GAHM WINS PRO STOCK TITLE, BUT MONTECALVO STEALS SPOTLIGHT AT ROCKINGHAM MOUNTAIN MOTOR SHOOTOUT

ROCKINGHAM, N.C. – Brian Gahm claimed the championship of the inaugural Mountain Motor Pro Stock Shootout Saturday at Rockingham Dragway, but it was Chevrolet’s John Montecalvo who stole the show.

Gahm, the two-time former IHRA World Champion from Lucasville, Ohio, chased down veteran Robert Patrick of Fredericksburg, Va., in an all-Ford final round only to have Montecalvo record the quickest time in Pro Stock drag racing history – 6.369 seconds – on a later time trial run in his brand new Chevrolet Cobalt.

Before Montecalvo’s stunner, the event had been a showcase for Ford. The format for the event was for each driver to make two time trials with the two quickest overall coming back to race for the title.

Gahm and Patrick earned that right with a sensational side-by-side qualifying effort during which Gahm’s 2003 Mustang was clocked in 6.433 seconds at 215.27 miles per hour and Patrick’s 2004 model in 6.438 seconds at 214.62 mph.

The top six qualifying spots went to Ford drivers with Dan Seamon of Bellvue, Ohio, third quickest at 6.457; Wilmington’s Jeff Dobbins fourth at 6.473; and Jacksonville’s Elijah Morton fifth at 6.535. Quickest non-Ford in qualifying was the 2005 Pontiac GTO of Harold Robinson of North Taxewell, Va., at 6.978, 197.48 mph.

In the wild final, Patrick got off the line first and Gahm backed off the throttle when his car shook the tires. However, Patrick broke at half-track and, seeing that his opponent was in trouble, Gahm got back on the gas and ran him down with a pedestrian-like time of 8.138 seconds.

In the companion Outlaw Pro Quick 8 event, Chad Hedgelock of Lounden, Tenn., took advantage of a second chance and turned back Dave Lambert in the final round.

Hedgelock was not among the original eight qualifiers but got into the show when another car dropped out because of mechanical problems. He responded by driving his 1968 Camaro to the quickest eighth-mile time in series history in the final – 4.191 seconds at 172.70 mph.

Saturday’s race, which followed two days of open testing, proved so successful that Earwood said he would seriously consider including Pro Modifieds and other IHRA professional racers in an expanded program in 2006 to create a drag racing version of “spring training.”

ROCKINGHAM, N.C. – Results from Saturday’s inaugural Mountain Motor Pro Stock Shootout at Steve Earwood’s Rockingham Dragway:

Pro Stock Qualifying (two quickest times to final round) – 1. Brian Gahm, Lucasville, Ohio, 2003 Ford Mustang, 6.433, 215.27 mph; 2. Robert Patrick, Fredericksburg, Va., 2004 Ford Cobra Mustang, 6.438, 214.62 mph; 3. Dan Seamon, Bellvue, Ohio, 2005 Ford Escort, 6.457, 215.03 mph; 4. Jeff Dobbins, Wilmington, 2005 Ford Escort, 6.473, 214.86 mph; 5. Elijah Morton, Jacksonville, 2004 Ford Mustang, 6.535, 211.00 mph; 6. Chuck Demory, Glen Ellyn, Ill., 2004 Ford Escort, 6.599, 210.47 mph.

Pro Stock Championship – Brian Gahm, Lucasville, Ohio, 2003 Ford Mustang, 8.138, 193.29 mph, def. Robert Patrick, Fredericksburg, Va., 2004 Cobra Mustang, 9.348, 95.48 mph.

