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David Dilbeck
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Georgia Drag Racing News
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June 2002
Bernstein, Force, Coughlin, and Savoie Win NHRA Sears Craftsman Nationals
Posted Sunday, June 30, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Warren Johnson goes out in the first round of Pro Stock - Mark Whisnant continues to impress with another semi-final round finish.
Results
Mark Whisnant Press Release
Posted Sunday, June 30, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
RW PERFORMANCE PRO STOCK CHEVY CAVALIER
MARK WHISNANT – DRIVER REID WHISNANT – OWNER
June 30, 2002
CONTACT: Patti Miles 336-798-7212 704-957-3940 (Mobile)
pattie.miles@worldnet.att.net
Whisnant Advances to Semi Finals in St. Louis
MADISON, Ill. – Mark Whisnant, driver of the RW Performance Chevrolet Cavalier, today entered eliminations at the 5th Annual Sears Craftsman NHRA Nationals in St. Louis, Mo., holding in the fourth position on the Pro Stock eliminations ladder.
The young driver from Stockbridge, Ga. met Number 13 qualifier Larry Nance in Round 1.
When the lights went green, Nance took the advantage, but gave the win to Whisnant when his car became loose and he had to shut it off. Whisnant ran a 6.925 / 199.49 mph defeating Nance with a 13.54 / 62.93 mph.
Luck was once again on Whisnant’s side in Round 2. His opponent Tom Lee left the starting line much sooner than Whisnant, but a mechanical failure caused him to abort the run, handing the round win to Whisnant. Whisnant ran a 6.958 / 199.20 mph to defeat Lee who ran a 12.747 / 69.38 mph.
“In Pro Stock racing sometimes you need to have a little luck,” said Whisnant. “That’s not the way I like to race, but we will take it.”
In Round 3 Whisnant’s day would end when he red lit against NHRA Pro Stock Champion Jeg Coughlin Jr. Jeg ran a 6.96 / 198.98 mph to Whisnant’s 6.96 / 198.67 mph.
“Red lighting is a tough way to go out, but I’m not unhappy.
“I am very pleased with the way we ran this weekend. I was impressed with the way my crew read the track and adjusted the car so we could be as good as we could be. We are going rounds and gaining points. All those things are good, and are definitely the direction we need to go to get to another final round.
“We will get him next time, you can be sure of that.”
Atlanta Dragway Results by Tim Glover
Posted Sunday, June 30, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
TO: Sports Editor
RACE DATE: June 29, 2002
FROM: Tim Glover
EVENT: Powerade Night of Fire presented by Ingles at Atlanta Dragway
YOUNG TEACHES HOBBS A LESSON ABOUT WINNING
by Tim Glover
Although rain delayed the action a couple of hours, the Powerade Nite of
Fire presented by Ingles delivered everything promised. Pro Mods, Jet Cars,
fireworks, clowns, face painting, moonwalks, race cars and a wheelstanding
fire truck kept fans entertained the entire evening. In addition to the
normal race winner awards, a special "King of the Track", and "King of the
Jets" award was given. The "King of the Track" award was an NHRA "Wally",
awarded to the winner of a one round competition between the four race
winners in Super Pro, Sportsman, Trophy and Motorcycle. The person who
achieved the best package, without going red or breaking out, was crowned
King of the Track. Because the Sportsman and Super Pro winners broke out,
former Motorcycle champion Jay Rhyne earned the title with a .059 second
package. The King of the Jets ET award went to Jim "Jet Stream" Medley from
Joppa, Maryland with a 5.57 second ET. Chicago racer Dan Sullivan earned
the mph award with a 277.83mph blast in his "Chicago Rush" dragster.
Also, good news came down from Maple Grove Raceway in Pennsylvania tonight,
where the 2002 Eastern United States Jr. Dragster Nationals was being held.
Ten year old 2000 NHRA Division Two champion Matt Gillen scored a runner up
finish in the ten year old class for Team Atlanta Dragway. Also, Rookie of
the Year Kelly Gray (15) made it to the quarter-finals in the 15 year old
class for Team Atlanta.
A second Jr. Dragster "graduate" scored an Atlanta Dragway Super Pro win
tonight; this time the honor went to Jesse Young. Young, who previously won
a Night of Fire with his "Class Act" Jr. Dragster, schooled veteran John
Hobbs in how to take the win light with a .502 react and a deadly 5.094 on a
5.09 in his '89 Horton Dragster. With a lot of help from "Buford Heavy"
Duncan, the Youngs had just finished assembling the engine Saturday morning,
and Young was "on" all day en route to his first Super Pro win. Hobbs had a
good run in his '80 Malibu, with a 6.17, 112.54 on a 6.15 target. Young
also thanked Chris Fagan Trucking, his dad, friend Lindsey and "Buford" for
their help. Ray LaCount ('77 Vega Wagon) and Thomas Bell ('00 Undercover
dragster) finished in the semi-finals.
The husband of current Sportsman points leader Cindy Williams, Gerry
Williams, won his first Atlanta Dragway race since 1994 in Sportsman
tonight. Williams, who thanked wife Cindy for supporting his "addiction",
used a huge holeshot advantage to take the finish line first against Kevin
Poole. William's '73 Challenger went 11.36, 103.69 on a 11.26 target, while
Poole's Camaro was closer to the mark with an 11.20, 121.63 (11.18 target).
Jacob Rutledge, brother of Motorcycle runner up Joey Rutledge, was the lone
semi-finalist in his '79 Capri.
Former multiple time Motorcycle track champ Jay Rhyne took yet another win
tonight against former champ Joey "Chain Drive" Rutledge. Rhyne's breakout
12.40, 102.74 on his '81 Kawasaki was good for the win after Rutledge left
the starting line too soon (red light) with his '93 Katana, which then went
12.52, 107.66 on a 12.50 dial. Rhyne, who then went on to win the "Wally"
awarded to the "King of the Track", added, "This is cool. That was like me
racing him (Jesse Young). I didn't think I had a chance." James Whitehead
('97 Honda) finished in the semi-finals.
Clay Stancil won last year's Night of Fire at Atlanta Dragway, and repeated
tonight in Trophy Street. This was only Stancil's second time racing this
year. Although Stancil's '72 Chevelle fell off a bit in the final, running
14.27, 95.95 on a 14.05 dial, opponent John Snapp's untimely red light
determined the outcome of the race. Snapp then turned in an otherwise great
15.06, 89.82 on a 15.05 dial. Alan Sargent ('83 Chevy Truck) became
tonight's Trophy semi-finalist.
Young Ashton Shubert (nine years old) has already made it to three 8-12 Jr.
Dragster finals this year, and took her first win tonight against Kyle
Cothran (13). Shubert also benefitted from an opponent's red light start,
and turned in a 13.30, 47.52 (13.42 target). Cothran's machine broke out
too with a 10.75, 59.21 (10.80 dial). Shubert thanked her mom and dad,
Nana, Cece, Todo and all her sponsors for their help. Danielle Krause (11)
and Dustin Burton (11) were the semi-final finishers.
Many time winner Cody Martin (13) took on Tiffany Burton (14) in the 13-17
Jr. final, and used a slightly better react to take the win light. Martin's
machine turned in a .07 over 8.94, 67.87, and Burton also went .07 over with
a 10.34, 61.81 (10.27 dial). Andrew Jones (13) was the single semi-final
finisher.
PRO / SUPER PRO CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Jesse Young '89 Horton Danielsville, GA 5.09 126.69 (5.09)
R/U: John Hobbs '80 Malibu Conyers, GA 6.17 112.54 (6.15)
Semi: Ray La Count '77 Vega Wagon Hull, GA
Semi: Thomas Bell '00 Undercover Dragster Toccoa, GA
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SPORTSMAN CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Gerry Williams '73 Challenger Snellville, GA 11.36 103.69 (11.26)
R/U: Kevin Poole '83 Camaro Dewy Rose, GA 11.20 121.63 (11.18)
Semi: Jacob Rutledge '79 Capri Braselton, GA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TROPHY STREET CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Clay Stancil '72 Chevelle Athens, GA 14.27 95.95 (14.05)
R/U: John Snapp '68 Charger Conyers, GA (foul) 15.06 89.82 (15.05)
Semi: Alan Sargent '83 Chevy Truck Braselton, GA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOTORCYCLE BIKE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Jay Rhyne '81 Kawasaki Athens, GA 12.40 102.74 (12.46)
R/U: Joey Rutledge '93 Katana Stone Mtn, GA (foul) 12.52 107.66 (12.50)
Semi: James Whitehead '97 Honda Atlanta, GA
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JR. DRAGSTER 8-12 AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Ashton Shubert 9 Commerce, GA 13.30 47.52 (13.42)
R/U: Kyle Cothran 13 Buford, GA (foul) 10.75 59.21 (10.80)
Semi: Danielle Krause 11 Peach Tree City, GA
Semi: Dustin Burton 11 Westminster, SC
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JR. DRAGSTER 13-17 AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Cody Martin 13 Buford, GA 8.94 67.87 (8.87)
R/U: Tiffany Burton 14 Westminster, SC 10.34 61.81 (10.27)
Semi: Andrew Jones 13 Alpharetta, GA
Cowin, Cannon, Yates, and Savoie Number One Qualifiers at NHRA Sears Craftsman Nationals-Top Fuel Points Leader Larry Dixon Fails to Qualify
Posted Saturday, June 29, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Details
Mark Whisnant Press Release
Posted Saturday, June 29, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
RW PERFORMANCE PRO STOCK CHEVY CAVALIER
MARK WHISNANT – DRIVER
REID WHISNANT – OWNER
June 29, 2002
CONTACT: Patti Miles
336-798-7212
704-957-3940 (Mobile)
pattie.miles@worldnet.att.net
Whisnant In Top Half at Gateway
MADISON, Ill. – Today at Gateway International Raceway in St. Louis, Mo., Mark Whisnant, driver of the RW Performance Pro Stock Chevrolet qualified his Cavalier 4th for tomorrows Sears Craftsman NHRA Nationals.
