Perkins Going for the Gold in Vegas

Courtesy of THR5 Communications

Las Vegas, NV - Cody Perkins is racing at this weekend's SummitRacing.com Nationals for pride and respect. Fun is not in the mix. The Utah drag racer is tired of breaking parts, tired of tiptoeing around the bureaucracy, and tired of not winning. The time is now, and Perkins and his 801 Racing Top Alcohol Dragster are ready to get the job done.

"Racing at a National event has us pumped up," said Perkins. "It's great to run in front of the big crowds as opposed to the poorly attended Regional races. It's not fun racing in front of three people waiting for Super Gas."

Cody and his family based operation did not qualify at this past weekend at the Regional event at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. A problem in the ignition box prevented the team from making one qualifying session when the car would not fire. Other runs did not produce a quick enough time to get in the field. It was frustrating in many ways but that is not why Perkins has decided to make a change.

"After this race I'm not sure when we will be racing again," said Perkins. "It's not because of the performance on the track. It's deeper than that. I'm fed up with the bureaucratic BS when it comes to parts innovation in the class. This weekend I'm going to run it hard, and if something breaks, who cares because I'm NOT putting it back together with the parts that are available for purchase from companies that thrive on their parts failing."

Perkins goes on to say, "After putting hundreds of hours into developing a valvetrain system that should greatly reduce the failures that everyone experiences, NHRA just shoots the technology down because it will "increase costs to the racer." Well to save on my costs, I'd like to not have parts breaking that shouldn't! NHRA doesn't want that, so I'll save money by staying home, not buying tickets to NHRA events, not renewing my membership, and especially not buying parts from any of NHRA's preferred manufacturers that are somehow allowed to come out with new designs on a regular basis."

This is not some pie in the sky proposal. It is the basic blueprint of drag racing. NHRA has driven the innovation by other suppliers out of the class. Perkins added, "I sometimes think NHRA does not care about our class at all. I think they want to drive us into the dirt. Now that Wally Parks is gone, I don't know who is in charge of the ship, but it's sinking. It's a darn right shame."

Courtesy of Images LTD

We believe true happiness comes from blazing down the blacktop with the pedal to the metal and our hair on fire. The whiter our knuckles get, the better. If it were up to us, cars wouldn't even have brakes, just two gas pedals. It's this never-ending need for speed that drives everything we do. We spend countless hours in the lab and lying awake at night plotting and planning how to get more speed by any means possible. After decades of research and innovation, we've developed a complete line of performance and car care products designed to ensure that your ride lives up to its potential on the street and on the track. We know what you want. We got what you need. We are 801 Racing. For more information on 801 racing, please visit: http://www.801racing.com/

Rich Bailey's Capitol Auto Group Team and D.A.D. Team Up

Courtesy of Capitol Auto Group Racing

Rich Bailey and the Capitol Auto Group Racing Team has added Drums and Disabilities as one of the charities they will work with in 2012. Drums and Disabilities (D.A.D.) was founded by celebrated drum virtuoso Pat Gesualdo. The program uses it's groundbreaking Drum Therapy techniques as a therapeutic tool to help children with autism, and numerous disabilities.

Psychologists, School Systems, and Therapists on a Global basis use the D.A.D. Program to help children fight Autism and related disabilities. Numerous celebrities, sports stars, and corporations such as the NY Giants, TD Bank, the WWE Superstars, and Sony, among others, join with D.A.D. in their efforts.

Gesualdo, who beat a severe battle with a disability as a child, is the pioneer of Drum Therapy, and has worked on music industry projects with members of Kiss, Rob Halford, and Deep Purple, among other Legendary musical artists.

Gesualdo came to Bailey as a client looking for help with his sponsorship program and the two immediately hit it off. Bailey will display his car for D.A.D. and will sport the D.A.D. logo on his blown alcohol dragster. "Besides drag racing I love doing what I can to help kids with disabilities and cancer. Plus, I'm a big rock-n-roll fan so this was naturally something I wanted to get involved with. Once I learned of Pat's background and how drumming helped him, it clicked that this is something beneficial to kids" Bailey said.

"It is a great honor to work with Rich Bailey and the Capitol Auto Racing Team to help even more disabled children and their parents," Says D.A.D. President/CEO Pat Gesualdo.

ABOUT RICH BAILEY
Rich Bailey and the Capitol Auto Group Racing Team races on the Pacific ProComp drag racing circuit and finished 4th in the Pacific Pro Comp standings in 2011. Bailey is also a partner with the Children's Cancer Association. Besides Capitol Auto Group, 1430 KYKN and numerous local sponsors, Bailey receives national support from King Engine Bearings, NGK Spark Plugs and Royal Purple Synthetic Oil. For more information on the race team go to http://www.capracing.com/.

ABOUT D.A.D.
D.A.D. (Drums and Disabilities) is a 501 (C)(3) non-profit organization. New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg helped celebrated Drum Virtuoso Pat Gesualdo launch D.A.D. in New York City schools. For more information, please contact D.A.D. Program World Headquarters at 973-725-5150, or info@dadprogram.org.

Official D.A.D. Websites
http://www.dadprogram.org/
www.myspace.com/dadprogram
www.myspace.com/patgesualdo

TAN Fan Blog-Billy Anderson

Photos Courtesy of Billy Anderson

Hi, my name is Billy Anderson, and I'm addicted to alcohol. Top Alcohol Racing that is!

Growing up, I was always a bigger fan of the Alcohol classes than the Nitro classes. I grew up in Massachusetts, about 45-minute drive from New England Dragway. My family and I would go to their major Funny Car events throughout the year, and the Alcohol cars were as big of a draw as the Nitro cars. Back in the early 1980's, the big battle was between Massachusetts' own Arnie Karp driving the Boston Strangler, against Nashua, NH's Dick Bill in the Bell Boys machine. Their battles at New England Dragway were epic. As the 80's went on, a good contingent of local Alcohol Funny Cars formed, names like Tony Arnone, Ronnie Taylor, Richard Polcaro, Billy Naves and Ed Parker were mainstays at the New England Dragway match races, even as the number of Nitro cars per event decreased due to the rising costs.

In 1992, New England Dragway moved to an IHRA track for two years, and then from 1998-2010. The divisional race they used to have moved to Lebanon Valley Dragway, and from 1995-2004, I attended that divisional race to see an open competition for the Alcohol Dragsters and Funny Cars. Those events were national event caliber, with many, many storylines throughout all of them, and great side-by-side racing. They were even attended by some big name touring drivers, including the late Darrell Russell.

For the Englishtown national event, my favorite round of all time was always the Saturday night round one of the Alcohol Dragsters and Funny Cars. It was always an exciting round, with so much potential, and possible upsets to be made. Also, the strategy of what pair Frank Manzo chose to be in was always a point of analysis. Sometimes it was the first; sometimes it was last.

Growing up in the New England area, I've always been very proud of my home Division 1. I think the alcohol racers in this area of the country are some of the best. I have gotten to experience races in the midwest and California, and will certainly not focus solely on the East Coast cars, though the events I attend this year will primarily be Division 1 events. I will try to comment on the events that are only accesible to me via internet and television. I will try to include relevant pictures with each article

For this blog, I would like to be able to not only write about the current events going on in the class, but also take some trips down memory lane in my notebook, and see what sort of gems I might uncover and recall. I hope you'll enjoy the journey with me.

Billy Anderson is a former writer for New England Dragway. Anderson resides in New York and can be found at many of the New England races in 2012. Follow Billy on Twitter at @DragRacingBilly.

Bartone Looking for More This Year

Courtesy of Pro Sportsman Association/Todd Veney
Photo Courtesy of Bob Johnson

Guess who had more national event wins than anyone in Top Alcohol Funny Car last year? It's not Frank Manzo, who won the NHRA championship for the sixth straight year, like you'd probably think; it's rival Tony Bartone, who pushed Manzo harder than he's been pushed in years.

