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David Dilbeck
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Georgia Drag Racing News
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April 2003
Gary Scelzi Press Release
Posted Wednesday, April 30, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
DON SCHUMACHER RACING
NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series
Round 7 of 23
SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT NHRA SOUTHERN NATIONALS
Atlanta (Ga.) Dragway
Race Date: May 2-4, 2003
Contact: Judy Stropus, 203-438-0501, cell 203-243-2438
TWO-TIME TOP FUEL ATLANTA WINNER SCELZI SEEKS FIRST FUNNY CAR WIN
COMMERCE, Ga. (April 30, 2003) -- When Gary Scelzi won the NHRA Top Fuel category at Atlanta Dragway in 1999 and again in 2000, he became the only Top Fuel driver to this date to ever win at this track two years in a row.
He's now driving for Don Schumacher Racing full time in the Oakley Time Bomb Dodge Stratus R/T Funny Car and is seeking his first victory in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series Funny Car class at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals this weekend.
Following his first-round loss at Bristol Dragway last Sunday, Scelzi and his Mike Neff-led team tested there on Monday, with encouraging results.
"We started from scratch again, and made a lot of progress," said the three-time Top Fuel champion who stands 11th in the Funny Car point standings. "We ran a best of 4.95 seconds at 305 mph, in worse conditions than we had on race day. The track temperature was around 117 degrees, and the track wasn't scraped or prepped like it was during the national event, so we felt we did pretty well.
"If Del Worsham (who defeated Scelzi's teammate Whit Bazemore in the final at Bristol) ran a 4.92 in the final round and we were pretty close to that under the conditions, we feel we were on the right track. Hopefully, when we get to Atlanta maybe we will have some hot weather and we'll be able to try out our hot-weather tune-up.
"Atlanta is one of those race tracks that's tricky," he added. "It's not a great race track, but I ran a 4.49-second elapsed time there in a dragster when it got cool. If it's cool and there's not a lot of sun on the race track, with our horsepower we should be back on track with a good balance in the race car and it should be able to run as quick as anybody else."
If Scelzi wins in Atlanta, the 25-time Top Fuel winner would join an elite list of drivers who have earned national event victories in both nitro categories, Funny Car and Top Fuel. He would become the 13th member of that exclusive club.
Nitro qualifying at Atlanta Dragway is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 2. Qualifying continues on Saturday, May 3, at 12 noon and 3:00 p.m. Final eliminations begin at 11 a.m. on Sunday, May 4.
Scotty Cannon Press Release
Posted Wednesday, April 30, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
DON SCHUMACHER RACING
NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series
Round 7 of 23
SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT NHRA SOUTHERN NATIONALS
Atlanta (Ga.) Dragway
Race Date: May 2-4, 2003
Contact: Judy Stropus, 203-438-0501, cell 203-243-2438
FROM HOME COOKIN' TO COOKIN' ON THE RACE TRACK, CANNON'S CLOSE TO HOME AT ATLANTA DRAGWAY
COMMERCE, Ga. (April 30, 2003) -- If you're passing through Greer, S.C., on your way to Atlanta Dragway for the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals this weekend, and you find yourself on Trade Street, stop by Cannon's Restaurant for a bite. In fact, if you drive in and pull into a stall, you just may have a Mohawk-wearing, world-class Nitro Funny Car racer serving you at the curb, at one of the only remaining drive-in restaurants in South Carolina that still feature curb service.
Scotty Cannon, the Oakley-clad scary dude who drives the Oakley Funny Car for Don Schumacher Racing in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series at over 320 miles an hour in under five seconds, is really a cool, laid back family man and the unlikely owner of Cannon's Restaurant, which has been in his family for 34 years. Just 15 minutes from the restaurant and an hour from Atlanta Dragway, Cannon lives with his wife Amanda and three boys, Scott Jr., Brandon and Destin in Lyman, S.C.
Growing up in South Carolina, Cannon worked at the restaurant for his dad. "I've done it all. I did everything from washing the walls when I was 9 years old to curb-hopping," he fondly recalls. "And then I moved up to bussing the tables, then I started to run the cash register and then I started cooking. There ain't nothing in there I can't do. I've done it all" -- a work ethic he continues to maintain as a totally hands-on member of his racing team.
Racing nitro Funny Cars has taken priority over bussing tables these days, but Cannon's 23-year-old son, Scott Jr., runs the restaurant now, while Cannon's dad oversees the eatery, which seats 100 inside and can serve 40 to 50 cars curbside. "I've served my time," adds Cannon, the 1999 NHRA Rookie of the Year. "I used to work there all the time, doing double shifts."
He still drops in for lunch and visits with his patrons, who enjoy the photographs chronicling Cannon's 25-year racing career on the walls. "I have a big following from my hometown," he says. "Like, if I go in there during lunch, everybody there always wants to talk about racing. I've got pictures on the wall dating back to when I first started all the way up until now. I'm probably in there a couple of times a week when I'm home."
He'll be hosting a group of customers and friends at the track this weekend, when the NHRA circus competes in the seventh round of the 23-event NHRA series.
"It's fun having my friends and customers come to the track," he says, "but it's more stress, beyond a shadow of a doubt. But it's good. I like to see everybody else enjoy my racing too, not just me. It gives everyone around me an opportunity to be able to enjoy and live a little bit of my life when we're racing at home. At the same time, it's stressful for me, but I still would rather be doing this than doing anything else."
Nitro qualifying at Atlanta Dragway is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 2. Qualifying continues on Saturday, May 3, at 12 noon and 3:00 p.m. Final eliminations begin at 11 a.m. on Sunday, May 4.
WJ Press Release
Posted Wednesday, April 30, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
Wed, 30 Apr 2003, 07:41 AM
It Will be Business as Usual for a Pragmatic W.J. in Atlanta
Courtesy of Jon Knapp, TMG Sports Marketing
GM Performance Parts Racing Team Looks to Score Home Track Win
COMMERCE, Ga. -- This weekend, the NHRA's POWERade Drag Racing Series will be competing in Warren Johnson's backyard. With the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals Presented by Pontiac being held at Atlanta Dragway, many feel this will give the GM Performance Parts Grand Am crew an advantage, as the track is located In Commerce, GA, which is a short drive from the team's shop in Sugar Hill.
Adding fuel to their competitors' fire is the fact that throughout the year, both Warren and his son Kurt will spend countless hours at this venerable speed plant fine-tuning their race cars for competition. However, "The Professor" downplays any claims of an unfair edge, noting the primary advantage lies in Atlanta Dragway's proximity to the Johnson homestead, while explaining that having an affinity for one track could be counter-productive at the other stops on the schedule.
"Although we certainly enjoy racing in Atlanta, we treat it like any other race," stated Johnson. "In reality, there is no true home court advantage other that being able to sleep in my own bed.
"Granted, we may have a little bit better knowledge of the track's topographical characteristics because of our numerous test sessions. All that means is that we know what gear ratios to use for the occasional bumps, which is really not a major issue at this track, However, the surface is prepared completely differently for a national event than it is for testing, which requires a fairly significant change in the tune-up, putting us in the same boat as the rest of our competitors."
"But no matter where we race, we have to get the job done. The way I see it, if you get the mindset that you are going to be successful at a certain track because it's your favorite, or since you are close to home, or whatever, that means you are not as interested in winning the other races. Therefore, our approach to every race is the same. That is especially true this year, when our GM Performance Parts Grand Am is performing so well. We're certainly not about to change it on a whim."
However, competitors must be careful not to mistake The Professor's low-key approach for anything other than an unmitigated drive and determination to succeed. As evidenced by his back-to-back No. 1 qualifying efforts at the last two stops on the schedule, Johnson and his GM Performance Parts Grand Am are certainly on top of their game. In addition, a quick review of W.J.'s history as his home track shows that he certainly knows his way to the winner's circle. As such, he is more than qualified to offer his assessment of the racing surface.
"Other than a slight bump in the right hand lane at the transition point, the Atlanta Dragway track is relatively smooth," details Johnson. "In fact, if the surface is treated properly, and certain classes don't abuse it too much, it can be one of the best on the circuit. Just as with any track, its performance characteristics will depend on the ambient temperatures. If we see a big swing between the day and night sessions, it could be difficult for anyone not in after Friday night to earn a spot in eliminations.
"Our game plan will be based on our notes and in place before we get to the track. Once there, we' ll evaluate the surface, check the weather, decide on a set-up for the first qualifying session and fine-tune it afterwards. The potential is certainly there - it's just.up to us to maximize it and put the GM Performance Parts Grand Am in the winner's circle. The best part about winning at our home track is that the drive home with the trophy and check is a little shorter."
Facts on Warren Johnson and the GM Performance Parts Racing Team entering the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals Presented by Pontiac:
- WJ is Right at Home in Atlanta: This will be Warren's 23rd NHRA Pro Stock national event appearance at Atlanta Dragway, where he has accumulated four wins in seven final round appearances, while compiling a 37-18 elimination round record. He has been equally effective in qualifying, with nine No. 1 qualifying efforts, and an average starting spot of 2.5.
- Atlanta Record Holder: Warren Johnson holds both the elapsed time and top speed track records at Atlanta Dragway, based on his 6.811 second, 202.61 mph performance in defeating Mark Pawuk in the first round of last year's eliminations.
- One year ago: WJ qualified second for last year's Atlanta race with an elapsed time of 6.822 seconds and a top speed of 202.52 mph, and advanced to the quarterfinals.
- National Record Holder: Warren reset the NHRA Pro Stock national elapsed time record with his 6.720-second pass in Houston two weeks ago, bettering the previous mark by three hundredths of a second. This marks the 10th time in his career that WJ has held the record.
- Winning Streak: With his win at the 2003 Winternationals, Warren Johnson extended his streak of winning at least one race a year to 22 years, the longest in NHRA history.
- POWERade Points standings: After the sixth of 23 events, WJ arrives in Atlanta in third place in the 2003 POWERade points standings with 438 points, 113 behind his son and leader Kurt Johnson, and only 18 behind second place Greg Anderson. Warren finished fourth in 2002, his twenty-first consecutive Top Five finish.
- Flying the Stars and Stripes: At the request of their sponsors, Kurt and his father Warren Johnson have replaced the Chevrolet and Pontiac logos on the roofs of their race cars with the American flag to honor America and show their support for the troops.
- No. 1 in National event wins: WJ's 89 national event victories are the most ever in the history of the Pro Stock division and place him 2nd on the all-time NHRA win list. His most recent win came at the 2003 Winternationals in Pomona, CA.
- Career best elapsed time: 6.720 seconds, Houston 2003 (The quickest pass in NHRA Pro Stock history.)
- Career best top speed: 205.16 mph, Houston 2003 (The fourth fastest pass in NHRA Pro Stock history.)
KJ Press Release
Posted Wednesday, April 30, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
Wed, 30 Apr 2003, 07:41 AM
Despite Recent Power Surge, Johnson Remains Grounded Heading into Atlanta
Courtesy of Jon Knapp, TMG Sports Marketing
ACDelco Cavalier Driver Goes for Third Consecutive 2003 Win at Home Race
COMMERCE, Ga. -- If the sport of NHRA Pro Stock Racing were graded on a curve, Kurt Johnson would be the one breaking it. In arguably the most competitive class in all of motorsports, Johnson's ACDelco Cavalier has been nearly perfect for the last four races, compiling three wins in four final round appearances and surging to the lead in the POWERade Championship standings.
The normally reticent Johnson acknowledges the magnitude of this accomplishment, and defers much of the credit to his sponsors, crew and the entire Warren Johnson Enterprises operation in Sugar Hill, GA. In addition, he quickly points out that any perceived advantage can be fleeting, and cites the need to remain focused on the challenge ahead.
"Things couldn't be going better for the ACDelco Racing team than they are right now," explained Johnson. "Our Cavalier continues to run down the race track like it's on rails, and everyone on the crew and in the shop is working well together. We're having fun and everything is clicking.
"However, just as that vacuum leak before the final in Bristol showed us, things can change in a hurry. Therefore, our primary goal is to stay on top of things as much as we can, and hopefully maintain this high performance level. Before we can even think about winning the race, much less going for three in a row, we will concentrate on qualifying, which, given the competition, is an accomplishment in itself."
This weekend, Johnson's quest for a third consecutive win will take him to Atlanta Dragway and the Summit Racing Equipment Southern Nationals presented by Pontiac. Located in Commerce, GA, this venerable facility has long served as the Johnson's primary testing outlet, as it is a short drive from the team's headquarters. However, Johnson dispels the notion that he and is father have an edge in races held there.
"Our home track advantage is not as big as people may think," stated Johnson. "Certainly with our shop in Sugar Hill just a few miles away, we test there quite frequently, and our extensive experience gives us a better feel for Atlanta Dragway's intricacies and tendencies, but our primary benefit is having all those fans in the stands cheering for the home team.
"The racing surface for this weekend's event will be quite dissimilar from what we use to fine-tune our ACDelco Cavalier. When we test, the conditions are tailor-made for our cars. We're running in our rubber and the surface is manicured the way we like it. During a national event, however, we're sharing the track with hundreds of cars and the surface preparation is completely different.
"I can't say we try any harder at Atlanta than at other tracks, because we want to win them all. Certainly, our win there in 1996 was a high point, and if we're fortunate enough to put our ACDelco Cavalier in the winner's circle again this weekend, the main difference between here and winning anywhere else will be the size of the party."
Facts on Kurt Johnson and the ACDelco Racing Team entering the Summit Racing Equipment Southern Nationals presented by Pontiac:
- KJ at Atlanta: This will be Kurt's eleventh appearance at Atlanta Dragway, where he has one win (in 1996) in three final round appearances. Overall, he has a 16-9 elimination round record. In addition, he has only qualified outside the top half of the field once, with a best effort of second in 2000, and an average starting position of 5.9.
- One Year Ago: KJ qualified sixth in Atlanta with an elapsed time of 6.848 seconds and a top speed of 200.38 mph, and advanced to the quarterfinals.
- Looking for the Triple Crown: Having won the previous two races in Houston and Bristol, Kurt will be looking to score three consecutive wins for the first time in his career. He will also be looking to win for the fourth time in the last five races.
- Traveling in Elite Company: Kurt's 26 national event victories ties him with legendary Pro Stock driver Lee Shepherd for 15th on the all-time NHRA professional win list, and fifth in the Pro Stock Career Victories. Kurt's most recent win came at last week's Mac Tools NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals in Bristol, TN.
- Flying the Stars and Stripes: At the request of their sponsors, Kurt and his father Warren Johnson have replaced the Chevrolet and Pontiac logos on the roofs of their race cars with the American flag to honor America and show their support for the troops.
- POWERade Points standings: After the fifth of 23 events, Kurt leads the 2003 POWERade point standings by 95 over second place Greg Anderson, and 113 ahead of his father, Warren Johnson, who is in third. Kurt finished sixth in 2002, his tenth consecutive Top 10 finish.
- Winning percentage: Kurt's .639 elimination round winning percentage (315-178) ranks 11th among all active NHRA professional drivers.
- Career best elapsed time: 6.726 seconds, Houston, TX 2003 (The second quickest elapsed time in NHRA Pro Stock history.)
- Career best top speed: 205.57 mph, Houston, TX. 2003 (The fastest top speed in NHRA Pro Stock history.)
Event schedule:
Qualifying:
Friday, May 2: Two sessions at 3:45 & 6:45 p.m.
Saturday, May 3: Two sessions at 10:00 a.m. & 2:15 p.m.
Eliminations:
Sunday, May 4: Pre-race ceremonies & driver introductions begin at 10 a.m., followed by the first
round of eliminations at 11:00 a.m.
TV Schedule:
Qualifying Highlights:
Saturday, May 3: 9:30 - 11:30 p.m. (ESPN2)
Early Eliminations Coverage:
Sunday, May 4: 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. (ESPN2)
NHRA2Day: Sunday, May 4: 11:30 - 12:00 noon (ESPN2)
(Note: All TV times are Eastern. Please check your local listings for updated air times.)
KJ Press Release
Posted Tuesday, April 29, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
Mon, 28 Apr 2003, 11:11 AM
Kurt Johnson Scores a Decisive Win in Bristol, Pads POWERade Points Lead
Courtesy of Jon Knapp, TMG Sports Marketing
BRISTOL, Tenn. -- Kurt Johnson extended his recent string of strong performances by winning today's Mac Tools NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals in Bristol, Tennessee. Facing Mike Edwards in the final, Johnson used the second quickest pass of eliminations at 6.899 seconds to overcome his opponent's slight starting line advantage and edge him at the finish line by 48 thousandths of a second. This was Johnson's third win of the 2003 season, 25th of his career, and helped the ACDelco Cavalier pilot extend his lead in the NHRA POWERade Championship standings to 95 points over second place Greg Anderson.
"I knew Mike (Edwards) was going to be tough, and I would need my best light of the day to win," explained Johnson. "Fortunately, I got it, and I was able to get him at the stripe. The competition in Pro Stock is so close right now, you go up there, give it your best shot, and hope the win light comes on. Today the ACDelco Cavalier was able to do just that."
After dealing with constantly changing weather conditions throughout qualifying, both the racers and the standing-room only crowd were relieved to see sunny skies and warm temperatures at Bristol Dragway on Sunday. However, the totally new atmospheric conditions posed a serious challenge for the teams, who scrambled to find the proper tune-up.
Much like they had in Houston two weeks ago, the ACDelco crew made all the right calls, posting the quickest elapsed times in all four rounds. This allowed K.J. to gain victories over Barry Grant and Bruce Allen, and set the stage for an important semi-final meeting with his father, Warren Johnson, who had qualified No. 1 and closely matched his son's performance on race day.
Unfortunately, the race was decided before it ever began, as W.J. left the starting line seven thousandths of a second early, handing the automatic win to his son, who punctuated the victory by recording an elapsed time of 6.929 seconds with a top speed of 200.56 mph, earning the lane choice for his final round encounter against Mike Edwards.
"It's always tough to race my father," stated Johnson, "because it hurts whether you win or lose. It's something we think about every Sunday. I hate to beat him, because he taught me everything I know, but we have a responsibility to our sponsors.
"I'm out there for ACDelco and Chevrolet, and he's out there for GM Performance Parts and Pontiac. We both have been driving our tails off, and we both really want to win. On the bright side, we knew one of our Warren Johnson Enterprises cars would be in the final. It was a fun race, because we both gave it our best shot, and we were fortunate to come out on top."
However, all was not calm in the ACDelco pit area. Despite reaching their fourth consecutive championship round, and 44th of Johnson's career, the team was concerned about an apparent performance drop-off. A quick check of their race car uncovered a total loss of vacuum, which would rob their engine of valuable horsepower. With less than an hour before the final, the crew jumped into action, finding the source of the leak and sealing it with instant epoxy, reaching the starting line with moments to spare. With the repair completed, Johnson was able to win consecutive national events for the third time in his career.
"After we slowed down to that 6.92 against Dad, we knew there was a problem with the car. We knew had no vacuum, which we traced to a gasket. Luckily, we were able to seal it up, and it picked up three hundredths in the final, which made the difference between winning and losing.
"We may have stumbled a little bit in qualifying, but that came down to a one shot deal on Saturday. Fortunately, today we made all the right calls. This ACDelco Cavalier continues to be flawless, and it's all because of the people working on it. This crew is working so well together that we can anticipate our every move.
"In addition, we've exchanged a lot of information between our car and the GM Performance Parts car, and they're both running great right now. It all comes down to paying attention to every detail. The bottom line is that we were able to put the ACDelco Chevrolet in the winner's circle, and anytime we can do that, it's a great day."
WJ Press Release
Posted Tuesday, April 29, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
Mon, 28 Apr 2003, 10:21 AM
W.J.'s Speedy Start Costs Him in Bristol Semi-Final Family Feud
Courtesy of Jon Knapp, TMG Sports Marketing
BRISTOL, Tenn. -- After claiming the No. 1 qualifying position for the129th time in his illustrious career, GM Performance Parts Grand Am pilot Warren Johnson looked to successfully defend his title at the Mac Tools NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals. The challenge would be made tougher by the combination of another tightly packed Pro Stock field, and the sunny skies and warmer temperatures, which enveloped Bristol Dragway on Sunday and created a completely new set of tuning conditions.
However, the changes did little to affect Johnson's performance, as he posted two of the quickest elapsed times in the first two rounds. After opening by defeating Troy Coughlin, Johnson posted a 6.902-second, 200.98 mph pass in an easy win over a red-lighting Ron Krisher, which set the stage for a semi-final tussle with his son Kurt Johnson, who has been hottest race car in this extremely competitive category.
Without the luxury of lane choice, and knowing the potential of his son's race car, Johnson knew he would need every advantage. Unfortunately, he left the starting line seventh thousandths of a second early, giving the automatic win to the second-generation driver.
It was Johnson's first red-light start in five years, dating back to a 1998 semi-final encounter against Mike Edwards in Reading, PA.
"I was very close in the second round with an .010 reaction time, and I just pushed the tree a little too hard against Kurt," explained Johnson. "The competition is so close that you can't leave anything to chance, so you have to push it as hard as you can, and I missed by seven thousandths. That's racing.
"Actually, it was really a win-win situation for us, as one of our cars would be going to the final. If Kurt won, as he did, he would add to his points lead. If I had won, we would have continued to gain ground on second place, where we've made huge gains the last two races, to where I am less than a round away. Given that, things really aren't that bad.
"The GM Performance Parts Grand Am is performing well. It's not exactly where it needs to be, but it's competitive, and we have a new car on the way that I am optimistic will further help our performance. If that's the case, it will really put us in the driver's seat."
Mark Whisnant Press Release
Posted Monday, April 28, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
RW PERFORMANCE PRO STOCK CHEVY CAVALIER
MARK WHISNANT – DRIVER REID WHISNANT – OWNER
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 27, 2003
CONTACT: Patti Miles 336-751-3882 704-957-3940 (Mobile)
pattie.miles@worldnet.att.net
Bristol: Whisnant’s Day Ends Early
BRISTOL, Tenn. – Mark Whisnant, driver of the RW Performance / Snap-On Tools Chevrolet Cavalier, entered eliminations at the third annual Mac Tools Thunder Valley Nationals in Bristol hold the 11th position on the Pro Stock eliminations ladder. It was in the final session of qualifying that Whisnant clocked a 6.900 / 198.17 mph to secure his place in today’s race. Whisnant’s opponent in Round 1 was Number 6 qualifier Greg Stanfield.
As the lights came down the tree, Whisnant jumped the gun and left too early, handing the win to Stanfield. Stanfield ran a 6.942 / 200.13 mph to a red lighting Whisnant who ran a 6.966 / 198.44 mph.
“I can’t say I am happy,” said Whisnant. “I blew it, but I knew I had to take a shot at him. We had the bad lane, and ET wise, Stanfield had us covered. So, I had to try to beat him on the tree. It did not work out, and we are on our way home.
“I good news is that we qualified, and that has everything to do with my crew. My crew chiefs Markus (Svensson) and Gary (Pearman) pulled every little bit they could out of this Cavalier. Their knowledge and hard work got us into this race. I know I can count on the same hard work and dedication to get us in next weekend race in Atlanta. Right now that’s all I have to look forward to.”
Gary Scelzi Press Release
Posted Monday, April 28, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
DON SCHUMACHER RACING
NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series
Mac Tools Thunder Valley NHRA Nationals
Round 6 of 23
Bristol (Tenn.) Dragway
Sunday, April 27, 2003
Contact: Judy Stropus, 203-438-0501, cell 203-243-2438
SCELZI OUSTED IN FIRST ROUND
BRISTOL, Tenn. (April 27, 2003) -- When you qualify No. 8 in any category of the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series it's a good thing, because it puts you in the top half of the field and it gives you lane choice in the first round of eliminations. But qualifying No. 8 also places you in risky territory, because you then have to race the No. 9 qualifier, who probably posted an elapsed time during qualifying which is pretty close to yours (4.869 for Scelzi, 4.870 for Skuza).
