ROBERT HIGHT STRIVING FOR THIRD WIN AT CHARLOTTE FOUR-WIDE

ROBERT HIGHT STRIVING FOR THIRD WIN AT CHARLOTTE FOUR-WIDE
CHARLOTTE (April 25, 2018) — There are a handful of drivers who shake their heads when they see the four-wide format nearing on the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule. The unique format of four, 10,000 horsepower Funny Cars getting staged and launching in concert can be a lot to take in but, for reigning Mello Yello Funny Car world champion Robert Hight the original modern-day NGK NHRA Four-Wide Nationals is a race he looks forward to every season.

Hight has two wins at four-wide races at zMax Dragway grabbing the trophy in 2012 and 2014. He has only missed advancing to the second quad once (2016) and he holds the zMax Dragway track speed record at 333.91 mph. Continue reading ROBERT HIGHT STRIVING FOR THIRD WIN AT CHARLOTTE FOUR-WIDE

RECENT WIN HAS WORLD CHAMPION BRITTANY FORCE FIRED UP

RECENT WIN HAS WORLD CHAMPION BRITTANY FORCE FIRED UP
CHARLOTTE (April 25, 2018) — It is amazing what one win can do for a reigning world champion. Emotions poured out of 2017 NHRA Mello Yello Top Fuel champion Brittany Force last weekend when her Monster Energy Top Fuel dragster got to the finish line first in the finals of the NHRA SpringNationals in Houston. It was Force’s eighth career Top Fuel win but, even more than the championship, that win was significant coming on the heels of a devastating crash to start the season.

“That emotion was built off of the championship. It was built off of Pomona this season. Leaving Pomona last season we were on a huge high. We won the championship and that is something every driver dreams about,” explained Force. “We were able to do that and then, coming out to the opening race of the season, at the same track in Pomona, it was the ultimate low.” Continue reading RECENT WIN HAS WORLD CHAMPION BRITTANY FORCE FIRED UP

TOP QUALIFIER COURTNEY FORCE LOOKING FOR MORE WINS IN CHARLOTTE

TOP QUALIFIER COURTNEY FORCE LOOKING FOR MORE WINS IN CHARLOTTE
CHARLOTTE (April 25, 2018) – This season on Friday and Saturday Courtney Force has been almost untouchable, qualifying in the top four every race. She has two No. 1 qualifiers including a top spot at the inaugural Las Vegas four-wide national event. Force has captured one win this season, getting the trophy at the NHRA Arizona Nationals after qualifying No. 1 where she also recorded low ET and top speed of the race. It was a commanding performance and one that the nine-time Funny Car winner would like to repeat this weekend in Charlotte.

“We did it all in Phoenix. We were the No. 1 qualifier, top speed, low ET and won the race. It was a great weekend for this Advance Auto Parts Camaro team. I feel like I have the confidence in this team that we can do that every weekend. (Crew chiefs) Danny Hood and Brian Corradi have been doing a great job giving me a fast race car and we just need to get more round wins on Sunday. That is what makes this sport so exciting. You have to bring your best to the starting line every run.”
Continue reading TOP QUALIFIER COURTNEY FORCE LOOKING FOR MORE WINS IN CHARLOTTE

Dominic Scelzi Rallies at Ocean Speedway for Fourth Straight Top-Five Finish

Dominic Scelzi Rallies at Ocean Speedway for Fourth Straight Top-Five Finish

Inside Line Promotions – STOCKTON, Calif. (April 24, 2018) – Dominic Scelzi continued his consistency last weekend when he recorded a fifth-place finish and a 10th-place result.

