April 23, 2006

Sunday Eliminations

McClenathan Ends Millican’s Dominance at The Rock

By Mike Perry | IHRA Communications

ROCKINGHAM, N.C. (April 23, 2006) – Clay Millican had owned Rockingham Dragway for a long time, winning nine consecutive national events heading into the Nicko’s NY Style Pizza Spring Nationals presented by Advance Auto Parts. One thing about winning streaks…they eventually come to an end.

Cory McClenathan (Lake Havasu City, Ariz.) ended Millican’s dominance and won his first eMax Drag Racing Series event when he squeaked by Andrew Cowin (Wrightsville Beach, N.C.). McClenathan became the first driver to visit the Top Fuel winner’s circle at Rockingham Dragway since Paul Romine won the 2001 spring race at the track.

The ironic thing is Cowin advanced to the final in the car McClenathan drove in competition last year. Scott Griffin, when he put his Top Fuel team together, purchased much of his equipment from McClenathan’s race team, the Carrier Boyz.

“Andrew and I are good friends and there is a strong relationship between Scott Griffin and the Carrier Boyz,” McClenathan said. “It was funny because Scott was up in our lounge before the final, we were all up there cutting up and having fun. When do you think the last time two teams were going to the final against each other and they were hanging out in each other’s trailer? There is a lot of friendship there. They have a great car and are a great group of guys.”

Cowin left early on McClenathan in the final, taking a .044 second advantage at the starting line, but his Serta dragster’s engine gave out just past the 1,000-foot mark and McClenathan beat him to the stripe.

“They should have beat us,” McClenathan said. “Andrew got me at the stripe and had me at the 1,000 foot mark, but our car didn’t give up and his did just a little.”

McClenathan ran a 4.712/309.91 pass to top Cowin’s 4.786/281.54.

“This means a lot, especially for Mark and Andy Carrier since their father, Larry, founded the IHRA,” McClenathan said. “I have won plenty of times in NHRA competition, but this was my first one over here. I always wanted that Ironman and it is going to have a special place in my trophy case.”

Jack Wyatt also visited the winner’s circle for the first time in eMax Drag Racing Series competition. Wyatt (Corydon, Iowa) topped Vinnie Arcadia (Lancaster, N.Y.) in the Torco Racing Fuels Pro Nitro Funny Car final at Rockingham Dragway, posting a 5.033 pass at 290.01 mph.

“The car was very consistent all weekend,” Wyatt said. “I really didn’t have a run I could point at as being my toughest. The car and crew did a great job and it was great to get a win here at Rockingham. The crowd was incredible this weekend and the fans really treated us well.”

Joshua Hernandez was another driver who captured an Ironman for the first time at Rockingham Dragway. Hernandez (Conroe, Tex.) topped Calgary, Alberta resident Glen Kerunsky in the final to take home his first Torco Pro Modified win. Kerunsky won Pro Modified in the first eMax Drag Racing Series event of the season, the Amalie Oil Texas Nationals in San Antonio.

“We just love to race,” Hernandez said. “It doesn’t matter where we are or what organization we are in, anyone who will let us come and race we’re going to do it. We had a really good weekend here and were able to get the win, so that’s pretty much all we can ask for.”

Hernandez has now won races in both exhibition Pro Modified series, the ADRL and AMS/NHRA, and now has a professional win under his belt. His 6.274/228.07 pass easily put him out in front of Kerunsky, who got out of the groove and had to lift in the final.

Sunday’s Torco Pro Stock victory wasn’t the first for Tony Gillig (Lake Bluff, Ill.), but it was his first in a very long time. Gillig had not won on the eMax Drag Racing Series circuit since 1998.

“It sure feels good to get the monkey off my back,” Gillig said. “It was about time I won one of these. The competition in Pro Stock is so tight and the field so balanced, anyone can win in any round.”

Gillig defeated Bert Jackson (Glen Ellen, Va.) by running a 6.499 pass at 203.28 mph. It was Jackson’s first career final.

Tom Carter (Cuero, Tex.) moved into an Alcohol Funny Car prior to last season. After finishing fourth in the points standings last season, Carter finally broke through and captured his first Ironman.

“It is all about consistency,” Carter said. “I just try to do the same thing every time I get in the car, and it paid off. I don’t know what to think right now, it hasn’t really sunk in yet. This is great.”

Carter defeated Fred Tigges (Holbrook, Mass.) on a holeshot. His elapsed time was worse than Tigges’, 5.944 to 5.931, but he made up for it by taking a .049 advantage at the tree.

The next event on the 2006 eMax Drag Racing Series is the MOPAR Canadian Nationals presented by Castrol, June 2 – 4, at Grand (Ontario) Bend Motorplex.

