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Georgia Drag Racing News
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July 2002
Mark Whisnant Press Release
Posted Monday, July 29, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
RW PERFORMANCE PRO STOCK CHEVY CAVALIER
MARK WHISNANT – DRIVER REID WHISNANT – OWNER
July 26, 2002
CONTACT: Patti Miles 336-798-7212 704-957-3940 (Mobile)
pattie.miles@worldnet.att.net
Whisnant Falls to Coughlin in Seattle Final
KENT, Wash. – Mark Whisnant entered eliminations at the 15th Annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals in Seattle, Wash., as the number 1 qualifier for today’s event.
In Round 1 Whisnant met Mike Edwards. Edwards took the advantage at the starting line with a .427 of a second light, but mechanical breakage stopped him in his tracks, handing the win to Whisnant. Whisnant ran a 6.853 / 200.95 mph to Edwards 35.578 / 89.40 mph.
Seattle is a town known for rain and today Seattle lived up to its reputation. With two pair of Pro Stock cars left to race in the first round a light mist started to fall halting eliminations. The mist turned into drizzle, which escalated into rain forcing the NHRA to shelving Sunday’s race until Monday morning.
Monday morning Whisnant met Larry Nance in Round 2. Whisnant had the advantage at the starting line with a .459 of a second light, and held on all the way to the top end to defeat Nance. Whisnant ran a 6.859 / 201.52 mph to Nance’s 6.852 / 200.47 mph.
In the Semi-finals Whisnant was matched against Ron Krisher. Krisher had a faster ET in the previous round, taking lane choice from Whisnant. Whisnant knew he would need a quicker reaction time than Krisher if he was to advance to the final round. He answered the call when the light went green. Whisnant took a huge advantage at the starting line when he cut a .445 light. He held on to that advantage all the way to the finish line to take the victory and advance to his second Pro Stock final round appearance of the 2002 season.
Whisnant ran a 6.871 / 201.73 mph to Krisher’s quicker, but loosing, 6.838 / 201.64 mph.
For the second time this year, Whisnant meet a Coughlin in the Final Round. Last time it was Troy Coughlin in Topeka; this time he squared off against Jeg Coughlin, Jr.
As the two cars pulled up to the starting line, the starting tree malfunctioned. Whisnant was already pre-staged when the starting lights malfunctioned, causing the red light to come on in Whisnant’s lane. NHRA Chief Starter Rick Stewart decided that due to the system malfunction that he would let Whisnant and Coughlin rerun the race.
After returning to the pits to cool their motors, and refuel their vehicles, both competitors returned to the starting line to finish the race. This time the tree would not malfunction. When the drivers received the green light to go, Coughlin took the advantage at the starting line, and held on to take the win. Coughlin ran a 6.864 / 200.14 mph to defeat Whisnant with a 9.309 / 96.20 mph.
“I would be lying if I said I was not a little disappointed,” said Whisnant. “I wanted to win this race, but there will be others, and it will be our turn next time.
“This is the second time we have been to the finals this year. I know that the way this car is running we will see more finals before the season is over. It is a shame that the tree malfunctioned, but those things happen.
“My team should be congratulated for the great racecar they gave me to drive this weekend. We sat on the pole, and went to the finals; that is a real accomplishment in this class. I would have like to have won this race for them, so they could get the recognition that they deserve.
“The way we are running we will get to more finals, but next time we are going to give it our all to make the outcome different.”
Whisnant Quick Facts
Currently 12th in NHRA Pro Stock Points (489 points)
5th in King Demon Points (710 points)
1 Final Round Appearance in 2002 (Topeka)
3 Semi-Final Round Appearances in 2002 (Gainesville, Columbus, and St. Louis)
Career Best ET 6.777 (Seattle 2002)
Career Best mph 202.73 (Englishtown 2002)
Eliminations Coverage
Friday Aug. 2 3:00 – 4:00 PM ET (ESPN2)
Mark Whisnant Pro Stock Runner-Up at NHRA POWERade Lucas Oil NHRA Northwest Nationals
Posted Monday, July 29, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Mark Whisnant continues to impress with another runner-up performance at Seattle with the RW Performance Cavalier. When will that elusive first win happen? Final Round Results
Atlanta Dragway Results by Tim Glover
Posted Monday, July 29, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
RACE DATE: July 27-28, 2002
FROM: Tim Glover
EVENT: Phillips Motorsports Summer Shootout at Atlanta Dragway
ASHE CRISPS THE COMPETITION, MORRIS RULES IN FOOTBRAKE
by Tim Glover
After rain cancelled the first event, and shortened the second, the weather
was great (but 99 degrees in the shade) for the third of five scheduled 2002
events, the Inaugural Phillips Motorsports Summer Shootout at Atlanta
Dragway. The show ran smoothly both days, and the 200+ racers who attended
enjoyed a great event. The event featured dragsters against dragsters, door
cars against door cars, a footbrake class, Run for the Money, a weekend
points series, an award for the best package of the weekend and a Super
Eliminator where the winner of the dragster class faced off against the
winner of the door car class for an extra $1000 each day.
In addition to the regular purse, the weekend points winner in each class
was awarded $500 in Dragster and Door Car, $250 in Footbrake. A.J. Ashe won
the points series in Door Car and Mike Dike won in Dragster. Rickey Morris,
who has finished as high as second place nationally in IHRA Crate Motor
Stock class, won the Footbrake point series this weekend. Peabody Harrell
was in contention Saturday night for the best package (.003 seconds), but
Gary Thompson from Douglasville, GA won the Phoenix Tires awarded for his
.002 package Sunday in a Fabrication Concepts dragster.
SATURDAY
Atlanta Dragway regular Lloyd Kaylor became the first winner Saturday.
Kaylor won the Run for the Money event with a 7.670 on a 7.67 dial in the
combined Door Car / Dragster class. Rickey Morris won his first of many
rounds this weekend with a 7.550 on a 7.55 in Foobrake Run for the Money.
A door car won all the marbles Saturday, driven by A.J. Ashe from Gulfport,
MS. The third time was the key for Ashe in today's Door Car final (he
runner upped twice in the Super Eliminator race at Montgomery held June
22-23). Ashe's Texas Supercars '92 Grand Am was smoking a lot from the left
engine bank all weekend, but apparently the performance was not affected.
(He said the car sucked in an intake gasket the previous weekend, but it was
running too well to mess with.) Ashe met Alan Hardie from Eatonton, GA, and
although Hardie had a slight reaction time advantage, his '77 Monza picked
up some extra ET along the way and broke out with a 6.20, 103.69 (6.23
target). Ashe said his car pulled him out, running a 5.92, 114.22 (5.91
dial). Local racer Larry Barefoot earned enough to buy a pair of shoes with
a semi-final finish in his Bethlehem, GA based '65 Chevy II. When asked why
he didn't enter his dragster, Ashe said, "I'm really confident in this car
as long as I can race door cars. Also, thanks to DragRaceResults.com and
Chris Phillips for putting this race on."
The defending Division Two Summit Super Pro champion, Mike Dike Sr., won
Saturday's Dragster class against Vidalia, GA racer Peabody Harrell. Dike's
'00 Worthy dragster put down a great .01 over 5.15, 134.34 to take the win.
Harrell's '98 Racecraft was just a touch further off the mark with a 5.32,
129.32 (5.30 dial). Dike dropped a bombshell in the winner's circle,
announcing his championship dragster was for sale because he was going to
retire after 30 years of racing. "These young boys are wearing me out. I'm
going to spend more time with the family (spell that grandson). I'll
probably finish the year out until I sell the car," said Dike. Another
Atlanta regular, Jacob Rutledge from Braselton, GA, kept his crew busy all
weekend by running two cars, one in Dragster and one in Footbrake. He
finished in two semi-finals today, this one was with his '01 Stephens
dragster.
