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David Dilbeck
david@GeorgiaDragRacing.com
http://GeorgiaDragRacing.com
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Georgia Drag Racing News
Sometimes, David may have some additional photos he'd like to share that don't get linked into the main site. If you'd like to see them, check out his Photos on Imagestation.com or in our new Photo Album.
August 2002
Georgia Pro Stock Racers 1, 2, and 3 After First Pro Session at Indy!
Posted Saturday, August 31, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Warren Johnson (#1- 6.843 201.04 - Track Records ), Gene Wilson (#2- 6.846 200.71 ), Kurt Johnson (#3- 6.860 200.74 ), and Mark Whisnant (#15- 6.886 200.56 ) are qualified after Pro Session #1. Atlantan Eric Shelton is currently not qualified with a 41st best 7.098 195.08. Pro Stock Qualifying Results
Star Racing's Angelle Savoie #1 Pro Stock M/C After First Qualifying Session at Indy
Posted Saturday, August 31, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Pro Stock Motorcycle Qualifying
Richard Larsen Qualifies #10 in Comp at Indy
Posted Saturday, August 31, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Tyrone, GA's Richard Larsen is the #10 qualifier in his A/ND at Indy 2002 with a -.578 7.212!
Comp Qualifying
David Tatum III Wins Second Round in Super Gas at Indy
Posted Saturday, August 31, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Palmetto, GA's David Tatum III won the second round and will have a bye in the third round of Super Gas.
Super Gas Round 2 Results
Everett Hill Wins SS/M Class at Indy
Posted Saturday, August 31, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Fayetteville, GA's Everett Hill wins the SS/M Class Championship at Indy in his '64 Mustang. Congratulations, Everett!
Georgia Drag Racing Legend Randy "Mr. Big Stuff" Payne Wins Class at Indy
Posted Saturday, August 31, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Rome, GA's Randy Payne is the 2002 Indy D/SA class champ. Congratulations, Randy!
Stock Class Winners
Georgia Racers Earn Spots On Car Craft Magazine 35th All-Star Drag Racing Team
Posted Saturday, August 31, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
PRO STOCK DRIVER
Warren Johnson
PRO STOCK BIKE RIDER
Angelle Savoie
PRO RACNG CREW CHIEF
George Bryce
The Car Craft Magazine 35th All-Star Drag Racing Team
Georgia Super Stock Racers Hill and Burgin at Indy
Posted Thursday, August 29, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Everett Hill ( Fayetteville, GA )is qualified #10 and Robert Burgin ( Cuthbert, GA ) is #86 after two Super Stock sessions.
Super Stock Qualifiers
Woodro Josey and Randy Payne at Indy
Posted Thursday, August 29, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Woodro Josey ( Byron, GA )is #10 and Randy Payne ( Rome, GA )is #22 after 2 sessions of Stock Eliminator qualifying at Indy.
Stock Qualifying
Upcoming Local Events
Posted Wednesday, August 28, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
HAYES SOUTHEASTERN MOPAR MEET 2002- Hayes Dodge-Chrysler-Jeep presents the 18th Annual Southeastern Mopar Meet Friday September 6th and Saturday September 7th at Atlanta Dragway in Commerce. Car show, drag racing, swap meet, and the Dodge Boys ( Saturday- Darrell Alderman, Gene Wilson, and Dean Skuza ).
Info: Mike Hayes 770-963-5251, 1-800-556-2279, FAX 770-237-8175
OLD DRAG RACER'S REUNION- Sol and Anne Stewart's 2nd Annual Old Drag Racer's Reunion in Panama City Beach, FL September 27-29, 2002. Anybody that attended ( or saw the video ) last years reunion knows what a great time everyone had. This one is going to be a lot bigger and better! Contact:
Sol or Anne Stewart
P.O. Box 144
Jackson, Alabama 36545
Phone 251-246-5588 ( Call after 7:00 P.M. CST )
E-Mail: t_pet@bellsouth.net
More Info
EAST COAST DRAG TIMES HALL OF FAME & 2002 REUNION- Nancy Wilson is putting together this event again this year and she is going all out! Be there for the SHOW, SHINE, SWINE, & DINE October 5th, 2002 and the EAST COAST DRAG TIMES HALL OF FAME & 2002 REUNION October 6th, 2002 in Henderson, North Carolina. For more info contact Nancy Wilson at: 252-438-2222 or vctourism@gloryroad.net or
More Info
Don't miss these great events! David
I also just added a few more photos from Southeastern International Dragway's 8/24/02 event. More coming soon. Photos
Mark Whisnant Press Release
Posted Tuesday, August 27, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
RW PERFORMANCE PRO STOCK CHEVY CAVALIER
MARK WHISNANT – DRIVER REID WHISNANT – OWNER
August 26, 2002
CONTACT: Patti Miles 336-798-7212 704-957-3940 (Mobile)
pattie.miles@worldnet.att.net
Whisnant Looking for His First Win in Indy
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. –This weekend drag racers from all over the United States will converge on Indianapolis Raceway park for the 48th running of the Mac Tools US Nationals. Every racer that comes to IRP, comes here with a common dream: to stand in the winners circle Monday night.
Although Mark Whisnant, driver of the RW Performance Chevrolet Cavalier, has made two final round appearances this season (Gainesville and Seattle), he has yet to win his first race. This weekend Whisnant wants to be that Pro Stock driver who will stand in the winner’s circle and take home the coveted US Nationals ‘Wally’.
"Winning here at the US Nationals would be a dream come true," said Whisnant of Stockbridge, Ga. "This is the big one; this is the race everyone wants to win. There is so much drag racing history here at the US Nationals. This place is legendary. All the greats in this sport have won here at one time or another. It is the race that some racers spend their whole career trying to win, and never do. If you are going to win one, this would be the one to win.
Knowing that there will be over 50 Pro Stock car trying to qualify for Mondays race, Whisnant and his RW Performance team, went to IRP last week and spent two days testing and tuning their Chevrolet Cavalier in preparation for this race.
"We were very productive in testing last week. We tried a number of different things, and collected good data on the racetrack. I am confident that James (crew chief, James Reichard) and Julius (team engineer, Julius Hughes) will give me a great racecar to drive, but we will still need to be on our game to make the show. This weekend, I think just getting in the show will be a victory all by its self.
"Right now, we have a number of different sponsors looking very closely at our team. We need to do well here in Indy. A good finish here may make a big difference for this team next year, so we are prepared to give it all we have to qualify, and to race on Monday
"No one remembers who was the runner-up in Indy, but everybody remember who won. It would be nice to be remembered as the guy that one Indy in 2002."
Qualifying at the 48th Annual Mac Tools US Nationals will begin on Friday Aug. 30, continues on Saturday Aug. 31, and finishes on Sunday Sept. 1. Eliminations begin at 11:00 AM CST on Monday Sept. 2.
Whisnant Quick Facts
Currently 10th in NHRA Pro Stock Points (653points)
5th in King Demon Points (1130 points)
2 Final Round Appearance in 2002 (Topeka, Seattle)
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)
48th Annual Mac Tools U S Nationals TV Schedule
Qualifying Highlights
Saturday Aug. 31 1:00 – 2:00 AM EST (ESPN2)
Saturday Aug. 31 4:30 – 5:30 PM EST (ESPN2)
Sunday Sept. 1 1:00 – 3:00 PM EST (ESPN2)
Eliminations Coverage
Monday Sept.2 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM EST (ESPN2)
Monday Sept. 2 4:00 – 6:00 PM EST (ESPN2)
Repeat Eliminations
Monday Sept. 2 10:00 –11:30 PM EST (EPSN2)
Saturday Sept. 7 1:30 – 3:00 AM EST (ESPN2)
Jimmy Rector Press Release
Posted Tuesday, August 27, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Tue, 27 Aug 2002, 09:43 AM
Rector Extends Points Lead With Win At Norwalk
Courtesy of Bill Severino- Nitro Web Designs
NORWALK, Ohio -- Current IHRA Funny Car Points leader, Jimmy Rector, from Ft. Oglethorpe, Georgia, extended his points lead on Sunday at the 25th annual Sunoco World Nationals presented by Ethanol Performs in Norwalk, Ohio. Rector’s current point lead is now 52 points over second place competitor Dale “the Rail” Brand of Sully, Iowa.
Rector, who qualified in the number six spot met up with veteran funny car driver, Joe Comella. Rector and Comella had identical reaction times off the line, but Comella could not keep up with the horsepower of the Holbrook Performance Parts sponsored Camaro and Rector cruised on to victory with a 5.855 second blast that was low ET for the round.
Rector commented going into round two, “I would really like to thank Mike Comella and his crew along with Bunny Burkett’s crew for helping us replace the motor that we destroyed in round one with their help we were able to make the call.”
In round two, Rector squared off with Laurie Cannister, who is currently number three in points on the IHRA Hooters Drag Racing tour. This match up proved to be one of the toughest match ups of the day for Rector. Cannister got out of the gate first with a .478 reaction time versus Rector ’s .496 reaction time but the Girl Powered funny car could not hold off the hard charging Holbrook Performance Parts Camaro and Rector takes the win with a 5.83 second blast setting up a meeting with Fred Tigges in the semi-finals.
In the semi-finals Rector met up with the veteran flopper pilot, Fred Tigges. Tigges, who qualified in the number two spot, knew he would have to get out of the gate first in order to have a shot at Rector but was unable to accomplish that task when he went red and giving Rector the win setting up a rematch from last year with five-time IHRA World Champion, Mark Thomas of Louisville, Ohio.
Last year, Thomas took the win with a holeshot on Rector, but this year proved to be a different story. Rector gained a huge starting line advantage with a .450 reaction time versus a .527 reaction time by Thomas and streaked onto his sixth national event victory of the season.
"Not many people gave the Holbrook Performance team a chance heading into today," said Rector. "We had problems in qualifying and I didn't sleep well last night, but we all pulled through.”
"Today is my wife Karen's birthday and I couldn't think of a better way to thank the person who has stood by me all these years," added Rector.
Rector and the Holbrook Performance Parts Camaro will continue their quest for the 2002 IHRA Funny Car Championship, at the at the 7th Annual Amalie Motor Oil Northern Nationals in Epping, New Hampshire, September 6th thru September 8th.
Visit the official website of Jimmy Rector at www.jimmyrector.com
Vist Hobrook Performance Parts at www.holbrook-performance.com
Southeastern International Dragway - Dallas, Georgia 8/24/02 Photos
Posted Monday, August 26, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Bob Beasley, Fred Simmons and I visited Southeastern International Dragway for their monthly Pro Mod event 8/24/02. Even though the heat and humidity were pretty rough, we had a great time! Donnie Reeves and Bob Gibson also brought their nostalgia funny cars out for a few shake down passes. Meeting Donnie and Bob ( and their crews )and getting a chance to talk with them was a lot of fun. Both cars are super sharp and it really brought back a lot of memories of watching nitro funnies at Dallas in the '70's. Thanks also to track operator Gene Fuller and announcer Robert Mayfield for plugging GeorgiaDragRacing.com throughout the event! Gene and his crew put on a good show - Check out their weekly brackets or monthly Pro Mod event as soon as you can! More pics and info from Fred Simmons and myself to follow next week.
Dallas Photos 8/24/02
Jimmy Rector Wins Funny Car at Hooters IHRA Sunoco World Nationals presented by Ethanol
Posted Sunday, August 25, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Tim Nabors loses a close first round race in Pro Stock.
IHRA Results
THE WARREN REPORT: Warren Johnson GM Performance Parts News & Notes
Posted Sunday, August 25, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
For Release: Aug. 25, 2002
Contact: Rick Voegelin
TMG Sports Marketing
rickvoegelin@compuserve.com
831-761-2201
THE WARREN REPORT: Warren Johnson GM Performance Parts News & Notes for
the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals, Indianapolis, Aug. 30-Sept. 2
JOHNSON GUNS FOR SEVENTH U.S. NATIONALS TITLE
For the 27th time in his racing career, Warren Johnson is preparing for
the U.S. Nationals. Getting ready for Indy has been an annual ritual since
W.J. first ventured to Indianapolis Raceway Park in 1971 with a car he
had constructed in his driveway. Now instead of an open trailer and a tent
in a campground, Johnson's Indy adventure features an 18-wheeler packed
with parts, a hotel room with a shower, and a state-of-the-art GM
Performance Parts Pontiac. But not even decades on the drag racing circuit
and six U.S. Nationals victories can diminish the magic of drag racing's
biggest event for Johnson.
