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June 30, 2009

Topeka Pre-Race Party Details

Well, your Agent just learned of a pre-race party for National Guard ADRL racers and fans presented by Racetalk 39X before this weekend’s Hardee’s Independence Drags III at Heartland Park Topeka.

The festivities will begin about 8 p.m. on Thursday night at the Hooters restaurant at 6100 SW 10th Street, Topeka, KS, 66615-3857. For those like your Agent who still travel “old school” without the aid of GPS navigation, you can get directions the old-fashioned way by calling Hooters at (785) 273-9464.

“Big Don” Ellison will be there with his traditional Thursday-night Internet “radio” show, showcasing all things ADRL, including a series of sponsor spotlights this week, including Aeromotive, ATI ProCharger and Bullseye Power, among others. There will be interviews with several National Guard ADRL drivers and race officials, too, so make sure to tune in through the online link here at ADRL.us.

And you may not realize it at the time, but your Agent will see you there!

June 30, 2009

National Guard ADRL Welcomes Drag Race Central

Your Agent is thrilled to report that the guys over at www.DragRaceCentral.com are coming on board to provide round-by-round coverage of the National Guard ADRL as only they can.

DRC race coverage begins this weekend with the Hardee’s Independence Drags III at Heartland Park Topeka and will continue at all subsequent events.

There’s even a new ADRL-dedicated section over at Drag Race Central, so this is a major step up for the series’ online race coverage.

Your Agent understands that live timing and live audio of the on-track announcers will also remain here at ADRL.us, so it looks like the whole package is coming together.  

June 30, 2009

Sassy Smith, RIP

Pro Nitrous driver and tuner Rickie Smith is one of the toughest racers your Agent has ever come across, which make his tribute to a dear, departed friend over at www.ProModZone.com that much more poignant and touching.

You have our condolences, Rickie.

(Photo courtesy ProModZone.com)

June 29, 2009

Another National Guard ADRL Photo Gallery

Admittedly a little after the fact, but your Agent was just alerted to a great photo gallery featuring National Guard ADRL action from the Ford Drive One Summer Drags V a few weeks ago at Martin, MI.

This time it’s the National Guard ADRL as seen through the lens of Bruce Biegler from up north at www.DragRaceCanada.com.

Your Agent is confident you’ll find something to your liking in there.

(Photo by Bruce Biegler)

June 29, 2009

Happy Birthday, Tommy Franklin!

Your Agent joins Judy Franklin in wishing her husband, Tommy, a very Happy 36th Birthday today, along with daughters Amber (soon to be 7) and Ashley, 2.

You may recall that Franklin went through one of the scariest crashes in National Guard ADRL history last summer in his Pro Nitrous debut at Budds Creek, MD.

His brand-spankin’-new, Garret Race Cars-built ‘68 Camaro got loose off the line in his first test pass of the day and climbed the track’s “Jersey barrier” guardwall, sending it into a series of violent snap rolls. All the mandated safety equipment and a strong chassis protected Franklin, though, and he walked away unscathed.

Your Agent is pleased to report Franklin is awaiting delivery of another new Garret ‘68 Camaro and plans a return to National Guard ADRL competition, possibly even this fall.

“Racing is a big part of all of our lives, but this is something that Tommy and his dad, Roger, have always done together. It’s their bond and they both are excited about getting back out to the track,” Judy told your Agent. “Our oldest is turning 8 next year and Tommy and his dad are planning on building her a Jr. Dragster so that she can follow in her daddy’s footsteps.”

A real racing family coming together to wish Dad a Happy Birthday.

It warms your Agent’s heart.

June 29, 2009

‘Coach Carlton’ to Miss Independence Drags

Well, the rain-postponed Flowmaster Extreme 10.5 quarter-finals from the Ford Drive One Summer Drags V will be short at least one entrant this Friday at the Hardee’s Independence Drags III because Jake Carlton will be staying home to coach his daughters in a Florida state-wide, fast-pitch softball tournament. That gives Jeff Naiser a bye run and free pass into the semis for the Martin, MI, portion of the weekend.