A.J. Ashe then met Mike Dike Sr. in the Super Eliminator round. Dike is
well known for taking a long time to stage, so Ashe patiently waited for him
to stage, and then finally staged about eight seconds later, and used a .511
aided 5.92, 114.22 (5.91 target) to take the win against Dike, who was also
close with a 5.15, 134.34 on a 5.14 dial, but had a .531 react.
Rickey Morris, a standout on the IHRA Crate Motor Stock circuit, took the
win tonight against Jim Wood, who fouled away his chances of victory with a
close .495 react. Both racers elected to drive their cars out the "back
door", with Morris carding a winning 7.57, 89.64 (7.55 target) in his
Ellenwood, GA based '79 Malibu. Wood's Laurens, SC based '71 Chevelle
turned in a dead-on 7.92, 85.23 (of course - don't they always do that?).
"There was a lot of luck involved," added Morris. Of course, it didn't hurt
that Morris won the '98 Winternationals at Darlington, or the '01 World
Finals in Shreveport. Jacob Rutledge scored another semi-final finish with
his '79 Capri.
SATURDAY SUPER ELIMINATOR CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: A.J. Ashe '92 Grand Am Gulfport, MS 5.920 114.22 (5.91)
R/U: Mike Dike '00 Worthy Dragster Hampton, GA 5.157 134.34 (5.14)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SATURDAY DRAGSTER CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Mike Dike '00 Worthy Dragster Hampton, GA 5.159 134.34 (5.14)
R/U: Peabody Harrell '98 Racecraft Dragster Vidalia,
GA 5.323 129.32 (5.30)
Semi: Jacob Rutledge '01 Stephens Dragster Braselton, GA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SATURDAY DOOR CAR CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: A.J. Ashe '92 Grand Am Gulfport, MS 5.929 114.22 (5.91)
R/U: Alan Hardie '77 Monza Eatonton, GA 6.206 103.69 (6.23)
Semi: Larry Barefoot '65 Chevy II Bethlehem, GA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SATURDAY FOOTBRAKE CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Rickey Morris '79 Malibu Ellenwood, GA 7.570 89.64 (7.55)
R/U: Jim Wood '71 Chevelle Laurens, SC (foul) 7.927 85.23 (7.92)
Semi: Jacob Rutledge '79 Capri Braselton, GA
SUNDAY
The day began with a Run for the Money, and today three happy winners
collected, Kim Ellington in Footbrake, Tony Gaskin in Dragster, and Glen
Holland in Door Car.
Roanoke, AL racer Timmy Smith turned 16 this July, and now has a win to his
credit. Smith's dad, Mike, who has won numerous bracket races and a Race of
Champions in the families '71 Vega Wagon, turned over driving duties to his
son this year, and it didn't take the younger Smith long to find the
winner's circle. Smith became the only driver this weekend to stop the A.J.
Ashe juggernaut when he put down a 6.80, 99.78 in the Door Car final (6.78
dial). Ashe's '92 Grand Am registered a 5.88, 113.35 (5.93 dial) on the
scoreboards. Ashe kidded Smith in the winner's circle, "I'll get you next
time." Ricky Jones, the 2000 B&M Champion, finished in the semis with his
Manchester, GA based '90 Camaro.
David Tatum III from Palmetto, GA, is no stranger to the winner's circle at
Atlanta Dragway, and already has the distinction of being one of the few
people that have faced themselves in the finals there (several years ago at
a $5K race). Although Eatonton, GA racer Alan Hardie made it to the final
round on a bye run for the second day in a row, and had the better react,
his '88 Suncoast Dragster wasn't able to run the 5.59 dial in time today,
recording a 5.64, 119.37. Tatum gave his '00 Mullis car credit for pulling
out the win, with a 5.07, 134.34 (5.05 dial). Local racer Thomas Bell ('01
Undercover dragster - Toccoa, GA) was the lone semi-finalist. Tatum thanked
his dad David Jr., Hugh Meeks, Ricky Jones, Farin Lubbers of Hoosier, Mike
Gruber of Valvoline and Mullis Race Cars for all their help. "Winning means
more to me now. I used to win a lot, but now, if you win two or three times
a year, you've done something."
Tatum III went on to stop Timmy Smith in the Super Eliminator final,
putting down a 5.08, 127.13 (5.05 dial). Smith's Vega Wagon broke out .008
seconds, recording a 6.76, 97.40.
Multi-time Atlanta Dragway Footbrake champion Rob Hogue from Loganville, GA
returned to the winner's circle today with his '84 Monte Carlo SS. Hogue's
better reaction time helped stopped the onslaught of Rickey Morris in the
Footbrake final when his car put down a 7.72, 91.28 (7.70 dial). Morris'
Malibu took a bit too much win stripe, breaking out with a 7.53, 90.00 (7.58
dial). Former B&M Footbrake champ Randall Roop ('66 Mustang - Canton, GA)
finished his day in the semi-finals. Hogue thanked "Drag Daddy" David
Young, last week's Super Pro and High School winner Jesse Young, and Lindsey
Martin for helping him fix his car. Saturday, the fuel pump quit, the wire
going to the electric fan caught fire and the starter solenoid on his Monte
Carlo quit working, and with their help, he still made it down to ten cars.
Sunday, the car worked well, carrying him all the way to the winner's
circle. He also thanked Sid Neal of Neal Racing Transmissions, Nalley
Racing Engines and Keith Neal Torque Converters.
Promoter Chris Phillips was pleased with the turnout. "Tell everyone I
appreciate them coming. I'm glad we had great weather. We look forward to
seeing everyone at the next two races in Atlanta and Montgomery.
SUNDAY SUPER ELIMINATOR CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: David Tatum III '00 Mullis Dragster Palmetto, GA 5.087 127.13 (5.05)
R/U: Timmy Smith '71 Vega Wagon Roanoke, AL 6.762 97.40 (6.77)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUNDAY DRAGSTER CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: David Tatum III '00 Mullis Dragster Palmetto, GA 5.071 134.34 (5.05)
R/U: Alan Hardie '88 Suncoast Dragster Eatonton, GA 5.644 119.37 (5.59)
Semi: Thomas Bell '01 Undercover Dragster Toccoa, GA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUNDAY DOOR CAR CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Timmy Smith '71 Vega Wagon Roanoke, AL 6.809 99.78 (6.78)
R/U: A.J. Ashe '92 Grand Am Gulfport, MS 5.881 113.35 (5.93)
Semi: Ricky Jones '90 Camaro Manchester, GA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUNDAY FOOTBRAKE CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Rob Hogue '84 Monte Carlo SS Loganville, GA 7.725 91.28 (7.70)
R/U: Rickey Morris '79 Malibu Ellenwood, GA 7.538 90.00 (7.58)
Semi: Randall Roop '66 Mustang Canton, GA
Rain Delays Eliminations of the NHRA POWERade Lucas Oil Northwest Nationals until Monday. #1 Pro Stock Qualifier Mark Whisnant Wins Round One; Warren Johnson ( breakage ) and Gene Wilson ( foul ) are Defeated.
Posted Monday, July 29, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
The first round of Top Fuel, Funny Car, and Pro Stock ( all but one pair ) were completed in Seattle before the rains forced NHRA to call the race. Eliminations are rescheduled for Monday morning.
Pro Stock Round 1 Results
Latest News From NHRA
Georgia Pro Stock Racers Tim Nabors and Charlie Peppers Go Two Rounds at the Hooters IHRA CARQUEST Auto Parts Northern Nationals
Posted Monday, July 29, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Pro Stock Results
Funny Car Racer Jimmy Rector Goes to Semis at Hooters IHRA CARQUEST Auto Parts Northern Nationals
Posted Monday, July 29, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Results
Mark Whisnant Press Release
Posted Sunday, July 28, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
RW PERFORMANCE PRO STOCK CHEVY CAVALIER
MARK WHISNANT – DRIVER REID WHISNANT – OWNER
July 26, 2002
CONTACT: Patti Miles 336-798-7212 704-957-3940 (Mobile)
pattie.miles@worldnet.att.net
Whisnant on the Pole in Seattle
KENT, Wash. – Today in the morning session of Pro Stock qualifying, Mark Whisnant drove his RW Performance Chevrolet Cavalier to a 6.777 / 202.55 mph to take the Pro Stock pole at the 15th Annual Lucas Oil NHRA Northwest Nationals. Whisnant’s Number 1 qualifying run also rest the Pacific Raceways Pro Stock ET record.
