GeorgiaDragRacing : Messages : 1-30 of 11608

Reminder from the Calendar of GeorgiaDragRacing

Gatornationals

Thursday March 14, 2002
All Day
This event does not repeat.

City, State, Zip: Gainesville, FL

Notes: 33rd Annual Mac Tools Gatornationals March 14-17

Yahoo! Greetings
Send a Yahoo! Greeting.

Birthday Reminders
Set up birthday reminders!

Copyright © 2002 Yahoo! Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy - Terms of Service

#29

From: "David Dilbeck" <dayfalcon@...>
Date: Wed Mar 6, 2002 3:27 am
Subject: New General Manager for Atlanta Dragway

dayfalcon

Offline

http://www.nhra.com/2002/news/March/030502.html

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Armstrong named General Manager at Atlanta Dragway

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
03/05/2000

Click here to download photo

GLENDORA, Calif. (March 5, 2002) - The National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) has named Craig L. Armstrong as General Manager for Atlanta Dragway in Commerce, Ga. Atlanta Dragway, one of five drag racing facilities owned and operated by the NHRA, is the long-time host of the famed NHRA Southern Nationals.

In his new position, Armstrong will be responsible for overseeing all operations at Atlanta Dragway, including competition, sales, facility maintenance, marketing, community relations and supervising the track's personnel. He will report directly to Cary Menard, NHRA vice president for business and legal affairs, who has direct responsibility for all of the NHRA owned and operated tracks across the country. Other NHRA owned and operated tracks include: Gainesville Raceway, Gainesville, Fla.; National Trail Raceway, Columbus, Ohio; Indianapolis Raceway Park, Indianapolis; and, Pomona Raceway, Pomona, Calif.

"We're very fortunate to have someone with Craig's background and capabilities take over the GM position at Atlanta Dragway," said Menard. "He has certainly compiled an effective management record at Portland Speedway and we're confident he will demonstrate the same at Atlanta Dragway, one of our most important NHRA-owned and operated facilities."

Since 1988, Armstrong has been General Manager and CEO of Western Speedways, Inc., which operates Portland (Ore.) Speedway. During his tenure there he supervised all aspects of the race facility. He also has worked as owner of Armstrong Motorsports, a Portland-based marketing and broadcasting consulting firm, and served as a pit reporter for MRN Radio at various NASCAR events. In addition, he has produced radio and television broadcasts for NASCAR, CART, Formula One, IMSA and SCCA events.

"I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with such a great organization as NHRA," said Armstrong, who will begin his new position on March 15th. "I have a broad background in oval racing, and I will be the first to admit I have a lot to learn about drag racing. Fortunately I am a drag racing fan, so it will be an easy transition. I plan to bring all of the focus, energy, determination and passion to Atlanta Dragway and do my part to help make NHRA the motorsport for the 21st century."

Armstrong and wife Leslie have three children, Lauren, 21, Ian, 18, and Beth, 16. The family is in the process of relocating to the north Georgia area.

Headquartered in Glendora, Calif., the NHRA is the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States. It presents 23 national events through its NHRA POWERADE Drag Racing Series. The NHRA has more than 80,000 members nationwide and more than 130 member tracks. The NHRA-sanctioned sportsman and bracket racing series' provide competition opportunities for drivers of all levels. The NHRA develops the stars of tomorrow by offering the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, NHRA Summit Racing Series, NHRA Summit Sport Compact Drag Racing Series and the NHRA Street Legal Program. The NHRA also offers the NHRA Castrol GTX Jr. Drag Racing League for youths ages 8 to 17.

#28

From: "David Dilbeck" <dayfalcon@...>
Date: Wed Mar 6, 2002 3:30 am
Subject: Georgian Gene Wilson auditions for Team Mopar/Nickens Racing

dayfalcon

Offline

http://www.nhra.com/2002/news/march/030503.html

For complete story go to:

David Dilbeck

#27

From: Yahoo! Reminder <reminders@...>
Date: Thu Feb 28, 2002 4:59 am
Subject: Gatornationals, 3/14/2002, 12:00 am

reminders@...

Reminder from the Calendar of GeorgiaDragRacing

Gatornationals

Thursday March 14, 2002
All Day
This event does not repeat.
The next reminder for this event will be sent in 7 days.

City, State, Zip: Gainesville, FL

Notes: 33rd Annual Mac Tools Gatornationals March 14-17

Yahoo! Greetings
Send a Yahoo! Greeting.

Birthday Reminders
Set up birthday reminders!

#26

From: "johndilbeck" <jd@...>
Date: Wed Feb 27, 2002 12:21 pm
Subject: New photos added today

johndilbeck

Offline

A group of photos were added to the GeorgiaDragRacing.com
site today. Details and links are on the News page on the site at:

http://georgiadragracing.com/news/index.html

JD

#25

From: "David Dilbeck" <dayfalcon@...>
Date: Tue Feb 26, 2002 6:06 am
Subject: Kurt Johnson Press Release

dayfalcon

Offline

http://www.summitracing.com/stories/PR-DRAG/20020225-193703-2.htm

Mon, 25 Feb 2002, 07:37 PM

Kurt Climbs to Fourth in Championship Standings with Semifinal Finish
Courtesy of Rick Voegelin

CHANDLER, Ariz. -- Kurt Johnson continued to show the consistency that eluded him last season as he posted a semifinal finish for the second race in a row. Johnson advanced his ACDelco Cavalier to the third round of eliminations Sunday at the CSK Nationals, where he lost a close decision to his father, six-time champion Warren Johnson, 6.910 at 200.00 mph to 6.918 at 199.73 mph.
"The Old Man beat me again -- what can I say?" Johnson said. "I chose the right lane, which had been good to me all day. I picked up a hundredth of a second in the first 60 feet, and I thought I was looking good, but he got the win light.

"I came to this race 37 points out of the lead, and I'm leaving here just 24 points behind, so we're going the right direction," Kurt noted.

Johnson emerged as the winner of a virtual dead heat in the first round when he defeated Larry Morgan. The pair's combined reaction times and elapsed times were identical, indicating a .000-second margin of victory.

"I knew Larry would put up a good fight," K.J. recalled. "He was making good, straight runs. My ACDelco teammates and I put our heads together and came up with a combination for the first round that really hauled."

Kurt knocked off No. 1 qualifier Ron Krisher in the second round, 6.893 to 6.926. Johnson's winning time was the quickest e.t. of the round.

"This Cavalier just keeps going faster and faster," Johnson observed. "We had the hottest conditions we've seen this year, combined with the lowest humidity and a track surface that was constantly changing. We were conservative in qualifying, and then really stepped up on race day.

"This car is telling us what it wants, and we're listening," Kurt declared. "I'm excited about going to the Gatornationals in three weeks."

