Sunday, March 17, 2013

One on One with Terry McMillen

How excited are you having your main sponsor Amalie Oil becoming the Title Sponsor of the Gatornationals, hoping for good things this weekend at Auto Plus Raceway:



" It's amazing, working and collaborating with Amalie Oil to become title sponsor of the Gatornationals, but with it comes quite a bit of pressure having been with the company for 12 years.  During the process, you tend to forget about it and just try and have the most fun possible. For Amalie Oil, having associated with NHRA Drag Racing for many years with drivers such as Connie Kalitta, and Shirley Muldowney, I couldn't be more prouder and excited to be associated with them."



Amalie Oil has been associated with drag racing as we've said for many years, having been in business since 1903, they are a company that takes their involvement seriously:



"They certainly do, with becoming a title sponsor of the Gatornationals, they see the return value of their investment, and they see the excitement NHRA Drag racing brings to the table. It is a fortunate thing, as I have stated earlier to have been involved with Amalie Oil for 12 years. Their has been only a handful of sponsors associated with drag racing teams, Kenny Bernstein and Budweiser, John Force and Castrol."



The first two events for you, Richard and the team haven't gone the way as you would have liked. Not qualifying in Pomona, losing in the second round of the Arizona Nationals to Tony Schumacher. Has Richard planned any changes to the car to keep your team in the fight for a win and the "Countdown to the Championship:



" Yes. Richard is constantly pursuing what can and will make the car run better. But what put us behind everyone at the start of the season is the fact our car returned later than planned, we were unable to test at West Palm Beach, so Pomona became essentially a test event for our team. We bounced back and qualified at Phoenix, then proceeded to make wholesale changes, which the car seemed to enjoy. So, going into the Gatornationals, we are confident the changes will continue to turn our fortunes around.(Terry, however failed to qualify for the Gatornationals) Hopefully, all of that will put us up at the front to contend for a win, and for a spot in the "Countdown to the Championship."



Is it hard not having the resources that teams such as DSR, Al Anabi, or Team Kalitta have beings that you have but one car to learn information from:



" It is most difficult. Not to make any excuses, we have only 2 full time employees in comparison to the other teams that have 8 to 10 crewmen. Our budget limits us from testing as much as we would like, so we are at a disadvantage. However, our Amalie Oil Team is very dedicated, doing whatever it can to help improve our team with the resources we have. Also, being a one car team, it is difficult in gathering information to help improve our teams' performance. Richard Hartman is someone who I have the utmost respect for. From the moment he became crew chief on the Amalie Oil Top Fuel Dragster,  we are and continue to be committed to him and his ideals for improvement in our performance."



But the fact the Top Fuel Class has become so competitive in terms of closeness, what do you feel are the reasons why that is so:



" I believe it involves the rule changes made, it has everyone on a level playing field. The NHRA has mandated no further rule changes, no modifications for the rest of the 2013 season, and they will look more closely at the cars themselves. If the NHRA stays true to those ideals, the Top Fuel class will become tighter in terms of performance. I for one hope that aspect comes true."



Talk about your feelings on the proposed 50 minute turn around time for the semis and the finals in Top  Fuel:




" That day will come, so our team has been hard at work, practicing towards hitting that 50 minute turnaround mark. I think it is exciting, taking drag racing to live TV. Seeing the comments in social media (Facebook and Twitter), fans are certainly ready for what the challenge will bring. At the same time, it is a bit concerning for smaller teams. Will something be left undone as they are rebuilding the motor after a tear down if the 50 min rule were mandated. Having said that, it maybe easier just to change the motor rather than a rebuild, and that extra cost could hurt smaller teams. However, the sport will be amazing to watch once it is on live TV. It will be a challenge though but I believe the TV audience as well as fans at the track want the racing to be safe and exciting."




Do you hope this change brings more fans to NHRA Drag Racing along with more fans watching on TV:



" It will be a tremendous impact if the 50 minute rule is successful in terms of presenting an awesome show to the fans. In our sport, the race for top fuel and funny cars lasts between 3 to 4 seconds, with pro stock and pro stock motorcycle lasting 6 to 7 seconds. Anything that can be done, within reason to liven the show, along with it being more exciting for the fans will be amazing. It's something we are very excited about."



