ADRL.us sponsored by Flowmaster

December 28, 2009

HRP ‘Tower Club’ to Welcome National Guard ADRL Guests

BAYTOWN, TEXAS (Dec. 28, 2009)—Houston Raceway Park (HRP), the National Guard ADRL’s 2009 Track of the Year, is continuing a multi-year effort to offer its guests a first-class experience and will soon christen a 12,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art “Tower Club” that will instantly become the premier starting-line facility in drag racing.

Already nearing completion, the deluxe permanent structure on the west side of the conventional tower suites will transform a regular day at the drag races into a VIP experience for National Guard ADRL fans, with numerous amenities never before offered at the track.

“We’re shooting for the stars with this building and we think fans are really going to respond favorably to what we’re doing,” HRP General Manager Seth Angel said. “In the past, we had a huge tent for our Darrell Russell Top Eliminator Club and it was very successful, but there were things our guests suggested to us in order to make it better and we listened. Ultimately, our customers need to be happy and we think the Tower Club will exceed all of their wishes.

“The building itself is beautiful and it has everything we need to pull off any kind of event possible. We’ve built a full-service kitchen and bar, permanent restrooms, state-of-the-art audio-visual and video conferencing technology, and high-speed WiFi Internet access. There are 12 giant high-definition, flat-screen televisions and an indoor/outdoor patio that will be perfect for watching the races. There is no other facility in the country that will get fans closer to the action. It will be phenomenal.”

The Official Grand Opening of the Tower Club is slated for 4-7 p.m., Thursday, March 4, with members of the Baytown Chamber of Commerce scheduled to assist in a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 4:30 p.m. with a reception following. The event is open to the public.

Angel expects the Tower Club to operate year-round. Aside from major drag racing events including the Mar. 12-13, ADRL Safety-Kleen Dragpalooza VI held at the facility, HRP sales staff already has booked in numerous wedding receptions, corporate events, high school and college socials, graduation parties, awards ceremonies, and auctions. The Tower Club can be booked for private events by calling Don Neal at (281) 383-7223.

In the past 30 months, Houston Raceway Park has aggressively sought to improve its facility. In working with the Texas Department of Transportation, the track was able to secure direct access to Interstate 10 via the new Grand Parkway, drastically reducing fans ingress and egress to the parking lots. The pits also were resurfaced and extended, Musco lighting was installed, and the track surface itself was ground and smoothed for optimum performance.

Up next, track owners plan to remove the light standards between the grandstands and the racetrack and replace them with taller structures featuring Musco lights that will be erected behind the grandstands, offering fans unobstructed views of the action. The project will be completed in early March.

(Photos courtesy HoustonRaceway.com)

December 22, 2009

Hamstra Hopes RoY Award Spurs Sponsor Search

DEMOTTE, IN (Dec. 22, 2009) – With quiet determination and a cool demeanor, Jason Hamstra (left) became the youngest recipient yet to win the National Guard ADRL Rookie of the Year award.

“You know a lot of people don’t believe us when we tell them he was nicknamed ‘Racin’ Jason’ on the day he was born, but its true!” his mother, Karen, exclaims with sweet sincerity.  

At just 22 years-old, Hamstra has already shown drag racing fans he is accustomed to setting records.

In September this year, his 3.71 at more than 205 mph at the Rockingham, North Carolina, ADRL event was the second-quickest in Pro Extreme history. That pass made Hamstra the number-one qualifier in the largest and fastest qualifying field in Pro Extreme history, led him to the win that race, and qualified him for the Speedtech Battle for the Belts.

But Hamstra’s first record was no less impressive. As his mother proudly recalls, Hamstra was approached in 1994 to drive a family friend’s Junior Dragster (JD) with the goal of achieving the fastest Junior Dragster time in history.

A skinny eight-year-old farm boy at the time—though his parents were no strangers to the racing industry; his father raced for many years—Hamstra was all for the idea. Sitting behind the wheel for the first time, propped up by three poly-filled pillows, he stomped his foot on a wooden block attached to the gas pedal and drove the car to the first-ever, eight-second JD pass. Fifteen years later, an eight-second pass is still personal-best territory for many Junior drivers despite marked increases in technology.

Over the years, “Racin’ Jason” solidified his name with a long list of accomplishments. At age 12, he won his first of several championships in the JD division at U.S. 141 Dragway. Two years later, he won the Junior Dragster Championship at Indianapolis Raceway Park (IRP), followed up by a second-place finish in 2002 at IRP.

The following year at age 16, Hamstra made the switch to full-size dragsters and 2004 brought Hamstra six wins in 10 races, securing the Pro Top Outlaw Championship along the way. In 2005, he moved up to the Pro Modified class, won the UBDRA, and ran the Jeffers Pro Mod series at Gateway International Raceway in Madison, Illinois. Continuing to advance his Pro Mod career, Hamstra first entered an ADRL event at Valdosta, Georgia, in 2007, but raced primarily with the IHRA for two years, winning the 2007 event in Martin, Michigan, and qualifying for the IHRA Shootout in 2008. 

Earning National Guard ADRL wins at Valdosta and Rockingham, North Carolina, gave Hamstra an impressive 2009 campaign, representing his first full season in the National Guard ADRL’s 10-event series. He finished third in the Speedtech Battle for the Belts in October 2009 with a pass that resulted in what veteran announcer and ADRL personality Al Tucci dubbed “the worst wreck he has ever seen.”

Hamstra was airlifted from the track but amazed everyone by walking out of the hospital the following morning.

“The car was totaled. He’s tapped the wall before, but nothing like that wreck. But he is anxious to get back behind the wheel and race again,” father and crew chief Kevin Hamstra said. “When he is at the track, you can see he has found his niche. He especially loves interacting with the fans.”

Karen answers, “Not really,” when asked whether her son ever gets riled up. She describes him as very calm, very intelligent, very humble and says he is always thinking ahead, always planning.

Hamstra is very family oriented, and describes the car and his racing career as a family effort. He still spends weekends helping out on the family’s farm in DeMotte, Indiana, and works at Praxair during the week.

Hamstra is set to return to the race track next March at the ADRL year-opener at Baytown, Texas, in a brand-new Garret Race Cars-built 1969 Camaro  Though the color of the car is yet to be determined and Hamstra is actively seeking sponsorship for the 2010 season, if 2009 has anything to teach us about what to expect from this young man, then 2010 is definitely the year to put someone’s logo next to the name “Racin’ Jason.”

(ADRL/Tocher/Richards file photos)

December 21, 2009

Gahm Responds to Friend in Need

When severe winter storms dumped up to two feet of snow on the home of Extreme Pro Stock racer Doug Kirk (left) late last week, fellow competitor and National Guard ADRL Driver of the Year Brian Gahm wasted no time in coming to his best friend’s aid. 

Learning that Kirk and his Lenore, West Virginia neighbors had lost all power and were possibly facing a Christmas without heat or electricity, Gahm and longtime companion Cathy Strickland (below right) quickly rounded up about 50 fuel jugs, 50 kerosene heaters, 25 propane heaters and 10 generators and sent them on in a Kirk race car hauler while Gahm continued to search for more. 

But Strickland emphasized the real impetus to help came from Kirk and his family. 

“What we are doing is nothing compared to what they have done and continue to do. Carl, Doug, Justin and Ronnie (Doug’s brother-in-law) have been working around the clock figuring out how to help get through this state of emergency,” she said.  “They called us to see if we could help them gather these things so they could help all the people in their community, especially the elderly, who can’t get out to help themselves. They have spent the last two days gathering and organizing this effort; we were just a small part of that.” 

Unfortunately, in the midst of an already crisis situation, Kirk and his family were dealt a personally devastating blow as his sister’s house, located next to his own, burned in a fire suspected of being caused by a faulty generator.

“They are really having a tough time,” Strickland said. “I wish there was more we could do. They are just really good people. They are always so willing to help anyone in need.”

(ADRL/Tocher file photos)

December 14, 2009

National Guard ADRL Celebrates 2009 World Champions

O’FALLON, MO (Dec. 14, 2009)—Racers and officials of the National Guard American Drag Racing League (ADRL) gathered one last time in 2009 for the ADRL Racers Appreciation and Awards Gala II at the Wyndham Orlando (FL) Resort Dec. 12, to honor the series’ five world champions and bestow several special awards on participants.

Master of Ceremonies Bret Kepner (left) provided the first “highlight” of the evening when he tripped on stage and suffered a scary pratfall immediately after being introduced by National Guard ADRL President and CEO Kenny Nowling.

“I think I broke my hip,” Kepner deadpanned when he returned to the microphone, but fortunately, the popular TV personality and drag racing historian injured no more than pride in the fall and was able to laugh it off along with about 350 relieved banquet goers.

