Nitro Dogs Racing

Herbert wins for his boys, Anderson for event sponsor, Arana for first time

Doug Herbert, who has been trying desperately all year to win one “For My Boys,” sons Jon and James ,who were killed in a traffic accident Jan. 26, had a good-luck angel with him in Norwalk in daughter Jessie and scored his first Top Fuel win of the season at the 2nd annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals.

Tony Pedregon, who earlier in the day warned his opponents that “the road to the championship still goes through the Pedregons,” made that stand up by defeating Robert Hight in the Funny car final. Greg Anderson was the hero for event and car sponsor Summit after defeating Larry Morgan in the final round to claim the 55th title of his impressive career. Eighteen-year Pro Stock Motorcycle veteran Hector Arana, twice a runner-up in his 149 career starts, finally collected his first career victory, defeating Craig Treble in the money round.

More updated race information to follow as it is available.

GOTHAM CITY RACING CAR DISQUALIFIED IN NORWALK

NORWALK, Ohio (June 28, 2008) - The ProCare Rx Dodge Charger R/T nitro Funny Car driven by Melanie Troxel was disqualified following the first round of qualifying in the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals in Norwalk, Ohio because NHRA Officials identified unsecured ballast in the car.

An NHRA official release stated that Troxel and another driver, Gary Scelzi, were disqualified from the event after Officials discovered loose ballast in their cars following their qualifying runs.

According to page 74 of the NHRA Rule Book, “any material used for the purpose of racing must be permanently attached to the car’s chassis. No liquid or loose ballast permitted. Discovery of loose or disguised ballast will result in disqualification from the event, regardless of whether infraction occurs during qualifying or eliminations.”

Troxel said, “It was never our intention to make a run under the legal weight, in fact, our car was 25 pounds over the minimum required by NHRA. The car was, however, found to be in violation of a rule concerning unsecured ballast, and therefore we are not participating in the remainder of the event.”

Troxel and Team Gotham will compete at the next scheduled national event, the Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals, July 11-13 in Denver, Colorado.

Former champ Kalitta lost in qualifying accident Funny Car driver Scott Kalitta, 46, died June 21 from multiple injuries suffered after his car went out of control and crashed in a high-speed racing accident at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park during the fourth and final round of qualifying at the Lucas Oil NHRA SuperNationals. Kalitta was extracted from his car by NHRA emergency services officials and transported to Old Bridge Township Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.Kalitta, a two-time NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series Top Fuel champion and one of only 14 drivers in NHRA history to earn victories in both premier nitro categories, earned 18 victories during his career, his last coming in Chicago in 2005 in Top Fuel.Kalitta earned most of his racing success in Top Fuel, where he claimed back-to-back world championship titles in 1994 and 1995. He retired from racing in 1997, sitting out most of two seasons before returning for a 10-race campaign in 1999. He sat out three more seasons following that brief stint and then returned again in 2003, joining cousin Doug as a second driver for the family’s two Top Fuel dragsters. Kalitta started his pro career in Top Fuel in 1982, running limited events for four seasons before moving to Funny Car in 1986 for his first full season of competition. He returned to that category full time in 2006. He posted a runner-up finish two weeks ago in Chicago, his 36th career NHRA final-round appearance. Kalitta is survived by his father, legendary NHRA racer and team owner Connie Kalitta; wife, Kathy; and sons, Corey, 14, and Colin, 8.

Kalitta Motorsports statement The Kalitta Motorsports team has issued a statement following the loss of their driver Scott Kalitta, a teammate, a son, a cousin, and a friend. In addition to a general statement, also included are quotes from his father, team owner Connie Kalitta (pictured), and teammates Doug Kalitta, Hillary Will, and David Grubnic.

Kalitta Motorsports unveils official memorial decal Kalitta Motorsports has released the official Scott Kalitta memorial decal, which will be available in a very limited supply at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals in Norwalk.Kalitta Motorsports will be making them available to the public for purchase as soon as possible with all proceeds going to Racers For Christ and BRAKES. They can then be ordered through the race shop (price TBD) and the track-side apparel trailer and online at some point. There is also a tribute T-shirt with this design incorporated being produced, but its availability by Norwalk is questionable.

The world grieves for Kalitta, family The impact of the loss of two-time NHRA Top Fuel champion Scott Kalitta was felt worldwide as over the past several days, visitors from more than 150 countries, both big and small, around the globe have visited NHRA.com to read about his career and honor his legacy.

DHL statement regarding Scott Kalitta DHL today issued the following statement Monday regarding the death of Scott Kalitta: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Scott Kalitta. He was a true champion of the sport and a dear friend to the DHL family. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Kathy, their sons, his father Connie, and the entire Kalitta family.”

NHRA statement on the death of Scott Kalitta On behalf of everyone at NHRA, we are deeply saddened and want to pass along our sincere condolences to the entire Kalitta family.Scott shared the same passion for drag racing as his legendary father, Connie. He also shared the same desire to win, becoming a two-time series world champion. He left the sport for a period of time, to devote more time to his family, only to be driven to return to the dragstrip to regain his championship form.Scott was a terrific driver and perhaps more importantly a better person and a great father to his two kids. He will be truly missed by the entire NHRA community. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Kathy; sons, Corey and Colin; his cousin, Doug; and his father, Connie.