At the same time, are you concerned as far as safety of the fans in the pits as cars return to their pit areas:



"One of the biggest problems facing fans with the 50 min turnaround, sometimes they may not know what teams are doing, or which direction the teams may be going. Teams will have to really hustle in returning to the pits, and that may cause problems due to the fact that fans are basically on top of the drivers as the cars return to their pits. That may delay a team trying to make it to the lanes if it is the semi final round or final round, so the NHRA has to devise a safer way for teams to safely return to our areas. By the same token, we want to assure the NHRA fans we are in no way trying to be rude to them when we are getting back, servicing our cars. However, I like the way that drag racing is slowly working its way into the 50 minute turnaround, and it will be great for fans and the sport."







Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Interview with 2012 LODRS Super Gas Champ Jeff Lopez

Defending NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Super Gas Champion is looking to repeat his championship form in 2013. His championship run catapulted him to a 10th place finish in the Super Comp National Points standings, having previously earned the Lucas Oil Super Comp Title in 2010. Looking to build on his success, he talked with me about what changed for him, the team, and where he sees himself in drag racing in the future:



" Not much changed during the off-season. We freshened everything at the mid point of last season, and we should be okay to start the year off. We've actually spent more time working on the truck, trailer, and applying decals of our new sponsors."



Being a sportsman racer yourself, how difficult is it for sportsman racers to find sponsorship?



" Extremely difficult! You really have to work at it to find companies that are willing to commit to your program. Unless you know the right people, it doesn't come easy. You just have to find someone that you can help show a return on investment. Sponsorship is a two way street, and I think a lot of racers forget that."




Was their any particular reason that you chose rdag racing to be your given profession and why?



" It's not our profession, it's our hobby. I'd love to find the backing to make it a profession, but it's just not realistic. Who wouldn't want to race cars for a living?!"



What are your dreams as you continue in the sport of drag racing ?



" I'd like to say winning the world title was a dream come true, but truthfully I've never dreamed that big. The only thing I ever dreamed of winning was a National event and winning the Bracket Finals. We achieved those goals a couple of years ago, and everything since has just been a bonus."



Where do you see yourself within 5 years in this sport ?



" Hopefully doing the same thing I am now. It would be great to maybe try a different category, but I am perfectly happy where I am now. We get to race 15 - 20 weekends a year, and that is plenty to be thankful for."



One more question, is their an opponent that you dream about facing not matter the class and why?



"My pops, but lets do it old school. A starter with a flag and we both have to drive 4 speeds, THAT would be cool!"

Monday, March 11, 2013

Interview with Brandon Bernstein

With The 2013 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing season weeks away from beginning at the Fairplex in Pomona, teams cannot wait to start. To tide the Drag Racing fans over until then, Palm Beach International Raceway is hosting the Pro Winter Warm-Up at Palm Beach International Raceway. One driver ready to go is the 2012 AAA Auto Club Finals Winner in Top Fuel is Brandon Bernstein. In a telephone interview,  I talked to him about how anxious his team is for the new season to begin and how Palm Beach provides fans a taste of what is to come:


'For The fans who come to PBIR and see the big named teams testing, it is a great deal for the fans. The Track [Palm Beach International raceway] is a great for the teams to come and test on, the surface is absolutely perfect. We're [the teams] are very anxious to get into our cars and make some laps to be ready for 2013"


In just a few days from now, the 2013 NHRA Mello Yello season gets underway at the Fairplex in Pomona. How anxious are you and the guys for the season to get started?


' Winning the last race of the race of the season they way we did and ending on such a high note. We were ready to go the next week and race again. Now we are chomping at the bit to see what the MAVtv/Protect the Harvest Team can do.' Brandon said ' The Geico  team feels much the same way. We at Morgan Lucas Racing feel that the team as a whole is ready to do some real damage out there.'


Do you feel that with no major changes to both teams that it gives you an adavantage heading into the 2013 NHRA Season?


