JAY HOWARD’S MOTORSPORTS DRIVER DEVELOPMENT ADDS FIFTH CAR TO F4 U.S. ROSTER

JAY HOWARD’S MOTORSPORTS DRIVER DEVELOPMENT ADDS FIFTH CAR TO F4 U.S. ROSTER

Sanzaru Games Karting Champion Colin Mullan to fill extra MDD seat

INDIANAPOLIS (Aug 7, 2017)- Just days before the Formula 4 United States Championship Powered by Honda mid-season event at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Jay Howard’s Motorsports Driver Development has expanded its line-up to include a fifth car piloted by Colin Mullan of Danville, California. Mullin was selected to complete the season with MDD after a successful team-test at Gingerman Raceway in June.

“Colin did an impressive job at Gingerman during his testing session,” said MDD team owner Jay Howard. “We are looking forward to him joining the team for Mid-Ohio, and seeing what he can do on track. We are excited to have him in the program.”

Mullan began his racing career in 2008 at age six. Now 15, Mullan has built up an impressive resume of accomplishments across a variety of racing platforms, including karting, quarter midgets, Mini Cup stock cars, spec Miata, and FormulaSpeed cars. In 2016, he was crowned champion of the Sanzaru Games Karting series in Junior Rotax, competed in the Skip Barber Formula school, and was awarded the VMB Driver Development Scholarship, among many other accomplishments. Mullan also competes in the 2017 Formula Car Challenge, racing in the FormulaSPEED class.

“I am excited to be joining Jay Howard and the MDD program at Mid-Ohio and competing at an international level,” Mullan said. “I was truly fortunate to have the opportunity to test the F4 U.S. car at and it was fantastic all around. I am hoping I can have the opportunity to compete for a full season next year.”

After nine rounds, MDD ranks sixth in team standings, experiencing its most successful weekend at Indianapolis Motor Speedway with two podiums, one top-five and a top-10 finish. MDD is the overall youngest team in the F4 U.S. paddock with its drivers’ ages averaging just over 15 years old.

The MDD team and the rest of the F4 U.S. field is back in action Aug. 11-12 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio. Fans can visit F4USChampionship.com for more event information.

16-time Funny Car champion John Force makes Seattle quarterfinals appearance in PEAK Chevy

16-time Funny Car champion John Force makes
Seattle quarterfinals appearance in PEAK Chevy

SEATTLE (Aug. 6) – John Force made the quarterfinals of Sunday’s NHRA Northwest Nationals at Pacific Raceways, the final race on the annual Western Swing for the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series.

Force, the No. 8 qualifier and eight-time winner at the Pacific Northwest track, won his opening-round matchup in the PEAK Coolant & Motor Oil Chevrolet Camaro SS against J.R. Todd before falling to teammate and race winner Robert Hight in the second round of competition. Hight’s victory over Tommy Johnson Jr. was the 250th Funny Car victory for the team. Continue reading 16-time Funny Car champion John Force makes Seattle quarterfinals appearance in PEAK Chevy

Seeking consistency, Advance Auto Parts driver Courtney Force makes run to Seattle semifinals

Seeking consistency, Advance Auto Parts driver
Courtney Force makes run to Seattle semifinals

SEATTLE (Aug. 6) – Little by little, Courtney Force and the Advance Auto Parts Chevrolet Camaro SS team are finding consistency as the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season nears an important segment.

Force took her car to the semifinals of Sunday’s NHRA Northwest Nationals at Pacific Raceways, coming up short in the third round. Force, the No. 4 qualifier, recorded elimination-round victories against former Funny Car champions Cruz Pedregon and Jack Beckman before falling to another titlist, teammate and eventual race winner Robert Hight. It was the second time in three races Force made the semis. Continue reading Seeking consistency, Advance Auto Parts driver Courtney Force makes run to Seattle semifinals

New Hights: Auto Club Chevrolet Funny Car driver Robert Hight enjoys dream weekend in Seattle

New Hights: Auto Club Chevrolet Funny Car driver
Robert Hight enjoys dream weekend in Seattle

SEATTLE (Aug. 6) – Auto Club of Southern California Funny Car driver Robert Hight completed a near-perfect weekend, sweeping to the victory in the NHRA Northwest Nationals on Sunday at Pacific Raceways.

