NEWS NUGGETS
HIGHT WINS SECOND OF THE SEASON; BROWN, EDWARDS NAB FIRST WINS OF 2011 IN LAS VEGAS:
The stakes were as high as ever as the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing
Series entered Las Vegas last week for its third stop in 2011—the
SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals—and by Sunday night, Funny Car driver
Robert Hight stood in the Winner’s Circle for the second time that
season, becoming the first Funny Car driver in the event’s 12-season
history to be named a repeat winner (2007).
NEWS NUGGETS
POINTS LEADER LINE HOPES TO MAKE IT THREE-FOR-THREE AS SERIES HEADS TO LAS VEGAS: To say that the start of the 2011 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series for Pro Stock points leader Jason Line has been anything but a surprise may be the understatement of the century. Back-to-back wins to start the season and the points lead, with teammate Greg Anderson close behind in second place, may not have been the position Line thought he’d be in heading into this weekend’s SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals at The Strip At Las Vegas Motor Speedway. But with the momentum of early-season success pushing his Summit Racing Pontiac GXP, Line hopes to make it three wins to start the season, especially at his primary sponsor’s event.
POINTS LEADER LINE HOPES TO MAKE IT THREE-FOR-THREE AS SERIES HEADS TO LAS VEGAS: To say that the start of the 2011 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series for Pro Stock points leader Jason Line has been anything but a surprise may be the understatement of the century. Back-to-back wins to start the season and the points lead, with teammate Greg Anderson close behind in second place, may not have been the position Line thought he’d be in heading into this weekend’s SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals at The Strip At Las Vegas Motor Speedway. But with the momentum of early-season success pushing his Summit Racing Pontiac GXP, Line hopes to make it three wins to start the season, especially at his primary sponsor’s event.
NEWS NUGGETS
FORMER CHAMPS READY TO ROLL THE DICE FOR VEGAS LUCK AT THE SUMMITRACING.COM NHRA NATIONALS: With two races already in the record books in the 2011 season, the drivers of the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series now set their sights on “Sin City” itself, as the series makes its first of two stops in Las Vegas for the SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals, April 1–3 at The Strip At Las Vegas Motor Speedway. One driver hoping for a visit from “Lady Luck” is Pro Stock driver Mike Edwards. Just one year ago, Edwards entered the Las Vegas event riding a wave of success that saw the driver win his first Pro Stock world championship the previous year and pick up three wins and a runner-up finish in the first five races of the season. Edwards left Las Vegas with yet another win and a stronger hold on the points lead, but a string of bad luck late in the season saw that lead given up by the time the series returned to Las Vegas in October of that year, and Edwards was unable to repeat his championship run. The 2011 season has brought much of the same for Edwards. A DNQ to open the season at the Kragen O’Reilly Auto Parts Winternationals and a second-round loss to Ron Krisher at the Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals has the former world champion sitting 11th in the point standings entering the race in Las Vegas.
FORMER CHAMPS READY TO ROLL THE DICE FOR VEGAS LUCK AT THE SUMMITRACING.COM NHRA NATIONALS: With two races already in the record books in the 2011 season, the drivers of the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series now set their sights on “Sin City” itself, as the series makes its first of two stops in Las Vegas for the SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals, April 1–3 at The Strip At Las Vegas Motor Speedway. One driver hoping for a visit from “Lady Luck” is Pro Stock driver Mike Edwards. Just one year ago, Edwards entered the Las Vegas event riding a wave of success that saw the driver win his first Pro Stock world championship the previous year and pick up three wins and a runner-up finish in the first five races of the season. Edwards left Las Vegas with yet another win and a stronger hold on the points lead, but a string of bad luck late in the season saw that lead given up by the time the series returned to Las Vegas in October of that year, and Edwards was unable to repeat his championship run. The 2011 season has brought much of the same for Edwards. A DNQ to open the season at the Kragen O’Reilly Auto Parts Winternationals and a second-round loss to Ron Krisher at the Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals has the former world champion sitting 11th in the point standings entering the race in Las Vegas.