Fellow racers remember Kalitta Scott Kalitta was a racer’s racer, tough as nails and as capable behind the wheel as anyone out there. With nerves of steel and a fiery attitude, Kalitta knew how to get the job done on the track, but away from the quarter-mile, his friends and fellow racers knew him as a fun-loving guy. Updated, 6/24, 3:30 p.m. EasternRemembering Scott The loss of Scott Kalitta impacted a lot of people, including two of NHRA.com’s most prolific bloggers, National DRAGSTER Editor Phil Burgess and Checker Schuck’s Kragen publicist Bob Wilber. In separate entries, they disucss the man they knew and that they will miss.So long, Scott … by Phil BurgessJust a few words… by Bob Wilber Photo essay: The many faces of Scott Kalitta

SCOTT KALITTA CAREER HIGHLIGHTS National event wins 1989 Houston (FC) 1993 Topeka 1994 Columbus 1994 Topeka 1 1994 Denver 1994 Sonoma 1994 Reading 1995 Columbus 1995 Topeka 1 1995 Denver 1995 Reading 1995 Topeka 2 1995 Dallas 1996 Topeka 1 1997 Topeka 1 2004 Denver 2005 Pomona 1 2005 ChicagoYEAR-BY-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS 1988: Qualified No. 1 for first time in career (Baton Rouge) 1989: Won first career event in Houston in Funny Car 1993: Captured one event victory (Topeka), his first in Top Fuel; recorded fastest speed in NHRA history (308.64 mph) in Topeka; became fourth member of the Slick 50 300-mph Club in Gainesville 1994: Earned first career NHRA championship; became first Top Fuel driver in NHRA history to win four consecutive races (Columbus, Topeka, Denver, and Sonoma); won five events overall 1995: Won second consecutive NHRA Top Fuel championship; was runner-up at Budweiser Shootout at Pomona; won six events and a career-best 45 rounds of eliminations 1996: Earned a $100,000 bonus for winning the Budweiser Shootout at Pomona; finished second in Top Fuel standings; recorded top speed at a category-best eight races 1997: Won Topeka for fourth consecutive season; announced retirement in October 1999: Made brief comeback and advanced to one final round in 10 starts 2003: Returned to competition after nearly three-year absence; advanced to two final rounds; clocked fastest speed in history at 333.95 mph but failed to certify mark as national record 2004: Earned one victory in two final-round appearances; clocked career-best time; was No. 1 qualifier at both Las Vegas events; earned his sixth top five points finish in POWERade Series 2005: Earned two victories in two final-round appearances; set a career-best elapsed time at Pomona 1; qualified for all 23 events and was in the top half of the field in 13 events 2006: Returned to Funny Car; advanced out of the first round at three of last six events; advanced to semifinals in Richmond 2007: Qualified for 16 of 23 races; reached the semi’s in Denver 2008: Reached final round in Chicago

Kalitta succumbs to injuries suffered in qualifying incident

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6/21/2008

Scott Kalitta

Funny Car driver Scott Kalitta, 46, died Saturday from multiple injuries suffered after his car went out of control and crashed in a high-speed racing accident at

Old Bridge Township Raceway Park during the fourth and final round of qualifying at the Lucas Oil NHRA SuperNationals. 

Kalitta was extracted from his car by NHRA emergency services officials and transported to

Old Bridge Township Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Kalitta, a two-time NHRA POWERade Series Top Fuel champion and one of only 14 drivers in NHRA history to earn victories in both premier nitro categories, earned 18 victories during his career, his last coming in Chicago in 2005 in Top Fuel.

Kalitta earned most of his racing success in Top Fuel, where he claimed back-to-back world championship titles in 1994 and 1995. He retired from racing in 1997, sitting out most of two seasons before returning for a 10-race campaign in 1999. He sat out three more seasons following that brief stint and then returned again in 2003, joining cousin Doug as a second driver for the family’s two Top Fuel dragsters. 

Kalitta started his pro career in Top Fuel in 1982, running limited events for four seasons before moving to Funny Car in 1986 for his first full-season of competition. He returned to that category fulltime in 2006. He posted a runner-up finish two weeks ago in

Chicago, his 36^th career NHRA final round appearance.

Kalitta is survived by his father, legendary NHRA racer and team owner Connie Kalitta; wife, Kathy; and sons Corey, 14, and Colin, 8.

We will follow this post with more information as we know more.  One of our close friends and racing associate is at the track and will let us know of impending developments as they happen.

Scott will be missed.  Our prayers and thoughts are with the family.

Ashley ready to go out in style

Englishtown, pre-race: On the heels of announcing his departure from the cockpit for the season, Mike Ashley is preparing for his final scheduled race of 2008 in the Lend America Dodge Charger R/T this weekend at the Lucas Oil NHRA SuperNationals at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park. Ashley, from Long Island, New York, considers the venerable quarter-mile his hometown track and plans to celebrate the weekend with family, sponsors, and employees and guests from his company, Lend

America, where he is chief business strategist.
 
