Demke Chasing Fifth NHRA Winternationals Victory

Courtesy of NVW Motorsports Promotion
TAN photo
 
 POMONA, Calif. (February 10, 2016) – Just as he finished last season, Chris Demke will kick off this 2016 season at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona with his usual positive demeanor. The Circle K NHRA Winternationals, February 11-14, is a big race for Demke and his Maddern Racing team, who have won the season-opening race in four of the last six years. It’s a clean slate; everyone’s first stop in the pursuit of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Top Alcohol Dragster world championship.

“The Winternationals is always an important race because it’s the first race of the season. If you can do well here, it gives your team great momentum going in to the early part of the season. Fortunately for our team, we’ve won the Wtinernatiaonls the last two years and four total. I have great memories at the Winternationals. My first national event win was at the 50th anniversary Winternationals in 2010. It’s the race where I’ve had the most success,” said Demke, who lives nearby in Valencia.

Demke and the Peen Rite/Boost Performance Products team are coming off of a second-place finish in LODRS national points in 2015. The season started strong with a victory at the Winternationals, but the season finale left something to be desired.

“Last season ended on a bad note with an ignition problem that cost me first round against Johnny Ahten. We just did some testing in Las Vegas with the primary goal of making sure we fixed that problem. Testing went well, and I feel that we’re ready for the new season,” Demke claimed.

The state of the Top Alcohol Dragster class going into this season is very similar to what it looked like as the season wrapped up at the Auto Club Finals last November. Don’t expect much of a difference in the hard-charging, fun-loving attitude of the Peen Rite team either.

“There are a few new players in the class. No major rule changes. A couple new drivers and teams, as well as a lot of the same strong players that have been there in the last couple years. It’s always interesting to see how things shake out early on. As I always say, I just want to go out and have fun, but winning is pretty fun,” Demke laughed.

There will be one major change in the personnel side of things at Maddern Racing, as clutch guy and tuner Adam Rhoades has accepted a new position with a Top Alcohol Funny Car team.

“As most everybody has heard, Adam Rhoades will be leaving the team. He was with us at testing and will be with us at Pomona as we transition his duties to other team members. Certainly our beer budget will drop,” Demke joked. “His departure is amicable. He found a great opportunity and I understand why he’s taking that opportunity. Our relationship will remain strong. It’s a good decision for him and I can’t contest that. I’m gonna’ miss the guy. He’s not only my friend, he’s also a great racer and our team will miss his presence. However, our team already has a lot of skill and I’m sure we’ll be able to maintain the level of performance that we’ve had in previous years.”

Aside from the departure of Rhoades, the crew member line-up will remain the same with team owner Jerry Maddern at the helm. The team’s proven supercharged, methanol-burning Brad Anderson powerplant will stay in place, as will the team’s sponsors.

“I’m happy to renew my sponsorship agreements with Boost Performance Products and Hoosier Racing Tires. I’m grateful that they both continue to see value in our team representing their products.”

Chris Demke’s 2016 season will officially kick off when Top Alcohol Dragster qualifying session number one begins on Thursday at 4 PM Pacific. Another session is scheduled for 2:15 PM on Friday with a final qualifying session at 11 AM on Saturday. First round of eliminations will follow at 2:15 PM. Eliminations continue on Sunday following the first round of Pro eliminations.

Maddern Racing is a family-owned and operated NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster team based in Southern California. The team's Chris Demke-driven Peen Rite/Boost Performance Products blown alcohol dragster is owned by Jerry Maddern and crewed by Adam Rhoades, Kevin Watson, Mike Demke, Greg Rice, and Robert Hadaller. For more information on Chris Demke and Maddern Racing, please visit www.Facebook.com/MaddernRacing.

Maddern Racing receives support from the following companies: Peen Rite Inc., Boost Performance Products, B-G Detection, Afco, LA X-Ray, Hoosier Racing Tires, Morningwood Energy Drink, and Motorsports Unlimited. 

Ferre Signs American Plastic Technologies for 2016

With the 2016 racing season fast approaching Cameron Ferré, Top Alcohol dragster stand out alongside Miersch Racing are pleased to announce American Plastic Technologies will be joining their 2016 efforts starting at the NHRA Circle K Winternationals.

Coming off a stand out performance during the 2015 season, Ferré and Miersch Racing look to continue their success in 2016 with American Plastic Technologies and Racepak Data Systems. "I couldn't be happier to join forces with APT. We developed a B2B relationship through some projects started over at Racepak and it blossomed into something greater. I know firsthand that APT manufactures the highest quality polyurethane parts in the business for various industries such as: automotive aftermarket, OEM, off road, military, medical, and the oil industry. With over 30 years of industry experience that alone speaks volumes for the quality of the products APT produces. It is an honor to represent APT and Racepak together on one car this year, I hope to help them develop more great business relationships within NHRA Drag Racing."

It was a busy off season for Miersch Racing. They have been gearing up and stockpiling parts all winter as the team prepares to enter the 2016 season seeking the sought after first race win. "In 2015 the team came so close, I think as a team we are ready to turn it up a notch and build off of last year's progress. I have all the faith in my team, with Larry's turning ability alongside the marketing partners who have supported us, I cannot wait to get in the car and march down the race track," stated Ferré, who was the highest ranked part time driver in the 2015 national point standings.

The team will kick off qualifying efforts at the running of the 56th annual Circle K Winternationals on Thursday February 11th at Auto Club Raceway Pomona. Make no doubt about it, the American Plastic Technologies / Racepak Data Systems/Miersch Racing A/fuel Dragster will look to make a splash at their hometown track.

2016 marks the inaugural season of the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series to air on the Fox Sports 1 Television network citing a great platform to showcase NHRA Drag Racing to new markets.

For more information about American Plastic Technologies, please log on to http://www.americanplastictech.com/

Miersch Racing also represents: CP Carrillo, MSD Performance, JBS, Coldcock Whiskey, Ted Wiens Auto Centers, Ultimate Design, Brico Ind., Bell Helmets, Manton Pushrods, Black Flys, and Popeye Energy.

Demke Picks Up Fourth Winternationals Win

Courtesy of NVW Motorsports Promotion

POMONA, Calif. (February 10) – For the fourth time in his career, Maddern Racing driver Chris Demke started the new season with a Circle K NHRA Winternationals victory last weekend. Demke and team worked through the challenges of their own car and a new team car to claim the California native's 16th Top Alcohol Dragster national event win.

