DI DRIVER BLOG PRESENTED BY WELD RACING: Megan Meyer
By Drag Illustrated | November 12, 2019

“You can do anything once you stop trying to do everything” – Eric Barker

Looking back at my 2018 SEMA recap blog where we had turned my race car into a show car for the NGK Spark Plugs booth, it was a big learning experience for all of us. From my point of view, I learned that (most) males outside of drag racing are still old-school and think racing is only for boys, and they think that leaving sexual compliments on social media posts for the girls that do drive or work on cars is flattering. Thankfully, since I’ve gotten engaged, this type of activity has gone down, but there are still those keyboard creepers who like to send unnecessary comments and messages. I even got an email from a fan who told me to stop posting pictures of my fiancé and I because I’m hurting my fan base and Top Fuel drivers don’t do that. Continue reading DI DRIVER BLOG PRESENTED BY WELD RACING: Megan Meyer →

NHRA® Team Report
NHRA Finals – Pomona
Pre-Race Report

Cruz Pedregon and team are motivated by a quarterfinal showing and two 300+ mile per hour runs to prove the same consistency in the upcoming final NHRA race of 2019. “Overall I believe we’ve been plagued by mechanical issues in the piston department. Chasing scuffing problems for more than half of the races made us feel like we had an anchor around our ankle. These issues meant we weren’t really able to show what our car is capable of,” says Cruz. “We resolved that in the last few races, but later found a problem in the clutch area where the surface of the disks weren’t as they should be and that hampered our motor situation. Continue reading Cruz Pedregon Pomona Advance →

Having fun in the warm California sun on the mind of second-place runner Jeg Coughlin Jr.
POMONA, Calif. (Nov. 12) — Five-time Pro Stock champion Jeg Coughlin Jr. may be a lofty second in the Mello Yello points heading into the final race of the year but he’s not putting a lot of thought into finishing on top. The veteran racer knows a lot of things need to fall into place for him to erase the 92-point deficit he has to teammate Erica Enders, even knowing this race awards points and a half for each round win.
Continue reading Having fun in the warm California sun on the mind of second-place runner Jeg Coughlin Jr. →

Giovanni Scelzi Hustles to Top-Five Outing During Sprint Car Season Finale

Inside Line Promotions – CONCORD, N.C. (Nov. 11, 2019) – Giovanni Scelzi capped his winged sprint car season with a top-five finish last Saturday during the Can-Am World Finals for the second straight season. Continue reading Giovanni Scelzi Hustles to Top-Five Outing During Sprint Car Season Finale →

Drag racer Mike Coughlin collects third championship, this time in Top Dragster
DELAWARE, Ohio (Nov. 10) — After sweating out the final results of the last Top Dragster race of the year in Las Vegas, Mike Coughlin officially bagged the Division 3 championship in his category on the strength of a stellar summer season that included two crucial victories and a string of impressive finishes. Continue reading Drag racer Mike Coughlin collects third championship, this time in Top Dragster →

Menard Finishes 12th At Phoenix

November 10, 2019

The No. 21 Menards/Maytag team went into the Bluegreen Vacations 500 weekend at ISM Raceway planning to give Paul Menard a fast Ford Mustang for his final start at the track just outside Phoenix. Continue reading Menard Finishes 12th At Phoenix →

Menard Finishes 12th At Phoenix

November 10, 2019

The No. 21 Menards/Maytag team went into the Bluegreen Vacations 500 weekend at ISM Raceway planning to give Paul Menard a fast Ford Mustang for his final start at the track just outside Phoenix. Continue reading Menard Finishes 12th At Phoenix →

Austin Dillon and RIchard Childress Racing’s No. 3 American Ethanol Team Earn 24th-Place Finish at ISM Raceway

“I want to thank everyone at American Ethanol and congratulate them on earning a huge milestone in our sport this weekend with 15 million miles driven on E15. Even though we didn’t qualify as well as we had hoped, we had a lot of confidence that we were going to have a solid day in the No. 3 American Ethanol Chevrolet at ISM Raceway. Danny Stockman and the No. 3 American Ethanol team did their best to make improvements throughout the race, including making a big swing at adjustments during a pit stop between Stages 2 and 3. We ended up with a pass-through penalty at the end of Stage 3 for speeding exiting pit road, and that put a further damper on our day, even though our Chevrolet was definitely handling better towards the end of the race. We know we can improve on this so we’ll go back to the drawing board on this one. We’re looking forward to the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway next week and ending the season with a strong run.”
-Austin Dillon

