SONOMA, Calif. (May 6, 2012) -- Suzuki's Blake Young benefited from an early-race mishap by Yamaha's Josh Hayes and went on to take the victory on Sunday at the Great Clips West Coast Moto Jam at Infineon Raceway.

Hayes, who won Saturday's AMA Pro National Guard SuperBike feature and was heavily favored to make it a sweep on Sunday, lost control of his bike on Lap 2 at Turn 9, opening the door for Young to take the lead and power on to victory. Hayes, who had won five of the last seven SuperBike features in Sonoma, rebounded from the mishap to take seventh place, his worst showing of the year.

"I saw Josh go down and thought 'wow,' " said Young. "I saw him moving around so I knew he was OK and I just thought’ this is the race we need.’ We had been struggling all weekend long, but the Yoshimura Suzuki guys have been working hard and we were able to put it on top of the box today."

Said Hayes, "I was just riding hard. (Teammate Josh) Herrin was right there, and I wanted to stay in front.  I rode too hard into the turn." 

Young was followed by Roger Hayden (Suzuki), Geoff May (Eric Buell Racing), Ben Bostrom (Suzuki) and Chris Fillmore (KTM). It was the third victory of the season for Young and his first at Infineon Raceway. It couldn't have come at a better time as he closed the gap to four points with series-leader Hayes (166-162).

"Josh isn't going to give it to me, we're going to have to earn it," Young said.

"Well, it puts on a better show for the championship, right?" Hayes said. "It's not what I wanted. I didn't want it to happen, but that's what it is now."

Jason DiSalvo (Triumph) posted his first win of the season by taking the checkers in Daytona SportBike. Tommy Hayden (Yamaha) was second with Antelope's Joey Pascarella (Yamaha) third. Points leader Martin Cardenas (Suzuki) suffered a late-race mishap and was well off the pace in 22nd.

It was DiSalvo's third-career win in SportBike in Sonoma; he swept the doubleheader last year.

In Motorcycle-Superstore.com SuperSport, James Rispoli (Suzuki) took the victory by just 0.411 seconds over Dustin Dominguez (Triumph) in a hotly-contested battle. Tomas Puerta (Yamaha) rounded out the top three. It was Rispoli's fourth-career SuperSport win and his second of the season. Discovery Bay's Elena Myers took 11th.

Michael Barnes took the win in both the TTXGP eGrandPrix Championship feature, as well as the Vance and Hines VR1200 main event.

2013 NASCAR HALL OF FAME NOMINEES ANNOUNCED

NASCAR Trailblazer Wendell Scott, NASCAR Matriarch France Among The 25 Eligible

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (April 11, 2012) – Determination and innovation, two qualities existing in abundance in the men and women who built NASCAR, characterize the 25 nominees for the 2013 NASCAR Hall of Fame class.

NASCAR today announced those 25 nominees for the NASCAR Hall of Fame’s fourth induction class, and included among the diverse group are five newcomers who make this list arguably the most intriguing in the hall’s history.

Of the 25 nominees, 20 return from last year’s group. Five are first-timers, and all vary in expertise: NASCAR’s first treasurer and secretary Anne Bledsoe France, engine builder and owner Ray Fox, trailblazing driver Wendell Scott, promoter and sponsor executive Ralph Seagraves and driver champion Rusty Wallace. Of those new five, two represent ‘firsts’ for the hall: Scott the first African-American nominee; France the first female nominee.

From that list, five inductees will be elected by the NASCAR Hall of Fame Voting Panel, which includes a nationwide fan vote on NASCAR.COM. Voting Day for the 2013 class will be May 23, and once again, fans can attend the announcement live at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

This round of nominees was selected by a 21-person nominating committee consisting of representatives from NASCAR, the NASCAR Hall of Fame and track owners from both major facilities and historic short tracks. The committee’s votes were tabulated by accounting firm Ernst & Young.

The NHOF’s 2013 inductees will be determined by the Voting Panel, which includes the entire Nominating Committee, media members, manufacturer representatives, retired competitors (drivers, owners, crew chiefs) and recognized industry leaders. In addition, the fan vote will result in the Voting Panel’s final ballot. Fan voting on NASCAR.COM opens today, April 11, and closes May 16 at midnight.

Following are the 25 nominees, listed alphabetically:

Buck Baker, first driver to win consecutive NASCAR premier (now Sprint Cup) series titles (1956-57)

Red Byron, first NASCAR premier (now Sprint Cup) series champion, in 1949

Richard Childress, 11-time car owner champion in NASCAR’s three national series

Jerry Cook, six-time NASCAR Modified champion

H. Clay Earles, founder of Martinsville Speedway

Tim Flock, two-time NASCAR premier (now Sprint Cup) series champion

Ray Fox, legendary engine builder and owner of cars driven by Buck Baker, Junior Johnson and others

Anne Bledsoe France, helped build the sport with husband Bill France Sr. Affectionately known as “Annie B.,” she is the first woman to be nominated for induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

Rick Hendrick, 13-time car owner champion in NASCAR’s three national series

Jack Ingram, two-time NASCAR Busch (now Nationwide) Series champion and three-time Late Model Sportsman champion

Bobby Isaac, 1970 NASCAR premier (now Sprint Cup) series champion

Fred Lorenzen, 26 wins and winner of the Daytona 500 and World 600

Cotton Owens, driver-owner, won 1966 owner championship with David Pearson

Raymond Parks, NASCAR’s first champion car owner

Benny Parsons, 1973 NASCAR premier (now Sprint Cup) series champion

Les Richter, former NASCAR executive; former president of Riverside International Raceway

Fireball Roberts, 33 NASCAR premier (now Sprint Cup) series wins, including the 1962 Daytona 500

T. Wayne Robertson, helped raise NASCAR popularity as R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company senior VP

Wendell Scott, NASCAR trailblazer was the first African-American NASCAR premier (now Sprint Cup) series race winner, and first to be nominated for induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

Ralph Seagraves, formed groundbreaking Winston-NASCAR partnership as executive with R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company

Herb Thomas, first two-time NASCAR premier (now Sprint Cup) series champion, 1951, ’53

Curtis Turner, early personality, called the “Babe Ruth of stock car racing”

Rusty Wallace, 1989 NASCAR premier (now Sprint Cup) series champion

Joe Weatherly, two-time NASCAR premier (now Sprint Cup) series champion

Leonard Wood, part-owner and former crew chief for Wood Brothers, revolutionized pit stops

Detailed information about the 25 nominees is available at NASCAR.COM and NASCARMedia.com, NASCAR’s media-only website.

The 21-person Nominating Committee follows...

NOMINATING COMMITTEE

NASCAR Hall of Fame: Executive Director Winston Kelley; Historian Buz McKim.

NASCAR Officials: Chairman/CEO Brian France; Vice Chairman Jim France; Senior Vice President Paul Brooks; President Mike Helton; Vice President of Competition Robin Pemberton; Senior Vice President of Racing Operations Steve O'Donnell; Competition Administrator Jerry Cook; former Vice President Ken Clapp.

Track Owners/Operators: International Speedway Corporation CEO Lesa Kennedy; Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell; Texas Motor Speedway President Eddie Gossage; Atlanta Motor Speedway President Ed Clark; former Indianapolis Motor Speedway President Tony George; Dover Motorsports CEO Denis McGlynn; Pocono Raceway board of director member Looie McNally; Bowman Gray Stadium operator Dale Pinilis; Riverhead Raceway operators Jim and Barbara Cromarty (1 vote); former Toyota Speedway at Irwindale operator Jim Williams; Rockford Speedway owner Jody Deery.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (Sunday, April 1, 2012) - Will Power held off Scott Dixon on a restart with 16 laps left to win the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama for the second year in a row.

Dixon, who was 3.3709 seconds behind in the No. 9 Target Chip Ganassi Racing car, has the distinction of being the race runner-up all three years (twice to Power and in the inaugural race to Helio Castroneves). He broke a tie with teammate Dario Franchitti with 27 second-place finishes on the all-time list and is one behind Castroneves.