It was in the Friday night qualifying session that Whisnant drove his Cavalier to a 6.890 / 200.38 mph to secure the fourth position.
When eliminations get underway on Sunday, Whisnant will race Tom Hammonds in Round 1.
“I am very happy with our performance here this weekend,” said Whisnant of Stockbridge, Ga. “We have adapted very well to the conditions we have had here in St. Louis. It is very hot, and the heat and humidity has made this a very difficult racetrack to get down this weekend.
“Last night we made an awesome run, but we had to. We knew that if we didn’t get in last night, that we would probably be going home today. Reports were calling for much hotter weather today, so it was very important that we took advantage of the cooler session on Friday night.
“I can’t say enough about my guys. This team is giving a great racecar every time I go down the racetrack. I have complete confidence in them, and the equipment they are giving me. When they consistently give me a good car to drive round after round, then all I have to worry about is driving the car
“Today, we worked on our race set up, and have made two pretty decent runs. Tomorrow lane choice is going to be very important. So, we want to see how the car would react in the heat of the day. We ran good numbers, so I feel like we are ready for tomorrow.
Eliminations at the fifth Annual Sears Craftsman NHRA Nationals will begin at 11:00 CST on Sunday June 30.
# # #
Whisnant Quick Facts
Currently 15th in NHRA Pro Stock Points (383 points)
5th in King Demon Points (475 points)
1 Final Round Appearance in 2002 (Topeka)
2 Semi-Final Round Appearances in 2002 (Gainesville, Columbus)
Mark Whisnant Qualifies 4th, Warren Johnson is #5, and Gene Wilson and Kurt Johnson Fail to Qualify at NHRA Sears Craftsman Nationals
Posted Saturday, June 29, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Pro Stock Final Qualifying Results
Whisnant #4 and WJ #5 - KJ and Gene Wilson Not Yet Qualified at Madison
Posted Saturday, June 29, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Mark Whisnant ran a 6.890 @ 200.38 to put the RW Performance Cavalier in the 4th position in Friday qualifying, while Warren Johnson went 6.893 @ 200.44 to grab the 5th spot in his GM Performance Parts Grand Am. Kurt Johnson and Gene Wilson are currently not qualified. KJ has a 6.983 @ 198.41 ( #29 ) best in his ACDelco Cavalier and Gene Wilson is in the #32 position with a 7.016 @ 197.97 best in the Mopar Parts Neon R/T.
Pro Stock Qualifying Order
Cowin, Cannon, Yates, and Savoie Lead Pro Quailfying at NHRA Sears Craftsman Nationals After Two Sessions
Posted Saturday, June 29, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Details
New NHRA Division 2 Website
Posted Friday, June 28, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Check out the NHRA Division 2 website! Looks great and its about time!
Division 2
Photos from Southeastern International Dragway June 22, 2002
Posted Friday, June 28, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Track operator Gene Fuller invited me to Dallas, GA last weekend to see the Dixie Pro Stock cicuit ( Pro Mods ). I hadn't been to Dallas since 1980 or 1981, but this is the track where I saw my first nitro funny cars in 1970. Thanks to Gene and his staff for their hospitality and a great time! If you want to see some fine 1/8 mile drag racing, check out Southeastern International Dragway. ( Sorry, I haven't had time to add the captions.)
Southeastern International Dragway Photos
RW Performance Teams With NASCAR Crew Chief Hamlin
Posted Friday, June 28, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
RW PERFORMANCE PRO STOCK CHEVY CAVALIER
MARK WHISNANT – DRIVER
REID WHISNANT – OWNER
June 28, 2002
CONTACT: Patti Miles 336-798-7212 704-957-3940 (Mobile)
pattie.miles@worldnet.att.net
Whisnant Announces Partnership with NASCAR Crew Chief Hamlin
MADISON, Ill. – Reid and Mark Whisnant, owners of the RW Performance Pro Stock team, are pleased to announce a partnership on a second team car with NASCAR Crew Chief Kevin Hamlin.
“My Dad (Reid) and I are very pleased to announce our partnership with Kevin (Hamlin),” said Whisnant. “He will join our team as a partner on a second RW Performance Chevrolet. Obviously, because of the demands of his NASCAR schedule, he will not be able to attend many races, but he will have an active role in all aspects concerning the team.
“If everything goes according to plans, we hope to debut the second car as soon as Indy, but right now we’re in no hurry.
“We are currently negotiating with a couple different companies who we hope will sponsor our cars. When the ink is dry on the contracts, we will announce the sponsor and driver.”
Hamlin, former Crew Chief for the late Dale Earnhardt, is currently the Crew Chief on the Richard Childress Racing Number 31 Cingular Wireless Chevrolet Monte Carlo, driven by Robbie Gordon.
“Since I was a kid, I have always loved drag racing. I have always followed the sport, but when I met the Whisnants two years ago, I really got interested in Pro Stock racing.
“Since then Mark and I have become pretty good friends. My schedule is pretty tight, but a couple times this winter I was able to go down to Commerce Dragway when they were testing. After that, I was hooked.
“When Mark and Reid started talking about adding a second car, I expressed an interest in getting involved, that is when this all came together. As much as I would like to go to all the races, my job prevents me from doing that for now. However, someday I will retire from NASCAR, and when that happens I would like to do this full time.
Hamlin is taking advantage of a rare weekend off to attend this weekend’s Sears Craftsman Nationals in St. Louis, Mo. Hamlin is looking forward to leaving the tuning responsibilities to someone else, and will serve as a crewman on the RW Performance Chevrolet Cavalier.
“It has been a long time since I have been able to get dirty and turn some wrenches. These Pro Stock cars are a lot different from what I am used to. I’m sure these guys will be able to teach me a thing or two, and it helps me look at my Cingular Wireless Chevrolet in a whole different way.
“I am looking forward to having some fun this weekend, learning some new things, and seeing how the other half lives.”
# # #
Whisnant Quick Facts
Currently 15th in NHRA Pro Stock Points (383 points)
5th in King Demon Points (475 points)
1 Final Round Appearance in 2002 (Topeka)
2 Semi-Final Round Appearances in 2002 (Gainesville, Columbus)
Hamlin Quick Facts
Currently Crew Chief on Number 31 Cingular Wireless Chevrolet
Former Crew Chief for the late Dale Earnhardt
Has 7 Winston Cup NASCAR Victories (5 with Earnhardt, 2 with Harvick)
Won the Winston Million in Oct. 2002 with Earnhardt
Won two ASA Championships
Mark Whisnant St. Louis Preview
Posted Wednesday, June 26, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
RW PERFORMANCE PRO STOCK CHEVY CAVALIER
MARK WHISNANT – DRIVER
REID WHISNANT – OWNER
June 26, 2002
CONTACT: Patti Miles pattie.miles@worldnet.att.net
Whisnant Takes Aim at St. Louis
MADISON, Ill. – Mark Whisnant, driver of the RW Performance Pro Stock Chevrolet Cavalier, arrives at this weekends 5th Annual Sears Craftsman NHRA Nationals in Madison, Ill., reminding himself that slow and steady wins the race.
Although a contradiction in terms in drag racing, Whisnant and his RW Performance team, take their motto seriously.
The rookie Pro Stock driver started the 2002 POWERade Drag Racing season in Gainesville with a bang. Whisnant drove his Cavalier all the way to the semi-finals in his first Pro Stock appearance.
At the next three races, the RW Performance encountered mechanical problems, which caused them to not qualify. It also caused them to rethink and resign their racing program.
Since May, Whisnant has qualified at every race. Staring slowly in the bottom half of the field, methodically finding his way to the top half.
Just as methodically, he has worked his way through the eliminations ladder, advancing to the final round in Topeka and the semi-finals in Columbus.
"We have a rhythm going," said Whisnant. "We have developed a pace, which we try to stay at throughout qualifying and on race day. It is a slow, steady, and consistent pace. It is not flashy, but it gets the job done and that is what is important.
"We always keep in mind that in this class all you have to do is qualify to win. So, our first priority is qualifying. We always try to put up a good number in the first session, a number that could possibly make the race. Then we concentrate on improving that number in every session. Once we are solidly in the show, we work on race set-up.
"On race day our plan is to concentrate on one round at a time. Since I have never raced against most of these guys, we concentrate on racing the track, and wait to see what our opponent will do.
"This isn’t brain surgery. Every Pro Stock team racing here in St. Louis this weekend has basically the same plan.
"I think the key to our recent success is that we try not to get too excited. We stay focused on what we have to deal with right now. You will always have unexpected problems, the key is to not let it rattle you. As a team will address the problem, fix it, and keep moving forward. What we have been doing is not flashy, but it works.
