Demke Races to Phoenix Regional Final Round

Courtesy of NVW Motorsports Promotion

CHANDLER, Ariz. (March 4) – Maddern Racing driver Chris Demke added another final round appearance to his national championship title defense last weekend at the NHRA West Region event at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park. The 2015 Winternationals champion qualified No. 1 and laid down the quickest passes in the first two eliminations rounds before an engine failure stopped him in the final round. Maddern Racing also wrapped up their planned two-race schedule with the experimental “X” car driven by Ray Martin.

“Qualifying went well. We ran a 5.30 out of the box, which was a great baseline. Ray and the X car were right behind me so we were one and two after the first round of qualifying. The crew hopped up my car and once we got a good run on the X car we experimented with some stuff. While the experiment didn't help the performance on the second run, we did learn a good bit of knowledge on a particular area of the tune-up. With Joey (Severance) ripping off a 5.28, I knew I would need a good run to beat that. We ended up one and four, which meant Ray and I would face each other in the semis if we both won first round,” Demke noted.

A Maddern Racing match-up in the semifinals wasn't meant to be, as Martin bowed out in his race against Johnny Ahten. Demke made up for it, though, beating Ahten with a 5.275, a step up from the 5.305 he ran first round.

“With the improvement that we saw, we realized there was more left in it so we turned the knobs expecting a 23 or 24 in the final, which I knew we were going to need against Severance. Unfortunately we rolled up for the final round and there was a horrible pop and vibration when we started the car. I did the burnout but we had to shut the car off after backing up. It would've been great race if the motor stayed in one piece.”

Obviously distraught over the incident, Demke still presented the positives of the race. “I can't be too upset about the weekend. We got some great points and moved into second in the JEGS Allstars points, which was our goal for this race.”

The Phoenix regional event was the final planned race for the team's second car, driven by Alaskan Ray Martin.

“Running a second car was a huge amount of work. While we all knew it would be a lot of work, I don't think any of us were really prepared for the challenge we faced in fielding two cars. We had a great crew for the second car and they really proved their mettle in a challenging situation. It would be cool to do more races because we were just getting into a groove. We gained some valuable information and tried some things without disrupting the balance of the champ car. We won the Winternationals, runnered-up here and we're leading the points with the champ car,” Demke said, adding there's a possibility the X car will return later in the year.

Upon completion of the race, the motor and other parts from the X car were put back into Demke's Peen Rite/Boost Performance Products car for use at the team's next race, the NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville, Florida next weekend. The engine is the same one Demke used to clinch the championship and record the blown alcohol speed record at Maple Grove last fall.

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, Hoosier Racing Tires, and Morningwood Energy Drink.

Two-Car Maddern Racing Team Rolls on to Phoenix Regional

Courtesy of NVW Motorsports Promotion

CHANDLER, Ariz. (February 26, 2015) – For the second year in a row, Top Alcohol Dragster's Chris Demke rolls into the Phoenix NHRA regional event as the winner of the recent NHRA Winternationals. Though opening the 2015 season with a win provides a confidence boost, Demke and his Maddern Racing team won't let it get to their heads this weekend at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park.

“I would say I'm optimistically cautious,” Demke said. “While Pomona, the end result was great, how the weekend went certainly wasn't perfect. We had some growing pains running both cars. Last year, while we started out the year with a win at Pomona, things started going downhill at Phoenix. We want to make sure we keep all of our ducks in a row and our performance levels where they should be. We spent the last couple weeks preparing the Peen Rite/Boost Performance Products champ car for Phoenix and going over the X car to see what went wrong. We've got a good idea of what failed and we've taken the steps to correct it.”

Demke speaks of the engine problem and consequential supercharger backfire on the team's experimental 'X' car driven by Ray Martin in the semifinal at the Winternationals. With a full weekend of data and experience on the X car crew, coming from Clint Thompson's TA/FC team, Maddern Racing can look ahead to better numbers at Phoenix.

“Had we gotten one more run out of the X car at Pomona I think you would've seen that car reach its full potential. We were still creeping up on the tune-up run-by-run. The X car did run five-twenties in eliminations first and second round, though they were certainly not to that car's full potential. When the failure happened in the semifinal, unfortunately we didn't get to see any good results on that run or in the final. Now we've got the crews on both cars working efficiently – the X car crew has a full race under their belts so we can get down to business and make some quick runs with both cars,” Demke added.