A successful one-day test at IRP last week has stoked W.J.'s optimism as
he pursues his seventh career U.S. Nationals title.
"We ended up going 6.86 at 200.75, which was the fastest speed of the
test session," Johnson reported. "When we ran our quickest time, everyone
else had slowed down several hundredths. I'm optimistic that we're headed
in the right direction."
The open test in Indy provided a rare opportunity for Johnson to compare
his on-track performance with his rivals.
"We seldom have an opportunity to test under the same conditions as
our competitors," he noted. "There were some items we've wanted to test all
season long, but between personal appearances, rainouts and everything
else, we didn't have an opportunity to try them until last week. Now it
appears that we've picked up a solid two hundredths from where we were."
In the most competitive category in motorsports, a few hundredths of a
second can be a formidable advantage. But in spite of the apparent gains he
made in testing, Johnson anticipates another Pro Stock free-for-all in
Indy.
"I don't expect to see a dominating performance by a single car,"
Johnson predicted. "There will be several cars with the capability to win
if they maintain a consistent level of performance. Quick elapsed times
aren't enough any more; the driver and crew must be perfect because there
is no margin for error."
Johnson regards the IRP track, which was refurbished before last year's
race, as a premier venue for NHRA's premier event.
"It's the smoothest track we've seen this year," Johnson observed.
"There's not a bump on it, and both lanes were nearly identical. Unless
there are some significant oildowns, I don't foresee the track being a
factor on race day."
The Johnson family virtually owned Indy in the '90s, making eight
straight final-round appearances from 1992 to 1999. Warren scored four
consecutive victories in 1992-95, was runner-up in 1998, and posted another
victory in 1999. Kurt scored back-to-back victories in 1996-97. Now after a
two-year absence from the IRP winner's circle, W.J. is optimistic about his
chances of notching another Indy victory.
"Kurt and I have had so many off-track obligations that we haven't been
able to concentrate on raising our performance level to where it needs to
be," Johnson revealed. "Now we're finally finding the time to work on the
cars and engines. That's going to help for the balance of this year, and
also give us a head start for next season."
WARREN JOHNSON'S U.S. NATIONALS RECORD
Year Qual. Result
1971 28 First Round
1975 12 Second Round
1976 7 Second Round
1977 5 Second Round
1978 2 First Round
1981 16 First Round
1982 1 First Round
1983 4 First Round
1984 2 Winner (over Glidden)
1985 3 Semifinals
1986 4 Second Round
1987 4 Semifinals
1988 1 Runner-up (to Glidden)
1989 6 Second Round
1990 1 Second Round
1991 1 First Round
1992 2 Winner (over Morgan)
1993 1 Winner (over Geoffrion)
1994 2 Winner (over Pawuk)
1995 1 Winner (over Worden)
1996 2 First Round
1997 3 First Round
1998 1 Runner-up (to Edwards)
1999 1 Winner (over Anderson)
2000 4 First Round
2001 3 Second Round
THE KURT CHRONICLES: Kurt Johnson ACDelco News & Notes
Posted Sunday, August 25, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
For Release: Aug. 25, 2002
Contact: Rick Voegelin
TMG Sports Marketing
rickvoegelin@compuserve.com
831-761-2201
THE KURT CHRONICLES: Kurt Johnson ACDelco News & Notes for the Mac Tools
U.S. Nationals, Indianapolis, Aug. 30-Sept. 2
U.S. NATIONALS IS KEY TO JOHNSON'S SEASON
One race does not a season make, but a victory at the Mac Tools
U.S. Nationals, the premier event of the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series,
could redeem Kurt Johnson's entire year. After emerging from a midseason
slump, Johnson's performance is peaking at the right time for drag racing's
biggest race.
Johnson has twice tasted victory at the U.S. Nationals. He knows there
is nothing sweeter than standing in the winner's circle at Indianapolis
Raceway Park.
"Indy is still special, and it will always be special," said Johnson.
"There are more fans, more cars and more prize money at Indy. That's all
the motivation I need to get ready for the U.S. Nationals. Winning Indy for
the third time would be the highlight of my season."
Johnson won the U.S. Nationals in 1996 and 1997, following four
consecutive Indy victories by his father in 1992-95. Warren was also
runner-up in 1998 and won again in 1999 to complete a remarkable streak of
eight straight final-round appearances by the Johnson clan.
Johnson intends to continue this family tradition. He tested his
ACDelco Cavalier at IRP last week to hone his combination for the marathon
five-day event.
"We started with a 6.93 and worked our way down to a 6.88," he reported.
"We have a setup that we know will go down the track, so now we're working
on finding a little more power.
"The track was better than we expected, and when we got the gearing right
the race car came to life," Kurt continued. "The last time I tested before
the U.S. Nationals was in 1996 and we won two years in a row, so I'm hoping
that pattern holds."
In previous years, the cool conditions that typically prevailed during
the first qualifying session on Friday night often set the Pro Stock field.
This year's schedule calls for evening sessions on both Friday and
Saturday, plus an early session on Sunday morning. These three prime-time
sessions will add to the drama of Indy qualifying.
"The schedule will be good for the fans because the e.t.s will keep
dropping as the weekend goes on," K.J. predicted. "I just want to be at the
top of the list on Sunday night."
Johnson comes into the U.S. Nationals ranked eighth in the
POWERade championship standings. While the Pro Stock title is beyond his
reach, he has set his sights on a top-five finish.
"A top-five is realistically what we're aiming for now," Johnson conceded.
"If we can keep winning rounds and get a win or two along the way, we'll
not only achieve our goal, but also get a good head start on next year.
"Preparation is everything, and we're definitely well prepared for Indy,"
he noted. "We should be able to hit it hard from the first run on Friday,
and continue to gather information with every pass. We'll be ready to race
on Labor Day."
KURT JOHNSON'S U.S. NATIONALS RECORD
Year Qual. Result
1993 4 Semifinal
1994 9 First Round
1995 4 Semifinal
1996 5 Winner (over Smith)
1997 1 Winner (over Gaines)
1998 2 Second Round
1999 16 First Round
2000 3 Semifinal
2001 13 First Round
ATLANTA DRAGWAY CROWNS 2002 "TEAM TOYOTA ALL-IMPORT CHALLENGE" CHAMPION by Tim Glover
Posted Sunday, August 25, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
ATLANTA DRAGWAY CROWNS 2002 "TEAM TOYOTA ALL-IMPORT CHALLENGE" CHAMPION
Trinh Nguyen locked up the inaugural "Team Toyota All-Import Challenge"
season championship on Friday night, August 23rd at Atlanta Dragway.
Nguyen, of Norcross, Georgia, strung together several fast runs in the
previous nine "All-Import Challenge" races this season - including an
outright victory on Friday, August 16th and a third place finish on the
championship night - to ice the 2002 title in his hot 1992 Honda Civic.
"This is awesome," an elated Nguyen exclaimed after learning of his points
championship. "I started racing in the 'All-Import Challenge' just to see
what my car would do, but when I saw how much fun it was and that I was
leading the points, I decided to just go for it (the championship)."
The final round of this year's "All-Import Challenge" was won by first-time
racer Sayitr Sritongkham of Atlanta, who recorded the fastest quarter mile
pass of the ten-race series (11.75 seconds) in his 1993 Mazda RX7 and took
home the coveted "Smack The Track" trophy.
Team Toyota, season sponsor for the "All-Import Challenge", will provide a
commemorative leather jacket and trophy for the new champion, who is already
planning to defend his championship next year in the series that has sparked
new interest in the dragstrip's Barnett Performance "Fast Friday" program.
Located in Commerce, Georgia, Atlanta Dragway is sanctioned by the National
Hot Rod Association (NHRA) and has presented the Summit Racing Equipment
Southern Nationals, now an NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series event, for 22
years.
Atlanta Dragway Results by Tim Glover
Posted Sunday, August 25, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
RACE DATE: August 24, 2002
FROM: Tim Glover
EVENT: Second to last Summit ET Series race at Atlanta Dragway
NOTES:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRO / SUPER PRO CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Keith Fuller '96 MW dragster Lawrenceville, GA 5.64 122.62 (5.64)
R/U: Mark Milford Undercover dragster Royston, GA (foul) 5.30 129.69 (5.29)
Semi: Russ Glover '81 Speedcraft dragster Cumming, GA
Semi: Tommy Motes '76 Vega Loganville, GA
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SPORTSMAN CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Jacob Rutledge '79 Capri Braselton, GA 12.45 81.97 (12.09)
R/U: Joe Haddon '67 Chevy II Oxford, GA 12.28 (80.64) (11.01)
Semi: Greg Allen '80 Camaro Anderson, SC
Semi: Joey Rutledge Mustang Alpharetta, GA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TROPHY STREET CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Brian Harris '94 Cobra Toccoa, GA 13.96 98.04 (13.90)
R/U: Kim Callahan '67 Camaro Dawsonville, GA 13.53 102.04 (13.56)
Semi: Derek Anderson '70 Nova Brasstown, NC
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOTORCYCLE BIKE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Howard Bowman '82 Harley Homer, GA 19.33 64.65 (19.11)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JR. DRAGSTER 8-12 AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Dani Krause 11 Peachtree City, GA 9.57 66.96 (9.52)
R/U: Kyle Denton 12 McDonough, GA 9.12 70.86 (9.14)
Semi: Thomas Davis-Cox 13 Buford, GA
Semi: Joshua Sisson 8 Georgia
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JR. DRAGSTER 13-17 AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Kelly Gray 15 Adairsville, GA 8.96 68.39 (8.80)
R/U: Tiffany Burton 14 Westminster, SC 10.41 62.15 (10.30)
Semi: Cody Martin 14 Buford, GA
TO: Sports Editor
RACE DATE: August 24, 2002
FROM: Tim Glover
EVENT: Summit ET Series Race at Atlanta Dragway
FULLER WINS SUPER PRO, 8-12 JR. DRAGSTER AND SUPER PRO POINTS BATTLES HEAT
UP
by Tim Glover
Although some of the points chases at Atlanta Dragway are over for 2002
(Motorcycle, High School, Sportsman), others are still being closely
contested with one race left in the series after tonight. Eight to 12 year
old Jr. Dragster is being hotly contested, with the points lead being
swapped back and forth by front runners Lauren Turner and Matt Gillen in
recent weeks (Gillen had a 10 point lead (one round win) last week, Turner
took it over by ten points today against Gillen, and Thomas Davis-Cox is
only 20 points out. Several racers in Super Pro could take the
championship, although John Smith is still leading with 520 points over Jim
McKelvey, who has 490. Super Pro racers Jeremy Hancock and Mike Ramsey are
close, with 480 and 470 respectively. Jacob Rutledge sealed up the
Sportsman points chase tonight by winning Sportsman, he now has 690 points,
and his closest rival, former champ Rob Hogue, has 580. The battle for
second place is still close, as Cindy Williams has 570 and Joe Haddon left
the evening with 530. Although there is a mathematical chance more than one
person is in contention for the Trophy Street and 13-17 Jr. Dragster
championships, tonight's winner, 15 year old Kelly Gray, will most likely
take the 13-17 crown (she currently has 550, while her closest rival, Heath
Snelgrove, has 490). Brian Harris is the same in Trophy Street, with 580
points after tonight's win, with Derek Anderson second at the moment with
510.
Super Pro winner Keith Fuller received a scare in the Super Pro
semi-finals, when his car wouldn't start. His opponent, Russ Glover, waited
for a while in his Hedman Husler dragster for Fuller to get his machine
going, which he did at the last possible second, defeating Glover and then
Mark Milford in the final. Fuller got the instant win in the final when
Milford cut the Christmas tree just a little too close, carding a .495 react
in the final. Even though the race was over, both drivers chose to run
their cars out. Fuller's '96 Mark Williams dragster went 5.64, 122.62 on a
5.64, and Milford's Undercover dragster went 5.30, 129.69 on a 5.29 target.
Russ Glover ('81 Speedcraft dragster) and Tommy Motes ('76 Vega) were
tonight's semi-final finishers. Fuller thanked his dad, Hamilton Mill
Automotive, daughters Alexis and Brittany, David and Jesse Young and Don and
Donny Brown for their help. He then thanked Russ Glover for waiting on him
in the semis. "That's good sportsmanship," he added.