“The decision to make this my last race of the season is because of my intense desire to put myself completely behind the things I do - and right now, in the current state of the economy, I am focusing on growing Lend

America,” Ashley explained.
 
Taking the top two qualifying spots at the last NHRA event in

Chicago, the team has proven its ability to perform in a variety of weather conditions, and with Gotham City Racing lead driver Melanie Troxel winning one event already this season, Team Gotham is staged to enter the top 10 and make the Countdown to 1 playoffs.
 
“The 24-race season in drag racing is grueling, truly a marathon, and despite entering the season knowing I was going to be racing part-time, it’s really too distracting for me to be away from work right now for any length of time. As a team, we’ve been able to get Melanie into a position where she can win races and perform very well, and collectively, my partner, Roger Burgess, and I agreed that this was a good time for me to step out and let the team focus on Melanie,” he said.
 
“I love coming to Englishtown because I started my drag racing career here, and it’s like home for me. We’ll have a lot of people joining us this weekend, and I’m really confident that we’ll put on a great show for the fans.
 
“Our goal for the weekend is to repeat the qualifying effort we had in

Chicago with the 1 and 2 spots and work our way to the finals. One lap at a time, uno ala

volta, like Roger Burgess says,” Ashley added.
 
With forecasts calling for high 70s and low 80s with a mix of cloud cover, Ashley said the racing should be “really fast.”
 
“In the past couple of years, we’ve had really hot conditions, so if things are a little cooler and the track doesn’t get too hot, I think you’ll see some great side-by-side racing all weekend long,” he said.

Down to the wire: Behind the scenes of one team’s important qualifying pass

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by Billy Knight,
Billy Knight, who works with Fram Top Fuel driver Cory McClenathan and helps him prepare his NHRA.com Driver Blog, filed this behind-the-scenes report about the team’s final qualifying effort at the Torco Racing

Fuels Route

66 NHRA Nationals.

Heading into the fourth and final Top Fuel qualifying session of the Torco Racing Fuels Route 66 NHRA Nationals, Cory McClenathan’s crew moved toward the Route 66 Raceway staging lanes with a definite goal in mind: Get the Fram Top Fuel dragster off the bump spot. They knew it would take a total team effort — a combination of focus and professionalism — to get their driver not only into the show but into the top half of the field; challenging, yes, but definitely not out of reach.

Sitting on the bump spot is not normal or acceptable for McClenathan and the team, and ominous-looking skies didn’t make the situation any less tense as the team made its way to the starting line in an attempt to bump the Fram dragster into the field.

Working in concert with precision and purpose, knowing that even the slightest misstep could result in the failure to meet the intended goal, there was little verbal communication as all crewmembers knew exactly what they were supposed to do.

The tow vehicle slowly pulled the Fram dragster toward the staging lanes as two crewmembers rode in back with the hatch open. They kept their eyes on the Fram dragster, continually inspecting everything in view. The team stopped in the staging lanes and immediately went to work again, preparing the dragster. While one crewmember checked tire pressure, another checked the chutes and gave the car a visual inspection. The team eventually gathered for a last-minute chat with McClenathan. The skies were threatening to let loose with what looked like an oncoming cloudburst, and McClenathan expressed concern about getting the run completed before the rain came.

The Fram team crept forward in the staging lanes then pulled beneath the tower, revealing the crowd as well as a head-on view of the dragstrip. Cory Mac and the crewmembers scanned the track, the intensity in their eyes telling as to the importance of the upcoming run.

McClenathan suited up to prepare for his shot at the quarter-mile. Crewmember Ron Freedman (aka “Goat”) assisted Cory Mac, as he always does, but not a word was spoken. As a military air crew checks all systems before a flight, McClenathan’s gear was checked, then double-checked. When he was ready, he headed for the seat.

As McClenathan stepped toward the Fram dragster, the man whose friends know him as being one of the nicest guys around seemed to turn to cold steel. He walked with intense purpose, focused on the task at hand. Lowering himself into the custom-fitted driver’s seat, it looked as if the Fram dragster had literally swallowed him alive.

As soon as he sank into the car, the crew went to work again, cinching his Simpson harnesses tight. “Goat” and McClenathan shook hands. It was go time.

The crew momentarily faded from Cory Mac’s view as he sat in the Fram dragster. He locked his eyes on the view down the dragstrip, his focus incredible.

After receiving the signal from the starter, the crew brought the Fram dragster to life, and McClenathan crept into the water box for his burnout. As he hit the throttle and lit the Goodyears, two members of the Fram team headed down the return road and past the finish line to the place where they receive the timing slip for the run. Reaching their destination, they waited to hear the hit of the throttle. Then, with the sound of distant thunder approaching at breakneck speed, McClenathan hit the throttle.

After only about a second into the run, the two crewmembers in the tow vehicle could tell by the sound of the engine that the run was going to be a good one, and their knowledge was confirmed when a 4.59, 324.75 was announced. They tried to hide it, but they smiled. Cory Mac and the Fram team had just moved from the No. 16 qualifying position to the top half of the field at No. 8.