Top Fuel

Round 1:

Clay Millican, Drummonds TN, Hadman-BAE, Left lane, (0.083) 4.744 274.05 def. Bruce Litton,
Indianapolis IN, Hadman-TFX, (0.047) 4.791 306.67

Doug Foley, Sewell NJ, McKinney-TFX, Left lane, (0.123) 4.705 295.01 def. Rhonda Hartman-Smith,
Williamstown SC, McKinney-BAE, (0.135) 4.929 273.16

Andrew Cowin, Wilmington NC, Hadman-BAE, Left lane, (0.109) 4.758 305.63 def. Michael Gunderson,
Orange Park FL, Hadman-TFX, (0.078) 49.187 32.31

Cory McClenathan, Anaheim CA, Hadman-BAE, Left lane, (0.099) 4.807 250.92 def. Rick Cooper,
Boise ID, McKinney-TFX, (0.018) 5.478 205.54


Semis

A Cowin, Right lane, (0.132) 4.942 275.06 def. C Millican, (0.113) 5.075 234.66

C McClenathan, Right lane, (0.099) 4.868 295.79 def. D Foley, (0.107) 11.016 88.98

Final round

C McClenathan, Left lane, (0.139) 4.712 309.91 def. A Cowin, (0.095) 4.786 281.54

Top Fuel Funny Car

Jack Wyatt, Cerydon IA, '02 Firebird, Left lane, (0.126) 5.010 283.79 def. Dale Creasy Jr.,
Beecher IL, '06 Monte Carlo, (0.105) 5.208 217.77

Vincent Arcadi, Lancaster NY, '00 Camaro, Left lane, (0.100) 5.453 269.78 def. Gary Cooper,
Wichita KS, '04 Stratus, (0.121) 15.685 78.43

Bob Gilbertson, Gastonia NC, '05 Stratus, Left lane, (0.106) 5.969 254.47 def. Terry Haddock,
Lynnwood WA, '05 Monte Carlo, (0.141) 10.168 103.33

Gary Densham, Bellflower CA, '05 Monte Carlo, Left lane, (0.118) 6.409 164.89 def. Paul Lee,
Gaithersburg MD, '01 Camaro, (0.106) 7.965 104.07

Semis

J Wyatt, Left lane, (0.113) 5.037 269.03 def. B Gilbertson, (0.203) 5.466 220.55

V Arcadi, Left lane, (0.127) 5.196 292.33 def. G Densham, (0.119) 5.720 191.16

Final round

J Wyatt, Left lane, (0.138) 5.033 290.01 def. V Arcadi, (0.124) 5.102 296.44

 

Pro Mod

Round 1:

Glen Kerunsky, Priddis AB, '57 Bel Air, Right lane, (0.035) 6.209 226.81 def. Matt Hagan,
Christianburg VA, '63 Corvette, (0.046) 6.242 226.05

Burton Auxier, Dixie WV, '53 Corvette, Left lane, (0.117) 6.205 221.85 def. Carl Spiering,
Jordan Station ON, '63 Corvette, (0.078) 6.373 188.33

Jim Halsey, Street MD, '68 Camaro, Left lane, (0.047) 6.221 222.73 def. Jason Hamstra, Demotte
IN, '63 Corvette, (0.076) 14.088 56.42

Quain Stott, Columbus NC, '63 Corvette, Left lane, (0.091) 6.156 229.94 def. Steve Vick,
Mocksville NC, '63 Corvette, (0.069) 6.393 219.83

Josh Hernandez, Conroe TX, '68 Camaro, Left lane, (0.072) 6.185 228.27 def. Rick Distefano,
Calgary AB, '53 Corvette, (0.095) 6.194 228.27

Mike Janis, Lancaster NY, '06 Cobalt, Left lane, (0.122) 6.187 225.45 def. Chip King, Semora NC,
'69 Daytona, (0.063) 6.452 223.14

Alan Pittman, Greenville SC, '62 Bel Air, Right lane, NT-No Time Recordeddef. Mike Castellana,
Westbury NY, '05 Cavalier, NT-No Time Recorded

Tommy D'Aprile, Port Charlotte FL, '63 Corvette, Left lane, (0.008) 6.358 226.43 def. Mike Bell,
Asheboro NC, '66 Mustang, (0.045) 7.108 154.03

Mike Castellana, Westbury NY, '05 Cavalier, Left lane, (0.070) 6.194 227.42 def. Alan Pittman,
Greenville SC, '62 Bel Air, (0.067) 6.304 219.51


Round 2:

J Hernandez, Left lane, (0.041) 6.191 228.23 def. B Auxier, (0.063) 11.111 81.03

G Kerunsky, Left lane, (0.155) 8.039 200.08 def. M Castellana, (0.080) NT-Broke After Staging

J Halsey, Right lane, (0.095) 6.218 225.22 def. M Janis, (0.069) 8.445 117.02

Q Stott, Left lane, (0.098) 6.204 230.53 def. T D'Aprile, (0.089) 6.554 218.19


Round 3:

J Hernandez, Left lane, (0.034) 6.248 227.54 def. Q Stott, (0.096) 6.195 229.51

G Kerunsky, Left lane, (0.075) 6.222 229.00 def. J Halsey, (0.097) 6.556 223.84


Round 4:

J Hernandez, Right lane, (0.039) 6.274 228.07 def. G Kerunsky, (0.052) 10.258 101.12

Pro Stock

Bert Jackson, Glen Allen VA, '03 Cavalier, Left lane, (0.048) 6.482 214.35 def. Cary Goforth,
Holdenville OK, '06 Cobalt, (0.059) 13.298 75.41

John Montecalvo, Center Moriches NY, '06 Cobalt, Left lane, (0.052) 6.456 214.62 def. Michael
Bruno, Frankfort IL, '06 GTO, (0.092) 6.498 213.84

Larry O'Brien, Lakeshore ON, '04 Stratus, Left lane, (0.103) 6.470 212.93 def. Ed Machacek,
Atkins IA, '05 Cavalier, (0.051) 15.770 61.23

John Bartunek, Pearl River NY, '06 Cobalt, Right lane, (0.050) 6.454 214.89 def. Jeff Dobbins,
Wilmington NC, '06 Escort, (0.065) 6.445 215.34

John Nobile, Dix Hills NY, '03 ZX2, Left lane, (0.086) 6.454 214.48 def. Brian Gahm, Lucasville
OH, '03 Mustang, (0.026) 8.614 108.68

Tony Gillig, Lake Bluff IL, '04 Mustang, Left lane, (0.069) 6.447 214.79 def. Dan Sweeney,
Groton MA, '06 GTO, (0.174) 6.493 212.93

Robert Patrick, Fredericksburg VA, '04 Cobra, Left lane, (0.096) 6.451 214.62 def. Jason
Collins, Rainbow City AL, '04 Mustang, (0.053) 7.072 149.70

Frank Gugliotta, Mt. Airy MD, '05 Escort, Left lane, (0.013) 6.450 215.48 def. Steve Spiess,
Manhattan IL, '05 Cobalt, (0.009) 6.498 212.76


Round 2:

B Jackson, Right lane, (0.043) 6.962 211.56 def. J Nobile, (0.134) 7.340 164.37

L O'Brien, Right lane, (0.026) 6.510 213.50 def. R Patrick, (0.086) 7.448 142.84

F Gugliotta, Left lane, (0.028) 6.469 215.68 def. J Bartunek, (0.016) 6.495 214.31

T Gillig, Left lane, (0.063) 6.470 215.34 def. J Montecalvo, (0.067) 11.980 93.74


Round 3:

B Jackson, Right lane, (0.103) 6.521 213.23 def. L O'Brien, (0.104) 8.746 121.01

T Gillig, Right lane, (0.046) 6.483 214.96 def. F Gugliotta, (-0.100 foul) 6.458 216.00


Round 4:

T Gillig, Left lane, (0.092) 6.499 203.28 def. B Jackson, (0.068) 6.930 209.98

Alcohol Funny Car

Round 1:

Rob Atchison, London ON, '06 Monte Carlo, Left lane, (0.089) 5.812 242.58 def. Neal Parker,
Millville NJ, '05 Monte Carlo, (0.076) 7.241 137.11

Mark Thomas, Louisville OH, '06 Monte Carlo, Right lane, (0.051) 5.869 238.55 def. Melinda
Green-King, Norfolk VA, '02 Avenger, (0.061) 5.944 234.78

Frederick Tigges, Holbrook MA, '01 Avenger, Right lane, (0.013) 6.045 239.82 def. Larry Dobbs,
Welland ON, '01 Corvette, (0.130) 14.512 66.23

Thomas Carter, Cuero TX, '05 Camaro, Right lane, (0.093) 5.911 230.88 def. Trevor Lebsack, Slave
Lake AB, '99 Mustang, (0.107) 6.044 229.51


Round 2:

F Tigges, Right lane, (0.051) 5.844 240.47 def. R Atchison, (0.100) 5.798 242.02

T Carter, Left lane, (0.175) 5.940 236.55 def. M Thomas, (0.173) 5.955 237.96


Round 3:

T Carter, Left lane, (0.097) 5.944 236.42 def. F Tigges, (0.146) 5.931 240.29


Sportsman results

Top Stock -- Bo Kenney, Firebird, 9.534, 138.13 def. Paul Mercure, Camaro, 9.725, 135.35.

Top Sportsman -- Chris Nyerges, Pontiac Firebird, 7.176, 183.77 def. Gary Bingham, Pontiac Grand Am, 7.208, 190.22.