In today's first round of final eliminations in the Funny Car class of the Mac Tools Thunder Valley NHRA Nationals at Bristol Dragway, No. 8 qualifier Gary Scelzi, in the Oakley Time Bomb Dodge Stratus R/T Funny Car, knew it could be a close race against Dean Skuza. Scelzi launched first in the favored right lane, but Skuza moved ahead quickly, and by the one-eighth mile, when Scelzi spun the tires, it was a clear path for Skuza, who won with a 4.952/302.48 pass against Scelzi's 5.419/208.49.
"The race track was good early in the right lane, and it wasn't as good further out," said Scelzi, the three-time Top Fuel champion, now full-time in Funny Car. "We made changes to slow the car down and it just didn't do it. The motor seemed like it was up and wearing more clutch, which brought the temperature up more, which made it more aggressive, which in turn smoked the tires. I haven't heard yet, but I'm sure that we're going to be testing here tomorrow. Hopefully, it'll be hot like this and we'll learn something, because when we get to Atlanta it's going to be very similar. Race conditions could be hot. And as soon as the track temperature gets up over 100 degrees, 110, 120, the race track gets slippery. So we need to learn how to do this. Did it threw us a curve? Yeah, probably, but we're going to learn from it and go on. We have to keep our chins up.
"Honestly, I'm a little let down because I think we did everything right. I'm not a tuner and certainly don't want to be one, because these things are finicky. I felt like Mike (Neff, crew chief) did everything right. I'm a little at awe that it smoked the tires where it did and as hard as it did. It just was out of character for our race car. I don't think there was anything wrong with it. Nothing malfunctioned. I just don't know why it's not happy with me.
"I didn't see him, but we were side by side. I had a hundredth (of a second) on him on the starting line, but we did give up a hundredth in 60 feet. Our car needs to snap quicker earlier. We need to work on that 60-foot (mark). We all steal e.t. (elapsed time) on Sundays to get a better reaction time, to shorten the race track. Even at that, (John) Force's cars (which qualified 1-2-3 here) are just incredibly quick to 60 feet, far superior than any of them out there. We need to work on that and that's what we are going to work on. Can we find it? I hope so, because we have been working on it for a while trying to get that better. We've got to get it good enough to accelerate early without smoking the tires."
Round 7 of the series comes up this weekend at Atlanta Dragway, in Commerce, Ga., where Scelzi has won twice (in 1999 and 2000) in a Top Fuel Dragster, and was runner-up in 1997. Although he's never raced a Funny Car here, he certainly knows the track.
"Atlanta is one of those race tracks that's tricky," he said. "It's not a great race track, but I ran a 4.49 there in a dragster when it got cool. So, like here in Bristol, when we have cool temperatures and cloud cover, that's the great equalizer. The race track gets good no matter what, pretty much. It's not a bumpy race track, so we don't have to worry about those types of things. It just depends on weather."
I don't think lane has anything to do with it. It didn't work, so you pick yourslef up, dust yourself off, and we'll go run the wheels off of it and you just try to learn and hope you get it, and that's all we can do."
Scotty Cannon Press Release
Posted Monday, April 28, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
DON SCHUMACHER RACING
NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series
Mac Tools Thunder Valley NHRA Nationals
Round 6 of 23
Bristol (Tenn.) Dragway
Sunday, April 27, 2003
Contact: Judy Stropus, 203-438-0501, cell 203-243-2438
CANNON DEFEATED IN FIRST ROUND IN BRISTOL
BRISTOL, Tenn. (April 27, 2003) -- After two days of cloudy, cool, and even wet weather, Sunday morning dawned bright and warm after an early morning low fog was burned off by the sun. With the sun came new conditions for the quarter-mile Bristol Dragway nestled between two mountains, and new challenges for the Oakley "Elite Special Forces" Funny Car team.
After qualifying No. 11 in the sixth round of 23 in the 2003 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series, Scotty Cannon, from nearby Lyman, S.C., a fan favorite here in Bristol because of his days as an IHRA champion, faced Johnny Gray in the first round of final eliminations in the heat of the day. Both drivers left the starting line clean and fast, but it was Gray all the way to the finish line for the victory with a 4.930/301.07 pass, while Cannon smoked the tires, slowing to a 5.807/179.16.
"Everything was going good until I spun the tires," said Cannon, the 1999 NHRA Rookie of the Year. "We're still a new team. It's going to happen and happen again until we get some runs under our belt, so we can have something to go back and look at.
"We have never been here with the sun out," he added. "For us this morning was like the first round of qualifying. We had nothing to look at. We didn't know where to run the clutch, where to run the motor. We had to take a shot at it. Our motto is, 'We ain't going to back it down and get outrun just because we backed it down too much.' We kind of had it jacked up, had too much power for the track, and it just spun the tires.
Drivers in the top half of the field had selected the right lane for eliminations, with the win/loss results 5-3 in favor of the right lane. Without lane choice, Cannon was relegated to the left lane. "I'm pretty sure the right lane is better. Would it have helped our car? Probably. I would think so."
Next race is this weekend, May 1-4, at Atlanta Dragway, in Commerce, Ga., the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals.
Mopar Motorsports Press Release
Posted Monday, April 28, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
Mopar Motorsports
NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series
Mac Tools Thunder Valley NHRA Nationals
Bristol Dragway – Bristol, Tenn.
Elimination Notes & Quotes
Bazemore Drives to the Finals
Stanfield Makes Second Round Appearance
BRISTOL, Tenn. (April 27, 2003) – Tire smoke spelled the end of Whit Bazemore’s attempt to rack up his second-straight victory in his Dodge Stratus R/T Funny Car at Bristol Dragway during today’s Mac Tools Thunder Valley NHRA Nationals.
The Indiana resident lost to Del Worsham in the final, but vaulted into second place in this year’s POWERade Funny Car title chase.
“We have a tremendous team here at Schumacher Racing,” Bazemore said. “We’re not quite there yet. But, we’re awfully close. Considering the fact that we’ve yet to win this year, we’re second in the points. Things are really looking good for our Matco Tools Dodge. The performance is there and usually very consistent. That’s what it takes to win rounds and win races. Along as we keep winning rounds, the race victories will come.
“The Dodge Stratus body is really good,” Bazemore added. “It’s a result of all the hard work the Mopar engineers put together on the body. We’ve been developing it further to (crew chief) Lee Beard’s taste. He’s a crew chief that pays close attention to the aerodynamics, which is more important now with the 90-percent nitro rules. The guys made great calls in the heat of the day through the second round and semifinals. We had to back the power down and that’s what really helps in the heat. The good downforce allows us not to have to back the car down as much.”
Bazemore advanced to the finals with a first round victory over Tim Wilkerson, second round triumph over Tommy Johnson, Jr., and a semifinal win over Tony Pedregon. In the semifinals, Bazemore’s 4.944-second lap at 309.06 mph lap just outran Pedregon’s 4.978-second lap at 306.33 mph.
Gary Scelzi, driver of the Oakley Dodge Stratus R/T, fell to Dean Skuza in the first round of eliminations today. The California resident went up in smoke about halftrack as Skuza cruised to a 4.952-second elapsed time at 302.48 mph.
“I think the right lane was better early,” said Scelzi, who ran the right lane during his run. “Everybody was concerned about smoking the tires early. Mike Neff (crew chief) was very conservative and we pulled it back – we shouldn’t have done it.
“Eveything on the computer looked real good,” Scelzi continued. “The next thing we know, ‘boom.’ No warning, no shake, no nothing, it just drove them right off. Normally the left lane is the weaker of the two. Fortunately we had lane choice. This is one time I’m speechless on what went wrong.”
Stanfield Drives to Second Round…
Greg Stanfield advanced to the second round before losing to Mike Edwards on a holeshot. Edwards, who ran a slower 6.948 at 199.73 mph, used a better (.015-.035) reaction time to beat Stanfield’s 6.940-second lap at 199.76 mph.
“We made a lot of improvements this weekend,” Stanfield said. “We just need to work on our race day set ups now. The track warmed up pretty good – and we took quite a bit out – but I think we needed to take out more (clutch). It was 12 thousandths of a second at the light. We’ll just have to regroup and go to Atlanta.”
The Bossier City, La., resident advanced to the second round when he defeated a red-lighting Mark Whisnant in round one.
-Mopar.com-
For more information, contact:
David Harris, Cox Marketing Group
Public Relations Manager
Mopar Motorsports
NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series
davidh@coxmarketinggroup.com
(704) 799-2114 – office
(704) 756-9301 - mobile
Whit Bazemore Press Release
Posted Monday, April 28, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
DON SCHUMACHER RACING
NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series
Mac Tools Thunder Valley NHRA Nationals
Round 6 of 23
Bristol (Tenn.) Dragway
Sunday, April 27, 2003
Contact: Judy Stropus, 203-438-0501, cell 203-243-2438
BAZEMORE ADVANCES TO FINAL FOR SECOND TIME THIS SEASON; MOVES INTO SECOND IN POINTS
BRISTOL, Tenn. (April 27, 2003) -- Whit Bazemore had a stellar day today, advancing to the final round for the second time this season after defeating Tim Wilkerson, Tommy Johnson Jr., and finally his nemesis from John Force Racing, Tony Pedregon, in the semifinal.
He moved into second in the point standings after the second round, but a repeat of his Funny Car win here in Bristol in 2002 was not in the cards.
In the final, it was Del Worsham in the opposing lane for their 33rd career match-up, with the win-loss record tied before the final at 16-16. After three consistent runs today (4.975/298.14, 4.958/303.16 and 4.944/309.06), Bazemore's Matco Tools Dodge Stratus R/T uncharacteristically struck the tires at barely the 60-foot mark, resulting in a pedaling 6.500-second lap at just 194.35 mph to Worsham's winning 4.924/310.41.
When Gary Densham, also from the Force camp, was ousted in the second round and Bazemore won in his quarterfinal, Bazemore passed Densham for second in the point standings and now is just 67 points behind leader Tony Pedregon.
This was Whit's fifth straight semifinal round appearance in six races this season, and it was the first final-round pairing for him and Worsham since Pomona III in 2001, which was won by Worsham.
"We're just not quite there, but we're awfully close," said Bazemore, the two-time U.S. Nationals champion and winner of 12 events in his career who is still looking for his first victory of 2003. "Considering the fact that we have yet to win this year and, believe me, we're not counting because it's something you can't force upon yourself. We're second in the POWERade championship and things are really looking good. The performance is there in our Matco Tools Dodge; it's usually very consistent and that's what it takes to win rounds and win races. We're winning rounds, but we're not winning races. But, as long as we keep winning rounds then the race victories will come and after you get a certain number of race victories, then the championships come and that's how it is. We're doing everything we can do, but at the same time we have to just relax a little bit and let the chips fall the way they fall."
Wrapping up today's eliminations, Bazemore said, "For the team, we had a great day, we had something happen in the final. There's no way our Matco Tools Dodge should smoke the tires there, no way, not even remotely possible, with the tune-up that Lee (Beard, crew chief) and the guys had in it. There's probably a reason why that happened and we'll find it and correct it and go to Atlanta and try to repeat there, like we tried to repeat here."
Defeating his fiercest rival next to John Force, Tony Pedregon, was rewarding. "That team over there, John Medlen (crew chief) and Dickie Venables (co-crew chief) and all those guys, they're a tremendous team," he added. "They've had the best car for quite a while and they lost a championship on a holeshot last year and they're proving that they deserve to win it. They're very, very good. Beating them was tremendous; it was a very important round. We have to just move on to next week. It was good for 10 minutes and then we really had to focus on the final and Worsham, and now we have to focus on next week."
Since the beginning of the season Bazemore has stated that winning rounds was key, and he's demonstrated the value of that goal by moving into second in the point standings without winning a final. "I've never been this high this early," he remarked. "It's too early to count that. Obviously, the POWERade championship is our ultimate goal and we have a good consistent car, and a good consistent team and we're just going to fine-tune ourselves a little bit more and hopefully get just a little tiny bit better and if we keep getting a little bit better every week, things will really start to go our way, I think. they're already going our way."
Bazemore has been with Don Schumacher Racing's Funny Car team since the team's beginning in 2001, and has weathered a number of ups and downs. "Today was really good. It was a key weekend in many respects," he said. "It's my third year with the team and my boss Don Schumacher was there when I needed him last night and helped me. We've started to really understand each other. I know he understands me a lot better and what makes me tick and what I need to perform at may best, so that makes me very gratified that we have a relationship like that. Nothing ever lasts forever, I know that, but while we're here we want to do the very best possible job and it takes a certain environment to thrive in and he's providing that for me and I'm very grateful for that."
Round 7 of the 23-race series is May 1-4 at Atlanta Dragway in Commerce, Ga.
POINT STANDINGS:
1. Tony Pedregon 542
2. Whit Bazemore 475
3. Del Worsham 441
4. Gary Densham 437
5. Ron Capps 353
6. Johnny Gray 323
7. Tommy Johnson Jr. 317
8. John Force 264
9. Dean Skuza 257
10. Frank Pedregon 253
11. Gary Scelzi 233
14. Scotty Cannon 209
NHRA POWERade Pro Points Standings
Posted Monday, April 28, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
Courtesy Summit Racing's Drag Race Central
BRISTOL, Tenn. - Point standings (top 15) for NHRA professional categories following the Third annual Mac Tools Thunder Valley NHRA Nationals at Bristol Dragway, the sixth of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series -
Top Fuel
1. Brandon Bernstein 537
2. Larry Dixon 516
3. Doug Kalitta 424
4. Doug Herbert 361
5. Cory McClenathan 352
6. John Smith 295
7. Darrell Russell 281
8. David Baca 276
9. Clay Millican 275
10. Tony Schumacher 267
11. Jim Head 239
12. Rhonda Hartman-Smith 212
13. Melanie Troxel 208
14. Paul Romine 168
15. David Grubnic 147
Funny Car 1. Tony Pedregon 542 2. Whit Bazemore 475 3. Del Worsham 441 4. Gary Densham 437 5. Ron Capps 353 6. Johnny Gray 323 7. Tommy Johnson Jr. 317 8. John Force 264 9. Dean Skuza 257 10. Frank Pedregon 253 11. Gary Scelzi 233 12. Cruz Pedregon 229 13. Bob Gilbertson 228 14. Scotty Cannon 209 15. Tim Wilkerson 200
Pro Stock 1. Kurt Johnson 551 2. Greg Anderson 456 3. Warren Johnson 438 4. Jeg Coughlin 313 5. Bruce Allen 311 6. Scott Geoffrion 279 7. Mike Edwards 274 Ron Krisher 274 9. Allen Johnson 273 10. Darrell Alderman 235 11. V. Gaines 192 Mark Pawuk 192 13. Mark Whisnant 188 14. Troy Coughlin 186 15. Jim Yates 183
Bernstein, Worsham. KJ and Hahn Win at Bristol
Posted Monday, April 28, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
KJ wins another title and extends his points lead in Pro Stock. Whit Bazemore is runner up in Funny Car and moves into 2nd place in points. Wane Shaw goes 5 rounds in Stock Eliminator and David Tatum III goes 4 rounds in Super Comp. Jeff Ayers goes 4 rounds in Super Gas and 3 rounds in Super Street. Next week these guys ( and all of the other GA guys/girls ) get to race at "home". The Southern Nationals at Commerce, GA is the next NHRA POWERade event. The fun begins Thursday. I'll be there and I hope you will too.
NHRA Recap
Mark Whisnant Press Release
Posted Sunday, April 27, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
RW PERFORMANCE PRO STOCK CHEVY CAVALIER
MARK WHISNANT – DRIVER REID WHISNANT – OWNER
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 26, 2003
CONTACT: Patti Miles 336-751-3882 704-957-3940 (Mobile)
pattie.miles@worldnet.att.net
Whisnant Qualifies 11th in Bristol
BRISTOL, Tenn. – Mark Whisnant, driver of the RW Performance / Snap-On Tools Chevrolet Cavalier, will enter eliminations at the 3rd annual Mac Tools Thunder Valley Nationals holding the 11th position on the Pro Stock eliminations ladder.
It was in the Saturday afternoon session of qualifying that Whisnant drove his cavalier to a 6.900 / 198.17 mph to secure his spot in tomorrow’s race. On Sunday morning Whisnant, of Stockbridge, Ga., will meet Number 6 qualifier Greg Stanfield in Round 1.
“I know it sound cliché,” said Whisnant, “but I’m just happy to be in the show.
“After the first session yesterday we were sitting 17th. We improved in the second session, but still ended the night sitting 17th, and on the outside looking in. It is unsettling to be that close, and still not be in the show.
“After looking at the weather this morning, we knew that we had to get in during the morning session. We knew that with the rain was coming; we might not get another chance.
“My crew chiefs Markus (Svensson) and Gary (Pearman) put their heads together, and pulled some more out of this Cavalier. We got in during the third round, but when the rain started to fall, we figured we were done for the day.
“When Safety Safari got the racetrack dried off the temperature dropped. We knew in this session it could go one way or another; either we would be racing on Sunday, or going home tonight.
“Half way through the last session we had been bumped all the way back to 19th. It was nail biting time, but Markus and Gary came through for me again. In the last session, we ran a 6.900, putting us in at 11th. It was a long day, but the result is that we are racing tomorrow, and that makes us all happy.”
Eliminations at the 3rd annual Mac Tools Thunder Valley Nationals in Bristol, Tenn., begin at 12:00 PM EST on Sunday April 27.
Whisnant Quick Facts
Currently 14th in 2003 NHRA POWERade Pro Stock Points (156 points)
Currently 8th in 2003 King Demon Crown points (1930 points)
Finished 10th 2002 NHRA POWERade Pro Stock Points
3rd Annual Mac Tools Thunder Valley Nationals
TV Schedule
Qualifying Highlights
Saturday April 26 10:00 – 11:00 PM ET ESPN2
Eliminations Coverage
Sunday April 27 6:00 – 7:00 PM ET ESPN
Monday April 28 12:30 AM – 2:30 AM ET ESPN2
Repeat Eliminations Coverage
Monday April 28 8:00 – 10:00 PM ET ESPN2
Whit Bazemore Press Release
Posted Sunday, April 27, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
DON SCHUMACHER RACING
NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series
Mac Tools Thunder Valley NHRA Nationals
Round 6 of 23
Bristol (Tenn.) Dragway
Saturday, April 26, 2003
Contact: Judy Stropus, 203-438-0501, cell 203-243-2438
AIMING FOR NO. 1, BAZEMORE SETTLES FOR FIFTH
Defending Bristol Funny Car champion WHIT BAZEMORE, MATCO TOOLS IRON EAGLE DODGE STRATUS R/T, and crew chief Lee Beard had their sights set on the No. 1 spot tonight, after a five-hour rain delay cooled the track conditions. The effort came close, but not close enough. The run looked straight and strong, but the resulting 4.807/317.57 was good for only No. 2 at that point. By the end of the session, Bazemore had fallen to No. 5. In today's first session, before the rain, Bazemore posted a 4.863/314.46 lap.
"It was a good run. We were trying to be No. 1 qualifier and we came up a little short for any number of reasons. That's the way it goes. We're disappointed, but we have a good running car and a great team and what's important is that we've gone down the track twice today and we had a few problems yesterday. We made good progress today, so we feel pretty good about things. We just have to get it all together and tomorrow's a new day. We plan to come out, win one round at a time and hopefully we can repeat here."
Bazemore joined most of the other drivers in praising this track. "It's a very refreshing experience when you come to a track that's run totally professionally, where everyone is friendly and they treat you like a customer. And you know when you bring sponsors here, or friends or family, that they're going to be treated right. It's a model for our sport that needs to be looked at and followed more often, I think."
###
Rain delay: "It changs things. We;re going to be racing in the afternoon, depending on the weahter. Ideally you want to run in those same conditions so you knkow what you're doing in those conditions because these cars are so sensititve to the weather and atmospehr,. The fact that we made this run tonight and it was kind of overast . We;re in good shape. We';re competitive. We;'ve been very consistent so far this year and we keep doing thaqt we'll have a good day."
Mopar Motorsports Press Release
Posted Sunday, April 27, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
Mopar Motorsports
NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series
Mac Tools Thunder Valley NHRA Nationals
Bristol Dragway – Bristol, Tenn.
Qualifying Notes & Quotes
Stanfield Collects the Sixth Slot at Bristol
Bazemore Qualifies in the Top Half
BRISTOL, Tenn. (April 26, 2003) – Greg Stanfield led the way for the Mopar Pro Stock program as he grabbed the sixth slot for tomorrow’s Mac Tools Thunder Valley NHRA Nationals at the Bristol Dragway.
The Bossier City, La., resident and driver of the DBP Enterprises Dodge Neon R/T, logged a 6.891-second elapsed time at 199.58 mph; setting up a round one match with Mark Whisnant.
“That last session just tells you how tough Pro Stock is,” Stanfield noted. “We actually made a real nice run on that last one. Let’s see if we can’t do something on race day. I think it turned out okay for us.
“We were a little light on clutch initially,” continued Stanfield, who made the field during the last session. “We weren’t sure what to look for after the rain storm. The track recovered well and thanks for the great Hemi power.”
Allen Johnson missed his first show of the season – driving to a 6.915-second elapsed time at 198.67 mph. Johnson, who is from nearby Greeneville, Tenn., missed qualifying for the field by three thousandths of a second.
“We’ve had trouble on the engine side,” Johnson said. “And its real disappointing not to qualify in front of all my hometown fans and all the Mopar folks. We’re going back to the shop, regroup, and see if we can make better runs next weekend in Atlanta. Last year, we didn’t qualify here, but then won in Atlanta. So let’s hope we can do it again.”
Teammate Darrell Alderman suffered a similar fate – also not qualifying for his first NHRA national event of the year in his Mopar Parts Dodge Neon R/T. The Morehead, Ky., resident clicked off a weekend best elapsed time of 6.936 seconds at 197.83 mph.
“We really shook the tires on the last run,” Alderman said. “We had the weather to get in, but we just didn’t make a good run during that period. Definitely not what we wanted.”
Mopar second-year Pro Stock pilot Gene Wilson failed to crack the top 16. The 2002 NHRA Rookie of the Year ran a 6.942-second lap at 198.88 mph. Wilson talked about his weekend.
“We completed a lot of testing down in Atlanta,” Wilson said. “We felt like we were running in similar conditions – so though that we had found a gearing package that we liked. The air was just so much better than what we anticipated this weekend and it bit us.”
Larry Morgan did not crack the top 16 qualifiers in his Mopar Parts Dodge Stratus R/T. the Newark, Ohio, native ran a 6.988-second weekend best elapsed time at 197.02 mph.
Bazemore Blisters Bristol Quarter Mile…
Whit Bazemore piloted the Matco Tools Dodge Stratus R/T Funny Car to the fifth qualified position today. Bazemore ran a solid 4.807-second elapsed time at 317.57 mph; and will face off against Tim Wilkerson in round one.
“We made a decent run, but we were hoping for a little more,” Bazemore commented. “It would have been better for everybody if we had gotten to run during the day. We would have been more prepared for tomorrow, but hopefully we have a good, sunny day tune up for tomorrow.