Jacob Rutledge sealed up yet another Atlanta Dragway track championship
tonight with his Sportsman victory over Joe Haddon. Rutledge left the
starting line with a stellar .501 react, and then slowed his '79 Capri to a
12.45, 81.97 (12.09 dial) after Haddon's '67 Chevy II got out of shape
mid-track, forcing him to lift. Rutledge's younger brother, Joey, finished
in the semi-finals with his Mustang, along with Greg Allen ('80 Camaro).
A new winner emerged in Motorcycle, Howard Bowman. Bowman rode his '82
Harley to a single win with a 19.33, 64.65 (19.11 dial).
Brian Harris virtually sealed up the Trophy Street championship tonight
with a win in his '94 Cobra against Kim Callahan's '67 Camaro. Harris put
down a .514 react, and used it to run a slowing 13.96, 98.04 (13.90 dial).
Callahan's '67 Camaro broke out with a 13.53, 102.04 (13.56 dial). Derek
Anderson is now second in points after a semi-final finish.
Fifteen year old Kelly Gray all but sealed up the 13-17 year old Jr.
Dragster championship tonight with a victory against Tiffany Burton (14).
Gray, who was voted last year's Rookie of the Year, used a holeshot to win
the final, running an 8.96, 68.39 (8.80 dial). Burton was closer to the
dial, running 10.41, 62.15 (10.30 target), but crossed the finish line
behind Gray. Cody Martin (14) finished in the semi-finals.
Eleven year old Danielle Krause enjoyed her first Atlanta Dragway 8-12 year
old Jr. Dragster victory tonight. Krause's telepathic .504 react, coupled
with a good 9.57, 66.96 (9.52 dial) was too much for Kyle Denton (12).
Denton broke out with a 9.12, 70.86 (9.14 dial) trying to catch Krause.
Thomas Davis-Cox (13) and Joshua Sisson (8) earned the semi-final trophy for
their efforts.
Hooters IHRA Drag Racing Sunoco World Nationals presented by Ethanol-Georgia Teams
Posted Sunday, August 25, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Jimmy Rector qualifies #6 in Funny Car, Tim Nabors is #7 in Pro Stock ( Charlie Peppers just misses the field with an 18th best 6.716- the 16th qualifier was in at 6.710 ), and Ronnie Davis goes two rounds in Top Sportsman.
IHRA Results
Georgia Racers at Hooters IHRA Sunoco World Nationals presented by Ethanol
Posted Saturday, August 24, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Norwalk, Ohio
Tim Nabors is currently #6 and Charlie Peppers is #19 after day one qualifying in Pro Stock. Jimmy Rector is on the outside with a 20th best qualifying run in Funny Car. Ronnie Davis is #8 in Top Sportsman.
IHRA.com Qualifying Results
GDR Website Updated
Posted Friday, August 23, 2002 by johndilbeck
I added an article by Marvin T. Smith to the Articles & Stories section and added several upcoming events on the Activities page.
More photos and racing results from Atlanta Dragway will be added over the next few days.
Upcoming Local Events
Posted Tuesday, August 20, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
PRO MODS- The Dixie Pro Stock Association makes its monthly appearance at Southeastern International Dragway- Dallas, GA August 24, 2002. There is a possibilty that a couple of nostalgia funny cars will be there also. Info- Track Phone- 770-445-2183
HAYES SOUTHEASTERN MOPAR MEET 2002- Hayes Dodge-Chrysler-Jeep presents the 18th Annual Southeastern Mopar Meet Friday September 6th and Saturday September 7th at Atlanta Dragway in Commerce. Car show, drag racing, swap meet, and the Dodge Boys ( Saturday- Darrell Alderman, Gene Wilson, and Dean Skuza ).
Info: Mike Hayes 770-963-5251, 1-800-556-2279, FAX 770-237-8175
OLD DRAG RACER'S REUNION- Sol and Anne Stewart's 2nd Annual Old Drag Racer's Reunion in Panama City Beach, FL September 27-29, 2002. This should be something special this year- Sol tells me that this event is really growing! Contact:
Sol or Anne Stewart
P.O. Box 144
Jackson, Alabama 36545
Phone 251-246-5588 ( Call after 7:00 P.M. CST )
E-Mail: t_pet@bellsouth.net
More Info
EAST COAST DRAG TIMES HALL OF FAME & 2002 REUNION- Nancy Wilson is putting together this event again this year and she is going all out! Be there for the SHOW, SHINE, SWINE, & DINE October 5th, 2002 and the EAST COAST DRAG TIMES HALL OF FAME & 2002 REUNION October 6th, 2002 in Henderson, North Carolina. For more info contact Nancy Wilson at: 252-438-2222 or vctourism@gloryroad.net or MORE INFO
I'm attending all of these events and I hope to see you there!- David
Star Racing/Angelle Savoie Press Release
Posted Tuesday, August 20, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Mon, 19 Aug 2002, 12:21 PM
Mechanical Bugs Bite Angelle in Brainerd
Courtesy of Jon Knapp
BRAINERD, Minn. -- In the first two rounds of Sunday's final eliminations at the Rugged Liner NHRA Nationals, it appeared Angelle Savoie and the Star Racing team would finally claim their first win at Brainerd International Raceway. Coming into the day as the No. 1 qualifier, the Retail Fixture Suzuki was the class of the Pro Stock Motorcycle field, recording the quickest elapsed time in defeating Sam Hurwitz and Reggie Showers.
The semi-finals found Angelle facing No. 4 qualifier Geno Scali. Running in the left lane, the early performance numbers pointed towards the Star Racing entry reaching its sixth final round of the year. However, the bike suddenly slowed, the result of a major mechanical failure, abruptly putting an end to a very promising weekend.
"We had an extremely rare engine failure," detailed team owner George Bryce, "where the wrist pin exploded in the No. 1 hole. That is the first time I can ever remember having a problem with that particular cylinder. Normally, you would associate that with the crankshaft coming apart, but it's still perfect with the big end of the rod still attached.
"Unfortunately, it will be very expensive to fix, because when it came apart, it blew a hole in the side of the engine and took the frame out in front of the engine, so we have some extensive repairs ahead of us. The good news is the oil we use doesn't burn, and Angelle was unhurt, which really is the most important part.
"We've been very reliable, with no component or engine failures. However, it is a prime example of why you need a marketing partner, to allow you to buy the racing parts which help you win rounds on Sunday. We really didn't need this to happen right now, but we'll go home and fix everything and be ready for Indy."
Despite the disappointment, Angelle was still able to find a positive aspect to the day's events.
"This weekend changed a lot of my perceptions about Brainerd International Raceway. I came in thinking it was a one-lane racetrack, but we were able to run well on both sides. The right lane was good, but we found the left to be more to our liking.
"As far as being jinxed here, I really don't believe that any more. Yes, our engine blew up, and we didn't win, but we had a lot of good things happen to us. For example, I wasn't hurt when the bike broke.
"We were also fortunate to have the support of Curt Woodward and Retail Fixture, which allowed us to come here. We had an awesome qualifying performance, resetting the track record and being the No. 1 qualifier here for the first time ever.
"The Star Racing team gave me another great motorcycle to ride today, and we made it to another semi-final. Any time you can do that, it's a good weekend. If we keep performing at that level, in the end things will work out in our favor."
Fast Facts:
- Angelle's 7.172-second elapsed time in qualifying was the quickest in Pro Stock Motorcycle for the weekend, marking the 26th time she has set the low elapsed time of the event. It also set the Brainerd International Raceway track record.
- Angelle has led the NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle standings following 41 of the last 52 national events, dating back to the beginning of the 1999 season. She has been ranked first or second an amazing 58 of the last 62 events, dating back to the fourth event of 1998.
- By defeating Sam Hurwitz in the first round, Angelle extended her NHRA record for consecutive first round wins to 43. Angelle has not lost in the first round since falling to C.J. Smith in Brainerd, Minn. in August of 1999.
- Angelle's .774 (207-61) elimination round win percentage ranks second among all active drivers, trailing only Matt Hines' .786.
Gene Wilson ( Mopar ) Press Release
Posted Tuesday, August 20, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Sun, 18 Aug 2002, 03:39 PM
Mopar NHRA Elimination Notes
Courtesy of David Harris
BRAINERD, Minn. -- Mopar Motorsports NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series teams completed eliminations for this weekend’s Rugged Liner NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway.
The following are notes and quotes from today’s qualifying activity.
DEAN SKUZA, driver of the Mopar Parts Dodge Stratus R/T
The red light flickered and spelled the end for Dean Skuza and the Mopar Parts Dodge Stratus R/T Nitro Funny Car. Skuza matched up with John Force for the fourth-straight race in the second round.
Skuza advanced to the second with an impressive victory over Johnny Gray in round one. The two-time NHRA national event winner clocked the third-quickest elapsed time of the round at 4.924 seconds and 310.91 mph. Gray went a slower 5.206-second pass at 225.94 mph.
“I guess we picked a good time to red light,” Skuza said. “We broke a motor mount on the hit and smoked the tires. It just seemed like it took forever to get the green; and when it finally changed, I was over anxious. I knew it was over.”
Skuza has a round one rematch with Force in the upcoming Budweiser Shootout at Indianapolis Raceway Park over Labor Day weekend.
GENE WILSON, driver of the Mopar Parts Dodge Neon R/T
Gene Wilson maneuvered his Mopar Parts Dodge Neon R/T to the second round of eliminations. Wilson fell to Kurt Johnson after running a 6.951-second elapsed time at 198.85 mph; as Johnson ran a 6.921/199.35, combination.
Wilson moved into the second when Mark Whisnant red lit. The 29-year-old Wilson cut a .429 light that round and clicked off a 6.900-second lap at 199.88 mph.
“Not a bad weekend for us,” Wilson said. “The car ran pretty well this weekend. We’ re happy with the way we qualified. It was unfortunate that the lanes were so unequal out there. The left had lane was terrible. If you didn’t have lane choice, you were going to be put over there. We didn’t have lane choice heading into the second round and we still made a decent pass over there. I’m really looking forward to Indy. It’s going to be awesome.”
DARRELL ALDERMAN, driver of the Mopar Parts Dodge Neon R/T
Darrell Alderman made a move at the starting line (.432-.447) in the first round, but Tom Martino’s 6.911-second elapsed time at 199.26 mph was too much. Alderman and his Mopar Parts Dodge Neon R/T ran a slower 6.966-second lap at 198.35 mph.
“We didn’t make the run that we really wanted to,” Alderman said. “We skated a little bit out there in the right lane. And that happens when you first go out there. We were the first pair and all the clutch dust and dirt is still on the track from the fuel cars. We’ll see what we can do at Indy.”
KJ Press Release
Posted Monday, August 19, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
For Release: August 19, 2002
Contact: Rick Voegelin
TMG Sports Marketing
rickvoegelin@compuserve.com
831-761-2201
THE KURT CHRONICLES: Kurt Johnson ACDelco Race Report from the Rugged
Liner NHRA Nationals
QUICK RESULTS
Qualified: 3rd
Finished: Semifinal Round
Points: 8th
JOHNSON GAINS FOUR POSITIONS IN CHAMPIONSHIP RACE WITH SEMIFINAL FINISH
BRAINERD, Minn. -- A semifinal-round finish at the Rugged Liner NHRA
Nationals catapulted Kurt Johnson back into the top-10 standings in the
NHRA POWERade Pro Stock championship. The resurgent Johnson qualified his
ACDelco Cavalier in the third spot at Brainerd International Raceway and
advanced to the final four in eliminations. He moved from 12th to eighth in
the championship race.
The entire field of 16 qualifiers eclipsed the BIR track e.t. record set
by Warren Johnson last year at 6.932 seconds. A cold front that moved into
the area saw elapsed times plummet on Saturday. When qualifying concluded,
Kurt was third on the list at 6.887 and the bump spot stood at 6.916
seconds.
"It was another one of those situations where the bump on Saturday was
quicker than the low e.t. on Friday," Johnson observed. "If you make a bad
run in those circumstances, you're on the outside looking in.
"We had to calm the car down for the last session," he reported. "We moved
a little weight forward and got the front end to stay down. I expected to
run a 6.90, so the 6.88 was a pleasant surprise. The car performed really
well -- it ran good times to 60 feet, 330 feet and the first 1/8 mile."
Johnson dispatched V. Gaines in the first round of eliminations, 6.896
to 6.937. In the second stanza, he parlayed a .440-second reaction time
with a 6.921-second e.t. to take out the Dodge of Gene Wilson.
