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November 30, 2009

Work of Art

Pro Extreme Motorcycle rider Scott Gray had his world championship-winning Suzuki and National Guard ADRL trophies on display earlier today (Nov. 29) outside the Appleton Museum of Art in Ocala, FL.

Gray and his bike were a featured attraction for a special Art of the Chopper Shifting Gears Party that also included a custom motorcycle show. 

Art of the Chopper strives to present motorcycles as both sculptural art and artifacts of American culture. Each of the 30 motorcycles in the unique exhibit is accompanied by a series of photographs and displays featuring background on the bike’s artist/builder. Art of the Chopper opened Oct. 10, and will continue until Jan. 10, 2010, at the museum.

(Amber Gray photo)

November 28, 2009

Limited Gala Tickets Still Available

Your Agent just learned the official National Guard ADRL cleaning staff were giving worldwide headquarters the Thanksgiving once-over when they stumbled across a cache of unsold tickets to the National Guard ADRL Racers Appreciation and Awards Gala II, set for Dec. 12, at the luxurious Wyndham Orlando Resort in Orlando, Florida.

Exact numbers were not available to your Agent, but he knows all ducats previously known to be available were sold out by the deadline, so anyone wanting to get in on this absolute last-chance opportunity to attend better jump on it fast!

All current National Guard ADRL drivers and riders are entitled to one free ticket and each official series sponsor is offered two complimentary passes, but they must RSVP in order to reserve their seats. Additional tickets for guests and team members are available for $50 each, payable by credit card, check or money order, and must be paid for in advance, as tickets will not be available at the door.

To RSVP and/or buy whatever tickets remain, send an email to Aimee Visney at aimee@adrl.us or call the National Guard ADRL office at (636) 272-2375.

This is the social event of the year for the National Guard ADRL, so don’t be left out of the biggest, greatest, most-anticipated celebration of 2009!

November 28, 2009

Happy Birthday, Jeff!

Well, your Agent is a day late with this one, but wants to wish Flowmaster Extreme 10.5 racer Jeff Naiser a belated Happy Birthday!

Seems Jeff turned 45 yesterday and celebrated at a local eatery with wife Kim and kiddos Sarah and Aubrey.

Happy Birthday, Jeff!

November 27, 2009

Al-Anabi Adding 5th Pro Nitrous Car?

It’s often said that nature abhors a vacuum and apparently, so too, does the Al-Anabi Racing Team.

When Mike Castellana introduced a new, Jerry Bickel-built ‘70 Camaro to National Guard ADRL competition this summer at Petersburg, VA, it pushed his race-winning ‘69 Firebird to the sidelines. Just two races later, though, at Hebron, OH, Castellana’s Al-Anabi teammate Burton Auxier, took over the tiller of the ex-Castellana ‘Bird, putting the orange, flamed ‘68 Camaro (below left) that he started the season with out to pasture.

Your Agent hears now, however, that the Al-Anabi gang wants to fill that empty seat with none other than former Flowmaster Extreme 10.5 star Mike Hill (right), who recently traveled to Qatar for Round 1 of the 2009-10 Arabian Drag Racing League season at the personal request of Al-Anabi team leader Shannon Jenkins. 

Hill served as crew chief on his old Outlaw 10.5 Mustang, now campaigned in the Middle East as an Al-Anabi entry, and tuned driver Mahana Al-Manai to the OL10.5 pole and a record 4.29 eliminations-round pass over the eighth mile at Qatar Race Club.

If true, the addition of Hill would create a concentrated, five-car assault on the Pro Nitrous class, as he’d join Jenkins, Castellana, Auxier and newly crowned Pro Nitrous World Champion Khalid Al-Balooshi on the powerhouse Al-Anabi driver roster. 

Your Agent hasn’t been able to confirm the details yet, but he’s on the case.

(ADRL/Tocher/Richards file photos)

November 25, 2009

Ulsch Gets Into Modeling

Car modeling that is.

