Stoffer hoping to ride wave of recent performance surge
BRAINERD, Minn. (Aug. 11) — After enduring one of the most frustrating stretches of her professional career, Karen Stoffer came to life at the recently completed Mile-High Nationals in Denver and rode her GEICO Powersports Suzuki to a runner-up finish that not only lifted her spirits but let the rest of the class know she plans on contending for the 2010 championship.
“Spirits are high coming into Brainerd,” Stoffer admitted, flashing a smile that has been missing since her world-record-setting performance at the season-opening race in Gainesville, Fla. “Now we need to prove to ourselves that we’re really on to something good and have two competitive races in a row.
“In many ways Brainerd will be a validation test for us. We need to see if we can maintain the high level of performance we showed in Denver.”
Stoffer was on top of the drag racing world in mid-March, claiming top qualifying honors at the Gatornationals with a stunning pass of 6.847 seconds. By all indications, it appeared her GEICO Powersports Suzuki, which is tuned by her husband Gary, would battle every weekend to lead the way in the category.
But Stoffer struggled over the next eight races, winning only three elimination rounds in total. As the races ticked by she slowly dropped in the Full Throttle rankings, finally bottoming out in 10th place. Then came Denver where wins against Angie Smith and fellow top-10 riders Craig Treble and Steve Johnson pushed her back up the standings.
“Mathematically, we are not locked into the Countdown yet,” said Stoffer, who can secure a spot by simply making the elimination field, “but at least we can secure our position in qualifying and not have a do-or-die first round. Hopefully, we put a good number up there early so we can stay focused on going rounds.
“We’re looking to make a big move and gain a couple more spots before the Countdown starts. If we can maintain the program we had in Denver we have a good chance at it, and when they reset the points, every spot is worth 10 points, so it’s a big deal.”
Following this weekend’s race, NHRA officials will take the top 10 riders in the class, reset their points, and separate the participants by 10 points each, with the top qualifier earning a 20-point bonus.
Pro Stock Motorcycle qualifying for the 29th annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals begins with two sessions at 2:45 and 5:30 p.m. CDT Friday. Qualifying highlights will be shown Saturday evening on ESPN2.
Beckman to race Freightliner Trucks Dodge Funny Car in Brainerd
NORCO, Calif. (Aug. 9, 2010) – Freightliner Trucks will be featured on the Dodge Charger Funny Car that Jack Beckman will race at the 29th annual NHRA Nationals at Brainerd (Minn.) International Raceway this weekend, the final event of the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series “regular” season. The Countdown to 1 playoffs kick off for the top 10 in points in the final six races of the year, beginning with the U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis on Labor Day weekend.
Freightliner Trucks, a division of Daimler Trucks North America LLC, has been a Don Schumacher Racing associate sponsor for six years and DSR has used Freightliner tractors since 2004. The team currently counts eight Freightliner tractors among its fleet.
“Freightliner is excited to have Fast Jack Beckman representing us in the upcoming race in Brainerd,” said David Hames, General Manager, Marketing & Strategy, Daimler Trucks North America. “Don Schumacher Racing has been a longtime valued partner of Freightliner and showcases our trucks and equipment to a nationwide group of loyal NHRA fans.”
Said team owner Don Schumacher: “Freightliner has been supplying us with outstanding equipment for six years now. Featuring Freightliner Trucks on the Funny Car that Jack Beckman will drive in Brainerd is our way of showing our appreciation to them for being such a solid and longtime supporter of our teams.”
“It’s an honor to be representing Freightliner Trucks in Brainerd,” said Beckman, who primarily races the Valvoline/Mail Terminal Services Dodge Charger in the series. “They’ve been a large supporter of motorsports for many years and they know all about teamwork and trying to achieve success.”
Fourth in the point standings, the California native has already clinched a spot in the Countdown, but hopes to close out the “regular” season with his second win of the year.
“It looks to me like John Force and Robert Hight have locked up the first two spots and it’s between them battling for first,” said Beckman, who was runner-up in Brainerd in 2008. “And it looks like the Schumacher cars (Matt Hagan, Beckman and Ron Capps) are battling for third, fourth and fifth.
“No matter what, we’ve had a good initial part of the season. We’re going to be a top-five car going into the Countdown, we’re solid, we’ve been in multiple finals (three in 2010), we’ve got a race win. Everybody wants that championship and I think throughout the first part of the year the top six or seven cars have kind of stood out.
“I have no reason to think that we can’t close the regular season with a win. If we can accomplish that, we can go into Indy – with the points reset – in third place, and well within striking distance of the championship.
“I’m very confident that (crew chief) Rahn Tobler and (assistant crew chief) John Collins have enough data to make us quick right out of the box in Brainerd.”
NHRA driver killed during time trials
Neal Parker, 58 of Millville, N.J., has died as a result of a NHRA crash at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park Friday afternoon during time trials National Hot Rod Association SuperNationals for the Top Alcohol Funny Car division. It is the second NHRA related death this season.
“On behalf of everyone at NHRA and Raceway Park, we are deeply saddened and want to pass along our sincere condolences to the entire Parker family,” NHRA said in a statement released shortly after the accident.
An eye witness told the Associated Press that the chute on the car did not deploy after Parker crossed the finish line at the raceway. Officials declined to confirm or deny the comment by the eye witness.
Parker’s car went through a containment area before he crashed into a wall at the end of the speedway. According to New Jeresey State Police, Parker died of head injuries sustained in the incident.
Parker was not one of the top-ranked national NHRA drivers, but often competed in events along the north east coast.
The death is the second fatality in two years for the NHRA at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park. In 2008, two-time NHRA Top Fuel champion Scott Kalitta was killed during an event in June. Kalitta’s death led to NHRA shortening all race tracks to 1,000 feet.
In a statement released by the NHRA, both the sanctioning body and New Jersey state police are investigating the accident.
U.S. Army to Continue NHRA, NASCAR Team Partnerships in 2010
(U.S. Army Racing PR)
FORT KNOX, Ky.—The U.S. Army Accessions Command announced today that the U.S. Army will continue its sponsorship of Tony Schumacher’s Top Fuel Dragster in the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) and will return as a primary sponsor of Ryan Newman and the No. 39 Chevrolet Impala SS for 15 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races in 2010.