Nowling accepted the first award of the night on behalf of Seth Angel and his crew at Houston Raceway Park, which received Track of the Year accolades.

Next up was Matt Hartford, winner of the inaugural Extreme Pro Stock world championship after nipping Brian Gahm in the final round of the Speedtech Battle for the Belts in October at the Texas Motorplex. It was the only final round Hartford reached all season, compared to the four that Gahm won in visits to seven of nine event finals, but it came at the right time, he reminded the crowd.

“I told my guys when the year started that there was only one race that I really wanted to win and that was the Battle for the Belts, and then we get there and managed to pull it off,” the Phoenix, Arizona-based driver said. “I can’t thank my car owner, Billy Dingman, and my crew enough for everything they did to put me up here. I owe it all to them.”

After posting a perfect record of two wins in two finals this year, Pro Extreme driver Jason Hamstra (right, with ADRL Executive VP of Operations Jessica Alcoke) of Demotte, Indiana, was a popular choice for 2009 Rookie of the Year honors. Hamstra’s second win at Rockingham, NC, also vaulted him into last-minute contention for the eight-car Speedtech Battle for the Belts field.

“There were a lot of good drivers in the running (for Rookie of the Year) and I had no idea I’d gotten it until they called my name, so I was quite surprised,” Hamstra said. “I just want to thank everyone at the ADRL for giving us a good place to race and for giving me this award. It really means a lot to me.”

Scott Gray was next to take the stage as the National Guard ADRL’s new Pro Extreme Motorcycle world champion after scoring two wins during his 2009 campaign and leading the points race for most of the season. In addition to thanking his wife, Amber, and other family members for their unwavering support, the Ocala, Florida rider singled out Mickey Thompson Racing Tires for providing him with race-winning rubber.

“They came to me with a brand-new tire right before the final race and I know conventional wisdom says you don’t change things in drag racing if you want to stay consistent, but I went ahead and took a chance. Well, needless to say, if Mickey Thompson wants me to try something, from now on I’m going to listen,” Gray said, showing off his new championship ring.

Extreme Pro Stock’s Gahm (left) next received the prestigious National Guard ADRL Driver of the Year award, but was quick to deflect any praise and emphasized it really should be recognized as a team award.

“This represents many years of racing and learning and preparation to get the job done,” Gahm said. “This isn’t just about me or even just about this season; it all about my team and all the hard work it’s taken to get here. That said, this is an honor that I’ll always cherish and remember.”

In introducing new Flowmaster Extreme 10.5 World Champion Spiro Pappas, Kepner briefly outlined a story of survival and resiliency in racing that brought tears to the eyes of many in the audience. When his wife passed away several years back, Pappas quit racing to concentrate on raising his two young daughters, but returned to the track just two years ago and joined the National Guard ADRL full-time in 2009, when he won one event and eventually beat out Chuck Ulsch for the title in the Speedtech Battle for the Belts final.

In an emotional acceptance speech, a remarkably composed Pappas focused on his family, then asked each member of his crew to stand and individually receive a round of applause for their accomplishments.

“These guys have seen me on fire, put the car back together again and done everything I’ve ever asked of them,” Pappas said. “I can’t say enough about them.”

Next, Jim Oddy, crew chief on Joshua Hernandez’s National Guard-backed Pro Extreme entry, stepped on stage with Kepner to help present an award given in his name to the ADRL racer who best demonstrated sportsmanship in conjunction with competitive drive throughout the 2009 season. This year’s winner of the Jim Oddy Award was Flowmaster Extreme 10.5 driver Kenny Doak; however, after Doak missed his flight to Orlando, Pro Extreme driver Ellis Vial (right) accepted in his place.

New Pro Nitrous World Champion Khalid Al-Balooshi of Qatar then gave a brief speech in English, in which he thanked team owner Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al-Thani, along with Al-Anabi teammates Shannon Jenkins, Mike Castellana, Burton Auxier and all his crewmembers.

Father-and-son National Guard ADRL employees Dave “Bones” Koch and Dave “Boo” Koch Jr. were next honored as co-Employees of the Year and received a standing ovation from racers and their peers within the organization.

“Thank you all very much for this award,” Koch Jr. said “I know my dad is very proud of this, too.”

The last world champ to be called upon was Pro Extreme’s Todd Tutterow, who earned one event win in ’09 on his way to defeating Hernandez in the Speedtech Battle for the Belts final. Like others, Tutterow emphasized the role his wife, Denise, played in his success.

“Tomorrow we’ll have been married 23 years and she’s been right beside me every step of the way,” Tutterow announced to a hearty round of applause.

“This is a really special championship to win just because of the level of competition we have here in the ADRL,” the North Carolina native continued later. “This is the very best doorslammer racing in the world and it was really neat to hear people all day calling me, ‘Champ’ and just offering their congratulations. I’m thrilled.”

The last award of the evening went to National Guard ADRL cofounder Tommy Lipar (left), who received the 8th annual Walter W. Henry Memorial Award. The most prestigious award in doorslammer drag racing, it is presented to the person or group of individuals who has made an important and significant impact on the sport over an extended period of time.“I had no idea this was coming,” Lipar said. “I never would have imagined it would lead to this when I bought my first Pro Mod team, but it’s a great honor.”

The 2010 National Guard ADRL Tour begins Mar. 12-13, 2010, at Houston Raceway Park in Baytown, Texas.

National Guard ADRL World Champions (l-r) Matt Hartford (XPS), Scott Gray (PXM), Khalid Al-Balooshi (PN, Todd Tutterow (PX) and Spiro Pappas (XTF) show off their personalized 2009 championship rings following the National Guard ADRL Racers Appreciation and Awards Gala II in Orlando, Florida.

(ADRL/Tocher photos)

December 13, 2009

National Guard ADRL Extends Official Fuel Status of VP Racing Fuels

O’FALLON, MO (Dec. 12, 2009)—The National Guard American Drag Racing League (ADRL) is pleased to announce a multi-year extension of its partnership with VP Racing Fuels that makes VP the official fuel through 2014 for the eighth-mile drag racing series.

“We’re thrilled to extend the agreement and the benefits that accompany our relationship with the ADRL,” VP Executive Director of Marketing and Communications Steve Scheidker said. “With ADRL racers constrained by relatively few rules they’re constantly motivated to push the limits of their combinations, which in turn provides an excellent proving ground for VP’s leading-edge fuels.”

Additionally, the massive crowds at National Guard ADRL events offer an ideal opportunity for VP to build awareness for its newest fuels which appeal to a broader consumer base, Scheidker added.

“For example, SEF94 is a specially blended fuel for use in small engines that will appeal to  anyone with a chainsaw, lawnmower, generator or any other portable gas-powered equipment, while VP100 is a street-legal, 100-octane unleaded gasoline that will boost the performance of any high-performance vehicle from muscle cars and street rods to sports cars and exotics.”

National Guard ADRL President and CEO Kenny Nowling said he’s especially happy to extend an agreement with such a key partner as VP Racing Fuels. 

“We couldn’t be happer about VP Racing Fuels remaining as our official fuel provider,” Nowling stated. “Steve and everyone at VP does a great job and have contributed greatly to the tremendous performances we’ve seen from our racers on the track.”

VP Racing Fuels Executive Director-Marketing & Communications Steve Scheidker (center) and Midwestern Regional Sales Manager Jason Reuckert (right) join National Guard ADRL President and CEO Kenny Nowling, during the 22nd annual Performance Racing Industry trade show as they jointly announce a multi-year extension of their marketing partnership.

(ADRL/Tocher photo)

December 12, 2009

National Guard ADRL Adds Hedman Husler Hedders to ‘Official’ List

O’FALLON, MO (Dec. 12, 2009)—The National Guard American Drag Racing League (ADRL) has named Hedman Husler Hedders as the series’ official header.

“Hedman Husler Hedders is the oldest, most-respected header company in racing,” National Guard ADRL President and CEO Kenny Nowling stated. “And Hedman’s willingness and ability to work one-on-one with chassis and engine builders is unparalleled in the marketplace, making it an ideal partner for the National Guard ADRL.”

Chris Vandergriff, general manager and director of racing for Hedman Husler Hedders, said the Georgia-based company has been impressed by the National Guard ADRL’s recent success.

“We’ve been watching the progress of the ADRL the last couple of years and feel there is tremendous potential for growth in our own company by being partnered with the ADRL,” Vandergriff said. “The doorslammer racing market has just exploded due to the ADRL and we want our line to be at the forefront of choices when door-car racers make their header-buying decisions.”

Toward that end, Vandergriff said Hedman Husler Hedders will be working closely with chassis builder Andy McCoy and Pro Nitrous racer Thomas “Tom Slick” Myers as Andy McCoy Race Cars continues to build a new, state-of-the-art ’70 Cuda for Myers to drive on the 2010 National Guard ADRL Tour. 

