Whiteley follows up World Championship with Win at Winternationals

February 25, 2013 By Leave a Comment

How do you follow up a season by winning at National Championship?  Easy.  You go out and win the next race.  That’s what Grand Junction, Colorado native Jim Whiteley decided to do in is J & A Service YNot Racing Top Alcohol Dragster.  Whiteley put down some great qualifying passes earlier in the weekend to secure the number 1 qualifying spot with a 5.25 at 273.27 MPH.  Eliminatins began Saturday evening and continued on Sunday.  Whiteley fought hard through his half of the bracket on his way to the finals where he found Chris Demke.  The two had another classic battle in the finals similar to what happened through most of 2012.  Whiteley came out on top with a  5.24 at 273.39 MPH to Demke’s 5.27 at 270.86 MPH.   Both racers will have this weekend off before they begin their 2013 NHRA Lucas Oil Divisional schedule March 2-3 at Firebird Raceway in Phoenix, AZ. JD_JimWhiteley-overhead

Two other Goodyear clad racers won in two other sportsman categories.  Comp Eliminator racer Ross Wilson defeated Alan Ellis in a spectacular final.  The other Goodyear winner was Phil Dion in Super Comp.  Winternational Goodyear Runner-Ups included Jason Rupert in Top Alcohol Funny Car, Mike Cotton in Super Stock, and Pete Bothe in Super Gas.

The NHRA and Lucas Oil classes continue this weekend at Firebird Raceway in Phoenix, Arizona with the Arizona National.  The rest of the Lucas Oil Sportsman racers will arrive the following week when Firebird Raceway plays host to its second annual Double Divisional.

For more information about Goodyear tires please log on to www.carrollshelbyent.com or call us at 702.430.5160.ross wilson

Filed Under: Drag Racing

Douthit Motorsports Launches into 2013 with New Car – Second Team Driver

February 25, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Colorado Springs, Colo. – Always looking to launch innovation and create a better show for fans of Drag Racing across the globe, the Colorado Springs based jet car team of Douthit Motorsports will kick off the 2013 exhibition season with two-exhibition Jet Cars, including a new 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Nostalgia Jet Funny Car. The team also is proud to announce the addition of driver Tim Charlet, who will join the Douthit Motorsports team as an additional driver when both Douthit Motorsports Jet Cars are in action.

The 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Nostalgia Jet Funny Car, currently under construction, will bear the name Smokey Red, a tribute to Douthit Motorsports patriarch ‘Smokey Joe’ Douthit, who drove the iconic Smokey Red 1969 Chevrolet Nova wheelstander during the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. However, instead of a wheelstanding Nova, this time Smokey Red will morph into a 10,000 horsepower, J-85 Jet propelled Nostalgia Jet Funny Car.douthitJetFunnyCar3

“When I grew up, the first car I remember working on with my dad was Smokey Red,” noted David Douthit. “We’ve wanted to bring back the Smokey Red name for many years, but needed to create a car that could be as iconic as the original wheelstander was back in the day. We believe that our new 69 Camaro Nostalgia Jet Funny Car will accomplish this mission. There are not too many Nostalgia Jet Funny Cars out there, and we know we can put on a great show with this 250 mph Jet Funny Car. We’re excited to finish construction on the car and plan to hit the road as early as possible.”

Along with the current Douthit Motorsports Jet Dragster ‘The California Smokey’, the introduction of the Nostalgia Jet Funny Car brought the need to add a second driver. And for this position, Douthit selected a long-time supporter of the Douthit Motorsports team, and experienced drag racing test driver, Tim Charlet.

Like Douthit, Charlet, a third-generation drag racer originally from Southern California began his drag racing matriculation working on his father’s 1960’s era race car at a young age. Over a 30+ year span he has taken his passion for drag racing and learned all sides of the drag racing lifestyle and business. From driving and crewing on 200 mph dragsters, working for the NHRA Safety Safari, a published journalist, columnist and professional team publicist, his experience and passion were a perfect fit for Douthit and his family-based team.

