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This weekends photos and gallerys courtesy Bill Jeffry and Paul Grant

July 17-19, 2009

North West Nationals

Pacific Raceway Seattle Washington

NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing

Professional results (TF, FC, Pro Stock)

Sunday eliminations

 

Saturday Qualifying

(Bill Jeffery report)

 

NHRA NW Nationals, Kent, Washington

Day two at the NHRA Nationals in Seattle began with mostly sunny sky’s and temperatures about 10 degrees cooler than Friday. Expectations were high that many of Friday’s qualifying numbers would drop, but with the exception of Funny Car, Pro Stock and Alcohol Funny Car, the numbers held for #1 qualifying spots. That being said there was a lot of jockeying in every category and the ladder looked a lot different at the end of the day. In Top Fuel, Larry Dixon held the #1 at 3.89 seconds, but Tony Pedregon bettered his Friday performance with an outstanding 4.17 second hit. However the most exciting event was in Pro Stock, as Mike Edwards broke the track record with his 6.576 e.t. but only held that honor for a couple of minutes as the red hot Allen Johnson had the Hemi cooking once again, resetting the record at a booming 6.571 second e.t.

In the Alcohol ranks, the day proved to be very interesting if you are Canadian. The Top Alcohol Dragster category ended with three Canadian cars in the top three, and if that wasn’t enough, the rankings were not what you would expect. Dale Carlson, in the Hugh Ridley owned, Jeff Johnson tuned rail held the #1 at 5.34 seconds. In the #2 spot, upstart Ashley Bart ran a career best 5.38 seconds in the yellow BAD. The team went wild at the starting line. Congratulations to Kenny Gilmour, Ashley and the entire team. It got even better for them when their opponent Trautman couldn’t make round one, so today the team is still in the field. Of course, local phenom Shawn Cowie took the number 3 spot with a stronger 5 .39 pass.

Speedzone Saturday recap

Top Fuel

No changes for the top 4 in Top Fuel Saturday despite slighly cooler temperatures. Shawn Langdon moved up to 5th from 10th and Terry Haddock is the top independant sitting in the #10 spot. Noteable parings in round one include Shawn Langdon vs Doug Kalitta and the big one is Tony Schumacher and Brandon Bernstein. Both were in the middle of the pack

1 2 Larry Dixon, Brownsburg IN, Hadman-TFX 3.891 302.21 302.21
2 34 Morgan Lucas, Brownsburg IN, Hadman-TFX 3.909 299.33 299.33
3 421 Spencer Massey, Vista CA, McKinney-TFX 3.914 303.64 303.64
4 3 Cory McClenathan, Brownsburg IN, Hadman-TFX 3.915 297.16 297.16
5 333 Shawn Langdon, Brownsburg IN, Hadman-TFX 3.920 303.43 303.43
6 373 J.R. Todd, Indianapolis IN, McKinney-BAE 3.921 294.56 297.94
7 255 Clay Millican, Drummonds TN, Hadman-BAE 3.934 302.08 302.08
8 1 Tony Schumacher, Long Grove IL, Hadman-TFX 3.937 303.98 303.98
9 7 Brandon Bernstein, Lake Forest CA, Hadman-TFX 3.938 304.25 304.25
10 5 Antron Brown, Pittsboro IN, Hadman-TFX 3.952 305.84 305.84
11 121 Terry Haddock, Woodinville WA, Hadman-BAE 4.011 297.16 297.16
12 50 Doug Kalitta, Ypsilanti MI, Attac-TFX 4.035 289.57 289.57
13 497 Troy Buff, Spring TX, Don Long-BAE 4.048 280.31 531.28
14 640 Ron Smith, Renton WA, Hadman-TFX 4.490 261.67 261.67
15 700 Steven Chrisman, Anaheim CA, McKinney-TFX 8.755 111.33 220.62
16 524 Joe Hartley, Portland OR, McKinney-BAE 20.028 39.11 46.92

Funny Car

For the floppers, Mike Neff and Matt Hagan moved up into the 2-3 spots, as Tony P. held on to the #1 position. John Force is in the top half and Gary Densham is # 9. He will face co point leader Ashley Force Hood. Jack Beckman faces teammate Matt Hagan, Del Worsham is up against John Force, Ron Capps takes on Cruz and Robert Hight battles #7 Tim Wilkerson.