Top Dragster -- Jason Lynch, Dragster, 7.357, 178.54 def. Brett Nesbitt, Dragster, 7.041, 182.48.

Quick Rod -- Troy Williams Jr., Dragster, 8.884, 155.54 def. Larry Ericksmoen, Dragster, 8.857, 157.59.

Super Rod -- Steve Furr, Chevy Camaro, 9.887, 155.81 def. Tracy Ogden, Chevy S-10, 9.869, 156.12.

Hot Rod -- Kenny Underwood, Vega, 17.706, 72.15 def. Gary Bryant, Camaro, broke.

Super Stock -- Scotty Stillings, Pontiac Grand Am, 9.502, 131.91 def. Joe Tysinger, Pontiac Firebird, 10.726, 123.24.

Stock -- Travis Womble Jr, Chevy Camaro, 10.506, 119.85 def. Myron Piatek, Dodge Dart, 11.758, 107.39.

Final Qualifying

Only two rounds of qualifying were run at Rockingham as the weather affected racing all day Saturday. The rains came and went on three different occasions and the plug was finally pulled at 8:30 PM just before racing was set to resume.

Here are the fianl numbers from Saturday's second and final round of qualifying

Top Fuel

1 19 Cory McClenathan, Anaheim CA, Hadman-BAE 4.549 326.32 326.32
2 835 Andrew Cowin, Wilmington NC, Hadman-BAE 4.559 322.88 322.88
3 2 Doug Foley, Sewell NJ, McKinney-TFX 4.628 319.67 319.67
4 1 Clay Millican, Drummonds TN, Hadman-BAE 4.641 308.57 308.57
5 4 Rick Cooper, Boise ID, McKinney-TFX 4.664 314.17 314.17
6 217A Michael Gunderson, Orange Park FL, Hadman-TFX 4.677 316.23 316.23
7 747 Rhonda Hartman-Smith, Williamstown SC, McKinne 4.790 299.40 299.40
8 345 Bruce Litton, Indianapolis IN, Hadman-TFX 4.794 304.94 304.94

Pro Mod

1 1382 Tommy D'Aprile, Port Charlotte FL, *'63 Corvet 6.132 230.69 231.24
2 5 Mike Janis, Lancaster NY, *'06 Cobalt 6.138 230.84 230.84
3 6695 Rick Distefano, Calgary AB, '53 Corvette 6.141 231.16 231.16
4 44 Mike Castellana, Westbury NY, '05 Cavalier 6.157 229.70 229.70
5 6 Quain Stott, Columbus NC, *'63 Corvette 6.173 230.80 230.80
6 4 Jim Halsey, Street MD, '68 Camaro 6.183 224.73 224.92
7 8 Burton Auxier, Dixie WV, '53 Corvette 6.190 223.47 223.47
8 671 Glen Kerunsky, Priddis AB, *'57 Bel Air 6.196 228.04 228.04
9 247 Mike Bell, Asheboro NC, *'66 Mustang 6.198 229.35 229.35
10 1313 Chip King, Semora NC, *'69 Daytona 6.201 231.95 231.95
11 4901 Josh Hernandez, Conroe TX, *'68 Camaro 6.201 231.28 231.28
12 1962 Alan Pittman, Greenville SC, '62 Bel Air 6.208 227.15 227.15
13 1107 Steve Vick, Mocksville NC, '63 Corvette 6.214 222.66 222.66
14 470 Jason Hamstra, Demotte IN, '63 Corvette 6.216 226.73 226.73
15 1057 Carl Spiering, Jordan Station ON, *'63 Corvette 6.218 226.77 226.77
16 2814 Matt Hagan, Christianburg VA, '63 Corvette 6.218 224.32 227.46

Nitro Funny Car

1 206 Bob Gilbertson, Gastonia NC, '05 Stratus 4.837 312.86 312.86
2 782 Gary Densham, Bellflower CA, '05 Monte Carlo 5.050 234.13 234.13
3 302 Dale Creasy Jr., Beecher IL, '06 Monte Carlo 5.132 250.92 250.92
4 1429 Vincent Arcadi, Lancaster NY, '00 Camaro 5.402 281.71 281.71
5 121 Terry Haddock, Lynnwood WA, '05 Monte Carlo 5.421 266.11 266.11
6 116 Paul Lee, Gaithersburg MD, '01 Camaro 5.908 163.99 163.99
7 34 Jack Wyatt, Cerydon IA, '02 Firebird 6.441 157.50 157.50
8 517 Gary Cooper, Wichita KS, '04 Stratus 6.521 170.32 170.32