In addition to Demke's championship car, Maddern Racing was fielding an experimental car with driver Ray Martin and car chief Kirk Kuhns. The results of the two cars surpassed most everyone's expectations as both cars advanced to the semifinals before Demke went on to win the race.

“After having won a championship, I was confident in our guys. I was confident in our ability to put the car I was driving back together in championship form and come out swinging. We had the added challenge of bringing a second car into the mix, the X car. But we had a great bunch of guys working on that car. Ray Martin is an excellent driver and he's adapted to the car quickly. We had Kirk come in to serve as the car chief on that car and it was a pleasure to work with him. He's a great guy and I look forward to future opportunities with him,” Demke noted.

While Martin's car was off to a great start, qualifying sixth with a 5.311 ET, Demke's car was struggling. The championship car went into eliminations from the eight spot.

“My car just wasn't responding. We still don't know exactly what the issue was. We made small changes between Q1 and Q2 and it went from a 5.35 to a 34. Then we made huge changes for Q3 and it went from a 34 to a 33. Going into first round we made bigger changes yet and it went from a 33 to a 32. We ended up swapping motors for second round and it responded and was back to its winning ways. I knew as soon as I did the burnout that it was going to be better than all of the previous runs.”

The run, 5.276, was much better and was enough to beat No. 1 qualifier Don St. Arnaud. Martin ran 5.284 to take out Ross Stickler in the second round.

“We came back from that round and our team was just elated. We knew we had the class's attention. We had two cars in the twenties and we were on opposite sides of the ladder. We knew our real goal of putting both cars in the finals had potential, but it wasn't meant to be.

“The barrel valve linkage on Ray's car came loose and when he went to stage the car the RPMs were erratic. It was amazing he was even able to get the car staged and launched as well as he did. The motor went lean and backfired the supercharger, unfortunately ending his day. It really bummed me out, because I was waiting to run behind him and expected to see his win light turn on. I had to keep my focus so we could advance to the final round and hopefully take home the Wally,” Demke recalled.

Chris Demke powered through the distraction to overcome rival Joey Severance in a 5.295 to 5.455 semifinal race. He clicked off his quickest run of the weekend, a 5.264, to beat Shawn Cowie's 5.367 in the final round. The win was his fourth (2010, 2012, 2014, 2015) Winternationals victory and 16th overall.

“Once we had all of our ducks in a row, our team knows how to go rounds,” Demke declared. “My team proved their mettle. They really did a great job because it really was a lot of work, even though we had two teams. We did the best with what we could and I certainly can't complain. While optimally we had this dream of having both cars in the finals, we came pretty darn close. We had one car in the semis and the other car won the race. That's a great thing.”


Maddern Racing is a family-owned and operated NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster team based in Southern California. The team's Chris Demke-driven Peen Rite/Boost Performance Products blown alcohol dragster is owned by Jerry Maddern and crewed by Adam Rhoades, Kevin Watson, Mike Demke, Greg Rice, Ron Mann and Robert Hadaller. For more information on Chris Demke and Maddern Racing, please visit www.MaddernRacing.com.

Maddern Racing receives support from the following companies: Peen Rite Inc., Boost Performance Products, B-G Detection, Afco, LA X-Ray, Jet-Lube, and Morningwood Energy Drink.

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Ferre Looks to Ride the Wave of World Finals Success into 2015 Season

Courtesy of Nick Cobb
Photos courtesy of Troy Case

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. (February 5)- Fresh off of a runner-up at the closing race of the 2014 season, Cameron Ferré has been itching to get back into the seat of Larry Miersch’s nitro injected A-Fuel dragster. This weekend Ferré will begin his second season competing in the NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster class, piloting the Miersch-owned dragster, at the Circle K NHRA Winternationals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona.

“Racing at Auto Club Raceway has always held a soft place to my heart, I have been fortunate enough to stand in the winner’s circle here once before after bringing the Wally home in the Super Comp category at the 2012 NHRA Auto Club Finals. This is a home track race for Miersch and the team, it is very rare that we are able to have all of our friends and family out here cheering us one,” Ferré said.

Ferré, Miersch and team came so close to grabbing the Wally at the Auto Club Finals last year but fell short to Duane Shields in the final round. Team owner, Larry Miersch, stated, “We blew it up bad in the semis and fell short on parts. We are coming into the season with fresh parts and going to throw the same tune-up that we gave the car at the finals but hoping for the better result.”

Ferré is returning to competition this weekend with sponsor backing from Racepak Data Systems, Coldcock Whiskey, Popeye Energy, Club Ted, CP Carrillo, Bell Helmets, XRP, Manton, PJ1 Products, Beachwood BBQ and Brewing, Ultimate Design, Brico Industries.

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.

Defending TAD National Champ Chris Demke Enters Pomona with Teammate

Courtesy of NVW Motorsports Promotion
TAN photos



 

POMONA, Calif. (February 4) – This weekend kicks off the 2015 NHRA drag racing season with the Circle K NHRA Winternationals at Auto Club Raceway in Pomona. For the first time in his decade-long driving career, Chris Demke enters the season as the defending NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster world champion.

“It's exciting, a little nervous,” Demke said of the position he's in. “I feel I pretty much have a target on my back but I'm ready to pick up where we left off last year.”

To aid in their title defense, Demke and the Maddern Racing team will field a second blown alcohol dragster at their first two races, the Winternationals and the Phoenix regional event. Demke will continue to drive the championship Peen Rite/Boost Performance Products Car. Alaska's Ray Martin, who finished fourth in TAD national points in 2013, will drive the experimental “X” car.

“When the world championship team calls you to drive their second car, you say yes,” Martin said. “Whatever happens during that time or after is what it is. We're just going to have fun and go some rounds. Thanks to Maddern Racing. It's a great group of guys and it's just awesome to be a part of this, especially because of who they are and what they've accomplished. We're really happy and proud to be a part of it.”

Adding another car can be a daunting task, but a few key factors will help ease the challenge for the SoCal team.

"We're using Clint Thompson's Top Alcohol Funny Car crew to work on it, so it's an experienced group. I think more it's the challenges of trying to tune and manage two cars through the course of the weekend. We're just going to have fun and try to go with it.

“I'm glad the schedule is the way it is. We get one run on Thursday and one on Friday afternoon. We have plenty of time between those runs to get both cars properly set up. There won't be a rush the first two days of qualifying, which is optimal,” Demke remarked.

The tuning responsibilities will be shared amongst the team. Adam Rhoades will continue to focus on the ignition timing and clutch and transmission set-up. Demke will decide the fuel system settings. They intend to stick with what they know on the championship car while experimenting with the “X” car.

