Megan Meyer Prepared to Defend RMR's Lucas Oil Nationals Titles

Courtesy of NVW Motorsports Promotion
Photos courtesy of Randy Meyer Racing and Alkey Alex Drag Racing Photos

BRAINERD, MN (August 17, 2016) – Powerhouse NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster team Randy Meyer Racing enters this weekend’s Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals with intentions of winning the event for the third time in three years with as many different drivers. Team owner, tuner and driver Randy Meyer won it in 2014, former RMR driver Mark Taliaferro won last year, and now Megan Meyer looks to add her name to the history books at Brainerd International Raceway.

“Racing at Brainerd has always been a dream of mine,” Meyer said. “Some of my earliest memories are at BIR with my sister and I riding our scooters and selling t-shirts in the pits. As we got older, we were fortunate enough to bring both of our Junior Dragsters to BIR for a couple of years when they allowed juniors to race during the divisional race. Rachel and I claimed a couple of wins, and it was a really fun time to get to race at the same time as our dad and share the winner’s circle with him. Now, it's my turn to return to the track and try to take down some of the fiercest competition in the Alcohol class. I'm very excited to get back in the seat after claiming another runner-up at our last race in St. Louis,” said Megan, who is second in national points after a win and three runner-up finishes in national event competition and two runner-ups on the regional level.”

Meyer will be back to competing on her own this weekend after racing alongside younger sister Rachel at the last two races, where the Meyer sisters experienced mixed results.

“After the disappointing outing we had at the Topeka regional race, where Rachel and I both lost first round, we were all beating ourselves up pretty bad. We have some of the best dragsters in the nation and for us to go out and lose first round was very upsetting. We made some changes and ran a few test runs at the next race in St. Louis, and our efforts paid off on race day. We walked home with a Semi-Final and Runner-Up finish, and the track record mph of 274,” Meyer recalled.

A final round appearance was a timely confidence booster for Meyer, who will race for the next five weeks at national events in Brainerd, Indianapolis, and Charlotte, as well as LODRS regional events in Bowling Green, KY and Earlville, IA.

“I'm glad that we're going into our 5-week tour on a positive note and a happy race car. Over this year we've collected a lot of important data and have ran some incredible times, but we've also ended up hurting some critical parts in the process. With our rig only going home once or twice in the next 5 weeks, we have to be careful not to do too much damage so we don't run out of parts and products. Thankfully, we have some pretty great companies on board with us that supply us with the necessities of racing, such as Lucas Oil, NGK, Moroso, Boninfante, ARP, Mahle-Clevite, Goodyear and Gunk.”

This weekend, Megan Meyer and the Racers Evolved team will also receive support from John Haley #1 Roofer, a family-owned business based in Brainerd. John Haley #1 Roofer is a Twin Cities leader in residential and commercial roofing, siding, gutters, remodeling, windows and repairs.

“After first partnering with Randy Meyer Racing to advertise my business in 2014, I knew I had to partner with RMR again this year with Megan driving. The Meyer family is always fun to spend time with and they do a great job on the racetrack. I think Megan will be the #1 driver in Top Alcohol Dragster this weekend,” claimed John Haley.

“We are excited to have John Haley #1 Roofer back on board with us for the Lucas Oil Nationals again. We have a great relationship with John Haley, and we will be entertaining him and some of his guests this weekend as we try to bring his company back to the winners circle,” Megan added.

Randy Meyer shared his daughter’s sentiments, adding, “We have a tough field this weekend; even though there is a small car count, they are the quickest and fastest cars in our class. The cold weather conditions will be right for our car to run in the low 20s.

“We would like thank John for his continued support of the Randy Meyer Racing Team, and we hope to get him another Wally this weekend.”

Top Alcohol Dragster competition at the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals begins on Friday with two qualifying sessions, followed by a third and final session on Saturday morning. First round of eliminations is scheduled for 2:30 PM on Saturday. Eliminations will continue on Sunday. FOX Sports will air their Lucas Oil Series coverage of the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals on Thursday, August 25th, at 10 PM on FS2. Six additional replay dates are currently scheduled for FS1 and FS2.

ABOUT MEGAN MEYER
No stranger to a life in the fast lane, Megan Meyer grew up around the sport of drag racing. In 2004, at just 10 years of age, she was given the opportunity to get behind the wheel of a Junior Dragster, alongside her younger sister, and took over the driving duties with no hesitations. Megan stepped up to the Super Comp class in 2010 after a successful career in the Junior Drag Racing League, earning two track championships. She is now making the transition to Top Alcohol Dragster with her father and veteran driver Randy Meyer as her mentor and driving coach. Follow Megan on Facebook (www.facebook.com/meganmeyer.racing), Twitter (www.twitter.com/meyersisters), and Instagram (www.instagram.com/meganmeyer.racing).

ABOUT RANDY MEYER RACING
A highly respected member of the NHRA Drag Racing family, Randy Meyer has had a successful career spanning over 35 years of drag racing as driver, team owner, and crew chief from AHRA Pro-Comp to IHRA Top Fuel and NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster. Focusing on the things that brought the team to existence has been the reason that Randy Meyer Racing has been so successful. In 2002 he handed the driving duties over to Gary Ormsby Jr. to become the first Top Alcohol Dragster to run in the teens with a solid 5.135 ET. The following year, Meyer tuned Alan Bradshaw to become the NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster World Champion. Randy has returned to the driver’s seat since then, and has earned multiple Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Division 5 and Central Region points championships. For more information on Randy Meyer Racing, please visit www.RandyMeyerRacing.com and like RMR on Facebook (www.facebook.com/randymeyerracing).


Megan Meyer and the Randy Meyer Racing team receive support from the following companies: Meyer Truck Center, Racers Evolved, John Haley #1 Roofer, Denver Print House, Lucas Oil, NGK Spark Plugs, GUNK, Herbalife Nutrition, Team Racepak, Copeland Fabrications, Aeromotive, Goodyear, ARP Bolts, MAHLE/Clevite, Litton Financial, Trinity Performance Wear, and Grinds Coffee Pouches.

Meyer Leaves Charlotte with First Event Win, National Points Lead

Courtesy of NVW Motorsports Promotion
Photos courtesy of Randy Meyer Racing

CONCORD, NC. (April 26, 2016) – A/Fuel dragster rookie Megan Meyer and her family-based team continue to impress in their bid for the NHRA Lucas Oil Series Top Alcohol Dragster national championship. Meyer drove her Racers Evolved dragster to her first national event victory at the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals last Sunday, marking just her second national event start.

 

Meyer, the daughter of 2003 world championship tuner Randy Meyer, qualified number two with a 5.252 ET at 278 MPH. Randy gave her a consistently quick and fast race car as the 22-year old driver marched through eliminations with elapsed times of 5.308, 5.281 twice, and 5.325, all at or approaching 280 mph. Meyer and final round opponent Josh Hart were close for the first half, but the Racers Evolved machine charged ahead for the Four-Wide Wally.

 

“It was so emotional. Going down the track, I saw Josh’s nose disappear behind me by half track. I was cheering by the time I pulled the parachutes. It was everything that you dream of. It was a very emotional moment for me and for my parents. We were all crying. We were all so happy. It didn’t take us long to get this first win, but it’s been a long process. This is something we’ve been planning my entire life. It’s finally here and it’s exactly what I thought it would be,” Meyer said.

 

Meyer also received a reward for her offseason work behind the computer screen, as the NHRA presented Randy Meyer Racing with the Best Appearing Crew award. She also won Best Appearing Car at her first race last month.

 

 

“Winning that award was very rewarding. I had some help from Matt Levonas with the design. He helped design the car wrap and crew shirts. We worked together, then we had some help from Racers Evolved because the look came from their Megan Meyer Signature Series shirts. As a designer, it felt good to get those two awards at my first two races. My dad has won Best Appearing Crew before, but never Best Appearing Car, so that one was special for Randy Meyer Racing,” added Meyer, who majored in Graphic Design.
 

In addition to the on-track action, the RMR team enjoyed spending time with Charlotte-based sponsor GUNK. The team attended a Charlotte Knights baseball game with GUNK’s TORC Truck racer, Arie Luyendyk Jr., before the race. Meyer also had the opportunity to bring GUNK’s Junior Dragster driver into the staging beams for a four-wide exhibition on Sunday.
 

“That brought back a lot of memories. It’s hard to believe it’s only been five years since I made my last pass in a Junior Dragster.”

