Replies

(1) All posts by TAB for FlA & Co. unless noted otherwise.
(2) Many news and information posts are from multiple sources, which are compiled, edited, and additional comments added by FlA.
(3) Posted images, from various original sources, are digitized, edited, and enhanced by FlA & Co.
(4) Opinions expressed on this thread are just that. . . personal opinions and nothing more.
(5) Due to the recession, many companies are laying off website maintenance and support personnel, along with reducing website quality. They also are decreasing the amount of time that some webpages, photos, and videos are available in order to reduce monthly broadband costs. Accordingly, some posted links may only be valid for a limited period of time.
(6) On, February 5, 2009, the NHRA launched a new and dramatically different website. Unfortunately it has a number of problems, some significant. Hopefully NHRA will correct these issues on a go-forward basis but some are design and interface problems. For example, the homepage interface is extremely slow and sometimes hangs-up your computer when you attempt to navigate to other pages on the site. There also are a very large number of corrupted links for all NHRA information prior to the new website’s date. This has significantly affected all sponsors, and related drag racing, websites with support links to nhra.com’s webpages. One of the reasons for starting this thread was to provide additional trusted NHRA drag racing resources and provide correct and direct links to current and archive NHRA information. Alright. . . there’s another reason for starting this thread. My FR “Straight Talk” Racing Section is becoming too large for my profile page, primarily because of the NHRA section. With the major sponsorship issues, significant changes in teams, problems with NHRA’s website, etc., many issues did not stabilize until March so this FR thread could be posted.
(7) I/we don't plan on covering and posting every 2009 NHRA Full Throttle event. If you are interested in covering and post one or more races, please let me know in advance. If you plan on attending a 2009 NHRA Full Throttle event, or are interested in a particular one being covered, please advise in advance. If you would like a particular driver covered this season let me know and we will add he/she to our list. In addition to NHRA drag racing event posts, there will be special tribute posted to legend drivers, legend drag strips that are now only memories, and other items of interest.
(8) I greatly look forward to other FR members posts and contributions. Please advise if there are any posted factual errors or corrupted links. Spelling, grammar, typos, and errors due to lapses in brain waves activity don’t count *lol*. This is the busiest time of year for me. These posts were developed in between a zillion other things I have going on at work and my very heavy business/politics/personal travel schedule until May. Accordingly, I wasn't too worried about "style points".
(9) This is probably the only year I will do a thread of this nature at FR. It’s basically a political off-election year, forget about politics, forget about the recession and all the negative news, and just have fun thread. Thanks in advance. ~ fla

1st of 24 2009 NHRA Full Throttle Events
Schedule | Entries List | Team Reports | NHRA Results: Detailed Article | Competition Plus Coverage
2008 Winners: TF Tony Schumacher ~ FC Robert Hight ~ PS Greg Anderson

The 2009 season for the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series blasts off with the 49th Annual Kragen O’Reilly NHRA Winternationals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, California Every February since 1961, fans have flocked to Southern California not just for the un-winterlike weather, but also for one of drag racing’s grandest traditions: the unveiling of new cars, drivers, teams, and sponsorships at the season opener. The Big Go West plays out at the fabled facility known for its outstanding traction, smooth surface, and potential for record performances. Teams hope to use the opener as a springboard in their pursuit of a spot in the Countdown to 10 championship program.

Doug Kalitta, Ron Capps and Jason Line Earn Wins at Kragen O'Reilly Winternationals02.10.09 Pomona, Calif. --

Doug Kalitta

Doug Kalitta raced to his first Top Fuel victory in more than a year Tuesday at the significantly rain-delayed Kragen O'Reilly NHRA Winternationals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona.

Ron Capps and Jason Line also were winners in their respective categories at the first of 24 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series events in 2009. The season-opening event, which had been plagued by five straight days of rain delays, was finally completed under clear blue skies.

Kalitta powered his Kalitta Motorsports dragster to a winning performance of 3.822 seconds at 308.57 mph to take an emotional win over top qualifier Antron Brown, whose Matco Tools dragster trailed with a 3.847 at 307.16.

Kalitta said he was thrilled to win at the same track where his uncle Connie Kalitta, the legendary drag racer who is celebrating his 50th anniversary in the sport this year, and his late cousin Scott, who was killed last year in a crash at Englishtown, N.J., had both previously won (Scott in 2005, Connie in 1967).

Doug Kalitta

"The Kalitta name has a long history at this track as both Connie and Scott have won here, so I am glad to be able to join them on the list," said Kalitta of his 31st career victory. "We're back. It was kind of a dry spell for us last year. The new team I have this year is really great and they are hungry to win, so I am glad we were able to get it done today."

Doug said the roll cage on his dragster today was the same one used by Scott in his win at this event in 2005. He said Scott was in his thoughts throughout the day.

"I think of Scott when I am up on the line all of the time and still use some of the techniques he taught me to get motivated before a race, so he's always riding with me," Kalitta said. "I am sure he was watching over us and he's really proud that all three Kalittas have now won here at Pomona."

Ron Capps

Capps also ended a year-long winless drought in Funny Car, posting a performance of 4.154 at 296.96 in his NAPA Dodge Charger to hold off surprise finalist Jim Head, whose Head Racing Toyota Solara lost traction at the start of the race. It was Capps' 26th career victory and second at this event (also 1998).