1 5 Tony Pedregon, Brownsburg IN, '09 Impala 4.174 291.13 294.43
2 9 Mike Neff, Yorba Linda CA, '09 Mustang 4.216 290.26 290.26
3 2814 Matt Hagan, Christianburg VA, '09 Charger 4.216 286.32 286.32
4 1777 Bob Tasca III, Cranston RI, '09 Mustang 4.228 282.48 285.23
5 7 John Force, Yorba Linda CA, '09 Mustang 4.229 290.13 290.13
6 28 Ron Capps, Carlsbad CA, '09 Charger 4.245 274.94 274.94
7 2 Tim Wilkerson, Springfield IL, '09 Mustang 4.260 285.65 287.78
8 6 Ashley Force Hood, Yorba Linda CA, '09 Mustang 4.262 285.35 285.35
9 10 Gary Densham, Bellflower CA, '09 Impala 4.262 280.60 280.60
10 4 Robert Hight, Yorba Linda CA, '09 Mustang 4.273 286.13 286.13
11 1 Cruz Pedregon, Brownsburg IN, '09 Solara 4.292 279.04 279.04
12 750 Del Worsham, Chino Hills CA, '09 Solara 4.307 284.33 284.33
13 767 Jerry Toliver, Temecula CA, '06 Monte Carlo 4.309 276.80 276.80
14 3 Jack Beckman, North Hills CA, '09 Charger 4.370 273.66 273.66
15 170 Jeff Arend, San Dimas CA, '09 Solara 4.384 273.50 277.49
16 728 Grant Downing, Fullerton CA, '02 Monte Carlo 5.533 132.00 132.00

Pro Stock

Allen Johnson stayed #1 in Pro Stock and went into the 6.50's will a track record 6.571. Four cars are in the 6.50's but the spread is one of the widest in recent memory. Not counting oft runner Danny Gruninger who did not get down the track, but is #16, the spread is .15. Normally the difference is in the .06 range. A Couple real toufh round one pairings include Greg Anderson and KJ, Jeggy vs Larry Morgan and Greg Stanfield vs WJ.

1 7 Allen Johnson, Greeneville TN, '06 Stratus 6.571 210.21 210.21
2 4 Mike Edwards, Coweta OK, '09 GXP 6.576 210.05 210.05
3 2 Greg Anderson, Concord NC, '09 GXP 6.582 210.18 210.18
4 5 Jason Line, Troutman NC, '09 GXP 6.597 209.85 209.85
5 1 Jeg Coughlin, Delaware OH, '09 Cobalt 6.607 209.85 209.85
6 10 Ron Krisher, Warren OH, '09 Cobalt 6.613 208.62 208.62
7 8 Greg Stanfield, Bossier City LA, '09 GXP 6.616 209.01 209.01
8 31 Johnny Gray, Artesia NM, '06 Stratus 6.645 207.82 207.88
9 317 Rickie Jones, Galesburg IL, '06 Stratus 6.654 207.85 207.85
10 208 Warren Johnson, Sugar Hill GA, '09 GXP 6.658 209.33 209.49
11 41 Rodger Brogdon, Tomball TX, '09 GXP 6.662 208.75 208.75
12 357 Larry Morgan, Newark OH, '06 Stratus 6.671 206.89 206.89
13 9 V. Gaines, Lakewood CO, '06 Stratus 6.675 207.27 207.59
14 3 Kurt Johnson, Sugar Hill GA, '09 Cobalt 6.707 208.26 208.26
15 701 Ben Watson, Concord CA, '06 GTO 6.723 205.51 205.51
16 5266 Danny Gruninger, Littleton CO, '07 Stratus 15.686 51.03 153.09

Friday Qualifying

KENT, Wash. --

Report and photos courtey Bill Jeffery

NHRA Nationals - Kent, Washington

Friday qualifying at this years NHRA Nationals in Seattle saw beautiful,
sunny weather conditions, but unusually high temperatures for this region.
The low 90's temperature range resulted in afternoon track temperatures of
about 122 degrees and this proved to be very tricky for the fuel teams,
especially the nitro floppers who struggled big time all day. It seemed like
more teams struck the tires than not over the two sessions, and it was
interesting to see two of the biggest hitters, Ron Capps (6.98 e.t.) and
John Force (6.22 e.t.)at the very bottom of the 16 car ladder after two
rounds. However the conditions didn't seem to affect Tony Pedregon, who
blasted down the track in the second qualifier with a stout 4.18 second pass
at over 289 m.p.h. He was followed by Tasca at 4.228 seconds.