' The comforting factor is knowing that you have been with the team for a whole season. We [the team] know what we can do and the opportunity to win is definitely there for us. We are just excited to get the season started.' Brandon exclaimed ' It helps you to feel a bit more confident and that sense of security knowing that we the team have everyone back from last year and ready to go.'


 How relaxed does it make you feel knowing that your team is intact for 2013?


'  I feel really relaxed. Driving for Morgan Lucas Racing is a whole new dynamic for me for the fact of not racing for my father.' Stated the son of Kenny Bernstein ' Morgan welcomed me into the team and has been terrific. All of the guys on the team have been great to be around. This year I especially feel so comfortable within the team and with that feeling we are going for the championship this year.' He then added ' Over here at Morgan Lucas Racing, it is laid back compared to what I have been used to for most of my career.' Brandon said ' Yes it is a different atmosphere and it fits real well with me. Ive adjusted very well with it and feel really excited to get out there and start winning more races this 2013 season.'


Why has the Top Fuel class has become so competitive these last few seasons?


' It is unbelievable that the previous season we [top fuel] had so many drivers and teams step up and show that Top Fuel is the best.' Stated the Auto Club Finals event winner ' There are at least 12 to 14 cars that can step up and win at any particular time. There hasn't been a huge performance leap of any kind over these last few seasons which helps bridge that gap between the small and big teams.' Bernstein Continued ' It brings a bit more pressure onto the drivers to be on top of their game because the driver that is in the other lane can run the number as well. Its excellent racing for the drivers and the fans as well. '

Talk about ending such a long winless streak on a holeshot which gave your great friend Antron Brown his first ever Top Fuel Title


' It was something very special. Their are many runs in my career that are special and that is one I certainly will never forget. ' Stated the MAVTV Top Fuel Pilot ' I told Antron during driver intros that I am going to do everything that I can to help win the championship for you. ' Sure enough, Antron lost first round, now we could meet Spencer in the semis [Though he lost 2nd round] and then meet Tony in the finals.' He added ' When we faced Tony in the final round I said to myself to have a quick reaction time. But when I left the start, I felt it was a great light, and I told myself that if he beat us in the finals he must have had an exceptional reaction time. It was one of those days that everything fell into place, Antron got the championship and our team got the victory. '

How is your new baby boy Landon and is he ready to come to more of the races?


' Landon is doing very well, he is now 6 months old and getting bigger day by day. ' Said the happy father ' At the moment I do not know when he will come to the track. With my wife Tracey, my daughter, and Landon being there it was just such a special day with them.'

After the win, did you get a call from your father?


' Right away after the win I got the call. My Dad and Cheryl were watching on ESPN3. ' Said the relieved winner ' I am in the Team Vehicle on the return road heading towards winners circle with the other class winners, my phone rings and sure enough its dad who was absolutely ecstatic. He was so proud and so happy that our MAVTV team had finally won. The entire day was just so special


Ending the season on such a high, what are the expectations of the entire team going into the 2013 Mello Yello Drag Racing Season:


' The MAVTV, Protect the Harvest team will be ready, just as we were when winning the Auto Club Finals. ' Said the 19 time national event winner ' We want to come out and win races but in the grand picture be in the top 10 for the Countdown, and that is when our team wants to come alive. ' Brandon added ' We want to be even more consistent during the countdown and we feel that we can win the championship this year, and Likewise Morgan feels the same. This Morgan Lucas Racing is built towards winning the championship and as a whole we want see both cars up front for the championship fight. '

One on One with "Sassie" Cassie Simonton

What have you and the Kon Rodz Team been doing to get ready ready for the 2013 season:


We have been very busy, getting the car and everything else ready for the track. I have also been trying to keep myslef in shape, ready to get as much seat time as possible to be ready for the Gatornationals and the upcoming season



With the advent of social media, how important is fan interaction to both you and the team:
"It is very important and a key aspect in opening the door for potential sponsors. I've gotten more interactive on Twitter, as well as Facebook and it really is a good way to get your name out there and keep it out there. At Kon Rodz Racing (derived from the Kontos last name & team owner Spiro Kontos' passion for hot rods) we're always seeking support from our sponsors and this year we've added a few new partners that will allow us to open up our schedule and hopefully run for a top 5 finish, and a world championship. Without the fans, all of the hard work and time we put into not only our car, but our social media campaigns, wouldn't be seen or promoted nearly as much as it is through the support of our fans."