“Working with Andy and Thomas is our first step toward creating an entirely new product line for the doorslammer market,” Vandergriff explained. “Andy will tell us what he needs and Hedman Husler will develop a product that other doorslammer racers will be able to buy pre-made and ready to race.”

Chris Vandergriff (left), general manager and director of racing for Hedman Husler Hedders, is joined by (l-r) Andy McCoy of Andy McCoy Race Cars,Pro Nitrous driver Thomas Myers, Myers’ wife, Rebecca, National Guard ADRL Executive Vice President of Operations Jessica Alcoke and National Guard ADRL President and CEO Kenny Nowling in announcing a new partnership for Hedman with the National Guard ADRL.

(ADRL/Tocher photo)

December 12, 2009

National Guard ADRL Getting Dressed with Champion System

O’FALLON, MO (Dec. 12, 2009)—National Guard American Drag Racing League (ADRL) officials will be sporting a new look in 2010 after President and CEO Kenny Nowling signed a multi-year agreement making Brooklyn, New York-based Champion System the official uniform provider for the growing eighth-mile drag racing series.

“Just like our professional race team members, it’s important for National Guard ADRL staff and officials to always look their best at our national events,” Nowling declared. “After carefully weighing our options, it was clear Champion System could best create and deliver the look we were after for next year’s National Guard ADRL Tour.”

Champion System co-owner and COO Morry Edelstein said he is looking forward to showcasing his company’s products to National Guard ADRL teams through dressing the sanctioning body’s staff.

“We welcome the opportunity to show that every race team can look like the top professionals at an affordable level,” Edelstein said. “And we offer a complete service that can take someone from design to delivery in very short order.”

In addition to motorsports uniforms, Champion System creates custom technical apparel for several other high-action sports such as running, cycling, Nordic skiing, rugby and soccer.

With only a 10-piece minimum, unlimited colors and combinations and quick turnaround, “we make it easy to order a custom look,” Edelstein said.

National Guard ADRL President and CEO Kenny Nowling (center) was already wearing Champion System apparel when he announced a multi-year marketing agreement at the 22nd annual Performance Racing Industry trade show with Champion System President Morry Edelstein (right) and Motorsports Division Director Eric Cody.

(ADRL/Tocher photo)

December 12, 2009

National Guard ADRL Sets Sail with Racensur.com Cruise for the Qualifiers

O’FALLON, MO (Dec. 12, 2009)—Simply qualifying for at least one National Guard American Drag Racing League (ADRL) event in 2010 will send one lucky racer on a trans-Atlantic cruise for two to the Mediterranean with potential ports of call in Bermuda, Portugal, Italy, Greece or Spain, among others.

The Racensur.com Cruise for the Qualifiers will be open to every qualifier in all five National Guard ADRL professional classes—Pro Extreme, Pro Nitrous, Flowmaster Extreme 10.5, Pro extreme Motorcycle and Extreme Pro Stock—at each of 10 events scheduled on the 2010 National Guard ADRL Tour.

So, if each event features a full field of 16 qualifiers in each class, 800 names will be entered in a random drawing for the cruise, giving someone who qualifies for all 10 events a one in 80 chance of winning the prize, while someone who qualifies only once will have a one in 800 chance of winning. Only official qualifiers will earn a Racensur.com Cruise for the Qualifiers ballot; alternates will not be considered eligible for the drawing.

“Racensur.com has been a partner with the National Guard ADRL from the very beginning at Dragstock I back in 2004,” National Guard ADRL President and CEO Kenny Nowling said. “As a racer himself, Mel understands what it takes to service his customers and the Racensur.com Cruise for the Qualifiers is just one more example of what’s made him so successful in business.”  

All National Guard ADRL event qualifiers next year will be required to carry Racensur.com Cruise for the Qualifiers decals on their cars or motorcycles, plus, if the winner also is insured by Racensur.com for the entire 2010 National Guard ADRL season, he or she will receive a $1,000 cash bonus.

“This should be a fun program for ADRL drivers,” said Mel Eaves of Racensur.com. “It will provide someone with a nice, relaxing end to their season.”

National Guard ADRL racers interested in insuring their race vehicles and/or tow rigs should contact Eaves through visiting www.Racensur.com or by calling toll-free to (800) 940-5010.

December 12, 2009

National Guard ADRL Welcomes Simpson Performance Products

O’FALLON, MO (Dec. 12, 2009)—The National Guard American Drag Racing League (ADRL) is pleased to announce Simpson Performance Products will join its manufacturer’s midway at all 10 events on the 2010 National Guard ADRL Tour.

“We’re looking forward to supporting the entire ADRL family next year with head-to-toe safety products, including helmets, head and neck restraints, driving suits, gloves and racing shoes. We’ll also have seat belts and other car-related safety products on hand, too,” Simpson Vice President of Marketing Debbie Bishop said.

“Our number-one priority at every race is keeping our racers safe and having an industry leader like Simpson on site is going to be a great bonus to them,” National Guard ADRL VP of Sales and Marketing Brian Evans added. “Simpson has a lot of neat products for fans, too, such as backpacks, tote bags and even a custom baby seat for the back seat.”

Bishop said she is “especially excited” about Simpson’s new relationship with the National Guard ADRL considering the tremendous growth the all-eighth-mile drag racing series has seen in just five years.

“The ADRL is obviously made up of a smart group of folks who realize the connection between the racers and the fans,” she said. “I’m looking forward to attending my first ADRL event and experiencing that for myself.”

Simpson Performance Products will begin displaying at National Guard ADRL events at Safety-Kleen Dragpalooza VI, next March at Houston Raceway Park.

National Guard ADRL Vice President of Sales and Marketing Brian Evans (left) and Simpson Performance Products VP of Marketing Debbie Bishop jointly announced Simpson’s partnership with the eighth-mile drag racing series at the 22nd annual Performance Racing Industry trade show in Orlando, Florida.

(ADRL/Tocher photo)

December 11, 2009

National Guard ADRL Names Billet Specialties as ‘Official Wheel’

O’FALLON, MO (Dec. 11, 2009)—Billet Specialties of La Grange, Illinois, has been named the official wheel of the National Guard American Drag Racing League (ADRL) and will offer a contingency sponsorship program for all four car classes in the 2010 National Guard ADRL Tour.

“What we really like about the ADRL is its aggressiveness,” Billet Specialties Director of Sales and Marketing Keith Kern says. “Just in the few years the ADRL has been around it’s already become very obvious that it takes high performance and racing very seriously and that’s an attitude we share at Billet Specialties.”

In addition to literally hundreds of engine accessories, dress-up items and wheels for custom street applications, Billet Specialties also offers a complete line of high-performance racing wheels in its Comp 5 series. Beginning next season it will be paying contingencies of $300 to the winner and $200 to the runner-up in Pro Extreme, Pro Nitrous, Flowmaster Extreme 10.5 and Extreme Pro Stock at each National Guard ADRL event if those cars have Billet Specialties Comp 5 wheels mounted on all four corners.

“We’re looking forward to giving a little extra to those racers who support Billet Specialties with their wheel choice,” Kern says. “And not being affiliated with any tire companies, the contingency is in place regardless of the tire brand.”

The Billet Specialties partnership with the National Guard ADRL officially begins Mar. 12-13, 2010, at the Safety-Kleen Dragpalooza VI at Houston Raceway Park.

National Guard ADRL Vice President of Sales and Marketing Brian Evans (center, left) and series president and CEO Kenny Nowling pose with the Billet Specialties team at the 22nd annual Performance Racing Industry trade show in Orlando, Florida.

(ADRL/Richards photo)

December 11, 2009

National Guard ADRL Announces Andy McCoy Race Cars Qualifying Bonus

O’FALLON, MO (Dec. 11, 2009)—After joining the National Guard American Drag Racing League (ADRL) in 2009 as a display partner in the series’ manufacturer’s midway, Andy McCoy Race Cars (AMRC) will begin paying a major new bonus to top qualifiers in the Pro Extreme and Pro Nitrous classes next year.

“We’re staying busy and a lot of it I attribute to the ADRL because they put on such a good promotional deal,” McCoy says. “That’s why next year we’re looking to step it up and we’re going to provide $1,000 at each race to the guy that qualifies number one in Pro Extreme and Pro Nitrous.”

Unlike a contingency program that rewards racers for using specific manufacturer parts, McCoy stresses the qualifying bonuses will be paid out at all 10 events scheduled on the 2010 National Guard ADRL Tour, regardless of the winner’s chassis affiliation.

“It doesn’t matter what they’re driving, doesn’t matter who’s chassis it is, it’s just something we’d like to give back to the racers,” he says. “We feel like there’s enough work out there for everybody and that’s one of the best ways to help the racer community out. Whether they have one of our cars or not, we feel like if they qualify number one, they deserve it.