Outlaw Pro Quick 8 Qualifying – 1. Jamie Owens, Greenwood, S.C., 1968 Camaro, 4.293, 167.59 mph.
Outlaw Pro Quick 8 Semifinals – David Lambert, Kannapolis, 4.443, 161.44 mph, def. Ronnie Gardner, Greensboro, 1963 Corvette, 4.474, 166.44 mph; Chad Hedgelock, Lounden, Tenn., 1968 Chevrolet Camaro, 4.220, 172.21 mph, def. Darrin Wilkens, Reidsville, 2003 Pontiac Grand Am, broke.
Outlaw Pro Quick 8 Final – Chad Hedgelock, Lounden, Tenn., 1968 Chevrolet Camaro, 4.191, 172.70 mph, def. David Lambert, Kannapolis, 4.370, 163.81 mph.

SPRING WARMUP FREE TESTING FOR IHRA PROS AT MIR APRIL 15-17

Yes, it’s just as good as it sounds! We’re offering free testing for any IHRA Pro Driver and Car during the Division One Opener of the IHRA Mr. Gasket Pro-Am Tour April 15 – 17, 2005.

To be eligible for free pro driver entry and 3 free crew passes:
- Driver must be pre-entered by April 12, 2005
- Must make at least two runs on Saturday during our evening show beginning at 7:00 pm

With the break between Texas and the week before Rockingham, this is the perfect opportunity to work any bugs out of your car or test new set-ups. Track will be fully prepped, cleaned, scraped and sprayed.

Schedule of Events

To pre-enter, simply call the track office (301) 884-9833
Remember, April 12, 2005 is the cut-off date for pre-entry!

MOUNTAIN MOTOR PRO STOCK SHOOTOUT MARCH 26 AT THE ROCK

ROCKINGHAM, N.C. – Fans of IHRA Pro Stock cars powered by the massive 800-plus cubic inch engines called “mountain motors” will get an early look at “who’s hot” and “who’s not” this Saturday when Rockingham Dragway plays host to the inaugural Mountain Motor Pro Stock Shootout.

The special event, which gives IHRA’s touring pros the opportunity to test Rockingham’s newly resurfaced shutdown area in advance of the April 22-24 IHRA Spring Nationals, already has attracted the quickest and fastest Fords, Chevrolets and Dodges in the country including Brian Gahm’s Ford Mustang and John Montecalvo’s Chevy Cavalier.

Gahm, the veteran from Lucasville, Ohio, was the 2002 and 2003 IHRA World Champion while Montecalvo was the points leader for much of last season before losing the title to John Nobile of Dix Hills, N.Y., at the World Finals.

In addition to Gahm and Montecalvo, Elijah Morton of Jacksonville, N.C., former IHRA champion Doug Kirk of Lenore, West, Va., national event winner Robert Patrick of Fredericksburg, Va., and chassis builder Rick Jones of Galesburg, Ill., also are committed to the one-day event.

In addition to the Pro Stock cars, the race also will feature the Outlaw Quick 8 circuit with 20 supercharged hybrids trying to qualify for starting spots. As an added attraction, veteran Dick Rosberg will debut his latest jet-powered exhibition vehicle, this one a 300 mile-an-hour jet dragster

While Gahm and Montecalvo are expected to be the pacesetters for Ford and Chevy, respectively, Morton and Kirk also drive Mustangs, Patrick will be in a Ford Escort ZX2 and Jones in a Dodge Stratus.

Pro Stock sessions are scheduled for 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday. Spectator gates open at 10 a.m.

Admission is $20 for adults; $5 for kids, 6-12. Each ticket includes a pit pass and free parking in Rockingham Dragway’s main lot.

Chicago - March 22, 2005 Lehman Racing, the team of four-time IHRA Top Fuel Champion Clay Millican, is now auctioning off four of the Team Werner/Lehman Racing crew jerseys worn throughout the team's 2002 season, in which they won 11 of 12 IHRA events and won their second consecutive IHRA Top Fuel Championship.

Four separate auctions are currently being held on www.eBay.com from now until Tuesday, March 29, 2005. The starting bid for each jersey is set at $150, and the shipping cost for each jersey is $10 PayPal and personal checks will be accepted as forms of payment, with all of the proceeds benefiting "Celebrate Munford", a community recreation park in Munford, Tenn. The team's race shop is located in the Munford area, and Top Fuel driver Clay Millican has played an integral role in the creation of the park, which is being built for local teens and children.

