Autolite Nationals
Infineon Raceway, Sonoma
California
July 27-29, 2007
(team press releases at bottom of page)
Sunday eliminations
SONOMA, Calif. --
Greg Anderson recorded his landmark 50th Pro Stock victory Sunday
to highlight a spectacular day of drag racing at the FRAM-Autolite
NHRA Nationals at Infineon Raceway.
Anderson became just the sixth professional and the 10th driver in
history to win 50 NHRA races. He is the second quickest to the mark,
winning No. 50 in his 189th career start. Legend Bob Glidden won 50
times in his first 139 races.
Anderson shared winner's circle with an emotional John Force, who
defended fallen teammate Eric Medlen's Funny Car win here from a year
ago. Top Fuel ace Tony Schumacher dropped Bob Vandergriff to 0-10
lifetime in final rounds. Pro Stock Motorcycle winner Matt Smith padded
his series lead with his third victory of the season, this one over
first-time finalist Eddie Krawiec.
The Pro Stock final was a wire-to-wire performance for Anderson,
who left first on teammate Jason Line and slowly crept away to take
the stripe with a 6.657 at 207.72 mph over Line's 6.688 at 204.08
mph run in his identical Summit Racing Pontiac GTO.
"It's quite an accomplishment (to reach 50 wins)," Anderson
said. "I don't know how to explain it. It's fitting that we had
a struggle between No. 49 and No. 50. Fifty should be tough to get.
It should be hard. We were cruising right along but then we got slapped
in the face this summer. It's a real reminder to never get too cocky."
The Pro Stock section of the Countdown to the Championship is more
than halfway full after Line and Allen Johnson clinched positions,
joining Anderson, Jeg Coughlin, and Dave Connolly in the field.
Force immediately dedicated his Funny Car win to Medlen, the Northern
California native and defending event winner who died earlier this
year in a testing accident. He also presented the winner's trophy
to Medlen's father John, who serves as a roving crew chief for his
three remaining teams.
Final-round opponent Del Worsham put up a valiant fight, running a
4.851 at 314.68 mph in his Checker Schuck's Kragen Chevrolet Impala
SS, his best pass of the day, but Force's Castrol GTX High-Mileage
Ford Mustang was just a little bit quicker, posting his 124th career
win with a 4.831 at 320.58 mph. It was Force's seventh win at Infineon
Raceway in 11 finals.
"We had a team meeting this morning and I said that between
me, Ashley, and Robert [Hight], one of us had to win this race for
Eric," said Force, who moved to seventh in the Countdown standings.
"I remember how happy he was when he won here last year because
he's from this area. He had that goofy smile and was eating ice cream
and just having a blast. We wanted to win and dedicate it to Eric."
After a terrible start to the year, Force has now been to three finals
in the last four races, winning twice. His final-round record is now
124-74. Worsham's last win came 43 races ago at the 2005 U.S. Nationals
in Indianapolis. His runner-up finish did lift him to ninth place
in the points, 85 behind Jim Head.
Robert Hight joined Ron Capps in the Countdown to the Championship
group. They are the only two Funny Car racers to qualify so far.
Schumacher may have started his own career with a 0-8 mark in final
rounds before scoring his first win, but he showed the hapless Vandergriff
little mercy in Sunday's Top Fuel final, powering his U.S. Army dragster
past Vandergriff to win with a 4.534 at 329.42 mph in his U.S. Army
dragster. Vandergriff trailed with a 4.597 at 305.84 mph in his UPS
dragster. It was Schumacher's 39th career victory.
It was obvious that Schumacher had the car to beat as he ran low
elapsed time of every round -- running a 4.542, a 4.537, and a 4.558
-- before lowering the boom in the final with the quickest and fastest
pass of the entire weekend.
"Bob gave us a great race," Schumacher said. "He was
next to us the whole way, we knew he would be, and we had to be prepared
for that. He's been to 10 finals so he knows what he's doing and he'll
win his before he's done, trust me. I told him he'll have his day
and I believe that."
By moving into second place, Schumacher, along with Brandon Bernstein,
Larry Dixon, and J.R. Todd, managed to clinch positions in the Countdown
to the Champion field Sunday, leaving just three open slots in the
Top Fuel category.
Although he was a slight underdog in the Pro Stock Motorcycle final,
Smith responded with a slightly quicker reaction time on his Torco
Buell and then managed to hold off Kraweic's Screamin' Eagle Vance
& Hines Harley-Davidson to win by a tenth of a second: 6.992 at
189.10 mph to Krawiec's 7.090 at 190.16 mph.
"Dad [former Pro Stock driver Rickie Smith] won his first race
here (1993, Pro Stock) and I was in that picture so it's special to
come back and win one for myself," Smith said. "This ended
up being our day I guess. It's mind-blowing the season we're having."
Smith got some company in the Countdown to the Championship field
when Sampey earned enough points to secure a position in the top eight.
Krawiec's runner-up result moved him into 10th place in the standings,
29 markers behind the final Countdown spot.
The NHRA POWERade Series Countdown to the Championship continues
with the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals, Aug. 9-12 at Brainerd (Minn.) International
Raceway.
Sunday's final results from the 20th annual FRAM-Autolite NHRA Nationals
at Infineon Raceway. The race is the 15th of 23 in the NHRA POWERade
Drag Racing Series--
Top Fuel -- Tony Schumacher, 4.534 seconds, 329.42 mph def. Bob Vandergriff,
4.597 seconds, 305.84 mph.
Funny Car -- John Force, Ford Mustang, 4.831, 320.58 def. Del Worsham,
Chevy Impala, 4.851, 314.68.
Pro Stock -- Greg Anderson, Pontiac GTO, 6.657, 207.72 def. Jason
Line, GTO, 6.688, 204.08.
Pro Stock Motorcycle -- Matt Smith, Buell, 6.992, 189.10 def. Eddie
Krawiec, Harley-Davidson, 7.090, 190.16.
Top Alcohol Dragster -- Duane Shields, 5.346, 272.45 def. Brandon
Lewis, 5.429, 265.48.
Top Alcohol Funny Car -- Jay Payne, Ford Mustang, 5.583, 250.00 def.
Jason Rupert, Chevy Camaro, 10.995, 72.23.
Competition Eliminator -- Tom Mettler, Dodge Dakota, 7.404, 182.28
def. Doug Lambeck, Pontiac Sunfire, 8.455, 158.63.
Super Stock -- Brad Plourd, Olds Calais, 9.239, 132.79 def. Jody
Lang, Chevy Malibu, 10.921, 118.36.
Stock Eliminator -- Peter Biondo, Chevy Camaro, 13.127, 67.07 def.
Jeff Lane, Chevy Corvette, foul.
Super Comp -- Justin Lamb, Dragster, 8.920, 171.69 def. Sheldon Gecker,
Dragster, 8.896, 172.36.
Final qualifying
SONOMA, Calif. --
Currently third in the POWERade points, Funny Car racer Mike Ashley
took a big step towards securing one of the seven remaining spots
in the Countdown to the Championship field with a top qualifying performance
Saturday at the 20th annual FRAM-Autolite NHRA Nationals.