In addition to building race cars, AMRC operates a thriving parts and service business from its Washington, Missouri, shop and McCoy occasionally campaigns his own supercharged ’57 Chevy in the National Guard ADRL Pro Extreme class.

“We just had so much on our plates this past year that we just didn’t have a lot of time for racing ourselves,” McCoy says. “But I think we had a good year and I’m looking forward to next year and getting out there to run a few of these events and show these guys that we can play, too.”

The 2010 National Guard ADRL Tour will get underway Mar. 12-13, with the Safety-Kleen Dragpalooza VI at Houston Raceway Park and will visit tracks in eight more states before concluding Oct. 22-23, with the LenMar Motorsports ADRL World Finals V at the Texas Motorplex in Ennis, Texas.

Andy McCoy Race Cars is stepping up its involvement with the National Guard ADRL by paying a $1,000 bonus to the top qualifier in Pro Extreme and Pro Nitrous at each of the series 10 national events in 2010.

(ADRL/Tocher file photo)

December 11, 2009

Sheikh Khalid Drives Williams F-1 Car

His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al-Thani of Qatar, owner of the Al-Anabi Group of Drag Racing Teams in the US and the Middle East, became the first Qatari to drive a Formula One car when he took to the 5.3km Losail International Circuit in a Williams FW31 today.

His Highness completed a comprehensive preparation process including travelling to the AT&T Williams team base in Oxford, UK, earlier this week for a seat fit and a detailed instruction process in the team’s advanced simulator.  Combined with his tireless preparation and training with his Al Anabi Drag Racing team, His Highness Sheikh Khalid was fully prepared to use his competition driving experience to become the first Qatari ever to drive a Formula One car.

Having completed 5 laps of the circuit, His Highness commented, “The Williams FW31 is a remarkable vehicle, unlike any other race car I’ve ever driven.  Being the first Qatarian to drive a Formula One car was an amazing experience I will not forget.  I am proud that I was able to experience this honour at home in the State of Qatar.”

His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al-Thani recently took first place at a 2009-10 Arabian Drag Racing League event at the Qatar Race Club, making the second-quickest Pro Extreme pass in the world.  His Highness is a patron of motorsport in Qatar and internationally.  He also heads the development of the Qatar Motor City project, a planned international destination which aims to further His Highness’ vision of the State of Qatar as a centre for international motorsports by combining a world-class oval track, road racing course and drag racing track into a motorsports dedicated city.  His Highness has been in lengthy discussions with NASCAR in the US about involvement in Qatar Motor City.  Combined with his leadership in international drag racing through Al Anabi Racing and his continuing relationship with the Williams Team and others involved in Formula One racing, under his direction Qatar Motor City aims to be one of the world’s leading motorsports hubs for all forms of racing.

Sir Frank Williams, the AT&T Williams Team Principal said, “It was a privilege to be able to facilitate this historic first for His Highness and the State of Qatar today. The team of engineers that worked with Sheikh Khalid reported that he demonstrated considerable skill and aptitude in the DIL simulator at our headquarters near Oxford this week. Based on his established competition experience and competence in the DIL, we extended an additional invitation to enable His Highness Sheikh Khalid to drive the FW31, and he acquitted himself with honours. We are delighted and honoured that His Highness has not only sampled our simulator technology which is the basis for our recent investment in the Qatar Science and Technology Park in Doha, but that he has now driven the FW31 and can not only draw comparison between the virtual and real world. Equally we hope a first-hand Formula One experience will assist in His Highness with his future vision for the Qatar Motor City.”

The team additionally ran a series of demonstration laps led by 2010 season team race driver, Nico Hulkenberg. Having raced and won at the circuit in the GP2 Asia Championship, he commented, “I really like this circuit, it has a flow that suits my driving style, so it was great to come back here for a filming project with the team and to provide His Highness with some assistance in his first drive in a Formula One car. Although I doubt the straight line speed compares with a Top Fuel Dragster that he is used to racing, I hope some of the other performance aspects of Formula One technology impressed him.” Nico Hulkenberg will stay in Doha next week to use some of the first-class sporting facilities to conduct a winter training camp.

AT&T Williams’ other 2010 season race driver, the vastly experienced Rubens Barrichello sampled the Losail International Circuit for first time this week and remarked that, “There are plenty of corners on the Losail Circuit, so it took a while to memorise, but it had great grip level and the layout is great. It has a long enough straight to promote good overtaking and it would make a great venue for a Grand Prix.”

The team’s visit to Losail concluded a filming and photography project generating material that will be used by the team’s numerous sponsors, promoting Qatar around the world.

(Story and photos courtesy of www.williamsf1.com)

December 10, 2009

National Guard ADRL Introduces Aeromotive Fuel Systems ‘Thunder Zone’

O’FALLON, MO (Dec. 10, 2009)—Little compares to the sensory overload that standing between a pair of fire-breathing National Guard ADRL entries on the starting line delivers, but beginning in 2010, the Aeromotive Fuel Systems Thunder Zone will make that experience a reality for dozens of Aeromotive distributors, customers and fans.

“We want to use the Aeromotive Thunder Zone as a promotional reward for our regional distributors and customers,” Aeromotive Director of Marketing Jesse Powell explains. “It’ll be part of the royal treatment for a day at the track to get them excited about Aeromotive and ADRL drag racing.”

Additionally, Aeromotive has been named the official fuel system for the National Guard ADRL and company founder and president Steve Matusek is busy readying a new car to periodically compete in the series.

“For us, it’s about being involved in kind of a grassroots movement,” Powell says. “We love the true heads-up racing that the ADRL promotes and how it is attracting new racers and fans to the series. We see the ADRL creating new drag racing enthusiasts, which is something other forms of racing seem to have forgotten about.”

The Aeromotive Thunder Zone will debut Mar. 12-13, at the Safety-Kleen Dragpalooza VI in Baytown, Texas, and will be prominently featured at each of the 10 scheduled events for the 2010 National Guard ADRL Tour.

(ADRL/Richards file photo)

December 10, 2009

Mickey Thompson Named ‘Official Tire’ of National Guard ADRL

O’FALLON, MO (Dec. 10, 2009)—The National Guard American Drag Racing League (ADRL) is proud to announce the naming of Mickey Thompson as the official tire for the eighth-mile drag racing series. In addition, Mickey Thompson will continue offering its extensive contingency sponsorship program to all five professional classes in the 2010 National Guard ADRL Tour.

“What this means is that it gives us a bigger venue and level of exposure for the brand,” Mickey Thompson Motorsports Manager Carl Robinson (right center, with ADRL President and CEO Kenny Nowling, left, and VP of Sales and Marketing Brian Evans) says of the new official tire status. “It’s all about getting the Mickey Thompson name out there, building relationships and increasing our market share on the race track and on the highways.”

Robinson says National Guard ADRL race teams and fans also can look forward to additional tire and wheel support programs next year.

“It’s an expansion of what we call the Team M/T initiative,” he explains. “Basically, we have four areas of focus: Street, Strip, Truck and Off-Road, and although this initiative is part of our drag racing offering we want to tie it in to the other areas, too.

“It’s our goal to become the tire of choice for everyone who attends an ADRL event, from the racers to the fan who arrives in his light truck or SUV to someone looking to put some high-performance tires on their street car. It’s all part of an overall marketing plan.

Working with the National Guard ADRL makes implementing the plan that much easier, too, Robinson adds.

“It’s great to have a sanctioning body that understands what we’re trying to do and is willing to work with us at a high level to achieve our goals,” he says. “It’s all about cross promotion and partnership and the people at the ADRL get that.”

Newly appointed National Guard ADRL Vice President of Sales and Marketing Brian Evans says he appreciates the confidence Mickey Thompson and Robinson is demonstrating in the series.

“We are thrilled to have another industry leader like Mickey Thompson increase its support of the ADRL and believe it’s a testament to the hard work of everyone on both sides of the partnership,” Evans says. “Most importantly, though, I think Mickey Thompson’s increased involvement will greatly benefit our race teams, which always remains our first priority.”

December 9, 2009

Titan Motorsports to Field Two-Car Team in 2010

ORLANDO, FL (Dec. 9, 2009)—After fielding a turbocharged Flowmaster Extreme 10.5 entry for several years on the National Guard ADRL tour, Team Titan plans to also enter the naturally aspirated, mountain-motored Extreme Pro Stock arena next season.

“I’ve been having the time of my life racing in ADRL, I just can’t help myself but want to race more and more,” team captain Nero Deliwala said. 

“All year we chatted about doing a V-8 program; then the opportunity presented itself through crew chief Eric Luzinski, who has been doing a little mountain-motor racing this year. So when the opportunity came to add [Extreme] Pro Stock to Titan Motorsports, I jumped.” 

