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ARP Looks Good in Victory Lane!
Nationwide Series- Drive4COPD 300- Tony Stewart Winner
Westfall Motors to UNOH DIRTcar Nationals Gator Qualifier Triumph
Westfall Motors to UNOH DIRTcar Nationals Gator Qualifier Triumph
Ohio driver locks into Monday night’s $5,000-to-win Gator Championship Redraw at Volusia
BARBERVILLE, Fla. – Feb. 17, 2013 – Matt Westfall blazed a fast path to victory lane and earned the $700 winner’s check Sunday night during the second Gator Championship qualifier in the UNOH DIRTcar Nationals Presented by Summit Racing Equipment at Volusia Speedway Park.
“We had a good evening, I qualified good enough to put it on the front row,” said Westfall, of Pleasant Hill, Ohio. “The track was fast tonight and difficult to pass. Reminded me of Eldora Speedway where we usually run.”
Westfall started outside of the front row and held off NASCAR veteran Ken Schrader of Concord, N.C., who made several valiant attempts to pass Westfall during the 20-lap main event. Schrader settled for second, which locks both drivers into the redraw for Monday night’s Gator Championship.
“This week we’ve had brand new cars so we’ve struggled a little bit,” Westfall said. “Tonight we finally found something. It feels real good just to win!”
Dale Mathison of Clearwater, Minn., NASCAR Nationwide driver Justin Allgaier of Springfield, Ill., and DIRTcar Summit Modified Nationals Champion Kenny Wallace of Fenton, Mo., rounded out the top five and also secured a spot in the redraw for Monday night ensuring they’ll start no worse than 10th.
Brian Shaw of Robinson, Ill., Camping World Truck Series Champion Austin Dillon of Welcome, N.C., Bart Hartman of Zanesville, Ohio, home-state driver Wayne Hammond of Riverview, Fla., and Richard Michael Jr. of Ischua, N.Y., locked into outside rows 6 through 10 for Monday night by finishing in the top 10.
Kelly Shryock of Fertile, Iowa, and Todd Neiheiser of Panama City, Fla., claimed Last Chance Showdown victories.
There were 37 DIRTcar UMP Modifieds on hand for the second of two Gator Qualifying nights of competition. Monday night’s racing program will feature the first night of DIRTcar Late Model action as well as the $5,000-to-win DIRTcar UMP Modified Gator Championship.
Poel Powers to UNOH DIRTcar Nationals Gator Qualifier Victory
Poel Powers to UNOH DIRTcar Nationals Gator Qualifier Victory
Michigan racer locks into Monday night’s $5,000-to-win Gator Championship
BARBERVILLE, Fla. – Feb. 16, 2013 – Jacob Poel made his first visit to the UNOH DIRTcar Nationals Presented by Summit Racing Equipment a memorable one by capturing the Gator Championship qualifier Saturday night at Volusia Speedway Park.
“We just swapped a motor out yesterday, after having one problem after another,” said Poel, of Spring Lake, Mich. “I ran third in the heat and I don’t know where we started in that feature but the car was just absolutely perfect. I don’t know really what else to say. It was an amazing feeling. I’m just glad to be able to come down here with all the people that have supported me and got me here.”
Poel and Matt Cooper, of McKenzie, Tenn., split leader Bryce Jewell of Madisonville, Ky., on lap 9 before trading the top spot the following two laps. Poel distanced himself after taking the lead from Cooper on lap 11 of the 20-lap main event. The win earned Poel a nice $700 paycheck and a spot in the redraw for Monday night’s Gator Championship, where he can start no worse than 10th.
“I’ve got my confidence and that’s all I need,” Poel said. “I didn’t need to win tonight, but I wanted to. I just needed something to give me confidence after the week we’ve had down here and I definitely got that tonight.”
Cooper finished second and was one of four other drivers who also earn a spot in Monday night’s redraw by finishing in the top five. Dirt late model standout Wendell Wallace of Batesville, Ark., was third. Friday night’s winner and defending Gator Champion Nick Hoffman of Mooresville, N.C., finished fourth. Rodney Sanders of Happy, Texas who won the UNOH DIRTcar Nationals opener in his first visit to Volusia Speedway Park on Tuesday night rounded out the top five.
Jewell, UNOH DIRTcar Nationals point leader Kyle Bronson of Brandon, Fla., Jake Griffin of Quincy, Ill., Ty Dillon of Welcome, N.C., and Danny Schwartz of Ashmore, Ill., locked into inside rows six through ten for Monday night by finishing in the top 10 Saturday.
J.E. Stadler of Martins Ferry, Ohio, and Donovan Lodge of Moline, Ill., claimed Last Chance Showdown victories.
There were 42 DIRTcar UMP Modifieds on hand for the first of two Gator Qualifying nights of competition. Sunday night’s racing program will feature the World of Outlaws STP Sprint Car Series as well as the DIRTcar UMP Modifieds Gator Championship Qualifying Night Two.
C. FORCE No.1 QUAL AT WINTERNATIONALS
C. FORCE No.1 QUAL AT WINTERNATIONALS
POMONA, CA — Courtney Force blazed a new path to start her sophomore season on the Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, posting the quickest time in qualifying and leading the Funny Car field for just the third time in her young career. Force covered the Auto Club Raceway at Pomona track in 4.036 seconds at 318.24 mph in the first session on Saturday taking the No. 1 position from 2012 Funny Car champ Jack Beckman.