"Like the tortoise and the hare, slow and steady wins the race. And isn’t that what it’s all about in drag racing, winning the race? "
Qualifying at the 5th Annual Sears Craftsman NHRA Nationals will begin on Friday June 28th and continue on Saturday June 29th. Eliminations will take place on Sunday June 30th at 11:00 AM CST.
# # #
Whisnant Quick Facts
Currently 15th in NHRA Pro Stock Points (383 points)
5th in King Demon Points (475 points)
1 Final Round Appearance in 2002 (Topeka)
2 Semi-Final Round Appearances in 2002 (Gainesville, Columbus)
6th Annual Sears Craftsman NHRA Nationals
TV Schedule
Qualifying Highlights
Saturday June 29 9:00 – 11:00 PM EST (ESPN2)
Repeat Qualifying
Sunday June 30 5:00 – 7:00 AM EST (ESPN2)
Eliminations Coverage
Sunday June 30 8:00 – 10:30 PM EST (ESPN2)
Repeat Eliminations
Tuesday July 2 2:00 – 4:00 PM EST (EPSN2)
Atlanta Dragway Press Release
Posted Monday, June 24, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
DATE: June 23, 2002
FROM: Tim Glover
EVENT: Press release for Night of Fire at Atlanta Dragway
JET DRAGSTERS, FIREWORKS COMING TO ATLANTA DRAGWAY
Atlanta Dragway will host the annual "POWERade Night of Fire, presented by
Ingles Supermarkets" on Saturday, June 29, featuring 300mph Jet Dragsters,
the world's only wheelstanding Fire Truck and eight of the nation's fastest
Pro Modifieds in quarter mile exhibition runs. Spectators will also be
treated to the biggest aerial fireworks show in North Georgia, according to
track General Manager Craig Armstrong.
"This is a show the whole family can enjoy," Armstrong said. "We've got
something for almost everyone, from drag racing to clowns and face painting
for the kids to a huge pre-Independence Day fireworks spectacular. This is
the one show during our season where the emphasis is on fun!"
In addition to all the exhibition vehicles, five classes of cars and
motorcycles are set to run, from the exotic NHRA Summit ET Series Super Pro
machines down to quick street legal cars competing in the Trophy Street
class. Also on tap will be the 8-17 year old stars of the Castrol GTX
Junior Drag Racing League in their half scale dragsters.
Spectator gates will open at 1:00 PM Saturday afternoon for the Night of
Fire, with racing action continuing throughout the afternoon and evening.
The fireworks extravaganza will go off at approximately 10:15 PM, following
the final "King of the Jets" championship run.
Night of Fire Adult tickets are $20, Juniors (6-12) are $10 and kids under 6
get in free. A Family Pass, which includes two Adult tickets, two Junior
tickets and four Powerades, is available for $55. Spectators may save $5 on
one ticket, or $10 on the Family Pass with a POWERade purchase receipt from
any Ingles supermarket.
Located just off I-85 at exit 149 in Commerce, GA, Atlanta Dragway presents
weekly NHRA drag racing from March through early November, including the
Summit Racing Equipment Southern Nationals in May, a nationally televised
NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series event.
Ronnie Davis and Lee Tuttle Win at IHRA Tuscola Holley Pro-Am
Posted Saturday, June 22, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
IHRA Tuscola Holley Pro-Am Results
GDR Website Updated
Posted Friday, June 21, 2002 by johndilbeck
Four new photos were added today (GDR-00215 through GDR-00218). Articles written by Marvin T. Smith and David R. Burlington were added to the Articles & Stories section. Race results courtesy of Tim Glover for June 8, 2002 and June 15-16, 2002 races at Atlanta Dragway were posted to the Atlanta Dragway Results page.
Atlanta Dragway Results by Tim Glover
Posted Monday, June 17, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
RACE DATE: June 15 & 16, 2002
FROM: Tim Glover
EVENT: Southeast Bracket Nationals event at Atlanta Dragway in 2002
WOOD CHOPS HIS WAY THROUGH FIELD SATURDAY, BROWN WINS FATHER'S DAY EDITION
OF SOUTHEAST BRACKET NATIONALS
Promoter George Howard put on another good event this weekend, the
Southeast Bracket Nationals, which he ran in a similar fashion to his highly
popular B&M races. Rain won Friday's scheduled event, so Howard rolled the
Friday winner's purse into Saturday and Sunday, increasing the posted purse
from $10,000 to $15,000 each day in Super Pro, and from $1000 to $1500 each
day in Footbrake. The weather was fantastic for the rest of the weekend,
sunny and in the low 80's. "Smoky Joe" Smith won the Saturday edition of
Run for the Money in convincing style, with a perfect run (.500 react and
5.160 on a 5.16 dial).
Flintstone, GA racer Jerry Wilson earned a bye run in round three (which
carries over to the next round if there is an even amount of cars), and
never got to use it. Turns out he didn't need it when he became the
weekend's first "King of the Tens" this weekend when he got an automatic
final round win light in his '98 Spitzer dragster. Wilson's opponent,
Dickey Price from Conyers, GA, left the starting line in his '74 Vega a bit
too soon, resulting in a .483 red light. Wilson went on to a 5.02, 137.20
(5.00 target) and gave a special thanks for the victory to his crew and
friends, while Price ran his car out to a 6.43, 107.40 (6.44 dial). Jim
Wood posted a semi-final finish in David Owens' '64 Chevy II, along with
Kevin Pruett ('01 Undercover - Millbrook, AL).
Jim Wood from Laurens, SC, was having a field day in Footbrake and Super
Pro, winning Saturday Footbrake and finishing in the semis in Super Pro.
"You got to have a little luck to win anyway... unless you're Doyle Kay,"
added Wood. He then assured everyone he is still carrying his horseshoe.
Wood took a little reaction time advantage and ran a .01 over 7.96, 84.75 to
win against local racer Mark Hancock (Conyers, GA). Hancock's Father's day
present was driving his son Jeremy's '67 Camaro this weekend, and he did
well, finishing in the final with a 6.28, 110.57 (6.25 dial). Artie Vaughn
('67 Camaro - Belton, SC) and Rob Williams ('68 Camaro - Bradenton, FL)
finished in the semi-finals.
James Brown really felt good Sunday after winning Super Pro. Brown's
cabinet business has kept him so busy lately he hasn't had much time to race
this year. Brown almost didn't come this weekend, but decided to come
Saturday morning after friend Ricky Jones told him the purse was $15000.
Even then, he barely made first round after running into extremely heavy
traffic on Interstate 85 due to road construction. During his semi-final
bye run, Brown put a 4.89 dial on his '02 Undercover dragster, and started
patting the gas pedal near the finish line (which slows a race car down a
little bit). To everyone's surprise (except Brown's) he posted a deadly
4.890. "I was just having fun," he commented. Just before the final, Ricky
Jones was kidding Brown and his opponent Rich Yonker about their balding
heads. "There's something about bald heads winning," was Browns quick
reply. Rich Yonker gave his dad Gordon (who crewed for him this weekend) a
Father's day present with his Sunday Super Pro runner up finish and also
thanked Brian Forrester at Mullis Race Cars for his help with their car.
Yonker won a few weeks ago at Bristol, and came close to repeating the feat
today. "It's due. I want this for Father's day. It's been a good year for
us," added Gordon Yonker. Len King ('97 RaceTech dragster - Langley, SC)
was the lone semi-finalist.
Sunday Footbrake winner Steve Rhoads has previous experience racing
motorcycles, and last year he began driving Pat Holman's car, a Mike Holman
(Pat's husband) massaged 455 Buick powered '74 Century last year. Rhoads
won the 2001 Mopar vs. the World show and continued the performance tonight
against Michael Jackson, who finished runner up in the '71 Gold Duster
willed to him by the late Johnny Prater. Rhoads parlayed a big reaction
time advantage and an off the throttle 8.02, 76.14 (7.93 dial) into a $1500
check, adding afterward, "I'm just the Hired Gun!" Jackson went 7.87, 87.21
(7.82 dial). "If it weren't for him (Rhoads) the car never would have won.
He's an excellent driver," said Mike Holman. Jackson said he made friends
with Johnny Prater in 1989 and they pitted together wherever they raced
after that. Jackson's '63 Falcon is currently being updated, but he added,
"I might just stay in this thing now!" Jeff Taylor ('72 Nova - Laurens, SC)
finished the day as a semi-finalist.
SATURDAY SUPER PRO CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Jerry Wilson '98 Spitzer dragster Flintstone, GA 5.02 137.20 (5.00)
R/U: Dickey Price '74 Vega Conyers, GA (foul) 6.43 107.40 (6.44)
Semi: Jim Wood '64 Chevy II Laurens, SC
Semi: Kevin Pruett '01 Undercover dragster Millbrook, AL
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SATURDAY FOOTBRAKE CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Jim Wood '71 Chevelle Laurens, SC 7.96 84.75 (7.95)
R/U: Mark Hancock '67 Camaro Conyers, GA 6.28 110.57 (6.25)
Semi: Artie Vaughan '67 Camaro Belton, SC
Semi: Rob Williams '68 Camaro Bradenton, FL
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUNDAY SUPER PRO CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: James Brown '02 Undercover dragster Phenix City,
AL 4.91 136.33 (4.89)
R/U: Rich Yonker '00 Mullis dragster Bradenton, FL 5.10 136.37 (5.10)
Semi: Len King '97 Racetech dragster Langley, SC
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUNDAY FOOTBRAKE CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Steve Rhoads '74 "Buzilla" Century Rutledge, GA 8.02 76.14 (7.93)
R/U: Michael Jackson '71 Gold Duster Lithia Springs, GA 7.87 87.21 (7.82)
Semi: Jeff Taylor '72 Nova Laurens, SC
Semi:
Whisnant Continues Strong Performance-Goes to Semis at Columbus
Posted Sunday, June 16, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Pontiac Excitement NHRA Nationals presented by Summit Racing
Columbus
Another strong performance for Stockbridge NHRA Pro Stock racer Mark Whisnant as he defeats Warren Johnson in second round, but falls to Alderman in semi final match.