KURT JOHNSON RACE RESULTS
Qualified: No. 8 at 6.903/200.71 mph

First Round: Kurt Johnson (6.887/200.80) defeated Larry Morgan(6.911/200.08)
Second Round: Johnson (6.893/200.62) defeated Ron Krisher (6.926/200.83)
Semifinal Round: Warren Johnson (6.910/200.00) defeated Kurt Johnson (6.918/199.73)

Final Round: Bruce Allen (6.904/199.02) defeated Warren Johnson (7.470/148.76)

Low ET: Warren Johnson, 6.865 seconds (track record)
Top Speed: Ron Krisher, 201.97 mph (track record)

Reply | Forward | Messages in this Topic (8)

#24

From: "David Dilbeck" <dayfalcon@...>
Date: Tue Feb 26, 2002 6:03 am
Subject: Warren Johnson Press Release

dayfalcon

Offline

http://www.summitracing.com/stories/PR-DRAG/20020225-193703-1.htm

Mon, 25 Feb 2002, 07:37 PM

Johnson Advances to 136th Career Final in Phoenix
Courtesy of Rick Voegelin

CHANDLER, Ariz. -- Warren Johnson came within one round of defending his Pro Stock title at the CSK Nationals on Sunday at Firebird International Raceway. Johnson advanced to the final round of eliminations for the 136th time in his career where he faced No. 2 qualifier Bruce Allen. Allen took the victory, 6.904 at 199.02 mph, while Johnson slowed to a 7.470-second elapsed time. It was W.J.'s 49th runner-up finish in NHRA competition.
"The way I see it, only one guy felt better than I did after the race," Johnson joked. "The conditions were hot, but the car responded well. We were just a little too greedy in the final round.

"In the semifinal round, we backed the car off too far," he explained. "Then in the final round, we went too far the other way. We spun the tires hard in first gear and shook them in second, so at that point the race was over."

Johnson's GM Performance Parts Pontiac set the track elapsed time record at 6.865 seconds in his first-round victory over J.R. Carr. Warren's 201.52 mph clocking on that run was the fastest speed in eliminations.

Johnson took out former NBA star Tom Hammonds in the second round, 6.897 to 6.916. He then faced his son Kurt in the semifinal round, the 44th time the pair has raced in national event competition. Warren improved his won/lost record to 32-12 over K.J. as he edged his son, 6.910 at 200.00 mph to Kurt's close 6.918 at 199.73 mph.

The Johnsons are now tied for fourth place in the NHRA POWERade championship with 147 points. They trail points leader Bruce Allen by 24 markers after two of 23 events.

"When you look at the big picture, our two-car program is producing excellent results," Warren noted. "Based on our performances in Pomona and Phoenix, I think we're in good shape for the rest of the year."

The GM Performance Parts team will have a three-week break before the championship chase resumes at the Mac Tools Gatornationals in Gainesville, Fla. on March 14-17. W.J. virtually owns the fast Florida track where he has won nine times overall and scored victories in three of the last four years.

"I've rented a track for a week for a closed test session before we go to Gainesville," Johnson revealed. "We have some test equipment that has never been available to us before, so we're going to utilize it to our advantage."

WARREN JOHNSON RACE RESULTS
Qualified: No. 5 at 6.890/201.52 mph

First Round: Warren Johnson (6.865/201.52) defeated J.R. Carr (6.893/200.17)
Second Round: Johnson (6.897/200.86) defeated Tom Hammonds (6.916/200.26)
Semifinal: Johnson (6.910/200.00) defeated Kurt Johnson (6.918/199.73)
Final Round: Bruce Allen (6.904/199.02) defeated Johnson (7.470/148.76)

Low ET: Warren Johnson, 6.865 seconds (track record)
Top Speed: Ron Krisher, 201.97 mph (track record)

Reply | Forward | Messages in this Topic (9)

#23

From: "David Dilbeck" <dayfalcon@...>
Date: Thu Feb 21, 2002 2:54 am
Subject: Warren Johnson Press Release

dayfalcon

Offline

http://www.summitracing.com/stories/PR-DRAG/20020220-082804-3.htm

Wed, 20 Feb 2002, 08:28 AM

Johnson Counts On Experience in Phoenix Title Defense
Courtesy of Rick Voegelin

CHANDLER, Ariz. -- Motorsports, like politics, makes strange bedfellows. Perhaps no pair in the Pro Stock pits is more unlikely than the silver-haired duo of six-time champion Warren Johnson and consultant Buddy Ingersoll.
Johnson and Ingersoll have a total of 84 years of experience in drag racing. They will certainly have to tap this deep well of knowledge when Johnson defends his Pro Stock title at the CSK Nationals on Feb. 22-24 at Firebird International Raceway near Phoenix.

Both discovered the quarter-mile sport as young men, racing their souped-up Chevys on obscure tracks. While Johnson was learning the rudiments of racing in Minnesota, Ingersoll was perfecting his racecraft at drag strips near his home in Ziegler, Ill.

Like Johnson, Ingersoll often chose the path less traveled. He terrorized the Super Stock classes in the '70s with an oddball Oldsmobile, then campaigned a turbocharged four-cylinder Pinto that horsewhipped the big V8s in Modified eliminator. Next came a turbocharged Buick that outperformed contemporary Pro Stocks despite having a six-cylinder engine with less than half the displacement of a Pro Stock powerplant.

It is a measure of the intensity of the competition in Pro Stock today that the self-reliant Johnson would enlist Ingersoll as an advisor. While Warren remains firmly in charge of his GM Performance Parts team, he relies on Ingersoll for valuable input during a race weekend.

"As the competition becomes keener, you need more eyes to monitor the racetrack and atmospheric conditions," said Johnson. "The more knowledge you have, the better your chances of success.

"Between the two of us, we have nearly nine decades of drag racing experience," W.J. noted. "We've seen all of the ways you can lose a race -- and we're probably guilty of most of them."

Ingersoll, an accomplished mechanic, driver and crew chief, is content with his new role as observer.

"Warren and I laid down the ground rules," he recalled. "My job is to keep my hands in my pockets and pay attention to what's going on with the racetrack.

"Warren has so many obligations at the track that he doesn't have time to deal with all of the details," Ingersoll said. "He tunes the motor, does interviews with the press and meets with his sponsors. My assignment is to stay on top of the setup so the car can use W.J.'s horsepower. I love what I do, and now Warren has a chance to breathe between runs."

Johnson selected Ingersoll from a long list of drivers with Pro Stock experience. Their animated give-and-take in the trailer is based on mutual respect.

"I wanted somebody with experience in both driving and tuning," Johnson reported. "It's difficult to communicate exactly what the car is doing to someone who has never driven a race car. Buddy is a racer, and we speak the same language.

"If we disagree on a change, each of us explains the reasons for his position," Warren continued. "That forces you to examine all of the evidence, and that's the key to our relationship. We're gaining confidence in each other's decisions, and we're also getting input from everyone else on the team. There are simply too many variables for one or two people to analyze correctly."

Is Ingersoll intimidated by working alongside the most successful driver in Pro Stock history, a man who is renowned for his take-no-prisoners attitude? Hardly.

"Warren's a pussycat," Ingersoll laughed. "So far we're getting along just fine."

The Firebird International Raceway quarter-mile will be a supreme test of the pair's newfound friendship. Johnson endured 13 fruitless years in the Arizona desert before he scored his first victory in Phoenix in 1998. Last year he defeated Brad Jeter in the final round to claim his second career victory at Firebird.

"It's a surprise every time we go to Phoenix," W.J. observed. "We never know what to expect from the track. I think that's the reason why we struggled at Firebird for so many years.

"I feel very comfortable with the new GM Performance Parts Grand Am we debuted in Pomona," he continued. "We were competitive in the car's first national event, running a 6.81 in the first round with a broken rocker arm. Then we ran the top speed of the meet in the second round with our back-up motor.

"I'm encouraged that we're going the right direction with our chassis program," W.J. said. "This car has shown no tendency to shake the tires. We made significant changes from last year's chassis, and immediately following the Phoenix race, we'll start work on the next iteration."

The excitement that is evident in Johnson's voice as he describes his plans for yet another chassis echoes the enthusiasm that he must have felt when he first bolted a pair of slicks on his '57 Chevy. For seasoned racers like Warren Johnson and Buddy Ingersoll, the prospect of quicker elapsed times and faster speeds is an elixir that keeps these silver-haired racers forever young.