As the NHRA Mello Yello Series professional race teams proved at last weekend's CARQUEST NHRA Nationals, WHP Motorsports Park can provide the right conditions for quick runs. A few of the quickest and fastest performances in Top Fuel and Funny Car history were recorded here just a week ago.

“For whatever reason, this track is known primarily for big top-end speeds. I don't know if it's the lack of humidity or what. Seeing the results from the national event just confirmed my expectations that the track is still in great shape and that's one reason why I expect to see some big speed out of the X car this weekend,” concluded the reigning Top Alcohol Dragster national champion.

Top Alcohol qualifying at the NHRA West Region Phoenix event begins at 3 PM on Friday, followed by sessions at noon and 4 PM on Saturday. Eliminations are scheduled for noon on Sunday.

Chris Demke and Maddern Racing are actively seeking sponsorship for their NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster national championship title defense season. For more information on sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.MaddernRacing.com.

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, Hoosier Racing Tires, and Morningwood Energy Drink.

Phoenix Regional Provides Wild Ride for Ahten

Courtesy of John Rogers
Photo courtesy of Mike Cornelius

Chandler, AZ – Even though Johnny Ahten lives near Disneyland and attends often, nothing was like the thrill ride he was on at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park for the Phoenix Regional race this last weekend. Not only did Johnny lower his career best elapsed time, he rode out a 5.154/270.48 blast in the final round. That’s the exciting part. The not so fantastic part is for that final run the Nitromethane percentage was read at 95.4%, which is over the allowable limit under the current rules. The run was thrown out, and Joey Severance was awarded the win. The 5.15 might have been taken away, but they can’t take away the experience Johnny had rocketing down the strip at over 270 miles per hour.

“I was able to experience a 5.15 run, and it’s a short list of people who have,” said Ahten. “I really enjoyed that ride and now I crave more. It was such a rush and makes me want to move up to Top Fuel right away. That day will come, but for now we have one bad hot rod,” added Ahten.

The first qualifying session was an involuntary smoke show courtesy of a loss of traction at the hit. Saturday’s first qualifying session produced a 5.320/260.36 run. Back in the pits Johnny, along with his Crew Chief Dad Al Ahten and Howard Katano, knew the tune-up was coming together. Chuck Costabile and Bob Ahten put the Stump Puller back together and they pulled to the staging lanes. The result was a 5.267/262.23 pass that gave the Island Renovations / Combust Filters Team the #1 qualifying spot.

“Qualifying number one is a testament to hard work, hours spent analyzing data, time on the clutch dyno, and testing”, added Ahten. “To see it pay off makes the night before eliminations so much sweeter. It’s been a long road to get where we are now, and we don’t plan on easing up.”

Ahten’s first round match up with Ross Stickler was a real white-knuckle ride. Johnny got off the line first, but then had to pedal the car which lifted the front tires off the ground. Another quick slap and some tire shake followed. Luckily the holeshot and 5.401/266.27 was enough to get the win to Stickler’s 5.378/257.58. The semi-finals saw a match up with CleanBoost Performance Oil Teammate Chris Demke. Johnny had lane choice and got the head start once again and never looked back. A 5.241/269.83 blast took the win over Demke’s 5.337/271.68. This proved to be a career best run for Ahten.

Now it was on to the finals and a match up with another CleanBoost Teammate. Joey Severance lay in wait, and the conditions were ideal for a record run. The angry sounding Stump Puller inched to the line and blasted down the track to an incredible 5.154/270.48 to Severance’s 5.390/230.21. The shutdown area was a blur of excitement and amazement. All was well until NHRA’s mandatory fuel check. The problem arose when the percentage of Nitromethane proved to be over the limit at 95.4%. The run was disqualified and the win given to Joey Severance.