The action began on Friday at Ocean Speedway in Watsonville, Calif., where Scelzi qualified ninth quickest to open the King of the West-NARC Fujitsu Series event. He then finished second in a heat race to lock into the 10 th starting position for the A Main. Continue reading Dominic Scelzi Rallies at Ocean Speedway for Fourth Straight Top-Five Finish

Chevy Racing–NASCAR–Talladega Preview

TEAM CHEVY ADVANCE
GEICO 500
TALLADEGA SUPERSPEEDWAY
TALLADEGA, ALABAMA
APRIL 29, 2018

BOWTIE BULLETS
CHEVROLET TOP 40:
Did you know? Talladega Superspeedway is one of six tracks on the current Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series (MENCS) schedule where Chevrolet has 40 or more victories. Chevrolet eclipsed the 40-win mark at the 2.66-mile superspeedway when Dale Earnhardt, Jr. took his Chevrolet SS to victory in May of 2015. Chevrolet leads all other manufacturers with exactly 40 wins at Talladega. Continue reading Chevy Racing–NASCAR–Talladega Preview

For Team JEGS drivers, racing with family takes precedence over everything else

For Team JEGS drivers, racing with family
takes precedence over everything else
CHARLOTTE (April 24) — Six-time world champion drag racer Jeg Coughlin Jr. leads a strong contingent of talented JEGS-sponsored racers into this weekend’s ninth annual NGK Spark Plugs NHRA Four-Wide Nationals that will vie for wins in Pro Stock, Top Alcohol Dragster, Super Gas and Super Comp.

More importantly, the driver of the JEGS.com/Elite Performance Pro Stock Camaro will be racing with his family, as his teammates for this event consist of his wife Samantha, his nephew Troy Jr., and his niece Paige. The Charlotte group, which includes Jeg’s brother Troy, the father of Troy Jr. and Paige, who will be on hand to offer support, also will be rooting for 13-year-old Clay, who will be racing his Junior Dragster in Columbus with his dad Mike, the brother of Jeg Jr. and Troy. Continue reading For Team JEGS drivers, racing with family takes precedence over everything else

FIRST S.T.E.M. DAY OPENS EYES FOR 94 FIFTH GRADERS

FIRST S.T.E.M. DAY OPENS EYES FOR 94 FIFTH GRADERS

Joliet, IL. – Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Junior Engine Challenge completed their first ever STEM Day Friday April 20th at the Universal Technical Institute in Lisle, IL.
Ninety-Four 5th Graders from Ranch View Elementary School in Naperville, IL came on a field trip to the UTI location to learn about how STEM relates to the automotive field.
It started the day off with a visit from Congressman Peter Roskam (IL) who stopped by to support our STEM Event.

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Students arrived shortly after 9AM and found their color-coded tables with a Hot Rodder JR Shirt with their name label on their chair.

Congressman Roskam spoke to Students about the importance of working with your hands and STEM activities.
UTI Campus President Julie Muller thanked the students and teachers for coming to their campus and gave them a guideline for the day’s activities.
Hot Rodders Ryan Gortney followed up with talking about exciting careers and the fun one can have in the automotive industry. Gortney also went over what they will be doing with the engine and got them fired up for the day!

After the introductions were completed, the students were split and placed in Red, White or Blue Teams.
One Team reported to the Ford Lab. There they were split into teams of 2 or 3 Students and reported to one of the 10 JR. HROT Engine Stations.
There, with their HROT Mentor they completely disassembled and reassembled a Briggs and Stratton overhead cam engine.

Once completed they took a Team Photo with their Mentor.

After the Photo they were able to look at 2 Junior Dragsters on display and participate in a reaction timing light in a half car Junior Dragster.

Besides the activities the students participated in with Hot Rodders, they were able to take a Tour of the UTI campus, participate in a UTI STEM activity, and Color in Edelbrock Coloring book challenge.
Numerous students said “this was the BEST and MOST FUN field trip they have ever been on”. This was just a start as how the Hot Rodders are reaching students at a younger age and letting them begin to experience the automotive aftermarket industry!
We would like to Thank UTI, Briggs and Stratton, SEMA, our sponsors, and the World’s BEST Volunteers for making this possible
For more information, visit HotRoddersofTomorrow.com or connect with them on social media.
For additional information in starting a team or sponsorship opportunities, contact Rodney Bingham at RBingham@hotroddersoftomorrow.com or call 815-722-5460.