The crew jerseys are one-of-a-kind race-worn jerseys, and are not for sale anywhere else. The winner of each jersey may request to have it autographed by Millican or other team members.

The four jerseys that are being auctioned off are those of four-time IHRA Top Fuel Champion Clay Millican, Team Owner Peter Lehman, Crew Member Keelin Hooten, and one jersey that does not contain a crew member's name on the back. Below is a description of each team member and jersey, along with the link to each auction. Please note that all auctions will end on Tuesday, March 29, 2005!

Clay Millican - The back of the jersey is embroidered with the name "MILLICAN", and is a size Medium. In just his sixth year as a Top Fuel driver, Clay has won four consecutive IHRA Top Fuel Championships and was voted "Sportsman of the Year" for the 2004 season, one of the IHRA's most prestigious awards.

Peter Lehman - the back of the jersey is embroidered with the name "LEHMAN", and is a size Large. Lehman founded the team in 2000 at the young age of 24, and is believed to be the youngest championship-winning team owner in professional motorsports history.

Keelin Hooten - the back of the jersey is embroidered with the name "HOOTEN", and is a size XXL. Hooten has been involved with drag racing for 27 years. He is the team transport driver and is also in charge of the cylinder heads, tires, and blower belt on the team's Top Fuel dragster. Click here to bid on Keelin's jersey!

Lehman Racing Jersey - the back of this jersey does not have a name embroidered on it, and is a size XL. It was used during Team Werner/Lehman Racing's 2002 IHRA Championship- winning season. Click here to bid on the jersey!

For more information on how you can donate to the "Celebrate Munford" community park fund, please contact Munford Mayor Cole's office at 901-837- 0121.

Pennzoil-Quaker State Canada Inc. and IHRA World Champion Rob Atchison join forces for 2005 season

BURLINGTON, ONTARIO, March 17, 2005- Pennzoil-Quaker State Canada makers of Pennzoil® the # 1 selling motor oil in the USA and the fastest growing premium motor oil in Canada is pleased to announce an expanded sponsorship of “Back to Back” IHRA Funny Car Champion Rob Atchison to full associate sponsor.

“We have been associated with Rob as a product sponsor since he started Funny Car racing” stated Mark Reed, Director of Marketing for Pennzoil-Quaker State Canada. We have been impressed with Rob’s performance and dedication on the track as well as his promotion of drag racing and our products through personal appearances and displays. Pennzoil-Quaker State Canada Inc. is part of the Shell Global Lubricants company and an affiliate of the Royal Dutch/Shell Group global leaders in lubricants and fuels with facilities in 120 countries worldwide.

“Pennzoil SAE 60W Racing Oil and the 75-150 Synthetic Gear Oil have performed flawlessly for us and are a key reason for our championship success” stated Rob Atchison. We recommend Pennzoil to all our machine shop customers and fellow racers because it is simply the best money can buy. We also use and endorse the Rain-X line of glass treatments, wiper blades and premium windshield washer fluid which are part of Pennzoil-Quaker State’s line of consumer products available at many retailers and wholesalers worldwide.

EASTERN RACE FUELS TO DISTRIBUTE TORCO AND METHANOL

(NEW BERN, N.C.) Tysinger Promotions, Inc., the company you have trusted for years to do your promotions, is announcing the formation of their sister company, Eastern Race Fuels. Eastern Race Fuels is carrying TORCO, the leading brand in race fuels. Eastern Race Fuels will be carrying methanol as well. Taylorsville, NC will serve as home to the bulk plant of Eastern Race Fuels with the home office in New Bern, NC with Tysinger Promotions, Inc.