 

With her first national event win out of the way, Meyer and her team will continue to focus on consistently winning rounds. She’s been to the final round at four of the five events she’s ever entered, with three of those finals being in 2016. The Charlotte win gave her the national points lead as the team heads into the NHRA SpringNationals in Houston this weekend, a race RMR has won the last three years in a row.

 

 

“We’re all very excited for Houston. I do feel a little extra pressure after that first win to keep it going, but I have an amazing crew. It’s my parents and my uncle and a few guys who help out at various races. Those guys have been with us for years and they know how to do every job on the car. Having that consistent crew makes for a consistent car,” Meyer noted confidently.

 

Fox Sports will air their Lucas Oil Series coverage from the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals on FS2 at 9 PM ET on Thursday, April 28. Re-air dates are scheduled for April 29th at 12:30 PM (FS1) and May 1st at 10 AM (FS2).

 

ABOUT MEGAN MEYER

No stranger to a life in the fast lane, Megan Meyer grew up around the sport of drag racing. In 2004, at just 10 years of age, she was given the opportunity to get behind the wheel of a Junior Dragster, alongside her younger sister, and took over the driving duties with no hesitations. Megan stepped up to the Super Comp class in 2010 after a successful career in the Junior Drag Racing League, earning two track championships. She is now making the transition to Top Alcohol Dragster with her father and veteran driver Randy Meyer as her mentor and driving coach. Follow Megan on Facebook (www.facebook.com/meganmeyer.racing), Twitter (www.twitter.com/meyersisters), and Instagram (www.instagram.com/meganmeyer.racing).

 

ABOUT RANDY MEYER RACING

A highly respected member of the NHRA Drag Racing family, Randy Meyer has had a successful career spanning over 35 years of drag racing as driver, team owner, and crew chief from AHRA Pro-Comp to IHRA Top Fuel and NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster. Focusing on the things that brought the team to existence has been the reason that Randy Meyer Racing has been so successful. In 2002 he handed the driving duties over to Gary Ormsby Jr. to become the first Top Alcohol Dragster to run in the teens with a solid 5.135 ET. The following year, Meyer tuned Alan Bradshaw to become the NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster World Champion. Randy has returned to the driver’s seat since then, and has earned multiple Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Division 5 and Central Region points championships. For more information on Randy Meyer Racing, please visit www.RandyMeyerRacing.com and like RMR on Facebook (www.facebook.com/randymeyerracing).

 

Megan Meyer and the Randy Meyer Racing team receive support from the following companies: Racers Evolved, Lucas Oil, NGK, Gunk, Herbalife 24 Nutrition, Team Racepak, Litton Financial, ARP, Horsepower & Heels, Boninfante, Copeland Race Cars, Taylor Cable, Aeromotive, and Clevite.

A/Fuel Rookie Megan Meyer Races to Runner-Up Finish at St. Louis

Courtesy of NVW Motorsports Promotion

ST. LOUIS (August 10, 2015) – A/Fuel rookie Megan Meyer had high expectations for her Top Alcohol Dragster competition debut at the All-American Hot Rod Showdown NHRA regional event at Gateway Motorsports Park. The second-generation driver qualified safely in the eight-car field and raced to a runner-up finish, competing against and beating some of the toughest cars in the North Central region.

Driving a car built by Chase Copeland and prepared by her father, Randy, Meyer started the weekend with a promising test session on Thursday. The Meyer Truck Center/Smart Chicken team, led by longtime Randy Meyer Racing crew chief Ted Lake, moved on to qualifying on Friday, narrowly avoiding a first-round race with the team car.

“With 11 cars entered for the race, I was a little concerned with how we would qualify since we were stacked up against some of the best Top Alcohol racers. When we smoked the tires during the first session, I was bummed but I knew my crew could turn the car around, and they did for the second session where we ran a quick 5.43. I was hoping I wouldn’t have to run my dad for the first round of eliminations, which we were paired up until he laid down the second-quickest pass of the night with his 5.33. Luckily, I didn’t have to run him as I sat in the sixth spot and he was moved up to second, and I had to face the third qualifier, Robin Samsel, for first round,” Megan said.

Megan won her match-up with Samsel with a 5.443 et at 261 mph. She left on Marty Thacker in the semifinals and ran 5.486 to get revenge on the defending North Central Region champion, who defeated Randy in the first round. Meyer left the starting line just two thousandths of a second behind Brandon Booher in the final round, but was unable to drive around the blown car in a 5.418-to-5.496 decision.

Meyer left a strong impression on the St. Louis fans and competitors, and more importantly gained valuable experience in her nitro-injected dragster.

“Although I have made quite a few passes with the A/Fueler, this weekend was the first time I had ever had another TAD car in the other lane. The thing that I was most concerned about this past weekend was getting in the groove of how to race the different types of Top Alcohol Dragsters that are in the field, and I had the chance to compete against all three in my first race. Fortunately, I have been around this sport for my entire life, and I’m well aware of all the sights, sounds, and smells that come with TAD racing, and I didn’t have any problems at all facing the injected cars, blown cars, and Brandon’s torque converter car. These racers are like family to me, they even watched me grow up and work my way up through the NHRA classes, and I couldn’t be happier to race against them,” Meyer offered.

Megan's younger sister, Rachel, also had a successful weekend. In addition to doing the clutch on Randy's car and helping with Megan's, Rachel managed to reach the third round in her Super Comp dragster.

 Meyer was grateful for all of the support she received over the weekend, adding, “I had a great time at the track getting to meet new fans and having their support in addition to the support from racers. This weekend could not have been possible without the support from our team sponsors, and our hard-working crew guys who were able to stay up late and beat the heat to take our car to the final round.”

Next up for Megan Meyer and the Randy Meyer Racing drivers is the NHRA Lucas Oil Series Central Region event at RMR's home track, Heartland Park Topeka, August 13-15.

“I am so pumped to be racing at my home track in Topeka next weekend! It is going to be a blast with friends and family there to cheer on my dad and I, as well as Rachel in the Super Comp class. We are very excited for the upcoming race and hope to have all Randy Meyer Racing dragsters in the finals. We have some of the quickest A/Fuel cars in the region, and I’m positive we will be able to have the outcome we predict.”

ABOUT MEGAN MEYER
No stranger to a life in the fast lane, Megan Meyer grew up around the sport of drag racing. In 2004, at just 10 years of age, she was given the opportunity to get behind the wheel of a Junior Dragster, alongside her younger sister, and took over the driving duties with no hesitations. Megan stepped up to the Super Comp class in 2010 after a successful career in the Junior Drag Racing League, earning two track championships.*She is now making the transition to Top Alcohol Dragster with her father and veteran driver Randy Meyer as her mentor and driving coach. Follow Megan on Facebook (www.facebook.com/meganmeyer.racing), Twitter (www.twitter.com/meyersisters), and Instagram (www.instagram.com/meganmeyer.racing).

ABOUT RANDY MEYER RACING
A highly respected member of the NHRA Drag Racing family, Randy Meyer has had a successful career spanning over 35 years of drag racing as driver, team owner, and crew chief from AHRA Pro-Comp to IHRA Top Fuel and NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster. Focusing on the things that brought the team to existence has been the reason that Randy Meyer Racing has been so successful.*In 2002 he handed the driving duties over to Gary Ormsby Jr. to become the first Top Alcohol Dragster to run in the teens with a solid 5.135 ET. The following year, Meyer tuned Alan Bradshaw to become the NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster World Champion. Randy has returned to the driver’s seat since then, and has earned multiple Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Division 5 and Central Region points championships. For more information on Randy Meyer Racing, please visit www.RandyMeyerRacing.com and like RMR on Facebook (www.facebook.com/randymeyerracing).

Megan Meyer and the Randy Meyer Racing team receive support from the following companies: Meyer Truck Center, Lucas Oil, Smart Chicken, NGK Spark Plugs, GUNK, Herbalife Nutrition, Team Racepak, Copeland Fabrications, Aeromotive, Goodyear, ARP Bolts, MAHLE/Clevite, JEGS, and Aeroquip.

Top Alcohol Dragster Rookie Megan Meyer Making A/Fuel Debut at St. Louis Regional

Courtesy of NVW Motorsports Promotion

ST. LOUIS (August 6, 2015) – After three years of class-specific training, Megan Meyer is finally set to make her NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster competition debut at the St. Louis regional race this weekend. The 22-year-old college student has grown up in the sport and is now following in the footsteps of her father, veteran A/Fuel driver/tuner/owner Randy Meyer. Considering her experience and the world championship-caliber crew behind her, Meyer is poised to make a positive impression on the class.