National Guard ADRL star Chuck Ulsch commissioned this one-of-a-kind, 1/24-scale version of the Vanishing Point-built ‘68 Camaro (right) that he drives in Flowmaster Extreme 10.5 action for team owners Gil Mobley and John Ferguson.

Ulsch is the current Flowmaster XTF speed record holder at 204.01 mph and will enter 2010 as the class points leader after winning the LenMar Motorsports World Finals V at Ennis, TX, in October.

Master modeler Tim Lewis told your Agent a car like this takes him about six weeks to build and includes a hand-crafted tube chassis of 1/16-inch platic rods with the floor tubs and firewall all hand formed from sheet plastic.

Lewis said the car’s body is a resin cast that he did some work to on the front end, as well as to the roof and rear wing. The paint apparently is the same as what’s sprayed on the real car.

Hmmmmm, wonder what Tim would charge for building a model of your Agent’s ‘74 Pacer.

November 25, 2009

First Look: Hall’s New XTF Entry

  Your Agent realizes these pics don’t reveal much, but his operative doesn’t always have time for a full photo shoot.

What he can tell you is this is Steve Hall’s new Flowmaster Extreme 10.5 entry, destined to debut at the Safety-Kleen Dragpalooza VI next March at Houston Raceway Park. Hall previously campaigned a very cool ‘51 Merc in a Fastest Street Car-type series and that rear wheel well looks pretty darn familiar, so who knows?

The mill up front is a TFX Hemi with mechanical fuel injection and your Agent’s operative reported spotting three pedals under the dash.

Looks interesting and your Agent is hoping for more spy pics soon.

November 25, 2009

Deadline Day for Gala Ticket Orders

Your Agent has his ticket; do you?

If not, what are you waiting for? The deadline has finally arrived for ticket RSVPs and/or purchases for the National Guard ADRL Racer Appreciation and Awards Gala II, to be held Dec. 12, in the Citrus Ballroom at the luxurious Wyndham Orlando Resort (left) in Orlando, Florida.

All current National Guard ADRL drivers and riders are entitled to one free ticket and each official series sponsor is being offered two complimentary passes, but they must RSVP in order to reserve their seats. Additional tickets for guests and team members are available for $50 each, payable by credit card, check or money order, and must be paid for by today (Nov. 25) at 5 p.m. EST, as tickets will not be available at the door.

To RSVP, send an email to Aimee Visney at aimee@adrl.us or call the National Guard ADRL office at (636) 272-2375. Don’t delay!

Your Agent has been reminded the Racer Appreciation and Awards Gala II is a semi-formal attire event, so he’ll have to leave the tuxedo t-shirt at home and wear a shirt and tie this year. The festivities begin at 7 p.m. with cocktails, followed by dinner, door prizes and the awards ceremony wrapping up by 11 p.m.

This is the social event of the year for the National Guard ADRL and offers a fitting tribute to the 2009 world champions, as well as several other special award winners including Employee of the Year, Rookie of the Year and Driver of the Year.

 Additionally, the Jim Oddy Award, presented last December to Pro Extreme driver Frankie Taylor, will go to the ADRL racer who best demonstrated sportsmanship in conjunction with competitive drive throughout the 2009 season.

Finally, the 8th annual Walter W. Henry Memorial Award, the most prestigious award in doorslammer drag racing, will be presented to a person or group of individuals who has made an important and significant impact on the sport over an extended period of time. Past winners include National Guard ADRL President and CEO Kenny Nowling, series co-founder Dave Wood, last year’s winner Flowmaster Inc. and noted drag racing historian and ADRL television reporter Bret Kepner, who will again serve as Master of Ceremonies for this year’s Gala.

November 24, 2009

Part 2 of PX/PN History Lesson Online

Yes, that is none other than Pro Nitrous legend Charles Carpenter (right) posing with one of his early ‘55 Chevys.