“This track is just awesome,” Bazemore added. “This is absolutely a first-class facility. It’s a very refreshing experience when you come to a track like this –which is run so professionally. Everyone is friendly and they treat you like a customer. You know that when you bring sponsors here – or friends and family – you’re going to be treated right. It’s a model for our sport.”
Gary Scelzi qualified in the eighth position, maneuvering his Oakley-sponsored Dodge Stratus R/T Funny Car to the top half of the field. The California resident will take on Dean Skuza in the first round of eliminations after posting a 4.869-second elapsed time at 320.43 mph during Friday night’s second session.
“We went into uncharted territories in that last run,” said Scelzi, on his final qualifying pass, which turned up tire smoke. “We tried to run better than our 4.79 (second) pass in Pomona (Calif.). It planted a tire so hard onto the wheelie bar – unloaded the car and smoked the tires. We ran 4.86 and 4.87, and we know what we’ve done so far this weekend, and we know what supercharger we’re going to use. All the things we’ve had problems with before looks like they are gone. Now we’re coming back with the stuff that is right – so I think we’ll have a good race car for tomorrow.
“The car is drivable again and not doing wicked things,” Scelzi continued. “It’s not carrying the front end or doing anything strange and that’s how you race.
-Mopar.com-
For more information, contact:
David Harris, Cox Marketing Group
Public Relations Manager
Mopar Motorsports
NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series
davidh@coxmarketinggroup.com
(704) 799-2114 – office
(704) 756-9301 - mobile
Bernstein, T. Pedregon, W. Johnson and Hahn Are Top Qualifiers at Bristol. Larry Dixon Crashes, But is OK.
Posted Sunday, April 27, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
Whit Bazemore qualifies 5th in Funny Car with a 4.807 @ 317.57.
Georgia Pro Stock qualifiers:
Warren Johnson #1 6.862 200.62
Kurt Johnson #5 6.887 200.44
Terry Adams #9 6.896 200.00
Mark Whisnant #11 6.900 198.17
Barry Grant #12 6.901 198.93
Gene Wilson failed to qualify with a 23rd best time of 6.942 199.20 in his MOPAR sponsored Dodge Stratus.
Everett Hill and Woody Adcock are defeated in round one of Super Stock while Van Puckett goes down in round one of Comp. In Super Gas, Scotty Lyons, Sherman Adcock and Jeff Ayers win first round. Arnold Reed, Sherman Adcock, Jr., Robert Sosebee and David Tatum III are first round winners in Super Comp.
Saturday NHRA Recap
Whit Bazemore Press Release
Posted Saturday, April 26, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
DON SCHUMACHER RACING
NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series
Mac Tools Thunder Valley NHRA Nationals
Round 6 of 23
Bristol (Tenn.) Dragway
Friday, April 25, 2003
Contact: Judy Stropus, 203-438-0501, cell 203-243-2438
AFTER TWO OF FOUR QUALIFYING SESSIONS:
WHIT BAZEMORE, MATCO TOOLS IRON EAGLE DODGE STRATUS R/T FUNNY CAR, struggled to make a clean pass today, smoking the tires at the hit of the throttle in the first qualifying session, then squeaking into the field in No. 15 in the second, with a slow 5.338/199.88 lap.
"We had some bad luck tonight when we were on a low .80 run and the main fuel line broke half track. That effectively ended the run, so we're 15th. We are really fortunate that w didn't blow the car up or burned it down because there was a huge amount of fuel pouring itself on to the engine. We were pretty luck there. The Matco Tools team loves Thunder Valley. We're going to come out strong tomorrow and move ourselves up in the field."
Bernstein, T. Pedregon , WJ and Hahn Lead Pro Qualifying at the NHRA POWERade Mac Tools Thunder Valley NHRA Nationals
Posted Saturday, April 26, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
Bristol, TN
Georgia drivers ( or team cars ) WJ (#1), KJ (#3), Terry Adams (#8) and Barry Grant (#11) are currently qualified for Pro Stock. Mark Whisnant (#17) and Gene Wilson (#20) will have two more chances to qualify Saturday.
Whit Bazemore is #15 in Funny Car.
Everett Hill ( #15 - SS/L Class Winner- Fayetteville ) and Woody Adcock ( #95 - Columbus ) represent Georgia in Super Stock.
Wayne Shaw (#15 - B/FIA Class Winner- Douglasville ) and Tom Stevenson (#63- Flowery Branch ) are the Georgia racers qualified for Stock Eliminator.
Friday Qualifying Results
WJ Press Release
Posted Thursday, April 24, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
Contact: Jon G. Knapp
TMG Sports Marketing
Phone: (704) 662-3121
jgknapp@tmgsports.net
The Professor is Poised to be the Best in Bristol
GM Performance Parts Grand Am driver ready to repeat as
Mac Tools Thunder Valley Nationals champion
Sugar Hill, Ga., April 21, 2003 - Warren Johnson and the GM Performance Parts Racing team return to Bristol Dragway this weekend as the defending champions of the Mac Tools Thunder Valley Nationals. After qualifying seventh a year ago, "The Professor" disposed of fellow drivers Gene Wilson, George Marnell and V. Gaines before capping his day with a thrilling holeshot victory over Ron Krisher in the final to earn his first national event title at one of the premier facilities on the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing circuit.
"Our win last year was one of those days where everything fell into place" recalled Johnson. "Although we weren't running all that well by our standards, our GM Performance Parts Grand Am's performance was certainly competitive, and I probably had one of my better days of driving. Between the two, we were able to eke out a win."
Last year's success earned Johnson the unique distinction of being the only professional driver to have reached the winner's circle in both Bristol Dragway renditions, having scored multiple wins at the older facility in the 1970's and 80's prior to its total transformation to its current state-of-the-art configuration in the late 1990's.
"Trying to compare Bristol Dragway as it exists today, to the track we raced on in the '70's and '80's is like trying to describe the difference between day and night," stated Johnson. "Just as he has with his track in Las Vegas, Bruton Smith has elevated the bar as to what a modern-day drag racing facility should be.
"Spectators receive all the proper amenities, from elevators in the towers and suites to great views from everywhere in the grandstand. The racers are treated in a similar manner. Any problems are quickly addressed and rectified. For example, there were a few issues in the beginning with the race track, but those have been corrected to where I don't think you can find a finer racing surface."
Coming off his national record-setting performance in Houston, Johnson seems poised to score his second win of 2003. However, much like a year ago, the highly competitive nature of the Pro Stock division leaves no room for error, with a near-perfect performance necessary for the GM Performance Parts crew to repeat as the winners in Thunder Valley.
"We've been working on all facets of our racing operation since last year, knowing full well that Pro Stock would be even more competitive in 2003," detailed Johnson. "You need look no further than what happened in Houston two weeks ago, where we lost by two 10/1000ths of a second. When it's that close, every piece of the puzzle needs to be in place.
"We've obviously made some progress in the performance department, and we continue to work on the driving aspect. Although we are far from dominating, we're at the point that if we pay attention to what we're doing, and I do my job as far as driving is concerned, our GM Performance Parts Grand Am should certainly be able to win."
Facts on Warren Johnson and the GM Performance Parts Racing Team entering
the Mac Tools Thunder Valley Nationals:
* WJ's NHRA Bristol Career: This will be Warren's third NHRA Pro Stock national event appearance at Bristol Dragway, where he has one win (in 2002). In addition, he will be looking to improve upon his previous best qualifying effort of second, which he achieved at the inaugural event in 2001.
* But wait, there's more...: Warren Johnson also competed at the old Bristol Dragway in the 1970's and 1980's as part of the IHRA series, where he scored six wins in seven final round appearances.
* One year ago: WJ qualified seventh for last year's race in Bristol with an elapsed time of 6.887 seconds and a top speed of 201.10 mph, and defeated Gene Wilson, George Marnell and V. Gaines in the earlier rounds before capturing the 88th national event win of his career with a holeshot victory over Ron Krisher in the final.
* National Record Holder: Warren reset the NHRA Pro Stock national elapsed time record with his 6.720-second pass in Houston two weeks ago, bettering the previous mark by three hundredths of a second. This marks the 10th time in his career that WJ has held the record.
* Winning Streak: With his win at the 2003 Winternationals, Warren Johnson extended his streak of winning at least one race a year to 22 years, the longest in NHRA history.
* POWERade Points standings: After the fifth of 23 events, WJ arrives in Bristol in third place in the 2003 POWERade points standings with 360 points, 77 behind leader Kurt Johnson and 59 behind second place Greg Anderson. Warren finished fourth in 2002, his twenty-first consecutive Top Five finish.
* Flying the Stars and Stripes: At the request of their sponsors, Kurt and his father Warren Johnson have replaced the Chevrolet and Pontiac logos on the roofs of their race cars with the American flag to honor America and show their support for the troops.
* No. 1 in National event wins: WJ's 89 national event victories are the most ever in the history of the Pro Stock division and place him 2nd on the all-time NHRA win list. His most recent win came at the 2003 Winternationals in Pomona, CA.
* Career best elapsed time: 6.720 seconds, Houston 2003 (The quickest pass in NHRA Pro Stock history.)
* Career best top speed: 205.16 mph, Houston 2003 (The fourth fastest pass in NHRA Pro Stock history.)
Mark Whisnant Press Release
Posted Wednesday, April 23, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
RW PERFORMANCE PRO STOCK CHEVY CAVALIER
MARK WHISNANT – DRIVER
REID WHISNANT – OWNER
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 21, 2003
CONTACT: Patti Miles
336-751-3882
704-957-3940 (Mobile)
pattie.miles@worldnet.att.net
Whisnant Heads for the Mountains of Bristol
BRISTOL, Tenn. – This weekend Mark Whisnant, driver of the RW Performance / Snap-On Tools Chevrolet Cavalier, heads to the mountains of Tennessee for the 3rd annual Mac Tools Thunder Valley Nationals. At an elevation of 1,475 feet, the Bristol Dragway has a reputation as a tuner's nightmare, but Whisnant and Team RW are looking forward to racing in the Bristol’s high altitude conditions.
"We have decided that we like to race in the altitude," said Whisnant of Stockbridge, Ga. "A lot of teams dread coming to Bristol because of the altitude. It can be a real challenge to find power in this altitude, but we are not worried about it.
"So far this year, our best race came at another altitude track; Las Vegas. In Las Vegas this RW Performance / Snap-On Tools Cavalier just got better with every pass. My crew chiefs, Markus Svensson and Gary Pearman, have a great tune up for the altitude, and it showed in Vegas.
"Of coarse, Bristol is not a carbon copy of Las Vegas. The baseline is similar, but not the same. I am confident that Markus and Gray have a few more tricks up their sleeves, and hopefully those tricks will get us in the show come Sunday."
Qualifying at the 3rd annual Mac Tools Thunder Valley Nationals will begin on Friday April 25, and conclude on Saturday April 26. Eliminations will take place at 11:00 AM EST on Sunday April 27
# # #
Whisnant Quick Facts
Currently 14th in 2003 NHRA POWERade Pro Stock Points (156 points)
Currently 8th in 2003 King Demon Crown points (1930 points)
Finished 10th 2002 NHRA POWERade Pro Stock Points
NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Division 2 Point Standings
Posted Wednesday, April 23, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
Mon, 21 Apr 2003, 10:41 AM
NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Division 2 Point Standings
Courtesy of NHRA Marketing
NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Division 2 point standings as of April 17, 20032 (following event 03 of 07 events held).
Top Alcohol Dragster
Pos Driver Pts Events
1 Michael Gunderson 137 3
2 Jason Cannon 107 2
3 Guy Kelly 95 2
4 Tony Bartone 85 1
5 Arthur Allen 64 2
Don Fiorelli 64 2
7 John Haley 43 1
8 Duke Mc Donald 10 1
Top Alcohol Funny Car
Pos Driver Pts Events
1 James Sickles 149 2
2 Jay Payne 124 2
3 Mark Billington 118 2
4 Paul Lee 33 1
John Sullivan 33 1
Montgomery Todd 33 1
Comp Eliminator
Pos Driver Pts Events
1 Van Puckett 155 3
2 Scott Tidwell 154 3
3 David Rampy 150 2
4 Mike Saye 143 3
5 David Eaton 111 3
6 Johnny Treadwell 104 2
7 Dick Maris 100 3
8 Larry Pritchett 90 3
9 Jerry Hemmingson 82 2
10 Wayne Hutton 81 3
Super Stock
Pos Driver Pts Events
1 Peter Biondo 278 3
2 Don Barber 221 4
3 George Tamasi Jr 162 3
4 Cliff Reigle 152 4
5 Len King 144 3
6 Andy Fogle 141 3
7 Anthony Bertozzi 132 2
8 John Gifford 130 3
9 Ken Schindler 130 3
10 Jack Huff 121 3
Stock
Pos Driver Pts Events
1 George Tamasi Jr 215 3
2 Alan Peters Sr 203 3
3 Peter Biondo 195 3
4 Garry Glazener 180 3
5 Brian Rowe 154 3
6 Arnold Greene 150 3
7 Merrill Schrimscher 142 3
8 Brien Radley 140 3
Jeff Strickland 140 2
10 Wayne Shaw 134 2
Super Comp
Pos Driver Pts Events
1 Todd Ewing 200 4
2 Steve Deatherage 194 3
3 Jeff Strickland 180 4
4 Jim Perry Jr 172 3
5 Steve Cohen 165 3
6 Jay Davis 161 3
7 Michael Barclay 160 3
Don Strickland 160 4
9 Jimmy Fuller 152 3
10 Steven Hunt 150 3
John Platt Jr 150 3
Super Gas
Pos Driver Pts Events
1 Corky Markwart 185 3
2 Shane Carr 182 3
3 Jonathan Joiner Jr 181 3
4 Gene Abbott 160 3
Don Bartram 160 4
6 Ralph Barrett 154 3
7 Jeffrey Barker 153 3
8 Tommy Turner 152 3
9 Joe Deluco 150 4
10 Scott Lyons 141 3
Super Street
Pos Driver Pts Events
1 Greg Glenn 186 3
2 Grant Lewis 183 4
Rick Whiting 183 3
4 Dwight Limbaugh 175 3
5 Mike Griggs 172 3
6 Scott Fifield 170 3
7 Kevin Mac Nicol 165 3
8 Michael Ruff 163 3
9 James Barbera 142 3
Robert Koontz 142 3
Top Sportsman
Pos Driver Pts Events
1 Billy Vaughn 203 3
2 Sandy Wilkins Jr 200 2
3 Corky Markwart 181 3
4 Jerry Barker 137 3
5 Jeff Anderson 135 3
6 Jim Harrington 133 3
7 Ronnie Davis 129 3
8 Dale Ashley 110 3
9 Tommy Turner 105 3
10 Jeremy Glidewell 100 2
KJ Press Release
Posted Wednesday, April 23, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
Contact: Jon G. Knapp
TMG Sports Marketing
Phone: (704) 662-3121
jgknapp@tmgsports.net
K.J. Finds a Stiff Challenge Away from the Race Track
ACDelco Cavalier driver encounters three foes tougher than his Pro Stock competitors
Sugar Hill, Ga., April 21, 2003 - In the last five weeks, Kurt Johnson and the ACDelco Racing team have delivered a performance that is the envy of every competitor in the tightly packed Pro Stock division. In the course of three races, Johnson's 2003 Cavalier recorded two wins in three final round appearances, reset the national speed record and took over the lead in the NHRA's POWERade points standings.
However, in the days following his most recent winning performance in Houston, the younger member of the Johnson racing family faced a test to equal any of those encountered on the quarter-mile.
"In the last week, I've found that babysitting can be harder than racing," said Johnson. "After the Houston race, my wife Kathy spent four days in Florida taking a well-earned vacation, leaving me in charge of our three children, Conner, Erin and Jarrett. It's certainly been an education being a single parent.
"Fortunately, I've mastered the art of microwave cooking, and, as always, my ACDelco crew was there to back me up. I brought the kids to the shop every day, where everyone helped to keep them busy. The biggest challenge was reminding them that Grandpa's race car was not a jungle gym."
Luckily, his wife returned before the end of the weekend, allowing K.J. to concentrate fully on the upcoming Mac Tools Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway. Although this will be only Johnson's third national event appearance at this legendary speedplant, his Tennessee memories date back to when he was a teenager working on his father's crew.
"I've always enjoyed racing in Bristol," recalled Johnson. "My first experience in Thunder Valley was in 1979, when Dad won his first IHRA championship. Since then, we've found that at night, the track can be awesome, but during the day, it can be Death Valley, so you have to be on your game. You can't earn any points unless you're racing on Sunday, so our first goal will be getting ourselves in the show, which is never easy."
For the first time in two years, the ACDelco crew will arrive at the track atop the Pro Stock point standings, which, combined with their recent strong performances, will place them squarely in the crosshairs of the entire Pro Stock field. However, Johnson is quick to discount any such notion, preferring to concentrate on this weekend's event.
"As the son of a Pro Stock legend, I've been a target for my competitors since my rookie year in 1993, so being the POWERade points leader doesn't add any extra pressure," stated Johnson. "Besides, if the target's on my back, that means they're all still behind me, which suits me just fine. It's just too early in the season to be worrying about points. Our concern is to keep going rounds.
"Our ACDelco Cavalier has been awesome all year, but it doesn't go down the track by itself. The people working on the car are making the difference right now. I'm just the guy who's lucky enough to drive it. Every race, we encounter different scenarios, so the challenge is to keep making the right calls to adjust for the changing conditions. It's not that we're necessarily any better than our competitors, it's just that we've been fortunate to make the right decisions. Everything's going right at the moment, and it's our job to keep it that way."
Facts on Kurt Johnson and the ACDelco Racing Team entering the
Mac Tools Thunder Valley Nationals:
* KJ at Bristol: This will be Kurt's third appearance at Bristol Dragway, where he will be looking to improve on his previous best qualifying effort of seventh. Kurt is also looking for his first win in Thunder Valley, having advanced to the quarterfinals in 2000.
* Top Speed Streak Continues: Kurt reset the National Pro Stock track top speed record at 205.57 mph, and has now set the track record at the last four NHRA national events (202.30 mph in Phoenix, 203.71 mph in Gainesville, 201.73 mph in Las Vegas), while his father Warren Johnson established a new track record of 204.91 mph at the season-opening Winternationals in Pomona, CA..
* One Year Ago: KJ qualified sixteenth in Bristol with an elapsed time of 6.916 seconds and a top speed of 199.88 mph, but fell in the first round.
* Back-to Back, Jack?: Kurt will be looking to score back-to-back wins for the third time in his career, having most recently accomplished the feat three years ago with wins in Sonoma and Brainerd in 2000. The timing is right, as the two previous instances were also three years apart.
* Flying the Stars and Stripes: At the request of their sponsors, Kurt and his father Warren Johnson have replaced the Chevrolet and Pontiac logos on the roofs of their race cars with the American flag to honor America and show their support for the troops.
* POWERade Points standings: After the fifth of 23 events, Kurt leads the 2003 POWERade point standings by 18 over second place Greg Anderson, and 77 ahead of his father, Warren Johnson, who is in third. Kurt finished sixth in 2002, his tenth consecutive Top Ten finish.
* Winning percentage: Kurt's .636 elimination round winning percentage (311-178) ranks 11th among all active NHRA professional drivers.
* National event wins: Kurt's 25 national event victories ties him for 17th on the all-time NHRA professional win list. Kurt's most recent win came two weeks ago at the 2003 O'Reilly Spring Nationals in Houston, TX
* Career best elapsed time: 6.726 seconds, Houston, TX 2003 (The second quickest elapsed time in NHRA Pro Stock history.)
* Career best top speed: 205.57 mph, Houston, TX. 2003 (The fastest top speed in NHRA Pro Stock history.)
Event schedule:
Qualifying: Friday, April 25: Two sessions at 4:30 & 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 26: Two sessions at 12:30 & 3:30 p.m.
Eliminations: Sunday, April 27:
Pre-race ceremonies & driver introductions begin at 11 a.m., followed by the first round of eliminations at 12:00 noon
TV Schedule:
Qualifying Highlights: Saturday, April 26: 10:00 - 11:00 p.m. (ESPN2)
Early Eliminations Coverage: Sunday, April 27: 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. (ESPN2)
Final Eliminations Coverage: Sunday, April 27: 10:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. (ESPN2)
NHRA2Day: Sunday, April 27: 9:30 - 10:00 a.m. (ESPN2)
(Note: All TV times are Eastern. Please check your local listings for updated air times.)
Whit Bazemore Press Release
Posted Monday, April 21, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
DON SCHUMACHER RACING
NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series
Mac Tools Thunder Valley NHRA Nationals
Round 6 of 23
Bristol (Tenn.) Dragway
Race Date: April 25-27, 2003
Contact: Judy Stropus, 203-438-0501, cell 203-243-2438
DEFENDING BRISTOL CHAMPION BAZEMORE ON COURSE TO REPEAT
BRISTOL, Tenn. (April 21, 2003) -- Defending Bristol NHRA Funny Car champion
Whit Bazemore, driver of the Matco Tools Iron Eagle Dodge Stratus R/T Funny
Car, is on a semifinal-round streak this season and is looking to repeat his
2002 victory here at Bristol Dragway this weekend, when the NHRA POWERade
Drag Racing Series hosts the sixth event of the 23-race series.
Bazemore, the two-time U.S. Nationals champion who grew up in nearby
Atlanta, defeated Gary Densham in the final last year in Bristol, and that's
the same man "Baze" is aiming to knock out of second place in the point
standings. He only needs to win one round more than Densham this weekend to
move ahead. It's then a straight aim at Tony Pedregon for the No. 1 spot.
Third in the point standings after five races and four straight
semifinal-round appearances, including one final, Bazemore is on a beeline
for the winner's circle at one of his favorite tracks. "Bristol is exciting
because it's a great track," he says. "It's a great facility because Bruton
Smith invested quite a bit of money to build a premier drag-racing facility,
and for that reason alone we enjoy coming here because it's absolutely
first-class. This organization realizes that the racers and the spectators
are the people who make the sport what it is, and in that regard they treat
us really well.
"But Bristol has been more than that to me," he adds. "It's a place that
I've been going to for a long, long time. I remember being a sophomore in
high school and on Thursday afternoon, after school, I would shoot up there
because it's just a five and a half-hour drive from Atlanta. I've also had
success here when Bristol was under IHRA sanction, having set an IHRA
national speed record and finishing as runner-up in 1992."
Winning an NHRA Funny Car race is not an easy task. Yes, top-notch
equipment, a talented crew and crew chief and outstanding technical
resources are required. Bazemore has all that with crew chief Lee Beard and
the rest of the Don Schumacher Racing brain trust. But, having little bit of
luck never hurts. "To win you need the breaks to go your way," says
Bazemore, the 12-time event winner who is still seeking his first victory of
the 2003 season. "I'm a firm believer that you make your own luck. At the
same time, you do need a little bit of good luck on your side. And, we
haven't really had that much good luck this year. The fact that we're still
in third place in the championship and contending for race wins at every
race is just a matter of pushing ourselves that little extra bit and letting
the pieces of the puzzle fall in a different way.
"We're right there. What we need to do is avoid early-round losses. We're
qualifying well (he's qualified in the top half of the field in each race,
including one pole position), and if we can still win the early rounds
consistently then the race victories will come. Losing is not much fun.
Unfortunately -- and it's the same for everybody -- you lose a lot more than
you win. We're very eager to win a race soon and I think we're in a good
position to do so."
Nitro qualifying is scheduled for Friday, April 25, at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. ET,
and 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 26. Final eliminations begin at 12
noon ET on Sunday, April 27.