Ashley (4.743) and Top Fuel leader Doug Herbert (4.556) both used
their Friday night passes to wrap up their No. 1 spots at Infineon
Raceway, while Pro Stock front man Greg Anderson needed to improve
to a 6.605 to stay on top. Angelle Sampey shocked the Pro Stock Motorcycle
class with her final-round run of 6.924, which came in the heat of
the day. Final eliminations begin Sunday at noon (PT) with three-hours
of television coverage provided by ESPN2 at 8 p.m. (ET).
This is Ashley's fourth No. 1 qualifying effort of the season and
fourth of his career. His Friday night run of 4.743 at 326.79 mph
in his Torco Race Fuels Dodge Charger was completely unchallenged
Saturday with the quickest run of the day John Force's 4.870 in his
Castrol High-Mileage Ford Mustang.
"It's exciting to qualify No. 1," Ashley said. "With
the conditions the way they are, I figured Friday's run would hold.
This is our fourth one and that's a real testament to our team. Making
the Countdown requires points and we got the most you can get in qualifying,
but they add up a lot faster when you're winning rounds on Sunday."
Riding a streak of two straight victories, "Fast Jack"
Beckman is second on the Sonoma grid with a 4.759 at 324.67 mph. He
was second quickest of Saturday's action with a 4.873 in his Mail
Terminal Services Dodge Charger.
The monster match-up of Sunday's first round in Funny Car will pit
Ashley Force against her 14-time champion father John. Ashley has
the higher-qualified car and will enjoy lane choice over her dad,
whom she beat earlier this year in Atlanta in their only previous
head-to-head match-up.
A veteran of 301 drag races, this is just the fourth time Herbert
has qualified No. 1 in Top Fuel. Now he'll try to convert his quick
start into his ninth career victory. His Snap-on Tools dragster ran
a 4.556 at 315.64 mph Friday night in a session that was called off
midway through the round due to a local noise curfew.
Herbert hopes the No. 1 effort leads to going more elimination rounds,
which in turn will increase his chances of getting a spot in the top
eight of the POWERade Countdown to the Championship.
"The Countdown has added so much excitement," Herbert said.
"Normally at this time of the year if you're 10th in the points
or whatever you're thinking, 'oh well, we'll try to finish in the
top 10, I guess.' Now we're thinking about making the Countdown field
and then making a real run at the title. I think it's a great deal."
Points leader "Hot Rod" Fuller made the biggest move of
the day in his Peterson CAT dragster, going from out of the field
to the No. 3 spot with a 4.562 at 323.66 mph.
Anderson knew Pro Stock would collectively be quicker Saturday as
San Francisco's cool morning fog lingered over the quarter-mile track.
He also knew he'd need to improve if he wanted to retain his No. 1
ranking in the qualifying field. He was right on both accounts and
he responded perfectly with a track-record 6.605 at 208.20 mph to
earn his Summit Pontiac GTO team its ninth No. 1 start of the year,
fifth at this track and 60th of his career.
"We needed a 'get well weekend' and it's great to get it done
here," said Anderson, who now has 60 low qualifying efforts in
his career. "It's not over yet but we've taken a step in the
right direction. Our confidence has been down over the last four races
and it feels good to get back on track. It was starting to get embarrassing."
The super summer of Allen Johnson continues here with a No. 2 qualifying
effort, courtesy of a 6.612 at 207.21 mph in his J&J Racing/Team
Mopar Dodge.
Sampey's run was a shocker as it took place when Saturday's temperatures
were at their highest in the fourth and final qualifying session.
Still, the three-time champion seemed unaffected by it all, running
a 6.924 at 193.40 mph on her U.S. Army Suzuki to earn her fourth No.
1 qualifier award of the season.
"A 6.92 out there in that heat is pretty awesome," Sampey
said. "We'll have to change our tune-up throughout the day tomorrow
if, hopefully, we are lucky enough to go four rounds. It'll be cool
in the morning like it was today, then it'll get hotter and I'm sure
there'll be a little humidity to deal with. That's the crew chiefs
job to deal with all that. I just need to concentrate on my lights
and my riding."
After improving to a 6.929 at 190.70 mph in the morning session,
Friday leader Andrew Hines looked to be a lock for the Pro Stock Motorcycle
pole, but the Screamin' Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson rider
will have to chase the race trophy from the No. 2 slot instead.
Three female riders are in the top half of the field. Sampey is on
top, Peggy Llewellyn is fifth with a career-best 6.963 on her Klement
Motorsports Buell, while Karen Stoffer is sixth with a 6.976 on her
Geico Suzuki.
Final qualifying #'s
(Courtesy DRC)
TF
1 11 Doug Herbert, Lincolnton NC, McKinney-BAE 4.556
315.64 315.64
2 4 Melanie Troxel, Avon IN, Hadman-TFX 4.561 326.63 326.63
3 5 Rod Fuller, Las Vegas NV, Hadman-TFX 4.562 323.66 323.66
4 1 Tony Schumacher, Long Grove IL, Hadman-TFX 4.574 327.27 327.27
