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David Dilbeck
david@GeorgiaDragRacing.com
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Georgia Drag Racing News
Sometimes, David may have some additional photos he'd like to share that don't get linked into the main site. If you'd like to see them, check out his Photos on Imagestation.com or in our new Photo Album.
October 2002
Thanks to our supporters.
Posted Monday, October 28, 2002 by johndilbeck
I'd like to take a moment to thank all of you who have purchased books, music, movies, and other products from our bookstore.
In association with Amazon.com, we offer access to hundreds of thousands of products, almost all of which are discounted from their retail price. We've invested hundreds of hours of work to make the bookstore's search engine help you find just what you're looking for, and it does it much faster than Amazon.com's own search engine does.
Over the next couple of months, you may want to purchase gifts for people important to you. If you're going to be purchasing books, music, movies, DVDs, electronics, toys, games, video games, computer software, tools and many more items, we'd appreciate it if you'd take a few minutes and try our bookstore and search engine. For every item you purchase from Amazon.com by first going through our store, we earn a small commission which is what pays to keep our site up and running.
You have to find the item in our bookstore and click on the link for the individual item to purchase it from Amazon.com for us to earn our commission. If you find it on our site and then go directly to Amazon.com to purchase, we won't receive any credit for the sale.
We appreciate your past business and support and invite you to continue purchasing through our store. You always have Amazon.com's outstanding customer service and most items carry a money-back guarantee if you don't like it when you receive your purchase.
I've bought hundreds of things from Amazon.com over the years with no problems. I'm happy to be associated with them and proud to offer our bookstore and search engine as a service to you.
If you're looking for posters, art, and photos, you're invited to visit my art store at JohnDilbeck.com.
Thanks again to those of you who have purchased from us in the past and we hope more of you will consider purchasing from us in the future.
GDR Website Updated
Posted Monday, October 28, 2002 by johndilbeck
Over the weekend, I've expanded the Classifieds section of the GDR site.
After careful consideration and testing, I decided to associate with EPage.com and offer some of their motorsports and drag racing classified ads and discussion forums on this site.
EPage.com adds value to the Open Directory Project's data, which is the largest human-edited directory on the web and has websites listed in well over 400,000 categories.
The owners of EPage.com have lots of experience in networked classified ads and they have over 23,000 sites carrying their ads. Recently, they opened EPage.com and they're in the process of ramping it up. As more people become aware of their services, more sites will be carrying their classifieds and discussion groups.
One such site is GeorgiaDragRacing.com. Another is JohnDilbeck.com. In addition to carrying some of their ads, we decided to sponsor several of the major sections of their directory. JohnDilbeck.com is the first sponsor of the entire Arts hierarchy. A couple of my other sites sponsor other sections. As of a few hours ago, GeorgiaDragRacing.com sponsors the drag racing section of the motorsports hierarchy.
So, what does this mean to you?
In our classifieds section, I've added pages for most of the categories available for drag racing, and two or three others I added because I could.
Most of the pages contain three basic features. First, there is a classified ads section for that particular category. Then there is a discussion forum for the category. Finally there is a section linked to the classified ads network carried on over 23,000 sites.
You can jump into a discussion on any of the forums (fora) or you can start a new topic. There is no cost to participate in any of these discussion groups. Just remember that each entry should not be too long, because of technical limitations. Don't write a whole page, but a couple of paragraphs should work. There are still a few bugs they're in the process of stomping.
Don't be shy. If you want to talk about drag racing, here's a new venue to do it.
If you'd like to post a classified ad, it will generally cost you about $2.00 per month, and you're obviously not limited to just the categories we carry here.
If you post a classified ad in the drag racing section, it will percolate upwards through the hierarchy and will appear on many other pages in auto racing, motorsports, and sports, which will give more people a chance to see and respond to your ad. Just remember that it's a relatively new site and they're in the process of building traffic. But, where else can you place an ad for a couple of bucks and have it appear before thousands of viewers for a whole month?
You can post an ad, or search for ads or auctions in the bottom section of each page, if you'd like. I regularly run several ads there. If you like canoes and kayaks, look for Arch Avary's ads for sterling silver and fine pewter nature and outdoor jewelry. Those are my ads, because I handle online sales for Arch.
Just above the classifieds and discussion forum listings, I have a link back to that particular category at EPage.com. So, for instance, if you're looking for other websites related to funny cars, you can go to our funny car ads page and click on the link that will take you to their directory page for funny car websites and lots of other related links. This makes it easy for us to give you links to many other drag racing sites while they're being compiled by the editors at the Open Directory Project.
If you have a website that isn't in the Open Directory Project, you can go to one of our classified pages and click on the link back to that category at EPage.com. Then, scroll to the bottom of that page and you'll see a link to add a site to the ODP. After you submit a site, it may take a while for it to show up because a human has to look at it.
I hope you'll find the classifieds and discussion fora to be a useful addition to this site.
Larry Dixon, Jeg Coughlin, and Angelle Savoie Clinch NHRA PowerAde Championships with Wins at Las Vegas. Force Wins Funny Car over Tony Pedregon to Extend His Small Points Lead.
Posted Sunday, October 27, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Warren Johnson runner-ups in Pro Stock while low qualifier Kurt Johnson ( Low ET and Top Speed )and Gene Wilson lose in the second roound.
NHRA Recap
Gene Wilson/Mopar Notes & Quotes
Posted Sunday, October 27, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Sun, 27 Oct 2002, 06:15 PM
Mopar NHRA Elimination Notebook from Las Vegas
Courtesy of David Harris
LAS VEGAS -- Mopar Motorsports NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series teams completed eliminations for this weekend’s NHRA national event at The Strip at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
The following are notes and quotes from today’s activity.
GENE WILSON, driver of the Mopar Parts Dodge Neon R/T
Fellow Hemi-powered Mopar Parts Dodge Neon R/T driver Greg Stanfield ended Gene Wilson’s day in the second round. Wilson, driver of the Mopar Parts Dodge Neon R/T, ran a 6.972-second elapsed time at 198.15 mph. Stanfield ripped off a 6.947-second lap at 198.20 mph.
“We made a good pass for that right lane,” Wilson said. “It was a little slick and I think it meant the difference. This season has gone by so fast. We’ve only got one more to go. I’d sure like to close out the season with a victory.”
Wilson moved to the second round with a victory over Mike Edward’s. The NHRA Pro Stock rookie’s .432 of a second reaction time and 6.960-second elapsed time at 198.38 mph was good enough to outdistance Edwards.
The Warren Report
Posted Sunday, October 27, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
For Release: Oct. 27, 2002
Contact: Rick Voegelin
TMG Sports Marketing
rickvoegelin@compuserve.com
831-761-2201
THE WARREN REPORT: Warren Johnson GM Performance Parts Race Report from
the ACDelco Las Vegas NHRA Nationals
QUICK RESULTS
Qualified: 2nd
Finished: Runner-up
Points: 4th
W.J. RACES TO RUNNER-UP FINISH IN LAS VEGAS
LAS VEGAS - Warren Johnson, the winningest driver in Pro Stock
history, made his first final-round appearance since April when he finished
as runner-up to Jeg Coughlin Jr. at the second annual ACDelco Las Vegas
NHRA Nationals. Johnson's GM Performance Parts Pontiac outpowered
Coughlin's Cavalier in the final round by .04 seconds, 6.929 to 6.969, but
Jeg's prescient .401-second reaction time determined the outcome.
Johnson's intensive engine development program continued to pay
dividends as Kurt and Warren qualified first and second respectively at Las
Vegas Motor Speedway. The father and son turned identical 6.921-second
elapsed times in qualifying, but Kurt was awarded the top spot on the
tiebreaker with a faster speed (199.20 versus 199.11 mph).
"Our 6.921 qualifying run corrected to best run we've ever made,"
Warren reported. "That indicates that either we've come up with more power
or we're getting the car down the racetrack more efficiently. Whichever it
is, we'll take it!
"We've been working hard, both the team at the race track and the guys
at the shop, to find out where we were deficient in performance," he
continued. "It looks like we've found a direction to take. Now it's a
matter of taking what we've learned here and building on it."
Johnson defeated a red-lighting Tom Lee in the first round
of eliminations, 6.932 to 7.046. He took out former NBA star Tom Hammonds
in the second stanza, 6.938 to 6.968. A semifinal victory over Greg
Stanfield, 6.932 to 8.486, advanced Johnson to his 138th career final round
appearance.
Johnson had lane choice over Coughlin and selected the favored left
lane. Coughlin took the advantage at the starting line with a
near-perfect .401-second reaction time and held off W.J. by .02 seconds at
the finish line to score his eighth victory of the season. Coughlin also
clinched the 2002 POWERade Pro Stock championship today.
"We knew going into the final that Coughlin would probably get a
good light because his side of the Christmas Tree was in shadow and my side
was in direct sunlight," Johnson said. "We accepted that situation because
we felt we could get down the left lane better. The car rattled the tires
just a little in low and second gear, and that might have hurt the e.t. a
half a hundredth at most.
"I'm extremely pleased that we ran 6.92 in the final," Warren
continued. "We have good data on the changes we've made in the last few
months. If we can continue this trend, I believe we can step up our
performance next year. That's what it's really going to take to be
competitive in 2003. If anyone has a performance edge and can break away
from the pack, that's going to be a significant advantage. Driving is
obviously an important element, but if you don't have performance, it
doesn't matter who's behind the wheel."
The NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series will conclude in two weeks at
the Auto Club NHRA Finals in Pomona, Calif. Johnson has scored eight of his
88 career victories on the fastest quarter-mile in Southern California.
WARREN JOHNSON RACE RESULTS
Qualified: No. 2 at 6.921/199.11 mph
First Round: Warren Johnson (6.932/198.82) defeated Tom Lee (7.046/196.56
- foul)
Second Round: Johnson (6.938/199.02) defeated Tom Hammonds (6.968/197.57)
Semifinal Round: Johnson (6.932/198.67) defeated Greg Stanfield
(8.486/115.96)
Final Round: Jeg Coughlin Jr. (6.969/198.55) defeated Johnson
(6.929/199.23)
Low ET: Kurt Johnson, 6.921 seconds (track record)
Top Speed: Kurt Johnson, 199.64 mph (track record)
PRO STOCK CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS
(After 22 of 23 events)
Driver Wins Points
1. Jeg Coughlin Jr. 8 1592
2. Jim Yates 1 1380
3. Greg Anderson 2 1292
4. Warren Johnson 1 1218
5. Ron Krisher 1 1134
6. Kurt Johnson 0 1041
7. Mike Edwards 2 953
8. Allen Johnson 1 916
9. Mark Whisnant 0 830
10. George Marnell 1 825
NEXT RACE
Auto Club NHRA Finals, Pomona, Calif., Nov. 7-10
The Kurt Chronicles
Posted Sunday, October 27, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
For Release: Oct. 27, 2002
Contact: Rick Voegelin
TMG Sports Marketing
rickvoegelin@compuserve.com
831-761-2201
THE KURT CHRONICLES: Kurt Johnson ACDelco Race Report from the ACDelco
Las Vegas NHRA Nationals
QUICK RESULTS
Qualified: 1st
Finished: 2nd Round
Points: 6th
KURT QUALIFIES NO. 1 WITH RECORD-SETTING PERFORMANCE
LAS VEGAS - ACDelco was on the top of the marquee at the ACDelco Las
Vegas NHRA Nationals and Kurt Johnson's ACDelco Cavalier was at the top of
the Pro Stock qualifying order. Johnson won his first Pro Stock pole of the
season and the 21st of his career with a track-record 6.921-second elapsed
time at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Kurt's father Warren was second on the qualifying list with an
identical 6.921-second time; K.J. won the tiebreaker with a faster speed,
199.20 mph to his father's 199.11 mph clocking. It was the 29th time that
the Johnson family has qualified 1-2 in national event competition.
"Qualifying is all about making the right decisions at the right
time," said Johnson. "We knew we had the power to make a good run, and it
all came together. It was cool to qualify the ACDelco Cavalier in the No. 1
spot at the ACDelco-sponsored race."
Kurt's Cavalier had a new look this weekend with special KISS
graphics that celebrated the legendary rock 'n' roll band's 30th
anniversary. Band members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley and ACDelco General
Manager Scott Mackie were the co-Grand Marshals of the second annual
ACDelco race.
Johnson dispatched Larry Nance in the first round of eliminations with
a 6.945-second e.t. at 199.26 mph. He then squared off with Allen Johnson
in the second round. K.J.'s Cavalier ran 6.923/199.64, the quickest e.t.
and fastest speed of eliminations, but he lost the decision to Allen's
6.966. A .498-second reaction time was Kurt's Achilles heel.
"Unbelievable!" said the disappointed driver. "That's the worst
reaction time I've had in months. Everything felt perfectly normal; I let
out the clutch and everything seemed good. When I got to the finish line, I
thought the win light in my lane was burned out. The run was smooth,
everything was great. I just can't believe it."