Carlton told your Agent this afternoon that daughters Sarah, 8, and Hannah, 11, are both representing the Hardee County (FL) All-Stars and as coach of Hannah’s team, with his wife, Melissa, coaching Sarah’s team, it’s a softball weekend he “would never want to miss.”

Carlton, currently fourth in XTF points, said he’ll be back in action at the next stop on the 2009 National Guard ADRL tour, July 24-25, in the NationalGuard.com U.S. Drags II at Virginia Motorsports Park. His team will spend time before the race testing several new ideas—the nature of which he declined to divulge to your Agent.

Regardless, your Agent still extends good luck wishes toward both Hannah and Sarah and their Hardee County Angels and Darlings teams this weekend.

(ADRL/Tocher file photo)

June 29, 2009

Carpenter Confirms Topeka Trip

Watch for an official announcement coming soon, perhaps as early as this afternoon, confirming that Pro Nitrous legend Charles Carpenter will make his return to National Guard ADRL competition this weekend.

Your Agent spoke earlier today with Carpenter, who said he’s busy making preparations for a late, Tuesday-night departure from his shop in Charlotte, NC, headed west for the Hardee’s Independence Drags III at Heartland Park Topeka.

Carpenter said his classic ‘55 Chevy, fresh out of the Alan Pittman Race Cars shop in Greenville, SC. will still be sporting a grey-primered nose as a reminder of its spectacular meeting with the wall at the National Guard ADRL season opener at Houston Raceway Park that put both car and driver out of commission for several months.

“It’s gonna’ be ugly, probably for the rest of the year,” Carpenter said, citing both time and money constraints. “But as long as it’s fast, that’ll be okay.” 

 Your Agent is just one of many Carpenter fans just happy to know the legend will be back.

(ADRL/Tocher file photo)

June 28, 2009

Scruggs Fame Extends to Australia

Your Agent was checking out www.ProModifieds.us tonight and came across a post by his old friend, Brian Cupp, pointing out a column in the down-under Street Machine magazine by Aussie Top Doorslammer legend Victor Bray that touched on Pro Extreme star Jason Scruggs’ recent exploits.

It’s a very complimentary read, not only about Scruggs, but about National Guard ADRL performance in general.

What also caught your Agent’s attention, though, was Bray’s mention of a possible return to the driver’s seat for former Pro Extreme star and fellow Austrailian Troy Critchley, who most recently has been tuning Joshua Hernandez alongside veteran crew chief Jim Oddy in the National Guard Team Red ‘57 Chevy.

Check it out here.

June 28, 2009

Breaking News: Haning & Taylor Join Forces

This just in: your Agent’s on-the-ground operative in Texas reports that Pro Extreme teams Haning Racing and Taylor Motorsports have formed a new partnership that will see them sharing all race data and tune-ups starting at the National Guard ADRL Hardee’s Independence Drags III, July 3-4, at Heartland Park Topeka.

Though your Agent understands the agreement is yet to be formalized, the Taylor crew was spotted wearing Haning Racing t-shirts during their TOPMA outing in Dallas last night. The plan apparently calls for Taylor’s ‘05 Corvette (right) to ride alongside driver Wes Johnston’s ‘53 Vette in the Haning race rig to all National Guard ADRL events and for Paul Taylor, brother and crew chief to Frankie, to oversee the tune-up on both cars. In fact, your Agent’s operative said Johnston’s ride may actually reside at Taylor’s Dickinson, TX, shop in the near future, too.

Your Agent can’t help but notice partnerships to share information and expenses is a growing trend among National Guard ADRL teams and thinks it’s very encouraging to see racers take the initiative to keep their operations competitive and financially viable. 

(ADRL/Richards file photos)

June 27, 2009

Riesterer Returns Just in Time for Topeka

In his first outing after bouncing his ‘68 Camaro off both walls in the National Guard ADRL 2009 opener at Houston, Pro Nitrous star Doug Riesterer suffered his second big accident of the year a couple of weeks ago during Friday-afternoon testing for the Ford Drive One Summer Drags V at Martin, MI. After a launch into severe tire shake, nine of the 10 titanium wheel studs holding his car’s rear wheels on snapped at the base, resulting in the obvious problem depicted above.