“(Team owner) Jerry Maddern has put together some good, solid engine combinations for both cars. They're not identical. We're trying some stuff in the X car that we've never used previously. Nothing too extreme yet, though,” Demke added.

The 2014 U.S. Nationals winner experiences a range of emotions at the start of any season, but especially this one, ranging from excited to nervous. He realizes the season-opening race doesn't decide the rest of the season or the final outcome.

“If you look at how last year went, our team dominated the first race and then we struggled through the next four races. So it's hard to say. I don't think the first race can really set the tone. It's a long season. That first event is really just everyone getting their feet wet and ready for this year. It looks like there are 20 cars entered, which I think is a good way to start the season. There's a lot of participation and I think everyone will go out and give it their best shot.”

Top Alcohol Dragster qualifying at the Circle K NHRA Winternationals, Feb. 5-8, starts at 4 PM Thursday and continues with sessions at 2:15 PM Friday and 11:15 AM Saturday. Eliminations start at 2:30 PM on Saturday and resume with second round on Sunday afternoon.

Maddern Racing is a family-owned and operated NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster team based in Southern California. The team's Chris Demke-driven Peen Rite/Boost Performance Products blown alcohol dragster is owned by Jerry Maddern and crewed by Adam Rhoades, Kevin Watson, Mike Demke, Greg Rice, Ron Mann and Robert Hadaller. For more information on Chris Demke and Maddern Racing, please visit www.MaddernRacing.com.

Maddern Racing receives support from the following companies: Peen Rite Inc., Boost Performance Products, B-G Detection, Afco, LA X-Ray, Jet-Lube, Denali Concrete and Morningwood Energy Drink.

 

 

Hunter Back at Pomona for Second Season with Synoil Racing

Courtesy of NVW Motorsports Promotion
Photo courtesy of David Smith/PSA

POMONA, Calif. (February 4) – The annual return to sunny California for the Circle K NHRA Winternationals is always a special time for Top Alcohol Funny Car driver Greg Hunter. Not just because it's the first race of the season, but also because of the history of Auto Club Raceway at Pomona and the part it played in Hunter's racing career.

“Pomona to me is the birthplace of drag racing. It just has the great California drag racing vibe. When you go there you can feel it in the air. I just love it. If I could live near the race track I think I would, that's how much I love it there. Or maybe in between the race track and the beach,” Hunter jokes.

“The first national event I attended was the World Finals at Pomona 20 years ago. I came home and immediately decided I wanted to go racing so I started the following year. This is actually my 20th year racing.”

Hunter, now in his second year driving for Canadian drag racing legend Geoff Goodwin, scored his first regional event victory and reached a national event semifinal last year before suffering a couple tough breaks to finish the year. One of those tough losses was a wild first round pedalfest at the Finals at Pomona, so Hunter and the Synoil Energy Services/Exact Air team are looking for some redemption this weekend.

“We're feeling pretty confident. There have been some minor changes to the motor but outside of that we feel great. We felt we had a bad stretch near the end of the year where we missed it in qualifying but at the end I think we put it back together. A little unfortunate in the first round. We feel we could've had a good showing at the Finals. We want to continue on at the Winternationals, hopefully deep into eliminations on Sunday,” Hunter claimed.

The Synoil Racing team will be racing this weekend without Goodwin, who is at home recovering after breaking his leg over the winter.

“This is probably one of the first races that he has missed,” Hunter said. “Everybody will be thinking of him and wishing he was there. We're going to try to go out there and win it so we can bring home a Wally to help make our 'Chief' feel a little better.”

Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying at the Circle K NHRA Winternationals, Feb. 5-8, kicks off on Thursday at 3:30 PM. Additional sessions follow on Friday at 2:45 PM and Saturday at 10:45 AM. Eliminations begin at 2 PM on Saturday and continue Sunday afternoon.

Greg Hunter and Geoff Goodwin's Synoil Racing Top Alcohol Funny Car team are returning for their second season together in 2015. With primary support from Synoil Energy Services and Exact Air Compliance Systems, Hunter will run a full schedule of NHRA Mello Yello Series national events and LODRS regional events. Synoil Racing receives additional support from Northgate Industries Ltd., Ron Hodgson Chevrolet-GMC-Buick, Twister Piling Inc., Proform Concrete Services Inc., Prowler Contracting, Pumps & Pressure Inc., Hampton's Oilfield Services, Landale Signs, MD Truck Repair, and Mobil1.

Like Synoil Racing on Facebook – www.facebook.com/synoilracing.

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).

Strong Pomona Numbers Give Ahten Motive

Courtesy of John Rogers
Photo courtesy of Troy Case

Pomona, CA – An unexpected second round exit last weekend at the NHRA’s season opening event at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona for Johnny Ahten may have been frustrating, but the run data and lessons learned have the Island Renovations/Combust Filters Team in high spirits. Strong numbers and qualifying in the fourth slot are positive steps moving into the 2014 season.

“We have enough power to run with the blown guys,” said Johnny Ahten. “The car felt mean and nasty with a touch of violent - it’s a monster. The air was great and on several runs it put me back in the seat big time. Over the off season we replaced the padding inside the cockpit and I needed all of it. I would also like to announce that we have added Aeromotive as an associate sponsor. The opportunity to stabilize our fuel system and assist Aeromotive in promoting their line of automotive and racing fuel systems and components has us really jazzed,” added Ahten.

The power of Ahten Racing’s nitromethane injected dragster, nicknamed the “Stump Puller,” was evident in Saturday morning’s first session when Johnny ripped off a 5.291/248.52. That run was only 248.52 miles per hour because Johnny lifted at 4.85 seconds as a planned shake down pass. The 227mph at half track shows a mid to low twenty! The day’s second session a 5.336/261.57 provided reassurance and a healthy top end charge. This performance landed Johnny with a first round match-up with Derik Milanesio. In the first race back after winning the 2013 Finals at Pomona, Johnny extended his round win streak to five with a quick pedal-job 5.453/260.41 to Milanesio’s 5.741/242.15.

Going into Sunday’s second round race against Casey Grisel, crew chief Al Ahten, with tuning input from Howard Katano and Johnny were looking to go quicker. Along with crew members Bob Ahten, Kevin Colvell, and Chuck Costabile, the Stump Puller was tuned up and ready for action. As Johnny left the line against Grisel, he was anticipating the possibility of having to pedal the car. What he was not expecting was after the initial tire shake was the Stump Puller moving sideways. “It was on a run, added Johnny Ahten. “Our .924 sixty foot time was good and the G-meter on the car was the highest I have ever seen it. There was no reason for the car to react the way it did, but in racing it happens.” Grisel crossed the line for the round win with a 5.480/266.27. Johnny could only coast down the track after his sideways drifting impersonation at just over 96 miles per hour and a 8.862 time slip. Gone was the round winning streak, and with it, the opportunity to garner a bookend trophy.