5 73 Whit Bazemore, Eugene OR, Hadman-TFX 4.582 323.43 323.58
6 2 Doug Kalitta, Ypsilanti MI, Attac-TFX 4.585 316.15 316.15
7 3 Brandon Bernstein, Fairview TX, McKinney-TFX 4.602 326.56 326.56
8 91 Larry Dixon, Indianapolis IN, McKinney-TFX 4.609 312.35 316.23
9 72 Mike Strasburg, Lindon UT, Hadman-TFX 4.612 322.50 322.50
10 8 J.R. Todd, Avon IN, Hadman-TFX 4.613 290.51 317.49
11 255 Clay Millican, Drummonds TN, Hadman-BAE 4.628 290.32 290.32
12 10 Hillary Will, Ypsilanti MI, Attac-TFX 4.651 319.22 319.22
13 9 Cory McClenathan, Lake Havasu City AZ, Hadman- 4.668 320.13 320.13
14 6 David Grubnic, Ypsilanti MI, Attac-TFX 4.671 310.34 310.34
15 12 Bob Vandergriff, Alpharetta GA, McKinney-BAE 4.675 315.34 315.34
16 743 Morgan Lucas, Brownsburg IN, Hadman-TFX 4.695 313.00 313.00
------------ Not Qualified ------------
17 530 Alan Bradshaw, Odessa TX, Don Long-BAE 4.764
302.48 302.48
18 700 Steven Chrisman, Anaheim CA, Hadman-TFX 4.943 293.03 293.03
FC
1 180 Mike Ashley, Melville NY, '07 Charger 4.743
326.79& 326.79
2 711 Jack Beckman, North Hills CA, '07 Charger 4.759 324.67 324.67
3 503 Tommy Johnson Jr., Avon IN, '07 Impala 4.762 320.97 320.97
4 5 Tony Pedregon, Brownsburg IN, '07 Impala 4.764 318.32 318.32
5 750 Del Worsham, Chino Hills CA, '07 Impala 4.774 322.04 322.04
6 7 Gary Scelzi, Fresno CA, '07 Charger 4.788 321.27 321.27
7 7321 Ashley Force, Yorba Linda CA, '06 Mustang 4.791 324.12 324.12
8 404 Kenny Bernstein, Lake Forest CA, '07 Charger 4.794 324.98 324.98
9 2 Robert Hight, Yorba Linda CA, '06 Mustang 4.821 318.17 318.17
10 1 John Force, Yorba Linda CA, '05 Mustang 4.870 315.71 315.71
11 782 Gary Densham, Bellflower CA, '05 MonteCarlo 4.871 313.29 313.29
12 28 Ron Capps, Carlsbad CA, '07 Charger 4.877 286.74 308.99
13 170 Jeff Arend, San Dimas CA, '07 Impala 4.922 316.60 316.60
14 388 Jim Head, Galena OH, '07 Solara 4.943 311.20 311.20
15 10 Cruz Pedregon, Camarillo CA, '07 Impala 4.945 305.22 305.22
16 427 Tony Bartone, Long Island City NY, '05 Monte C 4.965 294.69
294.69
------------ Not Qualified ------------
17 729 Jerry Toliver, Temecula CA, '07 Solara 5.068
298.60 298.60
18 347 Tim Wilkerson, Springfield IL, '07 Impala 5.076 294.18 294.18
19 319 Scott Kalitta, Ypsilanti MI, '07 Solara 5.090 254.95 254.95
20 206 Bob Gilbertson, Charolette NC, '06 Stratus 5.206 214.52 214.52
PS
1 2 Greg Anderson, Mooresville NC, '06 GTO 6.605@
208.20 208.23
2 6 Allen Johnson, Greeneville TN, '07 Stratus 6.612 207.21 207.56
3 1 Jason Line, Mooresville NC, '06 GTO 6.613 208.59& 208.59
4 3 Dave Connolly, Elyria OH, '07 Cobalt 6.622 207.02 207.02
5 25 Jeg Coughlin, Delaware OH, '07 Cobalt 6.634 207.21 207.21
6 103 Max Naylor, New Buffalo PA, '07 Stratus 6.636 206.26 207.30
7 9 Richie Stevens, Metairie LA, '07 Stratus 6.640 207.21 207.21
8 7 Jim Yates, Occoquan VA, '06 GTO 6.644 206.67 206.67
9 107 Kenny Koretsky, Richboro PA, '07 Cobalt 6.647 207.53 207.53
10 5 Kurt Johnson, Sugar Hill GA, '07 Cobalt 6.648 208.04 208.04
11 208 Warren Johnson, Sugar Hill GA, '06 GTO 6.648 207.05 207.37
12 8 Greg Stanfield, Bossier City LA, '06 GTO 6.651 206.92 206.92
13 351 Ron Krisher, Warren OH, '07 Cobalt 6.655 206.48 206.48
14 10 V. Gaines, Lakewood CO, '07 Stratus 6.657 206.42 207.24
15 357 Larry Morgan, Newark OH, '07 Stratus 6.659 207.56 207.56
16 712 Bob Panella, Stockton CA, '07 Stratus 6.661 206.89 206.89
------------ Not Qualified ------------
17 1568 Justin Humphreys, Monrovia MD, '06 GTO 6.669
206.80 206.80
18 401K Erica Enders, Houston TX, '07 Stratus 6.681 206.23 206.51
19 7111 Bill Windham, Eldorado Hills CA, '07 Cobalt 6.691 206.45 206.45
20 701 Ben Watson, Concord CA, '06 GTO 6.694 205.29 205.29
21 772 Tony Rizzo, Tucson AZ, '07 Cobalt 6.769 204.76 204.76
PSM
1 3 Angelle Sampey, Mathews LA, Suzuki GSXR 6.924
193.40 193.40
2 1 Andrew Hines, Brownsburg IN, Harley V-Rod 6.929 190.70 193.79
3 10 Craig Treble, Hensley AR, Suzuki GSXR 6.932 193.68 194.07
4 4 Chip Ellis, Plains GA, Buell 6.952 190.81 190.81
5 499 Peggy Llewellyn, San Antonio TX, Buell 6.963 188.81 189.95
6 6 Karen Stoffer, Smith NV, Suzuki 6.976 190.70 191.76
7 88 Eddie Krawiec, Brownsburg IN, Harley V-Rod 6.980 189.66 189.66
8 5 Matt Smith, King NC, Buell 6.995 189.87 189.87
9 748 Chris Rivas, Fresno CA, Buell 7.005 187.96 188.54
10 2 Antron Brown, Brownsburg IN, Suzuki GSXR 7.027 187.60 190.92
11 751 Steve Johnson, Irondale AL, Suzuki 7.051 188.67 188.67
12 25 Matt Guidera, Loomis CA, Buell 7.062 185.41 185.59
13 573 Mike Berry, Littleton CO, Suzuki 7.080 186.90 186.90
14 412 Michael Phillips, Baton Rouge LA, Suzuki GSXR 7.083 189.95
189.95
15 9 Geno Scali, Lake in the Hills IL, Suzuki 7.115 186.72 189.31
16 205 Shawn Gann, Stoneville NC, Suzuki 7.150 186.48 190.43
------------ Not Qualified ------------
17 235 Hector Arana, Milltown IN, Buell 7.178 184.95
184.95
18 778 Scott Lewis, Orangevale CA, Suzuki GSXR 7.488 176.72 176.72
19 7 Ryan Schnitz, Decatur IN, Kawasaki 7.565 176.56 176.56
TAD
1 7438 A/FD Morgan Lucas, Brownsburg IN, Hadman-BAE
5.222 272.34 272.34
2 4 A/FD Duane Shields, Boulder City NV, Hadman-B 5.245 272.61 272.61