The photo comes from Part 2 of Bobby Bennett’s four-part series on the history of Pro Modified racing—precursor of the National Guard ADRL’s Pro Extreme and Pro Nitrous classes—over at www.CompetitionPlus.com. 

Your Agent just loves seeing where and how our current National Guard ADRL stars cut their racing teeth.

Check it out here.

(Photo courtesy CompetitionPlus.com)

November 24, 2009

Team Titan Leaving XTF?

After a runner-up finish with driver Gary White in the 2009 Speedtech Battle for the Belts points standings, Orlando-based Titan Motorsports is considering moving on from the Flowmaster Extreme 10.5 class. If they stick with the turbocharged combo they’ve been running these last few years (and why not?), that leaves only Pro Extreme as an outlet for Team Titan. 

Nothing has been decided yet, but that’s definitely an option, according to team captain Nero Deliwala, as is the possibility of bringing a one-two punch to the National Guard ADRL next year.

“It was discussed many times in 2009, [but] the timing was not right to bring out one of our other cars as we were still getting lots of data and testing with one car,” he told your Agent. “It’s inevitable that you need more data and testing time to run at the front of the pack, and adding another car can help you accomplish that. I just don’t want to race myself again, so if the right partnership and sponsorship can happen we’d love to race two cars.“

The only things your Agent can report with certainty at this point are: things are brewing in the Titan camp as the year comes to an end, but they are “100-percent solid” in their plans to compete in the 2010 National Guard ADRL Tour.

And that’s good news for everyone.

(ADRL/Graves file photo)

November 23, 2009

First Look: Branson’s New PX Duster

One of your Agent’s bravest operatives managed to infiltrate Andy McCoy Race Cars in Washington, MO, to snap a few pics of a brand-new ‘70 Duster that will soon be in the hands of Tim Branson and destined for National Guard ADRL Pro Extreme action next year.

That’s about all your Agent knows at this time, but the operative said he (or was it she?) saw several other cars in the McCoy shop that should turn just as many heads as this one appears bound to do.

November 23, 2009

Thomas Myers 16th Annual Toy Drive and Car Show

·       December 5, 2009 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

·       Performance Zone parking lot behind Whataburger, Granbury, Texas

·       Hamburgers, hot dogs and cold drinks for car show participants

·       Bring an unwrapped toy for a boy or girl and join us in the spirit of giving this holiday season!

·       For more information please call:

Thomas Myers Automotive at (817) 279-9949

Thomas Myers at (817) 475-1621

Rebecca Myers at (817) 894-1202

November 23, 2009

Gala Tickets Going Fast - Get Your’s Now!

If you haven’t already purchased tickets to the National Guard ADRL Racer Appreciation and Awards Gala II—to be held Dec. 12, in the Citrus Ballroom at the luxurious Wyndham Orlando Resort in Orlando, Florida—don’t delay any longer.

With the 5 p.m. (EST) Nov. 25, deadline looming just two days away, this will be your last chance to get in on the National Guard ADRL’s social event of the year. Your Agent has been told tickets are going fast and was reminded they will not be available at the door.

All current National Guard ADRL drivers and riders receive a free ticket and each official series sponsor is offered two complimentary passes to the semi-formal attire event, which begins at 7 p.m. with cocktails, followed by dinner, door prizes and the awards ceremony wrapping up by 11 p.m. Additional tickets for guests and team members are available for $50 each, payable by credit card, check or money order.

To RSVP and/or purchase tickets, send an email to Aimee Visney at aimee@adrl.us or call the National Guard ADRL office at (636) 272-2375.

November 22, 2009

New Street Machine for PXM Champ

So, what does the new National Guard ADRL Pro Extreme Motorcycle (PXM) champ do in his spare time?

Why, work on a motorcycle, of course.

