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June 30, 2009

National Guard ADRL Announces 2010 Date for Memphis

O’FALLON, MO (June 30, 2009) – True to form in going its own way, the National Guard American Drag Racing League (ADRL) is already confirming the first race date for its 2010 national event tour.

“Why wait when you have good news? Everyone had such a good time a few weeks ago that we want to make sure they mark their calendars now for May 28-29, 2010, and our return to Memphis Motorsports Park (MMP) with the Quarter-Max Memphis Drags III,” National Guard ADRL President and CEO Kenny Nowling said. “Hopefully, we can make attending this event a real Memorial Day weekend tradition for Memphis race fans.”

A two-day crowd of 58,750 passed through the MMP turnstiles for this year’s National Guard ADRL event (May 22-23), including more than 38,200 for Saturday’s twin qualifying sessions followed by elimination rounds in five professional classes of 16 race vehicles each.

Track Vice President and General Manager Jason Rittenberry said it was the largest single-day attendance for drag racing that he has ever seen at the Millington, Tennessee facility. Unfortunately, wet weather cut the event short just before the semi finals for all five classes and the race had to be completed at the series’ next scheduled event two weeks later in Michigan.

“The response we’ve had to the National Guard ADRL has been unlike anything I’ve seen here before,” Rittenberry stated. “Even with the rainout we had people telling us it was the best drag race they’ve ever attended and we’re still receiving positive comments more than a month later. That alone tells me this was a very special event.”

The National Guard ADRL is the world’s leading sanctioning body for eighth-mile drag racing and presents an all-pro show with no filler classes. Current records over the 660-foot race distance are 3.66 seconds and 207.43 mph, both set at Memphis this year by reigning two-time National Guard ADRL Pro Extreme World Champion Jason Scruggs of Saltillo, Mississippi.

“The cars are incredible; the drivers are incredible and the entire ADRL race experience is incredible,” Rittenberry said. “We couldn’t be happier knowing the National Guard ADRL will be back at Memphis Motorsports Park in 2010.”

The National Guard ADRL raced in front of record crowds at Memphis Motorsports Park in May, but rain cut the event short. Series and track officials are hoping that won’t be the case May 28-29, 2010, when the National Guard ADRL returns with its Quarter-Max Memphis Drags III.

(ADRL/Ball file photos)

June 30, 2009

National Guard ADRL Updates Supercharger Rules

O’FALLON, MO (June 30, 2009) –The National Guard American Drag Racing League (ADRL) announced today several rule clarifications related to the use of superchargers in its Pro Extreme and Extreme 10.5 classes.

-          Use of any size centrifugal, roots-type or screw-type supercharger allowed.

-          Maximum overdrive for a roots-type supercharger is 1.70 (70 percent over).

-          Maximum overdrive for a PSI screw-type supercharger is 2.28 (128 percent over). 

-          Maximum overdrive for a Whipple screw-type supercharger is 1.60 (60 percent over). 

-          All screw-type superchargers must be certified to SFI Spec 34.1 and overdrive limit established to be eligible for ADRL competition.

-          Any new screw-type supercharger must be approved for competition prior to competing at an ADRL event.

-          All screw-type superchargers must display a current SFI Recertification tag.

“We haven’t had a problem in this area, but these rules are intended to stave off any issues before they arise,” National Guard ADRL Executive Vice President of Competition Bubba Corzine explained. “We just want to put it in writing and make sure that all of our race teams know where we stand in regard to these power enhancers.” 

(ADRL/Lorenzini file photo)

June 30, 2009

Carpenter Making Much-Anticipated Return to ADRL Action

CHARLOTTE, NC (June 30, 2009) – Nearly four months after the official start of the 2009 National Guard ADRL season, Charles Carpenter is ready to start over again.

Since crashing his unmistakable ’55 Chevy in early March at Houston Raceway Park, both Carpenter himself and the car have healed at almost the same rate, and both are looking to make their return to the Pro Nitrous scene at this weekend’s National Guard ADRL Hardee’s Independence Drags III in Topeka, KS.

“I’m just now getting to the point where my back feels like it’s almost back to normal and I can get back in the driver’s seat,” said Carpenter. “Coincidentally, the car is ready to go at the same time.”

Carpenter didn’t want to make the long haul from Charlotte, NC to Topeka with an almost completely rebuilt car and no test time, so Buddy Boozer’s Orangeburg Dragstrip was the perfect proving grounds for the freshened ’55 just over two weeks ago (above).

“I had to make sure I could handle it physically, and I knew we would have some small bugs to work out of the car,” said the 50-year-old auto repair center owner. “It felt great to get back out there. There was no pain whatsoever. The car feels just as good as it did before, and with some changes we’ve made to our combination it’s really reacting in the front half of the track. I never made a full pass at Orangeburg, but it posted some really good short numbers. We’re encouraged by its performance and feel confident heading to Topeka.”

Unfortunately, the car retains a somewhat patchwork appearance following the repairs made to correct its meeting with the wall in Houston.

“It’s definitely not pretty, but that won’t matter as long as it’s fast,” Carpenter said. “We’ll get it repainted eventually, but that’s not in the budget right now and we’ve got to make it to this race for everyone that has helped us get back out there. We can’t miss another one. Every race we miss, we’re losing ground not only in points, but in keeping up with the record-breaking performance we seem to see race after race in Pro Nitrous. You’ve got to be out there refining your program lap after lap if you hope to have any chance of being competitive.”

After 35 years, one would think Carpenter has done all the refining possible. Not so says the Pro Nitrous pioneer.

“I’m never satisfied when it comes to racing,” Carpenter declared. “It’s going to take everything we’ve got to get back out there, but that’s exactly what we’re willing to give.”