Atlanta Dragway Results by Tim Glover
Posted Sunday, April 20, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
RACE DATE: April 19, 2003
FROM: Tim Glover
EVENT: Summit / Hayes ET series event at Atlanta Dragway in 2003
WILHELM, CHAPMAN, GODDARD AND STRINGER SCORE FIRST WINS AT ATLANTA DRAGWAY
(Commerce, GA - April 19) Four out of six class wins featured first time
winners in the Summit / Hayes ET series race contested at Atlanta Dragway.
Although the sky was overcast, no rains came and the show went smoothly on
the day before Easter.
The first time was a charm in Super Pro for former Jr. Dragster racer Hank
Wilhelm from nearby Commerce, GA. Wilhelm met Buford, GA veteran Don Brown,
Sr., and took the win stripe with his '88 Spitzer dragster for his first
ever Super Pro win. Both had stellar reaction times, .508 seconds for
Wilhelm and .503 seconds for Brown, but Brown's car was unable to run its
target time of 4.93 seconds, turning in a 4.96, 139.76mph pass. Wilhelm's
machine prevailed with a 5.42, 120.33mph (5.41 dial). Thomas Bell ('01
Undercover dragster - Toccoa, GA) took home the semi-final portion of the
purse. "No words can express how I feel," Wilhelm said. He then thanked
his parents, Marty and Linda Wilhelm and friend Jonathan Bagwell for their
help with his win.
Bert Chapman, who hails from Gainesville, GA, has been to every Sportsman
final this year with his '71 Chevrolet Nova. This time he took the win and
made a sizable gain in the points lead when he defeated Snellville, GA racer
Gerry Williams' '73 Dodge Challenger in the final round. Chapman's reaction
time made the difference when he ran the race winning .03 over 11.42,
117.19mph (11.39 dial). Williams also ran .03 over, carding an 11.39,
111.12 (11.36 target). Rob Hogue had a good day for his first time out this
year, finishing in the semi-finals with his '84 Monte Carlo SS, along with
Joe Haddon ('67 Chevy II - Oxford, GA), who finished in the semis during the
March 8 race, in spite of numerous carburetor problems. "This one's for
Calvin, M.C. and Kevin Gooch. I also want to thank God,"
Chapman added.
Like Chapman, former bicycle racer J.D. Goddard out of Lithonia, GA has
been to every Trophy Street final this year. Tonight, Goddard took the win
light due to a better reaction time against former champ Mardy Kennedy.
Kennedy's Auburn, GA based '64 "Banana Boat" Ford Econoline pickup nailed
the dial in time of 13.18 with a 13.185, 102.28mph pass, but Goddard crossed
the finish line first in his '90 Oldsmobile Cutlass. Goddard's time was
17.62, 77.19mph (17.58 target). New racer Andy "Hit Man" Dunson ('01 Ford
Mustang GT - Toccoa, GA) enjoyed a runner up finish and a win during last
week's Fun Ford show, and made it all the way to the semi-finals tonight.
Clermont, GA racer Tim Sutton has been to numerous Motorcycle finals, and
added another win to his collection when he took the win light against Jimmy
"Chacha" Heisler. Heisler's Woodstock, GA based Kawasaki was just a little
too quick, breaking out with a 10.37, 130.82mph on a 10.40 dial. Sutton's
better reaction time allowed him to slow his '71 Kawasaki to a 9.62, 119.37
(9.48 target).
Fourteen year old Melissa Camp's reaction times were .506, .510, .515 and
.526 seconds (.500 is perfect) en route to her victory in 13-17 Jr. Dragster
in a brand new car. Although the Douglasville, GA racer Camp's reaction
time was a little off in the final, Casey Free (15 - Buford, GA) turned on
the big red bulb, handing the automatic victory to her. Camp ran her
machine out to a 10.91, 58.52mph on a 10.96 dial. Free slowed to an 8.74,
78.12mph (8.49 target). Thomas Davis-Cox (13 - Buford, GA) was the lone
semi-finalist. Camp thanked Rick Mayfield for building her race winning
"Turtle Power" engine (which he just finished putting together less than 24
hours ago).
Jamey Stringer, Jr., Melissa Camp's next door neighbor in Douglasville, GA,
recently bought Camp's old junior dragster. The 12 year old Stringer then
proceeded to win the first race he ever entered when he took the final round
win light against 11 year old Scott Digby from Walhalla, SC (who won the
March 8 race earlier this year) in 8-12 Jr. Dragster. Digby actually had
the better reaction time in the final, but Stringer squeaked across the
finish line by the narrowest of margins, .001 seconds, for the win, running
10.45, 60.73mph (10.42 dial). Digby went 8.97, 72.81mph (8.92), good for
the runner-up trophy. Ciara Timblin (10 - North Augusta, SC) was the
semi-final finisher.
PRO / SUPER PRO CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Hank Wilhelm '88 Spitzer Commerce, GA 5.42 120.33 (5.41)
R/U: Don Brown, Sr. '01 Spitzer Buford, GA 4.96 139.76 (4.93)
Semi: Thomas Bell '01 Undercover dragster Toccoa, GA
Semi:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SPORTSMAN CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Bert Chapman '71 Nova Gainesville, GA 11.42 117.19 (11.39)
R/U: Gerry Williams '73 Challenger Snellville, GA 11.39 111.12 (11.36)
Semi: Rob Hogue '84 Monte Carlo SS Loganville, GA
Semi: Joe Haddon '67 Chevy II Oxford, GA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TROPHY STREET CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: J.D. Goddard '90 Cutlass Lithonia, GA 17.62 77.19 (17.58)
R/U: Mardy Kennedy '64 Econoline pickup Auburn, GA 13.18 102.28 (13.18)
Semi: Andy "Hit Man" Dunson '01 Mustang GT Toccoa, GA
Semi:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOTORCYCLE BIKE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Tim Sutton '71 Kawasaki Clermont, GA 9.62 119.37 (9.47)
R/U: Jimmy "Chacha" Heisler Kawasaki Woodstock, GA 10.37 130.82 (10.40)
Semi:Roger Wellman Kawasaki Everett, WA
Semi:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JR. DRAGSTER 8-12 AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Jamey Stringer, Jr. 12 Douglasville, GA 10.45 60.73 (10.42)
R/U: Scott Digby 11 Walhalla, SC 8.97 72.81 (8.92)
Semi: Ciara Timblin 10 North Augusta, SC
Semi:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JR. DRAGSTER 13-17 AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Melissa Camp 14 Douglasville, GA 10.91 58.52 (10.96)
R/U: Casey Free 15 Buford, GA (foul) 8.74 78.12 (8.49)
Semi: Thomas Davis-Cox 13 Buford, GA
Semi:
New Musclecar Magazine: MUSCLECAR POWER
Posted Sunday, April 20, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
A musclecar magazine is now being published that every car enthusiast should take a look at. I have issue #1 of MUSCLECAR POWER and I can't begin to tell you how much I like it here. Great color, super IN-DEPTH articles and more! Publisher Tom Shaw has put together a really nice magazine that I'll review for GeorgiaDragRacing.com soon. For now, check it online at Musclecar Power Magazine
Kurt Johnson Feature
Posted Sunday, April 20, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
KJ
GDR Website Updated
Posted Saturday, April 19, 2003 by johndilbeck
Several new photos have been added today (GDR-00341 through GDR-00351).
Thanks to Steve Bagwell, John Reed, Jim Campbell, Wayne Holland, and Larry Davis for sharing their photos with us.
The following pics were updated: GDR-00153, GDR-00264, GDR-00267.
The Top Ranked Photos page was updated for March, 2003.
Wayne Holland submitted a new article (with photos): My Memories of The Professor.
Sol Stewart released the Southeastern Drag Racers Hall of Fame 2003 Nominations.
Thanks to each of you for your contributions.
Kurt Johnson to guest on ESPN's RPM Now Radio Show This Weekend
Posted Friday, April 18, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
Contact: Jon G. Knapp
TMG Sports Marketing
Phone: (704) 662-3121
jgknapp@tmgsports.net
Kurt Johnson to guest on ESPN's RPM Now Radio Show This Weekend
Sugar Hill, Ga., April 18, 2003 - Current NHRA POWERade Pro Stock points leader Kurt Johnson will be a featured guest on this weekend's edition of RPM Now. Johnson is coming off his second win of the season at the O'Reilly Spring Nationals in Houston, Texas.
K.J. opened his weekend in Houston by resetting the national top speed record at 205.57 mph and qualifying second behind his father Warren Johnson. During Sunday's final eliminations, the younger Johnson's ACDelco Cavalier stormed through the quickest field in NHRA Pro Stock history, reaching the championship round for the third time in as many races. Facing friend and rival Scott Geoffrion in the first Chevrolet-Ford Pro Stock final in 13 years, Johnson posted the quickest elapsed time of eliminations at 6.780 seconds to gain the narrow victory and score his 25th career NHRA national event win, taking over the points lead for the first time since 2001.
RPM Now is ESPN's weekly radio show chronicling the events from the world of racing. Hosted by John Kernan from ESPN's world headquarters in Bristol, CT, it brings listeners up-to-date on the latest motorsports news, as well as providing interviews with the sport's hottest drivers.
This weekend's show is scheduled to air on Saturday morning from 7:00 - 9:00 a.m. on the ESPN Radio network. Listeners are encouraged to go ESPN Radio's website, www.espnradio.com to find the exact time and station for their area.
5th Annual Buford Car, Truck and Motorcyle Show : June 7th, 2003 at the Buford Church of God
Posted Friday, April 18, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
Here is a way to have a good time and help others at the same time. Buford Car Show Information Enter your own vehicle or just come by and have fun checking out the cars, trucks and bikes on display. Click Here to register your vehicle.
Atlanta's ESPN Zone to host NHRA Night Of Champions
Posted Thursday, April 17, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
Details
Fun Ford Weekend/Atlanta Dragway Results by Tim Glover
Posted Wednesday, April 16, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
RUTLEDGE PULLS OFF DOUBLE WIN AGAIN AT FUN FORD WEEKEND
By Tim Glover
(Commerce, GA - April 12-13) The Fun Ford Weekend is becoming bigger and
better, as evidenced by the turnout at Atlanta Dragway this weekend.
Hundreds of race cars, 150 plus show cars, a huge manufacturer's midway and
stands full of spectators made this show one to remember. Even Mother
Nature helped out, with sunny skies and 70 degree temperatures all weekend.
Although Mustangs made up the majority of the field, there were plenty of
other Ford products in the race. They even put on a Focus Frenzy class,
reserved strictly for Focus'. Top Truck is for Ford pickups, and the
bracket classes featured Mavericks, Fairmonts, Rangers, F-150s, and several
other Ford models (including Mustangs).
A larger selection of Ford performance parts was available on the
manufacturer's midway. Billet parts, slicks, wheels, carburetors,
suspension parts, nitrous oxide and just about anything else needed to make
a Ford run fast could be had. Mustang Parts Specialties, owned and operated
by local racer Tim Matherly, even had two complete DOHC Cobra engines for
sale, one supercharged and the other naturally aspirated. MPS also
sponsored 13 of the cars in the racing portion of the Fun Ford Show.
Pro 5.0 winner John Gullett enjoyed a double win this weekend, winning the
rain delayed Orlando event Saturday and repeating his success Sunday, as
well as earning top speed of the meet in his class at 220.62mph. In
Sunday's Atlanta final, Gullett's beautifully prepared '01 Mustang was too
much for Lake Bluff, IL racer Tony Gillig's '03 Mustang. Gullett ripped out
a 6.51, 218.48mph in his Orange Park, FL based machine, making Gillig's
6.73, 209.33mph good for second place. "This track's been good to me.
Great weather too," added Gullett. Charlie Peppers, from nearby Auburn, GA,
scored a semifinal finish with his '02 Mustang.
Street Outlaw winner Tim Lynch from Woodstock, GA noticed his competitor
suddenly drop back around the 300 foot mark during the final round pass. He
found out later a catastrophic engine failure that pitched engine parts and
oil on to the track ended McDonough, GA racer Mike Calvert's day. Lynch
stopped the timers with a fast 7.34, 193.16mph in his '01 Mustang. Lynch's
'01 "Bullitt" Mustang limped across the finish line with a 10.99 at only
74.50mph. Dennis Ramsey out of Tampa, FL went home with the semifinal purse
he earned with his '02 Mustang. Lynch was pleased with his car's
performance, saying it only varied from 7.16 to 7.34 seconds all weekend, a
very impressive feat for these overpowered cars running on 10.5 inch wide
tires. "It's been one heck of a weekend," he added.
One of the Top Truck crowd favorites was driven by Bob Cochran from
Columbus, GA. His immaculately detailed 1948 Ford Stakebed truck turned in
low 12.1 second times courtesy of its 429 Cobra Jet engine. Unfortunately
for him, he bowed out of competition early, leaving the door open for the
4.0 liter V6 powered '00 Ranger belonging to Micah Monteleone from Dallas,
NC. Monteleone faced Mechanicsville, MD racer David Gates in the final, and
strapped the best package of his life on Gates, with a near perfect .508
second reaction time and running 14.860, 88.06mph on a 14.86 dial. Gates
had to settle for a 10.89, 120.65mph (10.76 dial) in his '85 Ranger. "I
whooped all those V8 trucks this weekend," Monteleone added happily. Jody
North ('02 F-150 - Carrollton, GA) and (Charles Crawford '02 F150 - Byron,
GA) took home the semifinal purse this weekend.
Saturday's Fast Ford class almost featured a father-son final, but no one
told race winner Dwayne Richardson from Bowdon, GA, who defeated son Jon M.
Pickering in the semis and went on to beat dad, Jon H. Pickering, in the
final. Richardson had the reaction time advantage, and then sealed up the
win when his '65 Mustang nailed its dial-in time of 10.94 with a dead-on
10.944, 121.63mph. Jon H. Pickering brought his Troy, OH based '70 Maverick
to the final ready to go, but the car fell off pace a bit with a 9.88,
136.79mph (9.82 dial). Jon M. Pickering ('74 Mustang II - Troy, OH) was the
semifinal finisher. "I'm a lucky man. Thanks for all my family's support.
It was tough," added Richardson. Son Jon M. Pickering noted that although
he has never run his dad in the final, he has raced his mom, Louise (and
beat her) in a final before she retired from racing.
Jacob Rutledge from Braselton, GA had the pleasure of running his good
friend Howard Warren in Saturday's Quick Ford final. Rutledge's trusty '79
Mercury Capri crossed the finish line, getting the win light .017 seconds
before Warren's equally trusty Douglasville, GA based '72 Maverick crossed
the line. Rutledge made sure that his wife Holly got part of the credit for
helping him win. Another person happy with the results was Carlton Clay of
Clay's Automotive Supply, who sponsored both of the finalists. The
semifinal finisher honors went to Angie Harper ('66 F150 - Carrollton, GA).
The Saturday edition of Street Ford featured a first time winner. Chris
Morris from Lawrenceville, GA broke out the least in a double breakout final
in his '79 Pinto against Andy Dunson from Toccoa, GA. Dunson's '01 Mustang
went 14.05, 86.54mph on a 14.20 dial, while Morris' machine broke out
slightly less, 20.07, 67.57mph (20.20 target). Danny Freeman ('69 Mustang -
Gainesville, GA) made it to the semifinal round before bowing out of the
action. Making Morris' win even sweeter was the fact that this was only his
third race.
Ryan Marshall from Pinson, AL purchased a 2000 Undercover dragster recently
to go Super Comp racing. In only his fourth time out with the car, he made
it to his second final, and won Sunday Fast Ford against Sorrento, FL racer
Vernon Purdham. Although Marshall's car was off his target of 8.60, running
8.66, 145.17, Purdham's '90 LX was even more off, turning in an 11.93,
112.79 (11.86 dial). The Sunday Fast Ford semifinal finisher was Howard
Brewer ('85 Mustang - Bennett, NC). Marshall said he had always driven door
cars before, but adapted quickly to racing the dragster. His other race car
is a Super Gas '95 Ranger Splash. Marshall then added, "We'll be back at
Atlanta in a couple of weeks for the Southern Nationals"
Fun Rutledge Weekend happened again in Quick Ford. Like he did in 1998 and
1999, Braselton, GA racer Jacob Rutledge pulled off another Atlanta Fun Ford
double, winning Sunday's Quick Ford class, as well as Saturday's Quick Ford
with his '79 Mercury Capri. This time, Rutledge met another Atlanta Dragway
regular, Mack Everett from Blairsville, GA. Everett missed the tree (had a
late reaction time) at the starting line with his '85 "Paw Paw's Toy"
Mustang, while Rutledge was on the money with a .514. Rutledge then took
advantage of his lead to slow his Nan Harman Dempsey, Attorney at Law backed
machine to a race winning 12.17, 104.90mph (12.07 target). Everett kept the
pedal to the metal all they way through the finish line, breaking out with
an 11.68, 114.22mph pass on an 11.70 dial. "I got lucky. I'll take it,"
quipped Rutledge. He nearly had the pleasure of running his wife Holly in
the final, but she lost in the quarterfinals (and would have earned the
semi-final bye if she had won that round). Another Atlanta regular, Lonnie
Peplau ('64 Fairlane - Acworth, GA), was the lone semi-finalist.
Another person who almost doubled up was Sunday Street Ford winner Andy
Dunson from Toccoa, GA. Dunson runner upped with his '01 Mustang in
Saturday Street Ford action and proceeded to make his weekend even better by
winning the Sunday edition against Kennesaw, GA racer Peter Grippando.
Although Dunson missed his dial in time of 14.14 with a race winning 14.23,
92.40mph, Grippando's '95 Mustang was a little farther off the mark, running
15.39, 90.36mph on a 15.28 dial in time. Local racer and previous track
champion Mardy Kennedy ('64 "Banana Boat" Econoline pickup - Auburn, GA) and
Steve Keadle ('99 Mustang - Juliette, GA) were the semifinal pair. After
the race Dunson exclaimed, "I loved it. It's great. This is the first time
I've made it past the fourth round." Look for this guy to be back for the
next Fun Ford Show.
PRO 5.0 CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH
Win: John Gullett '01 Mustang Orange Park, FL 6.51 218.48
R/U: Tony Gillig '03 Mustang Lake Bluff, IL 6.73 209.33
Semi: Charlie Peppers '02 Mustang Auburn, GA
------------------------------------------------
STREET OUTLAW CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH
Win: Tim Lynch '02 Cobra Woodstock, GA 7.34 193.16
R/U: Mike Calvert '01 Bullitt McDonough, GA 10.99 74.50
Semi: Dennis Ramsey '02 Mustang Tampa, FL
------------------------------------------------
STREET BANDIT CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH
Win: Rod Houck '89 Mustang Winston-Salem, NC 8.99 149.02
R/U: Andy Law '82 GT Batavia, OH 9.09 150.01
Semi: Ken Compton '91Mustang Canton, MI
------------------------------------------------
STREET RENEGADE CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH
Win: Dan Schoneck '84 Mustang Madelton, MN 9.01 150.51
R/U: D.J. Loiacano, Jr. '88 Mustang Prairieville, LA (foul) 9.84 141.08
Semi: Mike Freeman '88 Mustang Fort Myers, FL
Semi: James Hensler '97 Cobra Reynoldsburg, VA
------------------------------------------------
STREET WARRIOR CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH
Win: Jeremy Martorella '94 Mustang Delray Beach, FL 10.46 125.01
R/U: John McGowan '92 Mustang Nt, NY 10.59 128.58
Semi: Moby Smith '93 Mustang Franklinton, LA
------------------------------------------------
STREET STANG CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH
Win: Kyle Drennan '00 GT Hattiesburg, MS 13.72 101.35
R/U: Nicholas Lucas '87 Mustang Heiskel, TN 13.95 102.28
Semi: Tony Whetstone '02 Mustang Tallahassee, FL
------------------------------------------------
DRAG RADIAL CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH
Win: Dwayne Gutridge '89 Mustang Tom's River, NJ 8.80 164.25
R/U: Erica Ortiz Lugo '91 Mustang Lk. Monroe, FL 9.43 153.07
Semi: Chris Little '90 Mustang Pasaden, MD
------------------------------------------------
MODULAR MOTOR CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL
Win: Steve Ferguson '00 Mustang Kennesaw, GA 11.19 118.43 (11.15)
R/U: Chuck Lawrence '02 Mustang Dallas, GA 11.00 120.97 (11.02)
Semi: Shane Wiliams Mustang Knoxville, TN
------------------------------------------------
TOP TRUCK CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL
Win: Micah Monteleone '00 Ranger Dallas, NC 14.86 88.06 (14.86)
R/U: David Gates '85 Ranger Mechanicsville, MD 10.89 120.65 (10.76)
Semi: Jody North '02 F-150 Carrollton, GA
Semi: Charles Crawford '02 F-150 Byron, GA
------------------------------------------------
FOCUS FRENZY CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL
Win: Owen Spry '01 Focus Newland, SC 14.78 91.28 (14.69)
R/U: Greg Dantzler '01 Focus Pendleton, NC (foul) 16.01 84.11 (15.97)
Semi: Mark Adkins '00 Focus Crown City, OH
------------------------------------------------
TRUE STREET CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL
Win: Marty Snipes '84 Mustang Wagner, SC 12.73 106.89 (12.64)
R/U: Lee Webb '91 Mustang Traveler's Rest, SC 14.04 95.75 (13.98)
Semi: James Renn '02 GT Forest Park, GA
------------------------------------------------
SATURDAY FAST FORD CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL
Win: Dwayne Richardson '65 Mustang Bowdon, GA 10.94 121.63 (10.94)
R/U: Jon H. Pickering '70 Maverick Troy, OH 9.88 136.79 (9.82)
Semi: Jon M. Pickering '74 Mustang II Troy, OH
------------------------------------------------
SATURDAY QUICK FORD CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL
Win: Jacob Rutledge '79 Capri Braselton, GA 12.09 107.15 (12.04)
R/U: Howard Warren '72 Maverick Douglasville, GA 12.18 108.96 (12.14)
Semi: Angie Harper '66 F-150 Carrollton, GA
------------------------------------------------
SATURDAY STREET FORD CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL
Win: Chris Morris '79 Pinto Lawrenceville, GA 20.07 67.57 (20.20)
R/U: Andy Dunson '01 Mustang Toccoa, GA 14.05 86.54 (14.20)
Semi: Danny Freeman '69 Mustang Gainesville, GA
------------------------------------------------
SUNDAY FAST FORD CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL
Win: Ryan Marshall '00 Undercover dragster Pinson, AL 8.66 145.17 (8.60)
R/U: Vernon Purdham '90 LX Sorrento, FL 11.93 112.79 (11.86)
Semi: Howard Brewer '85 Mustang Bennett, NC
------------------------------------------------
SUNDAY QUICK FORD CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL
Win: Jacob Rutledge '79 Capri Braselton, GA 12.17 104.90 (12.07)
R/U: Mack Everett '85 Mustang Blairsville, GA 11.68 114.22 (11.70)
Semi: Lonnie Peplau '64 Fairlane Acworth, GA
------------------------------------------------
SUNDAY STREET FORD CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL
Win: Andy Dunson '01 Mustang Toccoa, GA 14.23 92.40 (14.14)
R/U: Peter Grippando '95 Mustang Kennesaw, GA 15.39 90.36 (15.28)
Semi: Mardy Kennedy '64 Econoline pickup Auburn, GA
Semi: Steve Keadle '99 Mustang Juliette, GA
Kurt Johnson Press Release
Posted Sunday, April 13, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
Contact: Jon G. Knapp
TMG Sports Marketing
Phone: (704) 662-3121
jgknapp@tmgsports.net
For Immediate Release
Kurt Johnson Speeds to the Winner's Circle in Houston, Claims POWERade Points Lead
Baytown, Texas, April 13, 2003 - Kurt Johnson capped off an impressive weekend by winning today's final eliminations of the O'Reilly Spring Nationals in Houston, Texas. This was Johnson's second win of the 2003 season and propelled him into the POWERade Pro Stock championship points lead for the first time since 2001.