“Tim is a member of our family and has been for many years and it’s a true honor to have him join our team as a second team driver,” stated Douthit. “We both grew up in the San Diego area, chewed the same rubber; spent many nights working on our families cars till 2am as young kids. Tim has helped our team in building solid Business 2 Business partnerships, promoted our team through amazing PR work, that it just made sense to have him join us at the races as a driver. He gives our team a potent 1-2 punch, and his passion for the sport and ability to work with kids, educate new racing fans and promote our marketing partners on site will be a huge asset for our team. He has earned this right, and we can’t wait to begin the licensing procedures later this spring.”

The Douthit Motorsports team will park their Ford Focus Jet Car ‘Focus This’ but use the car in static displays for their marketing partners for 2013. The goal of the team is to finish construction on the 69’ Camaro Nostalgia Jet Funny Car then begin construction on a second Nostalgia Jet Funny Car for action in 2014.

The team would like to extend a personal thanks to Tim Wallace and West Side Bodyworks in Boise, Idaho, Joe Hansen from DJ Safety and Bogart Racing Wheels for their continued support of the Douthit Motorsports team. Both David and Tim also extend their deepest thanks to their parents, Joe and Carol Douthit as well as Don and Candy Charlet for years of support in helping them achieve their lifetime goals and dreams. They are also blessed to have the amazing support from their better halves, Robyn Douthit and Melinda Charlet.

To learn more about Douthit Motorsports, LLC, visit their website at http://www.douthitjets.com. You can also follow the team on Facebook and Twitter.

Filed Under: Drag Racing, NHRA Press Release

PSCA, WCOPMA Team Up For 3 Events in 2013

January 15, 2013 By Leave a Comment

pscawcopma(1-14-2013) REDDING, CA – The West Coast Outlaw Pro Mod Association and the Pacific Street Car Association have formed a partnership for three events over the course of the 2013 season. Two of the scheduled events will be held at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway with one at Sacramento Raceway Park. A fourth event is pending. The WCOPMA will replace the Pro Street class as the quickest and fastest class in the PSCA. Hughes Performance will still be involved with the class as a sponsor.

The first of the three events will be in Las Vegas at the Ford Racing Record Breaker Nationals held February 8-10, which will kick off both the WCOPMA and PSCA 2013 seasons. The second event will be at Sacramento Raceway Park and it will be the first time the PSCA has hosted an event at Sacramento Raceway in ten years.

The WCOPMA is very familiar to the fans at the Sacramento-based track as it is the hometown track for many of its racers. The event will be held on March 22-24 and it will be an all eighth-mile event for heads-up classes. It will be the only eighth mile event for the WCOPMA this 2013 season.

The third event will be back at Las Vegas Motor Speedway for the MagnaFuel Vegas Nationals on April 26-28.

“It’s great that both the WCOPMA and PSCA can work together to put on some awesome events this year for the racers, fans and race tracks,” Rod Burbage, president of the WCOPMA, said. “We think that two of the biggest associations working together will only better the growth of Pro Mod racing on the West Coast.

“It’s a great opportunity for us to run at an awesome facility like Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Mel Roth, president of the PSCA, has a great relationship with LVMS and for us to bring our show to his already action packed events will really make for some great events not to miss this season!”

“This is a win-win for both groups,” Roth said. “We will both reach new fan bases and when there are more racers and more races, that’s always a plus because race fans get to do what race fans love to do: watch great racing! Going back to Sacremento after ten years is going to be a great time and I think we’ve shown what our racers can do at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.”

www.pscaracing.com

www.westcoastoutlawpromods.com

Filed Under: Drag Racing, PSCA Press Release Tagged With: , , , , ,

Goodyear Racing Ups the Anti For PSCA Racers in 2013

January 11, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Goodyear Racing will post Contingency Cash for the following products in all PSCA/SCSN Classes at all 2013 PSCA & SCSN Events:
Sunday_all finals PSCA_09_tim 001
All Classes:
Win / All 4 Tires / $150.00
RU / All 4 Tires / $75.00
or
Win / 2 Rear Tires / $50.00
RU / 2 Rear Tires / $25.00

We hope that this increase in payout for racers who run Goodyears on all four corners helps show our support to our customers.  For more information about sizes and specs please visit our website at www.carrollshelbyent.com.  To order please contact Todd Dwyer either at the track or at the shop at 702.430.5160.  We look forward to seeing everyone at the race track in 2013.