In 10 starts at the wheel of Rick Jackson's Center Pointe Collision Mustang, Bartone reached the final round seven times and won six. "For the first three-quarters of the season, we were number 1," says Bartone, who, as late as September, was further ahead of the third-place driver than the third-place driver was to the guy in 29th place. "You can't look at that as anything but positive."

Unless you're Bartone. Then you can wonder why a car that racked up a 31-4 win-loss record in national competition, which, theoretically, should be harder than divisional racing, won just twice in seven divisional starts. "We were weak, to say the least, at the divisional level," Bartone says. "What are you going to do? It was Murphy's Law all year."

It continued last weekend at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, where Bartone was upset in the final by Top Alcohol Funny Car rookie Annie Whiteley. Bartone had low e.t. of both qualifying sessions and every round of eliminations until the final, where he appears to have lost for a reason that he'd never lost a race before: because of the wind.

"I know how that sounds," Bartone says. "If somebody ever told me that, I'd probably look at him kind of funny, but the wind was blowing so hard that it really did have a lot to do with the car getting out of the groove. On paper, we had the car to beat all weekend, but the wind was blowing across the track from right to left in the final, I was in the left lane, and the car left with the front end in the air. The gusts were so strong that they pushed the car a foot and a half to the left, the left rear tire got out of the groove, the car got a little stupid, and Annie Whiteley spanked our asses."

It's one of the few times in recent years that the 33-time national event champ hasn't prevailed in Vegas. Why? "Two words come to mind: 'Steve' and 'Boggs,' " Bartone says of his longtime crew chief. I've been doing this for 20 years, and since 1993 or 1994, it's been with Steve. When you've got him, you're always going to have one of the fastest ponies in the park. He understands the totality of it. He knows the engines, knows the tracks, knows the chassis, knows the setups, and knows how to make power when you get into a little altitude, like at Vegas."

Bartone swept both national events at the desert track last year. He also won the season opener in Pomona, both Texas races, and Chicago. His only runner-up in seven final round appearances came in Topeka, where he lost to his nemesis, Manzo. "You know what it takes to beat Frank Manzo?" asks Bartone, who won the 1996 championship and finished second to Manzo in 1997, 1999, and 2011. "I'll tell you: nothing short of perfection. Frank builds the engines, tunes them, and drives the car, and, obviously, he does it very well."

Bartone is one of the few drivers in history to hold his own against Manzo, going 10-10 in 20 head-to-head battles over their careers - the exact same record that Manzo had against Pat Austin. He also has three national event victories in Top Alcohol Dragster (all in 2003) and one in nitro Funny Car, over Ron Capps in Seattle in 2008, his last of five years driving for "Big Jim" Dunn.

"It doesn't matter if I'm going 260 mph, 270, or 320-plus, I love racing," says Bartone, 55, who has lost about 50 pounds in the last few years and is in the best shape of his life. "I don't know how long I'm going to do this, but I can tell you that there's no end in sight. I still love it, and I'm content where I'm at. Rick, Boggs, and the guys on Rick's team are the best group I've ever raced with. It just works. I still love the power, love the cars, and love driving fast. I got goose bumps when I just said that - no [kidding]."

Ahten looking to Continue Winning Ways in Vegas

Courtesy of THR5 Communications

Las Vegas, NV - Anytime you win it builds confidence. Having just won a race in Tucson, AZ last weekend, Johnny Ahten and the Stump Puller is heading to the NHRA SummitRacing.com Nationals with swagger. The Island Renovations/801 Racing team is feeling good and ready to enjoy some Drag Racing this weekend.

"We are ready to have some fun," said Ahten. "Winning is so reinvigorating. This is why we do this. It's the greatest feeling in the world."

The last time Ahten raced at Las Vegas Motor Speedway things didn't really work out so well. On his last qualifying pass, Ahten streaked down the quarter mile with a time quick enough to get him in the show. The problem was the Nitro Funny Cars had preceded Ahten down the track, and the timers had been left at the one-thousand foot setting. Since the Top Alcohol Dragster classes run a quarter mile, the run did not count. The onboard computer data said it was quick enough, but it didn't matter. The decision was made, and Ahten was packing up the car on Sunday instead of racing.

"That was then, this is now," added Ahten. "We are ready for this race. The data we collected last weekend is applicable here. We only have one set of heads for this race, so we have to be smart."

Crew chief Al Ahten has the situation under control. At his disposal is an ample supply of 801 Racing 70W Oil, and new parts are on order. For this weekend the Ahten's will have Howard Katano, Bob Ahten, Kevin Colvell, Chuck Constable, and Todd Rockwell keeping things running smooth. When racing is over for the day and it's time to relax, Promotional Partner Fireman's Brew has provided the fluids to extinguish the thirst of the crew. They will need their rest, because the Vegas venue is hard on a A-Fuel car.

"The race is hard on parts, but we are going to lean on it," added Ahten. "The pressure is off now with the win we just had. Now the Ahten Racing Team will go out and Drag Race, and enjoy. We are working on making it two weekends in a row when we have the pleasure of hoisting the trophy."



We believe true happiness comes from blazing down the blacktop with the pedal to the metal and our hair on fire. The whiter our knuckles get, the better. If it were up to us, the cars wouldn't even have brakes, just two gas pedals. It's this never-ending need for speed that drives everything we do. We spend countless hours in the lab and lying awake at night plotting and planning how to get more speed by any means possible. After decades of research and innovation, we've developed a complete line of performance and car care products designed to ensure that your ride lives up to its potential on the street and on the track. We know what you want. We got what you need. We are 801 Racing. For more information on 801 racing, please visit: http://www.801racing.com/

Island Renovations understands the complexity of Hawaii's homes and their customers' needs. Whether you are looking to build, remodel, or replace your existing windows or doors, Island Renovations is there to provide outstanding service and products to give your home added value with the satisfaction and peace of mind from a company that puts their customers first. Visit us at http://www.islandrenovations.net/

Fireman's Brew grew out of two Los Angeles based firefighter's vision to create premium handcrafted beers that would quench their thirsts after an exhausting day on the firelines. Originally created by firefighters for firefighters, Fireman's Brew is now available at bars, restaurants and retail stores throughout Southern California. Visit them at http://www.firemansbrew.com/

Return to Vegas has Demke doing Double Duty

Courtesy of THR5 Communications

Las Vegas, NV - Sherriff Chris Demke is on the case - fear not racing fans. The investigation resumes at Las Vegas Motor Speedway this weekend where Demke and his Deputy's are looking to close two seperate cases. First up is the search for a litter bug and a Regional title. Somehow a scrap of paper interfered with the timing lights during last weekend's Regional event making it necessary to re-run the finals. The second case involves another National Event win. Both cases involve procuring a certain statuette named Wally.

"We are returning to the badlands of Las Vegas to take care of some unfinished business," said Sherriff Demke. "The posse is busy preparing my mount, and I am looking forward to finishing what I started last week."

The case file shows that during last weekend's Vegas Regional event final, there was a timing light malfunction at the finish line. Demke and Jim Whiteley were blazing down the quarter mile with Demke leading the race. Just as the cars were approaching the finish line, a piece of paper tripped the lights. There was no way for NHRA to determine the winner. So on Saturday during the third round of qualifying, Demke and Whiteley will match up to determine the winner of the Regional Crown. Litterbugs are not invited to this round.

"It's going to be tough to be Whiteley twice in one week," said Demke. "We have the confidence of two straight National Event wins behind us."

The second order of business on Sherriff Demke's hit list is to capture the SummitRacing.com event win. This workload involves qualifying well, going rounds, and overcoming the tricky weather and track conditions. Having fresh run data from the track is a gold mine. Luckily for those downwind of the Peen Rite pits, Demke's posse were not sitting around the campfire eating beans. Instead they have been fine tuning the Peen Rite/801 Racing Dragster. Crew Chief Jerry Maddern, Kevin Watson, Mike Demke, Joe Cole, Ronald Mann, and little cow poke Adam Rhoades have Demke's eight-shooter ready to fire down the quarter mile. The team stopped by the general store and picked up some 801 Racing 70W Oil, along with a few aluminum tidbits. With supplies in hand, Sherriff Chris Demke and his Deputy's are on patrol, and closing in on their prey.