Eastern Race Fuels will carry all the grades of TORCO and will be able to deliver or ship to serve their customers, as well as be able to service customers’ equipment needs. “We have served many within the motorsports industry on the marketing end and we felt that this was the next step to take to serve in a new and different way”, stated President, Wendy Tysinger Stallings. “We are thrilled to deliver professional service to the racing industry to serve your fuel needs with shipping and delivery to tracks, teams and shops throughout the eastern United States.”

The teams of Tysinger Promotions, Inc. and Eastern Race Fuels are excited about this new venture. If you would like to speak with a representative about your fuel needs feel free to contact Eastern Race Fuels at 1-866-429-2849.

Tulsa Raceway Park Celebrates Their First Year In Style
by Jeanne Gendreau

Dan Guterman, owner of Tulsa Raceway Park, held his first banquet on January 22 at the Holiday Inn Select in Tulsa. The event was well attended and with the entertainment provided after the presentations, much enjoyed.

Guterman hired a DJ and provided mock casino games for those interested in dancing or playing after the award’s ceremony. There was even the thrill of racing and although the white mice hired for the night didn’t roar and rumble, they certainly did run.

Tulsa Raceway Park has become a brand new track in the past year under Guterman’s ownership. If you haven’t visited TRP in a while, you won’t even recognize it. The construction of a three-story tower with six suites and a media room, the 60’ wide, smooth as glass track surface with 660’ concrete pad and new stands able to seat 10,000 fans are awesome; but there’s more. Musco track/ pit lighting, Compulink timing system, digital tree, concrete barrier walls on both sides from burnout box to last turn off road, 2710’ shutdown road with 200’ sand trap, ten staging lanes, Sunoco Racing Fuel station, freshly painted buildings and new bathrooms. The pit areas are being repaired and will be re-surfaced in the near future. In addition, after forty years of well water, city water will soon be installed. A little over a year ago, this historic track went through a near death period. Today, thanks to Guterman’s investment, the track is thriving.

After the meal, Guterman thanked the track employees for their hard work and dedication. He also talked about his plans to keep expanding and improving the track. “However,” he said, “the most exciting plans are not the construction side of it, it’s the racing programs and events we have planned. There are many exciting things to come in the ‘05 season as we enter our 40th year of drag racing in Tulsa,” he added.

“Be sure and check out the new schedule.” Guterman said. “Many special events will go along with our Grand Prix Bracket Series and Summit Super Series including the Streetcar Shootout presented by Speed Shop, Clash of the Titans, Soul Brother’s National, IHRA PM-1 Junior Dragster Nationals, the Citgo Bracket Nationals, WA Wednesdays and the IHRA’s Division 4 Mr. Gasket Pro-Am.”
“Everyone’s favorite; the IHRA Night Under Fire, will be held July 9. Midnight Drags will be held on most Friday or Saturday nights this summer and the gates will be open no later than midnight or entry is free,” Guterman promised.

Newly appointed IHRA Area Director Frank Kohutek attended and spoke to the gathered racers about the Summit Super Series and Division 4’s Renegade Shootout Series. The RSS will be run on Saturday night during the IHRA Mr. Gasket Pro-Am race weekends. (To learn more about the series go to ihra.com.)

The program continued with the presentation of awards. The track champions received generous cash rewards from TRP, track jacket and the get-in-free Gold Card for next season. They also received various rewards from the banquet’s sponsors. To the surprise of the recipients, numerous special awards were also given throughout the presentations.

God Speed Ministry To Host Racer Party At Farmington Mr. Gasket Pro-Am Event

Saturday, March 19
8:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Farmington Dragway
Hospitality Tent in the Concession Area

At the Farmington Pro Am event, Farmington Dragway and God Speed Ministry will be hosting a night of hospitality. It will be on Saturday night after the racing, 8:00 - 10:00 p.m. The contemporary Christian Band, Rock Solid with Brad & Brandi McBride (Quick Rod Racer) and 3 other members, will provide the music for the evening.