(Photo by Buddy Trivette courtesy of Charles Carpenter Racing) 

June 30, 2009

TMRC Well-Represented in ADRL’s Top Classes

HAWK POINT, MO (June 30, 2009)— The Tim McAmis Race Cars (TMRC) support trailer (right) will be rolling into Topeka, Kansas, later this week for the July 3-4, Hardee’s Independence Drags III, the fifth stop on the 2009 National Guard ADRL Tour.

TMRC-built cars put on quite a show at the previous ADRL event three weeks ago in Martin, Michigan, where the rain-postponed Pro Nitrous final from Memphis was finally run featuring TMRC standouts Jim Halsey (below left) and Tim Savell from the Bankston Boyz in a thrilling side-by-side performance, with Halsey taking the win home to Maryland.

Rookie driver Khalid Al Balooshi also was impressive in his TMRC Camaro, covering the Martin eighth mile in a career-best 3.88 seconds at more than 193 mph in a clear testament to the superior quality and performance a McAmis-built race car delivers.

Also, after a few days of testing, Pat Stoken and his new Stoken Family Logging ‘68 Camaro have made some huge strides toward getting back to race-winning ways and will be looking to turn their season around at Topeka. Stoken’s new TMRC Version 4 entry has imposed a bit of a learning curve on the team with its enormous horsepower being channeled through a significantly lighter race car than any he’s driven in seasons past, but once they start making consistent low-3.90-second passes, the round wins will come and Stoken may yet become a contender for the ADRL’s championship-deciding Battle for the Belts this fall.

Meanwhile, among the best-kept secrets in Pro Nitrous has been the admirable performances by TMRC racers Lee Atkins, Mark Malcuitt and John DeCerbo, who all qualified with torque-converter driven cars.

Joshua Hernandez (right) and his National Guard Team Red guys will be in Topeka, too, showing off the TMRC-edition, Pro Extreme ‘57 Chevy that they debuted in Memphis last month with a 201-mph qualifying blast in just its second official ADRL pass.

So, if attending the ADRL race at Heartland Park Topeka this July 4th holiday weekend, please make sure to stop by the Tim McAmis Performance Parts trailer to get your hands on the latest in superior race car components. And remember, the same quality the stars of the 2009 National Guard ADRL race with is available to you at www.timmcamis.com.

(ADRL/Richards/Ball file photos)

June 29, 2009

D’Aprile Hopes to Regain Momentum

ELMA, NY (June 29, 2009)—After placing Pro Extreme team owner Mel Bush’s 62’ Bel Air in the number-four spot at the National Guard ADRL Ford Drive One Summer Drags V a few weeks ago in Martin, Michigan, driver Tommy D’Aprile then posted his first 200-mile-per-hour pass over the eighth mile in a first-round win over fellow Floridian Joey Martin.

“I can’t believe it,” D’Aprile (left) said later.

“To look at our deal from the outside would make you think we have a few things holding us back, and we do, but those Jan-Cen guys just know how to make monster power.”

The momentum the team was hoping to build on was squashed, however, when for the second event in a row Mother Nature put an end to the festivities, forcing ADRL officials to postpone the remainder of eliminations to this weekend’s Hardee’s Independence Drags III at Heartland Park Topeka, in Kansas.

The Michigan wrap-up will take place on Friday in conjunction with one scheduled round of qualifying for the Independence Drags by all five National Guard ADRL professional classes. Two additional rounds of qualifying and eliminations for the Topeka race will be run throughout Saturday at Heartland Park.

“It would’ve been nice to keep going in Martin. We we’re on a roll,” Bush said.

“Kevin (crew chief Kevin Peters Of Jan-Cen Motorsports) has this old sled moving. If we can get a good test pass in when we get to Topeka I know Kevin and Mike (Janis) will give Tommy everything he needs.”

In related news, Mel Bush Motorsports has taken delivery of a new lightweight Dan Page Race Cars-built 1970 Camaro. The Camaro is currently at Scott Jahren’s Tonawanda, NY, shop being prepared for paint and is set to debut at the next ADRL event, the NationalGuard.com U.S. Drags II on July 24-25, at Virginia Motorsports Park.

“The 62’ is a great car, but to gain that extra competitive edge we needed to try and get some weight off of her. We did everything we could within reason but she’s still right around ‘legal’ weight (2,650 lbs),” Bush said. “It’s a fantastic Pro Mod, but we race Pro Extreme now. The new car is extremely lighter. Dan did a fantastic job on the car; it’s a work of art.”

(ADRL/Bunsold/Tocher/Richards file photos)

June 28, 2009

Janis Plans on Clutch Performance in Topeka

ELMA, NY (June 28, 2009) —Horsepower, torque, and adrenaline have driven Mike Janis to become one of the top racers, engine builders and tuners in the world, and while some level of fame comes from being the best at what you do, that’s not what’s most important to Janis, a former world champion who is racing in the National Guard ADRL’s Pro Extreme class for the first time this year.

“When we first decided to do this professionally we just hoped to get into the field. Once we knew we could do that on a regular basis our focus turned to winning events,” the Pro Extreme “rookie” said. “Now, as the years have gone by, we continually push ourselves to improve in different ways. That doesn’t always mean winning a race is the ultimate goal.”

That’s not to say winning races isn’t important to the Elma, NY-based engine builder; but it’s the “numbers” he’s chasing that now take precedence.

“Like our sponsor, Aeroquip, it’s about performance. Aeroquip has outperformed its competitors for over 60 years by continually trying to improve their products. We have taken what we’ve learned from working with such a great company and implemented it into both Mike Janis Racing and Jan-Cen Motorsports,” Janis continued.

“Our performance on the track has helped us grow our business, Jan-Cen Motorsports, and we need our engines to be able to out perform everyone out there. We continually perform R&D so we can give whatever we test and prove to our customers. We know we have the power to run in the 3.60s, but we have to prove it first. So for right now (those are) the numbers we’re chasing.”