Mission accomplished.

As McClenathan was being interviewed by ESPN, the Fram dragster crew went back to work, only this time there was a bit of light conversation and smiles all around. The cold-steel driver had turned back into the friendly Cory McClenathan everybody knows, and he approached the Fram crew with a smile so wide that he almost looked animated and told the guys that they had done a good job, then headed to the tow vehicle.

The crew stopped at the scale and weighed in after the run, then headed back to the Fram pit just as the rain began to fall. Everybody simply looked at each other and smiled.

The crew had the car apart before you could yell, “Get out of the way!” Again, with little or no conversation, they all knew their jobs and went about working like a Navy Seal team on a mission. What a crew!

The crew makes it all happen. Just as in the military, the mission doesn’t get done without support. The professionalism and intense focus of the Fram team is likely an accurate representation of what all of the Top Fuel and Funny Car teams do to make their cars competitive. It has been said that spectacular achievement is always preceded with unspectacular preparation. It would definitely be worth a trip to the nitro pits to see the Fram boys (soon to be featured individually on Cory Mac’s blog) and the rest of the teams perform their unspectacular preparation.

Bruce Litton on Top of Provisional Top Fuel Field at IHRA President’s Cup Nationals

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Bruce Litton on Top of Provisional Top Fuel Field at IHRA President’s Cup Nationals

Dale Creasy Jr. (Nitro Funny Car), Tommy D’Aprile (Pro Modified), LarryDobbs (Alcohol Funny Car) and Jeff Dobbins (Pro Stock) also claim provisional #1 qualifier spots Friday at Maryland International Raceway

Mechanicsville, Md.– Fresh off his win at the Motor City Nationals in May, defending IHRA Top Fuel World Champion Bruce Litton thundered to the top of the provisional qualifying sheet in the Torco Pro Nitro Top Fuel class, carding a 4.699 at 287.90 mph at the President’s Cup Nationals in Budds Creek. Litton made a clean pass right down the groove at Maryland International Raceway to move to the top of the sheet heading into Saturday’s two qualifying sessions. For running the quickest winning pass of the Friday evening session Litton also claimed Last Man Standing honors and the five bonus points that go with it.

“The car was running really good until about 1,000 feet,” Litton, an Indianapolis resident, said. “So I had to back off it a little bit. But I’m glad we were able to move to #1 and I’m happy with winning Last Man Standing. There are a lot of good cars out here and that was a bonus for us.”

Bobby Lagana Jr. ( Scarsdale , N.Y. ) was right on Litton’s heels, posting a 4.717 at 312.13 mph to end up second on the qualifying sheet.

Litton was not the only defending World Champion in the Nitro ranks to claim the provisional #1 qualifier position. Beecher , Ill. resident Dale Creasy Jr., a two-time defending champion in the Torco Pro Nitro Funny Car class, moved to the top of the provisional qualifying sheet with a 4.967 blast down the track at 300.40 mph.

“We’ve been having some trouble getting the car down the track, and it was mostly the driver,” Creasy said. “I had a little talk with him and we were able to get down the track tonight. I’m happy about that.”

Tommy D’Aprile ( Port Charlotte , Fla. ) put his Mel Bush-owned ’62 Bel Air on top of the provisional qualifying sheet with a 6.042 pass at 236.13 mph. It was his second-quickest pass of the season, trailing only the 6.038 he ran three weeks ago at Milan Dragway. Points leader Kenny Lang ( Grande Pointe , Manitoba ) ended up second on the sheet with a 6.079/239.95 pass.

Larry Dobbs ( Welland , Ont.) shocked the Alcohol Funny Car class when he posted a sizzling 5.791 at an incredible 254.14 mph to claim the provisional #1 qualifier spot. His speed was a provisional world record, nearly five miles per hour faster than Dale Brand’s standing record of 249.30. Dobbs’ run seemed to come from nowhere as his previous best speed of the season was 247.57.

Defending AFC World Champion Mark Thomas ( Louisville , Ohio ) appears to have things turned around. The seven-time world champ failed to qualify for the elimination rounds at the previous two races, but his 5.814/246.26 pass put him #2 on the provisional qualifying sheet heading into Saturday’s two qualifying sessions. Thomas also claimed the five Last Man Standing bonus points for being the quickest winning driver in Friday’s evening qualifying session.

Jeff Dobbins ( Wilmington , N.C. ) kept his streak of strong qualifying efforts alive by jumping to the provisional #1 position in Pro Stock. The #1 qualifier in Milan three weeks ago clocked a 6.358 at 221.56 mph to move to the top of the sheet Friday night. Dobbins won the Friday Quarter-Max Pro Stock Challenge bonus for being the quickest winning driver of the Friday evening qualifying session, a feat he also pulled off both nights in Rockingham. The winner of the Quarter-Max Pro Stock Challenge receives five bonus points as well as a $500 check from Quarter-Max.

The Torco President’s Cup Nationals will continue Saturday, June 14 with two professional qualifying sessions. The first will begin at 2:00pm with all five professional classes running. The field will finalize after Saturday’s evening qualifying session, which will start at 7:00pm.