In this case, newly crowned PXM World Champion Scott Gray is wrenching on this not-quite-so-stock, street-going 1982 Suzuki GS1100.

Gray personally hand-crafted the rear swing-arm suspension and lowered the whole bike to give it that stretched, custom look, tossed the oversized gauges in favor of more racy instrumentation and new handlebars are on the way, as is a more street-friendly tire to replace that slick out back.

Don’t be surprised, though, if this one sees some track action, too, says his wife, Amber.

“This is just gonna’ be a street bike for us to ride around Ocala (FL) on,” she told your Agent. “[But] it won’t suprise me if he does race it; he put a different clutch in, as well.”

So, if you’re ever in Ocala and a young couple on a lowered Suzi rolls up beside you at the stoplight, your Agent suggests discretion. You may just be taking on a world champion’s off-season project.

(Amber Gray photo)

November 20, 2009

Smith, Castellana Win at Qatar

Your Agent just got off the phone (2:15 EST) with ADRL Prez and CEO Kenny Nowling, who reported from the Qatar Race Club that Von Smith (above) and Mike Castellana just won the Pro Extreme and Pro Nitrous event titles, respectively, in the 2009-10 season opener for the Arabian Drag Racing League.

Smith overcame a . 019 holeshot by Sheikh Khalid Al-Thani in the PX final to win with a 3.758 pass at 205.69 mph over the Sheikh’s 3.860 at 198.06 mph.

In Pro Nitrous, Castellana left with a .029 light and posted a 3.931-seconds win at 191.70 mph, while new American Drag Racing League champ Khalid Al-Balooshi shook the tires off the start and coasted to a 7.121/89.74 finish.

“This has been a great event,” Nowling told your Agent. “I’m so impressed by the facilities and event staff over here and can’t wait for the next race in two weeks when we’ll be back here at the beautiful Qatar Race Club facility.”

November 20, 2009

National Guard ADRL on Versus TV this Sunday

Your Agent reminds everyone not to miss the airing of the LenMar Motorsports World Finals V at 3 p.m. (EST) this Sunday, Nov. 22, on the Versus television network.

As the first points-paying event of the 2010 National Guard ADRL season, the LenMar Motorsports World Finals V set the stage for next year’s Speedtech Battle for the Belts, so make sure to tune in and see who has a great start and who already has some catching up to do. If you haven’t been paying attention, your Agent suggests you may be surprised by a few of the names on both lists.

If you’re unsure of where to find Versus in your neck of the woods, visit ADRL Interactive, then scroll down about halfway on the page and insert your zip code in the box above the Versus schedule.

You can catch a brief clip of action from the LenMar Motorsports World Finals V here.

November 19, 2009

Holiday Shopping at Adrenaline Zone Online

Your Agent was just tipped off that there’s a 15% off sale for National Guard ADRL members only over at the Adrenaline Zone Online. Free shipping also is available for all orders over $100 and for a limited time, all orders will receive a free ADRL Classic decal in their shipments.

There’s clothing and souvenirs and a just-added gift pack of the entire 2009 National Guard ADRL season on 11 DVDs. That’s the one your Agent is eyeing!

The holidays are fast approaching folks, so make sure to visit the Adrenaline Zone Online soon to pick up your National Guard ADRL gear as soon as possible to take advantage of the deals and ensure shipping in time for Christmas or Chanukkah (or Festivus, or whatever your holiday event of choice may be).

(ADRL/Tocher file photo)

November 19, 2009

Sheikh Shakes Things Up at QRC

Your Agent just got off the phone this morning (10:15 EST) with ADRL President and CEO Kenny Nowling reporting from Doha, Qatar.

Nowling said he just watched His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Thani (left) go 3.895 at 195.22 mph behind the wheel of a brand-new Pro Extreme ‘68 Camaro in round one of qualifying for the 2009 season opener for the Arabian Drag Racing League on the Qatar Race Club (QRC) eighth mile. The Sheik posted a .977 60-foot time and 2.630 to half-track.