In order to reach that goal, it will take teamwork from everyone involved with Mike Janis Racing, so they recently have been relying on the expertise of long-time sponsor Ram Clutches to assist them in reaching the now-coveted 3.60 zone.

“Pat (Norcia) from Ram Clutches has stood by us for years and has continued his support through sponsorship and technology,” crew chief Mike Janis Jr. said.

“Recently we revamped our clutch program and have been following Pat’s lead. We’ll be running an updated system this weekend in Topeka (and) while the track and weather conditions may prohibit us from getting to the numbers we’re looking for, our new clutch program should show immediate dividends when it comes to consistency.”

Regardless, Janis Jr. is expecting a big weekend July 3-4, with his dad and their Aeroquip-backed ‘68 Camaro at the Hardee’s Independence Drags III at Heartland Park Topeka. 

“Even with the hot weather conditions I think we can run some real good numbers,” he said. “The one we’re chasing this weekend is the number one—as in the number-one qualifier.”

(ADRL/Richards/Tocher/McHugh file photos)

June 25, 2009

Aeromotive Hosting Open House Featuring XTF Champ Billy Glidden

LENEXA, KS (June 25, 2009)— As part of the build-up to the July 3-4, National Guard ADRL Hardee’s Independence Drags III at Heartland Park Topeka, Aeromotive Fuel Systems will host an exclusive open house on Thursday, July 2, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at its nearby manufacturing facility and offices at 7805 Barton Street in Lenexa, Kansas.

Lunch will be served for all those in attendance and the open house will feature an autograph session by reigning Flowmaster Extreme 10.5 (XTF) World Champion Billy Glidden. Attendees will get the opportunity to meet Glidden and see his impressive racing operation, including the beautiful, Mickey Thompson-sponsored GTO (below).

In addition, the entire Aeromotive fleet will be on display, from their well-known, Larson-built, twin-turbo Mustang to their brand-new Ford Cobra Jet Dragster and their work-in-progress Cobra Jet, a three of three Ford Prototype Cobra Jet.

This open house offers a rare opportunity to look inside a performance industry-leading manufacturer. See where the most durable and longest lasting fuel pumps and fuel delivery components in the world are designed, engineered, assembled and tested before shipping out the door.

“We know it’s unusual for manufacturers to open their doors and give the consumers a chance to see behind the curtain, but we’ve always felt like it’s important for people to know what they are buying,” Aeromotive founder and President Steve Matusek said. “We know it’s a cool process to see how we do business and we think that any chance we have to educate people on what we do and why we do it is a great opportunity.”

Aeromotive’s relationship with Glidden is a rather recent one, going back only to the beginning of the 2009 season. Obviously, it has been beneficial for both parties as Glidden is off to amazing start to the season with a perfect four out of four wins in the 2009 National Guard ADRL points season. He also is the current XTF world record holder of the quickest E.T. with a 4.079-seconds blast over the eighth-mile in Memphis, TN.

“I’ve said it before, but any chance you have to align yourself with people like Billy Glidden is an awesome opportunity. We are very excited to bring him out to our facility and are proud he’s flying the Aeromotive flag,” Matusek said.

Aeromotive Inc. is a true high performance aftermarket manufacturer specializing in fuel delivery and fuel delivery components. Utilizing aerospace tolerances and procedures, three generations of track experience and a meticulous approach to engineering, Aeromotive Fuel Systems has become the absolute pinnacle of performance fuel delivery.

For more information on Aeromotive’s extensive line of components and the advantages they can provide, go to www.aeromotiveinc.com, or for directions or to speak with one of Aeromotive’s highly qualified technicians, call (913) 647-7300.

June 21, 2009

Stott: ‘We’re Having Fun Again’

COLUMBUS, NC (June 19, 2009)—What a difference a year can make. After struggling through 2008, in what easily could be considered his toughest season in two decades, National Guard ADRL Pro Extreme racer Quain Stott is back in the groove that led to much of the success he’s enjoyed throughout his racing career.

With most of last season spent in research-and-development mode, Stott is back to his winning ways—as both driver and tuner.

“I was just being hard-headed,” he admits about the 2008 season. “The stuff we had figured out on paper should have made the car faster—it just wouldn’t work in racing conditions.”

The revelation that had Stott removing thousands of dollars in parts and more man hours than he would care to admit completely turned his LeeBoy Equipment team around and has it currently situated in second place in the Pro Extreme points chase.

Last October at the Texas Motorplex in Dallas, Stott won the first race counting toward the 2009 championship-deciding Speedtech Battle for the Belts. (the National Guard ADRL begins each new season with a race at the end of the prior calendar year).

Since that time, Stott has compiled an impressive 11-3 record (.786 winning percentage) over the season’s first four events, including the Dallas win and a runner-up finish from Memphis. The conclusion of the most recent event, the Ford Drive One Summer Drags V from Martin, MI, had to be postponed for rain, with eliminations set to be concluded on Friday July 3, as part of the Hardee’s Independence Drags III at Heartland Park Topeka, in Kansas.

Stott enjoyed a number-two starting position for the Summer Drags and won his first-round match in Michigan, so he has an opportunity to double up on wins and gain ground on points leader Jason Scruggs, who suffered engine damage and bowed out from the opening round.

“We’re having fun again,” Stott said from his North Carolina race shop. “Racing is such a fickle roller coaster ride. We’re going to enjoy it while we can.”

(ADRL/Tocher file photos)

June 15, 2009

Halsey Still Hoping for Two-in-One Weekend

(6-15-09) HAVRE de GRACE, MD—When rain ended and postponed the action of the Quarter-Max Memphis Drags II just prior to the semi-finals for all five National Guard ADRL pro classes May 23, Jim Halsey became a man on a mission. The Pro Nitrous points leader set his sights on doubling up at the next scheduled race, June 5-6, in Martin, MI, where he hoped to win two national events the same weekend.

