Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

The Little Ol' FR 2009 NHRA Drag Racing Thread
FlAttorney's FR Racing ^ | March 12, 2009 | FlAttorney & Co. and a "cast of many"

Posted on 03/14/2009 4:53:38 PM PDT by flattorney

The FR 2009 NHRA Championship Drag Racing Thread
No Turns. . . No Pit Stops. . . Just White Knuckles Ground Pounding Speed



NHRA-CDR: Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, Pro Stock Motorcycle <> HRH: Top Fuel, Funny Car, Groups 1 & 2
Drag School Locations: Gainesville & Pomona ~ Frank Hawley, 2 Time NHRA Funny Car World Champion
NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Racing Series Schedule - Full Nostalgia Drag Racing Schedule
2009 NHRA Full Throttle Championship Drag Racing Schedule
For Top Fuel, Funny Car, and Pro Stock cars there are twenty-four(24) racing events in the 2009 NHRA Full Throttle Series divided between a regular season and playoffs format. The regular season eighteen(18) “Countdown to 10” races concludes at the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals, Indianapolis. The final six(6) playoffs “Countdown to 1” races begins at the NHRA Nationals, Charlotte and concludes at the NHRA Finals, Pomona. After the first 18 races, only the top 10 drivers in each of the divisions advance to the Countdown to 1, based on total points won. Their points are reset to within 10 of each another except for the points leader who will have a 30-point advantage over second place. The drivers will then compete for NHRA Full Throttle Championships. Drivers earn NHRA national event points as follows: Winner 100; Runner-up 80; Third-round loser 60; Second-round loser 40; First-round loser 20. Additional points are awarded at national events as follows: 10 points to all contestants - 1 qualifying run required. Qualifying positions earn points as follows: 1st 8; 2nd 7; 3rd 6; 4th 5; 5th & 6th 4; 7th & 8th 3; 9th thru 12th 2; 13th thru 16th 1. For the highly popular Pro Stock Motorcycles, they follow the same championship format as the other three divisions. However, their 2009 regular season is twelve(12) Countdown to 10 races, which begins at the legendary NHRA Gatornationals, Gainesville. Their Countdown to 1 playoffs is the final five(5) races, which like the other three divisions, begins at the NHRA Nationals, Charlotte, and concludes at the NHRA Finals, Pomona. However, they do not race at the October 9-11th Virginia NHRA Nationals, Richmond. ~ fla


NHRA RaceDay | Full Throttle Championship Drag Racing | Classic NHRA

Watch NHRA Finals On-Line
ESPN begins its ninth consecutive year of NHRA action with same-day coverage of qualifying and eliminations on ESPN2 and ESPN2-HD. Paul Page anchors the coverage with analysis by 22-time NHRA winner Mike Dunn. Gary Gerould and Dave Rieff report from the pits. Rieff and Dunn also host NHRA RaceDay to set the stage for that day’s eliminations action. NHRA drag racing is also being broadcast on the American Forces Network and for the eighth year on TSN (Canada). Websites: Paul Page Blog | Mike Dunn
Paul and Mike are an outstanding broadcasting team and a major asset. NHRA would not be the same without these two in the booth. Here’s a great “inside look” article Paul wrote on Feb. 6, 2009.

NHRA Official: News | Media Center | Notebook | Tracks Directory | Staff
Owners/Crew Chiefs | Drivers: Profiles Blogs | Dragster Insider | Ticketmaster-NHRA


Auto Imagery – 2009 NHRA
NHRA: Photos | Videos | Full Throttle TV || Competition Plus | Flickr-NHRA


NHRA Top 50 Greatest Drivers | Greatest Races | Photos: Legends in Action '09 Photos

1974-2008 NHRA World Champions | Quarter-Mile Record Holders (1,000 feet nitro records not recognized)
NHRA Founder Wally Parks RIP Tribute | MotorSports Hall of Fame-NHRA
Petersen Automotive Museum
Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing 741 Photos | Smithsonian: Don Garlits "Swamp Rat XXX"









About the "Wally" Winners Trophy | Drag Racing Basics
Lingo: Drag Racing | Racers Definitive List | Nostalgia Racers
What's occurs in the pits between a race: The 75 minute turaround(PDF)
The Sound’s of NHRA Nitro Racing: Nitro Motor Start-up | Top Fuel Dragster “Pass”
(Windows Media Player Direct Links)



Remembering Drag Racers Lost doing what they and we love

Additional Resources, Off-Thread Items, and Comments
FlAttorney's FR Racing - NHRA