“Although I am very stoked for my debut in Top Alcohol Dragster, I am also confident I will do well at my first race. It’s not my first time in the car, or in a race. I’ve been drag racing for over 10 years with a Junior Dragster and Super Comp car, and for the past three years I have been training for my first A/Fuel race. I am not scared or nervous of lining up against the defending drivers. I have grown up around everyone who races in the field and I know them all very well. I admire them, and I hope they respect me in return because I am not going to go easy on these guys. I plan to be just as competitive. I may be a rookie in Top Alcohol, but I am a veteran at drag racing,” Meyer noted.

Megan will drive a 2015 Chase Copeland-built A/Fuel dragster that has been prepared by the Randy Meyer Racing crew. Her father's longtime crew member, Ted Lake, will serve as crew chief on the car. Randy, who is currently fifth in NHRA Lucas Oil Series national points, will tune his own car as well as Megan's.

“Even though this car is brand-new from Copeland Fabrications, and has around 20-30 runs total, it’s already been driven by four different drivers, including myself. I am very comfortable in the car and I trust the entire Randy Meyer Racing crew. At the last race in Chicago, the car laid down a 5.28 elapsed time at 267 mph with Bill Litton driving. I have broke into the 5.20’s before, and I’m excited to set a new career best with this new car!”

Megan is more than just a driver, so she has been working alongside the RMR crew to prepare the car and herself for the debut weekend. Meyer worked in the shop to help catch up from back-to-back races in Norwalk and Chicago, and spent time in the office as the team's marketing and communications director.

“Leading up to this weekend has been a roller-coaster of events. Dad and I worked together with help from crew guys Brandon and Kevin to get both cars refreshed. We also worked on the spare motors, and changed some parts around to hopefully have a better tune-up and make some of the quickest runs out there. We’ve also been fixing the little things here and there to get everything in place.

“And of course, I get my daily workout sessions in. I focus more on heavy lifting to help build muscles in my shoulders, arms, and legs to help me be a better pilot for the injected-nitro machine, and I always immediately use my post-workout Herbalife 24 Rebuild Strength to recover quickly. I want to do everything I can to prepare myself to be the best driver possible,” added Meyer, a Kansas native.

Top Alcohol Dragster qualifying at the St. Louis NHRA Lucas Oil Series regional event, August 7-8, will take place on Friday with sessions at 6 and 9 PM. Eliminations at the Gateway Motorsports Park event will begin at 6 PM on Saturday night.

 ABOUT MEGAN MEYER
No stranger to a life in the fast lane, Megan Meyer grew up around the sport of drag racing. In 2004, at just 10 years of age, she was given the opportunity to get behind the wheel of a Junior Dragster, alongside her younger sister, and took over the driving duties with no hesitations. Megan stepped up to the Super Comp class in 2010 after a successful career in the Junior Drag Racing League, earning two track championships.*She is now making the transition to Top Alcohol Dragster with her father and veteran driver Randy Meyer as her mentor and driving coach. Follow Megan on Facebook (www.facebook.com/meganmeyer.racing), Twitter (www.twitter.com/meyersisters), and Instagram (www.instagram.com/meganmeyer.racing).

ABOUT RANDY MEYER RACING
A highly respected member of the NHRA Drag Racing family, Randy Meyer has had a successful career spanning over 35 years of drag racing as driver, team owner, and crew chief from AHRA Pro-Comp to IHRA Top Fuel and NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster. Focusing on the things that brought the team to existence has been the reason that Randy Meyer Racing has been so successful.*In 2002 he handed the driving duties over to Gary Ormsby Jr. to become the first Top Alcohol Dragster to run in the teens with a solid 5.135 ET. The following year, Meyer tuned Alan Bradshaw to become the NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster World Champion. Randy has returned to the driver’s seat since then, and has earned multiple Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Division 5 and Central Region points championships. For more information on Randy Meyer Racing, please visit www.RandyMeyerRacing.com and like RMR on Facebook (www.facebook.com/randymeyerracing).

Megan Meyer and the Randy Meyer Racing team receive support from the following companies: Meyer Truck Center, Lucas Oil, Smart Chicken, NGK Spark Plugs, GUNK, Herbalife Nutrition, Team Racepak, Copeland Fabrications, Aeromotive, Goodyear, ARP Bolts, MAHLE/Clevite, JEGS, and Aeroquip.

Lawson Powers New RMR A/Fuel Dragster to Semis

Courtesy of Randy Meyer Racing

 

June 19, 2015 – Shayne Lawson was the first to compete in the Randy Meyer Racing Team’s brand new Top Alcohol Dragster, and piloted the Smart Chicken, Reasor’s dragster to the semi-finals at Tulsa Raceway Park for the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Central Regional event.

Built by Copeland Race Cars and Fabrication, the new A/Fuel Dragster was tested on Wednesday and Thursday of last week for the first time, and powered to the quarter-mile finish line in 5.41 seconds.

“It handles like a Cadillac,” said Shayne. “Chase built an outstanding race car.”

Shayne drove a best time of 5.51 seconds at 261 mph during qualifying to claim the 8th position out of 14 cars, while Randy Meyer piloted his Top Alcohol Dragster to claim the 2nd qualifying spot with a 5.36 ET at 269 mph.

With high temperatures close to 100°F, tuning the injected nitro cars were tricky, but Randy Meyer was able to tune the Smart Chicken, Reasor’s dragster to run a 5.43 ET at 257 mph for the first round win over the number one qualifier. Unfortunately, Randy had trouble with his car, and smoked the tires to lose round one of eliminations.

Moving onto second round, Shayne was up against Michael Manners. Shayne had a handle on the A/Fuel car and got off the starting line first, but soon had trouble as the tires went up in smoke and Shayne had to let off the throttle to abort the run.

“Randy Meyer and his team did an excellent job of putting the new car together and making me as comfortable as possible in it. I couldn’t ask for a better car or crew and owner. Thanks to Smart Chicken and Reasor’s for the support,” said Shayne.

“We are very proud of the results we saw this weekend from the new car,” said Randy Meyer. “We were hoping for a Randy Meyer Racing all final round like last year, but we will take what we got. The hot and rainy conditions were hard to tune around, but we were able to make the best of it to get to the semi-finals. We see promising results, and hope the momentum continues this year for Shayne and the new car from Copeland’s.”

Thank you to Smart Chicken, Reasor’s grocery store, and Meyer Truck Center for helping us this weekend.

We would like to thank our other Randy Meyer Racing partners: Lucas Oil, NGK Spark Plugs, GUNK, Quik-Latch Products, Boninfante, Taylor Cable, ARP, MAHLE Clevite, Hedman Hedders, Moroso, Good Year Tires.

Follow RMR at www.randymeyerracing.com and www.facebook.com/RandyMeyerRacing

 

Meyer Celebrates Third Consecutive Spring Nationals Victory

Courtesy of Randy Meyer Racing

April 27, 2015 – The Randy Meyer Racing Team took home the win this weekend in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Spring Nationals at Royal Purple Raceway for the third year in a row.

Randy Meyer, Top Alcohol Dragster driver and team owner based out of Spring Hill, Kansas, claimed the victory after defeating David Brounkowski, who red light in the final round and automatically giving the win to Randy.

On Friday and Saturday, Randy qualified his A/Fuel Dragster with a best run of 5.378 ET at 271 mph to claim the fifth position, out of 16. All elimination rounds were held on Sunday, which gave Randy the chance to make experienced tuning adjustments to have the quickest times on Sunday, making him unbeatable.

“We didn’t do as good as I wanted to in qualifying,” Randy said. “I changed some things on the motor before first round, and we were very happy with the results.”

Randy got his first taste of success with a 5.294 ET at 271 mph to defeat Aaron Tatum in round one of eliminations. As the only dragster to run in the 5.20s, Randy had lane choice in second round over competitor and veteran Jim Whiteley, and his 5.279 ET at 271 mph took out Whiteley’s 5.359 at 267 mph.

Randy continued to knock down the competition, and defeated Lee Callaway with a 5.264 ET at 272 mph in the semi-finals, laying down the quickest, and third fastest, Top Alcohol Dragster pass of the weekend.

Although Randy’s dragster slowed down to a 5.327 at 271 mph in the final round, his destiny was already set as he was declared the Houston Spring Nationals Champion, for the third year in a row, once he left the starting line.