Immediately afterward, a dejected Riesterer told your Agent he may be finished for the year as he just didn’t have the heart to fix the car again, but as your Agent knows, never doubt the determination of a dyed-in-the-wool racer, of which Riesterer certainly is one.

A highly trusted operative reported back to your Agent that Riesterer is competing in a TOPMA race near Dallas, TX, tonight and his first hit off the trailer resulted in an impressive 4.09 at 176.93 mph. When your Agent commented on the relatively low speed, the operative said Riesterer told him the car was set up “soft” and running on only one stage of nitrous for the initial test pass.

Riesterer also confirmed he’ll be at Topeka next weekend for the Hardee’s Independence Drags III, so that’s good news, too.

Your Agent suspects there may be more to follow on this story.

UPDATE (06-28-09): Well, your Agent thought there might be more and Riesterer came through with a stellar 4.004 at 184.42-mph blast during quarter-final eliminations, but unfortunately, his car failed to start for the semis in Dallas. That left National Guard ADRL Pro Extreme regulars and LenMar Motorsports teammates Gaylen Smith and Ken Thomas to duke it out for the win, with Thomas coming out on top. Your Agent congratulates everyone involved and looks forward to seeing them all in Topeka next weekend.  

(ADRL/Richards file photo)

June 27, 2009

PXM Riders Promoted in Topeka Paper

Your Agent was doing a little Web surfing tonight and noticed the online edition of the Topeka Capital-Journal is reporting:

“American Drag Racing League bikers will be at Buffalo Wild Wings in Topeka from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday to promote the National Guard ADRL’s Independence Drags III at Heartland Park in Topeka on July 3 and 4. Top racers James Hubbard, Brian Pearson and Steve Smithers will be making personal appearances along with their crews, trailers and gear. Ten attendees will also have a chance to roll dice and win a 2009 Yamaha R6 Sport Bike from Lawrence Yamaha.”

Good to see the locals getting into the National Guard ADRL spirit.

June 26, 2009

BTG: Spiro Pappas

Make sure to check out the Beyond the Guardwall segment on Extreme 10.5 racer Spiro Pappas.

Heading into next weekend’s Hardee’s Independence Drags III at Heartland Park Topeka, the Chicago-based Pappas discusses his game plan for the race and the season.

Check it out here.

June 26, 2009

PXM Points Leader Returning in Topeka

After missing the past two National Guard ADRL events in Memphis and Martin, MI, Pro Extreme Motorcycle (PXM) rider Matt Prophit (left) will be back in the saddle July 3-4, for the Hardee’s Independence Drags III at Heartland Park Topeka.

Incredibly, despite the missed races, Prophit has retained his points lead, though that situation is likely to change once the rain-interrupted Ford Drive One Summer Drags V is completed on Friday during the first day of the Topeka event. Still, Prophit crew chief and chassis builder Walt Timblin is happy with the way things worked out.

“Matt stayed home and took care of business so he could race the rest of the year. We’re in good shape now,” Timblin said. 

Speaking of Timblin, a three-decades veteran of the sport, he says Heartland Park Topeka is one of the very few major drag strips throughout the country he’s never visited before.

“I’m kind of excited about getting out there,” he told your Agent. “I like a challenge; I just hope it’s not a hundred degrees that weekend.”

Your Agent concurs.

Finally, your Agent heard through the PXM pipeline that Travis Davis has been tapped to ride a second bike in a two-entry team for veteran Monte Campbell, who debuted his own new Timblin-built Suzuki earlier this season at the National Guard ADRL event in Valdosta, GA.

Campbell stated in the latest issue of the ADRL’s Adrenaline magazine that the second bike would be an identical “clone” of his ride in order to allow testing and easy interchangeability of parts at the race track.

“That’s the main goal; not to mess with the success of the main bike and do all the testing with the second bike,” he said in the Adrenaline article.

