ADRL.us sponsored by Flowmaster

July 31, 2009

National Guard ADRL Media Blitz Hits Gateway City

Your Agent popped by National Guard ADRL worldwide headquarters in O’Fallon, MO, today, just in time to see the Marketing team head out as part of a meet-n-greet marathon for interviews with movers and shakers of the St. Louis mainstream media.

Among those National Guard ADRL officials will be speaking with today, tomorrow or Monday are David Nicklaus, senior business writer for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch; Greg Damon with the Auto Show on KMOX radio, Chad Breischer on WHCO and Mike Thomas on KSAV. 

But that’s just the start of it, your Agent was assured, so get ready for the National Guard ADRL to make a bigger mass-media splash than ever Aug. 7-8, for its ADRL Hardee’s Gateway Drags II at Gateway International Raceway.

(ADRL/Riochards file photo)

July 30, 2009

BTG: Best of the Rest from Virginia

Make sure to go Beyond the Guardwall where your Agent makes a rare, lengthy appearance with his recognition of the Best of the Rest at the recent ADRL NATIONALGUARD.com U.S. Drags II at Virginia Motorsports Park.

We all know the winners deserve accolades, but your Agent thought it important to point out a few outstanding performances by those who didn’t quite make it to victory lane, including such drivers as Matt Hartford, Mike Janis (right), Gary White and Eric McKinney, among others.

Check it out here.

ADRL/Tocher file photo)

July 30, 2009

PXM Leader Gray on Display for Versus Showing

If you happen to be in the Ocala, FL, area Sunday afternoon, your Agent suggests dropping in to Barbazon’s Sports Bar & Grill (4361 Hwy. 27), where Pro Extreme Motorcycle (PXM) points leader Scott Gray will be signing autographs alongside his Bionic Tonic-backed PXM ride on display.

Gray and his wife, Amber (most likely with “Suzuki” the dog, too), will be set up at Barbazon’s by 2 p.m. to coincide with the 3 p.m. airing of the Hardee’s Independence Drags III from Heartland Park Topeka on the Versus television network.

Gray, as National Guard ADRL watchers will recall, won his second National Guard Minuteman of the season at Topeka, where he also assumed the points lead from rival Matt Prophit.

Your Agent wishes he could attend and share the excitement of watching Gray win again in big-screen glory, but he just doesn’t trust the Gremlin (he traded in the Pinto; got a pretty penny for it, too!) to last for that long of a trip.

(ADRL/Tocher file photo)

July 30, 2009

New PX Car for Smith and Moon

Your Agent doesn’t have much to go on here other than this is a brand-new ‘68 Camaro rolling out of the Tim McAmis Race Cars shop that’s destined for Pro Extreme action at the hands of driver Von Smith.

Ultimately, the car will be heading overseas, but crew chief Howard Moon said outings at the final two National Guard ADRL events this year—at Rockingham, NC, and Ennis, TX—will serve as excellent real-world shakedowns.

Your Agent just loves the fact that every single National Guard ADRL event in 2009 has heralded the arrival of new cars or motorcycles to the series.

(Photos courtesy Tim McAmis Race Cars)

July 29, 2009

Your Agent Feels the Love

Your Agent just wants to share a little anecdote that he thinks illustrates a greater truth about what a National Guard ADRL event means to the locals.

On his way out of town Sunday morning following the ADRL NATIONALGUARD.com U.S. Drags II at Virginia Motorsports Park—the biggest event, attendance-wise, in series history, by the way—your Agent stopped at the nearest gas station just up the road from the track; you know, the one with the Subway shop inside.

Well, your Agent’s fame must be greater than even he suspects because the station manager spots him and declares, “I love you guys!”

Now, your Agent is used to being loved (and hated, but that’s another story for another time), but has to admit to being taken aback. He asks innocently enough, “Really, well that’s great, so you enjoyed the race?”

The manager replies, “No, I was here the whole time, but we did 13 on Friday and 17 yesterday!”

It took a second, but your Agent quickly realized he was referring to $13,000 and $17,000 in sales over two days, prompting the obvious question.

“What do you normally do?”

“Oh, about 8 and 10.”

So this lone gas station/convenience store made an extra $12K or so just from having the National Guard ADRL in the neighborhood. Multiply that by all the other small businesses, restaurants and hotels and your Agent suspects it kind of makes the traffic jams a little more bearable—at least for some.