Are you hoping to bring in more females into the sport of NHRA Drag racing with other female racers doing so well:


Yes and that is always the goal. For example my little sister is competing in the Jr. Dragster program, it's fun to get her out there so she can experience what I went through. I try to be there to support her, to help her learn as much of the sport as possible. It's wonderful to see little girls come to you, that have the same dreams as you do. The one thing as a drag racer I try to get across
is this: I worked my way up the sport a certain way because it's something I love to do, and if you work hard enough you can make your dreams come true in this sport.Are you more  hands on when it comes to driving your funny car:


Yes very much so, I worked as a crewman with the Kon Rodz Team three years before I got the drive
so I pretty much know how to work on most aspects of the car. If need be I am able to take the place of a crewman. I always pack my chutes after each and every run which is a rule of most drag racers, and that helps the team in preparing the car for each run during testing and throughout the year.Is being able to work on the car itself part of what drew you to the sport of Drag Racing:


My father drove race cars for a living. He wanted me to become more than just a "driver" growing up. He wanted me to understand what it was to work on the car. My dream, mainly was to become a driver, put my foot my foot in the door sort of speaking and work my way up to become a driver. To this point, it has worked out very well.Is it difficult for your team to find sponsorship at this particular time or are you always searching:


Yes it is very difficult, it is that way for anyone. We are trying very hard, the door is always open, and we are meeting as many sponsors as we can. We are also trying to show the opportunities to potential sponsors that racing brings. That helps us (The Team) as well as the sponsors to have a bigger presence in the sport.And social media also can help find potential sponsors as well:


Yes that is true, we (Kon Rodz Racing) would love to run the full circuit and go for that TA/FC championship. Having new sponsors on board is an integral part of running a team, we need that support. The team has great associate sponsors and we are working very hard to bring more support to the table to run a full season.

With the success that both Courtney Force and Erica Enders-Stevens are having, do you feel that sponsors are seeing that and are warming up to become a  part of NHRA Drag Racing:


I  believe with everything they have done and have been taught in the sport of Drag Racing this season, the sport has definitely gained more exposure. It shows that we (female racers) can get out there and compete showing that we are very marketable and the fans love seeing that. Courtney has gotten the greatest amount of attention with Traxxas coming in to be a sponsor of the NHRA and her Nitro Funny Car Team, so that aspect helps alot to show how exciting Drag Racing is.Drag Racing can be a physically demanding sport. What sort of regimen do you have to prepare yourself for racing:


My main goal for a fitness program is to strengthen legs along with my core muscles. We use a  program called Interactive Fitness. It is a program that you are able to take with you and it is a simple but effective full body workout. I also do alot of biking and also take spin classes and run alot, that also helps me to be stronger. With that, the car will be easier to drive. I am hoping that it all pays off in just a few weeks in Gainsville.You and the team must be so excited to get the 2013 season underway then:


Absolutely excited to start the season. Sitting at home, watching how the alcohol classes performed at Pomona, it's going to be a very competitive year, and I am very excited to get out there on track. I was told by the Kon Rodz team to "Hold On". So I am looking forward to getting this 2013 season underway in Gainsville in 2 weeks.