TOPICS: Extended News; Miscellaneous; US: Arizona; US: California; US: Florida; US: Georgia; US: Illinois; US: Kansas; US: Missouri; US: Nevada; US: New Jersey; US: Tennessee; US: Texas
KEYWORDS: chat; greatstories; nhra; nhrahistory; nhralegends; racing; sports; surebeatspolitics; tributes; wildcrashes
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-20 ... 201-220221-240241-260 ... 321-327 next last
To: prisoner6; luv2lurkhere; kickonly88; Harold Shea; diogenes ghost; Vaduz; ...
04.14.09 NOTE: I am taking a break until May 1st from FR NHRA coverage due to switching hats to off-shore power boat racing and NASCAR the next two weekends. TAB and JJ are doing the FR NHRA Atlanta coverage this weekend. However, this week is already shaping up to be extremely busy so there is a possibility that Atlanta coverage may have to be scratched. Catch everyone on the flip side. ~ fla

SBIP/APBA: Apr 17-19, 19th Annual Miami Super Boat Grand Prix (Season Opener)
NASCAR Talladega: Apr 25-26, Aaron's 312 and Aaron's 499

# # # # #

This has been a very long hours work week. I will try to finish the NHRA Atlanta lead post tonight or early Saturday morning otherwise need to skip this event. My friends and I are attending the Miami SBGP on Sunday. It's always fun and the weather will be nice this weekend. - TAB

221 posted on 04/17/2009 12:02:31 PM PDT by flattorney (See my comprehensive FR Profile "Straight Talk" Page)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: flattorney
This has been a very long hours work week.

I know the feeling. I'm about two pages behind on pings.

222 posted on 04/17/2009 12:06:57 PM PDT by SouthTexas (When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people.....)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 221 | View Replies]

To: flattorney

Thank you for the work you have done posting here.


223 posted on 04/17/2009 1:56:14 PM PDT by Cheetahcat (Osamabama Wright kind of Racist! We are in a state of War with Democrats)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 221 | View Replies]

To: flattorney

I have been amazed at the amount of work that you do; seriously; as I scroll through the threads my mouth is agape at all the work that you have invested.

Thank You. It has been enjoyable to read and see all your good work.

This May I go back to work in the sports world too, but the setup time started last week. Love the summers, but they are work.


224 posted on 04/17/2009 2:29:16 PM PDT by Loud Mime (If Christians cannot unite in battle to save this nation, it will be lost)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 221 | View Replies]

To: flattorney


29th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals
April 16-19, 2009
6th of 24 2009 NHRA Full Throttle Events
Second of Three Summit Racing Equipment Sponsored '09 NHRA Events
SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals, Las Vegas
Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals, Atlanta
Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals, Norwalk

Event Schedule | Entry List | Team Reports | Live Sunday Audiocast (WMPlayer Direct) | Results
2008 Winners: TF Antron Brown ~ FC Ashley Force ~ PS Mike Edwards ~ PSM Andrew Hines

Fans Assistance KBase | Tickets | Weather: Commerce Race Track
Surface Maps: U.S. Southeast IR Satellite Wind | Live Radar: WU NWS Storm Loop

Forecasts may be inaccurate. Commerce-Atlanta Spring weather is unpredictable and can change on short notice.

      Atlanta Dragway was built in Commerce, Georgia in 1975 by Gene Bennett. The drag strip is located 69 miles northeast of Atlanta. Originally it had been graded out for an airport. The original airport tower served as the original timing tower, and the track direction was the same as the airport without asphalt, just Georgia red clay. In 1980, the track was sold to Norman Pearah and became an NHRA-sanctioned track. Back then, the track was only opened twice a year for major events. The track was purchased in 1987 by Pro Stock driver Gary Brown and partners J.D. Stevens and Rudy Bowen. The track underwent major reconstruction to put in new aluminum grandstand seating, permanent restrooms and rebuilt concession buildings. In 1989, the thirteen year-old track was resurfaced with a concrete launching pad and a new timing system. In addition to the track modification, a reconditioned VIP tower complete with a timing deck, press center and corporate suites was built in 1990. NHRA purchased the track in 1993. In 1999, they resurfaced the track and added an updated timing system. The tower restrooms were remodeled and all concession, tower and ticket buildings were rewired. In 2003, the track’s FM radio and public address system were both upgraded.
      Last year’s Southern Nationals Top Fuel Dragster winner, Antron Brown, is doing well in his sophomore season. Brown was leading the points chase until six time world champion Tony Schumacher took yet another win at Las Vegas on April 5, but look for Brown to claw his way back to the top. The rest of the class, including third place Brandon Bernstein and fourth place Larry Dixon, are hot on his heels. Funny Car driver Ashley Force Hood will be gunning for her third NHRA win. In the Finals, Force beat her legendary dad John Force (14 time Funny Car champion) to earn her first win at the 2008 Southern Nationals and is hot off her O’Reilly Spring Nationals win at Houston Raceway Park. However, points leader Ron Capps will have something to say about that. Six-time NHRA Pro Stock Champion Warren Johnson, from nearby Sugar Hill, will be looking for his first Wally this season along with his son Kurt Johnson. This event is the third on the Full Throttle schedule to feature the high-revving 195-mph Pro Stock Motorcycles, piloted by drivers like the ever popular Steve Johnson, who hails from nearby Alabama. Local standout Junior Pippin is entered, along with his protégé, first year racer Douglas Horne, who finished runner up at the O’Reilly event. Six more divisions are on tap along with many exhibition runs.