Daniel Hemric Brings No. 8 Cat Large Dozers Chevrolet Home
in the 21st Position at ISM Raceway

“We made small gains today at ISM Raceway, and that’s what it is all about. The No. 8 Cat Large Dozers Chevrolet was too tight for much of the day, but Luke Lambert and all the guys on this crew kept adjusting on it to help the handling. We made some gains in the Rookie of the Year battle today, so we’ll go to Homestead next week to try to finish the year out right and lock up that rookie title. I’m proud of this entire team and all their hard work all season long. I’m hopeful we can end the season on a positive note with that rookie of the year accomplishment.”

-Daniel Hemric

MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES
ISM RACEWAY
BLUEGREEN VACATIONS 500
TEAM CHEVY POST-RACE NOTES AND QUOTES
NOVEMBER 10, 2019

TOP TEAM CHEVY UNOFFICIAL FINISHING RESULTS:
POS. DRIVER (* = Playoff Contender)
4th *Kyle Larson, No. 42 Clover Camaro ZL1
11th Kurt Busch, No. 1 Monster Energy Camaro ZL1
14th Jimmie Johnson, No. 48 Ally Camaro ZL1
16th Chris Buescher, No. 37 Maxwell House Camaro ZL1
17th William Byron, No. 24 Hertz Camaro ZL1
Continue reading Chevy Racing–NASCAR–Phoenix–Post Race →

Menard Qualifies 19th At ISM Raceway

November 9, 2019
Paul Menard and the No. 21 Menards/Maytag Ford Mustang are set to start 19th in Sunday’s Bluegreen Vacations 500 at ISM Raceway near Phoenix.

Menard said his qualifying speed of 137.515 miles per hour was a sign of progress over the weekend.

“It was a pick up,” he said. “It didn’t drive great, but when we did our mock run yesterday it was a little bit hotter out and the track had a little bit more grip.

“We made some adjustments in the right direction. I wish it drove a little bit better, but we’ll see how it holds on.”

In Friday’s practice sessions, Menard was 10th in the opening round with a best lap at 135.333 mph.

Sunday’s Bluegreen Vacations 500-kilometer race is set to start just after 12:30 p.m. (2:30 p.m. Eastern) with TV coverage on NBC.

###

Tyler Reddick and the No. 2 myblu Team Advance to Championship 4 with Third-Place Finish at ISM Raceway

“We set out today with the goal to clinch our spot in the Championship 4, and we did just that. It ended up being all about racing smart today. Our No. 2 myblu Chevrolet Camaro was a rocket at ISM Raceway. It had a lot of speed and the handling was decent, just a little too tight as the long runs went on. We were able to get it dialed in a little better as the race went on, but just had to play it safe at the end to make sure we had enough fuel to get to the checkered flag. It’s definitely not the way we normally like to race, but we did what we had to do to get to Miami next week. That was the goal all season, and now we’re there. I’m proud to keep RCR’s streak of making the Championship 4 in the Xfinity Series alive for another year. We’ll be ready to race for the title next weekend, and I know my No. 2 team is up for the challenge.”

-Tyler Reddick

MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES
ISM RACEWAY
BLUEGREEN VACATIONS 500
TEAM CHEVY POST-QUALIFYING NOTES AND QUOTES
NOVEMBER 9, 2019

TOP TEAM CHEVY UNOFFICIAL QUALIFYING RESULTS:
POS. DRIVER
5th Kyle Larson, No. 42 Clover Camaro ZL1
6th Chase Elliott, No. 9 NAPA Autocare Center Camaro ZL1
8th Kurt Busch, No. 1 Monster Energy Camaro ZL1
14th Alex Bowman, No. 88 Axalta Camaro ZL1
17th Chris Buescher, No. 37 Maxwell House Camaro ZL1 Continue reading Chevy Racing–NASCAR–Phoenix–Qualifying →

MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES
ISM RACEWAY
BLUEGREEN VACATIONS 500
TEAM CHEVY PRESS CONF. TRANSCRIPT
NOVEMBER 8, 2019

KYLE LARSON, NO. 42 CLOVER CAMARO ZL1, Media Breakout Session Highlights:

HAVE YOU TALKED TO BUBBA WALLACE AT ALL AFTER THAT CAUTION? ARE YOU STILL MAD A WEEK LATER?
“No, I haven’t talked to Bubba (Wallace). It’s not an issue with him personally. It is what it is. Like I said, afterwards you can be mad, but I’m still 23 points down. It doesn’t matter, we have to go out here and have a good weekend. We’ll try to get a lot of points and try to win also. I just look forward to the challenge.” Continue reading Chevy Racing–NASCAR–Phoenix–Kyle Larson →

MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES
ISM RACEWAY
BLUEGREEN VACATIONS 500
TEAM CHEVY PRESS CONF. TRANSCRIPT
NOVEMBER 8, 2019

CHASE ELLIOTT, NO. 9 NAPA AUTOCARE CENTER CAMARO ZL1, met with media to discuss his mindset going into this race weekend, how he’s been able to overcome adversity throughout the Playoffs, what to expect from the traction compound throughout the weekend, and more. Full Transcript: Continue reading Chevy Racing–NASCAR–Phoenix–Chase Elliott →

Erwin Working To Give Menard A Fast Car For Phoenix

November 7, 2019

As Paul Menard’s 13-year career as a full-time driver on the Monster Energy Cup Series nears its end, his crew chief Greg Erwin is working to prepare fast cars for his driver’ final runs in the No. 21 Menards/Maytag Ford Mustang. Continue reading Erwin Working To Give Menard A Fast Car For Phoenix →

Top Fuel — Brittany Force, 3.652 seconds, 334.73 mph def. Steve Torrence, 3.719 seconds, 330.63 mph.

Funny Car — Matt Hagan, Dodge Charger, 3.876, 331.36 ARP car def. Jonnie Lindberg, Ford Mustang, 3.945, 321.12.

Pro Stock — Erica Enders, Chevy Camaro, 6.617, 208.04 def. Jeg Coughlin, Camaro, 6.620, 201.70.

Pro Stock Motorcycle — Matt Smith, EBR, 6.855, 195.90 ARP bike. def. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 6.863, 194.04.

Top Alcohol Dragster — Duane Shields, 5.267, 273.83 def. Julie Nataas, Foul – Red Light.

Top Alcohol Funny Car — Sean Bellemeur, Chevy Camaro, 5.447, 269.78 def. Steve Gasparrelli, Camaro, 7.196, 134.63.

Competition Eliminator — Cody Lane, Chevy Cobalt, 8.136, 152.62 def. Tony Mandella, Chevy Camaro, 8.033, 173.70.

Super Stock — Jason DeForrest, Chevy Cavalier, 9.081, 145.81 def. Matt Alvey, Pontiac Sunfire, Foul – Red Light.

Stock Eliminator — Craig Maddox, Dodge Challenger, 9.527, 136.11 def. Chris Knudsen, Chevy Camaro, Foul – Red Light.

Super Comp — Vernon Rowland, Dragster, 9.050, 159.46 def. Dan Fletcher, Dragster, 9.073, 152.07.

Super Gas — Ray Miller III, Chevy Camaro, 10.053, 163.18 def. Evan Kowalski, Chevy Corvette, 10.056, 159.51.

Pro Modified — Steve Jackson, Chevy Camaro, 5.788, 247.84 def. Todd Tutterow, Camaro, Foul – Red Light.

TEAM CHEVY ADVANCE
BLUEGREEN VACATIONS 500
ISM RACEWAY
AVONDALE, ARIZONA
NOVEMBER 10, 2019

BOWTIE BULLETS:
CHECKING ON CHEVROLET CONTENDERS
Heading into the cutoff race for the final round of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series playoffs, Chevrolet drivers Kyle Larson is tied for sixth and Chase Elliott is eighth. Next up is the 312-lap race on the one-mile ISM Raceway. “It’s just all eyes on Phoenix,” said Elliott, driver of the No. 9 NAPA Auto Parts Camaro ZL1. Continue reading Chevy Racing–NASCAR–Phoenix–Bowtie Bullets →

Richard Childress Racing’s Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series History at ISM Raceway … Team owner Richard Childress has six victories at ISM Raceway, ranking him third on the all-time car owner victories list at the Avondale, Ariz. facility. This includes wins with Ryan Newman in March 2017, along with Kevin Harvick in Nov. 2013, Nov. 2012 and March and Nov. 2006. Prior to that, Dale Earnhardt won the Checker 500 on Nov. 4, 1990. In 121 starts at ISM Raceway, the Welcome, North Carolina based organization boasts 19 top-five and 43 top-10 finishes.