BUDDS CREEK, Md. — Results Friday after qualifying for the Torco Racing Fuels President’s Cup Nationals at Maryland International Raceway, fourth of 11 events in the 2008 Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series. Qualifying will continue Saturday for Sunday’s final eliminations.

Top Fuel — 1. Bruce Litton, 4.699 seconds, 287.90 mph; 2. Bobby Lagana Jr., 4.717, 312.13; 3. Mike Strasburg, 5.048, 234.37; 4. Terry McMillen, 9.840, 91.07; 5. Spencer Massey, 9.995, 72.70.

Nitro Funny Car — 1. Dale Creasy Jr., Chevy Impala, 4.967, 300.40; 2. Paul Lee, Chevy Monte Carlo , 4.989, 273.22; 3. Matt Hagan, Monte Carlo , 5.082, 285.77; 4. Todd Simpson, Chevy Camaro, 5.205, 272.94; 5. Terry Haddock, Dodge Stratus, 5.217, 248.89; 6. Andy Kelley, Pontiac Firebird, 5.297, 220.48; 7. Steven Macklyn, Monte Carlo , 5.330, 223.84; 8. Mike Smith, Camaro, 5.355, 270.05. Not Qualified: 9. Jeff Diehl, 5.972, 170.77; 10. Bob Gilbertson, 6.061, 158.33; 11. Cory Lee, 8.086, 110.37; 12. Jack Wyatt, 8.626, 96.99.

Pro Modified — 1. Tommy D’Aprile, Chevy Bel Air, 6.042, 236.13; 2. Kenny Lang, Chevy Corvette, 6.079, 239.95; 3. Jim Halsey , Chevy Camaro, 6.094, 232.63; 4. Mike Janis, Pontiac Firebird, 6.102, 236.05; 5. Thomas Patterson, Dodge Charger, 6.110, 234.57; 6. Ed Hoover, Camaro, 6.118, 235.23; 7. Jason Hamstra, Camaro, 6.134, 232.23; 8. Mark Nielsen, Camaro, 6.155, 234.33; 9. Scott Cannon, Firebird, 6.175, 230.06; 10. Quain Stott, Corvette, 6.187, 236.75; 11. Pat Stoken, Camaro, 6.193, 233.08; 12. Steve Engel, Corvette, 6.225, 211.86; 13. Burton Auxier, Corvette, 6.244, 227.84; 14. Milt Decker, Corvette, 6.245, 223.80; 15. Mike Stawicki, Camaro, 6.335, 208.97; 16. Jason Stock, Corvette, 6.345, 228.92. Not Qualified: 17. Frederick Scriba, 8.836, 100.48; 18. Billy Gibson, 8.998, 101.07; 19. Larry Plummer, 9.894, 82.85; 20. Mike Castellana, 14.179, 59.37; 21. Chris Russo, 16.910, 59.84.

Alcohol Funny Car — 1. Larry Dobbs, Chevy Corvette, 5.791, 254.14; 2. Mark Thomas, Chevy Monte Carlo , 5.814, 246.26; 3. Rob Atchison, Monte Carlo , 5.818, 247.47; 4. Laurie Cannister, Chevy Camaro, 5.827, 243.59; 5. Paul Noakes, Dodge Avenger, 5.832, 242.67; 6. Melinda Green-King, Ford Mustang, 5.960, 238.13; 7. Rocky Hummel, Camaro, 6.093, 233.68; 8. Bunny Burkett, Avenger, 6.482, 145.44. Not Qualified: 9. Dale Brand, 6.816, 187.65; 10. Neal Parker, 8.053, 113.87; 11. Tim Stevens, DQ; 12. Thomas Carter, DQ.

Pro Stock — 1. Jeff Dobbins, Ford Escort, 6.358, 221.56; 2. Rob Mansfield, Pontiac GTO, 6.372, 220.48; 3. Tom Lee, Ford Mustang, 6.380, 220.69; 4. John Montecalvo, Chevy Cobalt, 6.387, 220.12; 5. Jason Collins, Cobalt, 6.389, 219.79; 6. Dean Goforth, GTO, 6.392, 219.97; 7. Elijah Morton, Mustang, 6.402, 218.90; 8. Cary Goforth, Cobalt, 6.405, 220.08; 9. Robert Patrick, Mustang, 6.406, 219.12; 10. Frank Gugliotta, Mustang, 6.407, 218.37; 11. Bert Jackson, Chevy Cavalier, 6.426, 216.93; 12. Richard Freeman, Cobalt, 6.436, 216.69; 13. Brian Gahm, Mustang, 6.442, 218.83; 14. John Bartunek, Cobalt, 6.449, 218.65; 15. Trevor Eman, Escort, 6.450, 219.08; 16. Chuck DeMory, Mustang, 6.458, 215.03. Not Qualified: 17. John Konigshofer, 6.461, 218.41; 18. Kelly Martin, 6.512, 216.65; 19. Doug Kirk, 6.514, 215.34; 20. Ron Miller, 6.545, 216.13; 21. Steven Boone, 6.587, 191.51; 22. Daniel Seamon, 6.644, 215.96; 23. Pete Berner, 7.305, 126.89; 24. John Pluchino, 7.337, 142.40; 25. Michael Bruno, 7.704, 132.57; 26. Bob Bertsch, 8.901, 93.75; 27. Ned Katuran, 9.490, 94.06; 28. Sylvester Barnes, 21.983, 49.44.