“It’s really exciting, especially because it’s my home track. I love coming out here and doing well in Pomona. My dad won it in the opening last year. This Traxxas Ford Mustang has been running pretty good thanks to all of our sponsors; Traxxas, Castrol, Ford, Auto Club, BrandSource and Mac Tools. We got Stingray on board this year, so it’s definitely an exciting season and we’re just hoping that tomorrow we can continue to do the same and maybe even a little better.”
Force, the 2012 Automobile Club of Southern California Road to the Future Award winner, had to run beside Beckman in the final qualifying session with the top qualifying spot on the line.
“I got a little nervous next to Beckman. I saw him out ahead of me and I was like, ‘Don’t take the No. 1 spot away from me!’ I was getting nervous. That right lane is really tough. There’s a bump down there so we tried to move our car a little more over to the inside and just tried to drive it all the way down there and it went fine. We were able to run a 4.07 so we were happy with that. Being able to run good down both lanes is always good going into race day. We feel good and we’re excited so we’ll see what happens tomorrow.”
Today’s qualifying efforts by Courtney Force and her Traxxas Ford Mustang team brought a well-deserved No. 1 qualifier recognition to the John Force Racing stable. With that came the delight of putting a front loading washer and dryer set in the hands of a lucky fan, compliments of BrandSource and the “Win With Force” promotion. (additional information attached)
All week Force has been getting advice from her father and 15-time Funny Car champion John Force. The second year driver continues to take it all in but she was hoping for a break in the constant coaching with the emergence of her sister Brittany Force in Top Fuel.
“My dad has been twice as bad as normal because there are two of us; me and Brittany. He’s definitely got his hands full. We came back after mine and dad’s run and we’re in the pit area, he’s in a full fire suit drinking a cup of coffee, which I have no idea how because I was sweating, but I was like, ‘we gotta run up because Brittany’s about to run,’ and he just drops everything and starts running. He’s not used to being in Funny Car as well as Top Fuel. He’s a little confused and we gotta get a routine down, but he was running up there so he could give Brittany her last few things of advice,” said the youngest Force.
“I love being out here with her, if Dad can just kind of take a few steps back, I think if she qualifies good then I think he’ll be OK tomorrow. Hopefully,” added Force. “The funny thing is, when we were little he wasn’t really around because he was always out here. The second we turned eighteen, Dad shows up and all of the rules are applied. He’s trying to figure out the boss/father situation.”
The second year driver is not taking her No. 1 qualifier for granted. The Funny Car category has never been more competitive and the driver of the Traxxas Ford Mustang is not looking past any driver.
“Sometimes you go out first round so I don’t ever let that (No. 1 spot) change my outlook on things. We’ve got a good race car, but there are guys who are right behind me. I really gotta watch out for them. We just gotta go out there and try to run consistently,” said Force. “I don’t want to make any mistakes as a driver. I’m still learning. I’m still new to all of this. I’m pretty excited that we got the no. 1 spot, but I still gotta focus, keep it going and just really not get distracted by anything and do my same old routine.”
A new era at John Force Racing also began with Brittany Force and the Castrol EDGE Top Fuel dragster qualifying for the 53rd annual O’Reilly NHRA Winternationals. The rookie driver sits No. 15 in the quickest Top Fuel field in NHRA history. Her qualifying time of 8.845 seconds at 293.22 mph will set her up for a first round match-up with Brandon Bernstein.
“One of my goals for this year was to qualify for every race. We came out to Pomona and did it with this Castrol EDGE Top Fuel dragster. I am definitely excited about racing tomorrow. We are going to have some fun,” said Force. “I am excited to be running Brandon. I have known him forever and I have been watching him forever. I am a rookie driver but I am going against one of these guys that has been out here forever.”
When Brittany was asked if she thought her legendary dad, John Force, would place a side bet with Brandon’s legendary dad, Kenny Bernstein, she laughed and said, “I am not sure but I bet my dad might call Kenny.”
While the daughters of John Force were busy focusing on their success on the track behind the wheel as a team owner and father Force was focused on the big picture.
“Shirley Muldowney proved that women can do this. I am excited to see (Top Fuel rookie) Leah Pruett make the show. Glad to see (Larry) Dixon back. At the end of the day to put all four cars in with the changes that we made over the winter; it is all working,” said John Force, the winningest driver at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona.
“Robert (Hight) and the Auto Club team struggled some and (crew chief Mike) Neff and I struggled with the Castrol GTX Funny Car but we are in the show. Courtney was low ET with the Traxxas Funny Car. She is learning the trade with (crew chief) Ron Douglas. At the end of the day after the long winter and a year of testing that Top Fuel dragster to get all four in at the first race, god it just took the load off me. It is great to see that my kids can perform. They are very important to my sponsors like Ford, BrandSource, Mac Tools, Champion, Stingray Systems, System 51, and PPG who are all are pumping millions into this operation. I am excited because we did our job. We made Pomona. That is the key.”
Force will race veteran Ron Capps in the first round tomorrow. His Castrol GTX Ford Mustang covered the historic race track at Pomona in 4.108 second to place him 11th quickest in the sixteen car field.
“Bring him on. We are going to have something for him,” said a fired up Force.
Force is 3-1 against Capps at the O’Reilly NHRA Winternationals with their last meeting taking place in 2012 where Force won on a hole-shot.
