ADRL.us - News and Information

January 31, 2009

National Guard ADRL moves Gateway date to August 7-8

O'FALLON, Mo. – Sometimes you just have to do what you have to do.

When the soon-to-be announced title sponsor of this summer's Gateway Drags II suggested to National Guard ADRL Executive VP of Operations Jessica Alcoke that they would rather have the National Guard ADRL event at Gateway International Raceway that will bear their name take place in late summer rather than its original date, Alcoke did what any self-respecting company executive would do.

She said, "Yes."

With the National Guard ADRL announcing that it was returning to race at its hometown track, it called for something special. And the event's title sponsor agreed.

"After discussions with our title sponsor, we both agreed that we wanted to do everything possible to make sure that our hometown crowd got to have the very best National Guard ADRL experience possible," said Alcoke. "And to do that, it was going to take just a bit more time to prepare."

So, with the help of Gateway's Vice President and General Manager Lenny Batycki, the original early summer date was swapped for a late summer one.

"We're committed to having a successful event here and if it meant an August date, then we'll be racing in August," said Batycki."

And the name of the title sponsor?

"We'll be making that announcement in a couple of weeks," said Alcoke.

January 31, 2009

National Guard ADRL promotes three staffers

O'FALLON, Mo. – National Guard American Drag Racing League President and CEO Kenny Nowling announced today that he has appointed Jessica Alcoke, Jeff Fortune and Bubba Corzine to executive-level positions with the ADRL, the sanctioning body for the National Guard ADRL Tour. 

Alcoke (right) had been the executive assistant to Nowling for several years and now takes on an expanded role with the League as its Executive Vice President of Operations. Among her many duties will be to oversee the implementation and activation of the National Guard and Flowmaster partnerships with the National Guard ADRL. 

It was Alcoke's idea to distribute complimentary tickets in 2006 that was the basis for the current ticket distribution program utilized by the National Guard ADRL for its national events.

"Jess' idea for complimentary tickets is without a doubt, a defining moment in the short history of the National Guard ADRL," said Nowling.

Fortune (below) has been instrumental in the growth of the National Guard ADRL in his role as Nowling's "go-to" player for the past two years. He has been elevated to the position of Senior Executive Vice President where he will oversee and direct the sales staff as well as coordinate the marketing strategy for the League as it builds upon its current success during its fifth year of operation.

"Jeff has been our utility player, filling a void wherever it occurred," said Nowling. "His ability to solve problems is an invaluable asset."

For the past three years Corzine (below right)  had been the National Guard ADRL's Director of Competition. His new position will have him in the role of Executive Vice President of Competition, placing him in charge of all facets of competition for the ADRL. Along with the continuation of his role as National Guard ADRL race day director during national events, Corzine will also oversee the ADRL's technical and safety departments throughout the year.

"It's reassuring to know that we have someone with the depth of knowledge and experience like Bubba Corzine looking after our competitors," said Nowling. "On race day, there's no one better at orchestrating an event than Bubba."

All three have assumed their new roles effective immediately.

January 30, 2009

Reher-Morrison supports National Guard ADRL as contingency sponsor

ARLINGTON, Texas - Reher-Morrison Racing Engines, a mainstay in Pro Nitrous competition in the National Guard ADRL has announced that it will be a contingency sponsor for the league's 2009 tour in both the Pro Nitrous and Extreme 10.5 classes.

Every winner running a Reher-Morrison engine in those two classes will receive $500; each runner up will receive $300. Every racer using a Reher-Morrison engine that qualifies in the 16-car field will earn $200.

"We are sponsoring this program to thank our customers and to support the National Guard ADRL in their exciting ventures in 2009," said David Reher.

"We would like to thank everyone from Speedtech Nitrous. Speedtech has been pivotal in the development of this engine program. Without them, we would not be able to make such an impact in the National Guard ADRL."

Reher-Morrison is coming off an impressive showing at the National Guard ADRL World Finals last fall at Texas Motorplex, in which 4 of the 8 cars that qualified for the Speedtech Nitrous Pro Nitrous Battle for the Belts were powered by Reher-Morrison engines.

Shannon Jenkins, Stan Allen, Rickie Smith, and Burton Auxier used strong 2008 performances to qualify for the Battle for the Belts. Also, David Janes used his Reher-Morrison power and Speedtech Nitrous to qualify for the Battle for the Belts in Extreme 10.5.

