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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.
May 2002
Mark Whisnant Press Release
Posted Wednesday, May 29, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
RW PERFORMANCE PRO STOCK CHEVY CAVALIER
MARK WHISNANT – DRIVER
REID WHISNANT – OWNER
May 28, 2002
CONTACT: Patti Miles
RW Performance Team Travels to Chicago
Joliet, Ill. – Mark Whisnant, driver of the RW Performance Pro Stock Chevrolet Cavalier, will travel this weekend to Chicago, Ill. for the 5th Annual Chicagoland Dodger Dealers NHRA Nationals.
After making their first Pro Stock final round appearance in Topeka, Whisnant and Team RW, have every reason to arrive in Chicago feeling confident about qualifying for this event. However, the Stockbridge, Ga. native, remains cautiously optimistic about his chance here this weekend.
"Going to the final in Topeka was exciting, of course we would have liked to have won," said Whisnant, "but that was last week, and this is this week.
"It is a new week, and we are in a different city, and at a different racetrack. It could be a whole new ball game here at Route 66 Raceway, and that is how we have to approach this weekend’s race.
"You keep hearing over and over again how tough this class is, and it’s true. Where else is the number 1 qualifier and the Number 16 qualifier separated by .025 of a second. That makes just getting into the field an accomplishment.
"Keeping that in mind, we can not afford to take any race, or pass down the racetrack, for granted. We have to be perfect and make every round count, or we are going home. That by it’s self is a lot of pressure. Then add the pressure of doing so well in our first season; that just magnifies things.
"This weekend everyone will be waiting for us to stumble again like we did after Gainesville. Considering the competitiveness of the class, it could happen; but we are going to do everything in our power to see that it does not.
"Right now my team is giving me a great racecar to drive. They are preparing this Cavalier to the best of their ability and I will drive the car to the best of my ability. Hopefully if we do everything right, and not let the pressure get to us, we can put together four good runs that will place us in Sunday’s race."
Qualifying at the 5th annual Chicagoland Dodge Dealers NHRA Nationals will take place on Friday May 31, and continue on Saturday June 1. Eliminations will begin at 11:00 AM EST on Sunday June 2.
5th Annual Chicagoland Dodger Dealers
NHRA Nationals
TV Schedule
Qualifying Highlights
Saturday June 1 8:30 – 10:30 PM EST (ESPN2)
Eliminations Coverage
Sunday June 2 7:30 – 10:00 PM EST (ESPN2)
Repeat Eliminations
Tuesday June 4 2:00 – 4:30 PM EST (EPSN2)
Gary Scelzi and Alan Johnson Part Ways
Posted Wednesday, May 29, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Full story at NHRA.com
Pro Mods at Southern Dragway by Marvin T. Smith
Posted Wednesday, May 29, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Pro Mods at Southern Dragway
Marvin T. Smith
Pro Mod Photos
Its been many years since I attended a drag race at a small, eighth-mile
track. I've seen Pro Mods run at NHRA national events, and Nitro Coupes at
Super Chevy events, but nothing beats Pro Mod at a small strip! Its as
close to 60s match racing as you can get these days.
Over the Memorial Day weekend, Southern Dragway in Douglas, Georgia put on
an open Pro Mod show. Most of the cars were from the Southern Outlaw
circuit, and the famed Gravedigger of Alan Pittman was also booked in.
Pittman was a real hit with the fans, signing autographs and selling
t-shirts. He is great with little kids, and is a true credit to the sport.
Southern Dragway is a first-class, IHRA sanctioned facility. The track has
a long concrete pad, double guardrails, electronic scoreboards, and a
large, multi-story, modern tower. For the spectator, there are permanent
bleachers on both sides, a sit-down air conditioned snack bar with quality
food, and clean rest rooms. The announcer was great, punctuating her
remarks with loud hog-calling WhoooooWeeeees! This track has the family
atmosphere that the major sanctioning bodies crave. There were kids
kicking footballs, lots of families cooking out with their grills, and even
a church van parked in the spectator area.
The racing was outstanding. The Pro Mods made two qualifying passes at
roughly 4:00 and 6:00, with racing scheduled for 7:00. If there was a
downside, it was the fact that only seven cars were present due to a number
of Pro Mod shows in the Southeast over the Memorial Day weekend. However,
the seven cars really put on a great show. Low qualifier was Bil Clanton,
from Rome, Georgia, in his Big Money Studebaker powered by a blown hemi.
Bil ran 4.09. Second spot was the blown Opel of Rodney Rosenthal at 4.21,
while eventual winner R. E. Smith ran a 4.24 in his late model Corvette.
None of these cars improved in the second qualifying round, but Bennie
McDonald's radical PSI blown 57 Chevy doorstop stepped up to 4.38 to
qualify fourth. The Alan Pittman Gravedigger Willys never did make a good
run and ended up in the sixth position. The second qualifying session was
punctuated when the Perkins Corvette blew its engine, causing a long
cleanup and a lot of thrashing in the pits to replace the aluminum block.
There were also a lot of quality sportsman cars running at Southern
Dragway. There were some great dragsters, street roadsters, altereds, and
recent doorslammers, including some of the most immaculately prepared cars
you can imagine. They put on a great show, and many ran right on their
dial-ins.
Round one saw most of the top qualified cars prevail. Bil Clanton's Big
Money looked like the car to beat running a single 4.14 at 182.07 mph.
R.E. Smith took out the Gravedigger 4.27 to a much-improved 4.34 for the
'Digger. Alan Pittman was all over the track but gave it everything in a
losing effort. Rosenthal's Opel ran a 4.25 to take out Ron Stokes 53
Corvette, and Perry Herring in the newly re-engined Perkins Corvette upset
McDonald's 57 Chevy which fouled away a better 4.50.
Round two saw the Perkins Corvette improve to a 4.13 181.56 to upset the
Big Money of Bil Clanton (4.38). R. E. Smith then downed the Opel of
Rosenthal in a close one, 4.18 to 4.21. This left the two late-model
Corvettes in the final. I was not able to stay for the much-delayed final,
but according to results posted by pmfan78 on the ProModifieds.com web
site, R.E. Smith ran 4.15 to down Perry Herring's red-lighting 4.30 in the
rebuilt Perkins vette. What a comeback: from blown engine, to runner-up in
one evening. If you had witnessed the pit thrash, you would know that the
Perkins team really earned their money! I personally witnessed at least
two of their opponents' teams helping with the engine swap. Sportsmanship
is still alive and well in the Pro Mod world. They put on a great show.
What a blast! The Pro Mods are coming back this fall. BEEE THEREEEE.
GDR Website Updated
Posted Tuesday, May 28, 2002 by johndilbeck
The NHRA Southern Nationals 2002 coverage was updated and David Dilbeck files his coverage on the event and the Georgia drag racers who participated.
Atlanta Dragway Results by Tim Glover
Posted Monday, May 27, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
RACE DATE: May 26, 2002
FROM: Tim Glover
EVENT: First Annual Spring Tuner Festival at Atlanta Dragway
NOTES: The First Annual Spring Tuner Festival, put on by Phillips
Motorsports, went off smoothly, in spite of only having three weeks to
prepare. The Hot Rods and Harleys event originally scheduled for this date
was cancelled, so Phillips Motorsports arranged an import event, with
Mahdavi Motorsports operating the Drag Challenge, Auto Rage running the car
show and Knowledge Performance running a chassis dyno. Saturday featured
qualifying and dance party after the event. Sunday featured more test and
tune runs and eliminations in five classes. Other sponsors, including Team
Toyota, Autronix Racing and The Toy Store were available on site.
Concord, NC racer Howard Shoaf tore up some parts this weekend, trashing a
transmission yesterday and toasting a piston in the final round of the
fastest class contested this weekend, Two Power Adder. Shoaf's daily driver
'99 Civic SI surprised even him, running 11.97 early in the day on Sunday
(his previous best was 12.02 at Rockingham). "I had a lot of fun my first
time here. I'll definitely be bringing some more of my people here for the
July race," added Shoaf. Shoaf met Todd Wascona's fast Subaru in the final,
but edged out Wascona by .3 seconds at the finish line.
Gary Selph from Dacula, GA, last raced in July '98, then met his wife,
married and recently had a child. His wife, Shawna, let him come back to
the track today, where he promptly won Stock class in his Eagle Talon.
Selph took the finish line against Armond Lemon from Stockbridge, GA. "I'm
going home to see my baby. Hope to be back soon," Selph said on his way
out.
Local racer Jonathan Dumas entered the 14.5 and slower class in the '01
Prelude owned by Grant Funk, taking the winlight against the faster car of
David Carson. Dumas got the win, however, after Carson left the starting
line too quickly, leaving the bright red cherry colored bulb glowing. Dumas
became a double winner in today's car show, winning Domestic Truck with his
2000 Yukon.
Thirteen other people also won in the Auto Rage car show judged by
Intimidating Factors. Tim Murphy won Best of Show with his immaculately
detailed and modified '91 Accord Wagon.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TWO POWER ADDERS CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH
Win: Howard Shoaf '99 Civic Si Concord, NC 12.17 113.93
R/U: Todd Wascona '02 WRX McDonough, GA 12.42 107.92
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ONE POWER ADDER CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH
Win: Jeffrey Weimer '92 Civic Dacula, GA 12.78 105.14
R/U: Sherman Carter '02 Mustang Decatur, GA 13.62 104.90
Semi: Danny Smith '97 Integra R Alabaster, AL
Semi: Michael Binder Car Pleasant Grove, AL
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOTOR SWAP CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH
Win: Tom Hornsby '92 Civic Stockbridge, GA 13.37 99.78
R/U: Sayite Sritonokham Civic Duluth, GA 15.00 93.56
Semi: Jon Stathis '93 Civic Greenville, SC
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STOCK CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH
Win: Gary Selph '92 Talon Dacula, GA 12.74 108.18
R/U: Armond Lemon '94 Stealth R/T Stockbridge, GA 13.16 105.64
Semi: Matt Perron '98 Neon Suwanee, GA
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14.5 SECONDS & SLOWER CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH
Win: Jonathan Dumas '01 Prelude Commerce, GA 16.41 82.57
R/U: David Carson car Central, SC 16.17 69.34
Semi: Michael Andrea car Buford, GA
GDR Website Updated
Posted Monday, May 27, 2002 by johndilbeck
Terry Earwood makes some very interesting comments on photo GDR-00181.
I corrected a mis-link on the Rest In Peace page.
Mark Whisnant Pro Stock Runner Up in Topeka!
Posted Sunday, May 26, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
NHRA POWERade 14th annual O'Reilly NHRA Summer Nationals presented by Castrol GTX
Topeka, KS
Mark Whisnant turns in his best career performance in Pro Stock with a runner up finish to Troy Coughlin.
Mark qualified in the 13th position and defeated Gene Wilson ( Canton ) 6.916 199.29 to Gene's 6.928 199.37 in the first round.
In the second round, Mark defeated Richie Stevens with a hole shot 6.936 198.38 to a 6.929 198.52. Mark cut a .429 light on that pass.
Jim Yates was Mark's semi final victim, 6.940 198.52 to Jim's losing 6.959 197.45.
In the final, Mark lost to Troy Coughlin's 6.924 198.44 with a 6.991 197.59. Mark had left first .426 to a .449, but couldn't hold off Troy. Mark was really on his game at Topeka.
Congratulations to Mark Whisnant, Reid Whisnant, and the entire RW Performance team!
Georgia Pro Stock racers Warren Johnson and Gene Wilson lost in the first round. Bruce Allen defeated an out of the groove WJ and Gene lost to Mark Whisnant in a close contest.
Pro Stock eliminations summary:
http://www.dragracecentral.com/DRCStory.asp?ID={B946DD49-2011-4656-B75D-CD021EE63F38}#indextop
Top Fuel was won by Darrell Russell over Larry Dixon 4.638 314.90 to 4.670 316.38.
Funny Car was won by Tony Pedregon over Tim Wilkerson 4.910 320.58 to 4.999 302.69.
Details: http://www.nhra.com/
GDR Website Updated
Posted Sunday, May 26, 2002 by johndilbeck
Several new photos have been added today (GDR-00178 through GDR-00197).
Several mistakes and misspellings were corrected and there were some additional comments added to several of the photos.
New photos were added from the Jimmy and Joe Juhan collecton, and from photos taken by Joe Juhan, as well as photos taken by David Dilbeck and Fred Simmons.
Several names were added to the Rest In Peace page.
Whisnant Qualifies 13th in Topeka by Patti Miles
Posted Sunday, May 26, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
RW PERFORMANCE PRO STOCK CHEVY CAVALIER
MARK WHISNANT – DRIVER
REID WHISNANT – OWNER
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 25, 2002
CONTACT: Patti Miles
Whisnant Qualifies 13th in Topeka
TOPEKA, Kan. – Mark Whisnant, driver of the RW Performance Pro Stock Chevrolet Cavalier, has qualified 13th for the 14th Annual O’Reilly NHRA Summer Nationals in Topeka, Kan.
This morning in the second session of qualifying Whisnant piloted his Cavalier to a 6.875 / 200.47 mph to secure a position on tomorrow’s eliminations ladder.
“We had to dodge rain drops to do it, but we are in the show,” said Whisnant.
“It seems like the rain has been following us around. Again, this weekend, we had a situation where we needed to make every run count. It can make things pretty tense knowing that even a small mistake will mean the difference between racing on Sunday or going home Saturday night.
When eliminations get underway Sunday morning Whisnant will meet rookie driver Gene Wilson in Round 1.
“I have never raced against Wilson. He has a reputation for being a good competitor. He has lane choice, but that will not be a problem.
“I plan on doing what I have done so far this year. I will race the racetrack, and not get caught up in who I have lined up next to me. There are a lot of great drivers in this class, some legends of the sport, but if you let that intimidated you then you have lost before you have started.
“Tomorrow I am going to just take it one round at a time, and concentrate on getting down the racetrack mistake free. If I can do that I think I should be able to go some rounds here in Topeka.”
Eliminations at the 14th annual O’Reilly NHRA Summer Nationals presented by Castrol Syntec will begin at 11:00 AM CST on Sunday May 26.
Gene Wilson, Warren Johnson, and Mark Whisnant Qualify at Topeka
Posted Saturday, May 25, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Pro Stock racer Gene Wilson ( Canton GA-'99 Dodge Neon 6.856 201.37 ) quaified in the fourth spot, Warren Johnson ( Buford GA-'02 Pontiac 6.862 201.25 ) claimed the eighth position, and Mark Whisnant (Stockbridge GA-'02 Che 6.875 200.47 ) held on to the thirteenth spot at the NHRA POWERade O'Reilly NHRA Summer Nationals presented by Castrol GTX. The spread for Pro Stock qualifying was an amazing .025 ( 6.853 -6.878 )! Talk about tough qualifying!
Kurt Johnson failed to qualify with a 26th best 6.917 @ 200.92.
Larry Dixon qualified #1 in Top Fuel ( 4.588 320.81 ), Bruce Sarver won the Funny Car pole ( 4.862 304.39 ), and Jim Yates was #1 in Pro Stock ( 6.853 200.80 ).
Full details: http://www.nhra.com/
Wilson, WJ, and Whisnant In- KJ Out After Two Pro Stock Qualifying Sessions at Topeka
Posted Saturday, May 25, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
NHRA POWERade O'Reilly NHRA Summer Nationals presented by Castrol GTX
Topeka, Kansas
Georgia Pro Stock drivers Gene Wilson ( #4- 6.856 201.37 ), Warren Johnson ( #8- 6.862 201.25 ), and Mark Whisnant ( #11- 6.875 200.47 )are currently in the program after round 2 of 3 qualifying sessions. Kurt Johnson slipped down to #26 with one more chance to make the field. Pro Stock qualifying results ( 2 sessions complete ):
http://www.dragracecentral.com/DRCStory.asp?ID={49F63C6E-33A4-41EA-8A17-6E66D5325AAD}&Filter=100#indextop
Rain Halts Racing in Topeka - One Pro Stock Qualifying Session Completed
Posted Saturday, May 25, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
NHRA POWERade O'Reilly NHRA Summer Nationals presented by Castrol Syntec
Topeka, Kansas
Rain finally wins ( again ) and the rest of the Friday Pro qualifying sessions have been cancelled. Top Fuelers haven't made any passes, one partial Funny Car session was held, and Pro Stock got in one full session.