K.J. lost lane choice to Jeg Coughlin Jr. by .001 second for the
pair's semifinal-round contest. For the second straight race, Coughlin put
Kurt on the trailer, 6.919 to 6.933.
"We felt we had a car we could win with today, and that thousandth of a
second difference between Coughlin and me really cost us," said Johnson. "I
think the right lane was a little bit better. My tires spun in low gear and
we lost .02 seconds in the first 60 feet.
"We hadn't run in the left lane today, so that hurt our performance,"
K.J. commented. "But we're back on track, so we're happy."
Johnson will test on Tuesday at Indianapolis Raceway Park, the site of
the upcoming Mac Tools U.S. Nationals on Labor Day weekend. Johnson won the
U.S. Nationals title in 1996 and 1997.
"We still have work to do," said Johnson. "We'll test in Indy and get
ready for the race there. The last time we tested there, we won."
KURT JOHNSON RACE RESULTS
Qualified: No. 3 at 6.887/199.67 mph
First Round: Johnson (6.896/199.94) defeated V. Gaines (6.937/199.29)
Second Round: Johnson (6.921/199.35) defeated Gene Wilson (6.951/198.85)
Semifinal Round: Jeg Coughlin Jr. (6.919/199.35) defeated
Johnson (6.933/199.55)
Final Round: Jeg Coughlin Jr. (6.919/199.11) defeated Greg
Anderson, (6.984/199.83)
Low ET: Ron Krisher, 6.857 seconds (track record)
Top Speed: Greg Anderson, 200.77 mph (track record)
PRO STOCK CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS
(After 16 of 23 events)
Driver Wins Points
1. Greg Anderson 2 1020
2. Jim Yates 0 995
3. Jeg Coughlin Jr. 3 985
4. Warren Johnson 1 885
5. Ron Krisher 1 807
6. Darrell Alderman 1 744
7. George Marnell 1 700
8. Kurt Johnson 0 675
9. Mike Edwards 2 664
10. Bruce Allen 2 653
Mark Whisnant 0 653
NEXT RACE
Mac Tools U. S. Nationals, Indianapolis, Aug. 30-Sept. 2
WJ Press Release
Posted Monday, August 19, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
For Release: August 19, 2002
Contact: Rick Voegelin
TMG Sports Marketing
rickvoegelin@compuserve.com
831-761-2201
THE WARREN REPORT: Warren Johnson GM Performance Parts Race Report from
the Rugged Liner NHRA Nationals
QUICK RESULTS
Qualified: 7th
Finished: 2nd Round
Points: 4th
JOHNSON BACK ON TRACK IN BRAINERD
BRAINERD, Minn. -- After a rare day off when he missed the cut at
the preceding event, Warren Johnson was back on track at Brainerd
International Raceway this weekend. Johnson qualified his GM Performance
Parts Pontiac in the No. 7 spot for the Rugged Liner NHRA Nationals and
advanced to the second round of eliminations.
Qualifying in his former home state was anything but routine. Rapidly
changing weather conditions produced wholesale changes in the qualifying
order in the final session.
"We not only had temperature fluctuations, but we also had extreme
differences in wind and humidity," Johnson observed. "The atmospheric
conditions, combined with a relatively short concrete launching pad, made
for an interesting weekend. Considering that this track has to endure
temperatures that are 30 degrees below zero in the winter, it was in
remarkably good shape.
"At least we successfully rebounded from the last race," Johnson
continued. "In fact, the car was exactly the same as we ran it at the last
event -- the same engine, the same shocks, the same springs, the same
tires. It comes down to the fact that we were in the right place at the
wrong time in Sonoma."
Johnson scored a narrow victory over Kenny Koretsky in the first round by
a .0015-second margin. He then faced perennial rival Jeg Coughlin Jr. in
the second round. Coughlin was first off the line by .02 seconds and held
on for the win with a 6.920-second e.t. to W.J.'s quicker 6.915-second
time.
"We made some changes for the first round that didn't quite work the way
we expected," Johnson said. "We made some more changes for the second round
and actually improved the car's performance. We were among the fastest
cars, and I feel good about the performance gain even though we lost in the
second round.
"You have to look at it in the big picture," Johnson explained. "There
were several good cars which had won national events this year that didn't
even qualify. Pro Stock is extremely competitive, and we'll be in good
shape the rest of the year."
In two weeks, Johnson will be gunning for his seventh career victory at
the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis, the biggest drag race of the
year.
WARREN JOHNSON RACE RESULTS
Qualified: No. 7 at 6.901/200.29 mph
First Round: Johnson (6.929/199.26) defeated Kenny Koretsky (6.939/197.42)
Second Round: Jeg Coughlin Jr. (6.920/198.76) defeated Johnson
(6.915/199.85)
Final Round: Jeg Coughlin Jr. (6.919/199.11) defeated Greg
Anderson, (6.984/199.83)
Low ET: Ron Krisher, 6.857 seconds (track record)
Top Speed: Greg Anderson, 200.77 mph (track record)
PRO STOCK CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS
(After 16 of 23 events)
Driver Wins Points
1. Greg Anderson 2 1020
2. Jim Yates 0 995
3. Jeg Coughlin Jr. 3 985
4. Warren Johnson 1 885
5. Ron Krisher 1 807
6. Darrell Alderman 1 744
7. George Marnell 1 700
8. Kurt Johnson 0 675
9. Mike Edwards 2 664
10. Bruce Allen 2 653
Mark Whisnant 0 653
NEXT RACE
Mac Tools U. S. Nationals, Indianapolis, Aug. 30-Sept. 2
Bernstein, Force, Coughlin, and Scali Win Rugged Liner NHRA Nationals
Posted Monday, August 19, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Mark Whisnant fouls out in round one of pro stock, Gene Wilson and WJ go down in round two, and KJ makes it to the semi finals.
Results from NHRA.com
Atlanta Dragway Results by Tim Glover
Posted Sunday, August 18, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
RACE DATE: August 17, 2002
FROM: Tim Glover
EVENT: Summit ET Series Race at Atlanta Dragway
TWO GAINESVILLE RACERS WIN, GILLEN MAKES FOUR IN A ROW WITH HIS VALVOLINE
CAR
by Tim Glover
With two points races left, the only points chases that are settled are
Motorcycle and High School. Rain made its presence known tonight, causing a
total of two hours delay. However, the people at Atlanta Dragway got the
whole show in, finishing just after midnight.
Super Pro racer "Bad Brad" Howard became the first of two Gainesville
racers to win tonight with his victory against Ronnie Wilkerson. Howard,
who owns and operates Brad's Machine Shop in Gainesville, does all his own
work keeping his '01 Miller in top form. Howard's reaction time advantage
at the starting line made the difference when he carded a .02 second over
5.10 second, 134.69mph pass (5.08 second dial). Wilkerson's '81 Camaro was
closer to the mark with a 6.04, 111.42 (6.03 dial). "John Boy" Smith
(dragster) and David Simmons (dragster) shared a semi-final finish.
(Howard's daughter, Tiffany, may be stepping up into a fast car soon;
sources spotted her tooling around the pits in a beautifully painted and
detailed dragster during Friday night's Test and Tune action.)
Cindy Williams put some new tires on her lime green '74 Challenger again,
and just like a couple of months ago, scored a first place win in Sportsman,
and made a good move on the points leaders tonight. Williams met Stephen
Daniel in the finals, and used a .521 react, coupled with an 11.83, 104.50
(11.78 dial) to take the win. Daniel's '83 S10 went 12.56, 106.95 on a
12.50 dial. "He put me out last week, and he was so thrilled about that,"
Williams added (but she didn't let it happen tonight). Kerry Arnold ('73
Duster) and Jody Blalock ('49 Hudson) finished in the semis.
Brat Pack racer Kenny Wiginton became the first Forsyth County winner
tonight with his Trophy Street win against Steve Marcum, a regular finalist.
Wiginton also used a reaction time advantage to take the win, turning in a
17.74, 72.68 (17.71 dial). Marcum's '00 Dakota was a little closer, running
a 15.72, 86.06 (15.70 target). Wigington, who has a very busy work
schedule, said, "I finally made time to get out here. It's always fun to
hang out with good friends, and winning is just icing on the cake." John
Lawson, Jr. ('68 Camaro) and Brian Harris ('94 Cobra) earned a semi-final
finish tonight.
Sixteen year old Matthew Bates wrapped up the High School championship
tonight with his High School win. Bates met an old Jr. Dragster rival,
Howard Snelgrove (16) and nailed his 11.93 dial with an 11.937, 59.03,
shutting out Snelgrove's breakout 11.21, 61.24 performance (11.25 dial).
Ashley Dumas (16) and Jesse Young (17) were the semi-final pair.
With two points races left, Jay Rhyne sealed up the Motorcycle championship
with an 11.49, 116.56 (11.60 dial).
Sixteen year old Richard Hall finished runner up in the special 10th
anniversary Jr. Dragster race in Montgomery, AL, recently. He used that
experience to win the Atlanta edition of the 13-17 year old 10th anniversary
race against Jeremy Hancock, who had pulled triple duty tonight, racing Jr.
Dragster, High School and Super Pro. Hall's Georgia Pacific Containerboard
Division backed machine ran a perfect dial, 8.160, 77.65 (8.16 dial) against
Hancock in the final. Hancock was driving the new Young Guns Motorsports
machine built by Bill Gillen III and debuted by Amy Glover last week.
During his semi-final bye run, the crankshaft broke, forcing the Young Guns
team to replace the motor for the final. Hancock still ran fairly close to
his 10.09 target, with a 10.19, 55.81. Heath Snelgrove (14) was the lone
semi-finalist.
"Mad Matt" Gillen from Gainesville, GA, a.k.a. the "Valvoline Shark" shared
the 8-12 Jr. Dragster points lead for a while today with rookie Lauren
Turner, and pulled into the lead by 10 points tonight with his fifth win
(and fourth in a row). Gillen met Turner again in the final, and took the
victory by breaking out less, with an 8.96, 72.60 (8.98 dial) in his
Valvoline / Young Guns Motorsports entry. Turner's Prestress
Transportation, Inc. backed machine broke out just a little more, with a
9.20, 70.67 (9.24 target). "This is a big night, the Lord has really been
with us," exclaimed Matt's dad. "I want to thank God, Valvoline, and my
mom," Matt added. Turner's dad said, "The road to the championship goes
through that (Valvoline) car. We just have to get past it."
PRO / SUPER PRO CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Brad Howard '01 Miller dragster Gainesville, GA 5.10 134.69 (5.08)
R/U: Ronnie Wilkerson '81 Camaro Buford, GA 6.04 111.42 (6.03)
Semi: "John Boy" Smith dragster Bowersville, GA
Semi: David Simmons dragster Suwanee, GA
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SPORTSMAN CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Cindy Williams '74 Challenger Snellville, GA 11.83 104.50 (11.78)
R/U: Stephen Daniel '83 S10 Covington, GA 12.56 106.95 (12.50)
Semi: Kerry Arnold '73 Duster Jefferson, GA
Semi: Jody Blalock '49 Hudson Martin, GA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TROPHY STREET CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Kenny Wigington '97 Chevy Truck Cumming, GA 17.74 72.68 (17.71)
R/U: Steve Marcum '00 Dakota Bogart, GA 15.72 86.06 (15.70)
Semi: John Lawson, Jr. '68 Camaro Jefferson, GA
Semi: Brian Harris '94 Cobra Toccoa, GA
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOTORCYCLE BIKE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Jay Rhyne '83 Kawasaki Athens, GA 11.49 116.56 (11.60)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JR. DRAGSTER 8-12 AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: "Mad Matt" Gillen 10 Gainesville, GA 8.96 72.60 (8.98)
R/U: Lauren Turner 11 Lawrenceville, GA 9.20 70.64 (9.24)
Semi: Dustin Burton 11 Westminster, SC
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JR. DRAGSTER 13-17 AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Richard Hall 16 Blakely, GA 8.16 77.65 (8.16)
R/U: Jeremy Hancock 17 Conyers, GA 10.19 55.81 (10.09)
Semi: Heath Snelgrove 14 Dahlonega, GA
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HIGH SCHOOL AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Matthew Bates 16 Loganville, GA 11.93 59.03 (11.93)
R/U: Howard Snelgrove 16 Daholonega, GA 11.21 61.24 (11.25)
Semi: Ashley Dumas 16 Commerce, GA
Semi: Jesse Young 17 Danielsville, GA
Kalitta, Force, Krisher, and Savoie #1 Qualifiers at NHRA POWERade Rugged Liner NHRA Nationals
Posted Saturday, August 17, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Brainerd, Minn.
