ADRL.us :: Agent 660 Notes

May 31, 2009

McDonald Sr. Hospitalized - UPDATED 06/02

Your Agent just got back from visiting Bennie McDonald Sr. (far left), who was admitted to Atlanta’s Piedmont Hospital yesterday after suffering an early-morning stroke at his Locust Grove, GA, home. His wife, Debbie, said McDonald Sr. recovered with no ill effects from a previous stroke several years ago and she’s hoping for the best again this time.

McDonald, father of Pro Extreme pilot Bennie Jr., appeared tired, but coherent and talkative for the 15 minutes or so your Agent spent with him in the hospital’s intensive-care unit. He is undergoing daily CAT scans and will be monitored until Tuesday while doctors establish a course of care, which may or may not involve surgery. Currently, McDonald has lost use of most of his left side and the CAT scans are showing distinct bleeding in the right side of his brain, with additional bleeding in the left half.

National Guard ADRL President and CEO Kenny Nowling phoned in to Bennie Jr. while your Agent was present, extending his personal concern and well wishes from the entire ADRL family.

Get well soon, Mr. Bennie!

UPDATE 06/02, 8:40 pm: Your Agent just got off the phone with Debbie McDonald, who said her husband’s doctors told her tonight that Bennie Sr’s latest CAT scan shows no improvement, but no worsening, either. Right now they’re just going to continue with observation, but also said he’d remain hospitalized for at least two more weeks for rehabilitation. Your Agent’s thoughts remain with the entire McDonald clan.

(ADRL/Richards file photo)

May 29, 2009

Memphis Drags Coverage Updated

Your Agent just wanted to take a moment to mention the photo gallery from last weekend’s Quarter-Max Memphis Drags II has been updated with images from local photog Blair Ball, along with pics by ADRL shooters Roger Richards and Ian Tocher.

There’s also a complete rundown of the qualifying orders and results from two rounds of eliminations before rain rolled in to postpone the semis and finals for all classes to June 5, during Friday-night qualifying for next weekend’s Ford Drive One Summer Drags V at U.S. 131 Dragway in Martin, MI. A new feature on ADRL.us allows users to view results sorted by racing class, too.

The point standings as they stood at the Memphis interruption also have been updated, though points for records set during the event will not be added until the finals are completed, so at minimum both Jason Scruggs’ and Billy Glidden’s totals will increase based on their stellar performances in the Volunteer State—unless, that is, someone else steps up to steal their thunder.

May 27, 2009

Bouncing Baby Boy for Janis Jr.

The announcement is covered elsewhere here at ADRL.us, but your Agent wants to personally congratulate Mike Janis Jr. and his wife, Melissa, on the birth of their first child. Mike is crew chief on his dad’s Pro Extreme entry and wisely stayed home from this past weekend’s Quarter-Max Memphis Drags II in order not to miss the blessed event.

His decision paid off when Jacob Michael Janis arrived at 5:11 p.m. EST on May 23rd, and weighed in at 7 pounds, 14 ounces. Your Agent is very happy to know both mom and son are doing well.

Your Agent joins everyone in the extended National Guard ADRL family in wishing Melissa, Mike and Jacob all the best.

Now get some sleep!

May 26, 2009

National Guard ADRL on CompetitionPlus.com

When the name “Morris Johnson Jr.” (right) popped up on the Extreme Pro Stock entry list at last weekend’s rain-shortened Quarter-Max Memphis Drags II, most racers and fans probably never gave it a second thought. However, many of the, shall we say, “veterans,” of the sport certainly took ample notice.

In his post-race online meanderings, your Agent came across a story by his old pal Bobby Bennett over at CompetitionPlus.com that chronicles some of Johnson’s life experiences and the drag racing path that took him to Memphis and put him behind the wheel of a race car for the first time in a decade. Trust your Agent on this one; it’s a story you want to know, especially coming so soon on the heels of Memorial Day.

While at CompPlus, you might also want to check out a couple of short reports about Pro Extreme drivers Jason Hamstra and Don Wootton and the decidedly different approaches they’ve taken to the quickest and fastest door car racing on the planet.

The entire Memphis Drags race package is there, too.

Good reads all.

(ADRL/Richards photo)

May 25, 2009

Memorial Day

Your Agent attended a very moving Memorial Day event this morning that featured representatives from all branches of the U.S. military, including, of course, the National Guard, which plays such a huge role at each and every ADRL national event.

Please keep all members of our military—past and present—in your hearts and minds today, and give thanks for all they do to keep us safe and free 365 days a year.

(ADRL/Tocher photo)

May 22, 2009

Master Mixologist at Work

True to his word, Pro Extreme team owner Camp Stanley made sure your Agent received one of his world-infamous margaritas on Thursday evening as the early arrivals waited for the start of this weekend’s Quarter-Max Memphis Drags II in Millington, TN.

May 20, 2009

Bush Back in D’Aprile Pits

Your Agent was pleased to learn that Pro Extreme team owner Mel Bush will be back in action this weekend at the Quarter-Max Memphis Drags II after suffering a health scare last month at the previous National Guard ADRL event at Valdosta, GA.

Bush fell ill Friday night in Georgia and had to be briefly hospitalized, shortly after driver Tommy D’Aprile put his fan-favorite ‘62 Bel Air into the Pro Extreme field in fourth place, then reached the quarter-finals on race day.

“The doctors have cleared me, and I can’t wait to get back to the track,” Bush said. “I was extremely happy after qualifying in Georgia, and very disappointed I didn’t get to see eliminations. We’re going into our third race and I still haven’t seen us take a round, [but] I’m sure that’ll change this weekend.”

Good to have you back, Mel.

(ADRL/Richards file photo)