Click on this link to see coverage of Top Fuel, Pro Mod, Top Alcohol Funny Car and the two exhibition nitro funny car class.

Click on this link to see the coverage of the Pro Nostalgia Funny Cars (IBAA) Nitro Harleys and the sportsman classes.

(Press Releases follow the IHRA wrap up)

Tuesday July 7, 2009

IHRA Communications Weekend wrap up

EDMONTON, Alb. --

Records fell by the wayside both on and off the track during a very busy weekend at the River Cree Resort and Casino Rocky Mountain Nationals presented by Paradise RV Sunday at Castrol Raceway in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
With six professional classes, nearly two dozen sportsman classes and small handful of match races and exhibition vehicles sprinkled in for fun it was an exciting three days of racing as fans came out in droves to see the world's greatest drivers go at it on the Canadian quarter mile.

Packing the stands as tightly as possible to make room for three straight sold out crowds, race fans watched Bruce Litton (Top Fuel), Ed Hoover (Pro Modified), Roger Bateman (Alcohol Funny Car), Jason Arkinstall (Nitro Bikes), Gary Christopher (Pro Mod Bike) and Rod Elliott (Pro Nostalgia) take home Ironman trophies during Parts Source Championship Sunday at Castrol Raceway.

The IHRA also saw its record of four straight events without a repeat winner among its regular touring pros come to an end Sunday thanks to the win by Litton.

Also taking home wins during Sunday's championship rounds were Scott Blake (Top Sportsman), Tom Koenen (Top Dragster), Jamie Fiesel (Quick Rod), Dennis White (Super Rod), Casey Plaizier (Hot Rod), Randy Hutchings (Stock) and Casey Plaizier (Super Stock) in sportsman competition.

There were also a number of drivers taking home wins in several other sportsman categories.

Nitro Funny Car also returned to IHRA competition over the weekend as Dale Creasy Jr. made his return to racing against Terry Haddock in a weekend long grudge match between the two Nitro Funny Car world champions.

While Creasy dominated the headlines, it was Bruce Litton who took the spoils.

Litton made quite a statement in his bid for a second championship Sunday while also breaking up the list of non-repeat winners with a victory in Top Fuel Sunday at the Rocky Mountain Nationals at Castrol Raceway.

Litton (Indianapolis, Ind.) ran a solid 4.908 second lap at 299.26 miles per hour to get around Mitch King (Galveston, Texas) who was in his first career final. King ran a disappointing 7.221 elapsed time after smoking the tires at halftrack.

"I am just thrilled that we could get a win for the fans and for Lucas Oil Canada and United. They are the ones that keep us racing and turning win lights," Litton said. "It was a long haul up here, but the spectators made this worthwhile. These crowds are second to none."

Sunday marked Litton's second win of the year as he also claimed a victory at the season opening Mardi Gras Nationals in Baton Rouge. It was also Litton's fourth final in five tries this season as he extended his points lead over rookie Del Cox Jr. to 84 points after Cox fell out in the first round.

"It isn't about me, I just steer the car. These guys (my crew) deserve all the credit. They do their jobs so well and allow me to come out here and have the easy part," Litton said. "We have been so blessed to do this and we enjoy having the opportunity to represent our sponsors and put on a good show for these incredible fans."

Litton, who won the inaugural Rocky Mountain Nationals in 2003, knocked off Bobby Lagana Jr., Terry Haddock and King on his way to his 15th career victory.

King reached his first career final round with a big upset of Terry McMillen in the semifinals. McMillen began pedaling the car at mid-track while King produced a trouble-free run with a 5.145 second pass at 273.39 miles per hour to advance. McMillen crossed the line on a 5.997 second lap at 166.37 miles per hour.

Litton made his fourth final in five tries with a dominating win over Terry Haddock who had all sorts of trouble in his run. Litton blew bye the '08 Nitro Funny Car champ with a 4.987 second pass at 288.21 miles per hour while Haddock limped across the line nearly two seconds later.

In quarterfinal action King pulled a huge upset of protege Del Cox, who suffered his first first round loss of the season. With the loss Litton was able to extend his points lead over the rookie from California.

Haddock continued the upset trend with a stunner over Edmonton product Tim Boychuk in a pedal fest as Haddock kept in the throttle despite smoke rolling from every corner of the car. In the other quarterfinal rounds Litton got past Bobby Lagana Jr. and McMillen made an easy pass against Smax Smith.

Coming into the weekend everyone knew that the Pro Modified final at the Rocky Mountain Nationals would probably consist of Ed Hoover and Kenny Lang.

What they didn't know was who was going to come out on top this time.

Hoover (Gilbert, S.C.) and Lang (Grande Pointe, Manitoba), meeting for the fourth time in five races this season, continued their grudge match in the battle of the United States versus Canada as this time Hoover got the best of Lang, breaking up a string of three-straight elimination losses to the Canadian to take home his first win of the year.

"It has been a tough road. We have been to five races and have made just one final. It was our turn to win," Hoover said. "Kenny Lang beat us and shut us down three times this year and it was nice to get one back. It is just satisfying to win one for Paul Trussell. He has been behind me 13 years now and we needed to get one. The car was just phenomenal this weekend."