Nitro Bits in the Pits W/ Alexis Dejoria

With the off season testing complete, it is now time for  the @NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing series to start the 2013 campaign at the AAA Auto Club Raceway in Pomona, CA. Tequila Patron Funny Car Driver Alexis DeJoria looks to improve on her 2012 rookie campaign as her Kalitta Motorsports Team hired crew chief Tommy Delago after Del Worsham returned to driving this season. In an interview from her pits before thursday qualifying at the recent O Reilly Auto Parts Winternationals, she talked about how ready she is for the new season to begin:

" We tested alot in West Palm Beach Florida (Palm Beach International Raceway) making some good consistent runs. We made a new addition to the team, things were moved around somewhat, but other than that our crew is intact and that has me very excited for the new season to begin. "

Does that give you and the team a sense of calmness knowing the crew is intact for the 2013 season?" Very much so, though there some movements within the team, no one has left, and that has us very excited. "

And the consistency during off season testing showed that?
"I think of all the runs that we completed during testing, we didn't make it down the track on 2 of them, so that is a very good sign for the team. "


Without giving away too much in terms of setup, did anything change on the car itself for the 2013 season?" Not much has changed, a few minor things here and there. The team disasembled the car from front to back, finding some issues with the steering box which has helped the car to stay straight during a run. "

What is it like having one of the very few female crew members on the Tequila Patron team?


"
Marla Weidnaar is amazing, she does rods & pistons for the team. She's extremely quick which is a great asset for our team. I don't look at her different because she is a female, so it's great to have her be a part of the Tequila Patron team."

With the mountains being a backdrop, is pomona one of your favorite tracks on the NHRA Schedule?" Yes and No, I love it for the fact that it is my home track, but Gainsville, Englishtown, and Bristol are my absolute favorites. But the history that surrounds Pomona makes it a favorite of mine for sure. Plus the fans that come here are very important to me. They have followed my career from alcohol funny car and anytime you have their support it helps you to realize that you have done well in the sport of NHRA Mello Yello Drag racing. "


What do you expect when the first qualifying session of funny car begins here at Pomona?


"
For us, its is a continuation of off season testing. We believe Pomona is a great track and we hope that car run a great number and hope to start the season off on a positive note. "

Pro Stock Talk with Allen Johnson

How excited is your team to get this 2013 season underway:


'The Mopar Peformance Dodge Avenger Team is always excited to get the season underway, however 2013 feels a little different being defending NHRA Pro Stock Champion. What we will do is keep focused on the task at hand, and that is to defend our championship from 2012'


With Vincent Nobile and now 5-time Pro Stock Champion Jeg Coughlin joining your team , that would make the team seem more formidable:



'That is most certainly the hope that three teams are better than a 2 car team. With Jeg's Team joining us, they bring such a tremendous amount of strength. We, as an organization hope to take full advantage of those resources which includes even more horsepower'


During the 2012 NHRA Full Throttle (Now Mello Yello) season, your team took the fight to the Summit Racing Camaros of Anderson & Line:


'Last season, we were fortunate to do really well against them. But during qualifying (interview took place during Saturday's qualifying session) things haven't gone according to plan, conditions were not ideal. Also with what our team tested in Braderton FLA may not work quite as well here at Pomona. However the season is still young and we intend be in the fight for the championship for remainder of the 2013 season


Do you come into Pomona with any set up changes being that the Winternationals is the first event of the season:


'We bring with us many different setups and use those as a base with which to adjust the cars accordingly. We treat each qualifying run as an opportunity to try different things on each of our cars to help us run better than our competition'


Talk about how close the Pro Stock class has become with each season that goes by:



' The 2013 season I believe will be the closest in history, there are between 8 and 9 cars that are very capable of becoming Pro Stock Champion. I believe that you will see the return of Mike Edwards to the top of Pro Stock again along with Erica Enders-Stevens at the top of her game. But with each car within a 1/1000 of a second, Pro Stock 2013 will be extremely close'



What determining factors are there in NHRA Pro Stock Drag Racing that make the class the closest it has been:



'I believe lane choice is one of the factors along with which driver is quickest off of the starting line. Add to that horsepower, and you have the car and team capable of not only winning an event but the Pro Stock Championship as well'. 