Georgia Pro Stock racers Kurt Johnson ( #3 - 6.887 199.67 ), Gene Wilson ( #6 - 6.897 200.23 ), Warren Johnson ( #7 - 6.901 200.29 ), and Mark Whisnant ( #11 - 6.903 199.64 )qualify for Sunday's eliminations. Pro Stock Ladder
Bernstein, Force, Allen, and Savoie Lead Qualifying at NHRA POWERade Rugged Liner NHRA Nationals
Posted Saturday, August 17, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Brainerd, Minn.
Georgia Pro Stock drivers Warren Johnson and Kurt Johnson are qualified #3 and #13, respectively. Mark Whisnant is currently #20 after day one of qualifying. Only one nitro session was held due to the rain delays. Pro Stock Qualifying Order ( Day One )
Kurt Johnson Press Release
Posted Friday, August 16, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Thu, 15 Aug 2002, 07:53 PM
Johnson Back in Comfort Zone at Brainerd International Raceway
Courtesy of Rick Voegelin, TMG Sports Marketing
BRAINERD, Minn. -- With a victory at the Pro Stock Invitational in Woodburn, Ore., and a strong performance at the Fram-Autolite NHRA Nationals in Sonoma, Calif., Kurt Johnson's ACDelco Cavalier is back on track. K.J. intends to use this weekend's Rugged Liner NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway as a launching pad for a late-season surge in the POWERade championship race.
Johnson grew up in Minnesota, and the series' annual visit to Brainerd is a homecoming for the 39-year-old professional racer. K.J. is a two-time winner at BIR: He defeated Jeg Coughlin Jr. in the final round in 2000 and defeated Jim Yates in the final round in 1997.
"We've done well in Brainerd before and we have a good notebook on the track," said Johnson. "I've won there twice in the last five years, and I think we have a shot at a third win this weekend.
"We learned at the last race that the car now has a much wider window with the changes we made," Kurt continued. "Solving the chassis problems gave me an opportunity to focus on the motor and fine tune the carburetors. We're making steady progress, but there is always room for improvement."
Johnson had some unexpected help on race day at the Fram-Autolite Nationals in Sonoma, Calif., when his father failed to qualify for the first time in 15 seasons. After his own struggles this season, Kurt was sympathetic to Warren's plight.
"Sunday morning is the worst when you wake up and you've got nothing to work on," he revealed. "Dad kept his streak alive when his back was up against the wall at other races, but this time he just wasn't able to pull it off. Even when you have the best equipment, years of experience and a good crew behind you, there is still that small element of luck involved in racing."
While racing luck is elusive, Johnson will have the advantages of a capable crew and a powerful ACDelco Cavalier when he returns to the land of his birth.
KURT JOHNSON'S BRAINERD INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY RECORD
Year Qual. Result
1993 3 Semifinal
1994 7 First Round
1995 5 Second Round
1996 10 First Round
1997 3 Winner (over Yates)
1998 9 Semifinal
1999 2 Semifinal
2000 2 Winner (over J. Coughlin)
2001 3 Second Round
Warren Johnson Press Release
Posted Friday, August 16, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Thu, 15 Aug 2002, 07:53 PM
Johnson Ready to Unravel Minnesota Mystery
Courtesy of Rick Voegelin, TMG Sports Marketing
BRAINERD, Minn. -- No one has ever confused Brainerd, Minn., with Bermuda, but the two places do have an eerie similarity. For Pro Stock driver Warren Johnson, Brainerd International Raceway, the site of this weekend's Rugged Liner NHRA Nationals, is as mysterious as the Bermuda Triangle.
"Nothing makes sense up there," said the Professor of Pro Stock. "The performance numbers just aren't as fast as they should be.
"The track e.t. record is 6.96 and the speed record is only 198.96 mph," said Johnson, who set those marks at last year's event. "Those are way out of whack for a track that's only 1,200 feet above sea level."
While W.J. may be puzzled by the elapsed times and speeds at BIR, he is quite familiar with the facility's quirks. Johnson grew up in Minnesota, and he has competed in all 20 NHRA national events held at Brainerd International Raceway. He scored four of his 88 career victories at BIR, winning in 1984, 1993, 1995 and 1996. He has qualified in the No. 1 spot four times, including last year's event.
"The drag strip is used relatively infrequently, so its surface isn't as sticky as some of the other tracks on the circuit," Johnson suggested. "The coefficient of friction isn't high enough to allow the Pro Stock cars to perform at their best. The fuel cars have an abundance of downforce, so they aren't affected to the same degree as the Pro Stocks."
The Rugged Liner Nationals marks Johnson's annual return to the land of his forefathers. He grew up on a farm in Minnesota's Iron Range, where long days in the fields forged his famous work ethic. The daily routine of repairing equipment gave Johnson a hands-on education in mechanics, while driving on frozen roads in the long winters taught him the fundamentals of car control. These skills have served him well in his racing career.
Johnson's homecoming follows his first DNQ in 15 years of racing. After qualifying at 303 consecutive national events, W.J. missed the field at the Fram-Autolite Nationals in Sonoma, Calif. W.J.'s 6.848-second qualifying time fell short of the 6.836 bump spot and left him 21st on the list.
"If we look at it realistically, it's not a big deal," said Johnson. "The streak's over and that's all there is to it. It just means that I can start on another one.
"I never intended to set a qualifying record," he explained. "The streak was just a byproduct of trying to make the race on Sunday. If you qualify, you get to race - if you don't qualify, you go home. The primary objective at every race is to qualify, and I didn't. We'll just move on and get ready for the next event."
Now the next event is at hand, and Johnson is ready to continue his quest for a seventh NHRA championship at the mysterious Brainerd Triangle.
WARREN JOHNSON'S BRAINERD INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY RECORD
Year Qual. Result
1982 3 Second Round
1983 4 Semifinal
1984 3 Winner (over Shepherd)
1985 3 Semifinal
1986 3 First Round
1987 7 Semifinal
1988 2 Semifinal
1989 16 First Round
1990 3 Semifinal
1991 1 Second Round
1992 2 Semifinal
1993 2 Winner (over Morgan)
1994 2 Second Round
1995 2 Winner (over Yates)
1996 2 Winner (over Schmidt)
1997 1 Semifinal
1998 2 Semifinal
1999 1 Runner-up (to J. Coughlin)
2000 15 First Round
2001 1 Semifinal
Mark Whisnant Press Release
Posted Wednesday, August 14, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
RW PERFORMANCE PRO STOCK CHEVY CAVALIER
MARK WHISNANT – DRIVER REID WHISNANT – OWNER
August 12, 2002
CONTACT: Patti Miles 336-798-7212 704-957-3940 (Mobile)pattie.miles@worldnet.att.net
Whisnant Heads for the North Woods of Brainerd
BRAINERD, Minn. – This weekend Mark Whisnant, driver of the RW Performance Pro Stock Chevrolet Cavalier, will make his first trip to the Minnesota woodlands for the 21st running of the Rugged Liner NHRA Nationals in Brainerd, Minn.
After the ‘western swing’ Whisnant finds himself holding the 10th position on the NHRA POWERade Pro Stock points standings. As he and his RW Performance team heads into the back side of the 2002 POWERade season, his attention is focused on remaining in step with the Pro Stock field, and not loosing the toe hold he has on the top ten.
"We are sitting in a pretty shaky position right now," said Whisnant of Stockbridge, Ga. "Being in the top 10 in points is nice, but I think keeping it will be the real trick.
"Right now Number 7 and Number 14 is split by only a couple of rounds. We know that if we have more situations where we go out in the first round, or DNQ, we will be out of the points. Some people may not think that being in the top ten right now is such a big deal, but for this team, it is huge.
"It is very expensive to run one of these Pro Stock car. We have done very well with what we have, but no one can afford to do this out of their own pocket for very long.
"Right now we are searching very hard for a sponsor for this car, and our second car. Companies want to sponsor a car that is going to win so they can get the most from their advertising dollar. From that respect, it is critical for us to make a good showing every week and stay up there in the points, so our team can be a good product for a sponsor to be associated with.
"The fact that we are going out there every weekend and running well against teams with a lot bigger budgets is really an accomplishment, and my guys are to be commended for doing such a good job. If you race every weekend you know that, but it does not always relate well over the phone to a potential sponsor who may not know the sport very well. So at this stage of the game it is twice as important that we stay in the top ten, make a good showing every weekend, and be the kind of professional race team that a sponsor can be proud of.
Whisnant talked about his plan for this weekends Rugged Liner NHRA Nationals, and the remainder of the 2002 POWERade season.
"We would like to step up our pace at little bit for the rest of the season. I think if we can win a race or two, continue qualifying well, and go rounds on Sunday, we could end up in the top five at the end of the season. But to do that, we will need to be very strong at the next eight races.
"This weekend we will use Brainerd to get ready for Indy. Again, I have never raced this racetrack before. It was the same with the three western swing tracks, and we did fairly well out west. So, we will use the same strategy we used out west: wait and see what we have when we get there, and tune the car one lap at a time.
"Just like staying in the top ten; it sounds easy, the trick is doing it."
Qualifying at the 21st Annual Rugged Liner NHRA Nationals in Brainerd, Minn., will begin on Friday Aug. 16, and continue on Saturday Aug. 17. Eliminations will take place on Sunday Aug. 18 at 11:00 AM EST.
# # #
Whisnant Quick Facts
Currently 10th in NHRA Pro Stock Points (621points)
5th in King Demon Points (710 points)
2 Final Round Appearance in 2002 (Topeka, Seattle)
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)
21st Annual Rugged Liner NHRA Nationals
TV Schedule
Qualifying Highlights
Saturday Aug. 17 7:00 – 9:00 PM EST (ESPN2)
Eliminations Coverage
Sunday Aug. 18 9:00 – 11:00 PM EST (ESPN2)
Repeat Eliminations
Friday Aug. 30 4:00 – 6:00 AM EST (EPSN2)
Jimmy Rector Press Release
Posted Tuesday, August 13, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Tue, 13 Aug 2002, 08:35 AM
Rector Runner-up in Toronto
Courtesy of Bill Severino- Nitro Web Designs
CAYUGA, Ont. -- Current IHRA Funny Car Points leader, Jimmy Rector, from Ft. Oglethorpe, Georgia, reached the finals on Sunday at the inaugural annual ACDelco IHRA Canadian Nationals but had to settle for a runner-up position when a the blower belt on the Holbrook Performance Parts, Inc sponsored Camaro broke.
Rector, who qualified in the number three spot, was scheduled to meet up with Paul Zgoda in the first round of eliminations but got a bye run because Zgoda was injured during the fourth round of qualifying on Saturday night.
When asked on his thought about having a bye run Rector stated, “This is not the way you like to get a bye run in competition. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Paul and his family. We hope he make a speedy recovery.”
In the second round, Rector squared off with Ronnie Midyette, of Virginia Beach, Virginia. Midyette, got out of the gate first with a .461 light versus a .515 light by Rector but Midyette was not able to hold off the hard charging Holbrook Performance Parts Camaro to the finish line which set up a match up with Rob Atchison, of London, Ontario
One of toughest match up of the day for Rector proved to be Atchinson. Rector nailed Atchison on the tree with a .435 reaction time and never looked back en-route to his 26th round victory of the season and setting up a show down with Dale Brand of Sully Iowa.
Rector after his third round victory noted, “Rob had been running great all weekend and I knew I would need a good light to beat him and thankfully we were able to get the win!”
For the fifth time this year, Rector met up with Brand in the finals. Brand got out of the gate first but Rector over took him and by 330 feet Rector had a .3 lead on Brand until the blower belt came off during the run and the Holbrook Performance Parts Camaro slowed giving Brand his second Ironman of the season with a 6.203 second ET versus Rector’s 8.351 second ET. Rector after the race commented, “Dale got his fair share of old Lady Luck in the finals today. After round three we had to put in 2 new pistons and during the rush to get it done we forgot to put a new blower belt on. It is not too often you see a 6.20 in a funny car win a drag race in the IHRA.”