“This is awesome,” said Whisnant. “It still hasn’t sunk in yet. This first Number 1 qualifier is great, but I’m not surprised.
“I don’t want to sound cocky, but I knew we had the potential to be Number 1 yesterday. From looking at our incremental numbers from the first two runs yesterday, I knew that if the weather cooperated this morning that we could go to the top. But the real reason we are Number 1 here today is my crew.
“A couple weeks ago we hired Julius Hughes as our team engineer. Julius has many years of experience and brings a lot to this team. We hired him to assist James (Crew Chief James Reichard) with tuning the car. James and Julius work well together, and have put together an awesome racecar for me to drive.
“I can’t say enough about my team. Not just James and Julius, but all the guys. James, Julius, Sully, Terry, and Dennis give me a great racecar every time I go down the track, and having such a great car really helps my confidence as a driver. When I do my job and they do theirs, it is an unbeatable combination.
“The only way this Number 1 could be better is if my Dad was here. He is the biggest part of this team, and he is not here this weekend to see our first Number 1. He put this team together, and is the reason we are racing here today. It is too bad he is not here to see it, but when I talked to him on the phone, I think he was more excited than I was.
“Now we just need to put together four more good runs tomorrow and we can call this weekend a success.”
Eliminations at the 15th Annual Lucas Oil NHRA Northwest Nationals in Seattle, Wash., will begin at 11:00 AM PST on Sunday July 28.
# # #
Whisnant Quick Facts
Currently 12th in NHRA Pro Stock Points (489 points)
5th in King Demon Points (710 points)
1 Final Round Appearance in 2002 (Topeka)
3 Semi-Final Round Appearances in 2002 (Gainesville, Columbus, and St. Louis)
Career Best ET 6.795 (Englishtown 2002)
Career Best mph 202.73 (Englishtown 2002)
Mark Whisnant Qualifies #1 in Pro Stock at the NHRA POWERade Lucas Oil NHRA Northwest Nationals. WJ is #2 and Gene Wilson is#8. Kurt Johnson Finishes #20.
Posted Sunday, July 28, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Mark Whisnant turns in a career best 6.777 ( and track record ) in earning his first pole. Qualifying Results
Tim Nabors #5 and Charlie Peppers #10 in Pro Stock Qualifying at the Hooters IHRA CARQUEST Auto Parts Northern Nationals
Posted Sunday, July 28, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Pro Stock Qualifying Results
Mark Whisnant #4, Warren Johnson #5, Kurt Johnson #10, and Gene Wilson #27 After Two Pro Stock Sessions at NHRA POWERade Lucas Oil Northwest Nationals
Posted Saturday, July 27, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Pro Stock Qualifying Results
Charlie Peppers is #4 and Tim Nabors Holds Down the #15 Spot in Pro Stock Qualifying After 2 Sessions at Hooters IHRA CARQUEST Auto Parts Northern Nationals - Jimmy Rector is #3 in Funny Car.
Posted Friday, July 26, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Pro Stock Qualifying Results
Funny Car Qualifying Results
Car Craft All Star Drag Racing Team Finalists With a Georgia Connection Include Funny Car Driver Whit Bazemore, Pro Stock Driver Warren Johnson, Pro Bike Rider Angelle Savoie, Pro Racing Crew Chief George Bryce (Angelle Savoie P/SB), Pro Racing Engine Builders Warren Johnson Racing Engines and Jon Kaase Racing Engines, and Top Alcohol Funny Car Driver Jimmy Rector. Good Luck at the Awards Banquet!
Posted Friday, July 26, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Wed, 24 Jul 2002, 01:13 PM
Courtesy of Drag Race Central
35th Annual All-Star Drag Racing Team Finalists Announced
LOS ANGELES -- While presenting the list of Finalists for CAR CRAFT Magazine's 35th anniversary All-Star Drag Racing Team program Publisher Jim Adolph couldn't hide his enthusiasm. "This project is a labor of love for our staff," he said. "It's been that way since back in '67, when the All-Star Team program became a reality. This year's Awards Banquet, which takes place on Thursday evening, August 29th at the Downtown Marriott Hotel in Indianapolis, will be a very special evening, and not just for the winners, but for everyone in attendance. I can hardly wait!"
Votes for this year's All-Star Team came from numerous sources, including CAR CRAFT Magazine's 400,000-plus readers, who did their voting online at carcraft.com, a special Selectors Panel made up of deserving racers, members of the aftermarket and media communities, and racing officials, as well as from readers of NHRA's "National Dragster" and IHRA's "Drag Review" newspapers. The response was a surprise to the Magazine's staff, as the number of online ballots easily exceeded the highest number ever received during 33 years of paper ballot, mail-in voting. This was the second year in which electronic voting took place.
Despite the large number of votes there were not only several ties, but there were a few categories in which just one or two votes separated the top four Finalists, so a fourth name was included.
In addition to 26 voter-determined awards the staff of CAR CRAFT Magazine will present a small number of Special Recognition Awards, and will also present the prestigious Person of the Year and Ollie Awards. The former will honor that individual who has had the greatest positive impact on the sport during the previous year, while the Ollie will recognize an individual's career-long contributions to the sport.
Here's a complete list of Finalists in all categories, listed alphabetically:
TOP FUEL DRIVER
Kenny Bernstein (Budweiser King)
Larry Dixon (Miller Lite)
Clay Millican (Werner Enterprises)
TOP FUEL CREW CHIEF
Mike Kloeber (Clay Millican)
Dick LaHaie (Larry Dixon)
Tim Richards (Kenny Bernstein)
FUNNY CAR DRIVER
Whit Bazemore (Matco Tools Pontiac)
Gary Densham (AAA Mustang)
John Force (Castrol GTX Mustang)
Del Worsham (CSK Pontiac)
FUNNY CAR CREW CHIEF
Lee Beard (Whit Bazemore)
Austin Coil/Bernie Fedderly (John Force)
Jimmy Prock (Gary Densham)
Rob Flynn/Chuck Worsham (Del Worsham)
FUEL RACING CHASSIS BUILDER
Brad Hadman Race Cars
McKinney Corporation (Murf McKinney)
P&P Fabrication (Steve Plueger)
FUEL RACING SPONSOR
Budweiser
Castrol
Mac Tools
PRO STOCK DRIVER
Greg Anderson (Las Vegas Construction Cavalier)
Jeg Coughlin, Jr. (Jeg's Mail Order Cavalier)
Warren Johnson (GM Performance Parts Grand Am)
Jim Yates (Splitfire Grand Am)
PRO MODIFIED DRIVER
Fred Hahn (Summit Racing Corvette)
Mike Janis (Jan-Cen Automotive Corvette)
Shannon Jenkins (The Iceman Camaro)
PRO BIKE RIDER
Antron Brown
Ray Price
Angelle Savoie
Craig Treble
PRO RACING CREW CHIEF
George Bryce (Angelle Savoie P/SB)
Jim Oddy (Fred Hahn P/M)
Mike Stryker/Pat Barrett (Greg Anderson P/S)
PRO RACING ENGINE BUILDER
Warren Johnson Racing Engines
Jon Kaase Racing Engines
Reher-Morrison Racing Engines (David Reher)
PROFESSIONAL CHASSIS BUILDER
Jerry Bickel Race Cars
Jerry Haas Race Cars
RJ Race Cars (Rick Jones)
PRO RACING SPONSOR
General Motors
Jeg's Mail Order
Summit Racing Equipment
TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER DRIVER
Mark Hentges
Rick Santos
Duane Shields
TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR DRIVER
Jay Payne
Frank Manzo
Jimmy Rector
COMPETITION DRIVER
Anthony Bertozzi
David Rampy
Jeff Taylor
SUPER STOCK DRIVER
Anthony Bertozzi
Peter Biondo
Dan Fletcher
STOCK DRIVER
Peter Biondo
Monty Joe Bogan, Jr.