Castroneves, the pole sitter, finished third to maintain the points lead in the young season and continue his resurgence after a disappointing 2011 season. He held off Graham Rahal in the No. 38 Service Chip Ganassi Racing car by 0.2245 of a second.

Simon Pagenaud finished fifth and James Hinchcliffe was sixth after starting on the front row for the first time in his IZOD IndyCar Series career. Mike Conway, who provided A.J. Foyt Racing its best non-oval starting position (fourth) since 2007, finished seventh.

Also on April 1, Sebastian Saavedra outpaced the 15-car field in efficient manner in the 40-lap Grand Prix of Alabama. It was the fourth victory in the series for Saavedra, driving the No. 27 Team AFS car, and first this season.

Tristan Vautier, driving the No. 77 Mazda Road to Indy/Sam Schmidt Motorsports car and the race winner at St. Pete, retained the series championship points lead by finishing second. Saavedra is eight points behind heading to the street course race at Long Beach on April 15.

Esteban Guerrieri, who started fourth in the No. 11 Pistas Argentinas/Sam Schmidt Motorsports car, advanced to claim a podium finish.

DAY 3 NOTEBOOK

Pro Football Hall of Famer Bart Starr was the grand marshal of the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama and waved the green flag to start the race.

"It was quite a thrill to be in that flagstand," the Alabama native said. "It was unique."

Before the pre-race festivities, Starr met with four-time Indianapolis 500 winner and IZOD IndyCar Series team owner A.J. Foyt. Starr won the Super Bowl with the Green Bay Packers in 1967 and Foyt won the Indy 500 three months later.

SONOMA, Calif. (March 28, 2012) — The Classic Sports Racing Group (CSRG) kicks off its 45th season at Infineon Raceway this weekend, March 31-April 1. 

Vintage car racing will take center stage in Sonoma with more than 150 vintage race cars set to grace the road course over the weekend. Fans can expect to see Sports Racing, Formula and Production Sports Cars from the 1930s through the early 1970s.  The groups will consist of many well-known marques including Ferrari, Maserati, Alfa Romeo, Porsche, Corvette and Jaguar.  

The event will feature open practice on Friday, with vintage racing slated for the 12-turn, 2.52-mile road course on Saturday and Sunday.

Gates open at 8 a.m. each day.  Admission is $25 per day or $40 for a weekend pass. Children 12 and under are admitted FREE. A portion of proceeds from the event weekend will benefit the Sonoma Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities, the charitable arm of Infineon Raceway.

CSRG returns to Infineon Raceway, Oct. 6-7, for the CSRG Charity Challenge. CSRG has contributed more than $500,000 to Sonoma County youth organizations through Speedway Children’s Charities since 2002.

For more information on the Classic Sports Racing Group, visit www.csrgracing.org.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - (March 25, 2012) - Results Sunday of the Honda Grand Prix of St Petersburg IZOD IndyCar Series event on the 1.8-mile St Petersburg Street Circuit, with order of finish, starting position in parentheses, driver, chassis-engine, laps completed and reason out (if any):

1. (5) Helio Castroneves, Dallara-Chevrolet, 100, Running
2. (6) Scott Dixon, Dallara-Honda, 100, Running
3. (3) Ryan Hunter-Reay, Dallara-Chevrolet, 100, Running
4. (4) James Hinchcliffe, Dallara-Chevrolet, 100, Running
5. (2) Ryan Briscoe, Dallara-Chevrolet, 100, Running
6. (16) Simon Pagenaud, Dallara-Honda, 100, Running
7. (1) Will Power, Dallara-Chevrolet, 100, Running
8. (12) EJ Viso, Dallara-Chevrolet, 100, Running
9. (22) Charlie Kimball, Dallara-Honda, 100, Running
10. (15) Justin Wilson, Dallara-Honda, 100, Running
11. (19) Josef Newgarden, Dallara-Honda, 100, Running
12. (10) Graham Rahal, Dallara-Honda, 100, Running
13. (9) Dario Franchitti, Dallara-Honda, 100, Running
14. (7) Marco Andretti, Dallara-Chevrolet, 99, Running
15. (17) Alex Tagliani, Dallara Lotus, 99, Running
16. (23) Oriol Servia, Dallara Lotus, 99, Running
17. (13) Rubens Barrichello, Dallara-Chevrolet, 98, Running
18. (24) Ed Carpenter, Dallara-Chevrolet, 98, Running
19. (18) JR Hildebrand, Dallara-Chevrolet, 96, Mechanical
20. (11) Mike Conway, Dallara-Honda, 75, Mechanical
21. (26) Sebastien Bourdais, Dallara Lotus, 73, Mechanical
22. (14) Takuma Sato, Dallara-Honda, 73, Mechanical
23. (25) Katherine Legge, Dallara Lotus, 59, Mechanical
24. (21) Simona de Silvestro, Dallara Lotus, 22, Mechanical
25. (8) Tony Kanaan, Dallara-Chevrolet, 21, Mechanical
26. (20) James Jakes, Dallara-Honda, 19, Contact

Race Statistics
Winners average speed: 90.113
Time of Race: 1:59:50.9863
Margin of victory: 5.5292 sec.
Cautions: 3 for 15 laps
Lead changes: 9 among 7 drivers
Lap Leaders: Power 1-11, Briscoe 12-20, Dixon 21-36, Sato 37-46, Franchitti 47, Dixon 48-68, Castroneves 69-70, Sato 71, Hildebrand 72, Castroneves 75 - 100

Point Standings:  Castroneves 50, Dixon 42, Hunter-Reay 35, Hinchcliffe 32, Briscoe 30, Pagenaud 28, Power 27, Viso 24, Kimball 22, Wilson 20.

Fans, Professional NHRA Drag Racers Compete in Sonoma for Charity

Sonoma, CA - (March 14, 2012) - Drag racing fans can go head-to-head against racers from the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series on the Infineon Raceway kart track at the 10thannual NHRA Tour de Charity.

Infineon Raceway will host the charitable event on Saturday, March 24, with all proceeds benefiting Speedway Children’s Charities. The event has raised more than $96,000 for needy youth groups in Sonoma County since its inception in 2003.

Funny Car driver Ron Capps (NAPA Auto Parts Dodge), an accomplished karter, will be one of the featured NHRA competitors at the three-quarter mile kart track. He will be joined by fellow Funny Car driver “Fast Jack” Beckman (Valvoline Dodge), who placed second in points last year.

The event is limited to 50 fans; cost is $325 and includes a full day of karting with the drivers, autographs, lunch, and the chance to compete in a 10-lap timed qualifying event for a grand prize.

“This is always a great event,” said Capps, two-time defending Sonoma Funny Car champion. “We get to race on the kart track all day, hang out with fans and raise money for charity. It’s one of my favorite events of the year.”

This will mark Capps’ seventh time participating in the event. He will compete against Beckman in a 10-lap timed race at the end of the day. Capps has been crowned “King of the Track” each time he has attended the NHRA Tour de Charity (2003, 2005-2007, 2010-2011). This will be Beckman’s second time participating in the charity event.

The Simraceway Performance Driving Center, which operates the karting center, will provide the karts, race suits, classroom instruction and on-track pointers for all competitors. There will be giveaways during the day, and the top 10 qualifiers (race fans) will compete in a 10-lap timed race at the end of day for the NHRA Experience. This package includes two tickets to the 25th NHRA Sonoma Nationals (July 27-29).

To reserve your seat in the NHRA Tour de Charity, please call 707-933-3950 or e-mail dsilver@infineonraceway.com.

NATIONAL STOCK CAR RACING APPEALS PANEL STATEMENT

Daytona Beach, FL - (March 13, 2012) - On March 13, 2012, the National Stock Car Racing Appeals Panel heard and considered the appeal of the #48 Hendrick Motorsports NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team.