“Tony Schumacher and Ryan Newman are not only outstanding drivers, they are also powerful and effective advocates for the great men and women of our Army,” said Lt. Gen. Benjamin C. Freakley, Commanding General U.S. Army Accessions Command. “Both drivers possess and demonstrate a passion for our Army Strong Soldiers and their families. They and their teams share our Army values and demonstrate the mental, emotional and physical strength which are the hallmark of our Soldiers. We are very excited about the opportunities our participation in the National Hot Rod Association and the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series present us to tell our Soldiers’ stories and connect with Americans across the country.”
The 2010 season will mark the Army’s 10th with Don Schumacher Racing and the NHRA since its return to the sport in September 2000. Tony Schumacher has won five consecutive championships while piloting the 22-foot U.S. Army Top Fuel Dragster. He enters the weekend as the points leader for the 2009 championship. Should Schumacher capture the crown, it will be the Army’s 10th including four won in the mid-1970s as the sponsor of Don Prudhomme’s Funny Car.
“I am extremely proud and humbled to represent the U.S. Army and the brave men and women who make it possible for us and our families to live in freedom,” Schumacher commented. “My team and I are motivated by the dedication, sacrifice, and service of our Soldiers and their families. It is also an honor to team up with Ryan Newman and Tony Stewart to help tell young Americans about the wonderful opportunities the Army offers.”
The U.S. Army will serve as the primary sponsor on Schumacher’s top fuel dragster for all 23 NHRA national events and as an associate sponsor on all Don Schumacher Racing cars. In addition, the Army will return as the Official Military Partner of the NHRA and presenting sponsor of the NHRA Youth and Education Services Program (Y.E.S.)
In the U.S. Army’s inaugural year with Stewart-Haas Racing, Newman and the No. 39 team were able to deliver two poles and a berth in the coveted Chase for the Championship thanks to 15 top-10 finishes and a staggering lap completion rate of 99.76 percent. Off the track, Newman and co-owner Tony Stewart have experienced Soldier greening at different Army posts, including Fort Bragg, N.C., Fort Knox, Ky., Fort Jackson, S.C., and Fort Benning, Ga. They also visited Soldiers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., and met with the Golden Knights parachute team. It’s a partnership that extends the U.S. Army’s role as a primary sponsor since it first entered the sport in 2003.
“It’s an honor driving the No. 39 U.S. Army Chevrolet and representing the men and women who serve and protect our country,” Newman said. “And much like them, we’re never satisfied. We want to achieve more, and the dedication, teamwork and passion of the Soldiers who defend our country is all the inspiration we need to deliver on the racetrack. There is no group of people more dedicated to service and committed to excellence than the men and women of our armed forces.”
In addition to serving as the primary sponsor for 15 races, including the Coca-Cola 600 Memorial Day weekend event at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway, the U.S. Army will serve as an associate sponsor on the No. 39 car for the remaining races.
The U.S. Army will also serve as an associate sponsor on Tony Stewart’s No. 14 Office Depot/Old Spice Chevrolet, with yearlong placement on the car’s B-post.
“We’re obviously very proud to continue our representation of the U.S. Army,” said Stewart, co-owner of Stewart-Haas Racing along with Oxnard, Calif.-based Haas Automation – the largest CNC machine tool builder in the western world. “We accomplished a lot in our first year together, but we want more. It’s our never-ending goal to put the Soldiers’ car in victory lane, and we appreciate the opportunity to do just that in 2010.”
The U.S. Army Motorsports Program began in September 2000 when Congress directed the Secretary of the Army to conduct a five-year motorsports outreach test. In 2003, building upon the success of the NHRA program, NASCAR was added. In addition to sponsorship of Newman and Schumacher, the programs also include an educational outreach to high school, vo-tech and junior college students focusing on career planning, goal setting, and career opportunities in motorsports and the Army. In addition, on-site interactive displays allow prospects and their influencers to experience what it is like to be a Soldier and to interact with Soldiers.
Edwards all but clinches title with maximum points gain at Virgina
(NHRA PR)
DINWIDDIE, Va—Pro Stock driver Mike Edwards went wire-to-wire at the NHRA Virginia Nationals, earning the maximum 150 points, to all but clinch his first career NHRA Full Throttle Series world championship.
The other winners at the 22nd of 24 races in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series were Del Worsham (Funny Car) and Brandon Bernstein (Top Fuel).
The NHRA Virginia Nationals is the fourth race in NHRA’s six-race playoff, the Countdown to 1. The playoff concludes with races in Las Vegas (Oct. 29-Nov. 1) and Pomona, Calif. (Nov. 12-15).
Edwards qualified No. 1, earned the maximum 12 per-session qualifying bonus points, and the 20-point bonus for setting the national record (6.509 seconds) to become the first driver to record the maximum 150 points at a single race.
“This day was near-perfect,” said Edwards, who defeated Greg Anderson and the Summit Racing Pontiac team in the final on a slight holeshot, 6.526/211.43 (with a 0.019 reaction time) to 6.522/212.03 (0.027). “It’s unbelievable what I did here today, what my team did here today. My team was phenomenal. I’m going to enjoy it while I can because my daddy always told me, ‘One day it will start raining, so get ’em while you can.’”
Edwards, who drives the A.R.T./Young Life Pontiac, extended his lead from 78 points (over Jason Line to start the day) to 128 (over Anderson), meaning he has more than a six-round cushion (a round win is worth 20 points) with only eight rounds left.
“I’m thinking (championship), but I don’t have it yet,” said Edwards, who beat Line in the semifinals. “It’s close, but you’ve still got to stay focused. You’ve still got to keep your goals ahead. Those two Summit cars are going to be burning the midnight oil to try and get back up there with me. I’m not going to count my chickens yet before they hatch. But I’m living my dream right now, and I’m real close to it right now.”
In Top Fuel, Brandon Bernstein ended a more than two-year winless streak that spanned 52 races when he blew away Antron Brown, 3.844/307.09 to 9.099/75.99.