Of course, your Agent being the curious sort, he also had to ask, how does that compare to when the other sanctioning body that shall not be named comes to town?

“No comparison at all,” was the answer. “They’re not even close.”

And then he repeated, “I love you guys.”

July 29, 2009

Canuck with a Camera

Take a look at Bruce Biegler’s www.DragRaceCanada.com for his photographic take on the ADRL NATIONALGUARD.com U.S. Drags II from Petersburg, VA. In addition to Biegler’s pics, there are images there from noted photog Dave DeAngelis and talented freelancer Steve Embling and his son, Eric.

The gallery from Virginia Motorsports Park extends to page 10, with images from the National Guard ADRL event at Martin, MI, following.

July 28, 2009

National Guard ‘Camo’ Cars Remain for ‘09

Your Agent understands fan response to the camouflage-themed wraps on the cars of National Guard Pro Extreme teammates Travis Swearingen (left) and Joshua Hernandez has been so positive that the decision has been reached to keep the undercover look going through the rest of the 2009 season.

Your Agent remains skeptical on the camo’s effectiveness, however. He wonders just how stealthy these two could be in the desert with a blown Hemi singing its sweet song.

(Chis Simmons photo; ADRL/Richards)

July 28, 2009

National Guard ADRL Coverage from Virginia

Your Agent is already finding interesting little online tidbits about this past weekend’s hugely successful ADRL NATIONALGUARD.com U.S. Drags II at Virginia Motorsports Park.

For instance check out this blog entry by East Coast Drag News photographer John Mason and this photo gallery by National Guard photographer SPC Jessica Jones of the 116th BCT Public Affairs office.

Of course, Bobby Bennett from www.CompetitionPlus.com was on site at the track all weekend and filed several interesting reports and a complete race story is at www.DragRacingOnline.com, featuring images by National Guard ADRL shooters Roger Richards and Ian Tocher.

With more to come, no doubt.

July 25, 2009

2010 National Guard ADRL Tour Schedule Released

Well, your Agent promised big news and here’s the delivery: the 2010 National Guard ADRL Tour schedule is intact and in place.

Rather than the traditional wait until December at the PRI show, ADRL prez Kenny Nowling made the decision to get the word out early to allow better planning for sponsors, fans and racers.

Your Agent found the mention of a potential non-points, All-Star event particularly interesting.

Mark your calendars now:

Feb. 26-27: ADRL Safety-Kleen Dragpalooza VI; Houston Raceway Park, Baytown, Texas

April 9-10: ADRL Hardee’s Georgia Drags South Georgia Motorsports Park, Cecil, Ga.

May 28-29: ADRL Quarter-Max Memphis Drags III; Memphis Motorsports Park, Memphis, Tenn.

June 11-12: ADRL Ford Drive One Summer Drags VI; U.S. 131 Motorsports Park, Martin, Mich.

July 2-3: ADRL Hardee’s Independence Drags IV; Heartland Park Topeka; Topeka, Kan.

July 23-24: ADRL NATIONALGUARD.com U.S. Drags III; Virginia Motorsports Park; Petersburg, Va.

Aug. 6-7: ADRL Hardee’s Gateway Drags III; Gateway International Raceway, Madison, Ill.

Aug. 20-21: ADRL Ohio Drags IV; National Trail Raceway, Hebron, Ohio

Sept. 10-11: ADRL Flowmaster Dragstock VII; Rockingham Dragway, Rockingham, N.C.

Oct. 22-23: LenMar Motorsports ADRL World Finals VI; Texas Motorplex; Ennis, Texas

July 24, 2009

Big News Rescheduled to Saturday

Just so you know your Agent didn’t forget about it, word just came in that the National Guard ADRL press conference scheduled for 10 a.m. today has been rescheduled to 9 a.m. tomorrow.

You’ll know when your Agent knows!

July 23, 2009

National Guard ADRL Featured at CompPlus.com

Your Agent meant to point these stories out earlier, but when that Three’s Company marathon came on the tube the other day, well, you know, there are priorities in life.

Anyway, your Agent’s old pal, Bobby Bennett over at www.CompetitionPlus.com is at it again, this time with an interesting take on what it costs to run a top-notch Extreme 10.5 operation these days.