Hight qualified No. 1, was quickest in three of the four qualifying sessions and then was quickest in all four elimination rounds Sunday. He outran Tommy Johnson Jr. in the final round with a pass of 3.890 seconds at 328.62 mph that was low of race day. Continue reading New Hights: Auto Club Chevrolet Funny Car driver Robert Hight enjoys dream weekend in Seattle

Johnson Finishes as Runner-up in Mopar Dodge Funny Car at NHRA Northwest Nationals

Johnson Finishes as Runner-up in Mopar Dodge Funny Car at NHRA Northwest Nationals

Mopar Funny Car driver Tommy Johnson Jr. appears in final round of 30th annual NHRA Northwest Nationals at Pacific Raceways in Kent, Washington
HEMI®-powered Funny Car teams from Don Schumacher Racing (DSR) have appeared in 14 of 16 final rounds in 2017 Continue reading Johnson Finishes as Runner-up in Mopar Dodge Funny Car at NHRA Northwest Nationals

Erica Enders finishes second in Seattle after closest race of NHRA season

Erica Enders finishes second in
Seattle after closest race of NHRA season
KENT, Wash. (Aug. 6) — Professional drag racing is the only motorsport in the world with the need to time things to the 10-thousandth of a second, an increment of time put to the test in the final round of Sunday’s 30th annual NHRA Northwest Nationals when two-time Pro Stock world champion Erica Enders was edged by Drew Skillman by .0006 seconds, or an estimated one inch, making it the closest drag race of the entire season. Continue reading Erica Enders finishes second in Seattle after closest race of NHRA season

Five-time Pro Stock world champion Jeg Coughlin Jr. remains bullish on Elite race team

Five-time Pro Stock world champion Jeg Coughlin Jr. remains bullish on Elite race team
KENT, Wash. (Aug. 6) — Five-time Pro Stock world champion Jeg Coughlin Jr. didn’t have the most successful Western Swing of his career, but the 58-time national event winner says the progress made in throughout the Elite Motorsports camp will most certainly bear fruit in the coming weeks.

“If you were to say I want to go Pro Stock racing and run for race wins and championships, this is the team you’d want around you,” Coughlin said. “We have all the parts and pieces in place to win. We’ve just maybe been our own worst enemy to a certain extent. Continue reading Five-time Pro Stock world champion Jeg Coughlin Jr. remains bullish on Elite race team

Chevy Racing–NASCAR–Watkins Glen

MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES
I LOVE NEW YORK 355
WATKINS GLEN INTERNATIONAL
TEAM CHEVY RACE NOTES & QUOTES
AUGUST 6, 2017

TOP TEAM CHEVY FINISHERS:
POS. DRIVER
9TH AJ ALLMENDINGER, NO. 47 KROGER CLICKLIST CHEVY SS
11TH CHRIS BUESCHER, NO. 37 SCOTT PRODUCTS CHEVY SS
12TH MICHAEL MCDOWELL, NO. 95 K-LOVE RADIO CHEVY SS
13TH CHASE ELLIOTT, NO. 24 SUNENERGY 1 CHEVY SS
14TH JAMIE MCMURRAY, NO. 1 MCDONALD’S CHEVY SS Continue reading Chevy Racing–NASCAR–Watkins Glen

Allen Johnson Takes Marathon Petroleum Dodge Dart to Quarterfinals at NHRA Northwest Nationals

Allen Johnson Takes Marathon Petroleum Dodge Dart to Quarterfinals at NHRA Northwest Nationals

KENT, Wash. (August 6, 2017) – Allen Johnson powered to the second round of eliminations after defeating Greg Anderson in the first round at the 30th annual NHRA Northwest Nationals.

First round, Johnson’s and Anderson’s qualifying times were only separated by .001-seconds. The duo staged and the battle was on. Johnson clocked in with a stout 6.592-second pass at 209.88 mph and out-powered Anderson’s 6.611, 209.14.

Second round, Johnson lined up the Marathon Petroleum/J&J Racing Dodge Dart against Tanner Gray. In the hot track conditions, Johnson slowed to a 6.616, 209.17 and was narrowly edged out by Gray’s 6.584, 209.14.

“It felt really good to get a round win,” Johnson said. “We’re happy. We’re gaining on them like I’ve said all year. I think if we keep doing what we’re doing, by Countdown to the Championship time, I think we will be right there with the top four or five cars.”

Allen Johnson’s Northwest Nationals Raceday Stats:
Qualified: No. 8
First Round: Allen Johnson (6.592, 209.88) def. Greg Anderson (6.611, 209.14)
Second Round: Tanner Gray (6.584, 209.14) def. Allen Johnson (6.616, 209.17)

Richard Childress Racing–Watkins Glen 355

Austin Dillon Finishes 26th After Running Out of Fuel With
Two Laps Remaining

“We just didn’t have the speed we needed in our No. 3 Dow STEM Chevrolet today. Our handling was a little off throughout the day today. I was too loose in essess and had trouble getting through the bus stop. We gambled on our fuel strategy when we pitted under that final caution, knowing we’d have to save to avoid being one lap short. I saved as much as I could by doing things like short-shifting, but unfortunately it wasn’t enough this time and we ran out with just two laps to go. We’ll learn from this though and be better next time.”

