA Southeast Division Lucas Oil Event at Orlando
Posted Monday, March 15, 2004 by DavidDilbeck
COMP ELIMINATOR
Charlie Westcott Jr., Parma, Mich., '98 Grand Am, H/SMA, 9.192, 123.94
def. Larry Pritchett, Clarkrange, Tenn., '04 Sunfire, B/SM, 8.371, 139.21
SUPER STOCK
Mike Crutchfield, Montgomery, Ala., '90 Camaro, SS/BS, 9.046, 149.85 def.
Grant Lewis, Jesup, Ga., '67 Camaro, SS/HA, foul
STOCK ELIMINATOR
Lee Zane, Pittsgrove, N.J., '73 Apollo, K/SA, 11.861, 108.59 def.
Rod Johnson, Palmetto, Fla., '73 Nova, J/SA, 12.047, 104.39
SUPER COMP
Dan Morrow, St Petersburg Beach, Fla., Dragster, 8.960, 149.37 def.
David Tatum III, Palmetto, Ga., Dragster, 12.904, 71.87
SUPER GAS
David Scott, North Port, Fla., '69 Nova, 9.923, 136.36 def.
Tom Stalba Jr., Williamstown, N.J., '63 Corvette, 9.912, 151.10
SUPER STREET
Tony Fuller, Oviedo, , Fla., '69 Firebird, 12.190, 84.27 def.
Quentin Holloway, Greensboro, N.C., '67 Chevelle, 13.337, 72.97
TOP SPORTSMAN
Gilmer Hinshaw, Burlington, N.C., '99 Monte Carlo, 7.158, 186.68 def.
Jeffrey Barker, Warner Bridges, Ga., '00 S-10, 7.703, 176.09
More Info
NHRA Division 2 Points Standings
Atlanta Dragway Results by Tim Glover
Posted Sunday, March 14, 2004 by DavidDilbeck
RACE DATE: March 13, 2004
FROM: Tim Glover
EVENT: Summit / Snap-On ET series event at Atlanta Dragway in 2004
REPEAT FINALISTS IN FOUR OF FIVE CLASSES AT ATLANTA DRAGWAY
(Commerce, GA - March 13) Four of the five classes contested during this
week's edition of the Summit ET Series at Atlanta Dragway featured repeat
finalists. Mike Ramsey won Super Pro (runner up March 6 race), Mike Newby
runner upped in Trophy (same as last week), Cody Martin won 13-17 Jr.
Dragster (runner up March 6) and Joshua Sisson runner upped in 8-12 Jr.
Dragster (won March 6). Although points are not a real issue, this feat has
certainly put these people in the early lead for the year. Added
attractions today included a Top Alcohol Dragster, owned and driven by Dan
Lucas from Cumming, GA. Lucas, with the help of his super crew, made a
couple of passes with a brand new combination. Lucas was happy with the
progress, saying he would be back in two weeks to further "dial in" his car.
An ORSCA competitor ( Outlaw Racing
Street Car Association ), Cody Rabon, was preparing for the upcoming March 28
ORSCA race today, making seven second, 160 plus mph passes in his way cool
turbocharged Mustang. Tom Truluck (No Electronics), Richard Price
(Electronics) and Dylan Kent (Jr. Dragster) became the first winners today,
winning their class in the Run for the Money event.
Super Pro winner Mike Ramsey from Homer, GA changed some suspension
components in his Don Ness built '81 Camaro during the week, and his car
responded well, running close to or right on its dial all day. Both racers
responded with a .518 second reaction time in the final, but Ramsey nailed
his dial in time of 5.54 with a 5.541, 123.32mph pass. Danny Goddard's
Stockbridge, GA based '77 Monza had been deadly consistent all night also,
but went just a tad too quick in the final, carding a 7.00, 96.80mph shot
(7.02 dial). Ramsey's Camaro was tagged with the name "Dog Killer" from an
incident that happened on the track years ago, and recently added the title
"Dragster Slayer" to his window, referring to all the dragsters he has put
on the trailer recently. Ramsey thanked his wife for her help, and also
thanked "Buford Heavy" Duncan, who does the engine work. For the second
week in a row, Billy Thigpen ('97 Undercover dragster - Flowery Branch, GA)
has raced well. He finished in the quarter finals last week, and made it to
the semifinals tonight. Gary Adams ('33 Willys - Carnesville, GA) was the
other semi-final finisher.
Gainesville, GA racer Bert Chapman, who led Sportsman points for most of
the 2003 season, entered his first race of the season today, and was
rewarded with the Sportsman win. Chapman met longtime racer Alan Sargent's
'77 Nova in final round action, and used a huge holeshot (.529 react vs.
.627 react) to take the win. Chapman's '69 Nova put down an 11.52,
112.91mph pass (11.22 target), while Sargent broke out with an 11.97,
110.53mph (12.01 dial). "This one is for my mother, Corky Rainwater. Thank
God for my being able to be here. I got here late, but still did well,"
said Chapman. For the second week in a row, Rob Hogue ('84 Monte Carlo SS)
made it to the semi-final round. Jody Blalock from Commerce, GA won the
quarterfinal round, but was unable to compete in the semi-finals after an A
frame broke on his '49 Hudson.
John Snapp ('68 Charger - Conyers, GA) returned to the Trophy Street
winner's circle for the first time since September 2003. This time, his win
was made easier courtesy of Mike Newby's too quick final round reaction
time, a .442 red light. Snapp chose to run his car out and turned in a
breakout 14.29, 95.72mph (14.33 dial). Newby, who earned the runner up spot
for the second week in a row with his show quality Marietta, GA based '69
Chevelle, also broke out, running 13.61, 97.80mph (13.62 dial). Snapp
dedicated tonight's win to his father, John Snapp, the original owner of his
'68 Charger. Steve Marcum ('01 Mustang - Bogart, GA) became the semi-final
finisher for the second week in a row. Marcum was joined in the semi-finals
by new racer Will Dunson ( '00 Mustang - Toccoa, GA).