It also was the maiden run for the Tim McAmis-built car, tuned by veteran supercharger wiz Frank Manzo, and currently has HH Sheikh Khalid placed third on the qualifying list.

“I was standing right behind the car when it left and it was as straight and smooth a pass as I’ve ever seen,” Nowling told your Agent. “What I’m saying is, the man can drive.”

Your Agent expects additional reports—and hopefully pictures—as the event progresses.

(ADRL/Burwell file photo)

November 18, 2009

U.S. 131 Work Progresses

Looks to your Agent like work is progressing quite nicely at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park up in Martin, MI, where crews are pouring a brand-new concrete racing surface in 16-foot sections.

Of course, National Guard ADRL racers will eat up 660 feet of it in a hurry when they return June 11-12, next year for the Ford Drive One Summer Drags VI.

(Photos courtesy U.S. 131 Motorsports Park)

November 18, 2009

Another Glidden in the Cockpit?

No, Shannon’s not getting her own car.

But your Agent did speak with 2008 Flowmaster Extreme 10.5 champion Billy Glidden, who said he installed a passenger seat complete with 5-point safety harness in his ‘06 GTO so he could take his wife and number-one teammate along for a ride during a recent Mickey Thompson tire test at Silver Dollar Raceway in Reynolds, GA.

“She went 4.25 at 165 miles an hour,” Glidden proudly declared. “[But] I don’t think she’ll be wanting her own car any time soon. 

Glidden also said close friend and professional golfer Kenny Perry took a turn behind the wheel of his small-block-Ford-powered beast and steered it to a nice 4.19 at 168-mph pass.

Regarding his plans for next season, Glidden said he’ll require “a lot more” sponsorship before he can embark on another National Guard ADRL tour.

“Mickey Thompson helped out this year, but there were a couple of teams that spent a quarter to half a million dollars to win this championship,” he said. “Mickey Thompson isn’t going to spend that kind of money, at least not on sponsorship, that’s not what they’re all about.

“So I can’t guarantee or assure anyone that we can do again what we did this year,” Glidden told your Agent. “Never say never, but to say we know where we’re going? I can’t say that.”

(ADRL/Tocher file photo)

November 15, 2009

16th Annual Myers Toy Drive and Car Show

Your Agent wishes he lived a little closer to Granbury, TX, because that’s where he’d be Dec. 5, as National Guard ADRL Pro Nitrous race winners Thomas and Rebecca Myers will host their 16th annual Racing for Kids Toy Drive and Car Show from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the Performance Zone parking lot behind the Whataburger restaurant.

Thomas and Rebecca told your Agent they’re still looking for car show entrants, so if you’re nearby and have a great-looking race car or street-going ride to enter, give them a call at Myers Automotive (817) 279-0049 or (817) 475-1621. Free burgers, dogs (no, not those pictured!) and cold drinks will be available to car show participants.

Everyone is encouraged to join in the spirit of giving as the holiday season truly gets underway by bringing an unwrapped toy for later distribution to needy children.

For more information call either of the numbers above or (817) 894-1202.

(ADRL/Richards file photo)

November 13, 2009

Nowling to Appear on Buckeye Speedzone

Attention Ohio National Guard ADRL fans and racers: tune in to the Buckeye Speedzone Radio Show at 8:15 p.m. (EST) on Monday, Nov. 16, when series president and CEO Kenny Nowling will be a featured call-in guest.

Hosted by Dave “DC Bash” Campbell, Buckeye Speedzone is broadcast on WFRO 99.1 FM in Fremont, OH, and WQIO 97.3 FM in Bellevue, OH, to a triangular region between Toledo, Cleveland, and Columbus.

November 13, 2009

Campbell Picks Up New PXM Machine

After taking a year off from racing to regroup, Pro Extreme Motorcycle (PXM) rider Tommy Campbell recently made the trek from Bellbrook, OH, to pick up a brand-new bike built by Walt Timblin at Timblin Chassis down in Baxley, GA.