Dixon, Capps, Anderson, and Treble win Pro Categories
Mark Whisnant Press Release
Posted Saturday, June 15, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
RW PERFORMANCE PRO STOCK CHEVY CAVALIER
MARK WHISNANT – DRIVER REID WHISNANT – OWNER
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 15, 2002 CONTACT: Patti Miles pattie.miles@worldnet.att.net
Whisnant Qualifies 6th in Columbus
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Today at the 38th Annual Pontiac Excitement NHRA Nationals Mark Whisnant, driver of the RW Performance Chevrolet Cavalier, drover his Pro Stock machine to a 6.891 / 199.79 mph to secure the 6th position on the eliminations ladder.
“This old race track has been pretty good to me,” said Whisnant. “I don’t know why but we always seem to run well here. If we keep running well here this weekend, Columbus could become my favorite racetrack.”
When eliminations get underway on Sunday morning Whisnant will met Tom Martino in Round 1. With his qualifying position in the top half of the field, Whisnant will have lane choice over Martino, but he feels lane choice will not be as important here at the Pontiac Excitement Nationals as it has been in the past.
“National Trail Raceway has always had a reputation for being a one-lane racetrack,” continued Whisnant. “In the past, the right lane was hard to get down, so you had to qualify for lane choice. Then you had to race the track instead of the person next to you. That is not the way I like to race.
“Lane choice is always important, but last year if you didn’t have lane choice going into eliminations you were in a lot of trouble.
“NHRA and the Safety Safari have done a lot of work on this racetrack and it shows. This year the left lane has a bump in the middle of it, but other than that, I feel like both lanes are pretty even.
“In Round 1 I have Martino. There is not a single driver in this class that you can overlook. I think tomorrow I will go with the same plan I have used all this season. I will take it one race at a time. Race our own race, and at the end of the day it should all come together.”
WJ ( #3 ) and Whisnant ( #6 ) Qualify at Columbus- Gene Wilson ( #18 ) and KJ ( #26 ) Fall Short
Posted Saturday, June 15, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
NHRA Pro Stock Qualifying Results
Bernstein, Bazemore, Yates, and Hines Lead Pro Qualifying at Columbus
Posted Saturday, June 15, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Saturday Pro Qualifying Recap at Columbus
Tommy Smith Info/Photos Needed
Posted Saturday, June 15, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Tommy ( Tom ) Smith raced a 1968 Hemi Barracuda Super Socker ( Hemi Power - Kelly Chrysler Plymouth ) before moving to funny cars. He bought Charlie Allen's Dart ( Super Swinger - Lenox Dodge ) and later had a Demon that burned to the ground at the 1970 Atlanta $10,000. I believe that he owned the Super Car Shop in East Point, GA.
I am looking for contact info ( or any info, old or new, on his whereabouts ) and/or photos. If you know anything about Tommy Smith's drag racing career or where he lives ( lived ), please let me know! David
Georgia Pro Stock Racers at Columbus
Posted Saturday, June 15, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Lots of changes in the Pro Stock field after the second qualifying session. WJ( #1 ), Mark Whisnant ( #6 ), and Gene Wilson ( #15 )are in - KJ is out ( #17 - notice #15, #16, and #17 have same ET and MPH).
Pro Stock Qualifying Order After Two Sessions
Angelle Savoie moves to #1 with a 7.215 on the Star Racing Suzuki.
Bernstein and Bazemore lead the fuel racers.
Friday's Qualifying Summary
KJ, Whisnant, and WJ In After 1st Pro Stock Session at Columbus
Posted Friday, June 14, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
NHRA POWERade Pontiac Excitement Nationals presented by Summit Racing
Kurt Johnson is #7 ( 6.951 198.26 ), Mark Whisnant is #9 ( 6.954 198.26 ), Warren Johnson is #11 ( 6.959 198.26 ), and Gene Wilson is not in the field with a 28th best 7.214 160.16 after one session of Pro qualifying at Columbus, OH.
Pro Stock Qualifying - 1st Session Results
Mark Whisnant Columbus Preview
Posted Thursday, June 13, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
RW PERFORMANCE PRO STOCK CHEVY CAVALIER
MARK WHISNANT – DRIVER
REID WHISNANT – OWNER
June 12, 2002
CONTACT: Patti Miles
pattie.miles@worldnet.att.net
Whisnant Has History In Columbus
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Mark Whisnant, driver of the RW Performance Pro Stock Chevrolet Cavalier, likes racing at National Trail Raceway in Columbus, Ohio. Whisnant is looking forward to competing at this weekends 38th Annual Pontiac Excitement NHRA Nationals.
"I have always had good luck here in Columbus," said Whisnant. "I don’t know what it is about this racetrack, but it seems like we always run well here.
"Last year, in Pro Stock Truck, I went to my first final round here. I lost to (Bob) Panella in the final. Coming into this race last year, we were on the same kind of a roll we are on now. We hoping that history will repeat its self, and we find our way to the final round again this year."
Whisnant began the 2002 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing season at the Gatornationals in Gainesville, Fla. with a bang. It was there that he qualified his Cavalier 16th, and went all the way to the semi-finals.
For all of his success in Gainesville, Whisnant then went on to have a string of three races where he did not qualify. Whisnant sights personnel changes within the RW Performance team as the reason for the turn around in the teams performance since Atlanta.
"I feel like, since Atlanta, the team has really jelled together. When my crew chief resigned after that race, and we were forced to either get our act together or go home.
"We have qualified for the last four races, went to the final round in Topeka, and have moved into the top 15 in the POWERade points. Considering we have missed five races, I think that we are doing pretty well.
"As well as we are doing, we have no intentions of taking it easy. Every weekend 35 to 40 guys are also trying to get into the show. With that kind of competition, we have to continue to work hard, and go the extra mile to stay competitive. Right now, I feel like as a team we are all on the same page, and we are building momentum.
"We were in this same position when we arrived at this race last year, and ended up in the final. Hopefully our momentum will carry us all the way to the final round again this year. Only this time with a different ending. We want our RW Performance Cavalier sitting in the winners circle at the end of the day instead of someone else."
Qualifying at the 38th Annual Pontiac Excitement NHRA Nationals will begin on Friday June 14, and continue on Saturday June 15. Eliminations will begin at 11:00 AM EST on Sunday June 16.
Chris Vandergriff Debuts in Top Fuel by Tim Glover
Posted Thursday, June 13, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
To: Sports Editor
From: Tim Glover
Date: June 12, 2002
VANDERGRIFF'S DEBUT A SMOOTH SUCCESS!
Chris Vandergriff and his family's Vandergriff Group Top Fuel Dragster made
their debut June 7 at the Atlanta Dragway. Fans visiting Atlanta Dragway
over the weekend were thrilled to discover Chris and his top fuel car on the
grounds.
Between the runs made Friday and Saturday, Vandergriff completed his three
required partial runs and two half track runs.
Vandergriff appeared to catch on quickly, performing nearly flawless
burnouts all weekend. In the short 48 hour period between Friday and Sunday
afternoon, he went from zero top fuel experience to one run shy of his
license, running an early shutoff 5.14 second pass at 213mph and a weekend
best of 4.87 at 292 mph on Sunday afternoon.
"This was a dream weekend," Chris stated. "Having fuel crew chief Rob
Flynn, veteran Funny Car driver Keith Jackson, long time Vandergriff crew
member Chris Irwin and a host of family and friends helping out gave us a
very relaxed pit area."
"I think my older brother, Bob Jr., enjoyed driving again when he took the
car on its maiden voyage Friday. He was telling everyone he needed to drive
it three or four more times just to make sure it really was safe for me.
Looks like another sibling rivalry is in the works," added the younger
Vandergriff.
"I can't thank my Dad and brother enough for their support during all of
this. Bob Jr.'s experience driving and coaching me along the way really
took a lot of self-imposed pressure off my shoulders," said Vandergriff.
IHRA Funny Car Points Leader Jimmy Rector Press Release
Posted Tuesday, June 11, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Tue, 11 Jun 2002, 08:33 AM
Rector Remains Perfect and Cruises to Fifth Win
Courtesy of Bill Severino- Nitro Web Designs
GRAND BEND, Ont. -- Current IHRA Funny Car Points leader, Jimmy Rector, from Ft. Oglethorpe, Georgia, extended his Hooters IHRA Racing Series points lead and his winning streak to five on Sunday by defeating Dale “the Rail” Brand in the final round to win the 3rd annual IHRA Mopar Performance Parts Canadian Nationals.
Rector, the veteran alky flopper pilot, started the weekend off with a bang on Friday. On the first pass of the weekend Rector blasted his way to the No.1 Spot with a 5.840 at 240.19 mph, just missing the track mph record of 240.38 set by Mark Thomas last year.