He completed exactly half of his goal before rain once again shortened the event at hand.

On Saturday afternoon—under touch-and-go weather conditions—the Pro Nitrous semis and final round from the Memphis event were completed at Martin’s U.S. 131 Motorsports Park in conjunction with qualifying for the Ford Drive One Summer Drags event. Winning with a hole shot, Halsey (right) took down Qatar’s Khalid Al-Balooshi in a thrilling semi-final match before motoring past Tim Savell in the final run of eliminations. 

Unfortunately, rain set in for the rest of weekend in Martin shortly thereafter, turning the next event on the National Guard ADRL schedule once more into a race within a race. The rain-shortened outcome of Martin is now set to unfold July 3, during qualifying for the Hardee’s Independence Drags III at Heartland Park Topeka in Kansas. 

“I’m not looking forward to the travel involved,” Maryland-based Halsey admits. “But I’m pumped about competing at Topeka, and with a goal of doing what we set out to do at Martin— win both events.”

After taking delivery of his state-of-the-art Pro Nitrous Camaro from Tim McAmis Race Cars last December, Halsey has clocked a best of 3.89 in eliminations, while touching 3.84 in a test lap early this year. Consistent, dominating performances that include going to every Pro Nitrous final contested so far this year have provided Halsey with a comfortable lead in Pro Nitrous points—but they’ve also generated swirling rumors that Halsey is yet to show his hand in terms of what his purpose-built ADRL car really is capable of.

“Some of my competition thinks I’ve been laying back a bit, and quite frankly, they’re right,” Halsey declares.

So, with Topeka just three weeks away, he plans to continue fine tuning his set-up and may even show a little bit more of his hand in Kansas.

“I’ve got something in my back pocket, and I’m just about ready to show it.”

June 9, 2009

Hardee’s Serves Up National Guard ADRL Event to Topeka Fans

O’FALLON, MO (June 4, 2009) — Hardee’s Restaurants is serving up an extra-fast product July 3-4, as the title sponsor of the National Guard American Drag Racing League’s (ADRL’s) Hardee’s Independence Drags III at Heartland Park Topeka. This will mark Hardee’s second title sponsorship of a National Guard ADRL event this year.

Heartland Park Topeka chairman Steve Johnson said the track is “thrilled” to be hosting the National Guard ADRL and looking forward to bringing the Hardee’s Independence Drags III to Topeka drag racing fans on a long-term basis.

“We’re very happy to be offering yet another world-class motorsports event to our local fans,” Johnson said. “The race teams in the National Guard ADRL put on an unbelievable show and we can’t wait to see them blister the eighth mile here at Heartland Park Topeka.”

Reigning National Guard ADRL Pro Extreme world champion Jason Scruggs holds the records for the quickest and fastest eighth-mile passes ever by a full-bodied race car at an incredible 3.66 seconds and more than 207 miles per hour. Other National Guard ADRL classes include Pro Nitrous, Flowmaster Extreme 10.5, Pro Extreme Motorcycle and just added this year, Extreme Pro Stock.

“We couldn’t be happier about racing at Heartland Park Topeka. (Track owner) Raymond Irwin and his staff have put together a beautiful facility here and I know our race teams and fans are going to make this one of their favorite stops on the National Guard ADRL tour,” stated Jeff Fortune, the O’Fallon, Missouri-based series’ executive vice president. “And to have Hardee’s on board for a second national event sponsorship is a great bonus for us and the track. With their help and expertise in distributing complimentary tickets, I think it will ensure we have another record-setting event.”

Currently celebrating its fifth full season, the National Guard ADRL is the world’s premier sanctioning body for eighth-mile drag racing. It features five professional classes with no fillers, making for a very fast-paced and exciting race weekend.

“The National Guard ADRL’s unique complimentary ticket program offers a tremendous added value for our customers and we saw a great response to it in Georgia, both in our stores and at the track,” said Steve Lemley, Hardee’s vice president of marketing. “The stands were packed with happy Hardee’s customers and enthusiastic ADRL fans and we expect to see even more show up at the Hardee’s Independence Drags in Topeka.”

In a well-attended press conference Tuesday morning at the Capital Plaza Hotel in downtown Topeka, Kansas, National Guard American Drag Racing League (ADRL) Executive Vice President Jeff Fortune officially announced the Hardee’s Independence Drags III will be held July 3-4, at Heartland Park Topeka, a multi-purpose motorsports facility located about five miles south of the city.

(ADRL/Evans photo) 

June 9, 2009

Barklage Makes Career-Best Pass in Michigan

MARTIN, MI (June 8, 2009) – Cody Barklage and his Lucas Oil-backed ‘67 Firebird hit a winning note this past weekend  at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park in Martin, Michigan. Racing in the National Guard ADRL Pro Extreme class, Barklage enjoyed his best performance so far this season, including a career-best pass in qualifying third for the Ford Drive One Summer Drags V.

“During qualifying, I ran my best eighth-mile run at 3.78 and over 201 MPH, so the whole team was pretty excited,” Barklage said. “Typically when we race, my wife, parents, and brother all come, but this weekend it was just dad, our crew chief Chad and me, and we performed very well. I’m just so proud of how things went.”

In round one of eliminations Barklage got away from the starting line first and never looked back, taking the win light with a 3.83-seconds blast at 197.74 MPH over Ken Thomas.

“Getting past round one is sometimes the hardest,” the young Pro Extreme star said. “But seeing the win light in my lane this round was certainly worth the work. I knew I had a decent light and knew it had to be a good race, but I don’t think I saw him when I crossed the finish line.”