Don’t look for Davis on the new bike in Kansas, though; your Agent hears he’ll most likely make his debut with it at the July 24-25, NationalGuard.com U.S. Drags II at Virginia Motorsports Park.

(ADRL/Tocher file photo)

June 25, 2009

Myers Making it Happen for Topeka

Your Agent was speaking with Pro Nitrous racer Thomas “Tom Slick” Myers this morning.

A couple of weeks back, a rod broke in Myers’ engine when it lost oil pressure halfway through a test pass prior to qualifying for the Ford Drive One Summer Drags V at Martin, MI. The breakage ended Myers’ race weekend and he feared at the time his season may have been in jeopardy, too.

So your Agent is pleased to report the damage was not as severe as first thought and Myers will be rebuilding the motor this weekend and plans to race in the July 3-4, Hardee’s Independence Drags III at Heartland Park Topeka.

“A new crank is arriving today, David Reher will have the heads done today or tomorrow and I’ll work on assembly this weekend,” Myers said. He explained he’ll be adding two sleeves to the cylinders as well, but feels very fortunate that the camshaft and valve train escaped damage.

“Between this and the fire we had at Memphis I was starting to feel like we were cursed,” Myers told your Agent. “Hopefully we’ll get some good karma now and I think you’ll see us do a lot better from here on out.”

(ADRL/Tocher file photo)

June 25, 2009

National Guard ADRL TV Now Archived Online

Believe it or not, your Agent actually missed viewing the most recent National Guard ADRL TV show on the Versus action sports network this past Sunday that featured the rain-shortened Quarter-Max Memphis Drags II.

All is not lost, however, because now all past episodes of the 2009 televised race coverage are available here at ADRL.us in a special ADRL Video Viewer. The option is there, too, for watching coverage broken down by class at each event held so far this year, or to watch feature stories about National Guard ADRL racers, officials, sponsors and fans.

Check it out; it’s Agent approved!

June 25, 2009

Haynes Steps Up PN Power for Richmond Race

Your Agent received a note from Brian Shaw yesterday about the wild ‘41 Willys that Randall Haynes wheeled in Pro Nitrous earlier this season at the National Guard ADRL event in Valdosta, GA.

With a Fulton 706 under the hood, Haynes ran a best of 4.31 in qualifying, which left him outside the field for the Hardee’s Georgia Drags V, so the Virginia-based team is stepping up its efforts with a return to PN action planned for the July 24-25 NationalGuard.com U.S. Drags II at Virginia Motorsports Park, just south of Richmond in Dinwiddie, VA.

“Our consistency was just not there, so we have gone and done the inevitable and purchased us one of Fulton’s big boys,” Shaw wrote.

If they can get the car to perform as good as it looks, your Agent predicts great things for Shaw, Haynes and the rest of their crew.

(ADRL/Tocher file photo)

June 24, 2009

Sticky Situation for Stanley&Weiss

Your Agent appreciates the value of lookin’ his best, which is why he trusts all his sartorial needs to Fred’s Big’N’Tall (he’ll leave it up to you to find out if he’s the former or the latter, or both, maybe your Agent is a giant!), the store that has it all for the plus-sized drag racing reporter (shameless endorsement plug).

Anyway, it’s that awareness of sponsor support through “visual comfort” that helps your Agent understand the importance of placing contingency sponsor decals straight and true on a race car.Apparently the guys over at Stanley&Weiss Racing share your Agent’s opinion as they have banned team principal Camp Stanley from ever touching sticker to fender again.

Comments to the effect of “Crooked, Cock-eyed, Put them down!, Don’t touch!, and Go Away!” were reportedly tossed about their Hagerstown, MD, shop and your Agent suspects there may even have been a few more profane and profound admonitions of “Leave it alone!” bandied about. To his credit, though, your Agent hears that even Camp agrees it’d be best if he never peeled another sticker for placement again.