The penalties concern Section 12-1 of the NASCAR Rule Book “Actions detrimental to stock car racing;” Section 12-4(J): “Any determination by NASCAR Officials that the Race Equipment used in the Event does not conform to NASCAR rules detailed in Section 20 of the NASCAR Rule Book, or has not been approved by NASCAR prior to the Event;” and Section 20-2.1(E): “If in the judgment of NASCAR Officials, any part or component of the car not previously approved by NASCAR that has been installed or modified to enhance aerodynamic performance, will not be permitted: Unapproved car body modifications.” 

This stemmed from an opening day inspection for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Daytona International Speedway on February 17, 2012.

The original penalties assessed prior to the deferral were:

• Car Owner (Jeffrey M. Gordon) – Loss of 25 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship Car Owner points;

• Car Driver (Jimmie K. Johnson) – Loss of 25 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship Driver points;

• Crew Chief (Chad A. Knaus) - $100,000.00 fine.  Suspended from the next six (6) NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship Events.  Suspended from NASCAR until April 18, 2012.  Placed on NASCAR probation until May 9, 2012. 

• Car Chief (Ron P. Malec) - Suspended from the next six (6) NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship Events.  Suspended from NASCAR until April 18, 2012.  Placed on NASCAR probation until May 9, 2012. 

Upon hearing the testimony, carefully reviewing the facts and historically comparative penalties, the unanimous decision of the National Stock Car Racing Appeals Panel was to uphold the original penalties assessed by NASCAR. 

The Appellants have the right under Section 15 of the Rule Book to appeal this decision to the National Stock Car Racing Chief Appellate Officer. 

Speedway Children’s Charities Receives Gordon Martin Award from MSPA

SONOMA, Calif. (March 8, 2012) – The Sonoma chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities (SCC) was honored with the Gordon Martin Award from the Motor Sports Press Association (MSPA) last night during the organization’s 49th annual Awards Dinner at the Blackhawk Auto Museum in Danville.

The Sonoma chapter of SCC, the charitable arm of Infineon Raceway that has distributed more than $4.1 million to Sonoma County youth groups since 2002, received the organization’s top honor in recognition of its dedication to the community and history of grants to non-profit youth organizations. 

The award, named for the late and highly influential motorsports editor of the San Francisco Chronicle, acknowledges broad contributions to motor sports.  This is the second Gordon Martin Award for the raceway in the last decade.

“This is a great honor for Speedway Children’s Charities, and we’re delighted to be recognized by the MSPA,” said Denise Silver, coordinator for the Sonoma Chapter of SCC.  “There is much need in Sonoma County, and we look forward to working even harder in 2012 to help our community.”

In addition to the Gordon Martin Award, the MSPA presented a variety of other awards on Wednesday night, including Open Wheel Racer of the Year to Sausalito’s JR Hildebrand (INDYCAR) and Road Racing Sports Car Driver of the Year to Sacramento’s Joey Hand.

The Motor Sports Press Association is a not for profit journalism organization comprised of  writers, broadcasters and photographers who cover all forms of racing in Northern California and who annually recognize the achievements of professionals in motorsports throughout the region.   

Mayhew Off To Fast Start With Dominant Victory At Phoenix

Veteran Leads Every Lap In Winning NASCAR K&N Pro Series West Opener

AVONDALE, Ariz. (March 3, 2012) – David Mayhew has his sights set on the 2012 NASCAR K&N Pro Series West championship, and he got off to a fast start as he led every lap en route to winning the Talking Stick Resort 50 Saturday at Phoenix International Raceway.

Mayhew, who split time between the series and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series last year, collected his fourth career win. It was a near perfect weekend for Mayhew, who posted the fastest lap in practice Friday and earned his seventh Coors Light Pole Award Saturday morning. In the race, he jumped out to a quick lead and held off 16-year-old Dylan Kwasniewski and Daniel Suarez for the victory.

In the process, the Atascadero, Calif., driver became the first to lock himself into the NASCAR K&N Pro Series race at the UNOH Battle At The Beach at Daytona International Speedway next February during Speedweeks 2013.

Defending race winner and series champion Greg Pursley finished fourth and Derek Thorn rounded out the top five. Rookie Carlos Iaconelli finished sixth, followed by Chad Boat, Eric Holmes, David Gilliland and DJ Kennington.

The NASCAR K&N Pro Series West will return to the track on Saturday, April 14 at Havasu (Ariz.) 95 Speedway.

UNOFFICIAL

NASCAR K&N PRO SERIES WEST-Talking Stick Resort 50 Results

Saturday At Phoenix International Raceway. Avondale AZ

Lap length: 1 mile

(Start position in parentheses)

1. (1) David Mayhew, Atascadero, CA, Chevrolet, 50 laps, 66.079 mph.

2. (4) Dylan Kwasniewski, Las Vegas, NV, Ford, 50.

3. (2) Daniel Suarez, Monterrey, Mexico, Toyota, 50.

4. (12) Greg Pursley, Newhall, CA, Ford, 50.

5. (10) Derek Thorn, Lakeport, CA, Ford, 50.

6. (3) Carlos Iaconelli, Sao Paulo, Brazil, Toyota, 50.

7. (17) Chad Boat, Phoenix, AZ, Chevrolet, 50.

8. (7) Eric Holmes, Escalon, CA, Toyota, 50.

9. (13) David Gilliland, Riverside, CA, Ford, 50.

10. (16) DJ Kennington, St Thomas, Ontario, Toyota, 50.

11. (8) Ben Kennedy, Daytona Beach, FL, Toyota, 50.

12. (20) Brett Thompson, Jerome, Idaho, Chevrolet, 50.

13. (27) Daryl Harr, Edmonton, Alberta, Chevrolet, 50.

14. (19) Travis Milburn, Eagle, ID, Toyota, 50.

15. (5) Brennan Newberry, Bakersfield, CA, Chevrolet, 50.

16. (18) Ryan Philpott, Tracy, CA, Ford, 50.

17. (9) Chase Elliott, Dawsonville, GA, Chevrolet, 49, accident.

18. (14) Michael Self, Park City, UT, Chevrolet, 49.

19. (22) Isaac Sherman, Albuquerque, NM, Toyota, 49.

20. (26) Carl Harr, Edmonton, Alberta, Chevrolet, 49.

21. (24) Brady Flaherty, Wilton, CA, Ford, 48.

22. (6) Cameron Hayley, Calgary, Alberta, Toyota, 48.

23. (23) Dylan Hutchison, Fair Oaks, CA, Chevrolet, 48.

24. (15) Jonathon Gomez, Twin Falls, ID, Chevrolet, 47.

25. (25) Trevor Cristiani, Ukiah, CA, Ford, 47.

26. (28) John Wood, Eagle, ID, Ford, 47.

27. (21) Billy Kann, Tempe, AZ, Toyota, 47.

28. (29) Justin Funkhouser, Paradise, CA, Chevrolet, 47.

29. (30) Jack Sellers, Sacramento, CA, Chevrolet, 46.

30. (11) Johnny Borneman, Ramona, CA, Chevrolet, 41, electrical.

Race Statistics

Time of Race: 45 minutes 24 seconds

Margin of Victory: 1.198 seconds

Fastest Qualifier: D.Mayhew (133.605 mph, 26.945 seconds)

Caution Flags: 1 for 3 laps.

Lead Changes: 0 among 1 drivers.

Lap Leaders: D. Mayhew 1-50.

Standings: 1. D. Mayhew, 48; 2. D. Kwasniewski, 42; 3. D. Suarez, 41; 4. G. Pursley, 40; 5. D. Thorn, 39; 6. C. Iaconelli, 38; 7. C. Boat, 37; 8. E. Holmes, 36; 9. D. Gilliland, 35; 10. D. Kennington, 34.

