International Hot Rod Association - IHRA

Drag Racing’s $2.1 Million Dollar Weekend
A total of $2,186,425.00 on the line at Rockingham Dragway for the IHRA World Finals

By Mike Perry | IHRA Communications

Norwalk, Ohio (Sept. 22, 2008) – Rockingham Dragway is among the most historic, revered venues in American motor sports. It seems fitting that one of the most hotly-contested seasons in IHRA history will come to a conclusion at Steve Earwood’s quarter-mile strip in south-central North Carolina. It’s also fitting that this season’s final race will be one of the richest in drag racing history as over $2 million will be up for grabs at the World Finals.

The Top Fuel, Nitro Funny Car, Pro Modified and Pro Stock world championships all remain very much up for grabs heading into Rockingham. As an added bonus the final of the $100,000 IHRA Pro Stock Showdown will be run off, along with the final run-off of the Summit SuperSeries sportsman world championship.

“We’re gearing up for one of the most exciting weekends in the history of this sanctioning body,” IHRA president Aaron Polburn said. “And I can’t think of a more suitable venue than Rockingham Dragway. It’s right smack in the middle of the ‘cradle of motor sports’ and you will not find more passionate fans anywhere. I am so proud of what our drivers have done this season, they have worked so hard to make this a great racing year. I’ll be on the edge of my seat in Rockingham as these points chases shake out.”

When the professional rounds start, both qualifying and eliminations, those in attendance will not want to miss any of the action. As tight as the points chases are each session will be critical, starting with the first evening qualifying session Friday evening. Five “Last Man Standing” bonus points are up for grabs in each evening qualifying session this season, points that could go a long way towards determining who will take home world championships.

Rookie Spencer Massey will head to Rockingham Dragway as the Top Fuel points leader. Massey, who has won three national events this season, will look to make his 65-point lead over defending world champion Bruce Litton stand up. Terry Haddock is looking for his first career Nitro Funny Car world championship and leads Matt Hagan by 65 points heading into the season finale.

The Pro Modified and Pro Stock points races are tight as well. Kenny Lang holds a 21-point lead over Mike Castellana in the Pro Mod points chase while Pete Berner leads Jeff Dobbins by 25 points and John Montecalvo by 101 points in the Pro Stock class.

“We look forward to watching these points races unfold,” Rockingham Dragway owner Steve Earwood said. “These drivers have worked their tails off all season, wanting to put themselves in position to go after a world championship at the World Finals. One thing’s for sure, they’re going to throw everything they have at the track and aren’t going to leave anything in the tank. There’s no holding back and worrying about the next race anymore…this is it, where it’s all going to be settled.”

Not only will the world championships be settled, Pete Berner and John Montecalvo will be going head-to-head in the final round of the $100,000 Torco Pro Stock Showdown. The winner will take home a $50,000 check while the runner-up will pocket $20,000.

The sportsmen will get into the game as well as the run-off of the $250,000 Summit SuperSeries sportsman world championship will take place during the World Finals. When the total purses are broken down and contingency figured in there will be over $2.1 million out there for the taking between the professional and sportsman racers.

“That’s quite a bit of money and yet another reason I expect our drivers to really lay it on the line at the World Finals,” Polburn said. “There’s a lot of prestige involved in winning a world championship, and those who have won championships will tell you it was something you could never put a dollar amount on. But over $2 million is a nice chunk of change for them to shoot for.”

The 2008 IHRA World Finals will take place at Rockingham Dragway Friday, Oct. 17 through Sunday, Oct. 19. To purchase tickets please visit the World Finals event page on www.nitrojam.com. You can also get coupons for $10 off your Friday or Sunday ticket at 170 Wendy’s restaurants in North Carolina and in the Columbia, South Carolina area. For more information about the World Finals or Rockingham Dragway please visit www.rockinghamdragway.com.

About IHRA

Headquartered in Norwalk, Ohio, the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA), a division of Feld Entertainment, promotes professional, semi-professional and local-level racing opportunities for drivers at all levels. The $21.5 million Knoll Gas Nitro Jam™ Drag Racing Series is a 10-event North American professional drag racing circuit. In 2008, the series will be comprised of eight events in major cities throughout the United States and three in Canada. The Summit Racing Equipment Pro-Am Championship presented by Mr. Gasket consists of competition at national events and 40 events in six regional divisions, while IHRA’s Summit SuperSeries is conducted nearly every weekend at over 85 IHRA-sanctioned tracks. Providing a safe environment to develop future stars, IHRA offers the Junior Dragster Racing Series for youths ages 8-17. Stand-alone events include Feld Entertainment Motor Sports’ action-packed “Thunder Jam” shows and the street legal racing and lifestyle event series Street Warriorz. More information can be found at www.nitrojam.com.

About Feld Entertainment, Inc.

Feld Entertainment is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live entertainment experiences that lift the human spirit and create indelible memories, with 30 million people in attendance at its shows each year. Feld Entertainment's productions have appeared in more than 55 countries on six continents and include Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®, Disney On Ice, Disney Live!, Doodlebops Live! and now Feld Entertainment Motor Sports.

More information about Feld Entertainment, Inc. is available online at http://www.feldentertainment.com/.

ATTACHED IMAGE: IHRA Top Fuel rookie Spencer Massey will look to close out his first career world championship with a win at Rockingham Dragway.
 

WORLD FINALS FACT SHEET

WHAT: IHRA’s Nitro Jam Series™ returns to Rockingham with the World Finals, the final event of the $21.5 million IHRA Nitro Jam™ Drag Racing Series

WHERE: Rockingham Dragway
2153 Highway U.S. 1 North, Rockingham, NC 28379
www.rockinghamdragway.com 

WHEN: Friday – Sunday, October 17 – 19, 2008

WHO: The stars of the IHRA Nitro Jam Series, including Top Fuel dragsters with world champion Bruce Litton, Terry McMillen, Bobby Lagana Jr. and newcomer Spencer Massey.

Fans will experience the power of 320 mph Nitro Funny Cars featuring Terry Haddock, Bob Gilbertson, Jack Wyatt and newcomer Matt Hagan.

Defending world champion Scott Cannon Jr., former world champions Mike Janis and Quain Stott and points leader Kenny Lang in nitrous vs. supercharged Pro Modified. Nitrous-powered drivers Mike Castellana and Jim Halsey, who have finished 1-2 on the qualifying sheet at three consecutive races, will look to make it four in a row.

Seven-time and defending world champion Mark Thomas, Rob Atchison, Terry Munroe and Laurie Cannister, who has clinched the 2008 world championship, in Alcohol Funny Car.

The world’s fastest and quickest Pro Stock cars, featuring IHRA’s version of NASCAR, the 220 mph factory hot rods of defending world champion Robert Patrick Jr., former world champions Pete Berner and Brian Gahm. Berner will also be squaring off with John Montecalvo in the final round of the $100,000 Torco Pro Stock Showdown.

WHAT’S AT STAKE: In addition to the individual class purse up for grabs, drivers will be competing for points with the ultimate goal of being crowned world champion at season’s end. Each class champion receives: Top Fuel - $150,000, Nitro Funny Car - $150,000, Pro Modified – $50,000, Alcohol Funny Car - $35,000 and Pro Stock - $35,000

WENDY’S NIGHT OF FIRE: The Saturday “Night of Fire” show is brought to you by Wendy’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers. It features the final round of professional qualifying under the lights – including two flame-burning Nitro-fueled classes – and the ground-pounding jet-powered truck, fireworks and much more!

TICKETS: AFFORDABLE FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT
Order Tickets Now @ Rockingham Dragway:
www.nitrojam.com, www.rockinghamdragway.com,  or call 910-582-3400

General Admission prices, single-day ticket
· Adult: $35 (Fri); $40 (Sat); $35 (Sun)
· Junior (6-12 years old): $5
· Child (under 6): Free
o Adults save $5 on general admission tickets purchased in advance

3-Day General Admission Pass prices – (Friday, Saturday & Sunday)
· Adult: $85
· Junior (6-12): $15

Reserve Seat prices – limited amount

· $5 upgrade Friday and Sunday general admission tickets, $10 upgrade on Saturday general admission tickets
· Adult: $40 (Fri); $50 (Sat); $40 (Sun)
· Junior (6-12): $10 (Fri); $15 (Sat); $10 (Sun)
· Child (under 6): $5 (Fri); $10 (Sat); $5 (Sun)

Discounts –

· Wendy’s Discount Coupon: Adults save $10 on Friday or Sunday tickets with a free discount coupon from participating Wendy’s locations. Visit the Rockingham World Finals event page at www.nitrojam.com for a list of participating stores.

· Military: All general admission tickets just $20. Save $15 on Friday or Sunday and $20 on Saturday general admission tickets when you show your Military ID at the box office

o Note: offer valid only at the box office on the day of the show

ALL TICKETS INCLUDE FREE PARKING AND PIT PASS AS IHRA OPENS ITS LOCKER ROOM TO THE PUBLIC

TELEVISION:

See the IHRA Nitro Jam Series on SPEED. Check local listings or www.speedtv.com for air dates.

FREE PIT PASS:

Every ticket includes access to the pit area. Go “backstage” and watch drivers

tune their vehicles for the next round, get autographs, photos and team

merchandise

TRACK
ELEVATION: 375’ above sea level
 

Andy Kelley Captures First Career Nitro Funny Car Ironman
Spencer Massey (Top Fuel), Jim Halsey (Pro Modified), Laurie Cannister (Alcohol Funny Car) and Jeff Dobbins (Pro Stock) also claim class championships at IHRA Torco Northern Nationals

MARTIN, MI (August 3, 2008) – Andy Kelley was thinking about parking his car a little early this season. Heading into the Torco Northern Nationals at US 131 Motorsports Park, Kelley knew his race team was up against the wall financially. He also knew how quickly things could change.

Kelley, a Piedmont, S.C. resident, defeated Paul Lee in the Torco Pro Nitro Funny Car final round to claim his first career national event victory and get the financial boost he needed to be able to compete at the Sooner Nationals later this month.

“We were broke and thinking about quitting,” Kelley said. “Now we did something silly and won some money so we pretty much can’t quit. We have to keep on going. I’m glad I was able to win this and glad to be a part of IHRA. When the president of the sanctioning body comes over and shakes your hand to congratulate you…that makes you feel pretty special.”

Kelley qualified #5 and knocked off #1 qualifier Cory Lee in the first round. He then defeated John Lawson, who was driving the car Dale Creasy Jr. drove to the world championship last year, in the semifinals to move into the final-round match-up with Lee.

Lee (Wynnewood, Pa.) hazed his tires in the final round while Kelley made a clean pass right down the groove. He posted a 5.544 at 263.20 to grab the Ironman.

Spencer Massey (Fort Worth, Tex.) won the first two national events of the 2008 IHRA Nitro Jam season. He built an early lead in the Torco Pro Nitro Top Fuel points chase, only to see defending world champion Bruce Litton wrestle it away after the President’s Cup Nationals in Budds Creek, Md. After knocking off Terry McMillen in the final at US 131 Motorsports Park Massey took the points lead back. He will pull out of the facility with a 41-point advantage.

“This is a dream come true, it’s just unbelievable,” Massey said. “With three races left we’re 41 points in the lead, so I guess we kind of control our own destiny. It’s because of this whole Mitch King racing team, they are the best.”

Massey took over the points lead in the semifinals when he was able to slip past Litton. He then knocked off McMillen, who shook his tires at mid-track. Massey clocked a 4.741 at 312.57 to take the win light.

“I always say I just have to take things one race at a time, one round at a time,” he said. “We can’t get ahead of ourselves. We just have to keep our focus and not worry about the points, they will take care of themselves.”

The blower vs. nitrous debate has raged in the Torco Pro Modified ever since the class was instituted for the 1990 season. In recent years the supercharged drivers have had the advantage but, if the Northern Nationals are any indication, the tide may be turning. Mike Castellana and Jim Halsey qualified 1-2 before each marching through their side of the ladder to set up an all-nitrous final round.

Though Castellana had the quicker car all day Halsey was able to get his Yellowbullet.com ’68 Camaro into the winner’s circle at US 131 Motorsports Park. Castellana had the advantage at the tree, .026 to .057, but he did not have enough power left to hold Halsey off on the track. Halsey clocked a 6.088 at 235.64 mph to better Castellana’s 6.124/229.12.

“Some of the blower guys were asking me if they were going to put a weight penalty on us,” Halsey said with a chuckle. “But if it’s our time it’s our time. They’ve had a run at it for awhile now so we’ll enjoy it while we can.”

Halsey defeated current points leader Kenny Lang in the first round, Steve Salvadore in the quarterfinals and Jason Hamstra in the semifinals to advance to the final round.

“Mike Castellana and that entire team work very hard and they’re good at what they do,” he said. “I think they had a motor that was a little less than perfect because they hurt it a little bit in the semifinals. And he cut a good light on me. He was way out in front of me…I saw a lot of that maroon car for a long time.”

Most Alcohol Funny Car drivers have seen a lot of Laurie Cannister’s Kalbones ’99 Camaro for a long time this season. Cannister has been dominant in the class this year, and her victory over Paul Noakes in the final round at US 131 Motorsports Park marked her fifth national event victory in seven tries this season.

Cannister coasted to the finish line after Noakes lit the red-light by -.162 of a second.

“It’s incredible because we’ve been trying to figure the car out because there’s something wrong with it,” Cannister said. “It’s been a bug-fogger all weekend and we’re thrilled we were able to get this win.”

While Cannister has been dominating the rounds of eliminations this season, recently her qualifying efforts have been less than stellar. She wants to turn that around. She qualified in the bottom half of the field in Martin, ending up #5 on the ladder, before turning up the heat in eliminations.

“That’s happened at the last couple of races, we’ve struggled in qualifying,” she said. “We had some kind of gremlin and ended up changing engines for today. For some reason this engine liked the track a little better. I don’t know how to explain it.”

Jeff Dobbins (Wilmington, N.C.) has seemingly righted the ship after a second-round red-light in Grand Bend two weeks ago cost him his points lead. Frank Gugliotta won the Ironman in Grand Bend and entered US 131 Motorsports Park as the points leader. While a red-light cost Dobbins the points lead in Canada, one gave it back to him in Michigan. Pete Berner, who had the quickest car all weekend, jumped the gun in the final round to hand the win to Dobbins.

Berner out-performed Dobbins in the final, clocking a 6.383 to Dobbins’ 6.387, but his -.021 red-light start rendered his performance advantage useless.

“I saw it when I went by the tree, I knew he red-lighted, but we wanted to make another good run,” Dobbins said. “That made it eight good runs this weekend so we were pretty happy with how the weekend turned out.”

Dobbins historically has not done well at US 131 Motorsports Park, so he was pleased he was able to get that monkey off his back.

“We had never done really well here,” he said. “We had done well at the other Michigan track (Milan Dragway) but this was our first final round here. In fact this was our first semifinal here, so we’re happy with how things turned out this weekend.”

MARTIN, Mich. -- Sunday's final results from the Torco Racing Fuels Northern Nationals at US 131 Motorsports Park. The race is the seventh of 10 in the 2008 Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series:

Nitro Funny Car -- Andy Kelley, Chevy Camaro, 5.544, 263.20 def. Paul Lee, Camaro, 6.556, 144.43.
Top Fuel -- Spencer Massey, 4.741 seconds, 312.57 mph def. Terry McMillen, 11.957 seconds, 82.72 mph.
Pro Modified -- Jim Halsey, Chevy Camaro, 6.088, 235.64 def. Mike Castellana, Pontiac Firebird, 6.124, 229.12.
Alcohol Funny Car -- Laurie Cannister, Chevy Camaro, 9.899, 86.66 def. Paul Noakes, Dodge Avenger, foul.
Pro Stock -- Jeff Dobbins, Ford Escort, 6.387, 220.26 def. Pete Berner, Pontiac GXP, foul.

MARTIN, Mich. -- Final round-by-round results from the Torco Racing Fuels Northern Nationals at US 131 Motorsports Park, the seventh of 10 events in the 2008 Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series:

TOP FUEL:

ROUND ONE -- Kevin Jones, 5.003, 294.95 def. T.J. Zizzo, 8.214, 99.51; Bruce Litton, 4.815, 296.96 def. Mike Strasburg, 4.810, 305.22; Terry McMillen, 4.672, 309.98 def. Tim Boychuk, 4.795, 293.35; Spencer Massey, 4.727, 306.74 def. Bobby Lagana Jr., foul;

SEMIFINALS -- Massey, 4.782, 267.59 def. Litton, 7.345, 115.05; McMillen, 5.185, 264.60 def. Jones, 5.396, 252.76;

FINAL -- Massey, 4.741, 312.57 def. McMillen, 11.957, 82.72.


NITRO FUNNY CAR:

ROUND ONE -- Andy Kelley, Chevy Camaro, 5.152, 291.95 def. Cory Lee, Chevy Monte Carlo, 8.485, 100.64; Paul Lee, Camaro, 5.374, 205.29 def. Todd Simpson, Camaro, 25.492, no speed; John Lawson, Chevy Impala, 5.094, 271.90 def. Steven Macklyn, Monte Carlo, 5.137, 283.49; Terry Haddock, Dodge Stratus, 5.142, 291.01 def. Jeff Diehl, Monte Carlo, broke;

SEMIFINALS -- Kelley, 5.189, 279.61 def. Lawson, DQ; P. Lee, 5.193, 272.72 def. Haddock, foul;

FINAL -- Kelley, 5.544, 263.20 def. P. Lee, 6.556, 144.43.


PRO MODIFIED:

ROUND ONE -- Jason Hamstra, Chevy Camaro, 6.277, 220.66 def. Rickie Smith, Chevy Corvette, broke; Thomas Patterson, Dodge Charger, 6.207, 225.97 def. Tommy D'Aprile, Chevy Bel Air, 6.790, 196.82; Scott Cannon, Pontiac Firebird, 6.161, 226.58 def. Chip King, Dodge Daytona, 6.255, 228.23; Ed Hoover, Camaro, 6.095, 233.84 def. Tim O'Hare, Camaro, 6.126, 230.65; Mike Janis, Firebird, 6.127, 235.31 def. Pat Stoken, Camaro, 16.271, 53.76; Jim Halsey, Camaro, 6.075, 230.92 def. Kenny Lang, Corvette, 13.810, 70.28; Mike Castellana, Firebird, 6.000, 235.56 def. Carl Spiering, Corvette, 12.446, 79.29;

QUARTERFINALS -- Janis, 6.094, 233.92 def. Patterson, 6.275, 196.50; Hamstra, 6.188, 229.00 def. Hoover, 8.848, 108.68; Halsey, 6.099, 233.24 def. Salvadore, 6.200, 223.50; Castellana, 6.051, 235.72 def. Cannon, 6.221, 229.12;

SEMIFINALS -- Halsey, 6.101, 234.70 def. Hamstra, DQ; Castellana, 6.113, 219.47 def. Janis, foul;

FINAL -- Halsey, 6.088, 235.64 def. Castellana, 6.124, 229.12.


ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR:

ROUND ONE -- Laurie Cannister, Chevy Camaro, 5.740, 243.77 def. Dale Brand, Camaro, 5.803, 245.05; Rob Atchison, Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.810, 244.07 def. Larry Dobbs, Chevy Corvette, 6.919, 131.61; Terry Munroe, Monte Carlo, 5.859, 238.85 def. Thomas Carter, Monte Carlo, 7.801, 116.48; Paul Noakes, Dodge Avenger, 5.872, 240.34 def. Mark Thomas, Monte Carlo, 5.851, 241.67;

SEMIFINALS -- Noakes, 5.846, 240.34 def. Atchison, 14.660, 53.79; Cannister, 5.849, 242.71 def. Munroe, 5.883, 238.93;

FINAL -- Cannister, 9.899, 86.66 def. Noakes, foul.


PRO STOCK:

ROUND ONE -- Richard Freeman, Chevy Cobalt, 6.428, 215.68 def. Bob Bertsch, Ford Mustang, 6.417, 214.48; Robert Patrick, Mustang, 7.003, 185.92 def. John Konigshofer, Mustang, 7.865, 167.43; Elijah Morton, Mustang, 6.416, 214.69 def. Michael Bruno, Pontiac GTO, 10.566, 81.25; Rob Mansfield, GTO, 7.974, 191.13 def. Brian Gahm, Mustang, 12.424, 69.26; John Montecalvo, Cobalt, 6.387, 216.86 def. Jason Collins, Cobalt, 6.422, 216.65; Steve Spiess, Cobalt, 6.413, 217.07 def. Cary Goforth, Cobalt, 10.629, 92.94; Jeff Dobbins, Ford Escort, 6.393, 216.76 def. Dean Goforth, Cobalt, 6.419, 216.65; Pete Berner, Pontiac GXP, 6.373, 217.88 def. Frank Gugliotta, Mustang, 6.430, 213.81;

QUARTERFINALS -- Patrick, 6.429, 217.00 def. Spiess, 6.409, 218.87; Dobbins, 6.386, 219.40 def. Morton, 6.423, 217.42; Montecalvo, 6.396, 219.83 def. Freeman, 6.625, 199.91; Berner, 6.386, 218.51 def. Mansfield, foul;

SEMIFINALS -- Berner, 6.393, 219.65 def. Patrick, 6.848, 161.71; Dobbins, 6.400, 220.40 def. Montecalvo, foul;

FINAL -- Dobbins, 6.387, 220.26 def. Berner, foul.


About IHRA

Headquartered in Norwalk, Ohio, the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA), a division of Live Nation, promotes professional, semi-professional and local-level racing opportunities for drivers at all levels. The $21.5 million Knoll Gas Nitro Jam™ Drag Racing Series is a 10-event North American professional drag racing circuit. In 2008, the series will be comprised of eight events in major cities throughout the United States and three in Canada. The Summit Racing Equipment Pro-Am Championship presented by Mr. Gasket consists of competition at national events and 40 events in six regional divisions, while IHRA’s Summit SuperSeries is conducted nearly every weekend at over 85 IHRA-sanctioned tracks. Providing a safe environment to develop future stars, IHRA offers the Junior Dragster Racing Series for youths ages 8-17. Stand-alone events include Live Nation’s entertainment-filled “Thunder Jam” shows and the street legal racing and lifestyle event series Street Warriorz. More information can be found at www.nitrojam.com.


About Live Nation

Live Nation is the world's largest live music company. Our mission is to inspire passion for live music around the world. We are the largest promoter of live concerts in the world, the second-largest entertainment venue management company and have a rapidly growing online presence. We strive to create superior experiences for artists and fans, regularly producing tours for the biggest superstars in the business, including The Rolling Stones, Barbra Streisand, Madonna, U2 and Coldplay. Globally, we own, operate, have booking rights for and/or have an equity interest in more than 160 venues, including House of Blues® music venues and prestigious locations such as The Fillmore in San Francisco, Nikon at Jones Beach in New York and London’s Wembley Arena. Our websites collectively are the second most popular entertainment/event websites in the United States, according to Nielsen//NetRatings. In addition, we also produce, promote or host theatrical, specialized motor sports and other live entertainment events. In 2006, we connected nearly 60 million fans with their favorite performers at approximately 26,000 events in 18 countries around the world. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, Live Nation is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, trading under the symbol “LYV.”
 

Record Crowd sees Record-Setting Performances at US 131 Motorsports Park
Three track records fall as fields finalize for Sunday eliminations at Torco Northern Nationals

Martin, Mich. (Aug. 2, 2008) – Cory Lee knew his team was in trouble. Following the Saturday afternoon qualifying session they were on the bottom of the qualifying sheet and had major problems to work through in the pits.

“We were lost,” Lee said. “We had some problems with our computer and also had some problems with some engine parts. We had a lot of work to do.”

The team was able to come through under pressure. They thrashed away to get ready for the evening qualifying session, then went out and moved to the #1 qualifying position. Lee’s 5.053 at 292.90 mph put him on the pole and set up a first-round match-up with Andy Kelley Sunday.

“It was a pretty good run,” Lee said of his Saturday evening pass. “It had to be. We went from being the worst car out here to being the best. We figured some things out and should be ready for eliminations Sunday.”

Mike Strasburg (Linden, Utah) moved to the top of the Torco Pro Nitro Top Fuel qualifying list with an impressive 4.659 pass at 326.32 mph during Saturday evening qualifying. Sitting fourth in the points standings heading into the Northern Nationals, Strasburg will have to face points leader Bruce Litton, who qualified fifth, in the first round of eliminations Sunday.

Terry McMillen, the winner in Grand Bend two weeks ago, ended up second in qualifying with a 4.659/316.01 shot. He will face Tim Boychuk in the first round Sunday.

Mike Castellana (Westbury, N.Y.) red-lit his chance at a $50,000 payday in the final of the Torco Pro Modified Shootout, held in conjunction with Pro Modified qualifying, but his track-record 6.009 at 238.05 mph put him on top of the field heading into Sunday’s eliminations. Jim Halsey (Street, Md.) posted a 6.045 at 233.76 mph to claim the #2 spot, marking the first time this season a pair of nitrous-powered Pro Modifieds ended up 1-2 on the qualifying sheet.

Castellana’s 6.009 pass was the quickest nitrous-assisted Pro Modified pass in IHRA history.

Ed Hoover, who qualified #4, won the $50,000 first prize by knocking off Castellana in the final qualifying session.

“This was a great deal,” Hoover said. “I’ve never been involved in a race with this much money at stake. I’m really happy I was able to get the job done.”

Hoover’s 6.073/233.96 pass gave him the Shootout title and secured him the largest single-day Pro Modified payday in drag racing.

Dale Brand (Sully, Iowa) set a track record in the Alcohol Funny Car class, using a 5.729 pass at 245.05 mph to claim #1 qualifying honors. Brand will pit his ’01 Camaro against current points leader Laurie Cannister (Johnstown, Ohio) in the first round Sunday.

Rob Atchison (London, Ont.), Thomas Carter (Victoria, Tex.) and Paul Noakes (London, Ont.) rounded out the top half of the Alcohol Funny Car qualifying field.

Pete Berner (Crete, Ill.) captured his second #1 qualifying position of the season, using a track-record 6.365 at 218.69 mph to move to the top of the qualifying sheet. Berner is very comfortable at US 131 Motorsports Park.

“This is our home track and we test here all the time,” he said. “It’s a beautiful facility and the track is always in awesome shape. It was a nice run tonight. I knew, right when I let the clutch out, that it was going to be a nice run.”

Berner entered the Northern Nationals fourth in the championship points standings. He will get the chance to make up some ground on points leader Frank Gugliotta Sunday because the two will square off in the first round of eliminations. Coincidentally it was Gugliotta who previously held the track record at US 131 Motorsports Park with a 6.386.

MARTIN, Mich. -- First-round pairings for professional eliminations Sunday for the Torco Racing Fuels Northern Nationals at US 131 Motorsports Park, the seventh of 10 events in the 2008 Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series. Pairings based on results in qualifying, which ended Saturday.

Top Fuel -- 1. Mike Strasburg, 4.612 seconds, 326.32 mph vs. 5. Bruce Litton, 4.704, 307.02; 2. Terry McMillen, 4.659, 316.01 vs. 6. Tim Boychuk, 4.754, 294.24; 3. Spencer Massey, 4.683, 313.88 vs. 7. Bobby Lagana Jr., 4.860, 307.02; 4. T.J. Zizzo, 4.691, 298.60 vs. 8. Kevin Jones, 4.863, 295.08.

Nitro Funny Car -- 1. Cory Lee, Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.053, 292.90 vs. 5. Andy Kelley, Chevy Camaro, 5.166, 296.18; 2. Paul Lee, Camaro, 5.064, 286.07 vs. 6. Todd Simpson, Camaro, 5.168, 252.95; 3. John Lawson, Chevy Impala, 5.131, 259.91 vs. 7. Steven Macklyn, Monte Carlo, 5.192, 279.50; 4. Terry Haddock, Dodge Stratus, 5.132, 295.27 vs. 8. Jeff Diehl, Monte Carlo, 5.221, 252.24.

Pro Modified -- 1. Mike Castellana, Pontiac Firebird, 6.009, 238.05 vs. 9. Carl Spiering, Chevy Corvette, 6.123, 232.11; 2. Jim Halsey, Chevy Camaro, 6.045, 233.76 vs. 10. Kenny Lang, Corvette, 6.124, 234.90; 3. Mike Janis, Firebird, 6.065, 236.55 vs. 11. Pat Stoken, Camaro, 6.129, 224.88; 4. Ed Hoover, Camaro, 6.073, 234.17 vs. 12. Tim O'Hare, Camaro, 6.133, 231.12; 5. Scott Cannon, Firebird, 6.091, 232.47 vs. 13. Chip King, Dodge Daytona, 6.140, 231.40; 6. Mike Stawicki, Camaro, 6.095, 231.79 vs. 14. Steve Salvadore, Camaro, 6.162, 233.76; 7. Tommy D'Aprile, Chevy Bel Air, 6.117, 234.25 vs. 15. Thomas Patterson, Dodge Charger, 6.166, 229.12; 8. Rickie Smith, Corvette, 6.118, 232.59 vs. 16. Jason Hamstra, Camaro, 6.168, 227.00.

Alcohol Funny Car -- 1. Dale Brand, Chevy Camaro, 5.729, 245.05 vs. 5. Laurie Cannister, Camaro, 5.856, 240.72; 2. Rob Atchison, Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.794, 245.32 vs. 6. Larry Dobbs, Chevy Corvette, 5.872, 246.89; 3. Thomas Carter, Monte Carlo, 5.801, 245.00 vs. 7. Terry Munroe, Monte Carlo, 5.887, 238.55; 4. Paul Noakes, Dodge Avenger, 5.851, 238.30 vs. 8. Mark Thomas, Monte Carlo, 5.945, 239.57.

Pro Stock -- 1. Pete Berner, Pontiac GXP, 6.365, 218.76 vs. 9. Frank Gugliotta, Ford Mustang, 6.399, 219.15; 2. Jeff Dobbins, Ford Escort, 6.376, 220.33 vs. 10. Dean Goforth, Chevy Cobalt, 6.405, 219.08; 3. Steve Spiess, Cobalt, 6.378, 219.36 vs. 11. Cary Goforth, Cobalt, 6.416, 217.74; 4. John Montecalvo, Cobalt, 6.384, 219.01 vs. 12. Jason Collins, Cobalt, 6.420, 216.90; 5. Rob Mansfield, Pontiac GTO, 6.392, 218.58 vs. 13. Brian Gahm, Mustang, 6.427, 218.97; 6. Elijah Morton, Mustang, 6.396, 218.23 vs. 14. Michael Bruno, GTO, 6.427, 217.91; 7. Robert Patrick, Mustang, 6.397, 218.09 vs. 15. John Konigshofer, Mustang, 6.440, 217.00; 8. Bob Bertsch, Mustang, 6.398, 218.80 vs. 16. Richard Freeman, Cobalt, 6.457, 219.76.
 

Huge Crowd at US 131 Motorsports Park sees Terry McMillen Jump to Top of Provisional Top Fuel Qualifying List
Andy Kelley (Nitro Funny Car), Mike Castellana (Pro Modified), Tom Carter (Alcohol Funny Car) and Jeff Dobbins (Pro Stock) also claim provisional #1 qualifying spots at Torco Northern Nationals

Martin, Mich. (Aug. 1, 2008) – Prior to the Mopar Canadian Nationals in Grand Bend, veteran crew chief Doug Kuch joined up with Terry McMillen’s Hoosier Thunder Motorsports Top Fuel team. Early returns are in and the numbers do not lie…Kuch has made a world of difference.

McMillen, from Elkhart, Ind., grabbed his second career Ironman by defeating Spencer Massey in the final round two weeks ago at Grand Bend Motorplex. He followed that up Friday at the Torco Northern Nationals by vaulting to the top of the provisional Top Fuel qualifying sheet, posting a strong 4.659 at 316.01 mph. McMillen also claimed five bonus points for being the quickest driver who also turned on his win light as part of IHRA’s “Last Man Standing” program.

“We really needed the points and my hat’s off to my crew,” McMillen said. “Doug Kuch, what can I say? He has this car running very well. Doug and the crew make my job so much easier, I just have to worry about getting the car down the track.”

Mike Strasburg (Lindon, Utah) was right behind McMillen after Friday’s qualifying session, recording a 4.669. His 317.94 mph speed was the fastest speed of the Top Fuel session. Current points leader Bruce Litton (Indianapolis, Ind.) was third on the qualifying sheet with a 4.705/297.81 pass while Spencer Massey (Fort Worth, Tex.) rounded out the top half of the provisional field with a 4.734 at 304.53 mph.

Veteran Top Fuel driver Luigi Novelli (Crete, Ill.) ended up sixth on the provisional Top Fuel qualifying sheet with a 4.866. But his 315.49 mph speed was a career best.

Todd Simpson was the sole survivor of a difficult Nitro Funny Car qualifying session as ideal weather gave the racing surface at US 131 Motorsports Park more bite than most NFC crew chiefs were banking on. Simpson registered a 5.168 at 252.95 mph to move to the top of the provisional qualifying sheet as nearly every other driver had difficulty keeping power to the track, resulting in tire shake.

“That was tough,” Jeff Diehl, who ended up third on the provisional sheet with a 6.189 at 160.06 mph, said of the Friday evening qualifying session. “A lot of guys will be making some serious adjustments before tomorrow’s afternoon session.”

Mike Castellana (Westbury, N.Y.) cleaned up during Torco Pro Modified qualifying. The grocery store owner ended up on top of the provisional qualifying sheet with a career best 6.031 pass at 237.00 mph, also claiming “Last Man Standing” honors and five bonus points. Jim Halsey (Street, Md.) was second on the provisional qualifying sheet with a 6.063/232.99 pass, putting two nitrous cars at the top of the ladder. Ed Hoover (Gilbert, S.C.), who won in Grand Bend, was the top qualified supercharged car Friday, ringing up a 6.077 at 233.96 mph.

Castellana’s 6.031 pass was the second-quickest nitrous-powered pass in history, second only to Pat Stoken’s 6.022 set at Maryland International Raceway this June.

Dr. Tom Carter (Victoria, Tex.) moved to the top of the provisional Alcohol Funny Car qualifying sheet when he posted a 5.801 pass at 245.00 mph. Carter, in his ’08 Monte Carlo, was followed by Larry Dobbs (Welland, Ont.) who clocked a 5.872/246.89 pass. Dobbs claimed Last Man Standing honors, garnering five bonus points.

Jeff Dobbins (Wilmington, N.C.) drove his ’06 Escort to the top of the provisional Torco Pro Stock qualifying sheet, clocking a 6.399 at 218.80 mph. Dobbins was a thousandth of a second quicker than both John Montecalvo (Center Moriches, N.Y.) and current points leader Frank Gugliotta (Mt. Airy, Md.) who both checked in at 6.400. Montecalvo, who matched Dobbins’ speed at 218.80 mph, was second on the provisional sheet due to his speed advantage over Gugliotta’s 217.07.

Pete Berner (Crete, Ill.) was fourth in provisional qualifying with a 6.401/218.02 while Steve Spiess (Manhattan, Ill.) rounded out a tightly-bunched top five with his 6.405 at 218.34…the fastest time clocked of the round. Gugliotta, who had the quickest ET of the evening session while also winning against the car in the other lane, won the Quarter-Max Pro Stock Challenge. He will gain five bonus points and receive a $500 check from Rick Jones at Quarter-Max.

MARTIN, Mich. -- Results Friday after qualifying for the Torco Racing Fuels Northern Nationals at US 131 Motorsports Park, seventh of 10 events in the 2008 Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series. Qualifying will continue Saturday for Sunday's final eliminations.

Top Fuel -- 1. Terry McMillen, 4.659 seconds, 316.01 mph; 2. Mike Strasburg, 4.669, 317.94; 3. Bruce Litton, 4.705, 297.81; 4. Spencer Massey, 4.734, 304.53; 5. Kevin Jones, 4.863, 295.08; 6. Luigi Novelli, 4.866, 315.49; 7. Bobby Lagana Jr., 4.890, 275.28; 8. Chris Karamesines, 5.064, 286.44. Not Qualified: 9. Smax Smith, 5.860, 229.08; 10. Tim Boychuk, 8.056, 98.86.

Nitro Funny Car -- 1. Todd Simpson, Chevy Camaro, 5.168, 252.95; 2. Andy Kelley, Pontiac Firebird, 5.407, 269.51; 3. Jeff Diehl, Chevy Monte Carlo, 6.189, 160.06; 4. Justin Schriefer, Camaro, 9.016, 96.62. Not Qualified: 5. Tim Cullinan, DQ; 6. Paul Lee, DQ; 7. Steven Macklyn, broke.

Pro Modified -- 1. Mike Castellana, Pontiac Firebird, 6.031, 237.00; 2. Jim Halsey, Chevy Camaro, 6.063, 232.99; 3. Ed Hoover, Camaro, 6.077, 233.96; 4. Mike Janis, Firebird, 6.105, 234.17; 5. Tommy D'Aprile, Chevy Bel Air, 6.117, 234.25; 6. Scott Cannon, Firebird, 6.131, 231.28; 7. Chip King, Dodge Daytona, 6.140, 231.40; 8. Kenny Lang, Chevy Corvette, 6.155, 233.76; 9. Carl Spiering, Corvette, 6.162, 230.41; 10. Thomas Patterson, Dodge Charger, 6.166, 229.12; 11. Rickie Smith, Corvette, 6.201, 230.06; 12. Mike Stawicki, Camaro, 6.205, 223.62; 13. Jason Hamstra, Camaro, 6.212, 227.00; 14. Steve Salvadore, Camaro, 6.220, 230.41; 15. Tim O'Hare, Camaro, 6.223, 229.90; 16. Jason Stock, Corvette, 6.273, 219.54. Not Qualified: 17. Chris Russo, 6.277, 232.11; 18. Steve Vick, 6.286, 224.70; 19. Quain Stott, 6.313, 232.11; 20. Burton Auxier, 6.386, 220.66; 21. Mark Nielsen, 6.737, 200.83; 22. Steve Bareman, 7.060, 153.72; 23. Pat Stoken, 9.929, 80.48.

Alcohol Funny Car -- 1. Thomas Carter, Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.801, 245.00; 2. Larry Dobbs, Chevy Corvette, 5.872, 246.89; 3. Rob Atchison, Monte Carlo, 5.928, 242.23; 4. Laurie Cannister, Chevy Camaro, 5.943, 238.60; 5. Mark Thomas, Monte Carlo, 5.945, 239.57; 6. Tim Stevens, Dodge Stratus, 5.973, 236.22; 7. Terry Munroe, Monte Carlo, 5.974, 236.42; 8. Paul Noakes, Dodge Avenger, 6.039, 202.73. Not Qualified: 9. John Hart, 6.310, 227.23; 10. Wayne Mellinger, 6.322, 181.98; 11. Tony Bogolo, 7.864, 113.33; 12. Dylan Hache, 12.157, 68.40; 13. Jason McKnight, 13.479, 74.33; 14. Rocky Hummel, 15.029, 69.05.

Pro Stock -- 1. Jeff Dobbins, Ford Escort, 6.399, 219.04; 2. John Montecalvo, Chevy Cobalt, 6.400, 218.80; 3. Frank Gugliotta, Ford Mustang, 6.400, 217.39; 4. Pete Berner, Pontiac GXP, 6.401, 218.02; 5. Steve Spiess, Cobalt, 6.405, 218.34; 6. Rob Mansfield, Pontiac GTO, 6.409, 217.98; 7. Dean Goforth, Cobalt, 6.416, 217.91; 8. Robert Patrick, Mustang, 6.418, 215.68; 9. Bob Bertsch, Mustang, 6.423, 216.03; 10. John Konigshofer, Mustang, 6.440, 217.00; 11. Michael Bruno, GTO, 6.441, 216.69; 12. Jason Collins, Cobalt, 6.444, 216.86; 13. Elijah Morton, Mustang, 6.445, 215.65; 14. Cary Goforth, Cobalt, 6.457, 217.53; 15. Richard Freeman, Cobalt, 6.469, 218.02; 16. Larry O'Brien, Dodge Stratus, 6.472, 216.58. Not Qualified: 17. Brian Gahm, 6.488, 218.97; 18. Ron Miller, 6.488, 214.59; 19. Chuck DeMory, 6.516, 214.21; 20. Scott Hintz, 6.548, 213.70; 21. Trevor Eman, 6.589, 216.24; 22. Mark Martino, 6.589, 211.76; 23. Sylvester Barnes, 6.701, 210.14.
 

Don’t Call it a Showdown
Bruce Litton not looking at Top Fuel points chase as a two-driver battle

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (July 31, 2008) – With four events remaining on the 2008 schedule and just two points separating Top Fuel points leader Bruce Litton from upstart rookie driver Spencer Massey, one might be tempted to make a big deal of the tight points chase heading into the Northern Nationals at US 131 Motorsports Park.

Bruce Litton, who leads Massey 499 points to 497 points, will not make that mistake. Litton, a Top Fuel veteran of 20 years, knows how quickly things can change. He also knows, considering the talent level of the drivers in the top five of IHRA’s points standings, it would be foolish to count anyone out.

“Spencer and I are neck and neck, but look right behind us. Bobby Lagana is right there, Mike Strasburg is in the hunt and Terry McMillen, coming off a win in Grand Bend, has some momentum,” Litton said. “Heck, even Kevin Jones, who is in sixth place right now, has every opportunity to make some noise before all is said and done. I can’t worry about Spencer, can’t worry about Bobby, can’t worry about anybody else. I have to worry about my race car, my race team and concentrate on qualifying and going rounds. If I do my job the points race will take care of itself.”

Litton has been to three final rounds in six events this season. His only win, however, came when he knocked off Scott Palmer in the final round of the Motor City Nationals in Milan, Michigan. Aug. 1-3 he will be on the other side of Michigan, in Martin, hoping to duplicate that success. Litton will be the defending champion at the Northern Nationals. Last season he defeated J.R. Todd in an emotional final at US 131 Motorsports Park. Todd started his Top Fuel career driving for Litton.

“Last year was very special for me,” Litton said. “I have known J.R. for a long time and words cannot describe how proud I am of what he’s accomplished in this sport. Going up against him in the final last year was bittersweet, I always want to win but at the same time I always root for J.R. It meant a lot to me that I was able to go up against him in the final round of a national event.”

After his win over Todd, Litton went on a tear the rest of the season…culminating in Rockingham where he clinched the 2007 world championship at the IHRA World Finals. He had to chase down T.J. Zizzo to clinch the title last season and expects the points chase to be equally as tight down the stretch this season.

“Only 128 points separate the #5 guy (McMillen) from me, so every round the rest of the way will be huge,” he said. “And with the five Last Man Standing bonus points there Friday and Saturday nights at these events every qualifying pass is critical as well. Think about it, we have four races left…that’s 40 total Last Man Standing bonus points up for grabs. That could be the difference between winning a championship and finishing in fourth or fifth place. That’s a lot of pressure every time you stage the car.”

Litton wanted to thank Lucas Oil, United Trailer and Autolite for their support.

“I get such great support from these companies,” Litton said. “I could not do this without them in my corner. I’m truly blessed to have such strong support from these companies, who have made incredible commitments to the sport of drag racing.”

The Torco Racing Fuels Northern Nationals will start Friday, August 1 with on evening Top Fuel qualifying session. Final qualifying will take place Saturday with a pair of Top Fuel sessions, one during the day and one as part of the Night of Fire. Final eliminations will be held Sunday, Aug. 3 as part of Wolverine Boots & Shoes Championship Sunday.
 

McMillen Thunders to Top Fuel Ironman at Grand Bend Motorplex
Paul Noakes’ Alcohol Funny Car win completes dream weekend for McMillen’s Hoosier Thunder Motorsports

Grand Bend, Ont. (July 20, 2008) – Terry McMillen was not satisfied with one Ironman. After watching Paul Noakes, driving his Amalie Oil InstiGator, claim the Alcohol Funny Car championship at the Mopar Canadian Nationals, McMillen figured he might as well put the icing on the proverbial cake. He knocked off rookie Spencer Massey in the Torco Pro Nitro Top Fuel final round to put a second Hoosier Thunder Motorsports car in the winner’s circle at Grand Bend Motorplex.

“What a weekend…this is something you can just dream about,” McMillen said. “Getting both cars to the finals was a goal, to be fortunate enough to have both cars win is really amazing.”

McMillen (Elkhart, IN) defeated Spencer Massey in the Top Fuel final while Noakes knocked off Larry Dobbs in the AFC class. Noakes drives the car McMillen left behind when he stepped into a Top Fueler, a car McMillen never took to the winner’s circle.

“My hat is off to Les Mellows, Paul’s crew chief, and his entire crew for what they were able to accomplish this weekend,” McMillen said. “I also have to give the credit to my team here and the entire gang at the shop back home. (Crew Chief) Doug Kuch gave us the power and all my guys busted their butts and they never gave up their faith in this team. And here we are. They deserve all the credit, I’m just the nut behind the wheel.”

McMillen, who broke Clay Millican’s 2-year-old track speed record in his first elimination round against Kevin Jones, ran a 4.867 at 278.52 mph in the final to top Massey’s tire-spinning 5.393/201.43 pass. His first-round 322.42 pass set the new Grand Bend Motorplex speed standard.

Noakes (London, Ont.) had a rough road to the finals, but it was not as rough as it could have been. He had to knock off #1 qualifier Tom Carter in the first round before facing three-time world champion Rob Atchison in the semifinals. He was up to the task, eliminating Carter when Carter rolled through the beams and lit the red-light before outrunning Atchison with a 5.900/238.22 to his opponent’s 5.903/241.50. Laurie Cannister, a four-time winner on the IHRA circuit this season, was on the other side of the ladder and fell to Dobbs in the semifinals.

“We had a plan when we got here,” Noakes said. “Les has really high expectations of me and he’s amazing at tuning these cars…he’s the best in the business.”

Noakes left the car he owns to step into McMillen’s ’99 Avenger this season.

“This is a new car for me so there’s a lot on me,” he said. “I’m starting to figure the car out but it’s not as easy as people think to move from one Funny Car to another. I could not do this without my guys, they keep making this car easier and easier for me to drive.”

Amalie Oil is the primary sponsor on both cars, something McMillen did not want overlooked.

“Amalie Oil has made such a great commitment to this team, but they’ve also made a huge commitment to IHRA in general,” he said. “They sponsor two races as well as this team. Andy Bornstein and everyone at Amalie have been so supportive. They are the ones who let Paul and I come out here and chase our dreams. I can never thank them enough.”

Terry Haddock (Woodville, Wash.) won his second career national event Ironman when he stopped Steven Macklyn in the Torco Pro Nitro Funny Car final. Haddock’s other win also came in Canada, as he won the Rocky Mountain Nationals championship in Edmonton last season.

Haddock drove through Matt Hagan, a two-time winner on the tour this season, in the first round before defeating Motor City Nationals champion Paul Lee in the semifinals. Before the final he did not know if Macklyn was going to be able to make the call due to severe damage to his clutch in the semifinals against Jack Wyatt. He did get there in time but could not top Haddock’s 5.183/254.38 pass.