Giovanni Scelzi Earns Best Result of Season During Asparagus Cup at Stockton Dirt Track

Giovanni Scelzi Earns Best Result of Season During Asparagus Cup at Stockton Dirt Track

Inside Line Promotions – STOCKTON, Calif. (April 23, 2018) – Giovanni Scelzi posted his best finish of the season on Saturday at the Stockton Dirt Track, where he captured a runner-up result during the Asparagus Cup.

The event began with Scelzi guiding his family owned, Roth Motorsports sponsored sprint car to the second quickest qualifying time. He then advanced from fourth to second place in a heat race to earn a spot in the dash, which he won after starting on the pole. Continue reading Giovanni Scelzi Earns Best Result of Season During Asparagus Cup at Stockton Dirt Track

Josef Newgarden Wins Rain-Delayed Race at Barber Motorsports Park

CHEVROLET RACING IN THE VERIZON INDYCAR SERIES
HONDA INDY GRAND PRIX OF ALABAMA
BARBER MOTORSPORTS PARK
TEAM CHEVY DRIVER POST RACE RECAP
APRIL 23, 2018

Josef Newgarden Wins Rain-Delayed Race at Barber Motorsports Park
Win is Newgarden’s Second of Season and Third at Alabama Road Course

BIRMINGHAM (April 23, 2018) – After winning his first pole at his favorite race track, Josef Newgarden had to wait out an overnight rain-delay to put an exclamation point on the weekend. It is the second win of the season for the 2017 Verizon IndyCar Series champion, and the third win at Barber Motorsports Park for the driver of the No. 1 Hitachi Team Penske Chevrolet. With his victory, Newgarden moved into the series point lead. Continue reading Josef Newgarden Wins Rain-Delayed Race at Barber Motorsports Park

Podium Finishes for Hunter-Reay, Hinchcliffe at Rain-Impacted Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama

Podium Finishes for Hunter-Reay, Hinchcliffe at Rain-Impacted
Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama
• Ryan Hunter-Reay leads Honda effort at Barber Motorsports Park
• James Hinchcliffe runs third as Honda drivers finish second through eighth
• Tire gamble fails to pay off for Sebastien Bourdais, Scott Dixon

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (April 22, 2018) – The Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama resumed Monday at Barber Motorsports Park, with Ryan Hunter-Reay and James Hinchcliffe scoring their best results of 2018 – second and third, respectively – to lead the Honda effort.

Heavy rains and low visibility forced Verizon IndyCar Series officials to postpone the race on Sunday after 26 laps, with the event resuming today, running to a two-hour time limit. Sebastien Bourdais and Hunter-Reay led the initial challenge to eventual race winner Josef Newgarden, but as the race progressed and additional rain showers returned to the circuit, strategies changed to adjust to the new conditions. Continue reading Podium Finishes for Hunter-Reay, Hinchcliffe at Rain-Impacted Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama

Chevy Racing–INDYCAR–Josef Newgarden

CHEVROLET RACING IN THE VERIZON INDYCAR SERIES
HONDA INDY GRAND PRIX OF ALABAMA
BARBER MOTORSPORTS PARK
TEAM CHEVY DRIVER POST RACE QUOTES
APRIL 23, 2018

DRIVER QUOTES:
JOSEF NEWGARDEN, NO. 1 HITACHI TEAM PENSKE CHEVROLET, RACE WINNER:
HOW EVENTFUL DID THAT RAIN MAKE IT AT THE END?
“More eventful than I would have liked. But, everyone did a great job. How about Team Chevy today? They gave us a great engine, good fuel mileage, and good reliability; that’s what we needed to win this race. It’s great having Hitachi. We had Verizon and we got them a victory, and now we got Hitachi a victory. So, thank you guys. Everyone at Team Penske did a great job. But like you said, that was more eventful than I would have wanted it. It seemed like smooth sailing for the most part. We weren’t having any yellows, which we were hoping no yellows today. But then that rain crept in and I couldn’t believe how long everyone stayed out. It was really risky what they were doing, but I understand why they were doing it, and I’m glad we made the call to come in so soon.” Continue reading Chevy Racing–INDYCAR–Josef Newgarden