Hoover ran a 6.127 elapsed time at 235.23 miles per hour to get around Lang (Grande Pointe, Manitoba) who smoked the tires on his way to a disappointing 13.265 second lap in the finals.

"It is a tribute to my team, my crew and to our new deal - Gilbert Powerhouse. That is the name of my new engine company," Hoover said. "I took over tuning this car this year and we like to tune it aggressive. This is Ed Hoover power, now Al Billes power. I wanted to do something different and that is what I did. We qualified No. 1, set both ends of the track record and got the win.

"That is a good day for Ed Hoover Powerhouse."

Hoover picked up his 14th career victory.

Hoover, traveling nearly 3,000 miles to be at Castrol Raceway for this weekend's event, set up his dominance early by claiming the Last Man Standing award on Friday on his way to taking the No. 1 qualifying position, a number that would hold as the weekend advanced.

"I have to keep talking about the Canadian fans. Last night we had a tent full drinking beer and having a great time. They are great people," Hoover said. "It may be a long haul, but these fans make it worth the trip."

Lang got a bit of revenge on Saturday, stealing the five points back, but Hoover was able to get it done when it mattered most. Hoover claimed wins over Wade Sjostrom, Wayne Hofer and Lang to take the victory.

With the win Hoover closed the gap to just eight points in the Pro Mod points chase.

Hoover and Lang set up their epic second straight final with a few interesting afternoon runs.

Hoover, who was almost eliminated in the first round, rebounded nicely with a big win in the quarterfinals to receive a bye in the semis via his No. 1 qualifying position. It was in that bye run that Hoover claimed lane choice, running a solid 6.10 elapsed time at 236.17 miles per hour.

Lang's journey went a little smoother in the early morning, but really picked up in the afternoon session when Lang went head to head with Rick Distefano in the semis in a battle of the '53 Corvettes.

Despite the super semifinal matchup, Distefano took all the guess work out of the win when he went red, giving the free pass to Lang who ran a 6.706 E.T. at 227.46 miles per hour, setting up the battle of the best in IHRA Pro Modified competition.

Hoover survived a scary first round, stumbling twice before powering his way to a win. He didn't have nearly as much of a challenge in the quarters with an easy win over Wayne Hofer. In the other quarterfinal matchups Distefano got a free pass when Joe Delehay failed to show and Lang smoked Ross Hogenson.

Roger Bateman left no question who had the most dominating car of the weekend Sunday afternoon when he rocketed past Ken Webster in the Alcohol Funny Car final as Bateman walked away from the Rocky Mountain Nationals with two new track records and a shiny new IHRA Ironman to add to his collection.

"We had a good week. The race car was good and it makes it easy on an old man when the race car is this good," Bateman said.

But it wasn't just the car that kept Bateman motivated - it was the memory of the last time he was at Castrol Raceway for the Rocky Mountain Nationals.

"We raced here three years ago and the guys reminded me that I lost in the final that year despite having the fastest car," Bateman said. "We didn't give it away this time."

Bateman (Calgary, Alberta) was a force to be reckoned with all weekend long, taking the No. 1 spot in qualifying and setting a pair of track records on Saturday before rolling through the competition Sunday on his way to his first career IHRA victory.

Not only did he set the new track record over the weekend, but every run over the course of the weekend was faster than the old track marks.

"Even our worst run was better than the track record," Bateman said. "Now that is a good weekend."

Bateman defeated Ken Webster (Red Deer, Alberta) in a superb final as Bateman ran a 5.669 elapsed time at 252.80 miles per hour to Webster's 5.909 second lap at 233.92 mph.

Bateman's domination of the Alcohol Funny Car class continued in the semifinals in a matchup with the second fastest car of the weekend, John Evanchuk. While Evanchuk got off the line first, Bateman was able to regroup and drive around the Edmonton native with a 5.697 elapsed time at 250.97 miles per hour. Evanchuk ran a 8.112 after hitting some trouble on the far end.

Webster advanced to the finals when his opponent, Trevor Lebsack, took too long to stage essentially giving the free pass to Webster. Webster ran a 5.723 second lap at 253.33 miles per hour.

In quarterfinal action Lebsack pulled a bit of an upset over three-time IHRA world champion Rob Atchison who heavily shook the tires at about 200 feet. Webster got a nice win over Nathan Sitko in a super race, while Evanchuk took down Scott McVey and Bateman rolled over Jordan Pawlick.

A great weekend of racing in Nitro Bikes saw a bit of a scary moment during the finals when Jason Arkinstall, moments after taking the win light, ran off the far end of the track after failing to get stopped during his run against Damian Cownden.

After a brief delay Arkinstall and his bike were pulled from the sand and he was able to celebrate in victory lane with his first career IHRA Ironman trophy.

Arkinstall (Surrey, British Columbia) ran a 6.610 elapsed time at 214.31 miles per hour to Cownden's (Victoria, British Columbia) 7.192 E.T. at 154.60 mph as Cownden dropped a cylinder at halftrack, easily handing the victory to Arkinstall.

Arkinstall and Cownden, who seemed to be on a crash course all weekend long, made sure that matchup became a reality with a pair of nice wins in the semifinals.