Georgians Warren Johnson ( #2- 6.885 200.59 ), Kurt Johnson ( #11- 6.922 200.35 ), and Gene Wilson ( #14- 6.929 199.29 ) are in the top sixteen. Mark Whisnant is #25 ( 7.899 127.65 ) after the first session. Pro Stock Qualifying Results:
http://www.dragracecentral.com/DRCStory.asp?ID={B8D25957-4062-4F3C-83E9-FBE32837E20A}#indextop
Mark Whisnant Topeka Preview
Posted Friday, May 24, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
RW PERFORMANCE PRO STOCK CHEVY CAVALIER
MARK WHISNANT – DRIVER
REID WHISNANT – OWNER
May 21, 2002
CONTACT: Patti Miles
Whisnant and Team RW Blow into Kansas
TOPEKA, Kan. – Mark Whisnant, driver of the RW Performance Pro Stock Chevrolet Cavalier this weekend travels to the 14th annual O’Reilly NHRA Summer Nationals at Heartland Park in Topeka, Kan.
At a racetrack that has been know to run the gamut of atmospheric conditions, Whisnant and Team RW arrive at Heartland Park expecting the unexpected.
"They say in Kansas if you don’t like the weather, wait ten minutes and it will change," said Whisnant. "For the last two races weather has really been a factor. It looks like this weekend we will be battling the weather again.
"It is possible that we may miss a qualifying session again this weekend due to rain. When the weather is unpredictable, it puts us in the same scenario we have had for the last two races: where we have to make every run count.
"The race track in Topeka is usually pretty good. The top end is rough, and can have a severe crosswind, which can hurt your numbers down track. We have worked hard on picking up our numbers down low, so I think that if we get in that situation we will be all right.
"Honestly, I am hoping for cool, damp days. We have raced in those conditions for the last two races and it has worked in our favor. It helped us in Atlanta and Englishtown. It might just be the ticket we need this weekend in Topeka."
Qualifying at the 14th annual O’Reilly NHRA Summer Nationals presented by Castrol Syntec will begin on Friday May 24, and continue on Saturday May 25. Eliminations will take place on Sunday May 26 at 11:00 AM CST
# # #
14th annual O’Reilly NHRA Summer Nationals
Presented by Castrol Syntec
TV Schedule
Qualifying Highlights
Saturday May 25 5:30 – 7:30 PM EST (ESPN2)
Eliminations Coverage
Sunday May 26 3:00 – 6:00 PM EST (ESPN)
Repeat Eliminations
Sunday May 26 8:30 – 10:30 PM EST (EPSN2)
Warren Johnson Englishtown Wrap Up
Posted Tuesday, May 21, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Tue, 21 May 2002, 09:17 AM
Warren Johnson Wins Pro Stock Challenge
Courtesy of Rick Voegelin, TMG Sports Marketing
Runs Career-Best E.T. and Speed in Englishtown
ENGLISHTOWN, N.J. -- Warren Johnson won the lucrative Pro Stock Challenge for the third time in his career, earning a $50,000 prize with a final-round victory over Mike Edwards, 6.827 to 8.981. With exceptional conditions this weekend at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park, W.J. set new personal-best marks for elapsed time (6.783 seconds) and top speed (203.77 mph) with his GM Performance Parts Pontiac.
The Pro Stock Challenge, a special bonus event contested on Saturday in conjunction with the Matco Tools SuperNationals, matched the eight Pro Stock drivers with the best qualifying records over the last year. Johnson was the No. 2 seed in the elite eight-car field. He defeated Kurt Johnson in the first round, 6.796 to 6.850, and George Marnell in the semifinal, 6.797 to 6.844.
"We'll enjoy this win today, and then go to work on the next one," said Johnson.
Johnson could have parlayed his Pro Stock Challenge victory into a $100,000 payday with a victory in Sunday's eliminations, but he was ousted in the first round by Mark Osborne. Osborne won the battle of Pontiac Grand Ams with a 6.779-second e.t. to Warren's 6.786.
"We were slower on performance and slower on reaction time, so there were two factors that contributed to the loss," Johnson said. "We've never had the opportunity to test under conditions as cold as these. That's not an excuse, but we just didn't have a combination that was compatible with the track.
"Power is obviously not the problem since we ran the fastest speed of the event at 203.77 mph," he noted. "We just have to keep our nose to the grindstone. If we get an opportunity to test under these conditions in the future, we'll certainly do so."
W.J. now leads the Pro Stock standings by a five-point margin over Jim Yates. Johnson will seek to extend his lead in the heartland of America next weekend at the O'Reilly Summer Nationals. The event at Heartland Park Topeka is the second of three consecutive races on the "Spring Swing."
WARREN JOHNSON RACE RESULTS
Qualified: No. 3 at 6.783/203.09 mph
First Round: Mark Osborne (6.779/202.79) defeated Warren Johnson (6.786/203.77)
Final Round: Greg Anderson (6.808/201.91) defeated Jeg Coughlin Jr. (6.812/202.33)
Low ET: Jim Yates, 6.752 seconds (track record)
Top Speed: Warren Johnson, 203.77 mph (track record)
Kurt Johnson Englishtown Wrap Up
Posted Tuesday, May 21, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Tue, 21 May 2002, 09:17 AM
Johnson to Second Round in Fast SuperNationals
Courtesy of Rick Voegelin, TMG Sports Marketing
ENGLISHTOWN, N.J. -- An unseasonable cold spell and high barometric pressure produced exceptional conditions and fast times at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park, site of the Matco Tools SuperNationals. Kurt Johnson recorded his quickest and fastest runs of the season en route to a second-round finish at the famed New Jersey quarter-mile.
Johnson qualified his ACDelco Cavalier in the No. 10 spot at 6.799/202.91 mph. On Saturday, he was defeated by his father Warren in the first round of the Pro Stock Challenge, a special bonus event for the eight drivers with the best qualifying records over the last season. On Sunday, he beat Troy Coughlin in the first round, 6.812 to 6.832, and fell to Jeg Coughlin Jr. in the second round, 6.794 to 6.817. Kurt's Cavalier was clocked at 203.00 mph in his losing cause.
"This car had never run under these conditions before and the tire shake was awful in qualifying," Johnson said. "We adapted a combination that we used last year in Chicago under similar conditions. After some fine tuning, we were able to run 6.79, but the clutch was still too soft on that pass."
K.J. ran back-to-back 6.81s on race day, and was encouraged by the consistent performance of his new Cavalier in only its second outing.
"The consistency was there, but the car was really moving around in fourth gear," he reported. "We're going to have to change the suspension to get hooked up at the top end. I ran 203 mph, which shows the car's potential even with the tires spinning. It's just a matter of getting runs under our belt with the new setup."
Kurt and his ACDelco team are likely to encounter much different conditions when they journey to Kansas to compete in the upcoming O'Reilly Summer Nationals at Heartland Park Topeka, the second of three consecutive events.
KURT JOHNSON RACE RESULTS
Qualified: No. 10 at 6.799/202.91
First Round: Kurt Johnson (6.812/202.91) defeated Troy Coughlin (6.832/201.73)
Second Round: Jeg Coughlin Jr. (6.794/202.27) defeated Kurt Johnson (6.817/203.00)
Final Round: Greg Anderson (6.808/201.91) defeated Jeg Coughlin Jr. (6.812/202.33)
Low ET: Jim Yates, 6.752 seconds (track record)
Top Speed: Warren Johnson, 203.77 mph (track record)
Angelle Savoie/Star Racing Englishtown Wrap Up
Posted Tuesday, May 21, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Mon, 20 May 2002, 12:55 PM
Points Leader Angelle Savoie's Remarkable Englishtown Weekend
Ends in the Semi-finals
Courtesy of Jon Knapp
ENGLISHTOWN, N.J. -- For the second time in as many races, Angelle Savoie and the CVEC Suzuki Racing team headed into final eliminations at an NHRA national event as the team to beat. This weekend, the location was legendary Old Bridge Township Raceway Park in Englishtown, N.J., and the race was the Matco Tools NHRA Supernationals. Throughout qualifying, Angelle remained atop the Pro Stock Motorcycle standings, posting the quickest elapsed time in each of the three sessions and culminating with a national record 7.049-second pass on Saturday afternoon.
Savoie and the CVEC crew kept up the pace in eliminations, opening with the second-quickest pass of the first round at 7.130 seconds to defeat Fred Camarena. In the next stanza, Angelle combined the second-quickest elapsed time in Pro Stock Motorcycle history at 7.084 seconds with the fastest top speed of her career, 192.44 mph to eliminate John Smith and advance to the semifinals against close friend and rival Antron Brown.
The CVEC team recognized that it would take another outstanding effort to defeat Brown, who had been consistently fast throughout the weekend and is characteristically strong at the starting line. Despite a solid start and a strong 7.114-second pass by Savoie, it was not enough to prevent Brown, who matched a near-perfect .407 reaction time with an equally quick 7.138-second run, from bringing Angelle's weekend to a premature conclusion.
Even so, the two-time defending Pro Stock Motorcycle champion realized that it had still been another productive weekend for the CVEC Racing team.
"I hate to keep saying that we had the bike to beat, but we really did. Unfortunately, we did make a couple mistakes in the semis. We weren't pointed perfectly straight at the starting line, which pulled it to the right. I had to hang off the left of the bike almost to the eighth-mile mark to keep it in the groove. Anytime you do that, you're scrubbing off time and speed.
"Everything else went pretty well - the engine was okay and my shift points were good. But not going straight won't do it, especially when you're running Antron Brown, who cuts those .407 lights.
"It just wasn't our turn today. Besides, it's more exciting for the fans to have different winners. We were the No. 1 qualifier, we're leaving with the points lead and we set the record. I'm really proud of this entire team. The CVEC Suzuki was awesome, and we came very close to that 6.99. All in all, it was a really good weekend."
Fast Facts:
- Angelle leaves Englishtown as the new elapsed time record holder, having made a 7.049-second run on her last qualifying attempt on Saturday afternoon. This accomplishment carries with it a valuable 20 points towards the NHRA POWERade Championship.
- Angelle also improved her career best top speed during her second-round win over John Smith by going 192.44 mph.
- After four of 14 Pro Stock Motorcycle national events, Angelle leads the NHRA POWERade Series points standings with 390 points, eleven better than second place Craig Treble.
- Angelle's overall elimination record at Englishtown stands at an impressive 17-3.
- Over her last 47 national event starts, Angelle has collected 18 wins in 27 final rounds, 18 No. 1 qualifying performances, and has complied an outstanding 127-30 (.809) elimination round record.
- Angelle has not suffered a first-round setback since August 22, 1999 at Brainerd, Minn. That span of 38 races represents the longest current streak in NHRA POWERade Drag Racing, and is only two behind the all-time mark set by Bob Glidden.
New Atlanta Dragway All Import Challenge ( Tim Glover)
Posted Tuesday, May 21, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
NEW ATLANTA DRAGWAY ALL IMPORT CHALLENGE
The new General Manager for Atlanta Dragway, Craig Armstrong, announced a
new program, the Atlanta Dragway All Import Challenge, to be run in
conjunction with Fast Fridays, beginning May 17, 2002 and ending August 23.
The format is simple.
The All-Import Challenge will be run at 11:30pm during the "Fast Friday"
Grudge Match and Test & Tune nights. All "street legal" import cars are
eligible (meaning DOT tires, working mufflers, valid license plate, etc.).
$5.00 in addition to your "Fast Friday" racing fee of $15.00 buys you a
practice run, and one actual run down the track. If you are not satisfied
with the actual run, you may "buy back" a second run for another $5.00.
The fastest "official run" (red lights do not count) wins the round, and
the Atlanta Dragway All-Import Challenge "Smack the Track" trophy. At the
end of the ten-event season (August 23rd), the winners of the individual
events will run off for the overall championship, which will include a
seasonal trophy and leather jacket.
The winner of the first night's round on 5/17 was AUBREY BAILEY, a 21-year
old fellow from Marietta, GA, aboard his street-legal 1991 Nissan. Bailey
turned in a quick 13.119 second, 114.22 pass. "This is awesome," Bailey
exclaimed as he received his "Smack the Track" trophy from General Manager
Craig Armstrong in the Winner's Circle. "I can't wait for next week.
We'll be ready and, hopefully, faster yet!"
Tim Glover
Stork Gamco Inc.
Email: tim.glover@stork.com
Gene Wilson/Mopar Press Release
Posted Tuesday, May 21, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Mon, 20 May 2002, 12:35 PM
Wilson Makes First NHRA Semifinal
Courtesy of David Harris
ENGLISHTOWN, N.J. -- Mopar Motorsports NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series teams completed eliminations for this weekend’s Matco Tools NHRA SuperNationals at the Old Bridge Township Raceway Park.
The following are notes and quotes from today’s qualifying activity.
DEAN SKUZA, driver of the Mopar Parts Dodge Stratus R/T
An ugly blower explosion resulted in Dean Skuza’s Dodge Stratus R/T body flying off the chassis in spectacular fashion. The two-time NHRA national event winner fell to Johnny Gray in round one, who also smoked the tires.
“We smoked the tires, I pedaled it, then – boom!” said a disappointed Skuza. “We’ve run so well this weekend and I thought we had a great shot today. The good news is that I’m all right and the Stratus body is just a tank.”
GENE WILSON, driver of the Mopar Parts Dodge Neon R/T
Gene Wilson was pumped about making his first NHRA Pro Stock final-round appearance. The Mopar Parts Dodge Neon R/T driver took a starting-line advantage (.447-.457) on Jeg Coughlin, Jr. in semifinals, but was unable to hold off a 6.794-second lap at 202.27 mph. Wilson logged a 6.833/202.45 combination.
“We had great car this weekend,” Wilson said. “The win a Budds Creek really gave me and this team some confidence. We’re making a lot of horsepower with the Hemi. I’m so happy with what we did this weekend.”
Wilson blistered the New Jersey quarter mile with a career-best 6.776-second elapsed time at a career-best top speed of 203.40 mph in his second-round victory over Mark Osborne. Wilson defeated Arturo Delgado in round one with another strong 6.883/202.61 combination.
LARRY MORGAN, driver of the Mopar Parts Dodge Neon R/T
A tell tale plume of smoke spelled the end of Larry Morgan’s weekend. The blue Mopar Parts Dodge Neon R/T driver fell to Allen Johnson in round one after breaking upon launch.
“I went flat when I did the burnout,” Morgan said. “When I hit the throttle, it was flat, and I think I broke a valve. I had a pretty good weekend though. We pretty much found our problem with the fuel system. It’s pretty happy now.”
Mark Whisnant Englishtown Wrap Up
Posted Monday, May 20, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Mon, 20 May 2002, 12:47 PM
A Career Best Weekend for Whisnant
Courtesy of Patti Miles
ENGLISHTOWN, N.J. -- Yesterday in the last session of qualifying at the 33rd Annual Matco Tools SuperNationals, Mark Whisnant drove is RW Performance Pro Stock Chevrolet Cavalier to a career best 6.795 / 202.73 mph to secure the eighth position on today’s eliminations ladder.
Earlier this weekend the RW Performance Team arrived in Englishtown without a crew chief, but the unexpected departure of their team leader did not hamper their performance here at the SuperNationals. Mark, Reid, and Team RW rallied together, and collectively made the tuning calls on their Chevrolet Cavalier. The result of their efforts was a career best for Mark and their best qualifying effort to date.
"We had a plan coming into this race," said Whisnant of Stockbridge, Ga. "I knew I had a lot of talent right here in this team, and our plan was to draw out that unused talent.
"There is a lot of Pro Stock racing experience right here in this pit that just needed to be tapped. We gave everyone input this weekend, and I think the results speak for itself."
On Sunday morning, Whisnant met Mark Pawuk in Round 1. After a lengthy staging battle, Whisnant finally stage and left the starting line faster than Pawuk (Whisnant .446 to Pawuk’s .454). Whisnant increased his advantage all the way down the quarter mile to take the win. Whisnant ran a 6.799 / 202.42 mph to defeat Pawuk with a 6.830 / 201.55 mph.
In Round 2 Whisnant’s opponent would be Pro Stock Champion Jim Yates. Yates took the advantage at the starting line, but sever tire shake caused Whisnant to get out of the throttle and coast to the finish line. Yates ran a 6.768 / 203. 71 mph to defeat Whisnant with a 10.528 / 85.11 mph.
"I am very happy with the way this weekend turned out. Of course, I would have liked to go a few more round. We are on way to doing that. It will just take a little more time.
"Coming into to this race it could have been a disaster. With Brad leaving, we could have really struggled, but my team really came together this weekend and gave me a great racecar.