Kevin Helms
8.90 SPORTSMAN DRIVER
Mike Ferderer
Rod Fuller
Mike Fuqua
9.90 SPORTSMAN DRIVER
Mark Horton
Scotty Richardson
Bernard Weaver
10.90 SPORTSMAN DRIVER
Steve Cohen
John Furr
Donald Webb
SPORTSMAN CHASSIS BUILDER
Smith Performance (F.J. Smith)
Undercover Chassis (Kurt Damron)
Worthy Race Cars (Ben worthy)
SPORTSMAN ENGINE BUILDER
Huntsville Performance (Gary Reavis)
Reher-Morrison Racing Engines (David Reher)
Taylor Performance (Jeff & Charlie Taylor)
SPORTSMAN SPONSOR
General Motors
Holley
Lucas Oil
Summit Racing Equipment
EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURER
Holley
Moroso
Mr. Gasket
AUTOMOBILE MANUFACTURER
Chevrolet
Dodge
Ford
Pontiac
All Finalists are urged to contact Yolanda Cortez at Car Craft Magazine, (323) 782-2324 for information on obtaining tickets to the awards banquet.
Mark Whisnant Press Release
Posted Wednesday, July 24, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
RW PERFORMANCE PRO STOCK CHEVY CAVALIER
MARK WHISNANT – DRIVER REID WHISNANT – OWNER
July 24, 2002
CONTACT: Patti Miles 336-798-7212 704-957-3940 (Mobile)
pattie.miles@worldnet.att.net
Whisnant’s First Time in Seattle
KENT, Wash. – The last time Mark Whisnant, driver of the RW Performance Pro Stock Chevrolet Cavalier, visited the Pacific Raceways in Seattle, Wash., was many years ago when his father Reid Whisnant was racing. At that time, Mark was crewman of his Dad’s Pro Stock car. This weekend at the 15th Annual Lucas Oil NHRA Northwest Nationals Whisnant will make his first trip down the Seattle asphalt behind the wheel of his RW Performance Pro Stock Chevrolet Cavalier.
"I like Seattle," said Whisnant of Stockbridge, Ga. "The last time I was here was in the eighties when I did the western swing on my Dad’s team. I was not the driver back then, but what I remember about the track and the area is all good. I am looking forward to racing there, mostly because I am anxious to get back to racing in conditions that are a little closer to our tune-up.
"Really, to be honest, I am just glad to have Denver behind me. Our lack of run data in Denver got us off our usual qualifying pace. We did a lot of struggling up there in the mountains, and I am glad to put it behind me.
"I personally have never raced here. When I was racing trucks, they were never part of the swing. So again this weekend we will have no data to tune the car with, but I am not worried about it.
"We have two things going for us here in Seattle. First, like I said before, Seattle is a lot closer to our baseline tune-up. We will not be fighting altitude, so that will make things a lot easier.
"Second, all of my crew guys have been here before. James, Julius, and Sully have all raced here in Seattle, so we will take advantage their past experiences. Especially James’ experience. James (Reichard, Crew Chief on the RW Chevrolet) was here with Kurt (Johnson) and with Toliver’s team. He knows, and can read, this racetrack as well as anyone. I think that will be to our advantage this weekend.
"It is true, I have never raced here before, but I’m ready to get going and see what Seattle has in store for this RW Performance Pro Stock Chevy Cavalier."
Qualifying at the 15th Annual Lucas Oil NHRA Northwest Nationals will begin on Friday July 26, and continue on Saturday July 27. Eliminations will take place on Sunday July 28 at 11:00 AM PST.
# # #
Whisnant Quick Facts
Currently 12th in NHRA Pro Stock Points (489 points)
5th in King Demon Points (710 points)
1 Final Round Appearance in 2002 (Topeka)
3 Semi-Final Round Appearances in 2002 (Gainesville, Columbus, and St. Louis)
15th Annual Lucas Oil NHRA Northwest Nationals
TV Schedule
Qualifying Highlights
Saturday July 27 8:00 – 10:00 PM EST (ESPN)
Eliminations Coverage
Sunday July 28 8:00 – 10:00 PM EST (ESPN2)
Repeat Eliminations
Tuesday July 30 4:00 – 6:00 AM EST (EPSN2)
Fred Simmons' Photos from the York US30 Musclecar Madness Event
Posted Tuesday, July 23, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
GeorgiaDragRacing.com contributors Fred Simmons and Ed Miles recently attended the York US30 Musclecar Madness event in York, PA. Here are a few of Fred's photos. More to come as time allows.
Photos
Warren Johnson Press Release
Posted Tuesday, July 23, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Mon, 22 Jul 2002, 03:33 PM
Johnson Gains Ground on the Mountain
Courtesy of Rick Voegelin, TMG Sports Marketing
MORRISON, Colo. -- Warren Johnson didn't climb to the top of the mountain, but he did gain considerable ground in the NHRA POWERade championship standings with a semifinal finish in the Mopar Parts Mile-High Nationals at Bandimere Speedway. Johnson's best showing since his last victory in April, combined with a DNQ by points leader Jim Yates, moved W.J. to second in the championship race. He cut Yates' lead in half, and now trails by 47 points after 13 of 23 races.
"We made a pretty substantial jump in the points," said Johnson. "Now it's just a matter of keeping our nose to the grindstone."
Johnson qualified his GM Performance Parts Pontiac in the No. 7 spot at the high-altitude track with a 7.289-second elapsed time. He defeated perennial rival Jeg Coughlin Jr. in the first round and his son Kurt in the second round. He lost to eventual winner Mike Edwards in the semifinal round on a holeshot, with a 7.287 to Edwards's 7.316-second e.t.
"It all balances out," Johnson observed. "The last time Mike and I raced, he pushed the lights and fouled, so now the scales are even again.
"We're very enthused about where we are right now," W.J. continued. "Kurt's car and my car both qualified in the top half of the field, and that was a result of what we learned here in testing. Kurt had the second quickest e.t. in the first round and I had the third quickest, so we feel that we have made some significant gains. Our program overall is pretty healthy right now."
Johnson will journey to Seattle for the Lucas Oil NHRA Northwest Nationals next weekend, the second of three races in the Western Swing. He's won four times in six final-round appearances at Pacific Raceways, where the cool air and ferocious starting line bite favor his high-horsepower combination.
"We're going in the right direction," Johnson declared. "We have to keep our heads on straight and try to eliminate mistakes."
WARREN JOHNSON RACE RESULTS
Qualified: No. 7 at 7.289/189.55 mph
First Round: Johnson (7.270/189.39) defeated Jeg Coughlin Jr. (7.301 189.28)
Second Round: Warren Johnson (7.285/189.44) defeated Kurt Johnson (7.444/187.89)
Semifinal: Mike Edwards (7.316/189.20) defeated Johnson (7.287/189.52)
Final Round: Mike Edwards (7.339/188.41) defeated Allen Johnson (7.347/189.07)
Low ET: Ron Krisher, 7.249 seconds (track record)
Top Speed: Ron Krisher, 190.00 mph (track record)
Kurt Johnson Press Release
Posted Tuesday, July 23, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Mon, 22 Jul 2002, 03:33 PM
Johnson Alive and Well in Denver
Courtesy of Rick Voegelin, TMG Sports Marketing
MORRISON, Colo. -- Never underestimate the restorative power of a weekend in the mountains. Kurt Johnson's racing program returned to good health at the Mopar Parts Mile-High Nationals at Bandimere Speedway in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Johnson qualified his ACDelco Cavalier in the No. 2 spot and went to the second round of eliminations, a decisive end to his two-month slump.