Longtime Jr. Dragster veteran Cody Martin (15 years old - Buford, GA) had
to settle for a runner up finish last week in 13-17 Jr. Dragster, but said
he was excited to win this time, which was against rookie Brandi Moulton
(13), daughter of Todd Moulton (Todd has won several "big car" races at
Atlanta Dragway). Martin used his holeshot advantage to run an off pace
8.83, 69.40mph pass (8.74 dial). Moulton went a tad too quick, with a
15.02, 40.54mph (15.10 dial). Moulton was as excited as her dad that she
went this far in only her second race. Brother and sister team Johnny and
Lauren Turner (15 and 13 years old) from Pendergrass, GA were the semi-final
finishers.
Ten year old Valerie Clements from Central, SC dedicated her first 8-12 Jr.
Dragster win of 2003 to her new sponsor, Greg Harding of Zorn General
Contracting. Clements met the Fresh Frozen Foods entry driven by 10 year old
Joshua Sisson from Gainesville, GA in the final round. Although Sisson had
a slightly better react, Clements' race car ran closer to its target, with
an 8.992, 73.74mph (8.98 dial). Sisson crossed the finish line .012 seconds
later, with a 9.07, 72.72mph (9.05 dial). Gage Carlton (9 - Seneca, SC) was
the lone semi-finalist.
PRO / SUPER PRO CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Mike Ramsey '81 Camaro Commerce, GA 5.54 123.32 (5.54)
R/U: Danny Goddard '77 Monza Stockbridge, GA 7.00 96.80 (7.02)
Semi: Billy Thigpen '97 Undercover dragster Flowery Branch, GA
Semi: Gary Adams '33 Willys Carnesville, GA
SPORTSMAN CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Bert Chapman '69 Nova Gainesville, GA 11.25 112.91 (11.22)
R/U: Alan Sargent '77 Nova Braselton, GA 11.97 110.53 (12.01)
Semi: Rob Hogue '84 Monte Carlo SS Loganville, GA
Semi: Jody Blalock '49 Hudson Commerce, GA
TROPHY STREET CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: John Snapp '68 Charger Conyers, GA 14.29 95.72 (14.33)
R/U: Mike Newby '69 Chevelle Marietta, GA (foul) 13.61 97.80 (13.62)
Semi: Steve Marcum '01 Mustang Bogart, GA
Semi: Will Dunson '00 Mustang Toccoa, GA
JR. DRAGSTER 8-12 AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Valerie Clements 10 Central, SC 8.99 73.74 (8.98)
R/U: Joshua Sisson 10 Gainesville, GA 9.07 72.72 (9.05)
Semi: Gage Carlton 9 Seneca, SC
JR. DRAGSTER 13-17 AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Cody Martin 15 Buford, GA 8.83 69.40 (8.74)
R/U: Brandi Moulton 13 Lawrenceville, GA 15.02 40.54 (15.10)
Semi: Lauren Turner 13 Pendergrass, GA
Semi: Johnny Turner 15 Pendergrass, GA
Photos
Clear Skies, Big Crowd for Atlanta Dragway "Fast Friday" Show
Posted Sunday, March 14, 2004 by DavidDilbeck
Although the air temperature was cooler than predicted,
throngs of racers and spectators showed up for the second installment of the
2004 "Year One Fast Friday" series at Atlanta Dragway on Friday, March 12.
The racing and grudge match action was hot, however, and the crowd stayed
until the last pass was made down the track's quarter-mile dragstrip.
Driving his very consistent 2002 Honda Civic SI, Andy Osteen of Oakwood, GA
drilled the Christmas Tree with a .506 for Best Reaction Time of the
9:00-10:00 PM Year One Power Hour, taking home a $50 Year One Gift
Certificate voucher. Aboard a surprisingly quick 1967 Camaro, Marcus Chase
of Aiken, S.C. ran the Quickest ET (11.092 seconds) in the Power Hour
competition for street-legal cars and pickups, picking up another $50 Year
One Gift Certificate voucher. Local racer Art Byers of Maysville, also in a
'67 Camaro, copped the Fastest Lap award (127.08 mph), netting him the third
$50 Year One vouchers for his speedy pass.
Sponsored by Year One in Braselton, along with the Hayes Family Dealerships
in Lawrenceville, Gainesville and Cornelia, Atlanta Dragway's Fast Friday
show is primarily an opportunity for drivers of street-legal vehicles to
"race the strip, not the street." Racecars and motorcycles are also welcome
for Test & Tune and grudge match racing on designated Friday nights at
"Georgia's House of Speed." The next Year One Fast Friday program is
scheduled for Friday, March 19, with gates opening at 6:00 PM for both
racers and spectators.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Craig Armstrong (706) 654-1898
Charlie Westcott Jr., Dave Layer, Bruce Noland and Ronnie Davis are Top Qualifiers at the NHRA Southeast Division Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Event at Orlando Speed World Dragway
Posted Sunday, March 14, 2004 by DavidDilbeck
The only Georgia qualifier in Comp is:
#13-Don Eberly ( Brunswick, GA 282 F/SMA '96 Achieva ) 9.009
Georgia Super Stock qualifiers:
#10 -Robert Burgin ( Cuthbert, GA 2282 GT/CA '01 Firebird ) 9.678
#19 -Grant Lewis ( Jesup, GA 2780 SS/HA '67 Camaro ) 9.982
#23 -Joe LoCicero ( Snellville, GA 4 GT/CA '88 Camaro ) 9.808
Georgia Stock qualifiers:
#6 -Brandon Wood ( Thomasville, GA 28 F/FIA '85 Camaro ) 11.755
#10 -Painter Stevenson ( Flowery Branch, GA 265 G/SA ) 11.139
#61 -Mike Mayhew ( Savannah, GA 275 M/SA '77 Cutlass ) 12.449
#63 -Wayne Shaw ( Douglasville, GA 2464 A/FIA '00 Firebird ) 10.610
#65 -Doug Frazier ( Ringgold, GA 26 E/SA '71 Duster ) 11.331
#73 -Butch Payne ( Rome, GA 2237 C/FIA '97 Firebird ) 11.611
Georgia Top Sportsman qualifiers:
#1 -Ronnie Davis ( Commerce, GA 204 '63 Corvette ) 6.890
#4 -Jerry Barker ( Byron, GA 22 '02 Cavalier ) 7.322
#9 -Daniel Osborn ( Athens, GA 2809 '91 Olds ) 7.619
#13 -Jeffrey Barker ( Warner Bridges, GA 27 '00 S-10 ) 7.692
More Info
Kurt Johnson to Appear on This Weekend's NHRA2Day
Posted Saturday, March 13, 2004 by DavidDilbeck
Sugar Hill, Ga., March 12, 2004 - ACDelco Pro Stock driver Kurt Johnson, who is coming off a very popular win at the Checker Schuck's Kragen NHRA Nationals, will be a featured guest on this weekend's edition of NHRA2Day.