Arkinstall defeated John Breckenridge with a 6.659 elapsed time at 212.76 miles per hour to Breckenridge's 7.882 second lap. Cownden reached the finals with a 6.779 second time at 212.03 miles per hour to get past Ken Kent who ran a 6.899 E.T.

In the quarters it was Cownden over Mike Scott, Kent over Kevin Boyer, Breckenridge over Andy Beauchemin and Arkinstall over Mike Pelrine

Without a doubt the most dominating vehicle of the weekend whether on two wheels or four was the 2004 Ninja motorcyle driven by Gary Christopher in Pro Modified bike.

Holding down the top spot in qualifying throughout the weekend and carrying that momentum into Sunday, Christopher (Hope, British Columbia) was able to easily eliminate one opponent after another en route to taking the Pro Modified Bike championship Sunday afternoon.

Christopher eliminated Gord Smith (Kelowna, British Columbia) in the finals with a 7.229 second pass at 182.53 miles per hour while Smith coasted across the line nearly six seconds later after running into a bit of trouble early in his run.

Christopher, who had the fastest car all weekend long, easily reached the finals with a dominating win over Kevin Shupac. Christopher ran a 7.309 elapsed time at 188.12 miles per hour to Shupac's 9.172 E.T.

Smith matched himself with Christopher via a win over Rich Podszus who struggled at the line. Smith ran a 6.679 E.T. at 167.76 miles per hour.

In the quarters it was Christopher over Mike Smith, Shupac over Spencer Johnson, Smith over Terry Schweigert and Podszus in a solo pass when his opponent failed to show.

Rod Elliott
In Pro Nostalgia Rod Elliott was able to survive a couple of scares to reach the finals, eventually taking a victory over No. 1 qualifier Eddy Plaizier in the 7.20 index class.

Elliott (Edmonton, Alberta) ran a 7.242 elapsed time at 198.78 miles per hour while Plaizier (Edmonton, Alberta) ran a 7.274 E.T. at 163.10 miles per hour.

Elliott, who held the top spot on Friday, was knocked off of the podium by Plaizier on Saturday but was able to get his revenge by taking home the Ironman Sunday afternoon.

Plaizier was gifted a trip to the finals when opponent Cal Tebb took too long to stage, essentially awarding a free pass to Plaizier. Even with the freebie Plaizier still ran a blazing 7.210 E.T. at 188.70 miles per hour on the 7.20 index.

Elliott advanced to the finals with a win against newcomer Corey Sakura in a great drag race. Elliott ran a 7.258 second time at 187.05 miles per hour to Sakura's 7.282.

In quarterfinal action it was No. 1 qualifier Plaizier over the two-time Rocky Mountain Nationals champ Joey Steckler, Sekura over Jason Bussey, Tebb with a free pass and defending champ Elliott over Tim Boychuk.

Boychuk, who was entered in both Top Fuel and Nostalgia Funny Car, failed to make the semis in either class.

EDMONTON, Alb. -- Sunday's final results from the River Cree Resort & Casino Rocky Mountain Nationals presented by Paradise RV at Castrol Raceway. The race is the fifth of 10 in the 2009 Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series:

Top Fuel -- Bruce Litton, 4.908 seconds, 299.26 mph def. Mitch King, 7.221 seconds, 113.67 mph.

Pro Modified -- Ed Hoover, Chevy Camaro, 6.127, 235.23 def. Kenny Lang, Chevy Corvette, 13.265, 64.55.

Alcohol Funny Car -- Roger Bateman, Ford Mustang, 5.669, 252.80 def. Ken Webster, Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.909, 233.92.

Nitro Bikes -- Jason Arkinstall, 6.610, 214.31 def. Damien Cownden, 7.192, 154.60.

Pro Modified Bike -- Gary Christopher, 7.229, 182.53 def. Gord Smith, Kawasaki, 13.258, 58.11.

Pro Nostalgia -- Rod Elliott, Plymouth Barracuda, 7.242, 198.79 def. Eddy Plaizier, Chevy Coupe, 7.274, 163.10.

Top Dragster -- Tom Koenen, Dragster, 7.139, 179.04 def. Daryl Forrest, Dragster, 7.700, 182.62.

Top Sportsman -- Scott Blake, Chevy Nova, 7.354, 185.89 def. Gary Weslosky, Nova, 7.859, 175.11.

Quick Rod -- Jamie Fiesel, Bantam, 9.105, 154.17 def. Eric Goulden, Dragster, 9.100, 159.08.

Super Rod -- Dennis White, Chevy Camaro, 10.113, 143.54 def. Scott Taylor, Camaro, 10.094, 149.23.

Hot Rod -- Casey Plaizier, Chevy 210, 11.111, 130.83 def. James Pahl, Dodge Coronet, 11.109, 117.95.

Super Stock -- Casey Plaizier, Chevy Cavalier, 10.174, 96.59 def. Mike Pruss, Pontiac Firebird, foul.

Stock -- Randy Hutchings, Dodge Ram, 12.463, 103.76 def. David Rose, Chevy Camaro, foul.

ET Bracket -- Dan Coss, Plymouth Duster, 10.618, 121.25 def. Stephen Mardy, Dragster, 9.787, 136.87.

Top ET -- Stephen Mardy, Dragster, 9.775, 137.06 def. Garnet Rose, Pontiac Acadian, foul.