AAA Auto Club Raceway in Pomona holds a special place in your heart:


'It certianly does, especially the way last season ended; clinching the championship and winning the season ending Auto Club Finals. The fact that Pomona is the berth place of where the NHRA started, a driver derives great joy in winning here' 




An Interview with Arizona Nationals Pro Stock Champ Erica Enders-Stevens

We are a week away from the Gatornationals, your holeshot win over Mike Edwards in the Pro Stock Finals of the Arizona Nationals really shows how strong the Cagnazzi Team is:



" Absolutely it does. Last year our team found a combination along with tremendous horsepower that worked well for us, and I couldn't be prouder of the team anymore than I already am. We feel very optimistic as to what the 2013 Mello Yello season will bring us, but we, at Cagnazzi Team feel very strong and are ready for the challenge "



With talented drivers behind in your Crew Chief Dave Connolly and your husband Ritchie Stevens, as a driver, does it give you a sense of confidence everytime you are in the car:



"Personally it means a lot to me knowing that both Dave & Ritchie are in my corner, they are two of the best pro stock drivers the sport of NHRA Drag Racing has ever seen. Dave is one my best friends on and off of the race track, I confide in him a lot, and I value his experience as a crew chief. Dave is in constant contact over the radio with me, his honesty is priceless because it helps me to improve as a driver, and he always gives me an encouraging word every time I step in the car. "



NHRA Pro Stock Drag Racing has never been closer, can you explain some of the reasons why that is so:



" Pro Stock is so close with 16-car fields that are separated by thousandths of a second, on sunday, it is down to who has the best driver. the best car and the most horsepower.  Our rules limit us as to what we are able to do with engine and chassis development. Obviously over the winter, Mike Edwards found a bit more horsepower than the rest of the competition due to the fact he had the entire field covered in Phoenix by 2 to 3 hundreths of a second; So we are always trying very hard to find just a fraction more horsepower than our competition. So as I've said before I believe that it is down to two points: who has the best car and who is the best driver, that is why i believe Pro Stock is as close as it has ever been



In addition to that, what routine does a driver go through to stay so sharp and focused when races are decided by thousandths:



" I train with a personal trainer 4 days a week, I do all that I can to stay in top physical shape. As Racers, we always hear the comment "Drag Racing isn't really a sport". But the observer does not realize  our sport requires a tremendous amount of strength as well as a strong mentality. Every aspect of the run must be done to near perfection with the pro stock field separated by 1/1000 sec, so in essence, the weight of the world is on the drivers' shoulders. That is a part that I enjoy, that its all up to me. But really, The Cagnazzi Teams' success  is not possible without having such a fantastic crew behind me. I enjoy it tremendously.



You have driven the Chevy Cobalt to great success, now in a matter of weeks your team will run the Camaro. Are you excited to drive it and has your team tested at any point?



" I love my Cobalt and I will be a sad driver once it's retired. Beings that it is the oldest car in pro stock, to have won with great success is amazing. The Cagnazzi team have been working a lot of hours to get the new Camaro ready, and we are fortunate to be one of a handful of teams who build both engines and chassis in our race shop. Just before this interview took place, I received a phone call that in the next few days, our team will be in Bradeton, FLA testing the Camaro and the plan is to race it in Gainsville. I am very excited to debut it and if it is anything like the Cobalt was, I believe we have a lot to show to the competition." 



With your success in Pro Stock (4 wins in 2012, 1 win in 2013), are you hoping that young girls have aspirations of becoming a drag racer, following much the same path as you have?



" It is so exciting to see females in a male dominated sport work very hard to obtain the success they have in NHRA Drag Racing. Courtney Force and her sisters Brittany and Ashley Force Hood (2-Time US Nationals Funny car Champ) have had great success in the sport. Courtney Enders, my sister, is hard at work obtaining her Jr. Dragster license, that is exciting to see it come to fruition. There have been only a handful of women who have attempted to drive Pro Stock,  I would love to see my sister at some point in her career try apply her skills in the PS class. With all that is happening at the moment in drag racing, we are always hopeful our success not only bring in more females to join our sport but brings more fans to the grandstands to experience NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing."