Unfortunately for Barklage, his team and the rest of the National Guard ADRL, they all have to wait to continue racing action. Rain late in the day postponed three rounds of eliminations for all five professional classes and the race will be finished July 3, in conjunction with qualifying for the Hardee’s Independence Drags III at Heartland Park Topeka, the next event on this year’s 10-race National Guard ADRL tour. 

Barklage and Lucas Oil will take on National Guard driver Joshua Hernandez in round two.

(ADRL/Bunsold photos)

June 7, 2009

Ford Drive One Summer Drags Postponed to Topeka

Unfortunately, persistent light rain in Martin, Michigan and forecasts calling for continuing wet weather through Sunday forced National Guard ADRL officials to make the call about 11 p.m. Saturday night, to postpone the remainder of the Ford Drive One Summer Drags V to July 3, for completion at the Hardee’s Independence Drags III at Heartland Park Topeka in Topeka, Kansas.

“We want to thank you, the tens of thousands of Western Michigan fans who came out to watch the National Guard ADRL,” series president and CEO Kenny Nowling said in announcing the postponement over the track’s public address system. “We were prepared to wait it out and get back to racing, but I’m afraid Mother Nature has other plans.”

The same fate befell the event last year at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park, forcing the final rounds to be completed elsewhere when much more violent storms ripped through the region. This time, first-round eliminations for all five National Guard ADRL professional classes and one pair of cars in the quarter-finals of Extreme Pro Stock were in the books, leaving three elimination rounds for each class to be wrapped up in Topeka. 

“You’ve proven you love National Guard ADRL racing,” Nowling told the standing-room-only crowd. “And we love coming here. We’ll be back next year and I hope you’ll all come back to finally get to experience a complete event.”

On Friday night in Michigan, the National Guard ADRL completed its rain-interrupted event from two weeks earlier in Memphis, Tennessee. Two-time reigning Pro Extreme champion won the delayed Memphis title, as did defending Extreme 10.5 champ Billy Glidden, with Brian Gahm picking up his second-straight win in Extreme Pro Stock and Ashley Owens earning his first Pro Extreme Motorcycle win. The Pro Nitrous final, further postponed to Saturday in Michigan, went to points leader Jim Halsey.  

(ADRL/Tocher photos)

June 5, 2009

Patrick: Still Driving One

Robert Patrick loves to win.

Sporting sponsorship from his father’s Purvis Ford Lincoln Mercury dealership located in Fredericksburg, VA, Robert Patrick hopes to put his Shelby Cobra Mustang in victory lane at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park this weekend for another even more important reason.

The winner of the inaugural National Guard ADRL Extreme Pro Stock event and a past world champion, Patrick is gunning to take home the trophy in the Ford Drive One Summer Drags V in the first year Ford has sponsored the event.

The Ford Drive One Summer Drags in Martin, Michigan, also represents the closest venue on the ADRL’s schedule to Detroit, a manufacturing town hard hit by the economic downturn of the past year, sending two of the Big Three car companies into bankruptcy court.

Ford is the only U.S. automotive manufacturer to have avoided bankruptcy and also to have grown stronger despite lagging worldwide sales.

“I am real excited to see Ford involved with this event,” Patrick said. “I think if the opportunity to win another ADRL Extreme Pro Stock event presented itself, I can’t think of a better situation than to win an event where Ford is the title sponsor.”

Patrick will be the first to admit the past couple of years have been the toughest to be an auto dealer, no matter which brand you were selling. However, seeing his beloved Ford brand emerge as the strongest of the three manufacturers from Detroit comes as no surprise.

“Ford went through what GM and Chrysler did in the previous years,” Patrick said. “Instead of going to the government for money … they remained on their own. They kind of did their own bailout. I think Ford had the vision to see what was going to happen in the markets and through some restructuring with their vehicles and product lines had the foresight to do that a few years ago. That put them in a better position when the recession hit. Hopefully Ford can continue to remain strong and pull through this deal.”

Patrick was one of the lobbyists for the ADRL to run an Extreme Pro Stock division because he knew that having a naturally-aspirated, late-model division would only serve to further the marketing efforts of the series.

“When I began lobbying the ADRL to include Extreme Pro Stock in their program line-up, I did that with the knowledge for ADRL to get the kind of manufacturer support they needed … a Pro Stock class was definitely a must,” Patrick said. “For a company like Ford who produces new cars, I think having a class like Extreme Pro Stock is pivotal to their marketing efforts. I certainly hope that Ford likes what they see and comes back for more.”

(ADRL/Tocher file photos)

June 5, 2009

Hossler Sees Bright Future in New Car

Alex Hossler is ready for his second National Guard ADRL race after debuting a brand-new Chris Duncan Race Cars-built 1970 Pro Extreme Camaro two weeks ago in Memphis. This weekend the Hossler Duncan Racing team is in Martin, Michigan for the Ford Drive One Summer Drags V at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park.

In Memphis, Hossler qualified number eight before going out in the first round of eliminations after the car went into tire shake.

“We are really looking forward to going rounds in ADRL,” Hossler said. “ADRL is where the top doorslammer competitors are, and to qualify in the top half of the quickest field in ADRL history is something to be very happy about.”

Sitting in front of the driver is a DMPE-built motor topped with a PSI screw blower and putting the power to the rear tires is a converter-aided Lenco Drive. The Cynergy Composite ‘70.5 Camaro body provides some great weight savings, but also a pleasant bonus.

“I can see out of it better than any other car I’ve driven,” Hossler stated.

(ADRL/Richards file photo)

June 5, 2009

Berner Confident at Martin

CRETE, IL (June 4, 2009)—Extreme Pro Stock racer Pete Berner admits he hasn’t quite been in championship form lately. However, he also recognizes that he’s learning a lot and is quickly finding his way back to the place where he can make winning almost look easy. As work on his in-house engine program continues, Berner is continually trying new things, looking for that extra edge. In this he’s finding that success is a journey where every learning curve can be a step in the right direction.