Funny Car

Tony Pedregon #1

1 5 Tony Pedregon, Brownsburg IN, '09 Impala 4.182 289.63 289.63
2 1777 Bob Tasca III, Cranston RI, '09 Mustang 4.228 282.48 285.23
3 2 Tim Wilkerson, Springfield IL, '09 Mustang 4.260 285.65 285.65
4 1 Cruz Pedregon, Brownsburg IN, '09 Solara 4.292 279.04 279.04
5 2814 Matt Hagan, Christianburg VA, '09 Charger 4.312 276.18 276.18
6 4 Robert Hight, Yorba Linda CA, '09 Mustang 4.320 276.75 276.75
7 6 Ashley Force Hood, Yorba Linda CA, '09 Mustang 4.320 249.26 249.26
8 170 Jeff Arend, San Dimas CA, '09 Solara 4.384 273.50 273.50
9 9 Mike Neff, Yorba Linda CA, '09 Mustang 4.479 205.38 205.38
10 750 Del Worsham, Chino Hills CA, '09 Solara 5.027 155.13 155.13
11 767 Jerry Toliver, Temecula CA, '06 Monte Carlo 5.531 130.85 130.85
12 728 Grant Downing, Fullerton CA, '02 Monte Carlo 5.533 132.00 132.00

Bob Tasca #2

------------ Not Qualified ------------

13 3 Jack Beckman, North Hills CA, '09 Charger 5.577 132.13 132.13
14 10 Gary Densham, Bellflower CA, '09 Impala 6.132 112.64 112.64
15 7 John Force, Yorba Linda CA, '09 Mustang 6.224 108.59 108.59
16 28 Ron Capps, Carlsbad CA, '09 Charger 6.953 91.15 91.15

 

In Top Fuel, it was no surprise who is leading the field once again.
Different team, different sponsors, different colors but in the end the Alan
Johnson owned and tuned Al-Anabi sponsored rail, driven by Larry Dixon was
on top. The track and air conditions had improved by 8:30 in the evening and
the team ripped of a 3.89 second hit at 302 MPH. Morgan Lucas was slight
surprise of Friday, nearly equalling Dixon's charge with an impressive 3.90
second pass.

Larry Dixon

 

Top Fuel

1 2 Larry Dixon, Brownsburg IN, Hadman-TFX 3.891 302.21 302.21
2 34 Morgan Lucas, Brownsburg IN, Hadman-TFX 3.909 299.33 299.33
3 421 Spencer Massey, Vista CA, McKinney-TFX 3.914 303.64 303.64
4 3 Cory McClenathan, Brownsburg IN, Hadman-TFX 3.915 297.16 297.16
5 373 J.R. Todd, Indianapolis IN, McKinney-BAE 3.921 294.56 294.56
6 255 Clay Millican, Drummonds TN, Hadman-BAE 3.934 302.08 302.08
7 1 Tony Schumacher, Long Grove IL, Hadman-TFX 3.937 303.98 303.98
8 7 Brandon Bernstein, Lake Forest CA, Hadman-TFX 3.938 304.25 304.25
9 5 Antron Brown, Pittsboro IN, Hadman-TFX 3.952 305.84 305.84
10 333 Shawn Langdon, Brownsburg IN, Hadman-TFX 3.976 297.68 297.68
11 50 Doug Kalitta, Ypsilanti MI, Attac-TFX 4.035 289.57 289.57
12 497 Troy Buff, Spring TX, Don Long-BAE 4.048 280.31 280.31

------------ Not Qualified ------------

13 700 Steven Chrisman, Anaheim CA, McKinney-TFX 4.283 220.62 220.62
14 121 Terry Haddock, Woodinville WA, Hadman-BAE 4.858 154.74 154.74
15 640 Ron Smith, Renton WA, Hadman-TFX 5.696 107.10 107.10
16 524 Joe Hartley, Portland OR, McKinney-BAE 12.433 46.92 46.92

Pro Stock managed the hot conditiions slightly better the the fuel contingent, but were still not able to get into the 6.50's Friday. The usual hitters were at the top as Mike Edwards and Allen Johnson were 1-2 followed by the two Summit cars.