Chevy Racing–INDYCAR–Barber–Post Race

CHEVROLET RACING IN THE VERIZON INDYCAR SERIES
HONDA INDY GRAND PRIX OF ALABAMA
BARBER MOTORSPORTS PARK
TEAM CHEVY POST RACE QUOTES
APRIL 23, 2018

JOSEF NEWGARDEN, NO. 1 HITACHI TEAM PENSKE CHEVROLET – Race Winner
HOW EVENTFUL DID THAT RAIN MAKE IT AT THE END?
“More eventful than I would have liked. But, everyone did a great job. How about Team Chevy today? They gave us a great engine, good fuel mileage, and good reliability; that’s what we needed to win this race. It’s great having Hitachi. We had Verizon and we got them a victory, and now we got Hitachi a victory. So, thank you guys. Everyone at Team Penske did a great job. But like you said, that was more eventful than I would have wanted it. It seemed like smooth sailing for the most part. We weren’t having any yellows, which we were hoping no yellows today. But then that rain crept in and I couldn’t believe how long everyone stayed out. It was really risky what they were doing, but I understand why they were doing it, and I’m glad we made the call to come in so soon.” Continue reading Chevy Racing–INDYCAR–Barber–Post Race

Mopar Dodge//SRT Drivers Pritchett, Beckman and Schumacher

Mopar Dodge//SRT Drivers Pritchett, Beckman and Schumacher
Advance to Semifinals at Houston

Three Mopar Dodge//SRT Don Schumacher Racing (DSR) drivers advance to semifinals at NHRA SpringNationals
Mopar Dodge Top Fuel Dragster driver Leah Pritchett reaches semis, as does teammate and co-points leader Tony Schumacher
Defending Top Fuel event champion Pritchett started race day as No.1 Qualifier
Mopar-powered Infinite Hero Dodge Charger R/T Funny Car driver Jack Beckman races to semifinals at SpringNationals
Mopar Express Lane/Pennzoil Dodge Charger R/T driver Matt Hagan advances to quarterfinals at Houston, moves to second in Funny Car standings
Jacob Pitt of Mansfield, Texas earns Dodge Top Finisher award in both Stock Eliminator and Super Stock
More info on Mopar in NHRA available at http://blog.mopar.com
New Dodge Garage (http://www.dodgegarage.com/), a digital content hub for muscle car and race enthusiasts launches; will include highlights from NHRA season
April 22, 2018, Auburn Hills, Mich. – A trio of Mopar Dodge//SRT drivers went rounds in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Race Series during the NHRA SpringNationals at Royal Purple Raceway in Baytown, Texas, near Houston. Leah Pritchett, Jack Beckman and Tony Schumacher took their Nitro machines to the semifinals in the ultra-competitive weekend, with Beckman leaving the event atop the NHRA Funny Car standings and Schumacher now tied for first in Top Fuel points. Continue reading Mopar Dodge//SRT Drivers Pritchett, Beckman and Schumacher

Chevrolet Registers Two Wins, Runner-up Finish at Houston

CHEVROLET RACING IN NATIONAL HOT ROD ASSOCIATION
NHRA SPRIGNATIONALS
ROYAL PURPLE RACEWAY IN BAYTOWN, TEXAS
SUNDAY, APRIL 22, 2018

Chevrolet Registers Two Wins, Runner-up Finish at Houston

• Reigning Top Fuel champion Brittany Force secures eighth career win
• Matt Hartford claims first career Pro Stock victory in 80th race
• Defending Funny Car champion Robert Hight finishes second
• Greg Anderson resets racetrack Pro Stock elapsed time, speed records

BAYTOWN, Texas (April 22, 2018) – Strong qualifying efforts at Royal Purple Raceway transferred to a stellar race day for Chevrolet teams and drivers in the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) SpringNationals. Continue reading Chevrolet Registers Two Wins, Runner-up Finish at Houston

BRITTANY FORCE WINS NHRA SPRINGNATIONALS

BRITTANY FORCE WINS NHRA SPRINGNATIONALS
BAYTOWN, Texas (April 22, 2018) — Just four races after being involved in a serious crash, Top Fuel world champion Brittany Force piloted her Monster Energy dragster to the winner’s circle at the NHRA SpringNationals on Sunday. Robert Hight powered to the Funny Car finals and Courtney Force had a first round finish at Royal Purple Raceway just outside of Houston.