There’s also a unique perspective from Lisa Richards, daughter of official National Guard ADRL shutterbug Roger Richards, on her recent trip to Topeka with the Bennie McDonald Pro Extreme team. Pretty neat to read the description of a National Guard ADRL race weekend that doesn’t come from an “insider.”

July 23, 2009

Reno Plans PXM Debut for Richmond

Reigning AHDRA Pro Stock Bike champ Shawn Reno will make his Pro Extreme Motorcycle (PXM) debut this weekend, riding his Team HeadBlade V-Twin in the NATIONALGUARD.com U.S. Drags II at Virginia Motorsports Park.

Hailing from nearby Hampton Roads, VA, Reno told your Agent he’s excited about the opportunity to race in front of a huge home-state crowd and though he realizes it will be very tough to qualify his naturally aspirated ride in the nitrous-oxide-spraying PXM world, he’s heard so much about the class and how important it is to the National Guard ADRL that he and his teammates just have to try it out.  

“Although the AHDRA PS platform has a class limit of 122 cubic inches S&S Sportster base engine, naturally aspirated on VP C25, we don’t have the horsepower or chassis to give these Pro Extreme Motorcycles too much trouble,” Reno admitted. “We are looking to the future and getting a taste of the ADRL experience.”

Reno said HeadBlade Ultimate Head Shaving Gear has sponsored his race team since 2003, which also carries backing from Hampton Roads Harley Davidson and Southside Harley Davidson and benefits from additional support by S&S Cycles, MSD Ignitions, CP Pistons and Steve Alstead Racing.

Hmmmmmmmm, your Agent suspects National Guard ADRL prez Kenny Nowling may be making a visit to the HeadBlade pit to address the needs of his silky smooth pate.

(Photos courtesy Team HeadBlade)

July 22, 2009

Big News On the Way?

Your Agent just learned a major National Guard ADRL press conference will be held at 10 a.m. this Friday (July 24) in the media center at Virginia Motorsports Park, shortly before practice begins for the NATIONALGUARD.com U.S. Drags II.

Though not at liberty to give anything away, your Agent can say several major announcements will be made that most definitely will affect the future of the National Guard ADRL.

Stay tuned for more!

July 21, 2009

First Look: New XTF ‘70 Chevelle

Your Agent received a few first-look photos of Kenny Doak making his first test hits this past weekend in a brand-new ‘70 Chevelle destined for Flowmaster Extreme 10.5 (XTF) action July 24-25, in the ADRL NATIONALGUARD.com U.S. Drags II at Virginia Motorsports Park.

The Vanishing Point-built Not-so-Heavy Chevy sports a Performance Auto Crafters paint job with an Oddy’s Performance screw-blown Hemi under its carbon-fiber hood.

With a reportedly “mild” tune-up for the car’s inaugural runs, Doak was turning 4.40s over the eighth mile at Cecil County Dragway in Maryland.

(Tim Lewis photos)

July 20, 2009

Pappas Burns, But Vows Rebuild for Richmond

Your Agent just got off the phone with Flowmaster Extreme 10.5 contender Spiro Pappas, who described a serious fire he suffered with his ‘09 GXP over the weekend during a test pass at Rte. 66 Raceway, near his home in Chicago.

Apparently the oil pan was not sealed properly to the engine and when he put it under pressure for the start, oil was forced out onto the right-side header and started to burn. His crew alerted Pappas via radio and he quickly got the car stopped and safely made an exit, but had to stand and watch as a major blaze developed.

Adding to his consternation, Pappas said the track’s fire crew arrived promptly, but had some sort of problem with the extinguisher hose on their truck, delaying the dousing of the flames.

“What are you going to do?” a dejected Pappas asked. “Obviously it wasn’t on purpose and we all have malfunctions, but yeah, it’s tough to just stand there and watch it burn. I was also worried about them getting too close to the car and having that fuel cell explode.”

Fortunately that didn’t happen, but major damage was done to the car’s nose and passenger-side door, and the entire wiring harness and plumbing from the firewall forward has to be replaced.

“My guys will be working on it 24 hours a day and so will (chassis builder) Jerry Bickel, personally, to get it back in shape for us to make the Richmond race,” Pappas said, referring to the coming weekend’s NATIONALGUARD.com U.S. Drags II at Virginia Motorsports Park.