Although Johnson was sidelined on his way to the winner's circle,
his ACDelco Chevy set the performance pace for the second straight race.
K.J.'s Cavalier also set the track e.t. and speed records at the preceding
event in Dallas.
"The car is running perfectly, but we just aren't getting the breaks
we need to win," Kurt commented. "I feel bad for my sponsors and for
everyone on the team because I'm the one who's responsible. We're going to
keep working because I know the wins will come."
Kurt will have one more opportunity to rack up a victory in 2002 at
the season-ending Auto Club NHRA Finals in Pomona, Calif., on Nov. 7-10.
Johnson scored his last national event win at the Pomona Fairplex in
February 2001, and he's won there three times.
KURT JOHNSON RACE RESULTS
Qualified: No. 1 at 6.921/199.20 mph
First Round: Johnson (6.945/199.26) defeated Larry Nance (7.041/197.54 -
foul)
Second Round: Allen Johnson (6.966/199.08) defeated Kurt
Johnson (6.923/199.64)
Final Round: Jeg Coughlin Jr. (6.969/198.55) defeated Warren
Johnson (6.929/199.23)
Low ET: Kurt Johnson, 6.921 seconds (track record)
Top Speed: Kurt Johnson, 199.64 mph (track record)
PRO STOCK CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS
(After 22 of 23 events)
Driver Wins Points
1. Jeg Coughlin Jr. 8 1592
2. Jim Yates 1 1380
3. Greg Anderson 2 1292
4. Warren Johnson 1 1218
5. Ron Krisher 1 1134
6. Kurt Johnson 0 1041
7. Mike Edwards 2 953
8. Allen Johnson 1 916
9. Mark Whisnant 0 830
10. George Marnell 1 825
NEXT RACE
Auto Club NHRA Finals, Pomona, Calif., Nov. 7-10
Atlanta Dragway Results by Tim Glover
Posted Sunday, October 27, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
RACE DATE: October 26, 2002
FROM: Tim Glover
EVENT: Second to last bracket race at Atlanta Dragway plus rainout plus 10th
Anniversary Challenge
YOUNG VALERIE CLEMENTS IN THREE DIFFERENT FINALS WITH HER CLEMENTS ELECTRIC
MACHINE
by Tim Glover
Atlanta Dragway got to wrap up three races today in spite of the gloomy
forecast of rain. First, the rained out race from October 21 was completed,
next, National Dragster 10th Anniversary Jr. Dragster Challenge trophies
were awarded in the 8.90 and 12.90 heads up class. The day was wrapped up
with a bracket race for all categories. Six South Carolina racers nailed
down nine top four finishes, with three wins and two runner ups.
Nine year old Valerie Clements from Central, SC, an aspiring concert
pianist and straight A student from Ravenel Elementary school in Seneca, SC,
was knocking on the door of victory all day today. She finished in no less
than three Jr. Dragster finals today, and won her first ever race tonight
against newly crowned 8-12 champ "Mad Matt" Gillen (11) in today's event.
Clements' holeshot was what she needed to win, causing Gillen to break out
with an 8.88, 74.50 (8.90 dial). Clements went 12.98, 50.22 on her 12.90
target. Michael Krause (12) and Taylor Ramsey (9) finished in the
semi-finals. "It was her turn. Definitely. She tried hard," commented her
dad, Alton Clements II. When asked what she thought about her brother,
Alton III, finishing runner up in the 13-17 year old finals, Valerie said,
"He's mad because he didn't win."
Casey Free took the 13-17 Jr. Dragster victory tonight against Valerie
Clements' brother, Alton Clements III. Unfortunately for Alton, his machine
experienced torque converter problems in the final, causing him to run off
pace, 8.84, 70.98 on an 8.62 target. Free was ready to win, running a
near-perfect 9.852, 64.01 on his 9.85 dial-in time. Cody Martin (14), who
won the 8.90 heads up class and the rain delayed race earlier in the day and
Ashley Dumas (16) were the semi-final pair.
"Smokey Joe" Smith used his many years of experience to deal with a tricky
track tonight and take the Super Pro win against Thomas Bell. Smith ran a
dead-on 5.16, 131.59 in his Camping Time '00 Miller Dragster while Bell's
Undercover dragster fell off a little with a 5.08, 135.96 (5.05 dial).
Matthew Bates was in a Jr. Dragster last year, and finished in the
semi-finals tonight in the family's JBS '77 Camaro. Stacy Hooper, a
previous Sportsman standout, also finished in the semis with his '78 LUV
truck.
Who would have ever thought two Dodges from Walhalla, SC would ever meet in
the Sportsman final? Tom Moran, running a Bill Boomhower powered '72
Swinger, took on friend Bill Boomhower himself in the final, and Moran's
better react forced Boomhower's Ray Barton Hemi powered '65 Belvedere to
break out ever so slightly, 10.071, 133.14 (10.08 dial). Moran put down a
dead-on 10.98, 115.69 pass to seal the victory. "He wins either way,"
commented Moran, who had to buy supper for both crews as part of the
agreement they made before the final. "I'm proud of it, added Boomhower,
who built the 408 inch stroker engine. Travis Bryant ('68 Camaro) was the
lone semi-finalist.
Newly crowned Trophy Street champ Brian Harris has been dominating all
year, and in a repeat of the August 24 final, Harris, who declared he wanted
some Internet "Luv" for his accomplishments, got the win light. As it
turned out, the race was over as soon as opponent Kim Callahan left the
starting line before his time, leaving the big bad red bulb glowing. Both
chose to run their cars out through the finish line, with Harris turning in
a 13.95, 98.90 (14.05 dial) and Callahan running 13.19, 101.81 (13.15 dial).
Steve Marcum won earlier this year, and finished tonight in the semis with
his '00 Dakota, along with Deanna Everett ('90 Mustang).
Although he said he didn't think he had a chance, Sportsman champ Jacob
Rutledge won the Mr. Gasket Contingency Connection Challenge, which pitted
the "big car" track champs against each other, with the best package winning
$2500 in contingency awards, a trip to the PRI show and a chance to win
$5000 at the PRI show. Rutledge had a .513 tree, and ran 12.001 on a 11.98
dial, which was a .034 second package. Super Pro champ "John Boy" Smith had
a .545 react and went 5.030 on a 5.02 target, a .055 package, and Trophy
Street champ Brian Harris had a .161 package.
The gates opened early today to allow the remaining racers from the rained
out September 21 Summit ET series to finish. Although Sportsman, Motorcycle
and Super Pro were decided in September, the Trophy Street class and both
Jr. Dragster classes were continued today.
Phillip Wigington has been to the Trophy Street winner's circle before, but
not in 2002. That changed today when he found himself facing Shan Moxley in
the rain delayed final. Wigington put a 16.60 dial in time on his '94 S10,
and proceeded to lay down a close 16.62, 81.37 to get the win light.
However, three seconds into Wiginton's pass, Moxley left the red eye glowing
at the starting line, negating his otherwise good 13.49, 92.03 (13.44 dial).
Josh Harris (Mustang) was the semi-final finisher. Wigington thanked all
the guys in the Brat Pack for all their encouragement. He then donated his
winner's check to the Blake Shaw fund, which RFC (Racers for Christ) is
holding a benefit for next week.
Eleven year old Scott Digby won his first ever race today in the 8-12 year
old Jr. Dragster competition. Digby took on Valerie Clements (9) and got
the automatic win when Clements squeezed the tree just a little too much,
going .498 red. Digby's machine turned in an 8.93, 72.81 for the win, and
Clements went 13.12, 49.39 on a 13.04 target. Newly crowned track champ
"Mad Matt" Gillen (11) and Ashton Shubert (9) took home semi-final trophies
for their efforts.
Former track champion Cody Martin (14) took home the first of two trophies
today in 13-17 Jr. Dragster. Martin met Heath Snelgrove of the Snelgrove
racing family, and used a better react to take the win, running 8.99, 70.09
(8.90 dial). Snelgrove (14) was a little closer to the mark, but second
across the finish line with a 10.41, 61.64 (10.38 dial). Kelly Moore (15)
was the lone semi-finalist.
NATIONAL DRAGSTER 10TH ANNIVERSARY JR. DRAGSTER CHALLENGE
Martin continued his roll in the 8.90 Heads Up Jr. Dragster class, meeting
Ashley Dumas (16) in the final. Martin again used a better react to take
the win, running 8.96, 72.00 (8.90 index). Dumas came close to nailing the
index with an 8.91, 73.05, but was the second one across the finish line.
Kelly Moore (15) was the semi-final finisher. Martin thanked his parents
Lennon and Karen for their support, along with his sister Lindsey.
Seventeen year old Kristen Neal is facing "retirement" from the Jr.
Dragster ranks at the end of this year, but took home the big trophy in the
12.90 heads up class. Her car's best time was 9.20 seconds, which was not
competitive in the 8.90 class, so she opted for the only other class
available, pedaling the car on the big end to slow it down. She used an
incredible string of reacts, including a .526, .508, .500 and .539 to win.
Neal met Valerie Clements in the final and used the better react to cross
the finish line first with a 13.20, 48.07 (12.90 index). Clements went
13.03, 50.11 (12.90 index). Neal thanked Bill "Bubba" Satterfield for the
engine work, and her dad Sid Neal for the chassis work and support.
OCTOBER 26 RACE
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRO / SUPER PRO CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: "Smokey Joe" Smith '00 Miller dragster Lawrenceville,
GA 5.16 131.59 (5.16)
R/U: Thomas Bell Undercover dragster Toccoa, GA 5.08 135.96 (5.05)
Semi: Stacy Hooper '78 LUV truck Hiawassee, GA
Semi: Matthew Bates '77 Camaro Loganville, GA
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SPORTSMAN CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Tom Moran '72 Swinger Walhalla, SC 10.98 115.69 (10.98)
R/U: Bill Boomhower '65 Hemi Belvedere Walhalla, SC 10.07 133.14 (10.08)
Semi: Travis Bryant '68 Camaro Georgia
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TROPHY STREET CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Brian Harris '94 Cobra Toccoa, GA 13.95 98.90 (14.05)
R/U: Kim Callahan '67 Camaro Dawsonville, GA (foul) 13.19 101.81 (13.15)
Semi: Steve Marcum '00 Dakota Bogart, GA
Semi: Deanna Everett '90 Mustang Blairsville, GA
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JR. DRAGSTER 8-12 AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Valerie Clements 9 Central, SC 12.98 50.22 (12.90)
R/U: "Mad Matt" Gillen 11 Gainesville, GA 8.88 74.50 (8.90)
Semi: Taylor Ramsey 9 Commerce, GA
Semi: Michael Krause 12 Peachtree City, GA
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JR. DRAGSTER 13-17 AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Casey Free 14 Buford, GA 9.85 64.01 (9.85)
R/U: Alton Clements III 15 Central, SC 8.84 70.98 (8.62)
Semi: Ashley Dumas 16 Commerce, GA
Semi: Cody Martin 14 Buford, GA
COMPLETION OF RAIN DELAYED SEPTEMBER 21 RACE
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TROPHY STREET CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Phillip Wigington '94 S10 Canton, GA 16.62 81.37 (16.60)
R/U: Shan Moxley car Hiawassee, GA (foul) 13.49 92.03 (13.44)
Semi: Josh Harris Mustang Toccoa, GA
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JR. DRAGSTER 8-12 AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Scott Digby 11 Walhalla, SC 8.93 72.81 (8.90)
R/U: Valerie Clements 9 Central, SC (foul) 13.12 49.39 (13.04)
Semi: Ashton Shubert 9 Commerce, GA
Semi: "Mad Matt" Gillen 11 Gainesville, GA
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JR. DRAGSTER 13-17 AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Cody Martin 14 Buford, GA 8.99 70.09 (8.95)
R/U: Heath Snelgrove 14 Dahlonega, GA 10.41 61.64 (10.38)
Semi: Kelly Moore 15 Westminster, SC
COMPLETION OF NATIONAL DRAGSTER 10TH ANNIVERSARY JR. DRAGSTER CHALLENGE
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JR. DRAGSTER 8.90 HEADS UP AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH INDEX
Win: Cody Martin 14 Buford, GA 8.96 72.00 (8.90)
R/U: Ashley Dumas 16 Commerce, GA 8.91 73.05 (8.90)
Semi: Kelly Moore 15 Westminster, SC
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JR. DRAGSTER 12.90 HEADS UP AGE HOMETOWN ET MPH INDEX
Win: Kristen Neal 17 Snellville, GA 13.20 48.07 (12.90)
R/U: Valerie Clements 9 Central, SC 13.03 50.11 (12.90)
Semi: Ashton Shubert 9 Commerce, GA
Semi: Joshua Sisson 8 Gainesville, GA
AC Delco Renews Las Vegas Sponsorship
Posted Sunday, October 27, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
For Release: Oct. 27, 2002
Contact: Rick Voegelin
TMG Sports Marketing
rickvoegelin@compuserve.com
831-761-2201
ACDELCO RENEWS TITLE SPONSORSHIP OF NHRA POWERADE DRAG RACING SERIES EVENT
IN LAS VEGAS
LAS VEGAS - ACDelco, a leader in the automotive aftermarket parts
category and long-time sponsor of NHRA drag racing, has reached a second
multi-year agreement with the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) and The
Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway to continue as title-rights sponsor of
the second of two NHRA POWERADE Drag Racing Series events held annually at
the multi-purpose motorsports complex.