Raceway Hosts Matt Kenseth Press Conference on Ustream

SONOMA, Calif. (Feb. 29, 2012) – Race fans and media members are invited to watch Thursday’s live press conference from San Francisco with 2012 Daytona 500 champion Matt Kenseth on Ustream.

Kenseth (Best Buy Ford) will take part in a San Francisco Victory Tour on Thursday on-board a motorized cable car. It will begin with a ride across the scenic Golden Gate Bridge, followed by stops at world-famous Fisherman’s Wharf, where Kenseth will show-off his crab-cracking skills, and Ghirardelli Square, where Kenseth will build the “Sundae, Sundae, Sundae,” featuring his favorite flavors and toppings.

The sundae, which will be created at the Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop, will be available for race fans.

Race fans and media members can tune into the press conference that follows the Victory Tour at 11:30 a.m. (PT) by logging onto the raceway’s UStream channel at www.ustream.tv/channel/infineon-raceway-stream.

Daytona Beach, FL - (February 24, 2012) - Sunoco Rookie of the Year contender Paulie Harraka and the Phyzix Synthetics team persevered after a lap 17 accident to finish in the 19th-place position in the NEXTERA Energy 250 in their NASCAR Camping World Truck Series debut at Daytona International Speedway Friday, February 24th.

Harraka placed the No. 5 Ford F-150 in the 14th-place position on the grid for the start of the 100-lap, 250-mile NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season opener. 

From the start of the race the truck looked to be a contender in the event running solidly in the front drafting pack.  On lap 17 Harraka moved up making it three-wide on the track when  the air was taken off the back of the No. 5 Wauters Motorsports truck, breaking the rear loose, turning Harraka sideways, and collecting two other race trucks causing heavy damage to the Ford F-150.

The team was vigilant, returning to pit road under cautions to fix the damage of the Wauters Motorsports Ford, and received the free pass award to try to keep close to the lead lap.  The team’s work and Harraka’s efforts to stay out of the melee of accidents late in the race on the 2.5-mile Superspeedway paid off, positioning the team in the 19th-place position when the race concluded on the third attempt of a green/white/checkered finish.

Despite the multiple stops to repair the damage on the race truck, Harraka and Wauters Motorsports locked up some impressive statistics, according to NASCAR Loop Statistics.  Harraka is listed as fourth on the “closers” list by improving 11 positions in the last 10-percent of the race, had seven of the fastest laps on the racetrack, and ranking first on the number of laps where driver had the fastest speed during the 64 green flag laps in the race.

“We proved that we are fast and that we will be a contender all year long,”  Paulie Harraka said. “While the end result is certainly not what we’re looking for, I believe we have a lot of great takeaways from this debut. I’m already looking forward to Martinsville.”

The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series has a hiatus moving to the short track, Martinsville Speedway for the second of 22 series races in the 2012 season on March 31, 2012.

For more information on Wauters Motorsports and Paulie Harraka please visit www.WautersMotorsports.com, Twitter: @WautersMotors5, Facebook: Wauters Motorsports, www.PaulieHarraka.net, Twitter: @PaulieHarraka and Facebook: Paul Harraka.

By Jeannie Broussal

Daytona Beach, FL - (February 18, 2012) - NASCAR Camping World Truck Series rookie driver Paulie Harraka raced his first ARCA race Saturday, the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 at Daytona International Speedway.  It was also Harraka's debut on the 2.5 mile world famous high-banked track.  The Duke University senior teamed up with Venturini Motorsports for a single race.

Harraka qualified 36th in the No. 55 Country Music Artist Jaclyn North Toyota. He did some remarkable driving and steadily moved up through the field.  By lap 72, Harraka was in eighth position.  The teams strategy was to go with No. 5 Bobby Gerhart and they had set themselves up right behind him. 

Then the unexpected happened.  Harraka was hit hard in the rear by the car behind him which sent Harraka into the back of Gerhart's car.  When all was said and done, Harraka's car was sent spinning into the infield.  He was able to get back out and eventually finished 26th.

"We were at the wrong place at the wrong time," Harraka said after the race.  "That's racing."

"For me the ARCA race was about getting tuned up for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race next Friday.  Of course I always want to win, but my goal for the ARCA race was to get through it in one piece and move on to the truck race," Harraka said.

He went on to talk about racing at Daytona for the first time.  "It was a lot of fun.  It is something every race car driver dreams of doing.  To have always looked at those high banks and then to actually get to drive them was fantastic," he said.

As for his truck series debut Harraka said, "I am very excited for the truck race.  I'm stoked, especially after getting some experience on the track on Saturday."  Harraka will be racing the No. 5 Ford truck for the newly formed Wauters Motorsports, with Richie Wauters as his crew chief

Harraka is a former Drive-for-Diversity driver and the 2008 NASCAR Late Model champion at All American Speedway in Roseville, CA, with a record-breaking 11 wins during the season.  He began racing in the NASCAR K&N West Series in 2009, where he racked up three wins.  He's been rookie-of-the-year in both the NASCAR Whelen All American Series and the NASCAR K&N Pro West Series.  Harraka spent a lot of time in Roseville while racing in the NASCAR Whelen All American Late Model series for Bill McAnally in Antelope, CA, and raced at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma two times in the K&N series.

For a first time ARCA Series driver along with this race being his first time racing at Daytona, Harraka did one heck of a job.

Harraka will make his debut in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series on Friday, February 24 in the NextEra Energy Resources 250 race at Daytona. The race will be covered live on the SPEED channel beginning with qualifying at 1:00 p.m. PT., and the green flag is set to drop at 4:30 pm PT.

Harraka is an ambassador for Childhelp, a national non-profit organization that works with abused, neglected, and children at risk.  If you would like to contribute in some way to this organization or for more information about Childhelp go to:  http://www.childhelp.org/.  For more information about Harraka go to: www.paulieharraka.com or http://www.nascar.com/series/truck/.

POMONA, Calif. – (February 11, 2012) - Morgan Lucas raced to the No. 1 qualifying position in Top Fuel Saturday as rain shortened qualifying at the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals presented by Super Start Batteries at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona.   

Robert Hight and Jason Line also were No. 1 qualifiers in their respective categories at the first of 23 races in the 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing season. NHRA officials were forced to cancel the final qualifying session when persistent rain showers moved into the Pomona area in the afternoon.

Lucas powered his GEICO / Lucas Oil dragster to a 3.783-second run at 325.06 mph to take the top spot in the field as teams took advantage of cooler track and air temperatures. It was Lucas’ fifth No. 1 qualifier of his career and first at the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals, where he raced to the Top Fuel victory one year ago.

“We’ve made some good runs in the past, but I’ve never driven a car like this one,” Lucas said. “The way it drives and the way it steers is so nice it’s crazy. To start the year like this is tremendous. We found two really good guys with our crew chiefs Aaron (Brooks) and Rod (Centorbi) that have shown what our core group is capable of.”

Lucas will face Rod Fuller in Sunday’s 11 a.m. eliminations. Tony Schumacher, a six-time winner at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, qualified sixth, while 2011 NHRA Top Fuel world champion runner-up Spencer Massey qualified second in the field.

In Funny Car, Hight also took advantage of the cool conditions and drove his Auto Club Ford Mustang to the top of the field with a run of 4.060 at 316.52 to take his third No. 1 qualifier at this event and 40th of his career.

“It’s amazing how things can change so fast,” Hight said. “We went in this morning not qualified and ended up going to the No. 1 spot. We lost a run the first run here; it broke a blower drive shaft. We put that behind us, but we went out the next run, and it shook. So there were big, big decisions today. The temperature dropped, and the track got even better. I would have liked to have gotten another run. Jimmy (Prock, crew chief) looked at the run, and he thought we would have run better.”

Hight will line up against rookie Todd Lesenko in the first round of eliminations. Hight’s teammate, Courtney Force, who is making her Funny Car debut at this event, qualified 12th. Defending Funny Car world champion Matt Hagan qualified ninth in the field, while 14-time Auto Club Raceway at Pomona winner John Force qualified sixth.