Mod ET -- Dan Coss, Plymouth Duster, 10.640, 118.04 def. Phil Bishop, Chevy S-10, 9.978, 136.39.

Bikes & Sleds -- Shawn Graham, Suzuki, 10.400, 107.87 def. Dan Harkin, Harley, 10.733, 121.46.

Junior Dragster -- Lauren Turner, Coggins, 9.064, 70.05 def. Chloe Mix, Junior, foul.

Team Press releases for Edmonton

Weekend wrap ups

TAFC

Red Wolf TAFC Racing
Edmonton Rocky Mountain Nationals weekend wrap up

John and Ruth Evanchuk and the Red Wolf Funny Car team wrapped up the weekend at Edmonton with a semi final finish in the Alcohol Funny Car race. The event was much different than previous races here in that the alcohol teams were racing for a 'Ironman" and the prize money only, no points. It was no longer a class in the series, but the track owners decided they wanted the cars back, as they are a fan favourite. John qualified in the middle of the pack, off pace from their best efforts at Castrol Raceway. A 5.79 was the best qualifying lap for the Edmonton based team. They broke the rear end in the favoured Friday evening session and lost that run. They had to make an engine swap as well, due to the rear end carnage. Replacing the engine and rear end forced the team to make a softer tune up third run, and it was a still a .01 improvement over Friday's 5.80 best. The final round they wanted to hop it up to the tune of a low to mid 5.70, but the car only improved by .008. The 5.791 put John into the #5 spot.
A first round date with #4 Scott McVey saw John get a .049 starting line advantage and he never looked back. He ran a 5.787/247
The semi final round was a tough one, as he faced the #1 qualifier Roger Bateman. Bateman was over a tenth quicker so John would need not only a great light but likely a half tenth more in performance. He go the light an off the hook .006 to Bateman's .087 but the car veered right and john had to pedal and correct. By that time is was all over, as Bateman was in the 5.60's, as he had been all weekend. A 5.69 at 250 was more than enough as John's off the throttle 8.11 put him on the side lines.
"We ran okay, but were a tenth off what we expected. Sometimes things don't fall in place, and this weekend they didn't. We made the semis, had that always give you a chance, but against the Bateman team you need your "A" game", stated John after the event.
The team will get prepared for the next two events, the Woodburn divisional next weekend and the Seattle national event, the weekend after that.
John and wife Ruth would like to thank their sponsors Big Eagle Services, Aqua Industrial, RedL (the hose people), Lucas Oil, Husky Oil, Campbell Automotive, Baystar Electrical services, DuraGuard Fence, Eskimo Excavators, Cougar Paint and Collison, Fleet Brake, Mirror Images, Jet Equipment Canada and CMax.
They especially want to mention the crew who worked their tails off Friday night, after the carnage from the broken rear end. Bill Moore, Rick Strong, Todd Hanna, Al Stacey, Mark and Don Campbell, JD Dennis, Shirleen Moore and Alan Heshka all worked through the night to get the car prepared for Saturday and Sunday.

Pro Mod

Rick Di Stefano Racing Edmonton wrap up

Great memories from Edmonton really psyched up Rick Di Stefano and the Pro Mod team based out of Calgary Alberta.
This weekend the goal was twofold. Fine tune the tune up in their 53 Corvette in hopes of getting the combination ready for the install in the new 70.5 Camaro that the team takes delivery of in a month's time.
Secondly, to put in a performance that would show they haven't lost anything in the two years they have been away from the class.
Rick qualified #3 in the field with a 6.208/227 best ,but knew there was more in the car.
He proved that with a 6.11 in round one, that was the second quickest run of eliminations, only .008 slower than the quickest run.
He defeated Tom Meheden in round one, and then got an easy win in round two when Joe Delehay could not make the call.
In the semis he faced Defending world champion Kenny Lang. Rick had lane choice and took the lane of choice throughout the weekend, but he went red by .02 to hand the win to Lang. Rick was kicking himself afterword, but he stated he saw yellow, so the red light was a real surprise. To make matters worse, Lang had troubles on the run so, it could have been a relatively easy win.
"We let one slip away for sure, We had the car pretty well dialled in, and I think we had something for Hoover if we would have gotten to the final. That's racing", stated Rick after his semi final loss.
The team will hopefully take delivery of the new car in the coming weeks, and then start to assemble it for a late season debut.
Rick would like to thank His long time sponsor Shaganappi Chev Olds in Calgary and his crew Mike Popel, Tim Brown, Hugh Williamson, Kip Dupuis and Shane Edwards.