"Right now, as far as performance is concerned, we are moving in the right direction. We learn something with every pass down the racetrack. The trick is to build on what you learn, and I think we are doing that. That gives me a lot of confidence going into the next race in Topeka.
"Here in Englishtown, our goal was to get in the show and go some rounds; we did that. Now we will turn our attention to Topeka, and try and do the same thing there; get in the show and go rounds on Sunday."
Georgia Pro Stocks at Englishtown: Whisnant, Wilson, WJ, and KJ
Posted Sunday, May 19, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
NHRA POWERade 33rd annual Matco Tools SuperNationals presented by Racing Champions
Englishtown, NJ
Georgia Pro Stock racers Mark Whisnant, Gene Wilson, Warren Johnson, and Kurt Johnson qualified for the quickest NHRA Pro Stock field in history.
Mark Whisnant defeated Mark Pawuk in the first round with a 6.799 @ 202.42, but slowed in the second round and lost to Jim Yates' 6.768 @ 203.71. I believe that Mark and RW Performance are doing just fine without a crewchief!
Gene Wilson defeated Arturo Delgado ( 6.833 @ 202.61 )and Mark Osborne ( 6.776 @ 203.40 ), but loses in the semi final to Jeg Coughlin, Jr. ( 6.833 @ 202.45 ).
Warren Johnson lost in the first round to Mark Osborne. WJ lost with a 6.786 @ 203.77 to Mark's 6.779 @ 202.79. Talk about a tough first round! WJ won the $50,000 Pro Stock Challenge Saturday.
Kurt Johnson beat Troy Coughlin ( 6.812 @ 202.91 ) in the first round, but lost to Jeg Coughlin, Jr. in the second round with a 6.817 @ 203.00.
NHRA POWERade 33rd annual Matco Tools SuperNationals presented by Racing Champions Results
Posted Sunday, May 19, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Englishtown, NJ
Bernstein, Densham, Anderson, Brown, Hahn, Shields, and Manzo Win!
Top Fuel: Kenny Bernstein ( 4.600 @ 321.96 ) over Larry Dixon, Jr. ( 4.818 319.90 )
Funny Car: Gary Densham ( 5.046 @ 316.38 ) over Bruce Sarver ( 7.310 115.29 )
Pro Stock: Greg Anderson ( 6.808 @ 201.91 ) over Jeg Coughlin, Jr. ( 6.812 202.33 )
Pro Stock Motorcycle: Antron Brown (7.118 @ 192.63) over Craig Treble ( 7.155 @ 183.92 )
Pro Mod: Fred Hahn ( 6.267 @ 226.73 ) over Troy Critchley ( 6.347 @ 226.35 )
Top Alcohol Dragster: Duane Shields ( 5.308 @ 266.37 ) over Arthur Gallant ( 5.563 @ 242.63 )
Top Alcohol Funny Car: Frank Manzo ( 5.549 @ 259.91 ) over Bobby Martin ( 5.801 @ 248.20 )
Atlanta Dragway Weekly Results by Amy & Tim Glover
Posted Sunday, May 19, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
RACE DATE: May 18, 2002
FROM: Amy & Tim Glover
EVENT: Summit ET series event at Atlanta Dragway in 2002
"Youth and enthusiasm is no match for old age and treachery," said
the smiling Super Pro winner Jim McKelvey after tonight's win. McKelvey
met the third Atlanta Dragway Jr. Dragster graduate to make it to the Super
Pro finals, 17 year old Jeremy Hancock. Hancock, who had two perfect .500
trees earlier today, missed the bulb a bit in the final, which McKelvey
took full advantage of. "I just got nervous," added Hancock, who is now in
his second year of Super Pro. Hancock turned in a dead-on 6.18, 111.39 in
his gorgeous '67 Camaro, while McKelvey slowed his ailing '96 Spitzer to a
5.31, 121.63 (5.26 dial). After the race, McKelvey said cooling system
water was getting into his oil every pass, but he figured (correctly) it
was not enough to hurt. He now has the funds to help pay for the
teardown. Alan Goddard ('69 Nova) finished in the semi-finals.
Another "grizzled veteran", Jacob Rutledge, took the Sportsman
win. The 2001 Division Two runner up used his starting line advantage to
take the win against former Trophy Street racer John Lawson III. The Brat
Pack racer Lawson was pleased; he made it to the finals in only his third
Sportsman race. Rutledge thanked his crew, wife Holly, dad Dan, and friend
Sean, who helped make it possible to run his two car team. "Good job. Not
bad for your third race," Rutledge said to Lawson after the race. Rutledge
turned in a 12.02, 108.70 on his 11.96 dial, while Lawson's '68 Camaro
broke out, running 11.30, 120.33 on an 11.39 dial. Kenneth Mason ('84
Camaro) became tonight's lone semi-finalist.
Harold Wilson won his second Trophy Street race this year against
Phillip Wigington, who improved his points standings with a runner up
finish. Wilson tried running his '74 Nova in Sportsman last week, but said
he came back where he belonged tonight. Wilson also used a starting line
advantage to slow his car to a 14.13, 87.89 (13.94 dial). Wigington's '94
S10 slowed to a 16.35, 81.97 (16.18 dial). Last week's winner, Mark
Hefley, finished in the semis tonight with his '69 Nova.
Former track champion Jay "Bird" Rhyne came into tonight's action
as Motorcycle points leader, and left with an even larger lead after
defeating Greg Winn in the final. Rhyne's '81 Kawasaki was .07 over,
running 12.58, 100.00, but his reaction time advantage made the difference
after Greg Winn's '76 Kawasaki went 11.95, 105.89 on a 11.90 target. David
Fletcher ('84 Ninja) and Mark Campbell ('01 Victory) were the semi-final pair.
In Jr. Dragster action, a thrilled Team PTI (Prestressed
Transportation, Inc.) had a driver in each final. PTI racer Johnny Turner
(13 years old) experienced his first win in only his second race after
Justin Radcliffe (14) turned on the big bad red light. Turner's machine
went 9.11, 69.44 on a 9.03 target. Radcliffe's two previous rounds were
8.29s, and he went close to that in the final with an 8.31, 77.72 (8.25
target). Kristen Neal (17) and Lloyd Shanks, Jr. (17) finished in the
semis. Proud father George Turner said Johnny had to make good grades to
race, and added that he practiced reaction times a lot during the winter to
get ready for this season. Team PTI has an oval track background, but
decided to switch to straight line racing this year, a move that has
already paid off with a win. Turner also thanked the crew who helped them
keep all the cars going, Matt Tomlinson, Adam Mayo, Bryan Huser and Mark
Speed. Team PTI currently races two Super Pro dragsters, two Jr.
Dragsters, and are adding a Super Gas Camaro soon.
Thomas Davis Cox (12 ) had the starting line advantage in the 8-12
Jr. final, which he turned into victory against the other Team PTI driver,
Lauren Turner (11). Cox's 8.99, 68.70 (8.90 dial), coupled with the better
react, made the difference when Turner's machine broke out with an 8.99,
70.75 on a 9.08 target. Former champ Bradley Myers (12) finished in the
semi-finals.
PRO / SUPER
PRO CAR HOMETOWN ET
MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Jim McKelvey '96 Spitzer Snellville,
GA 5.31 121.63 (5.26)
R/U: Jeremy Hancock '67 Camaro Conyers,
GA 6.18 111.39 (6.18)
Semi: Alan Goddard '69 Nova Stockbridge, GA
Semi:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SPORTSMAN CAR HOMETOWN
ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Jacob Rutledge '79 Capri Braselton,
GA 12.02 108.70 (11.96)
R/U: John Lawson '68 Camaro Hoschton,
GA 11.30 120.33 (11.39)
Semi: Kenneth Mason '84 Camaro Canton, GA
Semi:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TROPHY
STREET CAR HOMETOWN ET
MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Harold Wilson '74 Nova Winder,
GA 14.13 87.89 (13.94)
R/U: Phillip Wigington '94 S10 Canton,
GA 16.35 81.97 (16.18)
Semi: Mark Hefley '69 Nova Hayesville, NC
Semi:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOTORCYCLE BIKE HOMETOWN
ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Jay Rhyne '81 Kawasaki Athens,
GA 12.58 100.00 (12.51)
R/U: Greg Winn '76 Kawasaki Jefferson,
GA 11.95 105.89 (11.90)
Semi: Mark Campbell '01 Victory Covington, GA
Semi: David Fletcher '84 Ninja Lawrenceville, GA
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JR. DRAGSTER
8-12 AGE HOMETOWN ET
MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Thomas Davis-Cox 12 Buford,
GA 8.99 68.70 (8.90)
R/U: Lauren Turner 11 Lawrenceville,
GA 8.99 70.75 (9.08)
Semi: Bradley Myers 12 Loganville, GA
Semi:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JR. DRAGSTER
13-17 AGE HOMETOWN ET
MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Johnny Turner 13 Lawrenceville,
GA 9.11 69.44 (9.03)
R/U: Justin Radcliffe 14 Conyers,
GA (foul) 8.31 77.72 (8.25)
Semi: Kristen Neal 17 Snellville, GA
Semi: Lloyd Shanks, Jr. 17 Lawrenceville, GA
Tim Nabors Qualifies #6 in Pro Stock at the Hooters IHRA Amalie Oil Summer Nationals
Posted Sunday, May 19, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Lawrenceville, GA's Tim Nabors qualifies #6 ( 6.579 @ 210.11 ) in Pro Stock at Cordova, Ill. He will face John Bartunek in Sunday's first round. Final Pro Stock Qualifying Results:
http://www.dragracecentral.com/DRCStory.asp?ID={688B2E42-B2CA-43F1-BE06-A0BE1D351E72}&Filter=100#indextop
Qualifying Leaders at the Hooters IHRA Amalie Oil Summer Nationals
Posted Sunday, May 19, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Top Fuel- Clay Millican ( 4.601 @ 326.63 )
Funny Car- Jimmy Rector ( 5.824 @ 241.20 )
Pro Stock- Dwayne Rice ( 6.555 @ 210.11 )
Pro Mod- Mike Janis ( 6.137 @ 230.06 )
Georgia Pro Stockers Shine at Englishtown
Posted Sunday, May 19, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Four Georgia Pro Stock racers qualify in the quickest NHRA Pro Stock field in history! Warren Johnson ( #3 6.783 @ 203.09 and the winner of the $50,000 Pro Stock Challenge ), Mark " I don't need no stinkin' crewchief" Whisnant ( #8 6.795 @ 202.73 ), Kurt Johnson ( #10 6.799 @ 202.91 ), and Gene Wilson ( #11 6.799 @ 202.91 ) make the field.
Final qualifying order:
http://www.dragracecentral.com/DRCStory.asp?ID={2299403A-AD7A-4167-95A9-E365644DA2B5}&Filter=100#indextop
NHRA POWERade Matco Tools SuperNationals presented by Racing ChampionsQualifying Leaders
Posted Sunday, May 19, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
The #1 qualifiers at Englishtown are:
Top Fuel- Larry Dixon ( 4.561 @ 323.35 )
Funny Car- Tony Pedregon ( 4.777 @ 316.45 )
Pro Stock- Jim Yates ( 6.774 @ 202.39 - the quickest NHRA Pro Stock field in history with a 6.815 bump)
Pro Stock M/C- Angelle Savoie ( 7.049 @ 189.15 - the quickest Pro Stock M/C run in history and also a new NHRA record! )
Pro Mod- Bob Reiger ( 6.159 @ 227.04 )
Top Alcohol Dragster- Arthur Gallant ( 5.339 @ 251.06 )
Top Alcohol Funny Car- Jay Payne ( 5.628 @ 253.71 )
Barry Grant to Sponsor NHRA King Demon Crown
Posted Saturday, May 18, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Barry Grant, Inc. ( Dahlonega, GA ) and NHRA announce the multi year King Demon Crown Pro Stock bonus event.
http://www.nhra.com/2002/news/may/051801.html
WJ Wins $50,000 Pro Stock Challenge
Posted Saturday, May 18, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
http://www.nhra.com/2002/news/may/051802.html
GDR Website Updated
Posted Saturday, May 18, 2002 by johndilbeck
Today, I cleaned up a few broken links and revised the Articles & Stories section by adding links to the people and places mentioned in the articles.
Bob Handren submitted his article, My Georgia Drag Racing Experiences, and I found it quite enjoyable. I'd forgotten about that dip in the left lane at the Houston Brothers strip. Thanks, Bob.
Tim Nabors ( Lawrenceville ) #4 in Pro Stock at IHRA- Cordova
Posted Friday, May 17, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Tim Nabors is currently #4 in the Pro Stock category with a 6.579 @ 210.11 after the completion of two qualifying sessions.
Pro Stock Qualifying Results:
http://www.dragracecentral.com/DRCStory.asp?ID={937783B0-61E7-4E74-8AFE-EF6467AA7BA3}#indextop
Qualifying Results from Englishtown-NHRA POWERade Matco Tools SuperNationals presented by Racing Champions
Posted Friday, May 17, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Georgia racers Craig Couris ( C/SA - Atlanta ), Gene Wilson ( Pro Stock - Canton ), Mark Whisnant ( Pro Stock - Stockbridge ), Warren Johnson ( Pro Stock - Buford ), and Kurt Johnson ( Pro Stock - Buford ) have qualified in their respective eliminators after one rain shortened day of racing at Englishtown, NJ.
Gene Wilson is in the 11th spot ( 6.874 @ 201.04 ), Mark Whisnant is #10 ( 6.873 @ 201.37 ), Warren Johnson is #7 ( 6.858 @ 201.97 ), and Kurt Johnson is #4 ( 6.852 @ 201.82 ) after one Pro session. Pro Stock Qualifying Results:
http://www.dragracecentral.com/DRCStory.asp?ID={E61B3E7C-8059-4D5E-8266-A67B2B98C434}#indextop
Kenny Bernstein (Top Fuel 4.599 @ 323.27 ), Gary Densham ( Funny Car 4.864 @ 320.13 ), Jim Yates ( Pro Stock 6.836 @ 201.49 ), Angelle Savoie ( Pro Stock M/C 7.205 @ 184.93 ), and Troy Critchley ( Pro Mod 6.318 @ 221.42 ) are the top qualifiers after one session.
GDR Website Updated
Posted Friday, May 17, 2002 by johndilbeck
Many pages have been updated today, including photo thumbnails by class, event, person, and photographer. In the links section, a couple of links were added to David's Favorites.
To make the news page load faster, I've reduced the stories shown from 30 days to 14 days. All previous news stories are available in the archives. You can browse the archives by clicking on the News Archives link in the menu to the left, or search them using the search box at the top of the News page.
GDR Website Updated
Posted Friday, May 17, 2002 by johndilbeck
8 new photos have been added today (GDR-00170 through GDR-00177).
A search feature was added to help you search through the news archives. You'll find it at the top of the News page.
Gene Wilson Wins U.S. Pro Stock Open at MIR
Posted Thursday, May 16, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Thu, 16 May 2002, 08:33 AM
Gene Wilson Wins MIR US Pro Stock Open
Courtesy of Bill Pratt
BUDDS CREEK, Md. -- Gene Wilson won his first official race in the NHRA Pro Stock configuration when he took the title at the 28th annual U.S. Pro Stock Open at Maryland International Raceway Wednesday night. Gene must like MIR; he dominated the IHRA President's Cup Nationals in his appearance there in September. In a huge surprise, Warren Johnson did not qualify. WJ was unable to get all his power to the ground in two qualifying sessions. He came back later to run a 6.828. Here are qualifying and eliminations results from the U.S. Pro Stock Open.
28th Annual U.S. Pro Stock Open at Maryland International Raceway
Qualifying:
1. Tim Freeman, Eagle One Cavalier, 6.794, 203.46 (new track records)
2. Jim Yates, Splitfire Grand Am, 6.811, 202.91
3. Allen Johnson, Johnson Racing Neon, 6.817, 202.61
4. Rickie Smith, Mopar Neon, 6.821, 202.97
5. Mark Osborne, Schmidt Racing Grand Am, 6.825, 201.79
6. Gene Wilson, Mopar Neon, 6.828, 202.09
7. Ron Krisher, Eagle One Cavalier, 6.829, 203.22
8. Kurt Johnson, ACDelco Cavalier, 6.830, 203.00
DNQ
9. Jamie Yates, Splitfire Grand Am, 6.838, 202.21
10. Larry Morgan, Larry Morgan Neon, 6.844, 202.00
11. Warren Johnson, GM Performance Parts Grand Am, 6.848, 202.94
12. Tom Hammonds, Winnebago Cavalier, 6.873, 201.91
13. Tom Lee, Johnson Racing Neon, 6.885, 200.86
14. John Nobile, Piranha Z Cavalier, 6.905, 201.40
15. Tom Martino, Tom Martino Grand Am, 6.916, 201.37
16. Ben Watson, Split Second Grand Am, 6.920, 199.52
Round One:
W Rickie Smith, 6.834, 202.67
L Mark Osborne, 12.53, 69
W Gene Wilson, 6.821, 201.97
L Allen Johnson, 6.854, 202.73
W Ron Krisher, 6.802, 196.04
L Jim Yates, 6.807, 202.85
W Tim Freeman, 6.854, 203.37 (.0001 margin of victory!)