"The car is running much better," Johnson reported. "After we fixed our electrical problems, we were fast in St. Louis, but had the misfortune of breaking the transmission in the best qualifying session. The testing that Dad did here in Denver helped to put us in the number 2 slot, and that's where we should be.
"This is a humbling sport," K.J. continued. "You can be off just a little bit and look like an idiot. There are a lot of intelligent people working in Pro Stock, and there is a lot of luck involved, too. We just haven't had much luck lately."
Johnson's No. 2 qualifying position was his best of the year. He dispatched Mark Whisnant in the first round, 7.265 to 7.325. That set up a race with his father Warren in the second stanza. W.J. took the victory at 7.285/189.44 to Kurt's slowing 7.444 at 187.89 mph.
"I think a needle and seat in the carburetor stuck because the engine stumbled in third gear," Kurt reported. "It just wasn't our day.
"We're excited to go to the next two races because my ACDelco Cavalier was fast all weekend," he continued. "I had good reaction times, the car is working, everything's going right. We're going to get a win -- it's just a matter of time. We've won before in Seattle and Sonoma, and I'm pumped up about racing there again."
KURT JOHNSON RACE RESULTS
Qualified: No. 2 at 7.265/189.87 mph
First Round: Johnson (7.265/189.50) defeated Mark Whisnant (7.325 188.96)
Second Round: Warren Johnson (7.285/189.44) defeated Kurt
Johnson (7.444/187.89)
Final Round: Mike Edwards (7.339/188.41) defeated Allen Johnson (7.347/189.07)
Low ET: Ron Krisher, 7.249 seconds (track record)
Top Speed: Ron Krisher, 190.00 mph (track record)
National Dragster Challenge / Summit ET Series race at Atlanta by Tim Glover
Posted Monday, July 22, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
RACE DATE: July 20, 2002
FROM: Tim Glover
EVENT: National Dragster Challenge / Summit ET Series race at Atlanta
Dragway
YOUNG DOUBLES UP AT "WALLY" RACE
by Tim Glover
Winners in tonight's race received a "Wally" trophy in addition to the
regular purse. Former Junior Dragster racer Jesse Young doubled up today,
winning Super Pro and High School.
Jesse Young won his first Super Pro race on June 29, and repeated the feat
tonight with another. Young met first time finalist T.J. Turner's Prestress
Transportation entry, and benefitted from Turner's slightly too quick react.
Young's '89 Horton Dragster broke out slightly with a 5.14, 134.34 (5.15
dial). Turner's '97 C&F dragster was deadly, running 5.71, 121.96 on a 5.71
target, but the big red final round bulb ended his otherwise great day.
Young had a large group of people who helped, including Sid Neal, who did
the transmission and fuel system work, "Drag Daddy" David Young (his dad),
his stepmom Deborah, Buford Heavy, Lindsey Martin, Chris Phagan trucking and
Lawrenceville Auto Parts. Stacy Blanton gave him some Mickey Thompson
slicks after the Super Chevy show, which Young has won twice with now, and
Rob Hogue gave him the Mickey Thompson ET Street tires that he won High
School with tonight. Tommy Motes became tonight's semi-finalist with his
show quality '77 Vega.
The 17 year old Jesse Young also won tonight's High School series race with
his 2000 S-10, thanks in part to help from Rob Hogue, who gave him the
Mickey Thompson ET Street tires he needed for traction. Young met Ashley
Dumas (16) in the final, and used a better react to take the win with an
11.05, 60.48 (10.98 dial). Dumas was right on the money with the dial on
her '98 Firebird, running 10.88, 68.70 on a 10.88 target.
Although the vehicle he was racing, a '91 Jeep, had won several Wally's for
its previous owner, the late Dave Edwards, Kelly King waded through tough
competition to earn his first Wally tonight with a Sportsman win. King met
veteran Jacob Rutledge's '79 Capri in the final, and although both were dead
on their dial in times, King's reaction time advantage won the race. This
was Rutledge's third final in two years where the coveted "Wally" trophy was
awarded, and his third runner up. King went 11.20, 114.51 on his 11.20 dial
in, and Rutledge was equally impressive with a 12.03, 102.51 (12.03 dial).
Brat Pack racer Michael Mann made it to the semis with his newly prepared
'77 Z/28, and was joined by Lonnie Cothran's '69 Nova.
Another Brat Pack racer, James Rice, was originally going to race his '77
Nova Sportsman car today, but after the torque converter let go during
testing on Friday, he hopped in his '97 Ford F250 and entered it in Trophy
Street. Rice, who started out racing in Sportsman class several years ago,
had never entered Trophy Street before. He became the new sheriff in Trophy
Street town tonight after he met Kim Callahan's '67 Camaro in the final.
Callahan broke out with a 14.17, 91.65 (14.21 dial). Rice gave his wife
Cindy the credit for dialing in the truck all night, and the final was a
close 18.45, 73.89 (18.42 dial). "I can do better (dialing in) with the
truck than the car," Cindy Rice commented. "This is super," he said
afterward during the awards ceremony. Mark Hefley was the lone
semi-finalist. Rice is considering entering both Trophy and Sportsman class
in the next race; he certainly has done well in both.
A jubilant Jay Rhyne won his third "Wally" trophy in Motorcycle tonight.
Rhyne won the "Wally" last year, a few weeks ago, and took the third one
home tonight after defeating Mark Hancock. Rhyne's '81 Kawasaki turned in a
great .01 over 12.48, 99.78 (12.47 dial), while Hancock's '00 Harley was
also .01 over with a 12.29, 106.14 (12.28 dial). Rhyne had a little
advantage in the reaction time department, which he parlayed into the win.
Brad Frink ('99 Honda) was the single semi-final finisher.
Thirteen year old Bradley Myers won the 8-12 year old "Wally" awarded last
year, and got to add another one to his mantle after running a close 8.71,
75.88 (8.69 target). His opponent, Thomas Davis-Cox (13) had a somewhat
better react, but his car fell off the pace a little with an 8.68, 76.92
(8.59 dial). Myer's dad, Nicky, said Bradley could "smell" the victory
during the later rounds. Harvey Snelgrove (10) won the semi-final trophy.
Fifteen year old Kelly Moore proved she can win races and beauty contests
this year by winning her third race of the year tonight in 13-17 Jr.
Dragster. Moore, who already won Miss Freshman at Oak High School, also won
the Hot Rod show and the first points race. Tonight she faced Casey Free,
whose race was over at the starting line when he lit the cherry colored bulb
and ran 9.94, 66.47 on is 10.00 dial. Moore was actually red also, but
since she did it after Free, she became the automatic winner. Moore's car
was close anyway, running an 8.28, 77.72 (8.25 dial). Another Snelgrove
brother, Heath (14) was the semi-finalist.