Johnny Ahten left Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park with a new career best, beat the best, and got to experience a ride that was 95.4% better than any ride Disney could dream up. Ahten Racing’s next race will be March 21-23 at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway for the LODRS Regional event. Follow Ahten Racing on FaceBook at: www.facebook.com/JohnnyAhtenRacing

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The Combust Filters Oil By-Pass Filtration System provides 3 Micron filtration, 100% Water Removal, Soot Removal, Extended Engine Life, Pollution Prevention, and Reduced Oil Consumption. By keeping the oil free of moisture contamination and particulates larger than 3 microns, your engine oil will have reduced Oxidation, Nitration, while maintaining required oil viscosity and TBN for proper lubrication. Our system incorporates only the best technology and quality construction for ease of use and installation. Features include an easy to read pressure gauge, 2 sizes of spin-on filters (7” and 12”), a push button oil sample valve, and a custom flow fitting to ensure a continuous proper flow. No internal moving parts to wear out! Visit us at: www.combustfilters.com

Demke Reaches Phoenix Semifinal, Maintains Points Lead

Courtesy of NVW Motorsports Promotion

CHANDLER, Ariz. (March 3) – Plagued with mechanical problems early in the weekend, Top Alcohol Dragster driver Chris Demke struggled to qualify and went out in the semifinals at the West Region opener at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park last weekend. The race paled in comparison to Demke's dominating performance at the Winternationals just weeks ago.

Demke was unable to make representative runs in both of Friday's qualifying sessions. The Peen Rite/OSI/Boost Performance Products dragster was making plenty of power, but it couldn't properly transfer the power to the Hoosier racing slicks.

“We went into the event thinking we were prepared for the fight. The car went into tire shake on the first qualifying run, forcing me to pedal twice to a 5.69. We later found that a bad batch of old clutch discs had been mistakenly installed and caused the shake. When I tried to leave the starting line on Q2, the car didn't move an inch – I didn't even get a reaction time. It turned out the gears in the reverser were shredded. It was a freak occurrence that we hadn't seen in our twenty years of racing,” Chris claimed.

The Maddern Racing team was outside of the field going into Saturday's one and only time shot, which was threatened by weather.

“We didn't expect to have the opportunity to make the third qualifying session. The forecast called for rain and it was raining when we left our hotel that morning. However, the sun was shining when it came time for us to make our final qualifying run. The car responded to our changes and ran a conservative 5.33 to put us in the show at fourth. The skies opened up and started pouring shortly after qualifying, so we got lucky,” Demke added.

The Jerry Maddern and Adam Rhoades-led team went into eliminations not knowing what the track could hold. They only had one full run on the new surface, and Saturday's rain altered the conditions further. The Peen Rite car's tune-up was aggressive enough to beat Garrett Bateman in a 5.30 to 5.34 first round race. Demke was consistent in his semifinal pairing with No. 1 qualifier Johnny Ahten, but his 5.33 couldn't top Ahten's 5.24.

“In retrospect, I'm sure we would've had a more aggressive tune-up capable of running with Ahten's 5.24 if we were able to make the first two qualifying runs without mechanical problems. We just didn't have enough data,” said the optimistic Californian, adding, “On the bright side, we leave Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park with the national points lead.”

The one through five Top Alcohol Dragster qualifiers at Phoenix were all protected by CleanBoost lubrication products, available through Maddern Racing sponsor Boost Performance Products.


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.

Demke Seeking Fourth Phoenix Win

Courtesy of NVW Motorsports Promotion

CHANDLER, Ariz. (February 27) – Recent Winternationals Top Alcohol Dragster champion Chris Demke is off to new and improved Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park to kick off the 2014 LODRS West Region season this weekend. Formerly Firebird Raceway, Wild Horse Pass recently underwent renovations, including a new track surface.

“I'm excited to go to Phoenix – it's under new management and they've made several improvements. I'm eager to race on their new track surface,” Demke said about the Arizona facility.

Chris' enthusiasm for his return to the Phoenix-area track is multiplied because it was the site of his first race win ten years ago, the first of back-to-back-to-back Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park wins.

“My first-ever NHRA event win was at this race ten years ago. I runnered-up in 2003, then won in 2004, 2005, and 2006. I haven't won at Phoenix since so I'm excited to see if I can change my luck,” added the driver of the Peen Rite/OSI/Boost Performance Products blown alcohol dragster.

This weekend is the first of seven 2014 NHRA LODRS West Regional series races. Runner-up to Jim Whiteley in both the national and West Region championships last year, Demke is optimistic yet realistic about his 2014 regional chances.