About Peen Rite - Your source for quality shot peening, glass bead, and abrasive blasting services for over 45 years. We provide low cost solutions, high volume capacity, and a superior level of quality control. Equipped with many specialty machines designed to handle the cleaning and surface preparation for a wide variety of work pieces. PEEN-RITE gives you the ability to stay within your job cost estimation!

We believe true happiness comes from blazing down the blacktop with the pedal to the metal and our hair on fire. The whiter our knuckles get, the better. If it were up to us, the cars wouldn't even have brakes, just two gas pedals. It's this never-ending need for speed that drives everything we do. We spend countless hours in the lab and lying awake at night plotting and planning how to get more speed by any means possible. After decades of research and innovation, we've developed a complete line of performance and car care products designed to ensure that your ride lives up to its potential on the street and on the track. We know what you want. We got what you need. We are 801 Racing. For more information on 801 racing, please visit: http://www.801racing.com/

Hunter Expecting Big Things in National Event Debut

Courtesy of NVW Motorsports Promotion

LAS VEGAS - After several runs down the quarter mile, former Top Alcohol Funny Car driver Greg Hunter is now a licensed Top Alcohol Dragster driver. He completed crossover licensing requirements at last weekend's Division 7 race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Hunter and the Kenny Gilmour-owned ExactAir Compliance Systems team are now ready to compete at the SummitRacing.com Nationals this weekend at The Strip.

"I am extremely stoked to have my crossover license, to be at Vegas again this weekend on a familiar racetrack. To be racing at a national event for the first time, out here with the pros, I think it's going to be really exciting. I'm honored to be competing for a spot in the field with some of the top drivers and cars in the country," claimed Hunter.

Greg crossed the finish line stripe at 250 mph in 5.54 seconds last weekend, enough to complete his licensing requirements. The issues that plagued the car in previous attempts are out of the system. Hunter and the team are expecting a great finish in Vegas.

"We're going for the race win. We want to qualify in the top half of the field and win the race. The car has more than 5.50's in it," said Greg. "We had issues with the auto-shutoff; it was shutting the fuel off at half-track. The crew worked hard to get it sorted out and ready to roll, so I have to thank them; Kenny, Dell, Cal, John, Gary, Darlene, and my wife, Staci."

Greg Hunter and the ExactAir team will first take to the track at the SummitRacing.com Nationals on Friday afternoon at 12:30 (local time) for the first qualifying session. Qualifying will continue through Saturday, with first round of eliminations on Saturday evening. ESPN2 coverage will air on Saturday, April 7th at 3pm EST.

ExactAir Compliance Systems is a company that supplies Natural Gas emission compliance, maintenance and control systems. For more information on ExactAir's state of the art technology for the Natural Gas industry, visit them on the web at: http://www.exactairsystems.com/

Greg Hunter and Kenny Gilmour Motorsports would like to thank the following marketing partners for their support: ExactAir Compliance Systems Inc, Omega 2000 Cribbing, Dark Side Racing, Goodyear Tire, Mopac Auto Supply, GRP Connecting Rods, Winberg Crankshafts, Lucas Oil, National Transmission, Paron Paint and Body, Mechanix Wear, Berube Custom Tanks, Peter Vaughn Custom Glass, NGK Spark Plugs, Koolsville Golf Carts and Accessories, VP Racing Fuels USA, Top Gun Coatings, Rock Bit Industries, and JE Pistons.

For more information about Kenny Gilmour Motorsports and its sponsors, please visit http://www.kennygilmourmotorsports.com/.

Kristen Dennis aiming to put "Ladies' First" at Texas Nitro Jam

Courtesy of THR5 Communications

San Antonio, TX - As a working mother of two, Pro Fuel Dragster pilot Kristen Dennis knows all about pressure. She gets the kids off to school, deals with homework, sports, and running a business all at the same time. Now throw in running a five thousand horse power dragster into the mix, and the fun begins. Dennis will be taking a rest from her daily routine by competing at the IHRA's Nitro Jam at the San Antonio Raceway this weekend. The crowd is in for a Texas treat, served up by Kristen Dennis and her "Ladies' First" Pro Fuel Dragster. While it may not seem like a vacation to some, Dennis will be spending time with her kids, her friends, and the fans of Nitro Jam.

"This is a hometown race for us," said Dennis. "I have family, friends, and even High School classmates coming out who have never seen me race. They have seen videos, but never in person. This is huge. I love interacting with the fans. It's an all day way for them to see the car up close, meet the crew, and learn about what I do. The women are really excited to hear all about it and the men are amazed also. I don't want to be called a good woman driver, just a good driver. It doesn't matter who is in the other lane, I'll beat anyone."

Dennis has received some help along the way to get her "Ladies' First" dragster to the track. Space City Hot shots, 801 Racing and CleanBoost Oil have provided critical support. Global Promotional Advertising has worked with Dennis on her "Ladies' First" T-Shirts, and even created foam fingers for the fans. Also providing additional assistance is Anglia Homes, and Glass Depot. They have all lent their support so Dennis can blast down the quarter mile at over two hundred and sixty miles per hour. But Dennis wants more than to just get down the track.

"I want to do this Texas style, we don't go big, we go huge," added Dennis. "I have high expectations. We are going to the Nitro Jam to win, BOTH nights," as Dennis lets out a little laugh. Then her voice softens and she gets serious. "I have overcome so many obstacles to get here, and I am going to make sure the job gets done. I have new tires for the car, a bunch of new parts, a seasoned crew, and we worked our Texas tails off to get here. Now it's time. I don't want to just do it, I want to overdo it."



We believe true happiness comes from blazing down the blacktop with the pedal to the metal and our hair on fire. The whiter our knuckles get, the better. If it were up to us, the cars wouldn't even have brakes, just two gas pedals. It's this never-ending need for speed that drives everything we do.We spend countless hours in the lab and lying awake at night plotting and planning how to get more speed by any means possible. After decades of research and innovation, we've developed a complete line of performance and car care products designed to ensure that your ride lives up to its potential on the street and on the track. We know what you want. We got what you need. We are 801 Racing. For more information on 801 racing, please visit: http://www.801racing.com/

Ahten and 801 Racing Pull out the NItro Jam Win

Courtesy of THR5 Communications

Tucson, AZ - The Stump Puller lived up to its name this past weekend at IHRA's Southwestern International Dragway. The crowd screamed and yelled. But they were not running for their lives, but running to the winners circle to congratulate Johnny Ahten on his Nitro Jam win. Ahten defeated Bill Evans to take the Ironman trophy home to Southern California. This is Ahten's second Nitro Jam Ironman, so now his 2010 Utah Ironman has some company on the shelf.

"We were so excited to get the win for all the folks that support us," said Ahten. "Running a Pro Fuel car is not cheap, and I really want to thank 801 Racing, Island Renovations, Fireman's Brew, Fire Ice, Hedman Hedders, and NGK Sparkplugs. I also want to thank my Dad and Crew Chief Al Ahten, as well as crew members Howard Katano, Bob Ahten, Kevin Colvell, and Kelly Fitzgerald."

The road to the final round was paved with a win over Cherissa Smallwood. In that round, Ahten set low elapsed time of the event with a 5.41. That kind of performance took the pressure off the team and allowed them to concentrate on the rest of the operation. In the finals against Bill Evans, there was a bit of drama on the starting line. Raw fuel was coming out of cylinder #6. At the flash of the lights, a .059 reaction time gave Ahten the big lead. Evans was having trouble of his own, and tire smoke ended his day. After damaging a valve at the hit, Ahten motored down the quarter mile for the win with a 5.740/244.21. The 801 Racing 70W Racing Oil saved the engine and guaranteed the victory. As Johnny Ahten removed his firesuit at the end of the track, it began to sink in.