“We needed a win for our team and for our confidence,” said Bernstein, who pilots the Budweiser/Lucas Oil dragster and last won at Brainerd, 2007. “I can’t say enough about our team because with that long of a drought, it could get easy to get really down on themselves and not get out of that funk, but they just stayed positive. Our whole team, my dad (six-time NHRA Full Throttle Series champ Kenny Bernstein), everybody was just so positive, and we just kept at the grind. We knew that eventually we were going to knock down that door and get that win again.”
Brown, the regular season champion who is now in fourth place, did trim his deficit behind points leader Tony Schumacher and the U.S. Army team from 120 to 81. Dixon and the Al-Anabi team trail Schumacher by 47 points; McClenathan and the FRAM Tough Guard team are 68 points behind in third place.
In Funny Car, Del Worsham played spoiler with his milestone 25th career win over still-in-contention Tim Wilkerson, 4.091/305.98 to 4.179/81.13.
“I had a good feeling this morning,” said Worsham, who drives the Al-Anabi Toyota Solara. “You know, things were just kind of going my way. I was in the car right before first round, and I was just running through everything and I felt the reverser. It felt OK and then all of a sudden, it just felt too loose, and the reverser cable wasn’t hooked up. Right before they started the car, I’m screaming for the clutch guy, ‘Hook up the reverser cable.’ When you find things like that, it’s just kind of your day and you can’t make a mistake.”
Wilkerson moved up from eighth to fifth place on the day, but he’s still 82 points behind new points leader Robert Hight, who moved back around teammate Ashley Force Hood (first-round loss to Jeff Arend). He leads Force Hood by 13, Tony Pedregon by 48 and Ron Capps by 63.
“We took advantage of the situation where we made positive ground on the leaders,” said Capps, who trimmed 25 points from his 88-point deficit to start the day with his run to the semis. “But we are still very disappointed because we felt like there were 40 more points that we could have cleaned up with today.”
The NHRA Full Throttle Series resumes in two weeks with the NHRA Las Vegas Nationals Oct. 29-Nov. 1.
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DINWIDDIE, Va. — Final finish order (1-16) for professional categories at the Fourth annual Virginia NHRA Nationals at Virginia Motorsports Park. The race is the 22nd of 24 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series.
TOP FUEL:
1. Brandon Bernstein; 2. Antron Brown; 3. Doug Kalitta; 4. Cory McClenathan; 5. Tony Schumacher; 6. Bobby Lagana Jr.; 7. Larry Dixon; 8. Scott Palmer; 9. Chris Karamesines; 10.
Terry Haddock; 11. Spencer Massey; 12. Shawn Langdon; 13. Todd Simpson; 14. Morgan Lucas; 15.
Scott Weis.
FUNNY CAR:
1. Del Worsham, Toyota Solara; 2. Tim Wilkerson; 3. Mike Neff; 4. Ron Capps; 5. Bob Tasca III; 6. John Smith; 7. Robert Hight; 8. Jeff Arend; 9. Jim Head; 10. Jerry Toliver; 11. John Force; 12. Jack Beckman; 13. Ashley Force Hood; 14. Tony Pedregon; 15. Matt Hagan; 16. Cruz Pedregon.
PRO STOCK:
1. Mike Edwards, Pontiac GXP; 2. Greg Anderson; 3. Larry Morgan; 4. Jason Line; 5. Ronnie Humphrey; 6. Rodger Brogdon; 7. John Nobile; 8. Greg Stanfield; 9. Warren Johnson; 10. Jeg Coughlin; 11. Dave Northrop; 12. Johnny Gray; 13. V. Gaines; 14. Ryan Ondrejko; 15. Ron Krisher; 16. Kurt Johnson.
DINWIDDIE, Va. — Sunday’s final results from the Fourth annual Virginia NHRA Nationals at Virginia Motorsports Park. The race is the 22nd of 24 in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series:
Top Fuel — Brandon Bernstein, 3.844 seconds, 307.09 mph def. Antron Brown, 9.009 seconds, 75.99 mph.
Funny Car — Del Worsham, Toyota Solara, 4.091, 305.98 def. Tim Wilkerson, Ford Mustang, 4.179, 281.13.
Pro Stock — Mike Edwards, Pontiac GXP, 6.526, 211.43 def. Greg Anderson, GXP, 6.522, 212.03.
DINWIDDIE, Va. — Final round-by-round results from the Fourth annual Virginia NHRA Nationals at Virginia Motorsports Park, the 22nd of 24 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series:
TOP FUEL:
ROUND ONE — Doug Kalitta, 3.839, 313.66 def. Shawn Langdon, 6.374, 97.96; Bobby Lagana Jr., 3.901, 303.71 def. Morgan Lucas, 8.464, 93.99; Brandon Bernstein, 3.842, 313.58 def. Scott Weis, broke; Antron Brown, 3.827, 316.01 def. Chris Karamesines, 3.994, 297.61; Larry Dixon, 9.629, 75.02 was unopposed; Cory McClenathan, 3.801, 319.60 def. Todd Simpson, 7.026, 104.52; Scott Palmer, 5.096, 152.11 def.
Spencer Massey, 5.250, 149.81; Tony Schumacher, 3.803, 318.77 def. Terry Haddock, 4.113, 259.21; QUARTERFINALS — Bernstein, 3.871, 308.85 def. Palmer, broke; Kalitta, 6.153, 85.57 def. Dixon, 10.224, 72.88; Brown, 3.833, 313.88 def. Schumacher, 3.827, 317.64; McClenathan, 3.834, 316.38 def. Lagana Jr., 8.625, 80.05; SEMIFINALS — Bernstein, 3.851, 313.66 def. McClenathan, 3.902, 290.82; Brown, 3.846, 318.47 def. Kalitta, 3.886, 310.70; FINAL — Bernstein, 3.844, 307.09 def. Brown, 9.009, 75.99.