It’s all part of the (re)beautification process being applied to the Pro Extreme team’s new “Appalachia on Steroids” McAmis-built Camaro that suffered a run-in with the wall during maiden-voyage testing at Cecil County Dragway earlier this year.

The car actually competed with a make-do paint job last month in the Quarter-Max Independence Drags II at Millington, TN, posting very nice 3.98 and 3.91 laps its first two times down a track, though it was unable to crack the quickest PX field in National Guard ADRL history.

Now it’s been back to Maaco of Hagerstown, where Raymond Stanley (brother of driver, John), sprayed on new coats of hugger orange and metalflake to make the Camaro sparkle in the sun like a mirror ball on prom night. The next stop is Tim Fraker Racegraphics for restoration of the car’s fancy flamed façade to its former glory before Fraker himself takes care to correctly apply and align the appropriate sponsor stickers.

It’s all about lookin’ sharp, your Agent says.

(ADRL/Richards file photo)

June 23, 2009

Happy Birthday!

Your Agent was just informed that Jessica Alcoke, quite possibly the youngest exec for a major motorsports sanctioning body (and certainly one of the better-looking ones!), turned one year older today.

If your Agent’s math is correct (and it usually is), that means the National Guard ADRL Executive VP of Operations has finally hit the quarter-century mark.

Let’s see, at 25 your Agent considered it a success when he made it to the laundromat and a grocery store in one day, while Ms Alcoke (your Agent always addresses her as Ms Alcoke—and never makes eye contact) is in charge of operations for a multi-million-dollar drag racing series.

Your Agent needs a drink.

Happy Birthday, Jess!

(ADRL file photo)

June 23, 2009

Summer Drags Completion Schedule for Topeka

Your Agent received a memo today from National Guard ADRL Executive Veep of Competition Bubba Corzine, explaining how the rain-postponed remainder of the Ford Drive One Summer Drags V from Martin, MI, will play out July 3, during the first day of the Hardee’s Independence Drags III at Heartland Park Topeka.

Here’s the run order and schedule: 

All competitors left in competition will get one time run at 1:00 p.m.

Quarter finals will begin at 3:00 p.m. Run order will be XPS, PXM, XTF, PN, PX and PJD.

Semi finals will begin at 5:00 p.m. Same run order.

Finals will be run at the end of each class’ qualifying session (emphasis added by your Agent).

There will a winner’s circle celebration at the end of qualifying for all classes, after the jet car runs.

It’s the second two-in-one race weekend in a row for the National Guard ADRL and though it makes things a little confusing calendar-wise for your Agent, he certainly enjoys the added drama and challenge.

June 21, 2009

McDonald Makes Major Gain

It warmed your Agent’s heart to receive a text message containing this photo of Bennie McDonald Sr., taken Friday at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta.

Clearly alert and feeling better, this is the best your Agent has seen the PX team patriarch looking since suffering a serious stroke more than three weeks ago.

His wife, Debbie, said it was the first time in 18 days that McDonald was headache free and marked the first time she’d seen him truly smile in 21 days!

Your Agent wishes many more days of smiling for the entire McDonald family in the coming weeks.

Maybe attending the July 3-4, Hardee’s Independence Drags III at Topeka, KS, isn’t such a long shot after all.

June 21, 2009

National Guard ADRL on Versus This Sunday

Your Agent should have given more notice, but make sure to tune in tomorrow, June 21, for high-def TV coverage from the rain-shortened Ford Drive One Summer Drags V on the Versus action sports network.

Although just one round of eliminations for all five National Guard ADRL pro classes (plus one pair of XPS cars in round two) were completed up in Martin, MI, before rain postponed proceedings at the second-straight ADRL event, fans will get to see the rain-delayed semis and final rounds of the Quarter-Max Memphis Drags II that were run Friday night during qualifying at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park.   

If you’re unsure where Versus might be on your local channel listing, check out the handy Versus locator here at ADRL.us. Just click on the “Watch ADRL on VERSUS” button near the top left of the homepage, then insert your zip code into the appropriate box. A list of service providers and channels specific to your area will pop up. It’s that simple.