L Kurt Johnson, 6.931, 202.27
Round Two:
W Tim Freeman, 6.829, 203.74 (holeshot, track record speed)
L Rickie Smith, 6.815, 201.01
W Gene Wilson, 6.834, 201.94
L Ron Krisher, 6.883, 202.27 (clutch problems)
Final
W Gene Wilson, 6.808, 202.70
L Tim Freeman, 14.20, 59 (severe tire shake)
Mark Whisnant Press Release
Posted Thursday, May 16, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Wed, 15 May 2002, 09:29 PM
Whisnant: Personnel Changes for the RW Performance Team
Courtesy of Patti Miles
ENGLISHTOWN, N.J. -- On the eve of the 33rd Annual Matco Tools SuperNationals in Englishtown, N.J., Mark Whisnant and the RW Performance Race Team have announced the departure of Crew Chief Brad Jeter.
Jeter left the RW Performance team without warning after the Southern Nationals to pursue a driving opportunity with another Pro Stock team. The team is currently looking for a replacement for Jeter. In the interim Mark, Reid, and the crew will make the tuning decisions on the RW Performance Chevrolet Cavalier.
"We are disappointed that Brad chose to leave," said Whisnant, "but as a driver I can understand his desire to get back behind the wheel. We wish Brad the best in what ever he does, but this team is prepared to go on without him.
"For the last couple races we have struggled. As a result, we have asked for more and more input from the other team members. What we found was that we have a wealth of experience and knowledge here in our core group of employees.
"James, Brent, My brother Terry, and I have been doing this for a long time, and we have learned a thing or two along the way. This weekend, and until we find a replacement for Brad, we will tune the car ourselves.
"We are currently looking for a new crew chief, but we are going to take our time and find the right fit for our racing program. We have lots things coming up and whoever we hire will have a big job in front of them. It will take time to find a person capable of handling that responsibility. For now, we will tune the car ourselves.
"As far as our performance, we feel like we may have turned a corner in Atlanta. Every time we send the car down the track, we learn more about what it wants. I think what we have learned has set us in the right direction. Hopefully we can use that knowledge this weekend in Englishtown.
"It has been a long time since we have raced in Englishtown, and I would really like to be in the show come Sunday." Qualifying at the 33rd Annual Matco Tools SuperNationals will begin on Friday May 17th and continue on Saturday May 18th. Eliminations will start at 11:00AM EST on Sunday May 19.
33rd Annual Matco Tools SuperNationals Presented by Racing Champions TV Schedule
Qualifying Highlights
Saturday May 18 5:00 – 7:00 PM EST (ESPN)
Repeat Qualifying Highlights
Saturday May 18 10:00PM – 12:00AM EST (ESPN2)
Eliminations Coverage
Sunday May 19 7:00 – 10:00 PM EST (ESPN2)
Repeat Eliminations
Monday May 20 2:00 PM– 4:00 AM EST (EPSN2)
GDR Website Updated
Posted Tuesday, May 14, 2002 by johndilbeck
After being out of town for the last month due to a family health situation, I'm finally back at home and working to catch up.
28 new photos have been added today (GDR-00142 through GDR-00169).
The May 2002 schedule for Southeastern Dragway was added to the Activities section and to the Southeastern International Dragway page in the Dragstrips section. Several dragstrips were updated in this section, as well, including the Houston Brothers Drag Strip and the Ted Edwards Drag Strip.
Several new person pages were added as well as a new Events section in the Photo Gallery. I'll be updating more of these later tonight.
Atlanta Dragway Weekly Results by Tim Glover
Posted Monday, May 13, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
TO: Sports Editor
RACE DATE: May 11, 2002
FROM: Tim Glover
EVENT: Summit ET Series race at Atlanta Dragway
Finally! Racers at Atlanta Dragway were treated to a complete Summit
ET series points race, unaffected by cold, moisture or rain (although there
was a 30% chance of rain in the forecast). Today's Run for the Money
winners were recent dragster convert Michael Brown (5.041 on a 5.04), Kevin
Poole ('83 Camaro - 11.121 on a 11.12) and Kyle Denton in Jr. Dragster.
Donny Brown, Jr. has been fighting a fuel problem since last year,
and finally traced it to bad fuel lines (collapsing internally). Brown
made up for the lost ground tonight by taking the win light against Bob
Clifford in the Super Pro final. This was only the third time Brown's '95
Spitzer dragster has been out this year. Brown set a 5.00 dial and then
laid down a 5.01, 138.05, winning after Bob Clifford's '77 Malibu broke out
with an oh-so-close 6.365, 107.40 (6.37 target). Clifford, who won the '98
Snap-On show, also runner upped last year at Atlanta Dragway. Neal Miller
('88 Woody dragster), finished in the semi-finals.
The Sportsman winner? Why, that'd be Nalley. Engine builder and
racer Ed Nalley, that is. Nalley previously raced Super Pro and really
wasn't enjoying it any more. He raced his wife Dianne's car in Trophy
Street last year and said he had more fun than he has had in a long time.
Over the winter he decided to convert his eight second '88 T-Bird over to
Sportsman class (the throttle is a little over 1/3 open now with the pedal
on the mat) and runs consistent low 10s. Nalley took on Kim Ellington's
'81 Camaro in the final and used a slightly better react to take the win
against her, turning in a 10.05, 123.29 (10.00 dial) to Ellington's 11.70,
114.51 (11.66 dial). Cindy William's husband, Gerry Williams ('73
Challenger) was the lone semi-finalist.
Trophy Street featured a new winner, Mark Hefley from Hayesville, NC.
Hefley reacted with a great .513 in his '72 Nova, and ran it out to a
13.30, 100.45 (13.23 dial). His final round opponent, Bryan White, turned
on the cherry colored bulb with his '97 Cobra, ending his day, and chose to
take it easy down the track, running 16.81, 69.12 on a 13.12 dial. Jodee
Lee has been making many rounds with her Mustang, and finished in the
semi-finals today, along with Brian Harris.
Jay Rhyne returned to form in Motorcycle, getting the automatic win
when David Fletcher turned on the big bad red light. Rhyne legged his '81
Kawasaki out to a 12.26, 103.93 (12.30 dial), and Fletcher's '84 Kawasaki
went 9.54, 135.14 (9.52 dial). Steve Bishop was the semi-finalist.
The gender situation was switched in 13-17 Jr. Dragster, where two of
the final three drivers remaining were girls. Thirteen year old Melissa
Camp took on Kevin Hackett (14) in the final, where his car went just a tad
too quick, breaking out with an 8.87, 69.44 on an 8.90 dial. Camp's dad
and crew chief said their car was on kill, varying only from 10.37 to 10.42
all day. Camp turned in a 10.40, 60.56 on its 10.38 target for her first
Atlanta Dragway victory. Kristen Neal (17) finished in the semi-finals.
Thomas Davis-Cox (12 years old) used a .517 react in the 8-12 Jr.
final to take out Danielle Krause (11). Cox took advantage of his reaction
time to slow his car down to a safe 9.00, 66.17 on an 8.90 dial. Krause's
car was close to its mark with a 9.38, 68.49 (9.34 dial). Harvey Snelgrove
(10) also finished in the semi-finals.
PRO / SUPER PRO CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH
DIAL-IN
Win: Donny Brown Jr. '95 Spitzer dragster Buford, GA 5.01
138.05 (5.00)
R/U: Bob Clifford '79 Malibu Clayton, GA 6.36
107.40 (6.37)
Semi: Neal Miller '88 Woody dragster Buford, GA
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SPORTSMAN CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH
DIAL-IN
Win: Ed Nalley '88 T-Bird Norcross, GA 10.05
123.29 (10.00)
R/U: Kim Ellington '81 Camaro Conyers, GA 11.70
114.51 (11.66)
Semi: Gerry Williams '73 Challenger Snellville, GA
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TROPHY STREET CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH
DIAL-IN
Win: Mark Hefley '72 Nova Hayesville, NC 13.30
100.45 (13.23)
R/U: Bryan White '97 Cobra Grayson, GA (foul) 16.81
69.12 (13.12)
Semi: Jodee Lee Mustang Cornelia, GA
Semi: Brian Harris Mustang Toccoa, GA
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MOTORCYCLE BIKE HOMETOWN ET MPH
DIAL-IN
Win: Jay Rhyne '81 Kawasaki Athens, GA 12.26
103.83 (12.30)
R/U: David Fletcher '84 Kawasaki Lawrenceville,
GA(foul) 9.54 135.14 (9.52)
Semi: Steve Bishop Kawasaki Winder, Ga
Semi:
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JR. DRAGSTER 8-12 AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH
DIAL-IN
Win: Thomas Davis-Cox 12 Buford, GA 9.00 66.17
(8.90)
R/U: Danielle Krause 11 Peachtree City, GA
9.38 68.49 (9.34)
Semi: Harvey Snelgrove 10 Dahlonega, GA
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JR. DRAGSTER 13-17 AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH
DIAL-IN
Win: Melissa Camp 13 Douglasville, GA
10.40 60.56 (10.38)
R/U: Kevin Hackett 14 Evans, GA 8.87
69.44 (8.90)
Semi: Kristen Neal 17 Snellville, GA
RW Performance and Brad Jeter Part Ways
Posted Sunday, May 12, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
The report of Brad Jeter ( crew chief for Mark Whisnant's Pro Stock Team ) leaving RW Performance was on NHRA's TV program this morning. I am not sure of the details, but I am attempting to find out. Stay tuned....
More NHRA Southern Nationals Photos
Posted Friday, May 10, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Fred Simmons accompanied me to the Southern Nationals at Commerce, GA last weekend. Here are a few of his great shots. click on the link:
http://www.imagestation.com/album/index.html?id=4291856977
Southern Nationals Photos
Posted Wednesday, May 8, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
I added a few more pics. Click on the link:
http://www.imagestation.com/album/index.html?id=4291856977
Mopar Motorsports Atlanta Wrap Up
Posted Tuesday, May 7, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Tue, 7 May 2002, 12:45 PM
Alderman Drives to Semifinals
Courtesy of David Harris, Cox Marketing Group
COMMERCE, Ga. -- Mopar Parts NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series teams completed eliminations for this weekend’s Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals at the Atlanta Dragway.
The following are notes and quotes following today’s activity.
driver of the Mopar Parts Dodge Neon R/T
Darrell Alderman and the Mopar Parts Dodge Neon R/T drove to the semifinals before losing to Allen Johnson. Alderman, a 28-time NHRA Pro Stock national event winner, ran a slower 6.913-second lap at 200.78 mph.
“We shook a little on that run,” said Alderman, who debuted his new Jerry Bickel-built Neon R/T this weekend. “The team has done a tremendous job this weekend. We made up quite a bit in points and we ran well.”
Alderman outran Ron Krisher in the first round and Warren Johnson in the second round. The Morehead, Ky., resident won his third race of the season on a holeshot (4.49-.469) over Johnson. Alderman’s 6.888-second lap held off Johnson’s 6.878.
DEAN SKUZA, driver of the Mopar Parts Dodge Stratus R/T
Dean Skuza ended his day with a bang. The Mopar Parts Dodge Stratus R/T driver exploded a blower as Frank Pedregon cruised to victory with a 4.916-second lap at 310.41 mph.
“We were a little too aggressive on that run,” Skuza said. “I didn’t think we were going in, but it was a little too much after we looked at the computer. After it started to spin, I pedaled it, and fuel dumped in, it made a hydraulic motion, and I knew I shouldn’t have pedaled the last time, but he was right there. I just had to give it one more, and that was the one that did it. Bam. It exploded and that was all she wrote. It was pretty disappointing because we feel we’re going in the right direction. It’s just hard to get a groove going this year. That’s like a lot of the other teams. I think the whole key for us is not to get frustrated with it and remain focused. We can’t let it work on our mindset, but the way that the start of this year has gone, most teams would have disbanded by now. This is rough stuff right now, but its character building times. We’ve got our nose to the grindstone and we’re not going to let it neat us.”
GENE WILSON, driver of the Mopar Parts Dodge Neon R/T
Gene Wilson guided his Mopar Parts Dodge Neon R/T to his first NHRA round victory of his career. Wilson, who lost on a holeshot to Jim Yates in the second round, beat out V. Gaines with a 6.884-second elapsed time at 200.50 mph.
“That was a good run,” Wilson said. “(Crew chief) Tommy (Utt) gave me a good car to race with on Sunday. It’s just the way it goes. He got me a little bit on the tree (.443-.468) and I couldn’t make up the deficit on the other end. I want to thank Mopar Parts and the team is doing an excellent job.”
Yates posted a slower 6.901-second lap at 199.82 mph, but it was enough to hold off Wilson’s 6.884-second elapsed time at 200.50 mph.
Kenny Bernstein Atlanta Wrap Up
Posted Tuesday, May 7, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Tue, 7 May 2002, 12:45 PM
Bernstein Captures his First Bud Pole of the Season
Courtesy of Susie Arnold
Remains Second in NHRA Championship Chase
COMMERCE, Ga. -- Kenny Bernstein was the quickest of the Top Fuel field at the Summit Racing Equipment Southern Nationals May 3-5 at Atlanta Dragway, seizing his first number one qualifying position of the season, his 62nd career "pole", his 24th in Top Fuel. He was awarded $4,000 from Budweiser for earning the pole.
In the opening round of race day action, Bernstein ran a strong 4.626-second elapsed time at 318.92 miles per hour, to eliminate Chris Karamesines’ 7.543/114.32 effort.
In the second round, the Budweiser King/Lucas Oil dragster ran a consistent 4.618/323.19 to stop Scott Weis (7.413/114.29). The semifinals found Bernstein matched against rival Larry Dixon.
"I thought we had him," said Budweiser King crew chief Tim Richards.
"That round was a real horse race," said Bernstein. "It was too close to call from the cockpit until we began to haze the tires past half track as we were heading for the finish line.
That’s the worst feeling in the world, there’s just nothing we could do at that point."
Bernstein finished third at the Summit Racing Equipment Southern Nationals and is 162 points out of the championship lead. NHRA POWERade competition takes a break next weekend and picks up May 17-19 at Englishtown, N.J.
Warren Johnson Atlanta Wrap Up
Posted Tuesday, May 7, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Tue, 7 May 2002, 11:55 AM
Johnson Wins in Atlanta - But Not Warren
Courtesy of Rick Voegelin, TMG Sports Marketing
COMMERCE, Ga. -- There was a Johnson celebrating in the winner's circle at the conclusion of the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals presented by Pontiac, but it was not Warren or Kurt. Allen Johnson became the seventh different Pro Stock winner in seven races this season, while Warren lost to longtime nemesis Darrell Alderman in the second round.
Although W.J. professes that his frequent test sessions at Atlanta Dragway do not give him a home field advantage, the Professor set the pace in Friday qualifying. His GM Performance Parts Pontiac was the No. 2 seed going into final eliminations with a 6.822-second elapsed time. Greg Anderson, Johnson's former student and crew chief, was the No. 1 qualifier.
Rain on Friday gave way to warm weather on Sunday, compelling Pro Stock teams to rethink their setups for race day.
"We knew that the conditions that we qualified under were going to be nothing like the conditions that we raced under," said Johnson. "Our car produced nearly identical elapsed times under varying conditions, so we were right on our game plan. When you make changes in the car and it repeats, it means you're in very good shape."
Johnson made the right adjustments for the first round, dispatching Mark Pawuk with a 6.811-second elapsed time at 202.61 mph -- the quickest and fastest run of the event. After setting the track records for elapsed time and speed, W.J. took on archrival Darrell Alderman in the second round.
Alderman was first off the line with a .02-second advantage that he held to the finish line. Johnson's 6.878-second e.t. was not quick enough to catch Alderman's 6.888.