FUNNY CAR:
ROUND ONE — John Smith, Chevy Monte Carlo, 4.259, 291.01 def. Jack Beckman, Dodge Charger, 4.582, 257.58; Bob Tasca III, Ford Mustang, 4.099, 306.81 def. Jim Head, Toyota Solara, 4.128, 306.26; Ron Capps, Charger, 4.085, 309.27 def. Jerry Toliver, Monte Carlo, 4.241, 286.25; Tim Wilkerson, Mustang, 4.064, 305.84 def. Cruz Pedregon, Solara, 6.798, 103.68; Del Worsham, Solara, 4.108, 307.09 def. Matt Hagan, Charger, 5.686, 103.31; Robert Hight, Mustang, 4.104, 309.63 def. John Force, Mustang, 4.353, 232.11; Jeff Arend, Solara, 4.513, 274.44 def. Ashley Force Hood, Mustang, 5.169, 171.49; Mike Neff, Mustang, 4.157, 305.29 def. Tony Pedregon, Chevy Impala, 5.379, 181.59; QUARTERFINALS — Neff, 4.176, 300.33 def. Smith, 4.232, 297.16; Wilkerson, 4.097, 307.02 def. Hight, 6.365, 101.97; Capps, 4.121, 298.07 def. Tasca III, 4.142, 305.77; Worsham, 4.123, 305.42 def. Arend, 11.836, 35.51; SEMIFINALS — Worsham, 4.119, 306.95 def. Capps, 5.145, 149.10; Wilkerson, 4.106, 306.40 def. Neff, 4.159, 304.74; FINAL — Worsham, 4.091, 305.98 def. Wilkerson, 4.179, 281.13.
PRO STOCK:
ROUND ONE — Rodger Brogdon, Pontiac GXP, 6.572, 210.77 def. Ron Krisher, Chevy Cobalt, 7.187, 149.76; Larry Morgan, Dodge Stratus, 6.577, 211.26 def. Johnny Gray, Stratus, 6.603, 193.02; Ronnie Humphrey, GXP, 6.537, 212.06 def. Warren Johnson, GXP, 6.561, 211.06; Greg Stanfield, GXP, 6.562, 210.34 def. Jeg Coughlin, Cobalt, 6.569, 210.83; Jason Line, GXP, 6.534, 211.96 def. Ryan Ondrejko, GXP, 6.624, 208.91; John Nobile, Stratus, 6.606, 209.82 def. Kurt Johnson, Cobalt, 11.846, 74.02; Mike Edwards, GXP, 6.509, 211.99 def. V. Gaines, Stratus, 6.608, 208.42; Greg Anderson, GXP, 6.517, 212.36 def. Dave Northrop, GXP, 6.599, 207.88; QUARTERFINALS — Morgan, 6.605, 210.37 def. Nobile, 7.299, 145.69; Line, 6.548, 211.59 def. Stanfield, 13.188, 64.89; Anderson, 6.528, 212.33 def. Humphrey, 6.551, 211.66; Edwards, 6.533, 211.53 def. Brogdon, 6.567, 210.37; SEMIFINALS — Edwards, 17.227, 47.34 def. Line, foul; Anderson, 6.528, 212.06 def. Morgan, 6.576, 210.34; FINAL — Edwards, 6.526, 211.43 def. Anderson, 6.522, 212.03.
DINWIDDIE, Va. — Point standings (top 10) for NHRA professional categories following the Fourth annual Virginia NHRA Nationals at Virginia Motorsports Park, the 22nd of 24 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series -
Top Fuel
1. Tony Schumacher, 2,427; 2. Larry Dixon, 2,380; 3. Cory McClenathan, 2,359; 4. Antron Brown, 2,346; 5. Brandon Bernstein, 2,307; 6. Morgan Lucas, 2,269; 7. Shawn Langdon, 2,254; 8. Spencer Massey, 2,225; 9. Doug Kalitta, 2,218; 10. Clay Millican, 2,093.
Funny Car
1. Robert Hight, 2,362; 2. Ashley Force Hood, 2,349; 3. Tony Pedregon, 2,314; 4. Ron Capps, 2,299; 5. Tim Wilkerson, 2,280; 6. Jack Beckman, 2,276; 7. Bob Tasca III, 2,259; 8. Del Worsham, 2,227; 9. John Force, 2,216; 10. Mike Neff, 2,203.
Pro Stock
1. Mike Edwards, 2,524; 2. Greg Anderson, 2,396; 3. Jason Line, 2,373; 4. Jeg Coughlin, 2,292; 5. Greg Stanfield, 2,276; 6. Allen Johnson, 2,244; 7. Johnny Gray, 2,233; 8. Ron Krisher, 2,222; 9. Kurt Johnson, 2,184; 10. Rickie Jones, 2,020.
LUCAS OIL DRAG RACING SERIES
DINWIDDIE, Va. — Sunday’s final results from the Fourth annual Virginia NHRA Nationals at Virginia Motorsports Park. The race is the 22nd of 24 in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series:
Super Stock — Bucky Hess, Plymouth Barracuda, 8.701, 150.63 def. Grant Lewis, Pontiac Grand Am, 8.989, 145.53.
Stock Eliminator — Brad Zaskowski, Chevy Camaro, 10.911, 110.59 def. Gene Jordan, Camaro, 10.624, 126.18.
Super Comp — James Antonette, Dragster, 8.916, 166.54 def. Tom Seemann, Dragster, 8.897, 173.56.
Super Gas — Mike Ruff, Chevy Camaro, 9.887, 162.98 def. Greg Slack, Ford Maverick, 9.882, 154.71.
Beckman, Edwards round out No. 1s at NHRA Virginia Nationals
(NHRA PR)
DINWIDDIE, Va—Second-place Larry Dixon closed the gap between himself and Top Fuel points leader Tony Schumacher with his fourth straight No. 1 qualifier on Saturday at the NHRA Virginia Nationals.
The other provisional No. 1 qualifiers at the 22nd of 24 races in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series were Jack Beckman (Funny Car) and Mike Edwards (Pro Stock).
The NHRA Virginia Nationals is the fourth race in NHRA’s six-race playoff, the Countdown to 1. The playoff concludes with races in Las Vegas (Oct. 29-Nov. 1) and Pomona, Calif. (Nov. 12-15).