“The car has been running good, although it’s not quite where we’d like it to be,” Berner said. “We’ve been trying some new things on it. Some of them work; some don’t. We recently found some issues that were giving us problems. We’ve got those fixed and I think we’re on our way back to where we need to be.”

Berner heads to U.S. 131 Motorsports Park in Martin, Michigan, this weekend, his home stop on the National Guard ADRL tour, for the Ford Drive One Summer Drags V. Due to a rainout at the previous National Guard ADRL event, U.S. 131 also will play host to the semi-finals and final rounds for all five National Guard ADRL pro classes from the Quarter-Max Memphis Drags II. Berner remains in the final four for Extreme Pro Stock in the Quarter-Max Memphis Drags, giving him a rare chance to win two races in one weekend.

“I’m really looking forward to the Martin event. It’s our home stop on the tour. I test there frequently and Jason and Stephanie [Peterson, track managers] are great to work with and always have the track in top-notch condition. It doesn’t matter if I’m the only car testing there, the track is always awesome,” Berner stated. “They have great fans and it’s one of the best facilities we go to, so I’m really looking forward to it. Because I have raced and tested there a lot, I have a tune up for that track in any weather condition. I think we have a good opportunity to do well in both events that we’ll be running this weekend.”

The Memphis wrap-up will take place during Friday’s qualifying session for the Ford Drive One Summer Drags V and two more rounds of qualifying will continue Saturday before the race is contested that night.

(ADRL/Richards file photos)

June 4, 2009

Janis ‘Racing the Track’ in Bid for Twin Wins

(06-03-09) ELMA, NY – With the semi-finals and final rounds for all five professional classes from the National Guard ADRL Quarter-Max Memphis Drags II postponed due to rain two weeks ago at Memphis, Pro Extreme driver Mike Janis has two shots in one weekend to take home his first National Guard ADRL Minuteman trophy.

The Memphis event will be completed within this Friday’s lone qualifying session for the Ford Drive One Summer Drags V at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park in Martin, Michigan.

After defeating Brian Daniels in the quarter-finals of the Memphis Drags, Janis will stage his Aeroquip-backed, Dan Page Race Cars-built ‘68 Camaro against the ‘63 Corvette of Quain Stott in the Memphis semis on Friday night.

“It seems every time our team runs at Martin it’s been a race-within-a-race scenario and we historically haven’t done well in that,” Aeroquip lead crewman Steve Hermann said. “I’m just hoping things will be different this time around.”

For his part, Janis is taking the race within a race in stride.

“I know its cliché, but we just have to race the track. I know we have the car, team and power to race with anyone here. It’s just a matter of racing the track,” the Elma, NY-based engine builder stated. “If the surface is favorable to us I think everything else will take care of itself.”

(ADRL/Tocher file photos)

June 4, 2009

Montecalvo Motivated for Multiple Wins in Martin

(06-04-09) CENTER MORICHES, NY - Just a few short days after John Montecalvo and wife Lois Anne welcomed their first grandchild, Vincent John Montecavlo, into the family, the couple is already looking toward their next event in a busy racing schedule.

The next stop for Montecalvo and team is Martin, Michigan, for this weekend’s National Guard ADRL Ford Summer Drags V at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park. The National Guard ADRL’s two-day race schedule will be jam packed for the Extreme Pro Stock team from Long Island, NY, as Friday of the Summer Drags—which normally would include only an afternoon test session followed by the first round of qualifying—will see the completion of the rain-shortened Quarter-Max Memphis Drags II from Millington, Tennessee two weeks ago.

All five National Guard ADRL professional classes were ready for the semi-finals in Memphis before Mother Nature stepped in and postponed their completion to this Friday night.

“We’ll have an awesome opportunity this weekend,” said the newly crowned grandfather. “With Memphis being completed at this event, we have the chance to win two races in two days. That will be a lot of work, but we’re up for the challenge. We have our ADRL motor and combination in and ready to fight. I’ve been to Martin many times, which has given us a good bit of data for that track, so I feel good heading into the semi-finals.

“And now I have another fan cheering me on—my new grandson! That will give me even more motivation to win.”

(ADRL/Richards/Tocher file photos)

June 4, 2009

A Letter to My Heroes

The following appears as the “First Word” editorial in the new issue of Adrenaline, official magazine of the the National Guard American Drag Racing League (ADRL).

In light of recent events regarding Motor Mile Dragway, I felt it was important to take a moment to personally address some of the most important people in my life, the men and women who compete in the National Guard ADRL.

Those who know me well know that I have been a diehard fan of fast doorslammer racing since the spring of 1987 when fellow Missourian Bill Kuhlmann became the first full-bodied “doorslammer” driver ever to exceed 200 miles per hour over a quarter mile at Darlington, South Carolina.

Since that historic moment I have been obsessed with this genre of racing. I vividly recall riding my bike a little over three miles to Majik Market in St. Charles, Missouri, to pick up the latest copy of Super Stock & Drag Illustrated just to find out whatever I could. While growing up, my room was literally wallpapered with images of Bill Kuhlmann, Charles Carpenter, “Animal” Jim Feurer, Robbie Vandergriff, Wally Bell, Gordie Faust and Donnie Little, to name just a few. Fast forward roughly 21 years and that same kid is now president and CEO of one of the most successful drag racing series in the world. I am truly living my dream.

Several factors have contributed to the success and growth of the present day ADRL; however, without doubt the most important one is you, our series’ stars. As the men and women who compete in and have supported the ADRL over the past five years, you are absolutely the most important component of our company and its future.