3 440 A/FD Kate Harker, Gainesville GA, Monden-CRE 5.253 270.97 270.97
4 7402 A/FD Randy Eakins, Carson City NV, CNE-TFX 5.302 265.80 265.80
5 499 A/FD Brandon Lewis, Broken Arrow OK, Monden-B 5.365 264.44 264.44
6 9 A/FD Aaron Olivarez, Sandy UT, Dan Page-BAE 5.366 263.87 263.87
7 777 A/FD Mark Niver, Scottsdale AZ, Niver-BAE 5.373 265.69 268.54
8 74 B/AD Jim Whiteley, Grand Junction CO, Neilson 5.375 263.77 265.17
9 71 B/AD Chris Demke, Sunland CA, Uyehara-BAE 5.391 263.87 264.23
10 7942 B/AD Thomas Bayer, Fontana CA, Uyehara-BAE 5.395 255.63 255.63
11 77 B/AD Cody Perkins, Bluffdale UT, Hadman-BAE 5.405 262.74 262.74
12 712 A/FD Larry Miersch, Huntington Beach CA, Spit 5.424 263.98
263.98
13 76 B/AD Mike Austin, Medford OR, Tuttle-Fontana 5.440 261.07 261.07
14 63 A/FD Brandon Johnson, Shelton WA, Hadman-BAE 5.476 260.66 260.66
15 2151 A/FD Lindsey Wood, McAlpin FL, McKinney-BAE 5.485 258.37 258.37
16 7222 B/AD Dennis Swearingen, Santa Clarita CA, Uye 5.522 258.71
258.71
------------ Not Qualified ------------
17 7338 A/FD Brian Smith, Fullerton CA, Hadman-TFX
5.618 258.27 263.87
18 734 A/FD Johnny Ahten, Sagus CA, Uyehara-BAE 5.813 236.51 249.44
19 7649 B/AD Frank Dischbein, Las Vegas NV, Framework 5.884 241.89
241.89
20 7178 A/FD Danny Valadez, San Rafael CA, Stirling-KB 7.650 197.88
197.88
TAFC
1 237 Von Smith, Oak Ridge TN, '02 Camaro 5.576 255.39
255.39
2 8 Doug Gordon, Paso Robles CA, '05 Monte Carlo 5.578 258.86 259.31
3 2 Jay Payne, Claremont CA, '07 Mustang 5.579 259.71 259.71
4 766 Jason Rupert, Yorba Linda CA, '02 Camaro 5.586 255.15 255.15
5 727 Ron August Jr, Pleasanton CA, '02 Camaro 5.588 257.73 257.73
6 799 Sean Bellemeur, Newport Beach CA, '02 Camaro 5.602 251.86 256.60
7 62 Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls OR, '05 Monte Ca 5.627 257.48 257.48
8 7384 Sean O'Bannon, Ontario CA, '07 Charger 5.635 253.99 253.99
9 7306 Jeff Carroll, Santa Barbara CA, '05 Monte Carlo 5.638 245.45
252.10
10 3 Brian Hough, Junction City OR, '02 Firebird 5.641 254.76 254.76
11 65 Ken Kraus, Great Falls MT, '02 Camaro 5.641 253.09 253.09
12 756 Don Hudson, Stockton CA, '02 Camaro 5.649 253.90 253.90
13 75 Dennis Taylor, Anaheim Hills CA, '02 Camaro 5.651 253.75 253.75
14 747 Pete Swayne, Santa Rosa CA, '05 Monte Carlo 5.664 254.33 254.33
15 7238 Bret Williamson, Campbell CA, '01 Corvette 5.674 244.29 244.29
16 76 Mark Woznichak, Riverside CA, '02 Camaro 5.685 245.94 250.46
------------ Not Qualified ------------
17 73 Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina CA, '07 Mustang
5.727 252.95 252.95
18 6464 Russ Parker, Salem OR, '98 Cutlass 5.729 251.44 251.49
19 7507 Paul Crifasi, Henderson NV, '02 Firebird 5.757 247.29 247.29
20 757 Larry Miner, Lodi CA, '05 Monte Carlo 5.762 253.66 253.66
21 710D Alexis De Joria, Venice CA, '07 Charger 5.844 249.67 254.04
22 715 Mike Drake, Glendora CA, '01 Avenger 6.081 200.56 200.56
23 7704 Dale Van Gundy, Anaheim CA, '97 Firebird 6.463 182.92 182.92
TF round two
1 11 Doug Herbert, Lincolnton NC, McKinney-BAE 4.556
315.64 315.64
2 4 Melanie Troxel, Avon IN, Hadman-TFX 4.561 326.63 326.63
3 1 Tony Schumacher, Long Grove IL, Hadman-TFX 4.575 324.90 324.90
4 73 Whit Bazemore, Eugene OR, Hadman-TFX 4.582 323.43 323.43
5 2 Doug Kalitta, Ypsilanti MI, Attac-TFX 4.585 316.15 316.15
6 3 Brandon Bernstein, Fairview TX, McKinney-TFX 4.602 326.56 326.56
7 72 Mike Strasburg, Lindon UT, Hadman-TFX 4.612 322.50 322.50
8 8 J.R. Todd, Avon IN, Hadman-TFX 4.613 290.51 290.51
9 255 Clay Millican, Drummonds TN, Hadman-BAE 4.628 290.32 290.32
10 91 Larry Dixon, Indianapolis IN, McKinney-TFX 4.631 316.23 316.23
11 10 Hillary Will, Ypsilanti MI, Attac-TFX 4.651 319.22 319.22
12 9 Cory McClenathan, Lake Havasu City AZ, Hadman- 4.668 320.13 320.13
13 6 David Grubnic, Ypsilanti MI, Attac-TFX 4.671 310.34 310.34
14 12 Bob Vandergriff, Alpharetta GA, McKinney-BAE 4.675 315.34 315.34
15 743 Morgan Lucas, Brownsburg IN, Hadman-TFX 4.695 313.00 313.00
16 530 Alan Bradshaw, Odessa TX, Don Long-BAE 4.764 302.48 302.48
------------ Not Qualified ------------
17 700 Steven Chrisman, Anaheim CA, Hadman-TFX 4.943
293.03 293.03
18 5 Rod Fuller, Las Vegas NV, Hadman-TFX 5.364 158.61 158.61
FC round two
1 180 Mike Ashley, Melville NY, '07 Charger 4.743
326.79& 326.79
2 711 Jack Beckman, North Hills CA, '07 Charger 4.759 324.67 324.67
3 503 Tommy Johnson Jr., Avon IN, '07 Impala 4.762 320.97 320.97
4 5 Tony Pedregon, Brownsburg IN, '07 Impala 4.764 318.32 318.32
5 750 Del Worsham, Chino Hills CA, '07 Impala 4.774 322.04 322.04
6 7 Gary Scelzi, Fresno CA, '07 Charger 4.788 321.27 321.27
7 7321 Ashley Force, Yorba Linda CA, '06 Mustang 4.791 324.12 324.12
8 404 Kenny Bernstein, Lake Forest CA, '07 Charger 4.794 324.98 324.98
9 2 Robert Hight, Yorba Linda CA, '06 Mustang 4.821 318.17 318.17
10 782 Gary Densham, Bellflower CA, '05 MonteCarlo 4.871 313.29 313.29
11 1 John Force, Yorba Linda CA, '05 Mustang 4.871 277.89 277.89
12 28 Ron Capps, Carlsbad CA, '07 Charger 4.877 286.74 307.72
13 427 Tony Bartone, Long Island City NY, '05 Monte C 4.965 294.69