The third annual ACDelco Las Vegas NHRA Nationals, Oct. 23-26, is the
22nd of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERADE Drag Racing Series for
2003. The $2 million race, which will be televised by ESPN2, could prove
critical for NHRA teams chasing NHRA POWERADE championships in all four
professional categories.
"ACDelco is delighted to build on our successful relationship with
NHRA and Las Vegas Motor Speedway by extending our title-rights sponsorship
of the ACDelco Las Vegas NHRA Nationals," said ACDelco General Manager
Scott Mackie. "The autumn event in Las Vegas plays a pivotal role in
determining the NHRA POWERADE champions, and it is a key element in
ACDelco's marketing activities in conjunction with the Automotive
Aftermarket Industry Week trade shows that attract more than 80,000
attendees. Combining the excitement of Las Vegas with the power of NHRA
championship drag racing produces a winning combination that leverages
ACDelco's comprehensive motorsports marketing program as both a team and
product sponsor."
The commitment maintains ACDelco's involvement with the NHRA. ACDelco
also is the primary sponsor for Kurt Johnson's Chevy Cavalier in Pro
Stock competition. In addition, ACDelco is an associate sponsor on six-time
NHRA Pro Stock champion Warren Johnson's GM Performance Parts Pontiac Grand
Am.
"We're pleased that ACDelco is continuing its support of the NHRA
POWERADE Drag Racing Series by renewing their title sponsorship of one of
the critical stops on the tour where POWERADE championship titles are often
decided," said Bob Wagner, NHRA vice president of sales and business
development. "ACDelco has demonstrated its passion and commitment to NHRA
Drag Racing through their sponsorship of two of the most competitive Pro
Stock teams and they have certainly established themselves as a leading
title-rights sponsor by hosting an outstanding event in the nation's
capital city of entertainment, Las Vegas."
The ACDelco Las Vegas NHRA Nationals is one of two NHRA POWERADE
Drag Racing Series events hosted by The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
The quarter-mile facility also hosts the SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals in
April.
"ACDelco has been a great partner of Las Vegas Motor Speedway since
the announcement in 2000 that The Strip would host a second NHRA national
event," said Chris Powell, LVMS president and general manager. "ACDelco is
the only primary sponsor in the history of our fall event, and we look
forward to its involvement for many more years. ACDelco has been
instrumental in helping promote this event, which has become one of the
most anticipated stops on the NHRA schedule."
Tickets are available for the ACDelco Las Vegas NHRA Nationals. For
more information, call (800) 644-4444 or log on to www.tickets.com.
ACDelco is a global leader in automotive replacement parts and
services, offering more than 70,000 part numbers in 36 product lines for
all types and brands of vehicles. ACDelco is headquartered in Grand Blanc,
Mich., and markets automotive products worldwide under its brand names. For
more information, visit the ACDelco website at acdelco.com or call
1-800-ACDelco.
The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway is owned by Las Vegas
Motor Speedway, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Speedway Motorsports, Inc., a
leading marketer and promoter of motorsports entertainment in the United
States.
Headquartered in Glendora, Calif., the NHRA is the primary
sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States. It
presents 23 national events through its NHRA POWERADE Drag Racing Series.
The NHRA has more than 80,000 members nationwide and more than 130 member
tracks. The NHRA-sanctioned sportsman and bracket racing series provide
competition opportunities for drivers of all levels. The NHRA develops the
stars of tomorrow by offering the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, NHRA
Summit Sport Compact Series, NHRA Summit Racing Series and the Street Legal
Program. The NHRA also offers the Castrol GTX Jr. Drag Racing League for
youths ages 8 to 17.
Herbert, Sarver, Kurt Johnson, and Hines are Top Qualifiers at NHRA PowerAde ACDelco Las Vegas NHRA Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Posted Sunday, October 27, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Georgia Pro Stock racer Kurt Johnson qualifies #1, WJ is right there for #2 ( same ET - slower speed ), and Gene Wilson nails down the #6 position. Mark Whisnant finishes #19. He only missed by 1/1000th of a second! Its hard to believe how close the Pro Stock fields are this year. Qualifying Recap
Mark Whisnant Press Release
Posted Sunday, October 27, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
RW PERFORMANCE PRO STOCK CHEVY CAVALIER
MARK WHISNANT – DRIVER REID WHISNANT – OWNER
October 26, 2002
CONTACT: Patti Miles 336-798-7212 704-957-3940 (Mobile)
pattie.miles@worldnet.att.net
Whisnant Sets His Sights At Pomona
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Mark Whisnant’s hopes of qualifying for the 2nd annual AC Delco NHRA Nationals dissolved when he was bumped out of the field in the fourth round of qualifying.
“To say that I am disappointed is an understatement,” said Whisnant of Stockbridge, Ga. “We came here knowing that we need to qualify to stay in the top ten in the points.
“As a rookie, finishing the season in the top ten is a big deal. We will not know where we stand until after eliminations tomorrow, but we are not giving up either. Our last race of the season will be in Pomona in two weeks. We will be there, and will give it everything we have.
The race on the 2002 POWERade Drag Racing series will be the 38th annual Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals in Pomona, Calif. November 7-10.
# # #
Whisnant Quick Facts
Currently 9th in NHRA Pro Stock Points
4th in King Demon Points
2 Final Round Appearance in 2002 (Topeka & Seattle)
3 Semi-Final Round Appearances in 2002 (Gainesville, Columbus, and St. Louis)
Number 1 Qualifier at Seattle 2002
Career Best ET 6.777 (Seattle 2002)
Career Best mph 202.73 (Englishtown 2002)
Kurt Johnson #2 ( 6.946 ), Warren Johnson #3 ( 6.948 ), Gene Wilson #10 ( 6.963 ), and Mark Whisnant #18 ( 6.982 ) After Two Pro Stock Qualifying Sessions at the NHRA POWERade ACDelco Las Vegas NHRA Nationals
Posted Saturday, October 26, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Larry Dixon leads Top Fuel, Tony Pedregon is #1 in Funny Car, and Angelle Savoie is at the top in Pro Stock Bike after the first two qualifying sessions.
Pro Stock Qualifying Results
NHRA Las Vegas Results
Mark Whisnant Press Release
Posted Wednesday, October 23, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
RW PERFORMANCE PRO STOCK CHEVY CAVALIER
MARK WHISNANT – DRIVER REID WHISNANT – OWNER
October 21, 2002
CONTACT: Patti Miles 336-798-7212 704-957-3940 (Mobile)
pattie.miles@worldnet.att.net
Whisnant Takes His Chances At The Strip
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Mark Whisnant, driver of the RW Performance Pro Stock Cavalier, will travel to Las Vegas, Nev. this week for the 2nd Annual AC Delco NHRA Nationals.
This will be Whisnant’s second attack on the Strip at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. In his first visit to the Strip, Whisnant and his RW Performance team encountered a multitude of mechanical failures, which caused them not to qualify for that event. Coming into this race, Whisnant has put his spring race experience behind him, and he feels confident about his chances of qualify for Sunday’s race.
"Our first trip here to the Strip with a Pro Stock car, was really a comedy of errors," said Whisnant. "We had so many problems here in the spring that I was surprised that we qualified as high as 25th. We really should have been 35th, as bad as we were.
"We came here fresh off of going all the way to the semi’s at our first race with a Pro Stock car in Gainesville. We thought we were invincible, but we really were put in our place that weekend. But that is just what we needed.
"We need to DNQ here in the spring to bring us down to earth and set our minds to the work, we now know, you have to do to race competitively in this Pro Stock class.
"This class is not for the weak of heart. You can go from a hero to a zero in about six seconds, with no problem at all. Every car entered at any event is quick, and every driver good enough to have his Pro Stock license, can beat you on any given day. If you have a self-esteem problem, do not race Pro Stock, because it can be a humbling experience. We have learned that this year the hard way.
"The upside to the spring race is that we gathered good data on this race track. The altitude and dry conditions are not great for Pro Stock racing. The key here is to get as much as you can out of the car without hurting it, and that is our plan this weekend.
"James (Crew Chief James Reichard) and the guys plan to finesse this car down the track. We know that at this altitude we will be down on power, and what we do have we will have to make it work in our favor.
"These guys give me a great racecar to drive every week. I am confident that we will have a car fast enough to qualify here. Now all we have to do is make good runs, in the good lane, at the right time; and we will be in the show. Simple."
Qualify at the 2nd Annual AC Delco NHRA Nationals in Las Vegas, Nev., will begin on Friday Oct. 25, and continue on Saturday Oct. 26. Eliminations will begin at 11:00 AM EST on Sunday Oct. 27.
# # #
Whisnant Quick Facts
Currently 9th in NHRA Pro Stock Points (820 points)
4th in King Demon Points (1685 points)
2 Final Round Appearance in 2002 (Topeka, Seattle)
3 Semi-Final Round Appearances in 2002 (Gainesville, Columbus, and St. Louis)
Career Best ET 6.777 (Seattle 2002)
Career Best MPH 202.73 (Englishtown 2002)
2nd Annual AC Delco NHRA Nationals
TV Schedule
Qualifying Highlights
Saturday Oct. 26 10:30 PM – 12:00 AM EST (ESPN2)
Eliminations Coverage
Sunday Oct. 27 7:30 – 10:00 PM EST (ESPN2)
Repeat Eliminations
Monday Oct. 28 2:00 – 4:00 PM EST (EPSN2)
GDR Website Updated
Posted Wednesday, October 23, 2002 by johndilbeck
David filed his report on his trip to Henderson, NC, for the East Coast Drag Times Hall of Fame and 2002 Reunion.
Drop by the Articles & Stories section for that and other articles.
Gene Wilson Nominated for NHRA Rookie of the Year
Posted Wednesday, October 23, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
NHRA Rookie of the Year Details
Jimmy Rector Press Release
Posted Wednesday, October 23, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Tue, 22 Oct 2002, 06:41 PM
Rector Locks up Funny Car World Championship at the “Rock”
Courtesy of Bill Severino- Nitro Web Designs
ROCKINGHAM, N.C. -- Season-long points leader Jimmy Rector clinched his second IHRA Funny Car World Championship at the 7th annual CARQUEST World Finals at North Carolina’s Rockingham Dragway this past weekend.
Rector needed only to qualify 15th or better to secure the championship, and he did it in impressive fashion, qualifying in the No. 4 spot by blasting out a great pass of 5.791 at 240.85 mph on his first attempt on Friday.
An elated Rector commented after the pass, “We came here this weekend to accomplish two things; first to clinch the World Championship, and then win the World Finals.”
In the first round of eliminations, Rector squared off with Chris Foster of Davenport, Iowa. Rector got out of the gate first with a .491 reaction time to Foster’s .576, and never looked back on his way to a meeting with Philip Hooper in the second round.
It was here that Rector’s day came to an end, however, when the car failed to fire on the line.
Rector noted afterwards, “We came here to win the championship and this race, but because of a two cent part we did not accomplish the latter. The crew replaced motors between rounds, and when we fired the car one of the screws that holds the Teflon on the rotors backed out, which locked the blower up. I hate the fact that the Rector & Morrison crew worked so hard this year and it had to end like this. We did accomplish our main goal, however, winning the World Championship!”
During 2002 Hooters IHRA Drag Racing Series competition Rector won five straight national events, winning a total of seven on the year, along with runner-ups in Toronto, Canada and Epping, New Hampshire.
Rector and Morrison Racing would like to thank the crew: Junior Gossett, Wes Gossett, John Neyman, James Roberts, and Bill Severino for all the hard work they put in this year. We especially want to thank Holbrook Performance Parts, because without their dedication we would not have been able to win a second IHRA Funny Car World Championship.