For the complete press release, go to:

Reply | Forward | Messages in this Topic (9)

#22

From: "David Dilbeck" <dayfalcon@...>
Date: Thu Feb 21, 2002 2:52 am
Subject: Kurt Johnson Press Release

dayfalcon

Offline

http://www.summitracing.com/stories/PR-DRAG/20020220-082805-4.htm

Wed, 20 Feb 2002, 08:28 AM

Kurt Johnson Primed for Phoenix Shootout
Courtesy of Rick Voegelin

CHANDLER, Ariz. -- You can certainly understand Kurt Johnson's separation anxiety. Following the season-opening Winternationals in Pomona, Calif., Johnson's ACDelco rig has been parked in Phoenix in anticipation of the CSK Nationals at Firebird International Raceway on Feb. 22-24. Among the precious cargo under lock and key in Arizona are Johnson's record-setting GM Drag Race Competition Engines.
"As long as nobody has stolen the trailer, we should be all right," Kurt said from his top-secret engine shop in Sugar Hill, Ga. "With our race engines 2,000 miles away, we've been testing new ideas on the dyno every day. I have my fingers crossed that we'll pick up three or four horsepower before the Gatornationals."

In an engine that produces more than 1,300 horsepower, three or four additional ponies may seem insignificant. But given the ferocity of the competition in Pro Stock, just one horsepower can mean the difference between victory and defeat.

There is also a brand-new ACDelco Cavalier to occupy idle hands in Kurt's workshop. Pro Stock chassis, like Pro Stock engines, are constantly evolving to a higher level.

"This is our fourth-generation car from Jerry Haas, and it looks promising," Kurt reported. "We've widened and strengthened the chassis to make it stiffer. We'll find out soon whether or not it works."

Johnson has experienced the full range of racing emotions at Firebird International Raceway. He crashed there in his rookie season in 1993, and he won there in 1999. This year's event will mark his tenth race at the Arizona track.

"We're going to start off in Phoenix with the car set up just the way it left Pomona," he said. "We think the starting line at Firebird will be a little better than the first 60 feet at the Winternationals. If we need more traction, we know what to do.

"Firebird does have some bumps, and I think our double-rail chassis will be an advantage," Johnson reported. "The stiffer frame lets the shock absorbers do their work. The Cavalier I'm driving now is very similar to the double-rail Camaro that won in Phoenix in 1999. That car stayed hooked up even on a bumpy track, and I hope that this car does the same."

Johnson is fourth in the NHRA POWERade championship standings after a semifinal finish at the K&N Filters Winternationals. He'll be reunited with his beloved engines at Firebird International Raceway before Friday's first qualifying session -- and he's counting the minutes.

For the complete press release, go to:

Reply | Forward | Messages in this Topic (8)

#21

From: "David Dilbeck" <dayfalcon@...>
Date: Mon Feb 18, 2002 5:49 am
Subject: Ronnie Stewart Corvettes

dayfalcon

Offline

These pics are from Southeastern International Dragway ( Dallas, GA ). The Spastic Plastic shot was taken August 18, 1968 and the other pic is "The Wildebeast" taken at an unknown earlier date. Thanks to Marvin Smith for the pics. David

#20

From: "David Dilbeck" <dayfalcon@...>
Date: Mon Feb 18, 2002 3:55 am
Subject: New pics

dayfalcon

Offline

Sorry for the cross posting, but I have posted some new pics on my site, and some of you might like to see them. David

#19

From: "David Dilbeck" <dayfalcon@...>
Date: Thu Feb 14, 2002 6:18 am
Subject: IHRA News

dayfalcon

Offline

Wed, 13 Feb 2002, 11:16 AM

Southern Dragway Heats Up Division 2 With Holley Pro-Am Tour Opener

Courtesy of IHRA Communications

DOUGLAS, Ga. -- The 2002 IHRA Drag Racing Season is officially underway with the completion of the first Holley Pro-Am series event, at Southern Dragway in the Division 2 Heat Wave. Among the big first race winners was Monty Joe Bogan, Jr., who took out defending Lunati Super Stock World Champion Anthony Bertozzi, in his own quest to nail down multiple championships in a single season behind the wheel of his fleet of GM Performance Parts-backed cars.

Danny Howell, Jimmy Pritchett, Lee Tuttle, Victor Vickers, Carl Freeman, R.L. Koontz also took home top honors at Southern Dragway, Douglas, Ga. (1/8th mile Southern).

	Driver	Hometown	R/T	Dial	E.T.	MPH
NOS Top Sportsman
Win Danny Howell Youngstown, FL .509	5.30	5.327	132.33
R/U Ronnie Davis Lilburn, GA .522	4.79	4.813	146.53

Annihilator Top Dragster
Win Jimmy Pritchett Grimsley, TN .509	5.13	5.176	131.38
R/U Carry B. Locke Alamo, GA .486	4.92	4.930	139.62


Lunati Super Stock
Win Monty Bogan, Jr. Jonesville, SC .526	6.19	6.195	112.81
R/U Anthony Bertozzi Richmond, VA .513	6.05	6.114	114.28


Earl's Stock
Win Lee Tuttle Albany, GA .526	8.27	8.332	79.47
R/U Bill Howell Aiken, SC .575	8.27	8.319	83.22


Dominator Quick Rod
Win Victor Vickers Douglas, GA .413	5.70	5.817	102.99
R/U Tony Fuller Orlando, FL 1.332	5.70	5.940	107.69


Holley Team G Super Rod
Win Carl Freeman Fernandina Beach, FL .433	6.40	6.413	104.74
R/U Steve Revis Ocala, FL .466	6.40	6.418	119.11


Weiand Hot Rod
Win R.L. Koontz Sarasota, FL .508	7.00	7.013	109.79
R/U Jeremy Head Thomaston, GA .522	7.00	7.009	103.77


Pro Modified
Win Jason Scruggs Saltillo, MS .475	4.027	179.24
R/U Perry Herring Gordo, AL .466	4.147	178.96


Super Gas Association Southeast
Win Bart Graham Weirsdale, FL .422	6.40	6.403
R/U Wayne E. Ernst Port St. Joe, FL .424	6.40	6.411


Best Appearing Car: Billy Vaughn, Top Sportsman

Saturday E.T. Brackets, split money at 21 Pro cars, 13 Sportsman

#18

From: "johndilbeck" <jd@...>
Date: Tue Feb 12, 2002 12:07 pm
Subject: GDR clothing update

johndilbeck

Offline

It has come to my attention that the URL in the original
announcement about GDR clothing results in an error with some
browsers.

The problem is the period at the end of the URL, which is
required at the end of a sentence in English, and which all
browsers should ignore.

The correct link is:

http://www.cafepress.com/gadragracing

and this should work for all browsers.

Sorry about the mixup.

JD

#17

From: "johndilbeck" <jd@...>
Date: Tue Feb 12, 2002 9:19 am
Subject: 2002 NHRA Winternationals Final Results

johndilbeck

Offline

Dixon, Force and Marnell earn season-opening victories at the
K&N Filters Winternationals
------------------------------------------------------------------------
02/10/2000


POMONA, Calif. - Larry Dixon and Kenny Bernstein have started
the 2002 NHRA Drag Racing season right where they left off -
facing each other in the final round.

This time, however, Dixon got the edge, beating Bernstein, the
2001 Top Fuel champion, at the K&N Filters Winternationals at
Pomona Raceway.