"It's cool to be the first Full Throttle winner," Capps said. "And it's great for NAPA. We really wanted to get them a win this year because they really like our program and love what NHRA does for them because the customers can get so close. They were blown away when they came aboard last year and are doing so much with us with the TV commercials and everything. This is a big win for us."

Jason Line

Line claimed his 16th victory in Pro Stock and first ever at this track by outrunning Mike Edwards in the final round. Line drove his Summit Racing Pontiac GXP to a 6.567 at a track record speed of 211.63 to hold off Edwards' Young Life/Penhall GXP, which trailed at 6.575 at 210.01.

"I drove pretty good out there which feels pretty good because I've been criticized for that in the past," said Line, who had a reaction time advantage on all four of his opponents. "I drove decent and had a pretty good hot rod - probably the second best one here - and I would have loved to have raced Greg (Anderson, teammate who set the national E.T. record at 6.528 seconds in the second round) in the final, but we had a good race and it feels good to win. I botched the shift in the final or I probably would have gotten the (national) speed record because I hit the chip in third gear and again in fifth gear because I was so excited to be getting down the track in the final."

Tuesday's Final Results, 49th annual Kragen O'Reilly NHRA Winternationals:
Top Fuel -- Doug Kalitta, 3.822 seconds, 308.57 mph def. Antron Brown, 3.847 seconds, 307.16 mph.
Funny Car -- Ron Capps, Dodge Charger, 4.154, 296.96 def. Jim Head, Toyota Solara, no time.
Pro Stock -- Jason Line, Pontiac GXP, 6.567, 211.63 def. Mike Edwards, GXP, 6.575, 210.01.
- Credit DRC

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

February 20-22, 2009
2nd of 24 2009 NHRA Full Throttle Events
Schedule | Entry List | Team Reports | NHRA Results: Detailed Article | Competition Plus Coverage
2008 Winners: TF Larry Dixon ~ FC Jack Beckman ~ PS V. Gaines

NHRA’s annual duel in the desert has been a Southwest fixture since 1985, when it joined the tour in a late fall slot. Since 1990, it has been the second stop on the tour’s westward march and a place for teams to redeem mistakes made at the opener. Charlie Allen, a former Funny Car racer, constructed a track that makes people forget it sits at 1,100 feet above sea level. The facility is also known for its annual NHRA teams' preseason testing.

Antron Brown, Ron Capps and Jeg Coughlin Win Lucas Oil Slick Mist NHRA Nationals 02.22.09 Phoenix, Arizona --

Coughlin, Brown and Capps

Antron Brown in Top Fuel, Ron Capps in Funny Car and Jeg Coughlin in Pro Stock won the 25th annual Lucas Oil Slick Mist NHRA Nationals. Brown and Capps were making back-to-back final round appearances and each leaves with the points lead in their respective class. Coughlin, with his win, will leave Firebird International Raceway in second place, just two points behind Jason Line.

Brown, in the Matco Tools dragster, defeated Brandon Bernstein when Bernstein's car went up in smoke around 150 feet down the track. Brown collected his third "Wally" in Top Fuel with the win. Brown, who qualified third, defeated Del Cox Jr. in round one and Morgan Lucas in the quarterfinals. In the Semifinals, Brown defeated defending Top Fuel champion Tony Schumacher, making the quickest pass of the round. After an off-season full of changes for Brown, he got his new team owner Mike Ashley and new crew chiefs Brian Corradi and Mark Oswald their first win as a Top Fuel dragster team.

Antron Brown

"This just shows how strong our team really is here at MAR (Mike Ashley Racing)," Brown said. "With all the adversity we dealt with this off season, this is just an awesome feeling. Lee Beard left us with a great race car and with Brian Corradi and Mark Oswald in here, there was no doubt in my mind that we'd do well.

"After testing, here in Phoenix last month, our team just really gelled. We didn't need any glue or adhesive we just stuck together. We just need to get more laps and to be more consistent. We've got an awesome race car. We were bummed to not win at Pomona last race because we really had the car to beat, but you can't count anyone out in this sport. To run that 3.81 in the semis today was awesome to show we can run with (Larry) Dixon and Tony (Schumacher) and all the top dogs. It's going to be a fun year in Top Fuel, but it'll be tough to win races with so many great teams."

Ron Capps

Capps, in his NAPA Auto Parts Dodge Charger R/T, opens the 2009 Full Throttle Drag Racing season with back-to-back wins in Funny Car, the first time this has happened since 1997, when John Force opened the season with consecutive wins. This is the 27th National event win for Capps and the first time he has won after qualifying number one. Capps won the final when Mike Neff broke on the burnout and Could not back up to the starting line. Capps defeated Jeff Arend, Don Schumacher Racing teammate Matt Hagan and Del Worsham on his way to the final.

Capps credited his crew chief Ed "Ace" McCulloch for the NAPA team's newfound success this season. "He's the man," said Capps in the winner's circle. "He's done well in his career, driven Funny Cars, Top Fuel dragsters. He's my hero. I can't tell you how I feel right now. More than anything [this win is great] for the NAPA guys and for Ace. He really worked hard in the off season and kind of started from scratch with the tune-up.