Rector and the Holbrook Performance Parts Camaro will continue their quest for the 2002 IHRA Funny Car Championship, at the at the 25th Annual Sunoco World Nationals in Norwalk, Ohio, August 22nd thru August 25th.
Visit the official website of Jimmy Rector at www.jimmyrector.com
Vist Hobrook Performance Parts at www.holbrook-performance.com
Star Racing and CVEC Power Systems End Partnership
Posted Tuesday, August 13, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Details
Atlanta Dragway/Lucas Oil Division II Points Race Results by Tim Glover
Posted Sunday, August 11, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
RACE DATE: August 11, 2002
FROM: Tim Glover
EVENT: NHRA Division Two Points Race at Atlanta Dragway
DIVISION TWO RACE AT ATLANTA DRAGWAY IN THE BOOKS
by Tim Glover
The temperature wasn't too hot, the track surface was good, and the racing
was exciting for the fans who came this weekend to witness the Lucas Oil
NHRA Division Two Points race held at Atlanta Dragway in Commerce, GA.
John Haley from Wayzata, MN became the top winner this weekend, in Top
Alcohol Dragster. Haley met Robinson, IL racer Marty Thacker in the final,
and although his 6.70 second ET in an '01 Uyehara dragster was a bit off,
Thacker's engine rpm in his '02 Hadman dragster went out of control, and he
was unable to get the reverser to work properly. Thacker's crew said the
throttle butterfly shaft broke after the semis, and the replacement was not
set correctly, causing the engine rpm to go much higher than desired. By
the time Thacker shut his car off, the clutch was smoking, making it
unlikely he would have made it down the track. Haley went 6.702, 142.85mph
on his winning single pass. Guy Kelly ('98 Hadman - Wadley, AL) finished in
the semis.
Jay Payne from Claremont, CA has done well in Division Two over the years
with his Valvoline backed '02 Camaro, and this weekend was no exception.
Payne met local favorite Von Smith's Oak Ridge, TN based '01 Firebird in the
final, and ripped out a 5.66, 255.75 pass to defeat Smith's 5.80, 251.88.
Mark Billington ('01 Avenger - Apopka, FL) was the semi-final finisher.
Larry Pritchett squeaked out the Competition Eliminator win today with his
'98 A/SM Grand Am by a mere .011 seconds against Jeff Taylor's Lumberton, SC
based '01 C/A Grand Am. Taylor actually had the better react, but crossed
the finish line behind the Clarkrange, TN racer, who went a .498 under 8.11,
167.50 (8.61 Index). Taylor was .454 under his 8.08 index, with a 7.62,
179.31. By winning today, Pritchett sewed up his spot on the Division Two
Jeg's All Star Team, which will compete against the other six divisions at
the Sears Craftsman event in Chicago, IL on September 26-29. Mike Saye (G/A
'92 Cutlass - Johnston, SC) and Fred Allen ('23 A/EA Ford T - Winemac, IN)
were the semi-final pair.
Super Stock racer Everette Keesley from Edgefield, SC won the '98
Gatornationals, and enjoyed victory again today with a win against Wetumpka,
AL racer Jason Davis' GT/MA '00 Firebird. Both racers were .003 seconds
apart at the starting line, so the finish line became very important to
them. Keesley's '82 GT/DA Firebird was second across the finish line with a
10.29, 124.39 (10.26 dial under), but Davis, took a little too much win
stripe, breaking out with a 11.388, 115.56 (11.39 dial). Tony Stephenson
('98 SS/BM Grand Am - Willow Spring, NC) was the lone semi-finalist.
Stock racer Scott Welborn lost two race cars and his shop last year to
fire, but recovered quickly, turning a "1968 Chevelle $500 junker" into a
race winning G/SA machine. Welborn, who hails from West Columbia, SC ran a
close 11.75, 112.28 (11.73 dial under) in the final, but became the
automatic winner when Brian Rowe bulbed (.454 red light) and then ran 11.75,
111.51 (11.74 dial under) in his New Bern, NC based '69 H/SA Camaro. Rowe
beat his dad, Bud Rowe ('87 K/SA Camaro - Bridgeton, NC) in the semi-finals.
Welborn had to win today's race to earn a spot on the Division Two Jeg's
All Stars Team, so he will also represent Division Two.
Twenty four year old college student Todd "Bones" Ewing from Cullman, AL,
enjoyed his third Super Comp victory today. Bones won the Montgomery
Division event and the Gatornationals earlier this year in his '02 Cameron
dragster, and took on Palmetto, GA racer David Tatum III, who won two races
two weeks ago at Atlanta in an '01 Mullis dragster. Tatum said he was set
on kill for the final, but just missed the tree, giving Ewing a large
reaction time advantage. Tatum's car also rattled the tires hard down
track, causing him to lift and concede the race to Ewing, who ran an easy
9.19, 131.38 (8.90 index) to Tatum's even further off 9.37, 116.15 (8.90
index). Charles "Bubba" Watts ('00 Miller - Sharpsburg, GA) and Steve Cohen
('01 Mullis - Trilby, FL) finished in the semi-finals.
Super Gas racer Jimmy Daniels from Montgomery, AL took on "The Man" Edmond
Richardson in the final round today. Both drivers were sharp in the
reaction time department, and both were dead-on the 9.90 index, but Daniels
crossed the finish line in his '90 Trans Am .006 seconds in front of
Richardson's Greenbrier, TN based '91 Cavalier Z/24. Richardson said he did
not have a complete time trial due to the rear window exiting his car on
one, and a mistake on the starting line in the other, but the experience he
has accrued through the years got him to the final. Daniel Morrow ('63
Corvette - St. Pete Beach, FL) and Ronald Clayton ('34 Chevy - Dayton, TN).
Ernest Griggs from Ocala, FL won Super Street at Silver Dollar and runnered
up at Bristol with his '72 Camaro, and continued that roll at Atlanta today
with a win against Kevin Mac Nicol's Knoxville, TN based '64 Chevy II.
Griggs took the win stripe .011 seconds ahead of Mac Nicol with a dead-on
10.90, 135.15 to Mac Nicol's good 10.92, 124.03. Billy Italio ('64 Chevy II
- Knoxville, TN) was the semi-final finisher.
Top Sportsman, a new class to NHRA, was contested for the second time in
Division Two today. North Carolina racer Sandy Wilkins won the event today
with his '01 Camaro by laying down a fast 7.40, 184.84 (7.38 dial). His
opponent, Jim Perry from Orlando, FL, was unable to run his 7.85 dial with
his '00 S10, turning in a 7.91, 174.21. Troy Cagle ('00 S10 - Ranburne, AL)
and Ronnie Davis ('63 Corvette - Lilburn, GA) took home the semi-final
portion of the purse.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH
Win: John Haley '01 Uyehara dragster Wayzota, MN 6.70 142.85
R/U: Marty Thacker '02 Hadman dragster Robinson, IL broke
Semi: Guy Kelly '98 Hadman dragster Wadley, AL
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH
Win: Jay Payne '01 Camaro Claremont, CA 5.66 255.75
R/U: Von Smith '01 Firebird Oak Ridge, TN 5.80 251.88
Semi: Mark Billington '01 Avenger Apopka, FL
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMPETITION ELIMINATOR CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH INDEX
Win: Larry Pritchett '98 A/SM Grand Am Clarkrange, TN 8.11 167.50 (8.61)
R/U: Jeff Taylor '01 C/A Grand Am Lumberton, NC 7.62 179.31 (8.08)
Semi: Mike Saye '92 G/A Cutlass Johnston, SC
Semi: Fred Allen '23 A/EA Ford 'T Winemac, IN
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUPER STOCK CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-UNDER
Win: Everette Keesley '82 GT/DA Firebird Edgefield, SC 10.29 124.39 (10.26)
R/U: Jason Davis '00 GT/MA Firebird Wetumpka, AL 11.38 115.56 (11.39)
Semi: Tony Stephenson '98 SS/BM Grand Am Willow Springs, NC
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STOCK CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-UNDER
Win: Scott Welborn '68 G/SA Chevelle West Columbia, SC 11.75 112.28 (11.73)
R/U: Brian Rowe '69 H/SA Camaro New Bern, NC (foul) 11.75 111.51 (11.74)
Semi: Bud Rowe '87 K/SA Camaro Bridgeton, NC
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUPER COMP CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH INDEX
Win: Todd "Bones" Ewing '02 Cameron Cullman, AL 9.19 131.38 (8.90)
R/U: David Tatum III '01 Mullis Palmetto, GA 9.37 116.15 (8.90)
Semi: Steve Cohen '01 Mullis Trilby, FL
Semi: Charles "Bubba" Watts '00 Miller Sharpsburg, GA
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUPER GAS CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH INDEX
Win: Jimmy Daniel '90 Trans Am Montgomery, AL 9.90 155.62 (9.90)
R/U: Edmond Richardson, Jr. '91 Cavalier Greenbrier, TN 9.90 134.48 (9.90)
Semi: Ronald Clayton '34 Chevy Dayton, TN
Semi: Daniel Morrow '63 Corvette St. Pete Beach, FL
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUPER STREET CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH INDEX
Win: Ernest Griggs, Jr. '72 Camaro Ocala, FL 10.90 135.15 (10.90)
R/U: Kevin Mac Nicol '78 Trans Am North Port, FL 10.92 124.03 (10.90)
Semi: Billy Italio '64 Chevy II Knoxville, TN
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOP SPORTSMAN CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH INDEX
Win: Sandy Wilkins '01 Camaro Fuquay Varina, NC 7.40 184.84 (7.38)
R/U: Jim Perry '00 S10 Orlando, FL 7.91 174.21 (7.85)
Semi: Troy Cagle '00 S10 Ranburne, AL
Semi: Ronnie Davis '63 Corvette Lilburn, GA
Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series-Commerce, GA-Saturday 8-10-02
Posted Sunday, August 11, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Saturdays results from Atlanta Dragway
Atlanta Dragway Weekly Results by Tim Glover
Posted Sunday, August 11, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
RACE DATE: August 10, 2002
FROM: Tim Glover
EVENT: Summit ET Series Race at Atlanta Dragway
RUFF REPEATS, GILLEN MAKES THREE IN A ROW WITH HIS VALVOLINE CAR
by Tim Glover
In addition to the NHRA Division Two points race held this weekend, a
regular Summit ET Series points race was included in the weekend's
festivities. Fans were treated to Lucas Oil series Top Alcohol Dragsters
and Funny Cars, and all the other Sportsman classes seen at a national
event.
Super Street racer Mike Ruff won the 2000 Division Two ET finals held at
Atlanta Dragway, and the national Summit ET finals in California. He jumped
into tonight's Super Pro action mainly to get a few more time trials, but
ended up taking the win against local racer Keith Fuller with his Orlando,
FL based '92 Camaro. Ruff put a 7.08 dial on his car at the beginning of
the race, and kept it on the car all night. He was the beneficiary of a
final round red light from Fuller, and legged his car out to a 7.04, 102.95
win (7.08 dial). Fuller, who has won a Hot Rod show here, and runner upped
in another race, legged his '96 Mark Williams dragster out through the
finish line, turning in a slight breakout 5.585, 124.49 (5.59 dial). Grant
Lewis ('67 Camaro - Jesup, GA) finished in the semis.
A large number of Stock Eliminator cars jumped into the Sportsman fray
today, but at the end, both finalists were local racers. A Rutledge was in
last weeks final (Joey); this time the older brother, Jacob, moved up in
Sportsman points with a win tonight. Joe Haddon made it to semis last week,
and stepped up one slot this time to runner up. Rutledge used a starting
line holeshot advantage to take the win with his Clay's Automotive backed
'79 Capri, turning in a .05 over 12.04, 101.48 (11.99 dial). Haddon's '67
Chevy II also went .05 over, 10.88, 123.35 (10.83 dial). Chris Jackson
(H/SA '69 Camaro - Epps, LA) was the lone semi-finalist.
Hayesville, NC racers took two of the top three spots in Trophy Street
action. For the second week in a row, Mark Hefley finished in the
semi-finals.
For the second week in a row, former Atlanta Dragway Motorcycle champ Jay
Rhyne took the win with his '83 Kawaski.
Valvoline cars won in both Jr. Dragster finals tonight. Sixteen year old
Ashley Dumas nailed her dial for the third time tonight to win 13-17 Jr.
Dragster in her Valvoline car. Dumas met last weeks winner and current
points leader, Kelly Gray (15), in the final, and although Gray had the
reaction time advantage, Dumas' 8.850, 72.68 (8.85 dial) was unstoppable.