Sunday's win, which was Johnson's second at Firebird Raceway, came in only his second race with his 2004 ACDelco Cavalier. Starting fifth, K.J. opened with an easy first-round victory, thanks to J.R. Carr's red-light. After edging his father, six-time Pro Stock champion Warren Johnson in the second round, Kurt squared off against rival and defending event winner Greg Anderson in the semi-finals.
In one of the most exciting races of the day, Johnson drilled Anderson at the starting line by nearly four hundredths of a second, and used a 6.850-second pass in the less-preferred right hand lane to defeat the 2003 Pro Stock titlist on a hole shot. K.J. then completed his drive to the winner's circle by eclipsing David Connolly in the championship round by eight ten-thousandths of a second.
This was Johnson's 28th national event win, and first of the 2004 season. He now stands second the 2004 POWERade point standings, only five behind leader Anderson.
NHRA2Day is ESPN's half-hour weekly magazine show chronicling the events of the world's fastest motorsport. Hosted by Bill Stephens, it brings viewers up-to-date on the latest news from the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), either from the site of that weekend's national event, or from the show's Charlotte, NC studios.
This weekend's show is scheduled to air at its normal time on Sunday morning from 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon (ET) on ESPN2.
Contact: Jon G. Knapp
TMG Sports Marketing
IHRA Mr. Gasket Division 2 Pro Am Results - Carolina Dragway
Posted Monday, March 8, 2004 by DavidDilbeck
Winners from Carolina Dragway March 5-7, 2004:
Top Sportsman - Mike Forsythe
Top Dragster - Eric Boyd ( Flintstone, GA )
Super Stock - Paul Forte
Stock - Brenda Grubbs
RU Robbie Shaw ( Douglasville, GA )
Quick Rod - Kevin Scales
Super Rod - Joel Head ( Winston, GA )
Hot Rod - Tony Fuller
Gamblers Race - Farrell Scurry ( Augusta, GA )
Pro ET - Everett Short
Sportsman ET - Lee Zane
Junior Dragster - Amanda Benner
GC Drag 7.00 - Leland Popell ( Odom, GA )
RU Mike Buxton ( Grovetown, GA )
Pro Mod Quick 8 - Charles Carpenter
IHRA Results
Kurt Johnson Scores Stunning Win in Phoenix
Posted Monday, March 8, 2004 by DavidDilbeck
Kurt Johnson scored his first win of the 2004 POWERade Drag Racing season during Sunday's final eliminations of the Checker Schuck's Kragen NHRA Nationals in Phoenix, Arizona. Starting from the fifth position at Firebird Raceway, Johnson's ACDelco Cavalier powered through the first three rounds in dramatic fashion before facing David Connolly in the championship round. Although Connolly was able to gain a slight advantage at the start, Johnson roared back with a 6.835-second, 203.49 mph pass to nip his opponent at the finish line by an immeasurable eight ten-thousandths of a second.
"Our ACDelco Cavalier made four absolutely perfect runs today," said Johnson. "In the final against Connolly, I thought I had a decent light, but it's tough to tell between the .20s, .30s, .40s and .50s out there. That Connolly kid is very good for the amount of experience he has.
"Fortunately, I made a good run, and was able to reel him back in. According to the incremental timers, we didn't lead until the very last mark, but that's when it counts. Anytime you can win by eight ten-thousandths of a second, it's exciting, not only for the fans, but also for the team."
Johnson's day started with a relatively easy first round win over J.R. Carr, whose red-light start handed the second-generation racer the automatic win. His next opponent would be his father, six-time Pro Stock champion Warren Johnson. Taking full advantage of being able to choose his lane, Kurt used a solid 6.834-second, 203.31 mph pass to advance to the semifinals for the second time in as many races, where he would face defending Pro Stock champion Greg Anderson.
Johnson's assignment was made even tougher by the fact that he would be racing in the less-preferred right hand lane. Responding to the challenge, KJ welded his opponent to the starting line with an outstanding .027 reaction time, and used an impressive 6.850-second, 202.88 mph run to defeat his rival's quicker 6.820-second pass. This well-deserved victory snapped Johnson's ten-race personal losing streak against Anderson.
"As well as he had been running this weekend, I was glad to be within two hundredths of Greg," said Johnson. "However, we prefer to work on our car instead of worrying about what he was doing. Throughout the day, we kept making adjustments, picking up our performance first in the front half, and then in the back half. I also think he might have been slowing down.
"In that semi-final race, I felt my light was pretty good, but even so, I could just feel him there on my left-hand side. I wanted to look so badly, but I just concentrated on doing my job, suffering through those seven seconds and waited for my win light to come on. Fortunately, it did."
This win was the 28th of Johnson's career, and second at Firebird Raceway. Of equal importance, it also closed the second-generation driver within five points of the championship lead.
"I know several people are making a big deal about my beating Greg in the semis, but winning the race is what really matters," said Johnson. "Some people may haven been a little surprised by our performance, but I wasn't.