Ross Hogenson Edmonton wrap up

Ross Hogenson came into the Rocky Mountain Nationals as one of the top running Pro Mods entered this past weekend. He accomplished that goal with the quickest et for a nitrous powered competitor.
Hogenson qualified #5 in the field with a strong 6.29/220 run and got paired with Dan Vogt in round one. These two race each other on a regular basis in the West Coast Pro Mod series.
Ross was a bit tardy at the tree (.130 vs .04 for Vogt), but he made up that disadvantage by half track and pulled away with a 6.32 to 6.46 victory.
In round two he got to face the current IHRA point leader Kenny Lang. Needing a great light (or one that was substantially better than Lang's), he got a pretty good advantage, a tenth of a second. Ross did hop up the car a bit in hopes of running a mid '20, but it proved to be too much, as he got loose and had to get off the throttle. Lang went 6.15 to Ross' slowing 7.42.
"Overall we competed pretty strongly and went two rounds, so I would say we were successful. We don't get a chance to race as much as the guys in the East, and I am still working on the tune up in this 800+ inch Buck power-plant. There is so much torque and HP, that it is important for us to make small steps, and not try and rotate the earth", stated Hogenson after the event.
The next event is in four weeks at Spokane for the West Coast Pro Mod event. We are in the hunt for a top three finish and that is very important for our team.
Ross and wife Cory would like to thank their crew Ed Cole, Rudy Reger and Kerry Hogenson and their sponsors National Transmission, Big Al's Auto Repair, Energy Smart and Universal Drywall.

Wayne Hofer Racing Edmonton wrap up

Wayne Hofer wrapped up his first weekend competing in the Pro Mod class at the Rocky Mountain Nationals with a second round finish and a solid performance with his new car.
After qualifying #7 with a 6.39, he took on Vern Mills in round one. Wayne got the starting line advantage, and went a 6.41 to get the win. Round two saw the Lethbridge Ab. based driver take on the #1 qualifier Ed Hoover. It would prove to be too big of a mountain to climb this weekend, as Hoover got the win with a 6.22 to Wayne's 6.38. Wayne left first and did make his quickest run of the weekend, but in this class, experience gives you an edge. Wayne is still sorting out his new 63 Corvette and his new engine combination, and he has shown improvements at every event he has attended.
"We came into this event looking for data as much as anything. We know we can't run with the top guns in the class yet, and our goal was to qualifying strong (they were right in the middle of the pack), and perhaps go a round or two. We did that and the car and engine looks like it did when we arrived. So I would say we were successful", stated Wayne after the event.
The next race for Hofer is a West Coast Pro Mod event in Spokane Washington the end of July.
Wayne would like to thank his sponsors for their continued support including Jet Equipment Canada, National Transmission, David's Pontiac, Lethbridge truck accessories, Pennzoil and The Auto Appearance Centre. Wayne also thanks his crew Rick Nelson and Louren Sansregret.

Kenny Lang Edmonton Wrap up

Kenny Lang leaves the Rocky Mountain Nationals with the point lead still, but it is a little smaller than when he got here.
A final round loss to who will be his chief rival for the rest of the season, as Ed Hoover got the win at Edmonton. The two have raced each other at three of the other four IHRA Pro Mod events, and Lang has won them all. Not this week though, as lane choice became a huge issue at the event and Hoover got the favoured right lane.
Kenny qualified #2 with a solid 6.606/236 in the 12 car field and faced Tim Vogt in round one. It was an easy victory as Lang went 6.12 to Vogt's 6.67.
In round two, he took on Ross Hogenson and it was another win, and another teen, a 6.15. The semi final saw the Winnipeg driver face an old foe, Rick Di Stefano, in the twin car to Lang's 53 Corvette. This one was over at the starting line, as Di Stefano went .02 red. It was a break for Lang as he had to pedal the car a couple times. An off pace 6.70 would not be good enough for lane choice as his final round opponent Hoover ripped of his best et of eliminations, a 6.10 that would put the Trussell team in the right lane.
Lang along with crew chief Rob Poirier and tuner Al Billes (via cell phone) put together what they hoped would be enough to expend his series point lead.
Hoover got the starting line advantage and did not look back as Kenny had issues right at the hit and coaster through the finish line.
We did not get the win, which of course is what we wanted, in front of our home fans. We still have the lead, but it is less than a round now, and we need to be on our game if we want to defend the series championship.
Grand Bend is up next another race in Lang's home country. The fans will be on his side at that race too, so he wants to get back on the winning side.
Kenny would like to thank his sponsors, Pro Care RX, Castrol Canada, The Sign Source, Safety Kleen, Pepsi, NGK Spark Plugs, Miller, Jet Equipment Canada, The Prolific Group and Kenny Lang Auto body and Glass for their continued support.
The crew includes Rob Poirier, Dan Lang and Wally Stelmack. Go to www.kennylangracing.com for all the team's action.

Weekend previews

Kenny Lang Edmonton Preview
Courtesy SpeedZone Magazine

The more things change the more they stay the same is an oft used catch phrase that usually does not fit in the context of Drag Racing. This year with the changing Pro Mod scene in the IHRA, one thing is not any different, and that is, Kenny Lang leading the pack in the class. While there may not be as many hitters he has to face this year with the down turn of the economy and other fledgling series available with much less travel, getting to the top and staying there, is still a challenge at every race. This weekend will likely be one of the tougher races in the 2009 IHRA Pro Mod class, as close to a full field is expected. Kenny Is just ahead (29 point) of rival Ed Hoover in the point standings, and both are in Edmonton this weekend for the Rocky Mountain Nationals. "Yes it a bit different this season compared to the battles we have had the last few, stated Lang as the team was making weekend preparations yesterday (Thursday). We weren't even sure on how much we were going to run when the season started, but to have the point lead at the half way through the season means there is no turning back".