Visit the official website of Jimmy Rector at http://www.jimmyrector.com/
Visit Holbrook Performance Parts at http://www.holbrook-performance.com/
Gene Wilson/Mopar Press Release
Posted Wednesday, October 23, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Tue, 22 Oct 2002, 06:59 PM
Mopar Motorsports NHRA Notebook Viva Las Vegas
Courtesy of David Harris
WILSON’S POKER RUN. Mopar-backed Pro Stock rookie Gene Wilson has had a notable run of success recently. The Canton, Ga., resident has driven to the finals in two of the last three NHRA national events. Wilson lost to Jeg Coughlin, Jr., in his first-career NHRA final at the Memphis (Tenn.) Motorsports Park on Sept. 12. The 29-year-old driver then trekked to the finals of the most recent O’Reilly NHRA Fall Nationals at the Texas Motorplex, again falling short to Coughlin. During this stretch, Wilson also captured his first-career No. 1 qualifier at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Ill., on Sept. 28.
WHEEL OF FORTUNE. Earlier this season, Darrell Alderman and his Hemi-powered Mopar Parts Dodge Neon R/T ran through the Las Vegas Pro Stock field before losing to Ron Krisher in the final. The three-time POWERade Pro Stock world champ had just come off his first victory of the season over Jeg Coughlin, Jr., in Gainesville, Fla. It was the first time since 1995 that Alderman had recorded seven-straight round victories during NHRA national event competition.
SIGNING STARS. Mopar Pro Stock drivers Darrell Alderman and Gene Wilson will join a group of illustrious NHRA stars for autographs at the ESPN Zone on the famous strip in Las Vegas, Thursday night. The Zone, located in the New York, New York Casino, will host the session from 7-8 p.m., WST.
The Warren Report
Posted Tuesday, October 22, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
For Release: Oct. 22, 2002
Contact: Rick Voegelin
TMG Sports Marketing
rickvoegelin@compuserve.com
831-761-2201
THE WARREN REPORT: Warren Johnson GM Performance Parts News & Notes for
the ACDelco Las Vegas NHRA Nationals, Las Vegas, Oct. 25-27
JOHNSON GOES FOR BROKE IN LAS VEGAS
One year ago at the ACDelco Las Vegas NHRA Nationals, Warren Johnson
was racing for the Pro Stock championship. When the NHRA POWERade Drag
Racing Series returns to Las Vegas Motor Speedway for the second
annual ACDelco-sponsored race, Johnson will have his eyes on another prize:
the 2003 title. With this season's crown effectively out of reach, Johnson
won't be counting points and calculating championship scenarios. He'll be
racing to win - and to get a head start on next year's title run.
"Our engine development program threw us a bone," said the driver of
the GM Performance Parts Pontiac, "and now we're gnawing on it."
Long acknowledged as an expert in the art and science of
making horsepower, Johnson was instrumental in the design and development
of GM's purpose-built Drag Race Competition Engine (DRCE) in 1983. After
nearly two decades and dozens of updates, the DRCE - now in its
second-generation form - remains the foundation of GM's Pro Stock engine
program. Johnson is currently focused on a third-generation version that is
slated to debut in 2003.
"Since the U.S. Nationals, when we embarked on our latest engine
R&D project, we've raised the horsepower peak by 300 rpm," W.J. revealed.
"This significant shift in the power curve requires corresponding changes
in the gear ratios and clutch setup to use the power efficiently. If we
continue to find improvements, I would say that we'll be quite formidable
next year. The performance curve is definitely headed in the right
direction."
A holeshot loss in the first round of the preceding race in
Dallas prevented Johnson from showing his hand, but he's confident that
he'll hold the high cards this weekend in Las Vegas. The track's 2,100-foot
elevation and the dry air of the Nevada desert are a perfect fit for W.J.'s
combination.
"The relative altitude and lack of humidity in Las Vegas shouldn't
affect our performance as adversely as they will some of our competitors,"
Johnson predicted. "Our approach characteristically doesn't respond as well
in ideal conditions, but it also isn't as badly affected when conditions
are less than perfect."
Johnson will be racing under the banner of his long-time associate
sponsor ACDelco this weekend at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
ACDelco supported Johnson as his primary sponsor in 1988, and he carried
the familiar red, white and blue ACDelco colors when he won his first NHRA
championship in 1992. Johnson's long-term association with ACDelco is one
of the most enduring in motorsports.
"There will be more people around the trailer and we'll have
more obligations than usual, but it's never a distraction when ACDelco
sponsors an event," Johnson noted. "We know how to manage our time and
resources, and there isn't any more pressure to win than there is at any
other race. We approach every race with the same intensity."
There is one sure bet in Las Vegas: Warren Johnson will be focused
on winning.
WARREN JOHNSON'S LAS VEGAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY RECORD
Year Qual. Result
2000 4 Runner-up (to J. Coughlin)
2001 Spring 7 First Round
2001 Fall 15 First Round
2002 6 Second Round
The Kurt Chronicles
Posted Tuesday, October 22, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
For Release: Oct. 22, 2002
Contact: Rick Voegelin
TMG Sports Marketing
rickvoegelin@compuserve.com
831-761-2201
THE KURT CHRONICLES: Kurt Johnson ACDelco News & Notes for the ACDelco
Las Vegas NHRA Nationals, Las Vegas, Oct. 25-27
JOHNSON DRESSED TO THRILL IN LAS VEGAS
It's said that familiarity breeds contempt, but for Pro Stock racer
Kurt Johnson, familiarity with his ACDelco Cavalier has bred contentment.
After running the quickest elapsed time and the fastest speed at the
preceding event in Dallas, Johnson is comfortable and confident in his
Chevrolet race car.
"The car is consistently fast now, and that gives me confidence that
we can win for ACDelco in Las Vegas," said Johnson. "It's like taking your
wife to a dance: You know her moves, and you're not worried that she'll
step on your feet."
Johnson's "dance partner" will have a new look for the
ACDelco-sponsored event. K.J.'s ACDelco Cavalier will debut special
graphics celebrating the 30th anniversary of the legendary rock band KISS.
Sporting images of the band on his race car and flames on his driving suit,
Johnson is ready for a hot time in Las Vegas - and perhaps a kiss from Lady
Luck at the second autumn race at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
K.J. will go to the bright lights of Las Vegas fresh from a
record-setting performance at the Texas Motorplex, where he established the
track e.t. and speed marks at 6.785 seconds and 204.03 mph respectively.
Kurt's career-best speed was the second fastest run in Pro Stock history.
"When I checked the weather conditions on Sunday morning in Dallas,
the computer said we'd run 6.78 at 204 mph," Kurt recalled. "We hit the
marks perfectly. We knew the car had the potential to run those numbers so
I wasn't surprised when they came up on the scoreboard.
"We're making fine adjustments to the setup now instead of
radical changes," he reported. "The Jerry Haas chassis and GM horsepower
are working well together. There aren't any magic cars or magic motors in
Pro Stock today; it's a matter of making the package as perfect as
possible. If you want to see magic, go to one of the shows."
With his primary sponsor's logo on the marquee and his seven-year
winning streak on the line, Johnson's motivation level is pegged. But he
also knows that luck is the wild card on the racetrack as well as in the
casinos.
"With the conditions we expect in Las Vegas, qualifying could come down
to one roll of the dice on Friday night," he predicted. "You can have a
fast car and a powerful motor, but you never know when something unexpected
is going to happen. If a valve spring breaks or a gear fails in the best
session, it can be tough to bump into the field.
"We tested at Las Vegas Motor Speedway after the April race and made
nine solid runs," Kurt recalled. "We have good data, a great race car and
a confident outlook. We have everything we need to hit the jackpot at
the ACDelco Las Vegas NHRA Nationals."
KURT JOHNSON'S LAS VEGAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY RECORD
Year Qual. Result
2000 13 First Round
2001 Spring 8 Second Round
2001 Fall 9 First Round
2002 17 DNQ
East Coast Drag Times Hall of Fame & 2002 Reunion Report
Posted Tuesday, October 22, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Bill Pratt was nice enough to put an article that I wrote on his site - Draglist.com . I will have a more in-depth article posted on GeorgiaDragRacing.com soon.
East Coast Drag Times Hall of Fame & 2002 Reunion Report
Charlie Peppers Loses in Round 1 at the Hooters IHRA CARQUEST Auto Parts World Finals
Posted Monday, October 21, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Charlie's qualifying time of 6.541 holds up as Low ET for Pro Stock.
Pro Stock Summary
Mike Griger ( Perry, GA ) Wins Pro and Michael Wilson ( Tallapoosa, GA ) Wins Super Pro Bike at the NHRA Summit Racing Series Southeast Division Finals
Posted Monday, October 21, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Results
Charlie Peppers is Pro Stock #1 Qualifier at Rockingham!
Posted Sunday, October 20, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Charlie Peppers ( Auburn, GA ) qualifies #1 in the quickest ever IHRA Pro Stock field. Charlie ran a 6.541 track record ( and personal best ) in his Ford Mustang to lead the pack. Elijah Morton ( Jacksonville, NC )is the 16th qualifier at 6.599. Congratulations Charlie!
Final Qualifying Order
Jimmy Rector Clinches IHRA Funny Car Title in Qualifying at Rockingham
Posted Sunday, October 20, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Details
Michael Wilson (Pro Bike-Tallapoosa, GA) and Randall Slade ( High School - Waco, GA) Runner-Up in the Race of Champions at the NHRA Summit Racing Series Southeast Division Finals at Montgomery Motorsports Park
Posted Saturday, October 19, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Friday's Results
East Coast Drag Times Hall of Fame & 2002 Reunion
Posted Saturday, October 19, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
I've added a few pics from Henderson, NC in the GeorgiaDragRacing photo album. Thanks to Fred Simmons for supplying additional photos!
Henderson Photos
There are several pics from the Henderson event on my ImageStation page. Click here: ImageStation Pics
Charlie Peppers Leads Pro Stock Qualifying at The Rock
Posted Friday, October 18, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Charlie Peppers ( Auburn, GA ) ran a personal best of 6.541 @ 210.93 to set a track record and lead the quickest ever IHRA Pro Stock field at the IHRA CARQUEST Auto Parts World Finals ( Rockingham, NC ). Two more qualifying rounds are scheduled for Saturday.
IHRA Results
Jimmy Rector Press Release
Posted Thursday, October 17, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Tue, 15 Oct 2002, 02:07 PM
Rector Looks to Clinch World Championship at the “Rock”
Courtesy of Bill Severino- Nitro Web Designs
ROCKINGHAM, N.C. -- Season-long points leader Jimmy Rector is looking to wrap up his second IHRA Funny Car World Championship at the 7th annual CARQUEST World Finals at North Carolina’s Rockingham Dragway this weekend.
Personally and professionally, accomplishing the feat would bring about an extremely satisfying conclusion to the 2002 season for the Ft. Oglethorpe, Georgia, veteran.
Naturally, every racer wants to win championships, but in Rector’s case, there has been a greater than average incentive behind his efforts this season. Back in March, prior to kicking off his seventh season in the IHRA’s highly competitive Funny Car division, Rector was amazed to see that Drag Review magazine, the IHRA’s official publication, had picked him to finish eighth in points.
At the time, Rector recalls thinking, “How in the world can they pick me to finish eighth? I haven’t finished worse than third since I began racing in the IHRA.”
Undoubtedly, not being considered a threat to contend for the title this year only fueled Rector’s desire to win the World Championship even more, and it showed every time he took his Holbrook Performance Parts Camaro to the starting line. He opened the Hooters IHRA Drag Racing Series season with 5 straight victories, and took a commanding 128-point lead over second place competitor Dale “the Rail” Brand.
Just when Rector seemed unstoppable, however, an issue with the chassis sent the team spiraling into an uncharacteristic slump over the next two races, and Rector saw his points lead dwindle to a mere 32 markers over Brand going into the Sunoco World Nationals in Norwalk, Ohio.
Just when it looked as if Brand was going to overtake Rector in the championship points chase, however, the magic reappeared, and Rector reeled off back-to-back wins at Norwalk and Epping, New Hampshire, to move ahead of his rival by a margin of 86 points.
Going into the next event, the CARQUEST Mid-Atlantic Nationals in Budds Creek, Maryland, Rector knew he had to do just one thing, and that was go rounds. In the end, that was what he did, reaching his ninth final in eleven races this season.
Ultimately, his opponent Laurie Cannister won the event, but along the way she greatly helped the Rector and Morrison Racing team increase their lead to 109 points going into the at the “Rock” by eliminating Brand in the semifinals.
