Breaking News
Tyrant to Provide Free Online ADRL Video Coverage
The American Drag Racing League (ADRL) will be presented free and live online at www.ADRL.us from start to finish during its highly-anticipated 2012 season. Working with Tyrant Productions for the 2012 ADRL Tour, the world’s premier eighth-mile drag racing league announced Mar. 22, that each of its 10 events will feature a live, high-quality stream, capturing every run of qualifying and each elimination matchup.
In addition, Tyrant Productions will give ADRL fans and viewers an in-depth behind-the-scenes look at the drivers and personalities that have made the ADRL a must-see event in the drag racing world. Continue Reading »
Bristol Golf Tourney to Benefit Bert Jackson Family
(Photos courtesy TriCitiesgc.com; Click to enlarge)
Justin Kirk of the Kirk Racing ADRL Extreme Pro Stock (XPS) team is organizing a golf tournament scheduled for Apr. 19, the day before the ADRL Spring Drags II at Bristol Dragway. Proceeds from the event will benefit the family of Bert Jackson, the XPS driver who died in a qualifying crash during the ADRL event at Rockingham Dragway last year.
Interested parties can register for the outing at the Kirk Racing trailer during the Mar. 30-31, ADRL CarSafe’s Dragpalooza VIII at Royal Purple Raceway. Continue Reading »
SEMA Purchasing PRI
(Photos courtesy PRI; Click to enlarge)
Performance Racing Industry (PRI), producers of the motorsports business magazine and trade show, finalized plans to be purchased by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA). The transaction is set to close in late March 2012.
With 20-plus years of publishing and management experience at PRI, John Kilroy will serve as Vice President/General Manager of PRI and assume day-to-day operations for the group. All the operations, employees and offices will remain intact at PRI’s current location in Laguna Beach, California. Continue Reading »
Venables Leaves JFR for Tasca Funny Car Team
Dickie Venables (Photo by Ian Tocher; Click to enlarge)
The knowledge pool of the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Shelby Mustang Funny Car team got a big infusion Mar. 19, with the addition of champion crew chief Dickie Venables.
In January this year, Venables returned to John Force Racing (JFR), where he tuned Tony Pedregon to NHRA Full Throttle Series championship titles in 2003 (as co-crew chief) and 2007. Venables, the son of 1960s-era Top Fuel driver Dick Venables, is a fixture on the NHRA pro circuit, where he’s logged time with teams like Don Schumacher Racing, Al Anabi Racing and Joe Gibbs Racing.
Venables makes the move within the “One Ford” fold to the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Shelby Mustang team based in Concord, N.C immediately. He will lead the tuning trio that includes Chris Cunningham and Marc Denner. Continue Reading »
ADRL Alters Racer Registration Procedure
(DI.com file photo; Click to enlarge)
In an effort to offer an easier and more convenient entry and registration process for its racers, the American Drag Racing League (ADRL) announced on Friday a new racer-friendly entry procedure for the 2012 season.
The ADRL Registration Trailer will be placed at the entrance gate, allowing racers and teams to purchase all necessary and required items before entering to park. All items must be purchased before entering the race facility.
This procedure will go into effect for the first race on the 2012 ADRL Tour, CarSafe Dragpalooza VIII, which takes place March 30-31 at Royal Purple Raceway in Houston. Continue Reading »
Prudhomme and McEwen Added as Honorary BRAKES Board Members
Don "The Snake" Prudhomme (left) and Tom "The Mongoose" McEwen as Hot Wheels teammates in 1970 (Photo courtesy Tom McEwen; Click to enlarge)
Two of the most iconic figures in drag racing history have been added as honorary members to the B.R.A.K.E.S. (Be Responsible and Keep Everyone Safe) Board of Directors.
Four-time NHRA Funny Car champion Don “The Snake” Prudhomme and his legendary arch-rival Tom “The Mongoose” McEwen recently accepted the positions when offered by B.R.A.K.E.S. founder and fellow drag racing star, Doug Herbert.
Herbert, a four-time champion himself, having won four IHRA Top Fuel championships and 10 NHRA Top Fuel event titles, was thrilled to have his invitations accepted by two of his long-time drag racing idols. Continue Reading »
Gateway Strip Reopens this Weekend
March 17, 2012 marks opening day for the new Gateway Motorsports Park in Madison, Illinois, formerly known as Gateway International Raceway.
Doors open at 8 a.m. and vehicles will begin charging down the newly paved drag strip beginning at 10 a.m. and may go into the evening hours depending upon how many drivers are interested in trying out the new surface. Spectator tickets can be purchased at the track for $10 each, kids under 12 are free. Continue Reading »
Aeromotive Named Official Sponsor of ADRL Pro Mod
Steve Matusek, founder and president of Aeromotive, is expercted to campaign his twin-turbocharged Mustang in the ADRL's Aeromotive Pro Mod class. (Photo by Roger Richards/CompetitionPlus.com; Click to enlarge)
The American Drag Racing League (ADRL) announced Mar. 9, that Lenexa, Kansas-based Aeromotive Fuel Systems will be the official sponsor for the Pro Modified class during the 2012 ADRL Tour, making it the Aeromotive Fuel Systems Pro Modified class.
The 2012 ADRL Tour begins on Mar. 30-31, with the CarSafe Dragpalooza VIII at Royal Purple Raceway in Baytown, Texas, and is the first of 10 stops at many of the nation’s most prestigious tracks.
Aeromotive, a leading provider of fuel systems and fuel system components, has a number of options ideally suited for Pro Modified cars, making it the perfect sponsor for one of the ADRL’s newest classes. Additionally, Aeromotive will display its extensive line of products at the Tim McAmis Race Cars trailer at each ADRL race, ensuring its high-quality products will be available to racers at every event. Continue Reading »
IHRA Track Prep Specialist Jim Weinert Dies
Jim Wienert (Photos courtesy IHRA; Click to enlarge)
Everyone knew the man with the cigar.
And it is with great sadness that the IHRA family announces the passing of Jim Weinert, who died in his sleep last night.
Fans, racers, owners and anyone involved in the world of drag racing knew who Jim Weinert was and what he did. “Big Jim”, as he became known to many, was the Picasso of track prep.
He was a staple on the Norwalk Raceway Park starting line for years before joining the IHRA team and managing the field operations and track preparation at every IHRA national event since the 90s. His prep work was unmatched and heralded by racers. Continue Reading »
Case Dismissed Regarding 2009 ADRL Incident at National Trail Raceway
Kenny Doak at National Trail Raceway (Photo by Roger Richards/CompetitionPlus.com; Click to enlarge)
According to an online Newark (OH) Advocate article, attorneys for the American Drag Racing League (ADRL) and the insurance company for a Kenny Doak’s race car that was damaged in 2009 at National Trail Raceway (NTR) reached a settlement and the case was dismissed last week. Continue Reading »