We also need you to bring your favorite dessert or something quick and easy (brownies, cookies, etc). They don’t have to be homemade. We are going to "taste and see that the Lord is good" as we enjoy the desserts we bring, the music, the worship, and the fellowship. So make plans to be there and enjoy the hospitality and fellowship.

This is open to racers, fans, officials, even if you don’t have a dessert to bring. EVERYONE WELCOME! Ya’ll come now, ya’ here?!
For more info, check out www.godspeedministry.com or email Renee Bingham at renee@godspeedministry.com

DRAGWAY 42 ANNOUNCES 2005 SCHEDULE, DELAY BOX RACING RETURNS
2005 Racing Program Announced

West Salem, Ohio - The 2005 schedule for racing at Dragway 42 was announced at the recent Dragway 42 Awards Banquet. The season will kick off with a "Test and Tune" and Gamblers Race on Saturday, March 19.
Dragway 42 will be conducting events on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from March through November.
The Summit SuperSeries Point Championship will debut with the IHRA Ironman Classic presented by Drag Review on Saturday April, 16. The Dragway 42 season points program will be contested as part of 14 different Saturday events.
Returning to the track again this year are 5 different World Series event weekends with purses of between $1,000 and $10,000 to win.

NSA adds second IHRA National event to ’05 schedule

The National Speed Association Pro Stock Snowmobile Series has secured a second IHRA National event for 2005. The series will now consist of five (5) event qualifiers to be contested at various IHRA sanctioned tracks. Points will be totaled after completion of the first three (3) events and the top eight (8) riders in points will be invited to attend the AC Delco IHRA Canadian Nationals at Toronto Motorsports Park in Cayuga, Ontario July 29-31. After completion of the next two (2) events, points will be totaled again and the top eight (8) riders will be invited to attend the Amalie Oil IHRA North American Nationals at New England Dragway, Epping, New Hampshire September 9-11. The NSA Pro Stock Snowmobile champion will be crowned at this event and will be awarded a championship trophy and prize money.

For more information on this exciting new venture, please check out our website at www.nationalspeedassociation.com

IHRA And Milan Dragway Take Over "Detroit Rock City" This Weekend at Autorama & Monster Jam
The hard working team at Milan Dragway and Clear Channel Entertainment are making sure the IHRA Motor City Nationals presented by GM Performance Group & Heritage Newspapers is on people's radar all weekend. Michigan's largest professional drag race roars into Milan Dragway, July 15-17, 2005.

Milan Dragway will display at the annual Detroit Autorama at the Cobo Center, Friday thru Sunday selling special discount tickets and giving Motor City drag racing fans their chance to check out one of the fastest Torco Race Fuels Pro Stock Ford Escort Z/X2's in the world. Meet driver Chuck De Mory and pick up your special discount tickets for the Motor City Nationals championship finals, Sunday, July 17th. You get an adult and free kids ticket for only $20, and that includes your free pit pass. We know you work hard for your money and family matters!

Further north at the Pontiac Silverdome, IHRA Top Sportsman World Champion Ricky Adkins of Milan, will fire up his Top Dragster during intermission of the "Monster Jam" show Saturday night and show his awesome dragster at the Milan Dragway display during the pit party on the Silverdome floor at 3 p.m. Meet Ricky, the stars of the "Monster Jam" and pick up your discount tickets for the Motor City National championship finals.

Nobody can rock the "Motor City" better than IHRA and Milan Dragway. For more information and tickets: www.milandragway.com

Attention ACCEL Sportsman Survivor Series Competitors Who Want To Purchase The New Mr. Gasket Vacuum Pump

Sportsman racers participating in the 2005 ACCEL Sportsman Survivor Series may notice something new in the products that they must purchase to be eligible for the program. One of the brand new products in that list is the new Mr. Gasket Vacuum Pump. Mr. Gasket is gearing up for the racing series and the ACCEL Sportsman Survivor Series, and are currently filling their customer orders for these new units now.