The new ride is destined to carry Suzuki power put together by Dan Wagner at DTM Performance and Timblin said he expects Campbell to make his return to National Guard ADRL competition next March at Houston in the 2010 season opener.

(Photos courtesy Timblin Chassis)

November 13, 2009

Flood Waters Threaten PX Racer’s Home

Pro Extreme (PX) driver Ellis Vial should be looking at a nice expanse of green lawn, a road and the Perrin River in front of his Gloucester, VA, home (below).

Instead, Vial (left) and his family are battling rising flood waters created by a November Nor’Easter that spun off from the recent Hurricane Ida and dumped more than 18 inches of rain—and it’s still coming down hard.

“Most of the time it’s really great to have a view of the river, but this place has gone from being heaven to hell in just three days,” Vial told your Agent this afternoon. “It’s so frustrating to watch eveything you’ve worked for just float away and there’s really nothing you can do about it.”

While Vial’s home is built on 10-foot pylons for just such an occurence and his race shop was spared, his truck, trailer and motorhome are apparently awash in two to three feet of water and his parents’ nearby home has been severely damaged.

“I feel so bad for them because they’ve lost pretty much everything and you can’t even get flood insurance around here,” he said. “I’m so discouraged right now that I can’t even get mad.”

Vial is stranded at home with Daniel Sykes, son of crew chief Donnie Sykes, who also works with 2006 Pro Extreme champion Bubba Stanton.

“Thank God, my wife (Kim) isn’t home right now, but poor Daniel came up here to help with my new (PX) car and I think he just wants to go back home to Tennessee now,” Vial said. “And the car, thankfully, is still down at Kenny Doak’s shop because Kenny’s a perfectionist. I wanted to have it here by now, but Kenny said no, he wanted to finish up a few things on it and that’s turned out to be my blessing in disguise.”

Your Agent knows he joins everyone in the National Guard ADRL in wishing Vial and his family the very best possible outcome. 

(Photo courtesy Ellis Vial)

November 12, 2009

PX/PN History Lesson at CompPlus.com

For anyone with an interest in the history behind Pro Extreme and Pro Nitrous, class is in session over at www.CompetitionPlus.com.

Your Agent’s old pal Bobby Bennett is at it again, this time with the first in a four-part series of articles tracing the development of Pro Modified into the National Guard ADRL’s two quickest offerings.

The National Guard ADRL’s resident historian and TV personality Bret Kepner is prominently featured, too, so you know it’s going to be an entertaining read.

Check it out here.

(Photo courtesy CompetitionPlus.com)

November 11, 2009

Morrell Making Moves for 2010 PXM Season

Has Pro Extreme Motorcycle rider Kim Morrell landed a major sponsor for next year’s ride? Is she going to be part of a multi-class, multi-vehicle assault on the National Guard ADRL by a brand-new team?

That’s what your Agent hears, though details are hard to come by.

But apparently there’s a Timblin Chassis-built frame already in the works with DTM Performance horsepower scheduled to slide in between the rails.

Your Agent will report more as it comes along, but all should be revealed no later than Dec. 11-12, at the PRI show and National Guard ADRL Racer’s Gala.

(ADRL/Bunsold file photo)

November 11, 2009

Fits Like a Glove

As your Agent promised, here’s a quick look at Thomas “Tom Slick” Myers getting fitted for his brand-new 1970 Duster by chassis builder Andy McCoy.

Myers plans to debut the Duster in Pro Nitrous trim next March in the 2010 National Guard ADRL season opener at Houston Raceway Park.

Don’t let the expressions on these guys fool you—your Agent knows they’re excited about the venture!

(Photos courtesy Andy McCoy Race Cars)

November 11, 2009

We Remember

On this Veterans Day, the National Guard ADRL recognizes and remembers the sacrifice and service of all past and present military members and their families.