The first race of the 2014 NHRA season provided Johnny and the Ahten Racing Team a glimpse into their future. They have the power to run with the competition. Gone was the mystery of how big of an impact the various rule changes would affect the tune up. Added to the arsenal was positive tuning run data and a new association with Aeromotive. The winter break is finally over and the going-rounds mindset has taken over. Ahten Racing’s next race will be Feb 28-March 2 at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Phoenix, AZ. To stay informed visit: www.facebook.com/JohnnyAhtenRacing

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Mixed Results for Hunter at Winternationals TAFC Debut

Courtesy of NVW Motorsports Promotion
Photo courtesy of Synoil Racing

 

POMONA, Calif. (February 12) – Top Alcohol Funny Car newcomer Greg Hunter experienced the highs and lows of racing in his Synoil Racing debut at the NHRA Circle K Winternationals last weekend. The Wyoming driver posted a strong qualifying time but a simple mechanical failure ended his race day in the first round. Despite the mixed results, Hunter is still enthusiastic about his new ride.

“It was a spectacular weekend. I felt more comfortable in the car on each pass. We came out and made a great pass in the first qualifying session and felt we were on our way to a better finish. We would've won first round but the safety box shut the car off at 1000 feet. We were really disappointed about that but overall I'm very excited. The car is making a lot of power. We just need to get a handle on it,” Greg said.

In the first qualifying session, Hunter drove the Geoff Goodwin-owned Synoil Energy Services/ExactAir entry to a 5.622 at 257 MPH, which stood for No. 2 by the end of the session. Unable to improve in the later two sessions, Greg fell to seventh, right in the middle of a group of four drivers who clocked the same exact elapsed time.

“It was pretty cool to run a 5.62 right out of the box,” Greg added. “We were the first car to run and we held on to the No. 1 spot until the second to last pair when Jay Payne went by us.”

Hunter went into eliminations with just two runs of experience racing alongside another alcohol funny car in the other lane. He most recently drove a blown TAD for the past two years, but Greg is new to NHRA TAFC racing.

“I was a little nervous on my first side-by-side qualifying run next to Jay Payne, who's been doing this for a long time. It was nice having my wife, Staci, back me up from the burnouts – that was a familiar aspect. I started to feel more and more comfortable after each run,” Greg claimed.

The Synoil Racing Funny Car flexed its muscles first round, but the aforementioned safety box, which automatically shuts the car off in the case of an emergency, activated accidentally. Hunter's package of .041 reaction time and 5.689 ET would've been enough to win five of the six other round races, but his opponent, eventual race winner Brian Hough, ran just a bit quicker. Hough crossed the finish line .006 seconds ahead of Greg, 5.674.

“We were all disappointed; we thought we had a good chance to win the race. On the bright side, it was an absolute pleasure to be driving the Synoil car. I also had a great time in the pit area, visiting with our sponsors and the team's previous driver, Jason Rupert. It was a good atmosphere and I had a lot of fun.

“Special thanks to the entire Synoil team for welcoming me and my wife to the team. Everyone on the team gelled really well together, especially after testing in Vegas. We really enjoyed our first race with them and we're looking forward to a successful season with this great group of people,” said Greg, who joins Synoil Racing after driving the ExactAir TAD for the past two seasons.

Greg Hunter and Geoff Goodwin's Synoil Racing Top Alcohol Funny Car team have teamed up for the 2014 season. With primary support from Synoil Energy Services and ExactAir Compliance Systems, Hunter will run a full schedule of NHRA Mello Yello Series national events and LODRS regional events. Synoil Racing receives additional support from Northgate Industries Ltd., Ron Hodgson Chevrolet-GMC-Buick, Southgate Buick, Twister Piling Inc., Proform Concrete Services Inc., Prowling Contracting, Pumps & Pressure Inc., Waylon Transport, Hampton's Oilfield Service, Landale Signs, MD Truck Repair, and Castrol.

Like Synoil Racing on Facebook at www.facebook.com/synoilracing.

Demke Opens 2014 Season with Dominating Winternationals Victory

Courtesy of NVW Motorsports Promotion

POMONA, Calif. (February 10) – Top Alcohol Dragster championship hopeful Chris Demke opened his 2014 season with a dominating win at the NHRA Circle K Winternationals at Auto Club Raceway last weekend. His Peen Rite/OSI/Boost Performance Products blown alcohol dragster was the quickest TAD all weekend, running 5.21 in Q3 and staying in the twenties through eliminations.

“It was a surprise but it was a great feeling,” Demke said of his car's performance. “Testing before Pomona didn't go so well but I knew the car had potential. I was confident in the information we acquired last year and the tune-up decisions we made in the offseason.”

The weekend started slow for the California driver, as he smoked the tires on Friday's only qualifying run. The Adam Rhoades-tuned dragster made up for it on the next two runs, 5.34 and 5.218 at a booming 276.46 MPH, tied for the fourth-quickest blown alcohol run and second-fastest blown speed. That run made Demke the No. 1 qualifier by six hundredths.

“Qualifying was a challenge – tire smoke on Q1 then I messed up on Q2. It all came together on Q3 when we ripped off that 5.21, which we really didn't expect. It was a great feeling knowing that we had all of our ducks in a row going into eliminations,” Chris stated.

With only fifteen cars in attendance, Chris was given a first round bye run. The Peen Rite team used the opportunity to test the track and go for E2 lane choice, running 5.22/275.9 MPH. Demke ran another low twenty in the second round, 5.23/275.51 MPH to beat Megan McKernan's 5.57. The Maddern Racing entry slowed slightly to a 5.276 in the semifinals, but it was enough to defeat Casey Grisel's 5.57.

“Each round had it's challenges,” Demke said. “I never take the competition lightly. I stay on the offense mentally and we do the same with the tune-up. Certainly racing Megan McKernan on Sunday morning had me worried. She ran her career-best in first round and her reaction times were improving. I have a sizable win/loss record over Megan and I knew she would be coming after us.”

Chris Demke also had his guard up as he went into the final round, where he would meet Canadian A/Fuel driver Don St. Arnaud.