NEWS NUGGETS
WORSHAM JOINS LIST OF DOUBLE-CATEGORY WINNERS; NEFF JOINS LIST OF TUNER/DRIVER WINNERS WITH GAINESVILLE WIN: In only his second start of the season, Del Worsham joined a select list of drivers when he drove his Al-Anabi Racing dragster past seven-time world champion Tony Schumacher to his first career win in Top Fuel Sunday at the Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville, Florida. Worsham joined an impressive list of only 15 other drivers in NHRA history to win in both Top Fuel and Funny Car, and the historical meaning was not lost on the driver.
WORSHAM JOINS LIST OF DOUBLE-CATEGORY WINNERS; NEFF JOINS LIST OF TUNER/DRIVER WINNERS WITH GAINESVILLE WIN: In only his second start of the season, Del Worsham joined a select list of drivers when he drove his Al-Anabi Racing dragster past seven-time world champion Tony Schumacher to his first career win in Top Fuel Sunday at the Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville, Florida. Worsham joined an impressive list of only 15 other drivers in NHRA history to win in both Top Fuel and Funny Car, and the historical meaning was not lost on the driver.
NEWS NUGGETS
FORMER WORLD CHAMPS READY FOR BATTLE AS NHRA FULL THROTTLE SERIES MAKES SECOND STOP OF THE SEASON IN GAINESVILLE: As the 2011 Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to its second stop of the season, the Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway, two drivers and former world champs look to not only grab their first win of the season, but make history in the process. Three-time and defending NHRA Full Throttle Top Fuel world champion Larry Dixon and seven-time world champion Tony Schumacher are currently tied for the most wins in the Top Fuel category at Gainesville Raceway with legendary Top Fuel drivers Joe Amato and “Big Daddy” Don Garlits, at four apiece. In fact, for the past four years, both Dixon and Schumacher have been the only Top Fuel drivers to grab a Gatornationals title.
FORMER WORLD CHAMPS READY FOR BATTLE AS NHRA FULL THROTTLE SERIES MAKES SECOND STOP OF THE SEASON IN GAINESVILLE: As the 2011 Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to its second stop of the season, the Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway, two drivers and former world champs look to not only grab their first win of the season, but make history in the process. Three-time and defending NHRA Full Throttle Top Fuel world champion Larry Dixon and seven-time world champion Tony Schumacher are currently tied for the most wins in the Top Fuel category at Gainesville Raceway with legendary Top Fuel drivers Joe Amato and “Big Daddy” Don Garlits, at four apiece. In fact, for the past four years, both Dixon and Schumacher have been the only Top Fuel drivers to grab a Gatornationals title.
NEWS NUGGETS
LUCAS, HIGHT, LINE CLAIM FIRST VICTORIES OF 60TH CELEBRATION AT SEASON-OPENER IN POMONA: The 2011 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing season and 60th anniversary year of the NHRA kicked off with a bang Sunday at the season-opening Kragen O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals at Auto Club Raceway in Pomona, California. In Top Fuel, Morgan Lucas and his Geico Powersports/Lucas Oil dragster team were able to power their way through the competition, including teammate and high school classmate Shawn Langdon in the final round, to secure their first Winternationals title and fourth win of Lucas’ career.
LUCAS, HIGHT, LINE CLAIM FIRST VICTORIES OF 60TH CELEBRATION AT SEASON-OPENER IN POMONA: The 2011 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing season and 60th anniversary year of the NHRA kicked off with a bang Sunday at the season-opening Kragen O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals at Auto Club Raceway in Pomona, California. In Top Fuel, Morgan Lucas and his Geico Powersports/Lucas Oil dragster team were able to power their way through the competition, including teammate and high school classmate Shawn Langdon in the final round, to secure their first Winternationals title and fourth win of Lucas’ career.
NEWS NUGGETS
NHRA FULL THROTTLE DRAG RACING SEASON KICKS OFF WITH KRAGEN O’REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA WINTERNATIONALS: It’s been three months since the last pair of Top Fuel dragsters, Antron Brown’s Matco Tools dragster and Shawn Langdon’s Lucas Oil Fuel Treatment dragster, roared down the two lanes at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, California. Three months of silence at the historic track since Larry Dixon, John Force, Greg Anderson and LE Tonglet all clinched their 2010 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing world championships. Three months for drivers and teams to contemplate what might have been in 2010, and what could be in 2011. But those three months will come to a quick stop at more than 300 mph this Thursday as the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series kicks off the 2011 season and 60th anniversary of NHRA at the 51st running of the Kragen O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals. Some of the biggest names in drag racing will return to sunny Southern California to begin their march towards the 2011 NHRA Full Throttle world championship. Such fan favorites and former champions as Top Fuel pilot Tony Schumacher and Funny Car driver Robert Hight will look to reclaim their championship glory. Antron Brown and Brandon Bernstein will look to turn off-season preparations into championship-contending performances. And missed drivers, such as Spencer Massey and Erica Enders, will return to competition full time in 2011. Not to mention the presence of NHRA Legend Don “The Snake” Prudhomme, who will be on hand to celebrate NHRA’s 60th anniversary year. What will happen? Who will be in winner’s circle? How will the 2011 season begin? Only one thing is for sure—this year’s Kragen O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals will be one for the history books. To get tickets to the 51st annual Kragen O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals, click here.