After resetting the national top speed record at 205.57 mph and placing second in qualifying, Johnson's ACDelco Cavalier was flawless on race day, posting elapsed times in the 6.7-second range with a top speed over 204 mph in each round.
"Our ACDelco Cavalier was extremely consistent today, just as it was in Las Vegas," commented Johnson. "However, we had never had this car on a hot race track, and that actually had me a little worried going into eliminations.
"Fortunately, I do my best thinking in the morning, and I came up with a new combination today for our ACDelco Cavalier that we had never run before, and it was just as smooth as can be on every run."
In the early rounds, Johnson disposed of Terry Adams and Ron Krisher before facing an upset-minded Jim Yates in the semi-final. Yates, who had eliminated former points leader Greg Anderson on a hole shot in the first round, gained a slight advantage at the start, but the legendary Johnson horsepower soon took over, producing a 6.789-second, 204.70 mph pass that allowed the younger member of the Johnson family to drive past his opponent and advance to the 43rd final round of his career, and third this year.
K.J.'s opponent would be No. 8 qualifier Scott Geoffrion, who had made several impressive runs of his own to reach the final. In what proved to be one of the best races of the day, the two cars left the starting line together, rocketing down the Houston quarter-mile in unison. Once again, the long hours spent on the dyno in Sugar Hill, GA paid off, as Johnson posted a 6.780 second elapsed time with a top speed of 204.79 mph to Geoffrion's losing 6.795-second, 204.14 mph effort to reach the Houston Raceway Park winner's circle for the second time in his career.
"I knew Scott was going to be tough, because of the way he had been running with the new car, and that 6.81 he ran in the second round to beat Dad," explained Johnson. "He came up to me before the final and told me it was about time we locked horns. It's always fun racing him, and we had a great race in the final. Fortunately, our ACDelco Cavalier came out on top.
"This is my best start since 1999, and we've learned a lot about getting down a racetrack since then. It feels good to put four good runs together and win, and it's definitely nice to be in the points lead, but there's still a lot of races left on the schedule. We want to be the points leader in November. It's just a matter of applying the horsepower to the racetrack, and we're doing a fairly decent job of it right now. The challenge is to maintain that level of performance, and this entire team is committed to doing just that."
Warren Johnson Press Release
Posted Sunday, April 13, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
Contact: Jon G. Knapp
TMG Sports Marketing
Phone: (704) 662-3121
jgknapp@tmgsports.net
Final Results
WJ's Record Run Ends Prematurely in a Houston Photo-finish
Event: 16th Annual O'Reilly Spring Nationals
Location: Houston Raceway Park
Baytown, TX
Day/Date: Sunday April 13, 2003
After establishing a new elapsed time record and claiming the 128th No. 1 qualifying performance of his career with his 6.720-second, 204.66 mph run during qualifying, Warren Johnson and the GM Performance Parts Racing team had high hopes entering Sunday's final eliminations of the O'Reilly Spring Nationals. However, with atmospheric conditions completely unlike those encountered during qualifying, the challenge would be in finding the right set-up to tame a hot and slick Houston Raceway Park track.
Any questions concerning Johnson's ability to adapt to the conditions were answered during his first round match-up against J.R. Carr, as he posted a solid 6.813-second elapsed time with a top speed of 203.06 mph to easily advance to the second round.
However, Johnson's task became more difficult in the second round, as he would face long-time rival Scott Geoffrion, who had also been among the fastest cars in Pro Stock. Geoffrion was able to gain a slight edge at the start, and although W.J. responded by running the second quickest pass of the round at 6.801 seconds and 203.40 mph, it was not enough to prevent his rival from gaining the closest victory of the day, with the final margin of victory an infinitesimal two 10/1000ths of a second. Fortunately, despite the loss, Johnson remained optimistic based on his race car's performance, as well as the twenty bonus points earned by setting the national record.
"Scott had everything to gain and nothing to lose, and won it by two 10/100ths of a second - that's about a third of an inch. There's not much you can do about that. If I had staged a half-inch deeper, it might not have happened, but I would also run the risk of red-lighting. It's just racing.
"However, we can leave here satisfied with our GM Performance Parts Grand Am's performance. Lately we hadn't been able to run any speed with this car, which had us concerned. That problem seems to be somewhat alleviated, as we seem to be back at the level we were in Pomona. Kurt and I certainly seemed to have a slight edge on most of our competitors today, and considering we should be seeing conditions like these for the next few months, we're hoping it's an indication of things to come. We're pleased with where we are performance-wise, now we just have to fix race day."
Whit Bazemore Press Release
Posted Sunday, April 13, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
DON SCHUMACHER RACING
NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series
Round 5 of 23
O'Reilly Spring Nationals presented by Pennzoil
HOUSTON RACEWAY PARK
Race Date: April 11-13, 2003
Sunday, April 13, 2003
BAZEMORE MAKES IT TO SEMIS IN HOUSTON
HOUSTON (April 13, 2003) -- Despite the weather conditions today -- hot -- and the track conditions -- bumpy -- Whit Bazemore, in the Matco Tools Iron Eagle Dodge Stratus R/T, advanced to the semifinals. And he did it without ever breaking the five-second mark. It seemed not to matter, as all of his opponents had the same problem.
He first defeated his teammate Gary Scelzi with a 5.098/283.85 to Scelzi's 5.596/174.73. Then, in the second round, he sent Cruz Pedregon packing with a 5.057/297.02 versus Pedregon's 5.148/279.85. In the semifinal round, with lane choice, he met the man he lost to in the final round in Las Vegas last week, Tony Pedregon. It was a close race, but it was Pedregon taking the win light by a 49-foot margin of victory over Bazemore. Bazemore's numbers: 5.088/289.07; Pedregon;s: 5.019/304.39.
"We had a little luck," said Bazemore. "No one was running well in Funny Car today, really. The track is pretty bumpy and when the sun comes out it heats the surface and the bumps make it a lot harder to keep the cars hooked up.
"We saw a lot of guys smoke the tires today and it was kind of the case of who smokes them the least. That wasn't us in the third round. But we're pumped up. We have a great Matco Tools Dodge team. We have a good running car; we're not too unsatisfied."
Bazemore remains in third place in the POWERade Drag Racing Series Funny Car point standings, with 381 points, just one round behind Gary Densham in second place.
Kalitta, T. Pedregon, KJ, Savoie, and M. Stott Win at the NHRA POWERade O'Reilly Spring Nationals presented by Pennzoil
Posted Sunday, April 13, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
Kurt Johnson wins Pro Stock and takes over the points lead. WJ goes down to Geoffrion in round 2 and Terry Adams loses to KJ in round 1.
Whit Bazemore goes to the semi-finals of Funny Car, but loses to Tony Pedregon.
NHRA Recap
NHRA POWERade Points Standings
Top Fuel
1. Larry Dixon 459
2. Brandon Bernstein 419
3. Doug Kalitta 390
4. Cory McClenathan 300
5. Doug Herbert 267
6. John Smith 264
7. David Baca 243
8. Tony Schumacher 231
9. Clay Millican 223
10. Melanie Troxel 208
11. Darrell Russell 206
12. Rhonda Hartman-Smith 180
13. Jim Head 166
14. David Grubnic 147
15. Paul Romine 136
Funny Car
1. Tony Pedregon 464
2. Gary Densham 401
3. Whit Bazemore 381
4. Del Worsham 329
5. Ron Capps 320
6. Tommy Johnson Jr. 262
7. Johnny Gray 249
8. Frank Pedregon 222
9. John Force 207
10. Dean Skuza 205
11. Gary Scelzi 200
12. Bob Gilbertson 197
13. Cruz Pedregon 178
14. Scotty Cannon 177
15. Tim Wilkerson 168
Pro Stock
1. Kurt Johnson 437
2. Greg Anderson 419
3. Warren Johnson 360
4. Allen Johnson 263
5. Jeg Coughlin 261
6. Bruce Allen 256
7. Scott Geoffrion 246
8. Darrell Alderman 225
9. Ron Krisher 221
10. V. Gaines 182
11. Mike Edwards 178
12. Jim Yates 173
13. Mark Pawuk 161
14. Mark Whisnant 156
15. Troy Coughlin 155
Pro Stock Bike
1. Angelle Savoie 231
2. Geno Scali 154
3. Craig Treble 153
4. Antron Brown 128
5. Shawn Gann 111
6. Mike Berry 105
7. Andrew Hines 103
8. Fred Collis 87
9. Reggie Showers 86
10. Fred Camarena 85
Karen Stoffer 85
12. Steve Johnson 64
13. Joe DeSantis 63
14. Chris Reuter 62
John Smith 62
Whit Bazemore Press Release
Posted Sunday, April 13, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
DON SCHUMACHER RACING
NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series
Round 5 of 23
O'Reilly Spring Nationals presented by Pennzoil
HOUSTON RACEWAY PARK
Race Date: April 11-13, 2003
Friday, April 11, 2003
BAZEMORE ON 'FRONT ROW' IN HOUSTON; TAKES NO. 2
Whit Bazemore, in the Matco Tools Iron Eagle Dodge Stratus R/T, didn't improve his elapsed time or his No. 2 qualifying position today in the heat of a sunny, bright day at Houston Raceway Park for the O'Reilly Spring Nationals. His 4.778/323.89 he posted Friday night held up for the '"front row" for tomorrow's final eliminations.
He did, however, perform a nearly picture-perfect pass for the conditions in the first qualifying session today, with a 4.848-second lap at 318.32 mph. Bazemore and crew chief Lee Beard continue to impress. Beard is considered to be the master of cooler conditions, but he's clearly able to make Bazemore's Funny Car run strong under the heat of the sun as well.
His speed was the fastest of the session, and only John Force bettered his e.t. with a 4.820.
Baze lost traction at half-track in the final session and posted an 8.494/96.29, after the team tried to step it up to regain the No. 1 spot.
He will face his teammate Gary Scelzi in the first round of eliminations.
"Qualifying went well. We're slightly disappointed with the last run that we didn't go down the track," he said. "But we were really trying to step up our performance. We were trying to get the Matco Tools Dodge in the No. 1 spot on a track that just wouldn't hold it.
"We were a little weak early; we are trying to address that. We have problems there. Our car runs very well through the middle. A large part of that is due to the Dodge body giving us downforce. There are bumps out there and downforce is very important.
"We're excited. We have to race our teammate tomorrow. That's not that good. Scelzi and I have gotten to be pretty good friends the last couple of months. Unfortunately, that just all went out the window now, as far as I'm concerned (he said laughing). I hope he's ready.
"But really, Scelzi's team struggled a little bit lately. We certainly know their potential. It's just like (John) Force's team struggling. They may be struggling, but you can never, ever, ever count them out. And Gary and Mike Neff and the Oakley team over there, they're in the same situation.
"On paper it looks like a gimme, but it isn't. It's going to be hard work for us and we're going to have to earn that win. it's going to be tough. I can think of some other cars I'd much rather run in the first round than that Oakley Dodge over there."
WJ Press Release
Posted Sunday, April 13, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
Contact: Jon G. Knapp
TMG Sports Marketing
Phone: (704) 662-3121
jgknapp@tmgsports.net
Final Qualifying Results
Warren Johnson Paces Record-Setting Field in Houston
Event: 16th Annual O'Reilly Spring Nationals
Location: Houston Raceway Park
Baytown, TX
Day/Date: Saturday April 12, 2003
Warren Johnson scored his first No.1 qualifying position of the 2003 season today at the O'Reilly Spring Nationals in Houston, TX. Johnson's national record-setting 6.720-second, 204.66 mph pass from Friday evening was more than enough to place the GM Performance Parts Grand Am atop the quickest field in the history of the NHRA's Pro Stock division.
This is the 128th No. 1 qualifying performance of Johnson's career, the most by any driver in NHRA history. Warren's most recent No. 1 prior to today came last November at the 2002 Auto Club of Southern California Finals in Pomona, CA.
"Given the caliber and number of competitive cars in Pro Stock today, it takes a tremendous effort to qualify No. 1" said Johnson. "Our first priority on race weekends is to just get one of the first sixteen spots, and hopefully in the top half of the field. With our fields averaging well over 35 cars, to do that is an accomplishment in itself, so we are extremely pleased to have our GM Performance Parts Grand Am on top.
"There were so many variables this weekend, from a racing surface that was constantly changing to premium weather conditions that we haven't seen in quite a few years. The challenge is to maximize the opportunities presented. I'm sure there were probably several other cars capable of running in the 6.72s had they had the proper set-up. We were just fortunate to hit it as well as we did, because there was not a lot left in that run."
One day after the Pro Stock category saw virtually every one of the 35 competitors post career performances and create the quickest field in their history, warmer conditions on Saturday precluded any real challenges for the top position. Therefore, much like many of the higher qualified cars, "The Professor" turned his attention towards fine-tuning his race day set-up.
"With today's conditions, we knew no one would be able to really pick up, so we took advantage of today's sessions to test some things," explained Joihnson. "We gathered some valuable information, so we'll know where the gearing and power level need to be for tomorrow. We'll put it back to the proper set-up, and have it ready for the first round."
Fast Facts on W.J. and the No. 1 qualifying position:
* This is Warren's first No. 1 qualifying performance of the 2003 season, and 128th of his career, the most in NHRA history. Warren's most recent No. 1 prior to today was at the 2002 Auto Club of Southern California Finals in Pomona, CA, last November.
* This is Warren's eighth No. 1 qualifying performance at Houston Raceway Park, where he was the top qualifier at this event from 1995-1999.
* Warren has now been the No. 1 qualifier at least twice a year for 16 consecutive seasons, dating back to 1988, and has captured at least one in 21 of the last 22 seasons.
* Warren has now qualified No. 1 at 128 of his 410 career starts, giving him a .312 average for being the low qualifier.
* Warren's son Kurt is qualified second with an elapsed time of 6.726 seconds with a national record top speed of 205. 57 mph. This marks the 29th time that WJ and KJ have simultaneously qualified in the top two positions in their careers, with Warren being the No. 1 qualifier 22 times.
KJ Press Release
Posted Sunday, April 13, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
Contact: Jon G. Knapp
TMG Sports Marketing
Phone: (704) 662-3121
jgknapp@tmgsports.net
Final Qualifying Results
K. J. Will Start Second in Houston
Event: 16th Annual O'Reilly Spring Nationals
Location: Houston Raceway Park
Baytown, TX
Day/Date: Saturday April 12, 2003
The second day of qualifying for the O'Reilly Spring Nationals provided clear blue skies and warmer temperatures, which, although ideal for the sellout crowd in attendance, prevented any major changes in the Pro Stock field, which was already the quickest in the category's history. As a result, Kurt Johnson's 6.726-second, 205.57 mph effort from Friday evening remained his run of record, and placed his ACDelco Cavalier second on Sunday's final eliminations ladder.
As the conditions precluded a challenge for the top position, Johnson used his final two qualifying attempts to work on his set-up for race day.
"Today we pretty much worked on our race day set up. This morning, our ACDelco Cavalier made a good run with that 6.76, but tonight, I think we found out what not to do, as we had a lot of tire shake in that right hand lane.
"What we learned today, we'll use for tomorrow, when it's supposed to be even warmer. We'll have to look at our notes and find where we ran on a hot track with this car. I'm also concerned about the right hand lane, because there were several cars having problems over there. Our game plan is to put the set-up that we ran the '.76 with back in and go from there, trying to stay in the left lane all day. We're looking to be working very late tomorrow afternoon."
Mark Whisnant Press Release
Posted Sunday, April 13, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
RW PERFORMANCE PRO STOCK CHEVY CAVALIER
MARK WHISNANT – DRIVER REID WHISNANT – OWNER
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 11, 2003
CONTACT: Patti Miles 336-751-3882
704-957-3940 (Mobile) pattie.miles@worldnet.att.net
Whisnant to Sit out Houston
HOUSTON, Texas – Today at the 16th annual O’Reilly Spring Nationals in Houston, Texas, Mark Whisnant driver of the RW Performance Chevrolet Cavalier failed to make the Pro Stock field.
In the Saturday morning session of qualifying Whisnant drove his Cavalier to a career best 6.772 / 202.18 mph, but to would not be enough to make the quickest and fastest Pro Stock field in NHRA history. Whisnant would end the day in the 17th position on the outside looking in.
"It is pretty discouraging to run your best ET ever and still not have enough to make the field," said Whisnant. "We are only .004 of a second behind (Number 16 qualifier) JR. Carr, as close as we might be, we are still not racing on Sunday.
"Right now we are having problems getting the car to run on the top end. Our bottom end numbers are phenomenal, and then everything goes to hell on the top end. We will not be racing tomorrow, but we are going to stay and work on the car, then test on Monday.
"We know we have a problem, and we need to find it and correct it. Right now, all we can do is get to work, and come back and try it again in Bristol. That’s all we can do."
# # #
Whisnant Quick Facts
Currently 11th in 2003 NHRA POWERade Pro Stock Points (146 points)
Currently 8th in 2003 King Demon Crown points (1930 points)
Finished 10th 2002 NHRA POWERade Pro Stock Points
Career Best ET 6.772 (Houston 2003)
Career Best MPH 202.73 (Englishtown 2002)
Kalitta, Densham, WJ, and Scali Lead Pro Qualifiers at the NHRA POWERade O'Reilly Spring Nationals presented by Pennzoil
Posted Sunday, April 13, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
Pro leaders remain the same after Saturday's qualifying sessions. Three Georgia Pro Stock racers qualify for eliminations in the quickest Pro Stock field in NHRA history. Warren Johnson driving the GM Performance Parts Grand Am ran a 6.720 @ 205.16 for the #1 position, Kurt Johnson ( AC Delco Cavalier ) is #2 with a 6.726 @ 205.57, and Terry Adams in the Barry Grant Cavalier is 15th with a 6.768 203.34. Mark Whisnant (#17 )ran a career best 6.772 @ 202.73 only to fall short by .004 in the RW Performance Cavalier. Hard luck driver of the year candidate Barry Grant went 6.774 @ 203.46 to finish #18 ( by .006 ) and Gene Wilson missed the field again (#25) in his Mopar Parts Stratus (6.810 @ 203.74 ).
NHRA Saturday Recap
Warren Johnson Press Release
Posted Saturday, April 12, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
Contact: Jon G. Knapp
TMG Sports Marketing
Phone: (704) 662-3121
jgknapp@tmgsports.net
First Qualifying Results
Warren Johnson rewrites the record books on Friday en route to the No. 1 position in Houston
Event: 16th Annual O'Reilly Spring Nationals
Location: Houston Raceway Park
Baytown, TX
Day/Date: Friday April 11, 2003
Throughout his illustrious career, Warren Johnson has been a virtual barometer of Pro Stock performance, reaching notable milestones ahead of his competitors, including being the first of the "factory hot rods" to break the 180, 190 and 200 mph barriers.
During the first day of qualifying for the O'Reilly Spring Nationals, "The Professor of Pro Stock" added another chapter to his racing resume. On his opening attempt, Johnson recorded an elapsed time of 6.758 seconds with a top speed of 205.16 mph, marking the first time a Pro Stock race car had ever ventured into the 205 mph range.
As if this was not enough, in the evening session, Johnson's GM Performance Parts Grand Am rocketed down the Houston quarter-mile in 6.720 seconds to reset the NHRA National Elapsed Time record. WJ's performance bettered the previous mark, which had stood since October of 2001, by more than three hundredths of a second.
"The performance you saw from the whole Pro Stock category today is a case of the atmospheric conditions being there, and the race track being able to hold the power you're able to make. It's one of those situations that once or twice in a lifetime you're fortunate enough to race under these conditions, and tomorrow could be even faster yet.
"That run really didn't feel that good, but racing at night you lose a little bit of perspective as to where you are on the race track. We certainly learned from our experience last year that this track gets a little damp at night, and isn't as good as you think it will be. Consequently, we backed our GM Performance Parts Grand Am up just a little bit to be on the safe side.
"We were a little light on clutch, which is where the speed went, but it ran a great e.t., running quicker than anyone ever had, so there wasn't much left in it. There might have been a couple thousandths left in it, but you can go over the edge so easily to the point of aborting the run. So, we are certainly pleased with that run.
"This performance is the result of a total team effort. We have four guys at the shop who keep working while we're out racing, putting in overtime and working weekends. We've also been working to develop new parts, and have been doing a lot of testing.
Kurt Johnson Press Release
Posted Saturday, April 12, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
Contact: Jon G. Knapp
TMG Sports Marketing
Phone: (704) 662-3121
jgknapp@tmgsports.net
Friday Qualifying Results
Kurt Johnson Sets Career Bests, Breaks National Speed Record, and sits 2nd Midway through Houston Qualifying
Event: 16th Annual O'Reilly Spring Nationals
Location: Houston Raceway Park
Baytown, TX
Day/Date: Friday April 11, 2003
The combination of cool spring temperatures and a lightning-fast racing surface produced ideal conditions for Pro Stock race cars during the first day of qualifying for the O'Reilly Spring Nationals, and Kurt Johnson and the ACDelco Racing team were among those taking full advantage. On his second attempt on Friday evening, KJ blasted through the Houston Raceway Park finish-line lights in 6.726 seconds with a top speed of 205.57 mph. This represented the second quickest pass in the history of Pro Stock (behind his father Warren Johnson, who posted a 6.720-second elapsed time shortly after Kurt's run), and established a new national top speed record.
This impressive effort placed the younger member of the Johnson family second midway through qualifying, with two more attempts scheduled for Saturday.
"We made some major adjustments to our ACDelco Cavalier for tonight's session, and they paid off. We had never run under these conditions with this set-up, and we were close, but needed to fine-tune it. We checked our notes, set the car up similar to what we use for Atlanta Dragway, and it shot right down there, so we're very pleased.
"We now have a combination that will run under ideal conditions as we had tonight, as well as at altitude, similar to what we encountered in Las Vegas. Most importantly, however, we are solidly in the show for Sunday."
Whit Bazemore Press Release
Posted Saturday, April 12, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
DON SCHUMACHER RACING
NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series
Round 5 of 23
O'Reilly Spring Nationals presented by Pennzoil
HOUSTON RACEWAY PARK
Race Date: April 11-13, 2003
Friday, April 11, 2003
Contact: Judy Stropus, 203-438-0501; cell, 203-243-2438
WHIT BAZEMORE JUST MISSES NO. 1 SPOT FRIDAY NIGHT
After ending up No. 13 in the first round with a tire-smoking 9.656/89.40 pass, Whit Bazemore came back in the evening session and posted a 4.778/323.89 lap, which was the quickest and fastest until the final pair, when Gary Densham squeaked ahead to No. 1 with a 4.755/325.69 pass. Bazemore was relegated to No. 2.
BAZEMORE: "It was a really good run. It's a good rebound effort by our Matco Tools team. Normally, in a situation where you struggle a little bit in the first run, you don't really go for it on the second run, because you have to be a little more conservative just to guarantee that you qualify and get down the race track. Not (crew chief) Lee Beard; not tonight. He was real aggressive with the car and the tune-up. Before we ran, he said, 'Baze, you've got to keep it exactly in the center of the race track and we'll have a good chance to be on pole.' And it ran a .77 and that was a tremendous job by the guys. It's hard at night. We saw a lot of guys have problems tonight, get out of the groove, hit cones and stuff and these cars are hard to drive to begin with. This race track is very dark and bumpy and the front end gets light and it moves the car around and you simply can't see where you are. With clutch dust in the cockpit and the vibration of the car, you can't see the cones. You can't see anything. It's a little bit scary; but it's the same for everybody so we went down there OK. It's kind of a relief to get to the other end without hitting anything."