"After we ran that 6.81 in the last qualifying session, I was pretty confident about our chances, and that confidence carried over into today. Fortunately, I have great sponsors in ACDelco and Chevrolet, a great crew behind me in Kevin Horst and Joe Cottle, as well as everyone back at the shop in Sugar Hill, who have been working non-stop. I know Dad (Six-time champion Warren Johnson) was also excited to see us win.
"Every race is a battle and a key piece in the championship. Today, the ACDelco crew won the battle, and we're about 80 points ahead of where we were last year at this time, but it's going to be tight all season. There are several teams working hard and running well. It really doesn't matter until the end of the year, and it's our job to make sure we're on top then. But for now, we're going to take a little time and enjoy this win."
NHRA POWERade Points Standings
(after 2 of 23 events)
1. Greg Anderson 196
2. Kurt Johnson 191
3. Warren Johnson 149
4. Larry Morgan 148
5. Dave Connolly 146
Contact: Jon G. Knapp
TMG Sports Marketing
WJ Rides His "Wounded Duck" to the Phoenix Quarterfinals
Posted Monday, March 8, 2004 by DavidDilbeck
Warren Johnson knew he faced a significant disadvantage entering Sunday's final eliminations of the Checker Schuck's Kragen NHRA Nationals in Phoenix, AZ. Unbeknownst to anyone outside the GM Performance Parts Racing team, the powerful 500 cubic inch V-8 under the hood of their Grand Am was not up to full power. Although the Professor had been able to muster a 6.797-second, 203.86 mph pass to qualify fourth, he knew he would need every advantage possible in order to advance.
Fortunately, as the higher-seeded car in the opening round, Johnson would be able to pick his lane against veteran Jerry Haas on the very tricky Firebird Raceway track, which was made even more challenging by the 80 degrees temperatures encountered on Sunday. Johnson took full advantage, leaving the starting line over four hundredths of a second ahead of his opponent, and posting a representative 6.846-second, 202.12-mph pass to advance to the quarter-finals.
However, WJ had no such luxuries in his next race, as he would have to face his son Kurt Johnson. In addition to not having lane choice, the senior member of the Johnson family would also have to deal with a healthy and quicker race car.
Unfortunately, although he would record the quickest pass of the second round in the right lane at 6.861 seconds, it was not enough to hold off his son's 6.834-second charge.
"That was all that engine had left to give. Looking at the data from the run against Kurt, we actually made a better run in the second round, but it was obviously a wounded duck. In that situation, there's really nothing you can do. You can make a few adjustments to try and compensate, and maybe lean it out and go for a Hail Mary, trying to pick up a little without damaging it too much, but we really took it as far as we could and wanted to.
"We'll take it back to the shop and put it on the dyno and see just how far off we were. It was just something inadvertent that happened. We'll make the necessary changes to fix it, restore this engine to full health, and start focusing on Gainesville.
"Looking at the performance of both Kurt's and my cars, we're pretty optimistic. We've narrowed the deficit between ourselves and the quickest car considerably, and we'll just keep working at it until our GM Performance Parts Grand Am can put our opponents out to pasture."
Contact: Jon G. Knapp
TMG Sports Marketing
Balmy Weather, Huge Crowds Greet "Fast Friday" Opener
Posted Monday, March 8, 2004 by DavidDilbeck
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Craig Armstrong (706) 654-1898
BANKS CROSSING, GA The predicted rain showers held off, and with
temperatures holding over 70-degrees, the fans and racers arrived in droves
for the season opener of the "Year One Fast Friday" series at Atlanta
Dragway on Friday, March 6. Even with spring nearly three weeks away, the
sight of quick cars running on the quarter-mile dragstrip, and the sound of
high-revving engines and rock music, transformed the event into a pre-summer
festival of speed.
Driving a surprisingly potent 1990 AMC Eagle, Josh Bulloch of Buford, GA
nailed the Christmas Tree with a .524 for Best Reaction Time of the
9:00-10:00 PM Year One Power Hour, taking home a $50 Year One Gift
Certificate voucher. Aboard his super-quick 1979 Z28 Camaro, Junior
Armstrong of Dahlonega, GA ran the Quickest ET (9.606 seconds) in the Power
Hour competition for street-legal cars and pickups, and also copped the
Fastest Lap award (141.09 mph), netting him two $50 Year One Gift
Certificate vouchers for his efforts.
Sponsored by Year One in Braselton, along with the Hayes Family Dealerships
in Lawrenceville, Gainesville and Cornelia, Atlanta Dragway's Fast Friday
show is primarily an opportunity for drivers of street-legal vehicles to
"race the strip, not the street." Racecars and motorcycles are also welcome
for Test & Tune and grudge match racing on designated Friday nights at
"Georgia's House of Speed." The next Year One Fast Friday program is
scheduled for Friday, March 12, with gates opening at 6:00 PM for both
racers and spectators.
Kurt Johnson Wins Pro Stock, Brandon Bernstein Takes Top Fuel and Del Worsham Wins Funny Car at the NHRA POWERade Checker Schuck's Kragen Nationals
Posted Sunday, March 7, 2004 by DavidDilbeck
Kurt Johnson takes out Greg Anderson in the semis of Pro Stock and scores the win over Dave Connolly in the final. Kurt takes over second place in the points race. Brandon Bernstein completes his comeback with a final round win over Doug Kalitta. Del Worsham scores a funny car win at his sponsor's race by defeating Tony Pedregon in the final and moves into the points lead.
NHRA Recap
Atlanta Dragway Results by Tim Glover
Posted Sunday, March 7, 2004 by DavidDilbeck
RACE DATE: March 6, 2004
FROM: Tim Glover
EVENT: Summit / Snap-On ET series event at Atlanta Dragway in 2004
NIGHT OF FIRSTS MARKS FIRST SUMMIT BRACKET RACE OF THE YEAR AT ATLANTA
DRAGWAY
(Commerce, GA - March 6) The weatherman was not too optimistic about today's
weather, but it turned out far better than could be hoped for on Opening Day
2004 at Atlanta Dragway. Morning rains had soaked the track, but sunshine
and strong crosswinds helped dry the racing surface by shortly after 1:00pm.