“It won't be any easier this year,” Chris commented. “Jim Whiteley is out of the picture now but he didn't run many West Region races. A lot of fast cars will be competing in the West Region this year – Joey Severance, Don St. Arnaud, and a bunch of A/Fuel cars who are closing in on their performance. This Maddern Racing team is up for the challenge, though.”

The California driver is also optimistic about his chances at claiming another Phoenix win.

“If we keep our Pomona momentum going, the car should run well. We have the car and the crew to do it. Hopefully we can keep the Peen Rite/OSI/Boost Performance Products dragster in the low thirties and high twenties through qualifying and eliminations.”

The 2014 LODRS West Region opener at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park is set for February 28-March 2. Top Alcohol qualifying starts on Friday at 3 PM and continues on Saturday at noon and 4 PM. Eliminations begin at noon on Sunday.


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 Bringing Double Trouble to Arizona Regional

Courtesy of John Rogers
Photo courtesy of Troy Case

Chandler, AZ – Johnny Ahten is anxious and ready to light the nitro for the NHRA LORDS Regional at the revamped Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park this weekend. A few weeks have passed since the opening event in Pomona, and Johnny and crew chief Al Ahten have analyzed the tuning data, the car, and the tune-up. They are bringing with them a melody of confidence and hunger. Their new-found poise comes from quick time slips, feedback from the seat-back, and enlightening computer data. The taste for wins comes from last year’s Wally grab at the NHRA Finals at Pomona. This double-pronged attack has Johnny and the Stump Puller ready to tear up the quarter mile.

“Since the debut of the new wrap in Seattle last year it’s like we have a new car,” said Johnny Ahten. “We were the #1 qualifier in Seattle and went to the final round. Along the way we have solved some issues and had some breakthroughs. Then the Pomona Finals win capped it off. Now every race we go to we know we are capable of winning. The bonus is we didn’t hurt any parts at the Winternationals. We just have to calm the car down a bit - in order to speed it up. Our goal this weekend is to add to the trophy case,” added Ahten.

Johnny and the Stump Puller will be flying down the track on Thursday for some test runs. A national event was just held at the track so the Island Renovations / Combust Filters Team are looking forward to a thick coat of rubber on the new surface. Johnny, along with Al & Bob Ahten, Howard Katano, Kevin Colvell, and Chuck Costabile are looking to make some waves in the desert climate of Arizona. A few test runs will provide track data, Regional rivalries will offer stiff competition, and Ahten Racings’ confidence and hunger will present the opportunity for a thrilling weekend at the drags. To stay informed visit: www.facebook.com/JohnnyAhtenRacing

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The Combust Filters Oil By-Pass Filtration System provides 3 Micron filtration, 100% Water Removal, Soot Removal, Extended Engine Life, Pollution Prevention, and Reduced Oil Consumption. By keeping the oil free of moisture contamination and particulates larger than 3 microns, your engine oil will have reduced Oxidation, Nitration, while maintaining required oil viscosity and TBN for proper lubrication. Our system incorporates only the best technology and quality construction for ease of use and installation. Features include an easy to read pressure gauge, 2 sizes of spin-on filters (7” and 12”), a push button oil sample valve, and a custom flow fitting to ensure a continuous proper flow. No internal moving parts to wear out! Visit us at: www.combustfilters.com

First Regional of the Year has Ahten Looking Back

Courtesy of THR5 Communications
Photo courtesy of Troy Case

Chandler, AZ.  Been there, done that. Johnny Ahten and the Ahten Racing Team are looking to go back to a familiar place. This weekend they are racing at Firebird International Raceway, but that is not the place. They want to get back to running in the 5.30’s. The Ahten Racing Team are done waiting.

“We have to get this thing back in the 30’s,” said Ahten. “We have run mid-to-low 30’s at Firebird in the past and I know we can do it again. A few years ago we even qualified number one. We have the parts, the knowledge, and the ability. Now we just have to go out and make it happen.”

The Island Renovation/801 Racing/Fireman’s Brew dragster showed promise at the season opener in Pomona. A second round appearance was a positive step. An issue with the fuel system was found to be a performance limiting factor, but Crew chief Al Ahten believes he has it cured. Assisting Al will be Howard Katano, Bob Ahten, and Kevin Colvell, with Johnny pulling extra pit duties.