In the first round of eliminations, Rector squared off Dave Miller, who filled in as a second alternate for Danny Crownhart. Rector and Miller had identical .517 reaction times off the line, but the Rector and Morrison Camaro had way too much horsepower for Miller to compete with and cruised on to the second round of eliminations with a 5.875 at 238.66 mph pass.
In the next round, Rector paired off with veteran funny car driver Terry McMillen. Rector got out the gate first with a .481 light and sailed onto victory with a 5.855 at 240.32 mph, setting up a match up with the Canadian hometown favorite, Rob Atchinson, in the semi-finals.
Rector got the starting line advantage in the semi-finals with a .454 reaction time versus Atchinsons .475 reaction time. Atchinson hung tough to around the 330ft mark but then the Holbrook sponsored Camaro cruised on to victory and setting up a meeting with Dale “The Rail” Brand of Sully, Iowa in the finals for the fourth straight race.
Brand once again proved to be tough on the tree, laying down an amazing .433 light versus Rector’s .474 effort. Rector once again had the tune-up when it counted. By half-track, Rector, erased Brand’s starting line advantage and then pulled away running a 5.83 at 239.04 mph.
"I come to win every race and it would be unbelievable to win every one,” stated Rector after the race, "In order do that you need to qualify at the top so you're not facing the tough competitors early in the race.”
Rector and the Holbrook Performance Parts Camaro will continue their quest for the 2002 IHRA Funny Car Championship, at the at the 14th Annual CARQUEST Auto Parts Empire Nationals in Leicester, NY, July 12th thru July 14th.
Visit the official website of Jimmy Rector at www.jimmyrector.com
Vist Hobrook Performance Parts at www.holbrook-performance.com
GDR Website Updated
Posted Monday, June 10, 2002 by johndilbeck
Several new photos were added today (GDR-00208 through GDR-00214). Photo GDR-00150 was updated with new information courtesy of Jerry Langley.
Charlie Peppers goes to Semis and Tim Nabors makes it to the Second Round at IHRA Mopar Performance Parts Canadian Nationals presented by Castrol:
Posted Sunday, June 9, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Eliminations Summary
Atlanta Dragway Results by Tim Glover
Posted Sunday, June 9, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
TO: Sports Editor
RACE DATE: June 8, 2002
FROM: Tim Glover
EVENT: Summit ET Series race at Atlanta Dragway
VANDERGRIFF WOWS CROWD WITH TOP FUEL DRAGSTER DEBUT AT ATLANTA DRAGWAY
In addition to the Summit bracket racing they were expecting, fans visiting
Atlanta Dragway were thrilled tonight when they discovered Chris
Vandergriff's Hedman Hedders Top Fuel Dragster making license passes.
Vandergriff, who won the 2001 Lanier Raceway Truck Championship, debuted his
Vandergriff Group machine this weekend. He expects to finish his last two
license passes Sunday. He made four partial passes Friday and Saturday, and
finished Saturday with a straight as a string 5.14 second pass.
"John Boy" Smith just bought his 2000 Horton Dragster this past Wednesday,
installed his motor and transmission, worked out a minor technical bug, and
was rewarded with a Super Victory tonight at Atlanta Dragway. The car was
initially running 5.12s, until he discovered the scoop plug was never
removed. Fortunately, he earned a bye run, which allowed him to run it out
the back door. Smith met Jonathan Anderson in the final, and took the win
with a 5.00, 137.20 on a 4.99 target, when Anderson's Undercover dragster
barely broke out with a 5.397, 126.77 (5.40 dial). Smith's car was done for
the day after the final when the battery expired. Henry Snelgrove became
the lone semi-finalist with his '98 Bos dragster.
Cindy William's husband, Gerry, was given all the credit tonight for
helping her win Sportsman class. "It was a lucky night. If it hadn't been
for him (Gerry) I wouldn't have gotten past the first round," Williams
added. She met the "Pa Paw's Toy" '85 Mustang piloted by Mack Everett in
the final, and although Everett had the reaction time advantage, William's
earned the victory when her '74 Challenger broke out less, with an 11.70,
111.67 (11.71 dial). Everett's machine broke out with an 11.67, 111.39
(11.73 dial). Bill Boomhower ('65 Belvedere) was the semi-final finisher.
Steve Marcum celebrated his first victory tonight in Trophy, capping it off
with a perfect .500 reaction time in his '00 Dakota. Marcum has been racing
a little while, finishing in the finals before, but took top place tonight
with a .500 aided 15.48, 87.04 (15.53 dial). His opponent, Jerry Haney made
it easier when he lit the red light by leaving just a tad too early. After
realizing he had lost, Haney eased his '01 F-150 through the traps with a
23.42, 49.50 (16.49 dial).
Two former Motorcycle champs faced each other in the final, with "Jay Bird"
Rhyne taking the win tonight. Although Rhyne's '81 Kawasaki was a bit off
pace, he too earned an automatic victory when his opponent, Joey "Chain
Drive" Rutledge left the starting line too early, resulting in a foul start.
Rhyne put a 19.74, 93.56 (12.27 dial) on the scoreboards, while Rutledge's
Katana was closer to the mark with a 12.45, 107.15 (12.40 dial). Greg Winn
('76 Kawasaki) and Steve Bishop (Kawasaki) were the semi-final pair.
Former Division Two champ and Young Guns Motorsports racer Matt Gillen (10
years old) scored his best performance this year in 8-12 Jr. Dragster.
Gillen has been struggling this year, and made it to the semis last week,
where he was defeated by Harvey Snelgrove. Gillen returned the favor this
week by defeating Snelgrove in the semis tonight, and went on to take the
win after the car belonging to his final round opponent, Lauren Turner (11),
broke, due to a clutch bolt coming out. Turner also runner upped during the
last Summit race. Gillen ran his Valvoline Jr. Dragster out to a good 9.08,
72.00 (9.02 dial). He thanked his mom, dad and Valvoline for all their
help. Harvey Snelgrove (10) was the semi-finalist.
Thirteen year old Jake Sealey moved up to the older Jr. class, and won his
first 13-17 Jr. Dragster event with his Tecumseh powered dragster. Sealey
met former Rookie of the Year Kelly Gray (15) in the final, and scored the
win when Gray broke out with an 8.964, 71.89 (8.97 target). Sealey went on
to a close 8.39, 73.65 (8.37 dial). Heath Snelgrove (14) and Lloyd Shanks,
Jr (17) were the semi-final pair.
Sixteen year old High School Class racer Todd Mayfield sold his Jr.
Dragster last November and is currently helping his dad Rick to build a fast
Vega. Tonight he scored his first "big car" win in High School Class with
his street car, a '69 Camaro. Mayfield met another experienced former Jr.
Dragster racer, Matthew Bates, and received the automatic win when Bates
went red. Mayfield ran 8.69, 79.79 on an 8.73 dial, while Bates turned in
an 11.68, 60.00 on an 11.94 dial. Ashley Dumas (16) and Joseph Satterfield
(16) finished in the semi-finals.
RACE DATE: June 8, 2002
FROM: Amy & Tim Glover
EVENT: Summit ET series event at Atlanta Dragway in 2002
PRO / SUPER PRO CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: John Smith '00 Horton dragster Bowersville, GA 5.00 137.20 (4.99)
R/U: Jonathan Anderson '98 Undercover dragster Griffin,
GA 5.39 126.77 (5.40)
Semi: Henry Snelgrove '98 Bos dragster Dahlonega, GA
SPORTSMAN CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Cindy Williams '74 Challenger Snellville, GA 11.70 111.67 (11.71)
R/U: Mack Everett '85 Mustang Blairsville, GA 11.67 111.39 (11.73)
Semi: Bill Boomhower '65 Belvedere Walhalla, SC
TROPHY STREET CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Steve Marcum '00 Dakota Bogart, GA 15.48 87.04 (15.53)
R/U: Jerry Haney '01 Ford F150 Sugar Hill, GA (foul) 23.42 49.50 (16.49)
Semi: Kim Callahan '67 Camaro Dawsonville, GA
MOTORCYCLE BIKE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Jay Rhyne '81 Kawasaki Athens, GA 19.74 93.56 (12.27)
R/U: Joey Rutledge '00 Katana Stone Mtn., GA (foul) 12.45 107.15 (12.40)
Semi: Greg Winn '76 Kawasaki Jefferson, GA
Semi: Steve Bishop '78 Kawasaki Winder, GA
JR. DRAGSTER 8-12 AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Matt Gillen 10 Gainesville, GA 9.08 72.00 (9.02)
R/U: Lauren Turner 11 Sugar Hill, GA broke
Semi: Harvey Snelgrove 10 Dahlonega, GA
JR. DRAGSTER 13-17 AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Jake Sealey 13 Aiken, SC 8.39 73.15 (8.37)
R/U: Kelly Gray 15 Adairsville, GA 8.96 71.09 (8.97)
Semi: Heath Snelgrove 14 Dahlonega, GA
Semi: Lloyd Shanks, Jr. 17 Lawrenceville, GA
HIGH SCHOOL AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Todd Mayfield 16 Dallas, GA 8.69 79.77 (8.73)
R/U: Matthew Bates 16 Loganville, GA (foul) 11.68 60.00 (11.94)
Semi: Joseph Satterfield 16 Baldwin, GA
Semi: Ashley Dumas 16 Commerce, GA
Peppers and Nabors are Pro Stock Qualifiers at IHRA Mopar Performance Parts Canadian Nationals presented by Castrol
Posted Sunday, June 9, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Charlie Peppers ( #4 ) and Tim Nabors ( #9 ) make the field at Grand Bend, Ontario.