Gray's car turned in a respectable 9.02, 69.66 (8.97 dial). Kevin Hackett
(14) and Kelly Moore (15) were the semi-final trophy winners.
Ten year old "Mad Matt" Gillen, the "Valvoline Shark" took over the 8-12
Jr. Dragster points lead tonight with his fourth win (and third in a row) in
his Bill Gillen / Young Guns Motorsports tuned Valvoline car. Gillen's car
still had the 8.92 dial in time from last week on its side when it came in
the gate today, and that is exactly what it ran in the first time trial.
The car stayed close to its number all day, and put down a 9.000, 73.60
(8.94 dial) in the final agains Kyle Denton (12). Unfortunately for Denton,
the big red tomato colored bulb came on in his lane, when he left the
starting line just a bit too early. He then ran 9.13, 69.94 (9.01 dial).
Last week's runner up, Lauren Turner (11) finished in the semis today.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRO / SUPER PRO CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Mike Ruff '92 Camaro Orlando, FL 7.04 102.95 (7.08)
R/U: Keith Fuller '96 Williams dragster Lawrenceville,
GA(foul) 5.58 124.49 (5.59)
Semi: Grant Lewis '67 Camaro Jesup, GA
Semi:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SPORTSMAN CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Jacob Rutledge '79 Capri Braselton, GA 12.04 101.48 (11.99)
R/U: Joe Haddon '67 Nova Oxford, GA 10.88 123.35 (10.83)
Semi: Chris Jackson '69 H/SA Camaro Epps, LA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TROPHY STREET CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Derek Anderson '70 Nova Hayesville, NC 13.09 101.64 (13.05)
R/U: Bryan Harris Mustang Toccoa, GA (foul) 13.91 98.80 (13.90)
Semi: Mark Hefley '72 Nova Hayesville, NC
Semi:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOTORCYCLE BIKE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Jay Rhyne '83 Kawasaki Athens, GA 12.39 102.73 (12.40)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JR. DRAGSTER 8-12 AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: "Mad Matt" Gillen 10 Gainesville, GA 9.00 73.60 (8.94)
R/U: Kyle Denton 12 McDonough, GA
Semi: Lauren Turner 11 Lawrenceville, GA
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JR. DRAGSTER 13-17 AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Ashley Dumas 16 Commerce, GA 8.85 72.68 (8.85)
R/U: Kelly Gray 15 Adairsville, GA 9.02 69.66 (8.97)
Semi: Kelly Moore 15 Westminster, SC
Semi: Kevin Hackett 14 Evans, GA
Upcoming Local Drag Racing Reunions
Posted Saturday, August 10, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Don't forget to mark your calendar for two upcoming drag racing reunions.
2ND ANNUAL OLD DRAG RACER'S REUNION
Date: September 27, 28, 29- 2002
Location: Panama City Beach, Florida
The Broadwater Beach Convention Center Motel Complex
Sol and Anne Stewart are organizing this event again this year. It should be even better than last year! For info, contact Sol Stewart at: T_Pet@Bellsouth.Net
EAST COAST DRAG TIMES HALL OF FAME & 2002 REUNION
Date: October 6, 2002 ( Car Show October 5, 2002 )
Location: Vance-Granville Civic Center - Henderson, NC
Info
For the second year of this event, Nancy Wilson is going all out! Check out the website ( click on the above info link ).
I plan on attending both events and I hope to see you there!
Nostalgia Funny Cars at Dallas, GA
Posted Thursday, August 8, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
I have just learned from Gene Fuller ( track operator of Southeastern International Dragway- Dallas, GA )that 2 ( and possibly 4 ) nostalgia funny cars are scheduled to run at Dallas on August 24, 2002. The Dixie Pro Stock circuit ( Pro Mods ) will also be racing that day. This should be quite a day at the races! I haven't seen funny cars race at Dallas since the mid 1970's - I'll be there and I hope you'll be there, too. More details as they become available.
Kurt Johnson Press Release
Posted Wednesday, August 7, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Tue, 6 Aug 2002, 08:29 AM
Johnson Revved Up Over Woodburn Win, Strong Sonoma Showing
Courtesy of Rick Voegelin, TMG Sports Marketing
SONOMA, Calif. -- Kurt Johnson gained momentum for a strong finish in the NHRA POWERade championship with a victory in Woodburn (Oregon) Dragstrip's 13th annual Pro Stock Invitational on July 30th and a second-round finish today in the Fram-Autolite NHRA Nationals at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif.
Johnson's ACDelco Cavalier set the Woodburn Dragstrip track record at 6.837 seconds en route to a final-round victory over Gene Wilson.
After qualifying for the Fram-Autolite NHRA Nationals field in the No. 7 spot at 6.813/202.39 mph, Johnson defeated former NHRA champion Darrell Alderman in the first round, 6.798 to 6.910. He then faced Jeg Coughlin Jr., another former NHRA champion, in the second round. K.J. was first off the line, but lost to Coughlin at the stripe with a 6.816 to Jeg's 6.789.
"We've got a really, really good race car," said Johnson. "We made six flawless runs and successfully adapted to the changing track conditions.
"My ACDelco Cavalier was fast enough to win, but in the second round we got the left lane, which was just a little bit slower," he observed. "I knew it would be a good race with Jeg -- he's one of the best out there. I left first against him, but he had a slightly better car today. Now it's time to go back to the shop, make some more horsepower and get ready for the next one."
After a welcome week off following three straight races, he'll return to competition at the Rugged Liner NHRA Nationals in Brainerd, Minn., on Aug. 15-18.
"I think we can build on what we learned this weekend in Sonoma to nail down a spot in the top four in qualifying in Brainerd," Johnson predicted. "We've won there twice in the last five years and we have a good notebook on the track. I wish the race was tomorrow."
KURT JOHNSON RACE RESULTS
Qualified: No. 7 at 6.813/202.39 mph
First Round: Johnson (6.798/203.46) defeated Darrell Alderman, (6.910/202.21)
Second Round: Jeg Coughlin Jr. (6.787/202.76) defeated Johnson (6.816/203.06)
Final Round: Larry Morgan (6.845/201.58) defeated Greg Anderson, (6.799/202.45)
Low ET: Greg Anderson, 6.780 seconds (track record)
Top Speed: Greg Anderson, 203.52 mph (track record)
NEXT RACE
Rugged Liner NHRA Nationals, Brainerd, Minn., Aug. 15-18
Warren Johnson Press Release
Posted Wednesday, August 7, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Tue, 6 Aug 2002, 08:29 AM
Johnson's 15-year Qualifying Streak Ends in Sonoma
Courtesy of Rick Voegelin, TMG Sports Marketing
SONOMA, Calif. -- Warren Johnson's record-setting qualifying streak came to an end on an overcast day at the Fram-Autolite NHRA Nationals. After qualifying at 303 consecutive NHRA national events over a span of 15 years, Johnson missed the cut for the 16-car Pro Stock field Saturday at Infineon Raceway. W.J.'s 6.848-second qualifying time fell short of the 6.836 bump spot and left him 21st on the list.
"Nothing lasts forever," said Johnson. "I knew the streak would end sooner or later. It was nice while it lasted, but it's not something we intentionally set out to accomplish. The streak was just the result of our desire to race on Sunday.
"We were very fortunate to have qualified that many times in a row," W.J. continued. "It was certainly possible to run 6.80 in my final run, but we just didn't do it. The competition is very tough out there and you've got to be spot-on."
The last time that Johnson had a day off on race day was at the 1987 Gatornationals. His qualifying string had been in jeopardy several times since then, including the 1999 Fram-Autolite Nationals and the 2001 ACDelco Nationals, two events where he went made the field on his final attempt.
"It was a situation that we couldn't get the right setup for this particular track," Warren reported. "On the last qualifying run we had a 1.66-second 60-foot time, which was a bit of an anomaly. We had to change the chassis setup every run to make the car go straight, so there is obviously something we have to find and fix. This car will look like a plucked chicken when we get back to the shop and strip it bare.
"The end of the streak will draw attention to Pro Stock for the short term, and I'll certainly survive it," Johnson laughed. "We just accept it and move on."
Johnson will return to his racing roots in two weeks at the Rugged Liner NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway in his home state of Minnesota.
"We'll try to start another streak at the next race," said Johnson. "I figure I can beat the last one sometime in 2017."
WARREN JOHNSON RACE RESULTS
Qualified: No. 21 at 6.848/201.40
Final Round: Larry Morgan (6.845/201.58) defeated Greg
Anderson, (6.799/202.45)
Low ET: Greg Anderson, 6.780 seconds (track record)
Top Speed: Greg Anderson, 203.52 mph (track record)
NEXT RACE
Rugged Liner NHRA Nationals, Brainerd, Minn., Aug. 15-18
GDR Website Updated
Posted Monday, August 5, 2002 by johndilbeck
I've made a couple of corrections to the updates from yesterday, including adding a link to Bob Plumer's photos page from the photographers page.
I also noticed that the bookstore wasn't working as I originally built it and that all the magazine links had died when enews.com closed their doors last month. So, I redid the bookstore.
Over the last two weeks, I've managed to get a system running on JohnDilbeck.com that allows access to everything Amazon.com sells, and, using that system, you can search and browse several times as fast as you can on Amazon.com's own site. If you choose to purchase a product or add it to your wish list, my system hands you over to Amazon.com and they handle the process on their secure servers.
Feel free to look over the bookstore and browse or search for what you want from Amazon.com. Remember, they don't just sell books.
Some of you have asked how you can help support GeorgiaDragRacing.com, and one way is to go through our bookstore whenever you purchase something from Amazon.com. We'll earn a little, it won't cost you any more, and you still get Amazon.com's great service.
KJ Goes Two Rounds- Mark Whisnant and Gene Wilson Go Out in Round 1 at Sonoma
Posted Monday, August 5, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Pro Stock Summary
Herbert, Force, Morgan, and Treble Win at Sonoma
Posted Monday, August 5, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Fram-Autolite Eliminations Summary
Atlanta Dragway Results by Tim Glover
Posted Sunday, August 4, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
RACE DATE: August 3, 2002
FROM: Tim Glover
EVENT: at Atlanta Dragway
HOGUE MAKES IT TWO IN A ROW, BUFORD RACERS HAVE GOOD DAY
by Tim Glover
Rob Hogue made it two Sportsman wins in a row tonight with his H&R Race
Cars prepared '84 Monte Carlo SS, and racers from Buford did well in several
classes, topped off by Super Pro racer Donny Brown, Jr.. Brown not only won
Super Pro, he won the "Dash for the Cash" (where racers put a dial-in time
on their window, and the racer running closest to their time, without going
quicker, wins half the cash pot) earlier today by laying down a dead-on pass
in his '95 Spitzer dragster. Other "Dash for the Cash" winners included
first time racer Sean Dorsey from Stockbridge, GA in no electronics and
Kevin Hackett from Evans, GA in Jr. dragster. Other Buford racers who
finished in the final four were Joey Newbern (Super Pro) and Thomas
Davis-Cox (8-12 Jr. Dragster).
Donny Brown Jr. went undefeated today, first winning "Dash for the Cash"
and then rolling through the field to pick up his third Super Pro win this
year. Brown's dad announced before the semi-finals, "We're going to win
tonight. This car (a '95 Spitzer dragster) is "on" right now." Brown got
the instant win in the final after final round opponent Thomas Bell turned
on the big cherry colored bulb (Bell said afterward he just messed up and
his finger slipped off the trans-brake release button), fouling away his
chance of victory. Brown went on to a 5.09, 137.32 (5.05 target), while
Bell's 2000 Undercover dragster broke out a bit with a 5.097, 135.13 (5.11
dial). Stacy Blanton was a semi-final finisher tonight with his '96
Undercover dragster, along with Joey Newbern in his Yard Dart dragster.
"Drag Daddy and the clan helped make it four wins in a row," said Rob Hogue
after winning his second straight Sportsman final and taking over the
Sportsman points lead. (Their group also helped Jesse Young win two Super
Pro races recently.) Unlike last Sunday, Hogue had a trouble free day
today. He wasn't even going to come to the track, but felt he was on a
roll, and he was. Hogue met Joey "Chain Drive" Rutledge, who was competing
in his first Sportsman final, and although Rutledge had a slight reaction
time edge, Rutledge's '90 Mustang LX broke out with a 14.66, 86.49 on a
14.69 target. Hogue's '84 Monte Carlo SS was closer to the dial with an
11.85, 114.64 (11.86 dial). Joe Haddon took his H&R Race Cars modified '67
Nova all the way to the semi-finals. Hogue also thanked Ed Nalley Racing
Engines, Sid Neal Racing Transmissions and Keith Neal Torque Converters for
their help.