Dixon, who notched his eighth No. 1 qualifier of 2009 and 39th of his career in the Al-Anabi dragster, sliced his deficit behind Schumacher from 54 to 47 points with a 3.783-second pass at 311.27 mph.
“I’m obviously happy to be on the pole here,” said Dixon, who earned seven qualifying bonus points to just three for Schumacher. “You need to be low of those sessions to get those extra bonus points because that adds up. We made up almost a round last week (in Memphis). We didn’t do it this week, but we still gained ground on Tony (Schumacher). If you can do that at the next couple of races, including this one, you could make up a round of racing. From where I’m at, a round of racing would be real nice right now.”
Dixon will get a bye and Schumacher, who qualified fourth in his U.S. Army dragster, will be paired with Terry Haddock in R1 of Sunday’s eliminations.
Beckman, 73 points behind Ashley Force Hood in fourth place, earned the pole with a 4.044 at 305.22 on his fourth and final qualifying attempt in the Valvoline/Mail Terminal Services Dodge Charger R/T.
“Am I surprised it held up? That’s a tough question because there were some quality cars behind us, but that was a stout number,” Beckman said. “I knew we didn’t leave a whole lot on the table that run, so they were going to have to be darn-near perfect for them to get around us.”
Beckman will meet John Smith in R1 Sunday and Force Hood, who set the track record for speed in her Castrol GTX Ford Mustang when she clicked the radar at 311.27 mph, will be matched up against Memphis winner Jeff Arend and the DHL team. Hight (-7) has teammate and team owner John Force in R1 and Tony Pedregon (-35) meets Mike Neff.
Edwards, the Pro Stock points leader, improved on his 6.606 from Friday with a 6.531 (at 211.26) on Saturday that was the second quickest pass in NHRA Pro Stock history. He also set the track records for speed and e.t. in his A.R.T./Young Life Pontiac en route to his NHRA-best 14th No. 1 qualifier of the season.
“What a scary qualifying session for Pro Stock,” said Edwards, who will be paired with V Gaines in R1. “When you pull up there and guys are making their career best runs and it’s the last session, it gets a little nerve-wracking. We were low with a .58 last session and I bet that’s not even in the top half now. Hats off to my guys. We made another really fantastic run and I’m just so proud of them and everything that they’ve done.”
Greg Anderson (-88) will meet Dave Northrop, Jason Line (-91) has Ryan Ondrejko, and defending NHRA Full Throttle Series champion Jeg Coughlin (-132) faces Greg Stanfield.
Final eliminations will begin at 11 a.m. ET today and be shown on ESPN2HD beginning at 7 p.m. ET.
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DINWIDDIE, Va. — First-round pairings for professional eliminations Sunday for the Fourth annual Virginia NHRA Nationals at Virginia Motorsports Park, the 22nd of 24 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series. Pairings based on results in qualifying, which ended Saturday. DNQs listed below pairings.
Top Fuel — 1. Larry Dixon, 3.783 seconds, 317.49 mph vs. Bye; 2. Cory McClenathan, 3.784, 319.37 vs. 15. Todd Simpson, broke; 3. Spencer Massey, 3.789, 318.54 vs. 14. Scott Palmer, 12.059, 113.58; 4. Tony Schumacher, 3.796, 314.75 vs. 13. Terry Haddock, 7.173, 94.33; 5. Antron Brown, 3.797, 319.60 vs. 12. Chris Karamesines, 4.054, 301.20; 6. Brandon Bernstein, 3.832, 313.15 vs. 11. Scott Weis, 3.974, 305.42; 7. Morgan Lucas, 3.838, 312.06 vs. 10. Bobby Lagana Jr., 3.884, 309.42; 8. Shawn Langdon, 3.855, 311.85 vs. 9. Doug Kalitta, 3.865, 314.75.
Funny Car — 1. Jack Beckman, Dodge Charger, 4.044, 305.22 vs. 16. John Smith, Chevy Monte Carlo, 4.820, 295.53; 2. Ron Capps, Charger, 4.046, 308.71 vs. 15. Jerry Toliver, Monte Carlo, 4.165, 283.79; 3. Matt Hagan, Charger, 4.051, 309.49 vs. 14. Del Worsham, Toyota Solara, 4.131, 296.96; 4. Tim Wilkerson, Ford Mustang, 4.052, 310.13 vs. 13. Cruz Pedregon, Solara, 4.119, 299.33; 5. Robert Hight, Mustang, 4.059, 309.56 vs. 12. John Force, Mustang, 4.112, 304.39; 6. Ashley Force Hood, Mustang, 4.066, 311.27 vs. 11. Jeff Arend, Solara, 4.106, 302.41; 7. Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 4.079, 306.40 vs. 10. Jim Head, Solara, 4.105, 302.62; 8. Mike Neff, Mustang, 4.085, 306.46 vs. 9. Tony Pedregon, Chevy Impala, 4.102, 303.84. Did Not Qualify: 17. Dale Creasy Jr., 5.196, 280.89; 18. Justin Schriefer, 7.265, 86.27.
Pro Stock — 1. Mike Edwards, Pontiac GXP, 6.531, 211.26 vs. 16. V. Gaines, Dodge Stratus, 6.616, 207.59; 2. Kurt Johnson, Chevy Cobalt, 6.546, 210.64 vs. 15. John Nobile, Stratus, 6.613, 208.68; 3. Greg Anderson, GXP, 6.547, 211.16 vs. 14. Dave Northrop, GXP, 6.609, 206.51; 4. Jason Line, GXP, 6.556, 211.10 vs. 13. Ryan Ondrejko, GXP, 6.605, 208.17; 5. Greg Stanfield, GXP, 6.559, 209.95 vs. 12. Jeg Coughlin, Cobalt, 6.601, 210.01; 6. Ronnie Humphrey, GXP, 6.566, 210.57 vs. 11. Warren Johnson, GXP, 6.585, 210.31; 7. Johnny Gray, Stratus, 6.566, 210.18 vs. 10. Larry Morgan, Stratus, 6.580, 210.05; 8. Ron Krisher, Cobalt, 6.569, 209.56 vs. 9. Rodger Brogdon, GXP, 6.577, 209.65. Did Not Qualify: 17. Allen Johnson, 6.621, 208.01; 18. Steve Spiess, 6.638, 207.11; 19. Bob Benza, 6.638, 206.73; 20. John Gaydosh Jr, 6.726, 205.51.