– Austin Dillon Continue reading Richard Childress Racing–Watkins Glen 355

Paige Coughlin stars in her Sportsman debut; Uncle Mike Coughlin bows out early

Paige Coughlin stars in her Sportsman debut; Uncle Mike Coughlin bows out early
HEBRON, Ohio (Aug. 6) — Third-generation drag racer Paige Coughlin had a successful Sportsman debut at this weekend’s Buckeye Fuel Wars, a Division 3 race in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series. The third daughter of two-time Pro Mod world champion Troy Coughlin, Paige reached the third round of Super Comp action at National Trail Raceway before fouling out with a -.006 red-light start.

“It was a really cool experience, way better than I thought it would be,” Coughlin said. “It was a little nerve-wracking at first knowing I was going to be racing all these great drivers from Division 3, because we have some of the best in the country, but I stayed focused on what I needed to do and ended up having a great time. It was very exciting to be a part of it all.” Continue reading Paige Coughlin stars in her Sportsman debut; Uncle Mike Coughlin bows out early

QUICK FACTS: Robert Hight wins Northwest Nationals

QUICK FACTS: Robert Hight wins Northwest Nationals

SEATTLE (Aug. 6) – Quick facts following Auto Club of Southern California Chevrolet Camaro SS driver Robert Hight’s victory in the NHRA Northwest Nationals on Sunday at Pacific Raceways:
This is Hight’s 39th career NHRA Funny Car victory in his 61st final. He has at least one victory in each of his 13 seasons on the circuit and at least two victories in 12 of 13 seasons.
Hight has two victories in four final-round appearances in 2017.
Prior to Sunday’s race, Hight’s most recent victory came last month in Denver.
Hight defeated Tommy Johnson Jr. in the finals. He is now 17-11 against Johnson and 4-0 in final rounds.
Hight’s last victory against Johnson came in the finals in Denver earlier this season.
This marks Hight’s first victory at Seattle in his second final. He is now 15-12 in 27 elimination round races at Seattle.
The victory was the 250th Funny Car victory for John Force Racing.
Hight’s victory marks the 254th overall victory for John Force racing (250 Funny Car, four Top Fuel).
Hight won the race from the No. 1 qualifying position. It marks the eighth victory for Hight in 14 finals after qualifying No. 1, and first since winning the Four-Wide Nationals in Charlotte in 2012.

CORVETTE RACING AT ROAD AMERICA: No. 3 Corvette Retains Points Lead Fourth for Garcia/Magnussen, fifth for Gavin/Milner in another wild finish

CORVETTE RACING AT ROAD AMERICA: No. 3 Corvette Retains Points Lead
Fourth for Garcia/Magnussen, fifth for Gavin/Milner in another wild finish

ELKHART LAKE, Wisconsin (Aug. 6, 2017) – Corvette Racing’s Antonio Garcia and Jan Magnussen extended their GT Le Mans (GTLM) Driver’s Championship lead Sunday with a fourth-place finish at Road America in the Continental Tire Road Race Showcase.

An early strategic call and some late-race luck propelled the No. 3 Mobil 1/SiriusXM Chevrolet Corvette C7.R from eighth at the start to just off the podium in the seventh GTLM round of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Continue reading CORVETTE RACING AT ROAD AMERICA: No. 3 Corvette Retains Points Lead Fourth for Garcia/Magnussen, fifth for Gavin/Milner in another wild finish

Chevy Racing–NHRA–Northwest Nationals

CHEVROLET RACING IN NATIONAL HOT ROD ASSOCIATION
NHRA NORTHWEST NATIONALS
PACIFIC RACEWAYS AT KENT, WASHINGTON
POST-RACE DRIVER QUOTES
SUNDAY, AUG. 6, 2017

An interview with Funny Car winner ROBERT HIGHT, JOHN FORCE RACING, AUTO CLUB OF CALIFORNIA CHEVROLET CAMARO SS (No. 1 qualifier; second victory on western swing and of the season; recorded 250th victory for John Force Racing and his 39th):
Q: NO ONE COULD TOUCH YOUR CAR TODAY.
ROBERT HIGHT: ”This is one of those weekends that you dream about. We rolled off the trailer and were No. 2 right behind John (Force), and then every round after that – seven straight – we were low ET of every single round in qualifying and on race day. That just goes to the Auto Club team. These guys are amazing. We’re hitting our stride at the right time. All I have to do is stand on the gas, guide this car down there and the win light turns on. It’s awesome. Continue reading Chevy Racing–NHRA–Northwest Nationals

Late-Race Gamble At The Glen Comes A Couple of Laps Short For Blaney, Motorcraft/Quick Lane Team

Late-Race Gamble At The Glen Comes A Couple of Laps Short For Blaney, Motorcraft/Quick Lane Team

August 6, 2017

With their win earlier this season at Pocono Raceway assuring them of a playoff berth, Ryan Blaney and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane team took a gamble on winning at Watkins Glen but came a couple of laps short on fuel.