"I just gave it away -- that's all there was to it," Johnson conceded. "We miscalculated because of the heat on the track. The track didn't go away as much as we thought, and it just killed the 60-foot time."
With a record number of winners at the start of a season, the competition in Pro Stock has never been fiercer. W.J. will be working overtime to gain an advantage for the upcoming series of three races on three consecutive weekends, starting with the Matco Tools SuperNationals in Englishtown, N.J., on May 16-19.
WARREN JOHNSON RACE RESULTS
Qualified: No. 2 at 6.822/202.52 mph
First Round: Warren Johnson (6.811/202.61) defeated Mark Pawuk (6.873/200.74)
Second Round: Darrell Alderman (6.888/200.53) defeated Johnson (6.878/202.00)
Final Round: Allen Johnson (6.907/200.92) defeated Greg Anderson (7.676/138.41)
Low ET: Warren Johnson, 6.811 seconds (track record)
Top Speed: Warren Johnson, 202.61 mph (track record)
Kurt Johnson Atlanta Wrap Up
Posted Tuesday, May 7, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Tue, 7 May 2002, 11:55 AM
Kurt Debuts Another New Car with Second-Round Finish
Courtesy of Rick Voegelin, TMG Sports Marketing
COMMERCE, Ga. -- Kurt Johnson unveiled yet another new ACDelco Cavalier at this weekend's Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals presented by Pontiac. K.J.'s new chassis is the third car he has raced in the young season. Constructed by Jerry Haas, the new Cavalier is a virtual twin under its carbon fiber skin to his father's GM Performance Parts Grand Am. Kurt debuted his new tubing with a second-round finish at Atlanta Dragway, his home track.
"We made six test runs in Bristol and this car just keeps getting better and better," Kurt reported. "It's really fast in the first sixty feet, and that's where the other car was lacking. We ran 6.84 in qualifying, and there are still some areas that need to keep tuning to be able to run 6.81s and 6.82s."
K.J. qualified his new wheels in the No. 6 spot with a 6.848-second e.t. He defeated Mark Whisnant in the first round, 6.856 to 7.352. The second round featured a Johnson vs. Johnson pairing as Kurt's Chevy took on Allen Johnson's Dodge. Allen parlayed a .032-second holeshot into a victory, defeating Kurt's quicker 6.877 with a 6.891-second e.t.
"I should have had a better light," said K.J. "We lost, and we're not happy."
Despite Johnson's disappointment, he was encouraged by the initial performance of his new car.
"We only have a dozen runs on the new car and I'm still getting comfortable in it," he said.
Kurt will have two weeks to complete the familiarization process before he begins a grueling series of three straight races in New Jersey, Kansas and Illinois. The "Spring Swing" kicks off with the Matco Tools SuperNationals in Englishtown, N.J., on May 16-19.
KURT JOHNSON RACE RESULTS
Qualified: No. 6 at 6.848/200.38
First Round: Kurt Johnson (6.856/200.89) defeated Mark Whisnant (7.352 149.17)
Second Round: Allen Johnson (6.891/200.44) defeated Kurt Johnson (6.877/200.83)
Final Round: Allen Johnson (6.907/200.92) defeated Greg Anderson (7.676/138.41)
Low ET: Warren Johnson, 6.811 seconds (track record)
Top Speed: Warren Johnson, 202.61 mph (track record)
Allen Johnson Atlanta Wrap Up
Posted Tuesday, May 7, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Tue, 7 May 2002, 12:59 PM
Allen Johnson Wins at Atlanta
Courtesy of Dennis Anderson
COMMERCE, Ga. -- A total of 37 Pro Stock drivers battled over three qualifying sessions and rain delays to be among the quick 16 here at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway. The qualified field was separated by .092 seconds. Johnson & Johnson Racing took the No. 3 and No. 14 positions.
Johnson's opponent in Round 1 was team mate Tom Lee. Lee took the advantage on the starting line with a .445 of a second light to Johnson's .459 light. It was tire shake that caused Lee's Neon to break loose on the top end giving the win to Johnson. Johnson ran 6.866 / 200.80 mph to Lee's 6.910 / 199.26 mph.
Johnson then defeated Kurt Johnson with a (.446) 6.891-200.44 to Kurt's (.478) 6.877-200.83.
In the semi final AJ out run Darrell Alderman's Neon with a (.441) 6.899-200.29 to Darrell's (.455) 6.913-200.29.
And in the final it was Greg Anderson. Johnson finished the win off with a (.440) 6.907-200.92 to Greg's (.452) 7.676-138.41.
"Just qualifying here this weekend feels like a victory for me," said Johnson. "If you knew how much this team has struggled you would agree. Dad (engine builder Roy Johnson) has been working on this engine combination for two years now. We have been through so much to get here."
"This team is just awesome, all of them have give one hundred percent." an emotional Johnson said "We have had clutch gremlins, chassis gremlins and all kinds of things to work out. NHRA Pro Stock Racing is the toughest there is, and we were the best today, the team earned it."
Angelle Savoie/Star Racing Atlanta Wrap Up
Posted Tuesday, May 7, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Tue, 7 May 2002, 12:59 PM
Angelle and the CVEC Racing Team Cap a "Perfect Weekend" by Winning in
Courtesy of Jon Knapp
COMMERCE, Ga. -- Atlanta Angelle Savoie and the CVEC Suzuki Racing Team put the finishing touches on a perfect weekend by scoring a thrilling win in today's Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals. Facing rival Matt Hines in the final round, Angelle matched Hines near-perfect reaction time and powered away for the win with an elapsed time of 7.162 with a top speed of 187.91 mph.
>From the moment they arrived at Atlanta Dragway, things couldn't have gone better for the Star Racing Team. After announcing CVEC Power Systems as their new primary sponsor on Friday, they never looked back. Despite constant delays due to rain each time they took to the track the CVEC Suzuki was clearly the class of field, posting the quickest elapsed time in Pro Stock Motorcycle on every run.
After claiming the 25th No. 1 qualifying position of her career with a track record 7.124-second elapsed time and a class-best top speed of 189.76 mph, Angelle continued her torrid pace in final eliminations. In the first round against Tommy Grimes Jr., she lowered her track record even further with an impressive 7.113-second pass. In the second round, she combined another strong run with an outstanding .403 reaction time to defeat Mike Berry, before eliminating Shawn Gann in the semi-finals with her second quickest pass of the day to set the stage for the final against Hines.
The CVEC Racing team's successes extended beyond the racetrack, as they were given the Best Appearing Crew award in pre-race ceremonies. This win was especially poignant for Star Racing, as they had faced a potential suspension of operations until receiving the support of CVEC Power Systems.
"This is a very special win for many reasons. First, this was scheduled to be our last race. Fortunately, Gary Cornwell and the folks at CVEC Power Systems took notice of our primer gray Suzuki in Gainesville, and decided to sponsor us. I am just so glad that Gary and everybody from CVEC was here to see it. You just couldn't ask for more in your first race with a new sponsor.
"I also came to Atlanta looking for some redemption, because I felt I had let a couple of wins get away from us earlier this season. I had a .521 light in the first round, and I knew that wasn't going to work. But then I realized I wasn't focusing on the Christmas Tree like I normally do, letting my mind get sidetracked. After that, I made sure to keep my concentration, and I had three good lights, including a .403 and a .402 in the final.
"The final against Matt was awesome, because it was like the good old days when Matt and I would constantly meet in the finals. But when the back tire spun out and the bike went sideways, I thought we were done. But I refused to give up, stayed with it, willing it to the finish line. I saw my win light come, and I just lost it, screaming and yelling.
"It's usually a good race when Matt and I are in the final together because we really want to beat each other. That makes it good for the fans and our sport. Of course it's fun when you win by a mile, but I think I'm even more proud when it's a close race like today.
"It feels really good to be back in the points lead. I'm looking forward to being introduced during driver introductions in Englishtown as the NHRA POWERade points leader. I've also been waiting to see what the new POWERade winner's medals look like, and now I know."
Fast Facts:
- This is the 23rd win of Angelle's career (and first of the 2002 season) and in the Southern Nationals, having also won this event in 1999 and 2000.
- Angelle's 23 wins are the most by a female competitor in NHRA history, and ties her for 16th on the all-time win list, and one win behind No. 15 Terry Vance.
- Angelle's 7.113-second elapsed time in the first round reset her own Atlanta Dragway record from yesterday.
- Angelle also recorded the top speed for this event at 189.76 mph, which is the 20th time she has done so in her career.
- Angelle had the quickest elapsed time in each qualifying session and elimination round for Pro Stock Motorcycle this weekend.
- This is the 57th career win for the Star Racing Team.
- The CVEC Racing team won Best Appearing Crew at this weekend's Summit Racing Equipment Southern Nationals.
- Team owner George Bryce and Star Racing now have four victories and six runner-up finishes at the Summit Racing Equipment Southern Nationals.
- By winning today's race, Angelle has taken over the NHRA POWERade points lead by nine points over second place Craig Treble.
- Angelle had led the NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle standings following 34 of the last 45 national events, dating back to the beginning of the 1999 season. She has been ranked first or second an amazing 51 of the last 55 events, dating back to the fourth event of 1998.
- This is the 11th time Angelle has won from the No. 1 qualifying position.
- Angelle has won 18 of her last 47 national event starts, has appeared in 25 final rounds and owns a 125-29 (.838) elimination round win record during that span. She has also recorded 17 low qualifier efforts during that span.
- Angelle's .768 (189-57) elimination- round win percentage ranks second among all active drivers, trailing only Matt Hines.
Larry Dixon Atlanta Wrap Up
Posted Tuesday, May 7, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Tue, 7 May 2002, 01:01 PM
"High Fives" All Around for Larry Dixon & Miller Lite Dragster As They Win Fifth Race of 2002 at Atlanta's Summit Equipment Nationals
Courtesy of Skip Allum
COMMERCE, Ga. -- Larry Dixon and Don Prudhomme's Miller Lite Snake Racing Top Fuel team celebrated Cinco de Mayo with "high fives" Sunday as the 2002 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series points leader collected his fifth win of the season at the Summit Racing Equipment Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway.
Dixon's 21st win of his career came in his 39th overall final round and moved him into sole possession of 22nd place on the NHRA's All-time wins list, as well as sixth overall in the history of the Top Fuel category. The win marked the second time Dixon has won at Atlanta (1996) and was the 82nd overall win for team owner Don "The Snake Prudhomme (49 as a driver, 33 as owner). Dixon, who has held the point lead all season long, now has earned 718 points in the first seven races of the year while increasing his comfort level to 162 points over second place Kenny Bernstein. He has reached the finals six times out of the first seven races of the year - winning five times.
Entering the day as the No. 5 qualifier, Dixon looked to rebound from a wacky weekend of qualifying which saw rain delays, broken parts and tire shake. He kicked things off with a first round meeting against No. 12 qualifier Luigi Novelli in the first meeting between the two teams. Dixon used a safe, 4.686-second lap (306.40 mph) to earn the win over Novelli (11.056 secs.) and a moved on to a second round match up with fellow Mac Tools driver Doug Kalitta.
Dixon's run against Kalitta was the closest of the day in Top Fuel as the Miller Lite/Lucas Oil Dragster ran a time of 4.586 seconds (321.81 mph) to defeat Kalitta's effort (4.606/318.32). "I think second round in Top Fuel, that was the race of the day - a 4.58 to a 4.60," said Dixon. "We had our car running good when we needed to."
The semifinals marked a pivotal race for Dixon as he squared off against No. 1 qualifier and nemesis Kenny Bernstein. Dixon's run of 4.639 seconds (317.72) gave Miller Lite a perfect 3-0 edge over the "red" team for 2002 as Bernstein smoked the tires (5.206/202.42).
"That was another big round," admitted Dixon. "I was glad we had lane choice and I was glad the sun was coming out even more. I really thought that would help us more than it would hurt us. Their early numbers were quicker than ours, but it didn't stay hooked. Then they spun the tires and it was over. We had to be on our game in the second run and after you win, your consolation prize is that we get to race Bernstein - somebody who is even tougher. When you are fortunate to get by that round, then you are in the finals and it doesn't matter who you face then because there is only one person who is going to walk out with the trophy."
In the finals, it was Dixon who would walk home with the "Wally" as he was faced with his first career championship meeting with No. 6 qualifier Doug Herbert. Dixon came out on top with a winning lap of 4.637 seconds at 318.09 mph. Herbert's losing effort of 5.039 seconds at 231.87 mph moved Dixon's career mark to 13 wins and two losses to the Snap On Tools driver.
"The conditions certainly changed and I think that helped us out," said Dixon referring to Sunday's sunny weather in comparison to the rainstorm which delayed qualifying earlier in the weekend. "It seems like in the warm weather we have a better set up than we do in cold weather, so when that sun started coming out in the second round, I was liking it. We had a lot of trouble this weekend with some freak breakage and some dumb things happen during qualifying, but come race day fortunately we had our act together when it counted.
When asked if he could believe the kind of start he has had to the 2002 season, Dixon simply replied, "No!" "You dream about having seasons like this," said Dixon. "You certainly don't ever imagine it. The only person who can think of having a season like this is I think is (Formula 1 Champion) Michael Schumacher. He is an awesome driver and he is in an awesome car. For me, I have been out here racing for a long time and I have never even been close to that, even when I worked for 'The Snake' when he was driving we never had a package of races this good. The most I have ever won is a season was last year with six and I have already won five. We have got 16 more races to go. It's more than I ever could imagine."
Whit Bazemore Atlanta Wrap Up
Posted Tuesday, May 7, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Tue, 7 May 2002, 12:59 PM
Bazemore Makes it Two-in-a-row with an Emotional Home Victory
Courtesy of David Ferroni
COMMERCE, Ga. -- Whit Bazemore realized a boyhood dream Sunday. He won for the first time at the drag strip he calls home - Atlanta Dragway - site of the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals.
The Matco Tools Funny Car driver, who grew up in the Atlanta area, ended a flawless day of racing when he defeated John Force in the final round with an elapsed time of 4.963 seconds at 310.41 mph. Force recorded a 5.559 at 195.51.
"To win here at Atlanta Dragway is a dream come true," said the 39 year-old Bazemore. "I can't even describe the feeling I have right now. Atlanta Dragway is where I saw my first drag race in 1978. I always wanted to win here. I had an opportunity in 1999, but lost to Force in the final round by one thousandth of a second. That was the toughest and most frustrating loss of my career. But today is different. My dream has come true and I am overwhelmed."
The emotional victory was also the second straight for Bazemore, who won last week in Bristol, Tenn. It's the first time of his career that he has captured back-to-back wins.
After a slow start this season, winning one round in the first four races, the Lee Beard-tuned Matco car has come back strong with 10 round wins in the last three races. Bazemore is now in third place in the NHRA POWERade point standings. He is one round out of second and five out of first.
"We started the season a lot slower than we intended to," said Bazemore. "The team stayed focused and things have started to click. Today was really the first time we tested ourselves in the heat since we figured out what we're doing so to speak. The Matco car responded well with the changes and it gives us confidence heading into the summer. We feel really good about where we are."
Bazemore's march to the final round included victories over Del Worsham (first round), Cruz Pedregon (quarterfinal) and Frank Pedregon (semifinal).
"We were concerned about overpowering the track in the final round," said Bazemore. "We still don't know where that edge is, but Lee (crew chief Lee Beard) and the crew made the right call. We have plenty of work ahead of us, but the good news is we're going in the right direction."
Bazemore's Results:
Qualified: Third - 4828 seconds at 318.24 mph
First Round: Bazemore, 4.856 at 314.68 def. Del Worsham, 4.948 at 316.60
Quarterfinal: Bazemore, 4.887 at 316.52 def. Cruz Pedregon, 4.920 at 244.07
Semifinal: Bazemore, 4.968 at 310.41 def. Frank Pedregon, 5.079 at 293.79
Final: Bazemore, 4.963 at 310.41 def. John Force, 5.559 at 195.51
Points Standing: Third -459 points
GeorgiaDragRacing.com updates
Posted Tuesday, May 7, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Due to a serious family health issue, the main pages of GeorgiaDragRacing.com will not be updated for a little while longer. I will continue to post news and links to photos of the NHRA POWERade Summit Racing Equipment Southern Nationals presented by Pontiac. Please feel free to continue to email and send pics, we'll get them online asap. David
Thanks to the NHRA!