Force Hood secures provisional pole at Richmond
(NHRA PR)
DINWIDDIE, Va.—Ashley Force Hood solidified her status as the Funny Car points leader with a 4.094-second pass at 307.79 mph to secure the provisional pole on the first day of qualifying at the NHRA Virginia Nationals.
The other provisional No. 1 qualifiers at the 22nd of 24 races in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series were Cory McClenathan (Top Fuel) and Mike Edwards (Pro Stock).
The NHRA Virginia Nationals is the fourth race in NHRA’s six-race playoff, the Countdown to 1. The playoff concludes with races in Las Vegas (Oct. 29-Nov. 1) and Pomona, Calif. (Nov. 12-15).
Force Hood, who leads all Funny Car drivers with five No. 1 qualifiers in her Castrol GTX Ford Mustang already this season, is bidding to become the first woman in the history of the ultra-competitive Funny Car class to win and NHRA Full Throttle Series championship.
“We made both runs A-to-B really strong today. We’re really pumped up for this weekend. We started off really strong, but we’ve got to keep going,” Force Hood said.
McClenathan, the driver of the FRAM Tough Guard dragster who began the weekend in third place 93 points behind Tony Schumacher and the U.S. Army team, claimed the provisional No. 1 with a 3.815 at 318.24.
“We come here and for some reason we just happen to do well and it’s good mojo,” said the winningest Top Fuel driver at Virginia Motorsports Park with four victories. “That’s a good thing.”
If nothing changes in Pro Stock Saturday, Edwards (6.606 at 209.26), who began the race with a 78-point lead in his quest to win his first NHRA Full Throttle Series championship, would collect his NHRA-leading 14th No. 1 qualifier of the season.
“It has been a phenomenal year and a dream season,” said Edwards, driver of the A.R.T./Young Life Pontiac. “I’m literally living my dream with this sport that I’ve enjoyed doing for a long time. We did accomplish our goal of the day and that’s to pick up those valuable six (qualifying bonus) points. We feel good about that. We didn’t make the best run that last run there, but it was good enough.”
Qualifying resumes Saturday with Rounds 3 and 4 before the 16-car fields are set for Sunday’s final eliminations.
Arend, Team Kalitta celebrate emotional win
Editor’s Note: Scroll to the bottom of this story for a complete agate of the finishing results.
NHRA PR
MEMPHIS – Jeff Arend and Funny Car team owner and NHRA icon Connie Kalitta celebrated an emotional, tearful victory Monday at the rain-delayed O’Reilly NHRA Mid-South Nationals at Memphis Motorsports Park.
Joining Arend in the winner’s circle at the 21st of 24 races in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series were Morgan Lucas (Top Fuel), Jason Line (Pro Stock) and Michael Phillips (Pro Stock Motorcycle).
Arend, who replaced Connie’s late son Scott Kalitta in the DHL Toyota Solara, turned in a blistering 4.091 at 310.41 in the final round to easily outrun Tony Pedregon’s trailing 16.659 at 37.81 in the Quaker State Chevy Impala. The speed was the fifth fastest 1000-foot Funny Car speed recorded.
“Everyone had tears in their eyes at the end of the track, myself included,” said an emotional Arend, who won for only the second time in his career and first time since Reading, 1996. “I know how big this is for Connie (Kalitta, team owner) after continuing to run this Funny Car after going through the ultimate tragedy (his son Scott’s death at Englishtown, N.J. in June 2008). He did it, because what he and Scott wanted to do was to have a competitive Funny Car. I think we proved today that we have one now.”
Meanwhile, by reaching the semifinals, Ashley Force Hood ascended into first place in Funny Car at the halfway point of NHRA’s six-race playoff, the Countdown to 1. The 26-year old daughter of John Force is seeking to become the first woman in history to win a championship in NHRA’s ultra-competitive Funny Car division.
Force Hood leads teammate Robert Hight by three points and Pedregon by 26 points.
In Top Fuel, Lucas (5.133 at 251.44) claimed his third victory of the season – and third of his career after a five-year drought – in the GEICO Powersports/Lucas Oil dragster with his tire-spinning win over first-place Tony Schumacher (8.216 at 75.19) and the U.S. Army Team, which extended their points lead over Larry Dixon and the Al-Anabi team to 54; Lucas moved into fifth place (133 points behind Schumacher).
“It’s funny how wins happen,” said Lucas. “Sometimes the car is on; sometimes you’re on; sometimes you’re both on. I felt like everything was working today. The last thing I thought about in the final was the car shaking, smoking the tires, or doing anything stupid. When it did, it was awesome, because it got sideways, got out of it, and thought I was going to go over the centerline for a second. It’s so intense and emotional for only happening within a couple seconds.”
“The championship isn’t something I even considered at the beginning of the year, but we hope this is the momentum change that we needed,” Lucas said.
In Pro Stock, Line jumped from fifth place to second place with his 6.576 at 210.05 in his Summit Racing Pontiac against Ron Krisher, who red-lighted. Line trails points leader Mike Edwards and the A.R.T./Young Life Pontiac team by 78 points with three races to go and Summit Racing teammate Greg Anderson is 81 points back.
“It was a lucky win in a lot of ways. We didn’t have the performance advantage by any means; Mike Edwards was crushing us. Greg (Anderson) and I still have a great shot at winning the championship. We need to be perfect from here on out, but it’s still possible.”
In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Michael Phillips won for the first time in six years aboard the Phillips Racing Suzuki when he clipped defending Series champ Eddie Krawiec aboard the Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson, 6.935 at 193.54 to 6.948 at 192.22.
“I didn’t know I had so many fans, but they all came over and told me they like to cheer for the little guy. I won two divisionals here in Memphis, so this track has been good to me,” Phillips said.