"It's like a really good cook learning how to cook again completely differently. The car is just so different to run, to feel, and it puts me in the trunk at half-track. It's so much fun to drive and when the win light comes on, it's even better.

"To run the 4:04 in the final was awesome. Ace could've just tried to go down the track, but he wanted to give the fans the best run this weekend.

Jeg Coughlin

2007 and 2008 Pro Stock Champion Coughlin, in the JEGS.com Chevy Cobalt, won in Phoenix for the second time in his career, defeating Kurt Johnson in the final round. This was the first time in eight final rounds against Johnson that Coughlin took the win light, even though he holds an overall head-to-head advantage against Johnson.

"That's a crazy stat," Coughlin admitted. "Any time you race Kurt you know you're in for a battle and it definitely means a little more to beat a driver of his caliber. I'll have to make sure and give him a hard time about this."

Coughlin put Steve Spiess, Jason Line and Ron Krisher in the trailer on his way to the final round.

"Sometimes you really have to fight your way through a race and that was certainly the case this weekend," said Coughlin, a 42-time winner in the Pro Stock class. "We're still trying to fine-tune this new Chevy and we're not at full speed just yet. My Dad and Roy (Simmons, crew chief) just kept at it every pass and the car was there for me. It's really cool to win for them and for my little man, Jeggie III, who came along this weekend. He's always good luck." # SNIP #
- - Courtesy Drag Race Central by Rick Green

Wed, 02.25.09: Now That Was Better
- - Lucas Oil Slick Mist NHRA Nationals Post-Event Review. Very good wrap-up article with numerous photos. I'm glad the author, Bob Frey, said something about the very large number of nitro engine explosions and out of control fires during qualifying (see my comments in next post) as follows: "The racing was good in every class at Phoenix, although I must admit there seemed to be more oil-downs than I can remember at recent events, especially the 1,000-foot races. I hope that's not a pattern that will repeat itself at future races." <> FlA Says: Bob has been around drag racing since the '60's and is highly regarded. Here's a good NHRA article about him, 04.29.07: For newest generation of fans, Frey is 'the voice' of drag racing.

Sat, 02.21.09: Father and Son Crew Chiefs Steals Firebird Spotlight - Ed and Jason McCulloch
      Jason McCulloch joined his legendary father Ed "the Ace" McCulloch in tuning his driver Larry Dixon to the No. 1 qualifying position at a National event Saturday, marking the first time in NHRA history such a feat has occurred. Just two races since being named crew chief of Larry Dixon's Al Anabi Racing Top Fuel dragster, Jason tuned Dixon to a class-leading 3.807 at 313.95 mph, while NHRA legend Ed (NHRA 19th Greatest Driver) guided Ron Capps to the top slot in Funny Car with a 4.023 at 305.63 mph in his NAPA Auto Parts Dodge Charger R/T.
      "I'm so happy for Jason," Dixon said. "It's his first pole and he's part of something real special with the first father/son duo to get the pole at the same race. That's really cool. Normally the drivers get the credit, right or wrong, but today it needs to go to those two guys. It's well deserved." Dixon and crew held off a Saturday charge from six-time champion Tony Schumacher, who jumped up to second place with an improved 3.826 at 314.46 mph in the U.S. Army dragster.
      Like Dixon, Capps made his record run Friday, but that didn't diminish his enthusiasm for his longtime tuner's special moment. "Jason obviously soaked it all up from his old man," Capps said. "We all knew he'd be a great crew chief when he got the chance and I'm sure "Ace" is proud of him. "It's funny because those two are old school all the way, real gruff and all. Well a long time back I started making "Ace" give me a hug every day when I left the track. You know he didn't like it at first but it's kind of become our deal. Now I just say, "Okay, I'm outta here," and he'll automatically stand up to give me a hug. One day I said, "Do you hug Jason like this, and he was like, nah - Too funny." # SNIP # - Credit RDRN, Edited by FlA

Home: The FR 2009 NHRA Championship Drag Racing Thread
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March 12-15, 2009
3rd of 24 2009 NHRA Full Throttle Events
Event Schedule | Entry List | Team Reports | Live Audiocast (WMPlayer Direct) | Results
2008 Winners: TF Tony Schumacher ~ FC Tony Pedregon, ~ PS Jeg Coughlin ~ PSM Matt Guidera
Tickets | Fans Assistance KBase | Gainesville Chamber of Commerce
The Gatornationals attracts significant crowds. Many good local area hotels are booked months in advance.
Parking can be problematic so all fans must arrive several hours before championship racing starts.
Weather: Gainesville Race Track Maps: US Surface SEast: Surface IR Satellite Live Radar: 1 2 3
Forecasts may be inaccurate. Florida's Spring weather is unpredictable and can change on short notice.