Kenny defeated Ed Hoover at Tulsa three weeks ago, and likely the two will battle all season long until the final race at Rockingham. To even have a chance to repeat as series champion is something that the team is very focused on.
The last couple events the West Coast Pro Mod teams have been at have shown there are a number of very strong teams, so Kenny and the team know they will have to have their game face on in order to stay out in front of second place Hoover. Kenny has added incentive as well, since this race is considered their home event on the circuit, since the team is based in Manitoba. Many friends, family and sponsors at going to be in attendance.
Kenny would like to thank his sponsors, Pro Care RX, Castrol Canada, The Sign Source, Safety Kleen, Pepsi, NGK Spark Plugs, Miller, Jet Equipment Canada, The Prolific Group and Kenny Lang Auto body and Glass for their continued support.
Kenny's hard working crew includes, Rob Poirier, Dan Lang and Wally Stelmack. The Pro Mods will see two qualifiers Friday and Saturday and then eliminations Sunday.
Go to www.kennylangracing.com for all the team's action.

Red Wolf Racing Edmonton preview
Courtesy SpeedZone Magazine
This weekend's race at Edmonton's Rocky Mountain nationals will certainly have a different feel to it compared to the past few seasons. With the cancellation of the Alcohol Funny Car class, the teams are here to race for four reasons. The Fans, the money, bragging rights and the chance to run at an IHRA event with a screw supercharger top the lists of reason to be excited about this weekend's event. "It is certainly different than years past when we had to run a roots style supercharger for this one entire event of the year in the North West. With this being the only IHRA track in the West, it made the change over very disrupting to our program for the rest of the year, but it has been such an important race because of the huge crowd, and our sponsors are all based in this area. They don't always get a chance to see us compete, but with this event they do. Huge kudos go out to Rob and Kim Reeves for keeping us as part of the program and for us to be able to run with our everyday combination is just icing on the cake".
"Make no mistake, we want to win this badly, even though there are no points awarded. All the teams (and there are 6-8 very strong one here) are on a level playing field as we all run a screw blower on a regular basis. It will be a fight all weekend long". John emphasized heading into the weekend. John holds both ends of the Alcohol Funny Car track record with a blistering 5.72 @ 253 at a corrected air of around 4500 feet. He also knows it likely will fall this weekend, and he wants to be the guy holding still the record in the end.
To do well at this race in front of the home town is important not only for the sponsors but for the hard working crew who always seem to get left without any recognition. John's crew includes, wife Ruth, Crew Chief Bill Moore, Rick Strong, Todd Hanna, Al Stacey, Mark and Don Campbell, JD Dennis, Shirleen Moore and Alan Heshka. John nd Ruth are also very thanks for the support they get from Big Eagle Services, Aqua Industrial, RedL (the hose people), Lucas Oil, Husky Oil, Campbell Automotive, Baystar Electrical services, DuraGuard Fence, Eskimo Excavators, Cougar Paint and Collison, Fleet Brake, Mirror Images, Jet Equipment Canada and CMax. The Alcohol Funny Cars get two qualifiers on Friday and two on Saturday before final eliminations Sunday.
Qualifying times
SCHEDULE:
Friday, July 17:.
Professional qualifying (Q-1 and Q-2) at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 18:
Professional qualifying (Q-3) at 3:00 p.m.
SMS Equipment "Night of Fire" professional qualifying (Q-4) at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 19:
Professional eliminations 11:00 a.m., 12 noon, 2:00 p.m. Final Round: 4:00 p.m.
Gates Open: 9 a.m.

The PM Motorsports team have been hard at work getting their Tim McAmis
built 1968 Pro Mod Camaro ready after their semi-final finish last
weekend at the West Coast Pro Mod Association event in Mission, BC.

This Weekend the team will be competing in the IHRA Rocky Mountain
Nationals in Edmonton, Alberta. Only a short three hour drive from the
team's headquarters in Calgary, Alberta, Delehay and team make sure to
include the Rocky Mountain Nationals in their schedule every season. "We
have competed at this event every year since IHRA decided to come to
Western Canada" said Joe Delehay.

Last year Delehay and team took their Brad Anderson powered Camaro to the
semi-finals after qualifying in the number twelve position. "last year we
showed we could contend with the big guys in the sport" said Delehay, "We
hope to come to Edmonton this weekend and be a strong contender"

If your in the Edmonton area be sure to attend the Rocky Mountain
Nationals this weekend at Castrol Raceway and stop by the PM Motorsports
pit area! "We love coming to this race every year" said Delehay, "The
event is always packed with some of the best fans in drag racing".