If you miss any of the National Guard ADRL airings on Versus, visit the new ADRL Videos On Demand player. It will gradually feature all shows in their entirety, plus exclusive interviews and bonus features, such as a video from each class that depicts every elimination run so far this season.

June 19, 2009

2010 ADRL Schedule a Work in Progress

Your Agent was visiting ADRL worldwide headquarters today and distinctly heard talk of at least one specific weekend for one specific track in 2010.

He’s not yet at liberty to reveal the date or the destination, but can say it’s for a race venue on the current schedule.

Watch for an official announcement coming soon.

June 18, 2009

Letha Going Home!

Your Agent spoke with National Guard ADRL VP of Competition Bubba Corzine, who said his wife, Letha, also a pivotal member of the ADRL race ops team, would be going home this afternoon after a brief hospitalization in Ft. Worth, TX, following what’s being described as a “mini stroke” last Saturday night.

Mini or not, it sounds like a scary situation and your Agent was relieved to hear Letha started physical therapy today and will continue a rigorous rehab schedule in the coming days and weeks with an eye on returning to her role as supreme keeper of all things timing-and-scoring related at the July 3-4, Hardee’s Independence Drags III at Heartland Park Topeka.

We all wish you well, Letha. (You too, Bubba, hang in there, man.)

(ADRL/Tocher file photo)   

June 17, 2009

McDonald Continues on the Mend

One of your Agent’s operatives dropped in on Bennie McDonald Sr. yesterday at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta, where he’s recuperating after suffering a serious stroke at home about three weeks back in Locust Grove, GA.

The operative reports that McDonald, father of Pro Extreme driver Bennie Jr., appeared tired, but demonstrated significantly improved dexterity with his left arm, hand and fingers, though he remains bed-ridden for the time being and continues to be afflicted with often painful headaches.

Just yesterday they upped his rehab regimen from three to four hours, so that probably explains away his tired state and a CT scan is scheduled for today or tomorrow to try and determine the root cause of the lingering brain pain.

The good news, however, is that a definite release date has been established (right) and physical therapists have assured his wife, Debbie, that the 71-year old will be walking out under his own power come the end of the month. .

If all progresses as planned, McDonald also has received the go-ahead from his doctor to accompany the family-based race team to Topeka, KS, for the July 3-4, Hardee’s Independence Drags III.

Your Agent is confident in saying there’s no one he or the rest of the ADRL family would be happier to see roll through the racer’s gate at Heartland Park Topeka than “Mr. Bennie.”

June 15, 2009

Get Well Soon, Letha!

Your Agent was very sorry to hear that Letha Corzine, the backbone of the National Guard ADRL’s timing and scoring effort at every national event, recently suffered a “mini stroke”—or what’s medically known as a transient ischemic attack.

In a stronger voice than, quite frankly, your Agent expected to hear this morning, Letha said that all of a sudden her left side felt numb and weak Saturday night and she had to be rushed to a local Texas hospital by her husband, ADRL VP of Competition Bubba Corzine.

Bubba admitted he was more scared than Letha—especially when she appeared to have another minor episode early Monday morning. All is well now, though, your Agent was assured, and Letha should be resting at home shortly. Both said they expect to be in Topeka July 3-4, for the Hardee’s Independence Drags III.

And believe your Agent, that’s a good thing because Letha is often the lone voice of sanity in the frenetic ADRL control tower. We need her!

Your Agent knows he is joined by every single member of the extended National Guard ADRL family in wishing Letha a quick and complete recovery.

(ADRL/Tocher file photo)

June 13, 2009

Owens Goes 4.18@180.30!

Your Agent was remiss in not mentioning sooner a pair of very significant milestones achieved in the Pro Extreme Motorcycle category at last weekend’s Ford Drive One Summer Drags V at Martin, MI.

In round one of eliminations on Saturday, Ashley Owens, winner of the rain-postponed PXM final from Memphis a day earlier, became the first National Guard ADRL bike rider ever to break into the teens AND exceed 180 mph.