The Countdown to 1 continues next weekend in Richmond with the fourth race in the six-race playoff, the NHRA Virginia Nationals, Oct. 9-11, at Virginia Motorsports Park.
Results
MILLINGTON, Tenn. — Final finish order (1-16) for professional categories at the 22nd annual O’Reilly Mid-South Nationals presented by Pennzoil at Memphis Motorsports Park. The race is the 21st of 24 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series.
TOP FUEL:
1. Morgan Lucas; 2. Tony Schumacher; 3. Doug Kalitta; 4. Steve Torrence; 5. Larry Dixon; 6.Bob Vandergriff; 7. Tim Cullinan; 8. Cory McClenathan; 9. Shawn Langdon; 10. Spencer Massey; 11. Brandon Bernstein; 12. Clay Millican; 13. T.J. Zizzo; 14. Pat Dakin; 15. Antron Brown; 16. Terry Haddock.
FUNNY CAR:
1. Jeff Arend, Toyota Solara; 2. Tony Pedregon; 3. Ron Capps; 4. Ashley Force Hood; 5. Robert Hight; 6. Tim Wilkerson; 7. John Force; 8. Matt Hagan; 9. Mike Neff; 10. Bob Tasca III; 11. Jim Head; 12. Jack Beckman; 13. Del Worsham; 14. Cruz Pedregon; 15. Daniel Wilkerson; 16. Justin Schriefer.
PRO STOCK:
1. Jason Line, Pontiac GXP; 2. Ron Krisher; 3. Greg Anderson; 4. Mike Edwards; 5. Johnny Gray; 6. Allen Johnson; 7. Greg Stanfield; 8. Rodger Brogdon; 9. Steve Spiess; 10. Kurt Johnson; 11. Warren Johnson; 12. Jeg Coughlin; 13. Steve Schmidt; 14. Mark Hogan; 15. Dave River; 16. Larry Morgan.
PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE:
1. Michael Phillips, Suzuki; 2. Eddie Krawiec; 3. Matt Smith; 4. Hector Arana; 5. Douglas Horne; 6. Steve Johnson; 7. GT Tonglet; 8. David Hope; 9. Karen Stoffer; 10. Craig Treble; 11. Junior Pippin; 12. Bailey Whitaker; 13. Shawn Gann; 14. Redell Harris; 15. Andrew Hines; 16. Joe DeSantis.
MILLINGTON, Tenn. — Monday’s final results from the 22nd annual O’Reilly Mid-South Nationals presented by Pennzoil at Memphis Motorsports Park. The race is the 21st of 24 in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series:
Top Fuel — Morgan Lucas, 5.133 seconds, 251.44 mph def. Tony Schumacher, 8.216 seconds, 75.19 mph.
Funny Car — Jeff Arend, Toyota Solara, 4.091, 310.41 def. Tony Pedregon, Chevy Impala, 16.659, 37.81.
Pro Stock — Jason Line, Pontiac GXP, 6.576, 210.05 def. Ron Krisher, Chevy Cobalt, foul.
Pro Stock Motorcycle — Michael Phillips, Suzuki, 6.935, 193.54 def. Eddie Krawiec, Harley-Davidson, 6.948, 192.22.
MILLINGTON, Tenn. — Final round-by-round results from the 22nd annual O’Reilly Mid-South Nationals presented by Pennzoil at Memphis Motorsports Park, the 21st of 24 events in the NHRA Full Throttle
Drag Racing Series:
TOP FUEL:
ROUND ONE — Morgan Lucas, 3.871, 309.84 def. Shawn Langdon, 3.886, 311.27; Doug Kalitta, 3.850, 313.88 def. Brandon Bernstein, 3.905, 304.53; Steve Torrence, 3.925, 305.08 def. Pat Dakin, 11.540, 83.17; Tim Cullinan, 4.614, 270.97 def. Antron Brown, DQ; Bob Vandergriff, 3.897, 294.56 def. Spencer Massey, 3.901, 307.72; Cory McClenathan, 3.927, 314.61 def. T.J. Zizzo, 5.747, 116.82; Larry Dixon, 3.850, 316.15 def. Clay Millican, 3.953, 309.06; Tony Schumacher, 3.828, 313.73 def. Terry Haddock, broke; QUARTERFINALS — Torrence, 3.888, 305.77 def. McClenathan, 4.190, 211.89; Kalitta, 3.862, 314.53 def. Cullinan, 4.128, 227.61; Lucas, 3.870, 307.09 def. Dixon, 3.873, 301.54; Schumacher, 3.839, 312.93 def. Vandergriff, foul; SEMIFINALS — Lucas, 3.849, 308.00 def. Torrence, 3.867, 308.43; Schumacher, 3.843, 311.34 def. Kalitta, 3.858, 314.02; FINAL — Lucas, 5.133, 251.44 def. Schumacher, 8.216, 75.19.
FUNNY CAR:
ROUND ONE — Ron Capps, Dodge Charger, 4.258, 289.94 def. Daniel Wilkerson, Ford Mustang, DQ; Jeff Arend, Toyota Solara, 4.646, 201.82 def. Jack Beckman, Charger, 4.745, 260.56; Tim Wilkerson, Mustang, 4.104, 306.88 def. Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 4.158, 301.33; Ashley Force Hood, Mustang, 4.239, 306.19 def. Del Worsham, Solara, 5.732, 230.53; Robert Hight, Mustang, 4.081, 307.51 def. Justin Schriefer, Chevy Camaro, broke; Tony Pedregon, Chevy Impala, 4.104, 307.37 def. Mike Neff, Mustang, 4.126, 307.51; Matt Hagan, Charger, 4.314, 305.15 def. Cruz Pedregon, Solara, 10.927, 84.21; John Force, Mustang, 4.307, 302.82 def. Jim Head, Solara, 4.675, 250.88; QUARTERFINALS — Arend, 4.104, 305.36 def. Force, 4.170, 302.14; Force Hood, 4.115, 307.72 def. T. Wilkerson, 4.132, 305.84; T. Pedregon, 5.224, 127.70 def. Hagan, 5.315, 289.63; Capps, 4.109, 306.05 def. Hight, 4.117, 306.33; SEMIFINALS — T. Pedregon, 4.104, 308.57 def. Capps, 4.116, 306.19; Arend, 4.109, 307.37 def. Force Hood, 4.119, 307.93; FINAL — Arend, 4.091, 310.41 def. T. Pedregon, 16.659, 37.81.