Racers that need a Mr. Gasket Vacuum Pump in order to begin their quest for ACCEL Sportsman Survivor Series points at an IHRA event within the next 60 days can order your unit directly from Ollie Volpe, Racing Services Manager at Mr. Gasket. In addition to direct order from Mr. Gasket, these units should be on the shelves of all major parts retailers by April 1st.

Ollie Volpe
ovolpe@mrgasket.com
216-658-6286

“The Mr. Gasket Vacuum Pump is a great addition to the products list for the ACCEL Survivor Series,” said IHRA Vice President of Racing Operations Skooter Peaco. “Racers looking to make their cars more efficient, get more horsepower, and ultimately get more consistency from their cars need to add this to their purchase list from Mr. Gasket.”

Karl Chevrolet Offers Savings To IHRA Members

From now until March 31 Karl Chevrolet in Ankeny, Iowa is offering a special discount to IHRA members. The “GM Supplier Discount” is available to any member of IHRA. For more information on the program contact a salesperson at Karl Chevrolet by calling 1-800-397-4521. In Iowa Karl Chevrolet can be reached at 515-299-4300.

Summit Racing Equipment Names
Kirk Heinbuch Manager of Motorsports and Events

TALLMADGE, OHIO—Summit Racing Equipment, the nation’s leading mail order and Internet supplier of high performance automotive and truck equipment, has promoted Kirk Heinbuch to Manager of Motorsports and Events.

Heinbuch joined Summit Racing Equipment in 1984 and began working with sportsman racers while running the company’s Pro Shop. Since 2001, he has served as Motorsports Coordinator and has played a key role in strengthening the company’s motorsports program.

“Kirk has been instrumental in developing our highly successful motorsports program over the last few years,” Summit Racing Equipment Marketing Team Manager Jeff Winters said. “His racing knowledge and overall experience with our racing teams and programs make him the ideal person to manage Summit Racing Equipment’s motorsports program.”

As Manager of Motorsports and Events, Heinbuch will be responsible for managing and marketing all motorsports-related programs, including Summit Racing Equipment’s three NHRA national event sponsorships, the NHRA Summit Racing Equipment Series and IHRA Super Series sportsman racing circuits, contingency programs in NHRA, IHRA, NMRA, and SCCA, and the Summit Racing Equipment Big Foot Monster Truck sponsorship. He’ll also manage the company’s drag racing team, which currently includes NHRA Pro Stock Champion Greg Anderson and other top NHRA and IHRA drag racers.

“Our motorsports teams and programs are a great way to reinforce our position as the industry’s leader in high performance, and are an excellent way to reach potential new customers,” Heinbuch said. “I’m excited about the opportunity to help Summit Racing Equipment continue to grow as a company.”

Founded in 1968, Summit Racing Equipment offers the largest selection, lowest prices, and best customer service in the high performance industry. Summit Racing Equipment is headquartered in Tallmadge, Ohio with current retail locations in Tallmadge, and Sparks, Nevada.

Gillig and Gillig back together again

Bob Gillig will take over crew chief duties on the ASSC Racing Ford Mustang driven by son Tony Gillig. Tony finished 10th in the 2004 Hooters IHRA Sunoco Pro Stock point standings. Team owner Tim Huston was happy with his first season in IHRA Pro Stock competition but admits something was missing. “We feel we have the tools and equipment to be a contender for the 2005 Torco Race Fuels Pro Stock Championship. Since Bob and Tony will be back together we feel we have the 1-2 punch in the driving and tuning departments to be a serious contender for the title this season.”

Gillig was in Gainesville in mid January and had a very successful test session. “We were testing the triple disc clutch along with a ton of other things we didn’t have a chance to at the end of last season. The car is working really well and didn’t abort one run in the 4 days we tested. We ran a 6.42 at 216.91 and considering the conditions we feel we are in good shape. The test session was great and I couldn’t be happier having my dad back with me again, I feel like a new driver and I am on a mission,” said Gillig.

Team ASSC will have the same team intact from last year, Clutch man Mario Torres will be back and Mike Vinezeano Sr. will also assist the team with Transportation duties as well as track side assistance in the pits.