“The warm weather is going to be a concern since fuel cars don’t like it warm,” added Ahten. “The track might not be as tight as Pomona was, but we will deal with it and work to avoid tire shake. Speaking of shake, I would also like to take this opportunity to personally thank DJ Safety’s “Big Ben” and John for their support.”

As the Ahten Racing caravan travels to Arizona for this weekend’s West Regional race, they are preparing for the race mentally. The work ahead, the tuning decisions to be made, but mostly Johnny and the gang are thinking about the 30’s. Everyone has aspirations, goals, and wants. The pieces are in place to make it happen; now all they have to do is get them in the right order. Johnny Ahten will be looking to the past for inspiration, and he is planning on adding jigsaw puzzle master to his resume. 

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

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Past Firebird Success and New Car Performance Give Demke Confidence

Courtesy of NVW Motorsports Promotion
Photo courtesy of Aimee Maddern

CHANDLER, Ariz. (February 27, 2013) – Coming off of a #2 qualifying position and final round appearance at the season opening Winternationals, Chris Demke enters this weekend’s LODRS regional event with great confidence in his car and his crew. He’s only made just over ten runs in his Peen Rite/OSI/801 Racing Top Alcohol Dragster, yet he’s already starting to feel at home in the new car. The Maddern Racing team is learning what the car needs to click off consistent 5.2-second passes.

“The car is very similar to the old car, but it looks like it wants a more aggressive tune-up. Since it’s a regional, the track prep won’t be as good as it was in Pomona, so we’ll just have to watch ourselves. While we know the car wants an aggressive tune-up, we don’t necessarily need to get after it right off the bat at Phoenix because of the less favorable track conditions,” said Demke.

Demke and the Jerry Maddern-owned team have proven they know what it takes to win on the Firebird Raceway strip, though. Chris has been deep into eliminations in previous years, even winning 3 consecutive years. Those experiences, coupled with a disappointing finish at last year’s race, will give him the drive to add one final Firebird win at what might be the last event at the storied Arizona facility.

“Last year here we were number one qualifier and I choked on the starting line in the first round and lost. I had numerous incidents where I was just inconsistent. It all came to an end about mid-season last year. Adam (Rhoades) got on my case. Looking at the second half of last season, I think I got my stuff straightened out. My driving and the team’s performance give me great confidence that we can come home with the Wally,” Chris claimed, who is sad to see the end of a racetrack that has been a successful place for the Maddern Racing team.

“I like the Phoenix track. I won in ’04, ’05, and ’06 and runnered-up a couple times as well. I’m sad that they’re closing it. This will be my last opportunity to race at Firebird and I’m sad to see it close.”

Top Alcohol Dragster Q1 at the Firebird Raceway West Region event is scheduled for 3:30 PM on Friday, March 1. Two more qualifying sessions follow on Saturday at 12:30 and 4:30 PM. Round one of eliminations will begin at noon on Sunday.

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

TAN

TAN Driver Blog-Megan McKernan-TAD

What an amazing weekend the Darien Racing team had in Phoenix at the Division 7 opener. It was also the very first Western Regional race for the alcohol classes. But most importantly, the weekend marked a first for me; I made it to the winner's circle for the very first time. Of course, we made it there as a team. Everyone else had been there before in one form or another, whether as a driver, crew member, team owner or crew chief. Yes, as you can tell I am lucky to have such a talented team. This was special, because I was able to share my first win with the best team a driver could ever hope for. Special too because we are not just a team, but we are a family.

It was a rematch of sorts for out team, as we faced Joey Severance in the final round, just as we did last season at the Seattle National. Joey came up on the winning end of that first matchup on his way to securing a Division 6 championship. The Severance family team is tough, and we knew that even with the great car we had in Phoenix it would not be an easy battle. When that win light came on in my lane, I was ecstatic! The happiness and excitement soon turned to overwhelming emotion of course by the time I climbed out of the car and waited for the team to make their way down the return road. I could not wait to see their faces and give all of them a hug.