294.69
14 388 Jim Head, Galena OH, '06 Stratus 5.036 289.94 289.94
15 10 Cruz Pedregon, Camarillo CA, '07 Impala 5.038 228.54 228.54
16 170 Jeff Arend, San Dimas CA, '07 Impala 5.042 294.75 294.75
------------ Not Qualified ------------
17 347 Tim Wilkerson, Springfield IL, '07 Impala
5.076 294.18 294.18
18 206 Bob Gilbertson, Charolette NC, '06 Stratus 5.206 214.52 214.52
19 319 Scott Kalitta, Ypsilanti MI, '07 Solara 5.875 158.82 158.82
20 729 Jerry Toliver, Temecula CA, '07 Solara 9.979 79.16 79.16
PS round two
1 2 Greg Anderson, Mooresville NC, '06 GTO 6.612@
208.07& 208.07
2 6 Allen Johnson, Greeneville TN, '07 Stratus 6.612 207.21 207.21
3 3 Dave Connolly, Elyria OH, '07 Cobalt 6.631 206.92 206.92
4 103 Max Naylor, New Buffalo PA, '07 Stratus 6.636 206.26 206.26
5 7 Jim Yates, Occoquan VA, '06 GTO 6.644 206.67 206.67
6 208 Warren Johnson, Sugar Hill GA, '06 GTO 6.648 207.05 207.05
7 25 Jeg Coughlin, Delaware OH, '07 Cobalt 6.649 206.73 206.73
8 107 Kenny Koretsky, Richboro PA, '07 Cobalt 6.650 207.02 207.02
9 9 Richie Stevens, Metairie LA, '07 Stratus 6.652 206.48 206.48
10 351 Ron Krisher, Warren OH, '07 Cobalt 6.655 206.48 206.48
11 10 V. Gaines, Lakewood CO, '07 Stratus 6.657 206.42 206.42
12 1568 Justin Humphreys, Monrovia MD, '06 GTO 6.669 206.80 206.80
13 5 Kurt Johnson, Sugar Hill GA, '07 Cobalt 6.672 206.92 206.92
14 712 Bob Panella, Stockton CA, '07 Stratus 6.675 206.83 206.83
15 1 Jason Line, Mooresville NC, '06 GTO 6.679 206.29 206.29
16 401K Erica Enders, Houston TX, '07 Stratus 6.681 206.23 206.23
------------ Not Qualified ------------
17 357 Larry Morgan, Newark OH, '07 Stratus 6.698
206.01 206.70
18 8 Greg Stanfield, Bossier City LA, '06 GTO 6.748 203.49 204.70
19 7111 Bill Windham, Eldorado Hills CA, '07 Cobalt 6.755 205.22 205.22
20 701 Ben Watson, Concord CA, '06 GTO 6.764 203.65 203.65
21 772 Tony Rizzo, Tucson AZ, '07 Cobalt 6.821 203.25 203.25
PSM round two
1 1 Andrew Hines, Brownsburg IN, Harley V-Rod 6.962
190.03 190.03
2 3 Angelle Sampey, Mathews LA, Suzuki GSXR 6.968 191.08 191.08
3 10 Craig Treble, Hensley AR, Suzuki GSXR 6.983 191.95 191.95
4 4 Chip Ellis, Plains GA, Buell 6.986 189.20 189.20
5 499 Peggy Llewellyn, San Antonio TX, Buell 6.997 187.50 187.50
6 5 Matt Smith, King NC, Buell 7.021 186.23 186.46
7 748 Chris Rivas, Fresno CA, Buell 7.028 186.51 186.51
8 2 Antron Brown, Brownsburg IN, Suzuki GSXR 7.042 186.18 186.18
9 6 Karen Stoffer, Smith NV, Suzuki 7.046 188.38 188.38
10 751 Steve Johnson, Irondale AL, Suzuki 7.058 187.11 187.11
11 88 Eddie Krawiec, Brownsburg IN, Harley V-Rod 7.089 187.26 187.26
12 573 Mike Berry, Littleton CO, Suzuki 7.107 186.56 186.56
13 25 Matt Guidera, Loomis CA, Buell 7.142 182.75 182.75
14 412 Michael Phillips, Baton Rouge LA, Suzuki GSXR 7.149 187.21
187.21
15 205 Shawn Gann, Stoneville NC, Suzuki 7.150 186.48 186.48
16 9 Geno Scali, Lake in the Hills IL, Suzuki 7.181 186.69 186.69
------------ Not Qualified ------------
17 235 Hector Arana, Milltown IN, Buell 7.276 181.11
181.11
18 778 Scott Lewis, Orangevale CA, Suzuki GSXR 7.488 176.72 176.72
19 7 Ryan Schnitz, Decatur IN, Kawasaki 7.718 171.12 171.12
TAD round two
1 7402 A/FD Randy Eakins, Carson City NV, CNE-TFX
5.308 263.82 263.82
2 440 A/FD Kate Harker, Gainesville GA, Monden-CRE 5.342 267.11 267.11
3 9 A/FD Aaron Olivarez, Sandy UT, Dan Page-BAE 5.366 263.87 263.87
4 777 A/FD Mark Niver, Phoenix AZ, Niver-BAE 5.373 265.69 265.69
5 74 B/AD Jim Whiteley, Grand Junction CO, Neilson 5.375 263.77 263.77
6 7438 A/FD Morgan Lucas, Brownsburg IN, Spitzer-BAE 5.379 270.10
271.62
7 71 B/AD Chris Demke, Sunland CA, Uyehara-BAE 5.391 263.87 264.23
8 7942 B/AD Thomas Bayer, Fontana CA, UCR-BAE 5.395 255.63 255.63
9 77 B/AD Cody Perkins, Bluffdale UT, Hadman-BAE 5.405 262.74 262.74
10 4 A/FD Duane Shields, Boulder City NV, Hadman-B 5.445 269.03 269.03
11 499 A/FD Brandon Lewis, Broken Arrow OK, Monden-B 5.471 259.76
259.76
12 712 A/FD Larry Miersch, Huntington Beach CA, Spit 5.554 257.68
257.68
13 7222 B/AD Dennis Swearingen, Santa Clarita CA, Uye 5.567 249.16
249.16
14 63 A/FD Brandon Johnson, Shelton WA, Hadman-BAE 5.596 257.53 257.53
15 7338 A/FD Brian Smith, Fullerton CA, Hadman-TFX 5.618 258.27 259.31
16 76 B/AD Mike Austin, Medford OR, Tuttle-Fontana 5.653 244.03 244.03
------------ Not Qualified ------------
17 734 A/FD Johnny Ahten, Sagus CA, Uyehara-BAE 5.813
236.51 249.44
18 2151 A/FD Lindsey Wood, McAlpin FL, McKinney-BAE 5.843 239.61 239.61
19 7649 B/AD Frank Dischbein, Las Vegas NV, Framework 5.922 219.86
219.86
TAFC round two
1 237 Von Smith, Oak Ridge TN, '02 Camaro 5.576 255.39
255.39
2 8 Doug Gordon, Paso Robles CA, '05 Monte Carlo 5.578 258.86 258.86
3 766 Jason Rupert, Yorba Linda CA, '02 Camaro 5.586 255.15 255.15
4 799 Sean Bellemeur, Newport Beach CA, '02 Camaro 5.602 251.86 256.60
5 727 Ron August Jr, Pleasanton CA, '02 Camaro 5.606 243.19 253.61
6 62 Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls OR, '05 Monte Ca 5.627 257.48 257.48
7 756 Don Hudson, Stockton CA, '02 Camaro 5.649 253.90 253.90
8 2 Jay Payne, Claremont CA, '07 Mustang 5.649 253.33 257.53