Because of the winds and the earlier rain, Sportsman and Trophy Street
were also contested on the eighth mile course today. Joe Haddon has won
several races before with his HR Race Cars prepared '67 Chevy II, and took
the No Electronics Run for the Money win today with a close 6.784 on a 6.78
dial in time. NHRA Top Fuel Dragster racer Chris Vandergriff of Hedman
Hedders built a new Super Pro dragster for 2004 with a lot of help from
Kenny Wigington and other friends. Wigington and Vandergriff took turns
making passes in the car to work out all the new car "bugs".
B.J. Pitman from Roswell, GA started her year off right with a Super Pro
win against former champ Mike Ramsey. Pitman's deadly ten thousandths
package (.506 second react and 5.384 on a 5.38 dial in time) in her '95 Tin
Man dragster sealed the deal after Ramsey's Commerce, GA based '81 Camaro
fell off the pace a little. Ramsey put down a 5.64, 126.43mph pass (5.61
dial). J.D. Reid was the lone semi-finalist. Pitman gave credit to her
crew chief / husband Mike, and also mentioned her good luck charm (daughter
Mary Caroline, who is currently a straight A student at the nearby
University of Georgia) had come to watch her win.
Bowman, GA racer Travis Bryant finished second overall in 2003 Sportsman
points, and took the 2004 points lead in his '68 Camaro with the Sportsman
win against Kim Ellington. The race was very close, with less than one
thousandth of a second separating them at the finish line. Bryant slowed
his race car a little to a 7.30, 91.38mph (7.24 dial). Ellington's Conyers,
GA based '81 Camaro carded a 7.58, 90.95mph (7.55 target). Bryant and his
dad changed the car some over the winter in an attempt to slow the car
reaction time (to help stop red lights), and definitely went in the right
direction. Rob Hogue ('84 Monte Carlo SS - Loganville, GA) and former
Trophy standout Brian Harris ('00 Mustang GT - Toccoa, GA) were the
semi-final finishers.
Year One / Hayes Friday night "graduate" Adam Stratton from Athens, GA
entered his first ever bracket race in the Trophy Street division, and was
rewarded with the first place winner's trophy at the end of the evening.
Stratton's family prepared '73 Maverick performed well all day, and turned
in a winning 9.00, 76.78mph pass (8.95 dial) in the final round. Mike Newby
brought his immaculate '69 Chevelle to the final, but the Marietta, GA racer
came up just a little short, breaking out with an 8.79, 79.29mph (8.85 dial)
in the final. Stratton, his dad Chris Sr. and brother Chris Jr. all worked
on the car last year to prepare it for bracket racing, and said they will
definitely be back. Two 2003 top finishers made it to the semi-finals, Mike
Puckett ('90 Thunderbird Super Coupe - Norcross, GA) and Steve Marcum ( '01
Mustang - Bogart, GA).
Two Jr. Dragster "graduates" moved up to the big car classes today, Alton
Clements III in Super Pro, and Ashley Dumas in Sportsman. Clements
purchased Jeremy Hancock's '67 Camaro at the end of last year, and enjoyed
immediate success in his first round of "big car" action with a win (.520
react and a dead-on 6.330 on a 6.33 dial). Dumas is now campaigning a '72
Camaro, but unfortunately, went .497 red in round one (.500 seconds is
perfect). Another former Jr. racer entering the big car ranks is Heath
Snelgrove, who is scheduled to debut next week in his brother's '78 LUV
pickup.
Ten year old Joshua Sisson out of Gainesville, GA won the 2002 Division Two
championship and runner upped in Division Two for 2003 with his Fresh Frozen
Foods 8-12 Jr. Dragster entry. However, he had never won a race at Atlanta
Dragway until today. Sisson enjoyed his first Atlanta Dragway win against
12 year old Scott Digby from Walhallla, SC with a 9.05, 72.24mph shot (9.02
target). Digby reacted last, and then broke out with an 8.97, 72.13mph pass
(8.98 dial) trying to catch Sisson. Ashton Shubert (10 - Homer, GA)
finished in the semi-finals.
Thirteen year old Danielle Krause out of Peachtree City, GA moved up to the
13-17 Jr. Dragster class today, and showed everyone what she was made of by
winning her first 13-17 year old Jr. Dragster trophy against Cody Martin (15
- Buford, GA). Krause used a better react to take the win light with an
8.99, 71.85mph shot (8.90 dial). Martin was close with an 8.68, 75.14mph
pass (8.61 dial). Krause's brother, Michael (14), also made the top four
with a semi-final finish, along with Casey Free (15 - Sugar Hill, GA).
------------------------------------------------
PRO / SUPER PRO CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: B.J. Pitman '95 Tin Man Dragster Roswell, GA 5.38 124.38 (5.38)
R/U: Mike Ramsey '81 Camaro Commerce, GA 5.64 126.42 (5.61)
Semi: J.D. Reid '02 Undercover Dragster Conyers, GA
------------------------------------------------
SPORTSMAN CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Travis Bryant '68 Camaro Bowman, GA 7.30 91.38 (7.24)
R/U: Kim Ellington '81 Camaro Conyers, GA 7.58 90.95 (7.55)
Semi: Rob Hogue '84 Monte Carlo SS Loganville, GA
Semi: Brian Harris '00 Mustang GT Toccoa, GA
------------------------------------------------
TROPHY STREET CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Adam Stratton '73 Maverick Athens, GA 9.00 76.78 (8.95)
R/U: Mike Newby '69 Chevelle Marietta, GA 8.79 79.29 (8.85)
Semi: Mike Puckett '90 Super Coupe Norcross, GA
Semi: Steve Marcum '01 Mustang Bogart, GA
------------------------------------------------
JR. DRAGSTER 8-12 AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Joshua Sisson 10 Gainesville, GA 9.05 72.24 (9.02)
R/U: Scott Digby 12 Walhalla, SC 8.97 72.13 (8.98)
Semi: Ashton Shubert 10 Homer, GA
------------------------------------------------
JR. DRAGSTER 13-17 AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Danielle Krause 13 Peachtree City, GA 8.99 71.85 (8.90)
R/U: Cody Martin 15 Buford, GA 8.68 75.14 (8.61)
Semi: Michael Krause 14 Peachtree City, GA
Semi: Casey Free 15 Sugar Hill, GA
------------------------------------------------
New Photos in the GDR Photo Album
Posted Sunday, March 7, 2004 by DavidDilbeck
New photos of Warren Johnson and Reid Whisnant are in the Bob Rice Photos section of the GDR Photo Album. New photos of Dick Brannan, Phil Bonner and Linda Vaughn are in the George Cureton Photos section. If you've never visited the Photo Album section, check it out. There are a lot of photos from various events there.