Pro Stock Ladder
Charlie Peppers and Tim Nabors Currently Qualified for the IHRA Mopar Performance Parts Canadian Nationals presented by Castrol - Jimmy Rector Currently #1 in Funny Car
Posted Friday, June 7, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Grand Bend, Ontario
Pro Stock Qualifying after 2 sessions
After failing to qualify at several races, veteran driver Charlie Peppers ( Auburn, GA ) is currently in the 4th position with a career best 6.591 @ 209.83 pass. Congratulations Charlie!
Tim Nabors of Lawrenceville, GA is currently in the 9th position with a 6.612 .
Pro Stock Qualifying Order ( After 2 Sessions )
Jimmy Rector set a new track Funny Car record with his #1 5.840 ( after two sessions ).
Top Sportsman to be Contested at NHRA Division 2 Events
Posted Friday, June 7, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
INFO
Bob Fermier Health Update
Posted Friday, June 7, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
GeorgiaDragRacing.com contributor ( and former drag racer ) Bob Fermier recently suffered a mild stroke at his Florida home. He is currently in the hospital and due to have a pacemaker implanted Friday ( June 7th ). He is in good spirits and has an encouragng prognosis. Bob is great guy - please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.
Super Chevy Show Results ( Atlanta Dragway ) by Tim Glover
Posted Tuesday, June 4, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
RACE DATE: June 1 & 2, 2002
FROM: Tim Glover
EVENT: Kidfuel Super Chevy Show at Atlanta Dragway
SUPER PRO WINNERS REPEAT, CLEMENTS FIRST JR. DRAGSTER RACER TO SCORE BACK
TO BACK SUPER CHEVY VICTORIES
Not only was there racing going on at the Kidfuel Super Chevy Show,
there was a huge swap meet, car corral, vendor's midway and the world's
largest car show, all featuring everything Chevrolet. The car corral was
better for many people, as they could touch, drive and buy these machines,
many of which were as sharply detailed as the car show machines. The swap
meet covered several acres with a lot of different Chevrolet parts. An
interesting looking "57 Chevy trailer" using only the quarter panels,
fenders, hood and trunk lid from a '57 Chevy, was for sale. All kinds of
new and reproduction Chevrolet parts were available from manufacturers like
Rick's First Generation Camaros, J&W Nova Parts, Danchuk and TOC Classic
Parts.
The local Chevy dealer, Meyer Chevrolet, had their display consisting
of several Chevy trucks right next to the starting line gate. The favorite
one was the crew cab dually with a Duramax diesel and an Allison automatic
transmission, perfect for towing nearly any racing rig. Don Garlits had
his Swamp Rat XIV, the first successful rear engine dragster, on display.
Nitro Coupes wowed the crowd, with Dan Nickelson taking the final round win
in his '94 Beretta after heavy favorite Jim Nordhougen's '41 Chevy wouldn't
start.
Saturday's All Run winner, Snellville, GA racer Jim McKelvey, won
Super Pro two weeks ago at Atlanta, and repeated that feat tonight.
McKelvey continued his roll with a victory over the tough Toby Barnes from
Palmetto, GA, who was footbraking his '86 Dodge D50 pickup. Although
Barnes' mount spun the tires and slowed to a 7.70, 90.73 on a 7.67 target,
a reaction time advantage of .029 seconds earned McKelvey the win with his
'96 Spitzer Dragster. McKelvey turned in a 5.34, 130.44 on a 5.33 dial.
This was Barnes' fifth final in four weeks. Barnes is also currently
second in the B&M Series Footbrake points. Rob Hogue, also a footbrake
racer ('84 Monte Carlo SS - Loganville, GA) and Bruce Miles ('76 Vega -
Dallas, GA) finished in the semis.
Donny Brown, Jr. from Buford, GA, won Super Pro on May 11 at Atlanta
and enjoyed another victory during Sunday's Bracket One (Super Pro) action.
Brown faced the defending Division Two champion, Hampton, GA racer Mike
Dike, in the final. Brown's car won the race with a 5.17, 133.94 (5.16
dial), overcoming Dike's .014 holeshot when Dike's car slowed to a 5.34,
130.44 on a 5.31 dial. "Thanks to TCI and Ron's Flying Toilets. The car
settled in on 5.16s and 5.17s today. It's just a lucky race," added
Brown's dad. Tommy Motes ('76 Vega - Loganville, GA) and Wendell Kinard
('23 T Altered - Greenwood, SC) were the semi-final finishers.
Stephen Daniel from Covington, GA has frequented Atlanta Dragway in
the past, and took all the marbles in Bracket Two (no electronics). His
S10 has been coated with primer for several years, but three weeks ago he
had a nice paint job applied. Just what the doctor ordered. Daniel met
Cartersville, GA racer Ben Frederick's '65 Chevy II in the final, and
although Frederick took the finish line first, he broke out with a 7.027,
95.75 on a 7.03 target. Daniel turned in a good 7.71, 89.46 (7.69 dial).
Rick Pennington, another top notch footbrake racer from Mt. Olive, AL,
finished in the semi-finals with his '64 Chevelle, along with Al Garren
('83 Malibu Wagon - Douglasville, GA).
Ashley Foreman from New Ellenton, SC won DOT Street. Making the
accomplishment more impressive was the fact he had never raced before in
his life, only going to some test and tune sessions at his local track.
Foreman had a perfect .500 react in the final, taking out veteran Steve
Taylor from Raleigh, NC. Foreman's '85 Chevy Truck went a good 13.46,
92.21 (13.39 dial) to take the victory. Taylor's notorious stock '94
Cavalier broke out this time with a 17.02, 78.12 (17.08 dial). Famed
announcer Bret Kepner said, "His (Foreman's) biggest advantage was not
knowing who he was running in the final." Taylor commented, "You can't
beat a .500 light. He did me in." Stan Sinack from Lilburn, GA normally
races a '69 Dart in Super Pro at Atlanta. Today he finished as the lone
semi-finalist with his '73 Corvette.
Young Guns Motorsports owner Bill Gillen stayed up late several
nights last week repairing young Alton Clements III Jr. Dragster engine,
which was damaged in previous competition. All that work paid off when the
14 year old Clements became the first back to back Super Chevy Show Jr.
Dragster winner at Atlanta Dragway. Clements used his final round reaction
time advantage to slow his Central, SC based race car to an 8.10, 76.66
(8.04 dial) against Dahlonega, GA racer Harvey Snelgrove (10). Snelgrove's
machine went a .07 over 10.36, 60.48 (10.29 dial). "I want to give a
special thanks to Bill Gillen for all his hard work," added Clements. Bill
Gillen's son, Matt Gillen (10 - Gainesville, GA) finished in the
semi-finals, along with Lloyd Shanks, Jr. (17 - Lawrenceville, GA).
On a sad note, Jet Funny Car racer Jerry Gannon from Franklin
Furnace, OH passed away early Sunday morning due to injuries sustained when
his 2001 Camaro hit the retaining wall on Saturday, causing the car to
burn.
SATURDAY ALL RUN CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH
DIAL-IN
Win: Jim McKelvey '96 Spitzer Snellville, GA
5.34 126.77 (5.33)
R/U: Toby Barnes '86 Dodge D50 Palmetto, GA
7.70 90.73 (7.67)
Semi: Rob Hogue '84 Monte Carlo SS Loganville, GA
Semi: Bruce Miles '76 Vega Dallas, GA
SUNDAY BRACKET ONE CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH
DIAL-IN
Win: Donny Brown, Jr. '95 Spitzer Buford, GA 5.17 133.94
(5.16)
R/U: Mike Dike Sr. '00 Worthy Hampton, GA 5.34
130.44 (5.31)
Semi: Wendell Kinard '23 T Altered Greenwood, SC
Semi: Tommy Motes '76 Vega Loganville, GA
SUNDAY BRACKET TWO CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH
DIAL-IN
Win: Stephen Daniel '83 S10 Covington, GA
7.71 89.46 (7.69)
R/U: Ben Frederick '65 Chevy II Cartersville, GA
7.02 95.75 (7.03)
Semi: Rick Pennington '64 Chevelle Mt. Olive, AL
Semi: Al Garren '83 Malibu Wagon Douglasville, GA
SUNDAY D.O.T. STREET CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH
DIAL-IN
Win: Ashley Foreman '85 Chevy Truck New Ellenton, SC
13.46 92.21 (13.39)
R/U: Steve Taylor '94 Cavalier Raleigh, NC
17.02 78.12 (17.08)
Semi: Stan Sinack '73 Corvette Lilburn, GA
SUNDAY JR. DRAGSTER COMBO AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH
DIAL-IN
Win: Alton Clements III 14 Central, SC 8.10
76.66 (8.04)
R/U: Harvey Snelgrove 10 Dahlonega, GA 10.36
60.48 (10.29)
Semi: Matt Gillen 10 Gainesville, GA
Semi: Lloyd Shanks Jr. 17 Lawrenceville, GA
SUNDAY NITRO COUPE CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH
Win: Dan Nickelson '94 Beretta Laverne, CA 6.47
219.54
R/U: Jim Nordhougen '41 Chevy Longmont, CO
broke
Tim Glover
Stork Gamco Inc.