Pro Stock defending world champion Jason Line continued his success from 2011 by racing to the top spot in the category. Line’s run in his Summit Racing Pontiac GXP of 6.535 at 212.23 was strong enough to give the defending event winner his third No. 1 qualifier at Pomona and 25th of his career.

“We finally made a better run today,” Line said. “There’s more left, and we’re struggling a little bit with Greg’s (Anderson, teammate) car right now, but it’s good that we made a solid run with at least one of our cars. We didn’t test much this winter because we’ll be taking delivery on our new Camaros at about the time of the Atlanta race. It’s tough at the first of the year without much testing, but we were able to pick up where we left off from last year.”

Line will face Grace Howell in the first round of eliminations Sunday while Line’s teammate Anderson qualified fifth in the field. Four-time Pro Stock world champion Jeg Coughlin qualified 14th for his first event back after sitting out the 2011 season.

SUNDAY'S FIRST-ROUND PAIRINGS

POMONA, Calif. – (February 11, 2012) - Sunday's first-round pairings for professional eliminations for the 52nd annual O'Reilly NHRA Winternationals presented by Super Start Batteries at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, the first of 23 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series.  Pairings based on results in qualifying, which ended Saturday. DNQs listed below pairings.

Top Fuel -- 1. Morgan Lucas, 3.783 seconds, 325.06 mph  vs. 16. Rod Fuller, 9.343, 294.05; 2. Spencer Massey, 3.820, 325.14  vs. 15. Steve Faria, 4.302, 266.11; 3. Bob Vandergriff, 3.832, 322.65  vs. 14. Terry McMillen, 4.126, 314.09; 4. Antron Brown, 3.833, 322.81  vs. 13. Cory McClenathan, 4.025, 310.13; 5. Brandon Bernstein, 3.836, 314.90  vs. 12. David Grubnic, 3.895, 315.42; 6. Tony Schumacher, 3.837, 321.42  vs. 11. Doug Kalitta, 3.887, 314.53; 7. Khalid alBalooshi, 3.838, 321.42  vs. 10. Clay Millican, 3.884, 309.34; 8. Shawn Langdon, 3.841, 322.50 vs. 9. Steve Torrence, 3.850, 318.39.

Did Not Qualify: 17. Troy Buff, 14.667, 39.74; 18. Steven Chrisman, broke.

Funny Car -- 1. Robert Hight, Ford Mustang, 4.060, 316.52  vs. 16. Todd Lesenko, Chevy Impala, 4.306, 277.03; 2. Jack Beckman, Dodge Charger, 4.068, 315.71  vs. 15. Bob Bode, Impala, 4.244, 295.08; 3. Johnny Gray, Charger, 4.098, 313.15  vs. 14. Tim Wilkerson, Mustang, 4.226, 291.45; 4. Mike Neff, Mustang, 4.103, 309.77  vs. 13. Tony Pedregon, Impala, 4.200, 291.51; 5. Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 4.109, 309.34  vs. 12. Courtney Force, Mustang, 4.199, 307.44; 6. John Force, Mustang, 4.126, 312.28  vs. 11. Alexis DeJoria, Toyota Camary, 4.198, 300.40; 7. Jeff Arend, Toyota Solara, 4.139, 304.32  vs. 10. Gary Densham, Charger, 4.155, 303.71; 8. Ron Capps, Charger, 4.144, 305.70  vs. 9. Matt Hagan, Charger, 4.154, 310.91.

Did Not Qualify: 17. Cruz Pedregon, 4.313, 254.95; 18. Jim Head, 4.387, 274.78; 19. Jack Wyatt, 4.490, 275.73; 20. James Day, broke.

Pro Stock -- 1. Jason Line, Pontiac GXP, 6.535, 212.23  vs. 16. Grace Howell, Ford Mustang, 7.486, 207.43; 2. Mike Edwards, GXP, 6.545, 211.86  vs. 15. V. Gaines, Dodge Avenger, 6.688, 208.78; 3. Ronnie Humphrey, GXP, 6.548, 211.96  vs. 14. Jeg Coughlin, Avenger, 6.637, 209.20; 4. Allen Johnson, Avenger, 6.548, 211.39  vs. 13. Erica Enders, Chevy Cobalt, 6.597, 209.43; 5. Greg Anderson, GXP, 6.556, 211.49  vs. 12. Larry Morgan, Mustang, 6.593, 210.50; 6. Vincent Nobile, Avenger, 6.569, 210.97  vs. 11. Greg Stanfield, GXP, 6.588, 209.56; 7. Rodger Brogdon, GXP, 6.570, 210.50  vs. 10. Kurt Johnson, GXP, 6.587, 209.92; 8. Shane Gray, GXP, 6.571, 210.18  vs. 9. Ron Krisher, GXP, 6.586, 210.67.

Did Not Qualify: 17. Warren Johnson, 7.554, 208.20; 18. Steve Kent, 13.688, 51.54.

TASCA, LUCAS AND EDWARDS RACE TO TOP QUALIFYING SPOTS AFTER DAY TWO OF THE O’REILLY AUOT PARTS NHRA WINTERNATIONALS

POMONA, Calif. – (February 10, 2012) - Bob Tasca raced to the provisional No. 1 qualifying position in  Funny Car action Friday at the 52nd annual O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals presented by Super Start Batteries at Auto Club Raceway in Pomona.

Morgan Lucas (Top Fuel) and Mike Edwards (Pro Stock) also raced to the provisional top qualifying spot in their respective categories at the season opening race of the 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series.

Tasca drove his MotorCraft/Quick Lane Ford Shelby Mustang to the provisional No. 1 position with a 4.109 second pass at 309.34 mph during Friday’s qualifying efforts. If it holds, it would be Tasca’s third career No. 1 qualifying position.

“That 4.10, based on what everyone else ran, was pretty impressive,” Tasca said. “I tell ya, it wasn’t much of an off-season for us. We tested a week in December and another week-plus in January, so we probably have 50 runs on that Motorcraft/Quick Lane car. We were disappointed with how we finished the season last year, so we dug deep this off-season and made some great runs in testing, and it’s always nice to translate into a race-day tune-up.”

Defending Top Fuel event winner Morgan Lucas ran the quickest Top Fuel lap during Friday’s qualifying efforts with a 3.835 second pass at 316.38 mph but it was the GEICO/Lucas Oil dragster’s pass of 3.832 seconds at 320.28 mph Thursday that earned him the provisional top spot heading into Saturday.

“To be honest, I’m as shocked as anybody that we’re still low with a 3.83,” said Lucas. “Our run today was pretty similar to what we did yesterday other than that it dropped a cylinder down track. I have to sing the praises of my guys. Since Aaron [Brooks, crew chief] and Rod [Centorbi, assistant crew chief] came over this winter, we adopted the motto ‘If it’s not perfect, it’s not right.’ The way the car is running is a reward for the hard work and extra hours they put in.”

In Friday Pro Stock action, no one was able to out run Edwards’ 6.545 second pass at 211.86 mph from Thursday in his Penhall/Interstate Batteries Pontiac GXP. Edwards’s pass of 6.571 seconds at 211.53 mph Friday wasn’t exactly what the team wanted but tomorrow’ forecast calls for much better conditions. If he holds on to the top spot it would be his 41st of his career and fifth at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona.

 “Our car made a hard move out of the groove right off the starting line in the right lane,” said Edwards. “The 60-foot time was about the same as yesterday, but leaving crooked scrubbed off some E.T. If the conditions are good for Saturday morning’s first session, everybody should pick up and I think that it’s going to take a 6.52 to end up with the No. 1 qualifying spot.”

Qualifying at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona will wrap up with two qualifying sessions Saturday at 11 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. Eliminations will begin Sunday at 11 a.m.