Bazemore is Squeezed out of No. 1 for the Second Straight Day
Posted Sunday, March 7, 2004 by DavidDilbeck
Talk about deja vu all over again. Here was Whit Bazemore, in the next-to-last pair of Funny Car final qualifying for the CSK NHRA Nationals at Firebird Raceway, burning up the quarter-mile to take the No. 1 spot with a 4.782-second elapsed time at 322.34 mph, with one pair remaining.
If this sounds familiar, in last night's qualifying session, John Force snatched the "pole" from Bazemore by one thousandth of a second in the final pass, and this evening it was Force's teammate Gary Densham doing the same, but by one hundredth of a second with a 4.773/323.04.
"That's just how the game is," said the driver of the Matco Tools Iron Eagle Dodge Stratus, who is No. 2 for tomorrow's final eliminations. "It shows you how tough the sport is, how tough the class is, how tough that team is, and how tough our team is.
"We're right there and you really can't ask for a better set of qualifying runs than what we had, except to be low qualifier," he added. "The fact that we're going down the track and the Matco Tools Dodge is responding to Lee's (Beard, crew chief) input and tune-up and it's consistent means everything.
Bazemore's times/speeds in the four qualifying rounds were 4.927/310.98, 4.809/322.11, 5.098/226.70, 4.782/322.34.
"We feel good for tomorrow. Of course, it's NRHA drag racing, anything is possible. We saw that with (Jerry) Toliver's problems here, to win the first race and then come back here and not qualify. Also, that shows you that you do need a little bit of luck. You can be the best-prepared, have the best people and the best equipment, like we have over here, and you still need that little ingredient. And we have that; you make it.
"Tomorrow is a different day. We just have to go out there and race the way we know how to and race hard. We need to just turn on some win lights."
Bazemore, seventh in Funny Car points, will face Keith Jackson in the first round tomorrow, and will have the chance to meet his teammate Gary Scelzi in the semifinal round, if all goes as planned.
DON SCHUMACHER RACING
Contact: Judy Stropus
WJ Qualifies Fourth in Phoenix
Posted Sunday, March 7, 2004 by DavidDilbeck
With Saturday's warmer temperatures preventing any changes among the top four qualifiers at the Checker Schuck's Kragen NHRA Nationals, Warren Johnson and the GM Performance Parts Racing team used their final two qualifying attempts to gather valuable information on their Grand Am for Sunday's final eliminations
Johnson's quickest run remained his 6.797-second, 203.86 mph pass from Friday evening, which earned him the fourth starting position. However, his two runs on Saturday were equally competitive in the 28-car Pro Stock field, with his 6.822-second run on his final attempt the third quickest among the 28 cars attempting to qualify, despite changing engines between sessions, as the crew fought to end the weekend on a winning note.
"We're still in the process of fine-tuning the new data acquisition system on our GM Performance Parts Grand Am, but all indications seem to point to the instrumentation being accurate. However, until I test it completely and properly, I have an aversion to go as far as it is telling me to go with the tune-up.
"The engine we're using this weekend may be slightly hurt, but it's better than the other one we have at our disposal, which we used in tire testing and whatnot, and has many runs on it. We'll put it together as best as possible, let it do what it can tomorrow, and then take it back to the shop and put it back together.
"The track will also be a challenge, especially for these Pro Stock cars which have so little down force. Lane choice will be important, because it will vary from round to round, depending on who runs on it and rips up the rubber. I also suspect the heavy rain they have had in the last few day has not helped the situation. In any case, we'll just take it as it is, and try to make the best of it."
Contact: Jon G. Knapp
TMG Sports Marketing
KJ Picks Up the Pace, Will Roll Off 5th in Phoenix
Posted Sunday, March 7, 2004 by DavidDilbeck
After battling a series of problems that relegated him to an uncharacteristic 15th position on Friday, Kurt Johnson returned to form during the second day of qualifying at the Checker Schuck's Kragen Nationals in Phoenix, Arizona. In each of his two attempts on Saturday, Johnson's ACDelco Cavalier recorded the second quickest and fastest runs of the session, with his best effort of 6.803 seconds and 204.35 mph catapulting him into the fifth position on Sunday's final eliminations ladder.
KJ will face No. 12 qualifier J.R Carr in the first round tomorrow, as he looks to duplicate his winning Firebird Raceway performance from 1999.
"Even though we're pleased with today's runs, the car still isn't right. We know there is room for improvement with this new car, but right now, it's going down the track, putting decent numbers on the board, so we'll make the best of it this weekend, waiting until we get back to Atlanta to do some extensive testing...
"For example, I didn't feel it inside the car, but it quivered the tire a little on our first run, so we made some adjustments to the tire pressure, the clutch and the launch rpm for tonight, and it actually shook worse tonight going into second gear.
"Looking at the data from that last run, the changes may have hurt us in one area, but helped in another, so we should be able to make some gearing changes in the morning and really smooth our ACDelco Cavalier out. I'm confident we could pick up a solid hundredth, which has us excited heading into tomorrow.
"Track preparation will be critical tomorrow, and as long as the track is prepped right, I believe we can win out of either lane.