Shannon Jenkins (qualified No.1), Thomas Meyers, Burton Auxier, Tim Savell, Mike Castellana, Stan Allen, John Deflorian Jr., and Dave Pierce all captured spots in the top sixteen. That meant that half of the 16-car field had Reher-Morrison power. Castellana stormed through the field to claim the National Guard ADRL World Final Pro Nitrous win.

The Reher-Morrison roster for 2009 includes Allen, Khalid Al-Balooshi, Auxier, Castellana, Deflorian Jr., Janes, Jenkins, Thomas Meyers, Pierce, Doug Riesterer, Savell, and Smith and many, many others.

For more information about Reher-Morrison Racing Engines, call 817-467-7171 or visit www.rehermorrison.com. 

January 29, 2009

ADRL Bolsters Sales and Marketing Staff / Adds Membership Division

O'FALLON, Mo. – American Drag Racing League officials announced today that Brian Evans, Aimee Visney, Shawnna Reynolds and Connie Hull have joined the growing staff of the country's fastest growing motorsports series as it prepares for the fifth season of National Guard ADRL competition.

Evans has been named as the ADRL Director of Business Development. He is a native of Anchorage, Alaska and a long-time associate of ADRL founder Kenny Nowling. He has been securing sponsorship in motorsports in various capacities for nearly 20 years, having worked with NAPA Auto Parts, McDonalds, Speed Channel and Coca-Cola. He has two teen-aged daughters and when he's not on the road, he splits his time between home in Anchorage and the ADRL offices in O'Fallon.

Visney has been named to the newly established post of ADRL Director of Membership Services, given the assignment of developing and maintaining the new ADRL membership division. She spent the last 7 years managing the fulfillment programs and web stores for RLK & Associates, Inc., an advertising and specialty premium company also based in O'Fallon. Visney is the mother of twin 3-year-old boys and lives in O'Fallon.

Reynolds joins the ADRL sales team as an account specialist, bringing nearly a decade of sales experience in the insurance and financial industry as well as in business-to-business sales. Reynolds is the mother of two boys, aged 10 and 11, a huge sports fan (both stick and ball and racing) and lives in nearby St. Peters.

Hull has been named office manager for the new ADRL offices in O'Fallon. She's not only been hired for her skills in organization, but for keeping those around her organized. In addition, Hull has been assigned the thankless job of travel coordinator for the entire staff. When you call the ADRL offices, it'll be Connie who greets you at the other end of the line. She is the mother of 10-year old McKenzie and six month old Caleb and she and her husband Larry, live in O'Fallon.

All four positions are new to ADRL and are emblematic of the explosive growth of the organization.

"Brian was there at the birth of the ADRL and I am thrilled we've been able to get him back with us full time," said ADRL Executive Vice President of Marketing Jeff Fortune. "He and Shawnna are the ultimate 1-2 punch in the sales department. Having someone as talented and creative as Aimee on board to plan and execute our new membership division will be invaluable to the growth of the ADRL.

"And undoubtedly Connie is the glue that keeps us all focused and running full speed ahead here at our new headquarters."

The newest members of the ADRL team have joined the existing staff at the League's new headquarters in O'Fallon. The new address is: 2341 Highway K, Suite 202, O'Fallon, MO 63366. (636) 272-2375.

January 28, 2009

Middle Eastern Champion Balooshi takes on ADRL

Current United Arab Emirates champion K A Balooshi and team owner Sheik Khalid Al Thani of Al Anabi Racing have officially announced the are committed to running the entire 10-race National Guard ADRL tour in 2009. 

A new, Tim McAmis-built 1968 Camaro complete with an 800-plus  cubic inch Reher and Morrison motor will power Balooshi as he competes for the Speedtch Battle for the Belts Pro Nitrous title and the $50,000 prize that goes with it.

Balooshi does know his way to the winner’s circle. He already is a drag racing superstar in the United Arab Emirates capturing three consecutive UAE championships (2006-08).

“He ran local races in slow cars in the eight-second range and started racing in our pro Top Sportsman class in 2005," said Moe Atat of the Al Anabi team. "He moved into Pro Nitrous in 2006. He takes racing very seriously. That’s all he lives for.”

Balooshi is no stranger to National Guard ADRL competition having competed at Budd's Creek (MD) and at last fall's Dragstock V at Rockingham Dragway.