The ASSC Racing Ford Mustang will be testing in Houston, Texas one last time prior to the 4th Annual Amalie Oil Texas Nationals, in San Antonio.

John Montecalvo's New Chevy Cobalt Under Construction At RJ Race Cars

The Amalie Oil / Torco Race Fuel InstiGator Tunes Up For Texas With Spring Meltdown

Abilene, TX, FEB 15, 2005 - IHRA fan favorite, Terry Mc Millen and his Amalie Oil /Torco Racing Fuels InstiGator Funny Car, will appear at the Abilene Star Dodge Dragstrip Spring Meltdown, March 4th. Friday's Spring Meltdown begins a power packed weekend followed by the Lone Star Bracket Nationals on Saturday and Sunday, March 5-6. This marks Mc Millen's second trip to the Lone Star state this year. In January, Mc Millen and his InstiGator team tested in San Antonio and appeared at the San Antonio Monster Jam, promoting the 4th Annual Amalie Oil Texas Nationals.

"This is another great opportunity for us to tune up in Texas," stated Mc Millen. "It's a great track. Track owner, Tom Dupree, has an exciting weekend of racing planned; the fans in Abilene are going to see some great racing." The InstiGator team, led by co-crew chiefs (Skinny) Brent Lidgard and (TV) Tad Heflick, along with Mc Millen, have spent the off-season preparing to contend for the 2005 IHRA Funny Car Championship. "Our team worked all winter long building more horsepower. We're going to put that horsepower on the track in Abilene and be ready for San Antonio." Rhonda Mc Millen added, "In 2004 we finished 3rd in IHRA points; we plan to improve in 2005. The competition is tough and Team InstiGator is ready for the fight!"

The 2004 drag racing season registered several milestones for the Abilene Star Dodge Dragstrip. The track was recognized at the IHRA Awards Banquet for "Most Growth in Summit Super Series Participation" and earned the coveted "IHRA Sportsman Track of the Year".

To test, tune, race or attend the Spring Meltdown and Lone Star Bracket Nationals contact: http://www.abilenedragstrip.com

Learn more about Terry Mc Millen and the InstiGator team by visiting http://hoosierthunder.com

ABOUT TERRY MC MILLEN
Terry Mc Millen is a veteran IHRA driver. He and his wife Rhonda are team owners of Hoosier Thunder Motorsports, a multi-car drag racing team based in Elkhart, IN. Mc Millen, a fan favorite in the Hooters IHRA Drag Racing series, competes in the 12 IHRA events contested in the US and Canada. Terry and the InstiGator Funny Car are featured in the IHRA Professional Drag Racing video game for XBOX, PlayStation2, PlayStation and PC . Terry is available for interviews and appearances.

New pro stock asphalt snowmobile drag racing organization established

The National Speed Association has been formed to establish and maintain a new heads up Pro Stock asphalt snowmobile drag racing circuit. With several veteran asphalt snowmobile drag racers behind this new series, the goal in 2005 is to promote and maintain as many races as possible. It is our intention to continue this series into subsequent years given the extreme growth possibilities that asphalt racing provides.

The National Speed Association is a self-governing organization with its own set of technical rules based on the IHRA and NHRA asphalt snowmobile divisions. Sleds in the NSA capture the true spirit of asphalt snowmobile drag racing using all four major snowmobile manufacturers two and four-stroke engines which have been modified to make anywhere from 225 to over 350 horsepower! These bullets shoot down the quarter mile in 8 seconds at speeds of over 150mph and they are some of the most beautiful machines in the world.

The NSA Pro Stock Snowmobile Series will consist of three (3) event qualifiers to be contested at various IHRA tracks. Points will be totaled after completion of these three (3) events. The top eight (8) riders in points will be invited to attend the IHRA Amalie Oil North American Nationals at New England Dragway, Epping , New Hampshire in September. The NSA Pro Stock Snowmobile champion will be crowned at this event and will be awarded a trophy and prize money.