“It was nice to be able to come back to Houston and come away with the win year after year after year,” says Randy. “There were some very tough competitors that we raced this weekend, but our car ran great and our crew worked very hard to make it all happen. After red lighting in Charlotte, and losing in Dallas last weekend, this win this weekend helped build our momentum back up to keep going rounds. I want to thank all of our sponsors for supporting us and standing behind us.“

You can watch Randy make his way to the winner’s circle on ESPN2 at 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM ET on May 3rd.

Now third in points for the NHRA Lucas Oil National Championship, this was Randy’s second win of the 2015 season, out of four races, and gives all the credit to his dedicated crew and family. The next stop for the Randy Meyer Racing Team is May 22-24 at their hometown track, Heartland Park Topeka in Topeka, KS, for the NHRA Kansas Nationals.

The Randy Meyer Racing Team would like to thank 2015 partners and sponsors: Lucas Oil, Smart Chicken, NGK Spark Plugs, GUNK, Quik-Latch Products, Boninfante, Taylor Cable, ARP, MAHLE Clevite, Aeromotive Fuel Systems, Hedman Hedders, Moroso.

Follow us:

Facebook (/RandyMeyerRacing, /MeganMeyer.Racing)

Twitter (@MeyerSisters)

YouTube (Randy Meyer Racing)

Sanford Looks to Impress at Season-Opening Home Race

Courtesy of NVW Motorsports Promotion



POMONA, Calif. (February 4) – Southern California native Ashley Sanford begins her third season in the NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster class this weekend at the Circle K NHRA Winternationals at Auto Club Raceway.

The excitement surrounding the season-opening race is present in Sanford's Gelish/Lucas Oil pit, but the Fullerton resident does have mixed feelings about racing at Pomona. Sanford was successful at several tracks across the country last year, but she has only qualified at her home track once in three attempts.

“It's kind of a bittersweet excitement only because for some reason we have not been able to figure out Pomona yet. I love it because it's my home track and I grew up coming to the races here but we have still not made a full pull on that track,” Sanford noted.

The former sand drag racer is confident that will change this weekend, adding, “Going into this I have a really good feeling about it. It's the season opener. It's going to be exciting no matter what and the adrenaline is going to be pumping.”

Sanford is returning with a loyal sponsor line-up, beginning with Gelish Soak-Off Gel Polish and Morgan Taylor Nail Lacquer.

“I'm super excited to say we still have Gelish and Morgan Taylor on board as our main sponsors. Very happy to say we have Lucas Oil returning on a bigger level. CP-Carrillo Rods & Pistons is also joining us this year. We had the chance to visit their operation recently. It was top of the line so we're really happy to be working with them.”

Vantage Hospitality Group, whose brands include America's Best Value Inn and Lexington Hotels, is also returning as a sponsor. Las Vegas's The D Casino & Hotel and Golden Gate Casino & Hotel are now in their third year partnering with the popular young driver.

The Circle K NHRA Winternationals, Feb. 5-8, is the first race on the Gelish/Lucas Oil A/Fuel Dragster team's 2015 schedule, made up of NHRA Mello Yello Series national events and NHRA Lucas Oil Series regional events.

“We have agreed upon 14 races and we're going back and forth on a 15th. For me that's a ton of races so I'm stoked on that. I think March is the only month we won't be racing. As a driver, more races means more seat time so I can continue to better myself. The car's performance is right there. It's just a matter of getting the consistency down and with more times being out there we have a better chance of getting that,” Sanford said.

Top Alcohol Dragster competition begins with qualifying sessions at 4 PM Thursday, 2:15 PM Friday and 11:15 AM Saturday. Eliminations start at 2:30 PM on Saturday and continue on Sunday afternoon.

David Smith/PSA photo

Frederosa's Team Extreme is a family-owned A/Fuel Dragster team competing in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series. 21-year old Ashley Sanford drives the team's Gelish Soak-Off Gel Nail Polish dragster, owned by her father Shane. The Gelish team – Troy, Dave, Ed, Mike, Jeff, Dean, Torrey, Robin, Justin, Brian and Kit - formerly worked on the team's pair of high-powered, championship-winning sand dragsters. The team receives support from Gelish Soak-Off Gel Nail Polish, Morgan Taylor Nail Lacquer, Lucas Oil Products, America's Best Value Inns, Lexington Hotels, CP-Carrillo Rods & Pistons, Roscoe's Famous Deli, Heroes Bar & Grill, The D Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, and the Golden Gate Hotel & Casino.

For more information on Ashley Sanford and the Gelish A/Fuel Dragster team, please visit www.ashleysanforddragracing.com. Follow her on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ashleysanforddragracing) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/ashleyracergirl).

A/Fuel Driver Ashley Sanford Anticipating First U.S. Nationals Experience

Courtesy of NVW Motorsports Promotion

BROWNSBURG, Ind. (Aug. 28) – Southern California native Ashley Sanford and her Gelish Gel Nail Polish A/Fuel dragster team have made the trek to Indianapolis for the legendary NHRA national event known by many simply as “The Big Go”. The 60th Annual Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals, August 27 through September 1, is the one race that every drag racer wants to enter, and Sanford is doing just that for the first time this weekend.

“I'm blown away by the experience so far,” she said of the historic race. “It's kind of a racer's dream to come to Indy, especially coming from southern California. Making the trip to Indy is a big deal for a sportsman team like ours. It's the 60th anniversary, my first time here – I'm so excited for the experience.”

This is the first time 20-year old Ashley Sanford and her Gelish/Lucas Oil team have raced east of the Pacific Time Zone, which means new experiences for the driver and crew chief.

“I'm excited to meet new drivers. This race is going to be a challenge because there will be a lot of great A/Fuel cars. This will be a learning experience for me and my team. We're racing with drivers who we've never lined up against on a track that is new to us. I think we're up for the challenge though,” claimed the former sand dragster driver.

Sanford is looking to improve upon a first round loss at the Northwest Nationals in Seattle earlier this month.

“Seattle was after four months away from racing,” she noted. “We were all ready to be back but the car just had a few gremlins that have since been worked out. We're hoping to run some really great numbers. Our sixty-foot times are the best they've ever been so we have something to build on. Alcohol cars get four qualifying runs here instead of the typical three so we'll get that extra run and hopefully qualify in the top half of the field.”

Ashley is grateful for the efforts of her Gelish Soak-Off Gel Polish team members, many of whom previously worked on her Top Alcohol sand rail.

“I wouldn't be able to do this without my crew's hard work. We all do this because it's what we love to do. Even when we aren't racing the team gets together to work on the car and plan for the next race. I really believe their hard work and time will be rewarded on-track soon – hopefully this weekend,” Sanford concluded.

The Sanford family also extended thanks to their sponsors, including new supporters K.C. Tint Works and No. 9 Saloon, two Kansas City-based businesses.

Top Alcohol Dragster qualifying at the 60th Annual Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals begins on Friday with sessions at 1:30 and 4:30 PM. Q3 is at 12:15 PM on Saturday. Teams get an Indy-exclusive fourth qualifying session at 9:45 AM Sunday, followed by first round of eliminations at 5:30 PM. Eliminations continue on Monday.

Frederosa's Team Extreme is a family-owned A/Fuel Dragster team competing in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series. 20 year old Ashley Sanford drives the team's Gelish Soak-Off Gel Nail Polish, tuned by Troy Schweers. The Gelish team – team owner Shane Sanford, Dave, Ed, Mike, Jeff, Dean, Torrey, and Robin, formerly worked on the team's pair of high-powered, championship-winning sand dragsters. The team receives support from Gelish Soak-Off Gel Nail Polish, Lucas Oil Products, America's Best Value Inns, Lexington Hotels, Roscoe's Famous Deli, Heroes Bar & Grill, The D Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, and the Golden Gate Hotel & Casino.

For more information on Ashley Sanford and the Gelish A/Fuel Dragster team, please visit www.ashleysanforddragracing.com. Follow her on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ashleysanforddragracing) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/ashleyracergirl).

Randy Meyer Clinches Central Region Points Lead with Topeka Regional Runner-Up

Courtesy of Randy Meyer Racing

August 25th, 2014 – Smart Chicken and Price Chopper Top Alcohol Dragster Team Randy Meyer Racing had a solid performance at the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Central Regional event held at Heartland Park Topeka this past weekend with both of their A/Fuel Dragsters.