2008 NHRA Southern Nationals: Ashley Force Hood becomes the first female driver
to win an NHRA Funny Car Championship event.
April 2009 Video: John Force Discusses Three Things Fans Don't Know About Him


Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals ESPN2 Coverage (ET)
Sat, 04.18: Qualifying 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Sun, 04.19: NHRA Race Day 11:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Sun, 04.19: Eliminations 7:00 - 10:00 p.m. (1)
Thu, 04.23: Repeat Eliminations 1:00 - 3:00 a.m.
(1) Watch Full Coverage On-Line at ESPN 360


2008: Major celebrities frequently attend the NHRA Southern Nationals


Home: The FR 2009 NHRA Championship Drag Racing Thread
FlAttorney's FR Racing

225 posted on 04/18/2009 4:42:02 AM PDT by flattorney (See my comprehensive FR Profile "Straight Talk" Page)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: flattorney
29th annual
EVENT SCHEDULE

WEDNESDAY, April 15, 2009
Sponsor Midway Parking 8:00 AM  -  6:00 PM
Competitor Parking, Registration & Tech (all categories) 10:00 AM  -  6:00 PM
THURSDAY, April 16, 2009
Spectator Gates Open
8:00 AM
Registration/Tech Inspection (all categories)
8:30 AM  -  5:00 PM
Sportsman Qualifying
9:00 AM
Comp Eliminator Qualifying Session
4:00 PM
Secure Track
5:00 PM
FRIDAY, April 17, 2009
Spectator Gates Open
7:30 AM
Registration/Tech Inspection (Pro's only)
8:00 AM  -  12:00 PM  
Sportsman Qualifying/Eliminations
8:00 AM
Comp Eliminator Qualifying Session
2:30 PM
Pro Stock Qualifying Session (PS Motorcycle / PS Car)
3:00 PM
Nitro Qualifying Session (Funny Car / Top Fuel Dragster)
4:00 PM
Comp Eliminator Qualifying Session
5:00 PM
Pro Stock Qualifying Session (PS Motorcycle / PS Car)
5:30 PM
Nitro Qualifying Session (Funny Car / Top Fuel Dragster)             
6:30 PM
Secure Track
8:00 PM
SATURDAY, April 18, 2009
Spectator Gates Open
7:30 AM
Sportsman Eliminations
8:00 AM
Comp Eliminator - Round 1
10:30 AM
Pro Stock Qualifying Session (PS Motorcycle / PS Car)
11:30 AM
Nitro Qualifying Session (Top Fuel Dragster / Funny Car)
12:30 PM
Comp Eliminator - Round 2
1:30 PM
Pro Stock Qualifying Session (PS Motorcycle / PS Car)
2:00 PM
Nitro Qualifying Session (Top Fuel Dragster / Funny Car)
3:00 PM
Secure Track
7:00 PM
SUNDAY, April 19, 2009
Spectator Gates Open
7:30 AM
Sportsman Eliminations
9:00 AM
Pre-Race Ceremonies
10:00 AM
Final Eliminations
11:00 AM
Secure Event
4:30 PM
Schedule subject to change 

226 posted on 04/18/2009 4:44:28 AM PDT by flattorney (See my comprehensive FR Profile "Straight Talk" Page)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 225 | View Replies]

To: flattorney; Jersey Republican Biker Chick

Friday Qualifying

FC Ashley and John qualified number 1 and 2 after two rounds:
1. Ashley Force Hood, Castrol GTX Mustang, 4.073 @ 310.05
2. John Force, Castrol GTX Mustang, 4.100 @ 306.19

PS Greg sets both ET and MPH track records in both qualifying runs.
Hopefully this is finally his Wally weekend.
PS Qual 1: 1. Greg Anderson, Summit Racing Equipment GXP, 6.574(*) @ 210.93(*)
PS Qual 2: 1. Greg Anderson, Summit Racing Equipment GXP, 6.568(*) @ 210.93(*)
* Track Record

TF Bob Vandergriff Jr. is finally back. Per track report, team looks like they have been racing all season.
Q1 #5. Bob Vandergriff, Speedco Dragster, 3.895 @ 302.62
Q2 #4. Bob Vandergriff, Speedco Dragster, 3.878 @ 314.39