FRIDAY'S RESULTS

POMONA, Calif. -- (February 10, 2012) - Friday's results after the first two of four rounds of qualifying for the 52nd annual O'Reilly NHRA Winternationals presented by Super Start Batteries at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, first of 23 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series. Qualifying will continue Saturday for Sunday's final eliminations.

Top Fuel -- 1. Morgan Lucas, 3.832 seconds, 320.28 mph; 2. Tony Schumacher, 3.837, 321.42; 3. Khalid alBalooshi, 3.845, 318.47; 4. Bob Vandergriff, 3.854, 320.58; 5. Shawn Langdon, 3.857, 322.50; 6. Steve Torrence, 3.857, 318.39; 7. Brandon Bernstein, 3.865, 314.90; 8. Spencer Massey, 3.866, 320.20; 9. Antron Brown, 3.882, 311.70; 10. Clay Millican, 3.884, 309.34; 11. Doug Kalitta, 3.887, 314.53; 12. David Grubnic, 3.895, 315.42.  Not Qualified: 13. Terry McMillen, 3.935, 314.09; 14. Rod Fuller, 3.943, 294.05; 15. Cory McClenathan, 3.968, 310.13; 16. Steven Chrisman, 4.436, 204.57; 17. Steve Faria, 6.362, 97.05; 18. Troy Buff, 13.657, 39.74.

Funny Car -- 1. Bob Tasca III, Ford Mustang, 4.109, 309.34; 2. Jack Beckman, Dodge Charger, 4.139, 308.14; 3. Matt Hagan, Charger, 4.154, 310.91; 4. Johnny Gray, Charger, 4.158, 307.23; 5. Gary Densham, Charger, 4.175, 303.71; 6. John Force, Mustang, 4.185, 302.89; 7. Alexis DeJoria, Toyota Camary, 4.198, 300.40; 8. Courtney Force, Mustang, 4.199, 307.09; 9. Tim Wilkerson, Mustang, 4.226, 291.45; 10. Bob Bode, Chevy Impala, 4.244, 295.08; 11. Tony Pedregon, Impala, 4.253, 291.51; 12. Cruz Pedregon, Toyota Solara, 4.313, 254.95.  Not Qualified: 13. Mike Neff, 4.323, 309.77; 14. Ron Capps, 4.344, 242.15; 15. Jack Wyatt, 4.444, 257.58; 16. Jim Head, 5.021, 163.91; 17. Todd Lesenko, 5.133, 152.45; 18. Robert Hight, 6.371, 105.36; 19. Jeff Arend, 7.551, 87.60; 20. James Day, 8.823, 78.29.

Pro Stock -- 1. Mike Edwards, Pontiac GXP, 6.545, 211.86; 2. Ronnie Humphrey, GXP, 6.548, 211.96; 3. Allen Johnson, Dodge Avenger, 6.548, 211.39; 4. Jason Line, GXP, 6.550, 212.19; 5. Greg Anderson, GXP, 6.556, 211.49; 6. Vincent Nobile, Avenger, 6.569, 210.97; 7. Rodger Brogdon, GXP, 6.570, 210.41; 8. Shane Gray, GXP, 6.571, 210.11; 9. Kurt Johnson, GXP, 6.587, 209.92; 10. Larry Morgan, Ford Mustang, 6.593, 210.50; 11. Ron Krisher, GXP, 6.595, 210.67; 12. Greg Stanfield, GXP, 6.620, 209.39.  Not Qualified: 13. Jeg Coughlin, 6.673, 209.01; 14. Grace Howell, 6.680, 207.43; 15. Warren Johnson, 6.721, 208.20; 16. V. Gaines, 7.182, 206.07; 17. Erica Enders, 12.819, 69.06; 18. Steve Kent, 19.142, 43.76.

MEDLEN RETURNS TO JFR AS DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY AND SAFETY

YORBA LINDA, Calif. (January 31, 2012) – John Medlen, who won an NHRA Funny Car championship as crew chief to Tony Pedregon, helped design and develop the BOSS 500 Ford nitro motor and served as the “safety conscience” for drag racing after the tragic death of his son, Eric, confirmed Tuesday that he will return to JFR in the new capacity of Director of Technology and Safety.

“I found out John Medlen became available over the weekend and I offered him a job to come back to work with us on safety. He is a leader in safety. I always wanted John Medlen back because he is like family. I am excited to have him back in our brain-trust. He will start immediately and he will get to work with the other crew chiefs building on a lot of the safety ideas we have worked on over the winter. We had a strong test session but we need to keep working on ideas and projects throughout the season. That is what Medlen will do for us,” said John Force, JFR CEO.

Medlen, who left JFR in 2010 when the economic downturn forced team owner John Force to park the Ford Mustang in which Mike Neff earned 2008 Rookie-of-the-Year recognition, will oversee an expanding research-and-development program designed to insure the team’s overall success and safety for years to come. He will also work with Ford Racing engineers to continue to develop the BOSS 500 engine.

“I’m thrilled to be back here at John Force Racing. This is truly a family environment and I have missed it. From the time I walked in the door, everything has been the same,” said John Medlen. “The people, the hospitality; nothing has changed. We’re all looking forward to a great year racing four Funny Cars and going for that championship. I’m excited to be here and have the opportunity to be back in the family.”

Appropriately, the 61-year-old veteran will work from within The Eric Medlen Project, a research and safety initiative founded and funded by John Force following the 2007 testing accident that claimed the life of one of the sport’s rising young stars.  The Eric Medlen Project is housed in JFR’s massive midwest shop facility in Brownsburg, Ind.

A talented designer and machinist, Medlen not only spearheaded the BOSS 500 engine program but also was instrumental in helping to develop the three-rail chassis to which the team converted its Ford Mustangs in 2008.

 “Few people will ever know of the many engineering contributions that John Medlen has made to drag racing,” said JFR senior crew chief Bernie Fedderly.  “He was the real ‘mad scientist’ in our group.  I don’t think there’s anything he can’t build.”

A self-taught engineer, Medlen plied his trade as crew chief for Don “the Snake” Prudhomme and Chuck Etchells, among others, before briefly working as General Manager of Callies Crankshafts, Inc., in Fostoria Ohio.  He was lured back to drag racing when Force offered him the chance to run a R&D team in 1996.

The result of that collaboration with driver Pedregon was a second place finish behind Force.  The team finished second two other times before winning the 2003 championship.  When Pedregon left the team, Eric Medlen, an aspiring rodeo cowboy and mechanic on Force’s Castrol GTX Ford, was given an opportunity to race with his dad.

Medlen’s mechanical aptitude first was recognized by Bill Dyer, a high school shop teacher in Lodi, Calif.  At Dyer’s suggestion, Medlen read everything he could about motors, engineering and machinery and, by the time he graduated from high school, he could disassemble and reassemble virtually anything with moving parts.

By the time he was 20, he owned his own machine shop and, by the time he turned 26, he had transformed a thriving automobile repair business into a custom parts fabrication facility that served his racing interests and those of his closest friends.

Mooresville, NC (January 25, 2012) - Veteran NASCAR crew chief Richie Wauters takes the leap into NASCAR Camping World Truck Series team ownership forming Wauters Motorsports which in 2012 will be driven by Sunoco Rookie of the Year contender Paulie Harraka.

Wauters' career began at tracks around his hometown Green Bay, Wis. and quickly moved into the NASCAR Touring Series.  Wauters crewed successful NASCAR Sprint Cup teams with drivers Kenny Wallace, Elliott Sadler, Robert Pressley and Jeff Green.

Wauters, in his tenure as a crew chief in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, led teams to 18 victories from 2004-2010 with drivers Shane Hmiel, Kyle Busch and Aric Almirola.

"It is something I thought about for awhile," Richie Wauters said of his decision to become a team owner. "I had the opportunity to buy some trucks and have a great driver headlining the team. It hasn't been a difficult transition so far and we are really excited about the season. The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series is very competitive and I'm certain Paulie and the guys on this team will be right in the thick of that competition."