Filed Under: Drag Racing, PSCA Press Release

PSCA Announces 2013 Las Vegas Race Dates

January 3, 2013 By Leave a Comment

293287_10150252345355764_1960196_nLAS VEGAS – The Pacific Street Car Association Presented by Chris Alston’s Chassiworks has announced the Las Vegas race dates for its 14th season of competition. The Sin City section of the season will begin Feb. 8-10 at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway with the Ford Racing Record Breaker Nationals, an event that will be shared with the stars of the NHRA Mello Yello Series Pro Stock class, who will be there testing prior to the beginning of their season along with some Top Fuel and Top Alcohol teams.

Wrapping up the Las Vegas portion of the season for the ninth year is the Street Car Super Nationals at The Strip Nov. 14-17. The event this past year saw records crumbles, most notably Jose “El General” Gonzalez making a pass of 5.730 seconds in Pro Street, the quickest-ever run in doorslammer history.

Other dates and locations will be named in the coming weeks.

“It seems like we just left the tower and locked the place up for SCSN VIII and now we’re about a month away from cars going down the track again,” said PSCA President Mel Roth. “I wouldn’t have it any other way, though, and I know I speak for our racers, sponsors, and fans when I say I can’t wait for February to get here and to smell the burnt rubber and hear those motors screaming at one of the greatest drag strips anywhere!”

The full Las Vegas portion schedule is as follows:

Feb. 8-10: Ford Racing Record Breaker Nationals

April 26-28: MagnaFuel Vegas Nationals

Oct. 4-6: Mickey Thompson Tires West Coast Shootout

Nov. 14-17: Street Car Super Nationals IX

Contingency sponsors for the 2013 season can be found at PSCARacing.com and at the sanction’s official page on Facebook.

Fans of the Pacific Street Car Association can find updates and photos of PSCA racers and events by checking out PSCARacing.com, Twitter.com/PSCARacing, and Facebook.com/PSCARacing. Videos of PSCA drag racing action can be found at YouTube.com/PSCARacing.

Racers and fans can also visit the PSCA’s official page on Facebook to find photos, stories, and videos of the best drag racing in the country!

Filed Under: Drag Racing Tagged With: , ,

Mission Accomplished: Westerfield Cracks TAFC Top 10

November 20, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Photo Courtesy of David Smith

Courtesy of Todd Veney: Top Alchol News-

In just his third year in Top Alcohol Funny Car, 25-year-old Shane Westerfield joined Frank Manzo, Tony Bartone, Mickey Ferro, and Jay Payne in the prestigious NHRA Top 10. Needing to advance deep into eliminations in his final start of 2012 to make it, Westerfield reached the semifinals at the NHRA Finals in Pomona, Calif., eliminating Bernie Harrington and Jirka Kaplan for his fourth semifinal appearance of the season.
 ”It was a weird race, but we got it done,” said Westerfield, who defeated Kaplan in the second round in a tractionless free-for-all, 7.16 to 8.03. “I’ve never won a round like that in my life. The second time I pedaled, the back tires were a foot off the ground and the whole car was in the air.”
Westerfield’s CP-Carrillo team made the Top 10 with consistent performances all season, including a second career national event final-round appearance, at the Summer Nationals in Topeka, and at least a semifinal finish at half the races – four of eight at national events and two of four in regional competition. Westerfield’s team, led by crew chief Bob DeVour, established a career-high in round-wins this year by going at least a couple of rounds at nine of 12 events, with no DNQs and an overall record of 14-12.