04.14.09 Speedco speeds into two-race sponsorship with Bob Vandergriff Jr.
      Speedco, which already is a sponsor of reigning NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series Pro Stock world champ Jeg Coughlin, the NHRA Contingency program, and numerous Sportsman racing entries, will increase its presence with a title sponsorship of Top Fuel racer Bob Vandergriff Jr. at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals in Atlanta. Speedco, which had sponsored Vandergirff's efforts on a smaller scale, also has sponsored drivers in Pro Stock, including Bruce Allen and Tim Freeman, but this marks the company's initial major sponsorship in NHRA's fuel classes.
      Speedco, the only national network to specialize in quick-lube and tire service for heavy-duty trucks, was quick to see the value in such an association, and Vandergriff will proudly fly the Speedco colors in Atlanta. The marketing agreement also will include the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Lucas Oil, and Vandergriff is not only thankful for the support but also believes it will provide a much-needed boost for a number of other potential sponsor programs he is discussing. "Mark Clark and the team at Speedco have been longtime supporters of our racing efforts, and we're thrilled to be able to run the Speedco colors at our home track in Georgia as well as at the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis," Vandergriff said.
      "Our long relationship with Speedco was the key to this program, and it would benefit both of us if we could put a full sponsor program together and get back out on the tour with Speedco as part of the program in an associate role. They're helping us get on the track this weekend, and hopefully we can help them by using this race to raise our profile and put a full deal together with some of the people we continue to talk to. I don't think there's any substitute for being on the racetrack when it comes to giving a potential sponsor a taste for what we can do and what NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing is all about. You have to see it, and feel it, to believe it." Vandergriff's former crew chief, Jim Dupuy, along with a number of his former crewmembers, will return for both this weekend's race and the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Lucas Oil during Labor Day weekend at O’Reilly Raceway Park at Indianapolis. - Credit: NHRA

TAB, JJ

227 posted on 04/18/2009 4:46:32 AM PDT by flattorney (See my comprehensive FR Profile "Straight Talk" Page)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 225 | View Replies]

To: flattorney

Gary Ormsby (RIP)
1987 NHRA Southern Nationals, Atlanta Dragway. In the above photo, Gary's streamliner was his team's answer to Don Garlits' streamliner.
1987 At Pomona, Gary's carbon fiber streamliner body shorted out the engine's magneto resulting in a huge explosion and fire.
1989 NHRA Top Fuel Champion (with legendary crew chief Lee Beard)
1990 Almost won second NHRA Top Fuel Championship, again with Lee Beard
1991 With no prior warning, Gary developed gastrointestinal cancer. He lost his battle on August 28th.
<> Gary was a first class individual and drag racer. His untimely death rocked the drag racing community. Here is an excellent October 2008 article about Gary entitled "Lee Beard: Remembering One Of The Best Guys To Ever Enter The Sport". Lee is also an outstanding individual and one of the nicest people you could ever meet at the drag strip. He is currently team manager for Don Schumacher Racing. Press Release included below. ~ FlA
      January 17, 2009, DSR Press Release: Team owner Don Schumacher announced today that tuner Lee Beard will join Don Schumacher Racing as team manager for the 2009 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series. Beard's responsibilities will include overseeing the operations of each of the six pro teams under the DSR umbrella as well as the in-house research and development programs at the DSR facility in Brownsburg, Ind. Lee Beard had tuned Whit Bazemore to 12 Funny Car national-event wins in 28 final rounds while at DSR from 2001-2005. He's been a crew chief since 1976 and has tuned both Top Fuel and Funny Cars to 57 NHRA national-event victories. His record also includes a Top Fuel crown with the late Gary Ormsby in 1989, and he was instrumental as a team manager when Cruz Pedregon won the 1992 Funny Car championship. He has also tuned for Ed McCulloch, Kenny Bernstein, Cory McClenathan, Rod Fuller and most recently Antron Brown. Beard drove Top Fuel dragsters and Funny Cars in the early '70s and was named the Crew Chief of the Year and Person of the Year in 1989 by Car Craft Magazine.
      "Lee has great ability, is very talented and has been very successful in his career as a crew chief," said Schumacher. "When you have the opportunity to strengthen your company, you take advantage of it by bringing in great people. I see Lee as the 'cement' that will keep the DSR operation solid and cohesive as we aim to win the Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock Motorcycle world championships in 2009." Said Beard: "Certainly Don Schumacher has put together the premier organization in drag racing, with his excellent facility, his research and development programs, and the top-of-the line sponsors that he has acquired. So, being in upper-level management of this premier team is certainly a very exciting move for me. "I will help coordinate all the efforts among the teams," continued Beard, who makes his home in Brownsburg, Ind., "so that every team is aware of what the other teams are doing. I will personally work with every crew chief, try to be a problem solver and basically try to bridge up any weak areas."

TAB

228 posted on 04/18/2009 4:50:18 AM PDT by flattorney (See my comprehensive FR Profile "Straight Talk" Page)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 225 | View Replies]

To: prisoner6; luv2lurkhere; kickonly88; Harold Shea; diogenes ghost; Vaduz; ...