      The Gatornationals is the NHRA East Coast opener and the season’s first of seventeen(17) events for Pro Stock Motorcycle riders. It's one of the sport’s most revered races with a rich tradition of history-making performances. It also typically hosts one of the largest event attendance of the NHRA championship drag racing season. And with good weather, the 40th Annual NHRA ACDelco Gatornationals should be no different with cash and contingency awards totaling more than $2 million. This hallowed race track has produced the first 260 mph Top Fuel and Funny Car runs in 1984, and the first 270 mph and 300 mph Top Fuel passes in 1986 and 1992, respectively. During the 2000 NHRA Gatornationals, eight of ten National records were set in the professional classes. Gainesville Raceway's starting line 675 feet concrete launchpad, flat racing surface, and very long shutdown area, makes it one of the drivers' favorite on the tour.
      Gainesville Raceway opened in 1969 and held its first Gatornationals event in 1970. It’s the fourth oldest event on the NHRA Championship Drag Racing annual tour, behind the U.S. Nationals at Indianapolis, and the Winternationals and NHRA Finals at Pomona. Following the 2003 season, Gainesville Raceway has continued to undergo significant renovations. In 2008, a new $2.6 million three-story state-of-the-art control tower was completed, which is located directly behind the drag strip’s starting line. The track offices are on the first floor, race-control operations on the second floor, and a spacious media center on the top floor.
      Gainesville Raceway is the home of Frank Hawley's Drag Racing School, which for twenty-four years has been the leading school for drivers competing in the NHRA. Gainesville, and Gainesville Raceway, are also home to the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame. On Thursday, March 12, 2009, the 2009 inductees will be honored at the Annual International Hall Of Fame Banquet being held at the Hilton University of Florida Conference Center, Gainesville. The Gatornationals is noted for attracting a "who's who" of NHRA legends. Many attend unannounced and can be found in the pit areas. Don Garlits, NHRA No. 1 Greatest, will be attending the full Gatornationals event. Darrell Gwynn, NHRA No. 32nd Greatest, will be attending the Finals, on Sunday, March 15, 2009, in behalf of the Darrell Gwynn Foundation, which is an official charity of the NHRA. ~ FlA

The Four Championship Drag Racing Divisions Event Schedule
Fri. 03.13.09: Pro Stock Qualifying Session 1 (PS Motorcycle; PS Car): 11:30 am
Nitro Qualifying Session 1 (Funny Car; Top Fuel Dragster): 12:30 pm
Pro Stock Qualifying Session 2 - 2:30 pm
Nitro Qualifying Session 2 - 3:30 pm
Sat. 03.14.09: Pro Stock Qualifying Session 3 - 11:30 am
Nitro Qualifying Session 3 - 12:30 pm
Pro Stock Qualifying Session 4 - 2:30 pm
Nitro Qualifying Session 4 - 3:30 pm
Sun. 03.15.09: Pre-Race Ceremonies: 10:00 am
Final Eliminations: 11:00 am

ACDelco NHRA Gatornationals Coverage (ET)
Sun, 03.15 Qualifying 2:00-4:00 am (ESPN2)
Sun, 03.15 Repeat Qualifying 10:00-11:30 am (ESPN2)
Sun, 03.15 NHRA Race Day 11:30 am-12:00 (ESPN2)
Sun, 03.15 Eliminations 3:00-6:00 pm (ESPN)(1)(2)
Wed, 03.18 Repeat Eliminations 2:30-4:30 am (ESPN2)
(1) Note channel change from ESPN2 to ESPN
(2) Watch Full Coverage On-Line at ESPN 360

Can’t get interviews from some of the NHRA drivers.
No problem, ESPN sends in a Brut Girl to get “the dirt”.

Photos, Greg & Kim Anderson: The media often calls John Force the Dale Earnhardt Sr. of drag racing. But the person that most reminds me of Dale is, without question, 3 time (2003-5) NHRA Pro Stock World Champion Greg Anderson. Greg has many of Dale’s mannerism, is a great guy, and a very tough competitor with 57 NHRA event wins. 2009 will be Greg’s 11th NHRA racing season. His wife Kim is on the starting line every time Greg makes a 1/4 mile pass. And, the male drag racing fans love her – more like lust for her. NHRA Profile | His Site Bio | Racing History ~ fla