The entire Titan Motorsports crew is excited about the new challenge, though Team Titan is far from new to fielding a multi-car effort, having done so in various series from 2005 to 2007. In 2010, long-time team member Gary White will continue to drive the Flowmaster Extreme 10.5 Scion, while Mark Martino will join the Titan team as its new Extreme Pro Stock pilot.

“The team couldn’t be happier; we like to work and we love to race,” team co-owner Bottle Deliwala said. “This is a great opportunity to bring more data to the camp and to have the opportunity to race with the Martino family is a great addition to Team Titan.”

Team Titan and its unique single-turboed, inline-six-cylinder Scion driven by Gary White always poses a threat to win in the Flowmaster Extreme 10.5 class, but next year the Orlando-based team will also be looking for victory lane with a yet-be-named Extreme Pro Stock entry piloted by Mark Martino. When asked what else might be in store for 2010, all a team spokesman would confirm is, “there’s more to come … stay tuned!”

(ADRL/Graves file photos)

December 9, 2009

Andy McCoy Race Cars Releases ‘70 Duster Body

WASHINGTON, MO (Dec. 9, 2009) – Andy McCoy Race Cars (AMRC), specializing in the fabrication of high-performance Pro Mod and Top Sportsman drag racing components from chassis to competition-ready vehicles, has added to its lineup with a complete composite shop and the first order of business for the new division is to make AMRC’s proprietary 1970 Plymouth Duster body available.

“This is the next step in the evolution of our race shop,” Andy McCoy said. “We no longer just specialize in chassis building. We are continuing to add to our business with the aim of ultimately producing everything a serious racer would need from bumper to bumper.”

AMRC generated a buzz in the drag racing community with the debut last year of their patented Duster body and the team is currently putting the finishing touches on the fifth car they have built from the ground up with that design, including a new National Guard ADRL Pro Nitrous entry for Thomas “Tom Slick” Myers that is set to debut next March in Houston.

The popularity of the Duster has led to the opening of the composite shop.

“So many people have come to us with an interest in that body style but were not in need of a complete car,” McCoy said. “We’re happy we will be able to start meeting the demand from those who already have a good chassis and want to complement it with a sleek body.” 

The Duster body is in the process of being approved for the Australian market and AMRC products are currently available in Europe though a partnership with Henrik Pedersen’s All-In Racecars.

The new carbon-fiber ‘70 Duster body from Andy McCoy Race Cars weighs 58 pounds and retails for $11,500, while the fiberglass version weighs in at 100 pounds and sells for $7,500. The current lead time for manufacture of a body is four weeks. AMRC also offers other carbon components for the body, including a Pro Stock-style wing, floor boards, wheel extensions and a trunk kit. The AMRC composite shop also manufactures carbon seats, window NACA Ducts and much more.

December 8, 2009

Pete Berner Racing Announces Summit Racing Equipment as Primary Sponsor

CRETE, IL (Dec. 8, 2009)— National Guard ADRL Extreme Pro Stock racer Pete Berner is excited to announce a new partnership with Summit Racing Equipment. Berner will fly Summit colors in 2010 as he chases the National Guard ADRL Extreme Pro Stock world championship.

“It is truly an honor to be associated with Summit Racing Equipment,” Berner said. “They are one of the finest businesses in the industry. Besides being the top mail order company, they are an upstanding business that puts the racer first. I feel privileged to have Summit on the side of my car in 2010 and beyond.

“I’ve gotten to know Jim Greenleaf [Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports and Event Manager] and his team well, and they are excellent individuals who have a passion for the sport of drag racing. It’s great to have people like this supporting the industry and racers from grassroots to professional level.

Berner said Summit’s passion for racing and commitment to excellence mirrors that of his race team and he’s looking forward to representing the Talmadge, Ohio-based company in National Guard ADRL competition.

“I feel like this is truly a great fit for both of us. We are both excited to run the full ADRL schedule in 2010 and pursue the next level for Summit and Pete Berner Racing. Summit has a strong presence in every drag racing venue and we hope to only increase that in the ADRL,” Berner said.

“Summit Racing is pleased to announce a partnership with Pete Berner in 2010,” Greenleaf added. “We’d like to establish a presence in the [Extreme] Pro Stock class, and Pete’s dedication, drive, and professionalism make him an excellent choice to fly the Summit Racing Team colors. We look forward to supporting Pete as he competes for another mountain-motor Pro Stock championship.”

Berner said his experience with Summit over many years of racing also gives him confidence in the new alliance.

“The Summit commitment to the individual racer, as well as the sport as a whole, is really a thing to take note of,” he said. “I certainly have as I’ve become familiar with the company over my years of racing, and it has given me a deep respect for Summit Racing Equipment.”

Along with the full National Guard ADRL schedule and other select Pro Stock events, Berner’s Summit Racing Equipment Pontiac GXP will be on display at car shows in Chicago and Detroit.

“We’re certainly looking forward to being a part of the Summit team. It is truly an honor for me and my team to have the opportunity to represent Summit, and I couldn’t imagine a better company to be associated with.”

December 8, 2009

National Guard ADRL Executives Attending PRI Show

O’FALLON, MO (Dec. 8, 2009)—When the National Guard American Drag Racing League (ADRL) arrives at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 10-12, it will be with a full contingent of its top executives and key staff members available for consultation at Booth 609 of the 22nd annual Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show.

Of course, National Guard ADRL President and CEO Kenny Nowling will lead the effort, along with Executive Vice President of Operations Jessica Alcoke and Executive VP Jeff Fortune, with several high-level meetings already lined up over the three-day event for the league-guiding trio.

Current and potential National Guard ADRL team owners, drivers and crew chiefs are invited to seek counsel or rules clarification from Executive VP of Competition Bert “Bubba” Corzine or Director of Race Operations Quick Vandiver, and VP of Sales and Marketing Brian Evans with help from Director of Contingency Services Tom Grooms will be ready to tackle all sponsorship or advertising needs and concerns.

Additionally, for advice with press-related concerns, National Guard ADRL race teams are encouraged to contact VP of Publications Ian Tocher or Director of Media and Communications Amanda LaPlante at the show.  

The National Guard ADRL also is looking forward to its Racer’s Appreciation and Awards Gala II, beginning at 7 p.m. Dec. 12, at the luxurious Wyndham Orlando Resort, not far from the convention center. A limited number of tickets remain available to the Gala 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.

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. 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.

The 10-event 2010 National Guard ADRL Tour will get underway Mar. 12-13, with the Safety-Kleen Dragpalooza VI at Houston Raceway Park and will visit tracks in eight more states before concluding Oct. 22-23, with the LenMar Motorsports ADRL World Finals V at the Texas Motorplex in Ennis, Texas.

National Guard ADRL Executives including (l-r) CEO and President Kenny Nowling, Director of Race Operations Quick Vandiver, Executive Vice President of Competition Bert “Bubba” Corzine and Director of Timing and Scoring Letha Corzine will be among the key staff members representing the O’Fallon, Missouri-based drag racing series this weekend at the 22nd annual Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show at Orlando, Florida.

(ADRL/Tocher file photo)

December 4, 2009

Sheikh Khalid Wins Pro Extreme in Record Time at Qatar Race Club

DOHA, QATAR (Dec. 4, 2009)—In spectacular fashion His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al-Thani scored his career-first Pro Extreme win in Round 2 of the 2009-10 Arabian Drag Racing League season at the Qatar Race Club.

With his Tim McAmis-built ‘68 Camaro lined up beside the Tommy Mauney-created ‘06 Mustang of Bader Ahli for the final round, the Sheikh made the second-quickest Pro Extreme pass in the world, going 3.677 seconds at 207.02 miles per hour to reset both of his own Arabian Drag Racing League records set earlier in the event. Only two-time American Drag Racing League champion Jason Scruggs has been quicker with a 3.66 pass this summer at Memphis, Tennessee.

Sheikh Khalid left with a .056 reaction time to Ahli’s .044, but had already overcome the .012 holeshot by the 60-foot point with a .926 short time to Ahli’s .973. Ahli made a strong pass, too, until suffering a major engine explosion as he approached the eighth-mile finish line and slowed somewhat to a 3.89 pass.

Al-Anabi Racing teammates Mike Castellana and reigning American Drag Racing League World Champ Khalid Al-Balooshi squared off in the Pro Nitrous final with both again experiencing the vexing tire shake that plagued them all weekend. Al-Balooshi was able to recover a little quicker, though, and powered his ‘68 Camaro to the win in 4.422 seconds at 186.36 mph while Castellana posted a traction-troubled 5.436 at 100.52 mph.

(ADRL photos Bubba Smoothe/Connie Worsham/Jessica Alcoke)

December 4, 2009

Ahli vs. Sheikh Khalid in Qatar PX Final

First-round Pro Extreme eliminations have been completed at the Qatar Race Club, where track-sponsored Bader Ahli defeated Barwa-backed Von Smith to earn a berth against Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al-Thani in the final round.