Despite a decade away from driving, Oswald still is championship-caliber

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Former NHRA Funny Car world champ Mark Oswald, more than decade removed from national event compeition, was greeted warmly by the Chicago fans after piloting Mike Ashley’s and Roger Burgess’ ProCare RX Dodge to the No. 2 qualifying spot.

After his team’s In-N-Out Burger sponsorship ceased at the end of the 1997 season, 1984 NHRA Funny Car world champion Mark Oswald thought he was done with driving, and, after 27 years in the cockpit, that was alright with him. The 55-year-old from

Houma, La., took a year off and then got back into racing on the mechanical side of things with John Lawson’s Funny Car team.

Oswald’s tuning abilities and low-key demeanor made him a perfect fit to work with crew chief Brian Corradi and car chief Steve Boggs on the Melanie Troxel-driven ProCare RX Dodge Charger.

Though Oswald had no desire to get back in the driver’s seat or the limelight, he posed no argument when team owner Mike Ashley called upon him to dust off his driver’s suit and get back into action shortly before the start of the Torco Racing Fuels Route 66 NHRA Nationals at Route 66 Raceway in

Chicago.

Ashley had been called into action at his mortgage company, Lend

America, and the team’s sometimes-driver Frank Hawley was not at the event, so Oswald was the natural replacement behind the wheel.

“I found out on Thursday at around midnight,” said Oswald, whose team dubs him “the Ice Man.” “Naturally, I was nervous because I haven’t made any runs this year at all and made every few runs last year. As we did better and better throughout the weekend, I was fine.”

Oswald quickly showed why he is a winner of 20 national events. Despite only making six runs in testing last season and none this year, Oswald obliterated his career-best marks of 4.981 seconds and 308.64 mph with a 4.946 in the opening session and a 4.783 at 324.67 mph in the second. The veteran expertly guided the A&R Transport Dodge Charger down the quarter-mile in the final session as he laid down an outstanding 4.757 at 328.46 mph to qualify second behind his teammate Troxel.

What Oswald did was especially impressive considering that the national records when he last drove at the 1997 NHRA Finals were 4.889 seconds and 314.49 mph.

“That was a great day for the whole Gotham City Racing team,” said Oswald. “We couldn’t be happier about our teammate Melanie Troxel qualifying No. 1. Our sponsor, A&R Transport, is located right in

Joliet, so that worked out really well for us, too. [Crew chiefs] Aaron Brooks and Rod Centorbi have done a fantastic job for a car that hasn’t attended all the races. They’ve had one of the toughest cars in the last two events.”

Eliminations went well as Oswald posted competitive .08-something lights in the first two rounds and ran a 4.82 to defeat Jack Beckman before losing to eventual winner Tony Pedregon in a close drag race when both drivers posted 4.88s. Oswald admits he had fun and would drive again this season if asked, but he doesn’t know if or when he will be driving and is not exactly chomping at the bit to do so.

“[Driving] was a necessary means to an end, but, honestly, that was a lot of fun. You never know with Mike Ashley whether I’ll be driving again or not. With him, we’re always on a need to know basis. Most of the time, he doesn’t think we need to know,” said Oswald with a chuckle.

Oswald, who normally helps tune teammate Melanie Troxel’s car, found himself parked one spot below her historic pole position after qualifying.

Oswald, the second driver to ever win in both fuel categories and one of few drivers who possess a winning record against John Force (26-24), is clear in his focus to help tune Troxel to a title.“Our goal is to make Melanie the world champion,” Oswald continued. “We’re taking steps toward that. Even when I drove this weekend, I was rooting for Melanie because we all know that we use this car to support her.

“The reason that Mike Ashley and Roger Burgess decided to field two cars is to make one better. Our owners are very motivated people, and they keep us striving to give them results. I take my hat off to Mike and Roger, because they assembled a great group of talented people who work well together. We were happy to get back to being competitive a few races ago. Now we’re trying to make a step towards the front. The new points format gives us the opportunity to make up some ground with Melanie so long as we get her into the top 10.”

Torrence named new driver of Tuttle Top Fueler

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Steve Torrence

Steve Torrence, the 2005 NHRA Lucas Oil Top Alcohol Dragster champion, will replace Alan Bradshaw as the driver of the Vis Viva Living Force Energy Top Fuel dragster owned by Dexter Tuttle. Torrence will begin his driving duties at the Lucas Oil NHRA SuperNationals in Englishtown June 19-22. Torrence previously drove for Tuttle as teammate to J.R. Todd for the final three events of 2006. The 25-year-old resident of

Kilgore, Texas, is thrilled about his return to Top Fuel and Tuttle Motorsports.