“Our Al Anabi team is very excited and committed to compete in the 2009 National Guard ADRL Speedtech "Battle for the Belts," Balooshi said.  “The new Camaro is the first car built for us that is fitted to my size.  That makes me more comfortable and focused on driving."

Balooshi, a candidate for Rookie of the Year honors, will debut his new ride at Dragpalooza V, the National Guard ADRL season opener at Houston Raceway Park on March 6.

January 28, 2009

Georgia returns to schedule for 2009

O'FALLON, Mo. – The National Guard ADRL has got Georgia on its mind.

American Drag Racing League officials announced today that round number two of the 2009 National Guard ADRL tour, will take place at Cook County Georgia's South Georgia Motorsports Park (SGMP) located in Cecil, Georgia on April 10-11.

In doing so, it gives the phrase "back by popular demand" a whole new meaning for the National Guard ADRL.

When the 2009 National Guard ADRL event schedule was being drawn up, ADRL officials had looked to expanding the tour into Florida. But late last week, a package filled with a petition containing over 6100 names of south Georgia and north Florida race fans arrived at the ADRL's O'Fallon headquarters. It had ADRL President and CEO Kenny Nowling placing a phone call to SGMP general manager Tim Fleming.

"I told him that I had received the petition, postmarked Cecil, Georgia," began Nowling. "I felt compelled to ask him if there was a date available for the ADRL to return to SGMP and fortunately, his answer was a resounding yes."

For the fifth year in a row, race fans from south Georgia and north Florida are expected to jam the multi-purpose racing facility located just a dozen miles north of Valdosta for Georgia Drags V.

"I'm very happy that the ADRL is coming back," said SGMP general manager Tim Fleming. "It means a lot to the track and the entire community to have them back.

"I believe what has our fans so excited about that ADRL it that their events are non-stop action from start to finish.

The dragstrip's all-concrete racing surface, one of only a few in the country, has traditionally been the site of some of the year's best performances by ADRL competitors. The track also holds the distinction of having hosted more ADRL events, five, than any other facility.

"I want to acknowledge the efforts of (track) owners Kim and Rowland Wood (in photo with Nowling) in keeping the Georgia Drags at SGMP by giving us a multi-year deal," said Nowling. "Our three-year agreement with them will guarantee that south Georgia and north Florida race fans will continue to enjoy the ADRL experience for years to come."

January 27, 2009

Coughlin latest to join Extreme Pro Stock field

DELAWARE, Ohio - The big names keep coming to the American Drag Racing League. And in drag racing, they don't get much bigger than the name Coughlin.

Second generation racer Troy Coughlin has announced that he will be bringing his brand new Jerry Haas-bulit JEGS.com Pontiac GXP to the the National Guard ADRL tour in 2009. Coughlin will compete in the recently added Extreme Pro Stock category.

"I just sat in this beautiful new race car and all the memories of my 10-plus years in Pro Stock came flooding back," Coughlin said. "There's something about a gasoline-powered car and a five-speed transmission that just does it for me. I can't wait to get started." 

For two decades now, Coughlin's been driving the wheels off some kind of hot rod. He started his career in the Sportsman ranks but soon turned professional and entered Pro Stock in 1994, becoming the first of the four Coughlin boys to follow his legendary father into professional straight-line competition. 

"The ADRL has really grown into a neat deal and when they added Extreme Pro Stock this off-season it was too tempting to pass up," Coughlin said. "You go to their events and see all these cars you would never imagine going as fast as they go, racing down the track. It's so cool."

Joining Coughlin will be crewmen Bryan Metzenheim, Clint Allerton and Mike Rees.

"We're planning a trip to Palm Beach International Raceway to test as soon as the car is completely put together," Coughlin said. "This is going to be an exciting year for JEGS racing." 

January 26, 2009

Nowling pays a visit to The Late Show with David Letterman

NEW YORK - While in the Big Apple on business, ADRL President and CEO Kenny Nowling took time out to visit the set of The Late Show with David Letterman, in preparation for a possible future appearance on the popular television show.

"I'll be watching the show from the audience tonight, but I'm expecting that my next visit to the Ed Sullivan theater will be as a guest on stage with Dave," said Nowling.

The head of the nation's No. 2 drag racing series is in New York as part of a multi-city junket that involves business meetings, sponsor commitments and a bite to eat at the famous Junior's delicatessen.