“St. Arnaud is a great leaver. His car shows extreme power, as he had top speed of the meet. I have great respect for his tuner, Javin Marvsich. He had a solid tune-up and Don was doing his job on the starting line. Though we had the performance advantage going into the final, I knew we had to bring our A-game if we wanted to win the race.”

Demke and St. Arnaud put on one of the better races of the weekend, but Chris' reaction time advantage and blown alcohol power were too much for Don's A/Fuel charge. Demke won, 5.251/275 to 5.32/276.

“I know that I'm the favorite to win the championship this year. One race win doesn't win a championship but it helps my chances to start the season with a win. We'll try to keep it going as we head to the Phoenix regional race in a few weeks,” Chris concluded.

Maddern Racing is a family-owned and operated NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster team based in Southern California. The Chris Demke-driven Peen Rite/OSI/Boost Performance Products dragster is owned by Jerry Maddern and crewed by Adam Rhoades, Kevin Watson, Mike Demke, Greg Rice and Robert Hadaller. For more information on Maddern Racing, please visit www.MaddernRacing.com.

Maddern Racing receives support from the following companies: Peen Rite Inc., Operational Solutions Inc., Boost Performance Products, B-G Detection, Afco, and LA X-Ray.

Ahten Back at Pomona, Ready for More

Courtesy of Todd Veney/Pro Sportsman Association
Photo courtesy of Mike Cornelius

Off the radar just a year ago, alcohol racing's newest champion, Johnny Ahten, is one of the favorites to win Top Alcohol Dragster at the Winternationals after putting his name in the record books forever with an emotional victory at the 2013 World Finals, his first NHRA win anywhere.

"I got to savor that longer than anybody who won last year, and we're right back at the same track," says Ahten, a 42-year-old fireman from Santa Clarita, Calif. "I would have been thrilled to win even if there was an asterisk next to it, if all four guys red-lighted against me, but the way it happened really made it special."

All Ahten did was trailer some of the biggest names ever: many-time national event winners Shawn Cowie and Joey Severance in the early rounds, Mark Taliaferro in the semifinals, and the man himself, outgoing world champ Jim Whiteley, in the final. "Cowie's a pretty tough draw for a first-round race, and everybody knows Severance is one of the best drivers out there," Ahten says. "Norm Grimes was already tuning Taliaferro's car by then, and they're probably the favorites to win the championship this year. And Whiteley … what can you say? We were in the lanes before the final, and there's Whiteley standing at my tailgate, there's Manzo, and there I was, part of the conversation. I was in awe. I told Jim I was about to have the best seat in the house when he ran another 5-teen, but by the time I got belted in the car, I was thinking, 'This is it. I'm gonna do it.' "

He did, with an outstanding .016 reaction time and another steady run, while Whiteley, on what he knew would be his last run in a Top Alcohol Dragster, lost traction trying to match his landmark 5.17 at the 2012 Finals. "You couldn't have written it any better – our first national event win, first NHRA win, and right there at Pomona," Ahten says. "My family, my friends, and a bunch of off-duty firemen were there to see it. As great as it would have been to win at Seattle or Topeka or anywhere, it happened at Pomona. I took that Wally with me to the fire station and everywhere I went for a while. It was like my own Stanley Cup – 'Hey, look everybody.' "

Ahten's not just another firefighter – he's a captain for one of the biggest fire departments in the world, the Los Angeles County Fire Dept., a 22-year-veteran at just 42. His father, Al, worked out of the same station as drag racing's most famous fireman, "Big Jim" Dunn, and young Johnny literally wore hand-me-downs from Mike Dunn. (Ahten also has another connection to drag racing history: He lives five doors down from "Lil John" Lombardo.)

Dunn won the 1981 World Finals at Orange County International Raceway, and Lombardo won there in 1983. "I still can't believe I won the same race," Ahten says. "I grew up going to Orange County and dreaming of winning the World Finals someday, and it was just like I always thought it would be – better. All those old tracks are gone now – Orange County, Irwindale, Lions, Fontana – and that day took me right back to Orange County. Where else could I have won and had everybody there with me? The alcohol cars don't run at Sonoma or Bakersfield anymore, so Pomona is the only place in the whole state of California to race your car."

Ahten has been getting faster every year and nearly won his first NHRA title last year at the Seattle regional, where he set low e.t. in the semifinals and was runner-up to Chris Demke. "We've been working on our consistency, and it's the reason we won Pomona," says Ahten, who raced A/Fuel for 10 years before his Pomona breakthrough. "That's what we're trying to focus on this year with this old car."

Ahten's dragster is one of Shelly Anderson's Top Fuel cars, a Dave Uyehara-built piece from 1996 and the only A/Fueler he's ever driven. "I think Bill Reichert's car is the only one out there that's older than ours," he says. "My dad and I have been drawn to A/Fuel since we used to watch Chess Bushey, 'Junkyard Ed,' David Baca, Rick Henkelman, all those guys. The procedure inside the car is the same as it is in a Top Fuel car, and this is the closest you're ever going to get to Top Fuel without running one." Like everyone who ever raced a Top Alcohol Dragster, Ahten dreams of one day competing in Top Fuel, but for now he's content to be a legitimate contender to win anywhere in A/Fuel.

"Working on the car this off-season was no different than it ever was," he says. "The stress of waiting for something to be delivered at the last minute so you can run your car, all the time and all the work – that's all been the same. But I feel a little different than I used to. We've achieved something. We really can play this game. We're not just on the roster anymore – we're in the game. Confidence – I wouldn't call it that. But it's a different feeling. We know we can win Pomona this weekend because we've already done it."

Greg Hunter and Synoil Racing Starting First Season Together at Pomona

Courtesy of NVW Motorsports Promotion
Photo courtesy of Synoil Racing

POMONA, Calif. (February 6) – Wyoming's Greg Hunter starts the 2014 NHRA season with a new team, car, and class. After two years of competing in Top Alcohol Dragster, Hunter is making the switch to Top Alcohol Funny Car with Geoff Goodwin's Synoil Energy Services team. The Canadian group will enter their first race together at this weekend's NHRA Circle K Winternationals in Pomona.

Greg and the Synoil Racing team recently tested in Las Vegas to prepare for the season-opening race. The test session was a welcomed opportunity for Greg to acquaint himself with the Synoil car and the driving style required to drive a high-powered, short wheelbase alcohol funny car.

“Testing went great. The Synoil team did an awesome job of making me feel comfortable in the car. They're truly a professional team. We made a few successful practice runs which gave me time to adjust to the driving style of a funny car. The first full run was a 5.62 at 248 MPH. The results from testing really have me excited for the Winternationals,” Greg exclaimed.