Alcohol Funny Car

1 1 Rob Atchison, London ON, '06 Monte Carlo 5.774 245.14 246.08
2 3 Mark Thomas, Louisville OH, '06 Monte Carlo 5.826 243.02 243.02
3 147 Frederick Tigges, Holbrook MA, '01 Avenger 5.840 242.63 242.63
4 6320 Trevor Lebsack, Slave Lake AB, '99 Mustang 5.905 231.08 231.08
5 172 Neal Parker, Millville NJ, '05 Monte Carlo 5.963 235.39 235.39
6 226 Melinda Green-King, Norfolk VA, '02 Avenger 5.967 232.63 232.87
7 293 Larry Dobbs, Welland ON, '01 Corvette 5.975 232.63 232.63
8 4 Thomas Carter, Cuero TX, '05 Camaro 5.988 234.94 234.94

Pro Stock

1 2 Frank Gugliotta, Mt. Airy MD, '05 Escort 6.435 216.90 216.90
2 262 Robert Patrick, Fredericksburg VA, '04 Cobra 6.438 214.93 214.93
3 759 Jeff Dobbins, Wilmington NC, '06 Escort 6.446 215.86 215.86
4 777 John Nobile, Dix Hills NY, '03 ZX2 6.449 215.62 215.62
5 251 Cary Goforth, Holdenville OK, '06 Cobalt 6.466 216.17 216.17
6 22 Jason Collins, Rainbow City AL, '04 Mustang 6.473 214.52 214.52
7 42 John Bartunek, Pearl River NY, '06 Cobalt 6.483 213.03 213.03
8 171 Larry O'Brien, Lakeshore ON, '04 Stratus 6.484 214.35 214.35
9 24 Michael Bruno, Frankfort IL, '06 GTO 6.488 214.93 214.93
10 5695 Dan Sweeney, Groton MA, '06 GTO 6.492 213.94 213.94
11 1 Steve Spiess, Manhattan IL, '05 Cobalt 6.496 214.14 214.14
12 1320 Bert Jackson, Glen Allen VA, '03 Cavalier 6.520 212.33 212.33
13 6 Tony Gillig, Lake Bluff IL, '04 Mustang 6.522 212.39 212.39
14 43 Doug Kirk, Lenoir WV, '04 Escort 6.529 214.31 214.31
15 143 Ron Miller, Lebanon OH, '02 Cavalier 6.541 210.80 210.80
16 335 Bob Bertsch, Willis MI, '04 Mustang 6.550 211.83 211.83

April 18, 2006

Big Name Late Entries Added to this Weekend’s Nicko’s NY Style Pizza Spring Nationals at Rockingham Dragway

Gary Densham, John and Rhonda Hartman-Smith, Cory McClenathan Join Already Impressive eMax Drag Racing Series Nitro Fields

NORWALK, Ohio (April 14, 2006) – Gary Densham enjoyed his first IHRA event so much he is coming back for more in Rockingham, N.C. Densham, who won the Torco Racing Fuels Pro Nitro Funny Car Ironman at the eMax Drag Racing Series season opener at San Antonio Raceway, will look to drive his Racebricks ’05 Monte Carlo to a second straight victory at the Nicko’s NY Style Pizza Spring Nationals at Rockingham Dragway April 21-23.

“I had such a great time in San Antonio, and winning the race made it even better,” Densham said. “I would like to run all the eMax events, but I can’t this season. Hopefully we can come to Rockingham and win some more money. I think we have just as good a chance as anyone to win, and that’s what we’re setting out to do.”

Rhonda Hartman-Smith is making her return to competition after taking last season off for the birth of her son, Dylan. Hartman-Smith has three career eMax Drag Racing Series national event victories, has appeared in seven career final rounds and has finished as high as second in world championship points standings (to Doug Herbert in 1995). Hartman-Smith, who will field the Hartman Enterprises Craftsman Tools dragster, was the runner up at the IHRA World Finals in Rockingham, falling to Clay Millican to close out the 2003 season.

“After taking the time off to have Dylan I have wanted to get back in the car,” Hartman-Smith said. “I bought a bunch of new parts I want to test. Rockingham Dragway is one of my favorite IHRA tracks, so I figured I could go out, test and compete at the same time.”

Rhonda’s husband John Smith, IHRA’s 2003 “Rookie of the Year” will come to Rockingham to make his Nitro Funny Car debut in his Paul Smith Racing Craftsman Tools entry. After competing in Top Fuel during the 2005 NHRA season, he sees this as a fitting track to make his entry into Torco Racing Fuels Pro Nitro Funny Car competition.

“We’ve always done pretty well at Rockingham, so it feels good knowing we’ll be returning,” said Smith. “I’ve grew up around Rockingham over the years and raced with my Dad there in the late 70s. It’s always been a dream of mine to race Nitro Funny Car, and I’m happy to see that dream come true at Rockingham.”

Cory McClenathan will also make the trip to Rockingham, bringing his Carrier Boyz FRAM Boost Top Fuel Dragster. McClenathan, who raced at the past two IHRA events at Norwalk Raceway Park, finished as runner up to Clay Millican at the 2005 Skull Gear World Nationals.