Robert Hight and the Auto Club team will also have their hands full with the most recent winner at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, the Auto Club Finals winner Cruz Pedregon, in the first round. Hight made one solid run down the track a 4.111 second run at 311.20 mph in the first session today to set him up against the No. 5 qualifier Pedregon.
This will be the 25th meeting between these two world champions. Hight holds a 14-10 edge in the win column. Hight has only faced two other drivers more than Pedregon, Ron Capps (21-14) and John Force (14-12) in his nine year career.
* * * *
THE DRIVERS
JOHN FORCE, 63, Castrol GTX Ford Mustang
Qualifying: 11th at 4.108 seconds, 306.05 mph
First Round Opponent (W-L): Ron Capps (42-24)
Bonus Qualifying Points: 0
ROBERT HIGHT, 43, Auto Club of Southern California Ford Mustang
Qualifying: 12th at 4.111 at 311.20 mph
First Round Opponent (W-L): Cruz Pedregon (14-10)
Bonus Qualifying Points: 0
COURTNEY FORCE, 24, Traxxas Ford Mustang
Qualifying: 1st at 4.036 seconds, 318.24 mph
First Round (W-L): Phil Burkhart Jr. (0-0)
Bonus Qual
ifying Points: +6 (second quickest of Q1, quickest of Q3 and third quickest of Q4)
BRITTANY FORCE, 26, Castrol EDGE Top Fuel Dragster
Qualifying: 15th at 3.845 seconds at 293.22 mph
First Round Opponent (W-L): Brandon Bernstein (0-0)
Bonus Qualifying Points: 0
2014 Chevrolet SS: Performance Sedan with Racing DNA
2014 Chevrolet SS: Performance Sedan with Racing DNA
DAYTONA, Fla. – As Chevrolet’s first V-8, rear-wheel-drive performance sedan since 1996, the new Chevrolet SS is designed to deliver performance on the street and on the track. The 2014 Chevrolet SS will debut this weekend at the Daytona International Speedway as the SS racecar makes its NASCAR debut during the Daytona 500.
“The Chevrolet brand was largely built on the strength of rear-drive performance sedans, yet it’s been 17 years since we’ve offered one,” said Mark Reuss, president of General Motors North America. “The all-new Chevrolet SS fills that void and fills it better than any other vehicle in the brand’s rich history. The comfort, convenience, spaciousness and V-8 power make the SS a total performance package unlike any other on the road today.”
The Chevrolet SS benefits from the proven, race-tested, global rear-wheel drive architecture that is the foundation for the Camaro, Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle and Holden’s VF Commodore.
The Chevrolet SS is powered by the LS3 Chevrolet V-8, expected to deliver 415 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. Also used in the 2013 Chevrolet Corvette, the LS3 displaces 6.2 liters, more than the 5.5-liter V-8 powering the Chevrolet SS NASCAR competitors.
The LS3 is married to a six-speed automatic transmission, which can be shifted manually using TAPshift paddles mounted on the steering wheel. With an aggressive 3.27 final-drive ratio, the Chevrolet SS accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in about five seconds – making it one of the quickest sedans on the market.
To ensure that it turns and stops as well as it accelerates; the Chevrolet SS also features a sport-tuned chassis, including:
· MacPherson strut front and multilink independent rear suspension geometry
· Electronic power steering system, optimized for sport driving
· Standard Brembo brakes, with ventilated, 355-mm rotors and two-piece, four-piston front calipers
· Forged aluminum wheels, wrapped in ultra-high-performance Bridgestone tires: 19 x 8.5 inch wheels with 245/40ZR19 tires in front; 19 x 9.0 inch wheels with 275/35ZR19 tires rear
Handling is also improved by a near 50/50 weight distribution, and a low center of gravity – made possible in part by the aluminum hood and rear deck lid that are 30 percent lighter than traditional steel panels.
“Our goal was to create a car that delivers incredible grip and handling balance while cornering, while still being comfortable to drive on the road,” said David Leone, executive chief engineer GM global programs. “The perfect weight balance and lower center of gravity were a big part of that goal because it enabled the team to tune for a more comfortable highway ride without sacrificing handling or driver confidence while cornering at the limits.”
Similarly, the design of the SS blends performance cues and premium details.
“From every angle, the Chevrolet SS says power and performance,” said John Cafaro design director Chevrolet passenger cars and small crossovers. “The combination of an aggressive rear-wheel drive stance and body-side attitude with the right balance of detail and refinement inside and out are the perfect home for Chevrolet’s V-8 performance package.”
The staggered front and rear wheels, which are pushed out to the corners, enhance the sporting, muscular stance of the SS. Up front, the aluminum hood features a subtle “power bulge” hinting at the power of the engine underneath. At the rear, the tapered, tear-drop shape contributes to improved aerodynamic performance. Premium cues include jewel-like chrome accents, standard high-intensity discharge headlamps and light-emitting diode daytime running lights.
The spacious interior of the SS will comfortably accommodate five adults, with 42 inches of front legroom, and 39 inches of rear legroom. Leather seating surfaces are standard, as are eight-way power adjustable front bucket seats with additional side bolstering that hug the driver and front passenger in tight-handling situations. The SS emblem is prominently stitched onto the soft-touch instrument panel which features two types of chrome finishes – a satin gloss and a bright chrome. At night, the interior is illuminated by ice blue ambient lighting.