"It's kind of lonely way down there on the top end. Bill came over and we shook hands and I waited for my crew to arrive," added Ahten. "It was just me and the Stump Puller, and together we were the first to celebrate. The team finally got there and we headed to the winners circle. It was great to see all the fans waiting for us there. It was really special; even though we were rushed out of there a little quick for my liking."

It's understandable why Ahten wanted to stay and celebrate longer. His day had started at 6:30 in the morning. After the win, there was over two hours of work to do. The team finally reached their hotel room around 2am - nothing new in the life of a drag racer. Johnny Ahten and the crew of the Stump Puller wouldn't have it any other way. Time has no bearing when you leave with the Nitro Jam Ironman trophy.

We believe true happiness comes from blazing down the blacktop with the pedal to the metal and our hair on fire. The whiter our knuckles get, the better. If it were up to us, the cars wouldn't even have brakes, just two gas pedals. It's this never-ending need for speed that drives everything we do.

We spend countless hours in the lab and lying awake at night plotting and planning how to get more speed by any means possible. After decades of research and innovation, we've developed a complete line of performance and car care products designed to ensure that your ride lives up to its potential on the street and on the track. We know what you want. We got what you need. We are 801 Racing. For more information on 801 racing, please visit: http://www.801racing.com/

Island Renovations understands the complexity of Hawaii's homes and their customers' needs. Whether you are looking to build, remodel, or replace your existing windows or doors, Island Renovations is there to provide outstanding service and products to give your home added value with the satisfaction and peace of mind from a company that puts their customers first. Visit us at http://www.islandrenovations.net/

Fireman's Brew grew out of two Los Angeles based firefighter's vision to create premium handcrafted beers that would quench their thirsts after an exhausting day on the firelines. Originally created by firefighters for firefighters, Fireman's Brew is now available at bars, restaurants and retail stores throughout Southern California. Visit them at http://www.firemansbrew.com/

Demke to Race Delayed Final at National Event

Courtesy of THR5 Communications
Photo Courtesy of Pro Sportsman Association


Las Vegas, NV - The final round of the Vegas Regional has been delayed. Not the greatest of news to Chris Demke and Jim Whiteley. The two racers were paired up in the Top Alcohol Dragster final, but an errant piece of paper had other ideas. Just as the cars were approaching the finish line, something disturbed the timing lights. So the race was put on hold until the third round of qualifying at the SummitRacing.com NHRA National event this weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Chris Demke and his Peen Rite/801 Racing Dragster qualified in the #2 slot and were matched up against Garrett Bateman in the first round. Bateman got the starting line advantage, but a best run of the weekend 5.323/269.73 gave Demke the win. The round victory also garnered Demke enough points to earn the chance to represent Division 7 at the Jeg's All-Star event in Chicago.

In the second round, Joey Severance took a shot at the tree but lost to Demke and tire smoke. The Peen Rite Dragster boogied down the strip to a consistent 5.357 at 269.73. It was on to the finals and Whiteley.

The finals can be described as being a bit different than the normal drag race. Chris Demke spoke with NHRA Field Marketing and Drag Race Central summed it up this way:

"I saw my win-light come on," Demke said. "Jim and I rolled around the corner, he came over to congratulate me, and I was just wrapping up my parachutes when somebody came up on a scooter and asked both of us who we thought had won. I said, 'I did - I never saw him.' But Jim never saw me either. It was close."
Whiteley and Demke left almost simultaneously in the final, with Demke in the lead, .030 to .040, and then both drivers went into shake in low gear and slowed to their worst runs all day. "All the numbers to the 1,000-foot mark were accurate," Demke said. "and for me to lose, I would have had to have had an .854 split from the 1,000-foot mark to the finish line, and I don't think it did. I thought the motor might have hurt itself right at the end, but looking at the G-meter after the run, it didn't. Jim ran a 5.40 and, looking at our computer, I think I ran about a 5.39, so I should have gotten there first by 15- to 20-thousandths of a second. But I don't expect NHRA to use what's on my computer to declare me the winner, so we'll just have to try again next weekend."

Waiting a few days to determine the winner of a race is not fun, but Chris Demke is optimistic. "Circumstances are what they are," added Demke. The circumstances may be set, but the outcome will be decided, sooner or later. Later being not soon enough for Demke.

About Peen Rite - Your source for quality shot peening, glass bead, and abrasive blasting services for over 45 years. We provide low cost solutions, high volume capacity, and a superior level of quality control. Equipped with many specialty machines designed to handle the cleaning and surface preparation for a wide variety of work pieces. PEEN-RITE gives you the ability to stay within your job cost estimation!

We believe true happiness comes from blazing down the blacktop with the pedal to the metal and our hair on fire. The whiter our knuckles get, the better. If it were up to us, the cars wouldn't even have brakes, just two gas pedals. It's this never-ending need for speed that drives everything we do. We spend countless hours in the lab and lying awake at night plotting and planning how to get more speed by any means possible. After decades of research and innovation, we've developed a complete line of performance and car care products designed to ensure that your ride lives up to its potential on the street and on the track. We know what you want. We got what you need. We are 801 Racing. For more information on 801 racing, please visit: http://www.801racing.com/

TAN Driver Blog-Cassie Simonton-TAFC

We started our season as we always do at the pre-Gator test session at South Georgia Motorsports Park. It was so nice to be back at the track with my team. We made two passes on our first day of testing. Since I had been out of the car for almost 7 months, the first hit was all about getting us back to our routine so we just did a half-track pass. Everything went smoothly and all data looked good on the computer, so I was told that if it felt good, to make a full pass on the second run. So she launched hard and went straight down the track to run a 5.56 at 258 mph. When Adam came on the radio to tell me what I ran, I am pretty sure I asked him three times to repeat what he said because none of us were expecting to run that fact on our first pass out. Needless to say, we were all very happy with that run and excited to get to Gainesville and compete. We also tested Tuesday but just made two half-track passes to break in some clutch discs for the race.

Wednesday morning we loaded up and made the short two hour drive over to Gainesville. Wednesday night I was given the opportunity to be part of a "jersey swap" with the Harlem Globetrotters. That was the first time I have seen the Globetrotters and I have to say they put on a good show. I was also able to hang out with some of the top drivers of the NHRA, including Matt Hagan, Bob Tasca, Jack Beckman, Bob Vandergriff, Hillary Will, and Leah Pruett.

On Friday morning, we had our first qualifying session at 10 am and ran a 5.70, which put us #5 in the field. Our second pass was Friday night after all the pro sessions and had great conditions to run fast times. The car launched hard and I knew she was on a good pass, but when I went to shift into second gear, it didn't shift and I had to lift. We could tell by the early numbers that it was on a great run and probably would have run a low fifty. We were up late that night working on the transmissions and had to change my brake master cylinder, bleed the brakes and of course all the regular maintenance between rounds.

Saturday morning we were scheduled to run again at 10 am. We were not able to improve on our last qualifying run because we smoked the tires and had to shut it down early. We were not going to let that get us down, though. We stayed qualified in the #10 spot and had Todd Veney first round later that night. I kept myself busy in-between rounds by using my practice tree to keep me on top of the game for first round. Unfortunately, our luck didn't change first round and we smoked the tires again.

I really want to thank my guys for all the late nights and hard work they put in the last few weeks. I couldn't do it without them and I can't wait to get back out there with them in a few weeks at the Four-Wide Nationals in Charlotte.


Cassie Simonton is the driver of the Kon Rodz Racing Top Alcohol Funny Car. Like the team on Facebook or follow Cassie on Twitter at @CassieSimonton.