Randy Meyer and Chase Copeland took the second and third qualifying spots after two sessions on Friday with a 5.391 E.T. at 265 mph for Chase, and a 5.396 E.T. at 266 mph for Randy. Randy went on to defeat Todd Odom during first round with a 5.518 E.T. at 262 mph to Odom’s 5.711 E.T. at 239 mph, and Chase also won first round against Brandon Pierce with a 5.503 E.T. at 262 mph to Pierce’s 5.582 E.T. at 222 mph.

Paired up against each other for second round, Chase had lane choice over Randy, but immediately smoked the tires after his launch, as Randy pulled his Smart Chicken Price Chopper Dragster ahead for the semi-final win with a 5.358 E.T. at 268 mph. Moving onto the final round, Randy was up against the number one qualifier of the event, Chris Demke. With a slightly better reaction time, Demke was able to pull ahead of Randy for the win with a 5.336 E.T. at 268 mph to Randy’s 5.383 E.T. at 265 mph.

Although Randy didn’t get the hometown win, he was able to clinch his Central Region points lead with his runner-up finish. Chase currently sits fourth in the Central Regional standings, followed by Shayne Lawson.

Randy’s daughters, Megan and Rachel Meyer, also competed at this event with their Super Comp Dragsters. Unfortunately Megan’s transmission broke during first round and she was unable to compete, but Rachel Meyer claimed the semi-final finish on Sunday for the annual National Dragster race.

Randy will finish the Brainerd National eliminations during qualifying at the U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis this Friday against Duane Shields. Top Alcohol Dragster will get a third qualifying pass on Saturday, and a fourth session on Sunday. The opening round of eliminations will begin Sunday night, and will be concluded on Monday.

Make sure to follow the Randy Meyer Racing Team on Facebook (/RandyMeyerRacing) for the latest news and track updates.

Randy Meyer Racing would like to thank their sponsors for their support and dedication to the team: Lucas Oil, Smart Chicken, Price Chopper, John Haley #1 Roofer, LLC, Aeromotive Fuel Systems, NGK Spark Plugs, MOTOR MEDIC, Quik-Latch Products, Boninfante, Taylor Cable, Aeroquip Performance, Belzona Industrial Solutions, Rezner trailers, ARP, Copeland Race Cars, MAHLE Clevite, Hedman Hedders, and Moroso.

Randy Meyer Looking for a Rebound Win at Brainerd

Courtesy of Randy Meyer Racing

August 14th, 2014 – After earning three back-to-back wins this year in Houston, Topeka, Tulsa, followed by winning the Jegs AllStars in Chicago, Randy Meyer and his team were on a roll until they had issues with the safety device at the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series event in Norwalk, Ohio. With a couple of weeks to regroup, Randy did what he could to fix his hot rod, and took on the role of crew chief at last weekend’s Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Regional event in St. Louis, as Shayne Lawson piloted the Schnuck’s Top Alcohol Dragster. Unfortunately the team had an unexpected first round loss, and went home empty handed.

Eager for another win, Randy is looking forward to having a strong performance at the second race on his eight-week tour this weekend in Brainerd, Minnesota for the NHRA 33rd Annual Lucas Oil Nationals held at Brainerd International Raceway. Partnering with the Randy Meyer Racing Team for this event is John Haley #1 Roofer LLC. John Haley #1 Roofer has been a leader in providing the Twin Cities metro area with all its residential and commercial roofing, siding, gutters, remodeling, windows, repair needs, snow and ice removal, and more. They will now be serving the Brainerd/Baxter area with their top quality, dependable services. Learn more at: http://www.johnhaleynumberoneroofer.com.

 

 

 Randy will be back in the driver’s seat of his Injected Nitro machine this weekend, and will be running alongside teammate Chase Copeland in the Belzona Industrial Solutions A/Fuel Dragster. Top Alcohol Dragsters will get two qualifying runs on Friday, with the last session held on Saturday, followed by the opening round of eliminations. Eliminations will conclude on Sunday.

This race will air on ESPN2 on August 23rd, at 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM ET/9:00 AM - 10:00 AM PT

Randy Meyer Racing would like to thank their sponsors for their support and dedication to the team: Lucas Oil, Smart Chicken, John Haley #1 Roofer LLC, Aeromotive Fuel Systems, NGK Spark Plugs, MOTOR MEDIC, Quik-Latch Products, Boninfante, Taylor Cable, Aeroquip Performance, Belzona Industrial Solutions, Rezner trailers, ARP, Copeland Race Cars, MAHLE Clevite, Hedman Hedders, and Moroso.

Make sure to follow the Randy Meyer Racing Team on Facebook (/RandyMeyerRacing) for the latest news and track updates.

Visit www.randymeyerracing.com for more information on the team

Resurfaced Earlville Track Primed for Lucas Oil Event

Courtesy of Todd Veney/Pro Sportsman Association

Reid Kuhlman doesn't mess around. When he built Tri-State Raceway, he didn't just put in a concrete launch pad or lay concrete to the 330-foot mark or to half-track or even for the entire quarter-mile – he did it from behind the water box to the last turnoff.

When Kuhlman recently had the surface ground and polished, he started at the 150-foot-mark and went all the way to the finish line. "Diamond grinding leaves longitudinal ridges," he explained. "Those can take a while to fill in with rubber, so after we had the track ground, we had it polished for eight days until everything was perfectly smooth."

Now the groove is wider, longer, flatter, and smoother than it's ever been. "The Top Dragsters have already been in the low 6s at more than 220 mph, the Top Sportsman cars are flying, everybody's computers are showing how smooth the surface is, and everybody's saying they can't feel even a little bump anywhere in either lane," said Kuhlman, who's gearing up for a record-breaking event when Tri-State hosts its Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Central Regional the week after the U.S. Nationals.

"The Alcohol Dragster track record is 5.32, and the Alcohol Funny Car record is 5.62, and we don't expect either one of them to last past that weekend," said Kuhlman, whose facility holds the Division 5 car-count record (more than 600) and once held nearly 20 cars just in Top Alcohol Funny Car. "We pick up a lot of teams that stop here on their way back to the West Coast after Indy and a lot of top cars from all around the country, and we're hoping a bunch of them will be back again this year with all the guys from Division 5 and Division 3."

For some reason, alcohol racing's biggest stars typically don't shine when the Lucas Oil tour hits the tiny town of Earlville, Iowa (population: 800), a half-hour west of Dubuque in the northeast part of the state, where Iowa, Wisconsin, and Illinois come together. Edwin Schmeeckle, Richard Putz, Dave Heitzman, Gord Gingles, and Sidnei Frigo have scored there in Top Alcohol Dragster, Schmeeckle and Putz more than once. Top Alcohol Funny Car has been dominated by Kirk Williams and Andy Bohl, who each have multiple wins, and the defending event champs are Jared Dreher, who also scored this weekend at St. Louis in Alcohol Dragster, and Williams in Alcohol Funny Car.

In addition to having the surface painstaking polished after it was reground, the 4,000-foot track, now in its 17th year, has his own tire rotator to keep the rubber in top condition. But instead of buying one for more than $50,000, Kuhlman, your typical hardworking, can-do Midwesterner, built his own.

"Our tire rotator is a little different than the other ones out there," said Kuhlman, who used to own a company that built 200,000-pound rock crushers. "The slicks aren't all in a row on this one. It's a two-axle machine and the tires are staggered. With the slicks offset like that, you can stay out of the groove you just did when you're coming back in the opposite direction, and it has its own air compressor right on it. All the tires are hooked up to a regulator and kept at the exact right pressure at all times.

"The right lane used to have a little bump just past half-track, and the left lane had one that was a little bigger, but the left was always the preferred lane," Kuhlman said. "This was never a one-lane track or anything – there's nothing worse than that – but now the whole track is smooth as glass. Running a race track is like running anything else – you're either in or you're out – so we just stepped up and said, 'OK, let's do it. Let's go all out.' Nothing in this business is cheap, so what's it going to be? In the past, people would come here and say that they had better 60-foot times than they just had at Indy, and now all the bumps are gone. This should be our best race ever – now this place really has some teeth."

Sanford Enters Northwest Nationals with New Support From Morgan Taylor Nail Lacquer

Courtesy of NVW Motorsports Promotion

SEATTLE (August 1) – After a few months away from the racetrack, 20-year old Ashley Sanford is more than ready to strap into her Gelish Nail Polish/Lucas Oil A/Fuel Dragster at the O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Northwest Nationals, August 1-3. Refreshed with new parts, a spare motor, and motivation from promising performance at their last race, the SummitRacing.com Nationals at Las Vegas in March, Sanford and team head back into a consecutive stretch of racing.