An integrated center stack includes infotainment, climate and other vehicle controls. The Chevrolet SS also offers a long list of technology features as standard equipment including:
· Color, in-dashboard touch screen that supports Chevrolet MyLink and the next-generation navigation system
· Bose® Nine-speaker premium sound system
· Color heads-up display
· Push-button start
· StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control
· Forward Collision Alert
· Lane Departure Warning
· Side Blind Zone Alert
· Rear-vision camera Rear Cross Traffic Alert
The SS is also the first Chevrolet to offer Automatic Parking Assist, which provides hands-free parking help. This efficient ‘hands-free’ parking assistant uses the ultrasonic sensing system to detect the width and depth of either parallel or reverse right-angle parking spaces. While the driver controls the throttle, transmission, and brake, the Automatic Parking Assist controls the steering inputs necessary to neatly park the Chevrolet SS.
The 2014 Chevrolet SS will be available in the fourth quarter of 2013, with prices set closer to the on-sale date. When it arrives in showrooms, the SS will join the Corvette and Camaro, whose combined sales have made Chevrolet America’s favorite performance brand for the last two years.
Pittman Roars to World of Outlaws STP Sprint Car Series Season-Opening Victory
Pittman Roars to World of Outlaws STP Sprint Car Series Season-Opening Victory
UNOH DIRTcar Nationals Presented by Summit continues Saturday evening
BARBERVILLE, Fla. – Feb. 15, 2013 – There were hugs, smiles and high fives. Then, a hop onto the back of his car, where Daryn Pittman let out a yell that reached the edges of Volusia County as the confetti blanketed his new ride.
An extremely happy Pittman gave his NASCAR-star boss, Kasey Kahne, a grin as they celebrated on the frontstretch at Volusia Speedway Park Friday night following Pittman’s World of Outlaws STP Sprint Car Series season-opening victory in front of packed grandstands.
“We were stout from the time we unloaded and we were just lucky enough to come out on top,” Pittman said. “I’m as happy as I’ve ever been driving a race car.”
The 42nd annual UNOH DIRTcar Nationals Presented by Summit Racing Equipment was the World of Outlaws STP Sprint Car Series season debut for Pittman, who got the call near the end of last season to compete for Kasey Kahne Racing.
“They built a really strong team over the offseason and it’s fun to watch,” Kahne said. “I’m glad we were able to get him in our car. I think he’s done really well for a long period of time and now hopefully he can do really well all year for us.
“I was super happy to see him start off like this, but I didn’t know how quickly they would gel and get things rolling.”
Pittman’s 31st career World of Outlaws STP Sprint Car Series victory – which ranks 14th all time – was a work in progress all night. After qualifying second quickest of the 40 competitors, Pittman charged from fourth to win his heat race.
The dash inversion was a six, making him start on the inside of the third row for the six-lap race that determines the lineup for the first five rows of the feature. Pittman passed one car to earn the fourth starting position in the 30-lap, $10,000-to-win main event.
After riding in third for the first 10 laps, Pittman rocketed to the lead on a restart one third of the way through the race. He drove around Kasey Kahne Racing teammate Brad Sweet entering turn one and then slid Sammy Swindell, who led the first 10 laps, entering turn three.
“You weren’t going to pass eight or 10 cars to win tonight, so I think our dash, gaining that row, helped and put us in position to win,” Pittman said. “And just being in the right place at the right time in the A (Main) and just having a car that was good enough that I could move around. Some nights you’ve just got to get what you can in a short amount of time and just hope it’s enough at the end.”
Pittman began to drive away before Swindell reeled him in as they entered traffic just past the halfway mark. The duo restarted side by side twice in the final 10 laps after cautions for David Gravel and Lance Dewease, but the inside groove was the preferred line and Pittman chose it on each restart.
Swindell’s front nose wing began to break apart in the final half-dozen laps and part of it lodged in his cockpit in the closing laps. He maintained second place until running out of fuel on the backstretch of the final lap, which dropped Swindell from second to fourth place.
Jac Haudenschild, who cracked the top three on a restart with 10 laps remaining, was within striking distance and assumed the runner-up finish.
“It’s definitely good to be out front because the clean air does help,” he said. “I followed Sammy for quite a while. It was just tight back there behind cars. The track was narrow, but we’re happy with a second-place finish”
Sweet, who ran second to Swindell for the first 10 laps, narrowly edged him to claim the final spot on the podium and join his winning teammate.
“We started up front was the key to getting a podium,” Sweet said. “Daryn was just really fast. He was able to get by me and Sammy there and kind of showed us something.”
Paul McMahan, who set quick time in qualifying, rounded out the top five.
Craig Dollansky drove from 11th to sixth, Jason Sides placed seventh and Donny Schatz earned the KSE Hard Charger Award after maneuvering from 22nd to eighth. Kraig Kinser finished ninth and Steve Kinser rallied from 17th to end 10th.
Recent ARP Stories on the Web
In case you missed them, you might want to check these recent news stories out.
2013 Chevy SS Unveiling on OneDirt
2013 ARP Catalog on LSXTV.com
Our friends at LSXTV.com have done a little piece on our new catalog. If you’d like your own copy, you can request one on our website: ARP-Bolts.com.
Click here for LSXTV.com story.
Remember this? 11,063kms – 10 Countries, 3 Continents, 35 days…in a 50 year old Mini?