Allen Johnson

Mike Edwards

Pro Stock

1 4 Mike Edwards, Coweta OK, '09 GXP 6.606 208.94 209.49
2 7 Allen Johnson, Greeneville TN, '06 Stratus 6.611 209.59 209.59
3 5 Jason Line, Troutman NC, '09 GXP 6.627 208.84 208.84
4 2 Greg Anderson, Concord NC, '09 GXP 6.633 209.43 209.43
5 31 Johnny Gray, Artesia NM, '06 Stratus 6.645 207.82 207.82
6 8 Greg Stanfield, Bossier City LA, '09 GXP 6.654 208.07 208.07
7 9 V. Gaines, Lakewood CO, '06 Stratus 6.675 207.27 207.27
8 10 Ron Krisher, Warren OH, '09 Cobalt 6.683 207.34 207.34
9 317 Rickie Jones, Galesburg IL, '06 Stratus 6.692 207.21 207.21
10 41 Rodger Brogdon, Tomball TX, '09 GXP 6.699 207.50 207.50
11 208 Warren Johnson, Sugar Hill GA, '09 GXP 6.707 207.62 207.62
12 3 Kurt Johnson, Sugar Hill GA, '09 Cobalt 6.717 207.27 207.27

------------ Not Qualified ------------

13 357 Larry Morgan, Newark OH, '06 Stratus 6.718 205.60 205.76
14 701 Ben Watson, Concord CA, '06 GTO 6.733 204.39 204.39
15 5266 Danny Gruninger, Littleton CO, '07 Stratus 7.042 165.25 165.25
16 1 Jeg Coughlin, Delaware OH, '09 Cobalt 12.987 65.16 82.24

 

Friday wrap-up

Courtesy NHRA cummuications
Two-time NHRA Full Throttle Series champion Tony Pedregon delivered the run of the day, a 4.182-second pass at 289.63 mph, to assume the provisional No. 1 qualifying position in Funny Car at the 22nd annual NHRA Northwest Nationals Friday.
The other provisional No. 1 qualifiers at the 14th race in the 24-race season were Larry Dixon (Top Fuel) and Mike Edwards (Pro Stock).

Pedregon currently sits third in the points this season, 54 behind co-leaders Ashley Force Hood (No. 7, 4.320) and Ron Capps, the latter of whom wasn't able to get his car down the track in either qualifying pass on Friday.

In Top Fuel, second-place Larry Dixon was best in both rounds of qualifying, capping off the first day with a Top Fuel-best 3.891 at 302.21 for what would be his fourth No. 1 qualifier this season.

The provisional No. 1 in Pro Stock is Mike Edwards, whose 6.606 at 208.94 in the first round of qualifying held up in the evening session. The second place driver in Pro Stock is looking to add to his NHRA-best seven No. 1 qualifying passes this season.

Qualifying resumes Saturday with Rounds 3 and 4 before the fields are set for Sunday's final eliminations

 

 

 

SpeedZone preview...(Mark King, David Smith and Dean Murdoch photos)

The second race of the Western Swing is up this weekend at Pacific Raceway. With great weather forecasted this weekend, expect the track to be fast in the morning and evenings and a little greasy during the afternoon hours. A number of interesting stories have unfolded so far this year in the Pro ranks. The biggest story is the lack of top quality teams from # 12 through 18 in qualifying especially in the Top Fuel class. With the absence of past regulars from the Kalitta team (minus 2), the Powers' team, Doug Herbert, JR Todd and Bob Vandergriff plus the flopper ranks including Melanie Troxel, TJ Jr. and Gary Densham it is a bit hard to get too amped up about the chase. Pro Stock is still solid, but there are a few teams absent as well.

Ron Capps is the biggest surprise in the Nitro coupe class , as he has five wins already this season and sits on top of the standings. Last year they did not win an event and wound up #8 in the points. The rules nixing Monday after testing (only four days in the entire year are allowed), are forcing the teams to experiment during the qualifying session. That is one of the reason for the Capps team to be on top at a half dozen of the events and then be first round fodder a a number of others. If he was as consistent at the events he did not test at he would be way out in front instead of being tied for 1st with Ashley Force. The rest of the Force team is sputtering through the season as all the other cars seem to be testing for Ashley. The other Schumacher cars (other than Capps) are in a similar situation.