John Force and George Marnell also won their respective
categories at the $1.9 million race, the first of 23 events in the
$50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series.

Dixon used a 4.535-second run at 324.75 mph in his Miller Lite
Dragster to beat Bernstein's 4.612 pass at 324.67 in his
Budweiser King Dragster.

"We stumbled a little bit at the beginning of the day, but we had
our act together for the final," Dixon said. "Our crew has a couple
of new guys and we broke 'em in in style today."

Last season Dixon was ousted by Bernstein six times on race
day, including two finals. Bernstein earned the Top Fuel
championship by advancing further than Dixon at the
season-concluding race in November. Bernstein was hoping to
keep that streak alive in 2002.

"I'm never happy when we lose and I'm pretty unhappy right now,"
Bernstein said. "We worked really hard this week and the team
did a great job. We still have some work to do to get on up there.
It's going to be a long season."

The victory was the 17th of Dixon's career and second at the
Winternationals. He said the win was a result of a busy
offseason.

"Testing went really well, but testing doesn't mean anything if you
don't produce on race day," Dixon said. "Last year Kenny was the
champion and he deserved it. They had the better team. But we
have worked real hard over the winter to become the better team.
Right now we are, but that could change in two weeks when we
go to Phoenix."

Force earned his 99th career victory by beating Del Worsham in
the Funny Car final. Force went 6.260 at 219.76 in a Ford
Mustang to get the win over Worsham's 6.642 at 243.68 in a
Pontiac Firebird. Both cars smoked the tires before mid-track,
but Force peddled through for the win.

"That was a wild one," Force said. "Del stood up there and we
almost hit the wall but I got her straightened out and she trucked
on down there. It feels good to get another win. This is Austin
Coil and a group of 40 other guys that made this happen.

"That was a wild ride just like that Jurassic Park ride at
Universal. I can't believe I got another win at this place."

An 11-time champion, Force is the winningest driver in NHRA
history but is looking to earn his 100th victory.

"We are very excited to come out at the first race and win," Force
said. "We came out of the box good in qualifying. We'll see what
happens next. I'm just real excited."

Marnell beat Jim Yates in a photo finish to claim the second Pro
Stock victory of his career. Marnell went 6.880 at 200.89 in a
Pontiac Grand Am, beating Yates' 6.812 at 202.61 in a Pontiac
Grand Am.

"I had a good day. What a battle," Marnell said. "It's going to be a
tough year because everyone is so tough out here. That was a
great ride. I got out there first and was able to hold him off."

There were 15 drivers that won Pro Stock races in 2001. Marnell
said he had a feeling his team could be competitive.

"There aren't just 16 good cars out there," Marnell said. "There
are about 20-25 good cars out there. I think anyone can win out
there. But I feel we have a great team, we have great equipment
and I felt very confident that we could go out and win."

The next NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series event will be the
18th annual Checker Schuck's Kragen Nationals, Feb. 21-24 at
Firebird International Raceway in Phoenix.

POMONA, Calif. -- Final finish order (1-16) for professional
categories at the 42nd annual K&N Filters NHRA
Winternationals at Pomona Raceway. The $1.9 million race is
the first of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag
Racing Series.

TOP FUEL:
1. L Dixon; 2. K Bernstein; 3. C McClenathan; 4. C Millican; 5. D
Kalitta; 6. W Radke; 7. J Smith; 8. D Lampus; 9. David Grubnic;
10. Rhonda Hartman-Smith; 11. Scott Weis; 12. Andrew Cowin;
13. Tony Schumacher; 14. Doug Herbert; 15. Darrell Russell; 16.
Yuichi Oyama.

FUNNY CAR:
1. J Force, '01 Ford Mustang; 2. D Worsham, Pontiac Firebird; 3.
R Capps, Chevy Camaro; 4. J Gray, Firebird; 5. G Densham,
Firebird; 6. S Cannon, Firebird; 7. A Hofmann, Firebird; 8. G
Scelzi, Toyota Celica; 9. Jerry Toliver, Firebird; 10. John Lawson,
Firebird; 11. Tony Pedregon, Mustang; 12. Whit Bazemore,
Firebird; 13. Cruz Pedregon, Firebird; 14. Dean Skuza, Firebird;
15. Tommy Johnson Jr., Camaro; 16. Bob Bode, Camaro.

PRO STOCK:
1. G Marnell, Pontiac Grand Am; 2. J Yates, Grand Am; 3. T
Hammonds, Chevy Cavalier; 4. K Johnson, Grand Am; 5. W
Johnson, Grand Am; 6. M Edwards, Cavalier; 7. B Allen, Cavalier;
8. L Morgan, Cavalier; 9. Ron Krisher, Cavalier; 10. Mark Pawuk,
Grand Am; 11. Greg Anderson, Grand Am; 12. V. Gaines, Grand
Am; 13. Darrell Alderman, Cavalier; 14. Tom Martino, Cavalier;
15. Mark Osborne, Dodge Neon R/T; 16. Allen Johnson, Cavalier.

POMONA, Calif. -- Sunday's final results from the 42nd annual
K&N Filters NHRA Winternationals at at Pomona Raceway. The
$1.9 million race is the first of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA
POWERade Drag Racing Series.

Top Fuel -- Larry Dixon, 4.535 seconds, 324.75 mph def. Kenny
Bernstein, 4.612 seconds, 324.67 mph.

Funny Car -- John Force, Ford Mustang, 6.260, 219.76 def. Del
Worsham, Pontiac Firebird, 6.642, 243.68.

Pro Stock -- George Marnell, Pontiac Grand Am, 6.880, 200.89
def. Jim Yates, Grand Am, 6.812, 202.61.

Top Alcohol Dragster -- Steve Federlin, 5.444, 261.37 def. Mark
Hentges, 5.421, 262.33.

Top Alcohol Funny Car -- Pat Austin, Pontiac Firebird, 5.780,
253.66 def. Bucky Austin, Firebird, 5.920, 190.11.

Comp Eliminator -- Mike DePalma, Chevy Lumina, 7.490, 178.71
def. Brett Brown, Austin Bantam, 8.660, 149.35.

Super Stock -- Dan Fletcher, Chevy Camaro, 10.246, 124.48 def.
Jeff Taylor, Pontiac Grand Am, 8.590, 154.76.

Stock -- Ken Passerby, Chevy Nova 11.911, 109.13 def. Eric
Waldo, Ford Mustang, 10.769, 124.06.

Super Comp -- Mike Ferderer, Dragster, 8.912, 52.12 def. Brent
Cannon, Dragster, 8.911, 165.70.

Super Gas -- David Coapstick, Ford-T, 9.937, 140.05 def. Todd
Stewart, Chevy Corvette, 9.888, 142.34.

TOP FUEL:
ROUND ONE -- Cory McClenathan, 4.731, 304.32 def. Rhonda
Hartman-Smith, 4.766, 270.10; Don Lampus, 4.665, 315.56 def.
Doug Herbert, 6.291, 142.19; Clay Millican, 4.638, 319.98 def.
Yuichi Oyama, 10.767, 81.36; Kenny Bernstein, 4.598, 320.28
def. David Grubnic, 4.667, 310.13; John Smith, 4.901, 286.68 def.
Andrew Cowin, 5.386, 259.46; Wyatt Radke, 4.789, 301.33 def.
Tony Schumacher, 6.024, 172.34; Doug Kalitta, 4.566, 325.53
def. Scott Weis, 4.769, 286.07; Larry Dixon, 4.992, 274.27 def.
Darrell Russell, 6.659, 215.68;
QUARTERFINALS -- McClenathan, 6.557, 130.53 def. Smith,
8.333, 134.22; Dixon, 4.708, 318.77 def. Lampus, 8.705, 84.40;
Millican, 4.770, 312.71 def. Radke, 4.814, 302.96; Bernstein,
5.013, 204.94 def. Kalitta, foul;
SEMIFINALS -- Bernstein, 4.598, 323.27 def. McClenathan,
4.643, 317.42; Dixon, 4.580, 324.98 def. Millican, 4.705, 317.79;
FINAL -- Dixon, 4.535, 324.75 def. Bernstein, 4.612, 324.67.