"I love to run IHRA when we can. If it were up to me, I would race every weekend,” said McClenathan. “It’s a lot of fun and the fans are always good to us at Rockingham. I heard Rhonda will be returning to competition, so it’ll be nice to compete with her, Millican, and the rest of the Top Fuel field.”

While happy to return to IHRA racing, McClenathan suffered a major wreck during his last Top Fuel race at Rockingham in 1993.

“I’ve had a checkered past at Rockingham,” said McClenathan. “I crashed pretty hard there in ’93 and ended up in the burn center for a few days. I have been back since, but not in a Top Fuel dragster, so it’ll be an interesting weekend from that perspective.”

 

For Immediate Release
Contact: Dennis Smith (519) 451-3890 dennis@atchisonracing.com

Atchison ready to "Rock" at Rockingham

London, Ontario, March 22 , 2006 Defending IHRA "3 Straight" Funny Car Champion Rob Atchison returns to Rockingham fresh off a runner-up finish the Texas Nationals. "We ran real well here last fall clinching our championship and setting the ET record," stated Rob Atchison. It would be real nice to add a Spring Nationals Ironman to our collection after breaking our draught at " The Rock" during the World Finals. We had our problems getting some of our new stuff sorted out in Texas but we are confident we can get things going here. We knocked the new car smell out of the Erickson Tie Downs and Tow Straps Monte Carlo in the first qualifier by going in the sand. The Monte Carlo is back at Ultimate Touch getting some cosmetic work done but should be done in time for the trip to North Carolina but if not we will take the our Pontiac out of the mothballs.

" We had a problem getting a handle on things in Texas at the start of the IHRA eMax Series because it is not feasible for us to test during off season for two reasons," stated Atchison. First, we were very busy at our machine shop in London building motors for customers as well as preparing engines for both of our cars. Three of our customers (Glen Kerunsky IHRA/NHRA Pro Mod), (Trevor Lowe West Coast Pro Mod) and (Tim O'Hare NMCA) have already started their seasons on a positive note. Glen was runner-up at the NHRA GatorNationals and won the IHRA Texas Nationals, Trevor raced his Pro Mod against Nitro Coupes in Pomona at the Super Chevy event and won the event and Tim O'Hare became the first car in his Outlaw Street class to run a 6.40 setting the ET record on his way to a runner-up finish in Bradenton. Secondly, it is also next to impossible to load the race trailer early in the year because the weather here is so unpredictable because of the Great Lakes weather effect. We missed the first Texas Nationals because we had freezing rainstorms followed by major snow squalls in 2003.

The Atchison Racing Team had penciled in the NHRA Lucas Oil Division 3 race in their schedule for April 7-9 and was going to use that as a valuable test session under race conditions but the race was cancelled at the last minute do to inclement weather. " If we could have known a day ahead of time on the Indy cancellation we might have been able to go to Valdosta, Georgia and run Divisional race there," stated the Champion. Valdosta is about 24 hours drive from home compared to 8 hours for Indy. We really wanted to try our luck with the Roots blower against the NHRA guys and their screw blowers.
For more information on Atchison Racing visit www.atchisonracing.com or the IHRA eMax Drag Racing Series visit www.ihra.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Carl Spiering Motorsports debuts new Eaton Electrical Camaro at Rockingham

“A 200 mph trip into the wall is not my idea of how to begin the season!”

JORDAN STATION, ON (April 13, 2006) – It’s earlier than planned, but Carl Spiering will debut the new Eaton Electrical Supercharged 1967 Chevrolet Camaro Pro Modified entry at the upcoming Nicko’s NY Style Pizza 36th Annual Spring Nationals. This event, is the second in the 2006 IHRA eMax Drag Racing Series, and presented by Advance Auto Parts, will be held in Rockingham, North Carolina, April 21-23 at Rockingham Dragway.

The 41-year-old Spiering crashed the Carl Spiering Motorsports Eaton Electrical Pro Modified Chevrolet Corvette in the quarterfinals at the Amalie Oil Texas Nationals at San Antonio Raceway March 26 in Texas. The Camaro will be replacing the Corvette.

“A 200 mph trip into the wall is not my idea of how to begin the season,” said Spiering, who hails from Jordan Station, ON. “We had some terrible luck and got beat up pretty bad in San Antonio. I will be fine and the Eaton Electrical team will rebound stronger than ever.”

Spiering was taken to hospital after the incident and released the same night with broken ribs, bumps, and bruises. Carl Spiering Motorsport would like to thank the IHRA's safety and track rescue team of emergency medical technicians, paramedics and fire fighters, the on-site physician, and the Brooks Army Medical Center for their help and support.