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

03.22.09: NHRA Stars Participate in Celebrity Race at Bristol Motor Speedway
      A trio of NHRA racers spent the off weekend racing. Representing three of the pro divisions, Ron Capps, Greg Anderson, and Doug Herbert participated in a celebrity late model charity race on the .533- mile Bristol Motor Speedway during the track’s NASCAR event weekend. The rules of the race, dubbed the Saturday Night Special, were simple. A celebrity was paired with a former NASCAR Bristol race winner with a $100,000 purse up for grabs. The winning team, that of NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Sterling Marlin, was awarded $25,000 for his favorite charity. The second place finisher, Rusty Wallace, the retired 1989 Cup champion, earned $10,000 for his charity of choice, and every other participating driver earned $5,000 for their designated charity.
      The event kicked off with a 15-lap heat race run by the celebrities in order to set the lineup for the 35-lap race, run by retired NASCAR legends Cale Yarborough and Junior Johnson. In addition to some of drag racing’s most notable, the celebrity field was peppered with TV personalities and several athletes and coaches, spanning NCAA, the NFL, and the NBA.
      Capps, a two-time NHRA event winner already this season and the current points leader in Funny Car, was paired with 1982 and 1985 Nationwide Series champion Jack Ingram, racing for the Susan G. Komen Foundation. He was entered in the second heat race and finished third. Former NASCAR crew chief and car owner Andy Petree won under caution after Ray Evernham, four-time champion Jeff Gordon’s former crew chief, spun and wrecked his car on lap 10. Petree was paired with Marlin, giving Marlin the pole for the feature.
      Television analyst and former NBA player Brad Daugherty moved up to second after Evernham wrecked out. Capps finished third and Evernham fourth. "I wish we could have run better," Capps said. "I was just texting my crew chief Ace (Ed McCullough), he asked me what happened. Being in California, these guys spent more time on their cars and testing. Ray (Evernham) was in one of Rusty’s cars. "It’s fun to come out here and see some friends, Mike (Waltrip, fellow NAPA-sponsored driver) and all of the guys."
      Neither Anderson nor Herbert participated in the heat races. During the morning practice session, the two got caught up in a typical Bristol run-in. Known as one of the toughest short tracks on the NASCAR circuit, Bristol has a reputation for multiple melees. Anderson had troubles off of turn 4 and Herbert was in the wrong place at the wrong time, wrecking hard on the front stretch. He climbed from his battered machine unhurt. "Anderson hit the wall right in front of me," Herbert said. "He didn’t hang me out but I was doing everything I could to get away from him and I ended up spinning my car in the process. I owe Greg one." Anderson, who is fourth in the Pro Stock points, was aligned with former champ and current driver of the No. 07 Toyota in the Nationwide Series, David Green. Herbert, who has been absent from the Top Fuel field this season due to sponsorship troubles, was partnered up with 1986 and ’87 Nationwide Series champ Larry Pearson. - Credit: RDRN

# # # # #

03.17.09: NHRA Driver Doug Herbert to Participate in NASCAR Activities at Bristol Motor Speedway
      NHRA Top Fuel Driver Doug Herbert will participate in activities surrounding the NASCAR Nationwide Series and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races held at Bristol Motor Speedway, March 21-22. Herbert will compete in a celebrity amateur race as part of the Scotts Saturday Night Special Charity Event, and will start his dragster in front of nearly 160,000 spectators during the pre-race ceremonies prior to Sunday's Food City 500. Herbert's Top Fuel Dragster will be on display outside Bristol Motor Speedway throughout the weekend, beginning Friday for Food City Race Night, but will be moved inside the .533-mile oval Sunday morning, when he will start the 8,000-horsepower machine on the track's frontstretch. "Bristol is one of my favorite races," said Herbert, who scored his first Top Fuel victory at Thunder Valley in 1992. "Before they built zMAX Dragway in Charlotte last year, Bristol was my home track. I like going up there so I was excited when they asked me to be at the circle track. When we start the dragster for all the NASCAR fans I'm sure they'll love it!"
      During the Scotts Saturday Night Special Herbert will wheel a late model car in a 15-lap, celebrity amateur race. Each celebrity is paired with a pro driver and the celebrity heats help determine the starting spots of their pro driver teammate, who will then run 35 laps. "Driving in Saturday's UARA event will be really fun," said Herbert. "When we were racing in Bristol last year the Speedway had a NHRA Circle Track Challenge, where a bunch of NHRA drivers raced in street stock cars, and I loved it. My buddy Ray Evernham will be there racing too, maybe he can give me a little expert advice!" Herbert, who is currently working with Evernham to build a land speed car to run at the Bonneville Salt Flats, will be at the dragster display on Saturday, March 21, from 1:30-2:30 p.m., to greet fans and sign autographs. Although the veteran racer is not running the full 2009 NHRA schedule, he plans to compete in the upcoming NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway, May 15-17.
      "We're really happy to have Doug back at the round track at Bristol," said Jeff Byrd, president and general manager of Bristol Motor Speedway. "He's used to tearing it up at Thunder Valley but last May he got a little taste of the Speedway and we really thought he would enjoy taking part in the celebrity portion of the Saturday Night Special. This is a big event for us and we're excited about him being in the race and also about him bringing his Top Fuel dragster here. He's going to start it up in in front of a packed house on Sunday and believe me, the fans will go crazy."
- Credit: Doug Herbert Racing

TAB

Add to "there's not enough upcoming racing action" *lol* a.k.a. "glad I'm taking a break from GOP politics this year" file. ~ fla