Rob and Nicky have written a book about their travels in a 50 year old Mini. ARP is proud to be a product sponsor on the car. 
Interested in more information?
Click here.
Wacky Mick
Remember our friend Mick from DragWeek?
Click here to see more from Hot Rod.
HPD Concludes World Championship Season With Podium Finishes in Shanghai
HPD Racing Report
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Six Hours of Shanghai Race Report
Circuit: Shanghai International Speedway (3.387-mile road course) Shanghai, China
Weather: Hazy, mild, 73 degrees F
HPD Concludes World Championship Season With Podium Finishes in Shanghai
After clinching its first FIA World Championship title two weeks ago in Japan, Honda Performance Development wrapped up its inaugural season of World Endurance Championship competition with class podium finishes in both the P1 privateer and P2 categories Sunday at the season-ending Six Hours of Shanghai in China.
For the second consecutive race, the British JRM team led the way for HPD, finishing second in the privateer class and fifth overall to equal its best result of the season, scored two weeks ago at the Six Hours of Fuji.
The JRM trio of David Brabham, Karun Chandhok and Peter Dumbreck started its Honda-powered HPD ARX-03a from the privateer category pole and fourth overall, their best qualifying result of 2012. The team fought both fellow HPD team Strakka Racing and a pair of Lola Toyotas from the Swiss Rebellion Racing organization for the opening two hours.
The Strakka HRX-02a was delayed first by a puncture, then contact from a factory Audi P1 entry required a second unscheduled pit stop to replace the rear bodywork, dropping the team several laps off the pace and putting drivers Jonny Kane, Nick Leventis and Danny Watts into recovery mode for the remainder of the race.
In the final hour, a series of dramatic events determined the result. Following contact while passing a GTcategory Corvette, JRM had to pit to replace damaged bodywork, resulting in a long final pit stop, while mechanical failure ended the day for the Rebellion entry of Neel Jani and Nicolas Prost with just minutes left in the race. Brabham chased down the second Rebellion Lola in the closing laps, but took the final checkered flag of the season in second, just 8.7 seconds short of the class win, with Strakka rounding out the privateer podium, third.
Running the final two WEC races of 2012 with Honda power, the French OAK Racing team of Bertrand Baguette, Dominik Kraihamer and IZOD IndyCar Series regular Takuma Sato were delayed by brake issues, but completed 131 laps for an seventh-place finish.
In P2, the Florida-based Starworks team followed their world championship-clinching finish at Fuji with another second-place run for drivers Ryan Dalziel, Enzo Potolicchio and Stephane Sarrazin. The trio crossed the finish line in its HPD ARX-03b Honda just 36 seconds behind the class winning ADR-Delta team, after six hours of trouble-free racing.
In 2012, the first year for both HPD and Starworks on the world championship stage brought P2 class victories at the 12 Hours of Sebring, 24 Hours of Le Mans and Six Hours of Sao Paulo in the eight-race series. It is the first world championship for engine and chassis supplier HPD of Santa Clarita, California, and the first FIA world championship for an American-based organization since1968, when Ford won the FIA International Championship for Manufacturers.
Today’s race in China concluded the 2012 FIA World Endurance Championship. The 2013 season opens on April 14 with the Six Hours of Silverstone in England and will once again include eight races in Europe, North and South America, and Asia
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Race Report- Week Ending 9/30/12
Nascar
Sprint Cup–AAA 400- Brad Keselowski
Nationwide Series– One Main FInancial 400–Joey Logano
Camping World Truck Series–Nelson Piquet Jr.-Smiths 350
KN West- Derek Thorn- Napa Auto Parts 150
KN East- Corey Lajoie- American Real TV 150
Whelan All American- Bobby Santos- Carquest Fall Final
Grand Am
DP- Max Angelelli/Ricky Taylor
Gt- John Edwards/Robin Liddell
World of Outlaws
Donny Schatz
NHRA
Top Fuel — Antron Brown
Funny Car — Jack Beckman
Pro Stock — Erica Enders
Pro Stock Motorcycle — Eddie Krawiec
Competition Eliminator — Clint Neff
Super Stock — Fred Bartoli Sr
Stock Eliminator — Daryl Bureski
Super Comp — Michael Eggleston
Super Gas — Jarod Bowman
Race Results Week Ending 8/19/12
Rolex Montreal 200
GT: Robert Liddell/John Edwards
ALMS
Chris Dyson/Guy Smith
MotoGP Indianapolis GP
Dani Pedrosa
World of Outlaws Magic City Showdown
Donny Schatz
ARCA
Frank Kimmel
NASCAR
Sprint Cup- Pure Michigan 400- Greg BIffle
Nationwide Series- Napa Auto Parts 200- Justin Allgaier
Camping World Truck Series- VFW 200- Nelson Piquet Jr.
NHRA
Race Results Week Ending 8/19/12
Rolex Montreal 200
GT: Robert Liddell/John Edwards
ALMS
Chris Dyson/Guy Smith
MotoGP Indianapolis GP
Dani Pedrosa
World of Outlaws Magic City Showdown
Donny Schatz
ARCA
Frank Kimmel
NASCAR
Sprint Cup- Pure Michigan 400- Greg BIffle
Nationwide Series- Napa Auto Parts 200- Justin Allgaier
Camping World Truck Series- VFW 200- Nelson Piquet Jr.