For more information on this exciting new venture, please check out our website at www.nationalspeedassociation.com

ROCKINGHAM DRAGWAY RE-PAVING ADDRESSES ‘SHUTDOWN AREA’

ROCKINGHAM, N.C. – At the direction of track owner Steve Earwood, Rockingham Dragway recently completed another major resurfacing project, this one directed at the “shutdown area,” the area of deceleration beyond the quarter mile finish line.

The $20,000 project undertaken by Penhall Corporation and Freeburn Track Grinding Services involved grinding, smoothing and repaving both lanes of the racetrack beyond the finish line to create a more seamless transition from acceleration to deceleration.

“In Pro Stock testing last week, we found the transition to be virtually flawless,” Earwood said. “We can’t wait for our Pro Stock Shootout on March 26 because we think it will deliver the sport’s first IHRA legal 6.30 second Pro Stock time.”

The shutdown area repavement project was initiated after Earwood reviewed IHRA computer data that showed that while Rockingham Dragway had the smoothest racing surface of any track in the IHRA Hooters Drag Racing Series, there were inconsistencies in the asphalt 200 beyond the finish line.

According to Skooter Peaco, Director of IHRA Operations, “we shared our research with Steve Earwood and he agreed to retain the services of the Penhall Corporation and of Charlie Freeburn to take measures that may improve conditions for the Pro Stock racer.”

The two companies spent a week on the project under the supervision of IHRA’s national event director of field operations, Jim Weinert.

The inaugural Pro Stock Shootout should be a precursor to the 35th annual IHRA Spring Nationals to be contested at The Rock April 22-24. The track also plays host to the series finale, the Bethesda Softworks World Finals, Oct. 7-9.

IHRA Featured In Popular Hot Rodding's Sportsman Drag Racing Supplement
Proving that IHRA Sportsman drag racers are the backbone of the sport, the April issue of Popular Hot Rodding comes bundled with a supplement called Sportsman Drag Racing.  The magazine features several pages devoted to the Mr. Gasket Pro-Am Tour and its champions, with Slate Cummings, the 2004 ACCEL DFI Super Stock World Champion on the cover.  The magazine is at newsstands now.

Carolina Dragway Unveils Improvements for 2005 Season

Carolina Dragway goes live with the all new state of the art Compulink Timing System. The first phases of a half million dollar improvement project at Carolina Dragway have been completed just in time to prepare for the upcoming Mr. Gasket Pro-Am Tour event scheduled for March 5th & 6th.

Improvements include a total rewiring of the racetrack as well as new P.A. wiring. Bob Brockmeyer and Crew were called in to install the new timing system with all of the latest upgrades. All of the P.A and Timing System wiring has been separated and should have no interference with each other.

The next phase of construction will start March 7th with an all new 3 Story Control Tower with VIP suites and elevator, as well as an all new Victory lane sponsored by Holley Tractor, a dealer for Kubota Tractors. In addition, Carolina Dragway plans to add more bleachers and spectator-side restroom buildings.

Carolina Dragway understands the value of its customers and was willing to take the financial step to bring IHRA Drag Racing to the fans for years to come.

MIR's Starting Line Get's Profiled
The starting line at MIR, legendary for its traction, received a profile job on Monday, December 6, 2004. Penhall (a company specializing in profiling concrete on highways and airport runways) has been contracted to profile over 400 feet in each lane from just behind the starting line all of the way through to the transition area of the asphalt. Profiling will cut all the high spots down and leave a perfectly flat and smooth racing surface. Freeburn Track Repair will then come in and complete the process by polishing the concrete to a very smooth surface.

Track owner Royce Miller stated, "This process was undertaken to keep MIR’s reputation as one of the quickest and best racing surfaces in the country." The profiling will not only make the concrete pads perfectly level, it will also take out all the dings in the concrete from the years of broken drive shafts and other battle scars.