Posted Tuesday, May 7, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
A special thank you goes out to the NHRA for putting on a great race under difficult conditions. I also want to thank them ( especially April Potter ) for granting media credentials to my crew and I. I had a great time even with all of the rain. There are so many nice people involved with the sport of drag racing! I wish that I could tell you about all of the great moments that I had at the Atlanta Dragway. Stay tuned for more photos. Here is a link to a few more:
http://www.imagestation.com/album/index.html?id=4291856977
David
Mark Whisnant Atlanta Wrap Up
Posted Monday, May 6, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Mon, 6 May 2002, 01:13 PM
Whisnant Falls to KJ in Round 1
Courtesy of Patti Miles
COMMERCE, Ga. -- Mark Whisnant, driver of the RW Performance Pro Stock Chevrolet Cavalier enters today’s eliminations at the 22nd Annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals in the eleventh position on the eliminations ladder.
Whisnant’s opponent in Round 1 was Kurt Johnson. Whisnant took the advantage on the starting line with a .464 of a second light to Johnson’s .498 light. It was tire shake that caused his Cavalier to break loose on the top end giving the win to Johnson. Johnson ran 6.856 / 200.89 mph to Whisnant’s 7.352 / 149.17 mph.
“Just qualifying here this weekend feels like a victory for me,” said Whisnant. “If you knew how much this team has struggled you would agree.
“Since our first race in Gainesville we have fought this racecar. We were having a hard time pin pointing the problem, and for a while, we seemed to be on a backward slide. We have logged our fair share of hours on the test track in the last couple of months without much success.
“Making this race is big because it gives us a direction to move in. We have good data for last nights run and our run today. That data maps out the direction we will head in testing next week.
“Of course, I wanted to win this round, and all the rest of them. What racer doesn’t? It would have been nice for all our family and friends here today, but as I said, for this team just being part of the Southern Nationals is a victory all by its self.
Pro Mod and Sportsman Winners at Atlanta
Posted Monday, May 6, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
NHRA POWERade Summit Racing Equipment Southern Nationals presented by Pontiac- Commerce, GA
Pro Mod was won by Steve Vick in his 1968 Camaro over Thomas Patterson's 1963 Corvette- 6.292 224.02 to a 6.353 223.73. Tommy Mauney qualified #1 with a low E.T./Top Speed 6.206 @ 227.84.
Michael Gunderson (A/FD) won Top Alcohol Dragster over Cliff Bozzelli 5.415 259.61 to 5.474 259.11. Marty Thacker's #1 qualifying 5.412 held up as low E.T. and Gunderson set Top Speed at 268.54 mph.
Jay Payne picked up the Top Alcohol Funny Car trophy with a 5.704 253.47 over Bob Newberry's 5.739 250.04. Payne set low E.T. at 5.636 in the semis. Top Speed was Von Smith's 255.73 in the first round.
Competition Eliminator was won by Robert Bailey in his A/ED over Scott Tidwell's C/A. Tidwell fouled in the final. Robert ran 7.296 to Scott's 7.606. Georgia competitors Richard Larsen ( A/ND - Tyrone, GA ) and Don Eberly ( C/EA - Brunswick, GA ) went out in the first round. Van Puckett ( H/AA - Snellville, GA ) lost in the 2nd round.
Super Stock was won by Lincoln Morehead in his GT/DA 1990 Camaro( 10.085 )to Dan Fletcher's SS/IA Summit Racing Camaro runner-up performance of 10.242. Local racers Joe LoCicero ( Snellville, GA- 2001 Southern Nationals Super Stock Champ- GT/CA ) and Jonathan Horton ( Bonaire, GA- SS/DA ) both went down in the second round.
Stock Eliminator was won by Dan Fletcher ( B/SA ) over Lee Zane ( J/SA ). Dan was very impressive at his sponsor's race ( as he usually is wherever he races ) with a win and a r/u. Legendary drag racer Randy Payne ( Rome, GA- K/SA ) went out in the first round after qualifying in the 6th position. Mike Mayhew ( Savannah, GA - N/SA ) and Craig Couris ( Atlanta, GA - E/SA ) lost in the 2nd round. Michael Davis III ( Columbus, GA - B/SA ), Robbie Shaw ( Douglasville, GA - M/SA ), Russell Johnson ( Tyrone, GA- B/SA ), and Wayne Shaw ( Douglasville, GA - F/SA ) all went out in the 3rd round. I had the honor of being invited to attend a wake for Buster Couch by Randy Payne. The wake was held after Saturday qualifying ended. Thank you, Mr. Payne, for informing me ( and extending the invitation ) of Buster's wake.
Super Comp was won by Todd Hickey ( 8.955 ) over Ray Connolly ( 8.967 ). Georgia racers Joe A. Smith ( Lawrenceville ), Henry Reubin III ( Atlanta ), and J. D. Reid ( Covington ) went out in the second round. Former Atlanta Falcons head coach Jerry Glanville surprised a few by lasting until the 4th round in his wild looking '49 Ford.
Super Gas winner Mark Horton ran a 10.135 to defeat Jeremy Jensen's 13.973. Georgia racers Al Walker ( Lawrenceville ), Jimmy Fuller ( Savannah ), Gus Upshaw ( Tifton), and Gary Dorsey ( Savannah ) all went down in round 2. Chris Fitton ( Savannah ), Ronnie Wilkerson ( Buford ), and David Bell ( Screven(?) ) lost in the 3rd. Jeff Abernathy ( Gainesville ) made it farther than the other Georgia guys, lasting until the 4th round.
Super Street was won by Tom Depascale over a fouling Mike Giuliano. Georgia racers Fred Chalfant ( Jessup ), Scott Dahlem ( Acworth ), and Edward Swearingen ( Reynolds ) went out in the 2nd round. Lester Barnes ( Jackson ) made it to the 3rd round in his 1980 Plymouth Arrow.
NHRA POWERade Summit Racing Equipment Southern Nationals presented by Pontiac Results
Posted Monday, May 6, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Atlanta Dragway
Commerce, Georgia
After several days of rain, the sun finally broke through the clouds and allowed a tremendous day of final eliminations. Larry Dixon driving Don " the Snake" Prudhomme's Miller Lite Top Fueler defeated Doug Herbert's Snap-On Tools dragster in the final with a 4.637 @ 318.09 to Doug's tire smoking 5.039 @ 231.87. This is Larry's 5th win of the season.
Kenny Bernstein in the Budweiser King dragster lost to Dixon in the semi-finals after qualifying #1 with a 4.544 which held up as low E.T. Kenny is retiring at the end of this season and this was his last appearance at Atlanta Dragway as a driver.
Tony Schumacher set Top Speed and a new track record at 327.74 in the Army Top Fueler.
Legendary racer Chris "The Golden Greek" Karamesines had a perfect reaction time of .400 in his first round loss to Bernstein.
I had the pleasure of talking with Bobby Lagana, Jr. Saturday evening and was amazed at his personality, attitude and well spoken manner. When this young man lands a sponsor, the competition may be in for a suprise, because it appears that he has the desire to make it in Top Fuel. I believe he would be a fine spokesman for anyone looking to sponsor a Top Fuel dragster.
Former Atlanta resident Whit Bazemore won his second straight Funny Car title with a 4.963 @ 310.41 in his Matco Tools Pontiac Firebird over arch rival John Force's Castrol GTX Ford Mustang. John smoked the tires to a 5.59 @ 195.51 in the losing effort.
New track records were set by Gary Densham ( 4.808 #1 Qualifier and low E.T. ) and Tony Pedregon ( 325.69 mph in his first round victory over Bob Gilbertson ).
Pro Stock was won by Allen Johnson in his hemi powered Dodge Neon R/T. Allen's second career victory was at the expense of #1 qualifier Greg Anderson's Chevy Cavalier 6.907 @ 200.92 to a slowing 7.676 @ 138.41. Allen is the seventh different Pro Stock winner this year.
Low E.T., Top Speed, and new track records were set by Warren Johnson's Pontiac in his first round victory over Mark Pawuk. The Buford, GA resident lost to Darrell Alderman's Team Mopar Neon in the second round.
Georgia residents Gene Wilson ( #5 ), Kurt Johnson ( #6 ), and Mark Whisnant ( #11 ) qualified for the event. Mark made his impressive run in the third and final qualifying session after two previous troubled attempts.
Team Mopar's Gene Wilson fell to Jim Yates in the second round after steadily improving his performance with the 500 cubic inch car. I had the pleasure to talk with Gene for a little while and I was quite impressed with him. If his driving matches his personality, he's quite a driver!
Kurt Johnson fell to Allen Johnson in the second round after defeating Mark Whisnant ( http://www.markwhisnant.com ) in the first round.
Atlantan Eric Shelton came up short with a 25th best 7.190 in his Dodge R/T. Eric is currently seeking financial backing for his Pro Stock operation and could be a contender with a little help. This well spoken and determined gentleman is deserving of closer look by anyone wanting to be involved in NHRA Pro Stock drag racing. Check out his website at:
http://www.sheltonracing.net/
I had the opportunity to talk with former Georgia Tech and NBA basketball star Tom Hammonds Thursday morning. He said that he had really enjoyed the years at Georgia Tech and was glad that that he could finally drag race full time. I mentioned to Tom that I recalled seeing quotes from him in the Atlanta newspapers saying that drag racing was his passion and that he would be doing that professionally one day. He seemed to get a kick out of someone remembering that from years past. Best wishes to this Pro Stock racer with Georgia ties.
Angelle Savoie's CVEC/Star Racing Suzuki ( Americus, GA ) dominated Pro Stock Bike qualifying #1, setting low E.T.( and a track record 7.113 in the first round ), Top Speed ( 189.76 ), winning the event, and picking up the best appearing crew award. Angelle defeated Matt Hines in the final 7.162 @ 187.91 to a 7.181 @ 188.25 for her 23rd career victory. Matt recorded a .400 RT to Angelle's .402 RT! What a showing for Star Racing's new sponsor!
Mark Whisnant Atlanta Sunday AM Press Release
Posted Monday, May 6, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Sun, 5 May 2002, 10:23 AM
Whisnant To Race In Atlanta
Courtesy of Patti Miles
COMMERCE, Ga. -- Today after a heroic last ditch effort by the RW Performance Race Team, Mark Whisnant qualified is Pro Stock Chevrolet Cavalier for the 22nd Annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals in Commerce, Ga.
In the third qualifying session, Whisnant ran 6.866 / 200.65 mph to place his Cavalier in the sixth position on Sunday’s eliminations ladder. When eliminations get underway Sunday morning, Whisnant will meet Kurt Johnson in Round 1.
Struggling for the last four races with a poor handling racecar, the RW Performance team was in a position where they had to either throw everything they had at their racecar or sit out their hometown race. It was the eleventh-hour tuning decisions by the crew that made the difference for the young team from Stockbridge, Ga.
“That was too close,” said Whisnant, “but were are in, and that is what counts. Our chances of making the race didn’t look very good earlier today, but this RW Performance team came through when it counted and gave me a great racecar to drive.
“All weekend long we have been having trouble getting the car past half track. It would get to that point and the car would break loose. We felt like we were over powering the racetrack. So, we backed it down, and made a chassis change.
“Our goal was to just get the car to the finish line. We felt if we could do that we would be moving in the right direction. We knew the changes we made would make an improvement, but we never thought it would be that big.
“The car left pretty well. Once I got to half-track, the car took off and I knew I had it made. I thought, by the feel of the car, that it was a good run; maybe even in the show. I didn’t know for sure I was in until my brother Terry came on the radio and told me what I ran.
“I am very excited to be racing tomorrow for a couple reasons.
“We have really struggled for the last four races. My team has gone the extra mile and worked overtime trying to bring the performance of this Cavalier back up to where we were in Gainesville. It has been very frustrating for us to work so hard without seeing any results. Making this race is a real moral booster for them, as well as for me.
“Of course, making your home race is always pretty exciting. We have our whole family here this weekend, including Grandma. Making the race here in front of all of them is pretty cool. I just hope I can make them as proud tomorrow.
Georgia Racers at the IHRA K&N Nationals- Shreveport, LA
Posted Monday, May 6, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Tim Nabors of Lawrenceville qualifies #11 in the Pro Stock field with a 6.623 @ 209.52 but goes out in the first round.
Lilburn's Ronnie Davis is R/U in Top Sportsman after qualifying #7.
Number 5 qualifier Woodro Josey of Byron goes two rounds in Top Stock.
Ellenwood's Rickey Morris goes three rounds in Stock.
Full info at:
http://www.dragracecentral.com/
Frank Oglesby Update
Posted Sunday, May 5, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Frank Oglesby had planned to compete in funny car at the NHRA POWERade Summit Racing Equipment Southern Nationals at Commerce, GA. Frank informed me today that some of his safety equipment ( that had been sent out for recertification ) was not returned to him in time to make the Atlanta race.
Qualifying Results From the NHRA POWERade Summit Racing Equipment Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway
Posted Sunday, May 5, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Commerce, GA 05/04/02
Kenny Bernstein ( new track speed record- 327.35 ), Gary Densham ( new track ET record - 4.808 ), Greg Anderson ( new track ET record - 6.813 ), Angelle Savoie ( new track ET record - 7.124 ), Tommy Mauney, Marty Thacker, and Bob Newberry lead qualifying.
Tony Pedregon sets new FC speed record ( 322.65 ) and WJ also sets new track speed record in Pro Stock ( 202.52 ).
WJ, Gene Wilson, KJ, and Mark Whisnant qualify for Pro Stock. Mark Whisnant qualifies #11 in the third ( final session )after 2 aborted runs.