That’s not why you are some of the most important people in my life, though. The reason is that collectively you guys and gals are my heroes. The courage you display in risking your lives so that I can make a living doing what I love is overwhelming to me and I want each and every one of you to know just how humbled I am to even be a part of this.

So with that said I offer no apology for relocating the Hardee’s Independence Drags III from Radford, Virginia to Topeka, Kansas. There has been and will continue to be plenty of speculation as to why the event was moved, but let me be perfectly clear, there was one reason only: YOUR SAFETY!

I will take whatever I have coming in both the judicial court and the court of public opinion because I know I can never go wrong when I make a decision based one-hundred percent on your safety.

Did we have one event remaining on our contract with Motor Mile Dragway? Yes we did, and Paragraph (a) of that contract, under track obligations, reads as follows: “A racing surface, including shut down and run off, that is in such a condition as to allow safe and competitive racing.” When I signed that contract in 2007, I felt Motor Mile Dragway met that obligation. However, it became evident during last year’s event that it may no longer be the case.

After watching run after run of highly skilled ADRL drivers and riders making unsafe maneuvers in trying to get their race vehicles stopped I knew something had to be done. Not only did I tell our competitors that we would not be back unless additional shutdown was added, I also informed the same to management at Motor Mile Dragway and was told it would be addressed. The only reason I waited so long to relocate the event was that I was hoping the track’s length would be increased. Only when it became evident it would not, a letter was sent to their management informing them of our decision to relocate the event. As I stated before, I will never regret making a decision based solely on your safety.

In closing, I want all of you to know that your safety will always be my first priority no matter what the consequences are for me personally or professionally. After all, you are my heroes!

All the best,

Kenny Nowling

President and CEO

American Drag Racing League

(ADRL/Tocher file photo)

June 4, 2009

D’Aprile Down Two Key Crewmen in Michigan

ELMA, NY (June 3, 2009)—This past off-season Mel Bush hired two experienced crewmembers in cousins Eric and Jake Fahy, who have proved extremely beneficial to the Mel Bush Motorsports Pro Extreme team; so much so that they will be sorely missed at this weekend’s National Guard ADRL Ford Drive One Summer Drags V in Martin, Michigan.

When the two were hired they were upfront with Bush and let him know that since they also work for Bob Bode’s nitro Funny Car team, they may have some conflicting dates. Unfortunately for Bush, crew chief Kevin Peters and driver Tommy D’Aprile, the only conflicting date with Bode lands on this weekend.

“It’s tough. We’re committed to both teams,” Eric Fahy said. “The nitro team has been our gig for over five years now and we need to be there. We hate to leave Mel and Tommy short handed, but I know that (teammate) Mike Janis and his guys will do whatever it takes to pick up for us.”

Jake Fahy echoed his cousin’s sentiments. “This is our first season with Mel, Tommy and Mike (Janis) and they’ve been nothing but fantastic to work with. They’ve made it so easy for us. We honestly look forward to every race with excitement because the entire ADRL deal is just plain fun. We hate not being there, but we’re confident in Kevin, Mike Jr. and Mike. We’ll be back for the Independence Drags and the rest of the season.”

With the Fahy boys out for the race, crew chief Peters is left with just one full time crew member, Mike Bush, grandson of the team owner. The younger Bush has been easing into his crew duties over the past two seasons, but he’ll take the lead position this weekend.

“I know Mike (Janis) and his guys will be there, so I’m not worried at all about being undermanned; those guys have it together,” he said. “I know there’ll be more asked of me and that’s fine. Both Tommy and I will be adding to our usual duties, but I’m sure we’ll be okay.”

Pro Extreme driver Tommy D’Aprile (black shirt) will be without the aid of cousins Eric (far left) and Jake Fahy (right) when his Mel Bush Motorsports team rolls into U.S. 131 Motorsports Park this weekend for the National Guard ADRL Ford Drive One Summer Drags V.

(Photos by ADRL/Richards and Denise Ramsey)

June 3, 2009

Team Aruba Michigan Bound

After making his National Guard ADRL Extreme Pro Stock debut in April at the Valdosta, Georgia event, Team Aruba with driver Trevor Eman is returning to competition at the Ford Drive One Summer Drags V at Martin, Michigan.

Eman, a mechanical engineering college student in Orlando and the youngest driver in the XPS class, will be accompanied this weekend by his father and team owner, Siegfried ‘Ven’ Eman, who is making the trip up from Pos Chiquito, Aruba for his first ADRL experience.

The car is an RJ Race Cars-built 2006 Escort with an 820 c.i. Jon Kasse engine up front.

With major sponsorship from the Aruba Tourism Association and associate backing from Digicel, John Boushard Home Remodeling and Delta Air Lines, Eman and his Team Aruba teammates will be looking to improve on their first-round showing at Valdosta.

(ADRL/Richards file photo)

June 2, 2009

DragStory.com to Launch with Coverage of Ford Drive One Summer Drags V

WARNER ROBINS, GA (June 2, 2009)—Following a rich history in drag racing as a competitor, world champion, track operator, race promoter, journalist and more recently, freelance photo-journalist, Mark Walter today announced the creation and launch of his new Web site dedicated to covering the sport from a highly visual perspective.

DragStory.com will report on race events through video (when possible) and photo journalism, with a smattering of writing thrown in for good measure.

“The concept of DragStory.com has been in our hearts for well over 18 months,” Walter stated.  “We knew we wanted to create this type of site; it just needed to be different from the other e-zines currently in publication.”

To kick off Walter’s vision, DragStory.com will be in Martin, Michigan this weekend to cover the National Guard ADRL’s Ford Drive One Summer Drags V at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park.

“We’re excited about being the inaugural event that Mark will cover with DragStory.com.” National Guard ADRL Vice President of Publications Ian Tocher said. “Mark brings with him enthusiasm and an understanding of both the teams and the racing that should translate into some really insightful coverage.”