9 7384 Sean O'Bannon, Ontario CA, '07 Charger 5.668 250.23 250.23
10 65 Ken Kraus, Great Falls MT, '02 Camaro 5.674 250.83 250.83
11 7238 Bret Williamson, Campbell CA, '01 Corvette 5.674 244.29 244.29
12 75 Dennis Taylor, Anaheim Hills CA, '02 Camaro 5.676 251.63 253.71
13 76 Mark Woznichak, Riverside CA, '02 Camaro 5.685 245.94 246.98
14 3 Brian Hough, Junction City OR, '02 Firebird 5.697 252.19 252.19
15 73 Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina CA, '07 Mustang 5.727 252.95
252.95
16 7306 Jeff Carroll, Santa Barbara CA, '05 Monte Carlo 5.753 252.10
252.10
------------ Not Qualified ------------
17 6464 Russ Parker, Salem OR, '98 Cutlass 5.755
251.49 251.49
18 7507 Paul Crifasi, Henderson NV, '02 Firebird 5.757 247.29 247.29
19 757 Larry Miner, Lodi CA, '05 Monte Carlo 5.762 253.66 253.66
20 747 Pete Swayne, Santa Rosa CA, '05 Monte Carlo 5.822 251.39 251.39
21 710D Alexis De Joria, Venice CA, '07 Charger 5.844 249.67 251.30
22 715 Mike Drake, Glendora CA, '01 Avenger 6.081 200.56 200.56
23 7704 Dale Van Gundy, Anaheim CA, '97 Firebird 6.463 182.92 182.92
TAD round one
1 7402 A/FD Randy Eakins, Carson City NV, CNE-TFX
5.326 263.46 263.46
2 777 A/FD Mark Niver, Phoenix AZ, Niver-BAE 5.373 265.69 265.69
3 7438 A/FD Morgan Lucas, Brownsburg IN, Spitzer-BAE 5.392 271.62
271.62
4 7942 B/AD Thomas Bayer, Fontana CA, UCR-BAE 5.395 255.63 255.63
5 77 B/AD Cody Perkins, Bluffdale UT, Hadman-BAE 5.420 262.18 262.18
6 4 A/FD Duane Shields, Boulder City NV, Hadman-B 5.445 269.03 269.03
7 71 B/AD Chris Demke, Sunland CA, Uyehara-BAE 5.455 264.23 264.23
8 499 A/FD Brandon Lewis, Broken Arrow OK, Monden-B 5.471 259.76 259.76
9 7222 B/AD Dennis Swearingen, Santa Clarita CA, Uye 5.567 249.16
249.16
10 7338 A/FD Brian Smith, Fullerton CA, Hadman-TFX 5.676 259.31 259.31
11 712 A/FD Larry Miersch, Huntington Beach CA, Spit 5.773 252.76
252.76
12 734 A/FD Johnny Ahten, Sagus CA, Uyehara-BAE 5.813 236.51 236.51
13 63 A/FD Brandon Johnson, Shelton WA, Hadman-BAE 5.831 251.95 251.95
14 2151 A/FD Lindsey Wood, McAlpin FL, McKinney-BAE 5.843 239.61 239.61
15 7649 B/AD Frank Dischbein, Las Vegas NV, Framework 5.962 192.66
192.66
16 9 A/FD Aaron Olivarez, Sandy UT, Dan Page-BAE 8.254 109.34 109.34
------------ Not Qualified ------------
17 76 B/AD Mike Austin, Medford OR, Tuttle-Fontana
10.463 75.95 75.95
18 440 A/FD Kate Harker, Gainesville GA, Monden-CRE 13.256 74.62 74.62
TAFC round one
1 237 Von Smith, Oak Ridge TN, '02 Camaro 5.576 255.39
255.39
2 799 Sean Bellemeur, Newport Beach CA, '04 Camaro 5.614 256.60 256.60
3 756 Don Hudson, Stockton CA, '02 Camaro 5.649 253.90 253.90
4 62 Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls OR, '05 Monte Ca 5.659 255.97 255.97
5 75 Dennis Taylor, Anaheim Hills CA, '02 Camaro 5.682 253.71 253.71
6 8 Doug Gordon, Paso Robles CA, '05 Monte Carlo 5.721 258.17 258.17
7 2 Jay Payne, Claremont CA, '07 Mustang 5.721 257.53 257.53
8 3 Brian Hough, Junction City OR, '02 Firebird 5.729 250.27 250.27
9 766 Jason Rupert, Yorba Linda CA, '03 Camaro 5.744 252.00 252.00
10 6464 Russ Parker, Salem OR, '98 Cutlass 5.755 251.49 251.49
11 757 Larry Miner, Lodi CA, '05 Monte Carlo 5.762 253.66 253.66
12 73 Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina CA, '06 Monte C 5.762 252.24
252.24
13 727 Ron August Jr, Pleasanton CA, '04 Camaro 5.773 253.61 253.61
14 747 Pete Swayne, Santa Rosa CA, '05 Monte Carlo 5.822 251.39 251.39
15 76 Mark Woznichak, Riverside CA, '02 Camaro 5.841 246.98 246.98
16 65 Ken Kraus, Great Falls MT, '02 Camaro 5.851 249.39 249.39
------------ Not Qualified ------------
17 710D Alexis De Joria, Venice CA, '07 Charger 5.920
251.30 251.30
18 7384 Sean O'Bannon, Ontario CA, '07 Charger 5.949 208.36 208.36
19 7507 Paul Crifasi, Henderson NV, '04 Firebird 6.058 240.51 240.51
20 715 Mike Drake, Glendora CA, '01 Avenger 6.081 200.56 200.56
21 7704 Dale Van Gundy, Anaheim CA, '97 Firebird 6.463 182.92 182.92
22 7238 Bret Williamson, Campbell CA, '01 Corvette 9.123 106.46 106.46
23 7306 Jeff Carroll, Santa Barbara CA, '07 Monte Carlo10.483 110.03
110.03
Comp Round two
1 7 B/ND Dean Carter, Glendale AZ, Uyehara-Chev 7.071
7.80 -0.729
2 707M AA/AT John Mihovetz, Ontario CA, '02 Cougar 6.493 7.18 -0.687
3 72 D/EA Jim Cowan, Dewey AZ, '04 Cavalier 8.157 8.84 -0.683
4 73 PST Tom Mettler, Bakersfield CA, '01 Dakota 7.377 8.05 -0.673
5 751 B/A Tom Huggins, Santa Paula CA, '06 GTO 7.023 7.69 -0.667
6 77 A/AA David Beckley, Wildomar CA, '63 Corvette 6.581 7.24 -0.659
7 4 A/EA David Rampy, Piedmont AL, '32 Bantam 7.266 7.91 -0.644
8 720 A/ND J.D. Zink, Chico CA, Uyehara-Chevy 6.864 7.50 -0.636
9 610 C/AA John Edwards, Claremont CA, '99 Neon 7.444 8.04 -0.596
10 75 A/AP Alan Ellis, Mapleton UT, '23-T Ford 6.786 7.38 -0.594
11 718 C/AA Alan Freese, Salinas CA, '00 Firebird 7.447 8.04 -0.593
12 7298 A/SM Scott Hedlund, Anaheim Hills CA, '04 Caval 7.869 8.46
-0.591
13 710 D/SMA Doug Lambeck, Northridge CA, '06 Sunfire 8.429 9.02 -0.591
14 6944 B/AA Bob Marshall, Langley BC, '06 GTO 7.080 7.67 -0.590