“Keeping up with the results is pretty much the closest we've been to racing since Vegas,” Sanford said. “Ever since that race I was hoping the time between races would fly by and fortunately it did. What's great is now we're going to be busy. We have at least one race per month until the Finals in November.

“I haven't raced since March, but the team has stayed busy over the summer to prepare for these races. We tested at Bakersfield one weekend. While we didn't get the data that we were looking for, we did learn something and I received valuable seat time. I also want to thank my team for their hard work putting together our spare motor.”

The Northwest Nationals is the debut race for a new Ashley Sanford Racing sponsor, joining prominent supporters Gelish Soak-Off Gel Polish, Lucas Oil, and America's Best Value Inns on the pink and white nitro-injected A/Fuel Dragster.

“We have our Morgan Taylor Nail Lacquer on board now. They're a sister company to Gelish and we're very excited to have them on the side of the car. For me it's an honor to represent a girls' brand and a growing brand, like my team is; we're growing, too. It's two young girls who run the company so we can relate. It's a privilege to race for such great sponsors,” Ashley noted.

Ashley Sanford and her Gelish Soak-Off Gel Polish/Lucas Oil Products Top Alcohol Dragster team will hit the track at 2:15 and 5 PM on Friday and 11:30 on Saturday for qualifying. Eliminations begin at 2:15 PM on Saturday and resume on Sunday morning.

Frederosa's Team Extreme is a family-owned A/Fuel Dragster team competing in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series. 20 year old Ashley Sanford drives the team's Gelish Soak-Off Gel Nail Polish, tuned by Troy Schweers. The Gelish team – team owner Shane Sanford, Troy, Dave, Ed, Mike, Jeff, Dean, Torrey, and Robin, formerly worked on the team's pair of high-powered, championship-winning sand dragsters. The team receives support from Gelish Soak-Off Gel Nail Polish, Morgan Taylor Nail Lacquer, Lucas Oil Products, America's Best Value Inns, Lexington Hotels, Roscoe's Famous Deli, Heroes Bar & Grill, The D Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, and the Golden Gate Hotel & Casino.

For more information on Ashley Sanford and the Gelish A/Fuel Dragster team, please visit www.ashleysanforddragracing.com. Follow her on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ashleysanforddragracing) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/ashleyracergirl).

Driver Profile - Ashley Sanford

Driver: Ashley Sanford

 

Car: Gelish/Lucas Oil A/Fuel Dragster

 

Age: 20

 

Hometown: Fullerton, CA

 

Occupation: Server 

 

Family: Shane (Dad), Michele (Mom), Sydney (sister), and our five dogs, Riley, Woody, Bella, Lily, and Sophie!

 

Accomplishments: Living my dream racing dragsters at over 270 mph with my family's support!

 

First race car: Honda ATV

 

Favorite movies: All of the Disney Classics, Girl Interrupted, and anything with Will Ferrell. 

 

Favorite music: Classic Rock

 

Favorite TV shows: Breaking Bad, Sons of Anarchy, and American Horror Story.

 

Favorite sports teams: San Francisco 49ers

 

Favorite racetrack: The Strip at the Las Vegas Motor speedway

 

When I'm away from the racetrack I: am either working or spending time with family, friends and my dogs!

 

Favorite racing memory: Getting to race my dad in the sand drags! He was in a top fuel dragster and I was in a blown alcohol dragster, and I won!

 

Top accomplishment in racing: Getting our Gelish dragster to qualify 2nd at a national event!

 

Toughest opponent: Couldn't say I have one. I like to treat every pass no different from any other. Just focus on myself and hope we get the win light! 

 

Favorite opponent: Chris Demke – he's an awesome guy!

 

Favorite drivers outside TAD: Tony Schumacher, Alexis DeJoria, and Erica Enders.

 

Personal heroes: My dad; he's the most hard-working and determined guy I know. He's helped make my dreams come true and has always believed in me; he's my rock!

 

I race because: There is something addicting about the way it feels to sit in a 4500 HP dragster, from getting strapped in to the launch. It feels like home to me! 

 

I race TAD because: I want to continue to push and challenge myself in racing. TAD is the perfect playground for that.

 

Pre-race rituals or superstitions: High five all of my awesome crew guys before every run and always get in on the right side!

 

Nobody knows that I: Cheered in high school – I traded in my pom poms for a fire suit no problem!

 

If I didn't race I would: Be totally lost! I would always have to be involved with racing, whether I'm in the seat or not. 

 

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/AshleySanfordDragRacing

Twitter username: @ashleyracergirl

Instagram username: ashleyracergirl

Website: http://ashleysanforddragracing.com/

Top Alcohol News photos

 

Randy Meyer Struggles to Repeat Success at Norwalk National

Courtesy of Randy Meyer Racing

July 8th 2014 – With momentum of winning the past two races, the Randy Meyer Racing Team expected to deliver more success at their most recent race this past weekend in Norwalk, Ohio for the 8th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals at Summit Motorsports Park.

A 14th qualifying position did not make a strong impression on Driver and Team-Owner Randy Meyer, as his Top Alcohol Dragster struggled to get down the track with parachute problems and losing traction, resulting in the car to run a 5.67 E.T. at 152 mph for the first qualifying pass, a 5.55 E.T. at 167 mph for the second session, and a 5.48 E.T. at 184 mph for the final qualifying session.

Facing the seventh qualifier, Rich McPhillips, for the opening round of eliminations, Randy did his best to tune the car to make a strong pass to defeat McPhillips, but with a difficult track and no lane choice, Randy immediately smoked the tires after launching off the starting line. Randy then backed off the throttle until he saw McPhillips struggle, and got back on the throttle only to smoked the tires once again. However, when finishing the race a head gasket damaged the motor, and Randy was late on letting out the parachutes, causing him to safely stop the car in the sand trap at the end of the track.

“It was a less than expected weekend for us,“ said Randy. “We were hoping to get our third win in a row, but we had a different outcome this weekend. We will take a break for a few weeks and get the car straightened out and ready to race for our 7-week tour that starts with the NHRA race in St. Louis in August.”

This race will air on ESPN2 on July 12th, at 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM ET/3:00 PM - 4:00 PM PT

Randy Meyer Racing would like to thank their sponsors for their support and dedication to the team: Lucas Oil, Smart Chicken, Aeromotive Fuel Systems, NGK Spark Plugs, MOTOR MEDIC, Quik-Latch Products, Boninfante, Taylor Cable, Aeroquip Performance, Belzona Industrial Solutions, Rezner trailers, ARP, Copeland Race Cars, MAHLE Clevite, Hedman Hedders, and Moroso.

Make sure to follow the Randy Meyer Racing Team on Facebook (/RandyMeyerRacing) for the latest news and track updates.

Meyer Wins First JEGS Allstars Race at Joliet

Courtesy of Randy Meyer Racing

June 30rd 2014 – Straight off a win and runner-up finish with their Top Alcohol Dragsters, the Randy Meyer Racing Team earn their 4th win of the season this past weekend at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, IL. Team-owner Randy Meyer piloted his A/Fuel Dragster to compete in the NHRA National event as well as the 30th annual Jegs Allstars race.

Competing in the Jegs Allstars race for the fifth time, Randy was representing the Central Region of the United States, along side James Stevens of Top Alcohol Dragster, and Dale Brand and John Lombardo Jr. in Top Alcohol Funny Car. Although Randy sits in the lower-half on the ranks in points, his car is first in points with four wins this year alone with Randy and Shayne Lawson sharing the drivers seat, and each earning two wins for the season.

Randy had to battle against the best-of-the-best from each region to earn this year’s Allstars championship on Saturday afternoon. Qualifying in the second spot with a 5.45 E.T. at 267 mph, Randy defeated the seventh qualifier, Dan Page, in the opening round of eliminations, and went on to beat Bill Reichert during second round with a 5.35 E.T. at 268 mph. For the third and final round, Randy was up against Joey Severance, but he was ahead from start to finish, and won the race with a 5.36 E.T. at 267 mph for his first Allstars win. His win also helped the Central Region and Division 5 earn the overall team championship.