FlA's Upcoming Motorsports, and related, Dance Card:
01. Mar 27-29: 22nd annual O’Reilly NHRA Spring Nationals, Houston (FR FlA & Co. Covered)
02. Mar 27-29: Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, Melbourne (Season Opener)
03. Apr 02-05: 10th annual SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals, Las Vegas (FR FlA & Co. Covered)
04. Apr 03-05: Formula 1 Malaysian Grand Prix, Kuala Lumpur
05. Apr 04-05: NASCAR O'Reilly 300 & Samsung 500, Texas Motor Speedway
06. Apr 09-11: Barrett Jackson Collector Car Auction, Palm Beach, FL (FR FlA & Co. Covered)
07. Apr 16-19: 29th annual Summit Racing Equip. NHRA Southern Nationals, Atlanta (FR FlA & Co. Covered)
08. Apr 17-19: 19th annual Miami Super Boat Grand Prix (Season Opener)
09. Apr 17-19: Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix, Shanghai
10. Apr 25-26: NASCAR Aaron's 312 & Aaron's 499, Talladega Superspeedway
11. Apr 24-26: Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir
----- COMMENTS -----
01. Attending all three days of pro racing. My 17th NHRA Spring Nationals
02. (A) It was great last year and I/we(girlfriend) are F1 fans.(B)(C)
03. (A) Great facility, I/we usually go every other year in the Fall, if no schedule conflict.
04. (A) I really like this track and excellent facility. Rain can be a problem.
05. (A) Not my favorite track but a great Texas event that draws massive crowds.
06. Attending the final day on Saturday. NHRA & NASCAR drivers will be in attendance.
      Many racing cars to be auctioned.
07. (A) I would like to attend this race more frequently but schedule usually conflicts.
08. Third year racing. SBIP/APBA lost two big Florida races this season due to loss of
      cities/local sponsorship. The recession takes no prisoners.
09. (A) Great track and facility. I boycott watching or reading about anything held in communist China,
      which included the 2008 Summer Olympics, but my girlfriend likes this race so. .
10. Attending both races. My 6th time this decade.
11. (A) I'm not a fan of this facility but usually flip through the recording to see if the race is good.
----------
(A) DVR record to watch.
(B) You think NHRA & NASCAR are having sponsorship problems? In the off-season F1 had their heads
      handed to them by a huge sponsorship pull-out. F1 has always been the most expensive motorsports
      in the World, and in a major global recession, many sponsors said no thanks for 2009.
(C) If interested, see my Formula 1 Section on my FlAttorney's FR Racing.
      It will be updated again after the Australian Grand Prix.

I'm also a big NHL hockey fan so I'll have to find time for the 2009 Stanley Cup Playoffs which begins on April 15, 2009 and lasts until June.

(Talking about his very busy Van Halen touring schedule) "Ya know. . . it's kinda like my pants. It's hard to fit it all in" - Diamond David Lee Roth, 1980

March 27-29, 2009
4th of 24 2009 NHRA Full Throttle Events
First of Five O'Reilly Auto Parts Sponsored '09 NHRA Events
Spring Nationals, Houston ~ Midwest Nationals, St. Louis ~ Summer Nationals, Topeka
Fall Nationals, Dallas ~ Mid-South Nationals, Memphis
Event Schedule | Entry List | Team Reports | Live Audiocast (WMPlayer Direct) | Results
2008 Winners: TF Antron Brown ~ FC Del Worsham ~ PS Greg Anderson ~ PSM Matt Smith
Fans Assistance KBase | Tickets | Weather: Baytown Race Track
Surface Maps: U.S. SCentral SC IR Satellite | Live Radar: Multi NWS Severe Storm Loop
Forecasts may be inaccurate. Houston Spring weather is unpredictable and can change on short notice.

      FlA Says: After the legendary NHRA Gatornationals comes the legendary Spring Nationals. While this is the 22nd event at Houston Raceway Park, the first Spring Nationals was held in 1965 - Champion Spark Plugs NHRA Spring Nationals, Bristol Dragway - which makes this event the third oldest on the NHRA tour. Prior to moving to Houston, the Spring Nationals was held at National Trail Raceway, Columbus Ohio, since 1972. Before Columbus, it was held at Dallas International Motor Speedway from 1969-71 after Bristol Dragway switched to AHRA sanction.
      NHRA Funny Car driver and visionary Billy Meyer built the Texas Motorplex supertrack south of Dallas in Ennis. Debuting in 1986, it was a state-of-the art facility with an all concrete drag strip. With the long standing Dallas-Houston rivalry we(my hometown of Houston) demanded a new drag racing supertrack. Houston Raceway Park("HRP") was built in 1988 by Greg(President) and Seth Angel(Track Manager, "Angel Brothers" Enterprises) and is situated on 500 acres on the eastern edge of the greater Houston metropolitan(Harris County) area in Baytown. The drag strip has a large three story tower building that incorporates 23 VIP suites, a media center, and race control facilities equipped with state-of-the-art timing and scoring equipment.
      HRP's first NHRA national event, in the Fall of 1988, established it as one of the sport’s quickest with NHRA’s first four-second Top Fuel quarter-mile pass and a new national record. Since then, the track has been host to a dizzying array of record runs, including the first sub-4.5 seconds Top Fuel quarter-mile pass by Larry Dixon in 1999. The current HRP quarter-mile track records are Top Fuel dragster: ET 4.480 secs, Gary Scelzi, Oct 1999 - MPH 335.32, Tony Schumacher, Apr 2005; Funny Car: ET 4.695 secs, John Force, Mar 2006 - MPH 328.06, John Force, Mar 2006; Pro Stock: ET 6.649 secs, Jeg Coughlin, Mar 2007 - MPH 208.59, Greg Anderson, Mar 2007; and Pro Stock Motorcycle: ET 6.947 secs, Angelle Sampey, Mar 2007 - MPH 195.73, Andrew Hines, Apr 2005.
      The largest problem for the Spring Nationals is the annual Spring rains and/or overcast, humid, and windy conditions. Also, daily weather fluctuations this time of year can make the track very tricky for the pro drivers and crew-chiefs. It appears the track will be tricky again this year with a weather forecast of isolated thunder storms for Friday's Day 1 Qualifying, from a front passing through the area that will drop the temperature 10-15 degrees. For Saturday's Day 2 Qualifying, a humid, windy, and partly cloudy high of only 65 degrees. For Sunday's Final Eliminations, a sunny high of 72 degrees with moderate winds and lower humidity.
      Over the last decade, the other problem has been that the east side of Harris County has experienced several significant flood events that affected HRP's drag strip. Again, at last year's Spring Nationals, one lane had a significant problem due to a drop-off at the end of the concrete launch pad where the track transitions to asphalt. It was so bad that, for some nitro and pro stock cars, it unloaded their rear drag slicks when they went over it. In September 2008, Hurricane Ike - the third most destructive hurricane to ever make U.S. landfall - addressed this problem by causing over $100,000 of damage to Houston Raceway Park. Not only did Ike damage the track, it completely destroyed the two top-end scoreboards, and damaged the control tower.
      From insurance proceeds, the Angel Brothers had everything repaired and updated the facility. The entire drag strip was completely repaired and resurfaced, using an expensive road construction machine(see photo, 2nd post down), in two phases. The second phase, which consisted of resurfacing the concrete eighth-mile starting line launchpad, was completed in January 2009. The shutdown area gravel trap and catch-net was extended from 150 feet to 250 feet. For additional safety, the new finish-line scoreboards were placed 35 feet away from the retaining walls. The spectator parking lot was expanded along with new permanent lighting infrastructure. And, all VIP luxury suites and the HRP media center was completely remodeled and outfitted with 42-inch plasma TVs. HRP is now a newly renovated facility and drag strip with possibly the best racing surface on the NHRA tour.
      NHRA continues to experience reduced attendance at their 2009 Full Throttle events. Accordingly, they are again discounting selected tickets for the Spring Nationals. Their reduced selected tickets prices didn't appear to help attendance at the Gatornationals. It will be interesting to see what attendance is for the Spring Nationals. In the past, it has attracted very large crowds.
      The other good thing about having the Gatornationals and the Spring Nationals together is that, I strongly believe, Floridian and Texas women are the hottest in the Country. . . but I only waste one eye. My girlfriend likes a number of the NHRA drivers (more like she has the hots for some of them *lol*) so she enjoys our time in the pits when I get to tech talking too much. This will be my 17th time to attend the NHRA Spring Nationals. We fly to Houston Thursday evening, March 26, and are attending all three days of pro racing and hanging out in the pits with our group. It's my first trip back home since Christmas to see family and friends.