“We’ll be there,” he vowed.

July 20, 2009

DeFlorian Delivers ADRL Message to NASCAR Fans

Pro Nitrous driver John DeFlorian Jr. and his gorgeous ‘06 Z06 Corvette were on hand Saturday at Gateway International Raceway’s 1.25-mile oval speedway, promoting the upcoming National Guard ADRL event at the adjacent drag strip to thousands of NASCAR Nationwide Series fans.

DeFlorian and the rest of the Bankston Boyz team members who made the static display were overwhelmed by the crowd response to both car and driver.

“The fans just couldn’t believe how accessible and friendly John was to them,” team spokesman Mark Teague reported. “We told them to come on out next month and they’d get to meet a whole lot more ADRL drivers and see some of the baddest hot rods in the world.”

The Bankston Boyz apparently handed out three cases worth of tickets to the Aug. 7-8, ADRL Hardee’s Gateway Drags II during their NASCAR display.

“The fan response was very positive and we were totally exhausted by the end of the day,” Teague said. “We were honored to be chosen for this chance to interact with the great race fans from the greater St. Louis area and look forward to seeing them at the National Guard ADRL race in a few weeks.”

(Photo courtesy Bankston Boyz Racing)

July 20, 2009

‘Superman’ Flexes PXM Muscle at MIR

Rob “Superman”  Hunnicutt sent word to your Agent that he spent the weekend at Maryland International Raceway (MIR) preparing for the July 24-25, ADRL NATIONALGUARD.com U.S. Drags II.

“We came here to do some testing for next week’s ADRL event at Virginia Motorsports Park, which is a few hours south, so we were hoping to run in some similar conditions,” Hunnicutt said after going 4.36 at 167.88 mph to qualify number two behind “Legion of Doom” teammate Ron Procopio for the MIROCK race at MIR. Hunnicutt followed up with a 4.38/160.54 runner-up pass in the openig round, but Procopio went on to defeat Paul Gast in the final.  

“I have been having some problems getting my bike to 60 feet, but I think we got some things straightened out,” Hunnicutt said. “Alva and Jeff at Race Machine made us some longer axle blocks that seem to be helping. I want to say thanks to them for getting them made in a day and getting them out to me so fast.”

Currently 11th in the Speedtech Battle for the Belts points standings, Superman hopes to make the leap into a top-eight contending position over the season’s last four opportunities.

“We have really gotten lost this year trying a few things out and have struggled at the last few races just to qualify,” he admitted to your Agent. “The competition at the ADRL level is so tough that you better have your stuff right or you will be watching on Saturday night.”

And unless we’re talking George Reeves reruns on TV, your Agent knows that’s a bad thing.

(ADRL/Tocher file photo)

July 19, 2009

Gateway Purchase Deal Deflated

Your Agent has heard periodic rumors about the ADRL’s interest in purchasing a “home base” racing facility, but here’s the most solid proof yet of that intent.

Interesting stuff. 

July 18, 2009

Pappas Testing New Engine with Glidden

Your Agent received a late-night phone call from Flowmaster Extreme 10.5 star Spiro Pappas, who said he received word about 8 p.m. CST last night, that his gorgeous ‘09 GXP had just left chassis builder Jerry Bickel’s shop after being fitted with a brand-new, single-turbo, 572-cubic-inch engine put together by Fast Times Motorworks in Morton Grove, IL.

“Finally, we’ve got the motor that the car was originally designed for,” Pappas told your Agent. “We’ve been using the engine out of the Camaro (his previous race car) up until now. This one’s a little bigger and has a new block, new heads, a nice sheet-metal manifold as opposed to the cast manifold we were using before; Graham Jones at Fast Times did a great job with it.”

Pappas said he’d be joining current Flowmaster XTF champ Billy Glidden this weekend for testing during the NMCA/NMRA event at Rte. 66 Raceway, near Chicago, but neither will be entering a racing class.

“We’re both just going to test for next weekend (at the NATIONALGUARD.com U.S. Drags II) in Virginia. We won’t be racing, just lining up beside each other and making passes,” Pappas said.

Still, your Agent wishes he could be there because any time these two line up, you just know a certain amount of competitive fire is going to be ignited.