“You never underestimate anybody and you run your own race…that’s what we were doing,” Haddock said. “There have been plenty of times when it was us back there thrashing in the pits. We waited for them and the fact that they were able to make it says a lot. They had help from other teams back there and that shows how much teams work together out here. There were people back there helping Macklyn, but we also had people from other teams helping us. IHRA is such a great organization to race with. On the other side you would have never seen that.”

Haddock qualified #2 on the ladder and, with the victory, took over the 2008 NFC points lead from two-time defending champion Dale Creasy Jr., who suffered a season-ending injury in Edmonton two weeks ago.

“The points are really tightening up at the top, but we really miss Dale out here,” Haddock said. “If he was here he would have been over there working on our car to help get us to the finals with everyone else.”

It has been a long time between wins for Canadian Nationals champion Ed Hoover. He last claimed an Ironman last season in Edmonton, but was able to snap his dry spell in Grand Bend where he edged Tommy D’Aprile to win the Torco Pro Modified title.

“This was a great weekend and a real tribute to Al Billes, my crew and everyone who works on this car,” Hoover said. “They work so hard night after night, day after day, giving up their free time to come with me. I mostly have a volunteer crew and it’s great to win for them.”

Hoover (Gilbert, S.C.) qualified in the top half of the field, ending up #5 on the sheet, and defeated Mark Nielson, Jason Hamstra and Mike Janis to reach the final round. He was very consistent in eliminations, carding 6.107, 6.118 and 6.092 ETs during eliminations. He was able to step it up even more in the run for the championship, clocking a 6.062/234.53 pass to top D’Aprile’s 6.873/220.22.

“We went to the finals at Budds Creek and didn’t give it enough to get the win,” he said. “This time we leaned on it a little bit because we didn’t want to fall short. You have to have a consistent car and have to get down the track. We were able to do that this weekend.”

Hoover wanted to thank his car owner Paul Trussell.

“Paul is a motorhead, a car enthusiast, and I knew if I ever got him to a drag race and got him on the starting line he would be hooked,” Hoover said. “I wouldn’t do this for anyone else. Paul has always been a gentleman and a man of his word. That’s how he and I operate and there couldn’t be a closer friend to me than him.”

Frank Gugliotta (Mt. Airy, MD) ended up in the winner’s circle for the second time this season when he stopped Pete Berner in the Torco Pro Stock final. It wasn’t easy as the final round was the closest Pro Stock race of the weekend, with Gugliotta lighting the win light by a mere four thousandths of a second.

“I saw him the whole time,” Gugliotta said of Berner in the final. “He was in front of me, then I got around him and held on. Pete and I have had some battles over the years, really good races, and the track was awesome the whole week long.”

After a sluggish start Friday, Gugliotta and his ’07 Mustang turned things around.

“We struggled in the beginning and the car was not running very well, but it really started picking it up as the weekend went on,” Gugliotta said. “I have a great group of guys who really work hard and I can’t say enough about (car owner) Bob Yoak. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for him. I’m lucky he gave me the opportunity to do this and I can’t thank the man enough.”

The IHRA Knoll Gas Nitro Jam will continue Aug. 1-3 at US 131 Motorsports Park for the IHRA Northern Nationals, the seventh event on the 10-event 2008 schedule.


GRAND BEND, Ont. -- Sunday's final results from the Mopar Canadian Nationals presented by Castrol at Grand Bend Motorplex. The race is the sixth of 10 in the 2008 Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series:

Top Fuel -- Terry McMillen, 4.867 seconds, 278.52 mph def. Spencer Massey, 5.393 seconds, 201.43 mph.

Nitro Funny Car -- Terry Haddock, Dodge Stratus, 5.183, 254.38 def. Steven Macklyn, Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.821, 183.19.

Pro Modified -- Ed Hoover, Chevy Camaro, 6.062, 234.53 def. Tommy D'Aprile, Chevy Bel Air, 6.873, 220.22.

Alcohol Funny Car -- Paul Noakes, Dodge Avenger, 5.869, 238.55 def. Larry Dobbs, Chevy Corvette, 5.934, 237.75.

Pro Stock -- Frank Gugliotta, Ford Mustang, 6.389, 217.14 def. Pete Berner, Pontiac GXP, 6.398, 217.00.


GRAND BEND, Ont. -- Final round-by-round results from the Mopar Canadian Nationals presented by Castrol at Grand Bend Motorplex, the sixth of 10 events in the 2008 Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series:



TOP FUEL:

ROUND ONE -- Spencer Massey, 4.768, 306.33 def. Bruce Litton, 4.896, 302.21; Bobby Lagana Jr., 5.905, 154.94 def. Mitch King, foul; Terry McMillen, 4.665, 322.42 def. Kevin Jones, 4.997, 249.30; Mike Strasburg, 10.066, 90.10 def. Todd Paton, foul;

SEMIFINALS -- Massey, 4.726, 310.41 def. Lagana Jr., 4.859, 272.01; McMillen, 4.864, 247.93 def. Strasburg, 6.714, 134.91;

FINAL -- McMillen, 4.867, 278.52 def. Massey, 5.393, 201.43.


NITRO FUNNY CAR:

ROUND ONE -- Jack Wyatt, Dodge Stratus, 5.047, 270.59 def. Jeff Diehl, Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.321, 241.02; Terry Haddock, Stratus, 5.435, 209.26 def. Matt Hagan, Monte Carlo, 5.580, 215.75; Steven Macklyn, Monte Carlo, 5.261, 277.72 def. Andy Kelley, Pontiac Firebird, broke; Paul Lee, Chevy Camaro, 5.604, 207.66 def. Cory Lee, Firebird, 5.997, 178.45;

SEMIFINALS -- Haddock, 5.177, 255.92 def. P. Lee, 5.425, 256.41; Macklyn, 5.977, 178.87 def. Wyatt, 21.435, 73.76;

FINAL -- Haddock, 5.183, 254.38 def. Macklyn, 5.821, 183.19.


PRO MODIFIED:

ROUND ONE -- Scott Cannon, Pontiac Firebird, 6.803, 226.47 def. Gary Irving, Chevy Corvette, 8.749, 108.69; Carl Spiering, Corvette, 6.143, 230.92 def. Pat Stoken, Chevy Camaro, 8.435, 109.41; Jason Stock, Corvette, 6.480, 223.73 def. Jim Halsey, Camaro, 10.448, 85.24; Ed Hoover, Camaro, 6.107, 231.04 def. Mark Nielsen, Camaro, 14.795, 82.77; Kenny Lang, Corvette, 6.178, 235.60 def. Quain Stott, Corvette, 6.245, 231.00; Mike Janis, Firebird, 6.141, 235.76 def. Mike Castellana, Firebird, 8.387, 106.41; Tommy D'Aprile, Chevy Bel Air, 6.233, 214.48 def. Thomas Patterson, Dodge Charger, 6.232, 219.15; Jason Hamstra, Camaro, 6.129, 228.65 def. Raymond Commisso, Camaro, 6.015, 237.38;

QUARTERFINALS -- D'Aprile, 6.287, 218.48 def. Stock, 6.433, 225.79; Lang, 6.398, 231.40 def. Cannon, 7.149, 180.43; Janis, 6.404, 230.57 def. Spiering, 8.366, 117.90; Hoover, 6.118, 226.62 def. Hamstra, 6.344, 225.79;

SEMIFINALS -- D'Aprile, 6.146, 233.08 def. Lang, 6.270, 234.09; Hoover, 6.092, 230.25 def. Janis, 8.500, 103.75;

FINAL -- Hoover, 6.062, 234.53 def. D'Aprile, 6.873, 220.22.


ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR:

ROUND ONE -- Paul Noakes, Dodge Avenger, 6.748, 150.45 def. Thomas Carter, Chevy Monte Carlo, broke; Laurie Cannister, Chevy Camaro, 5.879, 239.44 def. Mark Thomas, Monte Carlo, 5.906, 238.17; Rob Atchison, Monte Carlo, 5.923, 240.21 def. Tim Stevens, Dodge Stratus, 19.278, 47.60; Larry Dobbs, Chevy Corvette, 6.084, 228.85 def. Dylan Hache, Pontiac Firebird, 6.139, 227.77;

SEMIFINALS -- Noakes, 5.900, 238.22 def. Atchison, 5.903, 241.50; Dobbs, 5.893, 240.04 def. Cannister, 5.897, 237.71;

FINAL -- Noakes, 5.869, 238.55 def. Dobbs, 5.934, 237.75.


PRO STOCK:

ROUND ONE -- Brian Gahm, Ford Mustang, 6.399, 216.06 def. Ron Miller, Chevy Cobalt, 8.708, 113.32; Cary Goforth, Cobalt, 6.421, 215.44 def. Bob Bertsch, Mustang, 6.484, 213.23; John Montecalvo, Cobalt, 6.397, 216.20 def. Richard Freeman, Cobalt, 6.413, 218.09; Pete Berner, Pontiac GXP, 6.408, 215.24 def. Elijah Morton, Mustang, 6.459, 213.81; Rob Mansfield, Pontiac GTO, 6.396, 216.03 def. Jason Collins, Cobalt, 6.479, 214.45; Larry O'Brien, Dodge Stratus, 6.502, 214.69 def. Robert Patrick, Mustang, 6.937, 155.02; Frank Gugliotta, Mustang, 6.417, 213.30 def. Dean Goforth, Cobalt, 6.514, 201.31; Jeff Dobbins, Ford Escort, 6.388, 217.67 def. John Konigshofer, Mustang, 6.413, 216.10;

QUARTERFINALS -- C. Goforth, 6.406, 217.32 def. O'Brien, foul; Gugliotta, 6.390, 215.13 def. Montecalvo, 6.388, 217.32; Mansfield, 6.392, 216.97 def. Gahm, broke; Berner, 6.392, 216.72 def. Dobbins, foul;

SEMIFINALS -- Berner, 6.390, 216.51 def. C. Goforth, 6.400, 218.16; Gugliotta, 6.368, 217.25 def. Mansfield, foul;

FINAL -- Gugliotta, 6.389, 217.14 def. Berner, 6.398, 217.00.


GRAND BEND, Ont. – Unnoficial point standings (top 10) for IHRA professional categories following the Mopar Canadian Nationals presented by Castrol at Grand Bend Motorplex, the sixth of 10 events in the 2008 Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series -

Top Fuel

1. Bruce Litton, 499; 2. Spencer Massey, 497; 3. Bobby Lagana Jr., 445; 4. Mike Strasburg, 438; 5. Kevin Jones, 354; 6. Terry McMillen, 351; 7. Scott Palmer, 222; 8. Chris Karamesines, 118; 9. Mitch King, 99; 10. Tim Boychuk, 74.

Nitro Funny Car

1. Terry Haddock, 408; 2. Dale Creasy Jr., 392; 3. Steven Macklyn, 380; 4. Matt Hagan, 374; 5. Paul Lee, 344; 6. Andy Kelley, 249; 7. Jack Wyatt, 242; 8. Jeff Diehl, 226; 9. Cory Lee, 177; 10. Todd Simpson, 165.

Pro Modified

1. Kenny Lang, 450; 2. Tommy D{Aprile, 360; 3. Scott Cannon, 344; 4. Mike Janis, 334; 5. Mike Castellana, 329; 6. Ed Hoover, 299; 7. Jim Halsey, 287; 8. Jason Hamstra, 246; 9. Thomas Patterson, 240; 10. Pat Stoken, 199.

Alcohol Funny Car

1. Laurie Cannister, 647; 2. Rob Atchison, 480; 3. Paul Noakes, 457; 4. Thomas Carter, 428; 5. Mark Thomas, 272; 6. Larry Dobbs, 265; 7. Dale Brand, 232; 8. Tim Stevens, 155; 9. Terry Munroe, 120; 10. Tony Bogolo, 107.

Pro Stock

1. Frank Gugliotta, 407; 2. Jeff Dobbins, 388; 3. John Montecalvo, 335; 4. Pete Berner, 331; 5. Elijah Morton, 324; 6. Bob Bertsch, 240; 7. Rob Mansfield, 227; 8. Cary Goforth, 224; 9. Richard Freeman, 206; 10. Robert Patrick, 191.
 

A Double Dip for Richard Hartman
Tunes Bruce Litton (Top Fuel) and Andy Kelley (Nitro Funny Car) to #1 qualifier positions at Mopar Canadian Nationals

Grand Bend, Ont. (July 19, 2008) – Richard Hartman spend a good portion of the day running back and forth between the pits of Bruce Litton and Andy Kelley. As Crew Chief on both cars he has little idle time, working with both teams to get them ready between afternoon and evening qualifying sessions.

At Grand Bend Motorplex for the Mopar Canadian Nationals Hartman was on his game. He put Andy Kelley on top of the Torco Pro Nitro Funny Car qualifying sheet with a 5.013 at 294.31 mph. Then, when rain washed away the final Top Fuel session, Bruce Litton became the second Hartman-tuned nitro car to find the top of the qualifying sheet…this time in the Torco Pro Nitro Top Fuel class.

“Richard is so great for our team,” Kelley said. “He is such a great tuner who really knows how to get a car down the track, but he also knows how to tune on a budget. We don’t try to set any records or set the world on fire, we just try to get from A to B effectively. Richard put us on the right track this year and things are paying off.”

Kelley, from Piedmont, S.C., will square off with #5 qualifier Steven Macklyn (Layton, Utah) in the first round of eliminations Sunday.

Litton, an Indianapolis resident, jumped to the top of the qualifying sheet Friday night with a strong 4.743 pass at 302.75 mph. That number stood up against all challengers during the Saturday afternoon qualifying session.

“Richard and our tuning consultant Nicky Boninfante really know this car and always make the right calls,” Litton said. “They make my job a lot easier because all I have to worry about is driving the car. My entire team is so professional and so effective…they consistently do their job as well as any other team in drag racing.”

Litton will face #5 qualifier Kevin Jones, the winner two weeks ago in Edmonton, in the first round Sunday.

Ray Commisso is not a regular on the IHRA Knoll Gas Nitro Jam circuit, but he certainly makes his presence known when he shows up to race. Commisso, a Torontonian, earned #1 qualifier honors at Grand Bend Motorplex with a 6.039 at 238.30 mph.

“The reason this feels so good is because I’ve been really struggling with this car,” Commisso said about his ’68 Firebird. “We changed a lot of things and have tried some different stuff. We looked at qualifying as four test runs on a good race track. We didn’t expect anything special to come out of it, but the changes we made the car really responded to. That’s what I’m so happy about. We went a 6.03 and that’s an awesome run, but what I’m more happy about is that the car responded to what we tried. Things are working.”

Commisso will square off with Jason Hamstra in the first round of eliminations Sunday.

Dr. Tom Carter (Cuero, Tx.) grabbed top qualifying honors in the Alcohol Funny Car class, clocking a 5.842 at 243.24 mph to end up on top of the sheet. Carter used a steady, conservative approach to guide his ’08 Monte Carlo to the pole.

“I did my job, I left from where my crew wanted me to leave when I was staging and went right down through there,” Carter said. “We had a good afternoon pass and that’s when we put our race day tune up in it, so that’s encouraging. We’ll be right there Sunday. We just wanted to get down the track so we didn’t do anything very aggressive during the afternoon session.”

Jeff Dobbins (Wilmington, NC) came to Grand Bend with the Torco Pro Stock points lead. He added to that lead by claiming the #1 qualifying position and securing the five Quarter-Max Pro Stock Challenge bonus points. IHRA awards five bonus points to the quickest professional driver of the evening qualifying sessions who also reached the finish line before his or her opponent.

Dobbins ended up on top of the qualifying sheet by posting a 6.381 pass at 218.65 mph during the Saturday evening qualifying session. He will square off with #9 qualified John Konigshofer in the first round of eliminations Sunday.

“This was great,” Dobbins said. “My wife and son are here this weekend so that made things even more special.”

Frank Gugliotta (Mt. Airy, Md.) ended up second on the qualifying sheet while defending World Champion Robert Patrick (Fredericksburg, Va.) qualified third.
 

GRAND BEND, Ont. -- First-round pairings for professional eliminations Sunday for the Mopar Canadian Nationals presented by Castrol at Grand Bend Motorplex, the sixth of 10 events in the 2008 Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series. Pairings based on results in qualifying, which ended Saturday.

Top Fuel -- 1. Bruce Litton, 4.743 seconds, 302.75 mph vs. 5. Spencer Massey, 4.897, 300.40; 2. Terry McMillen, 4.764, 311.85 vs. 6. Kevin Jones, 4.966, 295.21; 3. Bobby Lagana Jr., 4.823, 284.27 vs. 7. Mitch King, 4.985, 284.99; 4. Todd Paton, 4.837, 295.40 vs. 8. Mike Strasburg, 5.050, 277.43.

Nitro Funny Car -- 1. Andy Kelley, Pontiac Firebird, 5.013, 298.27 vs. 5. Steven Macklyn, Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.172, 287.66; 2. Terry Haddock, Dodge Stratus, 5.042, 293.28 vs. 6. Matt Hagan, Monte Carlo, 5.262, 247.02; 3. Jack Wyatt, Stratus, 5.118, 242.36 vs. 7. Jeff Diehl, Monte Carlo, 5.496, 248.66; 4. Paul Lee, Chevy Camaro, 5.155, 292.52 vs. 8. Cory Lee, Firebird, 5.546, 205.98.

Pro Modified -- 1. Raymond Commisso, Chevy Camaro, 6.039, 238.30 vs. 9. Jason Hamstra, Camaro, 6.167, 230.45; 2. Tommy D'Aprile, Chevy Bel Air, 6.044, 237.13 vs. 10. Thomas Patterson, Dodge Charger, 6.201, 229.82; 3. Mike Janis, Pontiac Firebird, 6.057, 236.80 vs. 11. Mike Castellana, Firebird, 6.249, 230.53; 4. Kenny Lang, Chevy Corvette, 6.073, 236.22 vs. 12. Quain Stott, Corvette, 6.274, 229.70; 5. Ed Hoover, Camaro, 6.095, 230.92 vs. 13. Mark Nielsen, Camaro, 6.278, 230.65; 6. Jim Halsey, Camaro, 6.117, 232.63 vs. 14. Jason Stock, Corvette, 6.316, 227.92; 7. Carl Spiering, Corvette, 6.130, 230.45 vs. 15. Pat Stoken, Camaro, 6.334, 220.66; 8. Scott Cannon, Firebird, 6.151, 234.37 vs. 16. Gary Irving, Corvette, 6.468, 221.74.

Alcohol Funny Car -- 1. Thomas Carter, Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.842, 243.24 vs. 5. Paul Noakes, Dodge Avenger, 5.894, 238.51; 2. Laurie Cannister, Chevy Camaro, 5.857, 239.44 vs. 6. Mark Thomas, Monte Carlo, 5.909, 239.61; 3. Rob Atchison, Monte Carlo, 5.871, 245.09 vs. 7. Tim Stevens, Dodge Stratus, 5.943, 236.26; 4. Larry Dobbs, Chevy Corvette, 5.879, 240.34 vs. 8. Dylan Hache, Pontiac Firebird, 5.978, 235.31.

Pro Stock -- 1. Jeff Dobbins, Ford Escort, 6.381, 218.65 vs. 9. John Konigshofer, Ford Mustang, 6.425, 217.98; 2. Frank Gugliotta, Mustang, 6.383, 216.69 vs. 10. Dean Goforth, Chevy Cobalt, 6.428, 218.05; 3. Robert Patrick, Mustang, 6.387, 217.32 vs. 11. Steven Boone, Cobalt, 6.433, 217.67; 4. Rob Mansfield, Pontiac GTO, 6.392, 217.49 vs. 12. Jason Collins, Cobalt, 6.438, 216.27; 5. Pete Berner, Pontiac GXP, 6.402, 216.69 vs. 13. Elijah Morton, Mustang, 6.451, 215.93; 6. John Montecalvo, Cobalt, 6.409, 218.05 vs. 14. Richard Freeman, Cobalt, 6.456, 217.84; 7. Cary Goforth, Cobalt, 6.412, 218.05 vs. 15. Bob Bertsch, Mustang, 6.467, 217.25; 8. Brian Gahm, Mustang, 6.418, 218.44 vs. 16. Ron Miller, Cobalt, 6.485, 215.20.
 

Bruce Litton Heads Friday Top Fuel Qualifying in Grand Bend
Andy Kelley (Nitro Funny Car), Mike Janis (Pro Modified), Rob Atchison (Alcohol Funny Car) and Rob Mansfield (Pro Stock) also claim provisional #1 qualifying spots at Mopar Canadian Nationals

Grand Bend, Ont. (July 18, 2008) – Defending World Champion Bruce Litton (Indianapolis, Ind.) moved to the top of the provisional Torco Pro Nitro Top Fuel behind the wheel of his Lucas Oil Canada Hadman Dragster qualifying sheet with his 4.743 pass at 302.75 mph. Litton was in the last pair of cars that went down the track in Friday’s Top Fuel qualifying session and was just looking to get his feet under him at Grand Bend Motorplex. He ended up on the top of the list heading into Saturday’s pair of qualifying sessions at the Mopar Canadian Nationals.

“The track was a little green last year, so we walked the track this morning and felt like it was in good shape,” Litton said. ”We just tried to get down the track and make the best of things. (Crew Chief) Richard (Hartman) and (Tuning Advisor) Nicky Boninfante made some great calls and things worked out.”

Though Litton was in Grand Bend, his thoughts were in Western Canada where fellow 2007 World Champion Dale Creasy Jr., the Nitro Funny Car champ, lay in a hospital bed still recovering from his accident in Edmonton.

“I spoke with Dale about a half-hour before I got in the car and he seemed to be in good spirits,” Litton said. “He’s expecting to go home tomorrow, but he said he’s really missing all of us right about now. I pray for a speedy recovery for him and hope he’ll be back with us real soon.”

Andy Kelley (Piedmont, S.C.) jumped to the top of the Torco Pro Nitro Funny Car provisional qualifying sheet Friday evening with a 5.013 pass at 294.31 mph. Jack Wyatt (Corydon, Iowa) was second with a 5.118/242.36 while Paul Lee (Wynnewood, Pa.) rounded out the top three with a 5.155/292.52.

Mike Janis (Lancaster, N.Y.) ran a strong 6.058 in the heat of the day Friday afternoon, a number that stood up against all challengers Friday night to put him in the provisional Torco Pro Mod pole position heading into Saturday. Torontonian Ray Commisso took a swing at Janis’ number Friday evening but fell a little bit short. Despite sitting #2 on the qualifying list Commisso is confident heading into Saturday’s qualifying sessions.

“That was a soft tune-up,” Commisso said. “(Crew Chief) Al (Billes) wanted to put a soft tune-up in it to see if it would get down the race track. There’s a lot left in that race car.”

Rob Atchison (London, Ont.) defended his home turf by grabbing the provisional #1 qualifying position Alcohol Funny Car Friday night. Living just 45 minutes from Grand Bend Motorplex Atchison, a new father, laid down a 5.871 pass at 236.96 mph to move to the top of the sheet.

“This is our home track and it was great to be able to put on a good show for them,” Atchison said.

Atchison and his wife Julie welcomed their first child, son Wyatt, to their family a few short months ago. Wyatt came to the races for the first time this weekend.

“This is his first race, but he didn’t get to see that pass tonight,” Atchison said. “He was back at the motor home. When I get back I’ll tell him all about it.”

Robert Mansfield (Margate, Fla.) jumped to the top of the provisional Torco Pro Stock qualifying ladder with a blistering 6.421 pass at 216.79 mph in the sweltering heat. Mansfield zipped straight down the groove Friday evening at Grand Bend Motorplex to narrowly nip defending world champion Robert Patrick (Fredericksburg, Virg.), who carded a stout 6.426 at 215.00.

Mansfield ran a decent number during the afternoon session, clocking a 6.477 pass, but his crew made some critical adjustments that allowed him to move to the top of the sheet.

“My crew is amazing,” Mansfield said. “They can take the car apart and know exactly what to change. They are the ones making the car really fast. They make it easier for me to drive.”

As the fastest qualifier who defeated his opponent during the Friday evening qualifying session Mansfield also won the Quarter-Max Pro Stock Challenge…claiming five bonus points and collecting a $500.00 cash bonus from Quarter-Max.com.

The Mopar Canadian Nationals will continue Saturday with a 2pm professional qualifying session. The final qualifying hit for the pros is scheduled for 7pm. Final eliminations, as part or PartSource Championship Sunday, will commence at 11am July 20th.


GRAND BEND, Ont. -- Results Friday after qualifying for the Mopar Canadian Nationals presented by Castrol at Grand Bend Motorplex, sixth of 10 events in the 2008 Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series. Qualifying will continue Saturday for Sunday's final eliminations.

Top Fuel -- 1. Bruce Litton, 4.743 seconds, 302.75 mph; 2. Bobby Lagana Jr., 4.823, 284.27; 3. Todd Paton, 4.837, 295.40; 4. Terry McMillen, 5.037, 231.68; 5. Kevin Jones, 5.080, 295.21; 6. Mike Strasburg, 5.085, 229.74; 7. Spencer Massey, 5.188, 244.69; 8. Smax Smith, 6.025, 232.15. Not Qualified: 9. Mitch King, 6.280, 135.59; 10. Chris Karamesines, 6.543, 159.59.

Nitro Funny Car -- 1. Andy Kelley, Pontiac Firebird, 5.013, 294.31; 2. Jack Wyatt, Dodge Stratus, 5.118, 242.36; 3. Paul Lee, Chevy Camaro, 5.155, 292.52; 4. Jeff Diehl, Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.496, 248.66; 5. Cory Lee, Firebird, 5.546, 205.98; 6. Terry Haddock, Stratus, 7.988, 109.31; 7. Matt Hagan, Monte Carlo, 10.625, 70.17; 8. Rob Bruce, Camaro, 12.426, 65.16. Not Qualified: 9. Steven Macklyn, DQ.

Pro Modified -- 1. Mike Janis, Pontiac Firebird, 6.058, 235.56; 2. Raymond Commisso, Chevy Camaro, 6.071, 235.31; 3. Kenny Lang, Chevy Corvette, 6.073, 235.80; 4. Tommy D'Aprile, Chevy Bel Air, 6.098, 230.53; 5. Ed Hoover, Camaro, 6.147, 230.92; 6. Scott Cannon, Firebird, 6.181, 234.37; 7. Jason Hamstra, Camaro, 6.199, 228.89; 8. Thomas Patterson, Dodge Charger, 6.201, 228.89; 9. Carl Spiering, Corvette, 6.207, 227.46; 10. Mark Nielsen, Camaro, 6.302, 230.65; 11. Mike Castellana, Firebird, 6.303, 230.53; 12. Pat Stoken, Camaro, 6.334, 220.66; 13. Jim Halsey, Camaro, 6.390, 229.20; 14. Quain Stott, Corvette, 6.583, 222.03; 15. Gary Irving, Corvette, 6.885, 221.74; 16. Jason Stock, Corvette, 7.708, 114.51.

Alcohol Funny Car -- 1. Rob Atchison, Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.871, 236.96; 2. Larry Dobbs, Chevy Corvette, 5.879, 240.34; 3. Paul Noakes, Dodge Avenger, 5.903, 235.47; 4. Mark Thomas, Monte Carlo, 5.909, 238.51; 5. Thomas Carter, Monte Carlo, 5.915, 241.41; 6. Laurie Cannister, Chevy Camaro, 5.964, 238.30; 7. Rocky Hummel, Camaro, 6.004, 226.81; 8. Jason McKnight, Monte Carlo, 6.039, 233.24. Not Qualified: 9. Dylan Hache, 6.046, 231.32; 10. Tim Stevens, 6.071, 233.88.

Pro Stock -- 1. Rob Mansfield, Pontiac GTO, 6.421, 216.79; 2. Robert Patrick, Ford Mustang, 6.426, 215.00; 3. John Montecalvo, Chevy Cobalt, 6.427, 217.07; 4. John Konigshofer, Mustang, 6.431, 216.45; 5. Steven Boone, Cobalt, 6.433, 217.67; 6. Brian Gahm, Mustang, 6.433, 217.88; 7. Cary Goforth, Cobalt, 6.436, 217.11; 8. Frank Gugliotta, Mustang, 6.440, 214.76; 9. Dean Goforth, Cobalt, 6.441, 216.62; 10. Jeff Dobbins, Ford Escort, 6.442, 216.45; 11. Elijah Morton, Mustang, 6.451, 214.69; 12. Jason Collins, Cobalt, 6.455, 214.14; 13. Richard Freeman, Cobalt, 6.456, 217.84; 14. Bob Bertsch, Mustang, 6.499, 215.62; 15. Ron Miller, Cobalt, 6.503, 211.83; 16. Cale Aronson, Escort, 6.509, 214.48. Not Qualified: 17. Chuck DeMory, 6.512, 213.06; 18. Larry O'Brien, 6.515, 214.55; 19. Pete Berner, 8.207, 105.84; 20. Mark Martino, 12.221, 69.60.
 

Rain Washes Out Second Friday Qualifying Session at CARS RV & Sport & Marine Rocky Mountain Nationals
Scott Cannon Jr. (Pro Modified), Mark Thomas (Alcohol Funny Car) and Bob Bertsch (Pro Stock) claim provisional pole positions at Castrol Raceway in Edmonton; Top Fuel and Nitro Funny Car will qualify Saturday

EDMONTON, Ab. (July 4, 2008) – The main attractions of the first day of action at the Rocky Mountain Nationals, the Top Fuel and Nitro Funny Car qualifying sessions, were set to go just as an aggressive storm front struck, lashing the area with heavy rain and steady flashes of lightning.

The rain eventually subsided, and for a time officials were optimistic that the day’s qualifying could be salvaged. But a second front blew in and the decision was made to call it a day.

“We consulted all the weather outlets looking for any possible way we could get the program in, but we just could not see any window of opportunity,” said Skooter Peaco, IHRA Vice President of Racing Operations. “In fact, there was more severe weather coming our way, so we unfortunately made the decision to pull the plug.”

Three professional classes made qualifying passes earlier in the day, with Scott Cannon (Pro Modified), Mark Thomas (Alcohol Funny Car), and Bob Bertsch (Pro Stock) claiming provisional No. 1 berths.

Qualifying will resume Saturday at 10, with the professional sessions at 3 and 7:30.

EDMONTON, Alb. -- Results Friday after qualifying for the CARS RV & Marine & Motorsports Rocky Mountain Nationals presented by TORCO Racing Fuels at Castrol Raceway, fifth of 11 events in the 2008 Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series. Qualifying will continue Saturday for Sunday's final eliminations.

Pro Modified -- 1. Scott Cannon, Pontiac Firebird, 6.211, 231.28; 2. Tommy D'Aprile, Chevy Bel Air, 6.235, 230.57; 3. Mike Janis, Firebird, 6.333, 232.15; 4. Joe Delehay, Chevy Camaro, 6.391, 226.70; 5. Kenny Lang, Chevy Corvette, 6.396, 224.58; 6. Ross Hogenson, Corvette, 6.481, 213.43; 7. Jason Stock, Corvette, 6.645, 217.60; 8. Gary Mason, Corvette, 6.809, 209.04; 9. Ed Hoover, Camaro, 7.098, 176.10; 10. Carl Spiering, Corvette, 7.171, 123.49; 11. Pat Stoken, Camaro, 7.944, 118.99; 12. Mike Castellana, Firebird, 8.463, 109.56; 13. Quain Stott, Corvette, 9.296, 96.61; 14. Dan Vogt, Corvette, 10.242, 98.95.

Alcohol Funny Car -- 1. Mark Thomas, Chevy Monte Carlo, 6.006, 232.15; 2. Laurie Cannister, Chevy Camaro, 6.026, 236.17; 3. Paul Noakes, Dodge Avenger, 6.050, 233.76; 4. Thomas Carter, Monte Carlo, 6.064, 238.38; 5. Nathan Sitko, Pontiac Firebird, 6.182, 217.91; 6. Jordan Pawlick, Avenger, 6.198, 226.28; 7. Cal Tebb, Firebird, 6.320, 222.51; 8. John Evanchuk, Firebird, 6.449, 210.24. Not Qualified: 9. Sean Bellemeur, 6.530, 185.59; 10. Scott McVey, 6.805, 224.51; 11. Trevor Lebsack, 7.026, 219.90; 12. Rob Atchison, 9.364, 93.49.

Pro Stock -- 1. Bob Bertsch, Ford Mustang, 10.843, 81.49.
 

IHRA Swings into Canada for Rocky Mountain Nationals in Edmonton
Fifth race of 2008 season will provide halfway point of IHRA Nitro Jam Schedule

Norwalk, Ohio (June 19, 2008) – With the 2008 season championship points races heating up IHRA will head to Canada for the first of two Canadian races this season July 4-6. The CARS RV & Marine & Motorsport Rocky Mountain Nationals Presented by Torco Racing Fuels at Castrol Raceway in Edmonton will bring the thrill of the Knoll Gas Nitro Jam to the rabid racing fans in Western Canada for the sixth time since the race’s inception in 2003. It is one of the hottest tickets in town and consistently sets attendance records as each year the nitro frenzy grows in what is known as “Festival City” and one of the largest cities in North America area-wise.

While the City of Edmonton has embraced IHRA and the Rocky Mountain Nationals, the drivers have slowly warmed to Castrol Raceway. The longest haul on the circuit for most racers, many drivers have been reticent to make the long trip over the years. Those who have been to the facility, and have experienced the passion and enthusiasm of the drag racing fans in Alberta, would not miss the race for the world.

“I absolutely love that place,” Torco Pro Nitro Top Fuel Top Fuel driver Bobby Lagana Jr. said of Castrol Raceway. “The fans are unbelievable. My entire life my one true love has been drag racing and coming to a city like Edmonton, where it seems like the entire town is in love with drag racing, always makes for a special weekend. Every year so many fans thank us for coming out there to race. Heck, we should be thanking them for coming out to watch us. Drivers who complain about the long tow should stop and think for a minute about how rabid and appreciative the fans in Edmonton are. I love it.”

A Scarsdale, N.Y. resident, it is a 2,500 mile trip each way for Lagana and his crew. But after his recent success at the President’s Cup Nationals in Maryland it will probably seem to the race team like a trip to the corner store.

“Yes, we’re having a great time,” Lagana said. “We really needed that win at MIR and the circumstances surrounding it made it that much sweeter. After the race in the winner’s circle I told the media I have everything I could possibly want. And I do.”

There are a number of adjectives you could use to describe Lagana’s win in Maryland…inspirational, unexpected, emotional…all applicable. It was the first time his younger brother Dom was officially the Crew Chief on the team’s 2004 Hadman Dragster. He wrenched the team to a Father’s Day win with family patriarch Bob Lagana Sr. looking on. The elder Lagana also got his hands dirty, helping to turn the car over between elimination rounds.

The victory also came at a critical time for the team as it put it right back in the middle of the 2008 Torco Pro Nitro Top Fuel points chase. Lagana had a pedestrian 1-3 record in elimination rounds heading into the President’s Cup Nationals. He was in danger of watching his championship hopes slip away. However, after the race at MIR the points standings have tightened up considerably. Defending champion Bruce Litton, who won at the Motor City Nationals, currently leads the points chase with 383 points. Spencer Massey, the Top Fuel rookie who won the first two events on the 2008 schedule, is second with 253 points. Mike Strasburg is third with 296 points while Lagana sits fourth with 295. Scott Palmer rounds out the top five with 222 points.

Defending World Champion Dale Creasy Jr. (Beecher, Ill.) moved into the 2008 Torco Pro Nitro Funny Car points lead following his final-round victory over Todd Simpson at Maryland International Raceway. Creasy won an amazing six national events in 2007 and won his second career event, in 2006, at Castrol Raceway.

“We love racing in Canada,” Creasy said. “Our first career win was in Canada at Grand Bend Motorplex and we won later in the season up in Edmonton. We love the track, love the city and really love the fans. The fans at Castrol Raceway create one of the greatest racing atmospheres you will find anywhere.”

Creasy leads Motor City Nationals winner Paul Lee by 45 points heading into Edmonton. Spring Rockingham champion Matt Hagan is third, 56 points back while Terry Haddock (74 points behind) and San Antonio champion Steven Macklyn (108 points behind) round out the top five.

Terry Haddock will enter Edmonton as the defending event champion. He knocked off Creasy in the final round last season to claim his first career Ironman.

The Torco Pro Modified class has been making news this season as true parity between the supercharged and nitrous entries has never been more evident. In 2008 two nitrous-assisted drivers, Jim Halsey in San Antonio and Mike Castellana in Maryland have visited the winner’s circle. The same supercharged driver, points leader Kenny Lang, has won the other two national events on the ’08 IHRA schedule.

Two nitrous drivers in particular have significantly increased their performance this season. Pat Stoken ran the quickest NOS pass in IHRA history when he clocked a 6.022 pass at Milan Dragway during the Motor City Nationals. Mike Castellana set the new speed mark en route to the Ironman in Maryland, blasting through the traps at 239.14 mph.

“Our nitrous guys have really stepped up, but Kenny Lang has been just as amazing this season,” IHRA senior director of race operations Mike Baker said. “Pro Modified has always been about parity, seeing how the supercharged guys measured up to the nitrous guys and vice versa. Everyone always talks about how IHRA is the true home of Pro Modified…well, the racers are the ones who make this true.”

Lang, on the strength of those two national event wins (one in Rockingham and one in Milan) will enter the Rocky Mountain Nationals the 2008 points leader with 322 points. Jim Halsey is second with 256 points, Mike Castellana third with 254 points, defending champion Scott Cannon Jr. fourth with 241 points and Mike Janis fifth with 224 points.

Johnstown, Ohio’s Laurie Cannister has dominated IHRA’s Alcohol Funny Car class this season, rolling up an 11-1 round record in eliminations, qualifying #1 twice and winning three of four national events thus far in 2008. She has to be the odds-on favorite heading into the Rocky Mountain Nationals, but by no means will she have a cakewalk. Tom Carter won in Milan and set the IHRA speed record in the process with a backed-up 249.30 pass. Rob Atchison, a three-time world champion, has been to two final rounds this season. Seven-time world champion Mark Thomas seems to have things figured out after struggling earlier this season while Larry Dobbs had a stunning 254.14 pass at Maryland International Raceway, a number he was not able to back up but still the first AFC pass at over 250 mph in IHRA history.

Jeff Dobbins (Wilmington, N.C.) will enter the Rocky Mountain Nationals as the Torco Pro Stock points leader with 327 points. Elijah Morton (300 points), Frank Gugliotta (292 points), John Montecalvo (284 points) and Pete Berner (239 points) round out the top five.

The CARS RV & Marine & Motorsport Rocky Mountain Nationals presented by Torco Racing Fuels will begin Friday, July 4 with professional and sportsman qualifying starting at 9:00am. Saturday will feature two Nitro qualifying sessions and IHRA’s legendary “Night of Fire.” Final eliminations will be held Sunday, July 6. For more information visit www.nitrojam.com or www.castrolraceway.com. 
 

Huge Advance Sale for Biggest Race in Nitro Jam Schedule
Record-setting ticket sales to provide festive backdrop for CARS RV & Sport & Marine Rocky Mountain Nationals Presented by Torco Racing Fuels

NORWALK, OHIO; June 30, 2008 – The Canadian fans that pack Castrol Raceway in Edmonton for the Rocky Mountain Nationals keep upping the ante. For the third consecutive season the advance ticket sales are off the charts, setting records for duckets sold. The Rocky Mountain Nationals have come to the forefront as the premiere event on the IHRA Knoll Gas Nitro Jam schedule due to a variety of factors…the rabid passion of the fans, the hard work and forward thinking of track operators Rob and Kim Reeves and the commitment IHRA has made to making the Rocky Mountain Nationals something special.

“NHRA has the U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis and the rest of their events kind of lead up to that one,” IHRA president Aaron Polburn said. “We have the Rocky Mountain Nationals. While our other national event venues are strong with great fans, there is just a different kind of feeling when you walk into Castrol Raceway on race day. Rob Reeves and his entire team put on a great show but, honestly, you can find the major difference in the stands. Those fans are unbelievable.”

Case and point, Dr. Tom Carter has a memory of Castrol Raceway he will never forget.

“This was a couple of years ago. It was raining really hard and there was no way we were going to race for quite some time,” the Alcohol Funny Car driver from Cuero, Texas said. “I looked up in the stands and there were hundreds, literally hundreds, of fans sitting there having a great time. There was no shot we were going to get any racing in for hours but they were there having a blast. You just don’t find passion for drag racing like that anywhere else.”

Castrol Raceway in Edmonton is the Westernmost and Northernmost facility on the IHRA Nitro Jam national event schedule. It takes a strong commitment from IHRA racers to make the trip but, as defending Torco Pro Nitro Top Fuel World Champion Bruce Litton said, the long haul is quickly forgotten when the energy and enthusiasm of the fans is felt.

“The fans in Edmonton make you feel special,” Litton said. “They are always so appreciative of you coming out to run in front of them. I know it’s a really long drive but you completely forget about it once you get there and spend time with those fans.”

The passionate fans are just one feature of a great race experience in Edmonton. Rob Reeves has provided another bonus for those racers who make the trip, spending over $100,000 to improve what was already one of the top racing surfaces on the IHRA circuit. He did so for one simple reason…to give something back to his racers.

“Realizing how much commitment and dedication to the series it takes for the IHRA stars to make the trip to Edmonton, it’s my job to ensure they are racing on the finest race track possible,” Reeves said. “I probably didn’t need to spend another $100,000 on new asphalt and a complete regrinding of the entire racing surface, but this event is a big deal to Western Canada and to the IHRA series. I’m going to do everything I can to make the trip worthwhile for the IHRA competitors who support the series.”

One of those IHRA competitors who are coming to support the series will be Torco Pro Modified driver Mike Janis. Janis has skipped the Edmonton before and it has cost him. In fact, two times during his IHRA career not attending the Rocky Mountain Nationals has cost Janis the world championship…once in 2004 and once last season.

“It’s going to be a long ride, but we are excited to race in front of all those great Edmonton fans,” Janis’ Crew Chief, Mike Janis Jr. said. “They make the whole trip worth the long drive.”

Top Fuel pilot Terry McMillen won his first career Top Fuel Ironman in Edmonton. He loves everything about the race.

“The fans are unbelievable,” he said. “They really make the place special. I’ve gotten over 200 e-mails over the last couple of weeks from people I’ve met in Edmonton who have taken an interest in my career. They follow what I’m doing all season and really come out to support everyone when we’re there…they will do anything for you. They want to take you out to eat, bring you gifts…all kinds of things.

“When you get to Castrol Raceway they make you feel like one of the family,” McMillen continued. “They’ll do anything for you and are really grateful IHRA comes out to put on such an entertaining program. To legitimately run for a world championship in IHRA you have to go to Edmonton. And once you get there you will have the time of your life.”

IHRA has incentives in place for drivers and teams who make the trip. There is a cash incentive in addition to a free car and driver and four free crew entries for each race team.

“I appreciate the crew passes and everything IHRA does for us,” Tom Carter said. “But the thing about Edmonton is the fans. I think they are the best fans anywhere. They appreciate us being there and appreciate the show we put on. And you make so many new friends up there. I can’t wait to get to Edmonton and can’t wait to get back in the car.”

The CARS RV & Marine & Motorsport Rocky Mountain Nationals presented by Torco Racing Fuels will begin Friday, July 4 with professional and sportsman qualifying starting at 9:00am. Saturday will feature two Nitro qualifying sessions and IHRA’s legendary Cervus Contractors and JCB Heavy Equipment “Night of Fire.” Final eliminations, part of PartSource Championship Sunday, will be held Sunday, July 6. For more information visit www.nitrojam.com or www.castrolraceway.com. 
 

Litton Takes Over Points Lead with Final Round Appearance in Maryland
Indianapolis-based Top Fuel driver qualifies #1, falls to Bobby Lagana Jr. in final round of President’s Cup Nationals

MECHANICSVILLE, MD (June 16, 2008) – Bruce Litton fell one round short of claiming his second consecutive IHRA national event victory, but he did not leave Maryland International Raceway empty-handed as his strong showing during qualifying, coupled with two round wins, put him on top of the IHRA Top Fuel championship points standings.

Litton carded a 4.699 pass at 287.90 mph during the Friday evening qualifying session to move to the top of the qualifying sheet and no one would catch him. Litton’s Friday pass was also the quickest winning pass of Friday’s elimination session, earning him IHRA’s Last Man Standing honors and five bonus points. It was a great way for Litton to start the weekend.

“Those Last Man Standing bonus points are very important,” Litton said. “Five points up for grabs during each evening qualifying session of the season can really add up. We always go hard, but those evening qualifying sessions make us go just a little bit harder.”

In the first round Litton stopped Kevin Jones in a very tight race. He ran a 4.896 at 288.09 mph to hold off Jones, who was charging hard at the finish line. Jones ended up posting a 4.950 at 297.88 mph in the loss.

“Kevin has a strong team behind him an they are always a threat,” Litton said, “Mike Sipple and that crew have that car running very well, we were glad we were able to get by them.”

Litton then had a bye run in the semifinals, choosing to save parts instead of going all-out in an effort to secure lane choice in the final against Lagana.

“The lane really didn’t matter at that point,” Litton said. “They were both very even. When the track is that hot (nearly 140 degrees) it really doesn’t matter what lane you are in, you just have to figure out how to get from A to B.”

Getting from A to B proved to be a bit problematic for Litton in the final. He launched strong and was even with Lagana at half-track, but there his engine gave out and Lagana slipped by at the finish line. Litton clocked a 4.998 in the final, but he slowed to 223.82 mph. Lagana zipped down the lane with a clean 4.869/306.40 pass to claim the Ironman.

“I have all the respect in the world for Bobby and that entire team over there,” Litton said. “His little brother Dom was tuning the car for the first time and he got the job done. I’m really happy for that team because it was Father’s Day and Bob Sr. was there watching both his sons do something very special. I’m sure that was a great Father’s Day present for him.”

Litton now leads the 2008 Top Fuel points standings with 383 points. Spencer Massey, who has two national event victories this season, is second with 353 points. Mike Strasburg (296 points) and Lagana (295 points) round out the top four.

“This points chase is really heating up,” Litton said. “There are quite a few cars out here that are capable of winning an event. There are no easy rounds anymore in IHRA competition so we have to keep our focus at all times.”

Litton will look to put his Lucas Oil dragster back in the winner’s circle when he travels to Edmonton for the Rocky Mountain Nationals. He wanted to thank Lucas Oil and United Trailer Sales for their support of his race team this season.
 

Creasy Cruises to First Win in 2008
Bobby Lagana (Top Fuel), Laurie Cannister (Alcohol Funny Car), Mike Castellana (Pro Modified) and Frank Gugliotta (Pro Stock) also claim Ironmen at IHRA President’s Cup Nationals

Mechanicsville, Md. (June 15, 2008) – Last season Dale Creasy Jr. was a regular visitor to the winner’s circle at IHRA Nitro Jam events. He won six times during the 2007 season in easily cruising to his second consecutive world championship.