15 7771 C/SR Ed Sigmon, Chatsworth CA, '34 Chevy 8.581 9.17 -0.589
16 600 B/SR Jeff Lane, North Bend WA, '34 Chevy 7.952 8.54 -0.588
17 76 A/A Vinnie Deceglie, Alta Loma CA, '63 Corvette 6.522 7.11 -0.588
18 7265 F/ED Tom Brown, Riverside CA, Custom-Pontiac 8.323 8.91 -0.587
19 178 C/EA Dan Fletcher, Churchville NY, '07 Cobalt 8.137 8.72 -0.583
20 6222 G/SMA Mark Stewart, Central Point OR, '98 Achieva 8.837 9.40
-0.563
21 7058 C/ED Michael Stone, Tulare CA, Sarmento-Chevy 7.349 7.91 -0.561
22 751D B/AA Skip Dunn, Orem UT, '02 Grand Am 7.130 7.67 -0.540
23 730 F/AA Bryan Fitzgerald, Newbury Park CA, '04 Cav 8.109 8.64
-0.531
24 6018 H/A Jim Warter, Olalla WA, '98 Camaro 8.830 9.34 -0.510
25 799 PST Steve Gramham, San Francisco CA, '00 Chevy 7.661 8.05 -0.389
26 732 D/SMA Dave Raybourn, Modesto CA, '04 Sunfire 8.738 9.02 -0.282
27 7230 H/SM Randy Jones, Monarch Beach CA, '04 Cavalier 9.403 9.67
-0.267
28 798 G/SMA Sam Tufano, Los Gatos CA, '97 Camaro 9.147 9.40 -0.253
29 529Y A/AA Steve Holloway, Lakewood CO, '06 GTO 7.210 7.24 -0.030
30 768M C/AA Brian Moscini, San Mateo CA, '02 Firebird 8.486 8.04
0.446
31 7103 B/AA Ken Phillips, Las Vegas NV, '68 AMX 8.813 7.67 1.143
Event facts:
SONOMA, Calif. --
The 20th annual FRAM-Autolite NHRA Nationals, the 15th of 23 events
in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. Professional competitors
in four categories earn points leading to 2007 NHRA POWERade Series
world championships.
Sportsman competitors in five categories earn points leading to 2007
NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series world championships.
WHERE: Infineon Raceway, Sonoma, Calif. The track is located at Highways
37 and 121.
WHEN: Friday through Sunday, July 27-29.
PURSE: Cash and contingency awards of more than $1.3 million.
SCHEDULE:
FRIDAY, July 27 - Sportsman qualifying and eliminations, begin at
8:15 a.m.
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFYING SESSIONS at 3:45 p.m. and 7 p.m.
SATURDAY, July 28 - Sportsman eliminations begin at 8:15 a.m.
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFYING SESSIONS at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.
SUNDAY, July 29 - Pre-race ceremonies, 11 a.m.
FINAL ELIMINATIONS begin at noon
TELEVISION:
Saturday, July 28, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise one and a half
hours of qualifying coverage at 6 p.m. (ET).
Sunday, July 29, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will telecast NHRA Race Day,
a 30-minute news magazine show, at 11 a.m. (ET).
Sunday, July 29, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise three hours of
final round eliminations at 8 p.m. (ET).
2006 EVENT WINNERS: J.R. Todd, Top Fuel; Eric Medlen, Funny Car;
Jason Line, Pro Stock; Chip Ellis, Pro Stock Motorcycle.
TRACK RECORDS:
Top Fuel - 4.486 seconds by Tony Schumacher, July '06; 331.36 mph
by Dave Grubnic, July '06
Funny Car - 4.738 seconds by Robert Hight, July '06; 325.69 mph by
Del Worsham, July '05
Pro Stock - 6.631 seconds by Greg Anderson, July '06; 207.82 mph by
Greg Anderson, July '06
PS Motorcycle - 6.911 seconds by Chip Ellis, July '06; 196.13 mph
by Andrew Hines, Aug. '04
NATIONAL RECORDS:
Top Fuel - 4.428 sec. by Tony Schumacher, Nov. '06, Pomona, Calif.;
336.15 mph by Schumacher, May '05, Columbus, Ohio
Funny Car - 4.659 sec. by Tony Pedregon, Feb. '07, Chandler, Ariz.;
333.66 mph by Jack Beckman, Nov. '06, Pomona, Calif.
Pro Stock - 6.536 sec. by Greg Anderson, March '07, Gainesville, Fla.;
211.69 mph by Jason Line, March '07, Gainesville, Fla.
PS Motorcycle - 6.871 sec. by Angelle Sampey, June '07, Englishtown,
N.J.; 197.45 mph by Andrew Hines, March '05, Gainesville, Fla.
TICKETS: For tickets call (800) 870-7223. Tickets also are available
at ticketmaster.com.
RESERVED SEATS (includes pit pass) - Friday: Adult, $45; Junior (12
years and under), $20. Saturday: Adult, $55; Junior (12 years and
under), $20. Sunday: Adult, $60; Junior (12 years and under), $25.
Team Press releases
Jack O'Bannon Racing
O'Bannon looking to bounce back in Sonoma
SONOMA, Calif. - NHRA Top Alcohol Funny Car rookie Sean O'Bannon and
the Tequila Patrón/Forest River RV's team will be looking for
some redemption at this weekend's Fram-Autolite Nationals at Infineon
Raceway in Sonoma, Calif., following a disappointing outing last weekend
in Seattle. Persistent rains shortened qualifying to just one session
in which O'Bannon's Dodge Charger encountered heavy tire shake that
eventually lead to him crossing the centerline, disqualifying his
only run.
O'Bannon, 28, of Fontana, Calif., is ready to put Seattle behind him
and rebound this weekend in Sonoma.
"We knew with the weather it was going to be a one shot deal,"
said O'Bannon. "It started to rattle the tires pretty hard in
low. I stayed with it as long as I could, then pedaled it. When I
pedaled it, it just shot me over the centerline into the cones. I'm
more disappointed about crossing the centerline than not qualifying.
Unfortunately, we didn't get another chance to make the field, and
our weekend was over. All you can do is learn from it and move on."