FUNNY CAR:
ROUND ONE -- Del Worsham, Pontiac Firebird, 4.838, 319.82
def. John Lawson, Firebird, 5.058, 287.23; Gary Densham, Ford
Mustang, 4.797, 318.24 def. Cruz Pedregon, Firebird, 5.388,
199.11; John Force, Mustang, 4.806, 324.20 def. Tommy
Johnson Jr., Chevy Camaro, 8.087, 99.64; Johnny Gray, Firebird,
4.871, 314.68 def. Whit Bazemore, Firebird, 5.178, 270.10; Gary
Scelzi, Toyota Celica, 5.016, 275.11 def. Tony Pedregon,
Mustang, 5.097, 259.91; Ron Capps, Camaro, 4.825, 313.95 def.
Bob Bode, Dodge Avenger, 11.533, 71.84; Al Hofmann, Firebird,
4.892, 305.49 def. Jerry Toliver, Firebird, 4.896, 313.73; Scotty
Cannon, Firebird, 4.872, 311.41 def. Dean Skuza, Dodge Stratus
R/T, 5.518, 202.97;
QUARTERFINALS -- Gray, 4.873, 308.35 def. Hofmann, 5.307,
206.92; Worsham, 4.894, 273.44 def. Densham, 5.095, 242.23;
John Force, 4.809, 322.88 def. Cannon, 5.154, 242.54; Capps,
4.832, 316.60 def. Scelzi, 8.418, 115.38;
SEMIFINALS -- Worsham, 4.847, 316.52 def. Gray, 9.403, 95.05;
John. Force, 4.972, 295.79 def. Capps, 5.202, 214.28;
FINAL -- John. Force, 6.260, 219.76 def. Worsham, 6.642,
243.68.

PRO STOCK:
ROUND ONE -- Mike Edwards, Chevy Cavalier, 6.833, 201.67
def. Darrell Alderman, Dodge Neon R/T, 6.870, 200.95; Warren
Johnson, Pontiac Grand Am, 6.817, 202.82 def. Greg Anderson,
Cavalier, 6.845, 202.39; Kurt Johnson, Cavalier, 6.827, 202.94
def. Tom Martino, Grand Am, 6.874, 201.88; Bruce Allen, Grand
Am, 6.842, 201.64 def. V. Gaines, Cavalier, 6.848, 202.67; Tom
Hammonds, Cavalier, 6.834, 202.33 def. Allen Johnson, Neon
R/T, 6.930, 199.70; Larry Morgan, Neon R/T, 6.846, 202.85 def.
Mark Osborne, Neon R/T, 6.907, 177.35; Jim Yates, Grand Am,
6.803, 202.79 def. Mark Pawuk, Grand Am, 6.843, 202.18;
George Marnell, Grand Am, 6.857, 201.52 def. Ron Krisher,
Cavalier, 6.838, 202.88;
QUARTERFINALS -- Hammonds, 6.832, 201.16 def. Allen, 6.870,
201.76; Marnell, 6.854, 201.55 def. Edwards, 6.860, 201.10;
Johnson, 6.842, 202.70 def. Morgan, 6.873, 201.94; Yates,
6.834, 201.88 def. Johnson, 6.857, 203.12;
SEMIFINALS -- Yates, 6.832, 202.36 def. Johnson, 6.866, 202.42;
Marnell, 6.885, 201.01 def. Hammonds, 6.855, 201.73;
FINAL -- Marnell, 6.880, 200.89 def. Yates, 6.812, 202.61.

POMONA, Calif. -- Point standings (top 10) for NHRA
professional categories following the 42nd annual K&N Filters
NHRA Winternationals at Pomona Raceway, the first of 23
events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series:

Top Fuel
1. Larry Dixon, 117; 2. Kenny Bernstein, 95; 3. Clay Millican, 95; 4.
Cory McClenathan, 73; 5. Doug Kalitta, 54; 6. Don Lampus, 53; 7.
(tie) Wyatt Radke, 51; John Smith, 51; 9. Andrew Cowin, 38; 10.
Tony Schumacher, 36.

Funny Car
1. John Force, 118; 2. Del Worsham, 94; 3. Ron Capps, 74; 4.
Johnny Gray, 71; 5. Gary Densham, 56; 6. (tie) Scotty Cannon,
52; Al Hofmann, 52; 8. Gary Scelzi, 51; 9. Whit Bazemore, 37; 10.
Tony Pedregon, 35.

Pro Stock
1. George Marnell, 111; 2. Jim Yates, 97; 3. Tom Hammonds, 75;
4. Kurt Johnson, 74; 5. Bruce Allen, 54; 6. (tie) Mike Edwards, 53;
Warren Johnson, 53; 8. Larry Morgan, 51; 9. Ron Krisher, 38; 10.
Mark Osborne, 36.

  ---------------

Information courtesy of NHRA, http://www.nhra.com

#16

From: "David Dilbeck" <dayfalcon@...>
Date: Mon Feb 11, 2002 5:49 am
Subject: Warren and Kurt Johnson Winternationals results

dayfalcon

Offline

2002 NHRA Winternationals-Pomona, CA

Pro Stock

Kurt Johnson ( Buford, GA ) qualified #6 with a 6.833 202.88. He defeated Tom Martino in the first round with a 6.827 202.94. In the second round he defeated Larry Morgan with a 6.842 202.70. Kurt was defeated in the semi-finals by Jim Yates after a 6.866 202.42 pass.

Warren Johnson ( Buford, GA )qualified #7 with a 6.840 202.82. He defeated Greg Anderson in the first round with a 6.817 202.82, but was defeated by Jim Yates in round #2. Warren ran 6.857 203.12 in the losing effort.

David

#15

From: "David Dilbeck" <dayfalcon@...>
Date: Mon Feb 11, 2002 5:32 am
Subject: Mark Whisnant to compete in NHRA Pro Stock 2002

dayfalcon

Offline

Stockbridge, Georgia's Mark Whisnant ( son of former Pro Stock racer Reid Whisnant ) will compete in NHRA's Pro Stock class in 2002. www.GeorgiaDragRacing.com

The following press release is from Summit's Drag Race Central http://www.summitracing.com/stories/PR-DRAG/20020206-121003-0.htm

STOCKBRIDGE, Ga. –- Mark Whisnant, and the RW Performance Race Team, are proud to announce the hiring of Brad Jeter as Crew Chief on their RW Performance Chevrolet Cavalier Pro Stock Car for the upcoming 2002 POWERade NHRA Drag Racing season. Whisnant, who raced a Pro Stock Truck for the last three years, will step up to Pro Stock fielding a Jerry Bickel built 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier.
"It has been my life long dream to drive a Pro Stock car," said Whisnant. "When I was a kid my Dad (Reid Whisnant) raced Pro Stock for many years. I worked on his crew for a lot of those years. I always wanted to be just like him, and that meant driving the car, not just working on it.