Hunter, who brings his ExactAir sponsorship to the new team, was in the process of fielding his own alcohol funny car when he got the opportunity to drive the Kenny Gilmour Motorsports Top Alcohol Dragster in 2012. Greg says one of the biggest changes was the difference between the in-car experience in his car and the in-car experience in the Synoil car.

“I had very limited experience with my screw-blown alcohol funny car. We were always working on it, trying to make it run right. Going from that car to a car that is competitive from the start is the biggest difference. It's a newer car with all current, top-notch parts. That aspect has made the switch go smoothly.”

Greg's two years of experience in the dragster and the time spent preparing over the winter helped him make the switch back to Top Alcohol Funny Car.

Overall, it was a smooth transition,” Hunter claimed. “The experience I had in a dragster, the faster speeds, helped me make the transition to driving a competitive alcohol funny car. I got a lot of really good sensations from being in the car, such as the push-pull sensation. Just hearing the motor in front of me and being ready to go that fast helped a lot. I felt very comfortable in the car.”

Though the Winternationals will be the team's first race together, Greg is already happy with his new opportunity.

“I'm super excited going into this season. I've known the guys for a while and got along well with them. Geoff and Walley (Protz) are legends in Canadian drag racing. Learning about their history and what they've been a part of makes it an honor for me to have the opportunity to drive their car,” said Hunter, who is originally from Alberta, Canada.

The Synoil Racing team will be racing with heavy hearts, as crew member John Leach lost his father earlier this week. Greg and the team send their thoughts and prayers to the Leach family.

Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying sessions at the NHRA Circle K Winternationals are scheduled for 11 AM and 2:30 PM Friday and 10:30 AM Saturday. Eliminations will start at 2:30 on Saturday afternoon.

Greg Hunter and Geoff Goodwin's Synoil Racing Top Alcohol Funny Car team have teamed up for the 2014 season. With primary support from Synoil Energy Services and ExactAir Compliance Systems, Hunter will run a full schedule of NHRA Mello Yello Series national events and LODRS regional events. Synoil Racing receives additional support from Northgate Industries Ltd., Ron Hodgson Chevrolet-GMC-Buick, Southgate Buick, Twister Piling Inc., Proform Concrete Services Inc., Prowling Contracting, Pumps & Pressure Inc., Waylon Transport, Hampton's Oilfield Service, Landale Signs, MD Truck Repair, and Castrol.

Like Synoil Racing on Facebook at www.facebook.com/synoilracing.

Sanford Set for TAD Sophomore Season Start

Courtesy of NVW Motorsports Promotion

POMONA, Calif. (February 5) – SoCal native Ashley Sanford will be making her sophomore season debut this weekend at the NHRA Circle K Winternationals in Pomona. The popular A/Fuel Dragster driver is embarking on her first full season in the competitive Top Alcohol Dragster after joining the class last year. The 20-year old driver is eager to build upon her experience, starting this weekend at her home track.

“I'm really excited for this season because I know I'll be able to progress as a driver. Even in the five short races we competed in last year, I learned a lot. I think the extra seat time I'll have this year will be valuable. I'm just so excited for the season as a whole, getting to learn so much and hopefully making a final round,” said Sanford, who resides in nearby Fullerton.

Ashley and her Gelish/Lucas Oil team will again be joined by noted A/Fuel tuner Tom Conway, who tuned the car at the team's last three races in 2013.

“We're excited to have Tom Conway tuning the car again this weekend,” Ashley claimed. “Just as we're learning, Tom has been learning the tendencies of our car. We've all learned a lot since he first started working with us in Vegas last year. He's been great to work with and it's an honor to have him helping us.”

“The whole team has been working hard over the offseason to get the car ready for the Winternationals. We made a few changes to accommodate the new rules, which we hope will have a positive impact on our performance. With the combination of Tom Conway and our capable crew, I'm confident that we'll have a successful outing at Pomona,” added Shane Sanford, Ashley's father and team owner.

For Ashley, the aspect of racing 'at home' makes the start of the season even more thrilling.

“I think racing in Pomona is the most exciting part. Not only do I get to go out for the first time this season, I get to do it with all of my family and friends from the area. It's comforting to race so close to home. Though it can be more nerve-wracking – I always want to do better at my home track.”

The family-run team enters the 2014 season with the valued support from all of their 2013 sponsors, including expanded support from national hotel chain America's Best Value Inns.

“America's Best Value Inns has stepped up their support of us this year to help get us to more races. I'm also happy to have the continued support from all of our sponsors from last year – Gelish, Lucas Oil, Roscoe's Famous Deli, Heroes Bar & Grill, and The D and the Golden Gate Las Vegas hotels and casinos,” Ashley commented.

Top Alcohol Dragster qualifying at the Circle K Winternationals, Feb. 7-9, starts on Friday at 11 AM and 2:30 PM. Another final qualifying session is set for 10 AM Saturday. Eliminations start on Saturday afternoon and continue on Sunday.

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 dragster, tuned by Tom Conway. Frederosa's Team Extreme crew – 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 Nail Polish, Lucas Oil, America's Best Value Inns, Lexington Hotels, Roscoe's Famous Deli, Heroes Bar & Grill, The D Las Vegas Hotel and Casino and The Golden Gate Hotel and Casino.

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

Demke Starting 2014 Championship Bid at Winternationals

Courtesy of NVW Motorsports Promotion

POMONA, Calif. (February 4) – Top Alcohol Dragster national championship runner-up Chris Demke enters the 2014 season with possibly the best championship chances he's ever had. The popular driver has a proven race car underneath him and his most formidable opponent is no longer competing in the TAD class.

Demke, who has been runner-up in the national championship for three of the last four years, started the 2013 season with a car that was new to his Maddern Racing team. The California-based group took their new car to ten finals, winning two of them. Now with a full season of experience with the car, Chris is extremely comfortable and confident in the Peen Rite entry.

“I personally really like the new car. I'm not a big guy so I had trouble seeing out of the old car. I was much more comfortable in the new car last year, and I had better visibility. I think the new car made me a better driver.

“Through the course of the year we tried many different things, and near the end of the season we really got a handle on the chassis. I'm really confident in the car heading into this season,” Demke said.

This year will be very different from the past few years, as Chris' rival, two-time national champion Jim Whiteley, will not be competing in the TAD class.

“We're all going to miss Jim to a degree. It's certainly one less very formidable competitor to deal with, but that doesn't discount the rest of the field. There are plenty of great teams out there that can definitely step up, especially with the rule changes that were handed down over the offseason. Many of the A/Fuel teams have the ability to step up and compete at Jim Whiteley's performance level. Jim leaving certainly doesn't make it any easier,” Chris claimed.