ON THE FIRST RUN: "We shook. We were just a little underpowered for the track. The track was pretty good early and so we shook the tires and went into tire smoke and lost traction."
Doug Kalitta Records the Fastest Speed in Drag Racing History; WJ and KJ Set New National Pro Stock Records at Houston
Posted Saturday, April 12, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
NHRA POWERade O'Reilly Spring Nationals presented by Pennzoil
Doug Kalitta is in the #1 Top Fuel spot with a 4.486 at the fastest speed ever recorded in drag racing history: 333.91 mph!
Warren Johnson leads the pack in the quickest NHRA Pro Stock field ever. WJ set a new NHRA ET record at 6.720 on his #1 qualifying pass. KJ picks up the NHRA speed record at 205.57 while qualifying #2 with a 6.726 ( the 2nd quickest pass in NHRA history ). These were the quickest and fastest NHRA Pro Stock runs in history. The bump spot is JR Carr's 6.768 after only two qualifying sessions! Terry Adams is #15 (6.768 ) in the Barry Grant Cavalier. Georgia racers Barry Grant ( #17 -6.774 ), Mark Whisnant ( #22-6.800 ), and Gene Wilson ( #24-6.810 ) have two more chances to qualify Saturday.
Gary Densham is #1 in Funny Car with a 4.755 at 325.69. Whit Bazemore is currently #2 ( 4.778 at 323.89 mph ).
NHRA Friday Recap
Mark Whisnant Press Release
Posted Friday, April 11, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
RW PERFORMANCE PRO STOCK CHEVY CAVALIER
MARK WHISNANT – DRIVER REID WHISNANT – OWNER
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 9, 2003
CONTACT: Patti Miles 336-751-3882
704-957-3940 (Mobile) pattie.miles@worldnet.att.net
Whisnant is Looking Forward to Houston
HOUSTON, Texas – Mark Whisnant, driver of the RW Performance / Snap-On Tools Pro Stock Chevrolet Cavalier, has a soft spot in his heart when it comes to racing in Houston. It was in 1998, at Houston Raceway Park, where Whisnant earn his first national event win behind the wheel of a Super Gas car. Since that time, he has always looks forward to his spring visit to the lone star state.
"Every year I look forward to coming to Houston," said Whisnant. "Houston Raceway Park holds good memories for me. I won my first national event in Super Gas here, so this place will always be special to me.
"I am really looking forward to coming to Houston this year because this is a great racetrack for Pro Stock cars. We will be running at sea level, and Houston Raceway Park always gives us a great surface to race on. Depending on the weather, it should be very fast this weekend. If the weather is cool, we could possibly see records broken.
"The thing about Houston is that the racetrack stays good no matter what the weather does. It really does not throw you any curve balls. At this race, we will not have to fight marginal conditions, which will give us a more level playing field. This will make qualifying a battle all by its self.
"We have some momentum coming off the Las Vegas race. We hope to build on that, but first we have to qualify. This weekend our plan is to take it one step at a time, one session at a time.
"Usually in Houston there is not a bad session all weekend, so it will be very important for us to improve with every pass. I do not think that will be a problem for this RW Performance / Snap-On Tools team. My crew chiefs, Gary and Markus, are now very comfortable with this Cavalier. They are fine tuning this car, and pulling more and more out of it. They learn something with every pass, and that is what is going to make a difference for us this weekend in Houston."
Qualifying at the 16th annual O’Reilly Spring Nationals will take place on Friday April 11, and Saturday April 12. Eliminations begin at 11:00 AM CST on Sunday April 13.
# # #
Whisnant Quick Facts
Currently 11th in 2003 NHRA POWERade Pro Stock Points (146 points)
Currently 8th in 2003 King Demon Crown points (1930 points)
Finished 10th 2002 NHRA POWERade Pro Stock Points
16th annual O’Reilly Spring Nationals TV Schedule
Qualifying Highlights
Saturday April 12 10:00 PM – Midnight ET ESPN2
Eliminations Coverage
Sunday April 13 5:00 – 7:00 PM ET ESPN2
NHRA2Day
Sunday April 13 11:00 AM – Noon ET ESPN2
Georgia Automobile Racing Hall of Fame Association
Posted Thursday, April 10, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
I recently became a member of the Georgia Automobile Racing Hall of Fame Association ( Thanks to the Georgia Shaker -Mr. Hubert Platt ) and attended one of their events held at the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in Macon, GA (April 5, 2003 ). I had the honor of traveling to Macon with Hubert and had quite a time there. The members of the GARHOFA are some of the friendliest ( and funny ) people that I've ever met! The members are mostly round track racers, but many of them have some drag racing experience, too. As you could probably guess, drag racing is my first love ( although I do enjoy most motorsports ). We need more drag racing representation in the GARHOFA! Check out some of my pics from the GARHOFA-Macon event here. For more information about the Georgia Automobile Racing Hall of Fame Association click here.
Warren Johnson Press Release
Posted Thursday, April 10, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
Contact: Jon G. Knapp
TMG Sports Marketing
Phone: (704) 662-3121
jgknapp@tmgsports.net
Warren Johnson is Quietly Confident Heading to Houston
GM Performance Parts Grand Am looks for second win of 2003 at O'Reilly Spring Nationals
Sugar Hill, Ga., April 8, 2003 - Less than one week after the conclusion of final eliminations in Las Vegas, the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series finds itself back in action at the O'Reilly Spring Nationals in Houston, Texas. For the first time in the 2003 season, the straight-liners will be competing on back-to-back weekends.
Such proximity between events will be welcomed by teams whose cars have performed well in recent weeks. However, for others, who may have suffered mechanical problems or other difficulties, the shortened schedule will only increase the pressure to find a solution and perform. Having experienced both ends of this competitive spectrum during his illustrious career, Warren Johnson, driver of the GM Performance Parts Grand Am, takes a pragmatic approach.
"Although I don't think you would have to retrain us if we missed a weekend or two, as long as you have enough equipment, racing on consecutive weekends really doesn't matter to me," said Johnson. "The pre-race preparation is the same. It's just that you have less time to do it in."
The primary challenge facing competitors during the abbreviated work week will be adapting to the different conditions at Houston Raceway Park, something W.J. has done well in his nineteen previous appearances. Since qualifying second and advancing to the final round in his first race in Baytown in 1988, Johnson has accumulated five wins and been the low qualifier seven times. Therefore, he is well-versed on how to prepare for this weekend's event.
"There are certain things we will have to change on our GM Performance Parts Grand Am to transition from Las Vegas to Houston," explained Johnson. "For example, we know we will have more power than we had in Vegas, which will naturally dictate a change to the chassis as well as possibly the gearing. These are adjustments that, physically can be made rather easily. The difficulty comes in knowing just how much to change in order to maximize your performance.
"In addition, due to its location on very unstable soil, the racing surface at Houston Raceway Park is in a constant state of flux. Every time we go there, it seems like we find another bump to hit. You don't want to be making a gear change going over a bump, requiring further chassis adjustments. However, we will wait until we get to Texas and evaluate the race track before we make any wholesale modifications."
Johnson heads to Houston looking to further improve on his strong start, which has seen the GM Performance Parts team post one win and a semi-final appearance in the first four races.
"The conditions this weekend should be somewhat reminiscent of Gainesville, which was relatively fast," said Johnson. "If so, we have some changes that have perked up the performance in my GM Performance Parts Grand Am to equalize it with Kurt's ACDelco Cavalier that has performed so well at the last two races.
"Therefore, I believe we should have as good a shot as anyone if not better at the No. 1 qualifying position. We showed some evidence of this on Sunday in Las Vegas, where we were as fast as anyone in Pro Stock. The challenge will be to maintain that advantage for as long as we can, and maximize its benefits, starting this weekend in Houston."
Facts on Warren Johnson and the GM Performance Parts Racing Team entering
the O'Reilly Spring Nationals:
* The Professor is well-schooled in Houston: This will be Warren's twentieth appearance at Houston Raceway Park. Throughout his career, WJ has five wins (in 1990, 1994, 1998, 2000 & 2001) in six final round appearances in Houston, with a .714 elimination round win percentage (25-10). In addition, he has been the No. 1 qualifier seven times, and has an overall qualifying average of 2.84.
* Potential milestone performance: With his next elimination round win, Warren Johnson will have won 750 rounds in competition. Overall, WJ has a 749-318 elimination round record, with his .702 winning percentage ranking seventh among all active professional drivers.
* Houston Raceway Park Record Holder: Warren holds the Houston Raceway Park track record for top speed in the Pro Stock category at 202.36 mph, which he established in 1999. WJ is also the current national top speed record holder, having run 204.91 mph earlier this year in Pomona.
* Flying the Stars and Stripes: At the request of their sponsors, Kurt and his father Warren Johnson have replaced the Chevrolet and Pontiac logos on the roofs of their race cars with the American flag to honor America and show their support for the troops.
* One year ago: WJ qualified third for last year's Houston race with an elapsed time of 6.829 seconds and a top speed of 201.58 mph, and advanced to the semi-finals.
* Winning Streak: With his win at the 2003 Winternationals, Warren Johnson extended his streak of winning at least one race a year to 22 years, the longest in NHRA history.
* POWERade Points standings: After the fourth of 23 events, WJ arrives in Las Vegas in third place in the 2003 POWERade points standings with 282 points, 101 behind leader Greg Anderson and 38 behind second place Kurt Johnson. Warren finished fourth in 2002, his twenty-first consecutive Top Five finish.
* No. 1 in National event wins: WJ's 89 national event victories are the most ever in the history of the Pro Stock division and place him 2nd on the all-time NHRA win list. His most recent win came at the 2003 Winternationals in Pomona, CA.
* Career best elapsed time: 6.764 seconds, Pomona 2003
* Career best top speed: 204.91 mph, Pomona 2003 (The fastest pass in NHRA Pro Stock history.)
Kurt Johnson Press Release
Posted Thursday, April 10, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
Contact: Jon G. Knapp
TMG Sports Marketing
Phone: (704) 662-3121
jgknapp@tmgsports.net
Kurt Johnson Looks to Stay Hot in Houston
ACDelco Cavalier driver intent on improving on last year's runner-up finish
Sugar Hill, Ga., April 8, 2003 - The NHRA's Pro Stock division is arguably the most competitive in all of motorsports. Each week, as many as 48 cars compete for one of only 16 spots in Sunday's final eliminations, with the entire category covered by mere hundredths of a second. The competition is equally fierce on race day, as the "factory hot rods" scream down the quarter-mile as if welded together, with the margin of victory often measured in fractions of an inch.
Over the last two races on the POWERade Drag racing tour, Kurt Johnson's ACDelco Cavalier has been the class of the field, with a win last month in Gainesville and a runner-up finish in Las Vegas three days ago. Despite this impressive performance, the driver known by competitors and fans as "K.J." remains hungry, and heads into this weekend's O'Reilly Spring Nationals focused on earning his second win of the 2003 season.
"We're looking forward to Houston and hopefully getting our ACDelco Cavalier back in the winner's circle," said Johnson. "We've done well recently, following our win in Gainesville with a good outing in Vegas. You're always looking for the maximum amount of points, and we were one step away from doing that.
"Everything is just clicking right now. The car keeps going down the racetrack, the motors have been strong, and the crew has been doing a great job pulling it all together. But we're not letting ourselves get too excited, preferring to keep plugging along, and concentrating on the task at hand."
Naturally, teams are constantly working to find an edge. One aspect receiving constant attention is the starting-line reaction time, which measures the car and driver's ability to leave ahead of their opponent.
"These cars are so close that the driver has got to perform, and reaction time is one of many areas this ACDelco team keeps working on," explains Johnson. "On the race car, you can change things such as the air gap, or the geometry in the linkage to get the car to react faster.
"You can also reduce clutch slippage, but when you have well over 1,300 horsepower moving 2,350 pounds, you have to have some amount of slippage to get the car off the line. Engine rpm's are also a factor - the higher they are when you leave, the better your reaction time will be.
"Naturally, there are practice trees for the driver to work with, but his main job is to stay focused on leaving the starting line first. Obviously, you have good days and bad, but the main goal, as it is with everything else, is to be consistently good, which will be the difference at the end of the year."
This weekend, the straight-line circuit makes its way to Houston Raceway Park, a potentially fast but tricky race track. This also marks the first time this year the NHRA's professional categories will compete on consecutive weekends.
"The track in Houston can be fast, but since it's sitting on a bed of water, it's constantly shifting, and this year it's supposed to be a little rough," opined Johnson. "But it's not economically feasible for the owners to grind the surface every year, and it's the same for everybody, so we'll just deal with whatever it throws at us.
"This is the first of our back-to-back races this year, which takes its toll on everything from the car to the crew and our families by the end of the season. As much as I love to race, I'll be the first to admit that I enjoy my weekends at home with my wife and three kids. But, since the race is on the NHRA schedule, I'll be there, and while we're at it, the ACDelco team is going to do everything it can to win."
Facts on Kurt Johnson and the ACDelco Racing Team entering the
O'Reilly Spring Nationals:
* KJ at Houston Raceway Park: This will be Kurt's sixteenth appearance at Houston Raceway Park, where he has one win (in 1999) and one runner-up finish (in 2002). In addition, K.J. has been the No. 1 qualifier twice at HRP, in 1998 and 2000.
* Flying the Stars and Stripes: At the request of their sponsors, Kurt and his father Warren Johnson have replaced the Chevrolet and Pontiac logos on the roofs of their race cars with the American flag to honor America and show their support for the troops.
* Record Run: Kurt has reset the Pro Stock track top speed record at the last three NHRA national events (202.30 mph in Phoenix, 203.71 mph in Gainesville and 201.73 mph in Las Vegas), while his father Warren Johnson established a new national top speed record of 204.91 mph at the season-opening Winternationals in Pomona, CA..
* One Year Ago: KJ qualified tenth with an elapsed time of 6.857 seconds and a top speed of 201.28 mph, and defeated Tom Hammonds, Greg Anderson and Warren Johnson en route to his runner-up finish.
* Winning streak extended: With his win at the Mac Tools Gatornationals in Gainesville, Kurt has now extended his streak of winning at least one race a year to nine years, encompassing his entire Pro Stock career.
* POWERade Points standings: After the fourth of 23 events, Kurt is in second place in the 2003 POWERade point standings, 63 points behind current leader Greg Anderson, and 38 ahead of his father, Warren Johnson, who is in third. Kurt finished 6th in 2002, his tenth consecutive Top Ten finish.
* Winning percentage: Kurt's .633 elimination round winning percentage (307-178) ranks 11th among all active NHRA professional drivers.
* National event wins: Kurt's 24 national event victories ties him for 18th on the all-time NHRA professional win list. Kurt's most recent win came at the 2003 Mac Tools Gatornationals in Gainesville, FL.
* Career best elapsed time: 6.779 seconds, Reading, PA. 2001
* Career best top speed: 204.57 mph, Pomona, CA. 2003 (the fourth fastest in NHRA Pro Stock history.)
Event schedule:
Qualifying: Friday, April 11: Two sessions at 3:15 & 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 12: Two sessions at 10:00 a.m. & 2:45 p.m.
Eliminations: Sunday, April 13:
Pre-race ceremonies and driver's introduction start at 10:00 a.m,
followed by the first round of eliminations at 11:00 a.m.
TV Schedule:
Qualifying Highlights:
Sunday, April 13: 1:00 - 3:00 a.m. (ESPN2)
Final Eliminations Coverage:
Sunday, April 13: 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. (ESPN2)
NHRA2Day:
Sunday, April 13: 11:00 - 11:30 a.m. (ESPN2)
(Note: All TV times are Eastern. Please check your local listings for updated air times.)
Whit Bazemore Press Release
Posted Thursday, April 10, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
DON SCHUMACHER RACING
NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series
Round 5 of 23
O'Reilly Spring Nationals presented by Pennzoil
HOUSTON RACEWAY PARK
Race Date: April 11-13, 2003
Contact: Judy Stropus, 203-438-0501; cell, 203-243-2438
WITH RUNNER-UP FINISH IN VEGAS, BAZE AIMS FOR THE TOP IN HOUSTON
HOUSTON (April 9, 2003) -- With a runner-up finish in Vegas from the No 1. qualifying position, Whit Bazemore is not discouraged that he fouled out in the final round. That event is over; it's time to move on, says the driver of the Matco Tools Iron Eagle Dodge Stratus R/T Funny Car, who is now third in points and aiming for first.
"We had a good weekend in Vegas," he said. "We were runner-up, No. 1 qualifier and our team proved that it's a championship-caliber team. And we are a great team. I made a mistake in the final. It's frustrating. It's a very hard way to lose, but the fact is that stuff like this happens. We're pushing the envelope and we're going to move on. I've given it a lot of thought and I learned a few things about myself.
"I'm confident that we're not going to make that mistake again. If we can pick up where we left off here in Houston with the Matco Tools Dodge, then we'll be looking pretty good."
Noted for its ability to produce kudos horsepower, the Matco Tools team headed by Lee Beard is expected to be a threat at Houston Raceway Park. "Houston has the potential to be really fast because it's at sea level," said Bazemore. "But it's gotten a little bumpy over the last couple of years and it's been hard to get the maximum out of the cars. I'm told they repaired the bumps. If they have, then the potential is there for it to be a real horsepower track, which fits our Schumacher Racing team well, because we have a high-horsepower car."
Bazemore moved into third in points with his runner-up finish in Vegas and is challenging the John Force-owned teams of Gary Densham (second) and Tony Pedregon (first) for No. 1. John Force himself is out of the top 10. "We're in the best position we've ever been in points-wise this early in the season," said Bazemore. "The team has some momentum. We put some more distance between ourselves and John Force. Right now it looks like Tony Pedregon is the team to beat. But looking at the big picture, you certainly can't count out Force, or (Don) Prudhomme's guys or Del Worsham. It's a long year and a lot of things are going to happen. It's important, especially with Force, to build up as big a cushion between us as we can. We were able to do that in Vegas. So that's good. If we can stay with Tony and stay close and try to take him out next time, then we're right there. We feel pretty good about that.
"We just have to concentrate on our car and the job at hand and that is to maximize our car and its performance and for me to get the most out of myself and not try to beat the other guys so much. It's important for me to perform at my very best, which is more than good enough to get the job done. That's what we're going to try to do here."
Qualifying for the Nitro classes at the O'Reilly Spring Nationals this weekend is at 4:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 11. On Saturday, April 12, Nitro classes qualify at 12:00 noon and 3:30 p.m. Final eliminations on Sunday, April 13, begin at 11 a.m. All times are CT.
Chris Vandergriff to Make NHRA POWERAde Top Fuel Debut
Posted Tuesday, April 8, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
Tue, 8 Apr 2003, 02:33 PM
Courtesy of Bobby Bennett, Harley Communications
Chris Vandergriff to Make NHRA POWERAde Top Fuel Debut at the 23rd annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals presented by Pontiac
MARIETTA, Ga. -- Chris Vandergriff completed his Top Fuel licensing runs last season in anticipation that someday proper funding would be achieved and he could accomplish his life long goal of competing in the NHRA Top Fuel Dragster category on a national level. The 32-year-old General Manager of Hedman Husler Hedders has announced a one race marketing agreement with Alps Spas located in Norcross, GA for the 23rd annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals presented by Pontiac.
Alps Spas is the spa division of Associated Leisure Products (www.alps-spas.com), which is an industry leader in the world of water recreation products. Vandergriff was quick to thank Alp’s Spas Company President Ted Pointer, Sr. and Ted Pointer Jr. for their support.
The entire Pointer family and the employees of Associated Leisure Products and their Alps Spas and Aqua EZ Pool and Spa Chemicals divisions have been long time sponsors dating back to Vandergriff’s NASCAR Truck Championship days.
“I couldn’t be happier to represent such fine people and their company and products” stated Vandergriff. “Associated Leisure Products is tracking the number of hits on their websites during the event and I encourage all NHRA fans to visit their website and let them know that motorsports fans are still the most brand loyal consumers in the market place.”
Vandergriff added, “We are going to run a special promotion entitling the first NHRA POWERade Drag Racing fan that provides a ticket stub from the Southern Nationals and purchases any model from the Alps Spas line of hot tubs will win the opportunity to be an honorary Vandergriff Motorsports Crew Member at an upcoming NHRA National Event.
Veteran fuel crew chief Terry Manzer will be the crew chief on the car.
Vandergriff continued, “I really have to say thanks to Chris Irwin and Eric Mangum for busting their butts to get this car ready. They worked many tireless hours in preparing the car for this outing. I couldn’t have done it without them.”
For more information on Associated Leisure Products, visit www.Alps-Spas.com and www.AquaEZ.com.
Nominations Announced for Southeastern Drag Racers Hall of Fame
Posted Tuesday, April 8, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
Sol Stewart has released the 2003 Southeastern Drag Racers Hall of Fame nominations:
Jimmy Arnold, Pensacola, 67
Pete Mount, Lynn Haven, Fl 69
Dave Raulerson, Panama City 70
Max Smith, Dothan, 65
Bobby Watson, Phenix City 68
Ellis Milner, Waverly Hill, Ga. 66
Aubrey Padgett, Evergreen, Al. 68
Hubert Platt, Cummings, Ga. 71
Billy Holt, Athens, Al. 70
Sam McQuagg, Phenix City, 67
George Warren, Phenix City, 72
Paul Vanderly, Gulfport, Ms. 68
Hoyt Grimes, Buford, Ga. 80
FROM THE ABOVE LIST, FIVE WILL BE INDUCTED IN THE SOUTHEASTERN DRAG RACERS HALL OF FAME FOR 2003
DECEASED LIST
Jesse Childree...Panama City
Rex Goodson, Andalusia, Al
Herman Moore, Clayhatchee, Al
Pete Robinson, Atlanta
Buster Couch, Atlanta
Dort Snellgrove, Panama City
FROM THE ABOVE LIST, THREE WILL BE INDUCTED IN THE SOUTHEASTERN DRAG RACERS HALL OF FAME FOR 2003
2003 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT THE THIRD ANNUAL OLD DRAG RACER'S REUNION IN PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA ( September 26, 27, and 28, 2003 ).
2002 OLD DRAG RACER'S REUNION PHOTOS
Artist Joel Naprstek's "Flying Tigers: An Illustrated History" at the Warner Robins Museum of Aviation
Posted Monday, April 7, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
Racers Support the Arts
When he is not working on his drag racing subjects, artist Joel Naprstek
likes to paint the great piston-engined fighter aircraft of World War II.
Well, a gearhead is always a gearhead, and many members of the South's drag
racing community turned out to support their friend Joel for the opening of
his one-man art show, "Flying Tigers: An Illustrated History" at the
Warner Robins Museum of Aviation. The grand opening event was held
Thursday, April 3. The museum, with sponsorship of the 14th Air Force
Association, did a fine job on the installation. Over 60 framed panels of
Joel's art filled a large room. The event was a huge success. Several
original Flying Tigers were present, including General Robert Scott, author
of "God is My Co-Pilot." There was an afternoon book and art print
signing. Generals, colonels, museum lovers, and old drag racers enjoyed
the evening wine and cheese reception.