"I am happy to report that RW Performance will race a Chevrolet Cavalier at all but two races during the 2002 NHRA Drag Racing season. Jerry Bickle has built us an awesome racecar, and Reher/Morrison will supply us with engines. Our first race will be the Mac Tools Gatornationals in Gainesville, Fla. Until then we will be testing, testing, testing.

"I think hiring Brad Jeter as my crew chief will be the most significant addition to our team this season. Brad drove for Steve Schmidt last year. Coming to work for us means he will have to get out of the drivers seat for a while. As a driver I know how hard that was to do, but Brad can see the potential in our race team, and that is exciting to me.

"We got to know Brad when he was racing against us in Pro Stock Truck. He gave us all a run for our money. He was tough competitor. When he made the move to Pro Stock we were very impressed with how well he did right off the bat. Last season he finished in the top 10 without a big budget. To us that really said something about Brad’s ability not only just as a driver, but also as a tuner. When he became available last week, we jumped at the chance to have him come to work for us. "I am very excited to have Brad on board with us. He brings to this race team a lot positive energy. He is a serious competitor, and is driven to win. Brad has already made the transition from a truck to a car, so in that respect I think he will really be a big help to me as a driver.

"We have high goals for this season. Since we will be starting late the point’s race will be out of our reach, but I think that with Brad’s help we can win races. I feel like he can help us shorten the first year learning curve, and become competitive quicker.

For the last two years Brad Jeter has driven for Steve Schmidt. He chose to separate from the Schmidt team at this time for a many reasons. Jeter, of Greenville, S.C., talked about what he feels is for him an opportunity of a lifetime.

"Leaving Steve Schmidt was a hard decision for me to make," said Jeter. "It means that I will have to get out of the drivers’ seat for the time being, but I believe it will be worth it in the end. The Whisnant family has given me an opportunity where all I have to do is concentrate on their racecar. I will no longer have to do any consulting work to make ends meet. That is a piece of mind that my wife and I could not pass up.

"I am very excited to working with the Whisnant family. I have known them for quite some time. I know the kind of racer they are, and I’m impressed with the first class Pro Stock racing operation they have put together. The Whisnant’s have a race team here that has the potential to be championship caliber.

"I like their attitudes. The Whisnant’s are 100 percent racers. They know how what it takes to race Pro Stock. They know the level of dedication and commitment it takes to race this class and win. Mark, Reid, and Terry are all dedicated to racing and this Cavalier Pro Stock program. Those are the kind of people I like to work with; those are the kind of people I can win with. I can’t wait to get started.

"We should be testing within the next two weeks. I hope to put 50 to 75 runs on the car by the time we get to Gainesville. That should give us enough time to shake out the bugs and get Mark real comfortable in the seat.

"I also think I will need some time getting comfortable with standing on the starting line instead of driving. I am 150 percent dedicated to being crew chief on this RW Performance Chevy Cavalier. It will be a big change for me, but I’m ready for it. I have made the commitment; I’m ready to go.

"Really, all I have to say is that we plan on making a big statement when we roll into the parking lot at Gainesville. This is not just a good thing; it’s a great thing."

Look for Mark Whisnant, Brad Jeter, and the RW Performance Chevrolet Cavalier Pro Stock team to make their season debut at the Mac Tools Gatornationals in Gainesville, Fla. March 14 – 17.

#14

From: "David Dilbeck" <dayfalcon@...>
Date: Mon Feb 11, 2002 2:03 am
Subject: Dee Simmons

dayfalcon

Offline

Does anyone know how to contact Dee Simmons? David

#13

From: "David Dilbeck" <dayfalcon@...>
Date: Sun Feb 10, 2002 5:34 pm
Subject: Super Stock Challenger

dayfalcon

Offline

This is the late Henry Hatken's SS/DA Challenger that was raced previously by Bill Tanner ( Terry Earwood drove this car and Bill drove a matching Pro Stocker ). Terry was the driver for Henry at the big money races, while Henry handled the others. Pic taken at Southeastern International Dragway ( Dallas, GA ) in 1971. David

#12

From: "johndilbeck" <jd@...>
Date: Sun Feb 10, 2002 8:42 am
Subject: NHRA Winternationals Friday Qualifying Results

johndilbeck

Offline

Cowin, Force and Krisher top their Pro categories at K&N Filters
Winternationals
------------------------------------------------------------------------
02/08/2000


POMONA, Calif. - Top Fuel driver Andrew Cowin made the best
run of his career Friday at Pomona Raceway, jumping to the top
of the 16-car qualifying ladder at the K&N Filters Winternationals.

Cowin drove his Yankee Dragster to an elapsed time track
record 4.490-second run at 324.98 mph to earn the early No. 1
qualifying spot.

John Force and Ron Krisher led their respective categories at
the $1.9 million race, the first of 23 events in the $50 million
NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series.

The run was the first time Cowin made a full pass in the Yankee
car. He joined the team shortly before the season started,
replacing veteran driver Mike Dunn.

"It was absolutely fantastic," Cowin, an Australian native, said.
"What can I say? I have an excellent hot rod to drive and I am just
a happy-go-lucky Aussie kid. (Crew chief) Todd Smith is doing a
fantastic job and I think we are looking to get this car to go 330
mph tomorrow."

Cowin is only the sixth driver in NHRA history to record a
sub-4.5-second pass. He said the performance was made
despite some mechanical problems.

"I think we can run better (Saturday) because we dropped two
cylinders, one at 3.8 seconds and another at 4.2 seconds,"
Cowin said. "That's the fastest six cylinder car out there."

Team owner Darrell Gwynn was on the starting line, watching
the first full pass from his new driver. Dunn had been driving for
Gwynn's team since 1993.

"Mike Dunn, Ken Veney and I all parted amicably," Gwynn said.
"But life goes on. I thought the run was amazing. We had a lot of
changes in the wintertime and it is very refreshing to see the car
do as well as it did.

"It's a new team, new driver and new crew chief. If you ask me
the likelihood of that car winning a championship, I wouldn't
know what to say. If you ask me the likelihood of that car being
competitive, I would say it was very likely."

Cowin, 22, said he has pinched himself several times to make
sure the new driving job wasn't just a dream. He and his father,
Graeme Cowin, raced part-time in the last three years with a
family-owned and operated Top Fuel car.

Gwynn said he knew what he was getting with a young driver.

"I did not know Andrew personally very well," Gwynn said. "I knew
he could drive well and that he had youth and great personality
on the race track. He reminds me of myself, but at 22, he is a
little more mature than I was."

Force kept his No. 1 qualifier status from Thursday, with an even
quicker run. Force went 4.749 at 296.57 in his Castrol GTX Ford
Mustang to lead the Funny Car category. Mid-way through the run
the car drifted left out of the groove and nearly went into the wall.

"(Crew chief Austin) Coil was yelling at me to get off the wall,"
Force said. "But she trucked down there all right."

Force said he will have a new car at the track for Saturday's
qualifying sessions.

"We have a new car coming that is lighter," Force said. "It is
going to make weight, but it is going to be a newer, lighter,
Mustang body."

Krisher set both ends of the track record with a 6.815 pass at
202.94 in an Eagle One Chevy Cavalier to lead Pro Stock.

"It's awesome what this Eagle One team did," Krisher said. "We
don't have a leader on this team. We all participate and we all
work together to get this done. If the weather holds up, we
anticipate a better time."

Pro qualifying continues Saturday with two sessions at 11 a.m.
and 2 p.m. Final eliminations begin at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday.