In Top Fuel the biggest surprise in my opinion, is the strength of Tony Schumacher Army Dragster. Without Alan Johnson at the helm most thought he would struggle this year. He hasn't and the team lead by Lee Beard and Mike Green are one of four favorites to win the championship.

The Al-Anabi team lead by Alan Johnson is getting in the groove at the right time an they will be major players come the Chase. Antron Brown and the Matco Tools TF driver is the surprise leader at the half way part of the season, but the Brian Corradi and Mark Oswald duo crew chief act is putting notice to everyone else that they are in the hunt.

In Pro Stock, it is four different teams that will be the players to sit atop the final standings. The Jeg's team, the Summit team Mike Edwards and the Allen Johnson Mopar team. The Johnson father son team are outside the top five but they could be factors come the chase starting at Indy.

 

TAD will get a lot of notice here at SpeedZone due to a local NW driver looking to be a top three national finisher. The biggest news about that team is they are Canadian. Shawn Cowie will be the favorite this weekend at Seattle, but he HAS to win or reach the final here at the NW Nats if he is to be a legitimate threat to Bill Riechert and Jim Whiteley. Neither are scheduled to compete at Seattle, so it really is his weekend.

The blown TAD cars should in reality should have at least two of the semi final spots come Sunday afternoon. Joey Severance, Chris Demke and Dale Carlson are all very strong this year. For the A/Fuelers, Duane Shields is not likely to bring his car back out West for one race (since Sonoma is not on the schedule for TA this year), the Force ladies are likely to run and the cars are running very well, it is the girls themselves that are the unknown. Mark Niver and Brandon Johnson will be in the mix. TAFC will see Jay Payne or Roger Bateman be the last man standing. Going out on a limb I know when there are so many hitters on the West coast, but put money on it, that one of the two for sure will be in the final. Others to consider include Brian Hough, Clint Thompson and Steve Gasparelli.

Event Preview (NHRA Communications)

KENT, Wash. --

The 22nd annual NHRA Northwest Nationals, the 14th of 24 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series. Drivers in three categories -- Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock -- earn points leading to 2009 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series world championships.
WHERE: Pacific Raceways, Kent, Wash. The track is located 10 miles east of Interstate 5 on Highway 18. From I-5, use Exit 142A (Auburn exit) and travel east 10 miles on Highway 18, following the signs to the track. From other points, use Highway 18 and exit S.E. 304th St. or S.E. 312th St.

WHEN: Friday through Sunday, July 17-19

SCHEDULE:
FRIDAY, July 17 - Sportsman qualifying begins at 9:15 a.m.
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFYING SESSIONS at 3 and 5:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, July 18 - Sportsman eliminations begin at 9:15 a.m.
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFYING SESSIONS at noon and 2:30 p.m.

SUNDAY, July 19 - Pre-race ceremonies, 10 a.m.
FINAL ELIMINATIONS begin at 11 a.m.

TELEVISION:
Saturday, July 18, ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise two hours of qualifying highlights at 7 p.m. (ET).
Sunday, July 19, ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise NHRA Race Day at 11a.m. (ET)
Sunday, July 19, ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise three hours of coverage starting at 9 p.m. (ET).

2008 EVENT WINNERS: Tony Schumacher, Top Fuel; Tony Bartone, Funny Car; Jason Line, Pro Stock.

TRACK RECORDS:
Pro Stock - 6.573 seconds by Dave Connolly, July '08; 210.14 mph by Jason Line, July '08

NATIONAL RECORDS:
Pro Stock - 6.528 sec. by Greg Anderson, Feb. '09, Pomona, Calif.; 212.03 mph by Mike Edwards, March '09, Baytown, Texas

TICKETS: For tickets call (253) 639-5927. Tickets also are available online at ticketmaster.com.

GENERAL ADMISSION (includes pit pass) - Friday: Adult, $41; Junior (6-12 years), $10; Saturday: Adult, $49; Junior (6-12 years), $10. Sunday: Adult, $49; Junior (6-12 years), $10. Child (5 and under), free in general admission/ pit areas each day.

RESERVED SEATS (includes pit pass) - Friday: Adult, $46; Junior (6-12 years), $15; Child (5 years and under), $5. Saturday: Adult, $59-61; Junior (6-12 years), $20-22; Child (5 and under), $10-12. Sunday: Adult, $59-$62; Junior (6-12 years), $20-$22; Child (5 and under), $10-$12.