“We had big corporate plans for the introduction of the new Camaro with Eaton,” Spiering added. “The situation at Texas changed all of those plans and we immediately started to get the new Eaton Road Warrior ready for the next race.”

Spiering leads the points chase for the Torco Race Fuels Pro Modified Shootout and had a strong season in 2005. Winning the IHRA Torco Race Fuels Pro Modified Shootout and the IHRA ACDelco Nationals. The Eaton Electrical Pro Modified placed third in the IHRA World Championship National Event Tour.

With a serious passion for fast machines in any type of competition, Carl Spiering is quickly becoming one of the hottest Pro Modified racers on the drag race circuit.

The Nicko’s NY Style Pizza Spring Nationals presented by Advance Auto Parts will begin Friday, April 21, at Rockingham Dragway and will conclude with championship eliminations Sunday, April 23. For information about Rockingham Dragway 910.582.3400 or visit www.rockinghamdragway.com


 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

There's Nothing Like Home Cooking For Quain Stott Drag Racing

April 18, 2006

Columbus, N.C. - In just about every sport, home field has it's
advantages, drag racing isn't different. Quain Stott and his Lee Boy
1963 Corvette, powered by TORCO Racing Fuels, will make the 160 mile
trip from Columbus, North Carolina, to Rockingham this week in
preparation for the second stop on the eMax Drag Racing Series, the
Nicko's NY Style Pizza Spring Nationals. The event is contested at
Stott's home track, Rockingham Dragway.

Stott is no stranger to "The Rock", one of the fastest quarter
miles on the IHRA series. The 2005 outing found Quain qualified number
one and working his way through eliminations before falling in the final
round to Al Billes. If 2005 seems like "old news", competitors might be
wary of the momentum that the Quain Stott Drag Racing team is already
gaining during the 2006 campaign. The team's second entry, the "Support
Our Troops" '63 Corvette, sponsored by Evan Knoll and TORCO Racing
Fuels, is piloted by Tommy D'Aprile, who made a final round appearance
in the season opener. While Stott was happy for teammate D'Aprile, he
wasn't satisfied with his own first round loss at that event. So, Stott
loaded up his hot rod and headed for some Outlaw ProMod action in St.
Louis where 32 cars fought for a spot at the ADRL's second event of
2006. Stott qualified strong and is paired with John Lynam in the finals
of the rain delayed event. The event will be completed in Memphis later
this season. Stott has now made the final round in 3 of the 4 ADRL
events the team has entered, winning two, with this event still pending.
Should Stott win the final round, he would find himself second in
points, just three points out of first.

Stott enjoys making as many ADRL races as his schedule will
allow. "These are great bonus races for our sponsors and our fans, it's
our way of showing appreciation for all of their support," said Stott.
While the team had not planned on making an appearance in Memphis, Stott
finds himself reconsidering. "I don't like unfinished business," he
explained. "Plus, it could solidify our position in the year end shoot
out."

While the team enjoys some of the early season momentum, Stott
knows nothing can be taken for granted. "This should be a big weekend
for us," Stott added. "It's our home track, it's Lee Boy's home track,
we want to make a good showing. Kelly Majestie, President of Lee Boy,
will be here with many of their clients and representatives. We're
always looking forward to their North Carolina hospitality."

Quain Stott Drag Racing is partnered with Lee Boy, TORCO Racing
Fuels, Mercer Transportation and supported by the men and women of the
United States Armed Forces.

To learn more about Quain Stott, Tommy D'Aprile and the Quain
Stott Drag Racing team, visit http://www.quainstott.com/

 

McMillen Looks For Magic Rockingham Formula

April 18, 2006

Rockingham, N.C. - Terry McMillen and his Amalie Oil InstiGator
Funny Car, powered by TORCO Race Fuels, head for the sand hills of North
Carolina looking to restore a little magic at the Nicko's NY Style Pizza
Spring Nationals. "Rockingham had been good to us up until last season,"
said McMillen. "Somehow we took the 'Rock' for granted."

Success in Rockingham could prove to be a key ingredient for
McMillen's 2006 eMax Drag Racing Championship quest. "The season is
young, but Rockingham plays a very important role for us," said
McMillen. "We need to do well here to carry some of the momentum we
fought for in San Antonio." The Hoosier Thunder Motorsports team pounded
our a semi-final appearance and left San Antonio third in points.

In 2004, McMillen used a semi-final finish in Rockingham to
propel the team to a career best third place finish for the season. The
2005 season started just as strong for McMillen, who came into
Rockingham after a final round appearance in San Antonio, but left with
a rare DNQ. "We fought hard the rest of the season, but never got back
on track after Rockingham," added McMillen. "Steve Earwood has one of
the nicest facilities on the circuit and possibly the best racing
surface a drag racer could ask for, we just have to find that magic
formula we had in 2004 to make this a great race for us."

