VOLUME XX,  NUMBER 3 - MARCH,  2018

Large field of Pro Mods for Gatornationals

Steven Whiteley is the defending winner of the event and was one of nine drivers who claimed victories during 2017.  (Adam Cranmer photo)

 

An incredible 35-car field makes up the first event of the E3 Spark Plugs NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by J&A Service season, which takes place as part of this weekend’s AMALIE Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals.

 

It’s an impressive figure that exemplifies the continued growth and talent level of the class, which will be on display all weekend. The NHRA Pro Mod class will also get four qualifying sessions for the first time in class history, as the class standouts are preparing for what they expect to be a memorable weekend in Gainesville.

 

“There’s so many people coming out to be involved in the class and it’s really exciting,” veteran Danny Rowe said. “It’s a double-edged sword. I’m happy the class is doing well, but it makes it a big challenge for team owners and drivers. Just to qualify in the top 16, it’s a big deal. Four qualifying sessions gives everyone one more shot and I think it’s going to tighten the field up even more. I think we’re going to see some really fast runs and it could be a record-setting weekend. Being part of it is a big deal.”

 

The race, which is presented by Jerry Bickel Race Cars, is the first of 12 events during the 2018 E3 Spark Plugs NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by J&A Service season and will be shown on Fox Sports 1 (FS1) and Fox Sports 2 (FS2).  [03/16/18]

Greenberg to test new ‘Cone Hunter’ AA/FC at Albuquerque

Greenberg commissioned noted drag racing artist David Carl Peters to design a paint scheme that would capture the “look and feel” of a 1970’s funny car while continuing the “Cone Hunter” theme that has been incredibly popular the last few years.

 

Drag racing veteran Lyle Greenberg will debut his new 1978 Corvette Nitro Nostalgia Funny Car this weekend in a test session at Albuquerque Dragway. Greenberg most recently raced an altered in the Western Fuel Altereds circuit where he has held the ET record continuously since 2012 and was the 2015 Points Champion.

 

Successful nitro tuner Jake Sanders took care of putting a “big pump, big mag” combination together that should be exciting and competitive in match race and open competition.

David McLevitz at Car Crafters in Albuquerque executed an incredible paint job (no wrap here) using paint supplied by PPG Paint and T.J. Powell from their Vibrance line of colors.

 

The “Cone Hunter” is scheduled to make its competitive debut at the “Funny Car Chaos” race in Amarillo, TX, the first weekend in June. [03/16/18]

Oddy makes the class

Jim Oddy was one of the inductees into Don Garlits’ International Hall of Fame on Thursday evening. DRO editor Jeff Burk, who did PR for the team many years ago, has a heartfelt congratulations to the supercharger guru who made history in his Pro Mods driven by Fred Hahn, and now with his Gasser driven by Junior Ward.  (Andy Wilsheer photo)  [03/16/18]

Denso creates 200-MPH Club for Pro Stock Motorcycles

DENSO Auto Parts will expand upon their involvement with NHRA Championship Drag Racing and create the DENSO Spark Plugs 200 MPH Club for racers in the Pro Stock Motorcycle category. This program will honor the first four racers in the two-wheel division who surpass the 200-mph barrier.

 

The initial racer who sets the national record will receive $10,000. An additional $10,000 will be split amongst the following three riders that join this exclusive club. Bonuses will also be provided to the first four Pro Stock Motorcycle racers if they eclipse the 200-mph barrier while using DENSO spark plugs.

 

The 200-mph barrier is a milestone many of the teams in Pro Stock Motorcycle have set their sights on and they each long to be the history-making rider. In 2011 Eddie Krawiec became the first competitor to enter in the 199-mph range. The current national record is 199.88 mph posted by Hector Arana Jr. set in March of 2015 at zMAX Dragway in Charlotte, NC.

 

“The individuals who first break the 200-mph barrier in Pro Stock Motorcycle will lead the category into a new era of competition,” said Lisa Michler, marketing communications manager for DENSO. “We are excited to be a part of such a milestone moment in NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle history.”   [03/16/18]

Photographer Tom Nagy passes

It is with a heavy heart that we bring the news of the passing of noted photographer Tom Nagy. It’s been said that bad news comes in threes, and with the sport already rocked by the recent loss of Tom West and Tim Marshall, this trilogy meets its sad conclusion.

 

A native of Indiana, who had not long ago reached the 'promised land' (aka: retirement) Tom was always eager and ready to share his vast knowledge, and considerable archives with the world. Described as a consummate professional and just a damn nice guy, who had an eye and a knack for capturing some of the most spectacular drag racing memories, Tom could and did recreate past races, not only with his images, but through extensive research, re-creating ladder sheets, as he made drag racing of the '70s and '80s live again...and he did it very well.

 

Tom leaves behind in this world a loving family, and now moves on to the next world, along with West, Marshall, Jim Kelly and Tom Schiltz. May they all have a space in the top row with ample room to shoot and no poles in their shots. The sessions will be never ending, there will be no oil-downs, the drag-dogs will be both delicious AND free, and the laughter and stories will be heartfelt and genuine.   [03/16/18]

Off the Track: Self-driving car

It’s time again for our Friday Off the Track item. Here’s a look at Jim Street’s legendary self-driving 1950’s custom car, The Golden Sahara II. Street will offer this classic at Dana Mecum’s 31st Original Spring Classic this May 15-19 in Indianapolis – at no reserve.   [03/16/18]

New Product of the Day

 

Black Master Cylinder and Booster Kit from JEGS

JEGS 1-1/8 inch master cylinder and power brake booster kits feature a black powder coat finish. Available in combinations for every application. Features an Wilwood oval-style tandem black master cylinder with 8-inch dual powder coated black booster conversion. Features: stainless steel valve lines, brake light warning switch, powder coated black angle firewall brackets. Two 3/8”-24 for front brakes and one 9/16”-18 for rear brakes.   [03/16/18]

BACK TO TOP

Connect

official DRO sponsors

 © 1999-2018 - Drag Racing Online and Racing Net Source LLC - 607 Seib Drive, O'Fallon, MO 63366 Phone: 636.272.6301 - Privacy Policy

fficial ponsors