Rector and the Holbrook Performance Parts-sponsored Camaro crew are hoping to clinch their second IHRA Funny Car Championship this weekend at the 7th annual CARQUEST World Finals at Rockingham Dragway in Rockingham, Maryland.
Visit the official website of Jimmy Rector at http://www.jimmyrector.com/
Visit Holbrook Performance Parts at http://www.holbrook-performance.com/
GDR Website Updated
Posted Wednesday, October 16, 2002 by johndilbeck
Thanks to some great information from Fred Beall, we were able to update the information about the Mustang shown in photo GDR-00139. Thanks Fred!
David filed his report on his visit to the 2002 Old Drag Racer's Reunion. (There are several other articles available, too.)
We also added a link to Blackie Carbon at the bottom of David's Favorite Links page.
More updates coming next week, now that David's going to have a little time at home, rather than running all around the southeast playing with his drag racing friends.
(grin)
Photos from the East Coast Drag Times Hall of Fame & 2002 Reunion held October 6, 2002 in Henderson, NC
Posted Tuesday, October 15, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Here are a few shots of the Show, Shine, Swine & Dine and the East Coast Drag Times Hall of Fame & 2002 Reunion held October 5 & 6, 2002 in Henderson, NC. Thanks to Nancy Wilson and all of the participants for making this a great event!
Photos
The Kurt Chronicles
Posted Tuesday, October 15, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
For Release: Oct. 13, 2002
Contact: Rick Voegelin
TMG Sports Marketing
rickvoegelin@compuserve.com
831-761-2201
THE KURT CHRONICLES: Kurt Johnson ACDelco Race Report from the O'Reilly
Fall Nationals
QUICK RESULTS
Qualified: 5th
Finished: Semifinal
Points: 6th
JOHNSON STORMS TO TRACK RECORDS AT TEXAS MOTORPLEX
DALLAS - Kurt Johnson didn't win this weekend's O'Reilly Fall Nationals
at the Texas Motorplex, but his ACDelco Cavalier made a lasting impression
on both the competition and the record book. Kurt's Chevy ran the
quickest elapsed time and the fastest speed of the event, setting the Pro
Stock track records en route to his fourth semifinal-round finish in the
last six events.
Kurt qualified fifth at 6.865 seconds, and his booming 202.47 mph
top speed in qualifying was a hint of things to come. When the temperature
dropped to the low 60s on race day, the stage was set for a
record-setting performance.
"We ran under cool conditions in Maple Grove and Chicago, but now with
a different engine combination, we have to put our heads together and
figure out what we're going to do," Johnson said after qualifying. "The car
has been very forgiving and it's going straight down the track. If I can
get my foot off the clutch on time, we should be able to win some rounds."
Kurt's prediction came true when he defeated Larry Nance in the
opening round with a 6.792, the quickest e.t. of the round, and 203.94 mph
speed, the fastest to the point. In the second stanza, he dispatched Brad
Jeter with a 6.785-second elapsed time at a booming 204.03 mph - marks that
erased the track records set by Warren Johnson in 1999.
Johnson's performance pace slowed slightly in his semifinal match
with Gene Wilson as the Mopar driver's 6.840-second e.t. at 202.06 mph
edged Kurt's quicker 6.822 at 203.11 mph. K.J.'s .438-second reaction time
was good, but Wilson's .419 was better.
"We're trying so hard to win a race for ACDelco and Chevrolet that
we leaned on the engine too hard and burned a piston in the semifinals,"
Kurt reported. "The car slowed down just a little and we lost by less than
two thousandths of a second.
"Our new motor program is looking really good, but under these
conditions we took one step over the edge," he explained. "My driving was
good, with .430 and .420 reaction times, so I'm convinced we're going to
win very soon."
There would be no better place for K.J. to post a victory than
the upcoming race with his sponsor's name on the marquee, the ACDelco Las
Vegas Nationals at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Oct. 25-27.
KURT JOHNSON RACE RESULTS
Qualified: No. 5 at 6.865/202.24mph
First Round: Johnson (6.792/203.94) defeated Larry Nance (7.360/147.92)
Second Round: Johnson (6.785/204.03) defeated Brad Jeter (13.204/63.51)
Semifinal: Gene Wilson (6.840/202.06) defeated Johnson (6.822/203.11)
Final Round: Jeg Coughlin Jr. (6.826/202.33) defeated Gene
Wilson (6.833/202.33 - foul)
Low ET: Kurt Johnson, 6.785 seconds (track record)
Top Speed: Kurt Johnson, 204.03 mph (track record)
PRO STOCK CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS
(After 21 of 23 events)
Driver Wins Points
1. Jeg Coughlin Jr. 7 1478
2. Jim Yates 1 1370
3. Greg Anderson 2 1282
4. Warren Johnson 1 1121
5. Ron Krisher 1 1079
6. Kurt Johnson 0 983
7. Mike Edwards 2 921
8. Allen Johnson 1 843
9. Mark Whisnant 0 820
10. Darrell Alderman 1 794
NEXT RACE
ACDelco Las Vegas NHRA Nationals, Las Vegas, Oct. 25-27
The Warren Report
Posted Tuesday, October 15, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
For Release: Oct. 13, 2002
Contact: Rick Voegelin
TMG Sports Marketing
rickvoegelin@compuserve.com
831-761-2201
THE WARREN REPORT: Warren Johnson GM Performance Parts Race Report from
the O'Reilly Fall Nationals
QUICK RESULTS
Qualified: 3rd
Finished: 1st Round
Points: 4th
JOHNSON RAISES HIS GAME AT THE MOTORPLEX
DALLAS - Warren Johnson has virtually owned the Texas Motorplex since
the track opened in 1986, but his 20th career national-event appearance at
the all-concrete supertrack near Dallas produced a disappointing
first-round loss this weekend. Although W.J.'s day ended early at the
O'Reilly Fall Nationals, the dividends of his revitalized engine
development program were apparent as the Johnson family's race cars were
the quickest and fastest Pro Stocks on the track.
Johnson qualified his GM Performance Parts Pontiac in the No. 3 spot
at 6.855/201.79, qualifying in the top half of the field for the 19th time
in 21 events this season. His son and teammate Kurt qualified the ACDelco
Cavalier fifth at 6.865/202.24mph
"We've finally had time to work on our engine R&D," Warren reported.
"Kurt is running faster speeds than anyone else - the Cavalier has a
slight aerodynamic advantage over my Grand Am, but it's negligible. We
improved his program in the engine shop, and we're doing the same with
mine. If we can continue this trend, we should be in championship form next
season."
W.J. posted a 6.795-second e.t. at 203.43 mph in the first round, but
he was defeated by Mike Edwards' 6.826 at 201.25mph. Warren and Kurt were
the only Pro Stock drivers to run in the 6.70s at more than 203 mph at
the Motorplex.
"We just got too aggressive and spun the tires on the starting
line," Johnson said. "That's why there was no reaction time. But we
certainly got the performance back, so we're happy about that.
"We're not going to rest on those laurels," the Professor noted.
"This weekend's performance just gives us a direction to pursue. I hope
that we can continue to raise the bar to the point that it drives the
competition crazy!"
With a one-week break in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series
schedule, Johnson will be primed and ready to unnerve his rivals again at
the ACDelco Las Vegas NHRA Nationals at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Oct.
25-27.
WARREN JOHNSON RACE RESULTS
Qualified: No. 3 at 6.855/201.79 mph
First Round: Mike Edwards (6.826/201.25) defeated Warren
Johnson (6.795/203.43)
Final Round: Jeg Coughlin Jr. (6.826/202.33) defeated Gene
Wilson (6.833/202.33 - foul)
Low ET: Kurt Johnson, 6.785 seconds (track record)
Top Speed: Kurt Johnson, 204.03 mph (track record)
PRO STOCK CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS
(After 21 of 23 events)
Driver Wins Points
1. Jeg Coughlin Jr. 7 1478
2. Jim Yates 1 1370
3. Greg Anderson 2 1282
4. Warren Johnson 1 1121
5. Ron Krisher 1 1079
6. Kurt Johnson 0 983
7. Mike Edwards 2 921
8. Allen Johnson 1 843
9. Mark Whisnant 0 820
10. Darrell Alderman 1 794
NEXT RACE
ACDelco Las Vegas NHRA Nationals, Las Vegas, Oct. 25-27
Gene Wilson Goes to Pro Stock Final at NHRA POWERade O'Reilly Fall Nationals presented by Castrol Syntec - Pro Winners are: Kalitta, Worsham, and Coughlin
Posted Sunday, October 13, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Ennis, TX
NHRA POWERade O'Reilly Fall Nationals presented by Castrol Syntec
Gene Wilson fouled in the final round to Jeg Coughlin. Gene ( Canton ,GA ) had defeated Kurt Johnson ( Sugar Hill, GA ) with a holeshot (0.419) 6.840 202.06 to Kurt's (0.438) 6.822 203.11 in the semi final round. Kurt Johnson had set Low E.T. and Top Speed in the second round with a 6.785 @ 204.03 MPH pass. Warren Johnson ( Sugar Hill, GA ) suffered a holeshot loss to Mike Edwards in the first round. WJ posted an impressive 6.795 203.43 MPH in his losing effort. Mark Whisnant held on to 9th place in points after not qualifying.
Pro Stock Points Standings:
Pro Stock
1. Jeg Coughlin 1,478
2. Jim Yates 1,370
3. Greg Anderson 1,282
4. Warren Johnson 1,121
5. Ron Krisher 1,079
6. Kurt Johnson 983
7. Mike Edwards 921
8. Allen Johnson 843
9. Mark Whisnant 820
10. Darrell Alderman 794
11. George Marnell 793
12. Bruce Allen 790
13. Gene Wilson 737
14. V. Gaines 685
15. Tom Hammonds 668
NHRA RESULTS
Warren Johnson, Kurt Johnson, and Gene Wilson Qualify at Dallas. Cowin, T. Pedregon, and Krisher Lead Pro Fields.
Posted Sunday, October 13, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Warren Johnson (#3), Kurt Johnson (#5), and Gene Wilson (#8) are the Georgia qualifiers in Pro Stock at the NHRA O'Reilly Fall Nationals at Dallas, TX. Mark Whisnant came up short with a 22nd best qualifying effort in the RW Performance Cavalier. Don Garlits failed to qualify in Top Fuel after tossing blower belts on two of his runs.
NHRA Results
Mark Whisnant Press Release
Posted Friday, October 11, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
RW PERFORMANCE PRO STOCK CHEVY CAVALIER
MARK WHISNANT – DRIVER REID WHISNANT – OWNER
October 8, 2002
CONTACT: Patti Miles 336-798-7212 704-957-3940 (Mobile)
pattie.miles@worldnet.att.net
Whisnant Is Ready for Fall Nationals
Ennis, Texas – This weekend Mark Whisnant, driver of the RW Performance Pro Stock Chevrolet Cavalier, will make his way to Dallas, Texas for the 17th Annual O’Reilly Fall Nationals. With the NHRA POWERade season winding down, Whisnant is hoping a strong finish in Dallas will solidify his position in the Pro Stock points.
"We are getting down to the end of the season," said Whisnant, of Stockbridge, Ga., "and we want to finish well here in Dallas, and the next two races, so we can secure our position in the top ten. Finishing well in the points is our ultimate goal, but first we have to qualify for these last three races, which is easier said than done.
"The Texas Motorplex is a good racetrack. We have never had a lot of success here, but what I can remember about this track, is that it has a narrow grove. We know if you make a mistake and get out of the grove here, that you are in trouble. This racetrack can be very unforgiving.
"At most of the races this year, if you are not in the show on Friday night, then you are going home. I do not think that will be the case here this weekend.
"This weekend the weather in Dallas is supposed to be cool, that combined with an all concrete racetrack; the result is that we are going to have some great conditions for Pro Stock racing.
"What we want to do here in Dallas is to make a good pass in the first session, and set ourselves up to make a great pass in the ‘good’ night session, but the Saturday morning session will also be good. So realistically, we will have to make four great passes, in every round, to be one of the 16 racing on Sunday. Which is business as usual in Pro Stock racing."
Qualifying at the 17th Annual O’Reilly Fall Nationals presented by Castrol Syntec will begin on Friday Oct. 11, and continue on Saturday Oct. 12. Eliminations will begin at 11:00 AM EST on Sunday Oct. 14.