NHRA
#20 Dyson to Start Second
#20 Dyson to Start Second
ELKHART LAKE, WI August 17, 2012 – Established in 1955 as the first permanent road course in the U.S., Road America is a driver’s favorite. “It is just a high speed fun track. For me, the high speed corners here are the kind I really enjoy,” said Eric Lux who qualified second today for the Road America Road Race Showcase. He and co-driver Michael Marsal share the #20 Dyson Racing entry and joining them for tomorrow’s four-hour race is Tony Burgess who had his inaugural run in the car at Mosport.
Lux commented that “we had a similar situation to what we had at Mid-Ohio two weeks ago where we did not have much track time and the track was very green. But we worked through a load of changes and it was a really good effort in the right direction. We found three seconds from this afternoon’s session to the qualifying run. I told the guys on the radio that the ‘car is great. Leave it as is for the race.’
The #16 Mazda-powered ModSpace entry of Chris Dyson and Guy Smith did not qualify and will start from the back of the grid. Dyson explained that, “we had a gearbox problem in the last practice session and we did not have time to turn the car around in time for qualifying. We have had nearly bullet-proof gearbox reliability and thankfully it happened in practice and not the race. This is a long race and where you start does not determine how you finish.”
Another reason drivers like this four-mile, 14-turn track is the way it produces close finishes. The average margin of victory for the last seven ALMS events is 1.358 seconds and last year Guy Smith set the record for the closest ALMS finish ever, finishing 0.112 behind Klaus Graf in the Muscle Milk car.
“Towards the end of the race, there was a safety car period which allowed me to get on the back of Klaus,” recounted Smith. “My car felt really good, but I could see that I was not going to be able to pass him on the straight. The only way I was going to do it was in traffic. Klaus was approaching three GTC cars in turn seven and I knew he was going to get balked. He chose to go to the right, but I knew the next corner was a left hander so I went to the left. I ended up mainly on the grass trying to make the pass and people told me it was quite spectacular. Unfortunately, there was not quite enough momentum to get past him and we both came out pretty much even. On the last lap, coming up the hill towards the start finish line he bobbled a bit and I was able to edge beside him and it got close – (0.112). It was a great finish for the ALMS and all the fans at Road America and hopefully we can put it right and beat them this year!”
Long Beach Marine Stadium Sprint Nationals Aug 4-5
Subj: Press Release: Long Beach Marine Stadium Sprint Nationals Aug 4-5
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SCSC Lucas Oil Long Beach Sprint Nationals presented by ARP
A familiar and thunderous roar once again filled the air in and around Marine Stadium in Long Beach Calif. as the final notes of the Star Spangled Banner were gently released from the flute of Region 12’s own Olivia Knudson. The 2012 Lucas Oil Long Beach Sprint Nationals presented by ARP were officially under way as the Super Stock Sprint Boats roared from the hot pits for their warm-up lap with welcoming waves from the drivers to all dedicated fans, some who traveled from across the country (and further) to see this legendary race event.
Larry Ambrose with a voice more prominent than Michael Buffer called the match-ups, while the Southern Californian Speedboat Association (SCSC) officials were all in their places…. boat racers and bitter rivals, new and old, were getting ready to rumble. Internet chatter and boastful forum posts were no longer a factor. Although conversely, boat, motor, drive, and prop preparation, as well as race strategy and execution were to once again be the determining factors. While many of the 10 classes of race boats may have changed from the original circle boat race held at Marine Stadium 1946, the heightened thrill of the competition certainly remained the same.
For fans, it was a picture-perfect August 4th and 5th weekend of great circle boat racing in sunny So.Cal. To others it was a weekend of utter disappointment, while winning racers and owners left with shiny trophies, others were left with only shredded metal, later to return to their shops to rethink and rebuild for better luck next year.
Race fans were on their feet from the 1st heat to when the last boat crossed the final checkered flag. Optimal viewing, at safe distances, calm water and legendary performances is what makes the Stadium a unique and well-suited place for boat racing. Racers and fans alike also appreciated the 75-degree weather as families enjoyed immense fests on the sandy beaches as well as water showers from the Long Beach Rescue Boats during the brief intermissions.
On behalf of SCSC, we send our deepest congratulations to Joey Cucci driving the #24 Grand National “The Body Snatcher” and boat owner Ted Kolby from Playa Del Rey Calif., the team that led an incredible wire-to-wire race in the 20 lap main event. In doing so, Joey captured the 2012 APBA National Championship and the Rudy Ramos Perpetual Trophy. A feat most appreciated by only those who have tried.
In the Super Stock class, it was none other than Ty Newton driving out of Mesa Ariz., who won for owner Dave Rankin from Hacienda Heights, Calif. in the well-prepared #80 boat, “Wild Child”. We wanted to note that “Wild Child” is the winningest APBA Super Stock Flatbottom of all-time. This win is Rankin’s 7th in a row at the Long Beach Sprint Nationals while he also took home the Dave Bryant Memorial Shield, which he has won 3 years in a row!
Moving from the inboards to the outboards, it was R.J. West, driving the #93 for Chuck Skelton out of Santa Clarita Calif., who took home the 2012 APBA North American Championships with his 25 lap main event win in the SST-45 tunnel boat class. R.J. took command off the beach in the modified Le Mans start and never looked back on the specially prepared 7/8 of mile closed-course.