“I couldn’t be more excited than I am right now,” Torrence said. “Having worked with Dexter in the past, I know the kind of team that he runs, and I can’t wait to get back in his car. I’m also excited to be representing Dexter’s sponsor, Vis Viva Energy. They are a new and upcoming energy drink, and I’m a new and upcoming driver in Top Fuel; what a perfect fit.”

Dan Pikarsky, senior vice president sports and event marketing at Attitude Drink Co. Inc., shared his thoughts on the driver change.

“We are pleased with the job Alan has done for the Vis Viva brand while driving for Tuttle Motorsports, and we wish him well in his racing career wherever it may take him,” Pikarsky said. “We are also fired up to continue our growth with our new driver Steve Torrence in such a fan-friendly environment like the NHRA. As our growth continues day by day, we know Steve will continue to complement and grow with our brand Vis Viva Living Force Energy. Steve is a bright, talented, well-spoken young man who will represent Vis Viva well.”

Tuttle is also optimistic about the change.

“Steve really is the perfect choice for this team,” Tuttle said. “He has driven for me before, and I was pleased with what he did in the car. He is a good kid, and I’m looking forward to seeing what he will bring to our team.”

When asked about the reason for the change, Tuttle responded, “Every team has chemistry issues from time to time, and I guess it was just our turn. No matter how good a crewmember, tuner, or driver is individually, without synergy it is hard to be successful. We’ve been lacking that.”

Alan Bradshaw

Bradshaw cited “chemistry” issues with car chief Tony Shortall. “I really felt like we had huge potential with Dexter’s race program and past successes, but unfortunately it just didn’t work out for either one of us,” Bradshaw said in part and added that he thought there were definitely good things that came out of the short relationship. 

“I am very grateful that Dexter gave me the opportunity to advance my career. I was No. 1 qualifier twice, set my career-best e.t. of 4.52 and top-speed mark of 327 mph, and won a race on a holeshot, which was really exciting.

“I believe our biggest accomplishment as a team, however, is the fact I was able to do the tribute car honoring Darrell Russell, something I feel definitely had to be done. I really appreciate Dexter and Vis Viva allowing me the opportunity to do the tribute as it was definitely the highlight of my racing career in Top Fuel.”

Bradshaw said he is entertaining opportunities with other teams in Top Fuel as well as Funny Car and hopes to have an announcement in the near future. 

“I am in communication with a couple of teams, and we’ll see where this all goes,” he said. “I know God has a plan for my life, and I believe it involves driving race cars, so we will see what he has in store for me. Either way, life is good, and I wish Dexter nothing but the best.”

T. Ped completes turnaround; Shoe, K.J. extend leads; Rivas nabs his first

The 11^th annual Torco Racing Fuels Route 66 NHRA Nationals at Route 66 Raceway in

Chicago was hampered by rain early in final eliminations, but four Professional winners weathered the storm and raced to dramatic conclusions. No driver experienced more ups and downs than Funny Car winner Tony Pedregon, who bounced back from a fire during qualifying on Saturday to win for the second time this season and the 38^th time in his career.

Also posting his 38^th national event win was Kurt Johnson. Johnson won a final round that also decided who would leave the Pro Stock points leader against Jeg Coughlin. Tony Schumacher extended his hefty points lead by defeating Top Fuel foe Rod Fuller with the quickest pass of the weekend, a 4.499. In Pro Stock Motorcycle, fourth-year rider Chris Rivas stepped to the podium for the first time in his career.

Tony Pedregon

Pedregon’s event typified his turbulent 2008 season. Pedregon, who opened the season with a violent first-round explosion two races before winning in Houston, was unhurt in a nasty fire during qualifying but bounced back to go the distance in eliminations. Pedregon drove his Q Horsepower Chevy Impala to his best time of eliminations, a 4.818 at 319.75 mph, to defeat a win-hungry Scott Kalitta, who ran a 4.957 at 308.92.“That little incident last night took me back to the beginning of the year,” said Pedregon, who moved from a sixth-place tie up to fourth in points. “We had a low-flash fire that I thought would go out. It seemed routine, but it gradually got worse. It wiped the chassis out, so we had to roll one out that we haven’t run before. I felt good about it, though; I learned not to fall in love with race car parts.

“I’ve been doing this a lot of years, but this is the first time I’ve had a race where we’ve bounced back like this. We rose from the ashes after

Pomona, but that took a few races. The way we did all this within 24 hours is a tribute to the great group of guys we have. I knew these guys were low on sleep after working until three in the morning, but I knew a taste of winning would give them the adrenaline they needed to get through the day.”

Pedregon’s performance on Sunday is one fans have come to expect from a two-time Funny Car world champion. The No. 10 qualifier ran a pair of 4.88s to put opponents Jerry Toliver and Mark Oswald on the trailer in the first two rounds. Crew chiefs Dickie Venables and Kurt Elliott followed that with a 4.89 to edge Ashley Force in a close semifinal. Both of Pedregon’s semifinal appearances this season have led to wins, and Pedregon is the second repeat winner in the class this season.

Kalitta’s three round-wins at this event in addition to his sole round-win in

Phoenix equal his entire round-win output from the 2007 season. The 1994-’95 Top Fuel points champion and driver of the DHL Toyota Solara has struggled since his return to Funny Car in 2006, but he made big gains with his first Funny Car final since his triumph in Houston in 1989. Kalitta, who qualified for just the second time in the past seven events, handled Ron Capps, Cruz Pedregon, and Gary Densham on his way to the final.