POMONA, Calif. -- Friday's qualifying results for the 42nd annual
K&N Filters Winternationals at Pomona Raceway, first of 23
events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series.
Qualifying continues Saturday for Sunday's final eliminations.

Top Fuel -- 1. Andrew Cowin, 4.490 seconds, 324.98 mph; 2.
Kenny Bernstein, 4.583, 326.16; 3. Doug Kalitta, 4.593, 319.90;
4. Clay Millican, 4.651, 312.86; 5. Doug Herbert, 4.653, 316.97; 6.
Larry Dixon, 4.655, 312.42; 7. Cory McClenathan, 4.662, 315.27;
8. Tony Schumacher, 4.663, 314.31; 9. David Grubnic, 4.768,
303.57; 10. Wyatt Radke, 4.830, 303.50; 11. Darrell Russell,
4.836, 244.60; 12. Ken Zeal, 4.852, 296.76; 13. Yuichi Oyama,
4.903, 225.82; 14. Don Lampus, 4.912, 268.22; 15. Robert
Hallock, 4.962, 282.30; 16. John Smith, 5.398, 184.42.

Funny Car -- 1. John Force, Ford Mustang, 4.749, 322.27; 2. Tony
Pedregon, Mustang, 4.809, 322.65; 3. Whit Bazemore, Pontiac
Firebird, 4.815, 321.50; 4. Del Worsham, Firebird, 4.817, 318.09;
5. Ron Capps, Chevy Camaro, 4.852, 295.98; 6. Dean Skuza,
Dodge Stratus R/T, 4.865, 290.94; 7. Jerry Toliver, Firebird,
4.887, 313.51; 8. Gary Densham, Mustang, 4.891, 263.72; 9. Al
Hofmann, Firebird, 4.901, 291.76; 10. John Lawson, Firebird,
4.907, 298.50; 11. Bob Bode, Dodge Avenger, 4.931, 300.73; 12.
Gary Scelzi, Toyota Celica, 4.934, 301.74; 13. Cruz Pedregon,
Firebird, 4.971, 302.28; 14. Johnny Gray, Firebird, 5.016, 302.55;
15. Dale Creasy Jr., Firebird, 5.312, 279.21; 16. Terry Haddock,
Firebird, 5.374, 229.51.

Pro Stock -- 1. Ron Krisher, Chevy Cavalier, 6.815, 202.94; 2. Jim
Yates, Pontiac Grand Am, 6.825, 202.06; 3. Bruce Allen, Grand
Am, 6.832, 201.37; 4. Kurt Johnson, Cavalier, 6.833, 202.88; 5.
Mark Osborne, Dodge Neon R/T, 6.835, 201.10; 6. Mike
Edwards, Cavalier, 6.842, 201.97; 7. Warren Johnson, Grand
Am, 6.843, 202.33; 8. Greg Anderson, Cavalier, 6.847, 202.06; 9.
Tom Martino, Grand Am, 6.849, 201.88; 10. V. Gaines, Cavalier,
6.851, 201.46; 11. Allen Johnson, Neon R/T, 6.851, 201.16; 12.
Larry Morgan, Neon R/T, 6.858, 202.06; 13. George Marnell,
Grand Am, 6.859, 201.01; 14. J.R. Carr, Pontiac Firebird, 6.860,
201.25; 15. Jeg Coughlin, Cavalier, 6.861, 200.77; 16. Mark
Pawuk, Grand Am, 6.872, 200.80.

  --------------

Courtesy of NHRA

#11

From: "johndilbeck" <jd@...>
Date: Sun Feb 10, 2002 8:38 am
Subject: NHRA Winternationals first round qualifying results

johndilbeck

Offline

Kalitta, Force and Yates lead the way in first round of NHRA
qualifying
------------------------------------------------------------------------
02/08/2000


POMONA, Calif. - Pro Stock driver Jim Yates opened the 2002
NHRA season on Thursday with a track record time during the
first round of qualifying for the K&N Filters Winternationals at
Pomona Raceway.

Doug Kalitta and John Force led their respective categories at
the $1.9 million race, the first of 23 events in the $50 million
NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series.

Yates drove his Pontiac Grand Am down the quarter-mile track in
6.825 seconds at 201.85 mph to take the early lead in Pro Stock
qualifying. Pro qualifying continues Friday with a session at 1:30
p.m. and 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday.

"It feels good to be back in the car," Yates said. "Everyone has
worked very hard during the offseason but you never know how
good you are going to be until you get here."

Yates has experience starting a race at Pomona with the No. 1
qualifying spot. He took the No. 1 spot last November, during the
final race of the 2001 season.

"I think we just have a good combination for this track," Yates
said. "But I think the parity is going to be even better this season.
That is bad for us because we would really like to get out there
and run away from everybody."

Kalitta paced the Top Fuel category with a 4.593-second run at
319.90 mph in his Mac Tools Dragster. Kalitta earned one top
qualifying spot in 2001.

"We managed to get the best qualifying spot, and we are happy
about that," Kalitta said. "But it's early and we have three more
sessions to go."

The 2001 Top Fuel champion, Kenny Bernstein, went 8.474 at
90.06 - good enough for the No. 12 spot. Cory McClenathan,
back from a year off from racing, was the lone non-qualifier. He
smoked the tires before the 60-foot mark, landing in the 17th
spot of the 16-car field.

The battle for the 2002 Funny Car crown is under way as Force
faced his toughest rival from the 2001 season, Whit Bazemore,
during the first round of qualifying. Force was the quickest in the
category with a 4.764 run at 322.27 in his Castrol GTX Ford
Mustang. Bazemore has the No. 2 spot after he drove his Matco
Tools Pontiac Firebird to a 4.815 at 321.50.

"When I finished my burnout I got on the radio and asked who
was in the other lane," Force said. "(Crew chief) Bernie Fedderly
said it was my not-so-buddy Bazemore next door.

"Bazemore ran a good time also. He is going to be right there
with us. He's already said that (my time) was not bad for an old
man and not bad for an old truck driver."

Force said he was pleased with the run since the car was set up
just to qualify.

"I don't think it is just us," Force said. "I think a lot of people had a
softer set up. But our car has a lot of potential. It feels good just
to be qualified right now. That way you are not sweating on
Saturday just to get in. The biggest thing is that the crew is ready
to fight and I am ready to fight."

POMONA, Calif. -- Results Thursday after qualifying for the 42nd
annual K&N Filters NHRA Winternationals at Pomona Raceway,
first of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag
Racing Series. Qualifying will continue Friday for Sunday's final
eliminations.

Top Fuel -- 1. Doug Kalitta, 4.593 seconds, 319.90 mph; 2. Doug
Herbert, 4.653, 315.93; 3. Tony Schumacher, 4.663, 314.31; 4.
Clay Millican, 4.688, 310.05; 5. David Grubnic, 4.768, 303.57; 6.
Wyatt Radke, 4.830, 303.50; 7. Don Lampus, 4.912, 268.22; 8.
Robert Hallock, 4.962, 282.30; 9. Darrell Russell, 6.017, 142.75;
10. Andrew Cowin, 6.774, 114.10; 11. Yuichi Oyama, 7.994,
95.78; 12. Kenny Bernstein, 8.474, 90.06; 13. Rhonda
Hartman-Smith, 9.077, 92.53; 14. Scott Weis, 9.213, 86.98; 15.
Larry Dixon, 9.474, 82.80; 16. Joe Hartley, 12.501, 87.16.