In her hotly colored hydro, it was fan favorite Nicole Knudson who took home the overall A Stock Hydroplane Championship for the weekend. With this win, Nicole earned the honor of being the 1st name on the Tammy Dawe (who recently left us) Memorial Award. In respectful memory of Tammy, the perpetual award will be given out each year at Long Beach race to the driver with the highest points in the A Stock Hydroplane class.
Racing action was also hotly contested in the other classes including the Comp Jet, Pro Stock, K-Racing Runabout, Classical Outboard Runabout (COR) and Crackbox races where the side-by-side driving of Scott Schatz/Jeff Hansen in the #P-9 and Nick Granger/Scott Stump in the #P-69 took our breath away on numerous occasions.
The up and coming local Special Events class, Classical Outboard Runabout (COR), continues to gain interest and new drivers due to the low cost of entry, competitive racing, and safe speeds in the 80 mph range. Long Beach entries included a Stoker, Baker, STV, Rampage and three Sleekcrafts all running Mercury 2.0 Liter outboards.
Last but not least, a big thank you and congratulations to all the racers, rescue, owners, sponsors, crew, staff and family members that that helped make this great event happen. You know who you are and we know how hard you worked. Your support is greatly appreciated.
With the support from many, Southern California Speedboat Club has proudly been producing circle boat races at Marine Stadium in Long Beach since 1946. We look forward to seeing you out from behind your computer and at the circle boat races in Long Beach next year.
Overall Results:
AX Hydroplane
1st- Alex Bloomfield, #55U, Hot Sulphur Springs, CO
2nd- David Hale, #42C, Sunland, CA
3rd- Nicole Knudson, #29C, Chino, CA
4th- Brittney Schwarzenbach, #126C, Apple Valley, CA
5th- Gordon Jennings III, #70C, Foothill Ranch, CA
6th- Jared Wallach, #18C, Redondo Beach, CA
7th- Sarah Bloomfield, #55UX, Hot Sulphur Springs, CO
8th- Tim Herman, #118C, Tempe, AZ
A Stock Hydroplane Championship
1st- Nicole Knudson #29C, Chino, CA
2nd- Alex Bloomfield, #55U, Hot Sulphur Springs, CO
3rd- Jeff Conant, #1C, Glendale, AZ
4th- Brittney Schwarzenbach, #126C, Apple Valley, CA
5th- Sarah Bloomfield, #55UX, Hot Sulphur Springs, CO
6th- Tim Herman, #118C, Tempe, AZ
7th- David Hale #42C, Sunland, CA
8th- Jared Wallach #18C, Redondo Beach, CA
9th- Mike Wright #71C, Huntington Beach, CA
10th- Amanda Rich, #53C, Bullhead City, AZ
Classic Outboard Runabout (COR)
1st- Kevin Taylor #234, Henderson, NV
2nd- Greg Ronkainen, #128, Redondo Beach, CA
3rrd- Mike Quindazzi, #30, Huntington Beach, CA
4th- Tim/David Carranza, #45, Hawthorne, CA
5th- John Soares, #386, San Bernardino, CA
6th- Tony Scarlata, #9, Hacienda Heights, CA
SST-45 – APBA North American Championships
1st- R.J. West, #93, Manteca, CA
2nd- Kevin Curtis #19, Huntington Beach, CA
3rd- Jason Williams #10, Alta Loma, CA
4th- Dean Comer #37, Monrovia, CA
5th- Spencer Love, #24, Santa Rosa, CA
6th- Joe Brain, #33, Huntington Beach, CA (DNF- Crash)
Grand National- APBA National Championships
1st – Joey Cucci, # 24, Lake Havasu City, AZ
2nd- Robby Devine, #47, Costa Mesa, CA
3rd- Bill Wheeler, #7, Lake Havasu City, AZ
4th- Gary Garland, #27, Long Beach, CA
5th- Chris Kohles, #50, Hermosa Beach, CA
6th- Greg Gluck, #113, Sebring, FL
7th- Heath Hiebert #369, Bellflower, CA
8th- Dave Rankin, #44, Hacienda Heights, CA
Super Stock
1st- Ty Newton, #80, Mesa, AZ
2nd- Robby Devine, #36, Costa Mesa, CA
3rd- Ade Bloomfield, #55, Hot Sulphur Springs, CO
4th- Grady Lakamp, #43, Tempe, AZ
Pro Stock
1st- Ade Bloomfield, #55, Hot Sulphur Springs, CO
2nd- Mark Lopresti, #367, Parker, AZ
3rd- Jeff Wooton, #204, So. Pasadena, CA
4th- Shane Hall, #929, Torrance, CA
5th- Jerry Panagos, #113, Seal Beach, CA
K Racing Runabout
1st- Brian Twamley, #401-K, La Habra, CA
2nd- Terry Langford, #K-6, Mira Loma, CA
3rd
– Tony Scarlata, #K-69, Hacienda Heights, CA
4th- Chris Irick, # K-034, Lake Havasu City, Az
Crackerbox
1st- Scott Schatz/Jeff Hansen #P-9, Corona, CA
2nd- Nick Granger/Scott Stump, #P-69, Torrance, CA
3rd- Donald Doidge/Justin d’Allesandro #P-94, Lancaster, CA
4th- Mike Schatz/Bob Williams, #P-92, Lakewood, CA
Comp Jet
1st- Terry Valore owner /Harold Bruce driver #21
2nd- Rodger Finney owner/Toby Clark driver #288
3rd- John McClure owner/Tom Bandy, driver #123
4th- Mark Yunker owner/driver #169
5th- Terry Valore owner/Rick Maddox, driver #59
6th- Jim Rich owner/driver #72
7th- Shirl Dickey owner/driver #60
Franchitti Qualifies Second at Edmonton
Franchitti Qualifies Second at Edmonton
Indianapolis 500 winner Dario Franchitti continued his streak of impressive IZOD IndyCar Series
qualifying runs Saturday at the Edmonton City Centre Airport. The Honda-powered Target Chip Ganassi
Racing driver posted the second-fastest time in the final, “Fast Six” qualifying round, and will start
Sunday’s Edmonton Indy from the pole due to a 10-position penalty for an unapproved engine change in
the car of pole qualifier Ryan Hunter-Reay. It will be the fourth consecutive front-row start for Franchitti, a
streak that began at Texas Motor Speedway in June.