Photos courtesy of Cassie Simonton/Kon Rodz Racing

Rookie Whiteley Takes TAFC Win, TAD Final Delayed

Courtesy of Pro Sportsman Association/Todd Veney
Photos by Bob Johnson

In just her fourth start in a Top Alcohol Funny Car, rookie Annie Whiteley got her first win, upsetting heavily favored Tony Bartone in the Las Vegas regional final, 5.67 to 5.78. Whiteley's husband Jim and Chris Demke were charging to the finish line side by side in the Top Alcohol Dragster final, but something blew through the lights in Demke's lane, giving him the bogus 4.92 e.t. and nullifying the race, which will be re-run next weekend.

Bartone wheeled Rick Jackson's Center Pointe Mustang to low e.t. of both qualifying sessions (5.59 and 5.62) and low e.t. of both preliminary rounds of eliminations, but he lost traction in the final and slowed by more than a tenth. "I didn't know I'd won," Whiteley said. "I try to just concentrate on staying in my lane and getting stopped, and my eyes never wander. I didn't see him, but I never look."

Whiteley's Roger Bateman-tuned car was the picture of consistency all weekend; she qualified No. 3 with a 5.68 and ran back-to-back 5.68s in the early rounds and a 5.67 in the final for the breakthrough win. "There was a spot on the track that we couldn't get through when we were testing before the race, and the same thing happened in the first qualifying session," Whiteley said. "We only had one more shot to get in, so Roger did something to settle the car down, and it made it right down through there. We were thrilled just to make the field - there were 16 cars trying to qualify - and we were ecstatic to get by the first round. That was my first round-win, and when we went up for the semi's, Roger told me 'OK, now you're playing with the big boys.' "

Each of the other three drivers left in contention - Steve Gasparrelli, Jay Payne, and Bartone - has double-digit national event victories and has finished in the top two in the national standings. Bartone took out Gasparrelli with a 5.60 and Whiteley edged Payne, 5.68 to 5.69, for the biggest win of her young career to that point.

In the Top Alcohol Dragster final, Demke's Peen Rite dragster had a slight lead at the 1,000-foot mark, but the outcome was too close to call, so a rerun is scheduled to be held in conjunction with qualifying for the national event at Las Vegas this weekend.

"I saw my win-light come on," Demke said. "Jim and I rolled around the corner, he came over to me to congratulate me, and I was just wrapping up my parachutes when somebody came up on a scooter and asked both of us who we thought had won. I said 'I did - I never saw him.' But Jim never saw me either. It was close."
Going into the final, Whiteley appeared to have the advantage. He qualified No. 1 with a 5.30 and ran a 5.31 to eliminate James Butler in round one and a 5.32 against Don St. Arnaud in the semi's. Demke, who has swept both national events so far this year, was right behind Whiteley, qualifying No. 2 with a 5.35 and defeating Garrett Bateman and Joey Severance with times of 5.32 and 5.35, respectively.

Whiteley and Demke left almost simultaneously in the final, with Demke in the lead, .030 to .040, and then both drivers went into shake in low gear and slowed to their worst runs all day. "All the numbers to the 1,000-foot mark were accurate," Demke said, "and for me to lose, I would have had to have had an .854 split from the 1,000-foot mark to the finish line, and I don't think I did. I thought the motor might have hurt itself right at the end, but looking at the G-meter after the run, it didn't. Jim ran a 5.40 and, looking at our computer, I think I ran about a 5.39, so I should have gotten there first by 15- to 20- thousandths of a second. The computer doesn't lie, but rules are rules. I don't expect NHRA to use what's on my computer to declare me the winner, so we'll just have to try again next weekend."

"The Oldest Rookie" Tumbarello Set for First Race of 2012

Courtesy of Pro Sportsman Association

Geno Tumbarello was like most drag racing fans: he always wanted to be a racer one day. Unlike most, he came down out of the stands and did it.

"I've been a big fan my whole life," says Tumbarello, who grew up in the San Fernando Valley section of Los Angeles in the 1960s and now lives in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Golden, Colo. "I'd go to Irwindale and Lions every weekend. About five years ago, I was back in California for the World Finals and saw this stand for Frank Hawley's Drag Racing School. I thought it would be a great birthday present for my business partner, and then, naturally, I had get one for myself, too."

One pass was all it took. "I got out of the car after that first run and said, "Well, I'll be doing this again. It's an addiction. I should have just tried crack - it would have been a lot cheaper, says Tumbarello, 60, who calls himself "the oldest rookie."

A year later, he was racing a Top Dragster. "Every time I'd go to a national event, I'd get my free National Dragster,  and the first thing I'd do is go straight to the classifieds in the back to see what was for sale," Tumbarello says. "I'm not much of an Internet person, but when I got back from Hawley's school, I got right on there, found a dragster here in town, and bought it." Before long, it wasn't fast enough for him.

Tumbarello then bought a chassis from someone in Phoenix who had bought it from T.J. Zizzo and - poof, just like that - he was a bona fide Alcohol Dragster racer. "I found a used engine and an old 14:71 blower and went out and made some laps and got used to it," he says. "Then we stepped up to a screw blower."

With just a year of Top Dragster experience, he had a lot to learn. "I knew absolutely nothing when we got started," Tumbarello admits. "After I'd make a run, I'd get back to the pit and go over it with my friend Steve Griboski, who races in Alcohol Funny Car. He'd have me walk him through the whole run, and at first it was like, 'Well, I left the starting line, went real fast, pulled the chutes, and then it was over.' It was intimidating. But now I can tell you what the car's doing, if it nosed over at some point, if it didn't pull as hard through high gear. After awhile, your mind starts to catch up to the speed."

The mechanical learning curve was steeper. "When we started, we were just kind of stumbling around on our own with an old KB cast block," he says. "It was a struggle to find a decent tuneup and not hurt any parts, and I've had to learn a lot of things the hard way. If I'd known then what I know now, I might not have done this. We used to hot-lap that Top Dragster, sit around between runs, maybe change a spark plug or make a jet change. It was so laid back. I had no idea how much service and maintenance is involved with alcohol racing. I broke a wrist pin in Phoenix one time and had a real nice fireball. Early on, the biggest hurdle was blowing up something and having all this melted aluminum to look at."

It's been an uphill climb, but Tumbarello has made strides year after year. "I met Mark Eakins, who was with Jerry Green's Mile-High Express team years ago," he says. "When Jerry quit racing and passed away shortly thereafter, I asked Mark to help us run it, and he's been a huge help. We're a real small-budget team. I mean, I just bought my first new bloack last year. I'd always bought used stuff before that. I got some motors from Marty Thacker, and he really took me under his wing. I figured I'd be better off going to a few races with him, seeing what he does, and trying to duplicate it, and it was a real eye-opener. I realized that we had no real clutch program or maintenance program in place. Mark Wolf from Marty's team came to a race with us, looked at our floaters and clutch parts, and said. 'Man, you guys are just chasing your tails.' Our stuff wasn't ground well, and he showed us what needed to be done."

Tumbarello has run just a handful of races in each of the past few years, but this year he expects to be at both regional events and both national events in Las Vegas and both Topeka events, at least. With backing from electricbody.com, a skin-care-product firm based in Las Vegas, he'll be making his 2012 debut at this weekend's regional event at The Strip At Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

"We've never had any timers on the car until this year," says Tumbarello, a commercial-painting contractor. "We've always tried to be conservative and run 5.50s. I just wanted to drive my car, and I was out there having fun. There's still nothing better than driving it - it's even more of a thrill and more exciting than I thought it would be - but now it's time to win some rounds. I've always wanted to race; I just wasn't in a financial position to do it. I'm not saying that I am now, but here we are - we're doing it."