Blaney was leading with three laps to go when the engine in his No. 21 Fusion began sputtering, so he ducked on to pit road for a splash of fuel. Nonetheless, he was able to score an eighth place finish, his best-ever result on a road course in NASCAR’s elite series. Continue reading Late-Race Gamble At The Glen Comes A Couple of Laps Short For Blaney, Motorcraft/Quick Lane Team

Tough day for Acura, Michael Shank Racing at Road America

Tough day for Acura, Michael Shank Racing at Road America
• Early contact, late-race crash spoil efforts of Katherine Legge and Andy Lally
• Tire issues eliminate Jeff Segal and Ozz Negri while running second
• Acura remains in contention for Manufacturers’ Championship with three races remaining

ELKHART LAKE, Wis. (August 6, 2017) – Hard work throughout a difficult weekend at Road America netted the Michael Shank Racing team and Acura little reward, as both cars were forced to retire from Sunday’s Continental Tire Road Race Showcase. Continue reading Tough day for Acura, Michael Shank Racing at Road America

Chevrolet Secures Two Victories on Final Leg of Western Swing

CHEVROLET RACING IN NATIONAL HOT ROD ASSOCIATION
NHRA NORTHWEST NATIONALS
PACIFIC RACEWAYS AT KENT, WASHINGTON
SUNDAY, AUG. 6, 2017

Chevrolet Secures Two Victories on Final Leg of Western Swing

• Robert Hight earns second win in the past three Funny Car races
• Veteran driver presents John Force Racing its 250th Funny Car victory
• Drew Skillman wins front and back ends of the Pro Stock swing
• Justin Lamb is Stock Eliminator runner-up in Chevrolet COPO Camaro Continue reading Chevrolet Secures Two Victories on Final Leg of Western Swing

Advance Auto Parts driver Courtney Force claims No. 4 qualifying position for Sunday’s Northwest Nationals

Advance Auto Parts driver Courtney Force claims No. 4 qualifying position for Sunday’s Northwest Nationals

SEATTLE (Aug. 5) – Courtney Force saved her best qualifying effort for last, taking the No. 4 qualifying position in NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Funny Car competition for the Northwest Nationals at Pacific Raceways.

Driving the Advance Auto Parts Chevrolet Camaro SS, Force, who had struggled to make a full pass in the first three qualifying sessions, posted a solid run Saturday afternoon of 3.943 seconds at 325.14 mph. That was second-quickest of the session and moved her up from the No. 14 position. In the 15 races in which she has qualified this season, Force has yet to start outside the top four. Continue reading Advance Auto Parts driver Courtney Force claims No. 4 qualifying position for Sunday’s Northwest Nationals

Brittany Force ready to take consistent Monster Energy Top Fuel dragster to Seattle winner’s circle

Brittany Force ready to take consistent Monster Energy
Top Fuel dragster to Seattle winner’s circle

SEATTLE (Aug. 5) – The key to success in NHRA drag racing is often consistency. The team that can make four good runs on Sunday usually ends up in the winner’s circle.

Brittany Force and her Monster Energy team hope that’s the case in the Northwest Nationals on Sunday at Pacific Raceways. Force has been remarkably consistent through qualifying, making three solid passes and snaring the No. 5 qualifying spot for final eliminations. Continue reading Brittany Force ready to take consistent Monster Energy Top Fuel dragster to Seattle winner’s circle

Auto Club driver Robert Hight ready to boot Funny Car field in Seattle

Auto Club driver Robert Hight ready
to boot Funny Car field in Seattle

SEATTLE (Aug. 5) – Fans of the Seattle Seahawks know the importance of a good kicker, as three points for a field goal is often the difference between winning and losing.

The Seahawks can only hope their kicker is as consistent as Auto Club of Southern California driver Robert Hight has been in qualifying for the NHRA Northwest Nationals this weekend at Pacific Raceways. Continue reading Auto Club driver Robert Hight ready to boot Funny Car field in Seattle

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