(ADRL/Tocher file photo)

July 17, 2009

Mickey Thompson XTF 3-Second Club Page

Even your Agent finds new and interesting things when he rattles around the perimeters of ADRL.us.

Why, just this afternoon he stumbled across a page reserved for Extreme 10.5 (XTF) members of the still-empty Mickey Thompson 3-second Club, originally announced in February this year.

With the official record set at 4.07 seconds by Jeff Naiser, but Todd Moyer having already gone 4.04 and Spiro Pappas making a 4.05 lap, your Agent knows the M/T 3-Second Club is getting close to welcoming its first official member.

Will it happen at Petersburg, VA, next weekend during the NATIONALGUARD.com U.S. Drags II? Virginia Motorsports Park is known for having a fast track and the early weather forecast looks like cool temps may greet the XTF speedsters, so you know your Agent will be on the wall every time they run.

Check out the criteria for the Mickey Thompson 3-Second Club here.

July 17, 2009

Attention in the Pro Jr. Dragster Pits!

Your Agent was in contact today with National Guard ADRL Executive VP of Competition Bubba Corzine, who asked your Agent to let the Pro Jr. Dragster community know that “all Pro Jr. Dragster (PJD) pre-entries are full for the remainder of the 2009 season.”

He said there will be an online registration form posted sometime in November for the 2010 season, but no more PJD entries will be accepted for the remaining five National Guard ADRL events this year.

“We really enjoy the Pro Jr. Dragster racers and their families; they really add a lot to our events and are among the best at keeping the show on schedule,” Corzine said. “However, I have to ask them not to show up to race at future National Guard ADRL events if they are not pre-registered and confirmed. Also, alternates are already in place, too, so just showing up and hoping to get in is not an option. We really don’t want to have to turn anyone away, but this is important and there will be no exceptions.”

Ever curious, your Agent just had to ask about rumors he kept hearing about nitro-boosted Outlaw 330 juniors coming to the National Guard ADRL next season.

“I’ve heard those rumors, too,” Corzine said. “And that’s all they are right now, is rumors. We’ll be evaluating everything with every class at year’s end to see where we’ll go in 2010 and that’s all I can say right now.”

Oh well, at least your Agent asked.

(ADRL/Tocher file photo)

July 17, 2009

Sorry Guys, She’s Officially Taken!

Regular National Guard ADRL event goers may recognize Shawnna Reynolds, the series’ director of sales and marketing, from her tireless efforts at pre-race parties and at the track helping sponsors, race teams, fellow staff members or anyone else get done what needs getting done. She’s a real go-getter behind the scenes, too, and even your Agent has benefited at times from Ms Reynolds’ expertise.

Well, your Agent and everyone else will have to get used to calling her “Mrs.” now, as today she weds love of her life Rob Neely.

Your Agent joins everyone at the National Guard ADRL in wishing the newlyweds a long and happy life together.

July 16, 2009

Mechanical Makeover for National Guard PX Entry

Your Agent was speaking today with Jim Oddy, crew chief on the National Guard-backed ‘57 Chevy that Joshua Hernandez pilots in Pro Extreme action.

Oddy, fresh off a win in the rain-postponed Ford Drive One Summer Drags V a couple of weekends back, told your Agent the National Guard car will have an all-new drivetrain for the July 24-25, NATIONALGUARD.com U.S. Drags II, to match the new camouflage look it sported in victory lane at Heartland Park Topeka.

“We went through the car from front to back and replaced everything that even looked like it might give us a problem,” Oddy said.

Additionally, a complete set of brand-new BAE engine parts will be arriving at the National Guard shop today, where engine builder Troy Critchley will apply his metal-working magic.

“I can honestly say in my 50 years in the sport, Troy is the best machinist, mechanic and engine builder I have ever seen,” Oddy told your Agent. “We zing thse things up to 11,000 rpm sometimes and you bring it back and don’t even need to adjust a valve. I don’t know how he does it, but I can tell you, Troy knows his stuff.”

Backing up the new motor will be a new transmission, clutch, driveshaft and rearend, the legendary crew chief added.

“From bumper to bumper it’ll be all new,” Oddy said. “We really want to win this race.” 

(ADRL/Tocher file photo)

July 16, 2009

Janis Gets a Little Homegrown Love

Your Agent was alerted this morning to a brief online item in the The Buffalo News touting the recent National Guard ADRL Pro Extreme win of Lancaster, NY’s Mike Janis in the Hardee’s Independence Drags III at Heartland Park Topeka. (Scroll to the end of the column for the Janis mention.)