“Getting into the Top 10 was the whole goal at the beginning of the year,” Westerfield said. “I won one round my first year in Alcohol Funny Car, seven rounds last year, and 14 this year. I really have to thank all the people who back this team – CP-Carrillo, Fluid Sealing Products, American Real, Lucas Oil, A1 Technologies, Coeste Design, Goodyear, Mike Blake, and Juice Plus – and our whole crew: Bob, Dustin Yoho, Scott DeFransico, Jim DeFransico, my mom and dad, Tami DeVour, and my fiancé, Kayleigh. It was our best year ever, and it ended on a good note. We beat some great racers like Jay Payne, Doug Gordon, John Lombardo, and Clint Thompson for the first time ever this year and won a lot more rounds than in the first two years put together. We figured it would be a good year if we could get into the Top 10, and it’s our best one ever.”

Filed Under: Drag Racing Tagged With: , , , ,

Support Your Local Speed Shop: FIGSPEED, Las Vegas

September 10, 2012 By 6 Comments

Figspeed, established in 1997, is a professional Speed Shop in the Las Vegas/Henderson Nevada area.  This was the vision of Les Figueroa after 9 years of traveling coast to coast servicing NHRA, IHRA, Bracket, Pro and Sportsman racers.

I spoke with Les this past weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway “The Strip” during a PSCA event. I picked his brain about drag racing, product displays, track side service, and Figspeed. Les has a very clear vision with a passion for service and excellence. He had this to say about his shop:

Our Figspeed walk-in retail store is a fully stocked “Sportsman’s Dream” when it comes to Drag Racing, Street Performance or Off-Road Racing products .  Figspeed is dedicated to servicing the “Racer”.  Whether it be at the local Las Vegas tracks or the tracks across the U.S. we are ready and willing to provide parts, tech information and whatever else it takes! We have 25 years of tech & racing experience with the total support of the best companies in our industry.

Les also talked about success for the racer and track side service:

There are several keys to success when it comes to racing. Being self sufficient goes a long way towards keeping a team at (or near) the top of its game”. (DR Magazine) The extensive cost of spare parts and space in the race trailer prohibits most sportsman racers from having everything on hand in case of a racing emergency or mishap. That’s where Figspeed and it’s rolling parts trailer comes into play. With the support of the many companies involved with Figspeed we can be your “track-side” parts source on and off the track.

Friday September 14th from 6pm – 9pm, Figspeed is having their 2nd Annual Car Show & Customer Appreciation Event. There will be Food* Drinks* Raffle Prizes* Music. Did I mention that it is a Car Show. Last year was a great time and this year will be even better.

You can Contact Les and Figspeed Speed Shop through their website www.figspeed.com.  Stay Current through their Facebook page. They even love it when the phone rings 702.463.7760. See you all soon at Figspeed Speed Shop and see you at the Car Show.

Filed Under: Drag Racing Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

Permatex/Follow a Dream Top Alcohol Funny Car

September 7, 2012 By Leave a Comment

One week after winning the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event in Cecil County, Md., and taking over the Eastern Region points lead, Jay Blake’s Permatex/Follow A Dream team scored again in Bowling Green, Ky. Driver Todd Veney beat perennial championship contender Mickey Ferro in the final round, tying low e.t. of the meet with a 5.67 against Ferro’s close 5.74.

Established in 1999, Follow A Dream is a non-profit 501(C)3 organization. The organization’s message is uniquely delivered through NHRA drag racing as its medium.Team owner and crew chief Jay Blake was blinded in an industrial accident in 1997 at age 30 and completely rebuilt his life. Today, in addition to running his race team, he does motivational speeches at schools, rehabilitation centers, hospitals, businesses and civic groups across the country, sharing his experiences and accomplishments in overcoming his disabilities.

Jay was kind enough to answer some questions during his hectic Indy schedule. I asked Jay how he got into racing and what drives his success.

I’ve loved cars and trucks and everything mechanical since I was a small kid. My dream was always to work on a professional drag racing team, and I never let go of that dream. I am grateful for life and am always trying to promote the power of positive thinking, self-determination, and teamwork. If you truly believe in yourself and don’t give up, you can achieve your goals and dreams.