Fans via twitter submitted questions, and this one comes from Melinda Girard (@LupusGirl) who asks what it felt like after making history in Chicago last season, becoming the first women in history to win in Pro Stock:




" It was the most rewarding moment in my entire life. Everything that the Cagnazzi Team and myself have worked hard for, it all came together at Route 66 Dragway at the Route 66 Nationals. It was hard not to be emotional after such a historic moment, becoming the first women to win in the history of the Pro Stock Class. All my parents' sacrifice and hard work they put in, the years in the Jr. Dragster Program, and with faith as well as the belief that you can accomplish your dreams made the win such an emotional moment for me. The best moment of my life"



We are 2 events in to the 2013 NHRA Mello Yello season, are you excited for what this season holds  for you and the Cagnazzi Team:



"It will be a long, tough year for us, hopefully we are in contention for the Pro Stock Championship, as we spoke earlier, we have our work cut out for us with the class being as close as it is, but we are very optimistic. My team performs so well under pressure, I couldn't be more prouder, excited and blessed to have such a tremendous group of individuals behind me. Hopefully, this season holds great things for us. Last year will be difficult to surpass, winning 4 times, making history, along with getting married to such a wonderful man in Ritchie. I am so excited for this season, I believe that our team is capable of winning the championship."



I take it that the marriage to Ritchie Stevens is a close second to the win in Chicago:



" Certainly getting married to my best friend Ritchie was amazing. We have been friends for nearly 7 years, and to marry my best friend was absolutely wonderful. We are also working so hard to see Ritchie return to NHRA pro stock drag racing with funds being the most difficult piece of the puzzle. It would be awesome to see a husband & wife Pro Stock Team compete against each other, but I am a very lucky girl to have such a great husband behind me."



Is Ritchie planning to compete in the ADRL league at some point this season:



" He won't be starting this American Drag Racing League season in Rockingham. (This event took place this past sunday) His team with which he won the "Battle of the Belts" is working on a brand new Mustang, as soon as that part of the equation is complete, he does plan to return to ADRL action. That is where his career started, driving big block, mountain motor cars in the IHRA and ADRL. He is one of the most talented drivers in the sport, finishing second in the ADRL Championship. But the goal is to have him back in the NHRA, to contend for the Pro Stock Title."

Winternationals feeelings after the event

It has been nearly a week since the events of February 17, 2013 occured at the O Reilly Auto Parts Winternationals in Pomona, California. The season began with such promise. Antron Brown, coming off of his historic 2012 Top Fuel Championship looking to begin the season with a win. Brittany Force, daughter of 15 x FC champ John Force joining the Top Fuel ranks along with Leah Pruett, Former NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Series Champion and Pro Mod event winner. All were looking to begin the season on a high note but what happened during the second round of Top Fuel changed the tone of the entire event.

In the second round of Top Fuel Antron Brown faced off against David Grubnic. At the start, Grubnic went into tire smoke as Brown streaked away to the victory. Just as the Matco Tools Top Fueler driver crossed the line, the engine exploded in a shower of sparks. Debris from the engine shredded both rear tires sending the car into a hard impact with the wall, tearing huge pieces of concrete from catch fencing at the top end of the track requiring extensive repairs. The car then slid down the track on its right side and into the sand trap at the top end. In all the years i've been to different races, I've not heard an impact such as I did this day. The NHRA Safety Safari Crew arrived on the scene immediately and were able to help Antron out of the car as the closed canopy did its job protecting the driver from catastrophic injuries.

Crowds as much as ten deep awaited the arrival of Antron to his garage area. When he did return, a roar of applause engulfed the garage area. The Matco Tools/DSR Team exchanged high fives and hugs with each other knowing that their driver was alright. Antron and his sense of humor was evident as he asked Crew Chief Brian Coradi to bring out a back up car. It is amazing to think that through an accident such as that, his humor was very much intact.

Much of the talk after the accident centered on mandatory use of the closed canopy as the thoughts of many swayed in different directions.  The fact that it saved the life of one of the most loved and respected Top Fuel Champions in Drag Racing History was a huge relief to many. Will it become mandatory, only time will tell. The NHRA has given Top fuel Teams the choice whether or not they choose to run their cars with a closed canopy and there is no evidence of a performance advantage. But for the simple fact that it prevented further injuries from such an accident, teams should seriously consider running their cars with it. It will save a drivers life.