This season things have not come quite as easily for the Beecher, Ill. resident. Through three national events heading into the President’s Cup Nationals, Creasy had failed to find his way through the field and into the winner’s circle. That all changed when he knocked off Todd Simpson in the final round to claim the Ironman at Maryland International Raceway.

“Today was a day we have been looking for,” Creasy said. “This morning I was wondering if this was going to be a ‘go fast’ kind of race track or if it was going to be tricky. Either way we thought we had something for everyone else. It worked out well. We have a tune-up we run at Grand Bend for a hot race track that we’ve been working on for two years. All the tracks are good until it gets this hot. You can’t do anything with a 140-degree race track.”

Creasy’s ’08 Impala was the strongest car all weekend. He qualified on top of the qualifying sheet before marching through the rounds of eliminations. He defeated Mike Smith in the first round when Smith rolled through the beams and posted a -.217 red-light. Creasy then knocked off Andy Kelley in the semifinals with a 5.118/293.73 pass to Kelley’s 5.323/280.14. He then marched past Todd Simpson in the final round, posting a 5.080 at 294.95 mph while Simpson shook the tires in the other lane.

“I told my guys before the race that we aren’t doing badly this year, we’re just not doing what we did last year,” Creasy said. “But that was a season where if you would have written it down before-hand no one would have believed it. Everyone is getting tougher in this class and we had to adjust to it. Today we were the best car out there.”

Bobby Lagana Jr. (Scarsdale, N.Y.) also found the winner’s circle for the first time this season, defeating defending World Champion Bruce Litton to take home the Torco Pro Nitro Top Fuel Ironman at MIR. The victory was Lagana’s fourth career national event win.

The win was special for Lagana because his father, Bobby Sr., was at MIR with him and his brother Domenick was tuning his car for the first time. Lagana clocked a 4.869/306.40 pass in the final to top Litton’s 4.998/225.82.

“I have absolutely the best deal in life,” Lagana said. “My family is great, I have an awesome girlfriend, my brother is unbelievable. Dom is the most incredible person in my entire life. I told him he was tuning the car this weekend and we never missed a beat. I have everything I could possibly want.”

Mike Castellana proved the nitrous Pro Modifieds are back with a vengeance. Castellana knocked off Ed Hoover in the final round by clocking a 6.097 at 238.93 mph. Earlier in the weekend he posted the fastest speed by a nitrous Pro Modified car in IHRA history, posting a 239.14 mph pass.

”We really had a handle on this car all weekend,” Castellana said. “Shannon Jenkins and SpeedTech Nitrous Systems really gave me a great car. My son was here with me, so this was a great Father’s Day present.”

Castellana knocked off Pat Stoken, Kenny Lang and Mike Janis to reach the finals.

“This class is very strong,” he said. “It doesn’t matter what round and where someone qualifies. Anyone can win when Sunday rolls around.”

Laurie Cannister (Johnstown, Ohio) continued her dominance in the Alcohol Funny Car class, winning for the third time in four national events. Cannister defeated Paul Noakes in the final round at Maryland International Raceway. Cannister won at MIR last season as well.

“Two for two here. It’s great we were able to start here, then come back to prove this wasn’t a fluke,” Cannister said. “The whole crew was great this weekend. We didn’t have any trouble with the track being hot or greasy, we seemed to have a handle on it. I know a lot of other teams had a tough time with the track but we just hung in there and did what we know how to do.”

Frank Gugliotta (Mt. Airy, Md.) was able to find the winner’s circle for the first time this year, defeating Jason Collins in the Torco Pro Stock final. The win was special for Gugliotta because it came at his home track.

“It feels great to win at home,” Gugliotta said. “I’ve been trying to win in Pro Stock here for a long time. I won in Top Sportsman here before, but winning one in Pro Stock has just eluded me. I’ve runnered-up but it seemed like I could never seal the deal. And I am really happy I could get a win for Bob Yoak. He was the first one to ever put me in a Pro Stock car and I really wanted to win him one. I finally did.”

BUDDS CREEK, Md. -- Sunday's final results from the Torco Racing Fuels President's Cup Nationals at Maryland International Raceway. The race is the fourth of 11 in the 2008 Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series:

Top Fuel -- Bobby Lagana Jr., 4.869 seconds, 306.40 mph def. Bruce Litton, 4.998 seconds, 225.82 mph.
Nitro Funny Car -- Dale Creasy Jr., Chevy Impala, 5.080, 294.95 def. Todd Simpson, Chevy Camaro, 6.214, 159.99.
Pro Modified -- Mike Castellana, Pontiac Firebird, 6.097, 238.93 def. Ed Hoover, Chevy Camaro, 6.102, 232.31.
Alcohol Funny Car -- Laurie Cannister, Chevy Camaro, 5.780, 246.57 def. Paul Noakes, Dodge Avenger, 6.015, 238.17.
Pro Stock -- Frank Gugliotta, Ford Mustang, 6.417, 219.86 def. Jason Collins, Chevy Cobalt, 6.431, 219.83.
Top Sportsman -- Sandy Wilkins, Chevy Cavalier, 7.319, 164.17 def. Wayne Woodard, Cavalier, 7.401, 162.37.
Top Dragster -- Gary Koebbe, Dragster, 7.075, 185.74 def. Steve Furr, Dragster, foul.
Super Stock -- Craig Marshall, Pontiac Grand Am, 8.970, 145.02 def. Monty Bogan Jr., Pontiac Firebird, 9.588, 139.10.
Stock -- Dan Fletcher, Chevy Camaro, 10.592, 113.74 def. Wayne Totard, Pontiac Grand Am, 10.720, 126.45.
Quick Rod -- Danny Waters Jr., Dragster, 9.020, 155.79 def. Kathy Fisher, Dragster, 9.067, 158.45.
Super Rod -- Cameron Manuel, Chevy Corvette, 9.890, 142.66 def. Steve Furr, Chevy Camaro, 9.889, 155.42.
Hot Rod -- Chris Carpenter, Chevy Vega, 10.867, 132.32 def. Chris Nyerges, Chevy Camaro, 10.858, 136.19.

BUDDS CREEK, Md. -- Final round-by-round results from the Torco Racing Fuels President's Cup Nationals at Maryland International Raceway, the fourth of 11 events in the 2008 Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series:

TOP FUEL:
ROUND ONE -- Bobby Lagana Jr., 5.335, 258.42 def. Spencer Massey, 6.888, 143.84; Bruce Litton, 4.896, 288.09 def. Kevin Jones, 4.950, 297.48; Mike Strasburg, 4.938, 282.84 def. Terry McMillen, 4.858, 298.47;

SEMIFINALS -- Lagana Jr., 4.941, 291.82 def. Strasburg, 6.190, 150.51; Litton, 5.143, 210.18 was unopposed;

FINAL -- Lagana Jr., 4.869, 306.40 def. Litton, 4.998, 225.82.

PRO MODIFIED:
ROUND ONE -- Jason Hamstra, Chevy Camaro, 6.315, 227.73 def. Burton Auxier, Chevy Corvette, 6.446, 223.54; Ed Hoover, Camaro, 6.116, 232.91 def. Steve Engel, Corvette, 11.441, 79.20; Mike Castellana, Pontiac Firebird, 6.547, 229.04 def. Pat Stoken, Camaro, 7.929, 131.96; Thomas Patterson, Dodge Charger, 6.196, 231.16 def. Quain Stott, Corvette, 6.211, 232.47; Mike Janis, Firebird, 6.175, 235.43 def. Mike Stawicki, Camaro, 6.226, 227.11; Scott Cannon, Firebird, 6.215, 231.36 def. Jim Halsey, Camaro, 6.380, 228.89; Kenny Lang, Corvette, 6.138, 235.51 def. Milt Decker, Corvette, 6.413, 215.31; Billy Gibson, Plymouth Superbird, 6.130, 231.20 def. Tommy D'Aprile, Chevy Bel Air, 8.173, 117.95;

QUARTERFINALS -- Janis, 6.113, 237.00 def. Hamstra, 6.434, 204.70; Castellana, 6.056, 239.74 def. Lang, 6.136, 236.71; Gibson, 6.141, 231.48 def. Patterson, 6.146, 224.70; Hoover, 6.122, 233.56 def. Cannon, 6.153, 235.47;

SEMIFINALS -- Hoover, 6.113, 233.84 def. Gibson, 6.306, 220.94; Castellana, 6.070, 239.40 def. Janis, 6.111, 239.36;

FINAL -- Castellana, 6.097, 238.93 def. Hoover, 6.102, 232.31.

ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR:
ROUND ONE -- Laurie Cannister, Chevy Camaro, 5.850, 242.10 def. Dale Brand, Camaro, 9.745, 92.30; Paul Noakes, Dodge Avenger, 5.815, 243.77 def. Larry Dobbs, Chevy Corvette, 6.287, 186.33; Mark Thomas, Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.848, 244.87 def. Thomas Carter, Monte Carlo, 6.295, 173.74; Rob Atchison, Monte Carlo, 5.868, 247.88 def. Terry Munroe, Monte Carlo, 6.134, 236.30;

QUARTERFINALS -- Noakes, 5.879, 243.72 def. Atchison, 6.129, 241.80; Cannister, 5.823, 245.27 def. Thomas, 5.806, 246.57;

SEMIFINALS -- Cannister, 5.780, 246.57 def. Noakes, 6.015, 238.17.

PRO STOCK:
ROUND ONE -- Trevor Eman, Ford Escort, 6.486, 218.30 def. Cary Goforth, Chevy Cobalt, 7.478, 186.72; Tom Lee, Ford Mustang, 6.435, 220.33 def. Bert Jackson, Chevy Cavalier, 7.249, 146.43; Elijah Morton, Mustang, 6.417, 218.44 def. John Bartunek, Cobalt, 6.507, 215.10; Pete Berner, Pontiac GXP, 6.394, 219.44 def. Dean Goforth, Pontiac GTO, 6.475, 218.41; Jason Collins, Cobalt, 6.458, 219.40 def. Brian Gahm, Mustang, foul; Richard Freeman, Cobalt, 6.503, 218.58 def. John Montecalvo, Cobalt, 8.641, 110.03; Frank Gugliotta, Mustang, 6.423, 217.46 def. Rob Mansfield, GTO, 6.416, 219.44; Jeff Dobbins, Escort, 6.421, 221.02 def. Robert Patrick, Mustang, 6.444, 218.05;

QUARTERFINALS -- Freeman, 6.545, 218.16 def. Eman, 6.462, 219.61; Collins, 6.616, 211.46 def. Dobbins, 7.266, 162.20; Morton, 6.711, 218.44 def. Lee, broke; Gugliotta, 6.424, 219.58 def. Berner, 6.395, 220.04;

SEMIFINALS -- Collins, 6.419, 220.30 def. Morton, 6.407, 219.54; Gugliotta, 6.437, 218.94 def. Freeman, 6.490, 219.47;

FINAL -- Gugliotta, 6.417, 219.86 def. Collins, 6.431, 219.83.

NITRO FUNNY CAR:
ROUND ONE -- Dale Creasy Jr., Chevy Impala, 5.872, 167.09 def. Mike Smith, Chevy Camaro, foul; Terry Haddock, Dodge Stratus, 5.567, 196.19 def. Paul Lee, Chevy Monte Carlo, foul; Todd Simpson, Camaro, 5.781, 192.91 def. Steven Macklyn, Monte Carlo, 6.218, 157.06; Andy Kelley, Pontiac Firebird, 5.418, 239.78 def. Matt Hagan, Monte Carlo, 8.609, 94.83;

QUARTERFINALS -- Creasy Jr., 5.118, 293.73 def. Kelley, 5.323, 280.14; Simpson, 5.434, 263.26 def. Haddock, 5.678, 202.82;

SEMIFINALS -- Creasy Jr., 5.080, 294.95 def. Simpson, 6.214, 159.99.


BUDDS CREEK, Md. -- Point standings (top 10) for IHRA professional categories following the Torco Racing Fuels President's Cup Nationals at Maryland International Raceway, the fourth of 11 events in the 2008 Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series -

Top Fuel
1. Bruce Litton, 383; 2. Spencer Massey, 353; 3. Mike Strasburg, 296; 4. Bobby Lagana Jr., 295; 5. Scott Palmer, 212; 6. Terry McMillen, 206; 7. Kevin Jones, 187; 8. Chris Karamesines, 108; 9. Michael Gunderson, 50; 10. T.J. Zizzo, 36.

Pro Modified
1. Kenny Lang, 322; 2. Jim Halsey, 256; 3. Mike Castellana, 254; 4. Scott Cannon, 241; 5. Mike Janis, 224; 6. Jason Hamstra, 198; 7. Tommy D{Aprile, 193; 8. Billy Gibson, 176; 9. Pat Stoken, 156; 10. Ed Hoover, 154.

Alcohol Funny Car
1. Laurie Cannister, 458; 2. Rob Atchison, 326; 3. Thomas Carter, 296; 4. Paul Noakes, 252; 5. Dale Brand, 232; 6. Mark Thomas, 170; 7. Larry Dobbs, 167; 8. (tie) Terry Munroe, 120; Tim Stevens, 120; 10. Tony Bogolo, 107.

Pro Stock
1. Jeff Dobbins, 327; 2. Elijah Morton, 300; 3. Frank Gugliotta, 292; 4. John Montecalvo, 284; 5. Pete Berner, 239; 6. Richard Freeman, 183; 7. Robert Patrick, 157; 8. Cary Goforth, 154; 9. Rob Mansfield, 149; 10. Jason Collins, 148.

Nitro Funny Car
1. Dale Creasy Jr., 316; 2. Paul Lee, 271; 3. Matt Hagan, 260; 4. Terry Haddock, 242; 5. Steven Macklyn, 208; 6. Andy Kelley, 188; 7. Jack Wyatt, 168; 8. Todd Simpson, 165; 9. Jeff Diehl, 127; 10. Bob Gilbertson, 111.
 

Rain Washes Away Final Saturday Qualifying Session at President’s Cup Nationals
Fields set for Sunday eliminations with Bruce Litton (TF), Dale Creasy Jr. (Nitro Funny Car), Tommy D’Aprile (Pro Modified), Dale Brand (Alcohol Funny Car) and Jeff Dobbins (Pro Stock)#1 qualifiers

Mechanicsville, Md. (June 14, 2008) – Rain washed out the final round of professional qualifying Saturday evening at the Torco President’s Cup Nationals, setting the fields for all professional fields following Saturday’s afternoon session at Maryland International Raceway.

Defending Torco Pro Nitro Funny Car World Champion Dale Creasy Jr. claimed his first #1 qualifying position of the season, clocking a 4.967 during Friday evening qualifying…a number that stood up when all qualifying was said and done. Paul Lee (Wynnewood, Pa.), the winner three weeks ago in Milan, ended up #2 on the ladder while Matt Hagan (Christiansburg, Va.) ended up third and Todd Simpson (Ponder, Tx) fourth to round out the top half of the ladder.

Bruce Litton, the defending Torco Pro Nitro Top Fuel champion from Indianapolis, will start Sunday’s elimination rounds from the #1 qualifying slot. Litton posted a 4.699 Saturday night to claim the top spot on the qualifying sheet. Bobby Lagana Jr. (Scarsdale, N.Y.) qualified #2 while Mike Strasburg (Lindon, Utah) and Kevin Jones (Berea, KY) filled out the top half of the field.

Tommy D’Aprile (Port Charlotte, Fla.) was the #1 qualifier in the Torco Pro Modified class for the first time this season as his Friday 6.042 at 236.13 was good enough to give him the pole position. Kenny Lang (Grande Pointe, Mb) was second on the qualifying sheet by virtue of his 6.079/239.95 pass. Jim Halsey (Street, Md.) and Mike Janis (Lancaster, N.Y.) rounded out the top four.

Dale Brand’s amazing 5.716/247.57 pass in the Saturday afternoon heat put him on top of the Alcohol Funny Car qualifying list. The Sully, Iowa resident drove his ’01 Camaro to the quickest pass of the day to move in front of Larry Dobbs (Welland, Ont.), who finished second on the list. Mark Thomas (Louisville, Ohio) and Rob Atchison (London, Ont.) rounded out the top four.

Jeff Dobbins (Wilmington, N.C.) claimed his third consecutive #1 qualifying position in the Torco Pro Stock class, piloting his ’06 Escort to a 6.358 at 221.56 mph to claim top qualifying honors. Robert Mansfield (Margate, Fla.) was second on the qualifying sheet with a 6.372 while Tommy Lee (Jacksonville, N.C.) and John Montecalvo (Center Moriches, N.Y.) filled out the top half of the ladder.

All Saturday tickets will be honored at the gate Sunday. Showers are expected to move through the area overnight and the weather forecast for Sunday is for partly cloudy skies with no rain expected. Final professional eliminations will begin as scheduled. The first Pro Stock and Pro Modified elimination round will kick off at 11:00am, with the first Alcohol Funny Car, Top Fuel and Nitro Funny Car elimination rounds scheduled to commence at noon.

BUDDS CREEK, Md. -- First-round pairings for professional eliminations Sunday for the Torco Racing Fuels President's Cup Nationals at Maryland International Raceway, the fourth of 11 events in the 2008 Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series. Pairings based on results in qualifying, which ended Saturday.

Top Fuel -- 1. Bruce Litton, 4.699 seconds, 287.90 mph vs. 4. Kevin Jones, 5.091, 232.63; 2. Bobby Lagana Jr., 4.717, 312.13 vs. 5. Spencer Massey, 5.305, 193.27; 3. Mike Strasburg, 5.048, 234.37 vs. 6. Terry McMillen, 5.433, 185.23.

Nitro Funny Car -- 1. Dale Creasy Jr., Chevy Impala, 4.967, 300.40 vs. 5. Mike Smith, Chevy Camaro, 5.214, 279.90; 2. Paul Lee, Chevy Monte Carlo, 4.989, 273.22 vs. 6. Terry Haddock, Dodge Stratus, 5.217, 248.89; 3. Matt Hagan, Monte Carlo, 5.082, 285.77 vs. 7. Andy Kelley, Pontiac Firebird, 5.297, 220.48; 4. Todd Simpson, Camaro, 5.205, 272.94 vs. 8. Steven Macklyn, Monte Carlo, 5.330, 275.11.

Pro Modified -- 1. Tommy D'Aprile, Chevy Bel Air, 6.042, 236.13 vs. 9. Billy Gibson, Plymouth Superbird, 6.146, 231.32; 2. Kenny Lang, Chevy Corvette, 6.079, 239.95 vs. 10. Mark Nielsen, Chevy Camaro, 6.155, 234.33; 3. Jim Halsey, Camaro, 6.094, 232.63 vs. 11. Scott Cannon, Pontiac Firebird, 6.175, 234.86; 4. Mike Janis, Firebird, 6.102, 236.05 vs. 12. Mike Stawicki, Camaro, 6.179, 231.20; 5. Thomas Patterson, Dodge Charger, 6.110, 234.57 vs. 13. Quain Stott, Corvette, 6.187, 236.75; 6. Mike Castellana, Firebird, 6.111, 239.14 vs. 14. Pat Stoken, Camaro, 6.193, 233.08; 7. Ed Hoover, Camaro, 6.118, 235.23 vs. 15. Steve Engel, Corvette, 6.225, 211.86; 8. Jason Hamstra, Camaro, 6.134, 232.23 vs. 16. Burton Auxier, Corvette, 6.244, 227.84.

Alcohol Funny Car -- 1. Dale Brand, Chevy Camaro, 5.716, 247.57 vs. 5. Laurie Cannister, Camaro, 5.827, 243.59; 2. Larry Dobbs, Chevy Corvette, 5.791, 254.14 vs. 6. Paul Noakes, Dodge Avenger, 5.832, 243.72; 3. Mark Thomas, Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.814, 246.30 vs. 7. Thomas Carter, Monte Carlo, 5.896, 241.37; 4. Rob Atchison, Monte Carlo, 5.818, 247.47 vs. 8. Terry Munroe, Monte Carlo, 5.923, 239.06.

Pro Stock -- 1. Jeff Dobbins, Ford Escort, 6.358, 221.56 vs. 9. Robert Patrick, Ford Mustang, 6.406, 219.12; 2. Rob Mansfield, Pontiac GTO, 6.372, 220.48 vs. 10. Frank Gugliotta, Mustang, 6.407, 218.37; 3. Tom Lee, Mustang, 6.380, 220.69 vs. 11. Bert Jackson, Chevy Cavalier, 6.426, 216.93; 4. John Montecalvo, Chevy Cobalt, 6.387, 220.12 vs. 12. Richard Freeman, Cobalt, 6.436, 218.48; 5. Jason Collins, Cobalt, 6.389, 219.79 vs. 13. Brian Gahm, Mustang, 6.442, 219.15; 6. Dean Goforth, GTO, 6.392, 219.97 vs. 14. Pete Berner, Pontiac GXP, 6.446, 218.05; 7. Elijah Morton, Mustang, 6.402, 218.90 vs. 15. John Bartunek, Cobalt, 6.449, 218.65; 8. Cary Goforth, Cobalt, 6.405, 220.08 vs. 16. Trevor Eman, Escort, 6.450, 219.08.
 

Bruce Litton on Top of Provisional Top Fuel Field at IHRA President’s Cup Nationals
Dale Creasy Jr. (Nitro Funny Car), Tommy D’Aprile (Pro Modified), Larry Dobbs (Alcohol Funny Car) and Jeff Dobbins (Pro Stock) also claim provisional #1 qualifier spots Friday at Maryland International Raceway

Mechanicsville, Md. (June 13, 2008) – Fresh off his win at the Motor City Nationals in May, defending IHRA Top Fuel World Champion Bruce Litton thundered to the top of the provisional qualifying sheet in the Torco Pro Nitro Top Fuel class, carding a 4.699 at 287.90 mph at the President’s Cup Nationals in Budds Creek. Litton made a clean pass right down the groove at Maryland International Raceway to move to the top of the sheet heading into Saturday’s two qualifying sessions.

For running the quickest winning pass of the Friday evening session Litton also claimed Last Man Standing honors and the five bonus points that go with it.

“The car was running really good until about 1,000 feet,” Litton, an Indianapolis resident, said. “So I had to back off it a little bit. But I’m glad we were able to move to #1 and I’m happy with winning Last Man Standing. There are a lot of good cars out here and that was a bonus for us.”

Bobby Lagana Jr. (Scarsdale, N.Y.) was right on Litton’s heels, posting a 4.717 at 312.13 mph to end up second on the qualifying sheet.

Litton was not the only defending World Champion in the Nitro ranks to claim the provisional #1 qualifier position. Beecher, Ill. resident Dale Creasy Jr., a two-time defending champion in the Torco Pro Nitro Funny Car class, moved to the top of the provisional qualifying sheet with a 4.967 blast down the track at 300.40 mph.

“We’ve been having some trouble getting the car down the track, and it was mostly the driver,” Creasy said. “I had a little talk with him and we were able to get down the track tonight. I’m happy about that.”

Tommy D’Aprile (Port Charlotte, Fla.) put his Mel Bush-owned ’62 Bel Air on top of the provisional qualifying sheet with a 6.042 pass at 236.13 mph. It was his second-quickest pass of the season, trailing only the 6.038 he ran three weeks ago at Milan Dragway. Points leader Kenny Lang (Grande Pointe, Manitoba) ended up second on the sheet with a 6.079/239.95 pass.

Larry Dobbs (Welland, Ont.) shocked the Alcohol Funny Car class when he posted a sizzling 5.791 at an incredible 254.14 mph to claim the provisional #1 qualifier spot. His speed was a provisional world record, nearly five miles per hour faster than Dale Brand’s standing record of 249.30. Dobbs’ run seemed to come from nowhere as his previous best speed of the season was 247.57.

Defending AFC World Champion Mark Thomas (Louisville, Ohio) appears to have things turned around. The seven-time world champ failed to qualify for the elimination rounds at the previous two races, but his 5.814/246.26 pass put him #2 on the provisional qualifying sheet heading into Saturday’s two qualifying sessions. Thomas also claimed the five Last Man Standing bonus points for being the quickest winning driver in Friday’s evening qualifying session.

Jeff Dobbins (Wilmington, N.C.) kept his streak of strong qualifying efforts alive by jumping to the provisional #1 position in Pro Stock. The #1 qualifier in Milan three weeks ago clocked a 6.358 at 221.56 mph to move to the top of the sheet Friday night. Dobbins won the Friday Quarter-Max Pro Stock Challenge bonus for being the quickest winning driver of the Friday evening qualifying session, a feat he also pulled off both nights in Rockingham. The winner of the Quarter-Max Pro Stock Challenge receives five bonus points as well as a $500 check from Quarter-Max.

The Torco President’s Cup Nationals will continue Saturday, June 14 with two professional qualifying sessions. The first will begin at 2:00pm with all five professional classes running. The field will finalize after Saturday’s evening qualifying session, which will start at 7:00pm.

BUDDS CREEK, Md. -- Results Friday after qualifying for the Torco Racing Fuels President's Cup Nationals at Maryland International Raceway, fourth of 11 events in the 2008 Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series. Qualifying will continue Saturday for Sunday's final eliminations.

Top Fuel -- 1. Bruce Litton, 4.699 seconds, 287.90 mph; 2. Bobby Lagana Jr., 4.717, 312.13; 3. Mike Strasburg, 5.048, 234.37; 4. Terry McMillen, 9.840, 91.07; 5. Spencer Massey, 9.995, 72.70.

Nitro Funny Car -- 1. Dale Creasy Jr., Chevy Impala, 4.967, 300.40; 2. Paul Lee, Chevy Monte Carlo, 4.989, 273.22; 3. Matt Hagan, Monte Carlo, 5.082, 285.77; 4. Todd Simpson, Chevy Camaro, 5.205, 272.94; 5. Terry Haddock, Dodge Stratus, 5.217, 248.89; 6. Andy Kelley, Pontiac Firebird, 5.297, 220.48; 7. Steven Macklyn, Monte Carlo, 5.330, 223.84; 8. Mike Smith, Camaro, 5.355, 270.05. Not Qualified: 9. Jeff Diehl, 5.972, 170.77; 10. Bob Gilbertson, 6.061, 158.33; 11. Cory Lee, 8.086, 110.37; 12. Jack Wyatt, 8.626, 96.99.

Pro Modified -- 1. Tommy D'Aprile, Chevy Bel Air, 6.042, 236.13; 2. Kenny Lang, Chevy Corvette, 6.079, 239.95; 3. Jim Halsey, Chevy Camaro, 6.094, 232.63; 4. Mike Janis, Pontiac Firebird, 6.102, 236.05; 5. Thomas Patterson, Dodge Charger, 6.110, 234.57; 6. Ed Hoover, Camaro, 6.118, 235.23; 7. Jason Hamstra, Camaro, 6.134, 232.23; 8. Mark Nielsen, Camaro, 6.155, 234.33; 9. Scott Cannon, Firebird, 6.175, 230.06; 10. Quain Stott, Corvette, 6.187, 236.75; 11. Pat Stoken, Camaro, 6.193, 233.08; 12. Steve Engel, Corvette, 6.225, 211.86; 13. Burton Auxier, Corvette, 6.244, 227.84; 14. Milt Decker, Corvette, 6.245, 223.80; 15. Mike Stawicki, Camaro, 6.335, 208.97; 16. Jason Stock, Corvette, 6.345, 228.92. Not Qualified: 17. Frederick Scriba, 8.836, 100.48; 18. Billy Gibson, 8.998, 101.07; 19. Larry Plummer, 9.894, 82.85; 20. Mike Castellana, 14.179, 59.37; 21. Chris Russo, 16.910, 59.84.

Alcohol Funny Car -- 1. Larry Dobbs, Chevy Corvette, 5.791, 254.14; 2. Mark Thomas, Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.814, 246.26; 3. Rob Atchison, Monte Carlo, 5.818, 247.47; 4. Laurie Cannister, Chevy Camaro, 5.827, 243.59; 5. Paul Noakes, Dodge Avenger, 5.832, 242.67; 6. Melinda Green-King, Ford Mustang, 5.960, 238.13; 7. Rocky Hummel, Camaro, 6.093, 233.68; 8. Bunny Burkett, Avenger, 6.482, 145.44. Not Qualified: 9. Dale Brand, 6.816, 187.65; 10. Neal Parker, 8.053, 113.87; 11. Tim Stevens, DQ; 12. Thomas Carter, DQ.

Pro Stock -- 1. Jeff Dobbins, Ford Escort, 6.358, 221.56; 2. Rob Mansfield, Pontiac GTO, 6.372, 220.48; 3. Tom Lee, Ford Mustang, 6.380, 220.69; 4. John Montecalvo, Chevy Cobalt, 6.387, 220.12; 5. Jason Collins, Cobalt, 6.389, 219.79; 6. Dean Goforth, GTO, 6.392, 219.97; 7. Elijah Morton, Mustang, 6.402, 218.90; 8. Cary Goforth, Cobalt, 6.405, 220.08; 9. Robert Patrick, Mustang, 6.406, 219.12; 10. Frank Gugliotta, Mustang, 6.407, 218.37; 11. Bert Jackson, Chevy Cavalier, 6.426, 216.93; 12. Richard Freeman, Cobalt, 6.436, 216.69; 13. Brian Gahm, Mustang, 6.442, 218.83; 14. John Bartunek, Cobalt, 6.449, 218.65; 15. Trevor Eman, Escort, 6.450, 219.08; 16. Chuck DeMory, Mustang, 6.458, 215.03. Not Qualified: 17. John Konigshofer, 6.461, 218.41; 18. Kelly Martin, 6.512, 216.65; 19. Doug Kirk, 6.514, 215.34; 20. Ron Miller, 6.545, 216.13; 21. Steven Boone, 6.587, 191.51; 22. Daniel Seamon, 6.644, 215.96; 23. Pete Berner, 7.305, 126.89; 24. John Pluchino, 7.337, 142.40; 25. Michael Bruno, 7.704, 132.57; 26. Bob Bertsch, 8.901, 93.75; 27. Ned Katuran, 9.490, 94.06; 28. Sylvester Barnes, 21.983, 49.44.
 

Huge Crowd Sees Lee Jump to Top of Nitro Funny Car Qualifying Sheet at Rockingham Dragway
Bruce Litton (Top Fuel), Laurie Cannister (Alcohol Funny Car), Mike Janis (Pro Modified) and Pete Berner (Pro Stock) also claim #1 qualifying spots at IHRA Spring Nationals

(Rockingham, N.C.; April 19, 2008) – Paul Lee, whose weekend participation at Rockingham Dragway was almost an afterthought, drove Paul Smith’s Chevrolet Monte Carlo Funny Car to a track record Saturday and, as a result, will start Sunday’s 37th annual IHRA Spring Nationals from the No. 1 starting position.

Lee covered the quarter mile in 4.797 seconds at 315.34 miles per hour, shattering the Funny Car record of 4.877 seconds set last October by Charlotte’s Bob Gilbertson. As a result, the Wynnewood, Pa., driver will start from the No. 1 position for the first time in his pro career.

"This means a lot to me because five days ago we weren't coming to this race," Lee said. "(Car owner) Paul Smith and I basically put this thing together in a few days and he wanted to come here. We found out on Monday for sure we were coming.

"The number one means a lot because Paul has a great team. We want to race and it's all about deals and stuff like that. We are just trying to promote some potential sponsors out here. This means a heck of a lot. I want to carry over this momentum in Sunday."

Lee’s elation was matched by Gilbertson’s depression. After winning last fall’s IHRA World Finals on the same Rockingham track, Gilbertson failed to make the eight-car starting lineup in the Nitro Funny Car class and will be a spectator on Sunday.

The other No. 1 qualifiers Saturday were reigning series champion Bruce Litton of Indianapolis, Ind., in Top Fuel dragster; former champion Mike Janis of Lancaster, N.Y., in Pro Modified; Pete Berner of Crete, Ill., in Pro Stock; and Laurie Cannister of Johnstown, Ohio, in Alcohol Funny Car.

“We were worried about only getting one session,” Litton said, a reference to threatening weather that could have washed out Saturday’s second session. “We hated to think we might only get one shot and could get bumped out if we didn’t run well. We were blessed to get both runs in today.”

This is Litton’s 10th start from the No. 1 position, but his first at Rockingham, where he hopes to get his title bid back on track after losing in the first round of the season-opener.

Berner, the 2006 series champion, was clocked in 6.324 seconds at 220.37 mph to nudge veteran Frank Gugliotta for the No. 1 spot in Pro Stock.

“All in all, we've had a great weekend so far,” Berner said. “The guys have made some really good calls and what can I say about Dave Braswell's carburetors and Pat Norcia's Ram clutches? This new RJ Race Cars Pontiac GXP has been a winner right out of the box

“We definitely want our championship back, and we're going to work real hard to get it. There are some tough customers out here, and I'll have my hands full trying to deal with them, but we're going to give it everything we have.”

Cannister, winner of the season-opener two weeks ago at San Antonio, Texas, was the No. 1 qualifier at Rockingham for the second consecutive time. She was clocked in 5.722 seconds at 245.14 mph, slightly off her own track record of 5.668 seconds

“Dale (husband and crew chief Dale Cannister) has a really good handle on the car and all the crew’s doing their job,” Cannister said. “There’s still more in it and we’re going to try to find (the limit) tomorrow.”

Janis carded a strong 5.986 at 240.08 mph Friday night, a mark that held on against all challengers and earn him the #1 qualifying spot in Pro Modified.

ROCKINGHAM, N.C. – First round pairings for Sunday’s 37th annual IHRA Spring Nationals, second race in the 2008 Knoll Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series:

TOP FUEL – 1. Bruce Litton, Indianapolis, Ind., 4.622, 306.67 mph, vs. 5. Terry McMillen, Elkhart, Ind., 4.678, 313.37 mph; 2. Scott Palmer, Highlandville, Mo., 4.645, 296.83 mph, vs. 6. Spencer Massey, Fort Worth, Texas, 4.704, 311.05 mph; 3. Bobby Lagana, Scarsdale, N.Y., 4.666, 324.67 mph, vs. 7. Michael Gunderson, Middleburg, Fla., 4.785, 303.37 mph; 4. Mike Strasburg, Lindon, Utah, 4.668, 298.54 mph, vs. 8. Kevin Jones, Berea, Ky., 4.786, 300.86 mph.

NITRO FUNNY CAR – 1. Paul Lee, Wynnewood, Pa., 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 4.797, 315.34 mph, vs. 5. Jack Wyatt, Corydon, Iowa, 2007 Dodge Stratus, 5.0885, 284.75 mph; 2. Terry Haddock, Woodinville, Wash., 2006. Dodge Stratus, 4.956, 296.11 mph, vs. 6. Cory Lee, Aliquippa, 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 5.103, 284.21 mph; 3. Andy Kelley, Piedmont, S.C., 2002 Pontiac Firebird, 4.995, 194.52 mph, vs. 7. Steve Macklyn, Salt Lake City, Utah, 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 5.110, 290.32 mph; 4. Dale Creasy Jr., Beecher, Ill., 2008 Chevrolet Impala, 5.077, 295.48 mph, vs. 8. Matt Hagan, Christiansburg, Va., 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. 5.164, 247.73 mph;

PRO MODIFIED – 1. Mike Janis, Lancaster, N.Y., 1967 Pontiac Firebird, 5.986, 240.08 mph, vs. 9. Mike Castellana, Westbury, N.Y., 1968 Pontiac Firebird, 6.101, 236.26 mph; 2. Kenny Lang, Grande Pointe, Manitoba, Canada, 1953 Chevrolet Corvette, 6.031, 239.74 mph, vs. Jim Halsey, Street, Md., 1968 Chevrolet Camaro, 6.132, 231.00 mph; 3. Scott Cannon, Lyman, S.C., 1968 Pontiac Firebird, 6.035, 231.83 mph, vs. Billy Gibson, Chaptico, Md., 1970 Plymouth Superbird, 6.122, 228.61 mph; 4. Tommy D’Aprile, Port Charlotte, Fla., 1962 Chevrolet Bel Air, 6.050, 234.37 mph, vs, 12. Burton Auxier Jr., Dixie, West Va., 1953 Chevrolet Corvette, 6.113, 227.23 mph; 5. Pat Stoken, Eureka, Mont., 1968 Chevrolet Camaro, 6.066, 233.44 mph, vs. 13. Thomas Patterson, Spring, Texas, 1941 Willys, 6.114, 230.06 mph; 6. Chip King, Semora, N.C., 1969 Dodge Daytona, 6.071, 232.59 mph, vs. 14. Billy Gibson, Chaptico, Md., 1970 Plymouth Superbird, 6.122, 228.61 mph; 7. Chris Russo, Cedar Grove, N.J., 1963 Chevrolet Corvette, 6.094, 235.02 mph, vs. 15. Jim Halsey, Street Md., 1968 Chevrolet Camaro, 6.132, 231.00 mph; 8. Quain Stott, Columbus, N.C., 1963 Chevrolet Corvette, 6.095, 237.09 mph, vs. 16. Frederick Scriba, Millersville, Md., 1963 Chevrolet Corvette, 6.135, 221.63 mph; 10. Jason Hamstra, DeMotte, Ind., 1968 Chevrolet Camaro, 6.106, 229.51 mph; 11. Mark Nielsen, Brantford, Ontario, Canada, 1968 Chevrolet Camaro, 6.111, 230.80 mph.

ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR – 1. Laurie Cannister, Johnstown, Ohio, 1999 Chevrolet Camaro, 5.722, 245.14 mph, vs. 5. Neal Parker, Millville, N.J., 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 5.820, 243.15 mph; 2. Dale Brand, Sully, Iowa, 2001 Chevrolet Camaro, 5.747, 232.75 mph, vs. 6. Terry Munroe, Beaver, Pa., 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 5.832, 241.02 mph; 3. Thomas Carter, Victoria, Texas, 2005 Chevrolet Camaro, 5.763, 239.14 mph, vs. 7. Larry Dobbs, Welland, Ontario, Canada, 2001 Chevrolet Corvette, 5.866, 244.03 mph; 4. Rob Atchison, London, Ontario, Canada, 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 5.805, 247.88 mph, vs. 8. Paul Noakes, London, Ontario, Canada, 2000 Dodge Avenger, 5.869, 241.32 mph.

PRO STOCK – 1. Pete Berner, Crete, Ill., 2008 Pontiac GXP, 6.324, 220.37 mph, vs. 9 Jeff Dobbins, Wilmington, N.C., 2006 Ford Escort, 6.364, 220.19 mph; 2. Frank Gugliotta, Mt. Airy, Md., 2007 Ford Mustang, 6.340, 219.04 mph, vs. 10. Steve Spiess, Manhattan, Ill., 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, 6.380, 216.93 mph; 3. Robert Patrick, Fredericksburg, Va., 2007 Ford Mustang, 6.343, 219.94 mph, vs. 11. Cary Goforth, Holdenville, Okla., 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt, 6.387, 218.44 mph; 4. Rob Mansfield, Margate, Fla., 2006 Pontiac GTO, 6.348, 218.69 mph, vs. 12. Brian Gahm, Lucasville, Ohio, 2007 Ford Mustang, 6.388, 220.12 mph; 5. Elijah Morton, Jacksonville, N.C., 2007 Ford Mustang, 6.350, 219.47 mph, vs. 13. Trevor Eman, Orlando, Fla., 2006 Ford Escort, 6.397, 218.27 mph; 6. Dean Goforth, Holdenville, Okla., 2006 Pontiac GTO, 6.358, 219.22 mph, vs. 14. Rickie Smith, King, N.C., 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt, 6.398, 217.32 mph; 7. Richard Freeman, Wynnewood, Okla., 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt, 6.358, 219.08 mph, vs. 15. Bert Jackson, Glen Allen, Va., 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier, 6.405, 217.21 mph; 8. John Montecalvo, Center Moriches, N.Y., 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt, 6.362, 220.19 mph, vs. 16. Jason Collins, Rainbow City, Ala., 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, 6.409, 217.60 mph.

Two Carolinians Among Summit All-Star Winners in Rockingham – North Carolinians Scott Macy of Randleman and Brett Nesbitt of McLeansville were among the winners of the IHRA Summit All-Stars Pro-Am event contested Saturday in conjunction with the 37th annual IHRA Spring Nationals at Rockingham Dragway.

Macy won an all-Plymouth Volare final round with Michael Beard of Seagrove, N.C., to win the Stock Eliminator title while Nesbitt drove his dragster past the similar machine of Rusty Cook of Cynthiana, Ky., to claim the Quick Rod title.

Other winners included Jason Lynch of Pleasant View, Tenn., in Top Sportsman, Marco Abruzzi of Warren, Ohio in Top Dragster, Pat Martin of London, Ohio, in Super Rod, Damien Hazelton of Ottawa, Ohio, in Hot Rod and Kevin Helms of Belle Rose, La., in Super Stock.

ROCKINGHAM, N.C. – Final round results from Saturday’s IHRA Summit All-Stars Pro-Am event held in conjunction with the 37th annual IHRA Spring Nationals at Rockingham Dragway:

Top Sportsman – Jason Lynch, Pleasant View, Tenn., 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier, 7.145, 180.94 mph, def. Chris Gulitti, Spring, Texas, 1998 Pontiac Firebird, 7.211, 177.65 mph.

Top Dragster – Marco Abruzzi, Warren, Ohio, 8.885, 119.55 mph, def. Nick Folk, Durand, Ill., foul.

Quick Rod – Brett Nesbitt, McLeansville, N.C., 8.922, 183.24 mph, def. Rusty Cook, Cynthiana, Ky., 8.899, 175.23 mph.

Super Rod – Pat Martin, London, Ohio, 1927-T Ford roadster, 9.907, 164.13 mph, def. Brian Folk, Durand, Ill., 1990 Chevrolet Cavalier, 9.920, 144.10 mph.

Hot Rod – Damien Hazelton, Ottawa, Ohio, 1992 Chevrolet Camaro, 10.905, 127.52 mph, def. Tim Shuck, West Lafayette, Ohio, 1967 Chevrolet Camaro, 10.866, 129.13 mph.

Super Stock – Kevin Helms, Belle Rose, La., 1995 Oldsmobile Achieva, 9.133, 139.76 mph, def. Jimbo Fields, Gallatin, Tenn., 1968 Chevrolet Corvette, 10.067, 125.90.

Stock – Scott Macy, Randleman, N.C., 1978 Plymouth Volare, 10.975, 115.90 mph, def. Michael Beard, Seagrove, N.C., 1980 Plymouth Volare, 11.203, 113.91 mph.
 

Palmer, Janis Grab First Day Qualifying Leads at IHRA Spring Nationals in Rockingham

(Rockingham, N.C.; April 18, 2008) – Surprising Scott Palmer grabbed the provisional No. 1 position in the featured Top Fuel category and Mike Janis put his 1967 replica Pontiac Firebird on the provisional “pole” in Pro Modified Friday in the first day of qualifying for Sunday’s 37th annual IHRA Spring Nationals at Rockingham Dragway.

Palmer was clocked in 4.645 seconds at 296.83 miles per hour on a run on which his car ricocheted off the guardwall just past the finish line.

“My arm restraint got caught in my buckles and I had to shut it down about 150 or 200 feet further than we wanted to,” Palmer explained. “I grazed the wall in the shut-down area because I ran it out as far as I could. We just got a little racing stripe down the wing, it’ll be okay.”

Palmer, who struggled in the season-opening event in the Knoll Gas Nitro Jam Series at San Antonio, Texas, said he owed his resurgence to a tip from another crew chief, Johnny West.

“I talked to Johnny West on the way here,” Palmer said. “Johnny told us to look out for these new clutch disks. So when we got here, (we) looked at them and, sure enough, we had some bad ones. We changed them and the thing went back to running like it should.”

“We’re going for it tomorrow,” Palmer said. “We know it would have run a high 4.50 on that run.”

Other Friday qualifying leaders were Terry Haddock of Woodinville, Wash., in Nitro Funny Car, Pete Berner of Crete, Ill., in Pro Stock and Laurie Cannister of Johnstown, Ohio, in Alchol Funny Car.

Haddock had a minor fire at the end of the run and aborted his run early.

“We had to let go of it a little bit,” Haddock said. “I’m not sure why it was on fire, but I’m allergic to fire, so I let go of it.”

Most of the Top Fuel surprises were at the back of the pack Friday where reigning series champion Bruce Litton was on the outside, looking in, and rookie sensation Spencer Massey was clinging to the eighth and final qualifying position.

Janis drove his 1967 Firebird to the top of the qualifying sheet by covering the quarter-mile in 5.986 at 240.08 mph. Janis not only claimed the five “Last Man Standing” bonus points, he established a new Rockingham Dragway speed record.

Cannister was clocked in 5.722 seconds at 245.14 mph, just off her 5.669 second track record.

“I have a flawlessly running car,” acknowledged the Johnstown, Ohio, driver who is bidding for her second straight Rockingham pole. “I put that thing into third gear and it just wanted to pull harder. It was such a smooth pass. I really have to give (the credit) to my crew and my tuner (her husband, Dale).”

“I want to do more,” Cannister said. “I want to be the first in the 5.50’s and the first over 250, so we’ll see what happens. If the weather is good enough to make it happen (this weekend), then it will. If not maybe the fall (at the IHRA World Finals, also contested at Rockingham).”

Berner covered the standard distance in 5.324 seconds Friday in his Pontiac GXP to snatch the first day lead away from Frank Gugliotta’s Ford.

“It was awesome,” Berner said. “Hats off to my guys and hats off to (chassis builder) Rick Jones for his support. I really appreciate the fans coming out tonight and I was glad they were able to see that run.”

Qualifying continues Saturday at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., the latter the Castrol Night of Fire session. Single elimination finals begin at 11 a.m. Sunday.

ROCKINGHAM, N.C. -- Results Friday after qualifying for the Spring Nationals presented by Advance Auto Parts and Castrol at Rockingham Dragway, second of 11 events in the 2008 Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series. Qualifying will continue Saturday for Sunday's final eliminations.

Top Fuel -- 1. Scott Palmer, 4.645 seconds, 296.83 mph; 2. Terry McMillen, 4.696, 272.34; 3. Bobby Lagana Jr., 4.721, 293.92; 4. Michael Gunderson, 4.785, 303.37; 5. Chris Karamesines, 4.860, 301.67; 6. Mike Strasburg, 5.458, 171.16; 7. Todd Paton, 5.553, 180.74; 8. Spencer Massey, 5.665, 176.19. Not Qualified: 9. Bruce Litton, 6.314, 135.81; 10. Kevin Jones, 11.239, 80.94.

Nitro Funny Car -- 1. Terry Haddock, Dodge Stratus, 4.956, 296.11; 2. Andy Kelley, Pontiac Firebird, 4.994, 299.53; 3. Jack Wyatt, Stratus, 5.085, 284.75; 4. Steven Macklyn, Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.110, 290.32; 5. Dale Creasy Jr., Chevy Impala, 5.127, 295.98; 6. Matt Hagan, Monte Carlo, 5.869, 174.39; 7. Bob Gilbertson, Stratus, 6.915, 152.66; 8. Todd Simpson, Chevy Camaro, 9.438, 92.59. Not Qualified: 9. Paul Lee, 9.852, 86.03; 10. Jeff Diehl, 10.139, 72.23; 11. Cory Lee, 11.357, 68.56.