All Systems Go for Greg Hunter

Courtesy of NVW Motorsports Promotion

LAS VEGAS, Nev. -- Top Alcohol Dragster rookie Greg Hunter is ready to compete with the best of the class in the coming weeks. Hunter will finalize licensing procedures in the ExactAir blown alcohol dragster owned by Kenny Gilmour. He plans to wrap up the requirements to earn his TAD license this weekend at the Division 7 race at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

"I can't wait to receive my license so I can get out there and compete," said Hunter. "Kenny Gilmour and the ExactAir team got to work on the car after our last outing in Phoenix, fine tuning the car. Now it's all systems go for Las Vegas."

The former TAFC pilot will be testing in the days leading up to the divisional event, with hopes to fulfill the requirements. If the requirements are not met, the testing and licensing passes will continue in the event. In that case, Hunter's TAD competition debut will take place at the SummitRacing.com Nationals in Las Vegas, March 30-April 1. Greg will be working with Dycor Technologies to promote their SixPAC product.

"Dycor is a company that ExactAir is familiar with, as they distribute their line of products. The SixPAC product is for environment monitoring and compressor control. We're excited to introduce them to the high-powered world of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series!" Greg claimed.

Greg Hunter and the ExactAir Compliance Systems/Kenny Gilmour Motorsports Top Alcohol Dragster team will take to the track at this weekend's LODRS Division 7 race at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, March 23-25. Top Alcohol qualifying will begin at noon local time on Saturday.

ExactAir Compliance Systems is a company that supplies Natural Gas emission compliance, maintenance and control systems. For more information on ExactAir's state of the art technology for the Natural Gas industry, visit them on the web at: http://www.exactairsystems.com/

Greg Hunter and Kenny Gilmour Motorsports would like to thank the following marketing partners for their support: ExactAir Compliance Systems Inc, Omega 2000 Cribbing, Dark Side Racing, Goodyear Tire, Mopac Auto Supply, GRP Connecting Rods, Winberg Crankshafts, Lucas Oil, National Transmission, Paron Paint and Body, Mechanix Wear, Berube Custom Tanks, Peter Vaughn Custom Glass, NGK Spark Plugs, Koolsville Golf Carts and Accessories, VP Racing Fuels USA, Top Gun Coatings, Rock Bit Industries, and JE Pistons.

For more information about Kenny Gilmour Motorsports and its sponsors, please visit http://www.kennygilmourmotorsports.com/.

Demke goes for the Slam Dunk at Vegas Regional

Courtesy of THR5 Communications

Las Vegas, NV -- There will be regional action with play-off consequences this weekend at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. This is not about college basketball. The play-off in question is the Jeg's All-Star point's battle, and the team fighting the odds is Maddern Racing. The clock is ticking and they are down by ten points. Team leader Chris Demke is looking to go all the way and cut down the nets in Chicago as the last Division 7 representative. To do that, Demke will have to not only navigate around screens and zone defenses, but also navigate the race track. Going rounds is the game plan.

"Vegas is a challenge," said Demke. "At the end of last year we won the natonal event, and then didn't qualify at the regional the next weekend."

To make sure history does not repeat itself, Chris and his Peen Rite/801 Racing teammates have been running extra drills, planning their offensive strategy, and reviewing past performance. The team started hydrating themselves a few weeks ago after winning the Top Alcohol Title at the Gatornationals. That strong showing has given them the confidence they need to overcome the altitude and attitude of Vegas.

"After the Gatornationals win, I don't fear any driver or team," added Demke. "My biggest fear is parts attrition. We want to have maximum performance without hurting anything. It's a fine line - but my guys can do it."

Crew chief Jerry Maddern, along with Kevin Watson, Mike Demke, Ron Mann, and Joe Cole are not planning on any sacrifices to the aluminum gods. Their man-to-man defense will be swarming, and backed up by five gallon pails of 801 Racing's 70W Racing Oil. Chris Demke and his brain trust will call upon their tune-up knowledge database, work ethic, and insight to advance the team to the final round in Vegas, and a chance to represent in Chicago. Go Team Win! Rah, Rah, Rah!

About Peen Rite - Your source for quality shot peening, glass bead, and abrasive blasting services for over 45 years. We provide low cost solutions, high volume capacity, and a superior level of quality control. Equipped with many specialty machines designed to handle the cleaning and surface preparation for a wide variety of work pieces. PEEN-RITE gives you the ability to stay within your job cost estimation!

We believe true happiness comes from blazing down the blacktop with the pedal to the metal and our hair on fire. The whiter our knuckles get, the better. If it were up to us, the cars wouldn't even have brakes, just two gas pedals. It's this never-ending need for speed that drives everything we do. We spend countless hours in the lab and lying awake at night plotting and planning how to get more speed by any means possible. After decades of research and innovation, we've developed a complete line of performance and car care products designed to ensure that your ride lives up to its potential on the street and on the track. We know what you want. We got what you need. We are 801 Racing. For more information on 801 racing, please visit: http://www.801racing.com/

801 Racing Gatornationals Racing Report - Victory!

Courtesy of THR5 Communications

Orem, UT -- After winning the 2012 NHRA Tire Kingdom Gatornationals, Chris Demke and 801 Racing Sponsored team realized they were living the dream. Back to back Gatornationals wins, and back to back National Event wins. They also recorded the third fastest Blown Top Alcohol Dragster elapsed time. It's quite the accomplishment. All this has not gone unnoticed. Facebook, Twitter, internet news sites, blogs, all abuzz with the accomplishments of Chris Demke and the Maddern Racing Team.

801 Racing's John Hill found it hard to remain subtle. When contacted, he waxed poetic about his 801 Racing Team; "We're not surprised at all. It's a simple equation. You take one of the best racers known to man and animal kingdom, add some of the best racing products literally in the world and you walk away with Wally's. Really though, there's much more to it than that. The Maddern racing team is an amazing bunch, full of ingenuity and good times and they're really the ones that make it all happen."

All this hype and hoopla is not lost on Chris Demke's brother, Mike Demke. Affectingly known in some circles as "Hamburger Mike", he too is living the dream. "It's so humbling, but you can't order a win, you have to earn it," said Demke. "The car has been fantastic for three races, and surprisingly we have not had to work that much on it. We are running monster numbers. I have never seen such clean parts and no bearing wear. The 801 Racing Oil 70Wt with CleanBoost Technology is doing wonders for us. In fact, I have to wear gloves because the parts are so slippery."

Mike Demke went on to say; "you have to hand it to Adam Rhoades and Kevin Watson. They put the power to the track. No computer program can do what they do. It's a stomach feeling. Touching the ground, and tasting the track. You can't ask for anything better."

That confidence, along with the continued winning effort, has set the course for the remainder of the 2012 NHRA racing season. With 801 Racing in their corner, Chris Demke and the Maddern Racing Team are looking to challenge for the world title in Top Alcohol Dragster, and having the time of their lives doing it.

We believe true happiness comes from blazing down the blacktop with the pedal to the metal and our hair on fire. The whiter our knuckles get, the better. If it were up to us, the cars wouldn't even have brakes, just two gas pedals. It's this never-ending need for speed that drives everything we do. We spend countless hours in the lab and lying awake at night plotting and planning how to get more speed by any means possible. After decades of research and innovation, we've developed a complete line of performance and car care products designed to ensure that your ride lives up to its potential on the street and on the track. We know what you want. We got what you need. We are 801 Racing. For more information on 801 racing, please visit: http://www.801racing.com/

Johnny Ahten heads to Tucson Nitro Jam with a Plan

Courtesy of THR5 Communications

Tucson, AZ - Johnny Ahten has the perfect idea for the roadside billboards around Southwestern International Raceway. In bold letters he wants: "Run for your lives....the Stump Puller is coming!" It sounds like something from a horror movie, but in reality, the Stump Puller is actually Ahten's Nitromethane Injected Pro Fuel Dragster.

Ahten is bringing his Island Renovations/801 Racing Team to the desert to create a bit of havoc for IHRA's Nitro Jam. The Tucson area crowds have been warned. Ahten is planning on leaving with the newest rendition of the Ironman, and he's not shy about it.