There are so many people to thank and acknowledge, it's difficult to know where to begin. I want to start with my parents, for sending me to Frank Hawley's in 2003 to get my super comp license, and for all of their love and support along the way. I would not be here now in my racing career if it weren't for Roger "R.C." Conley, my teacher and crew chief in super comp for eight years, and one of my best friends. He believed in me when many others did not. Unfortunately, he is not with us today, but I carry his photo in the dragster and I know he was with me on Sunday. I have to thank John Force and Robert Hight for the support and advice they have given me over the years. I owe the win to my team: Jerry and Debbie Darien, Casey Grisel, Geoff Monise, Howard Mazei and Tom Gatlin. Not only do they work their butts off weekend after weekend but they have been there to teach, encourage, support and instill confidence in me. I am also grateful for the support of my sister Shannon, my uncle Steve, and the rest of my family and friends who have been on this journey with me.

I also want to thank Truck-Lite and Davco for this our second year of sponsorship. The following companies need to be thanked as well: Midnight Impressions, Gasparrelli Printing, Cucamonga Brewery, Safety Kleen, Mahle, Specialty Fasteners, Broguiere's Dairy, Comp Cams, Moroso, Control Cables, Simpson, Castrol, VP Racing Fuels, Taylor Motorsports Products, Goodyear, XRP, Hedman, Cam Effects, BAE, ISC Racers Tape, Goodson, Jegs, Lenco, Clark Copper Head Gaskets, Weld Wheels, Mageira Wings, Molinari Clutches, Hogan's Manifolds, Strange Engineering, McKinney Corp., Bill Miller Eng., Paul Stoll PPG Paint, ISP Safety, Racepak, Horsepower Engineering, and MSD.

Our next two races will be the Las Vegas Divisional and National events in March. Like always, I cannot wait to get back in the car. Our team has so much fun together, and I love the Vegas track!

Megan McKernan is the driver of the Jerry Darien-tuned Truck-Lite/Davco A/Fuel Dragster. Follow her on Twitter at @semamckernan.

McKernan, Lombardo Win Phoenix Regional

Courtesy of Pro Sportsman Association

With a 5.37 in the final round against 2011 championship contender Joey Severance, Megan McKernan earned the first Top Alcohol Dragster victory of her young career at the Lucas Oil Series West Region opener at Firebird International Raceway in Phoenix. In Top Alcohol Funny Car, reigning Division 7 champion John Lombardo edged Jay Payne, the driver he battled for the division title all last season, in a close final, 5.64 to 5.68.

"I was a little nervous, but I knew we had a car that could win," said McKernan, driver of Jerry Darien's Truck-Lite/Davco A/Fuel Dragster. "We've had a car capable of winning since the end of last year, and I just wanted to make sure I didn't mess anything up. Jerry told me not to think of it as a final, to think of it as the fifth qualifying session, and it worked."

Severance, known for .00 lights (including two at the Winternationals), got off the mark first, but McKernan took over in the last eighth mile, 5.37, 265 to 5.48, 261. "I noticed him moving out ahead of me somewhere around half-track, but then I blasted past him," she said. "This is a huge relief. Jerry knows I put a lot of pressure on myself and I tend to over-think things. He has confidence in me and says I need to have more confidence in myself, and after this, I do."

Severance reached the final after qualifying on the bump and taking out No. 1 qualifier Chris Demke, who had back-to-back 5.33s in qualifying, in a close race in round one, 5.43 to 5.44. McKernan eliminated Johnny Ahten in round one and singled in the semifinals when Canadian Don St. Arnaud was unable to return.

McKernan, 32, a market-research project manager for SEMA, joins a list of future Top Fuel and Funny Car national event winners who first won races driving Darien's cars: Gary Scelzi, Brandon Bernstein, Morgan Lucas, Frank Pedregon, and Melanie Troxel.

In Top Alcohol Funny Car, Lombardo's NAPA/Lucas Oil Monte Carlo and Payne's Fire Ice Mustang were locked together from the outset, tying for the qualifying lead with identical 5.615s in the opening session. Payne got the No. 1 spot on the basis of his faster speed (260.11 mph to Lombardo's 250.09) and reset low e.t. to 5.612 in a first-round win over Steve Griboski. Payne also had a slightly quicker e.t. (5.64) in his semifinal win over 2003, 2004, and 2008 Phoenix winner Doug Gordon than Lombardo did (5.65) in taking out many-time national event champ Brian Hough in that round, but Lombardo had the edge in the final.