PRO / SUPER PRO CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Jesse Young '89 Horton Danielsville, GA 5.14 134.34 (5.15)
R/U: T.J. Turner '97 C&F Dragster Buford, GA (foul) 5.71 121.96 (5.71)
Semi: Tommy Motes '77 Vega Loganville, GA
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SPORTSMAN CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Kelly King '91 Jeep Stockbridge, GA 11.20 114.51 (11.20)
R/U: Jacob Rutledge '79 Capri Braselton, GA 12.03 102.51 (12.03)
Semi: Lonnie Cothran '69 Nova Buford, GA
Semi: Michael Mann '77 Camaro Demorest, GA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TROPHY STREET CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: James Rice '97 F250 Norcross, GA 18.45 73.89 (18.42)
R/U: Kim Callahan '67 Camaro Dawsonville, GA 14.17 91.65 (14.21)
Semi: Mark Hefley Car Hayesville, NC
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOTORCYCLE BIKE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Jay Rhyne '81 Kawasaki Athens, GA 12.48 99.78 (12.47)
R/U: Mark Hancock '00 Harley Conyers, GA 12.29 106.14 (12.28)
Semi: Brad Frink '99 Honda Athens, GA
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HIGH SCHOOL AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Jesse Young 17 Danielsville, GA 11.05 60.48 (10.98)
R/U: Ashley Dumas 16 Commerce, GA 10.88 68.70 (10.88)
Semi: Kristen Neal 17 Snellville, GA
Semi: Matthew Bates 16 Loganville, GA
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JR. DRAGSTER 8-12 AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Bradley Myers 13 Loganville, GA 8.71 75.88 (8.69)
R/U: Thomas Davis-Cox 13 Lawrenceville, GA 8.68 76.92 (8.59)
Semi: Harvey Snelgrove 10 Dahlonega, GA
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JR. DRAGSTER 13-17 AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Kelly Moore 15 Westminster, SC 8.28 77.72 (8.25)
R/U: Casey Free 14 Sugar Hill, GA (foul) 9.94 66.47 (10.00)
Semi: Heath Snelgrove 14 Dahlonega, GA
Atlanta Dragway Results by Tim Glover
Posted Monday, July 22, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
RACE DATE: July 20, 2002
FROM: Tim Glover
EVENT: at Atlanta Dragway
RAIN DELAYED RACE FINALLY COMPLETED
by Tim Glover
Finally! The race completed this morning originally began June 22. Rains
forced the postponement of the event to July 13. Rains came again before
one time trial was completed July 13, putting the race off until this
morning. Although rain was forecast (about 60 percent chance the sun would
prevail), the only problem today was extreme heat, with temperatures
hovering near 100 degrees and track temperatures near 140 degrees.
"John Boy Strikes again" was the story in Super Pro today. "John Boy"
Smith won Super Pro earlier this year, and repeated today with another win.
Smith's 2000 Horton dragster ran a little bit off its dial in time of 5.06,
turning in a 5.08, 135.96 winning performance against Lloyd Kaylor.
Kaylor's '87 Regal went unusually far off its mark, running 7.78, 87.89 on a
7.72 dial. "Thanks to Auto Zone, Buford's Automotive and Holbrook's Body
Shop," Smith added. Henry Snelgrove became the first member of his family
to finish in the final four today, with his '98 Bos dragster.
I'm already worn out," commented Sportsman winner Jacob Rutledge, as he
prepared his '79 Capri for the afternoon race. "Thanks to my crew, Holly,
for juggling two cars. (Rutledge also finished in the quarterfinals with
his dragster during this race.) My son Tyler was giving me the thumbs up
every time also," he added. Rutledge met Andy Schafer's '72 Cutlass in
the final, and used a 12.14, 103.21 (12.09 target) to cross the finish line
.006 seconds ahead of Schafer, who turned in an 11.26, 114.80 (11.21).
Former Sportsman Track champion Rob Hogue finished his day in the
semi-finals.
Derek Anderson won the big trophy in Trophy Street. Anderson's reaction
time in his '70 Nova was late, but he got a break when his opponent Steve
Spain's '78 Dodge Truck broke out with a 16.65, 77.45 (16.74 target).
Anderson's machine went 13.14, 102.51 on a 13.07 dial. Deanna Everett ('90
Mustang), was the lone semi-finalist.
Joey "Chain Drive" Rutledge was the only Motorcycle racer entered in the
June 22 race, so his 12.53, 107.66 (12.42 dial) was good for the win.
Ten year old Matt Gillen, who recently runner upped in the Eastern
Conference Jr. Dragster ten year old finals at Maple Grove Pennsylvania with
his Valvoline/Young Guns Motorsports machine, continued his winning streak
today with an 8-12 year old win. Although both drivers red lighted in the
final, Prestress Transportation driver Lauren Turner (11) commited the
infraction first in her second final this year. Turner's PTI crew did a
great job on the dial in time, because her car ran a dead-on 9.12, 70.64.
Gillen's machine broke out slightly with an 8.91, 73.65 (8.93 dial). Gillen
thanked his dad, Bill Gillen III, who has kept his car in great condition
all year. Thomas Davis-Cox (13) finished in the semis.
Kelly Gray (15) also did well at the Eastern Conference finals
(quarter-final finish), and carried that over to a win in today's 8-13 Jr.
Dragster. Gray met Heath Snelgrove (14) and got the automatic win when
Snelgrove turned on the big red bulb. Gray turned in a 9.03, 69.77 (9.07
dial) and Snelgrove went 10.04, 62.32 (10.01 dial). Casey Free (14) took
home a semi-finalist trophy for his efforts today.
PRO / SUPER PRO CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: "John Boy" Smith '00 Horton Bowersville, GA 5.08 135.96 (5.06)
R/U: Lloyd Kaylor '87 Regal Winder, GA 7.78 87.89 (7.72)
Semi: Henry Snelgrove '98 Bos Dragster Dahlonega, GA
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SPORTSMAN CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Jacob Rutledge '79 Capri Braselton, GA 12.14 103.21 (12.09)
R/U: Andy Schaefer '72 Cutlass Lawrenceville, GA 11.26 114.80 (11.21)
Semi: Rob Hogue '84 Monte Carlo SS Loganville, GA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TROPHY STREET CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Derek Anderson '70 Nova Brasstown, NC 13.14 102.51 (13.07)
R/U: Steve Spain '78 Dodge Truck Gainesville, GA 16.65 77.45 (16.74)
Semi: Deanna Everett '90 Mustang Blairsville, GA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOTORCYCLE BIKE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Joey Rutledge '93 Katana Stone Mtn, GA 12.53 107.66 (12.42)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JR. DRAGSTER 8-12 AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Matt Gillen 10 Gainesville, GA 8.91 73.65 (8.93)
R/U: Lauren Turner 11 Lawrenceville, GA (foul) 9.12 70.64 (9.12)
Semi: Thomas Davis-Cox 13 Buford, GA
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JR. DRAGSTER 13-17 AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Kelly Gray 15 Adairsville, GA 9.03 69.77 (9.07)
R/U: Heath Snelgrove 14 Dahlonega, GA (foul) 10.04 62.32 (10.01)
Semi: Casey Free 14 Sugar Hill, GA
Mark Whisnant Press Release
Posted Monday, July 22, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
RW PERFORMANCE PRO STOCK CHEVY CAVALIER
MARK WHISNANT – DRIVER REID WHISNANT – OWNER
July 21, 2002
CONTACT: Patti Miles 336-798-7212 704-957-3940 (Mobile)pattie.miles@worldnet.att.net
Whisnant Heads to Seattle With a Good Attitude
MORRISON, Colo. – Today at the 23rd Annual Mopar Parts Mile-High Nationals in Denver, Colo., Mark Whisnant entered eliminations occupying the 15th position on the Pro Stock eliminations ladder.
Whisnant piloted his RW Performance Chevrolet Cavalier to a 7.332 / 188 mph in the second session of qualifying, to secure his position in today’s race.
Sunday morning Whisnant met Number 2 qualifier Kurt Johnson in the first round of eliminations.
This morning the mountain and Kurt Johnson would get the best of Whisnant. Johnson ran a 7.265 / 189.50 mph to defeat Whisnant who ran 7.325 / 188.96 mph.
Even though he went out in the first round, Whisnant was upbeat about his first race at Bandimere Speedway.
“I am pretty happy with the way we performed here this weekend,” said Whisnant. “Here in Denver just qualifying for the race is a victory all by its self.
“The altitude here in Denver was a factor for everyone. Knowing that everyone would be down on power, James and the guys focused their attention on tuning the car to the racetrack. They basically, concentrated on how the car traveled down the track and made the altitude a secondary factor.
“Coming into this race I was not real optimistic about our chances of qualifying, but my team used their heads and got me in the show.
“This morning however was a different story. I was a little late and we didn’t have enough power to catch Kurt, but we were here racing on Sunday and really that is more than I expected.
“This is the first race on the ‘Western Swing’, and I feel like we did what we needed to do. We have never run the swing before, and have heard all the stories about how it can wear the team and driver out. However, this weekend I feel like we are off to a good start and we are building momentum.