Brittany Force picked up her eighth career win, first of the season and first at Royal Purple Raceway when she raced to a 3.762-second pass at 299.46 mph to defeat Terry McMillen’s 3.818 at 311.56. The result comes after months of recovery for Force. As a result of her devastating crash at the season opening NHRA Winternationals, Force had an overnight hospital stay and has continued to go to physical therapy. Continue reading BRITTANY FORCE WINS NHRA SPRINGNATIONALS

Chevy Racing–NHRA–Texas

CHEVROLET RACING IN NATIONAL HOT ROD ASSOCIATION
NHRA SPRINGNATIONALS
ROYAL PURPLE RACEWAY IN BAYTOWN, TEXAS
POST-RACE DRIVER QUOTES
SUNDAY, APRIL 22, 2018

An interview with Top Fuel winner BRITTANY FORCE, JOHN FORCE RACING, MONSTER ENERGY CHEVROLET CAMARO SS (No. 2 qualifier; eighth career victory in 125th Top Fuel race; last win was at Pomona, California, in November 2017 when she wrapped up the Top Fuel title):

YOU REALLY LIKE THAT NEW CAR?
“This is our third car that I’ve run in this season. That’s a lot going on for me as a driver and the whole team. But we seem to like it. We pulled it out this weekend and didn’t test. Testing was qualifying for us. We went No. 1 Friday and went to No. 2 and won the thing, so I think we all like the car. Continue reading Chevy Racing–NHRA–Texas

NHRA–Houston Results

Top Fuel — Brittany Force, 3.762 seconds, 299.46 mph def. Terry McMillen, 3.818 seconds, 311.56 mph.

Funny Car — J.R. Todd, Toyota Camry, 3.955, 313.29 def. Robert Hight, Chevy Camaro, 3.993, 308.14.

Pro Stock — Matt Hartford, Chevy Camaro, 6.522, 211.36 def. Erica Enders, Camaro, 6.570, 210.50.

Pro Modified — Jim Whiteley, Chevy Camaro, 5.834, 239.14 def. Rick Hord, Chevy Corvette, 5.818, 252.43.

Top Fuel Harley — Doug Vancil, Weekend, 6.300, 230.76 def. Randal Andras, JTR, 12.128, 80.94.

Super Stock — Brenda Grubbs, Chevy Camaro, 9.284, 138.47 def. Craig Gualtiere, Chevy Nova, 9.691, 132.43.

Stock Eliminator — Tim Snively, Chevy Camaro, 11.745, 110.84 def. Brandon Bakies, Olds Cutlass, 11.091, 114.30.

Super Comp — Lyndon Rutland, Dragster, 8.901, 180.07 def. Austin Williams, Dragster, 8.902, 156.99.

Super Gas — Koy Collier, Chevy Camaro, 9.902, 156.75 def. Steve Collier, Chevy Vega, 9.890, 163.06.

Josef Newgarden Wins Pole at Barber Motorsports Park

CHEVROLET RACING IN THE VERIZON INDYCAR SERIES
HONDA INDY GRAND PRIX OF ALABAMA
BARBER MOTORSPORTS PARK
TEAM CHEVY DRIVER POST QUALIFYING RECAP
APRIL 20, 2018

Josef Newgarden Wins Pole at Barber Motorsports Park
Will Power Makes It All-Chevy Front Row

BIRMINGHAM (April 21, 2018) – Josef Newgarden makes no secret of the fact that he considers Barber Motorsports Park is his home track, as well as, one of his favorites; and his performance on the 2.38-mile, 17-turn natural terrain road course confirms his statement. In six starts, the driver of the No. 1 Hitachi Team Penske Chevrolet has two wins, three podiums, and five top-10 finishes. Continue reading Josef Newgarden Wins Pole at Barber Motorsports Park

Racer News and Results