Former NASCAR Drive for Diversity driver Harraka will take the wheel of the Ford F150 Camping World truck. Most recently, Harraka posted three victories in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West. Harraka, a senior at Duke University, has also scored the Championship in NASCAR's Whelen All-American Series, and posted two different NASCAR Rookie of the Year titles: NASCAR Whelen All American Series and NASCAR Camping World Series West (Now K&N Pro Series West).

Harraka is finishing up his final semester at Duke University, and his graduation will make him part of a very small group of NASCAR drivers with their college degrees. Harraka has focused his education on "anything that can help me in racing; engineering, leadership, finance, you name it. I've challenged myself at Duke to become a completely differentiated NASCAR driver." Harraka said.

"Having the opportunity to jump into the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series is an opportunity I've worked for since I was 7 years old," Harraka said. "I am fortunate to see it coming to fruition. To be doing so with a championship crew chief like Richie Wauters and with the team he's assembled is exciting. I'm the kind of driver that will put in whatever time, effort or work that is needed to win races, and I know that Richie is the same kind of crew chief. Together, we'll hold nothing back, and that makes me confident that we'll find the winner's circle in short order."

The Wauters Motorsports F150 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will be utilizing Doug Yates and Roush Racing Engines in their debut at Daytona International Speedway for the running of the NEXTERA Energy Resources 250, Friday, Feb. 24th.

NASCAR’s Brian France Says ‘Sport Is In A Very Good Place’

Industry To Build On 2011 Success, Introduce EFI, Restore Pack Racing

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 26, 2012) — NASCAR and its stakeholders intend to build on the success of 2011 as the new season begins with the Feb. 26 Daytona 500 and other Speedweeks events at Daytona International Speedway.

In his State of NASCAR remarks delivered during the NASCAR Sprint Media Tour hosted by Charlotte Motor Speedway on Thursday, NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France said, “The sport is in a very good place and we’re going to work even harder to achieve the very best things for the sport of NASCAR well into the future.”

France pointed to initiatives begun a year ago – a simplified points structure in all three national series and a “Wild Card” twist in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup™ that placed a greater emphasis on race victories – which culminated in what France called “a championship battle that will be talked about for decades to come.”

While the 2012 season will be one of continuity rather than major change, NASCAR will introduce electronic fuel injection into the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and implement rules designed to restore traditional “pack racing” at Daytona International Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway.

“We have had a breathtaking number of close finishes at those tracks, but the fans want a mixture of styles including a return to a more traditional ‘pack racing’ and that close side-by-side competition that’s unique to Talladega and Daytona,” France said. “NASCAR and the teams are working hard on this and based on the test earlier this month, we’re encouraged that we’re making progress.”

France also said the sanctioning body continues to operate on a more collaborative method of maintaining and growing the industry by taking into consideration the thoughts and needs of teams, tracks, media partners and especially its fans. “The goal of this effort is to help us better serve our great fans, grow our audience and ensure that our sport stays relevant, vibrant and highly-valuable to sponsors and other partners critical to the health of NASCAR,” said France.

“The industry has never been more united in growing the sport.”

France said the organization is “very encouraged” by increased television ratings across its three national series – NASCAR Sprint Cup, NASCAR Nationwide and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. He also pointed to attendance gains at a number of venues. “While we are still in a tough economic climate that is still difficult, we are pleased with some positive steps we saw last year,” he said.

France and Robin Pemberton, NASCAR’s vice president, competition and racing development, touched on how EFI and the introduction in 2013 of re-styled NASCAR Sprint Cup cars from Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford and Toyota will make the sport more relevant to manufacturers and technology companies.

“EFI excites the manufacturers and technology companies,” said France, responding to questioning about NASCAR’s embrace of technology. “To attract new companies (to the sport), we’ve had to take a little different view of that.”

Ford earlier this week unveiled its 2013 Fusion prototype with the other OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) to follow in the near future. A closed test of the cars is scheduled early next month with additional testing to follow before final specifications are drawn.

“This is certainly a milestone in our sport,” said Pemberton. “We’ve worked very closely with the manufacturers on the new car and the four new models are simply outstanding.

“I think the fans are going to love them and it is going to be such a positive step in helping our race cars become more and more relevant with our fans past, present and future.”

Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood previewed next month’s 54th Annual Daytona 500 (Feb. 26 at 1 p.m. ET on FOX, MRN Radio, SiriusXM Satellite Radio). He and his staff are committed to building on the enthusiasm of the 2011 season – and last year’s race that made 20-year-old winner Trevor Bayne a household name.

“We kicked off the (2011) season with energy and enthusiasm and that’s our goal for this year,” said Chitwood. “We want to produce that kind of event again.”

Daytona’s season begins Saturday with the running of the 50th Annual Rolex 24. The twice-round-the-clock race, most of which can be seen live on SPEED beginning at 3:30 p.m. ET, kicks off the 2012 GRAND-AM Rolex Series campaign.

Thursday’s event at the NASCAR Hall of Fame also introduced the 2012 Drive for Diversity class which will compete in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East and at selected NASCAR Whelen All-America Series tracks for Rev Racing.

They are Jorge Arteaga, 25, Aguascalientes, Mexico; Mackena Bell, 21, Carson City, Nev.; Trey Gibson, 19, Easley, S.C.; Ryan Gifford, 22, Winchester, Tenn.; Kyle Larson, 19, Elk Grove, Calif.; and Bryan Ortiz, 22, Bayamon, Puerto Rico.

Sacramento, CA - (Janurary 24, 2012) - StevenBlakesley.com has officially launched on January 23, 2012 as the newest website to cover motorsports from the West Coast.  The last two seasons saw us cover racing news on a site branded as RACELINE on the Blakesley Sports Media corporate site.  Earlier this year, we decided to separate the two websites and begin a journey to bring professional news coverage to short track racing primarily on the West Coast.  This level of coverage is customary on the East Coast with numerous websites offering a web-magazine type format.

The all-new StevenBlakesley.com will have feature stories, headlines from across the country, quick news, as well as audio, video, and photo content.  The site will serve as a portal to the motorsports world as seen through our lense with a West Coast focus.  The near live updates that have became a mainstay of RACELINE will continue onto StevenBlakesley.com as well.

We also plan to have a heavy emphasis on social media to provide the most up-to-date news and information on the short track racing you love.  There is much more to come from this website, so consider this the "soft launch" of our all-new concept.

Our parent company Blakesley Sports Media will continue to offer PR, marketing, and graphic design services to the motorsports world, and I will again be announcing races in 2012 throughout the West Coast.

Thanks for visiting and we look forward to the 2012 season!

SONOMA, Calif. (Jan. 18, 2012) —Race fans who have dreamed about taking a heart-pounding lap around the Infineon Raceway road course or getting a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the stars of NASCAR during the Toyota/Save Mart 350 can make those dreams a reality in 2012.

If all-access and value is what you crave, then Infineon Raceway’s 2012 Track Pass is the ticket package for you.

You‘ll secure the best seats for all seven major events during the 2012 Big O Tires Racing Season, including NASCAR (June 22-24), NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing (July 27-29), IZOD IndyCar® Series (Aug. 24-26), the U.S. debut of the FIA World Touring Car Championship (Sept. 21-23), motorcycles, historic car racing and more. But that’s just the beginning.

Here are all the extra benefits:

• VIP Lot 2 Parking Pass for all events

• Exclusive hot lap track day

• NASCAR Pre-Race Pit & Track Pass

• INDYCAR Garage/Pit/Pre-Race Pass

• NHRA Thunder Alley Pass

• FREE bonus tickets

• Additional ticket discounts

• Unused ticket exchange benefits

• Save $20 on track apparel and gifts

• Your account name can appear on every ticket!

The Track Pass is valued at more than $1,000, but the raceway is selling them for just $425.  That’s a savings of more than 50-percent.