Owens already had secured both ends of the official PXM records with 4.207 and 174.13-mph passes over the eighth mile at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park in the Memphis semis and final round. His new best numbers are not yet official records, however, since they came within the Martin portion of the weekend.

Only one round of competition at Martin was in the books before rain again forced the postponement of the Summer Drags’ completion to the next race on the 2009 National Guard ADRL tour, this time to July 3-4, during qualifying for the Hardee’s Independence Drags III at Heartland Park Topeka, in Kansas.  

Got that? Good! Let’s just leave it as Ashley Owens is the quickest and fastest two wheeler in the National Guard ADRL—bar none!

(ADRL/Tocher photo)

June 13, 2009

Congrats to the Pens!

WOW! What a game!

Your Agent just finished watching the Pittsburgh Penguins win the Stanley Cup over Detroit on his 13” B&W Sylvania and has to say it was almost as exciting as an ADRL final round!

Anyone who knows your Agent personally (and there are a select few) knows he loves his hockey nearly as much as his drag racing, so a 2-1 game for all the marbles was right up his alley.

He couldn’t help but think, though, that as far as great saves go, Marc Andre Fleury and Chris Osgood ain’t got nuthin’ on Jason Scruggs!

June 11, 2009

ADRL’s Fastest Female

Your Agent feels it’s important to draw attention to the efforts of Cathy Belcher at this past weekend’s Ford Drive One Summer Drags V at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park.

After running a career-best 4.10 in testing, but popping the burst panel on her new screw blower in the process, it looked like Belcher’s National Guard ADRL debut was over early, but hard work by her husband, “Doc,” and a little help with parts from Roger Henson’s “Widowmaker” team, got the Belcher’s back on track for Saturday’s qualifying rounds.

She went out and ran a 4.06 at 182.74 in the morning session with her 526 Hemi-powered 1990 Camaro, then followed it up with the above 4.04 at 184.22 mph in the third and final qualifying round.

Although the effort left Belcher 17th on the list and outside of the elimination rounds, your Agent congratulates her on becoming the first woman to enter the ultra-quick and freaky-fast Pro Extreme class and going home to Rantoul, IL, as the quickest and fastest female in National Guard ADRL history.

UPDATE 6/12/09:  Well, your Agent stands corrected. Upon further review, he realizes that Annette Summer was, in fact, the first female PX entrant, giving the class a go twice in 2005 with a turbocharged entry. It doesn’t diminish Belcher’s performance, though, she’s still the new ADRL speed queen.

(ADRL/Tocher/Richards photos)

June 10, 2009

National Guard ADRL Welcomed to Topeka

Your Agent sends hearty congrats to the ADRL marketing mavens for putting together what one called “the most successful event launch in the series’ history” in announcing the July 3-4, Hardee’s Independence Drags III at a press conference earlier today in downtown Topeka.

Already your Agent came across this article in the online version of the Topeka Capital Journal and he hears there were local TV news crews and radio interviews involved, too. National Guard ADRL Executive VP Jeff Fortune told your Agent that city and state officials also appeared very “excited and supportive” about the ADRL coming to town and Heartland Park Topeka, the host track, is a first-rate facility in every facet.

“Our race teams and fans are going to love coming to Heartland Park Topeka,” Fortune said. “I feel very safe in predicting this is going to be one of our biggest and most well-received races this year.”

Your Agent can’t argue with that.

June 4, 2009

National Guard ADRL on TV This Sunday

Sharp-eyed ADRL.us watchers will have noticed the traditional teaser videos that have been running this week featuring a different class each day with action from the rain-shortened Quarter-Max Memphis Drags II at Memphis Motorsports Park.

So yes, that means the Memphis Drags coverage will be shown as scheduled this Sunday, June 7, at 3 p.m. on the Versus television network. If you’re unsure where Versus might be on your local channel listing, check out the handy Versus locator here at ADRL.us. Just click on the “Watch ADRL on VERSUS” button near the top left of the homepage, then insert your zip code into the appropriate box. A list of service providers and channels specific to your area will pop up. It’s that simple.