On Sunday after a celebratory night, the Randy Meyer Racing Team sat in the 10th qualifying position, facing Marty Thacker, the seventh qualifier, for first round of the NHRA Mello Yello O’Reilly Auto Parts Route 66 Nationals. Randy beat Thacker with a 5.41 E.T. at 258 mph, but lost during second round running his quickest pass of the weekend, a 5.36 E.T. at 269 mph to Joey Severance’s 5.29 E.T.

“It’s an exciting time for the team to be winning races,” says Randy. “It felt good to finally win the Allstars after coming close in the past. After getting off to a slow start on the weekend, we got the car performing better. Unfortunately we didn’t put ourselves in a good qualifying position, but we are regrouping and headed to Norwalk.”

This race will air on ESPN2 on July 5th, at 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM ET/10:00 AM - 11:00 AM PT

The next race for the Randy Meyer Racing Team will be this upcoming weekend at Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio for the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series 8th annual Summit Racing Equipment Nationals. Randy finished in the quarterfinals at this race last year, and is looking to claim his third win this year.

Randy Meyer Racing would like to thank their sponsors for their support and dedication to the team: Lucas Oil, Smart Chicken, Aeromotive Fuel Systems, NGK Spark Plugs, MOTOR MEDIC, Quik-Latch Products, Boninfante, Taylor Cable, Aeroquip Performance, Belzona Industrial Solutions, Rezner trailers, ARP, Copeland Race Cars, MAHLE Clevite, Hedman Hedders, and Moroso.

Make sure to follow the Randy Meyer Racing Team on Facebook (/RandyMeyerRacing) for the latest news and track updates.

Lombardo Races to Route 66 Nationals for Third JEGS Allstars Appearance

Courtesy of NVW Motorsports Promotion
Photo courtesy of Auto Imagery

CHICAGO (June 25) – NAPA Auto Parts/Lucas Oil Top Alcohol Funny Car driver John Lombardo Jr. is making the annual trip from his Brea, Calif. home base to Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Ill. to compete at the Route 66 Nationals this weekend, June 27-29. While racing at the national event, he will also take part in the JEGS Allstars specialty race, featuring eight of the best alcohol-burning Funny Cars in the country.

Lombardo is one of twenty-two Top Alcohol Funny Car drivers entered to compete at the NHRA Route 66 Nationals, which is considered to be one of the best national events for Sportsman racing. Though the JEGS Allstars field is limited to eight cars – two from each of the NHRA's four regions – the competition will be just as grueling, as John explains.

“The Jegs Allstars eight-car shootout format, where each team needs to earn their place during the prior year's regional points, gathers the toughest in the country. And if we're fortunate enough to go rounds in the Jegs eight-car show on Saturday and the Lucas Oil Series national event on Sunday, we may see the Christmas tree nine times in one weekend – you won't hear any complaints coming from the cockpit!”

The unique Jegs Allstars format allows each region or division to compete as a team, with each driver accumulating points for his or her region. Lombardo previously raced for the Division 7 team. This year, he'll race under the Central Region banner.

“Everyone touches on the team competition, and rightfully so. I've been fortune to represent my region and compete twice in the past, enjoying a Division 7 victory and trophy touring rights,” noted Lombardo, who is the reigning Central Region TAFC champion.

In addition to the prestige of racing in the Allstars event, John Lombardo Jr. and his Rick Jackson-led team are honored to participate thanks to the support of event sponsor JEGS Performance and series title sponsor Lucas Oil. The opportunity to race in front of Chicago-area fans is also a yearly highlight for the West Coast group.

“Jegs and Lucas Oil are the official corporate partners of NHRA's sportsman drag racing program; they are the cornerstone of all that we build on, in both regional and national event competition. Their commitment is significant and consistent.

“Route 66 Raceway is one of the best facilities and Chicago is one of the best markets on tour, so I always look forward to this race. We will be ready to slug it out with the nation's best and put on a stellar show in Chi-town!” John exclaimed.

Racing at the NHRA Route 66 Nationals, June 27-29, kicks off on Friday with qualifying sessions at 11:30 AM and 3 PM. JEGS Allstars activities begin with driver introductions at noon on Saturday, followed by first round at 1 PM. National event eliminations start at 9 AM on Sunday.


Jackson Lombardo Racing is a NHRA Top Alcohol Funny Car team owned by California businessman Rick Jackson and 2013 Central Region champion John Lombardo Jr. The team's NAPA Auto Parts/Lucas Oil Mustang is driven by Lombardo and tuned by Jackson. Jackson Lombardo Racing receives support from NAPA Auto Parts, Lucas Oil, Centre Pointe Collision Centers, NAPA Batteries, NAPAFilters.com, NAPA Power Supreme, Arvada Excavating, NGK Spark Plugs, NAPA Belts and Hose, CP-Carrillo, MAHLE, Midtronics, Mechanix Wear, NYNY Hotel and Casino, Gatorwraps, Raymond's Trophy, and Twin Palms.

For more information on John Lombardo Jr. and the Jackson Lombardo Racing team, please visit www.jackson-lombardo.com. Keep up with John and the team on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lombar...50?ref=profile) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/lombardoracing).

Randy Meyer Improves at Four-Wide Nationals

Courtesy of Randy Meyer Racing

April 15, 2014 – Randy Meyer, driver and team owner of the Randy Meyer Racing Team returned to zMAX Dragway to compete in the 2014 NHRA 4-Wide Nationals this past weekend in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Meyer struggled to enter the qualifying field for the first two qualifying sessions, but he was able to make new strides on the second day of the event, placing his A/Fuel Dragster in the fourth qualifying position with a 5.29 e.t. at 274 mph.

Faced against Dan Mercier for the opening round of eliminations, Meyer made more improvements as he made the quickest and second fastest pass of the round; a consistent 5.29 e.t. at 275 mph for the win.

The second round paired Meyer up against rookie Corey Michalek. Unfortunately, Meyer’s 5.33 e.t. at 274 mph lost to a close race against Michalek’s 5.31 e.t. at 272 mph. Michalek went on to win the race.

“We fixed our problem from Friday’s qualifying and were able be back in the top half of the field. We have a great racecar and ran a good race, things are looking good for our team. Thank you to our friends and sponsors who came out to support us, and congratulations to Corey on winning his first national race,” Meyer said.

The sportsman racing of the 4-Wide Nationals will air on ESPN2 on 4/20/14 at 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM ET/8:00 AM – 9:00 AM PT.

Meyer will take a break to recover while getting his second Top Alcohol Dragster, driven by Chase Copeland, in line. His oldest daughter, Megan Meyer, will start her racing season this weekend at Heartland Park Topeka.

The Randy Meyer Racing Team would like to thank their 2014 partners: Lucas Oil, Smart Chicken, NGK Spark Plugs, MOTOR MEDIC, Quik-Latch Products, Boninfante, Taylor Cable, Belzona Industrial Solutions, Rezner trailers, ARP, MAHLE Clevite, Hedman Hedders, and Moroso.

Ashley Sanford Sets Career-Best Numbers at Vegas

Courtesy of NVW Motorsports Promotion
Photo courtesy of Tim Marshall

LAS VEGAS (April 2) – Gelish A/Fuel Dragster driver Ashley Sanford made great strides at last weekend's NHRA SummitRacing.com Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The young Californian set multiple career-best numbers during qualifying and testing. Sanford lost a close first round race, but the outing was a big step forward for Ashley and her team.

“We were struggling for a while when the season started. We just couldn't figure out why we couldn't get the car to go down the track. That went on for weeks; eleven consecutive passes where it either shook or smoked the tires. We took a few steps back and found problems in the clutch. Once we started to fix the little issues we started making full pulls,” Ashley said.

Sanford started the race with a 5.38 at 270 MPH run, a career-best speed at the time, in the opening qualifying session. She followed that pass with a 5.309/268, enough to place the Gelish dragster second in the qualifying order.

“That first thirty-eight on Friday, man was that exciting,” Sanford exclaimed. “We weren't expecting that. And to back it up with a thirty flat? We were on cloud nine. All of the hard work to fight through the struggle was worth it. It was very rewarding to see those numbers.”

The Gelish Gel Nail Polish/America's Best Value Inns A/Fuel team entered first round of eliminations facing fellow A/Fuel driver Bill Litton. Ashley left with the starting line advantage, but had to pedal shortly into the run, allowing Litton to slip ahead for the win, 5.535 to Sanford's 5.575.