Both drivers had their best reaction times and slowest runs of the event, and Lombardo prevailed, 5.71, 257 to 5.80, 252. It was the second year in a row that Payne was runner-up here. Last year, he qualified in one shot and put together a string of 5.50s before losing in the final to Sean O'Bannon, who drove the same car and had the same crew chief, Jeff Lirones, that Lombardo had this year.

"To me, getting to race somebody like Jay Payne in a final round is what the class is all about," said Lombardo, who won for the fifth time in his three-year career, including the 2009 national event in Dallas. "You've got Doug Gordon and Shane Westerfield and Steve Gasparrelli and Brian Hough -- some of the best racers in the country -- out here in the west. The depth of talent is unbelievable. But Payne, he's up there with Frank Manzo, Mickey Ferro, and Tony Bartone -- the guys who are in the top five in the country year after year after year. To beat somebody like him was a real thrill."

Ahten Ready to Put on a Good Show at Phoenix Regionals

Courtesy of THR5 Communications

Phoenix, AZ -- Johhny Ahten is going into show business. This weekend at the opening of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series at Firebird Raceway, Ahten has added a top hat and cane to his Top Alcohol Dragster act. Not to worry, he will still wear his firesuit and helmet when he is racing. Ahten and his Island Renovations/801 Racing Dragster are ready to put on a show for the fans, and the fellow racers. Welcome my friends to the Nitro show that never ends.

"The Regionals are like a mini national event now," said Ahten. "Instead of just a few cars here, there are Division 7 leaders as well as a few Division 6 runners."

Ahten brings the knowledge and data accumulated a few weeks ago at the Pomona event. Crew chief Al Ahten has the Nitromethane injected tune-up calculated and dialed in. It's up to Johhny Ahten to step into the spotlight and demonstrate what the car is capable of. Every now and again, Ahten's car is prone to attempting a high wire act when it launches the front wheels skyward.

"It's a wild ride to balance the wheelie," added Ahten. "On the rear win it says "Stump Puller," and it has truly earned the nickname."

Riding along with the front wheels in the air are associate sponsors Island Renovations and 801 Racing 70Wt Oil with CleanBoost Technology. Also hanging on for dear life are NGK sparkplugs, FireIce, Stith Printing, and Hedman Hedders.

Johhny Ahten is looking forward to donning his top hat and cane (firesuit and helmet), entering the spotlight, and running the show of shows. Most of all, Ahten wants to show his wheelie bars to a few fellow racers while traveling down the track.

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

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



Demke Brings the Big Mo to Phoenix Regionals

Courtesy of THR5 Communications

Phoenix, AZ -- Momentum is defined as a strength or force gained by motion or by a series of events. After taking the Top Alcohol Dragster win in Pomona, Chris Demke and his Peen Rite Team are bringing that momentum into the Regional race at Firebird Raceway this weekend. The Regional event in Phoenix is the first in the newly formed racing series that replaced the divisional system.

"It allows us to go to more national events, which is good for us," said Demke. "It also means more competitors."

The Regional race will have the heavy hitters in attendance. That sits fine with the Maddern Racing team, as they won here from 2004-2006. The car has been serviced and the trailer loaded with more 801 Racing Oil with CleanBoost Technology. After a bit of tire shake, the RacePak computer has a few new connectors. The car is ready to race, and the Peen Rite Team can't wait to get it back in motion.

"I like Phoenix," added Demke. "We have a good tune up for the track and we are ready to see what the car can do."

The Peen Rite/801 Racing Team's momentum on the track has carried over to other areas. The Maddern Racing FaceBook page has gained a few hundred likes since the beginning of the season. The word is getting out there, and the success on the drag strip is the reason. Now it's time to ride the waves of momentum at the desert track in Phoenix. Surf's up!