NEWS NUGGETS
ONE WEEK TO GO! NHRA FULL THROTTLE DRAG RACING SERIES READY TO BEGIN 2011 WITH KRAGEN O’REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA WINTERNATIONALS: After nearly three months off, the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series is just one week away from the 2011 season and the Kragen O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals at historic Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, California. The opening race of the season also marks the start of a season-long celebration as the NHRA celebrates its 60th anniversary year, and the festivities begin in Pomona. Some of your favorite drivers will be descending on Auto Club Raceway at Pomona next weekend, including Top Fuel world champion Larry Dixon and seven-time world champion Tony Schumacher. Funny Car 15-time world champion John Force will be back, hunting for his 16th world title, with teammates Robert Hight and Mike Neff hot on his heels. Fans will also have the opportunity to participate in the 60th celebration and see some of their favorite legendary drivers in person. NHRA Legend Don “The Snake” Prudhomme will be on hand all weekend meeting and greeting fans and signing autographs, and he’ll have some of his most famous and memorable cars on display in the pits in the special “Snake Pit” area.
ONE WEEK TO GO! NHRA FULL THROTTLE DRAG RACING SERIES READY TO BEGIN 2011 WITH KRAGEN O’REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA WINTERNATIONALS: After nearly three months off, the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series is just one week away from the 2011 season and the Kragen O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals at historic Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, California. The opening race of the season also marks the start of a season-long celebration as the NHRA celebrates its 60th anniversary year, and the festivities begin in Pomona. Some of your favorite drivers will be descending on Auto Club Raceway at Pomona next weekend, including Top Fuel world champion Larry Dixon and seven-time world champion Tony Schumacher. Funny Car 15-time world champion John Force will be back, hunting for his 16th world title, with teammates Robert Hight and Mike Neff hot on his heels. Fans will also have the opportunity to participate in the 60th celebration and see some of their favorite legendary drivers in person. NHRA Legend Don “The Snake” Prudhomme will be on hand all weekend meeting and greeting fans and signing autographs, and he’ll have some of his most famous and memorable cars on display in the pits in the special “Snake Pit” area.
NEWS NUGGETS
BROWN, FORCE BEST OF CLASSES IN PRESEASON TESTING IN PALM BEACH: Top Fuel pilot Antron Brown and Funny Car world champion John Force picked up where they left off at the season-ending Auto Club NHRA Finals in Pomona, California, vaulting to the top of their respective classes last weekend during preseason testing at Palm Beach International Raceway in Florida. Brown powered his Matco Tools dragster to the top of the Top Fuel class, posting the quickest run of the two-day test session at 3.765 seconds at 322.80 mph. Brown’s teammate and seven-time world champion Tony Schumacher posted the second-quickest run of the class, while also posting the fast time of the session with a run of 3.771 at 324.90. In Funny Car, the defending and 15-time world champion was clearly the front-runner of testing in his class, posting a best run of 4.037 at 313.80. It was also the first taste Force got of crew chief Dean “Guido” Antonelli’s tuning style, as the pair will be matched up for the 2011 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing season. Snap-on Tools Toyota Camry driver and two-time world champion Cruz Pedregon had the second best pass of the weekend, posting a 4.040 at 310.48, just behind Force. Funny Car world champion runner-up Matt Hagan had the third quickest time in Funny Car as he powered his DieHard Dodge Charger to a 4.051 second pass. To see a complete list of all the drivers that participated in this preseason test, along with their posted times and speeds, visit NHRA.com.