PM Motorsports Inc. would like to thank their long time sponsor Dynamic
Concrete Pumping Inc., based out of Calgary, Alberta and with a branch in
Edmonton, Dynamic Concrete Pumping Inc. specialize in high performance
concrete pumping, placing, and are an industry leader in super flat
floors. For more information visit their web site - www.dcpu1.com

For weekend results and information on the two time WCPMA Champion Joe
Delehay and his 526 cubic inch BAE supercharged HEMI 1968 Pro Mod Camaro
Z-28 visit their web site - www.joedelehay.com

Mitch King/AFD Edmonton preview

Courtesy SpeedZone Magazine

Mitch King and AFD (Alberta Fuel Distributors) are proud to team up this weekend at the Rocky Mountain nationals in Edmonton. AFD was a part of the King team in 2008 but they stepped up in 2009 to be the main sponsor of the Paul Smith tuned Mitch King driven Top Fuel team. They are also an assoc sponsor on Del Cox Jr.'s Top Fueler. AFD is already a big part of the racing scene here in Edmonton with main sponsor of the Ebertz racing 6 second Spitzer Top Dragster and the Top Eliminator series in Edmonton. Last year their involvement with the Top Fuel class worked out very well, so they stepped up to have three cars running their company logos at the NW's biggest race of the year. It is very important for the team to have the Top Dragster class running the class their Top Dragster was built for as Top Dragster and its counterpart Top Sportsman returned to the event after a four year layoff. The team feels the Ebertz six second dragster has a very good chance to do well in the 16 car field.
AFD is a leading independent marketer of Petroleum Products Serving Western Canada. With Fuel distribution branches in Edmonton, Fort McMurray, Grande Prairie and Whitehorse, AFD has you covered. Their fleet of trucks can deliver to even the most remote areas possible. Go to the corporate web site www.albertafuels.com for all the info on AFD.
Del Cox Jr., Rockingham winner, is in 2nd place in the standings less than one round back of Bruce Litton and Mitch King currently sits #5 in the IHRA Top Fuel standings just one round out of 3rd place. This weekend provides a great opportunity for both cars to move up in the standings in front of the largest crowd at any of the 10 national events in the Nitro Jam series. "It will be a tough weekend, but we have the parts and the team to get the job done, stated Mitch during Thursday maintenance.
Mitch King's other sponsors play a huge role all season long and they include Bexar-Waste, LaKing's Confectionary, Sunset Cove, Setco Industries from Edmonton . The two car Top Fuel team team consists of owner/driver King, Second driver Cox Jr., Crew Chief/tuner Paul Smith, Mike Hennessey, Mark Elstone, Dan Bridges, Martin Blake, Randy Carmichael, Marshall Paysse and Ava Barbin
The Ebertz Top Dragster team consists of driver Gordie Castle, Crew Chief Bob Ebertz, Gord Ebertz and Kyle Ebertz.
Friday schedule includes time trials and a gambler race for the Sportsman classes with all four qualifying runs on Saturday.
Top Fuel qualifying goes at 7:30pm Friday
3:00 and &7:00pm Saturday
eliminations get underway at Noon Sunday.

 

Terry Haddock Edmonton preview

Courtesy SpeedZone Magazine
What a difference a year makes. Last season Terry was in a huge point battle in the IHRA nitro Funny Car class, and after a very tough season, the Washington based team came out on top of the class and on top of the world.
This year, disaster struck, when the IHRA due to lack of sponsorship cancelled the class. Terry had no way to defend his world championship and literally nowhere to run, as the dollar required to run a full NHRA season in the nitro coupe class just is not in the budget. He has run part time with his top fuel dragster in both the IHRA and NHRA but his true calling is behind the wheel of a Nitro Funny Car. He gets a chance to race both cars this weekend here at Edmonton for the Rocky Mountain Nationals. Track Owners Rob and Kimberly Reeves wanted the nitro coupes back even if the IHRA did not have them in their schedule.
"I am really grateful to Rob and Kim for bringing us back to Edmonton. I, the 08 champ, get a chance to match race 06 and 07 IHRA Funny Car World champion Dale Creasy", stated Haddock Thursday afternoon. Terry will be doing double duty, as he gets a double shot of Nitro, racing his Top Fuel Dragster in the eight car TF field. He currently sits in 6th place in the standings despite missing a couple events. A win here or late round finish will put him in good position to challenge for the 09 TF title.
Terry would like to thank his all volunteer crew, including Doug, Mike, Jim and Kenny. Support for the two car team comes from Web Mechanical, Hi Velocity Systems and North West Paving.

Top Fuel sees one qualifier Friday and two on Saturday with final eliminations Sunday
The Funny car match race see one run on Friday, one run on Saturday and one run on Sunday
SCHEDULE:
Friday, July 17:.
Professional qualifying (Q-1 and Q-2) at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 18:
Professional qualifying (Q-3) at 3:00 p.m.
SMS Equipment "Night of Fire" professional qualifying (Q-4) at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 19:
Professional eliminations 11:00 a.m., 12 noon, 2:00 p.m. Final Round: 4:00 p.m.
Gates Open: 9 a.m.

Wayne Hofer Racing Edmonton preview
Courtesy SpeedZone Magazine
After taking a couple years off competing in the Pro Mod class, Wayne debuted a new 63 Corvette at the start of the West Coast Pro Mod season. And what a season it has been so far. Two wins and 4th place in the WCPM standings. Last week he took the car into the 6.30's for the first time (three times) and this weekend, he wants to see those number or even better as he competes in Pro Mod for the first time at an IHRA national Event. The Rocky Mountain Nationals in Edmonton are a very important race as it is in his home province so he will race in front of his friends, family and sponsors. Previously he raced his Nova in the Top Sportsman category and was always one of the top qualifiers. He should be a top half qualifier this weekend if all his ducks are in a row. This will be the toughest race he has competed in the Pro Mod class but he is confident the car is set up right and he can put down all the power he can make.