"The Stump Puller is ready to rock and roll on 100% Nitro," said Ahten. "I want to get my hands on one of the newly redesigned Ironman trophies. I've won the NitroJam race before, and my 2010 Utah Ironman needs some company."

Besides winning the trophy, Ahten has some special things planned for all in attendance. He plans to unleash the sound and fury of a full load of Nitromethane. It will showcase the cackle and pop of Pro Fuel at its best. To do this, Johnny Ahten is relying on his Crew Chief and Dad, Al Ahten. Working alongside Ahten's will be crew members Howard Katano, Bob Ahten, Kevin Colvell, and Kelly Fitzgerald.

Ahten is also letting loose his newest creation: The Stump Puller T-shirt. Crazy talented Stith Printing of Santa Fe Springs, CA whipped up a batch of these monstrosities just for the Nitro Jam crowd. Fashion week in Paris is cringing at the site of these bad boys.

A mild mannered Fire Captain by day, Johnny Ahten is once again teaming up with promotional partner Fireman's Brew. The brewing company was created by two California Firefighters after battling a brushfire. Helping to light the fire in Ahten's dragster will be NGK Sparkplugs, and Hedman Hedders will toss what's left to the side. Ahten's 5000hp Nitropowered engine will be well protected. 801 Racing's 70Wt Oil with CleanBoost Technology stands guard over the bearings and other internal components.

The parts have been massaged, the tune-up honed, and the shirts delivered. Now all that is left for Johnny Ahten and his Team is the fun part -- the racing! One thing is certain, the 2012 Tucson IHRA Nitro Jam crowd, fellow racers, and those for miles around better be prepared - because the Stump Puller is coming!

Island Renovations understands the complexity of Hawaii's homes and their customers' needs. Whether you are looking to build, remodel, or replace your existing windows or doors, Island Renovations is there to provide outstanding service and products to give your home added value with the satisfaction and peace of mind from a company that puts their customers first. Visit us at http://www.islandrenovations.net/

Fireman's Brew grew out of their vision to create premium ales and lagers that would quench their thirst after an exhausting day on the fire line. Originally created by firefighters for firefighters, Fireman's Brew is now available in both bottles and kegs for retail and on-premise sales. Visit them at http://www.firemansbrew.com/

We believe true happiness comes from blazing down the blacktop with the pedal to the metal and our hair on fire. The whiter our knuckles get, the better. If it were up to us, the cars wouldn't even have brakes, just two gas pedals. It's this never-ending need for speed that drives everything we do.

We spend countless hours in the lab and lying awake at night plotting and planning how to get more speed by any means possible. After decades of research and innovation, we've developed a complete line of performance and car care products designed to ensure that your ride lives up to its potential on the street and on the track. We know what you want. We got what you need. We are 801 Racing. For more information on 801 racing, please visit: http://www.801racing.com/

Permatex/Follow A Dream Team Opens 2012 Season With Quarterfinal Finish

Courtesy of Jay Blake

Marston Mills, MA - Jay Blake's Permatex/Follow A Dream team reached the quarterfinals in its 2012 debut, dropping a close match with John Lombardo Jr., 5.64, 254 to 5.69, 237.

At the NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville, Fla., driver Todd Veney qualified in the fast half of the field with a 5.60 at 257 mph and defeated Cassie Simonton in the first round with an identical 5.60 at 257 mph. "The team was right back up to speed immediately," Blake said. "We didn't test in the preseason, and the car was in the 5.60s right off the bat, which comes from having the same crew in place from last year. Everybody did their jobs perfectly, but two $10 parts failed and cost us the race."

The rear two blower studs snapped 3.2 seconds into Veney's second-round matchup with Lombardo, slowing the car by 20 mph and turning what would have been a 5.55 win into a 5.69 loss. "When that happens, it cuts the boost in half," Veney said. "I can't believe it went as fast as it did - the studs broke before half-track, and it felt like it was barely moving. I never saw him until the very end. I actually thought we had him, but he passed me as we were coming up on the first mile-per-hour light. The good thing is that the car ran strong. We tested after the race, and it ran even better."

On Monday afternoon, after the last two rounds of the rain-delayed event were complete, the team tested ideas that tuner Tom Howell developed over the winter and made runs of 5.61 and 5.58.

The next race on the Permatex/Follow A Dream schedule is the 4-Wide Nationals April 13-15 at zMax Dragway in Charlotte, N.C. Gatornationals coverage will be televised on ESPN2 this Saturday, March 24, at noon Eastern.

Demke and Maddern Racing play the right tune to Gatornationals Victory

Courtesy of THR5 Communications

Gainesville, FL - Chris Demke and his merry band of brothers did it again. The Maddern Racing Team not only repeated as event champs at the Gatornationals, but they also went back to back at National events. The sweet supercharged music from the Peen Rite/801 Racing Dragster had everyone doing the winner's circle dance.

Winning a race is often related to qualifying well. After Friday's first session, Demke was in the #1 spot with a 5.309 at 270.64 mph. The second qualifying session saw the team turn the knobs to eleven and the resulting shake and spin left them with a third place slot. Saturday's one and only qualifying session was huge. Demke blasted out a 5.250 at 271.13, which is the third best run by a blown alcohol dragster. In fact, the Maddern Team owns three of the top five elapsed times by a blown dragster. Just the way the team wanted it going into eliminations.

"The crew gave me a monster of a car," said Demke. "It gave me so much confidence, they are a dream team. It was great to rip off those nice numbers and find the edge."

Demke and the Maddern Team definitely had the edge going into eliminations. In round one, Aaron Tatum was treated to 5.280/269.56 song and dance. Continuing on Sunday, Demke unleashed a 5.274/270.10 on Sidnei Frigo for another round win. The team was looking forward to continuing the concert, but Mother Nature and her rainstorms had other ideas. Racing was cancelled for the day. The concert would have to be rescheduled for Monday.

"I have got to hand it to the NHRA and the Safety Safari," added Demke. "They provided us an excellent racetrack after the rainout."

In the semi-finals it was Dan Page's turn to step up and try to dethrone the champ. Demke laid down the law with a bracket-car consistent 5.268/270.43. Now it was on to the finals and a meeting with five time series champion Bill Reichert. Demke was fast enough to garner lane choice for the big show.

For a final chorus, when the green light flashed, Demke was out in front and never looked back. The Maddern Racing Dragster's 5.306/271.19 beat Reichert's 5.318/265.2 and sealed the deal for their second consecutive Gatornationals event win.

"Bill had the quickest car out here, but I knew we had the car to take the win in the finals," said Demke. "He doesn't scare me, there's a new Sherriff in town. Our dragster was so easy to drive. It was a smooth trip right down the track - and extremely fast trip!"

Crew member Joe Cole, who also does the bottom end of the motor for the Maddern Team, credited the 801 Racing 70Wt Racing Oil with CleanBoost technology. "There was not a mark on the bearings all weekend, the oil kept the motor happy. It was unbelievable, you couldn't ask for a better race."

Newly self-appointed Sherriff Chris Demke has not traded his steering wheel and firesuit for a six-shooter and tin badge. What the Maddern Racing driver did do is trade up their stake in the national points, and set the tone for 2012. With his band belting out the tunes, Sherriff Chris Demke and his trusty Maddern Racing Steed will be singing a winning song into the sunset.

Courtesy of Joe Cole

About Peen Rite - Your source for quality shot peening, glass bead, and abrasive blasting services for over 45 years. We provide low cost solutions, high volume capacity, and a superior level of quality control. Equipped with many specialty machines designed to handle the cleaning and surface preparation for a wide variety of work pieces. PEEN-RITE gives you the ability to stay within your job cost estimation!