PRO STOCK:
ROUND ONE — Johnny Gray, Dodge Stratus, no time def. Larry Morgan, Stratus, no time; Greg Stanfield, Pontiac GXP, 6.628, 207.78 def. Steve Spiess, Chevy Cobalt, 6.642, 207.46; Allen Johnson, Stratus, 6.624, 208.68 def. Warren Johnson, GXP, 6.653, 208.75; Ron Krisher, Cobalt,
6.604, 208.46 def. Kurt Johnson, Cobalt, 6.648, 209.23; Rodger Brogdon, GXP, 6.662, 207.66 def. Jeg Coughlin, Cobalt, 6.690, 208.10; Jason Line, GXP, 6.614, 209.20 def. Steve Schmidt, Cobalt, 6.716, 204.73; Greg Anderson, GXP, 6.620, 209.72 def. Mark Hogan, Pontiac GTO, 6.878, 170.97; Mike Edwards, GXP, 6.603, 209.26 def. Dave River, Cobalt, 13.714, 61.70; QUARTERFINALS — Anderson, 6.587, 209.88 def. Stanfield, 6.625, 207.72; Line, 6.601, 209.69 def. A. Johnson, 6.620, 208.49; Krisher, 6.657, 207.98 def. Brogdon, 6.687, 207.50; Edwards, 6.579, 209.36 def. Gray, foul; SEMIFINALS — Line, 6.590, 209.59 def. Anderson, 6.618, 209.26; Krisher, 6.599, 208.94 def. Edwards, 6.699, 208.04; FINAL — Line, 6.576, 210.05 def. Krisher, foul.
PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE:
ROUND ONE — Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 7.063, 189.42 def. Junior Pippin, Buell, foul; David Hope, Buell, 7.269, 177.95 def. Shawn Gann, Buell, 7.095, 183.02; Douglas Horne, Buell, 6.934, 191.70 def. Karen Stoffer, Suzuki, 6.963, 191.92; Michael Phillips, Suzuki, 6.934, 194.94 def. Craig Treble, Suzuki, 6.970, 191.40; GT Tonglet, Suzuki, 7.080, 188.36 def. Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 10.557, 108.81; Eddie Krawiec, Harley-Davidson, 6.976, 189.36 def. Bailey Whitaker, Buell, 7.078, 183.92; Matt Smith, Suzuki, 6.928, 192.30 def. Redell Harris, Buell, 9.023, 95.38; Hector Arana, Buell, 6.914, 192.77 def. Joe DeSantis, Suzuki, 12.890, 59.65; QUARTERFINALS — Krawiec, 6.955, 193.18 def. Horne, foul; Phillips, 6.938, 193.40 def. Tonglet, 7.111, 188.46; Smith, 6.940, 190.22 def. Hope, broke; Arana, 6.889, 192.96 def. Johnson, foul; SEMIFINALS — Krawiec, 6.929, 192.03 def. Smith, 6.944, 191.10; Phillips, 6.976, 191.78 def. Arana, foul; FINAL — Phillips, 6.935, 193.54 def. Krawiec, 6.948, 192.22.
MILLINGTON, Tenn. — Point standings (top 10) for NHRA professional categories following the 22nd annual O’Reilly Mid-South Nationals presented by Pennzoil at Memphis Motorsports Park, the 21st of 24 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series -
Top Fuel
1. Tony Schumacher, 2,369; 2. Larry Dixon, 2,315; 3. Cory McClenathan, 2,276; 4. Antron Brown, 2,249; 5. Morgan Lucas, 2,236; 6. Shawn Langdon, 2,221; 7. Brandon Bernstein, 2,191; 8. Spencer Massey, 2,186; 9. Doug Kalitta, 2,146; 10. Clay Millican, 2,093.
Funny Car
1. Ashley Force Hood, 2,308; 2. Robert Hight, 2,305; 3. Tony Pedregon, 2,282; 4. Jack Beckman, 2,235; 5. Ron Capps, 2,220; 6. Bob Tasca III, 2,206; 7. John Force, 2,184; 8. Tim Wilkerson, 2,181; 9. Mike Neff, 2,130; 10. Del Worsham, 2,116.
Pro Stock
1. Mike Edwards, 2,374; 2. Jason Line, 2,296; 3. Greg Anderson, 2,293; 4. Jeg Coughlin, 2,260; 5. Allen Johnson, 2,234; 6. Greg Stanfield, 2,222; 7. Johnny Gray, 2,199; 8. Ron Krisher, 2,189; 9. Kurt Johnson, 2,145; 10. Rickie Jones, 2,020.
Pro Stock Motorcycle
1. Hector Arana, 2,420; 2. Eddie Krawiec, 2,392; 3. Michael Phillips, 2,255; 4. Matt Smith, 2,253; 5. Andrew Hines, 2,249; 6. Douglas Horne, 2,210; 7. Karen Stoffer, 2,159; 8. Shawn Gann, 2,157; 9. Craig Treble, 2,136; 10. Matt Guidera, 2,020.
LUCAS OIL DRAG RACING SERIES RESULTS
Super Stock — Mike Tueffel, Pontiac Grand Am, 8.690, 158.15 def. Jerry Emmons, Chevy Cavalier,
9.674, 135.61.
Stock Eliminator — Danny Byrd, Chevy Camaro, 11.065, 118.04 def. Jerry Emmons, Camaro, 10.559,
124.57.
Super Comp — Luke Bogacki, Dragster, 8.852, 180.31 def. Billy Torrence, Dragster, foul.
Super Gas — Jeremy Jensen, Chevy Corvette, 9.911, 154.56 def. Brian Forrester, Corvette, 9.921,
156.88.