Wayne would like to thank his sponsors for their continued support including Jet Equipment Canada, National Transmission, David's Pontiac, Lethbridge truck accessories, Pennzoil and The Auto Appearance Centre. Wayne also thanks his crew Rick Nelson and Louren Sansregret.

Profession qualifying :
3:00pm and 7:30pm Friday
3:00 and & 7:00pm Saturday
Eliminations get underway at Noon Sunday.

 

Ross Hogenson Edmonton preview
Courtesy SpeedZone Magazine

Ross Hogenson has never anticipated an IHRA Pro Mod race more than he is this weekend. After getting his new car sorted out at the last few events, including career best numbers of 6.24/222 just last week (Ross backed up his 6.24 with a 6.25 on the next pass), they feel they can improve on that at a National event prepped track. This weekend is also a homecoming for the Lethbridge Alberta based team. Many friends and sponsors will be on hand to cheer on the nitrous veteran.
"We certainly want o back up our numbers from last week, stated Ross as the team was setting up Thursday afternoon. We finally got the clutch dialled in to the big horsepower this 801 inch Buck bullet is making. The projected light field this weekend will not take anything away from their goal, which is to be competitive against the likes of the Kenny Lang's, Ed Hoover and Rick Di Stefano's of the pro mod world".

Ross and wife Cory would like to thank their crew Ed Cole, Rudy Reger and Kerry Hogenson and their sponsors National Transmission, Big Al's Auto Repair, Energy Smart and Universal Drywall.
This weekend's Rocky Mountain Nationals Schedule is:
Friday, July 17:.
Professional qualifying (Q-1 and Q-2) at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 18:
Professional qualifying (Q-3) at 3:00 p.m.
SMS Equipment "Night of Fire" professional qualifying (Q-4) at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 19:
Professional eliminations 11:00 a.m., 12 noon, 2:00 p.m. Final Round: 4:00 p.m.
Gates Open: 9 a.m.

Rick Di Stefano Racing Edmonton preview
Courtesy SpeedZone Magazine
After taking a couple years off competing in the Pro Mod class, Rick Di Stefano is back in 2009. He has competed at a number of WCPM events here in the west getting a win and a runner-up in the process. This weekend is his biggest test as he takes on the competitors in the IHRA for the Rocky Mountain Nationals. This year is really a season long test session as he dials in his engine program in anticipation of taking delivery of his new 70 1/2 Camaro. This is THE newest body style to debut in the Pro Mod ranks and he will be one of only a handful to compete with this very unique body style. The engine program has already netted the team low 6'0's at non national event tracks so they are very optimistic the program will net them ets in the 5 second range at close to 240mph. "The engine program is all in house this year and it give us complete control of all aspects of its development", stated Rick prior to Friday's first round of qualifying.

Rick would like to thank His long time sponsor Shaganappi Chev Olds in Calgary and his crew Mike Popel, Tim Brown, Hugh Williamson, Kip Dupuis and Shane Edwards.

Profession qualifying :
3:00pm and 7:30pm Friday
3:00 and & 7:00pm Saturday
eliminations get underway at Noon Sunday.

IBAA Nostalgia Funny Car Assoc. Edmonton Preview
Courtesy SpeedZone Magazine

The biggest showcase for the International Blown Alcohol Assoc. Nostalgia Funny Car series is on tap this weekend, as the Rocky Mountain Nationals gets underway Friday in Edmonton.
This long running assoc. has been treating fans to smoky burnouts and side by side action for over a decade and they have been a part of the Rocky Mountain Nationals since its inception. This year the assoc. expects to see up to 14 cars competing in the 7.20 indexed class. Defending champion Joey Steckler and past champion Eddy Plaizer are both in field as well as Darryl Webb, Cal Tebb, Ron Sekura, Cory Sekura, Rod Elliot, Sherry Bodnarchuk, Jason Busey, Tom Reithmayer, Cory Kincaid, Brian Ross and this weekend Tim Boychuk will be doing triple duty, as beside's the Top Fuel car and Nostalgia Nitro Funny Car he will drive his old IBAA Mustang for new owner Arvid Forstad, who has yet to complete licensing
Series title Sponsor Ace Manufacturing is a huge part of the series, offering up a season ending point fund and sponsorship throughout all 8 events in the 2009 season. Besides Edmonton (two point races) the series competes at in Mission BC, Drayton Valley, Medicine Hat and Saskatoon. There are two non points events including the race this weekend and in Calgary.
All cars have blowers sitting al top their BB Chevy and Hemis and they include vintage body styles from the 30's and the way up to the 70's. If Nostalgia bodied race cars are what you are looking for, than this series is for you. They are renowned for their long smoky burnouts and have even used the moniker "Awesome burnouts" registered in their title for the series web site.
They IBAA would like to thank their sponsors Ace Manufacturing, Compton Fuels and Enderle.
Friday schedule includes time trials and a gambler race for the Sportsman classes with all four qualifying runs on Saturday.
Pro qualifying goes at 3:00pm and 7:30pm Friday
3:00 and 7:00pm Saturday with eliminations getting underway at Noon Sunday.