Pro Modified -- 1. Mike Janis, Pontiac Firebird, 5.986, 240.08; 2. Kenny Lang, Chevy Corvette, 6.031, 239.74; 3. Scott Cannon, Firebird, 6.035, 231.83; 4. Chip King, Dodge Daytona, 6.071, 230.72; 5. Chris Russo, Corvette, 6.094, 235.02; 6. Tommy D'Aprile, Chevy Bel Air, 6.114, 233.12; 7. Quain Stott, Corvette, 6.119, 237.09; 8. Jason Hamstra, Chevy Camaro, 6.120, 228.31; 9. Jim Halsey, Camaro, 6.132, 231.00; 10. Burton Auxier, Corvette, 6.154, 226.28; 11. Pat Stoken, Camaro, 6.170, 228.04; 12. Billy Gibson, Plymouth Superbird, 6.178, 227.65; 13. Steve Vick, Corvette, 6.194, 225.52; 14. Ed Hoover, Camaro, 6.198, 231.20; 15. Thomas Patterson, Willys, 6.211, 217.60; 16. Frederick Scriba, Corvette, 6.236, 227.46. Not Qualified: 17. Mike Castellana, 6.308, 227.11; 18. Jason Stock, 6.362, 226.58; 19. Anthony Prestamo, 8.686, 134.04; 20. Mark Nielsen, 9.812, 91.25.

Alcohol Funny Car -- 1. Laurie Cannister, Chevy Camaro, 5.722, 245.14; 2. Thomas Carter, Camaro, 5.763, 239.14; 3. Rob Atchison, Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.822, 247.88; 4. Terry Munroe, Monte Carlo, 5.832, 241.02; 5. Neal Parker, Monte Carlo, 5.833, 243.15; 6. Larry Dobbs, Chevy Corvette, 5.866, 244.03; 7. Paul Noakes, Dodge Avenger, 5.869, 241.32; 8. Mark Thomas, Chevy Impala, 5.875, 243.02. Not Qualified: 9. Tony Bogolo, 5.934, 231.95; 10. Melinda Green-King, 5.993, 233.80; 11. Tim Stevens, 6.050, 219.58; 12. Bill Naves, 6.071, 233.12.

Pro Stock -- 1. Pete Berner, Pontiac GXP, 6.324, 220.37; 2. Frank Gugliotta, Ford Mustang, 6.340, 218.55; 3. Dean Goforth, Pontiac GTO, 6.358, 219.22; 4. Jeff Dobbins, Ford Escort, 6.368, 220.19; 5. John Montecalvo, Chevy Cobalt, 6.371, 220.19; 6. Rob Mansfield, GTO, 6.372, 218.41; 7. Elijah Morton, Mustang, 6.374, 219.47; 8. Robert Patrick, Mustang, 6.379, 219.94; 9. Brian Gahm, Mustang, 6.388, 220.12; 10. Rickie Smith, Cobalt, 6.398, 217.32; 11. Cary Goforth, Cobalt, 6.427, 218.44; 12. Bob Bertsch, Mustang, 6.429, 218.94; 13. John Bartunek, Cobalt, 6.431, 216.93; 14. Trevor Eman, Escort, 6.433, 216.86; 15. Bert Jackson, Chevy Cavalier, 6.439, 216.97; 16. Steve Spiess, Cobalt, 6.443, 206.23. Not Qualified: 17. Ron Miller, 6.457, 215.72; 18. Jason Collins, 6.489, 216.00; 19. Scott Hintz, 6.502, 213.94; 20. Cale Aronson, 6.548, 213.16; 21. Rocky Watford, 6.569, 211.56; 22. Sylvester Barnes, 6.598, 210.01; 23. Richard Freeman, 6.800, 168.98; 24. Chuck DeMory, 7.068, 194.97; 25. John Konigshofer, 7.743, 127.65; 26. Larry O'Brien, 11.197, 99.77.
 

Litton Looks to Rebound in Rockingham
Will look to build on 2007 World Finals win at IHRA Spring Nationals

(ROCKINGHAM, NC; April 16, 2008) – Last fall IHRA Top Fuel World Champion Bruce Litton’s trip to Rockingham was one part business, one part celebration. After watching T.J. Zizzo falter in the first round, all Litton had to do was knock off Luigi Novelli in the last pair of cars of the first session and he would clinch his first-ever Top Fuel world championship. He was up to the task, despite an oil-down the pair before the biggest run of his career. He not only knocked off Novelli, he went on to win his 12th career Ironman.

Clinching the 2007 world championship just reinforced Litton’s high opinion of Rockingham Dragway.

“I always enjoy coming to Rockingham because this was the site of our first career victory at the 1999 Spring Nationals,” Litton said. “I like the people and I like the community so it’s always been a good track for us. To win the championship in Rockingham last year was awesome.”

Litton will look to recapture some of that “Rockingham Magic” April 18-20 at the 2008 IHRA Spring Nationals. Litton qualified at the top of the sheet at the ’08 season opener in San Antonio, but fell in the first round of eliminations to eventual event champion, Spencer Massey.

“Actually San Antonio was good to us,” Litton said. “We were the #1 qualifier and had a fast car. But we got beat on Sunday and it was just one of those things. The car performed exactly how it did and we tried to run our own race, but Spencer just beat us. It was good for him and good for the sport to see a young guy like that come in and win that race. That’s what it’s all about, that’s drag racing. You’re going to lose some like that and you’ll win some like that.”

Massey defeated Litton on a hole-shot and took the round win by less than two feet in San Antonio, but Litton is not looking back at the Texas Nationals…he is looking ahead to the IHRA Spring Nationals.

“We’ll go out and try to get secure in the field, then try a few things,” he said. “We’ll see how the track looks, see what we think the track will hold and go as fast as we can. Our goal is to go as fast as we can without tearing a bunch of stuff up.”
 

Chapter Two of Knoll Gas Nitro Jam Season Slated for Rockingham Dragway
Fresh off upset-filled Texas Nationals, IHRA heads to fabled North Carolina quarter-mile strip for Spring Nationals

(Norwalk, OHIO; April 10, 2008) – A significant part of drag racing history has taken place at Rockingham Dragway, Steve Earwood’s venerable quarter-mile strip nestled in between the pine trees near the North Carolina-South Carolina border. But while history and memories are part of what makes Rockingham so special, the old guard better look out. The young guns are coming.

Spencer Massey, Steven Macklyn and Laurie Cannister each made strong statements at the IHRA Knoll Gas Nitro Jam season opener in San Antonio. And they have no plans to go away any time soon. Massey defeated Terry McMillen in the Top Fuel final in San Antonio a mere six days after securing his Top Fuel license in Houston. The 25-year-old Fort Worth, Texas resident made his bones in the A-Fuel ranks, but drove through the Top Fuel field en route to his first career professional IHRA victory.

“It was a dream come true. It was something we thought could possibly happen, but obviously I wasn’t thinking about winning the race,” Massey said. “As soon as the win light came on I could not believe it. It still hasn’t hit me yet.”

Steven Macklyn (Salt Lake City, Utah) is another racer who drove to an improbable Ironman victory in San Antonio. In just his second Nitro Funny Car race Macklyn drove past Jeff Diehl in the first round, Jack Wyatt in the semifinals and two-time defending World Champion Dale Creasy Jr. in the final round.

“I was lost, if I would not have been on a tow rope I would not have been able to find the Winner’s Circle,” Macklyn said. “We came out just hoping to qualify, but to beat Dale Creasy and end up in the Winner’s Circle is a dream come true.”

While a pair of upsets highlighted the Nitro classes in San Antonio, Laurie Cannister of Johnstown, Ohio stole the show in Alcohol Funny Car. She set both ends of IHRA’s 1/8th mile world record in driving to her second career AFC Ironman.

“Texas was unreal, it was great for a new team to come out like that,” Cannister said.

She knows, however, she has a tall order in front of her at Rockingham Dragway.

“We hope things continue or stay like this for a little while anyway,” she said. “But it’s a tough field out there so we know it’s going to be very difficult. We have to keep working hard if we want to stay contenders.”

Jim Halsey and Billy Harper, a pair of nitrous cars, made it to the final round in San Antonio…reviving the nitrous-blower argument that has been the talk of the Pro Modified class for years. In Rockingham, dead-smack in the middle of Pro Modified country, defending world champion Scott Cannon Jr. will be looking to rebound from his first-round exit in San Antonio. His father, Pro Mod legend Scotty Cannon, is back behind the wheel again this year…heading home to the Carolinas where his legendary career began.

Both Cannons hail from Lyman, South Carolina.

“Scott and Scotty, the fans are going to be thrilled,” IHRA president Aaron Polburn said. “The Cannons are like rock stars in the Carolinas with good reason…they are among the best drivers in the world. I can’t wait to see the crowd reaction they get the first time they stage their cars.”

John Montecalvo (Center Moriches, N.Y.) won the Pro Stock Ironman at the IHRA Spring Nationals last season. He also captured the season-opener in San Antonio this year by defeating Wilmington, N.C. resident Jeff Dobbins on a holeshot. Montecalvo will be looking to build on his hot early start.

“I hope people are talking about a nice charge all season, not just an early-season charge,” Montecalvo said. “We’re out to win races this year. We have a really good team, Sonny Leonard is giving us awesome power, Ram Clutches and Braswell Carburetors…you put that combination together with my crew and I think we have a team to be reckoned with.”

Rockingham Dragway is notoriously one of the hottest tracks on the IHRA Knoll Gas Nitro Jam circuit as far as performance is concerned. In the five professional classes, many of the quickest fields in IHRA history have taken place at The Rock. Four of the top 10 quickest Top Fuel fields have taken place in Rockingham. Five of the quickest 10 Alcohol Funny Car fields, four of the quickest 10 Pro Stock fields, three of the quickest Pro Modified fields (including the quickest ever) and two of the quickest Nitro Funny Car fields (also including the quickest ever) have taken place at Rockingham Dragway.

“We love coming to Rockingham because the cars absolutely fly,” Polburn said. “You will see some amazing numbers at the Spring Nationals. It’s a very historic place with very historic performance. Our drivers love taking a shot at that track. Qualifying or eliminations, it never matters at Rockingham…everyone always wants to put on a show.”

The IHRA Knoll Gas Nitro Jam Spring Nationals will begin Friday, April 18. Sportsman time trials will run all day with the first professional qualifying session taking place at 6 p.m. There will be two Saturday professional qualifying sessions, at 2 and 6 p.m. followed by the Night of Fire featuring the Super Shockwave jet truck. Final eliminations begin Sunday at noon. For more information or to order tickets please visit www.nitrojam.com or www.rockinghamdragway.com.


 

Wolverine World Wide to Sponsor Championship Sunday at Three Knoll Gas Nitro Jam Events

In 1903 G.A. Krause, the founder of Wolverine World Wide, and his sons built a burgeoning shoe factory in Rockford, Mich. capable of producing 300 pairs of shoes a day. By 1914 the factory was growing, producing a line of leather work shoes branded as “1,000 mile shoes” because of their durability.

In 2008 Wolverine will be using the quarter-mile to promote its extensive line of premium outdoor foot apparel. The company has entered into an agreement to sponsor Championship Sunday at three events on the 2008 Knoll Gas Nitro Jam schedule. Wolverine will present Championship Sunday at the season-opening Texas Nationals at San Antonio Raceway April 4-6, the Northern Nationals at Knoll Gas Motorsports Park in Martin, Mich. Aug. 1-3 and at the Sooner Nationals at Tulsa Raceway Park Aug. 22-24.

“Wolverine is pleased to be a part of the IHRA family because we are happy to work with such a great team of people,” Wolverine World Wide spokesperson Christina Vernon said. “The management group, the race teams and the fans all have been so great to work with. In 2007 we worked with IHRA for the first time and we were happy with how everyone made us feel right at home. And the feedback we got on our product was wonderful.”

Last season Wolverine World Wide sponsored the Sooner Nationals in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This year the company has partnered with Academy Sports + Outdoors, one of the largest sporting good retailers in the United States, to put their names together to sponsor the three Championship Sundays.

“Because we partner with Academy Sports + Outdoors on these events we wanted to get exposure to a loyal group of consumers who can appreciate Wolverine’s ‘Relentless by Nature’ attitude and also appreciate the full selection of Wolverine products at Academy stores,” Vernon said. “So far the fans have not disappointed us. We had a great time in Tulsa last year showcasing our new products while getting people excited about Wolverine and Academy. With our expanded presence at the races this year we hope to have an even better season.”

Wolverine impressed IHRA president Aaron Polburn last year, and he expects the relationship to grow.

“Last season Wolverine was such an integral part of the Sooner Nationals in Tulsa,” he said. “They really proved to be a sponsor that knows how to activate, and that added a lot to our Nitro Jam event. I’m thrilled they decided to expand their sponsorship to include the Texas Nationals and Northern Nationals this season.”
 

The Nitrojam.com Rock Spring Blast presented by

Richmond County Tourism slated for February 21-24

Huge annual test session gives drivers a leg up on Knoll Gas Nitro Jam and Summit Pro-Am seasons

IHRA Communications

Every spring racers travel from across the country to Rockingham Dragway with a definite purpose in mind…to see how their engine combinations and off-season work will pay off once the racing starts for real. The Nitrojam.com Rock Spring Blast presented by Richmond County Tourism is expected to be one of the largest organized test sessions in the country and will bring drivers from all over the United States and Canada.

“The Rock Spring Blast is a great opportunity for drivers and crew chiefs to see how their off-season work will pay off,” IHRA president Aaron Polburn said. “You can run on the dyno all you want, but you are not ready for the season until you make a few laps on a national event-level prepped racing surface. This event will tell you a lot about where you stand, what you need to work on and what you have done that will be successful.”

The Spring Blast is a four day feast designed with the most ardent gearhead in mind. The top doorslammers in the country will be joined by new and established sportsman cars to give the race fan everything he or she could want. Feb. 21-22 will feature testing in the Pro Stock and Pro Modified classes while all other pro entries will be welcomed to take a shot or two at the racing surface at Rockingham Dragway. Feb. 23-24 will be a free bracket race for all sportsman competitors as well as a Chicago Style race in the professional classes.

“This is what it’s all about, running at this track where we have some of the quickest fields in IHRA history,” Rockingham Dragway owner Steve Earwood said. “This is also the site of the second event on the 2008 Knoll Gas Nitro Jam schedule and our Summit Racing Equipment Pro-Am event is tentatively scheduled for the next weekend, so you will do yourself a big favor by getting a few passes under your belt.”

Nitrojam.com, the official website of the Knoll Gas Nitro Jam, secured title sponsorship for the Rock Spring Blast prior to the Thanksgiving holiday.

“Everyone knows the Spring Blast is the top test session in the country,” Nitrojam.com webmaster Jeff Lee said. “This event is the one everyone keeps their eye on. Last year the drag racing world wanted to see what Scott Cannon had coming for the Pro Mod class in the 2007 season and I remember the anticipation to see Robert Patrick’s Mustang in action. We are proud at Nitrojam.com to secure our name to this prestigious event.”

Earwood always looks forward to getting a sneak preview of who will be swinging for the fences during the Knoll Gas Nitro Jam season.

“You get to see people dealing with new equipment, refreshed motors and new combinations,” Earwood said. “And this is not just an event to break in new things, it is a chance for the drivers to shake some of the cobwebs off in a very competitive, professional setting.”

Tickets for the Nitrojam.com Rock Spring Blast presented by Richmond County Tourism will be $20.00 for adults, $5.00 for kids age 6-12. Children under 6 will be admitted free with a paid adult admission. The box office at Rockingham Dragway will also be open during the Spring Blast to sell tickets for the Nitro Jam Spring Nationals, scheduled for April 18-20 at Rockingham Dragway. For more information about Rockingham Dragway visit www.Rockinghamdragway.com. 
 

AN EMOTIONAL IHRA CHAMPION’S BANQUET
First banquet at Ohio family resort a big success

NORWALK, OHIO (November 17, 2007) –While the 2007 IHRA Knoll Gas Nitro Jam World Champions were at the top of the bill at the championship banquet held at the Kalahari resort in Sandusky, Ohio it was the IHRA Sportsman of the Year who stole the show.

An emotional Jack Wyatt, who earned IHRA’s most prestigious award through his deeds and demeanor away from the strip during the 2007 season, joining Bobby Lagana Jr., Terry McMillen, Clay Millican, Mark Thomas, Frank Teague, Quain Stott, Bruce Litton, John Sipple and Mark Horton in the exclusive club of IHRA Sportsman of the Year winners. Wyatt was moved by the shootings at Virginia Tech and used his Nitro Funny Car as a moving, visible tribute to those who lost their lives in that terrible tragedy. But Wyatt earned the award for more that this tribute…he demonstrated a class and grace so rare in professional sports.

“This is an incredible honor and I never expected anything like this,” Wyatt said in his speech. “I am so fortunate to have such a great crew and to race in such a great organization. I thank everyone here because this really means so much to me.”

14 IHRA Knoll Gas Nitro Jam world champions also were honored, including Torco Racing Fuels Pro Nitro Top Fuel champion Bruce Litton. Litton has raced in IHRA competition for over a decade and finally broke through with a world championship in 2007. He had an extensive list of people to thank and wanted to express how much the championship meant to him. Most importantly, Litton talked about the importance of his wife Carol and his team.

“It was really special because we won the championship as a team and family,” Litton said. “I really have to give thanks to Mike Wolforth. Mike’s mother Jean passed away a couple of weeks before Rockingham and he really threw himself into getting the dragster ready. I brought some of the older guys from my first year back to make a championship run and it made all the difference in the world.”

In closing, Litton mentioned the front of Gary Bingham’s Top Sportsman car stated “Glory to God.” This, Litton said, is a fitting tribute to a well-earned championship.

Dale Creasy Jr. won his second consecutive Torco Racing Fuels Pro Nitro Funny Car world championship in 2007. His speech focused on his team.

“This is all about my team,” Creasy said. “You already know my brother Steve won ‘Crew Chief of the Year.’ I just drive the car.”

Creasy and his Torco team will return in 2008 to compete for a third consecutive Nitro Funny Car title.

Scott Cannon is one of the most recognized names in the history of IHRA Pro Modified racing. But it was the elder Cannon who put the name in the record books six times. In 2007 it was Scott Cannon the son who put the Pro Mod field in his rear view mirror to capture his first career world championship.

“I want to thank my dad for allowing me to race. I grew up watching him race and helped on his car as soon as I was old enough,” stated an emotional Cannon. “I really feel fortunate to have him with me. I also want to thank my mom Stella who runs the business side of the operation.”

In 2008 Cannon and his father will be part of a two car team competing for the Torco Racing Fuels Pro Modified title.

Mark Thomas won his IHRA record seventh career Alcohol Funny Car world championship, becoming the first professional driver to win seven titles. Thomas knows he would not have been able to accomplish anything without his long-standing sponsors, crew members and wife Chris.

“My wife Chris and my kids andrea, Valerie and Nick take care of everything at home,” Thomas said. “I’m high maintenance and Chris does all the little things that make it easier for me. She’s the best thing that has ever happened to me.”

Robert Patrick is another driver who has paid his dues. He started racing IHRA Pro Stock in the early 1990’s before giving NHRA a try. He came back to IHRA in 2003 and, finally, ended up world champion following a strong 20076 season.

“If it wasn’t for my parents I wouldn’t have accomplished anything in racing,” Patrick said. “It was my dad’s dream to own a Pro Stock team. When he was finally able he bought a car and sent me to driving school. I think the happiest day of his life, besides our championship, was when I got my Pro Stock license.”

Seven sportsman and two Summit SuperSeries world champions discussed their seasons as well, including Chad Hedgecock (Summit SuperSeries Box), Will Steckley (Summit SuperSeries No Box), Damien Hazelton (Hot Rod), Brian Folk (Super Rod), Danny Waters Jr. (Quick Rod), Anthony Bertozzi (Stock and Super Stock), Jeff Brown (Top Dragster) and Jason Lynch (Top Sportsman).

Though the championship ceremony was the highlight of the weekend the new venue, Kalahari Resort, got positive reviews…especially from a pair of brothers who made the journey from New York.

“That place is awesome, and when they get the other side of the water park opened it’s going to be that much better,” Dom Lagana, who came to the banquet with his brother Bobby, their father and crew, said. “It was a lot of fun and there was so much to do.”

“The facility was huge,” Bobby Lagana said. “It was really fun and the place had everything you could want all under one roof. We had a blast. It was great just sitting back and watching some of the other racers having a good time with their kids. I’m telling you, some people probably had more fun that others and Saturday night got pretty wild. I loved it.”

Along with the indoor water park and poolside bars and restaurants, IHRA hosted a prize-laden Texas Hold ‘Em tournament and a highly competitive practice tree tournament. Both, ironically, were won by the same person…Tommy Phillips. Banquet attendees were also able to take a VIP tour of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in nearby Cleveland.

Predictably, one of the highlights of the championship ceremony was the unveiling of IHRA’s new Ironman. RS Owens, the Illinois based trophy company that has designed the Oscar, the Emmy, the MTV Music Award and numerous NASCAR trophies, was enlisted to overhaul the signature trophy of IHRA drag racing without changing its meaning. Saturday night the new trophy was presented to the public.

“That was a very special moment for us,” IHRA president Aaron Polburn said. “The Ironman has long been our symbol of greatness, and changing it took a lot of effort and dedication. We went to RS Owens because we wanted the best in the business, and are ecstatic with the results.”
 

Millican’s Triumphant Return

Six-Time World Champion Claims Top Fuel Ironman at President’s Cup Nationals; Pete Berner, Mike Janis, Jack Wyatt and Laurie Cannister also take home titles in Budds Creek

MECHANICSVILLE, MD (Sept. 30, 2007) – There was a familiar face back in the Winner’s Circle at Maryland International Raceway. Six-time IHRA Top Fuel world champion Clay Millican, who raced a full schedule on the NHRA tour this season, came to Maryland International Raceway to defend last season’s event championship. He succeeded, knocking off current points leader T.J. Zizzo in the final round to claim his 51st career national event Ironman.

It was Millican’s first career national event victory with new Crew Chief Johnny West, and he had to earn it. Zizzo, in a close race for the IHRA world championship, threw everything he had at Millican, posting a 4.685 at 321.73 mph. Millican was able to edge him with a 4.576 at 325.85…a pass that backed up his provisional record run of 328.14 set during Friday qualifying.

“That was unbelievable,” Millican said after the final. “We expected them to come out swinging, but never in my life did I expect them to throw out a 6.68 at 321. That was a great final round and I’m really proud of T.J. and his entire team. They had a big weekend, too.”

Mitch King had the biggest weekend of his racing career, claiming his first-ever Nitro Funny Car victory by stopping Jack Wyatt in the final round. King clocked a 5.133 at 289.45 mph to stop Wyatt, who smoked his tires at the hit of the throttle.

“We have worked so hard and paid a lot of dues,” King said. “I can’t say enough about my guys. All year we’ve been running a Top Fuel car and a Nitro Funny Car. My guys have gone without eating, without sleeping, without a lot of things and they’ve never complained. I know, at every race, I have the hardest-working crew on the property.”

Mike Janis (Lancaster, N.Y.) continued his recent hot streak, claiming the Pro Modified Ironman with a final-round victory over John Russo. Janis posted a 6.025 at 241.63 to turn on the win light over Russo’s 6.127/241.24 pass.

Janis pulled within a couple of rounds of Scott Cannon at the top of the national points list, but failed to go to the Edmonton race and will not receive the 41-point bonus for attending each IHRA Knoll Gas Nitro Jam event. Cannon will qualify for the 41 points when he stages his car in Rockingham.

“We can’t worry about that, we just have to try to get every point we can get,” Janis said. “What’s in the past is in the past and we’re going to see what we can do in Rockingham. This was a great race and we’ve really figured some things out lately.”

Pete Berner (Crete, Ill.) won his 18th career Ironman with a Pro Stock final victory over Dean Goforth. Berner claimed the win with a 6.307 at 222.40 to knock off Goforth’s 6.357/223.69.

“This was an amazing weekend and I’m very proud of what IHRA was able to do out here,” Berner said. “I’ll be honest, we were thinking about possibly going over to run on the other side but when you run IHRA it’s like running with family. We hug each other when we win or lose and I just don’t want to leave that.”

Laurie Cannister found the Winner’s Circle for the first time since 2002, taking home the Alcohol Funny Car championship with a win over Mark Thomas. Cannister clocked a 5.780 at 245.49 to get the win, driving for Kevin and Wendy Sims. After the race she had an announcement about her future.

“The car owners called me a couple of weeks ago and asked me if I wanted to drive in the last couple of events to see what would happen,” Cannister said. “That was the call I have been waiting a long time for. Now they asked me if I would drive the car next year, so we’re going to be driving a full IHRA schedule next season. I’m really excited about that and thrilled I was able to get the win here.”

The next event on the $19.5 million Knoll Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series is the IHRA World Finals presented by the United States Air Force, Oct. 19-21, at historic Rockingham Dragway. For more information, log onto www.ihra.com.
 

BUDDS CREEK, Md. -- Sunday's final results from the Torco Race Fuels President's Cup Nationals at Maryland International Raceway.

The race is the tenth of 11 in the $19.5 million 2007 Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series:

Top Fuel -- Clay Millican, 4.576 seconds, 325.85 mph def. T.J. Zizzo, 4.685 seconds, 321.73 mph.

Nitro Funny Car -- Mitch King, Chevy Corvette, 5.133, 289.45 def. Jack Wyatt, Dodge Stratus, broke.

Pro Modified -- Mike Janis, Chevy Cobalt, 6.025, 241.63 def. John Russo, Chevy Camaro, 6.127, 241.24.

Alcohol Funny Car -- Laurie Cannister, Chevy Camaro, 5.780, 245.49 def. Mark Thomas, Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.845, 245.09.

Pro Stock -- Pete Berner, Pontiac GTO, 6.307, 222.40 def. Dean Goforth, GTO, 6.357, 223.69.

Pro Stock Showdown -- John Nobile, Ford Mustang, 6.304, 221.49 def. Frank Gugliotta, Chevy Cobalt, 6.320, 222.51.

Top Dragster -- Jimmy Jones, Dragster, 7.691, 146.86 def. Aldan Miller, Dragster, 7.699, 131.96.

Top Sportsman -- Mike Kaufman, Chevy Corvette, 6.996, 197.45 def. Sandy Wilkins, Chevy Cavalier, 7.056, 193.29.

Quick Rod -- Tony Helms, Dragster, 8.900, 171.73 def. Rusty Cook, Dragster, 8.885, 177.51.

Super Rod -- Joseph Cepelka, Dodge Charger, 9.901, 138.17 def. Peabody Harrell, Chevy Roadster, 9.929, 147.20.

Hot Rod -- Robert Holloway, Chevy Camaro, 10.883, 127.25 def. Joseph Chiaramonte, Plymouth Barracuda, 10.872, 127.63.

Super Stock -- Bob Phillips, Chrysler Lebaron, 10.670, 123.93 def. Scotty Stillings, Pontiac Grand Am, broke.

Stock -- Craig Marshall, Dodge Dart, 10.668, 119.72 def. Brandon Peterson, Ford Mustang, 11.507, 115.14.

Summit SuperSeries Box -- Thomas Plott, Dragster, 4.679, 146.11 def. Kent Sessoms, Chevy Camaro, 5.590, 122.33.

Summit SuperSeries No Box -- Ed Talbert, Chevy Chevelle, 7.559, 85.11 def. Derek Harris, Chevy Nova, 7.188, 92.40.


BUDDS CREEK, Md. -- Final round-by-round results from the Torco Race Fuels President's Cup Nationals at Maryland International Raceway, the tenth of 11 events in the $19.5 million 2007 Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series:

TOP FUEL:

ROUND ONE -- Bruce Litton, 4.685, 287.53 def. Dave Gallegos, 9.453, 73.59; Michael Gunderson, 4.817, 296.76 def. Bobby Lagana Jr., 4.945, 292.52; T.J. Zizzo, 4.677, 318.32 def. Jeff O'Neill, 4.745, 303.91; Clay Millican, 4.702, 308.99 def. Scotty Cannon, 4.710, 289.63; SEMIFINALS -- Millican, 4.655, 321.27 def. Gunderson, 11.746, 75.21; Zizzo, 4.759, 311.70 def. Litton, 4.815, 256.60; FINAL -- Millican, 4.576, 325.85 def. Zizzo, 4.685, 321.73.

NITRO FUNNY CAR:

ROUND ONE -- Dale Creasy Jr., Chevy Monte Carlo, 6.271, 223.28 def. Terry Haddock, Monte Carlo, 8.163, 206.13; Mitch King, Chevy Corvette, 5.160, 244.47 def. Todd Simpson, Chevy Camaro, 6.309, 143.20; Jack Wyatt, Dodge Stratus, 4.995, 299.80 def. Andy Kelley, Pontiac Firebird, 8.479, 113.82; Jeff Diehl, Firebird, 5.091, 297.35 def. Bob Gilbertson, Stratus, 7.743, 109.97; QUARTERFINALS -- King, 5.173, 241.54 def. Creasy Jr., 10.641, 87.04; Wyatt, 5.458, 205.07 def. Diehl, 5.462, 227.42; SEMIFINALS -- King, 5.133, 289.45 def. Wyatt, broke.

PRO MODIFIED:

ROUND ONE -- Quain Stott, Chevy Corvette, 6.215, 231.08 def. Mike Castellana, Ford Mustang, 6.281, 226.81; Jason Hamstra, Corvette, 6.148, 228.31 def. Milt Decker, Corvette, 6.196, 228.00; Danny Rowe, Corvette, 6.269, 221.02 def. Jim Halsey, Chevy Camaro, foul; Ed Hoover, Corvette, 6.113, 232.75 def. Billy Farmer, 8.739, 118.73; John Russo, Camaro, 6.357, 234.70 def. Kenny Lang, Corvette, 6.690, 228.81; Mike Janis, Chevy Cobalt, 6.703, 164.85 def. Harold Martin, Pontiac Grand Am, 16.434, 47.27; Pat Stoken, Camaro, 6.113, 228.19 def. Chip King, Dodge Daytona, broke; Scott Cannon, Pontiac Firebird, 6.057, 237.75 def. Matt Hagan, Corvette, 6.093, 234.53; QUARTERFINALS -- Janis, 6.037, 239.74 def. Stott, 6.057, 239.44; Hamstra, 6.158, 232.51 def. Rowe, 15.643, 64.29; Stoken, 6.132,

229.59 def. Hoover, 12.128, 89.51; Russo, 6.034, 240.77 def. Cannon, 9.332, 96.82; SEMIFINALS -- Janis, 6.026, 240.85 def. Stoken, 6.195, 226.54; Russo, 6.070, 239.44 def. Hamstra, 6.165, 216.62; FINAL -- Janis, 6.025, 241.63 def. Russo, 6.127, 241.24.

ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR:

ROUND ONE -- Dale Brand, Chevy Camaro, 5.869, 227.92 def. Rob Atchison, Chevy Monte Carlo, 6.117, 235.35; Mark Thomas, Monte Carlo, 5.824, 246.08 def. Terry McMillen, Dodge Avenger, 5.942, 238.13; Terry Munroe, Monte Carlo, 5.805, 240.12 def. Neal Parker, Monte Carlo, foul; Laurie Cannister, Camaro, 5.727, 246.26 def. Trevor Lebsack, Ford Mustang, foul; SEMIFINALS -- Thomas, 5.904, 243.59 def. Brand, 10.797, 74.75; Cannister, 5.740, 243.99 def. Munroe, 6.319, 164.53; FINAL -- Cannister, 5.780, 245.49 def. Thomas, 5.845, 245.09.

PRO STOCK:

ROUND ONE -- Daniel Seamon, Ford Mustang, 6.913, 178.66 def. Cary Goforth, Chevy Cobalt, 15.460, 87.31; Steve Spiess, Cobalt, 8.926,

158.22 def. Chuck DeMory, Ford Escort, 9.061, 124.46; Elijah Morton, Ford ZX2, 6.382, 218.94 def. John Nobile, Mustang, 8.395, 115.88; Bob Bertsch, Mustang, 6.357, 219.90 def. Rickie Smith, Cobalt, 6.419, 219.65; Dean Goforth, Pontiac GTO, 6.311, 223.62 def.

Robert Patrick, Shelby Cobra, 11.763, 74.08; Pete Berner, GTO, 6.309, 220.48 def. Jeff Dobbins, Escort, 6.430, 216.93; John Montecalvo, Cobalt, 6.320, 221.74 def. Rob Mansfield, GTO, 6.322, 221.34; Frank Gugliotta, Cobalt, 6.336, 220.87 def. Brian Gahm, Mustang, foul; QUARTERFINALS -- Bertsch, 7.353, 156.12 def. Gugliotta, 7.493, 210.67; Montecalvo, 6.331, 222.77 def. Morton, 6.792, 211.30; D.

Goforth, 6.348, 223.06 def. Seamon, broke; Berner, 6.365, 221.23 def. Spiess, 6.454, 197.05; SEMIFINALS -- Berner, 6.334, 220.87 def. Bertsch, 6.375, 220.87; D. Goforth, 6.344, 223.69 def. Montecalvo, 6.308, 222.95; FINAL -- Berner, 6.307, 222.40 def. D. Goforth, 6.357, 223.69.

PRO STOCK SHOWDOWN:

ROUND ONE -- John Montecalvo, Chevy Cobalt, 6.499, 218.55 def. Brian Gahm, Ford Mustang, 7.996, 130.09; Frank Gugliotta, Cobalt, 6.352, 221.27 def. Steve Spiess, Cobalt, 6.343, 223.54; Pete Berner, Pontiac GTO, 6.328, 221.05 def. Rob Mansfield, GTO, 6.359, 220.66; John Nobile, Mustang, 6.349, 220.30 def. Robert Patrick, Shelby Cobra, 6.332, 222.58; SEMIFINALS -- Nobile, 6.334, 222.22 def. Montecalvo, 6.382, 222.33; Gugliotta, 6.346, 221.60 def. Berner, 6.328, 222.44; FINAL -- Nobile, 6.304, 221.49 def. Gugliotta, 6.320, 222.51.


BUDDS CREEK, Md. -- Point standings (top 10) for IHRA professional categories following the Torco Race Fuels President's Cup Nationals at Maryland International Raceway, the tenth of 11 events in the $19.5 million 2007 Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series

Top Fuel

1. T.J. Zizzo, 813; 2. Bruce Litton, 787; 3. Scotty Cannon, 722; 4. Bobby Lagana Jr., 619; 5. Terry McMillen, 463; 6. Jeff O{Neill, 317; 7. Doug Foley, 299; 8. Mitch King, 292; 9. Jim Cavalieri, 182; 10. Clay Millican, 179.

Nitro Funny Car

1. Dale Creasy Jr., 1,015; 2. Jack Wyatt, 676; 3. Terry Haddock, 621; 4. Andy Kelley, 594; 5. Bob Gilbertson, 573; 6. Mitch King, 510; 7. Jeff Diehl, 271; 8. Paul Lee, 219; 9. John Lawson, 197; 10. Jon Capps, 195.

Pro Modified

1. Scott Cannon, 657; 2. Mike Janis, 623; 3. Pat Stoken, 534; 4. Ed Hoover, 532; 5. Quain Stott, 479; 6. Kenny Lang, 433; 7. Danny Rowe, 426; 8. Matt Hagan, 414; 9. Jason Hamstra, 404; 10. John Russo, 331.

Alcohol Funny Car

1. Mark Thomas, 863; 2. Rob Atchison, 826; 3. Terry Munroe, 812; 4. Paul Noakes, 504; 5. Larry Dobbs, 439; 6. Terry McMillen, 386; 7. Tim Stevens, 304; 8. Neal Parker, 233; 9. Tony Bogolo, 193; 10. Trevor Lebsack, 188.

Pro Stock

1. Pete Berner, 726; 2. Robert Patrick, 717; 3. Frank Gugliotta, 685; 4. Brian Gahm, 579; 5. John Montecalvo, 577; 6. Steve Spiess, 516; 7. Rob Mansfield, 457; 8. John Nobile, 382; 9. Bob Bertsch, 379; 10. (tie) Dean Goforth, 368.

Rickie Smith, 368.

Lagana Defends Top Fuel In Epping
Creasy Jr., Janis, Thomas and Gugliotta Also Winners at Amalie Oil North American Nationals

EPPING, N.H. (August 12, 2007) – Last season Bobby Lagana Jr. won his second career IHRA Knoll Gas Nitro Jam Top Fuel event at New England Dragway, claiming a final round win over his drag racing mentor and idol, Chris Karamesines. This year the opponent was different, but Lagana ended up in the same place Sunday afternoon by visiting the winner’s circle after a finals win over T.J. Zizzo during the Amalie Oil North American Nationals presented by New England Dodge Dealers.

Other professional winners include Dale Creasy Jr. (Nitro Funny Car), Mike Janis (Pro Modified), Mark Thomas (Alcohol Funny Car) and Frank Gugliotta (Pro Stock).

Lagana, from Scarsdale, N.Y. carded a 4.980 at 285.23 mph to secure the win over Zizzo, who ran a 5.714 at 171.93. Despite losing, Zizzo leaves the race No. 1 in the points chase over Bruce Litton.

“I really just wanted to qualify so we could come out here and have some fun on Sunday,” said Lagana Jr. “My dad, he came down to top end crying. He was so happy. Problem is now he wants to take a lap in the car.”

Mike Smith’s Knoll Gas Torco Racing Fuels Pro Nitro Funny Car debut was a success, but in the end he came up just short. Smith fell to defending world champion Dale Creasy Jr. with the Ironman on the line. Creasy Jr., Beecher, Ill., took a free run down the quarter-mile strip when Smith broke after his burnout and could not get his car into gear.

“Every time we get to the winner’s circle it feels like the first,” said Creasy Jr. “The whole season is going so well I hate to even bring it up.

“This weekend the car was going down the race track, the driver just couldn’t keep it together. I was struggling. And the more I thought about it, the more I struggled. First round I really tried to calm myself down and it worked,” added Creasy Jr.

Mark Thomas advanced to his fifth final round of the 2007 IHRA Nitro Jam campaign and built his national points lead by topping Rob Atchison in the final. Atchison did defeat Paul Noakes, who he fell to in the last two national events, in the semifinal but could not get past Thomas in the money run. Atchison is now second in the points, trailing Thomas.

“You always want to race hard and win in close races, and that’s what we did here,” said Thomas. “Rob and I are good friends, and it was just really cool that we ran so close, 5.80 to 5.80. It’s nice to keep that points lead going too.”

Mike Janis claimed his 16th career Torco’s CompetitionPlus.com Pro Modified Ironman, his first of the season, by stopping defending world champion Quain Stott in the final round. Notably the Pro Modified field proved diversity is back in the class as seven of the 16 car field were nitrous-powered entries.

Janis won by clocking a 6.087 at 235.64 mph after setting the world speed record earlier in the event with a 240.21 pass.

“After the year we’ve been having struggling, this is great,” said Janis. “I made it to the final in Grand Bend but couldn’t win. Small things have been biting us all year and today we ran consistent and it finally came together.”

Frank Gugliotta continued his march towards the top of the national points standings, winning his second consecutive national event. Gugliotta, who defeated Larry O’Brien in the final round last weekend in Martin, topped current points leader Robert Patrick in the final round in Epping. Gugliotta carded a 6.417 at 220.22 mph to defeat a red-lighting Patrick.

“To win two in a row, in two weekends, this feels really good,” said Gugliotta. “But you know how it is in this deal, you gotta ride it while you can. It can end at anytime.
”I’m really proud of my team. We struggled this weekend, had some engine problems, but we prevailed. That shows how good of a team we have and I’m really proud to be racing with them.”

The next event on the $19.5 million Knoll Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series is the Suzuki Motor City Nationals presented by Heritage Newspapers and GM Performance Division, August 24-26, at Milan Dragway. For more information, log onto www.ihra.com.

EPPING, N.H. -- Sunday's final results from the Amalie Oil North American Nationals presented by New England Dodge Dealers at New England Dragway. The race is the seventh of 11 in the $19.5 million 2007 Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series:


Top Fuel -- Bobby Lagana Jr., 4.980 seconds, 285.29 mph def. T.J. Zizzo, 5.714 seconds, 171.93 mph.

Nitro Funny Car -- Dale Creasy Jr., Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.211, 292.52 def. Mike Smith, Chevy Camaro, broke.

Pro Modified -- Mike Janis, Chevy Cobalt, 6.087, 235.64 def. Quain Stott, Chevy Corvette, 18.234, 52.65.

Alcohol Funny Car -- Mark Thomas, Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.800, 247.11 def. Rob Atchison, Monte Carlo, 5.803, 246.21.

Pro Stock -- Frank Gugliotta, Chevy Cobalt, 6.417, 220.22 def. Robert Patrick, Shelby Cobra, foul.

Top Sportsman -- Jason Lynch, Cavalier, 7.199, 183.00 def. Gary Bingham, Grand Am, 7.243, 183.79.

Top Dragster -- Wayne Hoffman, Dragster, 7.253, 183.97 def. Jeff Brown, Dragster, 7.248, 182.82.

Quick Rod -- Jim Ditucci, '23-T Ford, 8.903, 159.64 def. Joe Hoyle, Dragster, 8.874, 163.29.

Super Rod -- Chuck Rothermel, Cutlass, 9.921, 161.69 def. Charlie Kenopic, '27-T Ford, 9.951, 150.26.

Hot Rod -- Kenny Underwood, Camaro, 10.936, 129.82 def. Dennis Altman, Camaro, 10.926, 131.41.

Super Stock -- Joe Santangelo Jr., Camaro, 11.236, 90.21 def. Anthony Bertozzi, Grand Am, 13.338, 67.68.

Stock -- Jim Boudreau, Camaro, 10.411, 125.67 def. Gregory Gay, Super Bee, 10.888, 121.35.

ET Bracket -- Scott Curtis, Monte Carlo, 9.857, 134.30 def. Jared Kinson, Camaro, 9.809, 134.79.

ET Box -- Scott Curtis, Monte Carlo, 9.864, 132.74 def. Alan Elliott, Dragster, 7.674, 173.74.

ET No Box -- Jared Kinson, Camaro, 9.837, 132.66 def. Mike Piela, Mustang, 9.989, 133.87.


EPPING, N.H. -- Final round-by-round results from the Amalie Oil North American Nationals presented by New England Dodge Dealers at New England Dragway, the seventh of 11 events in the $19.5 million 2007 Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series:


TOP FUEL:

ROUND ONE -- Bobby Lagana Jr., 4.826, 299.60 def. Mitch King, 5.563, 184.25; T.J. Zizzo, 4.666, 318.54 def. Bruce Litton, foul; Terry McMillen, 4.820, 311.49 def. Jim Cavalieri, 5.002, 262.08; Scotty Cannon, 4.717, 316.75 def. Jeff O'Neill, 5.001, 268.81;
SEMIFINALS -- Lagana Jr., 5.849, 221.82 def. McMillen, 11.750, 85.89; Zizzo, 4.898, 303.30 def. Cannon, 4.949, 268.17;
FINAL -- Lagana Jr., 4.980, 285.29 def. Zizzo, 5.714, 171.93.

NITRO FUNNY CAR:

ROUND ONE -- Dale Creasy Jr., Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.070, 302.69 def. Terry Haddock, Dodge Stratus, 12.538, 84.47; Mike Smith, Chevy Camaro, 5.568, 218.55 def. Jeff Diehl, Pontiac Firebird, 8.469, 100.19; Andy Kelley, Firebird, 5.230, 280.37 def. Mitch King, Chevy Corvette, broke; Bob Gilbertson, Stratus, 5.030, 308.14 def. Jack Wyatt, Stratus, 5.205, 266.79;
SEMIFINALS -- Creasy Jr., 6.253, 276.29 def. Kelley, 9.940, 97.72; Smith, 5.346, 275.73 def. Gilbertson, 6.026, 282.95;
FINAL -- Creasy Jr., 5.211, 292.52 def. Smith, broke.


PRO MODIFIED:

ROUND ONE -- Harold Martin, Pontiac Grand Am, 6.213, 227.00 def. Kirk Kuhns, Willys, 14.449, 81.31; Danny Rowe, Chevy Corvette, 6.239, 228.23 def. Chip King, Dodge Daytona, 22.526, 32.19; Mike Castellana, Ford Mustang, 6.173, 229.04 def. Steve Salvadore, Pontiac Firebird, 6.196, 228.42; Matt Hagan, Corvette, 6.217, 230.49 def. Pat Stoken, Chevy Camaro, 6.192, 228.65; Jason Hamstra, Corvette, 6.178, 230.02 def. Burton Auxier, Corvette, 9.798, 92.35; Quain Stott, Corvette, 6.138, 235.06 def. Ed Hoover, Corvette, 6.152, 231.87; Mike Janis, Chevy Cobalt, 6.100, 216.27 def. Scott Cannon, Firebird, 10.059, 87.45; Shannon Jenkins, Pontiac GTO, 6.140, 232.27 def. Jim Halsey, Camaro, 6.245, 227.57;
QUARTERFINALS -- Hamstra, 6.207, 229.55 def. Martin, 6.881, 156.61; Stott, 6.153, 235.27 def. Castellana, 7.546, 128.20; Jenkins, 9.057, 105.64 def. Rowe, 9.268, 93.94; Janis, 6.060, 240.21 def. Hagan, 6.456, 221.09;
SEMIFINALS -- Stott, 6.660, 220.94 def. Hamstra, 7.674, 159.16; Janis, 6.512, 197.16 def. Jenkins, 14.402, 61.75;
FINAL -- Janis, 6.087, 235.64 def. Stott, 18.234, 52.65.


ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR:

ROUND ONE -- Rob Atchison, Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.859, 243.02 def. Scott McNiece, Olds Cutlass, 6.024, 234.04; Larry Dobbs, Chevy Corvette, 5.845, 240.25 def. Terry Munroe, Monte Carlo, 6.003, 238.60; Mark Thomas, Monte Carlo, 5.869, 247.20 def. Frederick Tigges, Dodge Avenger, 6.215, 230.29; Paul Noakes, Ford Mustang, 5.892, 243.59 def. Neal Parker, Monte Carlo, 5.894, 239.06;
SEMIFINALS -- Atchison, 5.820, 243.90 def. Noakes, 5.868, 243.63; Thomas, 5.893, 245.27 def. Dobbs, 8.118, 114.78;
FINAL -- Thomas, 5.800, 247.11 def. Atchison, 5.803, 246.21.