The Top Alcohol Dragster class will be contending with new rules this season, as Chris mentioned. Nitromethane-injected A/Fuel Dragsters are allowed an added percentage of nitromethane, as well as fuel chilled to ten degrees cooler than last year's minimum. The methanol-burning, supercharged entries will continue to work with the same rules as they did 2013.

Despite the many changes that took place over the winter, Chris Demke and his Jerry Maddern-owned team are excited about their chances this season.

“Between the rule changes and the new teams and alliances, we always have the results of the silly season going in to a new season,” Demke added. “It just remains to be seen what those changes hold for us. I'm always, as usual, very excited to get back on the track. I know my team's confidence level is at an all-time high. We feel very strongly about our championship potential, but at the same time we have to keep that in check, keep our noses down, and stay focused on running the best performance that we possibly can. I'll say one thing – we're not going to be conservative this year.”

The Peen Rite/OSI/Boost Performance Products team personnel remains the same with the exception of one crew member.

“We do have one crew member taking a year off, Mr. Ron Mann. We're sorry to lose his talent and capabilities this season. To take his place we've brought in a team friend, Robert Hadaller. Robert helped our team in the mid-nineties and he's been chomping at the bit to rejoin us. Other than that, the rest of the guys – Adam Rhoades, Kevin Watson, Mike Demke, and Greg Rice – are all ready to go.”

Maddern Racing is a family-owned and operated NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster team based in Southern California. The Chris Demke-driven Peen Rite/OSI/Boost Performance Products dragster is owned by Jerry Maddern and crewed by Adam Rhoades, Kevin Watson, Mike Demke, Greg Rice and Robert Hadaller. For more information on Maddern Racing, please visit www.MaddernRacing.com.

Maddern Racing receives support from the following companies: Peen Rite Inc., Operational Solutions Inc., Boost Performance Products, B-G Detection, Afco, and LA X-Ray.

Lombardo Ready for 2014 with New Car, Team

Courtesy of LuAnn Bishop
Photo courtesy of Bob Johnson Photography

Greetings and welcome to 2014. Much of the country is beyond freezing cold and we would certainly be thankful for a few inches of rain here in Southern California, but a few (perfect) 70 degree days were exactly what we needed to run our brand new NAPA Auto Parts Lucas Oil Ford Mustang through it's paces. The last time I suited up at Famoso, Bakersfield's home of the famed March Meets and Hot Rod Reunion we qualified #1, went low e.t. and top speed, won the race, and set the track record-we like it here!

From the moment we received the first rendering to the day Rick Jackson's Centre Pointe Collision Center color magicians allowed us a few spy photos, the subtle but gorgeous black to blue fade has consistently impressed. Now proudly decked out with our partners logos, countless hours of tinkering yields a special balance of taste and national branding. Set the body and brand new Hadman Chassis in place by it's 80 foot transporter/rolling workshop with matching Gatorwraps graphics, and you're forced to take a moment and let it sink in. It's no wonder folks love to be around these cars.

We budgeted a few days to methodically work through all that has to be just right to be prepared for Pomona. We arrived with a brand new car, all new data logger, ignition, and fuel systems, new driver and crew combination-all of whom have been absent from a drag strip since November. Plain and simple, Rick Jackson, Chris Perl, Lew Larson, Scott Manning, and Jim Adolph made this a successful outing, each new system was sorted out. We will arrive at Pomona next week for the Winternationals with an invaluable familiarity and comfort level with our new program, ready to start 2014 by attacking one of the quickest, fastest, and shortest drag strips in the country.

NAPA Filters, having lead us to back to back Pomona victories here just a year ago, has the car book ended with their rightful place on the hood and (the driver's best friend) parachutes. The anticipation is essentially expiring and the excitement of the new season is ours to enjoy! We hope to see you at an upcoming event and thank you very much for supporting our program on and off the track!

We are so excited to be racing this year with our sponsors: NAPA Auto Parts, Lucas Oil, Centre Pointe Collision Centers, NAPA Batteries, NAPA Filters.com, NAPA Power Supreme, Arvada Excavating, NGK Spark Plugs, NAPA Belts and Hose, CP Carrillo, Carlyle Professional Hand Tools, Mahle, Midtronics, Mechanix Wear, NYNY Hotel and Casino, Gatorwraps, Raymond’s Trophy, and Twin Palms!

www.jacksonlombardoracing.com

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Taliaferro Hires Norm Grimes for 2014 Championship Run

Courtesy of Pro Race Communications
Photo courtesy of David Smith/PSA

 

ODESSA, Texas – After making the transition back to the blown alcohol combination last year, NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster driver Mark Taliaferro and his Markco Machine Works sponsored team have retained the services of seven-time national champion Crew Chief Norm Grimes for 2014. Grimes has most recently tuned Jim Whiteley to back-to-back national championships the past two years.

When Whiteley made the decision to step out of the seat of his Top Alcohol Dragster around the middle of last season, the wheels were set in motion to get Grimes hooked up with Taliaferro.

“I had a few talks with Jim, and he let me know that he planned to step out of the seat at the end of last season and that Norm would be available,” said Taliaferro (pronounced Tal-if-er). “It’s not every day that someone with Norm’s credentials becomes available. As a matter of fact, there are few with Norm’s credentials, period. We worked things out to where he would come to work with us for 2014. He helped us some towards the end of last year, but his main focus was winning the Championship for Jim.

“When we came back into the Top Alcohol Dragster class, it was with the intentions of being able to compete for a National Championship,” Taliaferro continued. “We made the switch back to the blown combination this past year because guys like Whiteley and Demke were having a lot of success with it. Now that we have Norm in our camp, we are looking forward to making a strong run for it this year.”

Despite having Grimes in his corner, Taliaferro is quick to point out a national title will be no easy task.

“Even with the best parts, people, everything, it is a tough job to try to win a championship,” commented Taliaferro. “There are some awful good racers out there gunning for the same title and it remains to be seen how the A/Fuel cars will run this year with 1% more nitro and colder fuel. I’m sure it will be a dog fight, but we’re going to do everything we can to be in the middle of it. We would really like to go make a good showing for our sponsors Markco Machine Works, W74 Oil Tools, Taurus Manufacturing and MCO Construction this year.”

Taliaferro and his Markco Machine Works team will kick the 2014 season off at the season-opening Circle K Winternationals at Auto Club Raceway in Pomona, Calif., Feb. 6-9.