Today's lone motorcycle racer and winner was Jay Rhyne, who rode his '83
Kawasaki to a win with a 12.39, 102.73 (12.40 dial).
Ten year old Matt Gillen continued his points march in 8-12 Jr. Dragster,
meeting Lauren Turner (11) in the final for the third time this year.
Gillen took the reaction time edge with his Valvoline / Young Guns
Motorsports machine and ran closer to his dial-in time, turning in an 8.96,
73.45 (8.92 dial). Turner's machine was a little further off the mark,
running 9.16, 70.72 on a 9.09 target. "Thank God. He's blessed us with a
great day. Matt's on a roll," exclaimed Gillen's dad, Bill Gillen III after
the victory. Matt then thanked his mom, Lisa Gillen for letting him race.
Thomas Davis-Cox (13) finished in the semis.
In tonight's final, a 15 year old Kelly was guaranteed to win in 13-17 Jr.
Dragster. Kelly Gray (15) took the winning edge at the starting line and
never relinquished it, running an on the brakes 9.07, 66.87 (8.93 dial)
against Kelly Moore (also 15), who turned in a closer 8.23, 77.76 on an 8.18
dial, but was further off in the reaction time department this time. Gray
thanked her mom and dad, and also gave a big thanks to Alton Clements II,
who has been transporting their race car for the past month while her dad's
tow vehicle was broken. Clements' son, Alton Clements III, was the lone
semi-finalist today.
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PRO / SUPER PRO CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Donny Brown Jr. '95 Spitzer dragster Buford, GA 5.09 137.32 (5.05)
R/U: Thomas Bell '00 Undercover dragster Toccoa,
GA (foul) 5.09 135.13 (5.11)
Semi: Stacy Blanton '96 Undercover dragster Jefferson, GA
Semi: Joey Newbern Yard Dart dragster Buford, GA
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SPORTSMAN CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Rob Hogue '84 Monte Carlo SS Loganville, GA 11.85 114.64 (11.86)
R/U: Joey Rutledge '90 Mustang LX Alpharetta, GA 14.66 86.49 (14.69)
Semi: Joe Haddon '67 Nova Oxford, GA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TROPHY STREET CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Josh Harvis '98 Mustang GT Toccoa, GA 13.07 100.40 (13.00)
R/U: Steve Marcum '00 Dakota Bogart, GA 15.66 85.99 (15.70)
Semi: Dave Smith '68 Barracuda Conyers, GA
Semi: Mark Hefley '72 Nova Hayesville, NC
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOTORCYCLE BIKE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Jay Rhyne '83 Kawasaki Athens, GA 12.39 102.73 (12.40)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JR. DRAGSTER 8-12 AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: "Mad Matt" Gillen 10 Gainesville, GA 8.96 73.45 (8.92)
R/U: Lauren Turner 11 Lawrenceville, GA 9.16 70.72 (9.09)
Semi: Thomas Davis-Cox 13 Buford, GA
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JR. DRAGSTER 13-17 AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Kelly Gray 15 Adairsville, GA 9.07 66.87 (8.93)
R/U: Kelly Moore 15 Westminster, SC 8.23 77.76 (8.18)
Semi: Alton Clements 14 Central, SC
GDR Website Updated
Posted Sunday, August 4, 2002 by johndilbeck
New photos have been added today: (GDR-00242 through GDR-00262).
Thanks to photographers Ernie Scott, Fred Simmons and Bob Plumer for sharing their photos. Arnie Beswick also provided a photo from his collection.
Speaking of Arnie Beswick, he's looking for information about a car he used to own. You can see more information on the Automobiles page in the Classifieds section.
After months of horribly butchering the spelling of John Skistimas' name, we finally learned how to spell it. His brother sent us the authoritative spelling and a nice note. It's on John's page in the Photo Gallery, see photos by person to read the note.
A number of new persons were added to the site today and several others were updated with additional photos. Among the new persons are Dick Landy, Eddie Schartman, Jungle Jim Liberman, Howard Neal and Ed Skelton.
In the Directory, I added a new page for Bob Plumer's Drag Race Memories. Information is there for getting a catalog of the drag racing photos he sells.
Tim Glover, in addition to new race results for Atlanta Dragway in July, submitted an article that you can read in the Articles and Stories section. Look for his July submission, "A Day at the Races."
Gene Wilson, Mark Whisnant, and Kurt Johnson Qualify for Pro Stock at Sonoma.
Posted Sunday, August 4, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
NHRA POWERade FRAM-Autolite NHRA Nationals
Sonoma, CA
Gene Wilson qualifies #4 with an NHRA career best 6.799 202.24, Mark Whisnant nails down the #6 spot with a 6.804 201.94, and Kurt Johnson makes the program with a #7 best run of 6.813 202.39.
Pro Stock Qualifying Results
Warren Johnson's Consecutive Qualifying Streak Ends at 303
Posted Saturday, August 3, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Warren Johnson failed to qualify for Pro Stock at Sonoma - for the first time since the 1987 Gatornationals. Larry Dixon, John Force, Greg Anderson, and Matt Hines lead the Pro Qualifying.
Qualifying Results
Mark Whisnant #4, Gene Wilson #9, Kurt Johnson #11, and Warren Johnson #15 after 2 Pro Stock Qualifying Sessions at Sonoma
Posted Saturday, August 3, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Pro Stock Qualifying Results
Local Drag Racing Videos by Jerry Towns
Posted Saturday, August 3, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
To purchase videos ( or photos ) of local drag strip action, contact Jerry Towns at 770-787-3737 or email: jtphoto@bellsouth.net
Jerry recently sent a video of a Pro Mod race that I attended at Southeastern International Dragway ( Dallas, GA ). The video was sharply shot and I was impressed! There was not any narration, but the track announcer can be clearly heard. You need to check out these reasonably priced videos. Tell Jerry that you found out about him on GeorgiaDragRacing.com!
Jerry informed me that he tapes at Commerce or Dallas on Saturdays and Eatonton on Sunday. He occasionally traveled to Macon in the past.
For more information about his videos and photographs, contact:
Jerry Towns Photography
1935 Dixie Road
Covington, GA 30014
770-787-3737
jtphoto@bellsouth.net
Angelle Savoie/Star Racing #3 Pro Stock Motorcycle Qualifier After 2 Sessions at Sonoma
Posted Saturday, August 3, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
NHRA POWERadeFRAM-Autolite NHRA Nationals
Sonoma, CA
Pro Stock Motorcycle Qualifying Results
Jimmy Rector Press Release
Posted Saturday, August 3, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Tue, 30 Jul 2002, 02:49 PM
Rector Reaches Semifinals in Martin
Courtesy of Bill Severino- Nitro Web Designs
MARTIN, Mich. -- Current IHRA Funny Car Points leader, Jimmy Rector, from Ft. Oglethorpe, Georgia, reached the semifinals on Sunday at the 21st annual CARQUEST Auto Parts Northern Nationals. Dale “the Rail” Brand of Sully, Iowa, currently number two in points, ended Rector’s day for the second race in a row. Rector leaves Martin, Michigan with a 51 point lead in his quest for the 2002 IHRA Funny Car Points Championship.
For the second consecutive race, Rector has had his problems during qualifying but managed to qualify in number five qualifying position.
Rector noted after qualifying, “We were on a really good pass on the fourth qualifying attempt, but the blower pulley shattered and we had to coast down the track. We have had our share of gremlins these past two races but we have them worked out and will be back on track in Toronto.”
In the first round of eliminations, Rector squared off with Joe Comella. Comella got out of the gates first with a .486 light versus Rector’s .526 light, but Comella was not able to hold off the Holbrook Performance Parts, Inc. sponsored Camaro. Rector cruised on to victory with a 5.97 versus Comella’s 6.12, setting up a meeting with veteran alky flopper pilot Bob Newberry in round number two.
A second round meeting with Newberry proved to be an extremely tough match up for Rector. Rector nailed Newberry on the tree with a .442 light but then the car headed right towards the wall and out of the groove but Rector was able to get it corrected, pulling off the victory, even though Newberry ran a quicker 5.93 to Rector’s 5.96 pass.
In the semifinals, Rector paired off with veteran funny car driver Dale “the Rail” Brand. Coming into this event, Brand’s record versus Rector was 1-4 this year with Brand’s one win coming on a .278 redlight by Rector in Leicester, New York. Rector got out of the gates first with a .451 light versus Brand’s .470 light but he was unable to hold off the Co-Line Welding sponsored Firebird of Dale Brand to the finish line, ending Rector’s day.
Rector and the Holbrook Performance Parts Camaro will continue their quest for the 2002 IHRA Funny Car Championship, at the at the 1st Annual ACDeIco IHRA Canadian Nationals in Cayuga, Ontario, August 9th thru August 11th.
Visit the official website of Jimmy Rector at www.jimmyrector.com
Vist Hobrook Performance Parts at www.holbrook-performance.com
Mark Whisnant Press Release
Posted Thursday, August 1, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
RW PERFORMANCE PRO STOCK CHEVY CAVALIER
MARK WHISNANT – DRIVER REID WHISNANT – OWNER
July 31, 2002
CONTACT: Patti Miles
336-798-7212 704-957-3940 (Mobile)
pattie.miles@worldnet.att.net
Whisnant Heads to Sears Point
SONOMA, Calif. – After his performance last weekend in Seattle, you would think that Mark Whisnant, driver of the RW Performance Pro Stock Chevrolet Cavalier, would arrive in Sonoma, Calif. for the running of the 15th Annual Fram-Autolite Nationals sure about this chances of qualifying at this weekends event. But Whisnant is approaching this event with caution and wariness.
Last weekend in Seattle, Whisnant qualified Number 1, set a new track ET record, and advanced all the way to the final round before falling to Jeg Coughlin Jr. His performance in Seattle was excellent, and by most peoples standards he has a right to be sure and confident about qualifying and racing at Sears Point this weekend. However, Whisnant would be the first to disagree.
"It is a reality and testament to how competitive this Pro Stock class is when you can win a race and DNQ at the next event," said Whisnant. "We have seen it happen too many times this year. A driver does well, even wins an event, then goes on to DNQ at the next race. I would be stupid to think that it could not happen to me too.
"This weekend is not going to be easy for the RW Performance team. We have a couple things working against us already.
"First, we have never raced at Sears Point. I have been here with my Dad (Reid Whisnant) before, but have never driven this particular racetrack, so I don’t know what to expect.
"Second, they have completely redone the Sears Point raceway. The facilities are great, and the drag strip is brand new. My crew has been here before, but with the new surface it will be completely different form what they are used too. But then again, no one will know what we have until we get there and cars start going down the track.
"The third challenge this will weekend will be the weather. It is very hard to predict the weather here. I am told you can have fog in the morning, and when it burns off it can get hot. In the past, they have raced in heat well over the 100’s. That will make tuning the car different every round.
"Our game plan for this weekend is the same game plan we have had all year; that is to take it one qualifying session and round at a time. Since this is a new racetrack, and we have never been here before, we will have to wait and see what we have Friday morning. Make the best pass we can in the first session, and then go from there.
"It is the same plan we have had all season. It has worked for us before, and hopefully to will work out for us this weekend in Sears Point."
Qualifying at the 15th Annual Fram-Autolite Nationals will begin on Friday Aug. 2, and continue on Saturday Aug. 3. Eliminations will take place on Sunday Aug. 4 at 11:00 AM PST.
# # #
Whisnant Quick Facts
Currently 10th in NHRA Pro Stock Points (587 points)
5th in King Demon Points (710 points)
2 Final Round Appearance in 2002 (Topeka, Seattle)
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)
15th Annual Fram-Autolite Nationals
TV Schedule
Qualifying Highlights
Saturday Aug. 3 8:00 – 10:00 PM EST (ESPN)
Eliminations Coverage
Sunday Aug. 4 7:00 – 10:00 PM EST (ESPN2)
Repeat Eliminations
Tuesday Aug. 6 2:30 – 5:30 AM EST (EPSN2)
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Copyright © 2002-2003 by David W. Dilbeck: david@DavidDilbeck.com
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