Thank you for all you do.

(ADRL/Richards file photo)

November 10, 2009

Housley Picks Up Fulton Power for 2010

Your Agent received these spy pics from an operative who managed to infiltrate Pro Nitrous young gun Blake Housley’s race shop.

They depict the brand-new Gene Fulton-built motor that Housley and racing partner Mike Walker apparently picked up a couple of weeks ago from Fulton’s speed factory in Spartanburg, SC. No word on size; “big,” is all your Agent’s operative could offer.

Your Agent hears a new paint job is in the works for the ‘41 Willys, too, just in time for the 2010 National Guard ADRL season, when Housley seeks to re-establish an on-track presence after spending much of this past year as a crewman on Travis Swearingen’s Pro Extreme team.

Good to see a young guy willing to do what it takes to get out there and compete.

November 9, 2009

PX Driver Recovering from Topeka Test Crash

Your Agent was pleased to hear Pro Extreme (PX) driver Stan Smith is on the road to recovery after suffering serious injuries at Heartland Park Topeka Oct. 3, while testing his 1941 Willys in preparation for last month’s LenMar Motorsports ADRL World Finals V at Ennis, TX.

Smith’s car made a hard left turn shortly after launching from the right lane and impacted the left guardwall head-on about 300 feet out, rupturing its fuel and oil tanks and creating a significant fire. Track safety crew members and Smith’s son, Kyle, quickly extinguished the blaze and pulled the 25-year drag racing veteran from the wreckage.

Smith, from Valley Center, KS, was rushed by ambulance to Stormont-Vail Emergency in Topeka, where he was treated for head trauma and damage to his right eye. Smith underwent eye surgery in the week following the accident and is said to be recovering well and hoping to be able to work on the car again soon.

Your Agent is told that Smith and his Unsatisfied Racing Team plan to rebuild the flat black Willy’s over the winter to be ready for the 2010 National Guard ADRL Tour.

To send get-well wishes to Smith or even help out with some medical or rebuilding expenses, contact him via e-mail sent to unsatisfiedracing@yahoo.com or by phone at (316) 409-3735.

Your Agent certainly joins the entire National Guard ADRL in wishing Smith a complete and speedy recovery and return to competition as soon as possible.

(ADRL/Tocher file photo)

November 6, 2009

Party with PXM Champ in Ocala

Your Agent wishes he had more reliable and fuel-efficient transportation than the ‘74 Pacer he inherited from Great, Great Auntie Agent when she passed on to the Great Beyond, because he’d love to hit I-75 southbound to Ocala, FL, this Sunday for a National Guard ADRL World Champion Party in honor of Pro Extreme Motorcycle (PXM) victor and hometown hero Scott Gray (left).

Seems the Gray gang’s going to gather at Barbazons Sports Bar & Grill Nov. 8, to watch the 3 p.m. Versus airing of the National Guard ADRL’s championship-deciding Speedtech Battle for the Belts and celebrate Scott’s big win.

Your Agent hears from reliable inside sources that this show is going to be one of the series’ all-time best, so he recommends everyone go out of their way to tune in (even those unfortunate enough—like your Agent—to remain pawns in the DirecTV/Comcast power strugggle over carrying the National Guard ADRL’s televised home).

Barbazons Sports Bar & Grill is located at 4361 NW Blitchton Rd, Ocala, FL 34482. For directions call (352) 629-6100.

Your Agent just hopes someone brings a camera.

(ADRL/Tocher file photo)

November 6, 2009

PXM’s ‘Superman’ Gets His Bearings at PRI

Your Agent just learned that Rob “Superman” Hunnicutt and his distinctive Legion of Doom Pro Extreme Motorcycle entry will be at the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) show in Orlando Dec. 10-12, representing World Wide Bearings.