It may not be much, but it always warms your Agent’s heart to see National Guard ADRL stars receive a little hometown love from mainstream media outlets.

Congrats to the Janis gang. 

July 15, 2009

Testing, Testing. Is This Thing On?

We may be between events, but the cars and stars of the National Guard ADRL remain in action, attending warm-up races or dedicated test sessions in preparation for the July 24-25, NATIONALGUARD.com U.S. Drags II at Virginia Motorsports Park.

Among those who confirmed testing plans with your Agent is 2006 Pro Extreme World Champion Bubba Stanton (right). Stanton said his Roger Henson-owned team will be out this week putting their “Widow Maker” ‘63 Corvette through its paces at Holly Springs Dragway, not too far from his home in Potts Camp, Mississippi.

Also hitting the test track tonight for the second week in a row will be National Guard driver Travis Swearingen at Kansas City International Raceway Park. Swearingen told your Agent his team typically attend’s the track’s weekly grudge racing event on Wednesday nights since the racing surface tends to be in good shape and all the safety equipment is already in place and ready to roll—just in case. No word, though, on whether he’s taken on any of the locals with his ‘41 Willys Pro Extreme entry.

And hitting Maryland International Raceway July 23, for a last-minute prep session before the U.S. Drags will be Gary White and the Titan Motorsports crew with their Extreme 10.5 ‘07 Scion. Team co-owner “Bottle” Deliwala told your Agent he hopes other National Guard ADRL teams will get in touch with him (407-277-8423 x224) to share expenses (he figures around $200 bucks, or less if enough teams sign up) at the track just a couple of hours drive away from VMP.

(ADRL/Tocher file photo)

July 13, 2009

Thompson Intent on Taming PX Entry

Your Agent was speaking recently with Elliot Thompson, driver of the twin-turbocharged ‘53 Corvette he campaigns in National Guard ADRL Pro Extreme (PX) competition with the aid of his father and brothers.

With prodigious amounts of power from the Darrel Makins-built AJ 500 cubic incher on tap, the biggest problems the Thompson boys have faced are A) Getting it to hook up, and B) When it does hook up, keeping the car’s nose on the ground long enough for Elliot to actually steer the beast down track.

Thompson explained he missed the recent National Guard ADRL race at Heartland Park Topeka because the car was back in chassis builder Alan Pittman’s shop “getting a lot of weight moved around where it will do more good,” including moving close to 200 pounds forward to tame those wheelies.

“I want to get the photographers to take more pictures of our scoreboards and not the front tires so much,” Thompson told your Agent.

A second Makins-massaged motor will be in the mix when the Thompson race rig rolls into Virginia Motorsports Park July 24-25, for the NATIONALGUARD.com U.S. Drags II, Thompson revealed.

“So now we won’t be afraid to step on it because there’ll always be another one in the trailer,” he said, adding one engine is color coded blue and the other is purple, “so we can never get confused.”

“We will do whatever it takes to do our best, qualify, and hopefully win our first ADRL race,” Thompson declared. “We’re looking forward to Richmond.”

And so is your Agent.

(ADRL/Tocher file photo)

July 11, 2009

‘Small-Block Mafia’ Beats ‘Bad Bird’

Your Agent received a report this morning from National Guard ADRL Executive VP of Competition Bubba Corzine detailing last night’s classic Mustang vs. Corvette final staged between a couple of Pro Extreme entries at the TOPMA race in Kennedale, TX.

Just one week after crashing his popular “Bad Bird” Firebird during testing at the most recent National Guard ADRL event, Pro Extreme contender Ken Thomas (left) of the powerhouse LenMar Motorsports team debuted his recently acquired “Hell Hoss” with the Roots-blown 481X AJ wedge that was transplanted from the Firebird between its front frame rails.

The previously turbo-boosted Stang ran a stout 3.98 straight off the trailer in its first supercharged pass ever and Thomas later qualified number one with a 3.980 at 181.13 mph on top of a National Guard ADRL-star-studded, eight-car field.

Thomas eventually met up in the final with occasional Pro Extreme entrant Gene Hector and his “Small-Block Mafia” crew in his ex-Jason Scruggs ‘63 Vette.