Markco Machine Works is an API Licensee for manufacture of new Blow Out Preventers, as well as re-manufacture and repair of blowout preventers. Markco also manufactures wellhead equipment and is a supplier of BOP replacement parts. Find out more at www.markcomachineworks.com

W74 Oil Tools is your one-stop resource for downhole fishing tools and oilfield support services. Located in the Permian Basin of West Texas, one of the largest oilfields in North America, we have over 35 years of fishing tool experience. Through decades of servicing national and independent companies, we have established a name representing quality and reliability. Find out more at www.W74.com

MCO Construction, leaders in oilfield fabrication and maintenance, was established in 1975. Along with fabrication and maintenance, MCO offers services in pipe cleaning, reclamation systems and CNC plasma cutting and machining. Find out more at www.MCOConstruction.com

 

Driver Blog - John Lombardo Jr. - TAFC

Lombardo wins back-to-back Pomona races

Greetings and welcome to 2013!  Ending the season with a win is big.  Starting a campaign with a win is fantastic.  Doing both, going back to back at our home track is tough to describe, it's just settling in.  I have a few really cool Pomona memories and thanks to my team, sponsors, and family the file is filling up fast!

In 1983 I was 16 and my Dad allowed me a couple of days of "Pomona flu" from school to help work on the funny car.  The World Finals ran at the Fairplex, as we had lost Orange County the end of 1982.  As I recall we had a little weather, ran the race and were about done loading the trailer when my Dad and Sondy went to visit with Raymond and Holly Beadle.  Shortly after they all roll up in Raymond's car.  They're meeting Prudhomme for dinner and want to know if we'll join, (yeah I think I can clear my schedule for that...).  My Dad starts to get out to drive the truck and trailer to the restaurant when Raymond shouts a few street directions my way, looks at my Dad in true Texan form and says "Johnny and Jason (my little brother) will bring the rig and meet us there." 

Now you have to understand this was a perfect, current year dually and 42' Chaparral Trailer with a complete funny car operation and I was 16.  Knowing I was in the presence of my idols, Dad gave me the "be careful" look and said "we'll see you over there."  One of the top ten dinners of my life followed (though I can't recall what we ate) listening to Dale Emery, Raymond, the Snake, and my Dad bench race.  For the two years following my Dad drove the Blue Max.  I hadn't realized until recently that between NHRA, IHRA, and the match races they ran 30 races per year.  A grueling schedule for certain, and not once did I see my Dad lose his composure. 

Fast forward to 2007, I was sick again but this time with "TAFC Flu."  Dolph and I were in the stands about 750 feet down track watching Friday night's cold and damp qualifying session.  Most of the cars were in trouble by half track, all were (probably too) desperate to put a good lap on the board.  The drivers able to hang on to the finish were rewarded with a 250 mph dark blast into the shortest shut down on the national event tour!  I remember thinking to myself, "I want to do this, but do I want to do that?"  By the World Finals 2009 I was licensed and going rounds in one of the most important and historic race tracks in the country. 

In the couple of years following I enjoyed solid outings at NHRA's birthplace and home track.  Until March of 2012 my quickest e.t. was a 5.54, coincidentally coming in one of those "mean air but bring your a game and keep it in the groove or pay the price" kind of sessions.  That was a great lap and still one of my more exciting rides.  Great leave, solid move through low and second, the motor was screaming in high gear, the shift light comes on and blinds me right before the finish line, I lifted and threw the chutes just as it got dark.  That 3/4 of a second or so it takes to blossom and pound you into the shoulder straps felt like an hour!  

The World Finals 2012 was a career kind of weekend.  Jeff Lirones and his crew, having won here back to back were no strangers to Pomona success, but the combination of performance and consistency impressed even their inside group.  Number one qualifier, low e.t. every session, three of four rounds in the 5.40's, the event win, low e.t. of all of 2012, eighth best run of TAFC ever, eighth team ever to run in the 5.40's, and a last weekend launch from eighth to fifth (tie for fourth) in national points.  Jeff, Tim, Russ, Dolph, Mike, LuAnn, and Alan simply checked every box, and they did it at home where we could enjoy celebrating with friends, family, and customers.  Though it has been said in our pits we don't like the truth to get in the way of a good story, the World Finals 2012 versions won't require much doctoring.   

Strangely enough the normally rain plagued Winternationals last week brought beautiful SoCal weather, actually not too dis-similar to November.  Q1 we were ready, but tried to take a bit too much early and didn't make it.  Q2 we looked for a spot in the center of the tune up and put our name on the middle of the board.  We lined up for Q3 and a few track delays put is in the "tuners lick your chops" air.  But a mistake in the clutch can kept us from being able to capitalize.  Westerfield and DeVour made the pass of their career and landed their first low qualifying effort.  Being #9 set the stage to run four Southern California drivers, we all live within 20 minutes of each other.  As great as it is to race our pals, lining up against Bellemeur, Westerfield, Gasparrelli, and Rupert really put the pressure on us.  These are solid cars and all four of these guys can go .025 on the tree while adjusting their face shield!  As cliche as it sounds, need to give credit where credit is due: Jeff, Tim, Russ, Mike, Dolph, Alan, LuAnn, our sponsors, crew at the store, and my family contributed to give me a car that went 5.53, 5.51, 5.53, and 5.55, low e.t. of each round, each would have set low e.t. of the event and the event win.  To say it has been a pleasure to drive would be an understatement. 

All of the rounds were interesting in different ways.  Bellemeur is an ace at the starting line and had gone 5.65 pedaling it in qualifying.  Westerfield is so quick I swear he's able to bend the beams until the green comes on and was low qualifier with a 5.56.  I went .020 in round two and left second!  Gasparrelli has years of experience, has won this race multiple times, and went 5.58 the round prior.  Rupert's worst light of the day was around an .030 and they went 5.63 in the semis.  There was no room for any mistakes.  I'm staring at book ended Pomona Wallys at my NAPA Store and it feels fantastic!  Thank you Jeff Lirones, Tim Ebbett, Russ Pottenger, LuAnn Bishop, Mike Rios, Jim Adolph, Alan Gillis for all you do, and our corporate partners for believing in us, it's our pleasure to represent you. 

Thanks very much to our sponsors:

NAPA Auto Parts

NAPA Legend Batteries

Lucas Oil Products

NAPA Power Starters and Alternators

CP Pistons

Mountain View Chevrolet

NAPA Belts and Hose

Hoosier Tires

NYNY Hotel and Casino

NGK Spark Plugs

Twin Palms

Raymond's Trophy

    

Best,

John