VOLUME XXII,  NUMBER 1 - JANUARY,  2020

NHRA changes Countdown points structure

As the Agent foretold, the NHRA has announced some changes to the Countdown to the Championship.

 

As in previous years, the top ten drivers in each of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series categories at the conclusion of the NHRA U.S. Nationals will earn positions in the Countdown to the Championship.

 

New for 2020, drivers in the Mello Yello Drag Racing Series who meet a minimum set of requirements will also earn their place in the playoffs.

 

In NHRA’s Top Fuel and Funny Car classes, drivers who compete at all 18 events in the regular season and run a minimum of two qualifying sessions at each event will also earn their place in the playoffs.

 

In Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle, drivers who compete at all 13 or 11 events, respectively, in the regular season and run a minimum of two qualifying sessions at each event will get to compete for the championship in five events throughout the Countdown to the Championship.

 

Those who secure a position in the Countdown to the Championship will have their NHRA Mello Yello points adjusted at the conclusion of the NHRA U.S. Nationals. In the Nitro categories, first and second place will be separated by 20 points and each consecutive position will be separated by a 10-point differential. In Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle, first and second place will be separated by 20 points while second through fifth place will be separated by 10 points and all following positions will be separated by five points.

 

Accumulation of points will remain the same, with points-and-a-half rewarded at the Auto Club NHRA Finals.

 

NHRA officials made this change “in order to better reward driver endurance and encourage participation in regular season events.”   [01/22/20]

Langdon returns to Top Fuel with Kalitta Racing

Shawn Langdon will move back into the seat of a Top Fuel dragster after two years behind the wheel of a Funny Car. Langdon will be in the DHL dragster driven last season by Richie Crampton.

 

The DHL dragster will once again be led by drag racing legend Connie Kalitta as crew chief alongside Kurt Elliott.

 

“I had a great experience racing Funny Car the past two seasons. I think it made me a better racer. I am really looking forward to getting back into Top Fuel. I can’t wait to race for Connie and Kurt and the DHL team. The team has had a lot of success and I want to keep up the positive momentum,” said Langdon.

 

Doug Kalitta will again be driving the Mac Tools dragster. Both dragsters will also represent new associate sponsors Mobil 1, NGK Spark Plugs, Osborn and returning sponsors SealMaster and WIX Filters.

 

J.R. Todd will again drive the DHL Toyota Camry Funny Car. Todd will also be repping new sponsors Mobil 1 and NGK Spark Plugs as well as returning major associate team sponsor WIX Filters. Todd will continue to chase his second Funny Car world championship with returning crew chiefs Todd Smith and Jon Oberhofer.   [01/22/20]

DeJoria returns to drag racing with two new sponsors

ROKiT Phones and ABK Beer branding will appear on Alexis DeJoria's Camry Funny Car, driver and crew uniforms, official merchandise and across her team's transport fleet. Additionally, ROKiT Phones will create a series of exclusive 3D racing experiences, which will give fans across the globe an entirely new level of access to DeJoria, her 11,000-horsepower nitro ROKiT Toyota Camry Funny Car and the high-octane action on the track.

 

"Joining Del Worsham's newly-formed DC Motorsports team was just the first step in reigniting my quest at being the first female Funny Car world champion, and I'm thrilled that ROKiT is coming along for the ride," said Alexis DeJoria. "I can't wait to get back on the track and am energized and excited about all the things we have in store for the amazing NHRA fans!"

 

The new team will make their debut at the Feb.6-9 Winternationals in Pomona, CA.   [01/22/20]

Libersher buys John Force COPO Camaro

Scott Libersher, who races in the NHRA Factory Stock class, was the winning bidder for the one-of-a-kind John Force edition COPO Camaro at the Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, AZ. The Wilmington, IL, racer spent $600,000 for his ninth COPO Camaro. Force also donated the firesuit he wore when winning the 2019 U.S. Nationals. Proceeds from the sale will benefit DonorsChoose.org, which supplies needed materials to school classrooms.  (Barrett-Jackson photo) [01/22/20]

Australia’s Summer Thunder postponed due to rain

In the midst of the horrific fires sweeping Australia, it seems strange to say that the Santo’s Summer Thunder event at Sydney Dragway was rained out, but that is exactly what happened. The event will be held this weekend, Jan. 24-25.  [01/22/20]

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