Email: tim.glover@stork.com
Phone: 770-297-2057
Warren Johnson Chicago Wrap Up
Posted Tuesday, June 4, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Warren Johnson Press Release
Kurt Johnson Chicago Wrap Up
Posted Tuesday, June 4, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Kurt Johnson Press Release
Georgia Racers LoCicero, Tuttle, Shaw, and Adcock Shine at Silver Dollar Raceway ( NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Event )
Posted Monday, June 3, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Silver Dollar Raceway
Reynolds, GA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE- Courtesy NHRA
Remaining Lucas Oil Champions crowned
Reynolds, Ga. - In the final results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event being held at Silver Dollar Raceway, Mike Saye, Joe LoCicero, Lee Tuttle, Frank Altilio, Jason Wood and Ernie Griggs all emerged victorious in Sunday afternoon's final round competition.
In Comp Eliminator, Saye of Johnston, S.C., earned his first Southeast Division victory this year, when he took out Sealer Power Low Qualifier Larry Pritchett, of Clarkrange, Tenn. In the final, Saye was the first to leave the line and never looked back. His .548 reaction time was too much for Pritchett, who reacted with a .593, allowing Saye to cruise to victory with a winning elapsed time of 8.750 at 155.77 mph. The final round contest between Saye and Pritchett was a repeat of the final last year at Silver Dollar Raceway. That makes it two in a row for Saye at the Reynolds, Ga., racetrack.
In the Super Stock final, LoCicero of Snellville, Ga., scored the win over defending Southeast Division Champion Bobby Dennis, of Shorter Ala. ,while in Stock Eliminator, Tuttle of Albany, Ga., won over Douglasville, Ga., racer Robbie Shaw.
The Super Comp winner's circle featured Frank Altilio of Ococee, Fla., who defeated defending Southeast Division Champion Sherman Adcock, Jr. of Columbus, Ga. In Super Gas it was Jason Wood of Live Oak, Fla., getting over the win over Jamie Crum of Panacea, Fla. In Super Street, Ocala, Fla., racer Ernie Griggs bested Steve Beckham of Anniston, Ala.
In yesterday's final round action in Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car, Marty Thacker, of Robinson, Ill. and Oak Ridge, Tennessee's Von Smith both won in their respective categories.
The next stop on the NHRA Southeast Division tour is Bristol Dragway in Bristol, Tenn. The event, which will be held July 19-20, is the fifth of seven races in NHRA's Southeast Division.
The following are Sunday's final round results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Silver Dollar Raceway:
COMP ELIMINATOR
Mike Saye, Johnston, S.C., G/A, '92 Cutlass, .548 reaction time, 8.750 seconds, 153.77 mph def.
Larry Pritchett, Clarkrange, Tenn., A/SM, '98 Grand Am, .593, 8.183, 168.18
SUPER STOCK
Joe LoCicero, Snellville, Ga., GT/CA, '87 Camaro, .519 reaction time, 9.903 seconds, 9.88 dial-in def.
Bobby Dennis, Shorter, Ala., GT/MA, '97 Firebird, .565, 11.108, 11.07
STOCK
Lee Tuttle, Albany, Ga., O/SA, '66 Chevrolet, .541 reaction time, 13.166 seconds, 13.10 dial in def.
Robbie Shaw, Douglasville, Ga., M/SA, '87 Formula Firebird, .577, 12.318, 12.28
SUPER COMP
Frank Altilio, Ocoee, Fla., Dragster, .424 reaction time, 8.937 seconds, def.
Sherman Adcock Jr., Columbus, Ga., Dragster, .438, 8.883
SUPER GAS
Jason Wood, Live Oak, Fla., '98 S-10, .413 reaction time, 9.948 seconds def.
Jamie Crum, Panacea, Fla., '92 Camaro, .462, 9.906
SUPER STREET
Ernie Griggs, Ocala, Fla., '72 Camaro, .501 reaction time, 10.935 seconds def.
Steve Beckham, Anniston, Ala., '68 Camaro, .507, 10.893
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gene Wilson Goes Two Rounds While WJ, KJ, and Mark Whisnant Lose in the 1st at Chicago
Posted Monday, June 3, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
NHRA POWERade Fifth annual Chicagoland Dodge Dealers NHRA Nationals Pro Stock Results
Dixon, Worsham, Allen, and Savoie Win Chicago NHRA Race
Posted Monday, June 3, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
NHRA Details
Jet Car Driver Jerry Gannon Suffers Fatal Injuries at Super Chevy Show ( Atlanta Dragway )
Posted Sunday, June 2, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
R.I.P Jerry.
SuperChevyShow.com Press Release
Jet Funny Car Driver Jerry Gannon Perishes from Injuries Sustained in Crash at Atlanta Dragway
Jerry Gannon, 50, of Franklin Furnace, Ohio, died at approximately 2 a.m. June 2nd at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta as a result of injuries sustained in a crash at Atlanta Dragway, Commerce, GA.
Gannon was driving the Gustin Racing Jet-powered funny car when the car suddenly veered left and made contact with both retaining walls before catching fire. The cause of the crash is being investigated.
Gannon had been driving jet funny cars for the Franklin Furnace, Ohio-based Gustin Racing team since 1993. Pro Jet, the jet car racing sanctioning body, recognized Gannon with "Rookie of the Year" honors in 1993. During his career Gannon was the driver with the most wins in the jet car ranks.
Beyond his talent as a driver, Gannon was involved in all aspects of the race car operations as a welder, fabricator and painter. "This is a great loss, not only for Jerry's family, friends, and the staff of AutoStar Productions and Gustin Racing, but also for the entire motorsports community. Jerry was the best natural race car driver in the business". Stated Roger Gustin, team owner and well-known drag racer.
Gannon's hobbies included riding motorcycles and 4-wheelers, and spending time on his boat.
Jerry Gannon's wife Shonnie and daughter Alisha were by his side at Grady Memorial Hospital.
GDR Website Updated
Posted Sunday, June 2, 2002 by johndilbeck
Several new photos have been added today (GDR-00198 through GDR-00207).
Mark Whisnant Press Release
Posted Sunday, June 2, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
RW PERFORMANCE PRO STOCK CHEVY CAVALIER
MARK WHISNANT – DRIVER REID WHISNANT – OWNER
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 1, 2002
CONTACT: Patti Miles pattie.miles@worldnet.att.net
Whisnant Qualifies Tenth in Chicago
JOLIET, Ill. – Mark Whisnant, driver of the RW Performance Pro Stock Cavalier, has qualified tenth for the 5th Annual Chicagoland Dodge Dealers NHRA Nationals at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet Ill.
It was in the Friday night qualifying session that Whisnant drove his Cavalier to a 6.885 / 200.44 mph to secure a place on Sunday’s eliminations roster. Round 1 of eliminations has Whisnant paired with against Gene Wilson.
Since Englishtown Whisnant and the RW Performance team have been without a designated crew chief to guide the team. Instead, they have successfully relied on input from all the crewmembers to make the tuning decisions on their Cavalier.
“I can’t say enough about this RW Performance race team,” said Whisnant. “This team has good chemistry and communicates well together. Everyone is stepping in and helping out. We listen to all suggestions and ideas before we change anything in the set up of the car. James, Brent, Terry, and Dennis have made all the calls on this Cavalier, and they have done a very good job. For the last three weeks, they have given me a great racecar to drive. Our qualifying and race success proves what a good job they are doing.
“Historically tuning ‘by committee’ has never worked with other teams, but it seems to be working for us. I do not know if it will work out long term, but right now we are doing so good that we are not going to change anything.
“Tomorrow morning it will, for the most part, be the same scenario we had last weekend in Topeka. The lanes are evenly matched, the weather is similar, and I have Gene Wilson again in Round 1. Last weekend it worked out pretty well for us, but I lost in the final. This weekend, with a little luck, maybe Sunday night it will turn out a little better.”
Georgia Pro Stock Racers Qualify at Chicago
Posted Saturday, June 1, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
NHRA POWERade Chicagoland Dodge Dealers NHRA Nationals
Joliet, IL
Warren Johnson (#6), Gene Wilson (#7), Mark Whisnant (#10), and Kurt Johnson all hold on to the spots they qualified for Friday. First round match-ups:
Warren Johnson will face off against Allen Johnson
Gene Wilson to race Mark Whisnant
Kurt Johnson versus Tom Hammonds
Final Pro Stock Qualifying Results
Bernstein, Sarver, Yates, and Savoie Top Pro Qualifiers at Chicago
Posted Saturday, June 1, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Drag Race Central Saturday Wrap Up
Tim Nabors Goes to the Second Round at Rescheduled IHRA AC Delco Nationals
Posted Saturday, June 1, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
IHRA AC Delco Nationals Pro Stock 2nd Round
Georgia Pro Stock Racers at Chicago
Posted Saturday, June 1, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
JOLIET, Ill. - After 2 rounds of qualifying in Pro Stock at the NHRA POWERade Chicagoland Dodge Dealers NHRA Nationals, Warren Johnson is #6 ( 6.881 201.31 ), Gene Wilson is #7 (6.882 200.56 ), Mark Whisnant is #10 ( 6.885 200.44 ), and Kurt Johnson is #15 ( 6.896 200.23 ).