BROWN, FORCE BEST OF CLASSES IN PRESEASON TESTING IN PALM BEACH: Top Fuel pilot Antron Brown and Funny Car world champion John Force picked up where they left off at the season-ending Auto Club NHRA Finals in Pomona, California, vaulting to the top of their respective classes last weekend during preseason testing at Palm Beach International Raceway in Florida. Brown powered his Matco Tools dragster to the top of the Top Fuel class, posting the quickest run of the two-day test session at 3.765 seconds at 322.80 mph. Brown’s teammate and seven-time world champion Tony Schumacher posted the second-quickest run of the class, while also posting the fast time of the session with a run of 3.771 at 324.90. In Funny Car, the defending and 15-time world champion was clearly the front-runner of testing in his class, posting a best run of 4.037 at 313.80. It was also the first taste Force got of crew chief Dean “Guido” Antonelli’s tuning style, as the pair will be matched up for the 2011 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing season. Snap-on Tools Toyota Camry driver and two-time world champion Cruz Pedregon had the second best pass of the weekend, posting a 4.040 at 310.48, just behind Force. Funny Car world champion runner-up Matt Hagan had the third quickest time in Funny Car as he powered his DieHard Dodge Charger to a 4.051 second pass. To see a complete list of all the drivers that participated in this preseason test, along with their posted times and speeds, visit NHRA.com.
NEWS NUGGETS
NHRA UNVEILS ITS 60 GREATEST MOMENTS; FANS TO DETERMINE GREATEST MOMENT: From a simple signature March 13, 1951, by NHRA Founder Wally Parks to a championship-clinching comeback by John Force November 14, 2010, NHRA has experienced its share of great moments in its first 59 years. And as the world’s largest motorsports sanctioning body prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2011, NHRA officials have narrowed the many hundreds of memorable moments to a list of 60 Greatest Moments that was unveiled this past week. Such memories in NHRA history as Don Garlits’ debut of the rear-engine dragster in 1971, Shirley Muldowney’s groundbreaking first win by a woman in Top Fuel in 1976 and Kenny Bernstein breaking the 300-mph barrier in 1992, just to name a few, are found among the list of 60 Greatest Moments. NHRA fans can relive each of the moments via a soon-to-be-released DVD, and they can participate in a yearlong program to determine the 20, 10 and five greatest moments before ultimately identifying the moment that they believe is the greatest in NHRA history. Beginning Monday, March 7, which opens race week for the Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals that will serve as the official kick-off party for NHRA’s 60th Anniversary celebration, NHRA will post each of the 60 Greatest Moments (two to three per week) on its Facebook page, and fan "likes" will be tallied to determine the 20 fan favorites. After the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals in Brainerd, the top 20 moments will be identified just as the top 10 moments will be determined at the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Lucas Oil. To see a complete list of the 60 Greatest Moments, visit NHRA.com.
NHRA UNVEILS ITS 60 GREATEST MOMENTS; FANS TO DETERMINE GREATEST MOMENT: From a simple signature March 13, 1951, by NHRA Founder Wally Parks to a championship-clinching comeback by John Force November 14, 2010, NHRA has experienced its share of great moments in its first 59 years. And as the world’s largest motorsports sanctioning body prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2011, NHRA officials have narrowed the many hundreds of memorable moments to a list of 60 Greatest Moments that was unveiled this past week. Such memories in NHRA history as Don Garlits’ debut of the rear-engine dragster in 1971, Shirley Muldowney’s groundbreaking first win by a woman in Top Fuel in 1976 and Kenny Bernstein breaking the 300-mph barrier in 1992, just to name a few, are found among the list of 60 Greatest Moments. NHRA fans can relive each of the moments via a soon-to-be-released DVD, and they can participate in a yearlong program to determine the 20, 10 and five greatest moments before ultimately identifying the moment that they believe is the greatest in NHRA history. Beginning Monday, March 7, which opens race week for the Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals that will serve as the official kick-off party for NHRA’s 60th Anniversary celebration, NHRA will post each of the 60 Greatest Moments (two to three per week) on its Facebook page, and fan "likes" will be tallied to determine the 20 fan favorites. After the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals in Brainerd, the top 20 moments will be identified just as the top 10 moments will be determined at the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Lucas Oil. To see a complete list of the 60 Greatest Moments, visit NHRA.com.