I asked Jay to talk about his greatest achievements and what goals he had for the remainder of this season an next.

Being a good dad, a good husband and inspiring people to shift their direction. And there’s nothing like the feeling of winning an NHRA event. I also want to win the Eastern Region championship and finish in the top 10 in the country again. Our goal for next year is improve on this year.

In drag racing, so many things must work in perfect harmony to get down the track. Goodyear has recently introduced a new 34.5 x 17 x 16 (D2922) alcohol tire. Better construction and a top fuel compound has shown remarkable promise and immediate success. I asked Jay about his recent switch from Hoosier to Goodyear. I wondered what he thought of the tire, if there were any unexpected benefits, and if there needed to be any changes to the car.

I think it’s [Goodyear D2922] great. We put it on two races ago and won both races. We didn’t know how it would act, but we’ve been extremely impressed with how it performed at both Cecil County and Bowling Green and no changes needed to be made.

Before signing off, I like to acknowledge the sponsors that help our racer’s dreams come true. Permatex, Inc. is a leading manufacturer, distributor, and marketer of premium chemical products to the automotive maintenance and repair markets. Since 1909, Permatex has been an acknowledged leader in the development of innovative new products and services for the automotive aftermarket.

Filed Under: Drag Racing Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Lucas Oil Slick Mist PSCA Drags Kicks Off In Vegas

September 5, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Article taken from Competition Plus – Drag Racing Magazine:

The Pacific Street Car Association returns to action this weekend with the Lucas Oil Slick Mist Drags at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway Sept. 7-9.

In addition to the regular PSCA classes and the Lucas Oil Top Comp sub-8.60 class, two Jr. Dragster classes (8-12 year old and 13-18 year old) are on the schedule. The Jr. Dragsters will race prior to and after the other PSCA classes at each event and will be scheduled as not to affect the flow of the other PSCA classes. Both classes will compete for race trophies and prizes. Jr. Dragster racers will also compete for event points that will be counted toward a class champion at the end of the season.

“We’re very excited to get back to racing,” PSCA President Mel Roth said. “Feels like it’s been forever since we’ve been at the track. I know our racers are looking forward to putting on a great show for the fans and racing hard every round.”

For more information on the Lucas Oil Slick Mist Drags at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, visit LVMS.com or go to their official page on Facebook at Facebook.com/TheStripAtLVMS.

Fans of the Pacific Street Car Association can find updates and photos of PSCA racers and events by checking out PSCARacing.com, Twitter.com/PSCARacing, and Facebook.com/PSCARacing. Videos of PSCA drag racing action can be found at YouTube.com/PSCARacing.

Racers and fans can also visit the PSCA’s official page on Facebook to find photos, stories, and videos of the best drag racing in the country!

Filed Under: Drag Racing Tagged With: , , , , , ,

WCOPMA: Goodyear Contingency Program

August 15, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Goodyear Racing Tires will be offering their contingency program to all WCOPMA racers for the remainder of the season. At each of our four remaining events Goodyear will give one (1) free drive tire if winning car is on Goodyear Tires. At the end of the year the series champion and runner-up will receive a free set of Goodyear Tires if their car is equipped with Goodyear’s.

The new Goodyear D2922, 34.5 x 17 x 16 D-2E, is proving worthy on the west coast. The tread is now being constructed with Goodyear’s Fusion technology reducing shake. The D-2F compound, used on Top Fuel tires, has increased the tuning window by freeing up the tire.

Annie Whiteley, YNot Racing, won the Division 7 race in Sonoma. The D2922 was the number 1 & 2 qualifier. Steve Gasperelli was the runner up in the Seattle National. Annie Whiteley again, the number 1 qualifier. Kris Krabill, driving Buckey’s Northwest Hitter, won the Pepsi Nightfire Nationals.

Contact Carroll Shelby Enterprises/Goodyear Racing for tire inquiries at: 702.430.5160 or jswift@carrollshelbyent.com or www.shelbygoodyear.com or www.carrollshelbyent.com.

Filed Under: Drag Racing Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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