“Tomorrow we head to Seattle with a different attitude than I thought we would have after this race, and I am really looking forward to getting started again at the Northwest Nationals.”
The next race on the 2002 POWERade Drag Racing schedule will be the 14th Annual Lucas Oil NHRA Northwest Nationals in Seattle, Wash.
Whisnant Quick Facts
Currently 12th in NHRA Pro Stock Points
5th in King Demon Points
1 Final Round Appearance in 2002 (Topeka)
3 Semi-Final Round Appearances in 2002 (Gainesville, Columbus, and St. Louis)
Russell, Worsham, Edwards, and Hines Win at the NHRA POWERade Mopar Parts Mile-High Nationals
Posted Monday, July 22, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Georgia Pro Stock racers: Mark Whisnant loses to Kurt Johnson in the first round, Kurt Johnson loses to Warren Johnson in the second round, and Warren goes down in the semi-finals. Angelle Savoie/Star Racing finishes in the runner-up spot after fouling in the Pro Stock M/C final. Results
WJ, KJ, and Mark Whisnant Qualify for Pro Stock at the NHRA POWERade Mopar Parts Mile-High Nationals
Posted Sunday, July 21, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Kurt Johnson rebounds to qualify #2 with a 7.265 @ 189.87 ( new track speed record )and will face #15 qualifier Mark Whisnant ( 7.322 @ 188.73 ) in the first round. Warren Johnson qualifies #7 with a 7.289 @ 189.55 and will face Jeg Coughlin in first round eliminations. Gene Wilson failed to make the field with a 7.351 @ 187.89 best.
Pro Stock Qualifying Results
Angelle Savoie/Star Racing Qualify #1 at NHRA POWERade Mopar Parts Mile-High Nationals
Posted Sunday, July 21, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Angelle sets a new track ET record at 7.560 with a best speed of 176.21 MPH. Final Pro Stock M/C Qualifying Results
Warren Johnson (#3 ), Kurt Johnson (#4 ), and Mark Whisnant (#12 ) are Quailfied for the NHRA Mopar Parts Mile High Nationals After Two Sessions. Gene Wilson is #26. Angelle Savoie/Star Racing #3 in Pro Stock M/C
Posted Saturday, July 20, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Qualifying Results
Richard Larsen ( #2 ) and Don Eberly ( #19 ) Qualify for Competition Eliminator at Bristol
Posted Saturday, July 20, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Qulifying Results
Ronnie Davis Qualifies #3 in NHRA Top Sportsman Competition at Bristol
Posted Saturday, July 20, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Top Sportsman Qualifying Results
Georgians Casey Cavegn (#28) and Woody Adcock (#35) Qualify for Super Stock Eliminator at Bristol Points Race
Posted Saturday, July 20, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Super Stock Qualifying Results
Robbie Shaw ( #4 ), Harold Culpepper ( #6 ), Wayne Shaw ( #11 ), Russell Johnson (#15 ), Bobby Lundholm ( #18 ), Robert Toren ( #19 ), and Mike Mayhew ( #21 ) Qualify for Stock Eliminator at NHRA Division 2 Bristol Points Race
Posted Saturday, July 20, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Qualifying Results
RW Performance Names James "Buzz" Reichard Crew Chief
Posted Thursday, July 18, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
RW PERFORMANCE PRO STOCK CHEVY CAVALIER
MARK WHISNANT – DRIVER REID WHISNANT – OWNER
July 16, 2002
CONTACT: Patti Miles 336-798-7212 704-957-3940 (Mobile)
pattie.miles@worldnet.att.net
Whisnant Names Reichard Crew Chief
MORRISON, Colo. – On the eve of the 23rd Annual Mopar Mile High NHRA Nationals in Denver, Colo., Mark and Reid Whisnant have announced the promotion of James "Buzz" Reichard to the position of Crew Chief on their RW Performance Pro Stock Chevrolet Cavalier.
Since the departure of crew chief Brad Jeter in May, Mark and Reid Whisnant have been searching for the right person to fill the position. Due to Jeter's unexpected absence, crewman James Reichard was forced to take on a more responsibility and consequently became pivotal in the enhanced performance of the RW Performance Cavalier. After observing Reichard's talent and enthusiasm first hand, the Whisnants decided to look no further than their own team for a new crew chief.
"My Dad and I are very impressed with the job that James (Reichard) has done," said Whisnant from his home in Stockbridge, Ga. "He stepped up when Brad left and showed the enthusiasm and drive to take a leadership role on this team.
"James has a lot of good ideas and is very attentive to details with the clutch and all other aspects of the racecar. He goes the extra mile, and is always thinking of ways to make the car better. Those are the kind of qualities that an employer wants to see in their employees. Because of that, we decided he would be the best man for the job."
Before coming to Team RW, Reichard spent two years (1999 and 2000) working as the chassis specialist on Kurt Johnson’s AC Delco Camaro. Reichard spent the 2001 season working as the clutch specialist on Jerry Toliver’s Funny Car teams. During his tenure with Toliver, he worked closely with Legendary Crew Chief Dale Armstrong and clutch manufacturer Bob Brooks. Reichard joined the RW Performance team this past winter.
"I am honored that Reid and Mark Whisnant have enough confidence in me that they felt I was the best candidate for crew chief on this RW Performance Chevrolet," said Reichard. "I feel what I bring to this team is a better understanding of how the clutch works and how to read a racetrack. Two things which are very important in being consistent on race day.
"Last season I learned about clutch systems and how to read the racetrack from two of the best in the business. I am grateful for the time I spent with Dale Armstrong and Bob Brooks. What I learned from them is invaluable.
"Most Pro Stock teams do not know how applicable top fuel clutch stuff is to these cars. I have tried to incorporate the best of what I learned at Toliver’s and at W.J.’s into one of the most consistent clutch programs on the lot. For this RW Performance team that translates into qualifying well, and going rounds on Sunday.
"As crew chief I have set two goals for this team; I want to win two races, and finish the 2002 POWERade season in the top 5. I have a talented team behind me, that combined with Mark’s driving skills, I do not think these goals are out of the question.
"Right now my first priority is to get this Cavalier qualified for the Mile High Nationals. The altitude here in Denver is hard on these Pro Stock cars. It will be an accomplishment to just qualify this weekend, but I’m ready to give it all I have."
Qualifying at the 23rd Annual Mopar Mile High NHRA Nationals will begin on Friday July 19 and continue on Saturday July 20. Eliminations will take place on Sunday July 21.
# # #
Whisnant Quick Facts
Currently 12th in NHRA Pro Stock Points (458 points)
5th in King Demon Points (620 points)
1 Final Round Appearance in 2002 (Topeka)
3 Semi-Final Round Appearances in 2002 (Gainesville, Columbus, and St. Louis)
GDR Website Updated
Posted Monday, July 15, 2002 by johndilbeck
New photos have been added today: (GDR-00233 through GDR-00241).
Thanks to Rick Jordan and Ernie Scott for dipping into their collections and sharing their photos.
East Coast Drag Times Hall of Fame & 2002 Reunion - October 5th & 6th
Posted Monday, July 15, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Nancy Wilson is doing her best to make this a memorable event! Don't forget to make plans to attend. MORE INFORMATION
Charlie Peppers Goes Out in the First Round - Jimmy Rector Fouls Out in the Second Round at the Hooters IHRA CARQUEST Auto Parts Empire Nationals
Posted Monday, July 15, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Race Report
Charlie Peppers Qualifies #4 at Hooters IHRA CARQUEST Auto Parts Empire Nationals
Posted Sunday, July 14, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Charlie Peppers ( Auburn, GA ) qualified for Pro Stock in the fourth position with a 6.648 209.79 pass. Tim Nabors ( Lawrenceville, GA ) doesn't qualify with a 18th best 6.725 206.75.