Tony Schumacher

The rivalry between Schumacher and “Hot Rod” Fuller heated up with their second final-round match-up of the season. Schumacher evened the score in dominant fashion by posting the event’s only 4.4-second pass, a 4.499, while Fuller’s Caterpillar dragster smoked the tires less than 300 feet down the racetrack.“Fuller said that we were ‘Dark Side Racing,’ and I would call that a ‘Dark Side’ wrath,” joked Schumacher. “You can throw names out, but the right word to say is ‘champion.’ We earned that name. The rivalries will come later in the season. If you are going to make a rivalry, step. Me and Doug Kalitta had a great rivalry and never had to say anything.

“The race we had against Vandergriff in the first round was fun, but we should’ve got beat. If you give Alan Johnson one mulligan — he plays golf a lot — he’ll get it figured out and be hard to beat.”

Schumacher and the U.S. Army team took care of business in an event full of personal milestones. Five years after crew chief Alan Johnson came onboard, Schumacher qualified No. 1 for the 50^th time in his career and won the event while celebrating the U.S. Army’s 233^rd birthday. Schumacher didn’t win his first-round race against Vandergriff as much as he survived it, as both drivers smoked the tires and “the Sarge” won by a narrow margin. He stepped up to run 4.56s in the second and third rounds to defeat Hillary Will and Doug Herbert, respectively.

Fuller reached the final round for the second time this season after defeating Schumacher in the

Madison final. Fuller never made a decent qualifying lap until the final session, but crew chief Rob Flynn figured it out for Sunday as Fuller handled opponents Doug Kalitta, an upset-minded T.J. Zizzo, and a hungry Morgan Lucas.

Kurt Johnson

The points lead was decided in the Pro Stock final when incoming leader Johnson streaked to victory against troubled No. 1 qualifier Jeg Coughlin. Though K.J. was disappointed in his qualifying efforts that put him sixth, he made the necessary adjustments to become a force on race day.“This is such a highly-competitive class,” said Johnson. “I felt like I should have done a better job on the starting line, but ‘Big Blue’ — the ACDelco Cobalt — bailed me out every time. We made four big changes in the car last night, and we made a good, fast run this morning.

“The way this class has been this year is scary. It’s like, ‘What the heck have we been doing out here?’ I raced Dad in the semifinals, and I thought it was the kiss of death because there were eight winners in the first nine races and he was the only guy who hasn’t won that was in the semi’s.”

Johnson opened eliminations with a 6.717 to get past Mike Edwards, and he followed that with a thrilling win over friend Greg Anderson that was decided less than two-hundredths. He hurdled over father Warren in the semifinals before he earned his second win of the season.

Coughlin came off the pole position to beat upcoming rookie Rickie Jones in the first round. His next two races were nail-biters. He moved past Greg Stanfield in the second round by a .0098-second margin. In the semifinals, Coughlin overcame a holeshot to squeak by rival mail order business-sponsored Jason Line by .0002-second (approximately one inch).

Chris Rivas

Rivas’ win from the top qualifying spot was decided in a final-round encounter with old Division 7 bracket racing rival Craig Treble. Treble, a crafty veteran who won two rounds by holeshots, used a little trickery on the starting line in the final round, but Rivas was unaffected as he pulled out the victory, 7.051 to 7.134. “I’ve been waiting for this for such a long time and felt I was so past due in getting it,” said Rivas, whose only other final-round appearance came in 2005 during the third of his 49 career events. “We did so good so early with my other team that I felt like we would be dangerous all the time. When I went with Matt Smith and the Torco team [in 2007], I thought that would be it; it didn’t happen. When G2 Motorsports called me up and George Smith talked to me about riding, I thought, ‘This is it for sure. If I can’t do it with this team, I might as well retire.’

“Treble tried to play a little bit with me. He was trying a couple of things, and I knew he was doing it, but I didn’t let it shake me. He rushed the first light and brought the rev limiter on before he full-staged. It worked out for him when he did it in the first round but not in the final.”

Rivas’ win was certainly a long time coming. After bouncing around from the Mohegan Sun team to Matt Smith’s team to the G-Squared team, the talented rider from

Fresno, Calif., finally got it done. Rivas dominated on the Drag Specialties S&S Buell V-Twin, running 7.0s throughout eliminations to crush the likes of riders Wes Wells, Karen Stoffer, and teammate Angelle Sampey. The win occurred at the home track of S&S Cycle.

Treble worked through his slow start to the season with his first final round appearance since his U.S. Nationals win in 2007. He rode Harry Lartigue’s Suzuki to a huge holeshot win over Chip Ellis in the first round, defeating Ellis’ class-best 7.001 with a 7.094. Treble then received a red-light gift from Hector Arana and prevented a seemingly-imminent match-up between Rivas and Andrew Hines by strapping a holeshot on the three-time world champ and winning with a 7.141 to Hines’ quicker 7.112.