Ahli lowered his personal-best E.T. for the third time at this race, going 3.775 at 203.16 mph to beat Smith, who suffered traction woes immediately off the start and was forced to shut down and coast to a 7-second pass at less than 55 mph.

Next up was the Sheikh, who earlier in qualifying set new official elapsed time and speed records for the Arabian Drag Racing League. This time, however, his ‘68 Camaro made it only a little farther than Smith’s similar ride before succumbing to the same tire shake and rolling through the eighth mile in 4.982 seconds at 95.48 mph.

Ahli hurt the motor in his ‘06 Mustang on his pass, but Sheikh Khalid has said he’ll wait as long as Ahli’s crew chief Todd Tutterow needs to make the final. 

Pro Nitrous will be settled between Al-Anabi Racing teammates Mike Castellana and Khalid Al-Balooshi.

New American Drag Racing League Pro Extreme World Champion Todd Tutterow certainly has a handle on the all-concrete Qatar Race Club eighth mile, tuning driver Bader Ahli to three consecutive career-best passes in the same 2006 Mustang in which Tutterow won the U.S. ADRL championship. “What an amazing talent both in and out of the car,” ADRL President and CEO Kenny Nowling said of Tutterow.

(ADRL photo Kenny Nowling)

December 4, 2009

Sheikh Khalid Goes 3.69 at 205.41 MPH at Qatar Race Club!

DOHA, QATAR (Dec. 4, 2009)—In the third and final qualifying session for Round 2 of the Arabian Drag Racing League’s 2009-10 season, Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al-Thani secured the top qualifying position in the Pro Extreme class with a record-setting run of 3.696 seconds at 205.41 miles per hour over the eighth mile at the Qatar Race Club.

The pass began with a solid .031 reaction time and the incremental times included .937 to the 60-foot marker and 2.491 seconds to half-track (330 feet).

Yesterday, Sheikh Khalid made a 3.72 pass at 205.76, so the quicker run today backs up yesterday’s qualifying pass for an official record and today’s speed backs up yesterday’s within the required one percent to secure the speed record, too.

As the soft-spoken Sheikh earlier told ADRL President and CEO Kenny Nowling, he “let’s the scoreboard do the talking.”

With Frank “Ace” Manzo calling the shots as his crew chief, Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al-Thani of Qatar set both ends of the Arabian Drag Racing League Pro Extreme records Friday afternoon at the Qatar Race Club. The Sheikh’s Tim McAmis-built ‘68 Camaro covered the eighth mile in 3.696 seconds, the quickestever recorded in the Arabian Drag Racing League.

Just prior to the Sheikh’s heroics, defending series champion Von Smith of Oak Ridge, Tennessee (left), threw down the challenge with a 3.715-seconds pass at 207.43 mph in his own McAmis ‘68 Camaro, which at the time was the quickest ever in the Arabian league and exactly matched the top speed record of American Drag Racing League two-time Pro Extreme champion Jason Scruggs.

Racing alongside Smith was Bader Ahli, driving the same 2006 Mustang in which crew chief Todd Tutterow won the 2009 American Drag Racing League world championship in October at Ennis, TX, and Ahli made a career-best 3.797-seconds lap at 202.88 to reset the quickest and fastest side-by-side record he shared with Sheikh Khalid after Thursday’s two qualifying sessions.

Unfortunately for the Pro Nitrous class, tire shake continued to be the order of the day with both Mike Castellana and recently crowned American Drag Racing League World Champion Khalid Al-Balooshi being forced to shut down shortly after launching. Castellana, from Westbury, NY, leads local racer Al-Balooshi into eliminations this afternoon. 

(ADRL photos Bubba Smoothe/Kenny Nowling)

December 4, 2009

ADRL’s Top Insider Gives Fans Real Time Results from Qatar Race Club on Twitter

O’FALLON, MO (Dec. 4, 2009) – Beginning at 8 a.m. (EST) on Friday, Dec. 4, American Drag Racing League and Arabian Drag Racing League President and CEO Kenny Nowling will be tweeting real time results and commentary covering the hot racing action happening at Qatar Race Club in Doha, Qatar via Twitter for the leagues’ stateside fans. 

Twitter followers will receive insider information straight from Nowling about the leagues’ stars and cars, details and results from each run, and weather and racing condition updates as the event unfolds.  Fans familiar with Nowling know that his personal insight and unique perspective should make the coverage truly special and one of a kind!

Today’s coverage will begin with the third round of qualifying, which was delayed after two catastrophic oil downs forced an early end to the prior day’s racing.  American Drag Racing League Pro Nitrous World Champion Khalid Al-Balooshi is on the star-studded list of ADRL drag racers competing in the event – which Nowling predicts could produce the first 3.6 run in Arabian Drag Racing League history based on the forecasted weather conditions and the talent on hand. 

Fans can enjoy all the record-breaking, tire-shaking action by visiting the ADRL Web site at www.adrl.us and clicking on the link to Nowling’s Twitter page (www.twitter.com/ADRLKenny).  

Nowling plans for tweeting to become a regular practice at ADRL.  Major announcements straight from the president and CEO’s office, plus other personal insight on the world of motorsports are sure to keep fans informed and entertained.  In addition to Nowling’s Twitter page, the ADRL has launched www.twitter.com/ADRLFanPage to keep fans up to date on breaking news, event details, special offers, and more.

December 3, 2009

Arabian Drag Racing League Qualifying Suspended Until Friday

DOHA, QATAR (Dec. 3, 2009)—With anticipation mounting for the third and final session of qualifying for Round 2 of the Arabian Drag Racing League’s 2009-10 season, ADRL and Qatar Race Club officials reached the decision to postpone the drama to 3 p.m. local time (7 a.m. EST) Dec. 4, following delays created by two severe oildowns on the eighth-mile, all-concrete drag strip.

After two rounds of qualifying, local hero Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al-Thani leads the Pro Extreme division with an outstanding 3.72-seconds effort at 205.76 miles per hour, representing the quickest and fastest pass in the history of the Arabian Drag Racing League.

Mike Castellana leads the Pro Nitrous class, despite not yet making a solid run due to traction issues that have yielded a best of 6.307 seconds at just 74.81 mph for the New York-based driver.

Qualifying and eliminations will conclude tomorrow. 

December 3, 2009

Sheikh Khalid Makes Monster Run in Arabian Drag Racing League Qualifying

DOHA, QATAR (Dec. 3, 2009)—In the second Pro Extreme qualifying session for Round 2 of the 2009-2010 Arabian Drag Racing League’s season, Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al-Thani of Qatar made the quickest and fastest pass in series’ history, covering the Qatar Race Club eighth mile in 4.72 seconds at 205.76 miles per hour in his Al-Anabi Racing entry.

Tuned by multi-time American drag racing champion Frank “Ace” Manzo, the Sheikh’s supercharged ‘68 Camaro, built by Tim McAmis Race Cars in Hawk Point, Missouri, left with a .942 time to the 60-foot marker, then stormed past the finish line 3.729 seconds later.

Racing beside Sheikh Khalid in a 2006 Mustang tuned by new American Drag Racing League Pro Extreme World Champion Todd Tutterow, Bader Ahli also ran a career-best 3.824 at 203.61 mph to record the quickest and fastest side-by-side passes in Arabian Drag Racing League history.

Defending series champion Von Smith, with veteran Howard Moon tuning, suffered tire shake for the second-straight pass and was forced to shut off his ‘68 Camaro early and coasted to a 4.63 pass at 109.61 mph.

Despite also going through tire shake in both of his qualifying runs, New Yorker Mike Castellana leads the Pro Nitrous qualifying list, while rival Khalid Al-Balooshi was unable to make a second attempt as his Al-Anabi crew continued repairs after his ‘68 Camaro’s rearend was damaged in the opening round of qualifying.

A third and final qualifying session will follow shortly to determine tomorrow’s eliminations pairings.       

December 3, 2009

Gadson Seeks PXM Redemption in 2010

MACON, GA (Dec. 3, 2009)—After a trying 2009, young rider Richard Gadson (left) and crew chief Jerry Cooper hope to mount a serious Pro Extreme Motorcycle (PXM) assault on the 2010 National Guard ADRL Tour.

“Our team set out to have a successful year and embark on an ADRL program,” says Gadson, nephew of champion motorcycle drag racer Rickey Gadson. “We aggressively chased down sponsors by putting together proposals and attending the PRI Show in Orlando and the Motorcycle Dealer Expo in Indianapolis. Sponsors really responded to us and we had a lot of success. Everything was a go and we were all very excited about the 2009 season.”

The new Pro Extreme Motorcycle duo of rider Richard Gadson (above left) and crew chief Jerry Cooper (right) suffered several setbacks to their racing program in 2009, but hope to have much better luck as they reset their sights on the 2010 National Guard ADRL Tour.