# # #
Whisnant Quick Facts
Currently 9th in NHRA Pro Stock Points (810points)
4th in King Demon Points (1685 points)
2 Final Round Appearance in 2002 (Topeka, Seattle)
3 Semi-Final Round Appearances in 2002 (Gainesville, Columbus, and St. Louis)
Career Best ET 6.777 (Seattle 2002)
Career Best MPH 202.73 (Englishtown 2002)
17th Annual O’Reilly Fall Nationals
TV Schedule
Qualifying Highlights
Saturday Oct. 12 4:00 – 5:30 PM EST (ESPN2)
Eliminations Coverage
Sunday Oct. 13 7:30 – 10:00 PM EST (ESPN2)
Repeat Eliminations
Tuesday Oct. 15 12:30 – 2:30 AM EST (EPSN2)
Second Annual Old Drag Racer's Reunion Recap
Posted Wednesday, October 9, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Old Drag Racer’s Reunion
September 27-29, 2002
After sweating out hurricane Isadore‘s path all week, the much anticipated trip to attend Sol and Anne Stewart’s Old Drag Racer’s Reunion in Panama City Beach, Florida was undertaken Friday morning ( September 27 ) in the dreaded RAIN! Much to my relief, a couple of hours into the trip the clouds broke up and bright sunshine filled the sky. I knew Sol and Anne had worked many hours putting this event together and I hoped for the best.
Upon arrival at the beautiful beach front location in Panama City Beach, with almost perfect weather conditions, I had the pleasure to finally meet Mr. and Mrs. Stewart. Sol and Anne are former drag racers and they also operated Sunshine Drag Strip in Panama City, Florida for several years. I also met up with my co-author ( on our upcoming book “ Atlanta Drag Racing: The Golden Years ) Marvin T. Smith. This was both a pleasure trip and a research trip for Marvin and myself. It was great to see many drag racing greats from the early years filing in for registration Friday afternoon. I had the opportunity Friday afternoon to meet a drag racing legend from Georgia that I had previously talked to several times on the phone. Hoyt Grimes, who was racing dragsters before I was born, made the trip down from Atlanta with his sons Garry and Larry. These are some of the nicest ( and most knowledgeable ) people that you could ever meet. Mr. Hoyt Grimes is nearly 80 years old and he still works everyday! Another Georgia drag racing great, Randy “Mr. Big Stuff” Payne also came in Friday afternoon and we had a chance to visit again. I also had the chance to finally meet FE Bob Fermier - a former drag racer ( Fermier Bros. ) that I had been communicating with via phone and emails for the last year or so. It was a pleasure to finally meet you, Bob! Funny car great, Larry Reyes, attended and I enjoyed being able to meet and talk with another of my childhood heroes!
On Friday evening, James Finch hosted a reception/private open house at his Phoenix Racing NASCAR shop. Live entertainment, food, and drink were provided for the packed event. Mr. Finch’s Winston Cup and Busch race cars along with several of Mr. Finch’s personal vehicles were also on display! He has a Ford Falcon with a late model, 510 horsepower engine that you had to see to believe- what an amazing car! Everyone seemed to have a great time and appreciated Mr. Finch’s generosity. Thank you, Mr. Finch, for allowing us to check out your operation!
Marvin and Sol had previously arranged an interview session for Marvin and myself with “Dyno” Don Nicholson for early Saturday morning. Mr. Nicholson had flown in from California Friday evening for the reunion. We had an enjoyable time talking to Mr. Nicholson about his Atlanta drag racing days. Saturday morning was also time for the car show portion of the event. Unfortunately, the unpredictable weather conditions in the southeastern United States during the previous week had a detrimental effect on the number of cars that were displayed. The car count may not have been large, but the quality of the cars was excellent! From T-Bolts and the “Chicken Picker” Willys, to currently campaigned drag cars and nice street machines, the car show was a hit with the fans. J.C. Johnson did a nice job with the car show and he also brought some of his cars along!
FE Bob Fermier brought along some of his great photos for a slide show and many other people brought scrapbooks and photo albums. The photos that I saw included some of the greatest drag racers and drag racing ever! I’m sorry that I didn’t have the time to look at each one.
The ceremony began with Mr. Stewart ( and others ) remembering many drag racers that are no longer with us. I had seen many of these people race in my younger years and I think that Sol should be commended for taking the time to recognize these pioneers. Mr. Frank Moring was awarded the annual Good Sportsmanship Award and Mr. Stewart announced the formation of the Southeastern Drag Racers Hall of Fame. The first four members inducted were: Jack Cooley, J.C. Sizemore, Billy “Big Deal” Jacobs, and Emmitt “Rattlsnake” Austin. Congratulations to these well deserving honorees! The directors of the Southeastern Drag Racers Hall of Fame will be Mr. Cooley, Mr. Sizemore, Mr. Jacobs, Mr. Austin, Mr. James Finch, and Mr. Sol Stewart. This will be a great and anticipated feature every year!
I had the chance to visit with Bobby Watson ( former racer and Phenix City drag strip operator ) after the ceremony was over and had a very informative and entertaining conversation. Mr. Watson was also responsible for the great looking reunion T-Shirts that were designed by Joel Naprstek of Race Car Art.
The Second Annual Old Drag Racer’s Reunion was one of the best experiences that I’ve had. Over 300 people attended and if not for the uncertainty of the weather, I’m sure even more people would have attended! Too many people attended to list, but thanks again to everyone involved in organizing and attending the reunion. A special thank you to Mr. Stewart for inviting me. I’m already looking forward to next year’s reunion and you’ll be missing out on something special if you don’t attend the 2003 Old Drag Racer’s Reunion! Stay tuned to GeorgiaDragRacing.com for next years date.
Photos from the Second Annual Old Drag Racer’s Reunion.
Atlanta Dragway Results by Tim Glover
Posted Wednesday, October 9, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
RACE DATE: October 5-6, 2002
FROM: Tim Glover
EVENT: Phillips Motorsports Super Eliminator Series at Atlanta Dragway
PEAVY TOPS FIELD OF WINNERS AT PHILLIPS SECOND ANNUAL FALL CLASSIC
by Tim Glover
SATURDAY (Commerce, GA ) No less than 11 different winners took home
awards during Saturday's edition of the Phillips Motorsports Second Annual
Fall Classic held at Atlanta Dragway. Early in the day, two youngsters,
Valvoline / Mulberry Farms backed "Mad Matt" Gillen (11 years old) and
Prestressed Transportation, Inc backed Lauren Turner (11 years old) faced
off in a one round, winner takes the championship run. (They were tied
after the second round of eliminations of the final Summit ET series race on
September 21, and had actually drawn each other to run during round three,
which would have settled the championship then, but rains came, postponing
the showdown until today. Turner crossed the finish line .006 seconds ahead
of Gillen, but her car was just a bit too quick, running 9.177, 70.20 on its
9.20 dial. Gillen's Valvoline Shark won with a 9.157, 71.54 on a 9.13
target. When asked what he thought when he saw the win light for his first
ever track championship, Gillen exclaimed, " I don't know because I had my
eyes closed!" This victory was the second track championship for his car
owner and dad, Bill Gillen III. "I really didn't think I would make it this
far," added Turner.
Before the main race started, a Run for the Money was put on for Footbrake,
Door Car and Dragster, with the winner of each getting the first round bye
run, as well as some extra cash. Al Garren won Footbrake with an 8.761 on a
8.76 dial, Mark Fowler won Door Car with 5.890 on a 5.89, and Drew Phillips
won Dragster with a brand new car, running 5.470 on a 5.47 target.
In addition to the main races, Quick 16 Door Car, Quick 16 Dragster and
Quick 32 was added to give everyone more chances to race and win. The
fields filled quickly, and Bobby Mason qualified #1 in Quick 16 Dragster
with a 4.670. The bump was 5.065, held by last week's winner Marty Wiles.
Local racer Mark Hancock qualified #1 in Quick 16 Door Car with a 5.094, and
Jimmy Loftis was on the bump spot with a 5.80.
According to announcer Rick Shackleford, Larry Peavy was everywhere except
the trash cans Saturday night. Peavy's Milledgeville, GA based '90 Corvette
didn't have much chance to cool down near the end of the race because it was
in three different eliminator finals.
First, Peavy won the Door Car class against local racer Joe Rampley from
Gainesville, GA. Peavy picked up the automatic win when Rampley's '92
Camaro left the starting line .006 seconds early, running 5.62, 121.96 on a
5.61. Peavy took advantage of Rampley's red light to run 5.26, 131.97 on a
5.27 target. Robert Ashley ('78 Pinto - Newberry, SC) was the lone
semi-finalist.
Then, Peavy then met another local racer, Mike Ramsey, in the Quick 16 Door
car final. Ramsey used a big starting line advantage to defeat Peavy with
his Commerce, GA based '81 Camaro, turning in an off the throttle 5.72,
120.97 (5.65 dial). Peavy's machine went 5.26, 131.97 on its 5.26 target.
Joe Rampley was also a semi-finalist in Q16 Door Car, along with low
qualifier Mark Hancock ('92 Firebird - Conyers, GA).
Peavy didn't let the Q16 loss bother him in the Super Eliminator final,
which featured a face off between Peavy and the winner of the Dragster class
in a one round, King of the Hill style format. Peavy used a slight starting
line advantage, coupled with a dead-on 5.260, 132.26 pass to take the
Saturday Super Eliminator win against Dragster class winner David Simmons'
Suwannee, GA based '00 Undercover dragster. "I couldn't have done this
without my wife, Sophie," said Peavy. She then said, "He worked me to
death!"
The wily veteran David Simmons took the Dragster class win tonight against
Milton Agee from Honea Path, SC. Somehow, Auto Start got Agee, fouling him
out and handing the win to Simmons, who legged his car out the back door,
running a good 5.08, 136.37 (5.07 target). "Smokey Joe" Smith ('00 Miller
Dragster - Lawrenceville, GA) was the semi-final finisher. Simmons thanked
George Rupert of Rupert's Alky Carbs and wife Loretta for their help.
DragRaceResults.com awarded CSI merchandise to the best package of the
weekend in each class. "Smokey Joe" Smith earned the Super Pro award by
turning in a .001 second package Saturday against B.J. Pittman. Houston
Kneece earned it with a .500 tree and dead-on with a 4 package in Footbrake
during round one on Saturday with his Caprice that he drives to the race
track. Their packages held up through Sunday's race.
The last time Newnan, GA racer Kenny Acree raced at Atlanta Dragway was a
few weeks ago, in a Dodge Diesel truck at the Hayes Mopar Meet. Today he
brought his faster ride, a four second '99 Undercover dragster, and competed
in Quick 16 Dragster in addition to the regular race. The move paid off for
him when he took the final round win stripe .002 seconds ahead of Eva Lane
from Hixson, TN. Although Lane had a .501 react with her '99 Undercover
dragster, Acree was a touch closer to his dial, running 4.860, 144.24 (4.85
target). Lane went 5.009, 137.20 on a 4.99 dial. "Slammin' Sammy"
Hollingsworth made it to the semi-finals with his Greenwood, SC based '97
Horton dragster, along with local racer Donny Brown, Jr. ('95 Spitzer
dragster - Buford, GA).
Dragsters ruled tonight in Quick 32. Mike Smith from Roanoke, AL, put his
new '02 Racecraft dragster into the winner's circle again with a breakout
5.054, 135.55 (5.06 dial). His opponent, Robby Callahan from The Rock, GA,
earned runner up spot with his '01 Miller dragster when he broke out more
with a .02 under 5.08, 135.96. Local racer Henry Snelgrove ('98 Bos
dragster - Dahlonega, GA) and Eva Lane's husband, Ron Lane ('02 Undercover
dragster - Hixson, TN) finished in the semis.
Jeff Taylor from Laurens, SC is no stranger to the Atlanta Dragway
Footbrake winner's circle. Taylor met former Atlanta Sportsman track champ
Tom Truluck in Saturday evening's final, and had Truluck covered from the
starting line to the finish line, winning with a 6.97, 95.95 (6.97 target)
in his '72 Nova. Truluck's ride, a '68 Firebird owned by friend Dickey
Forrester, was close with a 7.38, 92.98 (7.37 dial). Toby Barnes ('68
Camaro - Peachtree City, GA) was the single semi-final finisher. Taylor had
been working on his tune up for the first four rounds, which he apparently
did well. He then thanked Stone Performance for building a great engine.
SUNDAY
The first Sunday winners were in the Run for the Money event. Dan Owens
won Door Car in his '68 Camaro, which slipped a bit en route to a 6.850 on a
6.85 target. Brad Jeter, who also has competed in NHRA Pro Stock and Pro
Mod, won the Dragster portion with a 4.910 on a 4.91. Toby Barnes collected
the Footbrake portion in a '68 Camaro.