NHRA FR Ping
(Click to hear nitro motor start up)

NHRA Event Announcement


TAB
229 posted on 04/18/2009 4:57:09 AM PDT by flattorney (See my comprehensive FR Profile "Straight Talk" Page)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 225 | View Replies]

To: flattorney

JFR_Racinghttp://twitpic.com/3inq5 - Afh makes up answers 4 espn


230 posted on 04/18/2009 5:47:03 AM PDT by WestCoastGal (If he wants to come by the bus after the race and get his a$$ whooped, I'll do it. - Dale Jr)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 229 | View Replies]

To: flattorney

Final Qualifying Results After Four Sessions

TOP FUEL
  Psn Driver               Vehicle                           ET   Speed
   1. Spencer Massey       US Smokeless Dragster           3.820  311.20 
   2. Brandon Bernstein    Budweiser/Lucas Oil Dragster    3.824  315.64 
   3. Morgan Lucas         Geico Powersport/ Lucas Oil     3.844  310.70 
   4. Tony Schumacher      U.S. Army Dragster              3.851  309.98 
   5. Antron Brown         Matco Tools Dragster            3.867  311.99 
   6. Bob Vandergriff      Speedco Dragster                3.878  314.39 
   7. Larry Dixon          Al-Anabi Racing Dragster        3.881  310.98 
   8. Shawn Langdon        Lucas Oil/Dixie Chopper Drag    3.886  305.98 
   9. Doug Kalitta         Kalitta M'Spts No.50 Dragster   3.891  310.41 
  10. Cory McClenathan     Fram Dragster                   3.901  307.86 
  11. Terry Haddock        Dragster                        3.915  301.47 
  12. Clay Millican        MPE Motorsports Dragster        3.917  311.92 
  13. Terry McMillen       Amalie Oil Dragster             3.958  304.32 
  14. Joe Hartley          Hartley Racing Dragster         3.959  304.19 
  15. Bobby Lagana Jr.     NTB Dragster                    3.976  304.19 
  16. Troy Buff            Bill Miller Racing/Okuma Drags  3.997  259.91 
          --------- Not Qualified ---------
  17. Todd Paton           Tim Horton's Dragster           4.038  285.05 
  18. Luigi Novelli        National Machine Repair Dragst  4.180  296.96 
  19. Chris Karamesines    Strange/Chizler Dragster         NT   
FUNNY CAR
  Psn Driver               Vehicle                           ET   Speed
   1. Ashley Force Hood    Castrol GTX Mustang             4.073  310.05 
   2. John Force           Castrol GTX Mustang             4.100  306.19 
   3. Ron Capps            NAPA Auto Parts Charger         4.101  299.26 
   4. Tony Pedregon        Herzog/Palms Impala             4.104  303.71 
   5. Matt Hagan           Shelor.com Charger              4.114  303.84 
   6. Tim Wilkerson        Levi, Ray, Shoup Mustang        4.120  304.53 
   7. Jack Beckman         Valvoline/MTS Charger           4.120  304.05 
   8. Mike Neff            JFR/Ford Mustang                4.125  303.43 
   9. Jim Head             Team Strange Apparel Solara     4.142  300.66 
  10. Robert Hight         AAA of So. Cal Mustang          4.144  299.86 
  11. Bob Tasca III        Motorcraft/Quick Lane Mustang   4.148  297.81 
  12. Cruz Pedregon        Advance Auto Parts Solara       4.154  303.23 
  13. Jeff Arend           DHL Solara                      4.160  301.33 
  14. Mike Smith           Diamond Trucking Monte Carlo    4.192  297.75 
  15. Jerry Toliver        Canidae Pet Food Monte Carlo    4.201  299.13 
  16. Del Worsham          Al-Anabi Racing Solara          4.210  298.34 
          --------- Not Qualified ---------
  17. Andy Kelley          Serenity Limousine Stratus      4.401  279.90 
PRO STOCK
  Psn Driver               Vehicle                           ET   Speed
   1. Greg Anderson        Summit Racing Equipment GXP     6.557@ 210.93 
   2. Mike Edwards         Young Life/Penhall GXP          6.565  210.28 
   3. Jason Line           Summit Racing Equipment GXP     6.570  211.13 
   4. Ron Krisher          Valvoline Cobalt                6.574  209.69 
   5. Jeg Coughlin         Jegs.com Cobalt                 6.578  210.14 
   6. Greg Stanfield       Attitude Apparel GXP            6.581  210.01 
   7. Allen Johnson        Mopar/JJ Racing Stratus         6.582  209.85 
   8. Warren Johnson       KN Filters GXP                  6.598  211.26&
   9. Johnny Gray          Johnny Gray Racing Stratus      6.599  209.14 
  10. Larry Morgan         Lucas Oil Stratus               6.604  209.14 
  11. Rickie Jones         Quarter-Max/RJ Stratus          6.616  208.94 
  12. V. Gaines            Kendall Oil Stratus             6.617  208.26 
  13. Rodger Brogdon       Charter GXP                     6.624  208.94 
  14. Tom Hammonds         Race For Achievement Cobalt     6.625  208.65 
  15. Steve Spiess         Spiess Construction Cobalt      6.629  208.55 
  16. Kurt Johnson         AC Delco Cobalt                 6.638  209.10 
          --------- Not Qualified ---------
  17. Ronnie Humphrey      Troy Humphrey Stratus           6.640  208.71 
  18. Justin Humphreys     RaceRedi Motorsports GXP        6.692  207.66 
  19. Dave Northrop        Nitro Fish Wear Stratus         6.723  207.62 
  20. Erica Enders         Dragstar Racing Mustang         6.731  204.63 
  21. John Gaydosh Jr      Gaydosh Performance GTO         6.769  204.01 
  ##  @ = Track ET Record | & = Track Speed Record
PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE
  Psn Rider                Vehicle                          ET    Speed
   1. Andrew Hines         Screamin' Eagle/Vance-Hines     6.877@ 195.25&
   2. Eddie Krawiec        Screamin' Eagle/Vance-Hines     6.881  195.05 
   3. Matt Smith           Nitrofish Suzuki                6.890  194.63 
   4. Karen Stoffer        Geico Suzuki                    6.912  193.24 
   5. Douglas Horne        Horne Racing Buell              6.915  193.57 
   6. Hector Arana         Lucas Oil Buell                 6.924  194.02 
   7. Craig Treble         Team Scream Suzuki              6.929  194.52 
   8. Junior Pippin        Stone Mtn-Granite Mtn           6.938  192.25 
   9. Shawn Gann           Rum Bum Racing Buell            6.959  190.27 
  10. Matt Guidera         Rocklin Motorsports Buell       6.963  191.13 
  11. Wesley Wells         Kendall Suzuki                  6.986  191.21 
  12. Michael Phillips     MPR-Damn Sport Suzuki           6.987  195.08 
  13. Angie McBride        NitroFish/MSR/Redline Oil       6.992  188.44 
  14. Steve Johnson        Steve Johnson Racing Wyotech    7.003  189.71 
  15. LE Tonglet           Suzuki                          7.077  188.78 
  16. Mike Berry           MB Machining/LAT Racing Oil     7.081  187.83 
          --------- Not Qualified ---------
  17. David Hope           VRoom Racing Buell              7.107  187.96 
  18. Katie Sullivan       Susuki                          7.120  186.46 
  19. Ryan Schnitz         Team Muzzy Kawasaki             7.139  185.28 
  20. Darin McCurdy        GM Racing Suzuki                7.152  186.92 
  21. Bailey Whitaker      Rum Bum Buell                   7.157  185.56 
  22. Joe DeSantis         Javelina H-D Green H-D Suzuk    7.200  189.82 
  23. Redell Harris        Master P/No Limit Record Suzuk  7.463  180.00 
  24. James Surber         South County Cycles Racing       NT   
  ##  @ = Track ET Record | & = Track Speed Record