We believe true happiness comes from blazing down the blacktop with the pedal to the metal and our hair on fire. The whiter our knuckles get, the better. If it were up to us, the cars wouldn't even have brakes, just two gas pedals. It's this never-ending need for speed that drives everything we do. We spend countless hours in the lab and lying awake at night plotting and planning how to get more speed by any means possible. After decades of research and innovation, we've developed a complete line of performance and car care products designed to ensure that your ride lives up to its potential on the street and on the track. We know what you want. We got what you need. We are 801 Racing. For more information on 801 racing, please visit: http://www.801racing.com/

Gutierrez Brothers Debut Top Alcohol Dragster at Detroit Autorama

Along with the fancy show cars and custom motorcycles, the Detroit Autorama played host to a few brand new Top Alcohol cars, including the blown alcohol dragster owned by JP and Phil Gutierrez. Though competing in the fastest sportsman class is somewhat new the the Gutierrez brothers, competing in the sport certainly isn't.

JP began his driving career at age 8, like many of the young guns in the pro class today, in the Jr. Dragster class. His interest was sparked by helping Jack Ostrander's IHRA Top Fuel team with his father. Phil and the rest of the family supported JP and his efforts in the juniors until he outgrew the car at 15. He continued working with Jack Ostrander, working towards becoming car chief on the 8,000 horsepower nitro rail. In 2005, JP and Phil began building a Top Dragster. During this time the brothers both worked full-time on Top Fuel teams; JP with Ostrander and Phil with Doug Kalitta.

Upon completion in 2007, Phil took a job closer to home in order to run the car competitively. JP's stint in Top Dragster lasted until late 2009, when they decided to move up to something faster. The original plan was to outfit the car for a supercharged motor to compete in Summit Motorsports Park's Outlaw Dragster program. The existing chassis would need extensive upgrades and the heads-up Outlaw class at the Norwalk track was slowly disintegrating, so the Michigan-based brothers set their sites on a Top Alcohol Dragster. The Top Dragster was sold in 2010 and one of Ostrander's 300-inch Top Fuel cars was acquired.

The brothers' resume of working on competitive nitro teams (including an invitation to work on Rod Fuller's car in Abu Dhabi last spring) will certainly help in the transition to Top Alcohol Dragster, explains JP.

"There are a few similarities between the two motors, but a great deal more differences. The parts all have the same general purpose and function the same way, but the nitro motors see more RPM's and more loading than the alcohol motors. The high RPM's of the alcohol motor makes the parts selection unique. The most helpful thing that we learned from our nitro experience is the efficiency that is needed to service the motor in between rounds. We also know what to check for after a run, along with the general system function, like the electronics, fuel and oil. Because of what we learned working with Jack Ostrander, Jim Head, and the Kalittas, we will be able to keep a close eye on the parts while we work on a solid tune-up," said JP.

The Gutierrez Brothers Racing car isn't just a car that was picked up from a car builder. JP and Phil spent countless hours adjusting the car for alcohol dragster competition. Billet CNC-machined parts weren't in the budget, so the two fabricated many pieces to put in to the puzzle. This continuous work has taken over 18 months and it's still a work in progress. All of the hard work and time spent was realized last weekend when the car made its public debut at the hugely popular Detroit Autorama at the Cobo Center.

"The debut at the Autorama was monumental for us. We wanted to show all of our family and friends what we've been working away at, that our dream hadn't slipped into obscurity. From a media standpoint, the show is a perfect place to debut any car because of the strong attendance and coverage from the local media outlets. Our local sponsors (Italia Collision, Champion Performance, Diamond Pistons, All American Embroidery, Fischer Honda, CAR-N-ART, and Mac Tools) were able to show their employees and family the project that they had contributed to. Additionally, our out-of-state sponsor, DJ Safety, was excited about having a prominent display at the show, reaching new potential customers. On top of that, the Autorama has been a tradition for our new cars, from the Jr. Dragster all the way up to this," explained JP.

JP works at Champion Performance, one of the top custom engine shops in Michigan. Champion has been a go-to source for engine machine work. The company will continue and increase its support of the brothers once the car hits the track for the first time. Champion isn't the only company that has helped JP and Phil realize their dream. The paint was completed by family friend Johnny Cassar at Italia Collision in Detroit. Team uniforms were made by All American Embroidery of Livonia, Michigan with logos designed by Keven Carter of Car-N-Art. Rick Fischer and Ypsilanti-based Fischer Honda, associate sponsor of Kalitta Motorsports, will also provide support. Tools to help tear down the car will come from Mac Tools, with support from Karla Hauck of the Stanley Works Motorsports Division. In addition to all of these supporters, the Gutierrez brothers are extremely thankful for the support from Kevin Cantrell (supercharger/injector supplier), Ty Baumgartner (chassis builder), Brad Hadman (chassis parts supplier), Jim Becker at the Kalitta machine shop, Dave Leahy at Electrimotion (electronics supplier), Tom Stiel (Safety Critical welder), Howard Masales at Moroso (valve covers/oil pan), Mike Panetta at Diamond Pistons (pistons supplier), Mike Strasburg of B&J Transmission, Bob Molinari of Molinari Clutches, and Bill Walker of QC Coatings (powder coating/header coating specialist). Ben Conant of DJ Safety also went above and beyond in supplying the team with safety equipment, including supercharger restraints, blower bag, transmission blanket, parachutes, seatbelts, and an engine diaper.

The car is a 300-inch Ty Baumgartner ex-Top Fuel chassis that contains an original Al Swindahl life cage. The front and back halves of the car were completed in 2007 for Jack Ostrander, but was never built into a complete Top Fuel car. The power will come from a 463 TFX aluminum block with Total Flow Cylinder Heads and Diamond Racing Pistons. To put that power to the ground, the car has a Molinari clutch, B&J-prepared transmission, and Chrisman rear end. A set of American Racing double beadlocks and Goodyear racing tires will keep the car rolling.

Sounds like everything is ready to go, right? Not so, says JP.

"The car is now back at the shop to get it race-ready. We will finish routing the all of the electronic systems, fuel and oil systems and confirm they are corresponding correctly with one another, in addition to final motor assembly and the top half of the motor parts selection (rocker stands, push rods, lifters, valve springs and valves). Our maing goal is to have the car ready to run with all necessary support equipment by the end of summer and begin licensing procedures at our hometown track, Milan. There are still some motor specific checks that we need to go over to insure that we have a competitive tune-up. The big hurdle that we're facing now is obtaining all of the support equipment that's required to run a car in a class of this caliber. This includes the starter, battery packs, clutch machine, battery guns, impact guns, and tool trays. We also need a find a way to put it all in our trailer so everything is safe and efficient so everything is easy to work on at the track," said JP.

The Gutierrez brothers might not be competing in 2012, but they are definitely not taking a break from the grind. JP will work on earning his TAD license while the group continues to get comfortable with the starting line routine so the team can come out swinging in 2013. They'll also be beefing up their sponsorship package to present to companies once the license is obtained.

Gutierrez is proud of the work that's gone into the car, along with those who contributed.

"It has been a long drive for us to get to this point and we still have a while to go, but we never would have gone this far without the support of our parents, David and Laura. Our friends at Kalitta Motorsports, Head Racing and Jack Ostrander have also been integral," Gutierrez continued. "Sometimes you don't realize how much everyone's little contributions matter to the big picture. For us, getting to the Autorama was that moment when we realized how many people had a part in this project. That gives us the extra inspiration we need to push on and get to the track as soon as possible so we can become a consistent, competitive race car."

When JP, Phil and the rest of the Gutierrez Brothers Racing team pull through the gates for the first time, you can be sure that they're prepared. Their blown Top Alcohol Dragster doesn't just run on methanol, it runs on the dedication and support that's gone into it since Day 1.

For more information on JP and the Gutierrez Brothers Racing team, visit them on the web at http://www.gutierrezbrothersracing.com/. They keep a great blog that shares their journey to race with the best in Top Alcohol Dragster.

Text property of Top Alcohol News 2012. All photos courtesy of Cole Rokosky, Nitro Works Photography.