Thomas had the performance numbers on his side with his best pass of the day at 3.949 and 183.42, but Hector nailed a big .063 holeshot that allowed his 3.981 at 179.44 to earn the win.

Your Agent also spoke earlier in the day with Thomas, who revealed a JanCen-tuned screw blower is on its way for the “Hell Hoss” as he makes his charge in the last half of the National Guard ADRL Pro Extreme season to secure one of the coveted top-eight Speedtech Battle for the Belts qualifying spots.

July 10, 2009

David Reher on CompPlus.com

Your Agent just came across a new article by Tracy Renck over at CompetitionPlus.com about master engine builder David Reher and his relatively recent foray into Pro Nitrous competition.

Check it out here.

July 10, 2009

‘Bad Hoss’ or ‘Hell Bird’ On its Way

Another of your Agent’s valued Texas operatives sent in a few never-before-seen looks at Ken Thomas’ new ride after crashing his “Bad Bird” Firebird in Pro Extreme testing during last weekend’s National Guard Hardee’s Independence Drags III at Heartland Park Topeka.

Thomas wasted no time in acquiring the “Hell Hoss” ‘67 Mustang most recently competing in Flowmaster Extreme 10.5 action at the hands of LenMar Motorsports teammate Grant McCrary.

Thomas and team wasted no time whatsoever in transplanting the Bad Bird’s blown AJ 526-er into the Hosstang, just in time for a TOPMA outing tomorrow night at Kennedale, TX, in preparation for a return to National Guard ADRL action July 24-25, in the NATIONALGUARD.com U.S. Drags III at Virginia Motorsports Park.

A rather cryptic note accompanied the photos, suggesting “some new found horsepower might be in our future.”

Hmmmmm, your Agent wonders, what could that mean?

July 9, 2009

LenMar Knows Limos!

One of your Agent’s operatives in Texas popped out of his armadillo hole (they do live in holes, don’t they?) and snapped this pic of National Guard ADRL President and CEO Kenny Nowling (left) posing in front of a not-so-daily-driver with (L-R) Mark Eddins of LenMar Motorsports with his wife Angie, LenMar Pro Extreme driver Gaylen Smith and his wife Celeste, National Guard ADRL Executive VP of Competition Bubba Corzine and LenMar Motorsports Crew Chief Brandon Pesz.

No word on where the LenMar gang was heading, but wherever it was they were going in style. Your Agent just hopes he never sees this thing fast approaching in the rearview mirror of his Pinto.

Your Agent also hears more LenMar support of the National Guard ADRL may be coming in addition to their title sponsorship of the LenMar Motorsports ADRL World Finals V, scheduled this year for Oct. 24-25, at the Texas Motorplex in Ennis, TX.

July 8, 2009

New Star on the PXM Horizon

Here’s a sneak peek of the new Star Racing Pro Extreme Motorcycle (PXM) frame on the jig at Star’s headquarters in Americus, GA.

Your Agent spoke with Star owner George Bryce, who said it’s the genesis of a new PXM Suzuki program that he’ll be starting with an intial run of five bikes. Based on Star’s highly successful Pro Stock Bike sales program, Bryce said he’ll soon be offering Pro Extreme Motorcycle engines, rolling chassis, or turnkey machines for sale.

“We guarantee performance,” he stated. “We take you out, show you what the bike will do and show you how to make it run.” 

Bryce said he expects the Star Suzuki prototype to debut at the NATIONALGUARD.com U.S. Drags II July 24-25, at Virginia Motorsports Park with Lance Hines aboard .

“We’re still in the loop and still cooking,” Bryce said. “We’re looking forward to getting back out there and showing what Star Racing can do.”

July 6, 2009

Barklage Makes Big Gains

Your Agent just wants to give a shout out to young Cody Barklage and his Lucas Oil-backed team for making the big jump up from 17th to 8th place in Pro Extreme points and into Speedtech Battle for the Belts contention over the past two races.

Following a quarter-finals finish in the rain-postponed Ford Drive One Summer Drags V from Martin, Michigan, held this past weekend at Topeka, KS, Barklage qualified 4th for the Hardee’s Independence Drags III and made it all the way to his first National Guard ADRL final round, where he finished runner-up to Mike Janis.