Session #2 Order:
Pro Stock Session 2 Results
Bernstein, Sarver, Yates, and Savoie Lead Qualifying At Chicagoland Dodge Dealers NHRA Nationals
Posted Saturday, June 1, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Sat, 1 Jun 2002, 12:09 AM
Bernstein, Sarver, Yates, and Savoie Lead Qualifying
At Chicagoland Dodge Dealers NHRA Nationals
Courtesy of NHRA Communications
JOLIET, Ill. - Kenny Bernstein led Top Fuel qualifying Friday at the fifth annual Chicagoland Dodge Dealers NHRA Nationals at state-of-the-art Route 66 Raceway.
Bruce Sarver, Jim Yates, and Angelle Savoie also were the leaders of their respective categories at the $1.9 million race, the 10th of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag racing Series.
Kenny Bernstein
Bernstein blasted his Budweiser King dragster down the quarter-mile in 4.562 seconds at 325.06 mph to lead the 16-car order after the first day of qualifying action.
"I just give credit to (crew chief) Tim Richards and the team and setting the car up tremendously," said Bernstein, the defending NHRA POWERade Top Fuel champion. "We're just tickled to run that good and tomorrow we will start again in the sunshine and hope we can keep it going and keep up with everybody else. It was just a really good run and the track is just awesome We'll take it and not be greedy."
Sarver powered his White Cap Toyota Celica to the finish line in a career-best time of 4.760 at 316.23 to pace the Funny Car field. Sarver is making his third consecutive start in the Celica after former Top Fuel champion Gary Scelzi stepped out of the driver's seat after six races . In his first race back Sarver made it to the final round and last week he secured the No. 1 qualifying spot.
"I knew it was going good when I took off, but not that quick," said the 40-year-old Sarver. "The track was absolutely perfect. We felt real confident coming here after testing at Topeka (Kan.) last week. I'm back in the car and I'm comfortable. Hopefully, if this spot holds, I can break my streak of losing in the first round every time I have been the top qualifier."
Yates posted the best Pro Stock numbers when he clocked a pass of 6.862 at 200.65 in his Splitfire/Peak Pontiac Grand Am to lead the category. Tom Hammonds, who has not qualified for the last four events, occupies the No. 2 slot in his Winnebago Chevy Cavalier.
Savoie led all Pro Stock Motorcycle riders, logging the quickest run at 7.212 at 185.18 atop her CVEC Racing Suzuki.
Qualifying continues Saturday at 11:15 a.m.
Gunderson and Payne Top Alcohol Qualifying at Reynolds
Posted Saturday, June 1, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Drag Race Central
Richard Larsen Qualifies #6 In Comp at Reynolds
Posted Saturday, June 1, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
NHRA Division 2 Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series
Siver Dollar Raceway - Reynolds,GA
Richard Larsen ( Tyrone ) is the only Georgia Comp qualifier after one session.
Woody Adcock Top Georgia Super Stock Qualifier After Sessions at Reynolds
Posted Saturday, June 1, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
REYNOLDS, Ga. - NHRA Division 2 Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series
Georgia racers that have qualified for Super Stock after 3 qualifying sessions:
#15 Woody Adcock ( Columbus )
#16 Steve Tschetter ( Tyrone )
#19 Jonathan Horton ( Bonare )
#20 Everett Hill ( Fayetteville )
Woodro Josey #1 in Stock Qualifying After Three Sessions at Division 2 Points Race
Posted Saturday, June 1, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Silver Dollar Raceway- Reynolds, GA
After 3 sessions of qualifying, Woodro Josey is #1 in Stock. Other Stock Eliminator racers from Georgia and their current qualifying positions:
Robbie Shaw ( Douglasville ) #5
Harold Culpepper ( Pine Mtn. Valley ) #6
Craig Couris ( Atlanta ) #13
Mike Mayhew ( Savannah ) #16
Jimmy Parker ( Columbus ) #17
Wayne Shaw ( Douglasville ) #18
Russell Johnson ( Tyrone ) #19
Robert Toren ( Dacula ) #21
Bobby Lundholm ( Alpharetta ) #22
Lee Tuttle ( Albany ) #25
Trevor Weiss ( Cuthbert ) #26
Norman Griffis, Jr. ( Millwood ) #27
NHRA Division 2 Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series at Silver Dollar Raceway
Posted Saturday, June 1, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Fri, 31 May 2002, 03:45 PM
It’s Mid-Season in NHRA’s Southeast Division
Courtesy of NHRA Field Marketing
Lucas Oil Racers Strive for Points
REYNOLDS, Ga. – As the 2002 NHRA Southeast Division’s Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series season hits its mid-point, competitors in Top Alcohol Dragster (TAD) and Top Alcohol Funny Car (TAFC) continue their points battles at Silver Dollar Raceway. In TAD, defending division champion Michael Gunderson is in the lead, but Jason Cannon and Tony Bartone are on his heels. In TAFC, Von Smith currently has the lead over defending division champion Jay Payne. These two competitors seem to be picking up where they left off last year when Payne finished just 16 points ahead of Smith.
Gunderson, of Middleburg, Fla., had to go out of the division, to Memphis Motorsports Park in Tennessee, to get his first divisional event win. Gunderson has yet to make a final-round appearance at a Southeast Division race. Cannon, also a resident of Middleburg, Fla., is just 16 points behind Gunderson with a win at Orlando Speed World Dragway in Florida. In third and fourth place, respectively, are Manhassett, N.Y., resident Tony Bartone, and Art Gallant of Boxboro, Mass. Bartone took the win at the Division’s last event at Montgomery Motorsports Park in Alabama, and Gallant won the season-opener at Gainesville Raceway in Florida. The winner of this weekend’s event could be in a position to take the points lead.
With two runner-up finishes and a win, TAFC driver Smith has a jump on Payne. The Oak Ridge, Tenn., resident won in Orlando and was runner-up in Montgomery. He also took runner-up honors at an out-of-division race. Payne, of Upland, Calif., has one win on the season, at Gainesville Raceway.
NHRA LUCAS OIL DRAG RACING SERIES Fact Sheet
WHAT:NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, where drivers earn points leading to divisional and national championships. Categories include Top Alcohol Dragster, Top Alcohol Funny Car, Comp Eliminator, Super Stock, Stock Eliminator, Super Comp, Super Gas and Super Street. The event is the fourth of seven in Southeast Division competition.
WHERE:Silver Dollar Raceway, Reynolds, Ga. Track is located on state Highway 96 West, just west of US Highway 341.
WHEN:Friday through Sunday, May 31-June 2, 2002
SCHEDULE:Time trials and qualifying schedule for the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series:
FRIDAY, May 31 -- Gates open at 9 a.m. Qualifying and time trials begin at noon. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying sessions are scheduled at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Track will host a concert by Snakes in the Woodpile after racing ends.
SATURDAY, June 1 -- Gates open at 9 a.m. Final qualifying and time trials are scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying sessions are scheduled at 2:30 and 4:30 p.m., and they will run first round of eliminations at 6 p.m.
SUNDAY, June 2 -- Gates open at 8 a.m. Eliminations begin at 10 a.m. Welcoming ceremonies are scheduled at noon.
PURSE:The NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series competitors will vie for cash and contingency awards of $152,700, part of the 45-race, $6.5 million series.
2001 EVENT WINNERS:Jason Cannon, Top Alcohol Dragster; Jay Payne, Top Alcohol Funny Car; Mike Saye, Comp Eliminator; Kenneth Horne, Super Stock; Gene Jordan, Stock Eliminator; Victor Vickers, Super Comp; Justin Allen, Super Gas; Ken Etchison, Super Street
BONUS PROGRAMS:NHRA LUCAS OIL DRAG RACING SERIES POINTS FUND -- a $561,000 point fund from Lucas Oil, which will be shared by 2002 NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series divisional champions and national champions. Divisional awards include $8,500 each to the Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car champions; $3,000 to the champions in both Competition and Super Stock; $2,000 each to the champions in Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas and Super Street. The seven national champions will share a bonus of $135,000.
SEALED POWER LOW QUALIFIER BONUS -- a $220,500 overall bonus fund from Federal-Mogul’s Sealed Power brand to the low qualifiers at each of the 45 Lucas Oil events and the 23 NHRA national events: $1,250 each in Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car; $400 each in Comp Eliminator and Super Stock; and $200 in Stock. (TAD and TAFC compete at 16 of 23 national events.)
JEG’S ALLSTARS:The best of the best from each of NHRA’s seven divisions will compete for a share of the $100,000 point fund from Jeg’s High Performance. The 2002 Jeg’s Allstars event will culminate a year-long points battle between drivers in each of NHRA’s Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series’ eight classes. The top points earner in each category will qualify to represent his/her division at the 2002 Jeg’s Allstars, held in conjunction with the NHRA Nationals in Chicago, Sept. 26-29, 2002. Points are based on in-division races only.
The winning division’s team will share $20,000 and individual awards include $7,000 each to the Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car champions, $6,000 to champions in Comp Eliminator and Super Stock, and $4,500 to the Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas, and Super Street champions. Runners-up in all categories will earn $2,000 apiece. Each Allstars competitor will also receive a share of a $20,000 towing fund to get to the event.
TICKETS:GENERAL ADMISSION/PIT PASS -- $15 Friday, $20 Saturday, $15 Sunday. A two-day pass is $30. Children 12 and under are admitted free with a paid adult. Military personnel with valid ID receive a $5 discount. For more information please call Silver Dollar Raceway, (478) 847-4414.
CONTACT:Ed Swearingen, Silver Dollar Raceway, (478) 847-4414
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