Qualifying Results
GDR Website Updated
Posted Tuesday, July 9, 2002 by johndilbeck
Photo GDR-00232 has been updated. When it was posted over the weekend, it was mistakenly attributed to Fred Simmons. Marvin T. Smith took this photo and the site has been updated to correct this mistake. Thanks Marvin, and sorry about the mix-up.
GDR Website Updated
Posted Sunday, July 7, 2002 by johndilbeck
14 new photos have been added today (GDR-00219 through GDR-00232).
Thanks to Fred Simmons, Hubert Platt, and the family of Julius Hughes for dipping into their collections and sharing their photos.
GDR Website Updated
Posted Saturday, July 6, 2002 by johndilbeck
There is a bit of confusion about Bernard Eugene Wilson (who was known as Gene Wilson) and the current Pro Stock driver Gene Wilson.
B. E. Wilson was an active racer in the 1960s and early 70s and died in 1972.
Gene Wilson is an active racer now and as far as I know is in excellent health.
The racer listed on the Rest In Peace page is the former. David told me that some of you may have thought that the current Gene Wilson had died, and that is not the case. We regret the confusion, and I've updated all three pages to try to reduce any misunderstandings.
2002 NHRA Jr. Drag Racing League Eastern Conference Finals by Tim Glover
Posted Thursday, July 4, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
GILLEN SCORES RUNNER UP FINISH AT EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS
by Tim Glover
Six racers went to Maple Grove representing Team Atlanta Dragway this
year to compete in the 2002 Castrol GTX NHRA Jr. Drag Racing League Eastern
Conference Finals. The Atlanta team consisted of Thomas Davis-Cox, Bradley
Myers, Matt Gillen, Joshua Sisson, Kelly Gray, Alton Clements and their
dads.
Young Matt Gillen from Gainesville, Georgia has already earned the
title of 2000 Division Two Jr. Dragster Champion (8-9 year old class) in
his short racing career. On June 29, 2002, he added another major
accomplishment to his resume, a runner up finish in the ten year old class.
Kelly Gray, 15 years old, also scored a lot of points for Team
Atlanta Dragway with a quarter-final finish in the 15 year old class.
Nearly 500 racers from all over the Eastern United States gathered at
Maple Grove Raceway in Reading, Pennsylvania to determine who would be the
2002 champion in each age class (ranging from eight to 17 years old). They
also came to win a coveted "Wally" and their share of nearly $100,000 in
savings bonds.
Matt had an excellent weekend in his Valvoline Jr. Dragster, scoring
a runner-up finish in the ten year old class. His dad, Bill Gillen III,
recently gave him a new helmet, done up in Valvoline colors, for making
straight A's through the year (his worst grade was A-). Gillen responded
with a semi-final finish in his first race with it, at Super Chevy on June
2, 2002. The next weekend, on June 8, he won the 8-12 class at Atlanta and
topped off the streak with a second place finish in the Conference Finals
at Maple Grove.
Gillen's weekend began with a first round win on Friday, June 28.
His better reaction time forced his opponent to "break out" (go quicker
than the estimated elapsed time registered with the control tower ? which
is an automatic disqualification). On Saturday morning, the remaining
competitors gathered to determine the champions. Gillen had a better
reaction time than his opponent each round, causing his opponents to either
break out or cross the finish line behind Gillen. In the final round,
Gillen out-reacted his opponent, Alan Rouse, Jr. from Jacksonville, FL, but
tire spin on the Valvoline car caused it to slow a little bit, allowing
Rouse to cross the finish line with a winning 9.01 second, 70.55mph pass
(8.90 second dial-in time). Gillen's car was just a little further off
pace, turning in a 9.12, 69.19 (8.95 dial).
Gillen's dad, Bill, was philosophical about the finish. "It could
have been better for us, but hey, we're glad we were among the finalists."
Matt thought his trophy was a bit small until an official informed him he
had also had won a $2500 savings bond. "Cool!," was his immediate
response.
The Eastern Conference Finals race will be televised on ESPN2 July 27
and 28, 2002; see local listings for exact times.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tim Glover
Stork Gamco Inc.
Email: tim.glover@stork.com
Phone: 770-297-2057
Warren Johnson Press Release
Posted Tuesday, July 2, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Mon, 1 Jul 2002, 11:15 AM
No Repeat for W.J. at Gateway
Courtesy of Rick Voegelin, TMG Sports Marketing
MADISON, Ill. -- A failure in his race car's brake system relegated Warren Johnson to a first-round loss at the Sears Craftsman Nationals. The defending champion was left on the line by Tom Lee, who took the win light with a 7.009-second e.t. to Johnson's quicker 6.930. W.J.'s early exit dropped him to third in the POWERade championship at the midpoint of the 23-race season.
A solenoid that maintains brake pressure during the staging process malfunctioned, forcing Johnson to improvise a solution during his first-round race.
"I made my burnout, set the line lock and the pressure just kept going down," Johnson said. "There was absolutely zero brake pressure, so I sat there and waited a while. I figured I'd let Lee stage first and I'd roll in and hope to catch the green light -- but the car just kept rolling.
"It was just one of those things that happens," observed the Professor. "I got by with it in Houston when the same thing happened, but this time there was no pressure so it just didn't work out."
Jeg Coughlin Jr. became the tenth Pro Stock winner of the season, defeating Johnson's former crew chief Greg Anderson in the final round.
"We were as good as anyone out there on race day," said Johnson. "I felt we could outrun anybody based on the numbers I saw in the first round. We made a few changes hoping it would go in the right direction, and it certainly helped it. We were in good shape, but unfortunately it was just not to be."
Johnson will test at Bandimere Speedway near Denver this week in preparation for the Mopar Parts Mile High Nationals on July 18-21. His 86th career victory last year in Colorado was one for the record book as Johnson became the most successful Pro Stock driver in drag racing history.
WARREN JOHNSON RACE RESULTS
Qualified: No. 5 at 6.893/200.44 mph
First Round: Tom Lee (7.009/198.55) defeated Warren Johnson (6.930/199.48)
Final Round: Jeg Coughlin Jr. (6.928/199.52) defeated Greg Anderson
(6.930/199.91)
Low ET: Jim Yates, 6.848 seconds (track record)
Top Speed: Ron Krisher, 201.01 mph (track record)
NEXT RACE
Mopar Parts Mile High Nationals, Denver, July 18-21
Kurt Johnson Press Release
Posted Tuesday, July 2, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Mon, 1 Jul 2002, 11:15 AM
Frustration Continues in Madison
Courtesy of Rick Voegelin, TMG Sports Marketing
MADISON, Ill. -- Kurt Johnson's season of discontent continued this weekend at the Sears Craftsman Nationals as the ACDelco driver suffered his second straight and fourth overall DNQ (did not qualify) of the year.
Heat and humidity at Gateway International Raceway effectively reduced the Pro Stock qualifying opportunities to a single session on Friday night.
"It was a typical Friday night session," Johnson said. "I was on a perfect run -- the car ran 1.02 seconds in sixty feet and everything was going smoothly. I shifted into second gear, and then kaboom! We broke a gearset and exploded a bearing. That was it.
"On Saturday the heat came in and we weren't able to run quick enough to qualify," Kurt continued. "But I think we've got the car straightened out. We picked two mph and the car had a ton more power.
"We've just got to pick ourselves up, go to Denver and start taking care of business," Johnson declared.
Kurt and his ACDelco team will take on the thin air of mile-high Bandimere Speedway in two weeks at the Mopar Parts Mile High Nationals near Denver. K.J. has won twice at the high altitude track since 1995, and he was runner-up last year to his father Warren.
KURT JOHNSON RACE RESULTS
Qualified: No. 27 at 6.951/199.43 mph (DNQ)
Final Round: Jeg Coughlin Jr. (6.928/199.52) defeated Greg Anderson
(6.930/199.91)
Low ET: Jim Yates, 6.848 seconds (track record)
Top Speed: Ron Krisher, 201.01 mph (track record)
NEXT RACE
Mopar Parts Mile High Nationals, Denver, July 18-21
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