PRO STOCK:

ROUND ONE -- Anthony Paone, Pontiac GTO, 6.449, 216.62 def. Steve Spiess, Chevy Cobalt, foul; Cary Goforth, Cobalt, 6.385, 219.47 def. Dean Goforth, GTO, 6.497, 212.29; John Nobile, Ford Mustang, 6.352, 220.30 def. Bob Bertsch, Mustang, 6.362, 219.54; Pete Berner, GTO, 6.356, 220.84 def. Jeff Dobbins, Ford Escort, foul; Rob Mansfield, GTO, 6.555, 211.43 def. Dan Sweeney, GTO, 7.347, 150.05; Frank Gugliotta, Cobalt, 6.397, 218.72 def. Elijah Morton, Ford ZX2, 6.405, 218.58; Robert Patrick, Shelby Cobra, 6.396, 218.97 def. Rickie Smith, Cobalt, 6.427, 218.05; Brian Gahm, Mustang, 6.353, 220.55 def. John Montecalvo, Cobalt, foul;
QUARTERFINALS -- Mansfield, 6.434, 218.23 def. Paone, foul; Gugliotta, 6.421, 218.62 def. C. Goforth, 6.419, 219.22; Gahm, 6.367, 221.42 def. Berner, 6.395, 219.72; Patrick, 6.390, 218.94 def. Nobile, 6.384, 220.58;
SEMIFINALS -- Patrick, 6.385, 219.58 def. Mansfield, 15.183, 66.72; Gugliotta, 6.435, 219.12 def. Gahm, 6.396, 220.84;
FINAL -- Gugliotta, 6.417, 220.22 def. Patrick, foul.


EPPING, N.H. -- Point standings (top 10) for IHRA professional categories following the Amalie Oil North American Nationals presented by New England Dodge Dealers at New England Dragway, the seventh of 11 events in the $19.5 million 2007 Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series -

Top Fuel

1. T.J. Zizzo, 566; 2. Bruce Litton, 538; 3. Scotty Cannon, 476; 4. Bobby Lagana Jr., 452; 5. Terry McMillen, 325; 6. Doug Foley, 299; 7. Mitch King, 193; 8. Jim Cavalieri, 172; 9. Jeff O{Neill, 141; 10. Mike Strasburg, 129.

Nitro Funny Car

1. Dale Creasy Jr., 697; 2. Terry Haddock, 464; 3. Jack Wyatt, 463; 4. Andy Kelley, 423; 5. Bob Gilbertson, 361; 6. Mitch King, 297; 7. Paul Lee, 219; 8. Jon Capps, 195; 9. Gary Densham, 173; 10. Mike Ashley, 111.

Pro Modified

1. Scott Cannon, 450; 2. Ed Hoover, 414; 3. Quain Stott, 382; 4. Pat Stoken, 369; 5. Mike Janis, 342; 6. Matt Hagan, 335; 7. Danny Rowe, 320; 8. Kenny Lang, 303; 9. Jim Halsey, 280; 10. Jason Hamstra, 256.

Alcohol Funny Car

1. Mark Thomas, 662; 2. Rob Atchison, 581; 3. Terry Munroe, 577; 4. Larry Dobbs, 424; 5. Paul Noakes, 306; 6. Terry McMillen, 277; 7. Tim Stevens, 185; 8. Tony Bogolo, 173; 9. Neal Parker, 122; 10. Trevor Lebsack, 119.

Pro Stock

1. Robert Patrick, 585; 2. Frank Gugliotta, 538; 3. Pete Berner, 479; 4. Steve Spiess, 409; 5. John Montecalvo, 408; 6. Brian Gahm, 389; 7. Rob Mansfield, 351; 8. Rickie Smith, 254; 9. Cary Goforth, 224; 10. Bob Bertsch, 208.
 

Massive Crowd Sees Gilbertson No. 1 Nitro Funny Car Qualifier

EPPING, N.H. (August 11, 2007) – Bob Gilbertson, Gastonia, N.C., qualified No. 1 in Knoll Gas Torco Racing Fuels Pro Nitro Funny Car during the Amalie Oil North American Nationals presented by New England Dodge Dealers. Gilbertson covered the New England Dragway quarter-mile in 4.953 seconds at 309.91 mph, also earning Last Man Standing in front of the capacity crowd.

Other professional No. 1 qualifiers include TJ Zizzo (Top Fuel), Mike Janis (Pro Modified), Terry Munroe (Alcohol Funny Car) and Brian Gahm (Pro Stock).

Trailing Gilbertson in Nitro Funny Car qualifying is Andy Kelley and Mike Smith, two and three. Points leader Dale Creasy Jr. sits fourth, followed by Jack Wyatt, Mitch King, Jeff Diehl and Terry Haddock.

Zizzo topped the Knoll Gas Torco Racing Fuels Pro Nitro Top Fuel class with a 4.610, 320.13, which earned the Lincolnshire, Ill., driver Last Man Standing as well. Terry McMillen qualified second, 4.663, followed by Scotty Cannon and Bobby Lagana Jr. Current points leader Bruce Litton is fifth. His lead over Zizzo is less than one round, and the two will meet in the first round of eliminations.

In Torco’s CompetitionPlus.com Pro Modified, Janis, Lancaster, N.Y., used the afternoon qualifying session to set the No. 1 mark at 6.064, 239.74. The speed is fast enough to give him the world record if he can back up the run. He’s trailed by Ed Hoover, who earned the Last Man Standing. Shannon Jenkins sits third and Jason Hamstra, who won the last IHRA event in Martin, Mich., is fourth. Harold Martin holds the bump spot.

Alcohol Funny Car driver Munroe, Beaver, Pa., who entered the event second in points, earned top qualifier and Last Man Standing. His 5.771, 242.54, was enough to outlast No. 2 qualifier Rob Atchison, current points leader Mark Thomas and Paul Noakes. Neal Parker locked up the bump spot with a 5.962.

Gahm, Lucasville, Ohio, used a 6.343 ET to take the No. 1 spot in Torco’s CompetitionPlus.com Pro Stock, as well as the Quarter-Max Pro Stock Challenge. His speed of 221.27 tied the world record set by Robert Patrick at New England Dragway in 2006. Patrick finished second, followed by Frank Gugliotta, Rob Mansfield and Pete Berner. Dan Sweeney, Groton, Mass., qualified twelfth.

Professional eliminations are scheduled for Sunday at 10:30 a.m., 12 noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. For more information, log onto www.ihra.com.  The Amalie Oil North American Nationals presented by New England Dodge Dealers is the seventh of eleven events on the $19.5 million 2007 Knoll Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series.

EPPING, N.H. -- First-round pairings for professional eliminations Sunday for the Amalie Oil North American Nationals presented by New England Dodge Dealers at New England Dragway, the seventh of 11 events in the $19.5 million 2007 Knoll Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series. Pairings based on results in qualifying, which ended Saturday.

Top Fuel -- 1. T.J. Zizzo, 4.610 seconds, 321.04 mph vs. 5. Bruce Litton, 4.917, 298.21; 2. Terry McMillen, 4.663, 297.68 vs. 6. Jim Cavalieri, 5.007, 233.12; 3. Scotty Cannon, 4.768, 305.98 vs. 7. Jeff O'Neill, 5.080, 296.05; 4. Bobby Lagana Jr., 4.854, 267.27 vs. 8. Mitch King, 11.725, 71.11.

Nitro Funny Car -- 1. Bob Gilbertson, Dodge Stratus, 4.953, 309.91 vs. 5. Jack Wyatt, Stratus, 6.224, 153.61; 2. Andy Kelley, Pontiac Firebird, 5.101, 294.43 vs. 6. Mitch King, Chevy Corvette, 6.546, 138.70; 3. Mike Smith, Chevy Camaro, 5.429, 270.59 vs. 7. Jeff Diehl, Firebird, 9.939, 81.38; 4. Dale Creasy Jr., Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.633, 184.14 vs. 8. Terry Haddock, Stratus, 10.688, 90.59.

Pro Modified -- 1. Mike Janis, Chevy Cobalt, 6.064, 239.74 vs. 9. Scott Cannon, Pontiac Firebird, 6.164, 214.93; 2. Ed Hoover, Chevy Corvette, 6.071, 235.35 vs. 10. Quain Stott, Corvette, 6.165, 232.55; 3. Shannon Jenkins, Pontiac GTO, 6.090, 234.57 vs. 11. Jim Halsey, Chevy Camaro, 6.179, 230.02; 4. Jason Hamstra, Corvette, 6.096, 230.13 vs. 12. Burton Auxier, Corvette, 6.180, 225.67; 5. Matt Hagan, Corvette, 6.098, 234.74 vs. 13. Pat Stoken, Camaro, 6.209, 228.96; 6. Mike Castellana, Ford Mustang, 6.121, 230.49 vs. 14. Steve Salvadore, Firebird, 6.216, 229.27; 7. Chip King, Dodge Daytona, 6.145, 235.93 vs. 15. Danny Rowe, Corvette, 6.285, 230.25; 8. Kirk Kuhns, Willys, 6.160, 224.51 vs. 16. Harold Martin, Pontiac Grand Am, 6.285, 221.67.

Alcohol Funny Car -- 1. Terry Munroe, Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.771, 242.54 vs. 5. Larry Dobbs, Chevy Corvette, 5.878, 240.04; 2. Rob Atchison, Monte Carlo, 5.794, 244.96 vs. 6. Scott McNiece, Olds Cutlass, 5.919, 238.89; 3. Mark Thomas, Monte Carlo, 5.833, 247.07 vs. 7. Frederick Tigges, Dodge Avenger, 5.958, 241.89; 4. Paul Noakes, Ford Mustang, 5.842, 243.77 vs. 8. Neal Parker, Monte Carlo, 5.962, 236.88.

Pro Stock -- 1. Brian Gahm, Ford Mustang, 6.343, 221.27 vs. 9. John Montecalvo, Chevy Cobalt, 6.385, 219.61; 2. Robert Patrick, Shelby Cobra, 6.358, 219.65 vs. 10. Rickie Smith, Cobalt, 6.388, 218.97; 3. Frank Gugliotta, Cobalt, 6.363, 219.90 vs. 11. Elijah Morton, Ford ZX2, 6.396, 219.33; 4. Rob Mansfield, Pontiac GTO, 6.364, 220.55 vs. 12. Dan Sweeney, GTO, 6.397, 218.48; 5. Pete Berner, GTO, 6.365, 220.22 vs. 13. Jeff Dobbins, Ford Escort, 6.403, 219.65; 6. John Nobile, Mustang, 6.370, 219.58 vs. 14. Bob Bertsch, Mustang, 6.409, 219.79; 7. Cary Goforth, Cobalt, 6.375, 220.22 vs. 15. Dean Goforth, GTO, 6.442, 216.90; 8. Steve Spiess, Cobalt, 6.377, 219.61 vs. 16. Anthony Paone, GTO, 6.461, 217.25.
 

Litton Defeats Todd to Take Top Fuel Points Lead
Ashley, Hamstra, Noakes and Gugliotta Also Visit Winner’s Circle

MARTIN, Mich. (August 6, 2007) – Bruce Litton defeated J.R. Todd in the Top Fuel final of the Torco Racing Fuels Northern Nationals. Litton, of Indianapolis, covered the quarter-mile in 4.707 seconds, 287.72 mph, to take the win and the Knoll Gas Nitro Jam points lead.

Other professional winners include Mike Ashley (Nitro Funny Car), Jason Hamstra (Pro Modified), Paul Noakes (Alcohol Funny Car) and Frank Gugliotta (Pro Stock).

Litton, who entered the Northern Nationals second place in the point standings behind T.J. Zizzo, qualified No. 5 and took out No. 1 qualifier Doug Foley in round one. Todd, a regular competitor on the NHRA circuit, took out Zizzo in the first round, therefore giving Litton the opportunity he needed, if he could make it to the finals.

Litton’s second round opponent was Melanie Troxel. Litton used a holeshot victory to defeat her, 0.058 reaction time to Troxel’s 0.082. He then advanced to the finals against Todd, who dispatched Bobby Lagana Jr. in his semi-final match.

Litton, a veteran Top Fuel competitor, was the one who years ago gave Todd his first shot in a dragster. After racing under Litton, he sat out a few years and returned to competition on the NHRA circuit, winning two events in 2006 and “Rookie of the Year” honors.

But in the final round at Knoll Gas Motorsports Park at US 131, it was all Litton. Todd smoked the tires 60-feet down the track and Litton never looked back, making a perfect pass to the finish line and his second win of the season. He now leads Zizzo by 21 points.

After the race Litton wanted to praise Todd for how far he has come.

“I am so proud of J.R.,” Litton said. “He has a lot of heart and desire and has turned that heart and desire into becoming a champion. I am so proud of him and his whole family.”

However, once the cars pulled up to the starting line the friendship was put on hold…at least for about five seconds.

“J.R. is really good and his record shows it,” Litton said. “But we were here to win. J.R. is a good leaver and I knew I would have to be on top of my game if I wanted to get out of here with a win.”

Ashley, Melville, N.Y., had dominated the Knoll Gas Torco Racing Fuels Pro Nitro Funny Car class all weekend, qualifying No. 1 and holding the low elapsed time and speed marks for the weekend, 4.812, 316.23. He took out Gary Densham in the first round and advanced to the finals when Jack Wyatt couldn’t make the call during the semi-finals.

On the other side of the ladder, Mitch King dispatched Bob Gilbertson in round one and current points leader Dale Creasy Jr. in round two. In the finals, King’s car backfired on the burnout, giving Ashley a single to win the race. Ironically, had King been able to make the pass, he might have won as Ashley smoked the tires at 300-feet.

“We rolled out a brand new car for this deal,” Ashley said. “Every nut and bolt, every piece of the car was brand new except for the body. On the first lap we had eight cylinders, then for the rest of the weekend we couldn’t find the other cylinder. #1 kept going out and we were running seven cylinders the rest of the weekend. In the final round we changed the fuel blower system, put on the one from our other car and it just had too much power for the final.”

As in Nitro Funny Car, the Torco’s CompetitionPlus.com Pro Modified final ended up being a single-pass. Hamstra, the 20 year-old from Demotte, Ind., and Matt Hagan completed their burnouts, but Hagan’s car wouldn’t go into reverse to get back to the line. After his crew pushed him back, the car couldn’t stage. Hamstra still made a nice pass, 6.176, 229.55 to take his first career win.

“I really wish we could have ran Matt in the final round,” Hamstra said. “He’s a great racer and a great competitor, but the starter waved me in so I had to go. We ran a good number anyway so we’ll take it.”

Hamstra and Hagan had tough routes to the final. Hamstra took out Carl Spiering and points leader Scott Cannon Jr. Hagan went through former world champion Mike Janis and Ed Hoover.

In Alcohol Funny Car, Noakes’ win made it two in a row against fellow Ontario-native Rob Atchison. He defeated the former three-time world champion two weeks ago during the Mopar Canadian Nationals.

Noakes took out Scott Wildgust in round one, then Terry Munroe in the second. On the other side, Atchison defeated a tough first round opponent in Mark Thomas, then Terry McMillen to advance to the final.

They were close off the starting line, but Noakes outran Atchison and crossed the stripe first, with a 5.875 elapsed time to Atchison’s 5.906.

“We’re probably going to get a lot of other Alcohol Funny Cars complaining about the Canadian Funny Cars,” Noakes said. “I’m sure they’re starting to stir up the Internet sites already. Rob really helped me out last year and I love racing him in the final. Actually I love racing him anywhere because we’re close friends and I’m sure we’d like to race each other in the final every race.”

In Torco’s CompetitionPlus.com Pro Stock, Gugliotta, Mt. Airy, Md., defeated John Nobile in round one, then took out John Montecalvo to advance to the semi-finals. Gugliotta won that round over a red-lighting Steve Spiess.

On the other side of the ladder, Larry O’Brien beat defending world champion Pete Berner in the first round, then Dean Goforth and Robert Patrick. But in the final, it was all Gugliotta. He had the better reaction time and quicker ET – 6.423 to 6.473.

“I really am excited to get this win; it was my first win with Rick and Bonnie Jones,” Gugliotta said of his car owner Rick Jones and his wife Bonnie. “It was a great race and a great weekend.”

The next event on the $19.5 million Knoll Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series is the Amalie Oil North American Nationals presented by New England Dodge Dealers, August 10-12, at New England Dragway. For more information, log onto www.ihra.com.


MARTIN, Mich. -- Monday's final results from the Torco Racing Fuels Northern Nationals at Knoll Gas Motorsports Park at US 131. The race is the sixth of 11 in the $19.5 million 2007 Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series:

Top Fuel -- Bruce Litton, 4.707 seconds, 287.72 mph def. J.R. Todd, 11.254 seconds, 80.71 mph.

Nitro Funny Car -- Mike Ashley, Dodge Charger, 11.906, 79.29 def. Mitch King, Chevy Corvette, broke.

Pro Modified -- Jason Hamstra, Chevy Corvette, 6.176, 229.55 def. Matt Hagan, Corvette, broke.

Alcohol Funny Car -- Paul Noakes, Ford Mustang, 5.875, 241.89 def. Rob Atchison, Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.906, 238.98.

Pro Stock -- Frank Gugliotta, Chevy Cobalt, 6.423, 217.11 def. Larry O'Brien, Dodge Stratus, 6.473, 214.89.


MARTIN, Mich. -- Final round-by-round results from the Torco Racing Fuels Northern Nationals at Knoll Gas Motorsports Park at US 131, the sixth of 11 events in the $19.5 million 2007 Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series:


TOP FUEL:

ROUND ONE -- Bobby Lagana Jr., 13.712, 62.80 def. Clay Millican, foul; Melanie Troxel, 4.662, 326.71 def. Scotty Cannon, 4.795, 271.24; J.R. Todd, 4.595, 314.97 def. T.J. Zizzo, 12.160, 74.85; Bruce Litton, 4.695, 299.26 def. Doug Foley, 10.873, 87.46;
SEMIFINALS -- Litton, 4.671, 322.34 def. Troxel, 4.664, 321.58; Todd, 4.632, 311.13 def. Lagana Jr., 11.611, 83.10;
FINAL -- Litton, 4.707, 287.72 def. Todd, 11.254, 80.71.


NITRO FUNNY CAR:

ROUND ONE -- Dale Creasy Jr., Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.272, 296.50 def. Andy Kelley, Pontiac Firebird, 10.897, 87.93; Jack Wyatt, Dodge Stratus, 4.964, 292.08 def. Terry Haddock, Stratus, 5.242, 293.54; Mitch King, Chevy Corvette, 5.839, 173.03 def. Bob Gilbertson, Stratus, 7.129, 161.90; Mike Ashley, Dodge Charger, 4.986, 304.46 def. Gary Densham, Chevy Impala, 10.006, 95.61;
SEMIFINAL -- King, 5.235, 285.53 def. Creasy Jr., 5.474, 201.73; Ashley, 10.733, 80.22 def. Wyatt, broke;
FINAL -- Ashley, 11.906, 79.29 def. King, broke.


PRO MODIFIED:

ROUND ONE -- Jason Hamstra, Chevy Corvette, 6.211, 228.07 def. Kenny Rucker, Willys, 6.468, 219.76; Pat Stoken, Chevy Camaro, 6.496, 209.36 def. Jim Halsey, Camaro, foul; Carl Spiering, Camaro, 6.317, 232.67 def. Danny Rowe, Corvette, 12.741, 91.63; Mark Nielsen, Camaro, 6.517, 223.28 def. Quain Stott, Corvette, 6.953, 164.73; Kenny Lang, Corvette, 6.207, 230.21 def. Harold Martin, Pontiac Grand Am, 6.628, 174.44; Matt Hagan, Corvette, 6.287, 228.34 def. Mike Janis, Chevy Cobalt, 6.307, 237.42; Ed Hoover, Corvette, 6.151, 232.19 def. Mike Castellana, Ford Mustang, 6.315, 220.98; Scott Cannon, Pontiac Firebird, 6.135, 232.71 def. Chip King, Dodge Daytona, 6.235, 233.88;
QUARTERFINALS -- Hagan, 6.377, 227.38 def. Nielsen, 6.542, 223.17; Hamstra, 6.219, 228.31 def. Spiering, 6.261, 232.31; Hoover, 6.165, 230.88 def. Stoken, 6.171, 227.57; Cannon, 6.157, 231.75 def. Lang, 6.193, 230.21;
SEMIFINALS -- Hagan, 6.183, 228.69 def. Hoover, 11.642, 76.57; Hamstra, 7.245, 220.62 def. Cannon, 12.180, 112.47;
FINAL -- Hamstra, 6.176, 229.55 def. Hagan, broke.


ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR:

ROUND ONE -- Paul Noakes, Ford Mustang, 5.924, 240.98 def. Scott Wildgust, Chevy Monte Carlo, 6.026, 240.25; Terry McMillen, Dodge Avenger, 6.054, 217.11 def. Larry Dobbs, Chevy Corvette, broke; Rob Atchison, Monte Carlo, 5.904, 238.01 def. Mark Thomas, Monte Carlo, 5.915, 243.33; Terry Munroe, Monte Carlo, 5.904, 235.06 def. Tony Bogolo, Mustang, 6.215, 222.44;
SEMIFINAL -- Noakes, 5.911, 240.59 def. Munroe, 5.912, 234.53; Atchison, 6.009, 237.50 def. McMillen, 6.022, 233.28;
FINAL -- Noakes, 5.875, 241.89 def. Atchison, 5.906, 238.98.


PRO STOCK:

ROUND ONE -- Rickie Smith, Chevy Cobalt, 6.479, 214.01 def. Ron Miller, Chevy Cavalier, 6.528, 211.89; Bob Bertsch, Ford Mustang, 6.525, 214.31 def. Anthony Paone, Pontiac GTO, 6.514, 212.93; Dean Goforth, GTO, 6.448, 215.00 def. Cary Goforth, Cobalt, 6.502, 215.65; John Montecalvo, Cobalt, 6.445, 216.86 def. Dan Sweeney, GTO, 13.150, 89.70; Robert Patrick, Shelby Cobra, 6.459, 213.94 def. Jeff Dobbins, Ford Escort, 6.472, 216.10; Steve Spiess, Cobalt, 6.420, 216.27 def. Rob Mansfield, GTO, 6.439, 215.58; Larry O'Brien, Dodge Stratus, 6.499, 214.08 def. Pete Berner, GTO, foul; Frank Gugliotta, Cobalt, 6.434, 216.41 def. John Nobile, Mustang, 6.474, 214.11;
QUARTERFINALS -- Patrick, 6.420, 215.37 def. Smith, 6.473, 213.47; O'Brien, 6.529, 214.28 def. D. Goforth, foul; Gugliotta, 6.444, 216.31 def. Montecalvo, broke; Spiess, 6.421, 216.93 def. Bertsch, 6.572, 213.03;
SEMIFINALS -- Gugliotta, 6.866, 211.56 def. Spiess, foul; O'Brien, 6.485, 213.40 def. Patrick, 6.492, 214.21;
FINAL -- Gugliotta, 6.423, 217.11 def. O'Brien, 6.473, 214.89.

MARTIN, Mich. -- Point standings (top 10) for IHRA professional categories following the Torco Racing Fuels Northern Nationals at Knoll Gas Motorsports Park at US 131, the sixth of 11 events in the $19.5 million 2007 Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series -

Top Fuel

1. Bruce Litton, 486; 2. T.J. Zizzo, 465; 3. Scotty Cannon, 402; 4. Bobby Lagana Jr., 339; 5. Doug Foley, 299; 6. Terry McMillen, 250; 7. Mitch King, 134; 8. Mike Strasburg, 129; 9. Jim Cavalieri, 121; 10. Kevin Jones, 109.

Nitro Funny Car

1. Dale Creasy Jr., 584; 2. Terry Haddock, 415; 3. Jack Wyatt, 411; 4. Andy Kelley, 343; 5. Bob Gilbertson, 300; 6. Mitch King, 246; 7. Paul Lee, 219; 8. Jon Capps, 195; 9. Gary Densham, 173; 10. Mike Ashley, 111.

Pro Modified

1. Scott Cannon, 422; 2. Ed Hoover, 379; 3. Pat Stoken, 345; 4. Quain Stott, 295; 5. Kenny Lang, 293; 6. Matt Hagan, 283; 7. Danny Rowe, 278; 8. Jim Halsey, 254; 9. Mike Janis, 221; 10. Jason Hamstra, 183.

Alcohol Funny Car

1. Mark Thomas, 548; 2. Terry Munroe, 516; 3. Rob Atchison, 486; 4. Larry Dobbs, 367; 5. Terry McMillen, 267; 6. Paul Noakes, 233; 7. Tim Stevens, 185; 8. Tony Bogolo, 173; 9. Trevor Lebsack, 119; 10. Scott Wildgust, 102.

Pro Stock
1. Robert Patrick, 490; 2. Pete Berner, 427; 3. Frank Gugliotta, 424; 4. (tie) John Montecalvo, 380; Steve Spiess, 380; 6. Brian Gahm, 293; 7. Rob Mansfield, 278; 8. Rickie Smith, 227; 9. (tie) Bob Bertsch, 185; Dean Goforth, 185.

About IHRA

Headquartered in Norwalk, Ohio, the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA), a division of Live Nation, promotes professional, semi-professional and local level racing opportunities for drivers at all levels. The $19.5 million Knoll Gas Nitro Jam™ Drag Racing Series is an 11-event North American professional drag racing circuit. In 2007, the series will be comprised of eight events in major cities throughout the United States and three in Canada. The Summit Racing Equipment Pro-Am Championship presented by Mr. Gasket consists of competition at national events and 40 events in six regional divisions, while IHRA’s Summit SuperSeries is conducted nearly every weekend at over 70 IHRA-sanctioned tracks. Providing a safe environment to develop future stars, IHRA offers the Junior Dragster Racing Series for youths ages 8-17. Stand-alone events include Live Nation’s entertainment-filled “Thunder Jam” shows and the street legal racing and lifestyle event series Kumho Street Warriorz. More information can be found at www.ihra.com.

About Live Nation

Live Nation is the world's largest live music company. Our mission is to inspire passion for live music around the world. We are the largest promoter of live concerts in the world, the second-largest entertainment venue management company and have a rapidly growing online presence. We strive to create superior experiences for artists and fans, regularly producing tours for the biggest superstars in the business, including The Rolling Stones, Barbra Streisand, Madonna, U2 and Coldplay. Globally, we own, operate, have booking rights for and/or have an equity interest in more than 160 venues, including House of Blues® music venues and prestigious locations such as The Fillmore in San Francisco, Nikon at Jones Beach in New York and London’s Wembley Arena. Our websites collectively are the second most popular entertainment/event websites in the United States, according to Nielsen//NetRatings. In addition, we also produce, promote or host theatrical, specialized motor sports and other live entertainment events. In 2006, we connected nearly 60 million fans with their favorite performers at approximately 26,000 events in 18 countries around the world. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, Live Nation is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, trading under the symbol “LYV.”
 

Rain Pushes IHRA Eliminations to Monday

MARTIN, Mich. (August 5, 2007) – Officials have postponed Sunday’s eliminations during the Torco Racing Fuels Northern Nationals in Martin, Mich. The day began with rain which pushed racing back until the afternoon. After about four hours of on-track time, light showers began to fall on Knoll Gas Motorsports Park at US 131, calling an end to the day’s racing.

Top Fuel, Nitro Funny Car and Alcohol Funny Car are in the finals; Pro Modified and Pro Stock the semi-finals. The Pro-Am classes will be completed Monday as well.

Racing is scheduled to resume at 10 a.m. with sportsman eliminations. Professional classes will run at 11 a.m. and 12 noon.

Sunday tickets will be honored Monday.

The Torco Racing Fuels Northern Nationals is the sixth event of the $19.5 million Knoll Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series. For more information and results, log onto www.ihra.com. 


MARTIN, Mich. -- Sunday's final results from the Torco Racing Fuels Northern Nationals at Knoll Gas Motorsports Park at US 131. The race is the sixth of 11 in the $19.5 million 2007 Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series:

Pro Modified Shootout -- Kenny Lang, Chevy Corvette, 6.137, 232.75 def. Jim Halsey, Chevy Camaro, broke.

Moser 'Axle Mania' Sportsman All Star Shootout -- Marco Abruzzi, Chevy Camaro, 4.626, 152.85 def. Scotty Stillings, Pontiac Grand Am, 5.746, 121.68.


MARTIN, Mich. -- Final round-by-round results from the Torco Racing Fuels Northern Nationals at Knoll Gas Motorsports Park at US 131, the sixth of 11 events in the $19.5 million 2007 Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series:

TOP FUEL:

ROUND ONE -- Bobby Lagana Jr., 13.712, 62.80 def. Clay Millican, foul; Melanie Troxel, 4.662, 326.71 def. Scotty Cannon, 4.795, 271.24; J.R. Todd, 4.595, 314.97 def. T.J. Zizzo, 12.160, 74.85; Bruce Litton, 4.695, 299.26 def. Doug Foley, 10.873, 87.46;

SEMIFINALS -- Litton, 4.671, 322.34 def. Troxel, 4.664, 321.58; Todd, 4.632, 311.13 def. Lagana Jr., 11.611, 83.10;

NITRO FUNNY CAR:

ROUND ONE -- Dale Creasy Jr., Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.272, 296.50 def. Andy Kelley, Pontiac Firebird, 10.897, 87.93; Jack Wyatt, Dodge Stratus, 4.964, 292.08 def. Terry Haddock, Stratus, 5.242, 293.54; Mitch King, Chevy Corvette, 5.839, 173.03 def. Bob Gilbertson, Stratus, 7.129, 161.90; Mike Ashley, Dodge Charger, 4.986, 304.46 def. Gary Densham, Chevy Impala, 10.006, 95.61;

SEMIFINALS -- King, 5.235, 285.53 def. Creasy Jr., 5.474, 201.73; Ashley, 10.733, 80.22 def. Wyatt, broke;

PRO MODIFIED:

ROUND ONE -- Jason Hamstra, Chevy Corvette, 6.211, 228.07 def. Kenny Rucker, Willys, 6.468, 219.76; Pat Stoken, Chevy Camaro, 6.496, 209.36 def. Jim Halsey, Camaro, foul; Carl Spiering, Camaro, 6.317, 232.67 def. Danny Rowe, Corvette, 12.741, 91.63; Mark Nielsen, Camaro, 6.517, 223.28 def. Quain Stott, Corvette, 6.953, 164.73; Kenny Lang, Corvette, 6.207, 230.21 def. Harold Martin, Pontiac Grand Am, 6.628, 174.44; Matt Hagan, Corvette, 6.287, 228.34 def. Mike Janis, Chevy Cobalt, 6.307, 237.42; Ed Hoover, Corvette, 6.151, 232.19 def. Mike Castellana, Ford Mustang, 6.315, 220.98; Scott Cannon, Pontiac Firebird, 6.135, 232.71 def. Chip King, Dodge Daytona, 6.235, 233.88;

QUARTERFINALS -- Hagan, 6.377, 227.38 def. Nielsen, 6.542, 223.17; Hamstra, 6.219, 228.31 def. Spiering, 6.261, 232.31; Hoover, 6.165, 230.88 def. Stoken, 6.171, 227.57; Cannon, 6.157, 231.75 def. Lang, 6.193, 230.21;

ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR:

ROUND ONE -- Paul Noakes, Ford Mustang, 5.924, 240.98 def. Scott Wildgust, Chevy Monte Carlo, 6.026, 240.25; Terry McMillen, Dodge Avenger, 6.054, 217.11 def. Larry Dobbs, Chevy Corvette, broke; Rob Atchison, Monte Carlo, 5.904, 238.01 def. Mark Thomas, Monte Carlo, 5.915, 243.33; Terry Munroe, Monte Carlo, 5.904, 235.06 def. Tony Bogolo, Mustang, 6.215, 222.44;

SEMIFINALS -- Noakes, 5.911, 240.59 def. Munroe, 5.912, 234.53; Atchison, 6.009, 237.50 def. McMillen, 6.022, 233.28;

PRO STOCK:

ROUND ONE -- Rickie Smith, Chevy Cobalt, 6.479, 214.01 def. Ron Miller, Chevy Cavalier, 6.528, 211.89; Bob Bertsch, Ford Mustang, 6.525, 214.31 def. Anthony Paone, Pontiac GTO, 6.514, 212.93; Dean Goforth, GTO, 6.448, 215.00 def. Cary Goforth, Cobalt, 6.502, 215.65; John Montecalvo, Cobalt, 6.445, 216.86 def. Dan Sweeney, GTO, 13.150, 89.70; Robert Patrick, Shelby Cobra, 6.459, 213.94 def. Jeff Dobbins, Ford Escort, 6.472, 216.10; Steve Spiess, Cobalt, 6.420, 216.27 def. Rob Mansfield, GTO, 6.439, 215.58; Larry O'Brien, Dodge Stratus, 6.499, 214.08 def. Pete Berner, GTO, foul; Frank Gugliotta, Cobalt, 6.434, 216.41 def. John Nobile, Mustang, 6.474, 214.11;

QUARTERFINALS -- Patrick, 6.420, 215.37 def. Smith, 6.473, 213.47; O'Brien, 6.529, 214.28 def. D. Goforth, foul; Gugliotta, 6.444, 216.31 def. Montecalvo, broke; Spiess, 6.421, 216.93 def. Bertsch, 6.572, 213.03;

PRO MODIFIED SHOOTOUT:

ROUND ONE -- Jim Halsey, Chevy Camaro, 6.155, 230.45 def. Quain Stott, Chevy Corvette, 9.166, 99.08; Kenny Lang, Corvette, 6.133, 233.76 def. Mike Janis, Chevy Cobalt, 17.460, 54.22; Danny Rowe, Corvette, 7.789, 151.49 def. Carl Spiering, Camaro, foul; Scott Cannon, Pontiac Firebird, 6.084, 232.87 def. Ed Hoover, Corvette, 6.143, 236.05;

QUARTERFINALS -- Lang, 6.191, 233.03 def. Rowe, 6.214, 227.50; Halsey, 6.201, 227.80 def. Cannon, 6.164, 234.61;

SEMIFINALS -- Lang, 6.137, 232.75 def. Halsey, broke.

 

Ashley Holds Nitro Funny Car Pole at Torco Northern Nationals

in Front of Largest Single Day Crowd in IHRA History

MARTIN, Mich. (August 4, 2007) – Mike Ashley is happy to be back running in IHRA competition. The former Pro Modified driver, who finished second in the world during the 1990 season before moving on to compete in the Nitro Funny Car class in NHRA competition, crossed over back into Nitro Jam competition to run at Knoll Gas Motorsports Park in the Torco racing Fuels Northern Nationals.

By setting the ET track record and clocking a 4.812 pass at 316.23 mph Ashley, a Mellville, N.Y. resident, claimed No. 1 qualifier honors and will square off with Gary Densham in the first round of eliminations Sunday.

“That wasn’t the prettiest run, but we got out of here with the No. 1 Qualifier,” Ashley said after a shaky 5.03 pass in the Saturday evening session. “I came home to IHRA this weekend and we’re having a great time. This crowd was amazing, the atmosphere was great and this facility is awesome…this team is having a lot of fun.”

Bob Gilbertson (Charlotte, N.C.) finished second on the qualifying sheet with a 4.860 pass at 289.07 mph. He will face Mitch King in the first round of eliminations Sunday. Terry Haddock (4.991) and Dale Creasy Jr. (5.041) rounded out the top half of the Nitro Funny Car ladder.

Doug Foley (Sewell, N.J.) paced the quickest Knoll Gas Torco Racing Fuels Pro Nitro Top Fuel field in IHRA history with a track record 4.559 pass at 323.19 mph. Bobby Lagana (Scarsdale, N.Y.) ended up on the bump spot with a 4.725 to top the 2005 Rockingham World Finals for the quickest field in IHRA history.

After his record-setting run Foley’s chutes came out late and he ended up nosing into the sand trap at the end of the track.

“Putting it in the sand, I haven’t done that in a long time so it was pretty exciting,” Foley said. “My Crew Chief Doug Kuch is one of the smartest people in drag racing and he gave me a great car. But it was the entire team, it takes all 15 guys to make me look good.”

The Saturday night Top Fuel qualifying session also featured the quickest side-by-side Top Fuel pass in track history when J.R. Todd and Clay Millican both ran in the 4.50s. Todd ran a 4.584 in the right lane while Millican posted a 4.598 in the left.

Mike Janis claimed both ends of the track record and captured Saturday “Last Man Standing” honors with his 6.033 pass at 240.42 mph Saturday evening. Janis drove his ’07 Cobalt to nose out Scott Cannon, who clocked a 6.084 at 232.87 in his ’68 Firebird to finish No. 2 on the qualifying sheet.

“The 240 was really a big deal to us,” Janis said of his track record speed. “We’ve been in the 237 and 239 range before but this was the first time we’ve gone 240. The motor is still together so we’re happy with it.”

Kenny Lang ended up qualifying sixth, but he left the track Saturday a little richer. He was able to claim the Torco’s CompetionPlus.com Pro Modified Shootout title by knocking off Jim Halsey in the final. Halsey could not get his nitrous-powered ’68 Camaro fired for the final round of the Shootout.

“This will definitely help us out,” Lang said of the $20,000 prize. “All year we’ve been trying to go fast and go some rounds so this is going to help out program. It’s too bad Jim had a bad break there in the final but we feel like we would have given him a run for his money if he would have been able to make the round. This was huge. This was the biggest race we’ve ever won so we’re thrilled.”

The top five qualifiers in the Torco’s CompetitionPlus.com Pro Stock class should not surprise anyone…they are the same top five in world championship points standings. Frank Gugliotta, currently No. 5 in the world, ended up in the No. 1 spot Saturday with a 6.386 pass at 220.22 mph while defending world champion and current No. 2 in the world Pete Berner finished at the No. 2 qualifier at an identical 6.386 at a slower 218.51 mph.

Current points leader Robert Patrick ended up fourth on the Pro Stock qualifying ladder while Steve Spiess (No. 3) and John Montecalvo (No. 5) rounded out the top five.

Mark Thomas, who had been to four final rounds in five 2007 events heading into the Torco Northern Nationals. He claimed his fifth No. 1 qualifying position of the season Saturday night when he went from stripe-to-stripe in 5.815 at 245.85 mph. Thomas will face his close friend and fiercest rival Rob Atchison in the first round of eliminations Sunday. Paul Noakes, who won two weeks ago in Grand Bend, ended up second on the sheet and will race Scott Wildgust in Round 1 Sunday.

Professional eliminations are scheduled for Sunday at 10:30 p.m., 12 noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. For more information, log onto www.ihra.com.  The Torco Racing Fuels Northern Nationals is the sixth of eleven events on the $19.5 million 2007 Knoll Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series.

MARTIN, Mich. -- First-round pairings for professional eliminations Sunday for the Torco Racing Fuels Northern Nationals at Knoll Gas Motorsports Park at US 131, the sixth of 11 events in the $19.5 million 2007 Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series. Pairings based on results in qualifying, which ended Saturday.

Top Fuel -- 1. Doug Foley, 4.559 seconds, 327.03 mph vs. 5. Bruce Litton, 4.630, 328.54; 2. J.R. Todd, 4.584, 311.92 vs. 6. T.J. Zizzo, 4.649, 299.60; 3. Melanie Troxel, 4.593, 327.19 vs. 7. Scotty Cannon, 4.725, 314.31; 4. Clay Millican, 4.598, 319.98 vs. 8. Bobby Lagana Jr., 4.725, 305.42.

Nitro Funny Car -- 1. Mike Ashley, Dodge Charger, 4.812, 316.23 vs. 5. Gary Densham, Chevy Impala, 5.054, 297.81; 2. Bob Gilbertson, Dodge Stratus, 4.860, 289.07 vs. 6. Mitch King, Chevy Corvette, 5.072, 282.48; 3. Terry Haddock, Stratus, 4.991, 300.00 vs. 7. Jack Wyatt, Stratus, 5.100, 271.35; 4. Dale Creasy Jr., Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.041, 297.68 vs. 8. Andy Kelley, Pontiac Firebird, 5.120, 297.88.

Pro Modified -- 1. Mike Janis, Chevy Cobalt, 6.033, 240.42 vs. 9. Matt Hagan, Chevy Corvette, 6.189, 231.12; 2. Scott Cannon, Pontiac Firebird, 6.084, 232.87 vs. 10. Chip King, Dodge Daytona, 6.200, 234.17; 3. Ed Hoover, Corvette, 6.093, 236.05 vs. 11. Mike Castellana, Ford Mustang, 6.206, 227.27; 4. Carl Spiering, Chevy Camaro, 6.109, 234.41 vs. 12. Danny Rowe, Corvette, 6.233, 229.98; 5. Quain Stott, Corvette, 6.123, 234.00 vs. 13. Mark Nielsen, Camaro, 6.236, 229.63; 6. Kenny Lang, Corvette, 6.124, 233.76 vs. 14. Harold Martin, Pontiac Grand Am, 6.251, 223.21; 7. Jim Halsey, Camaro, 6.155, 230.45 vs. 15. Pat Stoken, Camaro, 6.277, 227.15; 8. Jason Hamstra, Corvette, 6.158, 231.00 vs. 16. Kenny Rucker, Willys, 6.336, 218.62.

Alcohol Funny Car -- 1. Mark Thomas, Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.815, 245.85 vs. 5. Rob Atchison, Monte Carlo, 5.856, 242.76; 2. Paul Noakes, Ford Mustang, 5.843, 242.76 vs. 6. Scott Wildgust, Monte Carlo, 5.891, 246.35; 3. Larry Dobbs, Chevy Corvette, 5.843, 242.41 vs. 7. Terry McMillen, Dodge Avenger, 5.945, 235.68; 4. Terry Munroe, Monte Carlo, 5.850, 239.36 vs. 8. Tony Bogolo, Mustang, 6.001, 233.28.

Pro Stock -- 1. Frank Gugliotta, Chevy Cobalt, 6.386, 220.22 vs. 9. John Nobile, Ford Mustang, 6.431, 218.05; 2. Pete Berner, Pontiac GTO, 6.386, 218.51 vs. 10. Larry O'Brien, Dodge Stratus, 6.439, 217.67; 3. Steve Spiess, Cobalt, 6.388, 219.54 vs. 11. Rob Mansfield, GTO, 6.449, 215.68; 4. Robert Patrick, Shelby Cobra, 6.393, 219.19 vs. 12. Jeff Dobbins, Ford Escort, 6.452, 216.55; 5. John Montecalvo, Cobalt, 6.395, 218.62 vs. 13. Dan Sweeney, GTO, 6.457, 216.51; 6. Cary Goforth, Cobalt, 6.419, 219.58 vs. 14. Dean Goforth, GTO, 6.470, 216.62; 7. Bob Bertsch, Mustang, 6.423, 217.14 vs. 15. Anthony Paone, GTO, 6.476, 215.00; 8. Rickie Smith, Cobalt, 6.430, 218.41 vs. 16. Ron Miller, Chevy Cavalier, 6.479, 213.91.
 

Ashley Provisional Nitro Funny Car No. 1
Resets Knoll Gas Motorsports Park Speed Record

MARTIN, Mich. (August 3, 2007) – Mike Ashley, Melville, N.Y., took the No. 1 Nitro Funny Car qualifying position after round one during the Torco Racing Fuels Northern Nationals at Knoll Gas Motorsports Park at US 131. Ashley covered the quarter-mile south of Grand Rapids, Mich., in a track record-setting 4.812-seconds to kick off the first night of the Knoll Gas Nitro Jam.

Trailing Ashley in Nitro Funny Car is Bob Gilbertson, 4.860, followed by Terry Haddock and Dale Creasy Jr. Ashley also earned the Last Man Standing bonus for the class, awarded to the quickest winning pass for the night and worth a 5 extra points.

In Knoll Gas Torco Racing Fuels Pro Nitro Top Fuel, Doug Foley took the top spot with a 4.579 elapsed time, resetting the track record and earning the Last Man Standing. J.R. Todd is second, 4.597, followed by Bruce Litton, who reset the track speed record with a 328.54. Clay Millican, IHRA’s defending world champion, is fourth. Current points leader T.J. Zizzo sits on the bump spot.

Torco’s CompetitionPlus.com Pro Modified points leader Scott Cannon Jr. currently sits qualified No. 1 and earned the night’s Last Man Standing, followed by Quain Stott and Kenny Lang. Mike Janis sits fourth and reset the track speed record with a 237.80 mph pass.

Mark Thomas, who entered the race No. 1 in the Alcohol Funny Car point standings, sits in the provisional No. 1 spot with a 5.815, 245.85. The Louisville, Ohio-resident also earned the Last Man Standing bonus. Larry Dobbs sits second, followed by Scott Wildgust and Terry Munroe. Rob Atchison, last season’s Northern Nationals No. 1 qualifier, is currently not in the field. Tim Stevens, of Dorr, Mich., sits No. 9, just outside the eight-car field.

In Torco’s CompetitionPlus.com Pro Stock, Pete Berner, Crete, Ill., jumped to the No. 1 position with a 6.409 ET, however, current points leader Robert Patrick had a better reaction time and crossed the finish line first during the run. Therefore, Frank Gugliotta, who picked up the No. 2 spot with a 6.414, earned the Quarter-Max Pro Stock Challenge for the quickest winning pass. Bob Bertsch, Willis, Mich., sits third, followed by Patrick and John Montecalvo.

Racing resumes Saturday at 9 a.m., with professional qualifying rounds at 12 noon and 7 p.m. For more information, log onto www.ihra.com.  The Torco Racing Fuels Northern Nationals is the sixth of eleven events on the $19.5 million 2007 Knoll Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series.

MARTIN, Mich. -- Results Friday after qualifying for the Torco Racing Fuels Northern Nationals at Knoll Gas Motorsports Park at US 131, sixth of 11 events in the $19.5 million 2007 Knoll Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series. Qualifying will continue Saturday for Sunday's final eliminations.

Top Fuel -- 1. Doug Foley, 4.579 seconds, 327.03 mph; 2. J.R. Todd, 4.597, 307.16; 3. Bruce Litton, 4.630, 328.54; 4. Clay Millican, 4.671, 318.39; 5. Melanie Troxel, 4.673, 322.19; 6. Bobby Lagana Jr., 4.725, 305.42; 7. Scotty Cannon, 4.737, 314.31; 8. T.J. Zizzo, 5.918, 148.04.

Nitro Funny Car -- 1. Mike Ashley, Dodge Stratus, 4.812, 316.23; 2. Bob Gilbertson, Stratus, 4.860, 289.07; 3. Terry Haddock, Stratus, 4.991, 298.21; 4. Dale Creasy Jr., Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.041, 297.68; 5. Andy Kelley, Pontiac Firebird, 5.120, 297.88; 6. Jack Wyatt, Stratus, 5.520, 193.54; 7. Gary Densham, Chevy Impala, 5.574, 201.01; 8. Mitch King, Chevy Corvette, 10.878, 71.64.