Funny Car -- 1. John Force, Ford Mustang, 4.764, 322.27; 2. Whit
Bazemore, Pontiac Firebird, 4.815, 321.50; 3. Gary Densham,
Mustang, 4.891, 263.72; 4. Al Hofmann, Firebird, 4.907, 291.76;
5. Bob Bode, Dodge Avenger, 4.931, 300.73; 6. Gary Scelzi,
Toyota Celica, 4.934, 301.74; 7. Del Worsham, Firebird, 4.937,
304.80; 8. Ron Capps, Chevy Camaro, 4.939, 295.98; 9. Dean
Skuza, Dodge Stratus R/T, 4.996, 276.01; 10. Johnny Gray,
Firebird, 5.023, 302.28; 11. Tony Pedregon, Mustang, 5.269,
210.64; 12. Dale Creasy Jr., Firebird, 5.761, 171.47; 13. Bob
Gilbertson, Firebird, 6.547, 150.75; 14. Cruz Pedregon, Firebird,
7.392, 112.39; 15. John Lawson, Firebird, 8.918, 99.00; 16.
Louis Sweet, Camaro, 9.096, 90.48.

Pro Stock -- 1. Jim Yates, Pontiac Grand Am, 6.825, 201.85; 2.
Kurt Johnson, Chevy Cavalier, 6.833, 202.88; 3. Ron Krisher,
Cavalier, 6.847, 202.18; 4. Greg Anderson, Cavalier, 6.847,
202.06; 5. Tom Martino, Grand Am, 6.849, 201.40; 6. George
Marnell, Grand Am, 6.859, 201.01; 7. Mike Edwards, Cavalier,
6.867, 200.86; 8. Jeg Coughlin, Cavalier, 6.868, 200.65; 9. Mark
Osborne, Dodge Neon R/T, 6.870, 201.04; 10. Tom Hammonds,
Cavalier, 6.876, 201.16; 11. Allen Johnson, Neon R/T, 6.879,
201.16; 12. John Geyer, Dodge Avenger, 6.886, 201.52; 13. V.
Gaines, Cavalier, 6.888, 201.43; 14. Kenny Koretsky, Grand Am,
6.890, 200.71; 15. Larry Morgan, Neon R/T, 6.891, 200.65; 16.
Robert Patrick, Ford Mustang, 6.893, 199.85.

#10

From: "johndilbeck" <jd@...>
Date: Sun Feb 10, 2002 6:47 am
Subject: GDR Clothing Available

johndilbeck

Offline

I'd like to announce that shirts, hats, mugs, and mouse pads are
now available with the official Georgia Drag Racing logo.

You can see them at http://www.cafepress.com/gadragracing.

New photos will be uploaded in the next few hours.

JD

From: "David Dilbeck" <dayfalcon@...>
Date: Sun Feb 10, 2002 4:51 am
Subject: 413

dayfalcon

Offline

Here are a couple of pics from the Hayes Mopar Meet 2000 at Atlanta Dragway. David

From: "David Dilbeck" <dayfalcon@...>
Date: Fri Feb 8, 2002 5:25 am
Subject: Corvettes

dayfalcon

Offline

Here is the Houston Brothers Corvette driven by Buddy Houston. Atlanta Speed Shop Dragway 1974 David

From: "David Dilbeck" <dayfalcon@...>
Date: Fri Feb 8, 2002 5:21 am
Subject: Corvettes

dayfalcon

Offline

This is Jabo Elam's last race car. Atlanta Speed Shop Dragway 1974. David

From: "David Dilbeck" <dayfalcon@...>
Date: Fri Feb 8, 2002 5:14 am
Subject: Corvette Modifieds

dayfalcon

Offline

Test

From: "johndilbeck" <jd@...>
Date: Thu Feb 7, 2002 2:16 pm
Subject: NHRA announces 2002 television schedule for Sportsman series

johndilbeck

Offline

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

02/04/2000

Complete schedule:
http://www.nhra.com/2002/sportsman/tvschedule.html


GLENDORA, Calif. -- The National Hot Rod Association unveiled
its television schedule for the 2002 NHRA Sportsman Series,
featuring sportsman action from 16 national events that
comprise the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series

Each one-hour broadcast will air on ESPN2 on a tape-delay
basis and will be entirely dedicated to sportsman coverage, as
competitors vie for 2002 NHRA Sportsman Drag Racing Series
championships.

In addition, NHRA 2Day, NHRA's weekly magazine show to
debut at 11 a.m. (ET) on Sunday morning, Feb. 10, will include a
"Sportsman Spotlight" feature which will exclusively feature
participants and activities in the NHRA Sportsman Drag Racing
Series. Along with the coverage from the 16 national events the
sportsman racers compete, the segment will include footage
from select divisional races throughout the country.

Highlighting the television schedule will be coverage from the
prestigious Mac Tools U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis, a six-day
event that routinely features more than 1,000 sportsman
competitors.

Coverage for the 2002 NHRA Sportsman Series will begin with
the season-opening K&N Filters Winternationals at Pomona
(Calif.) Raceway. Combined with the NHRA POWERade Drag
Racing Series coverage, 41 half-hour episodes of NHRA Heat,
and the 2002 NHRA Summit Sport Compact Drag Racing
Series, ESPN and ESPN2 provide more than 150 hours of NHRA
coverage in 2002.

Headquartered in Glendora, Calif., the NHRA is the primary
sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States.
It presents 23 national events through its NHRA POWERade
Drag Racing Series.  The NHRA has more than 80,000
members nationwide and more than 140 member tracks.  The
NHRA-sanctioned sportsman and bracket racing series' provide
competition opportunities for drivers of all levels. The NHRA
develops the stars of tomorrow by offering the NHRA Sportsman
Drag Racing Series, NHRA Summit Sport Compact Drag Racing
Series, NHRA Summit Racing Series and the NHRA Street Legal
Program. The NHRA also offers the NHRA Castrol GTX Jr. Drag
Racing League for youths ages 8 to 17.

From: "David Dilbeck" <dayfalcon@...>
Date: Wed Feb 6, 2002 5:27 pm
Subject: Pete Robinson

dayfalcon

Offline

Here is one from Marvin T. Smith. I believe it was taken at Atlanta Speed Shop Dragway in 1970. David

Reply | Forward | Messages in this Topic (3)

From: "David Dilbeck" <dayfalcon@...>
Date: Sun Feb 3, 2002 3:27 am
Subject: Bill Tanner

dayfalcon

Offline

Here is Bill Tanner's Hemi Challenger Pro Stocker. Dallas, GA 1970 David

Reply | Forward | Messages in this Topic (3)

From: "dayfalcon" <dayfalcon@...>
Date: Sat Feb 2, 2002 4:59 am
Subject: New to the group

dayfalcon

Offline

Hi out there,

My name is David Dilbeck and I have been a drag racing fanatic for
about 35 years or so. If anyone out there would like to share any
stories or pics, please do so! I'm looking for current and vintage
drag racing memorabilia of just about any kind. I'll be posting a few
stories and pics as time allows. David

From: "johndilbeck" <jd@...>
Date: Fri Feb 1, 2002 11:49 am
Subject: Welcome to Georgia Drag Racing

johndilbeck

Offline

The Georgia Drag Racing mailing list is ready to go.

Feel free to participate and invite your friends to participate.

Let's all remember that this is a public forum. If we're going to
play in this sandbox, let's play nice. Please keep discussions
relevant to drag racing in Georgia, the southeast, or any events
or topics that may be relevant. Other discussions should take
place elsewhere.

I was saddened when David told me the news of Buster Couch's
passing earlier this year.

Rest in peace, Buster.

In memory of Buster Couch, 1935-2002.

John L. Dilbeck
List Mommy.