Racers attending the event not only saw an impressive art show, but they
had a great bench racing session! Racers attending the show included Phil
and Melanie Bonner, Sol and Anne Stewart, Bob Fermier, Bobby and C.J. Watson (Phenix
City Dragstrip), Jim Amos (BeeOnVideo), and Bill Connell (US 19 Dragway).
The show will continue at the museum through June 3, 2003. Don't miss it!
Marvin T. Smith
Joel's Flying Tiger Show
Atlanta Dragway Results by Tim Glover
Posted Monday, April 7, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
RACE DATE: April 5-6, 2003
FROM: Tim Glover
EVENT: MTC / ELMER TRETT NATIONALS PROSTAR race at Atlanta Dragway
RAIN HALTS MTC / ELMER TRETT NATIONALS PROSTAR EVENT AT ATLANTA DRAGWAY
by Tim Glover
(Sunday, April 6 - Atlanta Dragway) Mother Nature won again this weekend at
Atlanta Dragway. 300 plus motorcycles came to the track this weekend with
the intent of winning their class during the MTC / Elmer Trett Nationals.
Unfortunately, they were thwarted by another frequent visitor to the track
this year, rain. Saturday's action was delayed until 1:30 in the afternoon
by the morning rains, but everyone was able to finish qualifying. After the
fifth rain delay late Sunday afternoon, the promoters held a meeting with
the racers. Their decision was to complete Atlanta's race during the AMA /
Prostar Spring Nationals event at Virginia Motorsports Park in Dinwiddie,
Virginia, on May 3-4, 2003.
Sanctioned by the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), Atlanta Dragway is
located just off I-85 at Exit 149 in the Banks Crossing area of Commerce,
Georgia. Information on all 2003 events, including the 23rd annual Summit
Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals presented by Pontiac on May 1 - 4,
may be obtained by calling the track office (706-335-2301).
Mark Whisnant Press Release
Posted Monday, April 7, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
RW PERFORMANCE PRO STOCK CHEVY CAVALIER
MARK WHISNANT – DRIVER REID WHISNANT – OWNER
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 6, 2003
CONTACT: Patti Miles 336-751-3882
704-957-3940 (Mobile) pattie.miles@worldnet.att.net
Whisnant Goes to Semis in Las Vegas
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Mark Whisnant, driver of the RW Performance / Snap-On Tools Chevrolet Cavalier, entered the 4th annual Summitracing.com Nationals in Las Vegas, Nev. in the sixth position on the Pro Stock eliminations ladder.
It was in the Friday night session of qualifying where Whisnant clocked a 6.909 / 198.15 mph to secure his position in today’s race.
In Round 1 Whisnant lined up against rookie Pro Stock driver Taylor Lastor. When Whisnant and Lastor pulled into the beams, a staging battle ensued. After a stand off which lasted nearly a full minute Whisnant lit the second light engaging the timing tree. Although, Lastor took the advantage at the starting line it would not be enough to hold off Whisnant. In one of the closest races of the day, Whisnant ran a 6.915 / 198.26 mph to defeat Lastor who ran a 6.944 / 199.82 mph with a margin of victory of .0005 of a second.
Round 2 place Whisnant up against Scott Geoffrion. Geoffrion took the advantage on the starting line, but dramatically slowed at half-track letting Whisnant drive around him for the win. Whisnant ran a 6.967 / 197.59 mph to defeat Geoffrion with a 7.031 / 198.99 mph.
The semi-finals placed Whisnant against old nemesis Kurt Johnson. Whisnant had his best light of the day, at .017 of a second, but the advantage he took at the starting line was not enough for a victory. Johnson ran a 6.894 / 201 mph to Whisnant 6.954 / 197.57 mph.
“Every round today tough,” said Whisnant,”there were no easy wins here today.”
“It is hard to know going in that you are going to loose .030 of a second just because you are in the right lane. Knowing that Kurt (Johnson) had me covered as far as ET goes, I knew that I had to take a shot at him. That was all I could do when it was me vs. Kurt vs. the lane vs. our past history. With all those things stacked against me, all I could do was cut as good of a light as I could. I was out in front of him, but just did not have enough to get the job done.
“Even though we didn’t win, I feel good about how we did here this weekend. We are starting to get our mojo back. This is just what my team needed. We went two rounds in Gainesville. We got to the semis today. I feel our momentum building. Hopefully, at the next race we can get to the finals.
“So far this is our best trip we have ever had here in a car. I owe all of that to my team. Gary, Markus, Dennis and Terry; gave me a great racecar. They were always ready for every round, and pulled every thing they could out of this Cavalier. They are the reason I went as far as I did today.”
Kurt Johnson Press Release
Posted Monday, April 7, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
Contact: Jon G. Knapp
TMG Sports Marketing
Phone: (704) 662-3121
jgknapp@tmgsports.net
Final Results
Kurt Johnson Drops a Heartbreaker in Las Vegas
Event: 4th Annual Summitracing.com Nationals
Location: The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Las Vegas, NV
Day/Date: Sunday April 6, 2003
After qualifying second, Kurt Johnson looked to score back-to-back wins for the third time in his career during Sunday's final eliminations of the Summitracing.com Nationals in Las Vegas, NV. From the opening, it was clear Johnson's ACDelco Cavalier was certainly capable of completing the task. Facing second-year driver Gene Wilson, Johnson combined a very quick 6.883-second elapsed time with the fastest top speed of the weekend at 201.73 mph to not only advance to the second round, but also claim The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway track record. This marks the third consecutive race that K.J. has established a new track top speed mark.
The results were much the same in the next two rounds, as Johnson disposed of Mike Edwards and Mark Whisnant. This placed Johnson in the 42nd final round of his career, where he would meet current points leader and No. 1 Greg Anderson, with Johnson having the luxury of choosing his lane, based on his 6.894-second effort in the semifinals.
With the two cars so evenly matched, any advantage would prove to be crucial. Anderson was the first off the starting line, and although Johnson recorded the quicker elapsed time and speed (6.896 sec., 201.10 mph to his rival's 6.907 sec., 200.95 mph), it was not enough to prevent his rival from gaining the very narrow victory.
"We had originally planned to be a little more aggressive on our set-up, since my lights had been in the .042-.046 range. Unfortunately, we underestimated the condition of the right hand lane, and figured he would probably run a 6.94 or 6.95. Our ACDelco Cavalier had been consistent and fast all weekend, and had another 6.89 in the final, but we were tripped up by an .051 light.
"We certainly wanted to win, but are still happy with going to the final. However, when you're the quicker car and you don't get the trophy, it really ticks you off. Fortunately, we'll be racing next weekend, so we'll quickly put today behind us and get after them in Houston."
Warren Johnson Press Release
Posted Monday, April 7, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
Contact: Jon G. Knapp
TMG Sports Marketing
Phone: (704) 662-3121
jgknapp@tmgsports.net
Final Qualifying Results
Warren Johnson Powers to the Semi-Finals in Las Vegas
Event: 4th Annual Summitracing.com Nationals
Location: The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Las Vegas, NV
Day/Date: Sunday April 6, 2003
Warren Johnson and the GM Performance Parts Racing team delivered another strong performance during Sunday's final eliminations of the Summitracing.com Nationals in Las Vegas, NV. After qualifying fourth, Johnson's Grand Am quickly showed he would be a contender with his 6.879-second, 200.83 mph blast in defeating long-time rival Darrell Alderman in the first round.
Although "The Professor of Pro Stock" was equally successful in the second round, his 6.902-second elapsed time in defeating Ron Krisher gave lane choice to Greg Anderson for their crucial semi-final match-up.
Running in the less-preferred right lane, Johnson knew he would need any edge to defeat Anderson, who was the low qualifier. For the second consecutive race, Johnson left the starting line ahead of the current NHRA POWERade Pro Stock points leader, gaining the advantage by two hundredths of a second. However, Johnson soon found himself fighting to maintain control, and, as a result, allowed his opponent to gain the round win and put a premature end to Johnson's weekend.
"We should have gotten down that lane. It wasn't really that bad. Unfortunately, we got a little greedy, and put in too much clutch, and had too many rpm's on the starting line. As a result, we couldn't get a hold of the race track. If we had kept the same set-up that we used in the first round, we would have run another 6.89 and been in the final against Kurt. However, it shook in the top of low gear and all the way through second, and that was it.
"We're still working to improve our speed in the back half. Our GM Performance Parts Grand Am is as fast as anyone in the first eighth of a mile, but we're losing about eight thousandths in the back half. We're slowly getting it figured out, and once we get it back, we'll be in fine shape."
Whit Bazemore Press Release
Posted Monday, April 7, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
DON SCHUMACHER RACING
NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series
Round 4 of 23
SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals
The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Sunday, April 6, 2003
Contact: Judy Stropus, 203-438-0501, cell 203-243-2438
WHIT BAZEMORE MAKES IT TO FINAL ROUND; MOVES INTO THIRD IN POINT STANDINGS
Cool weather, horsepower and crew chief Lee Beard are meant for each other. And The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway is a sweetheart of a race track for this combination. Throw driver Whit Bazemore into the mix and you have a winning effort. Unfortunately, the effort came up short in the final round today.
Bazemore, driving the Matco Tools Iron Eagle Dodge Stratus R/T Funny Car for Don Schumacher Racing, claimed No. 1 qualifying spot for the second time at this dragstrip with a 4.788-second run and was on a fast track to the front of the point standings. He eliminated Jack Wyatt in the first round with a 4.812-second lap at 323.58 mph, the fastest speed of all elimination rounds, then benefited from his teammate Scotty Cannon's problems in the second round to take the win light with a 5.230/250.78 while his supercharger was self-destructing.
In the semifinals, the two-time U.S. Nationals champion faced Tommy Johnson Jr. Baze was off the line first, with a .044 reaction time to Johnson's .055, but it was Johnson ahead by a car's length until the top end, when T.J. faltered and the legendary Lee Beard horsepower took over to bring Bazemore home at the finish with a 4.899/319.22 pass, giving him lane choice for the final.
The final round brought together two rival camps: Don Schumacher Racing versus John Force Racing; Whit Bazemore versus Tony Pedregon. The two were meeting for the fifth final-round of their careers, with their win/loss record tied at 2-2.
The atmosphere was electric at the starting line. Team owners Schumacher and Force stood at friendly distances willing their drivers to the victory podium. As the starting lights flashed, the red light that shone in Bazemore's lane ended his day, as Pedregon took the win with a 4.916/283.07.
It was a major disappointment for Bazemore, but there is good news. He moved into third in the point standings, just 19 points out of second and 44 less than first place. With 19 races remaining in this long season, it's still anyone's crown to win.
WHIT BAZEMORE, MATCO TOOLS IRON EAGLE DODGE STRATUS R/T FUNNY CAR:
ON REDLIGHTING: "It's just driver error. That's all you can say, and it's very frustrating. I made a mistake. Our team did an outstanding job today, especially recovering from the second round. I feel like we had the car to beat. We ended up having problems in the final that would have made it difficult to beat them with what ended up happening, anyway. But the fact is that we're not going to win, no matter what, when I red-light. It's not acceptable. Mistakes happen sometimes, but we have to keep them to a very real minimum, and we will."
WHAT WERE YOU THINKING AT THE START? "I was ready to go and I was very focused. I don't know. My leg went down and my brain didn't tell it to. But it did. I don't red-light that often. I'll think about it, and analyze it some and go from there."
TALK ABOUT WINNING THE OTHER ROUNDS: "They're all very hard. And we were fortunate in the second round against our teammate Scotty Cannon that he had problems before we did (Bazemore had a blown supercharger), so we were fortunate there to win, and the same against T.J. (Tommy Johnson Jr.) in the semis. We were behind there. Lee Beard and this Matco Tools team gave me the horsepower that carried us around when T.J. had a problem. It's just so brutally tough to win right now in this class, but we had a good day. All in all, we had a very good day. We're making good progress. They've (Pedregon) got a great team over there; they're hard to beat; they're the team to beat right now. As for John Force's team; you can't count those guys out. We put some distance between us and them. They're going to come back strong at some point this year, it goes without saying. In that regard, it was a good day there too."
POINT STANDINGS:
1. Tony Pedregon 348
2. Gary Densham 323
3. Whit Bazemore 304
4. Ron Capps 287
5. Del Worsham 234
6. Johnny Gray 216
7. Tommy Johnson Jr. 210
8. Frank Pedregon 190
9. Gary Scelzi 169
13. Scotty Cannon 146
Dixon, T. Pedregon, and Anderson Win at Las Vegas
Posted Sunday, April 6, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
Georgia racers Whit Bazemore ( Funny Car ) and Kurt Johnson ( Pro Stock ) take the runner up spots. NHRA Las Vegas Results
Wayne Shaw is Stock Eliminator Runner-Up at NHRA Southeast Division Points Race at Montgomery
Posted Sunday, April 6, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
Douglasville's Wayne Shaw makes it to the final, but loses to Peter Biondo by running under his dial in by 0.007.
Stock Final
.
NHRA Division 2 Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Montgomery Motorsports Park
Posted Sunday, April 6, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
Jerry Barker and Ronnie Davis qualify for Top Sportsman- Don Eberly and Van Puckett qualify for Comp- Everett Hill, Robert Burgin,Woody Adcock, and Charles Dickerson qaulify for Super Stock- Robbie Shaw and Woodro Josey lead several Georgia racers in qualifying for Stock Eliminator. Saturday Wrap-Up
Mark Whisnant Press Release
Posted Sunday, April 6, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
RW PERFORMANCE PRO STOCK CHEVY CAVALIER
MARK WHISNANT – DRIVER REID WHISNANT – OWNER
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 4, 2003
CONTACT: Patti Miles 336-751-3882
704-957-3940 (Mobile) pattie.miles@worldnet.att.net
Whisnant Is Sixth In Las Vegas
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Mark Whisnant, driver of the RW performance Chevrolet Cavalier, will enter eliminations at the 4th annual Summitracing.com Nationals in Las Vegas, Nev. holding the sixth position on the eliminations ladder.
It was during the night session on Friday that Whisnant wheeled his Cavalier to a 6.909 / 198.15 mph to guarantee his a place in Sunday’s elimination.
“I feel pretty confident going into tomorrow’s eliminations,” said Whisnant of Stockbridge, Ga. “We made good runs and have had decent numbers out of both lanes this weekend. We have been running very well down low, so we will give up a little bit on the top end. We used the last session to do some fine-tuning in hopes of picking up the top end, but even without that, I feel like we have the equipment to win this race tomorrow.
“It feels good to be in the top half of the field. In the past Las Vegas has traditionally been a one-lane racetrack, but that has not been the case this weekend. I do not think lane choice will be a factor until the later rounds tomorrow. Hopefully we will be around later in the day to worry about lane choice.
“I am very happy with the way this RW Performance team is coming together. It took a little while for my crew chiefs, Gary Pearman and Markus Svensson, to get acquainted with the our equipment. Now that they have a good handle on what we have, they are making the most of it, and it is showing in our performance.
Whisnant’s opponent in Round 1 will be Number 11 qualifier Taylor Lastor
“You never know about Lastor. You cannot take anyone in this class for granted especially Taylor. Really, we don’t care who is in the other lane. We will run our own race tomorrow. We always try to get as much as we can out of the car every round, no matter who we line up against. Tomorrow will be no exception.”
Gary Pearman Co-Crew Chief on the RW Performance Chevrolet commented Whisnant’s chance in tomorrows Summitracing.com Nationals.
“Tomorrow we will probably see the same conditions we have here today,” said Pearman. “I am please with how the car moved and reacted here this afternoon, so I believe we are ready there.
“As far as lane choice goes, historically the right lane will go away during eliminations, but will come back in the later rounds. This is not a real concern to me, because I have one hell of a driver, and I’m not just saying that. If we get stuck in the right lane, I am confident that Mark can drive through what ever the racetrack throws at us. I think we’re ready.”
Eliminations at the 4th annual Summitracing.com Nationals will begin at 11:00 AM PST on Sunday April 6.
Whisnant Quick Facts
Currently 17th in 2003 NHRA POWERade Pro Stock Points (72 points)
Currently 8th in 2003 King Demon Crown points (1795 points)
Finished 10th 2002 NHRA POWERade Pro Stock Points
Kurt Johnson Press Release
Posted Sunday, April 6, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
Contact: Jon G. Knapp
TMG Sports Marketing
Phone: (704) 662-3121
jgknapp@tmgsports.net
Final Qualifying Results
Kurt Johnson Will Roll Off Second in Las Vegas
Event: 4th Annual Summitracing.com Nationals
Location: The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Las Vegas, NV
Day/Date: Saturday April 5, 2003
For the second consecutive race, Kurt Johnson's ACDelco Cavalier was one of the quickest and fastest Pro Stock cars in qualifying. On Friday at the Summitracing.com Nationals, Johnson took advantage of the favorable tailwind and cooler temperatures to record a 6.883-second elapsed time with a top speed of 200.74 mph, placing him second in the Sunday's field.
Although conditions at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Saturday precluded a serious challenge for the top position, K.J. continued his string of strong performances, closing out his qualifying effort with the second quickest pass of the day at 6.895 seconds. Johnson's pursuit for back-to-back POWERade national event wins will start with a first-round encounter against Gene Wilson.
"Right now, the chassis on our ACDelco Cavalier has been responding well to everything we do to it. For example, every run we made in qualifying was good enough to get us in the show. Our last run today was perfectly smooth, and could have been even better. We've been making subtle changes to the carburetors and the timing, and the tune-up was slightly off on that pass. We'll put it back to where we had it, and we should be pretty decent tomorrow.
"We'll evaluate all our notes tonight and figure out which lane will be better. The track has been getting worse, just like it was in Gainesville, which means this morning's run should help us a lot for eliminations. We'll have to be ready for first round just like it was the second, because I don't think the track will be as good as people think it will be. But, overall, we're pretty pleased, and looking forward to tomorrow."
Warren Johnson Press Release
Posted Sunday, April 6, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
Contact: Jon G. Knapp
TMG Sports Marketing
Phone: (704) 662-3121
jgknapp@tmgsports.net
Final Qualifying Results
W.J.'s Pursuit of a Vegas Jackpot Starts from
the Fourth Spot
Event: 4th Annual Summitracing.com Nationals
Location: The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Las Vegas, NV
Day/Date: Saturday April 5, 2003
On the strength of a 6.900-second elapsed time recorded on his second attempt on Friday evening, Warren Johnson and the GM Performance Parts Racing team qualified fourth for Sunday's final eliminations of the Summitracing.com Nationals in Las Vegas, NV.
Although Saturday's conditions were not quite up to the record-producing levels encountered on Friday, the "factory hot rods" were still able to produce some impressive runs, resulting in some minor shuffling in the sixteen-car field. W.J. showed the consistency many will be looking for on race day with his 6.909-second, 199.08 mph effort in the third qualifying session, and was on another strong run in the afternoon before he was slowed by a mechanical failure.
"We were on a pretty decent run tonight before we broke but that's racing. If you look at the bright side of it, by breaking today, we can go in and put some fresh parts in it and be in good shape, which is a luxury we wouldn't have tomorrow.
"Our GM Performance Parts Grand Am has been pretty good all weekend. We haven't run this particular engine here before, although it performed well in testing last week. We're just trying to hone in on the right tune-up. Once we do that, we'll be fine."
Whit Bazemore Press Release
Posted Sunday, April 6, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
DON SCHUMACHER RACING
NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series
Round 4 of 23
SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals
The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Saturday, April 5, 2003
Contact: Judy Stropus, 203-438-0501
FINAL QUALIFYING
WHIT BAZEMORE IS NO. 1 QUALIFIER
Whit Bazemore, driving the Matco Tools Iron Eagle Dodge Stratus R/T, held on to the No. 1 qualifying spot, which he claimed in last night's session. He posted a 4.788-second elapsed time last night at 323.43 mph, then bettered his top speed in today's final session to a 324.44 mph. He continues to hold the track record for elapsed time, a 4.748 which he set in 2001. His top speed record, however, was surpassed by Gary Densham yesterday when he ran 326.56 mph. In today's final session Densham came close to taking Whit's No. 1 spot away with a 4.796-second pass. However, Whit's final lap was a 4.794!
This is Whit's 22nd No. 1 career qualifying position and his second at The Strip.
BAZEMORE: "We do feel strong, but tomorrow is a different day. Of course, we have to have consistency, which I think we have. We feel good, but we have to go out there and get the job done, which we're confident that we can do. It's still an NHRA drag race and that we know on Sunday anything
Kalitta, Bazemore, and Anderson Top Qualifiers at the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series, Fourth Annual NHRA SummitRacing.com Nationals
Posted Sunday, April 6, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
Doug Kalitta (4.499 @ 332.10), Whit Bazemore (4.788 @ 324.44) and Greg Anderson (6.880 @ 201.28) lead Pro Qualifying at Las Vegas.
NHRA Saturday Recap
Kurt Johnson ( #2- 6.883 200.74 -Sugar Hill GA- '03 Chevy Cavalier ), Warren Johnson ( #4-6.900 200.00 - Sugar Hill GA, '03 Pontiac Grand Am ), Mark Whisnant (#6-6.909 198.38 - Stockbridge GA, '02 Chevy Cavalier ), Barry Grant (#8 -6.915 199.17 - Dahlonega GA, '02 Chevy Cavalier), Terry Adams (#14 -6.923 199.73 - Millers Creek NC, '02 Chevy Cavalier -Barry Grant team car ), and Gene Wilson (#15- 6.925 199.67 - Canton GA, '03 Dodge Stratus ) all qualify for Sunday's final eliminations. All six Georgia cars ( or drivers ) that are currently running the full NHRA circuit make the program. Barry Grant finds the combination after several oh-so-close qualifying efforts ( 18th, 18th, and 17th )earlier this year. 2001 IHRA Pro Stock Champ ( and 2002 NHRA Rookie of the year ), Gene Wilson, qualifies his Dodge Stratus for the first time, also.
Final Pro Stock Qualifying Order
More Photos from NMCA/Classic Thunder at Atlanta Dragway
Posted Saturday, April 5, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
I've posted a few more photos from the NMCA and Classic Thunder event at Atlanta Dragway.
Scelzi/Cannon Press Release
Posted Saturday, April 5, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
DON SCHUMACHER RACING
NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series
Round 4 of 23
SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals
The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Friday, April 4, 2003
Contact: Judy Stropus, 203-438-0501
AFTER TWO QUALIFYING SESSIONS
GARY SCELZI, OAKLEY TIME BOMB DODGE STRATUS R/T FUNNY CAR, survived a spectacular explosion in tonight's run. Today's earlier pass, a 5.246-second lap at 184.72 mph places him in No. 15 qualifying position. The body was destroyed, but the chassis is OK. Tomorrow Scelzi will run the Dodge "Grab Life by the Horns" body, which he debuted in Gainesville.
"It was really running well. It ran 3.29 e.t. at 263 mph at the one-eighth mile and then the front end got light and it moved to the left quickly and I yanked it right and I pedaled it. And that's the absolute wrong time in the world to pedal it, because it's got 77 gallons a minute of nitromethane going in it and it lit all the fuel off when I got back on it, and it went kaboom. But your natural instinct is to do a quick pedal and yank it back in the groove and try to finish the run. But that's not exactly where to do it. But your instincts take over. I think we found that the front end was kind of floating and it's been doing it for a while; we need some more spoiler in the front. I think that kind of proved our theory. Everything is fine. We got another body; we will have to run the Dodge body. The car is fine; we'll just put another motor in it, put all new ignition on it, make sure everything is fine and go back and run it tomorrow and try to put it in the field." IS THIS YOUR FIRST SPECTACULAR FUNNY CAR EXPLOSION? "I had one in Houston last year in the Toyota, but it wasn't as good as this one. This one was a lot better; there's nothing left of the body. The thing that I like about a Funny Car is that if this had happened in a dragster it probably would have taken a rear tire, took the wing, and the car would have broken into pieces and you would have been helpless. The thing about the Funny Car is when it did blow up I had a steering wheel in my hand, I had brakes, I had a fire bottle. At least I had a shot and the shot paid off. I didn't hit anything; I got the car stopped and the car's fine."