The final two rounds of “knockout” qualifying were affected by changing weather conditions around the
Edmonton airport circuit, as a brief shower just prior to the second round resulted in a wet track for all
competitors. The track began to dry near the end of the 15-minute session, leading to constant position
changes during the final minutes.
The “Fast Six” qualifying round began on a dry track, but rain again began to fall in the final minute,
affecting the final runs from Franchitti; 2011 Edmonton pole qualifier Takuma Sato, who will start fourth;
and fifth-qualifying Alex Tagliani. Sunday’s 75-lap race starts at 2:30 p.m. EDT, with live television
coverage on the NBC Sports Network.
Dario Franchitti (#10 Target Chip Ganassi Racing Honda) second quickest in qualifying, his fourth
consecutive front-row start in 2012: “It was fairly interesting out there. The car was working well, but it
started to rain right at the end of the first round, and it was wet throughout the second. But by the ‘Fast
Six’ [final qualifying round] it was starting to dry out, and the question became whether to use new [softer]
‘Red’ tires, or run scrubbed tires. We took a gamble and went with used Reds. It almost paid off, as we
came within a hundredth [of a second] of Ryan’s time. But we’re starting at the front, and I think we’re in
good shape for the race tomorrow.”
Dixon Runs Second in Tight Edmonton Field
Dixon Runs Second in Tight Edmonton Field
Detroit race winner Scott Dixon paced the Honda-powered entries Friday at the Edmonton City Centre
airport temporary circuit, posting the second-fastest time in a tight field during IZOD IndyCar Series
practice in preparation for Sunday’s Edmonton Indy. After two sessions, less than one half-second
separated the top 18 drivers in the 25-car field, with Mike Conway and Simon Pagenaud also posting top-
four times on the day.
Alex Tagliani, Dario Franchitti and Justin Wilson made it six Honda drivers in the top eight, while
Pagenaud led a Honda sweep of the top eight positions in morning practice.
IZOD IndyCar Series activities in Edmonton continue Saturday, with final practice and “Fast Six” knockout
qualifying. Sunday’s 75-lap race starts at 2:30 p.m. EDT, with live television coverage on the NBC Sports
Network.
Scott Dixon (#9 Target Chip Ganassi Racing Honda) second quickest in Friday practice: “I’m happy
with my car; it seems pretty decent. At one point, I was up [on the field] by three or four tenths [of a
second], but came up on a slower car and ruined that lap. We really didn’t get another chance for a clear
lap. But I’m confident we have a strong car. With rain forecast for qualifying, it should be an exciting
show for the fans tomorrow. There are a lot of good passing points on this track, and it’s going to be a
heck of a race.”
RCR Post Race Report — Daytona International Speedway–Sprint Cup
RCR Post Race Report — Daytona International Speedway
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
RACE: Coke Zero 400 powered by Coca-Cola
TRACK: Daytona International Speedway
DATE: July 7, 2012
Race Highlights:
Richard Childress Racing teammates finished second (Jeff Burton), 14th (Paul Menard) and 23rd (Kevin Harvick).
Harvick ranks sixth in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver championship point standings, 90 points behind Matt Kenseth’s lead, while Menard ranks 13th and Burton ranks 18th.
According to NASCAR’s Loop Data Statistics, RCR teammates Harvick and Menard ranked first and second, respectively, in the category Fastest Drivers Late in a Run.
Each of the RCR drivers ranked in the top 10 in the Loop Data Category Fastest Laps Run – Harvick tied for first with 10 laps, Menard ranked fourth with eight laps and Burton tied for fifth with seven laps.
The runner-up finish was Burton’s fourth-consecutive top-10 finish at restrictor-plate tracks.
Burton gained the fifth-most positions (13) in the last 16 laps of the 160-lap event.
Burton made 258 Green-Flag Passes during the 400-mile race.
Menard maintained the ninth-fastest Green Flag Speed of 197.250 mph.
Harvick maintained a Green Flag Speed of 197.389 mph, ranking him third in the Loop Data category.
Tony Stewart captured his third Sprint Cup Series win of the 2012 season and was followed to the finish line by Jeff Burton, Matt Kenseth, Joey Logano and Ryan Newman.
The next scheduled Sprint Cup Series race is the Lenox Industrial Tools 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on Sunday, July 15. The race is scheduled to be televised live on TNT beginning at 12 p.m. Eastern Time and broadcast live on the Performance Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.