Qualifying Notes & Track Update:
Atlanta Dragway's racing surface was ground smooth during the off-season. The sand trap was also updated. Per track reports both lanes were about the same during the four qualifying sessions.

TF Don Prudhomme's rookie driver Spencer Massey ran very fast in all four rounds of qualifying and is #1 with a 3.820 @ 311.20. Bob Vandergriff, Jr. skipped the final session to save parts and settled for #6.

FC Princess and Pop's Force remained strong in Q4 and finished at #1 and #2. Will John play dead possum again tomorrow? Team Force Robert Hight is on John's side of the eliminations ladder. Ashley and Mike Neff are on the other side. If both Ashley and Mike win E1 they face each other in E2. Same for John and Robert.

PS Q3: For the third time this weekend Anderson resets track ET record and is still No. 1 qualifier:
1. Greg Anderson Summit Racing Equipment GXP 6.557 @ 210.93
--- After four sessions, Greg is still King of the Hill.

PSM Andrew Hines' Screamin' Eagle is screaming this weekend. In Q2 he set a track ET record and Q4 set a track MPH record.

Sunday Weather Forecast: Chance of showers with a slight chance of thunderstorms in the morning...then showers and thunderstorms likely in the afternoon. Some thunderstorms may be severe in the afternoon. Highs in the upper 60s. South winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70-80%. -- The current hourly forecast calls for light rain to start at 10 am tomorrow and turn into thunder showers by 1 pm, lasting the rest of daylight hours. # JJ

Credit: NHRA, Summit FastNews, NWS, FlA & Co.

MAR, JJ

FR 2009 Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals homepage

231 posted on 04/18/2009 3:20:22 PM PDT by flattorney (See my comprehensive FR Profile "Straight Talk" Page)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 225 | View Replies]

To: flattorney
Looks like I'm not the only one who had a difficult work week. I wanted to post here all week,,, finally tonight. Maybe its Tea Party Syndrome.

SBIP/APBA: Apr 17-19, 19th Annual Miami Super Boat Grand Prix (Season Opener)

Be safe tomorrow. Flat side up!

I'm excited for Ashley in Atlanta. Another win would be grand! Hope no rain tomorrow.

Spring Nats FedX came Monday,,, marvey! Fla you missed the count. In the Sunday afternoon group pic I counted 73 heads.