Pro Modified -- 1. Scott Cannon, Pontiac Firebird, 6.118, 228.96; 2. Quain Stott, Chevy Corvette, 6.123, 234.00; 3. Kenny Lang, Corvette, 6.124, 228.54; 4. Mike Janis, Chevy Cobalt, 6.125, 237.80; 5. Ed Hoover, Corvette, 6.146, 234.49; 6. Matt Hagan, Corvette, 6.189, 231.12; 7. Jason Hamstra, Corvette, 6.210, 218.12; 8. Mark Nielsen, Chevy Camaro, 6.236, 229.63; 9. Jim Halsey, Camaro, 6.239, 218.72; 10. Harold Martin, Pontiac Grand Am, 6.276, 223.21; 11. Pat Stoken, Camaro, 6.277, 227.15; 12. Kenny Rucker, Willys, 6.349, 218.44; 13. Burton Auxier, Corvette, 6.773, 224.17; 14. Chip King, Dodge Daytona, 8.736, 105.51; 15. Shannon Jenkins, Pontiac GTO, 10.267, 85.90; 16. Jason Stock, Camaro, 11.620, 72.94.

Alcohol Funny Car -- 1. Mark Thomas, Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.815, 245.85; 2. Larry Dobbs, Chevy Corvette, 5.843, 242.41; 3. Scott Wildgust, Monte Carlo, 5.891, 246.35; 4. Terry Munroe, Monte Carlo, 5.893, 239.36; 5. Tony Bogolo, Ford Mustang, 6.001, 233.28; 6. Terry McMillen, Dodge Avenger, 6.002, 234.13; 7. Paul Noakes, Mustang, 6.007, 234.37; 8. Don Gerardot, Pontiac Firebird, 6.075, 185.51.

Pro Stock -- 1. Pete Berner, Pontiac GTO, 6.409, 218.51; 2. Frank Gugliotta, Chevy Cobalt, 6.414, 219.15; 3. Bob Bertsch, Ford Mustang, 6.423, 217.14; 4. Robert Patrick, Shelby Cobra, 6.425, 218.12; 5. John Montecalvo, Cobalt, 6.433, 217.91; 6. Dean Goforth, GTO, 6.470, 216.62; 7. Cary Goforth, Cobalt, 6.473, 219.04; 8. Dan Sweeney, GTO, 6.482, 216.51; 9. Ron Miller, Chevy Cavalier, 6.502, 213.87; 10. Doug Kirk, Cobra, 6.530, 213.77; 11. Ed Machacek, Cavalier, 6.658, 210.34; 12. Bert Jackson, Cavalier, 6.904, 182.58; 13. Larry O'Brien, Dodge Stratus, 7.061, 178.40; 14. Chuck DeMory, Ford Escort, 9.231, 165.70; 15. Ned Katuran, Cobalt, 10.106, 92.80; 16. Anthony Paone, GTO, 10.695, 114.70.
 

MCMILLEN CLAIMS FIRST CAREER KNOLL-GAS NITRO JAM VICTORY

EDMONTON, Alberta (July 8, 2007) – Veteran racer Terry McMillen, Elkhart, Ind., defeated first-time Top Fuel competitor Jeff O’Neill during the CARS RV & Marine & Motorsport Rocky Mountain Nationals presented by Torco Racing Fuels. Both competitors came to Castrol Raceway seeking their first career Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam event wins.

Other professional winners included Terry Haddock (Nitro Funny Car), Ed Hoover (Pro Modified), Mark Thomas (Alcohol Funny Car) and Robert Patrick (Pro Stock). Sportsman eliminations are still underway after a short rain-delay.

McMillen, who entered Knoll Gas Torco Racing Fuels Pro Nitro Top Fuel eliminations qualified No. 7, ran a 4.953 in round one to take out Mike Strasburg. His semifinal opponent was teammate Doug Foley, who had just dispatched Bruce Litton. Foley was No. 1 qualifier and had event low ET of 4.581. However, in round two, Foley shook the tires at half-track and McMillen took the stripe to advance to the finals.

O’Neill had a tough road to the finals as well. He took out points leader T.J. Zizzo in round one with a 4.678, then Scotty Cannon with a 4.951, both times clocking impressive reaction times.

Again in the final, O’Neill had the advantage off the line, but it wasn’t enough as McMillen took the stripe and won the race with a 4.729, 291.

“It’s just an unbelievable feeling to win this race,” said McMillen. “I’ve always said Edmonton is one of my favorite tracks. To come out here and win it is an awesome deal. Perseverance by the Torco team was a major factor today. We went out there and got it done. I just can’t say enough about my team, Evan Knoll (sponsor), Tim Lewis and Doug Foley (team co-owners).”

Haddock used a final round 5.104 ET to take out current Knoll Gas Torco Racing Fuels Pro Nitro Funny Car points leader Dale Creasy Jr. in the final round. Creasy had a slight starting line advantage but smoked the tires and that was enough for Haddock, of Lynnwood, Wash., to win his first career race.

Torco’s CompetitionPlus.com Pro Modified competitor Hoover took out former world champion Mike Castellana, low qualifier Kenny Lang and winner of the last IHRA event Pat Stoken to advance to the finals against Carl Spiering, making his IHRA debut of the season. Hoover left the starting line second, but out-hustled Spiering in a great side-by-side race down the track.

At the stripe it was Hoover, of Gilbert, S.C., winning his second Nitro Jam event of the season.

Defending Alcohol Funny Car world champion Thomas made it four final rounds in as many races, winning his second event of the season. Entering the race with a 17 point lead, he advanced to the finals defeating Edmonton’s John Evanchuk in round one and Terry Munroe in round two. The Canton, Ohio, native then defeated a red-lighting Roger Bateman for the win, increasing his points lead on the class.

Patrick started eliminations in the second position and dropped Rob Mansfield in round one with a 6.418, 215.79, low ET of the event in the Torco’s CompetitionPlus.com Pro Stock class. He then defeated Cary Goforth and former world champion Brian Gahm to advance to the finals versus defending world champion Pete Berner. Patrick ran another 6.418 to Berner’s 6.419 to take the win.

The next event on the $19.5 million Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series is the MOPAR Canadian Nationals presented by Castrol, July 20-22, Grand Bend (Ontario) Motorplex. For more information, please log onto www.ihra.com.


EDMONTON, Alberta -- Sunday's final results from the CARS RV & Marine & Motorsport Rocky Mountain Nationals presented by Torco Racing Fuels at Castrol Raceway. The race is the fourth of 11 on the $19.5 million 2007 Knoll - Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series:

Top Fuel -- Terry McMillen, 4.729 seconds, 291.45 mph def. Jeff O'Neill, 6.043 seconds, 147.29 mph.

Nitro Funny Car -- Terry Haddock, Dodge Stratus, 5.104, 291.45 def. Dale Creasy Jr., Chevy Monte Carlo, 7.998, 106.24.

Pro Modified -- Ed Hoover, Chevy Corvette, 6.151, 218.09 def. Carl Spiering, Chevy Camaro, 6.198, 232.87.

Alcohol Funny Car -- Mark Thomas, Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.950, 241.84 def. Roger Bateman, Chevy Camaro, foul.

Pro Stock -- Robert Patrick, Shelby Cobra, 6.418, 214.79 def. Pete Berner, Pontiac GTO, 6.419, 216.10.

EDMONTON, Alb. -- Final round-by-round results from the CARS RV & Marine & Motorsports Rocky Mountain Nationals presented by TORCO Racing Fuels at Castrol Raceway, the fifth of 11 events in the $19.5 million 2007 Knoll - Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series:


TOP FUEL:

ROUND ONE -- Scotty Cannon, 4.729, 312.86 def. Bobby Lagana Jr., 7.922, 101.15; Terry McMillen, 4.953, 225.07 def. Mike Strasburg, 7.384, 109.58; Jeff O'Neill, 4.678, 316.15 def. T.J. Zizzo, 5.287, 226.89; Doug Foley, 4.606, 319.75 def. Bruce Litton, 4.673, 309.56;

SEMIFINALS -- O'Neill, 4.951, 282.19 def. Cannon, 5.963, 156.84; McMillen, 5.205, 203.40 def. Foley, 6.623, 123.85;

FINAL -- McMillen, 4.729, 291.45 def. O'Neill, 6.043, 147.29.

NITRO FUNNY CAR:

ROUND ONE -- Steven Macklyn, Pontiac Firebird, 5.078, 297.16 def. Jack Wyatt, Dodge Stratus, 5.194, 288.21; Paul Lee, Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.314, 278.06 def. Andy Kelley, Firebird, 5.252, 282.60; Terry Haddock, Stratus, 6.766, 134.26 def. Randy Bykowsky, Monte Carlo, broke; Dale Creasy Jr., Monte Carlo, 5.060, 299.53 def. Bob Gilbertson, Stratus, 5.904, 172.34;

QUARTERFINALS -- Creasy Jr., 5.036, 294.95 def. Lee, broke; Haddock, 5.229, 289.51 def. Macklyn, 5.380, 260.26;

SEMIFINALS -- Haddock, 5.104, 291.45 def. Creasy Jr., 7.998, 106.24.

PRO MODIFIED:

ROUND ONE -- Matt Hagan, Chevy Camaro, 6.224, 228.69 def. Kirk Kuhns, Willys, 8.627, 106.40; Pat Stoken, Camaro, 6.227, 224.92 def. Harold Martin, Pontiac Grand Am, 6.828, 208.26; Carl Spiering, Camaro, 6.205, 232.67 def. Danny Rowe, Chevy Corvette, 6.297, 228.27; Eddie Ware, Camaro, 6.212, 227.69 def. Chip King, Dodge Daytona, 6.360, 230.06; Gary Mason, Corvette, 6.241, 230.02 def. Jim Halsey, Camaro, 6.298, 225.63; Scott Cannon, Pontiac Firebird, 6.126, 234.33 def. Joe Delehay, Dodge Viper, 11.684, 73.89; Kenny Lang, Corvette, 6.285, 222.95 def. Quain Stott, Corvette, 6.433, 216.45; Ed Hoover, Corvette, 6.217, 229.39 def. Mike Castellana, Ford Mustang, 6.582, 205.94;

QUARTERFINALS -- Hoover, 6.122, 233.56 def. Lang, 12.303, 70.14; Hagan, 6.178, 228.58 def. Ware, 6.193, 227.77; Spiering, 6.158, 233.68 def. Mason, 11.507, 80.63; Stoken, 6.163, 228.07 def. Cannon, foul;

SEMIFINALS -- Spiering, 6.173, 235.27 def. Hagan, 6.195, 230.25; Hoover, 6.125, 233.88 def. Stoken, 6.177, 225.67;

FINAL -- Hoover, 6.151, 218.09 def. Spiering, 6.198, 232.87.

ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR:

ROUND ONE -- Rob Atchison, Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.925, 242.10 def. Terry McMillen, Dodge Avenger, 10.154, 81.82; Terry Munroe, Monte Carlo, 5.983, 231.68 def. Larry Dobbs, Chevy Corvette, 5.999, 237.50; Roger Bateman, Chevy Camaro, 5.913, 218.41 def. Trevor Lebsack, Ford Mustang, 6.076, 231.28; Mark Thomas, Monte Carlo, 5.961, 241.84 def. John Evanchuk, Pontiac Firebird, 6.073, 227.11;

QUARTERFINALS -- Thomas, 6.083, 240.81 def. Munroe, foul; Bateman, 5.866, 237.80 def. Atchison, 6.101, 228.69;

SEMIFINALS -- Thomas, 5.950, 241.84 def. Bateman, foul.

PRO STOCK:

ROUND ONE -- Ronnie Humphrey, Ford Mustang, 6.578, 209.56 def. Elijah Morton, Mustang, 7.351, 180.21; Frank Gugliotta, Chevy Cobalt, 6.463, 215.68 def. John Nobile, Mustang, 6.467, 215.27; Cary Goforth, Cobalt, 6.492, 214.45 def. John Montecalvo, Cobalt, 6.439, 215.72; Brian Gahm, Mustang, 6.450, 216.00 def. Dean Goforth, Pontiac GTO, 6.538, 212.86; Rickie Smith, Cobalt, 6.510, 213.74 def. Steve Spiess, Cobalt, 13.795, 71.03; Robert Patrick, Shelby Cobra, 6.418, 215.79 def. Rob Mansfield, Cobalt, 6.472, 214.45; Pete Berner, GTO, 6.439, 217.11 def. Bob Bertsch, Mustang, 6.522, 212.79;

QUARTERFINALS -- Gugliotta, 6.469, 215.03 def. Smith, 24.544, 29.12; Gahm, 6.454, 215.48 def. Humphrey, broke; Berner, 6.449, 216.38 was unopposed; Patrick, 6.421, 215.20 def. C. Goforth, 6.487, 214.93;

SEMIFINALS -- Berner, 6.443, 217.32 def. Gugliotta, 6.458, 216.62; Patrick, 6.436, 216.48 def. Gahm, 6.441, 217.39;

FINAL -- Patrick, 6.418, 214.79 def. Berner, 6.419, 216.10.


EDMONTON, Alb. -- Point standings (top 10) for IHRA professional categories following the CARS RV & Marine & Motorsports Rocky Mountain Nationals presented by TORCO Racing Fuels at Castrol Raceway, the fifth of 11 events in the $19.5 million 2007 Knoll - Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series -

Top Fuel

1. T.J. Zizzo, 338; 2. Bruce Litton, 317; 3. Scotty Cannon, 238; 4. Doug Foley, 233; 5. Bobby Lagana Jr., 210; 6. Terry McMillen, 167; 7. Mike Strasburg, 129; 8. Kevin Jones, 109; 9. Scott Weis, 97; 10. Jeff O{Neill, 91.

Nitro Funny Car

1. Dale Creasy Jr., 391; 2. Terry Haddock, 307; 3. Jack Wyatt, 290; 4. Andy Kelley, 242; 5. Jon Capps, 195; 6. Bob Gilbertson, 194; 7. Paul Lee, 170; 8. Gary Densham, 121; 9. Steven Macklyn, 75; 10. Mitch King, 65.

Pro Modified

1. Scott Cannon, 296; 2. Pat Stoken, 276; 3. Ed Hoover, 272; 4. Danny Rowe, 227; 5. Kenny Lang, 203; 6. Quain Stott, 193; 7. Matt Hagan, 174; 8. Jim Halsey, 155; 9. Eddie Ware, 149; 10. Mike Castellana, 123.

Alcohol Funny Car

1. Mark Thomas, 426; 2. Terry Munroe, 371; 3. Rob Atchison, 319; 4. Larry Dobbs, 233; 5. Terry McMillen, 148; 6. Tony Bogolo, 129; 7. Tim Stevens, 121; 8. Trevor Lebsack, 109; 9. Roger Bateman, 99; 10. Neal Parker, 73.

Pro Stock

1. Pete Berner, 360; 2. Robert Patrick, 342; 3. John Montecalvo, 287; 4. Rob Mansfield, 223; 5. Brian Gahm, 222; 6. Frank Gugliotta, 210; 7. Steve Spiess, 182; 8. Rickie Smith, 152; 9. Cary Goforth, 120; 10. Dean Goforth, 112.
 

LARGEST SINGLE-DAY CROWD IN CASTROL RACEWAY HISTORY

PACKS KNOLL-GAS NITRO JAM EVENT

Gilbertson Claims Top Nitro Funny Car Spot

EDMONTON, Alberta (July 7, 2007) – Bob Gilbertson, Charlotte, N.C., earned the Knoll Gas Torco Racing Fuels Pro Nitro Funny Car top qualifying honors before a standing-room only crowd at Castrol Raceway, the site of this weekend’s CARS RV & Marine & Motorsport Rocky Mountain Nationals presented by Torco Racing Fuels. As the last of the fans packed into the Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam™ event, after backing up traffic for miles in both directions all day long, Gilbertson used a track record-setting 4.831 elapsed time at 312.13 mph to jump to No. 1 and claim the Last Man Standing bonus points.

Other No. 1 qualifiers include Doug Foley (Top Fuel), Kenny Lang (Pro Modified), Rob Atchison (Alcohol Funny Car) and Pete Berner (Pro Stock).

Steven Macklyn sits second in the Nitro Funny Car class behind Gilbertson. Paul Lee is No. 3, followed by Terry Haddock and points leader Deal Creasy Jr. Edmonton’s Randy Bykowsky qualified No. 8, while Beaumont, Alberta’s Jason Duchene did not make the field.

Knoll Gas Torco Racing Fuels Pro Top Fuel No. 1 qualifier Foley, of Sewell, N.J., ran a 4.581, 324.90, which also earned him the Last Man Standing. He’s trailed by T.J. Zizzo, who ran a 4.609 Friday evening, Mike Strasburg and Scotty Cannon. Bobby Lagana Jr. sits on the bump spot with a 4.856 ET.

Grande Point, Manitoba’s Lang covered the quarter-mile in 6.102 seconds, resetting the Castrol Raceway Torco’s CompetitionPlus.com Pro Modified track record previously held by Scott Cannon Jr. Lang picked up No. 1 qualifier honors as well as Last Man Standing. Ontario-native Carl Spiering is second, followed by current points leader Cannon. Calgary’s Joe Delehay is No. 11 and Dewinton, Alberta’s Gary Mason No. 14.

London, Ontario’s Atchison maintained his No. 1 qualified Alcohol Funny Car spot from Friday with a 5.887, 241.97. Terry Munroe sits No. 2, followed by Calgary’s Roger Bateman, who also earned the Last Man Standing bonus. Defending world champion Mark Thomas is fourth. Trevor Lebsack, of Slave Lake, Alberta, and John Evanchuk, of Edmonton, round out the field seventh and eighth respectively.

Torco’s CompetitionPlus.com Pro Stock No. 1 qualifier Berner, of Crete, Ill., came into this race one point behind John Montecalvo for the championship standings lead. By taking the top spot with his 6.424, 217.11, as well as the Quarter-Max Pro Stock Challenge bonus, he enters Sunday’s elimination rounds with the lead. Robert Patrick holds the second spot, followed by two defending world champions, Steve Spiess and Brian Gahm.

Berner’s 6.424 elapsed time and Gahm’s 217.18 mph speed set the Castrol Raceway record.

Professional eliminations are scheduled for Sunday at 10:30 p.m., 12 noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. For more information, log onto www.ihra.com. The CARS RV & Marine & Motorsport Rocky Mountain Nationals presented by Torco Racing Fuels is the fourth of eleven events on the $19.5 million 2007 Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series.

EDMONTON, Alb. -- First-round pairings for professional eliminations Sunday for the CARS RV & Marine & Motorsport Rocky Mountain Nationals presented by TORCO Racing Fuels at Castrol Raceway, the fourth of 11 events in the $19.5 million 2007 Knoll - Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series. Pairings based on results in qualifying, which ended Saturday.

Top Fuel -- 1. Doug Foley, 4.581 seconds, 325.53 mph vs. 5. Bruce Litton, 4.719, 320.74; 2. T.J. Zizzo, 4.609, 326.16 vs. 6. Jeff O'Neill, 4.766, 304.53; 3. Mike Strasburg, 4.629, 266.69 vs. 7. Terry McMillen, 4.846, 261.67; 4. Scotty Cannon, 4.695, 318.32 vs. 8. Bobby Lagana Jr., 4.856, 291.95.

Nitro Funny Car -- 1. Bob Gilbertson, Dodge Stratus, 4.831, 312.13 vs. 5. Dale Creasy Jr., Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.065, 302.62; 2. Steven Macklyn, Pontiac Firebird, 5.041, 296.63 vs. 6. Jack Wyatt, Stratus, 5.374, 228.92; 3. Paul Lee, Monte Carlo, 5.049, 300.86 vs. 7. Andy Kelley, Firebird, 5.472, 205.22; 4. Terry Haddock, Stratus, 5.052, 297.68 vs. 8. Randy Bykowsky, Monte Carlo, 5.988, 237.30.

Pro Modified -- 1. Kenny Lang, Chevy Corvette, 6.102, 234.45 vs. 9. Quain Stott, Corvette, 6.209, 230.61; 2. Carl Spiering, Chevy Camaro, 6.103, 234.37 vs. 10. Danny Rowe, Corvette, 6.221, 229.55; 3. Scott Cannon, Pontiac Firebird, 6.128, 233.24 vs. 11. Joe Delehay, Dodge Viper, 6.222, 228.31; 4. Chip King, Dodge Daytona, 6.176, 233.64 vs. 12. Eddie Ware, Camaro, 6.225, 228.54; 5. Mike Castellana, Ford Mustang, 6.180, 228.31 vs. 13. Ed Hoover, Corvette, 6.242, 229.66; 6. Jim Halsey, Camaro, 6.181, 230.29 vs. 14. Gary Mason, Corvette, 6.260, 230.41; 7. Pat Stoken, Camaro, 6.184, 227.34 vs. 15. Harold Martin, Pontiac Grand Am, 6.276, 211.13; 8. Matt Hagan, Camaro, 6.187, 230.13 vs. 16. Kirk Kuhns, Willys, 6.277, 226.39.

Alcohol Funny Car -- 1. Rob Atchison, Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.887, 241.97 vs. 5. Terry McMillen, Dodge Avenger, 5.965, 233.20; 2. Terry Munroe, Monte Carlo, 5.907, 238.13 vs. 6. Larry Dobbs, Chevy Corvette, 5.968, 237.21; 3. Roger Bateman, Chevy Camaro, 5.908, 236.38 vs. 7. Trevor Lebsack, Ford Mustang, 6.052, 230.61; 4. Mark Thomas, Monte Carlo, 5.931, 241.67 vs. 8. John Evanchuk, Pontiac Firebird, 6.072, 229.47.

Pro Stock -- 1. Pete Berner, Pontiac GTO, 6.424, 217.11 vs. 8. Bob Bertsch, Ford Mustang, 6.478, 214.79; 2. Robert Patrick, Shelby Cobra, 6.433, 216.48 vs. 9. Rob Mansfield, Chevy Cobalt, 6.482, 215.03; 3. Steve Spiess, Cobalt, 6.438, 215.89 vs. 10. Rickie Smith, Cobalt, 6.483, 215.07; 4. Brian Gahm, Mustang, 6.441, 217.18 vs. 11. Dean Goforth, GTO, 6.490, 215.00; 5. John Montecalvo, Cobalt, 6.441, 215.44 vs. 12. Cary Goforth, Cobalt, 6.490, 215.37; 6. Frank Gugliotta, Cobalt, 6.469, 216.10 vs. 13. John Nobile, Mustang, 6.491, 215.37; 7. Elijah Morton, Mustang, 6.476, 215.27 vs. 14. Ronnie Humphrey, Mustang, 6.607, 210.80.
 

ZIZZO GOES 326 MPH TO SET CASTROL RACEWAY TRACK RECORD

EDMONTON, Alberta (July 6, 2007) – T.J. Zizzo, Lincolnshire, Ill., further displayed his hold on the Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam™ Drag Racing Series taking the Torco Racing Fuels Pro Nitro Top Fuel No. 1 spot after the day of qualifying. Zizzo’s 326.16 mph run set the Castrol Raceway speed record and put him in good position to win this weekend’s CARS RV & Marine & Motorsport Rocky Mountain Nationals presented by Torco Racing Fuels.

Other current No. 1 qualifiers include Terry Haddock (Knoll Gas Torco Racing Fuel Pro Nitro Funny Car), Scott Cannon Jr. (Torco’s CompetitionPlus.com Pro Modified), Rob Atchison (Alcohol Funny Car) and Pete Berner (Torco’s CompetitionPlus.com Pro Stock).

Zizzo took the top spot as well as the Top Fuel Last Man Standing bonus with his 4.609-second pass. Zizzo came into the Rocky Mountain Nationals 13 points ahead of Bruce Litton, who currently sits No. 3 with a 4.725. Doug Foley’s 4.645 puts him into the second position.

In Nitro Funny Car, Haddock holds the No. 1 position with a 5.052, 287.68. He’s currently fifth in the point standings and earned the Last Man Standing bonus. Charlotte, N.C.’s Bob Gilbertson is second, followed by Paul Lee and Steven Macklyn. Jason Duchene, of Beaumont, Alberta, is currently not in the field.

Current Torco’s CompetitionPlus.com Pro Modified No. 1 qualifier Cannon Jr., Lyman, S.C., covered the track in 6.128 seconds. He earned the Last Man Standing bonus as well. Ontario’s Carl Spiering sits second followed by Chip King and Jim Halsey. Cannon Jr. entered this event No. 1 in the standings with a 31-point lead over the field.

Ontario-native Atchison, entering this event fresh off a win at the last Nitro Jam race, holds the No. 1 Alcohol Funny Car spot with a 5.887, 241.97. The pass also earned him the Last Man Standing bonus. Terry Munroe sits second, followed by current points leader Mark Thomas. Calgary’s Roger Bateman is fourth and Edmonton’s John Evanchuk is currently No. 8.

Berner, Crete, Ill., jumped to the Pro Stock No. 1 spot with a 6.460, 215.20, which also locked up the Quarter-Max Pro Stock Challenge. He’s trailed by Brian Gahm, Robert Patrick, John Montecalvo and Bob Bertsch, rounding out the top five. Berner came into this event trailing Montecalvo by one point in the standings.

Racing resumes Saturday at 10 a.m., with professional qualifying rounds at 3 and 7:30 p.m. For more information, log onto www.ihra.com.  The CARS RV & Marine & Motorsport Rocky Mountain Nationals presented by Torco Racing Fuels is the fourth of eleven events on the $19.5 million 2007 Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series.

EDMONTON, Alb. -- Results Friday after qualifying for the CARS RV & Marine & Motorsport Rocky Mountain Nationals presented by Torco Racing Fuels at Castrol Raceway, fifth of 11 events in the $19.5 million 2007 Knoll - Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series. Qualifying will continue Saturday for Sunday's final eliminations.

Top Fuel -- 1. T.J. Zizzo, 4.609 seconds, 326.16 mph; 2. Doug Foley, 4.645, 325.53; 3. Bruce Litton, 4.725, 312.21; 4. Scotty Cannon, 4.750, 318.32; 5. Terry McMillen, 4.849, 261.67; 6. Bobby Lagana Jr., 4.984, 291.95; 7. Mitch King, 5.133, 229.55; 8. Mike Strasburg, 5.347, 173.74.

Nitro Funny Car -- 1. Terry Haddock, Dodge Stratus, 5.052, 297.68; 2. Bob Gilbertson, Stratus, 5.092, 243.28; 3. Paul Lee, Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.131, 244.52; 4. Steven Macklyn, Pontiac Firebird, 5.193, 296.63; 5. Dale Creasy Jr., Monte Carlo, 5.316, 274.22; 6. Jack Wyatt, Stratus, 5.394, 228.92; 7. Andy Kelley, Firebird, 5.472, 205.22; 8. Randy Bykowsky, Monte Carlo, 5.988, 237.30.

Pro Modified -- 1. Scott Cannon, Pontiac Firebird, 6.128, 232.35; 2. Carl Spiering, Chevy Camaro, 6.141, 231.36; 3. Chip King, Dodge Daytona, 6.176, 232.59; 4. Jim Halsey, Camaro, 6.181, 230.29; 5. Pat Stoken, Camaro, 6.184, 222.29; 6. Kenny Lang, Chevy Corvette, 6.199, 228.92; 7. Quain Stott, Corvette, 6.209, 230.61; 8. Ed Hoover, Corvette, 6.242, 227.46; 9. Matt Hagan, Camaro, 6.257, 226.20; 10. Mike Castellana, Ford Mustang, 6.261, 225.26; 11. Danny Rowe, Corvette, 6.290, 228.54; 12. Joe Delehay, Dodge Viper, 6.299, 225.41; 13. Eddie Ware, Camaro, 6.302, 226.39; 14. Gary Mason, Corvette, 6.332, 227.69; 15. Kirk Kuhns, Willys, 6.383, 218.05; 16. Kip Dupuis, Buick Special, 6.407, 222.25.

Alcohol Funny Car -- 1. Rob Atchison, Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.887, 241.97; 2. Terry Munroe, Monte Carlo, 5.907, 238.13; 3. Mark Thomas, Monte Carlo, 5.931, 241.67; 4. Roger Bateman, Chevy Camaro, 5.957, 234.45; 5. Larry Dobbs, Chevy Corvette, 5.990, 236.22; 6. Terry McMillen, Dodge Avenger, 6.023, 233.03; 7. Trevor Lebsack, Ford Mustang, 6.052, 228.19; 8. John Evanchuk, Pontiac Firebird, 6.072, 226.47.

Pro Stock -- 1. Pete Berner, Pontiac GTO, 6.460, 216.13; 2. Brian Gahm, Ford Mustang, 6.460, 214.76; 3. Robert Patrick, Shelby Cobra, 6.472, 213.54; 4. John Montecalvo, Chevy Cobalt, 6.480, 213.64; 5. Bob Bertsch, Mustang, 6.490, 213.33; 6. Steve Spiess, Cobalt, 6.494, 213.94; 7. Rob Mansfield, Cobalt, 6.497, 213.94; 8. Rickie Smith, Cobalt, 6.509, 213.33; 9. Elijah Morton, Mustang, 6.512, 213.60; 10. Cary Goforth, Cobalt, 6.527, 212.36; 11. Frank Gugliotta, Cobalt, 6.529, 212.09; 12. Dean Goforth, GTO, 6.543, 211.86; 13. Ronnie Humphrey, Mustang, 6.607, 208.20; 14. John Nobile, Mustang, 6.625, 210.87.
 

ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONALS EXPECTED TO SHATTER PREVIOUS ATTENDANCE MARK

NORWALK, Ohio (July 5, 2007) -- Last season the walk-up crowd at Castrol Raceway in Edmonton made the Rocky Mountain Nationals the most heavily-attended race in the history of the facility. This season the fans are not taking any chances.

The advance ticket sales for the 2007 version of the Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam event in Edmonton by far exceeds anything ever seen before. Last year’s successful event, coupled with a star-studded field, combined to make the CARS RV & Marine & Motorsport Rocky Mountain Nationals presented by Torco Racing Fuels the hottest ticket in town.

“The ticket demand has been unbelievable,” IHRA president Aaron Polburn said of the Rocky Mountain Nationals. “Rob Reeves and his staff have done an outstanding job of keeping up with the phones because, quite honestly, they are ringing non-stop. In fact our next three races, first in Edmonton, then in Grand Bend and finally in Martin, Michigan, are way ahead of last year’s ticket sales numbers. Edmonton should be an exciting weekend and really jump-start the rest of the season.”

Defending world champion Dale Creasy Jr. will look to defend his Torco Racing Fuels Pro Nitro Funny Car 2006 victory against the strongest and deepest Nitro Funny Car field Alberta, Canada has ever seen. Jack Wyatt will make the trip to Edmonton to do battle with Creasy while Andy Kelley, the runner up in Tulsa, and Bob Gilbertson will also look to knock Creasy off his perch.

Gilbertson, in fact, will be competing in his “Jungle Jim” tribute body, something extra for the fans in Edmonton to enjoy.

The Torco Racing Fuels Pro Nitro Top Fuel class is also as strong and as deep than at any other time in IHRA history. T.J. Zizzo will enter Edmonton with the points lead but a number of different drivers are within striking distance. Bruce Litton, who was the runner up in Tulsa, is within a couple rounds of Zizzo heading into Castrol Raceway. Bobby Lagana Jr., Scotty Cannon and Doug Foley are also well within range of the front-running Zizzo.

“It’s early in the season and there is a lot of racing left,” Lagana said. “T.J. is off to a fast start and has a great car with a strong team so the rest of us really have to step up our games so he doesn’t run away with it. Edmonton is going to be a battle because it really is a pivotal race.”

Scott Cannon Jr. has had the strongest car thus far on the 2007 Nitro Jam circuit, but a number of different drivers have Cannon in their sights…including a nitrous car. Pat Stoken proved a nitrous car could compete in what last season was a blower car class, Torco’s CompetitionPlus.com Pro Modified. Stoken claimed the Ironman at the Skull Shine Sooner Nationals, putting a nitrous car in the winner’s circle at a Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam event for the first time since Mike Castellana won in Budds Creek during the 2005 season.

Kenny Lang, Ed Hoover, Danny Rowe and defending world champion Quain Stott also are within 100 points of Cannon in the race for the championship.

In Alcohol Funny Car it looks like it will be, as usual, Mark Thomas and Rob Atchison battling it out for the championship. But Terry Munroe might have something to say about it, in the end, as well. Munroe won the first event of the season in San Antonio before Thomas claimed the Ironman at the Spring Nationals in Rockingham. Atchison held serve with an Ironman victory at Tulsa Raceway Park.

“Three winners in three events, that’s kind of cool,” Atchison said after his victory in Tulsa. “This class is so strong. It’s a battle any time you race Mark, Terry Munroe and his team are running well and there are others who can beat you. This is going to be very exciting all season because every round will be a big round.”

The same can be said for the Torco’s CompetitionPlus.com Pro Stock class. John Montecalvo will head to Edmonton with the points lead, but that lead is by the slimmest of margins. Defending champion Pete Berner sits just one point behind Montecalvo on the strength of an Ironman victory in Tulsa. Robert Patrick, Brian Gahm, Rob Mansfield and Steve Spiess are also very much alive in the title hunt.

The CARS RV & Marine & Motorsports Rocky Mountain Nationals presented by Torco Racing Fuels are scheduled for July 6-8. Pro qualifying will commence Friday, July 6 at 3 p.m. followed by a second pro qualifying session at 7:30 p.m. Saturday will offer two professional qualifying sessions as well, the first at 3 p.m. followed by the Cervus Contractors Equipment JCB Night of Fire beginning at 7:30.

Professional eliminations are slated to begin Sunday, July 8 at 10:30 a.m.

To order tickets for the CARS RV & Marine & Motorsports Rocky Mountain Nationals presented by Torco Racing Fuels visit www.ihra.com  and click on the "Buy Tickets" link in the top-right corner. You can also purchase tickets at www.castrolraceway.com.
 

OFFICIALS RESCHEDULE SOONER NATIONALS JUNE 23

TULSA, Okla. (May 27, 2007) – IHRA and Tulsa Raceway Park officials have rescheduled the Skull Shine Sooner Nationals to be completed Saturday, June 23.

Despite several rain delays Friday and Saturday, all three rounds of professional qualifying were completed. However, Sunday brought more rain which was expected to last all day.

“The first real glimpse of dry weather isn’t until Tuesday or Wednesday,” said IHRA president Aaron Polburn. “So, it’s impossible to run this race as scheduled. It’s a tough call to have to make, but we feel it’s the right one based on weather forecasts and all the rain we’ve already experienced.”

The Sooner Nationals will return to Tulsa and be run to completion Saturday, June 23. Move-in day for race teams will be Friday, June 22.

All advance tickets that were purchased for Sunday will be honored on the make-up date. Professional fields are set and closed to new entries. All sportsman fields are still open.

The complete race schedule will be released on www.ihra.com  later this week.

All participants and others must return to the event with their original entry wrist-band. Sportsman competitors that cannot return may transfer out of the race at no charge, based on IHRA’s transfer policy.

Tickets are still available via Carson Attractions, www.carsonattractions.com  or (918) 584-2000, Ticketmaster, or www.tulsaracewaypark.com.  For more information log onto www.ihra.com. 

The Skull Shine Sooner Nationals presented by Wolverine and Academy Sports + Outdoors is the third event of the $19.5 million Knoll Gas Nitro Jam™ Drag Racing Series.
 

OKLAHOMA RACING FANS PACK TULSA RACEWAY PARK
Densham, Litton, Cannon Jr., Atchison and Berner Top Qualifiers

TULSA, Okla. (May 26, 2007) – Gary Densham, Bellflower, Calif., took the No. 1 Knoll Gas Torco Racing Fuels Pro Nitro Funny Car qualifying position during the Skull Shine Sooner Nationals at Tulsa Raceway Park before a capacity crowd. Other No. 1 qualifiers include Bruce Litton (Top Fuel), Scott Cannon Jr. (Pro Modified), Rob Atchison (Alcohol Funny Car) and Pete Berner (Pro Stock).

Densham held his ground from Friday night and picked up another Last Man Standing bonus with a 4.8878, 314.02. Tim Wilkerson is qualified second, followed by Jon Capps and Terry Haddock. Bob Gilbertson, who entered the race No. 5 in the point standings, did not qualify.

“We should have ran better today, but all of the sudden the car tried to run so fast,” said Densham. “It’s better to go down the racetrack than not go down. We are happy with tonight, but you don’t spend all this money on the car to run the same as you did before. The goal is to run faster. It’s a beautiful facility, so we should be running faster. Maybe we are expecting more than we should, but I don’t think there’s any excuse why the car isn’t running low 4.70s.”

Knoll Gas Torco Racing Fuels Pro Nitro Top Fuel No. 1 qualifier Litton, Indianapolis, took the top spot during the final session with a 4.626, 310.98, to also take the Last Man Standing. Litton’s ET set the track record. Doug Foley’s 325.37 mph pass gave him the track speed record and placed him fourth. Mike Strasburg qualified second, followed by Friday’s low qualifier T.J. Zizzo.

In Torco’s CompetitionPlus.com Pro Modified, Cannon Jr. took the No. 1 spot with a track record 6.053. The current points leader, Cannon’s in position to extend that lead over the field. He’s followed by Mike Janis who set the track speed record at 235.89. Shannon Jenkins, who was Friday’s Last Man Standing winner, took Saturday’s as well to earn a total 10 bonus points.

Alcohol Funny Car low qualifier Atchison, of Ontario, Canada, is showing signs of why he’s a three-time former world champion, covering the Tulsa dragstrip in 5.820, 245.85 to set the track record. Larry Dobbs sits second, followed by Terry Munroe. Mark Thomas is fourth and won Saturday’s Last Man Standing for the class. Thomas is the defending world champion.

Berner used a track record-setting 6.370, 219.72, to jump to the top of the Torco’s CompetitionPlus.com Pro Stock category, as well as earning the Quarter-Max Pro Stock Challenge bonus. Berner is the defending Knoll Gas Nitro Jam world champion, and is followed by two-time former world champ Brian Gahm and one-time champ John Nobile. Current points leader John Montecalvo sits fourth. The father-and-son team of Dean and Cary Goforth, of Holdenville, Okla., are seventh and tenth respectively.

Montecalvo won the Wayne-Dalton “Turn on the Lights” program for cutting the quickest light of professional qualifying. He earned it with a 0.033 reaction time.

Professional eliminations are scheduled for Sunday at 10:30 p.m., 12 noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. For more information, log onto www.ihra.com. The Skull Shine Sooner Nationals presented by Wolverine and Academy Sports + Outdoors is the third of eleven events on the $19.5 million 2007 Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series.

TULSA, Okla. -- First-round pairings for professional eliminations Sunday for the Inaugural Skull Shine Sooner Nationals presented by Wolverine and Academy Sports + Outdoors at Tulsa Race Way Park, the third of 11 events in the $19.5 million 2007 Knoll - Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series. Pairings based on results in qualifying, which ended Saturday.

Top Fuel -- 1. Bruce Litton, 4.626 seconds, 310.98 mph vs. 5. Luigi Novelli, 4.701, 305.36; 2. Mike Strasburg, 4.633, 308.57 vs. 6. Scotty Cannon, 4.760, 308.99; 3. T.J. Zizzo, 4.644, 314.68 vs. 7. Bobby Lagana Jr., 4.795, 300.46; 4. Doug Foley, 4.667, 325.37 vs. 8. Scott Palmer, 4.797, 300.73.

Nitro Funny Car -- 1. Gary Densham, Chevy Impala, 4.878, 314.02 vs. 5. Dale Creasy Jr., Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.139, 296.96; 2. Tim Wilkerson, Impala, 4.929, 311.20 vs. 6. Andy Kelley, Pontiac Firebird, 5.176, 296.05; 3. Jon Capps, Monte Carlo, 5.051, 304.05 vs. 7. Jack Wyatt, Dodge Stratus, 5.180, 272.72; 4. Terry Haddock, Stratus, 5.065, 293.79 vs. 8. Todd Simpson, Chevy Camaro, 5.327, 216.48.

Pro Modified -- 1. Scott Cannon, Pontiac Firebird, 6.053, 233.72 vs. 9. Burton Auxier, Chevy Corvette, 6.198, 224.51; 2. Mike Janis, Chevy Cobalt, 6.097, 235.89 vs. 10. Rickie Smith, Corvette, 6.203, 225.41; 3. Shannon Jenkins, Pontiac GTO, 6.112, 231.79 vs. 11. Jason Hamstra, Corvette, 6.212, 226.73; 4. Jim Halsey, Chevy Camaro, 6.145, 231.44 vs. 12. Matt Hagan, Camaro, 6.214, 229.70; 5. Danny Rowe, Corvette, 6.150, 231.60 vs. 13. Harold Martin, Pontiac Grand Am, 6.238, 227.27; 6. Pat Stoken, Camaro, 6.165, 228.73 vs. 14. Kenny Lang, Corvette, 6.242, 230.69; 7. Quain Stott, Corvette, 6.187, 232.55 vs. 15. Ed Hoover, Corvette, 6.256, 226.09; 8. Eddie Ware, Camaro, 6.190, 228.42 vs. 16. Joe Mulligan, Camaro, 6.381, 230.65.

Alcohol Funny Car -- 1. Rob Atchison, Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.820, 245.85 vs. 5. Tim Stevens, Dodge Stratus, 5.977, 237.80; 2. Larry Dobbs, Chevy Corvette, 5.863, 238.17 vs. 6. Trevor Lebsack, Ford Mustang, 6.018, 232.59; 3. Terry Munroe, Monte Carlo, 5.876, 239.14 vs. 7. Terry McMillen, Dodge Avenger, 6.052, 234.82; 4. Mark Thomas, Monte Carlo, 5.908, 242.15 vs. 8. Tony Bogolo, Mustang, 6.127, 226.47.

Pro Stock -- 1. Pete Berner, Pontiac GTO, 6.370, 219.72 vs. 9. Frank Gugliotta, Ford Mustang, 6.440, 216.48; 2. Brian Gahm, Mustang, 6.395, 217.53 vs. 10. Cary Goforth, Chevy Cobalt, 6.441, 217.42; 3. John Nobile, Mustang, 6.401, 217.53 vs. 11. Rickie Smith, Cobalt, 6.444, 215.58; 4. John Montecalvo, Cobalt, 6.401, 216.86 vs. 12. Elijah Morton, Mustang, 6.457, 216.41; 5. Steve Spiess, Cobalt, 6.401, 216.58 vs. 13. Brad Jeter, Ford Escort, 6.461, 215.44; 6. Robert Patrick, Shelby Cobra, 6.408, 216.31 vs. 14. Dan Sweeney, GTO, 6.462, 215.41; 7. Dean Goforth, GTO, 6.416, 216.90 vs. 15. Ronnie Humphrey, Escort, 6.469, 216.41; 8. Rob Mansfield, Cobalt, 6.427, 216.93 vs. 16. Doug Kirk, Cobra, 6.479, 212.83.
 

ZIZZO TOP FUEL NO. 1 AFTER FRIDAY QUALIFYING
All Pro Categories Set Tulsa Raceway Park Records

TULSA, Okla. (May 25, 2007) – T.J. Zizzo, of Lincolnshire, Ill., took the provisional No. 1 Top Fuel qualifying spot Friday at Tulsa Raceway Park with a track record-setting 4.649 ET at 314.68 mph pass. Other provisional No. 1 qualifiers for the Skull Shine Sooner Nationals include Gary Densham (Nitro Funny Car), Shannon Jenkins (Pro Modified), Larry Dobbs (Alcohol Funny Car) and Robert Patrick (Pro Stock).

Current Knoll Gas Torco Racing Fuels Pro Nitro Top Fuel points leader Zizzo covered the quarter-mile in 4.649 seconds at 314.68 mph. He picked up the provisional No. 1 qualifying spot and the Last Man Standing, earning five bonus points. He’s followed by Bruce Litton, Scott Palmer and Bobby Lagana Jr. Scotty Cannon sits on the bump spot.

“We made a good little run,” said Zizzo. “We expected a mid-4.60, and that’s what we did. We wanted to come out here and lay down a good pass for the Tulsa fans. We gave them the fastest one ever down this track.”

Densham, Bellflower, Calif., a regular on the NHRA circuit, jumped into the No. 1 spot with a 4.887, 311.05, also claiming the Last Man Standing. Jon Capps, Las Vegas, sits second followed by Tim Wilkerson and Jack Wyatt. Current points leader Dale Creasy Jr. is currently No. 7.

Jenkins, Tuscaloosa, Ala., grabbed the provisional Torco’s CompetitionPlus.com Pro Modified No. 1 position and the Last Man Standing with a 6.154, 230.65. Rickie Smith is second, Pat Stoken third and Matt Hagan fourth. Dave Pierce, Claremore, Okla, is currently tenth.

Ontario’s Dobbs holds the No. 1 and Last Man Standing Alcohol Funny Car spot with a 5.863, 237.09. He’s trailed by Rob Atchison, also from Ontario, then Ohio’s Mark Thomas and current points leader Terry Munroe.

In Torco’s CompetitionPlus.com Pro Stock, Patrick, Fredericksburg, Va., sits in the No. 1 spot with a 6.408, 216.31. Patrick won the Pro Stock category at the last IHRA national event in Tulsa. However, it was Rob Mansfield with his 6.427-second winning round pass that earned him the QuarterMax Pro stock Challenge and current fourth position on the qualifying ladder. Pete Berner sits second, followed by Dean Goforth, Holdenville, Okla., whose son Cary Goforth sits No. 11.

Each class established track records for Tulsa Raceway Park.

Top Fuel: T.J. Zizzo, 4.649, 314.68
Nitro Funny Car: Gary Densham, 4.887, 311.05
Pro Modified: Shannon Jenkins, 6.154, Mike Janis, 232.67
Alcohol Funny Car: Larry Dobbs, 5.863, Mark Thomas, 242.15
Pro Stock: Robert Patrick, 6.408, Pete Berner, 218.37

Qualifying resumes Saturday at 9 a.m., with professional qualifying rounds two and three at 12 noon and 6:30 p.m., respectively. For more information, log onto www.ihra.com. The Skull Shine Sooner Nationals presented by Wolverine and Academy Sports + Outdoors is the third of eleven events on the $19.5 million 2007 Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series.

TULSA, Okla. -- Results Friday after qualifying for the Inaugural Skull Shine Sooner Nationals presented by Wolverine and Academy Sports + Outdoors at Tulsa Raceway Park, third of 11 events in the $19.5 million 2007 Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series. Qualifying will continue Saturday for Sunday's final eliminations.

Top Fuel -- 1. T.J. Zizzo, 4.649 seconds, 314.68 mph; 2. Bruce Litton, 4.670, 295.01; 3. Scott Palmer, 4.797, 268.71; 4. Bobby Lagana Jr., 4.832, 300.46; 5. Chris Karamesines, 4.951, 260.41; 6. Mitch King, 5.255, 259.96; 7. Mike Strasburg, 6.320, 170.02; 8. Scotty Cannon, 6.414, 128.01.

Nitro Funny Car -- 1. Gary Densham, Chevy Impala, 4.887, 311.05; 2. Jon Capps, Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.051, 300.60; 3. Tim Wilkerson, Impala, 5.089, 292.20; 4. Jack Wyatt, Dodge Stratus, 5.180, 267.91; 5. Terry Haddock, Stratus, 6.165, 154.46; 6. Bob Gilbertson, Stratus, 7.934, 125.23; 7. Dale Creasy Jr., Monte Carlo, 8.554, 95.68; 8. Paul Lee, Monte Carlo, 9.482, 95.69.