Top Fuel
1 1 TFD Kenny Bernstein, Lake Forest CA, Hadma 4.544 327.35 327.35
2 8 TFD Tony Schumacher, Long Grove IL, McKinn 4.565 327.74& 327.74
3 796 TFD Cory McClenathan, Anaheim CA, McKinney 4.569 318.92 324.90
4 3 TFD Doug Kalitta, Ypsilanti MI, McKinney-T 4.576 317.87 317.87
5 91 TFD Larry Dixon, Indianapolis IN, McKinney 4.600 322.96 322.96
6 7 TFD Doug Herbert, Cherryville NC, McKinney 4.629 323.74 323.74
7 9 TFD David Grubnic, Ennis MT, Hadman-TFX 4.665 305.15 305.15
8 10 TFD Rhonda Hartman-Smith, Williamston SC, 4.701 301.81 301.81
9 201 TFD Scott Weis, Ashland VA, McKinney-TFX 4.759 252.19 252.19
10 241 TFD John Smith, Anderson SC, McKinney-BAE 4.856 256.55 291.26
11 835 TFD Andrew Cowin, Huntington Beach CA, McK 4.862 236.92 236.92
12 394 TFD Luigi Novelli, Crete IL, McKinney-TFX 5.077 290.57 290.57
13 141 TFD Bobby Lagana Jr, Scarsdale NY, Jeffers 5.439 218.90 218.90
14 6 TFD Darrell Russell, Hockley TX, Hadman-BAE 5.552 278.17 278.17
15 442 TFD Don Sosenka, Spring Branch TX, McKinne 5.889 166.01 166.01
16 323 TFD Chris Karamesines, Chicago IL, Hadman- 5.947 218.83 218.83
17 444 TFD Fred Farndon, Quincy CA, Dragster-KB 10.664 81.67 81.67
Funny Car
1 8 FC Gary Densham, Belflower CA, '01 Ford M 4.808@ 320.89 320.89
2 72 FC Tony Pedregon, Chino Hills CA, '02 For 4.819 322.65& 322.65
3 2 FC Whit Bazemore, Indianapolis IN, '02 Po 4.828 318.24 318.24
4 347 FC Tim Wilkerson, Springfield IL, '02 Pon 4.849 289.57 289.57
5 28 FC Ron Capps, Carlsbad CA, '02 Chevy Cama 4.856 310.05 310.05
6 21 FC Scotty Cannon, Lyman SC, '02 Pontiac F 4.900 314.39 314.39
7 73 FC Frank Pedregon, Phillips Ranch CA, '02 4.916 311.77 311.77
8 1 FC John Force, Yorba Linda CA, '02 Ford M 4.918 295.92 314.53
9 31 FC Johnny Gray, Carlsbad NM, '01 Pontiac 4.922 315.19 315.19
10 9 FC Dean Skuza, Brecksville OH, '02 Dodge 4.947 316.23 316.23
11 71 FC Cruz Pedregon, Camarillo CA, '02 Ponti 4.969 305.49 305.49
12 99 FC Todd Paton, Bluff City TN, '01 Chevy C 4.990 307.37 307.37
13 340 FC Bob Bode, Barrington In, '00 Dodge Ave 5.059 276.97 276.97
14 3 FC Del Worsham, Chino Hills CA, '02 Ponti 5.192 300.46 300.46
15 206 FC Bob Gilbertson, Charlotte NC, '02 Pont 5.215 263.10 263.10
16 302 FC Dale Creasy Jr., Lansing IL, '02 Ponti 5.226 221.42 221.42
17 20 FC Gary Scelzi, Fresno CA, '02 Toyota Cel 5.473 188.54 282.48
18 503 FC Tommy Johnson Jr., Avon IN, '02 Chevy 5.657 211.96 211.96
19 3460 FC John Lawson, Joliet IL, '02 Pontiac Fi 7.771 112.15 112.15
Pro Stock
1 233 PRO Greg Anderson, Jacksonville NC, '02 Ch 6.813 201.94 201.94
2 1 PRO Warren Johnson, Buford GA, '02 Pontiac 6.822 202.52 202.52
3 93 PRO Allen Johnson, Greeneville TN, '99 Dod 6.840 201.13 201.13
4 2 PRO Jim Yates, Alexandria VA, '02 Pontiac 6.841 200.77 200.77
5 261 PRO Gene Wilson, Canton GA, '99 Dodge Neon 6.842 201.67 201.67
6 9 PRO Kurt Johnson, Buford GA, '02 Chevy Cav 6.848 200.38 200.38
7 8 PRO Ron Krisher, Warren OH, '02 Chevy Cava 6.859 200.95 201.37
8 5 PRO Jeg Coughlin, Delaware OH, '02 Chevy C 6.861 200.41 200.41
9 7 PRO Mark Osborne, Abingdon VA, '02 Pontiac 6.862 200.35 200.38
10 398 PRO Darrell Alderman, Morehead KY, '99 Dod 6.866 201.34 201.34
11 228 PRO Mark Whisnant, Stockbridge GA, '02 Che 6.866 200.65 200.65
12 55 PRO V. Gaines, Lakewood CO, '02 Chevy Cava 6.869 200.92 200.92
13 24 PRO Troy Coughlin, Delaware OH, '02 Chevy 6.871 199.46 199.97
14 203 PRO Tom Lee, Greeneville TN, '99 Dodge Neo 6.880 198.99 198.99
15 6 PRO Mark Pawuk, Akron OH, '02 Pontiac Gran 6.887 199.40 199.40
16 3 PRO Bruce Allen, Arlington TX, '02 Pontiac 6.905 199.11 199.14
17 709 PRO George Marnell, Las Vegas NV, '02 Pont 6.916 198.96 199.40
18 619 PRO JR Carr, Richland WA, '97 Pontiac Fire 6.918 200.05 200.05
19 186 PRO Tom Martino, Farmingdale NJ, '02 Ponti 6.918 200.05 200.05
20 357 PRO Larry Morgan, Newark OH, '99 Dodge Neo 6.932 198.96 198.96
21 136 PRO Bob Benza, Briar Cliff NY, '02 Pontiac 6.955 197.10 197.10
22 1466 PRO Charlie Greco, St Davids PA, '02 Chevy 6.964 198.41 198.41
23 701 PRO Ben Watson, Concord CA, '02 Pontiac Gr 6.969 196.36 196.36
24 207 PRO Mike Thomas, Knoxville TN, '02 Pontiac 6.989 196.33 196.33
25 200 PRO Eric Shelton, Atlanta GA, '00 Dodge R/T 7.190 190.08 191.89
26 3730 PRO Mike Weinle, Cleves OH, '02 Chevy Cava 7.288 189.34 189.34
27 44 PRO Mike Edwards, Broken Arrow OK, '02 Che 7.465 139.39 139.39
28 22 PRO Larry Nance, Akron OH, '97 Oldsmobile 7.497 143.44 143.44
29 20 PRO Tom Hammonds, Crestview FL, '02 Chevy 7.525 141.08 141.08
30 210 PRO Jamie Yates, Alexandria VA, '02 Pontia 7.595 140.39 140.39
31 1525 PRO John Nobile, Melville NY, '02 Chevy Ca 7.714 136.75 136.75
32 110 PRO David Strouse Jr., Morganville NJ, '02 8.046 126.06 126.06
33 407 PRO Don Smith, Keller TX, '02 Chevy Cavali 8.298 120.61 120.61
34 4006 PRO Mike Trumble Jr, Pasadena TX, '00 Pont 9.158 102.82 102.82
35 359 PRO Larry Peternel, Bristol WI, '02 Chevy 12.089 65.09 65.09
Pro Stock M/C
1 1 PSB Angelle Savoie, Mathews LA, Suzuki 7.124 186.10 189.76
2 3 PSB Matt Hines, Trinidad CO, Suzuki GSXR 7.137 188.04 188.67
3 2 PSB Antron Brown, Indianapolis IN, Suzuki 7.176 183.59 183.74
4 5 PSB Shawn Gann, Stoneville NC, Suzuki 7.217 182.38 184.12
5 4 PSB Craig Treble, Chandler AZ, Suzuki GSXR 7.222 181.11 182.53
6 599 PSB John Smith, Champlin MN, Suzuki GSXR 7.229 184.14 185.10
7 7 PSB Reggie Showers, Philadelphia PA, Suzuki 7.256 185.66 186.18
8 10 PSB Mike Berry, Littleton CO, Suzuki 7.289 183.84 183.84
9 4002 PSB Terry Kizer, Humble TX, Suzuki GSXR 7.290 184.22 184.22
10 9 PSB Steve Johnson, Birmingham AL, Suzuki 7.291 182.62 182.62
11 135 PSB Sam Hurwitz, Newton MA, Suzuki GSXR 7.311 181.76 181.76
12 412 PSB Michael Phillips, Baton Rouge LA, Suzu 7.315 183.72 183.72
13 310 PSB Joe DeSantis, Rootstown OH, Suzuki GSXR 7.328 179.28 179.28
14 8 PSB Geno Scali, Palatine IL, Kawasaki 7.333 186.38 186.38
15 911 PSB Thomas Miceli, Manalapan NJ, Suzuki GS 7.336 179.21 182.67
16 211 PSB Tommy Grimes Jr, Pfafftown NC, Suzuki 7.349 180.43 180.43
17 538 PSB Greg Underdahl, Forest Lake MN, Suzuki 7.374 176.14 178.50
18 780 PSB Fred Camarena, Placentia CA, Suzuki 7.403 179.85 179.85
19 101 PSB Connie Cohen, Bristol CT, Suzuki GSXR 7.438 171.58 171.58
20 505 PSB Chris Reuter, Gretna NE, Suzuki 7.448 158.86 181.25
21 322 PSB Brian DeLong, Circleville OH, Suzuki G 7.490 181.72 181.72
22 503 PSB David Feazell, Hudson IA, Harley Sport 7.517 174.46 174.46
23 17 PSB Chris Bostick, Winter Spgs FL, Suzuki 7.523 176.49 176.49
24 6 PSB GT Tonglet, Metairie LA, Harley V-Rod 7.619 167.18 167.18
25 107 PSB Bruce Dickson, York PA, Kawasaki ZX7R 8.294 153.16 153.16
26 313 PSB Wesley Wells, Greenwood IN, Kawasaki 8.299 131.32 154.42
Pro Mod
1 16 PMD Tommy Mauney, Shelby NC, '63 Chevy Cor 6.206 227.84 227.84
2 1853 PMD Thomas Patterson, Houston TX, '63 Chev 6.217 226.77 226.77
3 1004 PMD Tim McAmis, Hawk Point MO, '63 Chevy C 6.228 226.66 226.66
4 5 PMD Fred Hahn, W. Seneca NY, '01 Corvette 6.228 225.48 225.48
5 4015 PMD Frankie Taylor, Dickinson TX, '97 Pont 6.248 221.56 221.56
6 43 PMD Rickie Smith, King NC, '01 Dodge Viper 6.267 223.88 223.88
7 0A PMD Bill Kuhlmann, Wentzville MO, '69 Chev 6.276 220.19 220.19
8 1107 PMD Steve Vick, Mocksville NC, '68 Chevy C 6.277 224.32 224.32
9 7 PMD Ronnie Hood, Lenoir NC, '63 Corvette 6.284 217.67 221.63
10 1211 PMD Mike Ashley, Melville NJ, '53 Studebak 6.320 222.73 222.73
11 6294 PMD Dennis Radford, Baker City OR, '00 Dod 6.335 222.51 222.55
12 1010 PMD Troy Critchley, St. Joseph MI, '53 Che 6.346 223.43 223.43
13 771 PMD Randy Hagerty, Poway CA, '66 Chevy Cor 6.392 217.88 217.88
14 169 PMD Cody McManama, Dallas TX, '57 Chevy Be 6.394 218.76 218.76
15 1966 PMD Mike Lockwood, Hadley PA, '66 Chevy Co 6.430 219.33 220.91
16 1954 PMD Jeff Ensslin, Lakeland FL, '54 Studeba 6.463 209.17 214.25
17 10 PMD Chip King, Roxboro NC, '01 Dodge Aveng 6.473 218.55 218.55
18 1212 PMD Scott Ray, Greenville OH, '63 Corvette 6.582 205.98 205.98
19 1722 PMD Wayne Torkelson, Concord CA, '55 Ford 6.657 203.89 203.89
20 57 PMD Bill Hill, St. Louis MO, '57 Chevy Bel 6.670 210.70 210.70
21 1157 PMD Mel Eaves, Hudson FL, '57 Chevy 6.914 203.12 203.12
Top Alcohol Dragster
1 27 B/AD Marty Thacker, Robinson IL, Hadman-BAE 5.412 261.83 261.83
2 21 A/FD Michael Gunderson, Middleburg FL, URC- 5.475 268.54 268.54
3 312 A/FD Keith Stark, Danville IL, Spitzer-Chevy 5.487 263.56 264.70
4 10 A/FD Bill Reichert, Owosso MI, Bowen-Chevy 5.496 266.48 266.48
5 122 A/FD Arthur Gallant, Boxboro MA, Page-KB 5.502 247.57 247.57
6 315 A/FD Ben Marshall, Tipp City OH, McKinney-T 5.504 263.05 263.05
7 7000 A/FD Darryl Hitchman, Hanford CA, Swindell- 5.518 245.00 245.00
8 518 TA/D John Haley, Wayzata MN, Uyehara-BAE 5.526 256.21 256.21
9 200 A/FD Tony Bartone, Manhasset NY, Pro Start- 5.541 258.52 258.52
10 204 B/AD Jason Cannon, Middleburg FL, URC-BAE 5.591 257.48 257.48
11 117 B/AD Fran Monaghan Jr, Meadowbrook PA, Drag 5.598 252.05 252.05
12 1114 TA/D Cliff Bozzelli, Absecon NJ, Bozzelli-KB 5.667 256.50 256.50
13 381 B/AD Mick Snyder, Demotte IN, Spitzer-BAE 5.668 248.16 248.16
14 337 A/FD Tim Rudy, Mason OH, Swindahl-BAE 5.781 229.70 229.70
15 22 TA/D Bill McCornack, Lexington KY, URC-BAE 5.788 237.17 237.17
16 26 TA/D Artie Allen, Jacksonville FL, Precisio 5.814 242.28 242.28
17 7303 A/FD Brooks Brown, Houston TX, Hadman 5.866 222.18 222.18
18 124 B/AD Steve Lamplough, Manassas VA, Uyehara- 6.193 249.72 249.72
19 36 A/FD Robin Samsel, Marion IN, Dragster-Chry 6.239 199.23 199.23
20 227 TA/D Don Fiorelli, Palm Bay FL, Dragster-Ol 6.729 216.10 216.10
21 110 A/FD Rich McPhillips, Phoenixville PA, Prec 9.959 78.67 78.67
Top Alcohol Funny Car
1 8 TA/FC Bob Newberry, Schenectady NY, '02 Chev 5.793 246.08 246.08
2 2 TA/FC Jay Payne, Claremont CA, '02 Chevy Cam 5.826 251.02 251.02
3 5 TA/FC Von Smith, Oak Ridge TN, '01 Pontiac F 5.836 249.86 249.86
4 1 TA/FC Frank Manzo, Morganville NJ, '01 Dodge 5.841 249.90 249.90
5 73 TA/FC Doug Gordon, Paso Robles CA, '01 Chevy 5.869 235.02 235.02
6 357 TA/FC Jeff Craig, Muncie IN, '01 Dodge RT 5.870 244.87 244.87
7 367 TA/FC Todd Veney, Indianapolis IN, '98 Ponti 5.878 248.71 248.71
8 23 TA/FC Mark Billington, Apopka FL, '01 Dodge 5.878 245.99 245.99
9 10 TA/FC Chuck Cheeseman, Galena OH, '01 Pontia 5.954 243.28 243.28
10 37 TA/FC Bobby Martin, Beaver Falls PA, '00 Ave 6.043 241.71 241.71
11 162 TA/FC Jeff McCulloch, Oshawa ON, '98 Chevrol 6.143 228.50 228.50
12 422 TA/FC Tate Branch, Artesia NM, '00 Avenger 6.264 169.49 169.49
Photos from Commerce
Posted Saturday, May 4, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Here is a link to a few photos from Commerce. More to be added when I return from the track.
http://www.imagestation.com/album/index.html?id=4291856977
More Rain at Commerce
Posted Saturday, May 4, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Commerce, GA
05/04/02
Its still raining. Stay tuned, there is supposed to be a break in the weather later today.
Qualifying Results ( Session #1 ) at NHRA POWERade Summit Racing Equipment Southern Nationals
Posted Saturday, May 4, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Commerce, GA 05/03/02
After rains delayed racing for most of the day, one session of Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, Pro Stock M/C, Top Alcohol, and Pro Mod were finally completed in the darkness. The grandstands were still full for the 8:00 PM Pro Stock, Funny Car, and Top Fuel sessions even after the lengthy delay. Many racers/crewchiefs were overheard stating that the track was in great shape and were looking for solid passes. Gary Densham was credited ( on the scoreboard ) with a 355 MPH speed on his track record 4.833 run. Obviously this was incorrect as was a 470+ MPH speed given to a top fuel racer. Tony Schumacher was shown to have gone 334+ MPH, but this was also not credited after a review of the incremental times.
Warren Johnson qualifies #1 and sets new track records for Pro Stock at 6.863 @ 201.46.
No sportsman categories were contested today.
Cory McClenathan, Gary Densham, Warren Johnson, Angelle Savoie, Mike Ashley, Arthur Gallant, and Bob Newberry are the top qualifiers after one session.