Hubby and I watched on cable the Darrell Gwynn Foundation car being auctioned at Palm Beach. DG looked and sounded grand. His efforts and wheelchairs program is wonderful,,,, God bless him!

Been meaning to ask,,,,what in the world is going on with her in your posted pic? Wild times ;-)

Bests to everyone!

232 posted on 04/18/2009 8:51:49 PM PDT by nancytx
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 231 | View Replies]

To: lewislynn

Lewislynn, my hubby loves this forum. Thx for letting us know about it.


233 posted on 04/18/2009 8:57:10 PM PDT by nancytx
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 159 | View Replies]

To: SouthTexas
We want to go to a TMS NASCAR race but heard too many horror stories about the traffic. Is it really that bad? What do good seats cost for two people on Sunday?

Hope your wife is doing better,,, prayers.

234 posted on 04/18/2009 9:04:16 PM PDT by nancytx
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 152 | View Replies]

To: nancytx
You're quite welcome.

The H.A.M.B (Jalopy Journal) Has over 70,000 members from all over the world...It is THEE go to place for hot rodders...It's my opinion that The H.A.M.B. is the FreeRepublic of hot rodding.

Glad your husband enjoys it.

235 posted on 04/18/2009 9:20:16 PM PDT by lewislynn (What does the global warming movement and the Fairtax movement have in common? Disinformation)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 233 | View Replies]

To: nancytx

Oh I wouldn’t say it’s any worse than any other place that packs in 200,000 people. Traffic does seem to move faster south than north, so it also depends on where you are heading after the race.

Not sure if they are discounting like other tracks now, but I’ve paid from $40, front row backstretch, to $140, midway up front stretch. There are combination packages for all the races, trucks too in the fall, that run about $120-170. The lower you sit, the cheaper the tickets because you can’t see as much. The lower you go though, the more you “feel” the horsepower. I’d recommend front front for everyone at least once. ;)


236 posted on 04/18/2009 10:11:42 PM PDT by SouthTexas (When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people.....)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 234 | View Replies]

To: flattorney
I watched the qualifying show last night at the hotel. We were away at hubby's Model Car Club's model show. We got done with the show and relaxed watching the drag qualifying and then the Nascar race.

Can't wait for tonight's eliminations show...hopefully John will not have to face a teammate so he can win one!!

237 posted on 04/19/2009 11:17:34 AM PDT by Jersey Republican Biker Chick (You cannot help the wage earner by pulling down the wage payer.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 227 | View Replies]

To: Cheetahcat; Loud Mime; nancytx; Jersey Republican Biker Chick; WestCoastGal; flattorney

04.20.09: Hot Racing at Rainy Atlanta. In a rare Sunday night Finals, Morgan Lucas wins Top Fuel; Jack Beckman, Funny Car; and Eddie Krawiec, Pro Stock Motorcycle.
Monday morning, Mike Edwards wins the Southern Nationals Pro Stock "Wally".

Video: ESPN Atlanta Wrap Up



Morgan Lucas
Sun, 04.19.09 -- After enduring multiple rain delays, Morgan Lucas defeated rookie Spencer Massey in a thrilling pedal-fest to win the Top Fuel title at the 29th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway.

The other winners at the sixth of 24 races in the NHRA Full Throttle Series season were Jack Beckman (Funny Car) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle). Pro Stock was postponed by rain with Jeg Coughlin and Mike Edwards scheduled to meet in the final round Monday morning.

It took Lucas five years and five final-round appearances to get his first win so waiting out the five hours of rain delays was only a minor hurdle. The 26-year old Lucas pedaled his GEICO Powersports/Lucas Oil dragster to a 5.231 at 162.86 to narrowly beat the 27-year old Massey's tire-spinning 5.418 at 145.25 in his U.S. Smokeless dragster.

"I've had five years to think about this. It's probably one of the most exciting moments of my life, if not the most exciting moment. I don't even know how to talk right now I'm so excited," said Lucas, who was competing in his 107th career race. "This is what I've dreamed about for years." It was also Massey's best NHRA event of the season.


Jack Beckman
Beckman ran a 4.128 at 303.43 in his Valvoline/MTS Dodge Charger to defeat the Castrol GTX Ford Mustang team and driver Ashley Force Hood, who lost power near the finish line and slowed to 4.157 at 248.39.

"On paper, Ashley's car had us whipped," said Beckman, who lost to Force Hood two races earlier in final round in Houston. "That car has been the class of the field. But, that's why we race. Anything can happen when you have 8,000 horsepower of nitro in the tank. It's such an awesome feeling after losing to Ashley at the Spring Nationals."

Beckman defeated a quartet of Ford Mustangs - including Robert Hight, John Force and Tim Wilkerson - en route to his first win of the year and seventh of his career. And by day's end Beckman moved up from seventh to second place and Force Hood remained in third place in the Full Throttle Points Standings.