The idea of covering a race through video and photo journalism came out of the success Walter enjoyed with his reporting of the Ontario Street Car Association and US Street Nationals in Bradenton, Florida. In four days at the 2008 US Street Nationals, his online photo galleries enjoyed over 45,000 views.

“I knew we were on to something then,” Walter said, “I just wasn’t sure what it all meant or how to execute any kind of a plan to bring it together. This deal has literally taken on a life of its own over the last few weeks bringing us to the launch of the site and our inaugural coverage at the ADRL Martin race.” 

Walter is joined at DragStory.com by his wife Joanne, who will help extend the coverage and bring a slightly different perspective to the mix.

The site is up and running at www.dragstory.com and positioned to grow as the coverage grows, beginning with the Ford Drive One Summer Drags V this weekend (June 5-6).

June 2, 2009

National Guard ADRL Doubles Up in Western Michigan

O’FALLON, MO (June 2, 2009) – Last year when the National Guard American Drag Racing League (ADRL) visited U.S. 131 Dragway in Martin, Michigan, severe weather cut the event short, forcing its completion at the next race on the schedule. This year the tables are turned, as fans attending this weekend’s (June 5-6) Ford Drive One Summer Drags V will get to see event champions crowned both days of the event due to rain ending the previous race prematurely.

Within Friday night’s qualifying session, the semi-finals and final rounds for all five National Guard ADRL professional classes that were rained out two weeks ago in Memphis will be concluded at Martin. Then on Saturday, all qualifying and elimination rounds for the Ford Drive One Summer Drags V will be run, with both days featuring full winner’s circle celebrations and trophy presentations.

“This is going to be one action-packed weekend of the wildest drag racing Western Michigan has ever seen,” National Guard ADRL Director Race Operations Quick Vandiver promised. “The stands were packed last year right before the bad weather hit and with perfect racing conditions forecast I know they’ll be full again this year, so everyone should come out early and enjoy the whole show.”

With two race wins up for grabs, along with the championship points they represent, the Martin, Michigan event could prove pivotal in setting the year-end, eight-car fields for the National Guard ADRL’s unique, championship-deciding Battle for the Belts. The Battle for the Belts will pit the top eight points earners in each of the ADRL’s five pro racing classes—Pro Extreme, Pro Nitrous, Extreme 10.5, Extreme Pro Stock and Pro Extreme Motorcycle— against each other in Friday-night eliminations at the 2009 season ender this October at the Texas Motorplex, near Dallas. Points earned in Saturday’s race at Dallas will actually count toward the 2010 championship chase.

The National Guard ADRL features teams from all across the country competing in thrilling eighth-mile, head-to-head action. National Guard ADRL racing is an all-pro-show with no filler classes, which translates to a quick-paced and entertaining day of drag racing.

The stars of the ADRL are friendly, approachable and eager to visit with fans. Pit access is included with all event tickets, which are distributed to the Western Michigan community almost entirely free of charge thanks to ADRL sponsors Ford Drive One and the National Guard.

High-definition television coverage of the Ford Drive One Summer Drags V will be shown at 3 p.m. June 21, on the Versus action sports network. Additional air dates following each remaining National Guard ADRL event this year will be August 2, 16 and 23; September 6 and 27; and November 8 and 22, with all dates and times subject to change.

(ADRL/Tocher file photos)

June 1, 2009

‘Turbo Todd’ Going All Out in XTF at Martin

PASADENA, TX (June 1, 2009)—When 199.35 mph flashed across the Memphis Motorsports Park scoreboard following a second-round loss for Flowmaster Extreme 10.5 (XTF) star Todd Moyer a couple of weeks ago, even crew chief Chad Rogers had his doubts about the legitimacy of those numbers.

After all, as the reigning speed king of the XTF class, Moyer holds the official record of 187.63 miles per hour with his twin-turbocharged 2006 Cavalier and a nearly 12-mph jump is practically unheard of in any class of drag racing. Still, just out of curiosity, Rogers (left) approached Pro Extreme pilot Brian Daniels, who earlier had posted a 197-mph pass with his supercharged ‘63 Corvette, and found out Daniels had a 1.30-seconds back-half time from the 330-foot marker to the eighth-mile (660 feet) finish line.

The time slips showed Moyer covered the same distance in 1.28 seconds.

“It’s hard to believe, for sure, but unless something really quirky happened with the lights, it does seem possible,” Rogers said. “I know we’re making a lot of steam once we get going and if we can just drop our 60-foot times a little we’ll be right there with the best of them.

“This weekend in Michigan (at the National Guard ADRL Ford Drive One Summer Drags V in Martin, MI) will be a great test for us,” he continued. “The current weather forecast is calling for pretty cool temperatures which could mean an extra two- or three-hundred horsepower for the turbo cars to play with. So who knows what kind of times and speed we’re going to see there, but I’m looking forward to finding out.”

Moyer’s car will be sporting a new, but familiar, look when it rolls into U.S. 131 Motorsports Park, too.

“We had Kelly Green over at Green Racing Concepts in Dayton, Texas, spray on some flames similar to the ones we had on our old car,” Moyer said. “Kelly did a great job. He turned the whole job around in just 48 hours because we really wanted to have a hot rod that looks as good as it goes when we get to Michigan. I know Chad’s got that new intercooler from Chiseled Performance on there and he’s anxious to try it out, so I’m ready to get out there and go fast.”

Todd Moyer’s ‘06 Cavalier is sporting a new Kelly Green flame job just in time for the Ford Drive One Summer Drags V at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park this weekend. Moyer’s car will have company in the trailer, too, as Jeff Naiser’s turbocharged ‘02 Grand Am will share the ride from the Houston area up to Martin, Michigan.

(Photo courtesy Chad Rogers)