“Dave Conforti of World Wide Bearings has been a good friend for over 10 years and has helped me with every bike I’ve had,” Hunnicutt told your Agent. “They sell steel and ceramic bearings for almost every application and the ceramic bearings they sell are the best on the market. We run the bearings in our wheels and transmission and hope to have a set on one of our cranks this year.”

The “Superman” PXM bike will be on display at the World Wide Bearings booth (#1560) and your Agent suggests stopping by for a close-up look-see. It truly is a first-rate piece of pop art.

(ADRL/Simmons file photo)

November 5, 2009

‘Pit Pet’ Weighs In On Weekend with Hossler

Lisa “Pit Pet” Richards, daughter of official National Guard ADRL lensman Roger Richards, hung out with Alex Hossler and his race-winning crew at the recent LenMar Motorsports ADRL World Finals V and wrote about the experience in her continuing series at www.CompetitionPlus.com.

The cool video that she shot of Hossler’s final-round win over Quain Stott is worth the price of admission alone.

Check it out here.

November 4, 2009

Happy Birthday!

All together now, “Happy Birthday to you; Happy Birthday to you; Happy Birthday, dear Gaylen; Happy Birthday to yooooouuuuuuuu ...”

Okay, so maybe your Agent doesn’t have the greatest singing voice, but his heart’s in the right place for wishing Pro Extreme pilot Gaylen Smith (left) a happy 46th birthday today.

And clocking in at just 21 years of age today is another Pro Extreme racer, Alex “Boom Boom” Viscardi (right), who sat out the 2009 season, but hopes to run at least part-time with the National Guard ADRL next year.

Happy Birthday, guys! 

(ADRL/Tocher file photos)

November 4, 2009

BTG: Carpenter Looks Ahead

Your Agent was pleased to see Pro Nitrous pioneer and drag racing legend Charles Carpenter do so well at the recently completed LenMar Motorsports ADRL World Finals V, finishing runner-up to newly crowned class champ Khalid Al-Balooshi at the Texas Motorplex.

Go Beyond the Guardwall with Carpenter this week with his analysis of the race and what it means to his season and plans for next year.

Check it out here.

(ADRL/Lorenzini file photo)

November 4, 2009

Speedtech Battle for the Belts Broadcast

Your Agent reminds everyone to tune in to the Versus network this coming Sunday, Nov. 8, at 3 p.m., for the broadcast of the recently completed, championship-deciding National Guard ADRL Speedtech Battle for the Belts from the Texas Motorplex at Ennis, TX.

The 2009 Speedtech Battle for the Belts was punctuated, of course, by Pro Extreme contender Jason Hamstra’s miraculous escape from injury in a devastating high-speed accident, but in the end it was all about the National Guard ADRL’s newly crowned world champions.

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, you also can visit the new ADRL Videos On Demand player. It will provide online versions of all National Guard ADRL TV 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.

November 3, 2009

Dobbins Gets His Due Over at CompPlus.com

Extreme Pro Stock driver Jeff Dobbins (left) has taken over the reins of the Billy Dingman-owned ‘07 Cobalt that Matt Hartford drove to the 2009 Speedtech Battle for the Belts championship.

Your Agent’s old pal Bobby Bennett has the story in a short feature over at www.CompetitionPlus.com.

Bennett recently gave Hartford the CompPlus treatment, too, including the good news that the newly crowned champ expects to make at least a part-time appearance in the National Guard ADRL next season. Check it out here. 

(ADRL/Tocher file photo)

November 3, 2009

McCoy to Fit Myers In This Week

Your Agent was speaking today with Andy McCoy (rear), who confirmed Thomas “Tom Slick” Myers (right), winner of the Summit Racing Equipment Ohio Drags III earler this year, will be fitted for his new ‘70 Duster late this week at Andy McCoy Race Cars in Washington, MO.

Your Agent expects to have photos as soon as they’re available.

(ADRL/Richards file photo)