For years, Ricky Jones has tangled with Timmy Smith's dad, Mike Smith in
various final rounds. On Sunday, Jones met third generation racer Timmy
Smith (who recently turned 16 years old) in the Door Car final, and took a
narrow win with his '92 Camaro when Smith's '71 Vega Wagon broke out by a
slim .003 seconds, 6.787, 100.23 (6.79 target). Jones' Camaro ran a safe
5.91, 116.28 on a 5.89 target. Another young racer, Atlanta Dragway's own
"Hollywood" Jeremy Hancock ('67 Camaro - Conyers, GA) finished in the semis,
along with Gary Adams ('72 Chevelle - Carnesville, GA).
"Slammin' Sammy" Hollingsworth from Greenwood, SC said he finally broke
free of a two year slump, experiencing his best finish since the 2000
Million Dollar race (where he finished in the quarter-finals).
Hollingsworth's '97 Horton dragster won Dragster today against Robert
Buchanan's ailing '02 Racetech dragster (which made it to the final during
its very first race). Seeing Buchanan's car having problems, Hollingsworth
slowed his car to a winning 5.19, 121.30 (5.06 dial). Buchanan's machine
turned in a 5.93, 106.39 (5.63 target). After the race, Buchanan said his
transmission went sour, and he tried to cool it down for the final, but the
damage was done. Earlier in the day, he proved his ability to build a good
car by putting down a .006 package in round one, a .003 package in round
two, and a .004 package in round five. Phil Owens ('98 dragster - Lithia
Springs, GA) finished in the semi-finals, good enough to tie him with Tracy
Hardie for weekend points. Hollingsworth thanked Horton Race Cars for their
help.
Ricky Jones continued his momentum in the Sunday edition of Super
Eliminator, winning against Sammy Hollingsworth. Both racers ran dead-on
their dials, but Jones' 5.900, 116.59 was the best. Hollingsworth, who had
a .005 second reaction time advantage, went 5.078, 135.14, crossing the
finish line .003 seconds behind Jones' '92 Camaro. "I like this series. I
believe this is going to bring bracket racing to a new level," added Jones.
Footbrake winner Joyce Welsh from Blythe, GA said she also came out of a
year long slump, winning her first race in 2002 today. Welsh met local
racer and former Sportsman champ Lloyd Kaylor in the final, and came out on
top with an 8.21, 82.57 (8.20 target) in her '65 Chevy II. Kaylor's Winder,
GA based '72 Buick GS, which he has owned since the late '70s, had run
several 8.70s earlier in the day, but unfortunately for Kaylor, the dial in
number on his window for the final was 8.71. Kaylor broke out with a close
8.707, 81.52. Tom Wallace broke a rearend in his '66 Belvedere Saturday,
went all the way home to Carrollton, GA to get another, and finished today
in the semis, along with Toby Barnes ('68 Camaro - Peachtree City, GA).
Welsh gave credit to her friend and mentor, Jim Wood, for helping her win.
Finally, all theCooper Trailer Sales weekend points winner's received a
special Phillips "Willie" award, which was very popular among the racers.
Phil Owens and Tracy Hardie finished the weekend points series with a tie in
Dragster, so a coin flip determined Hardie to be the first recipient this
weekend. Ricky Jones won Door Car points and Joyce Welsh won Footbrake by
one point over Toby Barnes.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SATURDAY SUPER ELIMINATOR CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN REACT
Win: Larry Peavy '90 Corvette Milledgeville, GA 5.260 132.36 (5.26) .519
R/U: David Simmons '00 Undercover dragster Suwanee,
GA 5.076 136.37 (5.07) .522
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SATURDAY DRAGSTER CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN REACT
Win: David Simmons '00 Undercover dragster Suwanee,
GA 5.083 136.37 (5.07) .778
R/U: Milton Agee '00 Horton dragster Honea Path, SC (foul) (5.10)
Semi: Joe Smith '00 Miller dragster Lawrenceville, GA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SATURDAY DOOR CAR CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN REACT
Win: Larry Peavy '90 Corvette Milledgeville, GA 5.264 131.97 (5.27) .531
R/U: Joe Rampley '92 Camaro Gainesville, GA 5.620 121.96 (5.61) .494
Semi: Robert Ashley '78 Pinto Newberry, SC
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SATURDAY FOOTBRAKE CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN REACT
Win: Jeff Taylor '72 Nova Laurens, SC 6.973 95.95 (6.97) .548
R/U: Tom Truluck '68 Firebird Canton, GA 7.383 92.98 (7.37) .595
Semi: Toby Barnes '68 Camaro Peachtree City, GA
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUICK 16 DRAGSTER
Win: Kenny Acree '99 Undercover dragster Newnan,
GA 4.860 144.24 (4.85) .508
R/U: Eva Lane '99 Undercover dragster Chattanooga,
TN 5.009 137.20 (4.99) .501
Semi: Sammy Hollingsworth '97 Horton dragster Greenwood, SC
Semi: Donny Brown, Jr. '95 Spitzer dragster Buford, GA
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUICK 16 DOOR CAR
Win: Mike Ramsey '81 Camaro Commerce, GA 5.724 120.97 (5.65) .517
R/U: Larry Peavy '90 Corvette Milledgeville, GA 5.264 131.97 (5.26) .591
Semi: Joe Rampley '92 Camaro Gainesville, GA
Semi: Mark Hancock '92 Firebird Conyers, GA
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUICK 32
Win: Mike Smith '02 Racecraft dragster Roanoke,
AL 5.054 135.55 (5.06) .502
R/U: Robby Callahan '01 Miller dragster The Rock,
GA 5.082 135.96 (5.10) .519
Semi: Henry Snelgrove '98 Bos dragster Dahlonega, GA
Semi: Ron Lane '02 Undercover dragster Chattanooga, Ga
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JR. DRAGSTER 8-12 YEAR OLD CHAMPIONSHIP RUNOFF
Win: Matt Gillen 11 years old Gainesville, GA 9.157 71.54 (9.13) .571
R/U: Lauren Turner 11 years old Lawrenceville, GA 9.177 70.20 (9.20) .615
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUNDAY SUPER ELIMINATOR CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN REACT
Win: Ricky Jones '92 Camaro Manchester, GA 5.900 116.59 (5.90) .518
R/U: Sammy Hollingsworth '97 Horton dragster Greenwood,
SC 5.078 135.14 (5.07) .513
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUNDAY DRAGSTER CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN REACT
Win: Sammy Hollingsworth '97 Horton dragster Greenwood,
SC 5.195 121.30 (5.06) .526
R/U: Robert Buchanan '02 Racetech dragster Morganton,
NC 5.930 106.39 (5.63) .551
Semi: Phil Owens '98 Dragster Lithia Springs, GA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUNDAY DOOR CAR CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN REACT
Win: Ricky Jones '92 Camaro Manchester, GA 5.914 116.28 (5.89) .529
R/U: Timothy Smith '71 Vega Wagon Roanoke, AL 6.787 100.23 (6.79) .537
Semi: Jeremy Hancock '67 Camaro Conyers, GA
Semi: Gary Adams '72 Chevelle Carnesville, GA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUNDAY FOOTBRAKE CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN REACT
Win: Joyce Welsh '65 Chevy II Blythe, GA 8.218 82.57 (8.20) .523
R/U: Lloyd Kaylor '72 Buick GS Winder, GA 8.707 81.52 (8.71) .514
Semi: Tom Wallace '66 Belvedere Carrollton, GA
Semi: Toby Barnes '68 Camaro Peachtree City, GA
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Warren Report
Posted Monday, October 7, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
For Release: Oct. 4, 2002
Contact: Rick Voegelin
TMG Sports Marketing
rickvoegelin@compuserve.com
831-761-2201
THE WARREN REPORT: Warren Johnson GM Performance Parts News & Notes for
the O'Reilly Fall Nationals, Dallas, Oct. 11-13
JOHNSON AIMS TO TAME TEXAS TRACK
Among NASCAR stock car racers, Darlington is known far and wide as
the track that's too tough to tame. For devotees of drag racing, it's the
Texas Motorplex that has a reputation as the meanest track on the NHRA
POWERade circuit. Pro Stock stalwart Warren Johnson relishes a rematch with
the concrete supertrack near Dallas during the O'Reilly Fall Nationals on
Oct. 11-13.
"The rap sheet on the Motorplex reads that it's got an extremely
narrow groove," said Johnson, "and you'd better stay in it."
The Motorplex's glass-smooth concrete surface has been known to bite
the unwary. Even Johnson, a master of the art of driving skittish race
cars, has earned a "Motorplex Stripe" on his rear fender after a close
encounter with the unforgiving concrete wall.
The O'Reilly Fall Nationals presents just the kind of challenge
that intrigues the Professor of Pro Stock. Johnson has notched six
victories in 11 final-round appearances since the first NHRA national event
was held at the Motorplex in 1986. He won in 1989 over Larry Morgan, and he
defeated "Dodge Boy" Scott Geoffrion in 1997. He's beaten Jim Yates twice
in final rounds in fall events in Dallas (1998-99), and he defeated Mike
Edwards at the Motorplex in the spring of 1999.
"We've had some success there," said Johnson with his
characteristic understatement. "If conditions are good, you can run
extremely fast there. It's a track that rewards power, and I think we'll
have a few more ponies under the hood when we arrive."
The Motorplex suits Johnson's racing style. He has qualified in the
top spot 11 times, and he holds the track e.t. and speed records at 6.822
seconds and 202.33 mph respectively. W.J. set those marks in October 1999,
and they are the oldest Pro Stock records still in the book.
It's likely that those three-year-old records won't be standing at
the conclusion of the O'Reilly Fall Nationals if the weather cooperates.
Johnson will be packing record-setting horsepower under the hood of his GM
Performance Parts Pontiac.
"We're in the process of making more power," Warren reported. "We have
the cars working relatively well and we're comfortable with the chassis.
Now it's a matter of injecting more power into the setup, and that's what
we intend to do before we get to Dallas."
With a 276-point deficit to leader Jeg Coughlin Jr. in the NHRA
POWERade championship standings, a seventh Pro Stock title now appears to
be out of Johnson's reach. He is undeterred, however, in his relentless
quest for victory - and W.J. is already laying the foundation for next
season's title assault.
"We approach every race with the same energy and optimism," he
declared. "We're planning our development program so we will have proven,
race-ready parts for the new year. We've actually been working on the 2003
season since 2001! It's a never-ending process."
WARREN JOHNSON'S TEXAS MOTORPLEX RECORD
Year Qual. Result
1986 2 Runner-up (to Glidden)
1987 2 Second Round
1988 Not NHRA event
1989 1 Winner (over Morgan)
1990 2 First Round
1991 1 Runner-up (to Morgan)
1992 1 Semifinal
1993 1 Runner-up (to K. Johnson)
1994 1 Runner-up (to Geoffrion)
1995 1 Semifinal
1996 2 First Round
1997 Spring 1 Winner (over Geoffrion)
1997 Fall 8 Runner-up (to Yates)
1998 Spring 1 First Round
1998 Fall 1 Winner (over Yates)
1999 Spring 1 Winner (over Edwards)
1999 Fall 1 Winner (over Yates)
2000 Spring 2 Runner-up (to Gaines)
2000 Fall 3 Second Round
2001 8 Second Round
The Kurt Chronicles
Posted Monday, October 7, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
For Release: Oct. 4, 2002
Contact: Rick Voegelin
TMG Sports Marketing
rickvoegelin@compuserve.com
831-761-2201
THE KURT CHRONICLES: Kurt Johnson ACDelco News & Notes for the O'Reilly
Fall Nationals, Dallas, Oct. 11-13
JOHNSON BUILDS A SOLID RECORD ON CONCRETE QUARTER-MILE
Kurt Johnson can hear the clock ticking as the 2002 NHRA POWERade
Drag Racing Series winds down. With three races remaining on the 23-event
schedule, K.J. knows that time is running out as the series goes to the
all-concrete quarter-mile at the Texas Motorplex for the O'Reilly Fall
National on Oct. 11-13.
Johnson has built a reputation for winning on the rock-hard drag
strip near Dallas. He has competed 13 times in NHRA national event
competition at the Texas Motorplex, scoring three victories in five
final-round appearances. He won in 1993 over his father Warren, in 1995
over Robert Patrick, and in 2000 over Jeg Coughlin Jr. He was the No. 1
qualifier in 1997 and 2000.
"I can't wait to go to Dallas," Kurt declared after his semifinal
finish in Chicago on Sept. 29. "I've had success there in the past, and
with the way my ACDelco Cavalier is running, I think we can win at the
Motorplex again."
The unique Texas track has the only all-concrete racing surface on
the national tour. Its smooth surface offers abundant traction, but also
demands respect.