Contact: Jon G. Knapp
TMG Sports Marketing
Grubnik, Densham and Anderson Top Qualifiers at the NHRA POWERade Checker Schuck's Kragen Nationals
Posted Sunday, March 7, 2004 by DavidDilbeck
David Grubnic leads the Top Fuelers with a 4.486 @ 324.51 pass in Connie Kalitta's #3 car. Gary Densham is #1 in Funny Car with a 4.773 @ 325.77 in his John Force owned Mustang. Greg Anderson keeps on dominating in Pro Stock with a 6.746 @ 204.82 for the top spot.
WJ (#4 - 6.797 @ 203.86 ) and KJ (#5 - 6.803 @ 204.35 ) make the final program, but Mark Whisnant (#19 - 6.848 @ 202.82 ) and Barry Grant (#25 - 6.872 @ 201.67 ) come up a short. Mark had bumped into the field ( 16th position ) on his 3rd session run, but is knocked out during the last session.
NHRA Recap
Bazemore No. 2 in Friday Qualifying at Firebird
Posted Saturday, March 6, 2004 by DavidDilbeck
Whit Bazemore, in the Matco Tools Iron
Eagle Dodge, missed the No. 1 qualifying spot on Friday night at Firebird
Raceway for the CSK NHRA Nationals by an eyelash.
By the time Bazemore, in the eighth pair, reached the starting line for this
evening's second round of Funny Car qualifying, he had dropped from No. 5 to
No. 9. When that pass was completed, he was No. 1 with a stout 4.809-second
elapsed time at 322.11 mph.
However, there were two more pairs left to qualify and John Force was right
behind. Force posted an equally straight and strong run, just barely
knocking Bazemore out of first place with a 4.808/319.82 pass, a measly
one-thousandth of a second quicker.
Bazemore was stoic. "We're really happy on one hand and on the other hand
we're slightly disappointed," he said. "When you're that close to being low,
naturally you want it. But it's good.
"The Matco Tools Dodge is great," he added. "The important thing, aside from
the fact that we ran well, is we have made two runs, from A to B, down the
race track. My personal feeling is that if you make all the runs and you
qualify seventh, then you did great. Because making all the runs lets you
fine-tune your race car and it shows that you're consistent. And having the
car repeat and having the car respond to Lee's (Beard, crew chief) and Dan's
(Olsen, co-crew chief) inputs, along with the job that the team has done, is
a good thing. The car has to respond the right way, and making repeated runs
down the race track shows that it is.
"When you have a good run and then a handful of aborted runs, you're really
not in a strong position to win races. So, this is helping us tremendously."
Extra lighting was added this weekend to the Firebird Raceway quarter-mile,
notorious for its lack of light at the finish line, courtesy of NHRA. "We
want to thank Chad Head of NHRA for getting some additional lights put in
place at the last minute," said Bazemore. "Otherwise it would have been
unacceptably difficult and risky to run these cars here at night."
DON SCHUMACHER RACING
Contact: Judy Stropus
WJ Flies to Fourth on Friday in Phoenix
Posted Saturday, March 6, 2004 by DavidDilbeck
During the first day of qualifying for the Checker Schuck's Kragen Nationals, Warren Johnson continue to display the performance that earned him a runner-up finish in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series season-opener in Pomona a week ago. On each of his two runs on Friday, Johnson posted times that were among the leaders in the 28-car Pro Stock field.
Johnson's run of record came on in the evening session, when his GM Performance Parts Grand Am posted an elapsed time of 6.797 seconds with a top speed of 203.86 mph. This placed "The Professor" in the fourth position heading into Saturday's final two attempts.
With weather predicted to be warmer, Johnson turned his attention to Sunday's final eliminations, as well as solving a minor discrepancy in his instrumentation.
"Our GM Performance Parts Grand Am made two fairly decent runs today, but our instrumentation is telling us the tune-up is off, which has us a little puzzled. This is the first time we've monitored the engine in this fashion, and it confirmed what we thought was going on, but we didn't think it was quite as severe as it appears to be.
"We simply have to do something about it to get with the program, including sacrificing a run tomorrow just to verify things, which is something I do not like to do. It's not a problem, it's just that I hate melting things down.
"In either case, we are safely in the show, and with the temperature forecast to be 10 degrees warmer tomorrow and our two sessions at the most inopportune time of the day, I don't expect to see a lot of movement in the line-up. We'll keep on working on it, getting it better and in good shape for race day."
Contact: Jon G. Knapp
TMG Sports Marketing
Sitting 15th on Friday, KJ Aims to Move Up on Saturday In Phoenix
Posted Saturday, March 6, 2004 by DavidDilbeck
Kurt Johnson had an eventful first day of qualifying at the Checker Schuck's Kragen Nationals in Phoenix, Arizona. On his first attempt, despite battling a combination of mechanical gremlins and a soft clutch set-up, Johnson's ACDelco Cavalier posted an extremely competitive 6.836 second elapsed time with a top speed of 203.71 mph.
Returning in the early evening for his second run at Firebird Raceway, KJ looked to take advantage of the improved atmospheric conditions. Unfortunately, a severe case of tire shake prevented the second-generation racer from bettering his earlier time, placing him 15th halfway through the qualifying procedure, with designs on regaining his position among the leaders on Saturday.
"Considering what we went through, we were pretty happy with that 6.83 on the first run. We had put new brake pads on the car, and I gave it an extra 100 lbs. of pressure. As a result, I couldn't get it to stage, so I got the clutch hot before we even launched, and then it melted it on the run. With all that, we still ran an .83.
"We figured we could pick up about four hundredths for tonight's session, so we made some changes in the gearing. Unfortunately, it just wanted to wheel stand, putting it on the wheelie bars, which caused it to shake the tires and get them waffled up. It wasn't pretty.
"We'll calm it down for tomorrow and see if we can get the ACDelco Cavalier back in the top half where it belongs, getting lane choice for Sunday."