Even more impressive, Barklage was racing with a several-years-old spare motor at Heartland Park Topeka after kicking the rods out of his main piece during qualifying on Saturday morning.

(ADRL/Tocher photo)

July 4, 2009

‘Hell Hoss’ Sold!

Your Agent has learned that Pro Extreme racer Ken Thomas is the new owner of the “Hell Hoss” Mustang, formerly campaigned by LenMar Motorsports teammate Grant McCrary in the Flowmaster Extreme 10.5 class.

Thomas had a hard meeting with the wall yesterday at Heartland Park Topeka in his first test pass for the Hardee’s Independence Drags III, so major repairs to his “Bad Bird” were in order, regardless.

Thomas was apparently in the market for a new ride, anyway, as your Agent was told he’d also looked into purchasing the 2007 Dodge Stratus that Jason Scruggs drove to the 2008 National Guard ADRL Pro Extreme world championship.

Whirlwind plans call for Thomas and crew to transplant their Roots-blown Hemi into their new ‘67 Stang this week in preparation for a TOPMA race next Friday night at Texas Raceway in preparation for the NATIONALGUARD.com U.S. Drags II, July 24-25, at Virginia Motorsports Park, near Richmond, VA.

(ADRL/Tocher file photo)  

July 3, 2009

New XPS Club to Join?

Spotted in the Heartland Park Topeka pits during the Hardee’s Independence Drags III: National Guard Prez Kenny Nowling delivering a sign your Agent has never seen before.

Hmmmm, looks like an announcement in the making.

July 2, 2009

Team National Guard Goes Under Cover

Your Agent was surprised to see these spy images of Travis Swearingen’s Pro Extreme entry slipped under his virtual-reality door late last night, depicting a drastically different look for Swearingen’s National Guard-backed ‘41 Willys.

While your Agent, for obvious reasons, certainly appreciates the beneath-the-radar camouflage theme of the new wrap, he was especially enamored by the tribute to National Guard NCOs (Non-Commissioned Officers) on the car’s rear deck.

Shortly after the pics arrived, a second packet containing official renderings by renowned artist Larry Williams showed up (below), showing both Swearingen’s Willys and the ‘57 Chevy of fellow National Guard PX driver Joshua Hernandez, and confirming that both cars and drivers will have the new camo look going on for fans and competitors this weekend at the Hardee’s Independence Drags III in Topeka, KS.

Your Agent hears the camo cover will remain at least through the July 24-25, NATIONALGUARD.com U.S. Drags II at Virginia Motorsports Park and quite possibly beyond, too. 

July 2, 2009

Castellana’s New Camaro

National Guard ADRL historian, TV personality, action photog and all-around good guy Bret Kepner sent this image to your Agent of Shannon Jenkins shaking down teammate Mike Castellana’s brand-new, Jerry Bickel-built 1970.5 split-bumper Z-28 Camaro at Gateway International Raceway today.

Your Agent didn’t get any eighth-mile times or speeds, but hears that Jenkins posted a .972 60-footer the very first time he hit the throttle in anger.

Al-Anabi teammates Rickie Smith and Burton Auxier also made test laps in their ‘68 Camaros at GIR, just across the river from St. Louis, as the entire team prepares for the National Guard ADRL Hardee’s Independence Drags III this weekend at Heartland Park Topeka.

Your Agent is looking forward to seeing this one in person!

(Photo by Bret Kepner)

July 1, 2009

Stott Taking On Nitro Challenge

A brief story over at www.CompetitionPlus.com has Pro Extreme star Quain Stott (right) destined for a nitromethane-fueled experience in next year’s National Guard ADRL tour.

Apparently, Stott, currently second in PX points, is teaming up with fuel Funny Car veteran Tim Grose and plans to campaign a ‘63 Vette with a double-overhead cam (DOHC) engine running on 50 percent nitro. The engine design came about more than 20 years ago, but other sanctioning bodies banned its use a decade or so later. The article states nothing in the current ADRL rule book precludes it from use in Pro Extreme.

“This opportunity to learn nitro is something that I have always wanted to do,” Stott is quoted as saying. “I just think nitro is neat all the way around.”

If it all comes about as described, look for Stott’s nitro introduction to come next spring in the National Guard ADRL’s traditional season opener at Houston Raceway Park.  

For more details, check it out here.

(ADRL/Tocher file photo)