"Some racers have problems there, but we've always been able to run
right down the middle of the lane," said K.J. "All of my cars have been
good there - Cutlasses, Firebirds, Camaros and Cavaliers. As long as the
concrete is scraped and sprayed correctly, it's actually a better surface
than most tracks. The Motorplex is a premier facility, and it's always a
pleasure to race there."
K.J. has momentum on his side going into the O'Reilly Fall
Nationals. Since August, he's climbed from 12th to sixth in the
championship standings with a series semifinal-round finishes. The only man
standing between Kurt and the winner's circle is his current nememis,
points leader Jeg Coughlin Jr. Coughlin has won all five of the pair's
races this season, including the last two matches in Memphis and Chicago.
"Jeg's got my number this year," K.J. said with a laugh. "I've had
his number in the past, but this year I'm on the wrong side of the stats.
It's just a matter of time until they balance out.
"Races that were once decided by hundredths of a second are now decided
by thousandths," Kurt continued. "We only need a couple of thousandths to
start turning on the win light in my lane, and I think we can find them in
the dyno room before we leave for Dallas.
"With our performances in the last two months, the competition
definitely knows we're back," Johnson added. "My confidence level is up,
and I know that I can drive with the best of them on Sunday. The car is
running well, and the ACDelco team is totally focused on making the right
decisions. We're going to keep hammering away until that door to the
winner's circle opens."
KURT JOHNSON'S TEXAS MOTORPLEX RECORD:
Year Qual. Result
1993 6 Winner (over W. Johnson)
1994 5 Semifinal
1995 6 Winner (over Patrick)
1996 15 Runner-up (to Yates)
1997 Spring 11 Second Round
1997 Fall 1 Second Round
1998 Spring 5 Runner-up (to Edwards)
1998 Fall 5 Second Round
1999 Spring 2 Semifinal
1999 Fall 4 First Round
2000 Spring 1 First Round
2000 Fall 2 Winner (over J. Coughlin)
2001 11 First Round
More Photos From the Old Drag Racer's Reunion
Posted Thursday, October 3, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
I have added nine new photos that Rob Cole shot and was nice enough to share with us. Thanks, Rob!
Photos
Kurt Johnson Teams Up with KISS
Posted Thursday, October 3, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
For Release: Oct. 3, 2002
Contact: Rick Voegelin
TMG Sports Marketing
rickvoegelin@compuserve.com
831-761-2201
NOTE TO EDITORS: Illustrations of Kurt Johnson's ACDelco KISS Cavalier
are available in digital format on request.
Kurt Johnson Teams with KISS for ACDelco Las Vegas NHRA Nationals
LAS VEGAS - The second annual ACDelco Las Vegas NHRA Nationals
will combine the power of NHRA championship drag racing with the power of
rock 'n' roll when Pro Stock racer Kurt Johnson salutes the legendary rock
band KISS with special graphics on his ACDelco Pro Stock Cavalier. Johnson
will drive his special edition KISS ACDelco Cavalier in the penultimate
event of the 23-race NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series at The Strip at Las
Vegas Motor Speedway on Oct. 24-27.
"We're going to rock Las Vegas with serious starpower as well
as horsepower," said Johnson, 39, of Sugar Hill, Ga. "KISS is one of the
most famous bands in music history, and it's going to be a kick to
represent KISS in the entertainment capital of the world."
KISS exploded on the rock 'n' roll scene in 1975, quickly
establishing itself as a supergroup with hard-rocking lyrics, outrageous
makeup and spectacular live shows. The four members of the group created
unforgettable characters on stage: Gene Simmons ("The Demon"), Ace Frehley
("The Spaceman"), Paul Stanley ("The Starchild") and Peter Criss ("The
Cat"). The band has sold more than 80 million albums and enlisted legions
of fans in the KISS Army. Simmons will be the Grand Marshal and Stanley the
Honorary Starter at the ACDelco Las Vegas NHRA Nationals.
"We're going to expand the audience for NHRA drag racing by bringing
one of the biggest names in popular music to the ACDelco Las Vegas
NHRA Nationals," said Scott Mackie, general manager of ACDelco. "KISS is
billed as 'The Greatest Rock 'n' Roll Show On Earth,' and ACDelco is proud
to bring the group to the world's fastest motorsport.
"The KISS promotion is a unique opportunity for ACDelco to connect
with thousands of our customers who will attend the event," Mackie
continued. "We're constantly looking for new ways to promote the ACDelco
brand. This high-energy program will take ACDelco's motorsports marketing
program to a new level."
ACDelco markets more than 70,000 part numbers in 36 product lines
that include spark plugs, batteries, shock absorbers, wire sets, fuel
pumps, air conditioning parts, lamps, thermostats, brake parts, ignition,
fuel system and emission control parts. ACDelco remanufactured products
include starters, alternators, power steering pumps, air conditioning
compressors, engines, transmissions, rack-and-pinion steering gears, and
other undercar parts.
"A race team is like a band because everyone has to be on the same
beat," said Johnson, who prepares record-setting GM engines. "I've relied
on ACDelco components since I started driving. ACDelco brings track-tested
technology to the vehicles that people drive on the highway."
ACDelco is a global leader in automotive replacement parts and
services offering products for virtually all vehicles. ACDelco is
headquartered in Grand Blanc, Mich., and markets automotive replacement
parts worldwide under its brand name. For more information, visit the
ACDelco website at acdelco.com or call 1-800-ACDelco.
More Photos Added from the Old Drag Racer's Reunion
Posted Wednesday, October 2, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
I have posted a few more photos from Sol and Anne Stewart's drag racing reunion in Panama City Beach, Florida.
Photos
EAST COAST DRAG TIMES HALL OF FAME & 2002 REUNION
Posted Tuesday, October 1, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
Here is another reminder to make plans for this weekend's EAST COAST DRAG TIMES HALL OF FAME & 2002 REUNION. Nancy Wilson has done a tremendous job putting this event together this year and she has gone all out! Ronnie Sox will be appearing at the Superior Chrysler Dodge Jeep dealership on Friday 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm. Saturday brings the SHOW, SHINE, SWINE, & DINE ( Saturday -October 5th, 2002 ) and on Sunday, the EAST COAST DRAG TIMES HALL OF FAME & 2002 REUNION will be held. Its shaping up to be a fun filled weekend in Henderson, North Carolina. For more info contact Nancy Wilson at: 252-438-2222 or vctourism@gloryroad.net or
MORE INFO
I'll see you there!
Atlanta Dragway Results by Tim Glover
Posted Tuesday, October 1, 2002 by DavidDilbeck
RACE DATE: September 27-29, 2002
FROM: Tim Glover
EVENT: Southern Rumble Mustang vs. the World race at Atlanta Dragway
SOUTHERN RUMBLE ROLLS THROUGH ATLANTA
by Tim Glover
Tropical storm Isodore visited the track Friday, but left town for the rest
of the weekend, allowing race and show car action to continue as planned.
The vendor / swap meet area offered various Mustang stock and performance
parts. The car show area featured several examples of Ford's finest,
including an immaculate '68 Shelby.
In addition to the Mustang car show on Saturday, there was a Mustang / Ford
only drag race for participants. The winner, Walhalla, SC racer James Noel,
not only won the race, but he won the Top Performing Ford award for top
performer of the weekend in his '78 Fairmont put together by Alton Clements.
Noel's .522 react and dead-on 10.140 second, 129.32mph pass in the final
was too much for the reigning Sportsman champion Jacob Rutledge, who crossed
the finish line second with an 11.94, 106.14 (11.92 dial) in his '79 Capri.
Noel thanked Alton Clements for all his help with the car. Rutledge, who
footbrakes his car, added he was looking forward to competing against a
delay box equipped car. Clay Kinsey ('68 Mustang - Holt, FL) was the lone
semi-finalist. In addition to scoring a runner-up finish, Rutledge won the
Footbrake portion of the Run for the Money event held later in the day.
Although Brad Howard from Gainesville, GA was behind the wheel, his 16 year
old daughter, Tiffany, was responsible for his Saturday Mustang vs. the
World Super Pro win. Tiffany, who is currently learning to drive her own
dragster, dialed in her dad's '02 Miller dragster all evening, as well as
figuring out the delay box settings and keeping up with the payout.
Howard's .505 second reaction time made the difference in the final against
veteran bracket racer Chris Phillips, who was just a bit tardy with a .537
react. Howard eased off a bit at the finish line with his '02 Miller
dragster, running 5.12, 134.74 on his 5.10 dial. Phillips' '77 Vega wagon
broke out by the smallest of margins, running 6.059, 113.93 (6.06 dial).
Lyons, GA racer Terry Bryson, who won the Super Pro Run for the Money event
earlier in the day with Jeff Valdez' '98 Fab Concepts dragster, took home
the semi-finalist purse.
Donalds, SC racer Gary Burell entered four races in the late '80s at Atlanta
Dragway, and won three of them. Tonight he added another Atlanta Dragway
win to his resume during Saturday's Footbrake action. Burell has been drag
racing off and on since 1965, and faced first time racer Larry Vandwalker
from Waxhaw, NC, whose forte is road racing, in the final. In fact,
Vandawalker's '88 Mustang LX was still set up in road racing trim for this
race. Vandawalker did add he's played around on some grudge nights with his
car. Burell survived the double breakout final by running closer to his
8.17 dial, 8.15, 83.18. Vandawalker's machine went a little further under,
running 9.24, 75.63 on his 9.29 dial. Bobby McNair ('68 Mustang - Seneca,
SC) and Andy Thigpen ('80 Monza - Flowery Branch, GA) were the semi-final
pair.
Snap-On Tools man Marty Wiles from Tyrone, GA made a covenant with God
this weekend, promising he would give whatever he won in his '01 Mullis
dragster this weekend to his church, Greentree Baptist Church, which is
currently doing a fundraiser. Wiles' share of the $5000 posted Super Pro
winner's purse will go a long way to helping his church out. He met
Douglasville, GA racer Brad Cole in the final, and even though Cole managed
to put Wiles out of his favorite lane, Wiles simply dialed his car up .03
seconds, reacted with a great .502, and took the win with a 5.07, 131.97
(5.05 dial). Cole's '02 Nelson dragster was close, running 5.10, 135.14
(5.09 target). Kelly King ('93 Innovative dragster - Stockbridge, GA) was
the semi-final finisher.
"I couldn't do anything right on Saturday," said Sunday Footbrake winner Jim
Wood. The defending Division One B&M champion did everything right Sunday,
taking home $1000 for his efforts with his Laurens, SC based '71 Chevelle.
Wood met Cartersville, GA racer Scott Reynolds in the final, and got the
automatic win when Reynolds squeezed the tree just a little too hard in his
'89 Formula Firebird, posting a .479 red light. Wood ran his machine out to
an 8.01, 84.59 (7.98 dial), while Reynold's car broke out a little with a
7.13, 98.04 (7.14 target). Kim Ellington's husband, Eric ('65 Chevy truck -
Conyers, GA) and Jim Wood's neighbor, Jeff Taylor ('72 Nova - Laurens, SC)
took home the semi-final purse.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FORD ONLY RACE CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: James Noel '78 Fairmont Walhalla, SC 10.14 129.32 (10.14)
R/U: Jacob Rutledge '79 Capri Braselton, GA 11.94 106.14 (11.92)
Semi: Clay Kinsey '68 Mustang Holt, FL
Semi:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SATURDAY SUPER PRO CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Brad Howard '02 Miller dragster Gainesville, GA 5.12 134.74 (5.10)
R/U: Chris Phillips '77 Vega wagon Atlanta, GA 6.05 113.93 (6.06)
Semi: Terry Bryson '98 Fab Concepts dragster Lyons, GA
Semi:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SATURDAY FOOTBRAKE CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Gary Burell '72 Nova Donalds, SC 8.15 83.18 (8.17)
R/U: Larry Vandawalker '88 Mustang Waxhaw, NC 9.24 75.63 (9.29)
Semi: Bobby McNair '68 Mustang Seneca, SC
Semi: Andy Thigpen '80 Monza Flowery Branch, GA
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUNDAY SUPER PRO CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Marty Wiles '01 Mullis Tyrone, GA 5.07 131.97 (5.05)
R/U: Brad Cole '02 Nelson dragster Douglasville, GA 5.10 135.14 (5.09)
Semi: Kelly King '93 Innovative dragster Covington, GA
Semi:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUNDAY FOOTBRAKE CAR HOMETOWN ET MPH DIAL-IN
Win: Jim Wood '71 Chevelle Laurens, SC 8.01 84.59 (7.98)
R/U: Scott Reynolds '89 Firebird Cartersville, GA (foul) 7.13 98.04 (7.14)
Semi: Eric Ellington '65 Chevy Truck Conyers, GA
Semi: Jeff Taylor '72 Nova Laurens, SC
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