If you missed either of the first two National Guard ADRL airings on Versus, with coverage of the races in Houston, TX, and Valdosta, GA, make sure to visit the new ADRL Videos On Demand player. It features both shows in their entirety, plus exclusive interviews and bonus features, such as a video from each class that depicts every elimination run so far this season.

June 3, 2009

Montecalvo Family Welcomes New Member

Your Agent sends heartfelt congratulations to Extreme Pro Stock racer John Montecalvo and his wife, Lois Anne (left), who became brand-new grandparents May 31, when daughter-in-law Candice gave birth at 4:52 a.m. to Vincent John Montecalvo.

Young Vincent weighed in at a healthy 7pounds, 10.4 ounces and measured 20.75 inches upon arrival after 27 hours(!) of labor. (Your Agent can’t do anything for 27 hours straight!)

He is the first child for Candice and John T. Montecalvo (but not a “Jr.”) and the first grandchild for John and Lois Anne.  

“My first instinct was to buy a Junior Dragster,” the proud new grandpa said. “But after the weekend I had, my better sense told me to get some tennis rackets and golf clubs!”

Don’t forget to join your Agent in offering congrats to the Montecalvos as John goes after wins both nights of the Ford Drive One Summer Drags V this weekend in Martin, MI.

(Photo courtesy Lisa Bingham)

June 3, 2009

Pre-Race Party at the Track

Your Agent just heard there’s going to be a Thursday-night, pre-race party for this weekend’s Ford Drive One Summer Drags V at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park in Martin, MI.

The go-fast get together, presented by U.S. 131 and the National Guard ADRL, gets going at 6:30 p.m. in the VIP Tower Bar and will be open to all ADRL teams, sponsors and members.

An all-you-can-eat BBQ meal is on the menu for $7 apiece and a cash bar will help keep the conversation flowing. Food will be served until 8:30 p.m., with the whole thing wrappping up at 11 p.m.

So now you know where your Agent will be Thursday night.

June 2, 2009

Robbins Making ADRL Return at Martin

Just like everyone else, your Agent immediately fell in love with the ‘72 Hurst Olds Cutlass driven by Michigan’s own Brian Robbins during its National Guard ADRL Pro Extreme debut at the Martin, MI, event last year.

Well, it’s going to be back this weekend for the Ford Drive One Summer Drags V, but this time with a shiny, new PSI screw blower atop its prodigious powerplant and a switch in the off season from a two-disc to a three-disc clutch.

First, though, Robbins and team owner Keith Engling will take it out for the first time this year in a two-day test session at Milan, MI, and will show up at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park ready to qualify on Saturday morning.

(Photo courtesy Brian Robbins)

June 2, 2009

Carpenter’s Comeback Getting Closer

Your Agent was looking forward to seeing Charles Carpenter make his planned National Guard ADRL return at this weekend’s Ford Drive One Summer Drags V up in Martin, MI, but the Pro Nitrous pioneer has put those plans on hold.

Carpenter crashed his iconic ‘55 Chevy at the ADRL season opener at Houston in March, fracturing a vertebra in the process. He’s been given the all clear by doctors to go back to driving, though, and picked up the car late last week  after it was refurbished by Alan Pittman Race Cars in Greenville, SC. Paul Albino of Total Induction Tuning Solutions flew in from Connecticut to help out and the duo have apparently been working ‘round the clock to get the car back in race shape.

“The car looks incredible, and I can’t say enough about the work and service provided by Alan Pittman and the guys at his shop,” Carpenter said. “We really asked a lot of Alan, and he went above and beyond the call of duty in every aspect. The car was a complete mess, nearly a total loss, and he has brought it back to life. I can’t wait to get it out for some testing and see what it can do.”

In addition to repairing the car, Pittman made several modifications to the original design of the unmistakable nitrous-assisted Bel Air, including stretching the wheelbase from 109 to 113 inches, which “should help calm it down,” Carpenter said. “Being a lightweight car, it can become a handful at times.

Your Agent will be waiting.

(Photo courtesy Charles Carpenter Racing)