In fact, everything was in place early last year for their ADRL debut at the season opener in Houston after Cooper, of Cooper Performance in Macon, Georgia, spent months putting together his first Pro Extreme Motorcycle, while Gadson and team manager Glenn Allen concentrated on securing sponsorship from Memphis Audio, Fulmer Helmets, Vicci Wear and Shift Racing. But “hard economic times and some bad luck” caught up with the team, Gadson says, especially after Cooper’s health began failing, so they had to shelve their ADRL plans and concentrate on maintaining the business.

“Our intent was not to miss more than a race or two, just enough time to turn things around and go racing. But it didn’t pan out that way. Times got tougher and tougher. Money was scarce, Coop’s health wasn’t getting any better, and our hopes and dreams of a championship were deflated,” he admits. “The bright side is, the few appearances we made showed a positive reaction from racers and fans. Everyone loved the bike and program we put together.”

Gadson says he went into 2009 with a sense of great optimism, which made the disappointment that much harder to handle. However, he’s determined to use the setbacks as building tools for the future.

“The main thing about this year is that we started off with big projects and a lot of promise,” he says. “I don’t feel like I delivered everything to my sponsors that I intended and will be working with them to represent their products in 2010 as a way of saying ‘Thank you’ for their support this past year. I can’t say enough about how these people and companies supported us in 2009, even though our appearances at the track weren’t all they should have been.”

Fortunately, Cooper’s health has returned, too, leaving the whole team with renewed anticipation for competing in Pro Extreme Motorcycle with the National Guard ADRL next season.

“I look forward to announcing our plans for 2010,” Gadson declares. “Thanks again to everyone for their help and encouragement. Have a great holiday season and I can’t wait to get back on the track!”

(ADRL/Tocher file photos)

December 3, 2009

Smith, Castellana Lead First-Round Qualifying for Arabian Drag Racing League

DOHA, QATAR (Dec. 3, 2009)—After one round of qualifying for Round 2 of the 2009-10 Arabian Drag Racing League season, Von Smith (left) leads in Pro Extreme with an early shut-off 4.19-seconds pass over the eighth mile at the Qatar Race Club and Mike Castellana is on top of the Pro Nitrous class with another shortened 6.30-seconds effort.

Smith, from Oak Ridge, TN, drifted left out of the racing groove in his Barwa Real Estate-backed ‘68 Camaro and coasted to a 4.192 at 130.75-mph pass. Second in Pro Extreme is local racer Bader Ahli following a tire-shaking 4.676 at 109.10 mph in his Qatar Eace Club ‘06 Mustang, followed by His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al-Thani, who’s Al-Anabi Racing ‘68 Camaro also fell victim to tire shake after posting the best 60-foot time of the three (.927), but shut down shortly afterward and went 5.194 at just 87.35 mph.

In Pro Nitrous, Castellana’s ‘70 Camaro also went into tire shake, so the Westbury, NY-based driver was forced to shut down and go through the finish in 6.307 seconds at 74.81 mph. His Al-Anabi teammate and recently crowned American Drag Racing League Pro Nitrous World Champion Khalid Al-Balooshi took a wild ride in his ‘68 Camaro, swapping lanes and gathering no time, but making a tremendous save to keep the car off the Qatar Race Club guardwalls.

Second-round qualifying will begin shortly. 

December 2, 2009

Mike Janis Racing Introduces New Web Site

ELMA, NY (Dec. 2, 2009)—Mike Janis Racing has officially joined the cyber age. MikeJanisRacing.com is now live online and features the familiar categories that many race team Web sites have, but the Janis team is hoping that fans will make the site more of a gathering point and become more than just your average cookie cutter team site.

“We have a group of guys that stop by the shop (Jan-Cen Motorsports) all the time to BS and bench race and we wanted the site to have that feel,” said crew chief Mike Janis Jr. (left) “I think the addition of the message board will help achieve that vibe.”

The message boards will serve not only as a meeting place. but also as a source for technical information. Fans can ask the team questions related to the team or more specific questions dealing with race engines, superchargers, fuel systems and other motorsport related topics. The tech section will also be updated with both original articles from the team and pertinent info found elsewhere online.

The site was created by Justin Spencer of Competition Designs.

“We’ve wanted our own site for a while now but couldn’t pin down what we wanted on there,” team owner Mike Janis said. “Our racing operation is twofold. We service other teams as well as race against tem and we felt we needed a way to showcase who we are. With Justin’s help I feel it came out great.”

(ADRL/Richards/Tocher file photos)

December 1, 2009

KH Ready for Battle in Arabian Drag Racing League

DOHA, QATAR (Dec. 1, 2009)—When testing got underway for Round 2 of the Arabian Drag Racing League’s 2009-10 schedule, His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al-Thani (left) wasted no time in serving notice he’s ready to do battle over the eighth mile at the Qatar Race Club.

Under the watchful eye of crew chief Frank “Ace” Manzo, Sheikh Khalid piloted his Al-Anabi Racing, Tim McAmis-built ’68 Camaro to an outstanding 3.74-seconds pass at more than 204 miles per hour. Both numbers are not far off the official series records held by Tennessee racer Von Smith, the defending Arabian Drag Racing League Pro Extreme champion and winner of Round 1 at the same track two weeks ago.

“It couldn’t have gone any better, straight as an arrow all the way to the finish line,” stated Kenny Nowling, president and CEO of both the Arabian and the O’Fallon, Missouri-based American Drag Racing Leagues, who is in Qatar with several U.S.-based race officials to help run the event. “Sheikh Khalid is a natural-born driver and with a true champion like ‘Ace’ turning the wrenches, they’ve already become a formidable force in Pro Extreme over here.”

Testing will resume from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. local time Dec. 2, with qualifying and eliminations for Round 2 to follow Dec. 3-4, at the Qatar Race Club. For additional news, results and photos, visit www.ADRL.us.

December 1, 2009

Sheikh Khalid Ready for Round 2 of Arabian Drag Racing League at Qatar Race Club

DOHA, QATAR (Dec. 1, 2009)—Fresh off a most impressive debut in the ferocious world of Pro Extreme drag racing that saw the rookie driver earn runner-up honors, His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Thani is anxiously awaiting the second round of action during the Arabian Drag Racing League series event at the Qatar Race Club this week.

Led by Top Alcohol Funny Car legend Frank Manzo, who was listed as one of the National Hot Rod Association’s Top 50 drivers of all time during their 50 year anniversary in 2001, the Al-Anabi Racing team is ready to take on all comers in their second appearance together after having spent ample time testing after the season-opener.

“I’m very satisfied with the progress we’ve made in such a short amount of time,” said Sheikh Khalid, speaking from the Al-Anabi Racing shop on the grounds of the Qatar Race Club. “We continue to make big strides and we’re only going to go quicker and faster, and do so even more consistently, as we gain data with every lap we make in testing.

Despite still getting comfortable in the driving role, Sheikh Khalid has proven his prowess behind the wheel with a string of 3.8-second, near 200mph eighth-mile passes in his new Tim McAmis Race Cars-built ’68 Camaro and looks to build on the success of his first outing in his sophomore appearance.

“I anticipate another positive outing this weekend,” said Sheikh Khalid. “This new team continues to jell and with the tuning expertise of Frank Manzo, I’ve got all the confidence in the world that we’ve got a race-winning program. With a month off between Round 2 and 3, I’m looking forward to spending even more time testing to prepare for the three back-to-back events. This week, though, our goal as always will be to win, and based off our performance in testing – I’m confident we can find the winner’s circle on Friday night.”

Qualifying for Round 2 of the Arabian Drag Racing League series at the Qatar Race Club begins at 7:00 PM AST on Thursday, December 3rd, with a second round scheduled for 9:00 PM. A final round of qualifying will take place at 5:00 PM AST on Thursday the 4th, with eliminations getting underway at 7:00 PM AST.

For more information on the Qatar Race Club and the Arabian Drag Racing League’s season-opener and to see the schedule for the rest of the season, log onto www.qrczone.com

December 1, 2009

Moon and Smith Looking for Consecutive Wins in Round 2 of Arabian Drag Racing League

DOHA, QATAR (Dec. 1, 2009)—As if they never stopped calling the cars back to the staging lanes last year, Von Smith and the Barwa Racing ’68 Camaro (left) tuned by Howard Moon didn’t miss a step in their return to the Qatar Race Club for Round 1 of the Arabian Drag Racing League, debuting the brand-new Barwa sponsorship and taking the win over His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Thani in the final round.

After their world championship-earning efforts last season, the team has set a standard that they have every intention of maintaining through 2009 and into 2010.