O'Reilly NHRA Spring Nationals ESPN2 Coverage (ET)
Sat, 03.28: Qualifying 8:00 - 9:00 pm (1)
Sun, 03.29: NHRA Race Day 11:00 - 11:30 am
Sun, 03.29: Eliminations 4:30 - 7:30 pm (2)
Mon, 03.30: Repeat Eliminations 2:30 - 4:30 am
(1) Only 1 hour, instead of 2, due to NCAA Basketball March Madness
(2) Watch Full Coverage On-Line at ESPN 360

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OFF THREAD TOPIC

If anyone has interest the second 2009 updated was performed on FlAttorney's FR Racing - Formula One section. Be well - TAB

04.01.09: During the off-season, Formula One teams experiencing significant loss of sponsorships. F1 has always been the most expensive motor racing in the world and many sponsors said enough was enough. To field a F1 team for one season it costs a minimum of 5-7 times more than a top NASCAR team. A NASCAR team costs on average 4 times more than a NHRA Top Fuel dragster or Funny Car team. Also in the off-season, FIA totally rewrote the rules book with the most significant changes in F1 history. Many of the changes I like. The cars have a much more traditional look, passing should be easier, and for the first time in eleven years they are racing on slicks again. There were many engine rules changes with the largest being that a driver is only allowed eight engines for the season before penalties are assessed. The maximum allowed engine RPM's was reduced from 19,000 to 18,000 but the reduction is not enough to realistically increase the engine's racing life. Last night, I/we DVR watched the season opening Australian Grand Prix. It was outstanding with a wild finish. Of the season opening NHRA, NASCAR, and F1 races, Formula One blew the other two away. Compared to last year's race, and all the '08-'09 off-season problems, I was surprised how good the race turned out. One last comment, F1 requires the most driver endurance and stamina, followed by NASCAR supertrack racing, and then NHRA's championship top fuel racing. Unlike NHRA and NASCAR, very few F1 drivers race past their early to mid 30's. ~ fla

April 2-5, 2009
5th of 24 2009 NHRA Full Throttle Events
First of Two Events at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway
First 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 Cory McClenathan ~ FC Tim Wilkerson ~ PS Jason Line ~ PSM N/A
Fans Assistance KBase | Tickets | Weather: Las Vegas Race Track
Surface Maps: U.S. West IR Satellite Wind | Live Radar: WU NWS Storm Loop
Forecasts may be inaccurate. Las Vegas Spring weather is unpredictable and can change on short notice.