Pro Modified -- 1. Shannon Jenkins, Pontiac GTO, 6.154, 230.65; 2. Rickie Smith, Chevy Corvette, 6.203, 225.41; 3. Pat Stoken, Chevy Camaro, 6.207, 228.73; 4. Matt Hagan, Camaro, 6.214, 228.23; 5. Scott Cannon, Pontiac Firebird, 6.219, 230.92; 6. Quain Stott, Corvette, 6.243, 232.27; 7. Mike Janis, Chevy Cobalt, 6.279, 232.67; 8. Eddie Ware, Camaro, 6.326, 225.63; 9. Jim Halsey, Camaro, 6.345, 228.58; 10. Dave Pierce, Corvette, 6.604, 204.91; 11. Kenny Lang, Corvette, 6.896, 164.87; 12. Jason Hamstra, Corvette, 6.922, 213.20; 13. Mike Castellana, Ford Mustang, 8.399, 105.59; 14. Harold Martin, Pontiac Grand Am, 8.525, 112.60; 15. Danny Rowe, Corvette, 9.650, 88.68; 16. John Russo, Camaro, 10.849, 78.09.

Alcohol Funny Car -- 1. Larry Dobbs, Chevy Corvette, 5.863, 237.09; 2. Rob Atchison, Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.882, 241.45; 3. Mark Thomas, Monte Carlo, 5.910, 242.15; 4. Terry Munroe, Monte Carlo, 5.911, 239.14; 5. Terry McMillen, Dodge Avenger, 6.070, 229.16; 6. Trevor Lebsack, Ford Mustang, 6.095, 194.52; 7. Tim Stevens, Dodge Stratus, 6.107, 232.19.

Pro Stock -- 1. Robert Patrick, Shelby Cobra, 6.408, 216.31; 2. Pete Berner, Pontiac GTO, 6.410, 218.37; 3. Dean Goforth, GTO, 6.416, 216.90; 4. Rob Mansfield, Chevy Cobalt, 6.427, 216.90; 5. Rickie Smith, Cobalt, 6.444, 215.41; 6. Brian Gahm, Ford Mustang, 6.445, 216.86; 7. John Montecalvo, Cobalt, 6.449, 216.41; 8. Elijah Morton, Mustang, 6.466, 216.41; 9. John Nobile, Mustang, 6.469, 216.58; 10. Dan Sweeney, GTO, 6.474, 215.24; 11. Cary Goforth, Cobalt, 6.478, 216.24; 12. Frank Gugliotta, Mustang, 6.483, 216.48; 13. Doug Kirk, Mustang, 6.496, 212.63; 14. Chuck DeMory, Ford Escort, 6.505, 216.10; 15. Ed Machacek, Chevy Cavalier, 6.518, 213.54; 16. Bob Bertsch, Mustang, 6.520, 214.79.
 

THIRTY NITRO CARS EXPECTED FOR THIS WEEKEND’S NITRO JAM EVENT IN TULSA
Densham and Wilkerson Recently Added to 320 mph Nitro Funny Car Field

NORWALK, Ohio (May 23, 2007) – With the recent additions of Gary Densham and Tim Wilkerson to the Skull Shine Sooner Nationals Nitro Funny Car lineup, nearly 30 of the flame-throwing, 320 mph nitro-powered dragsters and cars will compete this weekend, May 25 – 27, at Tulsa Raceway Park.

“As Americans adjust to deal with the rising cost of gas, the Nitro Jam event offers people in Tulsa a great piece of entertainment that’s close to home,” said IHRA vice president of marketing Jim Marchyshyn. “Tulsa Raceway Park is just minutes from downtown and easily accessible. In addition to saving gas, fans and families can take advantage of an affordable day at the races.”

Densham, running select Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam™ events in 2006, won two races and finished 7th in the final point standings. He and Wilkerson are both multiple-time event winners on the NHRA circuit.

Also pre-registered for Torco Racing Fuels Pro Nitro Funny Car this weekend include defending world champion and current points leader Dale Creasy Jr., Jack Wyatt, Jon Capps, Bob Gilbertson, Terry Haddock, Andy Kelley, Todd Simpson, Paul Lee and James Day.

The Torco Racing Fuels Pro Top Fuel entries include Scotty Cannon, T.J. Zizzo, Bobby Lagana Jr., Doug Foley, Bruce Litton, Terry McMillen, Chris Karamesines, Scott Weis, Mike Strasburg, Jim Cavaleri, Fred Farndon, Kevin Jones, Mitch King, Luigi Novelli, Jack Ostrander and Michael Gunderson. Oklahoma native Scott Palmer will be competing in Top Fuel as well.

All professional categories will qualify Friday (May 25) at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday (May 26) at 12 noon and 6:30 p.m. Eliminations are scheduled for Sunday (May 27) at 10:30 a.m., 12 noon, 2 p.m. and final round at 4 p.m.

The Warren CAT “Night of Fire” show, part of Saturday’s 6:30 p.m. session, features the final round of professional qualifying under the lights, including two flame-burning Nitro-fueled classes. The ground-pounding Super Shockwave jet-powered truck will cap-off the night with a blast down the track.

For more information on the Skull Shine Sooner Nationals presented by Wolverine and Academy Sports + Outdoors, please visit www.ihra.com or www.tulsaracewaypark.com.

Buy Tickets through Carson Attractions, www.carsonattractions.com  or (918) 584-2000, or visit http://www.ihra.com/results/2007/nitrojam.html.
 

ETHANOL-SPONSORED MARK THOMAS ENTERS TULSA NITRO JAM IN CHAMPIONSHIP FORM
Ohio Farmer Promotes Alternative Fuels at Drag Racing Event

NORWALK, Ohio (May 11, 2007) – Alcohol Funny Car driver Mark Thomas divides his time between his two passions: drag racing and farming.

Growing up on the family farm located just outside Canton, Ohio, Thomas, 48, has grown it into one of the largest in the state. His success on the track speaks for itself: 6 world championships and 27 career wins, the most in the history of the class.

He’s found a unique way to combine his two passions. Spending his weekdays on the farm and weekends at the track, Thomas uses his race car as a 250 mph billboard promoting the ethanol industry, a sponsorship that began with the Ohio Corn Growers Association nearly 20 years ago.

Thomas, the defending Alcohol Funny Car world champion, will be competing May 25 – 27 at Tulsa Raceway Park during the upcoming Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam™ Drag Racing Series event, the Skull Shine Sooner Nationals presented by Wolverine and Academy Sports + Outdoors. The race marks the first national event drag race to be hosted at Tulsa Raceway Park in the modern era. Thomas finished runner-up to Jimmy Rector at a national event in Tulsa in 1996. Buy Tickets: http://www.ihra.com/results/2007/nitrojam.html .

“I love that area of the country,” said Thomas. “Tulsa is a neat place to go, a neat place to race. The fans are great. I raced there before and really enjoyed the place. I look forward to going back there.”

Despite sitting second in the current point standings, behind recent standout Terry Munroe, Thomas is in fine position to be in the hunt by the final race of the season, October 19-21 in Rockingham, N.C. The odds always seem to be with him. His racing career spans three decades. He won his first world championship in 1990.

“Both Terry (Munroe) and I have been in both of the finals this year. We each have a win and a runner-up,” said Thomas. “We are finally hitting our stride and figuring this hot rod out. We had some issues with it last year not being as consistently fast as we wanted it to be. But all of a sudden we found some new things and we are making it go fast. And when it’s consistent it means you can keep working on making it faster.”

In addition to racing and farming, Thomas spends a lot of time promoting alternative fuels. He’s made appearances on Capitol Hill and various corporate speaking engagements, displaying the ethanol image painted on the side of his car. Thomas believes in the ethanol industry and proudly campaigns its message, along with supporting various corn growers associations.

“Nobody likes the turmoil in the Middle East, and with ethanol, we can support the Midwest, not the Middle East. We can keep the money in our country,” added Thomas.

For more information on the Skull Shine Sooner Nationals presented by Wolverine and Academy Sports + Outdoors, please visit www.ihra.com  or www.tulsaracewaypark.com.
 

TULSA RACEWAY PARK TO HOST INAUGURAL KNOLL-GAS NITRO JAM EVENT MAY 25-27

NORWALK, Ohio (May 7, 2007) – The Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam™ Drag Racing Series will host it’s inaugural event in Tulsa, Okla., May 25 – 27. The event, the Skull Shine Sooner Nationals presented by Wolverine and Academy Sports + Outdoors, marks the first national event drag race to be hosted at Tulsa Raceway Park in the modern era.

( Buy Tickets: http://www.ihra.com/results/2007/nitrojam.html ).

“This is an opportunity for Oklahoma fans to see the fastest and quickest drag racing vehicles on the planet, including 330 mph Top Fuel dragsters and Nitro Funny Cars,” said IHRA vice president of marketing Jim Marchyshyn. “The event brings a great package of entertainment for hardcore motor sport fans and the casual fan. Parents will discover the Sooner Nationals is a great place to bring the kids and enjoy an affordable day of family fun.

“Tulsa has a great drag racing heritage and we are looking forward to a great event,” added Marchyshyn.

Tulsa Raceway Park offers fans free parking. A pit pass is included with every ticket, giving fans the opportunity to go “backstage” and meet the drivers.

Five professional categories will compete during the Skull Shine Sooner Nationals:

320 mph Torco Racing Fuels Pro Nitro Top Fuel Dragsters, the kings of the sport, the pinnacle of drag racing performance
Defending world champion: Clay Millican
320 mph Torco Racing Fuels Pro Nitro Funny Cars, the quickest and fastest full-bodied race cars, a fan-favorite
Defending world champion: Dale Creasy Jr.
240 mph Torco’s CompetitionPlus.com Pro Modified, a diverse-group of wild, full-bodied cars embodying the true spirit of hot-rodding
Defending world champion: Quain Stott
220 mph Torco’s CompetitionPlus.com Pro Stock, the world’s quickest “stock” category, the cars maintain street identity while pushing performance limits
Defending world champion: Pete Berner
250 mph Alcohol Funny Car, known for long, smoky burnouts, powered by supercharged, fuel-injected engines
Defending world champion: Mark Thomas

All professional categories will qualify Friday (May 25) at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday (May 26) at 12 noon and 6:30 p.m. Eliminations are scheduled for Sunday (May 27) at 10:30 a.m., 12 noon, 2 p.m. and final round at 4 p.m.

“An IHRA event offers more than just the racing on-track. Families matter. A child’s ticket is just $5. Our pits are open to every fan that comes to the race, giving people the opportunity to walk around amongst the race rigs, talk to the drivers, get autographs, visit the midway,” said Marchyshyn. “We present a wide-variety of race cars as well, from the highest performing professional cars to entry-level classes. And every Nitro Jam event features a jet-powered vehicle that delivers the ultimate experience. When these cars launch, you can literally feel the heat and raw power they emit.”

The Warren CAT “Night of Fire” show, part of Saturday’s 6:30 p.m. session, features the final round of professional qualifying under the lights, including two flame-burning Nitro-fueled classes. The ground-pounding Super Shockwave jet-powered truck will cap-off the night with a blast down the track.

For more information on the Skull Shine Sooner Nationals presented by Wolverine and Academy Sports + Outdoors, please visit www.ihra.com  or www.tulsaracewaypark.com.
 

DOBBINS WINS WAYNE-DALTON “TURN ON THE LIGHTS” PROGRAM AT ROCKINGHAM

ROCKINGHAM, N.C. (April 22, 2007) – Jeff Dobbins was rewarded Sunday for recording the quickest professional reaction time during qualifying at the Spring Nationals presented by Advance Auto Parts and Castrol.

Dobbins, of Wilmington, N.C., won the Wayne-Dalton “Turn on the Lights” award with a 0.016 reaction time at Rockingham Dragway during Torco’s CompetitionPlus.com Pro Stock qualifying. Wayne-Dalton, the “Official Garage Door and Home Control Company” of the IHRA, will reward Dobbins $1,000 and a Wayne-Dalton Home Control Kit.

Pro Stock driver Chuck DeMory was also recognized for winning the Wayne-Dalton “Turn on the Lights” program in San Antonio. DeMory won the prize with an impressive 0.002 reaction time.

Log onto www.ihra.com or www.wayne-dalton.com for more information.
 

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CAPPS CLAIMS TOP SPOT IN ROCKINGHAM

Foley, Cannon Jr., Munroe and Mansfield also qualify at the top of their classes in front of one of thelargest crowds in Rockingham Dragway history

ROCKINGHAM, N.C. (April 21, 2007) – The perfect weather and ideal racing conditions made for a sizzling evening qualifying session at the IHRA Spring Nationals presented by Advance Auto Parts and Castrol in Rockingham, N.C. With the race teams taking advantage of the spring-like air, the North Carolina racing fans took advantage as well…filling Rockingham Dragway to capacity in what ended up being one of the largest crowds in the history of the fabled drag strip.

Jon Capps, Las Vegas, Nev., gave the capacity crowd a thrill when he blasted to a 4.974 at 289.94 mph to claim the top qualifying spot in the Knoll-Gas Torco Racing Fuels Pro Nitro Funny Car class. Capps, piloting the Vegas Fuel ’05 Monte Carlo in just his second-ever national event, waited until Saturday evening to put his best foot forward. He was sitting on the bump spot after the first two qualifying sessions, but his clean Saturday evening pass put him at the top of the qualifying sheet and also secured him Last Man Standing honors.

“We needed those bonus points after what happened in San Antonio,” Capps, who was assessed a black flag penalty at the season-opening Texas Nationals, said. “The track was great. IHRA and the staff at Rockingham Dragway did a great job of getting this track ready.”

Capps actually clicked off early on his run but still was able to clock the quickest time of all qualifying sessions.

“It started to labor a little bit so I clicked it off early,” Capps said. “I didn’t want to hurt any parts because we want to go rounds tomorrow.”

Doug Foley, Sewell, N.J., held the top spot in Knoll-Gas Torco Racing Fuels Pro Nitro Top Fuel as his Friday evening 4.552 at 320.74 mph Friday night held up after both Saturday sessions. Texas Nationals champion Bruce Litton, Indianapolis, was second on the sheet with a 4.631, 314.61 pass while T.J. Zizzo, Lincolnshire, Ill., was third. Zizzo was the Top Fuel Last Man Standing, grabbing five bonus points for posting the quickest ET of all winning drivers during the Saturday evening qualifying session.

“That’s what we’re excited about, that’s what matters,” Zizzo said of the five bonus points. “Those extra points could end up meaning a whole lot at the end of a tight world championship points race.”

Foley will face Scott Weis in the first round of eliminations Sunday afternoon. Litton will square off with Bobby Lagana Jr. while Zizzo will do battle with Scotty Cannon. No. 4 qualifier Michael Gunderson will face No. 8 qualifier Mitch King in the remaining first round match-up.

Scott Cannon Jr. was the only Torco’s CompetitionPlus.com Pro Modified car to run in the five second range at Rockingham…and he did so twice. Cannon, Lyman, S.C., claimed the No. 1 qualifying spot with a 5.992 pass Saturday morning before a 5.998 pass Saturday evening garnered him Last Man Standing honors.

“We had her jacked up,” Cannon said. “We didn’t do too good at the last race and we wanted to get the Last Man Standing. We need all the points we can get.”

Rob Mansfield, Bradenton, Fla., had a very profitable Saturday evening qualifying session. In fact Mansfield didn’t do too badly Friday night, either. He qualified at the top of the sheet with a stout 6.333 at 217.98 mph in the Saturday evening session. He also was the Quarter-Max Pro Stock Challenge, claiming five bonus points for the second consecutive night.

“This is pretty special,” Mansfield said. “It was a nice run that felt really good. The crew did an excellent job and I’m really proud of them. It was a difficult run, trying to focus on the tree with that big ball of sun at the end of the track, but I got through it and it worked out.”

Steve Spiess, Manhattan, Ill., posted a 6.342, 219.12 pass Saturday evening to claim the second qualifying spot while Robert Patrick, Fredericksburg, Va., ended up in the third position with a 6.355. Mansfield will face San Antonio finalist John Montecalvo, Center Moriches, N.Y., in the first round of eliminations Sunday morning.

Jeff Dobbins, Wilmington, N.C., did not qualify for the field, but he did not walk away empty-handed as his 0.016 reaction time earned him the Wayne-Dalton “Turn on the Lights” award.

Terry Munroe, Beaver, Pa., came out swinging this season. After his win in San Antonio at the Texas Nationals he said his race team was serious about chasing the world championship this season. He backed up this talk by claiming the Alcohol Funny Car pole at the IHRA Spring Nationals…his second No. 1 qualifying effort in as many attempts this season.

Munroe drove his ’05 Monte Carlo to a 5.804 in Friday qualifying, a number that stood up after both Saturday qualifying sessions. Defending world champion Mark Thomas, Louisville, Ohio, ended up second on the qualifying ladder with a 5.813, 245.94 pass. Though he was second on the sheet he did claim Saturday Last Man Standing honors and the five bonus points that come with it.

“I love this track,” Thomas said. “I have won more at this track than any other on the IHRA tour. I love coming here and it has always been very good to me.”

Rocky Hummel, Knoxville, Tenn., was the No. 3 qualifier with a 5.860, 229.63 pass. Munroe will square off with Bunny Burkett in the first round of eliminations Sunday morning while Thomas will face Larry Dobbs while Hummel will square off with Rob Atchison.

Professional eliminations are scheduled for Sunday at 10:30 p.m., 12 noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. For more information, log onto www.ihra.com.  The Spring Nationals presented by Advance Auto Parts and Castrol is the second of twelve events on the $19.5 million 2007 Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series.


ROCKINGHAM, N.C. -- First-round pairings for professional eliminations Sunday for the Spring Nationals presented by Advance Auto Parts and Castrol at Rockingham Dragway, the second of 12 events in the $19.5 million 2007 Knoll - Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series. Pairings based on results in qualifying, which ended Saturday.

Top Fuel -- 1. Doug Foley, 4.552 seconds, 320.74 mph vs. 5. Scott Weis, 4.677, 306.74; 2. Bruce Litton, 4.631, 314.61 vs. 6. Bobby Lagana Jr., 4.859, 303.84; 3. T.J. Zizzo, 4.643, 319.29 vs. 7. Scotty Cannon, 4.904, 303.84; 4. Michael Gunderson, 4.677, 312.42 vs. 8. Mitch King, 5.137, 211.63.

Nitro Funny Car -- 1. Jon Capps, Chevy Monte Carlo, 4.974, 289.94 vs. 5. Paul Lee, Monte Carlo, 5.169, 286.50; 2. Terry Haddock, Dodge Stratus, 4.995, 297.16 vs. 6. Bob Gilbertson, Monte Carlo, 5.199, 230.92; 3. Dale Creasy Jr., Monte Carlo, 5.069, 302.35 vs. 7. Mitch King, Chevy Corvette, 5.228, 246.03; 4. Jack Wyatt, Stratus, 5.114, 242.67 vs. 8. Andy Kelley, Pontiac Firebird, 5.255, 271.08.

Pro Modified -- 1. Scott Cannon, Pontiac Firebird, 5.992, 237.63 vs. 9. Harold Martin, Pontiac Grand Am, 6.202, 229.04; 2. Danny Rowe, Chevy Corvette, 6.036, 234.70 vs. 10. Quain Stott, Corvette, 6.245, 231.87; 3. John Russo, Chevy Camaro, 6.065, 236.88 vs. 11. Steve Vick, Corvette, 6.255, 224.73; 4. Ed Hoover, Corvette, 6.068, 227.88 vs. 12. Kenny Lang, Corvette, 6.259, 218.44; 5. Kirk Kuhns, Willys, 6.148, 223.06 vs. 13. Jim Halsey, Camaro, 6.302, 225.71; 6. Mike Castellana, Ford Mustang, 6.168, 228.04 vs. 14. Kelly Martin, Chevy Bel Air, 6.384, 217.84; 7. Matt Hagan, Camaro, 6.194, 227.96 vs. 15. Chip King, Dodge Daytona, 6.426, 221.27; 8. Pat Stoken, Camaro, 6.200, 227.92 vs. 16. Mike Janis, Chevy Cobalt, 6.478, 228.50.

Alcohol Funny Car -- 1. Terry Munroe, Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.804, 240.04 vs. 5. Bunny Burkett, Dodge Avenger, 5.910, 243.06; 2. Mark Thomas, Monte Carlo, 5.813, 245.94 vs. 6. Larry Dobbs, Chevy Corvette, 5.921, 235.56; 3. Rocky Hummel, Chevy Camaro, 5.860, 229.63 vs. 7. Rob Atchison, Monte Carlo, 5.925, 241.37; 4. Neal Parker, Monte Carlo, 5.897, 236.13 vs. 8. Trevor Lebsack, Ford Mustang, 5.950, 236.13.

Pro Stock -- 1. Rob Mansfield, Chevy Cobalt, 6.333, 218.51 vs. 9. John Montecalvo, Cobalt, 6.381, 218.37; 2. Steve Spiess, Cobalt, 6.342, 219.54 vs. 10. Elijah Morton, Ford Mustang, 6.386, 216.48; 3. Robert Patrick, Shelby Cobra, 6.355, 219.72 vs. 11. Cary Goforth, Cobalt, 6.393, 218.80; 4. Brian Gahm, Mustang, 6.356, 219.69 vs. 12. Larry O'Brien, Dodge Stratus, 6.421, 216.83; 5. John Nobile, Mustang, 6.358, 219.72 vs. 13. Doug Kirk, Mustang, 6.424, 215.07; 6. Pete Berner, Pontiac GTO, 6.359, 219.47 vs. 14. John Bartunek, Cobalt, 6.428, 216.79; 7. Mike Corvo Jr, Cobalt, 6.365, 218.69 vs. 15. Frank Gugliotta, Mustang, 6.430, 215.72; 8. Rickie Smith, Cobalt, 6.367, 219.69 vs. 16. Anthony Paone, GTO, 6.435, 216.13.
 

FOLEY NO. 1 TOP FUEL QUALIFIER AT ROCKINGHAM
Haddock, Rowe, Munroe and Mansfield Also Provisional Top Qualifiers

Contact: Travis Reynolds/Mike Perry

ROCKINGHAM, N.,C. (April 20, 2007) – Doug Foley, Sewell, N.J., earned the No. 1 spot in Knoll-Gas Torco Racing Fuels Pro Nitro Top Fuel after the first round of qualifying Friday at the Spring Nationals presented by Advance Auto Parts and Castrol. Other No. 1 qualifiers at Rockingham Dragway include Terry Haddock (Nitro Funny Car), Danny Rowe (Pro Modified), Terry Munroe (Alcohol Funny Car) and Rob Mansfield (Pro Stock).

Foley clocked a 4.552, 320.74 to take the top position. He won the “Last Man Standing” as well. Points leader Bruce Litton, Indianapolis, sits in the second position with a 4.631, followed by Michael Gunderson and Scott Weis at 4.677. Bobby Lagana Jr. sits on the bump-spot.

“The car moved around quite a bit,” said Foley. “It was a great run for us. That’s what we needed to come out and do. Everyone is running so tough this year that every point is going to count.”

Haddock, of Lynnwood, Wash., earned his first career provisional No. 1 qualifier in Knoll-Gas Torco Racing Fuels Pro Nitro Funny Car. He ran a 4.995 pass and locked up the “Last Man Standing.” Dale Creasy Jr., the current points leader sits second, followed by defending event champion Jack Wyatt and Todd Simpson. Jon Capps is on the bump-spot. Gastonia, N.C.-resident Bob Gilbertson is currently not in the field.

Laguna Hills, California-resident Rowe used the final Torco’s CompetitionPlus.com Pro Modified qualifying pass to sneak into the No. 1 spot and earn the “Last Man Standing” prize. Rowe ran the quarter-mile in 6.113, 234.70 and is followed by Mike Castellana, 6.185, Kirk Kuhns, 6.202 and Harold Martin, 6.223. Class points leader Ed Hoover, Gilbert, S.C., is currently not in the field.

Alcohol Funny Car points leader Munroe, Beaver, Pa., proved that his dominance in San Antonio last month was no fluke. He covered the track in 5.804-seconds at 240.04 mph to take the top spot and “Last Man Standing.” He’s trailed by Canadian Larry Dobbs, defending world champion Mark Thomas and Rob Atchison.

In Torco’s CompetitionPlus.com Pro Stock Mansfield, Winter Park, Fla., won the Quarter-Max Pro Stock Challenge with his provisional low qualifying ET of 6.333 seconds at 217.98 mph. Steve Spiess, a former winner at this event, sits in the second spot with a 6.342. Brian Gahm is third, followed by Mike Corvo and King, N.C.’s Rickie Smith.

Qualifying resumes at 9 a.m., with professional qualifying rounds two and three at 12 noon and 6:30 p.m., respectively. For more information, log onto www.ihra.com. The Spring Nationals is the second of twelve events on the $19.5 million 2007 Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series.


ROCKINGHAM, N.C. -- Results Friday after qualifying for the Spring Nationals presented by Advance Auto Parts and Castrol at Rockingham Dragway, second of 12 events in the $19.5 million 2007 Knoll - Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series. Qualifying will continue Saturday for Sunday's final eliminations.

Top Fuel -- 1. Doug Foley, 4.552 seconds, 320.74 mph; 2. Bruce Litton, 4.631, 314.61; 3. Michael Gunderson, 4.677, 312.42; 4. Scott Weis, 4.677, 306.74; 5. T.J. Zizzo, 5.186, 232.95; 6. Terry McMillen, 5.696, 155.19; 7. Scotty Cannon, 8.532, 87.34; 8. Bobby Lagana Jr., 9.773, 68.70.

Nitro Funny Car -- 1. Terry Haddock, Dodge Stratus, 4.995, 297.16; 2. Dale Creasy Jr., Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.255, 287.90; 3. Jack Wyatt, Stratus, 5.594, 236.26; 4. Todd Simpson, Chevy Camaro, 5.665, 213.60; 5. Andy Kelley, Pontiac Firebird, 6.571, 241.71; 6. Mitch King, Chevy Corvette, 7.671, 115.30; 7. Paul Lee, Monte Carlo, 8.881, 95.75; 8. Jon Capps, Monte Carlo, 10.416, 82.86.

Pro Modified -- 1. Danny Rowe, Chevy Corvette, 6.113, 234.70; 2. Mike Castellana, Ford Mustang, 6.185, 227.57; 3. Kirk Kuhns, Willys, 6.202, 223.06; 4. Harold Martin, Pontiac Grand Am, 6.223, 224.62; 5. Kenny Lang, Corvette, 6.259, 218.44; 6. Kelly Martin, Chevy Bel Air, 6.384, 217.84; 7. Pat Stoken, Chevy Camaro, 6.387, 206.35; 8. Matt Hagan, Camaro, 6.571, 166.54; 9. Quain Stott, Corvette, 6.658, 228.96; 10. Joe Mulligan, Camaro, 7.860, 168.28; 11. Jim Halsey, Camaro, 8.638, 127.16; 12. Scott Cannon, Pontiac Firebird, 8.925, 103.76; 13. Mike Janis, Chevy Cobalt, 9.269, 114.09; 14. Steve Vick, Corvette, 11.593, 90.95; 15. Shannon Jenkins, Pontiac GTO, 12.115, 71.75; 16. Burton Auxier, Corvette, 12.309, 85.99.

Alcohol Funny Car -- 1. Terry Munroe, Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.804, 240.04; 2. Larry Dobbs, Chevy Corvette, 5.921, 227.92; 3. Mark Thomas, Monte Carlo, 5.922, 239.31; 4. Rob Atchison, Monte Carlo, 5.925, 241.37; 5. Bunny Burkett, Dodge Avenger, 6.019, 235.97; 6. Neal Parker, Monte Carlo, 6.036, 233.48; 7. Tony Bogolo, Ford Mustang, 6.059, 222.66; 8. Tim Stevens, Dodge Stratus, 6.195, 202.42.


Pro Stock -- 1. Rob Mansfield, Chevy Cobalt, 6.333, 217.98; 2. Steve Spiess, Cobalt, 6.342, 219.12; 3. Brian Gahm, Ford Mustang, 6.356, 219.69; 4. Mike Corvo Jr, Cobalt, 6.365, 218.69; 5. Rickie Smith, Cobalt, 6.368, 219.44; 6. Pete Berner, Pontiac GTO, 6.381, 219.47; 7. John Montecalvo, Cobalt, 6.381, 218.37; 8. Elijah Morton, Mustang, 6.386, 216.48; 9. Robert Patrick, Shelby Cobra, 6.390, 218.72; 10. Cary Goforth, Cobalt, 6.393, 218.80; 11. Doug Kirk, Mustang, 6.424, 213.67; 12. Frank Gugliotta, Mustang, 6.430, 215.72; 13. Bob Bertsch, Mustang, 6.435, 215.96; 14. Chuck DeMory, Ford Escort, 6.439, 218.23; 15. Brad Jeter, Mustang, 6.443, 215.00; 16. Dean Goforth, GTO, 6.457, 217.07.
 

KNOLL-GAS NITRO JAM™ DRAG RACING HEADS TO ROCKINGHAM DRAGWAY

NORWALK, Ohio (April 17, 2007) – The next stop on the Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam™ Drag Racing Series is the Spring Nationals presented by Advance Auto Parts and Castrol, April 20 – 22 at Rockingham Dragway.

The event dates back to 1971 and includes winners such as Don Garlits (1972 and 1975), Ronnie Sox (1971), Clay Millican (2002 – 2006), Scotty Cannon (1991, 1993 and 1996), Mark Thomas (1991, 2003 – 2005) and Bruce Litton (1999 and 2000). Litton, the current Top Fuel points leader on the Nitro Jam series, always looks forward to racing at Rockingham.

“We’re going to a track I’ve always really liked. It’s the first place I ever won a Top Fuel race at in 1999, so it’s always been a special track to me,” said Litton, who resides in Indianapolis. “(Track owner) Steve Earwood has a great facility and we’re excited to see what we can do there.

“We’re tickled we have the points lead, but that really doesn’t matter until the end of the year,” added Litton. “You still have to take each race one at a time, go out and hope for the best. Right now we’re preparing for the Friday night qualifier.”

Litton has nearly the entire same team members today as he did winning that first event back in 1999. Richard Hartman, Nicky Boninfante and Mike Wolfarth were making the major tuning calls, and, with Boninfante returning in the off-season the “full” team is back together.

“I even have same guy that did the clutch for me back in ‘99,” added Litton. “The team likes this event. Rockingham will make or break you, since there are two races there…in the spring and the final in the fall. We tested in Rockingham back in November, a week before Thanksgiving. The conditions during the race should be similar, which means we should have a lot of data.”

Litton, who suffered a major crash last season in Epping, N.H., finished the 2006 season in fifth place, the first time he’d been out of the top three in the final championship point standings during his IHRA racing career. With a season-opening win under his belt, 2007 could be a banner year.

Standing in his way, and also competing during the Spring Nationals are competitors such as Doug Foley, a six-time career winner, Bobby Lagana Jr., T.J. Zizzo, former Pro Modified standout Scotty Cannon and Terry McMillen.

All professional categories, including Knoll Gas Torco Racing Fuels Pro Nitro Top Fuel, will qualify Friday (April 20) at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday (April 21) at 12 noon and 6:30 p.m. Eliminations are scheduled for Sunday (April 22) at 10:30 a.m., 12 noon, 2 p.m. and final round at 4 p.m.

The defending Knoll Gas Torco Racing Fuels Pro Nitro Funny Car world champion Dale Creasy Jr. goes into Rockingham as the current points leader, making a huge statement to defend his crown by winning in San Antonio two weeks ago. Creasy Jr., of Beecher, Ill., has made it to one final round at Rockingham but is yet to win.

He’ll be keeping an eye on Jack Wyatt, who won both events at Rockingham in 2006 and nearly stole the championship out from under Creasy Jr.

“We had a good showing at Rockingham last year during the World Finals,” said Creasy Jr. “I think this season every race is going to be a little tougher because the competition is that much better.

“To me, all the races are the same no matter if we’ve won there before or lost, or whatever has happened in the past,” he added. “We take it round-by-round and try to not ever get ahead of ourselves. In San Antonio we made the field on the last qualifying run, so we went from almost not being in the race to winning it.

In addition to Creasy Jr. and Wyatt, other competitors include Charlotte’s Bob Gilbertson, Terry Haddock, Jon Capps, South Carolina’s Andy Kelley and Paul Lee, to name a few.

The Torco’s CompetitionPlus.com Pro Modified field will be stout in Rockingham. Historically drawing some of the biggest fields for this class, fans can expect close to 30 cars trying to qualify for 16 spots.

Gilbert, S.C.’s Ed Hoover is the current Pro Modified points leader, but he has never won an IHRA national event at Rockingham. Danny Rowe and tuner Jimmy Rector are second behind Hoover, followed by Burton Auxier and Columbus, N.C.-resident Quain Stott.

Robert Patrick enters the Spring Nationals leading the Torco’s CompetitionPlus.com Pro Stock class. His win at the Texas Nationals has catapulted the Fredericksburg, Va.-resident to the top of the class. Patrick’s last Spring Nationals win came in 1994. He’s trailed by such big-time Mountain Motor Pro Stock names like John Montecalvo, Rob Mansfield, Rickie Smith (King, N.C.) and Frank Gugliotta. Wilmington, N.C.-resident Jeff Dobbins is seventh.

Alcohol Funny Car could have a different look this year. A class that was rumored off the professional circuit this season has survived and is led by first-time winner Terry Munroe, who picked up his first in San Antonio. The class has been dominated recently by Mark Thomas and Rob Atchison, who are both in the top ten. However, both drivers have a lot to make up to top Munroe.

For more information on the Spring Nationals and to purchase tickets, please log onto www.ihra.com or www.rockinghamdragway.com.

About IHRA

Headquartered in Norwalk, Ohio, the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA), a division of Live Nation, promotes professional, semi-professional and local level racing opportunities for drivers at all levels. The $19.5 million Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam™ Drag Racing Series is a 12-event North American professional drag racing circuit. In 2007, the series will be comprised of nine events in major cities throughout the United States and three in Canada. The Summit Racing Equipment Pro-Am Championship presented by Mr. Gasket consists of competition at national events and 40 events in six regional divisions, while IHRA’s Summit SuperSeries is conducted nearly every weekend at over 70 IHRA-sanctioned tracks. Providing a safe environment to develop future stars, IHRA offers the Junior Dragster Racing Series for youths ages 8-17. Stand-alone events include Live Nation’s entertainment-filled “Thunder Jam” shows and the street legal racing and lifestyle event series Kumho Street Warriorz presented by Hooters. More information can be found at www.ihra.com.

About Live Nation

Live Nation is the world’s leading live music company, annually connecting more than 67 million fans with their favorite performers at over 33,000 events. We are the largest producer of live concerts in the world, the second-largest venue management company and have a rapidly growing online presence. Live Nation creates superior experiences for artists and fans, regularly producing tours for the biggest superstars in the business, including The Rolling Stones, Barbra Streisand, Madonna, U2 and Coldplay. Globally, we own, operate and/or have booking rights for more than 170 venues, including House of Blues-branded music venues and prestigious locations such as San Francisco’s Fillmore Auditorium, Nikon at Jones Beach in New York and London’s Hammersmith Apollo and Wembley Arena. Live Nation’s websites collectively are the second most popular entertainment event websites in the United States, according to Nielsen//NetRatings. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, Live Nation is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, trading under the symbol “LYV.” For more information regarding concerts near you, Live Nation and its businesses, please visit our website at www.LiveNation.com.

CREASY EYES ROCKINGHAM FOR NEXT IHRA WIN APRIL 20-22

NORWALK, Ohio (April 9, 2007) – Dale Creasy Jr. heads into the Spring Nationals at Rockingham Dragway April 20 – 22 with something to prove: that he can win at the track dominated last season by Jack Wyatt.

Creasy Jr., of Beecher, Ill., was ultimately the victor of a season-long battle for the Knoll-Gas Torco Racing Fuels Pro Nitro Funny Car world championship, edging Wyatt by a mere five points in the chase, the smallest margin of victory ever in IHRA racing. After winning the Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam™ Drag Racing Series season-opener in San Antonio two weeks ago, Creasy Jr. finds himself heading back to Rockingham, N.C., once again defending his points lead.

“We had a good showing at Rockingham last year during the World Finals,” said Creasy Jr. “I think this season every race is going to be a little tougher because the competition is that much better.

“To me, all the races are the same no matter if we’ve won there before or lost, or whatever has happened in the past,” he added. “We take it round-by-round and try to not ever get ahead of ourselves. In San Antonio we made the field on the last qualifying run, so we went from almost not being in the race to winning it."

Last season Creasy Jr. finished runner-up to Wyatt during the World Finals earning just enough points to win the championship. However, during Rockingham’s Spring Nationals, Creasy Jr. dropped to Wyatt in the first round when a belt broke off the car during what seemed to be a winning run. Wyatt went on to win that race as well; he won both events held at Rockingham last year.

That one pass, despite being so early in the year and well before the driver realized he had a chance at the points lead, effected a major operational decision for the team’s future.

“We change the belts more often now,” said Creasy Jr. “We used to change them every three to five runs, but now we change them almost every-other run. I don’t know if that would have changed anything at Rockingham last year, because it was only the second run on that belt, but you never know. Every team does it differently, some change the belts every run, some three or four runs. But after losing that race due to a belt that broke, a part that cost $240, that really changed my mind-set. It costs a bit more at the time, but in the long run, what you can gain is well worth it.”

Creasy Jr. stresses the importance of never looking past a race.

“After last year, I realized every race is just as important as the last one. You always think there is another, but any of them could cost you the championship. And I know everyone will be coming after us because I’d be doing the same to them. There are a lot of good cars out there. It just takes time, but there are going to eight or ten great cars at every race. I said last year it is going to get better. A lot of people didn’t have enough time to prepare in 2006, but a lot of cars have come back even stronger. The class is going to grow. IHRA is giving a lot of guys an opportunity they never had. It will be as competitive or more competitive as any race. We only have eight spots (to qualify for) so there is less room for error. Half of the cars in San Antonio could ran well enough to qualify anywhere.”

In addition to Creasy Jr. and Wyatt, other competitors include Charlotte’s Bob Gilbertson, Terry Haddock, Jon Capps and Paul Lee, to name a few.

For more information on the Spring Nationals, please log onto www.ihra.com  or www.rockinghamdragwa.com.

About IHRA
Headquartered in Norwalk, Ohio, the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA), a division of Live Nation, promotes professional, semi-professional and local level racing opportunities for drivers at all levels. The $19.5 million Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam™ Drag Racing Series is a 12-event North American professional drag racing circuit. In 2007, the series will be comprised of nine events in major cities throughout the United States and three in Canada. The Summit Racing Equipment Pro-Am Championship presented by Mr. Gasket consists of competition at national events and 40 events in six regional divisions, while IHRA’s Summit SuperSeries is conducted nearly every weekend at over 70 IHRA-sanctioned tracks. Providing a safe environment to develop future stars, IHRA offers the Junior Dragster Racing Series for youths ages 8-17. Stand-alone events include Live Nation’s entertainment-filled “Thunder Jam” shows and the street legal racing and lifestyle event series Kumho Street Warriorz presented by Hooters. More information can be found at www.ihra.com.

About Live Nation
Live Nation is the world’s leading live music company, annually connecting more than 67 million fans with their favorite performers at over 33,000 events. We are the largest producer of live concerts in the world, the second-largest venue management company and have a rapidly growing online presence. Live Nation creates superior experiences for artists and fans, regularly producing tours for the biggest superstars in the business, including The Rolling Stones, Barbra Streisand, Madonna, U2 and Coldplay. Globally, we own, operate and/or have booking rights for more than 170 venues, including House of Blues-branded music venues and prestigious locations such as San Francisco’s Fillmore Auditorium, Nikon at Jones Beach in New York and London’s Hammersmith Apollo and Wembley Arena. Live Nation’s websites collectively are the second most popular entertainment event websites in the United States, according to Nielsen//NetRatings. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, Live Nation is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, trading under the symbol “LYV.” For more information regarding concerts near you, Live Nation and its businesses, please visit our website at www.LiveNation.com.

 

KNOLL-GAS NITRO JAM™ ON SPEED THREE TIMES THIS WEEKEND

NORWALK, Ohio (April 4, 2007) – Get your fix of the Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam™ this Saturday, April 7, with three different shows. The 2006 Season Recap shows will air 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (eastern), followed later that same day with show 1 from the Amalie Oil Texas Nationals presented by NAPA Auto Parts at 5 p.m.

The Texas Nationals show 1 includes Torco Racing Fuels Pro Nitro Top Fuel and Torco Racing Fuels Pro Nitro Funny Car.

Show 1 from San Antonio will then repeat Wednesday, April 11 at 12 p.m.

Season Recap - Part 1 Sat, Apr 7 @ 11 a.m.
Season Recap - Part 2 Sat, Apr 7 @ 12 noon
San Antonio Sat, Apr 7 @ 5 p.m.
San Antonio Wed, Apr 11 @ 12 noon

For more information, log onto www.speedtv.com. 
 

LITTON MAKES EARLY STATEMENT
Creasy Jr., Patrick, Hoover and Munroe also winners at first Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam™ event of 2007

SAN ANTONIO, Texas (March 25, 2007) – Over the years Bruce Litton has grown accustomed to the bridesmaid role, but he has never liked it. While Clay Millican was reeling off six consecutive Knoll Gas-Torco Racing Fuels Pro Nitro Top Fuel world championships Litton was always right there in his rear view mirror. The Indianapolis-native finished second three times (’02, ’03 and ’04) and third the three other years Millican was dominating the class.

Now he is ready for his time in the sun.

Litton knocked off T.J. Zizzo in the final round of the season-opening Amalie Oil Texas Nationals presented by NAPA Auto Parts to claim the early points lead and prove he is ready to go after the championship…a statement he made with the off-season hiring of tuner Nicky Boninfante. Boninfante was with Litton for most of his competitive Top Fuel seasons before leaving to pursue other opportunities while Litton slipped to fifth in the final 2006 championship points standings. Now, with Boninfante back, Litton is looking for big things this season.

“This team has really come together this year around Nicky Boninfante and (crew chief) Richard Hartman,” said Litton. “We’ve worked so hard over the years and especially over the winter. I’m looking forward to this season.”

After knocking off Scott Weis in the first round, Litton had to deal with No. 1 qualifier Doug Foley in the semifinals. Foley shook his tires hard at the hit of the throttle early and clicked it off, leaving Litton to wait to see who he would race for the Ironman. He did not have to wait long as Scotty Cannon could not answer the semifinal bell and Zizzo soloed into the final round.

Litton had lane choice in the final and selected the right lane. Two years ago Litton suffered a horrific crash in that same right lane at the Texas Nationals, but has since put those demons behind him.

“We try to run our own race every time,” added Litton. “I knew he ran well all weekend. He was No. 2 qualifier, we were three. I felt like I needed to be on my game and leave on time. And we had some pretty good power all day. It all worked out for us.“

Dale Creasy Jr., Beecher, Ill., began the defense of his 2006 Knoll Gas-Torco Racing Fuels Pro Nitro Funny Car world championship in grand style by knocking off the defending Texas Nationals champion, No. 1 qualifier Gary Densham. Creasy almost was not around to race Sunday as he needed the final qualifying shot Saturday night to bump into the field. He took advantage, knocking off Del Worsham in the first round and Jack Wyatt, who finished a mere five points behind him in the points chase last year, in the semifinals.

Creasy then carded a 3.407 in the final round against a lifting Densham.

“We had the new car and we were struggling with it,” said Creasy Jr. “I almost brought out the old car because I knew it could go down the race track. But we have so much invested in it, time and money, and if we want to step forward we have to have this car so we stuck with it and it worked.”

“This is my first win (in the U.S.), so I finally have a trophy that doesn’t need a passport to go home,” added Creasy.

Ed Hoover, Gilbert, S.C., had a successful return to San Antonio Raceway, the site of his 2005 victory over Shannon Jenkins at the Texas Nationals. Hoover finished outside the top ten in IHRA points standings last season, but an early win has him thinking things have turned around a bit. Hoover stopped Danny Rowe in the final with a 4.031 ET.

“This is great. We struggled all year last year, and now we’ve got a new car and this win is really big for us,” said Hoover. “We’re leaving here with a lot of momentum and we’re going to work real hard the rest of the season.

“This winter Al (Billes) spent 300 hours R&D and dyno time working on the car. He helped make the difference today. This is a professional class. If you’re not working, you’re not going to win.”

Robert Patrick, Fredericksburg, Va., drove his ’07 Shelby Cobra to the Torco’s CompetitionPlus.com Pro Stock Ironman defeating John Montecalvo, Center Moriches, N.Y., in the final round. Patrick, one of the preseason favorites to contend for the 2007 championship, proved to be worthy of such attention by carding a 4.156 at 173.29 mph to knock off Montecalvo’s 4.171 at 172.63 mph. Both drivers had identical 0.046 reaction times.

“The biggest thing I wanted to accomplish here was coming out with a win,” said Patrick. “Last year I qualified on the pole a number of times, had the fastest car in eliminations and got beat a few times on hole-shots and that kept me out of the championship chase. So I wanted to kind of redeem myself here.

“We got the win and I just couldn’t be happier for my team,” he added.

Terry Munroe, Beaver, Pa., finally broke through in Alcohol Funny Car, stopping defending world champion Mark Thomas, Louisville, Ohio, in the final round with a 3.893 ET to claim his first-ever Ironman. Munroe finished fourth in the points standings last year, but could not get a win at either of his two finals last season.

“We’ve been doing Funny Car racing for five years. This is my fifth final round and I finally won one,” said Munroe. “This year, we put it in our minds that we are going to be serious about this. We are still looking for sponsors…we could be dangerous with the right funding.”

The Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam™ will make its second stop of the season in Rockingham Dragway April 20-22 for the IHRA Spring Nationals presented by Advance Auto Parts and Castrol.


SAN ANTONIO, Texas -- Sunday's final results from the Amalie Oil Texas Nationals presented by NAPA Auto Parts at San Antonio Raceway. The race is the first of 12 in the $19.5 million 2007 Knoll - Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series:

Top Fuel -- Bruce Litton, 3.165 seconds, 265.12 mph def. T.J. Zizzo, 5.417 seconds, 76.94 mph.

Nitro Funny Car -- Dale Creasy Jr., Chevy Monte Carlo, 3.407, 246.17 def. Gary Densham, Monte Carlo, 4.130, 142.79.

Pro Modified -- Ed Hoover, Chevy Corvette, 4.031, 183.39 def. Danny Rowe, Corvette, 4.597, 120.17.

Alcohol Funny Car -- Terry Munroe, Chevy Monte Carlo, 3.893, 187.11 def. Mark Thomas, Monte Carlo, 3.949, 189.95.

Pro Stock -- Robert Patrick, Shelby Cobra, 4.156, 173.29 def. John Montecalvo, Chevy Cobalt, 4.171, 172.63.