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

801 Racing's REVVOLUTION 70W Racing Oil with CleanBoost Technology is specifically blended for nitro-methane and methanol fuel burning engines. Our racing oil is designed to treat and protect the moving parts of internal engines with up to 8,000 horsepower. While most oils on the market do create a film bearer between moving parts, our oil's film strength is as much as 10-times higher than other leading oils being used in today's racing market. Revvolution 70W Racing Oil is available in pails or drums. Please visit us at: http://www.801racing.com/

Greg Hunter to Make TAD Debut

Courtesy of NVW Motorsports Promotion

CHANDLER, Az. -- After a long off-season preparing for 2012, Kenny Gilmour Motorsports is ready to take on the competition with new driver Greg Hunter. ExactAir Compliance Systems will be the primary backer of the Calgary, Alberta, Canada-based Top Alcohol Dragster team.

"I am very excited for the opportunity to join this team," said Hunter. "It is easy to get excited to drive this car by the enthusiasm and desire to win of everyone on this team. They truly have what it takes to field a competitive car and I think I will learn a lot from this group. My wife, Staci, and I are looking forward to the first race in Phoenix!"

Greg Hunter has been racing down the quarter-mile since 1994, first with a stock Ford Mustang GT. His desire for speed moved him up to a Super Comp dragster, which he drove for several years with great success. Hunter attended Frank Hawley's Drag Racing School in 2003, where he earned his Top Alcohol Funny Car license. This prompted Greg to build a Ford Mustang Top Alcohol Funny Car powered by a Boss Ford engine. 2012 is Greg Hunter's first year in Top Alcohol Dragster competition.

Kenny Gilmour is the team owner and crew chief for the 3,000 horsepower blown alcohol dragster. Gilmour has been involved in the sport since the 1960s, racing nitro fuel altereds, dragsters and Pro Comp funny cars. Kenny has also machined and assembled engines for cars on the street and the strip.

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

Greg Hunter and the ExactAir Top Alcohol Dragster will start off their 2012 quest for the championship at the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Division 7 race at Firebird International Raceway, February 25-26. Joining Hunter and Kenny Gilmour will be crew members Cal Bellamy, Gary Savage, John Leach, Dell Lloyd, and Darlene Gilmour.

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

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

Hool Wins Gainesville Regional: TAD Final Postponed

Courtesy of the Pro Sportsman Association

Wyoming's Kris Hool collected the first regional win of 2012, stopping perennial championship contender Mickey Ferro in the Top Alcohol Funny Car final at the rain-plagued Eastern Regional event in Gainesville, Fla. Top Alcohol Dragster remains undecided; rain and high winds kept Rich McPhillips and Mark Taliaferro from meeting in the final, which will be contested next month in Gainesville during qualifying for the Gatornationals.

Hool drove his and brother Kevin's Gripper Hand Cleaner Monte Carlo to a 5.71 at 253 mph to stop Ferro, the reigning Gatornationals champion, whose Ryco-sponsored entry trailed with a close 5.78 at 251 mph. "It was a great race between two of the top 10 cars in the country last year," said Hool, who scored for third time in his career, including his national event victory last season in Brainerd and a divisional win in Bradenton, Fla.

With a telepathic .002 reaction time, Hool had the lead from start to finish. "I didn't mean to cut it that close," he said. "It was totally dark when we ran the final, and everybody sees the Tree better at night. I study drivers, and Mickey's definitely one of the best leavers out there. He's usually in the .030s or .040s, so I knew I had to be on it. We both probably should have run a lot better. Last year, the track here was slippery and no one was getting down it, but this year the track was excellent. Kevin said that we definitely could have run in the .60s, but a .71 was enough to get the job done."

In Top Alcohol Dragster, Taliaferro and McPhillips were just two of numerous drivers to run in the 5.30s. Semifinalist Sidnei Frigo never ran slower than 5.36 all weekend and barely lost to Taliaferro, the No. 1 qualifier, in the semifinals, 5.32 to 5.34. McPhillips topped former Division 1 champion Dan Mercier in the other semifinal match, 5.35 to 5.38, and killed the Tree all weekend with a .003 reaction time in the opening round and a .019 against Mercier.

Defending national champ Duane Shields is off to a frustrating start in defense of his title. After smoking the tires right off the line at the season-opening Winternationals, he did the same here opposite Frigo.

Next up on the regional schedule is this weekend's event at Firebird International Raceway in Phoenix, which is expected to draw top teams from across the western United States.