“That was a nail-biter,” Ashley added. “I knew with the shake and pedaling it that it would be a close race. I didn't see him until the very end. The car was running well so I really thought we had it. Bill and I both didn't see a win light come on and no one on the top end knew who won so we sat there for a few minutes biting our nails.”

Always thinking about the bright side, Ashley was quick to point out the positive aspects of the race weekend.

“Overall it was just a great experience. Making the first two full runs on Friday was unbelievable. Two five-thirty runs and my fastest mile-per-hour up to that point was exciting. On top of that, it was just a really fun weekend. I had the opportunity to meet great people; we talked to the Forces and Tony Schumacher gave me a behind-the-scenes tour of how the Top Fuel teams work. For the big picture, with me wanting to run Top Fuel some day, that was an amazing opportunity.

“This weekend was definitely a huge confidence boost for the Gelish team. We're at this point where we can really compete now. We all thought we had a chance to go rounds. It all happens for a reason. The baby steps will count. After this race we'll be ready to go to all of the other races with a different outlook on running the car and a higher confidence level. I think that will really help us in the end,” claimed the former Top Alcohol sand drag racer.

The Gelish team took the opportunity to test on the Monday following the race. Despite shaking the tires and pedaling, Ashley still ran a 5.44 at 272 MPH, further improving her career-best speed. Ashley Sanford and the Gelish Gel Nail Polish/America's Best Value Inns team will hit the track next in May.

Frederosa's Team Extreme is a family-owned A/Fuel Dragster team competing in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series. 20 year old Ashley Sanford drives the team's Gelish Soak-Off Gel Nail Polish. The Gelish team – Troy Schweers, Dave McWilliams, Shane Sanford, Ed Sanford, Mike White, Jeff Monge, Dean Schweers, Torrey Paul, Justin DeCaprio and Robin Steeves, formerly worked on the team's pair of high-powered, championship-winning sand dragsters. The team receives support from Gelish Soak-Off Gel Nail Polish, Lucas Oil Products, America's Best Value Inns, Lexington Hotels, Roscoe's Famous Deli, Heroes Bar & Grill, The D Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, and the Golden Gate Hotel & Casino.

For more information on Ashley Sanford and the Gelish A/Fuel Dragster team, please visit www.ashleysanforddragracing.com. Follow her on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ashleysanforddragracing) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/ashleyracergirl).

Pierce Back in the Game with Gene Snow's A/FD

Courtesy of Todd Veney/Pro Sportsman Association

Brandon Pierce still can't believe he got the call. Drag racing legend Gene Snow could have picked anyone to drive his A/Fuel Dragster, but he called Pierce, who had been on the sidelines for a year and a half and was starting to think he might be stuck there forever.

"I was driving home from work one day and the phone rang," Pierce said. "Gene said he wanted me to drive for him, and I said, 'Are you sure you know who you're talking to?' I guess he thought I could cut the kind of lights he wants, and he sure has had some good people driving for him – Spencer [Massey] and Chase [Copeland.] I hadn't run my car in a year and half, and I figured everybody had already forgotten all about me."

Before taking what he knew could turn into a permanent vacation, Pierce accomplished both of the goals he and his father set when they started in A/Fuel 11 years ago: make the Top 10 and crack 280 mph. "We knew we didn't have the funds to win a national championship, but we thought we could make the Top 10 and we really wanted that 280," he said. "The car was running so well that weekend – 275-277 mph – but I had no idea I'd gone 280. It just felt like another good run, definitely a 5.20-something, but 280? You know how hard that is to do? To see that number on paper, to have that time slip in your hand, is unbelievable. There's only a handful of us who have ever done it, and when Bill Reichert comes over to say congratulations, you know you've really done something."

By then, Pierce had already racked up three victories and six final-round appearances in divisional competition. He upset Randy Meyer in the final round of the 2006 Division 4 race at Noble, Okla., his home track, backed it up the next year with a final-round decision over Darvin Martinets there, and also won the 2007 Division 5 race at Great Bend, Kan., over two-time Division 5 champ Richard Putz. Pierce followed with runner-up finishes at Dallas and Memphis in 2007, the year he nearly won the Division 4 title, and also runner-upped at the Jeg's Allstars race in 2008 in Chicago, where a third straight 5.47 and a .022 light left him just short of Tom Bayer in the final.

"Until last year, my last ride had been at Noble in 2011, the only race we ran that whole year," said Pierce, 37, who started racing 20 years ago and worked his way up from an 11-second Chevelle to Pro, Super Pro, Quick 16, Super Gas, Super Comp, and finally Top Alcohol Dragster. "It was our home track and we figured we'd go out there and have a little fun and ended up making it all the way to the final."

Then … nothing.

"It's no fun sitting there, watching everybody else race, I can tell you that," Pierce said. "I'll admit it: it sucked. I really thought I was done. 'Who's gonna call me?' I thought. 'I'm not even out there anymore.' I'm pretty low-key; I never thought anybody paid any attention to me. I've always tried to cut good lights – I knew the only way I could win was on the Tree – and I guess Gene noticed. Driving for him, you'd better be good on the lights. Look at how well Spencer and Chase did for him."

Snow's team has a full schedule planned for 2014, including a full slate of Central Region events and national event stops in Topeka, where last year Pierce barely missed making his first final-round appearance, and home state events in Houston and Dallas. Pierce beat eventual winner Alan Bradshaw in the 2013 Topeka semi's but was disqualified when his nitro percentage was found to be 1 percent too high. "I don't know what happened there – it's not like we were trying to get away with anything," he said. "I think it's just that it's such a long haul from the pits to the staging lanes at Topeka that the alcohol had more time to evaporate."

Pierce made his first divisional final with Snow's team later in 2013 at, naturally, Noble, where he finished second to eventual world champ Jim Whiteley. His only start this year ended early when he missed the cut at the rain-shortened Central Region opener at Houston, but he has no complaints.

"It's still pretty crazy to me that I'm back out here," said Pierce, an Oklahoma native who now lives in Cypress, Texas. "I mean, I couldn't believe I got that call. Me? It's like a dream I'm still waking up from. It all came together really fast, and I still don't have the words to describe what I felt that day. There are a lot of good drivers out there – a ton of them – and I consider myself fortunate that Gene asked me. It's an honor. He's one of the guys who signed my license in 2003, and I've been friends with him and Vernon [Wilde] and Spencer forever. I really owe a lot to him, Vernon, Spencer, Lucas Oil, Dixie House Café, and my family. My goal is to eventually run Top Fuel, and I realize that that kind of thing doesn't usually happen, but hey, you never know. I never thought I'd get that call from Gene, either."

Forrest Lucas to be Inducted into Drag Racing Hall of Fame

Courtesy of Rob Geiger

 

OCALA, Fla. (Feb. 26) -- Lucas Oil Products co-founder Forrest Lucas will be inducted into the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2014 in a banquet on March 13 in Gainesville, Fla.

The Lucas Oil Products International Drag Racing Hall of Fame Induction Banquet will take place at the Paramount Plaza Hotel & Suites on the Thursday before the NHRA Gatornationals at Auto-Plus Raceway in Gainesville.

Lucas is being honored for his longtime support of drag racing at all levels, from sponsorship of Sportsman racers and racing all the way to the NHRA Top Fuel class.

"I'm real happy that Don Garlits has appreciated what he's seen us do over the years with drag racing," Lucas said. "He's a very nice person, and I appreciate what he's done for drag racing over the years, too. He's been a huge part of it, not only as a racer but he started the museum to keep the story of it all. It's a big piece of history he's taken care of single-handedly."

The Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing was opened in 1984 to chronicle the history of the sport. The International Drag Racing Hall of Fame is housed in the museum.

Lucas will be inducted alongside several other legends of the sport: John Abbott, Al Bergler, Frank Hawley, Tom Hoover, and Warren Johnson.

"It's a big deal to me, not ever having been a racer, but being appreciated for the fact that we've been a big part of it," Lucas said. "I think we've helped drag racing get where it's at, and it's nice to be appreciated."

Lucas will be presented at the banquet by NHRA President Tom Compton.

"We got into drag racing to start with because that's where all the auto parts stores were," Lucas said. "They were all part of it, and we wanted to be in front of them, so we got into drag racing.

"Then (son) Morgan was interested it in, and (wife) Charlotte was, too. It was a fun thing for us, but it was also business. We made a business out of it, and consequently a lot of other people saw our success and followed us with sponsorship. It caused a lot of sponsorship money for teams as well as NHRA itself.

"We made it work, and we also had a good time with it. We're still having a good time with it."