Qualifying Results:
TOP FUEL
1 796 TFD Cory McClenathan, Anaheim CA, McKinney 4.588 324.90 324.90
2 91 TFD Larry Dixon, Indianapolis IN, McKinney 4.600 322.96 322.96
3 8 TFD Tony Schumacher, Long Grove IL, McKinn 4.650 0.00 0.00
4 9 TFD David Grubnic, Ennis MT, Hadman-TFX 4.665 305.15 305.15
5 10 TFD Rhonda Hartman-Smith, Williamston SC, 4.727 287.90 287.90
6 1 TFD Kenny Bernstein, Lake Forest CA, Hadma 4.745 0.00 0.00
7 7 TFD Doug Herbert, Cherryville NC, McKinney 4.757 316.60 316.60
8 835 TFD Andrew Cowin, Huntington Beach CA, McK 4.862 236.92 236.92
9 394 TFD Luigi Novelli, Crete IL, McKinney-TFX 5.077 290.57 290.57
10 201 TFD Scott Weis, Ashland VA, McKinney-TFX 5.933 164.79 164.79
11 241 TFD John Smith, Anderson SC, McKinney-BAE 6.804 121.34 121.34
12 3 TFD Doug Kalitta, Ypsilanti MI, McKinney-T 9.098 100.59 100.59
13 6 TFD Darrell Russell, Hockley TX, Hadman-BAE 9.317 82.95 82.95
14 444 TFD Fred Farndon, Quincy CA, Dragster-KB 10.664 81.67 81.67
15 323 TFD Chris Karamesines, Chicago IL, Hadman- DQ
FUNNY CAR
1 8 FC Gary Densham, Belflower CA, '01 Ford M 4.833 0.00 0.00
2 347 FC Tim Wilkerson, Springfield IL, '02 Pon 4.849 289.57 289.57
3 73 FC Frank Pedregon, Phillips Ranch CA, '02 4.916 311.77 311.77
4 1 FC John Force, Yorba Linda CA, '02 Ford M 4.952 314.53 314.53
5 9 FC Dean Skuza, Brecksville OH, '02 Dodge 4.960 310.84 310.84
6 71 FC Cruz Pedregon, Camarillo CA, '02 Ponti 4.969 305.49 305.49
7 72 FC Tony Pedregon, Chino Hills CA, '02 For 5.043 271.08 271.08
8 302 FC Dale Creasy Jr., Lansing IL, '02 Ponti 5.226 221.42 221.42
9 99 FC Todd Paton, Bluff City TN, '01 Chevy C 5.227 219.40 219.40
10 21 FC Scotty Cannon, Lyman SC, '02 Pontiac F 5.312 281.95 281.95
11 31 FC Johnny Gray, Carlsbad NM, '01 Pontiac 5.449 270.32 270.32
12 3 FC Del Worsham, Chino Hills CA, '02 Ponti 6.086 234.94 234.94
13 20 FC Gary Scelzi, Fresno CA, '02 Toyota Cel 6.194 150.77 150.77
14 2 FC Whit Bazemore, Indianapolis IN, '02 Po 6.417 146.70 146.70
15 503 FC Tommy Johnson Jr., Avon IN, '02 Chevy 7.222 141.89 141.89
16 3460 FC John Lawson, Joliet IL, '02 Pontiac Fi 8.590 95.31 95.31
17 28 FC Ron Capps, Carlsbad CA, '02 Chevy Cama 10.801 82.98 82.98
18 206 FC Bob Gilbertson, Charlotte NC, '02 Pont 10.906 82.26 82.26
19 340 FC Bob Bode, Barrington In, '00 Dodge Ave 11.535 72.18 72.18
PRO STOCK
1 1 PRO Warren Johnson, Buford GA, '02 Pontiac 6.863@ 201.46& 201.46
2 233 PRO Greg Anderson, Jacksonville NC, '02 Ch 6.890 200.56 200.56
3 8 PRO Ron Krisher, Warren OH, '02 Chevy Cava 6.899 200.92 200.92
4 398 PRO Darrell Alderman, Morehead KY, '99 Dod 6.904 200.02 200.02
5 5 PRO Jeg Coughlin, Delaware OH, '02 Chevy C 6.906 198.79 198.79
6 3 PRO Bruce Allen, Arlington TX, '02 Pontiac 6.909 199.14 199.14
7 709 PRO George Marnell, Las Vegas NV, '02 Pont 6.916 198.96 198.96
8 7 PRO Mark Osborne, Abingdon VA, '02 Pontiac 6.918 198.73 198.73
9 9 PRO Kurt Johnson, Buford GA, '02 Chevy Cav 6.924 199.52 199.52
10 24 PRO Troy Coughlin, Delaware OH, '02 Chevy 6.926 198.41 198.41
11 6 PRO Mark Pawuk, Akron OH, '02 Pontiac Gran 6.932 198.26 198.26
12 2 PRO Jim Yates, Alexandria VA, '02 Pontiac 6.935 198.99 198.99
13 203 PRO Tom Lee, Greeneville TN, '99 Dodge Neo 6.943 198.61 198.61
14 93 PRO Allen Johnson, Greeneville TN, '99 Dod 6.953 199.55 199.55
15 1466 PRO Charlie Greco, St Davids PA, '02 Chevy 6.964 198.41 198.41
16 357 PRO Larry Morgan, Newark OH, '99 Dodge Neo 6.976 198.29 198.29
17 619 PRO JR Carr, Richland WA, '97 Pontiac Fire 6.979 198.88 198.88
18 207 PRO Mike Thomas, Knoxville TN, '02 Pontiac 6.989 196.33 196.33
19 186 PRO Tom Martino, Farmingdale NJ, '02 Ponti 7.067 196.79 196.79
20 200 PRO Eric Shelton, Atlanta GA, '00 Dodge R/T 7.251 191.89 191.89
21 3730 PRO Mike Weinle, Cleves OH, '02 Chevy Cava 7.288 189.34 189.34
22 55 PRO V. Gaines, Lakewood CO, '02 Chevy Cava 7.399 151.44 151.44
23 22 PRO Larry Nance, Akron OH, '97 Oldsmobile 7.497 143.44 143.44
24 210 PRO Jamie Yates, Alexandria VA, '02 Pontia 7.595 140.39 140.39
25 136 PRO Bob Benza, Briar Cliff NY, '02 Pontiac 7.640 134.30 134.30
26 44 PRO Mike Edwards, Broken Arrow OK, '02 Che 7.641 139.01 139.01
27 1525 PRO John Nobile, Melville NY, '02 Chevy Ca 7.714 136.75 136.75
28 20 PRO Tom Hammonds, Crestview FL, '02 Chevy 7.863 126.93 126.93
29 228 PRO Mark Whisnant, Stockbridge GA, '02 Che 8.101 122.13 122.13
30 407 PRO Don Smith, Keller TX, '02 Chevy Cavali 8.298 120.61 120.61
31 110 PRO David Strouse Jr., Morganville NJ, '02 9.060 104.52 104.52
32 4006 PRO Mike Trumble Jr, Pasadena TX, '00 Pont 10.818 82.09 82.09
33 261 PRO Gene Wilson, Canton GA, '99 Dodge Neon 12.656 72.56 72.56
34 701 PRO Ben Watson, Concord CA, '02 Pontiac Gr 12.810 67.14 67.14
35 359 PRO Larry Peternel, Bristol WI, '02 Chevy DQ
PRO STOCK M/C
1 1 PSB Angelle Savoie, Mathews LA, Suzuki 7.240 189.76 189.76
2 4 PSB Craig Treble, Chandler AZ, Suzuki GSXR 7.275 178.02 178.02
3 5 PSB Shawn Gann, Stoneville NC, Suzuki 7.283 184.12 184.12
4 3 PSB Matt Hines, Trinidad CO, Suzuki GSXR 7.286 188.67 188.67
5 2 PSB Antron Brown, Indianapolis IN, Suzuki 7.292 180.98 180.98
6 911 PSB Thomas Miceli, Manalapan NJ, Suzuki GS 7.336 179.21 179.21
7 10 PSB Mike Berry, Littleton CO, Suzuki 7.377 181.37 181.37
8 7 PSB Reggie Showers, Philadelphia PA, Suzuki 7.384 180.02 180.02
9 4002 PSB Terry Kizer, Humble TX, Suzuki GSXR 7.388 183.69 183.69
10 9 PSB Steve Johnson, Birmingham AL, Suzuki 7.404 180.21 180.21
11 599 PSB John Smith, Champlin MN, Suzuki GSXR 7.410 185.10 185.10
12 412 PSB Michael Phillips, Baton Rouge LA, Suzu 7.483 177.46 177.46
13 17 PSB Chris Bostick, Winter Spgs FL, Suzuki 7.523 176.49 176.49
14 135 PSB Sam Hurwitz, Newton MA, Suzuki GSXR 7.532 175.50 175.50
15 505 PSB Chris Reuter, Gretna NE, Suzuki 7.540 181.25 181.25
16 211 PSB Tommy Grimes Jr, Pfafftown NC, Suzuki 7.560 173.01 173.01
17 310 PSB Joe DeSantis, Rootstown OH, Suzuki GSXR 7.606 170.49 170.49
18 101 PSB Connie Cohen, Bristol CT, Suzuki GSXR 7.607 170.04 170.04
19 503 PSB David Feazell, Hudson IA, Harley Sport 7.717 170.88 170.88
20 313 PSB Wesley Wells, Greenwood IN, Kawasaki 8.786 154.42 154.42
21 322 PSB Brian DeLong, Circleville OH, Suzuki G 10.420 79.85 79.85
22 538 PSB Greg Underdahl, Forest Lake MN, Suzuki 12.160 62.89 62.89
23 107 PSB Bruce Dickson, York PA, Kawasaki ZX7R DQ
24 6 PSB GT Tonglet, Metairie LA, Harley V-Rod DQ
25 780 PSB Fred Camarena, Placentia CA, Suzuki DQ
PRO MOD
1 1211 PMD Mike Ashley, Melville NJ, '53 Studebak 6.320 222.73 222.73
2 16 PMD Tommy Mauney, Shelby NC, '68 Chevy Cam 6.331 224.06 224.06
3 1004 PMD Tim McAmis, Hawk Point MO, '63 Chevy C 6.333 221.52 221.52
4 43 PMD Rickie Smith, King NC, '01 Dodge Viper 6.339 221.52 221.52
5 7 PMD Ronnie Hood, Lenoir NC, '63 Corvette 6.348 220.04 220.04
6 1010 PMD Troy Critchley, St. Joseph MI, '53 Che 6.402 219.65 219.65
7 0A PMD Bill Kuhlmann, Wentzville MO, '69 Chev 6.407 219.22 219.22
8 4015 PMD Frankie Taylor, Dickinson TX, '00 Pont 6.408 218.69 218.69
9 1966 PMD Mike Lockwood, Hadley PA, '66 Chevy Co 6.430 219.33 219.33
10 6294 PMD Dennis Radford, Baker City OR, '00 Dod 6.434 218.12 218.12
11 771 PMD Randy Hagerty, Poway CA, '66 Chevy Cor 6.454 217.32 217.32
12 1107 PMD Steve Vick, Mocksville NC, '68 Chevy C 6.469 214.66 214.66
13 1954 PMD Jeff Ensslin, Lakeland FL, '54 Studeba 6.495 214.25 214.25
14 5 PMD Fred Hahn, W. Seneca NY, '01 Corvette 6.583 213.37 213.37
15 1722 PMD Wayne Torkelson, Concord CA, '55 Ford 6.657 203.89 203.89
16 57 PMD Bill Hill, St. Louis MO, '57 Chevy Bel 6.670 210.70 210.70
17 1212 PMD Scott Ray, Greenville OH, '63 Corvette 6.703 203.83 203.83
18 1157 PMD Mel Eaves, Hudson FL, '63 Corvette 8.323 124.71 124.71
19 1853 PMD Thomas Patterson, Houston TX, '63 Chev 9.860 90.77 90.77
20 169 PMD Cody McManama, Dallas TX, '57 Chevy Be 10.903 78.14 78.14
TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1 122 A/FD Arthur Gallant, Boxboro MA, Page-KB 5.502 247.57 247.57
2 7000 A/FD Darryl Hitchman, Hanford CA, Swindell- 5.518 245.00 245.00
3 315 A/FD Ben Marshall, Tipp City OH, McKinney-T 5.523 260.86 260.86
4 27 B/AD Marty Thacker, Robinson IL, Hadman-BAE 5.549 255.48 255.48
5 312 A/FD Keith Stark, Danville IL, Spitzer-Chevy 5.635 264.70 264.70
6 21 A/FD Michael Gunderson, Middleburg FL, URC- 5.646 252.19 252.19
7 200 A/FD Tony Bartone, Manhasset NY, Pro Start- 5.653 254.42 254.42
8 1114 TA/D Cliff Bozzelli, Absecon NJ, Bozzelli-KB 5.668 255.15 255.15
9 337 A/FD Tim Rudy, Mason OH, Swindahl-BAE 5.781 229.70 229.70
10 22 TA/D Bill McCornack, Lexington KY, URC-BAE 5.788 237.17 237.17
11 10 A/FD Bill Reichert, Owosso MI, Bowen-Chevy 5.890 246.35 246.35
12 26 TA/D Artie Allen, Jacksonville FL, Precisio 5.945 234.53 234.53
13 124 B/AD Steve Lamplough, Manassas VA, Uyehara- 6.193 249.72 249.72
14 204 B/AD Jason Cannon, Middleburg FL, URC-BAE 6.326 217.32 217.32
15 518 TA/D John Haley, Wayzata MN, Uyehara-BAE 6.391 157.03 157.03
16 117 B/AD Fran Monaghan Jr, Meadowbrook PA, Drag 6.462 140.85 140.85
17 227 TA/D Don Fiorelli, Palm Bay FL, Dragster-Ol 6.729 216.10 216.10
18 381 B/AD Mick Snyder, Demotte IN, Spitzer-BAE 9.769 86.85 86.85
19 7303 A/FD Brooks Brown, Houston TX, Hadman 9.929 73.13 73.13
20 110 A/FD Rich McPhillips, Phoenixville PA, Prec 9.959 78.67 78.67
TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
1 8 TA/FC Bob Newberry, Schenectady NY, '02 Chev 5.793 246.08 246.08
2 2 TA/FC Jay Payne, Claremont CA, '02 Chevy Cam 5.826 251.02 251.02
3 1 TA/FC Frank Manzo, Morganville NJ, '01 Dodge 5.841 249.90 249.90
4 73 TA/FC Doug Gordon, Paso Robles CA, '01 Chevy 5.919 231.04 231.04
5 367 TA/FC Todd Veney, Indianapolis IN, '98 Ponti 5.938 244.38 244.38
6 10 TA/FC Chuck Cheeseman, Galena OH, '01 Pontia 5.954 243.28 243.28
7 23 TA/FC Mark Billington, Apopka FL, '01 Dodge 5.964 242.84 242.84
8 5 TA/FC Von Smith, Oak Ridge TN, '01 Pontiac F 5.986 246.89 246.89
9 162 TA/FC Jeff McCulloch, Oshawa ON, '98 Chevrol 6.325 213.03 213.03
10 422 TA/FC Tate Branch, Artesia NM, '00 Avenger 7.680 111.75 111.75
11 357 TA/FC Jeff Craig, Muncie IN, '01 Dodge RT 9.201 96.87 96.87
Georgia Super Stock Class Winners at Commerce
Posted Saturday, May 4, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Commerce ( 5/02/02 )Everett Hill ( Fayetteville ) wins SS/K in his 1964 Mustang and Joe LoCicero ( Snellville ) wins GT/CA in his 1987 Camaro at the NHRA POWERade Summit Racing Equipment Southern Nationals.
Joe LoCicero Top Georgia Qualifier in Super Stock at the NHRA Southern Nationals ( Pending Tech )
Posted Thursday, May 2, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Final Super Stock Qualifying Results:
http://www.dragracecentral.com/DRCStory.asp?ID={BFF2585E-F9B4-4AF1-A0D8-7077D2CBBF11}#indextop
Randy "Mr. Big Stuff" Payne Top Georgia Stock Qualifier at NHRA Southern Nationals (Pending Tech)
Posted Thursday, May 2, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Commerce, GA May 2, 2002
Randy Payne qualifies #6 in his K/SA '86 Camaro. Robbie Shaw is #7. Several other Georgia Stock racers qualify.
Final Stock Eliminator Qualifying Results at the NHRA POWERade Summit Racing Southern Nationals:
http://www.dragracecentral.com/DRCStory.asp?ID={8574327B-2C4D-4598-99CE-7BBC2290B29D}#indextop
Randy Payne Photo:
http://www.imagestation.com/album/index.html?id=4291856977
Mark Whisnant Atlanta Pre-race courtesy NHRA
Posted Wednesday, May 1, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Mark Whisnant
RW Performance
Pro Stocker
Whisnant returns to his home race track
Atlanta, pre-race: Mark Whisnant, driver of the RW Performance Pro Stock Chevrolet Cavalier does not have to go far to attend this weekends 22nd Annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals. The Stockbridge, Ga., native has been calling the Atlanta Dragway his home racetrack for as long as he can remember.
"Some of my earliest childhood memories are of watching my Dad (Reid Whisnant) race here at the Atlanta Dragway," said Whisnant. "You always want to do well at your home racetrack, to make a good showing in front of the home town crowd. This past week we have worked overtime to try and pickup our performance for the Southern Nationals so we can do just that.
"We want to qualify here in Atlanta, but not just because we have so many family members and friends here this weekend. Our performance level is down. We need to bring our performance up and prove to ourselves, and every one else, that Gainesville was not just a fluke.
"Pro Stock is the most competitive class in POWERade Drag Racing Series. In this class if you get even a little bit behind, you do not race on Sunday. After Gainesville we got turned in the wrong direction, and have not been able to recover. We know that it is time to make wholesale changes on this Cavalier.
"We were pretty disappointed after not qualifying in Bristol. We left Bristol, came straight back to our shop here in Stockbridge, and got to work. We all put our heads together, studied all of our run data and tapes; and then got to work.
"We have pulled some all nighters, and changed lots of things on this Cavalier. Hopefully the changes we made will show on our e.t. slips. We are anxious to get to the racetrack and see the results of our hard work.
"We really want to make the show on Sunday if for no other reason than to thanks our families for putting up with all the time away from home, late hours, and long days."
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