Top Sportsman -- Harold Snyder, Chevy Camaro, 4.775, 142.29 def. Gary Bingham, Pontiac Grand Am, 4.806, 147.49.

Top Dragster -- Brian Folk, Dragster, 4.683, 137.69 def. Nick Folk, Dragster, 4.735, 138.43.

Quick Rod -- Nancy Greathouse, Dragster, 5.706, 123.96 def. Claude DeBonis, Dragster, 5.784, 121.09.

Super Rod -- Kip Guenzel, Chevy Camaro, 6.418, 119.04 def. Tommy Maedgen, Chevy Corvette, foul.

Hot Rod -- Tony Baxter, Chevy Chevelle, 7.011, 102.98 def. Wayne Hoffmann, Chevy Nova, 7.035, 111.79.

Super Stock -- Dan Fletcher, Chevy Camaro, 6.713, 92.61 def. Slate Cummings, Chevy Cavalier, 5.735, 114.14.

ET Bracket -- Dustin Bradford, Chevy Nova, 6.832, 99.34 def. Shaun Neidig, Dragster, 5.070, 134.86.

ET Box -- Shaun Neidig, Dragster, 5.077, 130.97 def. Rae Jean Kilpatrick, Dragster, 5.059, 135.66.

ET No Box -- Dustin Bradford, Chevy Nova, 6.844, 99.35 def. Ryan McDonnell, Chevy Corvette, foul.


SAN ANTONIO, Texas -- Final round-by-round results from the Amalie Oil Texas Nationals presented by NAPA Auto Parts at San Antonio Raceway, the first of 12 events in the $19.5 million 2007 Knoll - Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series:

TOP FUEL:

ROUND ONE -- Scotty Cannon, 3.448, 249.81 def. Bobby Lagana Jr., 3.883, 170.67; Bruce Litton, 3.211, 261.27 def. Scott Weis, 3.706, 168.28; T.J. Zizzo, 3.172, 262.90 def. Mitch King, broke; Doug Foley, 3.143, 265.27 def. Terry McMillen, 4.748, 94.65;

SEMIFINALS -- Zizzo, 5.373, 87.77 def. Cannon, broke; Litton, 3.163, 266.53 def. Foley, 4.888, 93.04;

FINAL -- Litton, 3.165, 265.12 def. Zizzo, 5.417, 76.94.

NITRO FUNNY CAR:

ROUND ONE -- Jack Wyatt, Dodge Stratus, 3.538, 238.64 def. Jon Capps, Chevy Monte Carlo, 4.637, 100.28; Dale Creasy Jr., Monte Carlo, 3.523, 208.36 def. Del Worsham, Monte Carlo, 4.580, 150.78; Terry Haddock, Stratus, 3.515, 210.87 def. Andy Kelley, Pontiac Firebird, 8.734, 80.15; Gary Densham, Monte Carlo, 3.287, 259.76 def. Bob Gilbertson, Stratus, 3.331, 253.09;

SEMIFINALS -- Creasy Jr., 3.426, 241.50 def. Wyatt, 3.639, 220.48; Densham, 3.306, 258.12 def. Haddock, 3.427, 244.56;

FINAL -- Creasy Jr., 3.407, 246.17 def. Densham, 4.130, 142.79.

PRO MODIFIED:

ROUND ONE -- Kenny Lang, Chevy Corvette, 4.075, 183.10 def. Harold Martin, Pontiac Grand Am, broke; Burton Auxier, Corvette, 4.339, 157.25 def. Shannon Jenkins, Pontiac GTO, 5.650, 85.55; Quain Stott, Corvette, 4.106, 182.35 def. John Russo, Chevy Camaro, 6.269, 96.76; Kirk Kuhns, Willys, 4.195, 169.53 def. Mike Janis, Chevy Cobalt, 4.160, 178.45; Ed Hoover, Corvette, 4.045, 181.30 def. Mike Castellana, Ford Mustang, 4.318, 169.08; Pat Stoken, Camaro, 4.067, 181.74 def. Tony Pontieri, Chevy Bel Air, 5.259, 96.42; Jim Halsey, Camaro, 4.058, 182.23 def. Scott Cannon, GTO, 4.207, 176.03; Danny Rowe, Corvette, 4.155, 178.90 def. Raymond Commisso, Camaro, 5.012, 105.55;

QUARTERFINALS -- Rowe, 4.062, 183.07 def. Kuhns, 5.856, 80.63; Auxier, 4.242, 172.98 def. Stoken, foul; Stott, 4.057, 183.39 def. Halsey, 4.070, 182.97; Hoover, 4.045, 183.72 def. Lang, 4.113, 180.67;

SEMIFINALS -- Rowe, 4.030, 183.64 def. Auxier, 4.239, 173.03; Hoover, 4.040, 184.67 def. Stott, 6.870, 65.94;

FINAL -- Hoover, 4.031, 183.39 def. Rowe, 4.597, 120.17.

ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR:

ROUND ONE -- Terry Munroe, Chevy Monte Carlo, 3.946, 187.13 def. Rob Atchison, Monte Carlo, 3.994, 192.03; Tim Stevens, Dodge Stratus, 3.962, 186.77 def. Terry McMillen, Dodge Avenger, 4.045, 185.13; Mark Thomas, Monte Carlo, 3.963, 192.00 def. Larry Dobbs, Chevy Corvette, 3.986, 186.51; Tony Bogolo, Ford Mustang, 4.160, 172.36 def. Laurie Cannister, Chevy Camaro, 8.265, 61.70;

SEMIFINALS -- Munroe, 3.930, 185.00 def. Stevens, 4.027, 174.98; Thomas, 4.007, 187.81 def. Bogolo, broke;

FINAL -- Munroe, 3.893, 187.11 def. Thomas, 3.949, 189.95.

PRO STOCK:

ROUND ONE -- Rickie Smith, Chevy Cobalt, 4.177, 171.79 def. Cary Goforth, Cobalt, 6.091, 77.04; Pete Berner, Pontiac GTO, 4.158, 172.04 def. Mike Corvo Jr, Cobalt, 4.127, 172.63; Frank Gugliotta, Ford Mustang, 4.203, 171.12 def. Brian Gahm, Mustang, foul; Jeff Dobbins, Ford Escort, 4.231, 170.49 def. John Nobile, Mustang, foul; John Montecalvo, Cobalt, 4.131, 174.19 def. Dean Goforth, GTO, broke; Rob Mansfield, Cobalt, 4.169, 172.45 def. Larry O'Brien, Dodge Stratus, 4.176, 171.45; Dan Sweeney, GTO, 4.972, 105.58 def. Steve Spiess, Cobalt, foul; Robert Patrick, Shelby Cobra, 4.100, 173.67 def. Elijah Morton, Mustang, 4.183, 170.86;

QUARTERFINALS -- Gugliotta, 4.200, 171.21 def. Sweeney, 4.198, 171.62; Mansfield, 4.234, 164.83 def. Berner, foul; Montecalvo, 4.138, 173.34 def. Smith, 7.546, 59.38; Patrick, 4.133, 173.36 def. Dobbins, 4.192, 170.75;

SEMIFINALS -- Montecalvo, 5.102, 152.23 def. Gugliotta, 7.250, 71.05; Patrick, 4.156, 173.94 def. Mansfield, 4.181, 171.97;

FINAL -- Patrick, 4.156, 173.29 def. Montecalvo, 4.171, 172.63.


MARION, Texas -- Point standings (top 10) for IHRA professional categories following the Amalie Oil Texas Nationals presented by NAPA Auto Parts at San Antonio Raceway, the first of 12 events in the $19.5 million 2007 Knoll - Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series -

Top Fuel

1. Bruce Litton, 114; 2. T.J. Zizzo, 95; 3. Doug Foley, 81; 4. Scotty Cannon, 78; 5. Terry McMillen, 52; 6. Mitch King, 51; 7. Scott Weis, 50; 8. Bobby Lagana Jr., 34; 9. (tie) Jim Cavalieri, 10; Scott Palmer, 10.

Nitro Funny Car

1. Dale Creasy Jr., 111; 2. Gary Densham, 101; 3. Terry Haddock, 74; 4. Jack Wyatt, 69; 5. Del Worsham, 60; 6. Bob Gilbertson, 52; 7. Andy Kelley, 50; 8. Jon Capps, 38; 9. (tie) Mitch King, 10; Cruz Pedregon, 10; Todd Simpson, 10; Mike Smith, 10.

Pro Modified

1. Ed Hoover, 113; 2. Danny Rowe, 88; 3. Burton Auxier, 70; 4. Quain Stott, 63; 5. Kirk Kuhns, 52; 6. Jim Halsey, 47; 7. Pat Stoken, 46; 8. Raymond Commisso, 41; 9. Scott Cannon, 40; 10. (tie) Kenny Lang, 34; Tony Pontieri, 34.

Alcohol Funny Car

1. Terry Munroe, 121; 2. Mark Thomas, 95; 3. Tim Stevens, 74; 4. Tony Bogolo, 69; 5. Laurie Cannister, 58; 6. Rob Atchison, 52; 7. Larry Dobbs, 51; 8. Terry McMillen, 50;

Pro Stock

1. Robert Patrick, 121; 2. John Montecalvo, 93; 3. Rob Mansfield, 74; 4. Rickie Smith, 49; 5. Frank Gugliotta, 48; 6. Dan Sweeney, 47; 7. Jeff Dobbins, 44; 8. Pete Berner, 42; 9. Steve Spiess, 40; 10. John Nobile, 32.
 

DEFENDING CHAMPION TOPS NITRO FUNNY CAR QUALIFYING
Gary Densham claims #1 slot in first-ever Knoll – Gas Nitro Jam™ eighth-mile event; Foley (Top Fuel), Commisso (Pro Modified), Patrick (Pro Stock) and Munroe (Alcohol Funny Car) also grab top qualifying honors

By Mike Perry - IHRA Communications

SAN ANTONIO, Texas (March 24, 2007) – Last season Gary Densham, Bellflower, Calif., defeated Paul Lee in the Knoll Gas-Torco Racing Fuels Pro Nitro Funny Car final round to claim the first IHRA Ironman of the season at the Amalie Oil Texas Nationals presented by NAPA Auto Parts at San Antonio Raceway. This year the situation is completely different, but Densham is back on top.

Necessity being the better part of invention, IHRA officials made a historic decision following Friday qualifying at the Texas Nationals. Problems with the right lane caused them to create the first-ever eighth-mile Knoll – Gas Nitro Jam™ national event, even after completely resurfacing the entire final half of the right lane. All Friday runs were converted to eighth-mile runs using incremental times.

Densham’s Friday run, converted to a 3.322 at 253.56 mph, held up for No. 1 qualifier honors after Saturday’s two qualifying sessions. Del Worsham ended up second with a 3.327, 256.50 pass, also claiming “Last Man Standing” honors Saturday. Defending world champion, Dale Creasy Jr. (Beecher, Ill.) had to sweat it out a bit, needing a strong run in the Saturday evening session to move into the field. Creasy’s 3.394, 234.04 pass moved him to sixth on the qualifying sheet and safely into the field.

Paul Lee, last season’s runner-up, could not move into the field. Also notably absent from Sunday’s elimination ladder was NHRA standout Cruz Pedregon, who could not blast into the field on his last pass.

Doug Foley, Sewell, N.J., claimed top qualifying honors in the Torco Racing Fuels Pro Nitro Top Fuel class with a strong 3.111 pass at 268.65 mph. T.J. Zizzo had a strong Saturday evening run to climb to second on the sheet with a 3.132. Bobby Lagana Jr., who was second after the first session Saturday, fell all the way to the bump spot when all was said and done with a 3.341 pass. Bruce Litton was third while Scott Cannon, driving in his first-ever Top Fuel event, rounded out the top half of the field with a 3.215 pass.

Ray Commisso, Toronto, Ont., is used to racing on the 1/8 mile strip, as was much of the Torco’s CompetitionPlus.com Pro Modified class. Many tuned up for the IHRA season competing in ADRL competition, where the eighth-mile pass is the norm. Commisso put his ’67 Camaro at the top of the qualifying sheet with a 3.962 pass at 188.41 mph. In fact, two of the top three Pro Mod qualifiers are from the largest city in Ontario, Canada. Tony Pontieri, also from Toronto, finished third on the qualifying ladder by driving his ’57 Chevy to a 3.979, 189.04 pass.

Scott Cannon Jr., Lyman, S.C., ended up second, book-ended by the two Canadians, with a 3.963/184.75 run. Not only did Cannon Jr. end up second on the qualifying sheet, he took home “Last Man Standing” honors Saturday. Defending Pro Mod world champion Quain Stott, Columbus, S.C., could not move into the top half of the field in his final qualifying shot Saturday, ending up 14th.

Robert Patrick, Fredericksburg, Va., seems to have a handle on his ’07 Cobra early as he drove to the top of the qualifying ladder with a 4.129, 172.89 hit Saturday evening. Patrick was clear of Steve Spiess, Manhattan, Ill., by almost two hundredths as Spiess claimed second with a 4.184, 173.03 pass in his ’07 Cobalt. Spiess’ run was only good enough for second on the sheet, but he did grab “Last Man Standing” honors Saturday night. Rob Mansfield, Margate, Fla., was third when final qualifying was complete.

Defending world champion Pete Berner, Crete, Ill., almost ended up on the outside, looking in. His 4.195, 171.79 pass was only good enough for 15th on the final qualifying ladder.

A pair of ’05 Monte Carlos finished 1-2 in final Alcohol Funny Car qualifying. Terry Munroe, Beaver, Pa., took top honors with a 3.878 pass at 188.25 mph while defending world champion, Mark Thomas, Louisville, Ohio, was slotted second with a 3.884 pass at 193.57 mph. Laurie Cannister, Johnston, Ohio, claimed “Last Man Standing” honors and ended up fourth in final qualifying.

Professional eliminations are scheduled for Sunday at 10:30 p.m., 12 noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. For more information, log onto www.ihra.com. The Texas Nationals is the first of twelve events on the 2007 Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series.


SAN ANTONIO, Texas -- First-round pairings for professional eliminations Sunday for the Amalie Oil Texas Nationals presented by NAPA Auto Parts at San Antonio Raceway, the first of 12 events in the $19.5 million 2007 Knoll - Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series. Pairings based on results in qualifying, which ended Saturday.

Top Fuel -- 1. Doug Foley, 3.111 seconds, 273.05 mph vs. 5. Terry McMillen, 3.218, 258.02; 2. T.J. Zizzo, 3.132, 262.03 vs. 6. Mitch King, 3.293, 241.28; 3. Bruce Litton, 3.158, 268.44 vs. 7. Scott Weis, 3.296, 253.23; 4. Scotty Cannon, 3.215, 258.27 vs. 8. Bobby Lagana Jr., 3.341, 249.16.

Nitro Funny Car -- 1. Gary Densham, Chevy Monte Carlo, 3.322, 253.56 vs. 5. Bob Gilbertson, Dodge Stratus, 3.372, 257.68; 2. Del Worsham, Monte Carlo, 3.327, 256.50 vs. 6. Dale Creasy Jr., Monte Carlo, 3.394, 234.04; 3. Terry Haddock, Stratus, 3.358, 254.28 vs. 7. Andy Kelley, Pontiac Firebird, 3.428, 245.40; 4. Jon Capps, Monte Carlo, 3.362, 247.34 vs. 8. Jack Wyatt, Stratus, 3.450, 246.89.

Pro Modified -- 1. Raymond Commisso, Chevy Camaro, 3.962, 188.41 vs. 9. Danny Rowe, Chevy Corvette, 4.062, 182.72; 2. Scott Cannon, Pontiac GTO, 3.963, 184.75 vs. 10. Jim Halsey, Camaro, 4.077, 182.30; 3. Tony Pontieri, Chevy Bel Air, 3.979, 189.04 vs. 11. Pat Stoken, Camaro, 4.086, 180.38; 4. Ed Hoover, Corvette, 4.022, 184.14 vs. 12. Eddie Ware, Camaro, 4.092, 182.75; 5. Kirk Kuhns, Willys, 4.041, 187.94 vs. 13. Mike Janis, Chevy Cobalt, 4.095, 183.97; 6. John Russo, Camaro, 4.043, 185.36 vs. 14. Quain Stott, Corvette, 4.096, 182.38; 7. Burton Auxier, Corvette, 4.055, 179.52 vs. 15. Shannon Jenkins, GTO, 4.117, 180.50; 8. Kenny Lang, Corvette, 4.058, 183.59 vs. 16. Harold Martin, Pontiac Grand Am, 4.117, 176.28.

Alcohol Funny Car -- 1. Terry Munroe, Chevy Monte Carlo, 3.878, 188.25 vs. 5. Rob Atchison, Monte Carlo, 3.904, 192.55; 2. Mark Thomas, Monte Carlo, 3.884, 193.57 vs. 6. Larry Dobbs, Chevy Corvette, 3.906, 189.18; 3. Tim Stevens, Dodge Stratus, 3.893, 184.55 vs. 7. Terry McMillen, Dodge Avenger, 3.960, 187.08; 4. Laurie Cannister, Chevy Camaro, 3.901, 188.67 vs. 8. Tony Bogolo, Ford Mustang, 4.048, 180.74.

Pro Stock -- 1. Robert Patrick, Shelby Cobra, 4.129, 172.89 vs. 9. Elijah Morton, Ford Mustang, 4.185, 170.30; 2. Steve Spiess, Chevy Cobalt, 4.148, 173.05 vs. 10. Dan Sweeney, Pontiac GTO, 4.186, 172.45; 3. Rob Mansfield, Cobalt, 4.151, 172.94 vs. 11. Larry O'Brien, Dodge Stratus, 4.188, 171.97; 4. John Montecalvo, Cobalt, 4.163, 173.25 vs. 12. Dean Goforth, GTO, 4.189, 173.05; 5. John Nobile, Mustang, 4.167, 173.54 vs. 13. Jeff Dobbins, Ford Escort, 4.191, 170.79; 6. Brian Gahm, Mustang, 4.168, 172.87 vs. 14. Frank Gugliotta, Mustang, 4.192, 171.18; 7. Mike Corvo Jr, Cobalt, 4.170, 172.28 vs. 15. Pete Berner, GTO, 4.195, 171.79; 8. Rickie Smith, Cobalt, 4.171, 171.93 vs. 16. Cary Goforth, Cobalt, 4.203, 171.99.
 

CANNON TOPS TOP FUEL QUALIFYING IN SAN ANTONIO
IHRA Crowns First “Last Man Standing” Winners

SAN ANTONIO, Texas (March 23, 2007) – Scotty Cannon raced to the No. 1 Knoll-Gas Torco Racing Fuels Pro Top Fuel spot with a 4.851, 299.00 pass during Friday qualifying at the Amalie Oil Texas Nationals presented by NAPA Auto Parts at San Antonio Raceway. Other No. 1 qualifiers include Gary Densham (Nitro Funny Car), Ray Commisso (Pro Modified), Mark Thomas (Alcohol Funny Car) and Robert Patrick (Pro Stock).

“Once you get back in the car, once they start the motor, everything kind of comes back to you,” said Cannon. “I’ve been lucky. My crew’s done a good job; Torco has given us the support to do what we have to. And that’s how we can do this. It makes me feel good. My hat’s off to the guys.”

This year, IHRA has started an innovative program, the “Last Man Standing,” at all Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam events, rewarding the quickest car at the end of each night. To be eligible, that run must be a winning pass for the competitor. Therefore, the No. 1 qualifier is not necessarily always the “Last Man Standing.”

Cannon, of Lyman, S.C., was making his Top Fuel debut. After a storied career winning six Pro Modified world championships and running NHRA Nitro Funny Car, Cannon has committed to chasing the IHRA Top Fuel championship racing an Evan Knoll Seelye-Wright Auto Group dragster. Cannon was the winner of the Top Fuel “Last Man Standing.”

Bobby Lagana Jr., Scarsdale, N.Y., sits in the second spot with a 5.020, followed by Bruce Litton and Scott Weis.

In Torco Racing Fuels Pro Nitro Funny Car, Densham, of Bellflower, Calif., covered the quarter-mile in 4.863 seconds to take the top spot, as well as the “Last Man Standing.” Del Worsham, Chino Hills, Calif., 4.893, is second, followed by Bob Gilbertson, Charlotte, N.C., and Terry Haddock, Lynwood, Wash. Densham is the defending event winner. Defending world champion Dale Creasy Jr. is currently not in the field.

Toronto’s Commisso drove his ’67 Camaro to the No. 1 spot in the Torco’s CompetitionPlus.com Pro Modified class with a 6.102, 233.96, earning him the “Last Man Standing.” Ed Hoover sits in the second spot with a 6.154, followed by Danny Rowe, 6.184, and John Russo, 6.216. Quain Stott, IHRA’s 2006 Pro Mod world champion, is currently 5th.

Defending Alcohol Funny Car world champion Thomas took top honors when the Louisville, Ohio, resident covered the quarter-mile in 5.901 seconds at 243.24 mph. Beaver, Pa.’s Terry Munroe won the Friday “Last Man Standing” prize with a 5.947, putting him second. Tony Bogolo sits on the bump-spot.

In Torco’s CompetitionPlus.com Pro Stock, Patrick took the No. 1 qualifying spot with a 6.391, 216.72. Patrick, of Fredricksburg, Va., was also the winner of the Quarter-Max Pro Stock Challenge and the “Last Man Standing.” He’s followed by Rob Mansfield, Margate, Fla., and Steve Spiess. Pete Berner, IHRA’s defending Pro Stock world champion, sits outside of the field.

“This is exactly where I wanted to be,” Patrick said. “My engine builder Bob Ingles worked hard to get us here. He was out of commission with shoulder surgery for two weeks but he jumped right back in there and you see the results of his work.

“We were just a little off in the tune-up tonight, so we may have let a little on the table tonight. We’ll get back after it tomorrow and hopefully we will get even further than we did tonight. I am pleased with the start we are off to so far.”

Qualifying resumes at 9 a.m., with professional qualifying rounds three and four at 12 noon and 6:30 p.m., respectively. For more information, log onto www.ihra.com.  The Texas Nationals is the first of twelve events on the 2007 Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series.


San Antonio, Texas -- Results Friday after qualifying for the Amalie Oil Texas Nationals presented by NAPA Auto Parts at San Antonio Raceway, first of 12 events in the $19.5 million 2007 Knoll - Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series. Qualifying will continue Saturday for Sunday's final eliminations.

Top Fuel -- 1. Scotty Cannon, 4.851 seconds, 299.00 mph; 2. Bobby Lagana Jr., 5.020, 258.42; 3. Bruce Litton, 5.501, 167.95; 4. Scott Weis, 5.644, 176.67; 5. Mitch King, 6.774, 123.51; 6. Chris Karamesines, 8.711, 98.29; 7. T.J. Zizzo, 9.892, 81.50; 8. Scott Palmer, 11.499, 85.16.

Nitro Funny Car -- 1. Gary Densham, Chevy Monte Carlo, 4.863, 307.23; 2. Del Worsham, Monte Carlo, 4.893, 279.79; 3. Bob Gilbertson, Dodge Stratus, 4.932, 283.25; 4. Terry Haddock, Stratus, 4.952, 279.90; 5. Jon Capps, Monte Carlo, 5.037, 266.95; 6. Andy Kelley, Pontiac Firebird, 5.064, 282.24; 7. Jack Wyatt, Stratus, 5.180, 243.46; 8. Todd Simpson, Chevy Camaro, 5.321, 265.01.

Pro Modified -- 1. Raymond Commisso, Chevy Camaro, 6.102, 233.96; 2. Ed Hoover, Chevy Corvette, 6.154, 231.12; 3. Danny Rowe, Corvette, 6.184, 232.23; 4. John Russo, Camaro, 6.216, 230.80; 5. Scott Cannon, Pontiac GTO, 6.217, 220.40; 6. Jim Halsey, Camaro, 6.224, 227.69; 7. Quain Stott, Corvette, 6.232, 232.35; 8. Burton Auxier, Corvette, 6.240, 222.80; 9. Eddie Ware, Camaro, 6.243, 228.85; 10. Pat Stoken, Camaro, 6.255, 224.70; 11. Mike Janis, Chevy Cobalt, 6.266, 235.64; 12. Kenny Lang, Corvette, 6.281, 211.30; 13. Shannon Jenkins, GTO, 6.328, 222.77; 14. Kirk Kuhns, Willys, 6.394, 217.28; 15. Harold Martin, Pontiac Grand Am, 6.415, 195.14; 16. Chip King, Dodge Daytona, 9.330, 92.35.

Alcohol Funny Car -- 1. Mark Thomas, Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.901, 243.20; 2. Terry Munroe, Monte Carlo, 5.947, 235.39; 3. Larry Dobbs, Chevy Corvette, 5.969, 236.42; 4. Tim Stevens, Dodge Stratus, 6.018, 223.65; 5. Terry McMillen, Dodge Avenger, 6.044, 235.31; 6. Laurie Cannister, Chevy Camaro, 6.078, 217.95; 7. Rob Atchison, Monte Carlo, 6.301, 237.59; 8. Tony Bogolo, Ford Mustang, 12.800, 63.30.

Pro Stock -- 1. Robert Patrick, Shelby Cobra, 6.391, 216.72; 2. Rob Mansfield, Chevy Cobalt, 6.410, 217.35; 3. Steve Spiess, Cobalt, 6.414, 217.25; 4. Brian Gahm, Ford Mustang, 6.429, 217.88; 5. Mike Corvo Jr, Cobalt, 6.445, 217.00; 6. Rickie Smith, Cobalt, 6.449, 216.38; 7. John Nobile, Mustang, 6.450, 215.93; 8. Cary Goforth, Cobalt, 6.471, 216.83; 9. Larry O'Brien, Dodge Stratus, 6.482, 214.25; 10. Michael Bruno, Pontiac GTO, 6.485, 216.86; 11. Frank Gugliotta, Mustang, 6.485, 215.20; 12. Jeff Dobbins, Ford Escort, 6.486, 214.35; 13. John Montecalvo, Cobalt, 6.488, 216.31; 14. Elijah Morton, Mustang, 6.490, 212.53; 15. Dean Goforth, GTO, 6.508, 217.21; 16. Dan Sweeney, GTO, 6.551, 212.96.
 

KNOLL - GAS TO SPONSOR IHRA NITRO JAM

NORWALK, Ohio (March 23, 2007) – IHRA announced today Knoll - Gas, the Michigan-based natural gas and energy company owned by drag racing enthusiast Evan Knoll, has signed an agreement to sponsor the 12-event Nitro Jam™ series. The new name of the series is the Knoll - Gas Nitro Jam™.

“This is a tremendous opportunity to work with a sponsor who is passionate about what we do,” IHRA president Aaron Polburn said. “Evan Knoll has done more for drag racing in the last two years than most people do in a lifetime, and it thrills me to have him become an even more integral part of our racing series.”

Knoll - Gas, Torco Racing Fuels, Skull Gear and Skull Shine, all Knoll-owned companies, have been heavily involved in sponsorship with IHRA properties, securing naming rights to a number of Nitro Jam™ events, professional racing classes and sanctioned facilities. Knoll also sponsors a bevy of race teams both in Nitro Jam™ and NHRA competition.

“I am proud to be a full-time supporter of the IHRA family,” Knoll said. “What you have seen in the last two years is a ‘new wave’ and a new way to market products of all sorts, big and small, for the consumer and for business. We, as a racing family, all have to pull together and have fun. That is so important when you take a look around and see what is going on in the world. If you can go to a race, either as a racer or spectator, at a family price I really think that is the way to go. I see a lot of fresh ideas and new sponsors coming on board with IHRA. We have started something special here and have a lot of years to develop these ideas, which will be great for the racers and fans both at the races and on television. I tell you, this is going to be a BLAST so hang on, everyone. I’ll see you at the races. It’s showtime!!!”

For more information, log onto www.ihra.com  or www.torcoracingfuels.com
 

SPEED COVERAGE OF AMALIE OIL TEXAS NATIONALS SLATED FOR APRIL 7 AND APRIL 14

NORWALK, Ohio (March 21, 2007) – Drag racing fans who are unable to make it to the season-opening Nitro Jam™ event of the year, the Amalie Oil Texas Nationals presented by NAPA Auto Parts, will not have to wait long to see for themselves what happened on the track at San Antonio Raceway.

SPEED’s television coverage of the event is scheduled for Saturday, April 7 at 5:00 p.m. (Torco Racing Fuels Pro Nitro Funny Car and Torco Racing Fuels Pro Nitro Top Fuel) and Saturday, April 14 at 5:00 p.m. (Torco’s CompetitionPlus.com Pro Mod, Torco’s CompetitionPlus.com Pro Stock and Alcohol Funny Car).

“SPEED really did a great job of turning the shows around last year,” IHRA president Aaron Polburn said. “Thanks to Newave Productions, working with Mike McFarlin and his whole team at Live Nation-Motorsports, it has paid off in a big way as ratings were up across the board. The production quality has improved dramatically and more people are watching than ever, what more could we ask for?”

Polburn expects even better things in 2007.

“For the first time in a long time we have the same key people in place from the season before,” he said. “The fans really enjoyed what they saw last year and, as the old saying goes, ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’ The show really built momentum last season and we expect that momentum to carry over to this year, a year we expect to be the best in IHRA history.”

For more information, log onto www.ihra.com,  www.sanantonioraceway.com  or www.speedtv.com. 
 

HOLT CAT “NIGHT OF FIRE” HEADLINES NITRO JAM™ OPENER IN SAN ANTONIO

NORWALK, Ohio (March 13, 2007) – Fans of the Nitro Jam™ Drag Racing Series can witness the thrill of the HOLT CAT “Night of Fire” during the upcoming Amalie Oil Texas Nationals presented by NAPA AUTO PARTS, March 23 – 25.

The HOLT CAT “Night of Fire,” which occurs Saturday, March 24 at 6:30 p.m. during the Texas Nationals, features the final round of professional qualifying under the lights – including two flame-burning Nitro-fueled classes – and the ground-pounding Bob Motz jet-powered Kenworth truck.

“The IHRA event at San Antonio Raceway works well for HOLT CAT customers and this is a very good venue for HOLT CAT to be in,” HOLT CAT Machine Marketing Manager Joe Carreon said. “HOLT CAT is the largest Caterpillar dealership in the United States and this will be a great place for us to showcase our products and interact with the people of San Antonio. We’re looking forward to a great weekend.”

“The HOLT CAT ‘Night of Fire’ offers a great entertainment value for fans, packaging the most exciting aspects of drag racing into a three hour show,” said IHRA vice president of marketing Jim Marchyshyn. “While the entire event is a display of the world’s fastest race cars, the ‘Night of Fire’ portion of a Nitro Jam event is truly a thrilling experience, combining the final round of qualifying for our five professional categories, including the two Nitro-classes with header flames that light up the sky, and the jet-powered Kenworth truck of Bob Motz.

“We’d like to thank HOLT CAT for being such a big part of this event,” added Marchyshyn.

Adult general admission tickets for the “Night of Fire” are $35, Juniors (2-12) $5 and kids under 2 free. Each Saturday general admission ticket provides entry not only for the “Night of Fire,” but the entire day. Gates open at 9 a.m. The third round of professional qualifying is at 12 noon, with the “Night of Fire,” beginning at 6:30 p.m., capping off the days festivities.

For more information, please log onto www.ihra.com,  www.sanantonioraceway.com  or www.ticketmaster.com. 
 

IHRA WORLD NATIONALS RESCHEDULED FOR SEPTEMBER

NORWALK, Ohio (March 2, 2007) – The IHRA World Nationals, set to debut at the brand new Mansfield Motorsports Park, has been rescheduled for September 21-23, 2007. While the track is still planning to open in June, IHRA and Mansfield Motorsports Park officials made the decision to move the event to the fall to ensure that every detail of the project met the standards that the racers and fans expect.

Governmental issues prevented construction from taking place in the unseasonably warm fall and early winter months Ohio experienced. The project was still well ahead of schedule until the February snow and cold halted progress.

“The plan was to get a jump on construction and stay ahead of the timeline,” Mansfield Motorsports Park owner Mike Dzurilla said. “Delays have put us in a situation where everything would have to go perfectly from now on for us to be ready for the race. Quite honestly I don’t want to welcome anyone to our first IHRA national event without having everything perfect. I know a lot of racers and fans are counting on me to build a facility every one can be proud of and I don’t plan on disappointing them.”

IHRA President Aaron Polburn echoed Dzurilla’s feelings.

“Mike has already proved he can build a fan and racer-friendly operation with Mansfield Speedway and proved he knows how to deliver a first class event to competitors, sponsors and fans with his Craftsman Truck race,” Polburn said. “I agree with Mike that we only get one chance to make a first impression, so every blade of grass must be in place, every building painted, every road paved before we welcome World Nationals fans to Mansfield Motorsports Park.”

In the past, IHRA has put on events in facilities that were not quite ready for prime time and could not deliver the customer experience that had been expected.

“There is nothing more disappointing for a racer, sponsor or fan than to be excited about a new facility only to park in the mud or to find an amenity not fully functional when they arrive,” Polburn said. “We have learned from the past and promised racers that attended those events that we would not put them in that position again. What everyone needs to understand is that this is a long term partnership with Mike and his team at Mansfield and we are prepared to wait the extra three months to ensure our customers have an experience that exceeds their expectations.”

The Nitro Jam event will return to its June date in 2008.

The Summit Racing Equipment Pro-Am Tour presented by Mr. Gasket event originally scheduled for the September 21-23 weekend at Mansfield will be postponed until 2008.

“Fortunately, the way the schedule worked out this year, Division 3 racers have the luxury of having seven other ‘in division’ events this season on the schedule so hopefully this move will have minimal impact,” IHRA vice president of racing operations Skooter Peaco said. “We apologize for the schedule shuffle, but with seven months notice, our Summit Pro-Am competitors can adjust their schedule to maximize their season and take advantage of the double event weekends at some of the other host facilities until we can get Mansfield on the schedule for 2008.”
 

IHRA WELCOMES NAPA AUTO PARTS TO SAN ANTONIO RACEWAY
Named Presenting Sponsor of Amalie Oil Texas Nationals

NORWALK, Ohio (February 21, 2007) – IHRA is proud to welcome NAPA AUTO PARTS as presenting sponsor of the upcoming Amalie Oil Texas Nationals. The event is the season opener of the Nitro Jam™ Series and will be held March 23 – 25 at San Antonio Raceway.

“NAPA AUTO PARTS has a long tradition of supporting racing at all levels,” said Keith Roland, general manager, NAPA San Antonio. “As America’s leading automotive parts supplier, NAPA is proud to partner with Amalie and IHRA to bring this exciting event to San Antonio.”

“This marks the first partnership between IHRA and NAPA AUTO PARTS, and we are excited at the opportunity to introduce them to the excitement of the Nitro Jam events,” said IHRA President Aaron Polburn. “NAPA has a strong presence in the auto racing world and can now add IHRA to that impressive list.”

Providing San Antonio fans even more value when attending the Texas Nationals, NAPA AUTO PARTS is offering a Nitro Fast Pass coupon available at participating stores. Redeemable at the San Antonio Raceway ticket office and all Ticketmaster locations, the coupon grants $15 off a Friday or Sunday adult general admission ticket, plus a free kids ticket.

For more information on NAPA AUTO PARTS, please visit www.napaautoparts.com.

About NAPA AUTO PARTS

NAPA was founded in 1925 to meet America’s growing need for a world-class auto parts distribution system. By providing excellent customer service for more than 80 years, NAPA has become the industry leader.

NAPA’s strength is unrivaled, with over 6,000 NAPA AUTO PARTS stores, 64 Distribution Centers, more than 13,000 NAPA AutoCare and AutoCare Collision repair facilities, over 310,000 parts in inventory every day and the convenience of 24 hour shopping with NAPAonline. NAPA AUTO PARTS stores provide friendly, personalized service. Our highly trained and experienced professionals are here to help you get the job done. With our huge in-stock inventory, NAPA provides the parts you need when you need them.

For your automotive repair needs, NAPA AutoCare and AutoCare Collision and Truck Service Centers can handle everything from preventive maintenance to major repairs. Technicians at NAPA AutoCare Centers have access to the most extensive training in the automotive industry. Qualifying repairs are backed by the NAPA AutoCare “Peace of Mind” Warranty, providing our customers with 12-months/12,000 miles of worry-free protection on qualifying parts and labor. Wherever you may travel, our warranty is honored at all NAPA AutoCare Center locations across the country.

About IHRA

Headquartered in Norwalk, Ohio, the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA), a division of Live Nation, promotes professional, semi-professional and local level racing opportunities for drivers at all levels. The $16.5 million Nitro Jam™ Drag Racing Series is a 12-event North American professional drag racing circuit. In 2007, the series will be comprised of nine events in major cities throughout the United States and three in Canada. The Summit Racing Equipment Pro-Am Championship presented by Mr. Gasket consists of competition at national events and 40 events in six regional divisions, while IHRA’s Summit SuperSeries is conducted nearly every weekend at over 70 IHRA-sanctioned tracks. Providing a safe environment to develop future stars, IHRA offers the Junior Dragster Racing Series for youths ages 8-17. Stand-alone events include Live Nation’s entertainment-filled “Thunder Jam” shows and the street legal racing and lifestyle event series Kumho Street Warriorz presented by Hooters. More information can be found at www.ihra.com.

Live Nation is one of the world's largest diversified promoters and producers of, venue operators and sponsorship/advertising for, live entertainment events including music concerts, theatrical performances, and specialized motor sports events. Live Nation owns, operates or has booking rights for 150 venues worldwide including 107 domestic and 43 international venue sites. In 2005, promoted and/or produced over 28,500 events with attendance at venues exceeding 61 million persons.
 

WOLVERINE NAMED PRESENTING SPONSOR OF SKULL SHINE SOONER NATIONALS NITRO JAM™ EVENT
Outdoor Footwear and Apparel Giant Co-Sponsors with Retailer Academy Sports + Outdoors

NORWALK, Ohio (February 7, 2007) – IHRA has announced outdoor footwear and apparel company Wolverine and sporting good retailer Academy Sports + Outdoors will be the presenting sponsor of the Tulsa, Okla., Nitro Jam™ Drag Racing Series event. The inaugural event, the Skull Shine Sooner Nationals presented by Wolverine and Academy Sports + Outdoors, will be held May 25 – 27 at Tulsa Raceway Park.

“We at Wolverine are very excited about being a first-time sponsor of the Skull Shine Sooner Nationals,” said Christina Vernon, marketing manager for Wolverine. “Wolverine’s footwear and apparel lines are made for those who live relentless, full-out lives, and that category certainly includes drag racing enthusiasts.”

Wolverine footwear and apparel offers workers and outdoor enthusiasts all-day comfort, durability and quality. The company’s core market includes men 18 to 45 who live active lifestyles.

“Wolverine’s collection of work, outdoor sport and rugged outdoor footwear and apparel makes the company a perfect fit for the Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series,” said Jon Sata, Live Nation director of sales. “We applaud Wolverine and Academy Sports + Outdoors, one of the nation’s largest sporting goods retailers, for their support of the Skull Shine Sooner Nationals.”

Academy Sports + Outdoors has more than 90 stores in ten states and carries a huge selection of Wolverine footwear and apparel. There are five stores in Oklahoma: two in Tulsa, one in Edmond and two in Oklahoma City.

For more information please visit www.wolverine.com or call (800) 270-6079 to find the nearest retail store that carries Wolverine Boots and Shoes. Also visit www.academy.com to locate the nearest Academy Sports + Outdoors retail store.

For more information on the Skull Shine Sooner Nationals presented by Wolverine and Academy Sports + Outdoors, please visit www.ihra.com or www.tulsaracewaypark.com.
 

IHRA REVOLUTIONIZES NATIONAL EVENT FORMAT
Announces “Last Man Standing” Program

NORWALK, Ohio (January 25, 2007) – Beginning with the 2007 season, a winner will be crowned after the night qualifying sessions at each IHRA Nitro Jam™ Drag Racing Series event in the professional categories. Announcing the “Last Man Standing” program, IHRA will ensure fans an entertaining day at the races by giving drivers an extra incentive to perform well, all while creating on-track excitement.

Competitors will be attempting to qualify for Sunday’s eliminations during the Friday and Saturday night sessions. The traditional qualifying process will still be utilized to set the field. However, those qualifying sessions will have an immediate outcome for all the fans in attendance that evening.

“We’ve found that fans want to see a conclusion, but someone that comes to the race Friday or Saturday isn’t always there on Sunday,” IHRA vice president of racing operations Skooter Peaco said. “The excitement and drama we create by determining a winning driver Friday and Saturday, in addition to Sunday’s eliminations gives fans the chance to leave a night of IHRA qualifying feeling that they saw the day’s activities conclude by crowning a winner for that day.”

Each pair of cars during the Friday night and Saturday night pro qualifying sessions will have a winner. The winner of each pair will be the car that crosses the finish line first using normal elimination rules. Foul starts and other on-track penalties will deem the run a loss for that driver.

Once the qualifying session is over, the quickest winners from that session will be crowned “Last Man Standing.” This will be done only during the Friday and Saturday night session.

The qualifying order and elimination ladder will continue to be generated based solely on elapsed time and will not be influenced by winning or losing runs during the Friday or Saturday night sessions.

Winning drivers receive five bonus points each night. A driver is eligible to win bonus points from both sessions. This program will result in winners from Top Fuel, Nitro Funny Car, Pro Modified, Alcohol Funny Car and Pro Stock.
 

DRAG RACE CENTRAL NAMED “OFFICIAL RACE RESULTS OF IHRA”

NORWALK, Ohio (January 17, 2007) — Drag Race Central, powered by Summit Racing Equipment, will become the first and only Website to provide complete, up-to-the-minute coverage of all 46 IHRA Pro-Am events in 2007. To reflect this groundbreaking race coverage, IHRA has named Drag Race Central the “Official Race Results of IHRA.”

“Our racers have been asking for live coverage at IHRA Pro-Am Events for years, and it’s no surprise to me that Summit Racing Equipment has stepped up to provide this service via Drag Race Central,” Aaron Polburn, IHRA President, said. “The company’s dedication to drag racing has played a major part in the IHRA—from its recent involvement with our Pro-Am Tour to the very successful Summit SuperSeries and Team Finals.”

Posted online at SummitRacing.com, Drag Race Central has been offering in-depth coverage of drag racing news and events since 1998. The Website is known for its up-to-the-minute, round-by-round race coverage, which comes directly from the site of each event. This real-time race reporting makes Drag Race Central a popular site for race fans who don’t want to wait for tape-delayed TV coverage. In addition, Drag Race Central’s race archives make it a great resource for racers who like to track the performance of competitors throughout the season.

“We’ve stepped up our support of sportsman racing with our sponsorship of the Summit Racing Equipment Pro-Am Tour presented by Mr. Gasket,” Kirk Heinbuch, Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports and Events Manager, said. “Naturally, we also want to give these hard-working sportsman-class racers the coverage they deserve as they battle for divisional and national championships.”

In addition to event coverage, Drag Race Central features racer interviews, breaking news, feature stories, and an extensive array of race photos from the award-winning staff at the Fast News Network. Race fans and drivers can access Drag Race Central by going to SummitRacing.com and clicking on the Drag Race Central icon.

Drag Race Central will offer real-time coverage of both the IHRA Nitro Jam™ Series and Summit Racing Equipment Pro-Am Tour presented by Mr. Gasket beginning February 10, at the Division 2 Pro-Am Tour event in Immokalee, Florida.

Established in 1968, Summit Racing Equipment is the leading high performance parts and accessories company. Summit Racing offers the largest selection, best prices, and best customer service in the high performance industry via catalogs, Internet, and Retail Super Stores. The company is headquartered in Tallmadge, Ohio with retail locations in Tallmadge, Ohio; Sparks, Nevada; and McDonough, Georgia.
 

PITTSBURGH RACEWAY PARK SIGNS MULTI-YEAR SANCTIONING AGREEMENT WITH IHRA
Track New Host of North Star Summit Team Finals

NORWALK, Ohio (January 2, 2007) – The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) announced it has signed a three-year sanction extension with Pittsburgh Raceway Park. The track, located southeast of downtown Pittsburgh, hosts a Summit Racing Equipment Pro-Am Tour presented by Mr. Gasket event, and beginning in 2007, will be the new home of the North Star Summit Team Finals.

“We’re thrilled to see the Tedesco family step up and renew their sanctioning agreement to give IHRA racers a home in western Pennsylvania,” said IHRA President Aaron Polburn. “They continue to make improvements to their facility and remain one of IHRA’s premier venues.”

“Pittsburgh Raceway Park will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2007 and the sixth year under our family’s management. We couldn’t be happier with our partnership with IHRA,” said track manager Frank Tedesco. “We are very pleased with the IHRA program and excited about the opportunity of increasing our involvement with the sanctioning body to now include hosting the Summit Team Finals.”

“Pittsburgh Raceway Park has served IHRA’s Pro-Am and Summit SuperSeries competitors for many years,” IHRA vice president of racing operations Skooter Peaco said. “In addition, the track has developed many innovative racing concepts, most notably their ‘Thunder in the Burgh’ event, which brings our sport to a safe, controlled atmosphere on the streets of downtown Pittsburgh.

“It’s no secret Pittsburgh has been on the short list for an IHRA Nitro Jam™ national event for quite some time,” added Peaco.

The Patriots division 2007 Pro-Am double-event will be held July 7 – 8. The North Star Summit Team Finals will be held at Pittsburgh Raceway Park Oct. 5 – 7.

For more information, please log onto www.ihra.com.
 

DRM DEBUTS NEW FORMAT IN 2007
IHRA magazine will ring in New Year with new format and new attitude

NORWALK, Ohio (December 27, 2006) – DRM readers, get ready to receive a surprise when Issue 1 for 2007 arrives in your mailbox. DRM is currently undergoing a radical face-lift that will enable IHRA to better serve its readers and advertisers with a stronger, more colorful DRM. The new look will be more streamlined, more colorful and the size of a regular magazine.

“We sit down every year to tear apart the magazine, trying to figure out what changes we can make to better serve our readers,” DRM editorial director Mike Perry said. “One of the complaints we have always heard about the magazine is the lack of color pictures. We decided to reduce the size of the magazine to regular size and take the money we will save on printing, materials and shipping and plow it back into providing more color throughout the magazine. This is a drastic change, but we are very excited about the new direction of DRM. I know our readers will love it.”

All the features DRM readers are used to will remain in the new format. The columnists will remain the same along with the popular special features and top-of-the-line race coverage.

“When (DRM managing editor) Pam (Marchyshyn) came to me with this idea her team came up with I was very excited about the possibilities,” IHRA President Aaron Polburn said. “We have a newly designed IHRA.com and the magazine redesign is just another step in the commitment we have made to improve our general communication with our members. I have seen the sample issue and, to be honest, I was blown away. This is a very exciting thing.”

Marchyshyn is looking forward to the finished product.

“We have really worked hard on the new DRM,” she said. “Any managing editor of a magazine wants more color to work with, and this new format will give us the opportunity to better utilize more color pages than ever before. I know our readers and sponsors are going to love the change.”
 

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