RCR in the MENCS … In 2,990 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series starts dating back to 1969, RCR has amassed 52 pole awards, 108 wins, 489 top-five finishes and 1,075 top-10 finishes, with an average starting position of 17.8 and an average finishing position of 16.3. RCR has earned 15 total championships (six Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series championships with Earnhardt in 1986, ’87, ’90, ’91, ’93 and ’94, six NASCAR Xfinity Series titles, two Truck Series titles and one ARCA Menards Series title) and was the first organization to win titles in NASCAR’s three national series.

CHEVROLET RACING IN NATIONAL HOT ROD ASSOCIATION

Chevrolet record-setting female drivers take aim at titles
Brittany Force, Erica Enders seek to add to championship totals
DETROIT (Nov. 5, 2019) – Big wins at Las Vegas set up higher stakes for Chevrolet record-setting drivers Brittany Force and Erica Enders at the Auto Club NHRA Finals.

“I want to go straight to Pomona,” said Force in reference to the NHRA Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship finale Nov. 15-17 at Auto Club Raceway.

Force clinched the 2017 Top Fuel championship at the Southern California racetrack, and after a statement victory Nov. 3 in the Advance Auto Parts Chevrolet dragster at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway she has the race car and mindset to match to place a companion trophy on the mantle.
Enders, driver of the Melling Performance/Elite Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro SS, will seek to become a three-time Pro Stock champion. Enders’ second victory of the season and 25th of her career came at an opportune time as her closest pursuer in points fell in the first round of eliminations.

“I don’t think complacency is a word in our vocabulary. We work hard and we are going to go out to Pomona to win the race,” said Enders, who will take a 92-point lead over teammate and five-time Pro Stock champion Jeg Coughlin Jr. into the finale.

Enders earned the distinction of winning the 150th race by a female in the NHRA professional categories and posting the 200th victory for the Camaro brand in Pro Stock competition. Seventeen women have won in a pro category in NHRA history.

Force won the 900th Top Fuel event in NHRA history and set the NHRA Top Fuel national speed record at 338.17 mph in the second round of qualifying. She set the national elapsed time record of 3.623 seconds at Maple Grove Raceway in Reading, Pennsylvania, in the first race of the Countdown. Force also reset the track Top Fuel record of 3.652 seconds in the final round.

“We are all about milestones today,” said Enders, who recorded championships with Chevrolet in 2014 and ‘15. “I was able to get the 150th and I was able to share it with Brittany Force in the winner’s circle. Just a few years ago we were talking about the 100th win for females. I think it speaks volumes for the talent. That’s what I love so much about NHRA drag racing is that there are more women involved in the sport.”

Force and Erica Enders also won at the same event in Epping, New Hampshire, in 2017. The first time two women won at the same event was in Seattle 2012, when Courtney Force won in Funny Car and Enders won in Pro Stock.

Brittany Force and Enders are among four females who have garnered NHRA pro category season titles. Shirley Muldowney won Top Fuel championships in 1977, ’80 and ’82, while Angelle Sampey registered Pro Stock Motorcycle titles in 2000, ’01 and ’02.

“Erica Enders, what she’s done for this sport – two championships – and I’ve always looked up to her,” said Force, who is 16 points out of first place entering the finale. “She started in junior dragsters and I remember watching her movie when it came out on Disney. Courtney and I would watch that over and over just to get us pumped up before we’d go racing Super Comp. To share the winner’s circle with her this weekend is pretty awesome. She’s a great friend, she’s an incredible driver and pretty cool that we did 150 and 151.”

Dominic Scelzi Nets Top Five During KWS-NARC Season Finale to Finish Third in Championship Standings

Inside Line Promotions – STOCKTON, Calif. (Nov. 4, 2019) – Dominic Scelzi finished third in the King of the West-NARC Fujitsu Series championship standings after recording a top-five run last Saturday during the season finale hosted by Stockton Dirt Track.

“We didn’t lose the championship on Saturday,” he said. “We lost it throughout the year. It’s unfortunate, but at the end of the day it’s the results that we earned. Continue reading Dominic Scelzi Nets Top Five During KWS-NARC Season Finale to Finish Third in Championship Standings →