SCOTTY CANNON, OAKLEY "SLEEP TIGHT...OAKLEY DESIGN IS AWAKE" FUNNY CAR, is No. 6 qualifier, with another consistent pass of 4.859 at 321.73 mph.
"I don't want to sound like I'm not happy, but we were actually trying to make the car run better than it did. Are we disappointed? Absolutely not. Am I proud of the guys? One hundred ten percent. Just take me out of the equation. I want all my guys to have the credit. Yeah, I drive and I help to make decisions, but that's not my part. I'm just proud of the guys. The motor's looking good. The motor's got nine runs on it. We went a .92 in Gainesville first round and got the bugs out. Every run since then has been quicker than a .92. so that's five runs: four runs in the .80s and one .92. And that's going from one end of the United States to the other. That's the way we look at it. And having a new team and all our guys together, we're gelling in a lot of ways. A lot of people don't realize, we had our first team meeting this morning, since we've had our whole team together. Like everybody sits down, airs things out, tells each other how they feel. We've been working so hard, night and day, trying to get this car fixed. We don't want anybody feeling sorry for us, but they just don't realize how many hours we've put in. A lot of guys would have quit. We're actually racing our old car now. I'm happy for the guys, I'm happy for myself, I'm happy for Jim (Jannard, Oakley's Mad Scientist), Don (Schumacher) and all the sponsors, that they're actually getting to see some results. the most impressive thing to me personally is it made five runs down the track, and nine times out of 10 if you go five runs in a row, and run that good, and you keep doing it, you can win some rounds and win some races."
Whit Bazemore Press Release
Posted Saturday, April 5, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
DON SCHUMACHER RACING
NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series
Round 4 of 23
SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals
The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Friday, April 4, 2003
Contact: Judy Stropus, 203-438-0501
FOLLOWING TWO QUALIFYING SESSIONS
WHIT BAZEMORE, MATCO TOOLS IRON EAGLE DODGE STRATUS R/T FUNNY CAR, captured the No. 1 qualifying position after two of four sessions tonight, with a stellar 4.788-second pass at 323.43 mph.
"That was a good run, obviously. We're trying to run bigger speeds, but we dropped a cylinder at the other end earlier this afternoon on the first run and unfortunately tonight it did it again, so we only went a 323. It was a good run. The car was in trouble early; it shook for quite a long time. I almost pedaled it but then it drove through it, so that was good. That cost us a little e.t. Then we were having a problem lifting the front end at half track and we did that at Gainesville. We thought we took steps to fix it and then it did it again the first run this morning, only not as bad. And we took steps to fix it again, and it still tried to do it again tonight. We're excited. We've had good performance all year, but we haven't been low qualifier yet. I think tomorrow we can improve on that, and that's key." SOME TEAMS SAY THEY DON'T WANT TO BE NUMBER ONE: "We're always shooting for it, if conditions warrant it. If the opportunity is there then we're trying to be low, unless were not in and we have to be conservative. If we're in, we're always trying to be low e.t. All three of our cars are pretty strong and Scotty's (Cannon) been consistent lately. He tested well at Gainesville on Monday and they're making a lot of progress there. I think we have three good cars, which is what you need to win races now. There's a good vibe in our camp, and that's very important. It's a healthy place; it's a great place to be. We've got a great team. You know what I like most about our team is they listen and they respond. They never question your opinion."
Warren Johnson Press Release
Posted Saturday, April 5, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
Contact: Jon G. Knapp
TMG Sports Marketing
Phone: (704) 662-3121
jgknapp@tmgsports.net
First Qualifying Results
WJ Grabs Third Position at Vegas Qualifying Midpoint
Event: 4th Annual Summitracing.com Nationals
Location: The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Las Vegas, NV
Day/Date: Friday April 4, 2003
High winds swirled around The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway during first day of qualifying for the Summitracing.com Nationals. However, this did not prevent Warren Johnson and the GM Performance Parts Racing team from taking advantage of the cooler conditions on Friday evening to post a 6.900-second elapsed time with a top speed of 200.00 mph. This placed the six-time NHRA Pro Stock Champion third heading into Saturday's final two sessions.
"When conditions are at a premium like they were tonight, you can roll the dice or go for number one, but doing that you also run the risk of going over the edge and not qualifying. When I came to the line, the bump was a 6.93, and although the cars I was running with couldn't bump my 6.924 out, they could have pushed me further down in the order. Therefore, we decided to be a little conservative and make sure to put ourselves solidly in the show.
"We have all day tomorrow to work on it, and it's possible the conditions in the morning could be as good as we had tonight. Most importantly, our GM Performance Parts Grand Am is in a good position for Sunday."
Kurt Johnson Press Release
Posted Saturday, April 5, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
Contact: Jon G. Knapp
TMG Sports Marketing
Phone: (704) 662-3121
jgknapp@tmgsports.net
Friday Qualifying Results
Kurt Johnson Slots Second on Friday in Las Vegas
Event: 4th Annual Summitracing.com Nationals
Location: The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Las Vegas, NV
Day/Date: Friday April 4, 2003
Kurt Johnson and the ACDelco Racing team earned a little piece of Las Vegas racing history during Friday evening's qualifying session for the Summitracing.com Nationals. Running in the right-hand lane, K.J.'s Cavalier blasted down the quarter-mile in 6.883 seconds with a top speed of 200.74 mph, becoming the first Pro Stock race car in the four-year history of this magnificent facility to record an elapsed time in the 6.8-second range. Although a subsequent racer just edged Johnson for the provisional top spot, he remained quietly confident of improving on his current second place standing heading into the last two qualifying sessions on Saturday.
"This ACDelco Cavalier just keeps going down the racetrack. We were pretty happy to go 6.88 in that right hand lane on a run that was actually a little conservative. I think the left lane is a little better, and the conditions should be just as good in the morning, so we'll fine tune it and see if we can make it even quicker."
Kalitta, Bazemore, and Anderson Lead Pro Qualifying at the NHRA POWERade SummitRacing.com Nationals at Las Vegas
Posted Saturday, April 5, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
Number one Top Fuel qualifier Kalitta and Larry Dixon(#3) top 332 MPH in qualifying! Larry Dixon sets the NHRA speed record. NHRA Recap
Whit Bazemore #1 in Funny Car after two Pro qualifying sessions at Las Vegas with an outstanding 4.788 @ 323.43.
Funny Car Qualifying Results
Georgia Pro Stock racers Kurt Johnson (#2), Warren Johnson (#3), Mark Whisnant (#5), and Terry Adams ( Barry Grant ) (#11 ) are currently in the program. Barry Grant (#20)and Gene Wilson (#22) don't make the top 16 after two sessions.
Pro Stock Qualifying Results
Mark Whisnant Press Release
Posted Wednesday, April 2, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
RW PERFORMANCE PRO STOCK CHEVY CAVALIER
MARK WHISNANT – DRIVER REID WHISNANT – OWNER
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 30, 2003
CONTACT: Patti Miles 336-751-3882
704-957-3940 (Mobile) pattie.miles@worldnet.att.net
Whisnant Draws on International Help for Las Vegas
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – This weekend Mark Whisnant, driver of the RW Performance / Snap-On Tools Chevrolet Cavalier, has a secret weapon which he hopes will improve his chances of qualifying at this weekends 4th annual Summitracing.com Nationals in Las Vegas, Nev.
Whisnant, the sophomore Pro Stock driver form Stockbridge, Ga. has had a less than perfect record at the Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. However, this year Whisnant’s chances are greatly improved with the addition of Crew Chief Markus Svennson to the RW Performance race team.
Svennson, a native of Hudiksvall, Sweden, brings a wealth of experience from both sides of the pond. Back home in Sweden, Svennson earned a reputation as both an accomplished driver and crew chief. In 1990, Svennson won the Swedish Super Stock Championship as a driver. Then from 1996 to 1998, Svennson served as Crew Chief for Totalmek Racing. It was in 1998 that he wrenched driver Niclas Andersson to the first of four European Pro Stock Championships. Svensson still keeps in touch with Totalmek Racing, and served as a long distance consultant for the team through the 2001 season.
Svennson came to the United States in 1999 to become Crew Chief for Marnell & Black Motorsports. During his tenure with Marnell, Svennson produced a Number 1 qualifier in 2001 in Columbus, and two national events win in 2001 in Memphis and 2002 at the WinterNationals.
Svennson moved to RW Performance in February of this year to serve as Crew Chief.
"We hired Markus on the basis of what he did while he was with Marnell," said Whisnant. "His credentials coming from Marnell’s were impeccable, but I honestly did not know about the things he did in Europe until after he came to work with us. Of coarse I assumed he raced over there, but I had no idea he won championships. That was just icing on the cake.
"As far as I am concerned his accomplishments in Europe make him that much more valuable. His experience as a driver gives him a good understanding of how these cars move and handle. That makes to easier for me to talk to him about the car, what is going on during the run. I think that driver to driver communication helps us in getting the most we can out of the car.
"This weekend in Las Vegas, Markus will be a very valuable asset to this RW Performance /Snap-On Tools race team. The Las Vegas area is Markus’ home base here in the US. The Marnell’s are also based out of this area. So naturally, Markus has a lot of experience here at ‘The Strip’. We are going to draw heavily on his familiarity with this racetrack and Las Vegas’ unique racing conditions in qualifying, and hopefully racing on Sunday.
"We stated off a little slow this year, but I can feel it all coming together. The team is really starting to mesh, and work well together. A lot of that has to do with the addition of Markus to this RW Performance team. My Dad and I look forward to a long and successful relationship with Markus."
Qualifying at the 4th annual Summitracing.com Nationals in Las Vegas, Nev. will begin on Friday April 4 and continue on Saturday April 5. Eliminations will take place on Sunday April 6 at 11:00 AM PST.
# # #
Whisnant Quick Facts
Currently 17th in 2003 NHRA POWERade Pro Stock Points (72 points)
Currently 8th in 2003 King Demon Crown points (1795 points)
Finished 10th 2002 NHRA POWERade Pro Stock Points
Whit Bazemore Press Release
Posted Wednesday, April 2, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
DON SCHUMACHER RACING
NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series
Round 4 of 23
SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals
The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway
April 4-6, 2003
Contact: Judy Stropus, 203-438-0501
VEGAS RECORD HOLDER BAZEMORE WANTS MORE
LAS VEGAS (April 1, 2003) -- Whit Bazemore, driver of the Matco Tools Iron Eagle Dodge Stratus R/T Funny Car for Don Schumacher Racing, holds both the elapsed time and top speed records at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. His 4.748-second e.t. and 325.85 mph records were set in the October races (e.t. in 2001, top speed in 2002). But it's at this weekend's SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals where Bazemore won't settle for anything less than a win.
"I'm looking forward to Vegas for a number of reasons," said Bazemore, the first Funny Car driver to break the 325-mph barrier at any track. "Number one, because we're in a position to do real well here. We were runner-up at this race in 2001. We've run strongly. It's a track we like. We're in a position to go rounds and win rounds and win a race. That's what we're aiming for. Anything less than that will be a disappointment."
Bazemore and his Matco Tools team, headed by crew chief Lee Beard, have already demonstrated their ability to make their Dodge Stratus R/T perform well, establishing a track record of 324.32 mph at the last race in Gainesville, Fla., and posting top speed for the meet of 325.69 mph at the season opener in Pomona, Calif. "Baze" is also fourth in points going into Las Vegas.
The Indianapolis resident made it to the semifinals in Gainesville and was looking towards his first final round of the season, until a clutch disc failed, dashing his chances to move up in the standings. "We tested after Gainesville," he said, "and we know why we lost. We wanted to try a couple of new components that might help us and they worked pretty well. Every race we seem to be getting stronger and stronger. And we were pretty strong to begin with. We're fourth in points, two rounds out of the lead and we've had bad luck."
Vegas is a place where everyone looks for good luck, and 12-time Funny Car event winner and two-time U.S. Nationals champion Bazemore is no different. "Once we have good luck it's going to be something," he added. "We're doing really well without having that much good luck. We're working hard to make our luck change and be stronger and better and it's happening."
Having two hot shoes on his team nipping at his heels doesn't hurt, either, he says. "Having good competition from Gary Scelzi and Scotty Cannon is important. It can definitely be a motivating factor. When you have good strong teammates you know that they push you to be 110 percent and hopefully I push them. That just makes the team stronger and better and I think it's the same with the crew chiefs. There's no question that Lee is going to try to outdo Mike (Neff, Scelzi's crew chief), and Mike's trying to outdo Lee, and that's all healthy. As long as we all work together and can have a beer or two afterwards, which we can, it's all good."
Nitro Qualifying at The Strip begins on Friday, April 4, at 3:30 p.m. and again at 6:30 p.m. On Saturday, April 5, qualifying is at noon and 3 p.m., with final eliminations beginning at 11 a.m. on Sunday, April 6.
Warren Johnson Press Release
Posted Tuesday, April 1, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
Contact: Jon G. Knapp
TMG Sports Marketing
Phone: (704) 662-3121
jgknapp@tmgsports.net
W.J. Set to Headline in Las Vegas
NHRA showplace is a far cry from GM Performance Parts Grand Am driver's first tracks
Sugar Hill, Ga., March 28, 2003 - Throughout his storied career, GM Performance Parts Grand Am driver Warren Johnson has competed on a multitude of race tracks in every corner of the United States, as well selected locations in Canada and Japan. During that time, Johnson has witnessed the evolution of not only the sport of NHRA POWERade Drag Racing, but also the facilities at which the world's best quarter-milers compete. Ironically, Johnson's first experience at a drag strip may have prepared him for the magnificent speedplants that were to follow some 30 years later.
"I was actually spoiled by the conditions at my very first drag race," detailed Johnson. "I raced at Minnesota Dragway, which, by the standards back then, was a show place race track. It had a concrete starting line, the forerunner of a Christmas Tree, and the racing surface was 80 feet wide, which was wider than most tracks of the day. It also had paved pits, a paved return road and paved spectator parking.
"Of course, I was soon brought back to reality when I raced the UDRA circuit and the NHRA divisional races, where calling the facility a race track was using the term pretty loosely."
Based on his vast experience, the "Professor of Pro Stock" would therefore be one of the best authorities to judge The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, site of this weekend's Summitracing.com Nationals, and he gives the facility high marks.
"When you look at what Bruton Smith and his people have done to raise the bar for what a race track should be, far and away theirs are the showcase drag strips and circle tracks," stated Johnson. "Their facilities are designed with efficiency and spectator comfort in mind.
"For example, they have the suites in Las Vegas above the grandstands, which was an idea I pushed for 20 years ago, because that is where you get the best sensation of speed. Considering all the amenities it has for competitors and spectators alike, it is without a doubt the premier facility on the NHRA POWERade circuit."
However, when "W.J." arrives in Las Vegas, his attention will not be focused on suites or creature comforts, but on the racing surface where another tight Pro Stock competition is expected. A win in the Nevada desert carries extra incentive for Johnson, as Las Vegas is the only track on the 2003 schedule where he has yet to reach the winner's circle.
"Sitting at an altitude of 2200 feet, the race cars will naturally be slowed down a bit, but much like the rest of the facility, the management at Las Vegas is constantly working to improve the race track," opined Johnson. "For example, there were some surface irregularities when we first raced here, but as expected, they addressed the issue to where it is now as good a surface as we race on.
"I've been the runner-up twice in Las Vegas, so the surface obviously suits our GM Performance Parts Grand Am well. It's now just a matter of Kurt or myself taking it to the next level and reaching the winner's circle. With our cars winning two of the first three races, we're certainly pleased with the start of the season. However, there is always room for improvement, so both teams continue to work extremely hard to make these cars more competitive to the point that we can dominate."
Facts on Warren Johnson and the GM Performance Parts Racing Team entering
the Summitracing.com Nationals:
* The Professor in Las Vegas: This will be Warren's sixth appearance at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Throughout his career, WJ has posted two final round appearances in 2000 and last year's fall event.
* Autograph session: Warren Johnson will be participating in a one hour pre-race autograph session, that will be held on Thursday evening, April 3 from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the ESPN Zone, which is located at the New York New York hotel and casino. For more information, please go to the official NHRA website, www.nhra.com or www.lvms.com, the official website of The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
* One year ago: WJ qualified sixth for Las Vegas spring race with an elapsed time of 6.975 seconds and a top speed of 198.12 mph, and advanced to the quarterfinals.
* Missing Link: The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway is the only stop on the 2003 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Schedule where Warren has yet to win.
* Winning Streak: With his win at the 2003 Winternationals, Warren Johnson extended his streak of winning at least one race a year to 22 years, the longest in NHRA history.
* POWERade Points standings: After the third of 23 events, WJ arrives in Las Vegas in third place in the 2003 POWERade points standings with 207 points, 58 behind leader Greg Anderson and 16 behind second place Kurt Johnson. Warren finished fourth in 2002, his twenty-first consecutive Top Five finish.
* No. 1 in National event wins: WJ's 89 national event victories are the most ever in the history of the Pro Stock division and place him 2nd on the all-time NHRA win list. His most recent win came at the 2003 Winternationals in Pomona, CA.
* Career best elapsed time: 6.764 seconds, Pomona 2003
* Career best top speed: 204.91 mph, Pomona 2003 (The fastest pass in NHRA Pro Stock history.)
Event schedule:
Qualifying: Friday, April 4: Two sessions at 3:00 & 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 5: Two sessions at 11:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.
Eliminations: Sunday, April 6:
Pre-race ceremonies & driver introductions begin at 10 a.m., followed by the first round of eliminations at 11:00 a.m.
TV Schedule:
Qualifying Highlights: Saturday, April 5: 10:00 p.m. - Midnight (ESPN2)
Final Eliminations Coverage: Sunday, April 6: 11:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. (ESPN2)
NHRA2Day: Sunday, April 6: 11:00 - 11:30 a.m. (ESPN2)
(Note: All times are Eastern. Please check your local listings for updated air times.)
Kurt Johnson Press Release
Posted Tuesday, April 1, 2003 by DavidDilbeck
Contact: Jon G. Knapp
TMG Sports Marketing
Phone: (704) 662-3121
jgknapp@tmgsports.net
Kurt Johnson Looks to Double His Winnings in Las Vegas
ACDelco Cavalier Racing team aims to repeat Gainesville success
at Summitracing.com Nationals
Sugar Hill, Ga., March 30, 2003 - Kurt Johnson is the most recent Pro Stock winner in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series, having won the Mac Tools Gatornationals just two weeks ago. At that race, his ACDelco Cavalier was consistently among the quickest and fastest entries in an extremely competitive 45-car field, and propelled the younger member of the Johnson racing family to his 24th career national event win.
However, as Johnson is quick to point out, that stellar performance will have little impact on how he fares at this weekend's Summitracing.com Nationals, so both he and his ACDelco crew will leave those pleasant memories behind as they head west to The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
"Although it certainly was nice to win in Gainesville, that doesn't mean we'll automatically get to the winner's circle in Las Vegas," said Johnson. "Therefore, our plan is to put that race behind us and start with a clean sheet.
"As soon as we got back to the shop, we started working on finding more power and making our ACDelco Cavalier even better than it was in Florida, because I guarantee that's what our competitors have been doing. As tight as these Pro Stock fields have become, every thousandth of a second counts."
Should Johnson need any assistance in differentiating between the two races, a simple check of the scenery will suffice. Located in the Nevada desert just north of the entertainment and gaming capital of the world, The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway is a spectacular motorsports facility, featuring many innovative concepts, including locating the luxury suites along the top of the grandstands. In only its fourth year, it has become one of the most coveted titles on the NHRA circuit.
"I'm always excited to race in Las Vegas," stated Johnson. "The track itself is just awesome, from the incredible layout to the location with the mountains on one side, and a very unique city on the other. You have your choice of two strips, one with neon lights and another with 200-mph race cars. Either way, you're going to be entertained."
Despite the many options, Johnson's primary source of entertainment this weekend will once again center around his race car, as he looks to score consecutive wins for the third time in his career.
"The track in Las Vegas can be pretty good, but a lot depends on the weather conditions, and how long the sun is on it," explained Johnson. "We're taking back the same ACDelco Cavalier that we qualified number one with last October, so we should be in good shape. Naturally, our first concern will be qualifying, so we'll be looking at our notes from last year, which should make us competitive right out of the box.
"After that, we'll head into Sunday just like we did in Gainesville, taking it one round at a time, and see if we can hit the jackpot for the second race in a row. This team is ready to leave Las Vegas as winners."
Facts on Kurt Johnson and the ACDelco Racing Team entering the
Summitracing.com Nationals:
* KJ at Las Vegas: This will be Kurt's sixth appearance at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, where he has recorded two quarterfinal finishes (in 2001 and 2002). He also has one No. 1 qualifying performance in Las Vegas, which he accomplished at last year's ACDelco Las Vegas Nationals in October.
* Las Vegas Record Holder: Kurt holds both the elapsed time and top speed records at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway at 6.921 seconds and 199.64 mph, which he recorded during last October's ACDelco Las Vegas Nationals.
* Autograph session: Kurt Johnson will be participating in a one hour pre-race autograph session, that will be held on Thursday evening, April 3 from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the ESPN Zone, which is located at the New York New York hotel and casino. For more information, please go to the official NHRA website, www.nhra.com or www.lvms.com, the official website of The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
* Stretching it to a Double: KJ will be looking to score back-to-back wins for the third time in his career, having most recently accomplished the feat three years ago with wins in Sonoma and Brainerd in 2000. Ironically, the two previous instances were three years apart, and in each case, the first victory was Kurt's first career win at a particular track, as it was in Gainevsille.
* Winning streak extended: With his win in Gainesville, Kurt has now extended his streak of winning at least one race a year to nine years, encompassing his entire Pro Stock career.
* POWERade Points standings: After the third of 23 events, Kurt is in second place in the 2003 POWERade point standings with 203 points, 42 behind current leader Greg Anderson, and 16 ahead of his father, Warren Johnson, who is in third. Kurt finished 6th in 2002, his tenth consecutive Top Ten finish.
* Winning percentage: Kurt's .632 elimination round winning percentage (304-177) ranks 11th among all active NHRA professional drivers.
* National event wins: Kurt's 24 national event victories ties him for 18th on the all-time NHRA professional win list. Kurt's most recent win came two weeks ago at the 2003 Mac Tools Gatornationals in Gainesville, FL.
* Career best elapsed time: 6.779 seconds, Reading, PA. 2001
* Career best top speed: 204.57 mph, Pomona, CA. 2003 (the fourth fastest in NHRA Pro Stock history.)
Event schedule:
Qualifying: Friday, April 4: Two sessions at 3:00 & 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 5: Two sessions at 11:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.
Eliminations: Sunday, April 6:
Pre-race ceremonies and driver's introduction start at 10:00 a.m,
followed by the first round of eliminations at 11:00 a.m.
TV Schedule:
Qualifying Highlights:
Saturday, April 5: 10:00 p.m. - 12:00 midnight (ESPN2)
Final Eliminations Coverage:
Sunday, April 6: 11:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. (ESPN2)
NHRA2Day:
Sunday, April 6: 11:00 - 11:30 a.m. (ESPN2)
(Note: All TV times are Eastern. Please check your local listings for updated air times.
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