Eddie Krawiec
In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Eddie Krawiec earned his first career win aboard his Screamin' Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson with a fleet 6.902 at 192.91 to defeat rookie Douglas Horne (6.949, 191.13).

"This is something I was waiting for - to get my first Wally and be able to put it up on my mantle next to my (2008 NHRA Full Throttle Series) championship trophy is just awesome," Krawiec said.






Mike Edwards Closes Out Rain-delayed Southern Nationals with first 2009 Pro Stock Win


Edwards (near lane) vs Coughlin
Mon, 04.20.09 -- The wait was worth it for Mike Edwards, who dropped the curtain on the rain-delayed Summit Racing NHRA Southern Nationals Monday morning with a clean 6.645-second pass to easily outrun Pro Stock points-leader Jeg Coughlin.

It was the first win of 2009 for Edwards, who solidified his third-place position in the Pro Stock standings; Coughlin, who slowed to a 7.190 in the final round, remained in first place after six of 24 races in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series season have been completed.


Mike Edwards

"It doesn't matter if you win on Sunday or Monday - it's an unbelievable challenge to win (a Pro Stock race). You can't make a mistake and win in this class," Edwards said.

For Edwards, the win was a bit of personal vindication as his A.R.T./Young Life Pontiac GXP has been at the head of the ultra-competitive Pro Stock category with a class-best three No. 1 qualifiers, but no wins before Monday.

"Our performance has been good all year, as good as anybody's in (Pro Stock). We've just had a little bit of trouble on Sunday (raceday)," Edwards said. "If that's what it takes to win (racing on Monday instead of Sunday), we'll come back on Monday every race."





Southern Nationals NHRA Full Throttle Series Final Results:
Top Fuel: Morgan Lucas, 5.231 seconds @ 162.86 mph defeats Spencer Massey, 5.418 @ 145.25
Funny Car: Jack Beckman, 4.128 @ 303.43 def Ashley Force Hood, 4.157 @ 248.39
Pro Stock: Mike Edwards, 6.645 @ 208.17 def Jeg Coughlin, 7.190 @ 155.11
Pro Stock Motorcycle: Eddie Krawiec, 6.902 @ 192.91 def Douglas Horne, 6.949 @ 191.13

04.19.09: John Force Racing Final Atlanta Report: “Fast Jack” Beckman avenged a final round loss to Ashley Force Hood at last month’s O’Reilly Spring Nationals at Houston Raceway Park, spoiling what could have been a career day for the driver of the Castrol GTX Ford Mustang at Atlanta Dragway. Beckman, who taught Ashley and her sisters to drive in the Super Comp class, saved his best run for last Sunday and his 4.128 second effort was just good enough to hold off Ashley’s No. 1-qualifying Ford, which encountered problems down track and slowed to 4.157 at only 248.39 miles per hour in the final round of the 29th annual Summit Racing Equipment Southern Nationals.
      It was an unexpected result, especially since Ashley had recorded the quickest time and fastest speed during the qualifying phase and then repeated that performance in each of the first three rounds with times of 4.078, 4.082 and 4.079 seconds. Her three best speeds on race day – 310.48, 311.41 and 312.13 mph – were the three fastest since the course was shortened from a quarter mile to 1,000 feet last year following the death of two-time world champion Scott Kalitta.
      While Ashley was turning heads with the performance of her green-and-white Mustang, the other three Team Castrol Fords were making an early exit and two of them also were victimized by Beckman’s Dodge. Robert Hight was the first to fall in the Automobile Club of Southern California Ford and, after Mike Neff had lost to Ashley, John Force fell to Beckman by a margin of .003 of a second. The victory enabled Beckman to move up to second in points behind teammate Ron Capps, one point ahead of Force Hood, who was bidding for her second straight victory at Atlanta Dragway.

2009 NHRA Full Throttle Championship Points Standings

The NHRA Full Throttle Series resumes May 1 - 3 with the 13th annual O'Reilly NHRA Midwest Nationals at Gateway International Raceway, St. Louis. FlA & Co. has news and insider updates to be posted the first week of May. -- Credits: DRO, Summit FastNews Network, JFR, edits/adds FlA & Co.

FR 2009 Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals homepage

TAB

238 posted on 04/20/2009 2:27:55 PM PDT by flattorney (See my comprehensive FR Profile "Straight Talk" Page)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 225 | View Replies]

To: flattorney

Thanks for the Ping!

I’m happy that Schumacher/Force did not win; some fresh air in drag racing.


239 posted on 04/20/2009 6:44:38 PM PDT by Loud Mime (If Christians cannot unite in battle to save this nation, it will be lost)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 238 | View Replies]

To: flattorney
I'm still bummed Ashley lost,,,guess I'm bein greedy. I know fans get tired of her and John's overexposure. I do too sometimes. Thx again for the massive effort to keep us entertained!
240 posted on 04/20/2009 8:09:16 PM PDT by nancytx
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 238 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-20 ... 201-220221-240241-260 ... 321-327 next last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson