Television and new media expert Ed Desser has been elected to the NHRA Board of Directors, NHRA Chairman of the Board Dallas Gardner announced.

NHRA says Desser brings broad and deep experience in the business, presentation and technology of worldwide sports content delivery across all platforms to NHRA’s board at this key time as the sanctioning body increases its reach through television and digital technology opportunities in today’s changing media landscape.

“We’re very happy to welcome Ed Desser to the NHRA Board of Directors,” Gardner said. “When I joined NHRA, we could not have imagined the media landscape that exists today.  With some of the most exciting content on the planet, we look forward to Ed sharing his expertise to help expose our phenomenal sport to the biggest audiences possible and to increase the reach of our ‘extreme’ sport to new fans including our growing youth market. More media exposure for our sport benefits everyone, from members and track owners to participants, sponsors, fans and beyond.”

Desser’s career started in local broadcasting in Los Angeles after which he served 23 years as the senior media executive with the National Basketball Association. He spearheaded the exploration and development of many pioneering technologies for NBA, ranging from the early use of high definition TV and direct broadcast satellite, development of the NBA’s and all teams’ original websites, delivering real-time game statistics, and creating NBA TV, the first major league-owned TV network. In 2002 Desser was named the NBA’s Executive Vice President, Strategic Planning and Business Development, Office of the Commissioner. He led the NBA’s business planning process and the NBA Board of Governors' Planning Committee.  [07/18/17]

Steve Woollatt  (Ivan Sansom photo)

The British Drag Racing Hall of Fame has announced the members selected for induction this year.

They are record-setting Top Fuel team principals, Per Andersen and Karsten Anderson; long-time photographer and the man who revived the fuel Altered class, Lawrie Gatehouse; legendary Suzuki drag bike racer Pap Higham; Top Fuel Bike race Steve Woollatt; and husband-and-wife racers, organizers and drag racing supporters, John and Lesley Wright.

Stu Bradbury, the Honorary Chairman of the BDRHoF, earlier was presented with a Crystal Trophy at the Santa Pod Dragstalgia event. Stu’s induction will be re-celebrated at the November Gala.  (photo courtesy BDRHoF)

The BDRHoF Gala and Induction Ceremony will take place on Nov. 18 at the Oatlands Park Hotel, Weybridge. Reservations may be made by email to stuart@britishdragracinghof.co.uk.

French manufacturer Stand 21 has more options in its drag racing suits line that has already clad a number of NHRA Top Fuel and Funny Car drivers in only 7 years since its introduction. The La Couture Dragster and Air-S Dragster embrace the technology of their ST3020 HSC predecessor, while allowing new options that will guarantee racers the optimized visual aspect with the customization and made-to-measures options that have built the Stand 21 reputation. Technically, the brand's proprietary pAIRformance fabric is still on top of these SFI 3.2A / 20 certified models, providing unmatched breathability levels and a high degree of stretch-ability to never restrict body motions. Customization is now also available on drag-racing gloves and boots. [07/18/17]

Unfortunately, Courtney's engine suffered serious mechanical issues and had to withdraw from the event. The “Girl Trouble” Thunderbird BB/FC was painted by Endura paints with Endura paints. Graphics by Matt Self.

Jay’s “Prospector” qualified for the AA/FC but rains came Sunday before eliminations. “Prospector” was painted by crewman Doug Anderson at Wildroze with graphics by Matt Self.

The Edmonton race will be finished on Sept 2 when Jay will face Steven Densham in “Teacher’s Pet” in the first round.   [07/18/17]

Longtime sponsor of the Cordova, IL, race, O’Reilly Auto Parts has signed a new agreement to return as sponsor of the 2017 edition of the World Series of Drag Racing as the event returns to its historic home now under new ownership.

The event will be held at Cordova International Raceway on Aug. 25-27.

Discounted admission tickets to the 64th annual World Series of Drag Racing, presented by O'Reilly Auto Parts, will available starting July 20 at participating O'Reilly Auto Parts stores. [07/18/17]