Contact: Jon G. Knapp
TMG Sports Marketing
Grubnic, Force and Anderson Number One Qualifiers at the NHRA POWERade Checker Schuck's Kragen Nationals
Posted Friday, March 5, 2004 by DavidDilbeck
After two pro qualifying sessions, David Grubnic ( driving Connie Kalitta's third top fuel dragster ) is #1 in Top Fuel with a 4.486 @ 324.51. John Force is in the #1 spot in Funny Car with a 4.808 @ 319.82. Greg Anderson is on top in Pro Stock with a 6.746 @ 204.23.
Georgia Pro Stock racers Warren Johnson (#4 - 6.797 @ 203.86 ) and Kurt Johnson ( #15 - 6.836 @ 203.71 ) are in the field while Mark Whisnant ( #18 - 6.856 @ 201.37 ) and Barry Grant ( #22 - 6.884 @ 200.95 ) will have two more chances on Saturday to qualify.
NHRA Friday Recap
Costley Named Atlanta Dragway Race Director
Posted Friday, March 5, 2004 by DavidDilbeck
Tim Glover
COMMERCE, GA Trent Costley of Buford, Georgia has accepted an offer from
Atlanta Dragway to become Race Director for the Summit Racing Series ET
bracket program at the popular North Georgia dragstrip.
Costley's duties will include organizing and directing the NHRA-sanctioned
bracket racing meets at "Georgia's House of Speed", and acting as the chief
official in such matters as rules interpretation and track safety.
"I am very enthused about coming back to work for Atlanta Dragway again,"
Costley said. "I know the staff and racers really well, and most of them
are friends of mine. My goal is just to be sure that we keep this track a
place where everyone knows they'll be treated with fairness and respect, and
that they can have fun racing with their buddies and their families."
Costley's experience with Atlanta Dragway dates back over two decades, where
he previously served in several racing staff positions, including a stint as
Race Director in the early 1990's. He has also been an active participant
at other dragstrip facilities in the southeastern United States, and was
considered to be a very talented bracket racer before he retired as a
driver.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Craig Armstrong (706-423-9265)
2004 East Coast Drag Times Hall of Fame Inductees
Posted Wednesday, March 3, 2004 by DavidDilbeck
Nancy Wilson has just released the list of inductees for the 2004 East Coast Drag Times Hall of Fame. The new members will be:
Dick Brannan - 40th Anniversary Ford Thunderbolt 1964-2004
Bob Plumer - photographer
Don Snyder - collector
Chick Deninno - racer
"Jersey" John Anzelmo - 45+ years involvement in drag racing
"Rapid" Red Lang - Dead In Kids
Henry Butler - Quartermaster, 35+ years of continuous racing
Joe Pirrone - racer/builder of many cars, Posthumous award
Paul & Horace Reinford - Moose One & Moose Too, both are fully restored
"Coney Island" - Ralph Landolphi - gasser racer
Bogan Renfroe - racer, Cat Skinner Willys
Jim Oddy - racer, gasser
Jim Hill - Crane Cams
Dickie Estevez - races one of the Daddy Warbucks cars
Steve Earwood - owns Rockingham Dragway
Sam Carroll - racer
Dickie & Harry Gore - track owners/operators
Ralph Hamilton - announcer, Posthumous Award
Sy Sidebotham - racer/owner, King & Marshall fuel dragster
Hahn & Tuner - racers, dragster
Billy Holt - racer/owner, Alabamian
Jungle Jim Memorial Award: George Weiler
Al Sylvester Memorial Award: Johnny Walker
Hill Bro's Legacy Award: Pete Hill & Ken Kull
Congratulations to all of the inductees! Be sure to attend the East Coast Drag Times Hall of Fame & Reunion October 15-17, 2004 in Henderson, NC. For more information: East Coast Drag Times Hall of Fame & Reunion
GDR Website Updated
Posted Tuesday, March 2, 2004 by johndilbeck
New photos were added today: GDR-00402 - GDR-00405.
Thanks to Dick Brannan for sharing these photos.
In the Dragstrips section, we've updated the information about the South Georgia Motorsports Park.
Sol and Anne Stewart's Old Drag Racer's Reunion has sponsored a Hall of Fame. The name has been changed from the Southeastern Drag Racers Hall of Fame to the Old Drag Racers Reunion Hall of Fame.
Unfortunately, we lost the old Forum and the messages and registrations were lost. Yesterday, I reinstalled the forum from scratch. If you'd like to participate, you must re-register first. Sorry for the disruption.
GDR Website Updated
Posted Monday, March 1, 2004 by johndilbeck
Several photos were added today: GDR-00386 through GDR-00401.
We'd like to thank Bob Rice, Buck Campbell and Rick Jordan for sharing their photos. Thanks to Reed Cams, too, for sharing photos from John Reed's collection.
The Activities page was updated.
David's Favorite Links in the Directory was updated.
An article was added to the Articles & Stories section.
Other minor updates were done here and there.
We're still having trouble getting the forum back up and working since the problems we encountered with the hacker who was misusing this account. Hopefully, his or her attacks have been stopped and I'll pick up the pieces as soon as possible. There is a good chance that we're going to lose the information that was in the forum, but we're still working to resolve it. I'm hoping that we'll be able to restore all the forum as it was, but I'm not sure at this time.
Mike Mayhew Wins Stock, Ronnie Davis RU in Top Sportsman and Joe LoCicero RU in Super Stock at NHRA Lucas Oil Southeast Division Race
Posted Monday, March 1, 2004 by DavidDilbeck
Winners:
Top Alcohol Dragster - Jason Cannon 5.449 262.08
Top Alcohol Funny Car - Jay Payne 5.799 238.41
Top Sportsman - Corey Glidewell 7.591
Comp - Larry Pritchett 8.230
Super Stock - Jim Harrington 9.728
Stock - Mike Mayhew ( Savannah, GA ) 12.441
Super Comp - Jeremy Jensen 8.919
Super Gas - Corky Markwart 9.913
Super Street - Tony Fuller 10.926
More Info
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