“That’s exactly how we wanted to start the season,” said the team’s veteran driver, Von Smith, from the team’s villa in Doha, Qatar. “It was a neat and somewhat unnerving situation to race Sheikh Khalid in the final, but he made it clear before we ran that he wanted to race – no funny business. It was a good race, too, he left on me, but Howard [Moon, crew chief] has this Barwa Camaro hauling the mail and we got the win. For his first time in one of these Pro Extreme cars, I can’t say enough about Sheikh Khalid – a seriously impressive driving debut.”

Smith continued, “We’re geared up for Round 2, we’ve got everything ready to go, and it’s just a matter of heading out to the track and getting after it at this point.”

With representatives from Barwa Real Estate on hand for the second round of action, Smith, Moon and crew are even more amped than usual.

“A few of the guys from Barwa were able to come out to the awards ceremony two weeks ago, but they haven’t been able to join us on race day yet,” said Smith. “We’re excited to have them and we’re anticipating a similar performance.”

The competition will certainly continue to intensify on the luxurious Qatar Race Club’s eighth-mile, as more and more top-tier race teams are slated to enter the fray.

“It’s going to get serious in the coming weeks,” Smith continued. “There are three teams from Australia’s Top Doorslammer ranks that will be here starting with Round 3 and we’re expecting the teams from the neighboring Arabian Gulf Region countries to jump into the mix as well.”

Qualifying for Round 2 of the Arabian Drag Racing League series at the Qatar Race Club begins at 7:00 PM AST on Thursday, December 3rd, with a second round scheduled for 9:00 PM. A final round of qualifying will take place at 5:00 PM AST on Thursday the 4th, with eliminations getting underway at 7:00 PM AST.

For more information on the Al-Anabi Racing Pro Extreme Team please log onto www.qrczone.com. Details and further information regarding BARWA Real Estate Company can be found at www.barwa.com.qa

December 1, 2009

Tutterow and Bader Seek to Put Qatar Race Club Mustang in Arabian Drag Racing League Winner’s Circle

DOHA, QATAR (Dec. 1, 2009)—When you have a history with a racecar like Todd Tutterow and the Qatar Race Club-backed Pro Extreme ’06 Ford Mustang (left), it’s only a matter of time when big things start to happen, and even though the man and machine combination have only known each other for a few months – the results have spoken for themselves.

After a strong debut in the Arabian Drag Racing League Round 1 event at the Qatar Race Club that saw Arabian Gulf Region standout Bader Ahli earn a semifinal round finish after qualifying second for the show with a 3.825-second pass and his first 200mph eighth-mile speed, the Pro Extreme tag-team’s second trip to the QRC has been highly anticipated.

“We have the QRC Ford Mustang moving in the right direction,” said Tutterow as he prepared to make the near 15-hour flight to Doha, Qatar from his home in the United States. “No question, we would have liked to win that first race, and I believe we had a car capable of doing it, but it doesn’t always happen quite like you want it to when you’re heads up drag racing.

“Bader [Ahli] has done a fine job driving and we’ve just got to put it all together on race day if we’re going to put this hot rod in the winner’s circle. We’ll probably make a few hits Wednesday before the race to be ready to go for qualifying for Round 2.”

Tutterow, who has traversed more drag strips than most in his years as a professional driver, continues to be impressed by the state-of-the-art Qatar Race Club, deeming the racing surface “one of the best in the world”.

Make no mistake, after earning the American Drag Racing League Pro Extreme world championship just over a month ago in Dallas, Texas, Todd Tutterow, would love nothing more than to earn a second world championship in 2009/2010, and it will start with a win at Round 2 of the Doha, Qatar-based ADRL this week.

Qualifying for Round 2 of the Arabian Drag Racing League series at the Qatar Race Club begins at 7:00 PM AST on Thursday, December 3rd, with a second round scheduled for 9:00 PM. A final round of qualifying will take place at 5:00 PM AST on Thursday the 4th, with eliminations getting underway at 7:00 PM AST.

For more information on the Qatar Race Club and the Arabian Drag Racing League’s season-opener, log onto www.qrczone.com

December 1, 2009

Al-Balooshi and Castellana Lead Al-Anabi Pro Nitrous Team in Arabian Drag Racing League Round 2

DOHA, QATAR (Dec. 1, 2009)—Two of Al-Anabi Racing’s in-house world champions, recently crowned ADRL Pro Nitrous World Champion Khalid Al-Balooshi (left) and former IHRA Pro Modified champion Mike Castellana, are prepared to once again do battle on the outlaw eighth-mile and look to create a second straight all Al-Anabi Racing final during Round 2 of the Arabian Drag Racing League series at the Qatar Race Club.

After a pair of stunning performances out of the Al-Anabi Racing Pro Nitrous hot rods, including a mind-blowing 3.82-second, 196.24mph blast out of Balooshi’s trusty ’68 Camaro to take the number-one spot in qualifying and a 3.93/191.75mph effort from Castellana, the duo met in the final round for all the marbles, with no one being more satisfied than His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Thani.

“To have our two Pro Nitrous cars in the final is exactly the result we were looking for from this incredible team that we’ve put together,” Sheikh Khalid said. “With the horsepower provided by Shannon Jenkins and David Reher and the addition of Jeff Perley and Justin Elkes, we’ve got a program here that is going to be very hard to beat.”

With nearly two weeks between Rounds 1 and 2 of the ADRL series, the Al-Anabi Racing Pro Nitrous team has maximized the downtime, compiling parts and reviewing data to elevate the performance and consistency of their nitrous oxide-assisted doorslammers.

“We came home with a laundry list of things we wanted to bring over, RacePak sensors and various other items that we’ve seen success with in Pro Stock, that we think will be beneficial to this program,” said Justin Elkes, a data acquisition specialist. “With an abundance of horsepower, which is something new to us Pro Stock guys, we’re really excited to be working closely with Shannon [Jenkins] to put apply this power to the racetrack.”

Elkes continued, “We’ve got more than enough power to get these nitrous cars well into the 3.70s and that’s what we’re looking to do, but we also want to be able to do it consistently.”

With one round of racing and a victory already under their belt, the Al-Anabi Racing Pro Nitrous team is well positioned to make a run at the first-ever Arabian Drag Racing League Pro Nitrous world championship in 2009/2010, but know that it won’t be an easy task, especially with the influx of competition from the surrounding Arabian Gulf Region countries.

Jeff Perley, best known for his time spent as crew chief for the Greg Anderson/Jason Line NHRA Pro Stock program that netted four world championships, referred to his first trip to Doha and the Qatar Race Club as an eye-opening experience, and has high expectations for the entire Al-Anabi Racing organization in the future.

“It’s almost been hard to grasp,” said Perley before boarding the Qatar Airways flight to Doha on Sunday. “It’s been an incredible experience and to see the Qatar Race Club, which is undeniably one of the best racing surfaces I’ve ever been on, and all the resources that we have to work with – it’s amazing.”

“I’ve got a lot of confidence in what we can do with these cars in terms of performance, and running well is at the forefront of our minds, but I’m equally excited about the opportunity to be a part of the Pro Modified movement. We’ve seen this class explode in popularity over the course of the last few years and we’re hoping to help usher this category into the top tier of the sport.”

Qualifying for Round 2 of the Arabian Drag Racing League series at the Qatar Race Club begins at 7:00 PM AST on Thursday, December 3rd, with a second round scheduled for 9:00 PM. A final round of qualifying will take place at 5:00 PM AST on Thursday the 4th, with eliminations getting underway at 7:00 PM AST.

For more information on the Qatar Race Club and the Arabian Drag Racing League’s season-opener, log onto www.qrczone.com

December 1, 2009

Hintz Happy to Announce 2010 XPS Effort

ODESSA, TX (Dec. 1, 2009)—After posting a final-round finish in his first National Guard American Drag Racing League (ADRL) appearance in October at Ennis, Texas, Scott Hintz and his Hintz Motorsport team is excited to announce they will run the full Extreme Pro Stock (XPS) schedule with the National Guard ADRL next year.

“We were only able to attend the final National Guard ADRL race of the season in 2009, but we were very impressed with the ADRL organization and really enjoyed ourselves,” the Odessa, Texas-based driver said. “Our team is comprised of three generations of family members and close friends and we feel the ADRL family atmosphere is a perfect fit for us.”

Driving a Jerry Haas-built 2009 Mustang with horsepower provided by Jon Kaase Racing Engines, Hintz qualified fourth and finished runner-up to Cary Goforth in the LenMar Motorsports ADRL World Finals V at the Texas Motorplex, just south of Dallas.

“We would like to thank our associate sponsors, Taurus Manufacturing and Synergyn Oil, for their support and say a special thanks to the ADRL staff and all the ADRL fans that welcomed us in Dallas,” Hintz said. “We’re looking forward to an exciting 2010 season.”

(ADRL/Graves/Richards photos)