"We have a good weather forecast for this weekend, so hopefully
we'll get all three qualifying shots," O'Bannon continued. "Sonoma
is a fast track with good air, so hopefully we can step this Tequila
Patrón/Forest River RV's Dodge Charger back up. Our teammate
Alexis De Joria has been running good her last few outings and they
have learned some things that will help our car. It's going to be
a tough show, but I have all the confidence in the world in the team
my dad [Jack] has put together. We're definitely looking forward to
getting back on track this weekend."
Qualifying begins on Friday for the alcohol cars with two sessions,
followed by one final session on Saturday. Eliminations begin with
round one on Saturday afternoon and final eliminations will conclude
the event on Sunday.
About The Patrón Spirits Company:
Headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, the company's eight distinctive
products now share the Patrón label; Gran Patrón Platinum,
Patrón Añejo, Patrón Reposado, Patrón
Silver, Patrón XO Café, Patrón Citrónge,
Pyrat Cask 23, Pyrat XO Reserve. Each brand is the finest in their
category. The newest, Gran Patrón Platinum, is an extraordinary
triple distilled pure tequila. sPatrón Tequila is today, the
world’s number one ultra premium tequila. In 2004 & 2005,
Patrón Tequila was recognized with the American Academy of
Hospitality Sciences Five Star Diamond Award. Patrón is the
first spirits brand ever to receive this prestigious honor. Patrón
Tequila continues to set new sales records every year.
To find out more about the Jack O'Bannon Racing Team, visit their
website at www.JackOBannonRacing.com
To find out more about Jack O'Bannon Racing's quality partners, visit
these websites:
www.PatronSpirits.com - Find out more about the world's number one
tequila - Tequila Patrón.
www.ForestRiverInc.com - Find out more about America's largest producer
of towable RV's and Cargo Trailers
www.HoosierRacingTire.com - "Tires Designed for Champions"
www.LE-Inc.com - Lubrication Engineers - "Leaders in Lubrication"
Alexis De Joria
De Joria hoping to build on strong Seattle performance
SONOMA, Calif. - Rookie NHRA Top Alcohol Funny Car driver Alexis De
Joria and the Tequila Patrón/Jack O'Bannon Racing team are
hoping to build on their best outing to date last weekend in Seattle
during this weekend's Fram-Autolite Nationals at Infineon Raceway
in Sonoma, Calif. After inclement weather shortened qualifying to
just one session in Seattle, De Joria hopes a clean forecast will
give the team more time to build on their career-best 5.73 last weekend.
De Joria, 29, of Venice, Calif., is excited about the recent turn
for the better her season has taken. The daughter of Patrón
Spirits Company and Paul Mitchell Hair Care Products founder John
Paul De Joria has qualified for her last three outings. She credits
making more clean laps to her accelerated development.
"We're really thrilled about getting to race in Sonoma,"
said De Joria. "It's a good track and my Crew Chief Randy Anderson
tells me that the air is good there, too. I'm still excited about
running that 5.73 in Seattle. We're going to try to repeat and build
on that in Sonoma. If we can do better than that, it will just be
amazing to me. Hopefully we can get a clean first pass."
"It will also be nice if we can get all of the qualifying sessions,"
De Joria continued. "Last weekend with all the rain, all we had
is one shot. Randy and the guys really have this Tequila Patrón
hot rod running great right now. Every run lately seems to be better
than the last. This is my rookie year and I still have a lot to learn,
so the more passes I can make, the better. Not only do I need to focus
on getting the car down the track, but work on my starting line game.
I'm really working on my focus so I don't have another let down like
I did in Seattle. It's all part of learning and all I can do is just
do my best every time."
Qualifying begins on Friday for the alcohol cars with two sessions
and concludes Saturday morning. Eliminations begin with round one
on Saturday afternoon, and final eliminations conclude the event on
Sunday.
About The Patrón Spirits Company:
Headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, the company's eight distinctive
products now share the Patrón label; Gran Patrón Platinum,
Patrón Añejo, Patrón Reposado, Patrón
Silver, Patrón XO Café, Patrón Citrónge,
Pyrat Cask 23, Pyrat XO Reserve. Each brand is the finest in their
category. The newest, Gran Patrón Platinum, is an extraordinary
triple distilled pure tequila. sPatrón Tequila is today, the
world’s number one ultra premium tequila. In 2004 & 2005,
Patrón Tequila was recognized with the American Academy of
Hospitality Sciences Five Star Diamond Award. Patrón is the
first spirits brand ever to receive this prestigious honor. Patrón
Tequila continues to set new sales records every year.
To find out more about the Jack O'Bannon Racing team, log on to their
website at www.JackOBannonRacing.com
To find out more about the team's quality partners, visit these websites:
www.PatronSpirits.com - Find out more about the world's number one
tequila - Tequila Patrón.
www.HoosierRacingTire.com - "Tires Designed for Champions"
www.LE-Inc.com - Lubrication Engineers - "Leaders in Lubrication"
Jeff and Ann Carroll's "Hice
Cellars" Funny Car Team
Looking at Continued Momentum In Sonoma
(courtesy Nancy Matter)
After almost three months off to oversee operations with his family
owned business, Jeff Carroll and his Hice Cellar's Team are ready
to race again. The team is sporting a brand new candy apple red color
this weekend and is looking to continue their success from their last
outing in May of 2007 where they were the number one qualifier and
a semi final finish at the fourth of seven Pacific Division 7 racing
events in Fontana, California.
"We're very excited about the next two weekends" states
Carroll, "this is the home track of our primary sponsor, Hice
Cellars. We know we have our work cut out for us, but our Titan Clutch
along with our Victory Chassis has proven itself to be a top contender.
We're hoping with the good racing weather that we'll be in the winners
circle on Sunday".
Carroll's team also welcomes their new associate sponsor Monaco of
Las Vegas.
Hice Cellars of Paso Robles, California, supplies wine from selected
organically grown vineyards. Their vineyards are grown Bio-dynamically
and organically without the use of pesticides or herbicides to insure
the finest flavor possible.
For additional information about Hice Cellars, log on to: www.HiceCellars.com
For additional information on Monaco of Las Vegas, log on to: www.monacolasvegas.com
For additional information on Jeff Carroll, log on to: www.CarrollMotorsports.com
Additional thanks go to Jeff's wife Ann, his crew members Tom and
Billy, Nu Image Signs & Graphix, RPM Oil, Titan Clutches and Oil
Pumps, and WCP Trucking.
The 15th National Event of 23 within the NHRA Powerade Series kicks
off on Friday, July 27th with two rounds of qualifying at 2:00 and
5:30 p.m. for the Alcohol Class. Qualifying resumes on Saturday, July
28th, at 11:30 a.m. followed by first round of eliminations at 3:45
p.m. Final Eliminations begin on Sunday, 29th, 2007, at noon.
For all the latest udates and racing results, log on to www.dracecentral.com
presented by Summitracing.com 1-800-230-3030 or www.NHRA.com.