      04.01.09-22:00 FlA Says: Pro Stock Motorcycles don't race this weekend. Their next race is April 16-19 at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals Atlanta, GA. This weekend we may see a Déjà vu of the 2009 Spring Nationals as to weather. See my next post "Déjà vu? Maybe yes but I hope not". Last year's "Vegas1" NHRA event was marred by two situations of very poor judgments by NHRA "brass". One turned the event into a National media covered debacle and NHRA did it on purpose. I expressed my thoughts about this fiasco on thread post #41 * here * . Last year's nitro action was also poor due to the track getting very hot and it was windy.
      About The Strip: While opinions vary on the track, The Strip is an outstanding A+ facility. The inaugural NHRA SummitRacing.com Nationals was held at The Strip on April 6-9, 2000. The winners were, Top Fuel: Kenny Bernstein, Funny Car: Jim Epler, Pro Stock: Jeg Coughlin Jr. and Pro Stock Motorcycle: Angelle Sampey. There was still construction going on when many of the NHRA pro's arrived at the track. Workers were laying asphalt, painting and putting in glass just about everywhere you looked, according to Pro Stock legend Warren Johnson. But, it was ready to go for the first qualifying session. In the track's early days there were some surface and other problems. It reminded me of the problems Speedway Motorsports experienced after they built Texas Motor Speedway to host NASCAR events, but the problems at The Strip were not as serious.
      As to the drag strip, many veterans don't like the down the hill, up the big hill surface. When I first attended a NHRA championship event at The Strip in 2003, I didn't like the Top Fuel chassis compression at the bottom of the hill after the speed traps. This was the period of time when several TF chassis had snapped in half at the top-end. Frankly, I didn't like the thought process on how the drag strip was designed and built. I also don't like the fact that when it's windy sand blows on the track making traction difficult. In 2007, we were talking to some guys sitting in front of us during a break in the action. The subject of what I thought about the track came up. I told them I was a Southerner and liked our flat and long drag strips. They said some of their friends were not that hot about the track(layout) but The Strip had the best round-trip ET for getting cold beers of any track they had been to. I laughed and said yes this is a first class facility in all regards.
      Due to the track's proximity to California, many NHRA pro teams test at The Strip during the off-season. I will now yield to 2009 Miss Nevada USA, Georgina Vaughan, to tell you more about the NHRA event this weekend at The Strip. She's much hotter than I am. - 03.30.09 Video: This Week at Las Vegas Motor Speedway

SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals ESPN2 Coverage (ET)
Sat, 04.04: Qualifying 8:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Sun, 04.05: NHRA Race Day 11:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Sun, 04.05: Eliminations 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. (1)
Fri, 04.10: Repeat Eliminations 3:00 - 5:00 a.m.
(1) Watch Full Coverage On-Line at ESPN 360

Inaugural NHRA SummitRacing.Com Nationals
Finals Pre-Race Ceremonies, April 9, 2000
(L) Speedway Motorsports Inc.'s Chairman and CEO Bruton Smith - Track Owner/Builder
(R) NHRA's new President Tom Compton(Jan 2000) & NHRA Founder Wally Parks(2007, RIP)

Team Summit

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Auction Cars Master Lists: Thursday | Friday | Saturday

With consignment spots sold out and the auction lineup finalized, the 7th Annual Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Collector Car Auction is from April 9 to 11th. The all No Reserve auction will feature a memorable range of collector vehicles including muscle cars, foreign classics, customs and specials from individual collectors and auto manufacturers. A large collection of cars are available within distinguished groups including, Mustang Celebrates 45 Years by offering the first retail 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 and a pair of Mustang GT concept cars; Vintage Ford Mustangs; East Coast Muscle; Chevrolet Muscle Cars; British Beauties; The Fantastic 50s; NASCAR Legends; and more. Established in 1971 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Barrett-Jackson specializes in providing products and services to classic and collector car owners, astute collectors and automotive enthusiasts around the world. The company produces the "World's Greatest Collector Car Auctions™" in Scottsdale, Palm Beach and Las Vegas. - Barrett Jackson Complete Press Release

Broadcast Schedule (ET) - 22 Hours of Coverage
Thu, April 09: 12:00 - 03:00 pm (Live)
Thu, April 09: 08:00 - 12:00 pm (Same Day Delayed)
Fri, April 10: 12:00 - 3:00 pm (Live)
Fri, April 10: 03:00 - 8:00 pm ('09 Scottsdale BJ Auction Highlights)
Fri, April 10: 08:00 - 12:00 pm (Same Day Delayed)
Sat, April 11: 11:00 am - 7:00 pm (Live)
Speed: Watch On-Line
Top Featured Racing Cars
NHRA Mike Ashley's 2007 Dodge Charger Funny Car. 2007 Mac Tools U.S. Nationals Winner.
for the Darrell Gwynn Foundation
FR 2009 NHRA Drag Racing Thread: Darrell Gwynn homepage
Top Fuel Antron Brown drives for Mike Ashley Racing. Currently, he is in second place
in the NHRA Full Throttle Top Fuel Points Standings. ~ fla

2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo NASCAR "Jimmie Johnson #48"
1998 Chevrolet Monte Carlo NASCAR #24 Jeff Gordon (Butthead Car)
NOTE: The current schedule is Mike's funny car will be auctioned Friday afternoon.
Jimmie's stock car early Saturday afternoon and Jeff's stock car late afternoon. ~ fla

I hope everyone has a fantastic Easter weekend and remembers why God put you here. ~ fla

FlAttorney's FR Racing

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

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