"Right now, we control our destiny," said McMillen. "We've got
the great partners like Amalie Oil, eRaceFuels, Flatout Gaskets, NGK
Spark Plugs, MSD, Performance Graphics, Powershield Coatings, Crane
Cams, eMax, and C. Trade Group, behind us."

Professional qualifying for the Nicko's NY Style Pizza Spring
Nationals begins Friday, April 21 at 7:00PM with elimination rounds on
Sunday. To learn more about Terry McMillen and the Hoosier Thunder
Motorsports, Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car, visit the team website at
http://hoosierthunder.com.

Kerunsky ready for IHRA Spring Nationals

Priddis, Alberta, Canada March 27, 2006 Fresh off his IHRA Texas Nationals victory, Western Canada’s Glen Kerunsky returns to Rockingham, North Carolina and the IHRA Spring Nationals. “ We look forward returning to the “Rock” and it’s record setting track surface and the great North Carolina fans,” states current IHRA Torco Pro Mod points leader Glen Kerunsky. We are committed to run the full IHRA eMax Drag Racing Series in 2006 and we hope we can continue to gain valuable eMax Series points at each event. We had our car set up to run consistent in Texas and we were rewarded with a trip to the Winner’s Circle. The competition in IHRA Torco Pro Mod is world class and with 30 cars at each event you had better bring your “A” game or you will be going home early.

Kerunsky Racing’s beautiful bright yellow 57 Chevy is powered by an Alan Johnson 481x Chevy built by London, Ontario, Canada’s Atchison Machine Service Inc. and tucked neatly into the frame rails of a Tim McAmis Race Cars chassis. “We have a great car and engine combination that gives our team confidence every time we race,” states Kerunsky. It makes my job easier as driver and tuner when we are all confident in our equipment and each other. I think this shows in our first 2 races this year with the runner-up at the Gator Nationals and our victory in Texas that we are on all on the same page.

Kerunsky racing will return to Canada for the Mopar Canadian Nationals at Grand Bend Motorplex June 2-4 before making the cross Canada trip to the Eaton-Cutler Hammer Pro Mod Invitational June 17-18 at the newly repaved NHRA Div.6 track in Mission, British Columbia. Following the Eaton Cutler Invitational it will be off to Edmonton for the IHRA Rocky Mountain Nationals. “This part of our schedule we will log a lot of miles but we really miss racing at home in front of our many Canadian fans,” states Kerunsky. We concentrated on the full AMS/Pro Mod Challenge in 2005 and even though we had some good success it just wasn’t as much fun as racing at home in front our fans.

This 2006 Kerunsky Racing Team consists of Crew Members Mike Gondziola, Mike Pople along with Glen’s wife Cindy Kerunsky. The new Kerunsky Racing website is nearly complete and scheduled for launch soon. The new website address will be www.kerunskyracing.com.

 

Mike Janis’ Eaton Team is Looking for A Buffalo Style Win at The Nicko’s NY Style Pizza Spring Nationals

Courtesy of: Mike Janis Racing Inc.

For Immediate Release

April 18, 2006

Elma, NY – With Nicko’s NY Style Pizza signing as the title sponsor of the Nicko’s NY Style Pizza Spring Nationals at Rockingham it’s only fitting that some Buffalo Style be added to the event. Two Time IHRA Pro Modified World Champion Mike Janis and his Eaton sponsored Pro Modified team will bring some Hot and Spicy “Buffalo Style” Racing to the Rockingham event.

Much like Buffalo Wings, Buffalo style Drag Racing is hot with Mike Janis’ Eaton team leading the way. Buffalo style is a no-nonsense in your face style with a commitment to excellence driven by a hard work ethic. Nothing exemplifies this more than Mike Janis’ Eaton team and their Two World Titiles.

Janis finished off the 2005 season with a win at the Rockingham World Finals and is looking to get his first win of 06’ on the same track. “ The Rock has always been good to us. Steve Earwood has a great facility that has brought me a few wins (three to be exact) and we are hoping to get two more from him this season starting with the Spring Nationals,” said Team Owner/Driver Mike Janis.

Crew Chief Mike Janis Jr. knows that this race will not be easy but he’s still looking for some serious performance gains from his team. Rockingham usually has a large Pro Mod field for it’s races, both the Spring Nats and the World Finals, for several teams this will be their first National event of the season and they will be hungry but I think we’ll be ready. We had a few little bugs we had to work out and I think we’ve got them figured out now. This new car has a lot of potential and I feel we’ve only tickled the power of our new Jan-Cen prepared Hemi”, said Mike Jr..

The Nicko’s NY Style Pizza Spring Nationals presented by Advance Auto Parts featuring the Castrol Night Of Fire at Rockingham Dragway, April 21-23, the second event on the 2006 eMax Drag Racing Series. To Follow all the racing action as it happens go to http://www.dragracecentral.com/


 

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