“This has got to be the best value in entertainment, not just motorsports,” said San Francisco’s John Lewis, a Track Pass holder since 2000.  “I really like being exposed to other forms of racing that I would never have experienced were it not for the season tickets, and the VIP parking alone is worth the price.”

A limited number of Lot 2 parking passes are available, so purchase early to ensure your VIP parking spot.  There is a limit of one parking pass per account with the purchase of up to four Track Passes.  Purchases of six or more Track Passes are eligible for one parking pass per pair of tickets.

To find out more about the 2012 Track Pass, please contact the Infineon Raceway Ticket Office directly at 800-870-RACE (7223), Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m., via live chat through infineonraceway.com or by email at tickets@infineonraceway.com.

‘John’s March Against Gastric Cancer’ Raises $15,000 for Gastric Cancer Fund

SONOMA, Calif. (Jan. 10, 2012) – Engines were replaced by marching feet on Saturday, Jan. 7, at Infineon Raceway as more than 400 people turned out for the first "John's March Against Gastric Cancer" fundraiser.

The event was held in honor of John Cardinale, a long-time employee at Infineon Raceway who was diagnosed with gastric cancer in February, 2011. Cardinale led the march of 425 people around the 12-turn, 2.52-mile road course at the event, which generated $15,000. All funds will go to the Gastric Cancer Fund (www.gastriccancer.org).

"I was deeply honored that so many people came out for this event," said Cardinale, vice president of marketing and communications at Infineon Raceway. "We not only raised quite a bit of money for gastric cancer research but I believe we really raised awareness to this terrible disease. I can't wait for next year's event."

Participants in the march ranged from competitive runners to families, including children on bikes and strollers, and even a few four-legged friends.

“This cause is so close to my heart, and it’s amazing to have a great event to support this need,” said Novato’s Judy Riccio, who lost her husband John to gastric cancer in 2008.  “When I lost my husband, they didn’t know much about this disease, but it’s amazing what progress they’ve made in three years.  It felt good to be here today, and I felt that every step I was taking was getting us closer to a cure.  It gives me hope.”

The Gastric Cancer Fund is the first organization dedicated to helping fight gastric (stomach) cancer. Although gastric cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, it is one of the most underfunded forms of cancer research. Through education, research, support and advocacy, the organization is dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by gastric cancer.

“I’m really honored to be here and to be associated with this event,” said JP Gallagher, founder and chairman of the board of the Gastric Cancer Fund.  “I’m grateful to John and everyone at Infineon Raceway for all they’ve done not only for John, but for Gastric Cancer research and for our organization. Without their support we wouldn’t be able to do what we’re doing today, so I’m incredibly grateful and inspired and really honored to be here.”

Each participant received a T-shirt and enjoyed light refreshments, provided by Levy Restaurants, following the march. 

Donations can still be made in honor of this event at https://secure3.convio.net/jimmyv/site/Donation2?1400.donation=form1&df_id=1400.  Please be sure to note that this gift is in honor of “John’s March Against Gastric Cancer.”  For more information about the Gastric Cancer Fund, go to www.gastriccancer.org.

Join "John's March Against Gastric Cancer" at Infineon Raceway

SONOMA, California — (January 9, 2012) - Cancer picked the wrong guy, and now that man will lead the charge in a charitable fundraiser at Infineon Raceway.

John Cardinale, a long-time employee at Infineon Raceway, was diagnosed with gastric cancer in March, 2011, and he will lead the " John’s March Against Gastric Cancer" on Saturday, Jan. 7, at the raceway.

This unique fundraiser offers the public a chance to help raise funds for the Gastric Cancer Fund (www.gastriccancer.org) and enjoy a symbolic “march” around the raceway’s 12-turn, 2-52-mile road course.

The Gastric Cancer Fund is the first organization dedicated to helping fight gastric (stomach) cancer. Although gastric cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, it is one of the most underfunded forms of cancer research. Through education, research, support and advocacy, the organization is dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by gastric cancer.

"I'm happy to lead the charge in the battle against gastric cancer and bring some much-needed awareness to the disease," said Cardinale, vice president of marketing, communications and community relations at the raceway. "At the same time, I'm hoping we can raise funds for further research so that we can better understand and attack this disease."

The public can participate in the event for a suggested minimum donation of $40, which will include the chance to walk/run a lap around the 2.52-mile road course. A shorter, less hilly course will also be available for those who cannot complete the 2.52 miles.

Each participant will receive a T-shirt and light refreshments following the march, including water, fruit slices and other items. The raceway’s Wine Country Winner's Circle will also be available for those who want to take pictures before/after the march.

Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the march will begin at 10 a.m. No advance donation/registration are required; just show up the day of the event. Please note: only cash and checks will be accepted. Checks should be made payable to The V Foundation and mention "Gastric Cancer Fund" in the memo line.

Those who cannot attend the event are still encouraged to make a donation to the Gastric Cancer Fund. Donations can be mailed to John Cardinale, Infineon Raceway, Highways 37 & 121, Sonoma, CA 95476. Checks should be made payable to The V Foundation and mention "Gastric Cancer Fund" in the memo line. Donations can also be made online athttps://secure3.convio.net/jimmyv/site/Donation2?1400.donation=form1&df_id=1400. Please be sure to note that this gift is in honor of “John’s March Against Gastric Cancer.”

For more information on the event, please contact Diana Brennan at dbrennan@infineonraceway.com or 707-933-3918.

LINCOLN, CALIFORNIA (December 21, 2011) – Newly crowned eight-time USAC champion Tony Hunt of Lincoln, CA will try to add to an international win to his resume, as he will compete at Ultimate Raceway in Vereeniging, South Africa on January 7.  Hunt will be one of two Americans traveling to compete in winged 410 sprints on the quarter-mile paved oval track.

The 55-time USAC feature winner will face off against the best racers South Africa has to offer as part of the “Ultimate Sprint Car Series”.  But his chief competition may come from Ohio’s Brian Lay.  Lay is an accomplished racer from the Auto Value Super Sprints and won in South Africa in 2010.

Hunt rarely slows down during the off-season, traveling throughout the United States for various stunt driving and driving school jobs when not aboard the Mike Phulps-owned #56 Metal Works / Ebay Motors Schwanke powered Beast in the USAC Western Sprint Car Series.

Hunt will drive for local car owner and track operator Kallie Newman in a car that was formerly owned by California car owner Alan Kaiser whom Hunt won the 2006 USAC Western Sprint Car title with.  The Eagle Chassis powered by a 410 cubic inch Jessie James engine has visited victory lane several times in South Africa along with many top-three finishes.

“It’s a real honor to be considered for this trip to South Africa,” Hunt said.  “Getting back in a car I had a connection with with makes this even more special.  I hope to put on a great show for the fans in South Africa and this should be a trip of a lifetime!”

Tony Hunt’s 2012 plans are to be announced at a later date with race fans encouraged to visit www.tonyhunt.com for more information.

Tony Hunt Motorsports Marketing partners include the following: MW Metal Works, Thompson’s Toyota, eBay Motors, Paul Oil, Redline Oil, Earl's, Intercomp, GoPro, Hoosier, MPD, Justice Brothers, Racing Electronics, Eibach Springs, Wilwood, Simpson, JB Racing Products, Mr. Espresso, Lajoie of Seating, K&N Filters, Hunt's Race World, Carmichael Auto Service, Mettec, Outlaw Graphics, Permatex, Gold's Gym of Lincoln, Meguiar's, Oakley, Scribner Plastics., Fuel Safe, and Blakesley Sports Media.

Nearly 250 Children Attend Race to the Holidays Christmas Party at Infineon Raceway

SONOMA, Calif. (Dec. 10, 2011) – More than 500 people enjoyed a day of holiday cheer at Infineon Raceway on Saturday at the 7th annual Race to the Holidays Christmas Party.

The raceway hosted more than 225 Sonoma Valley children and their families at the event, which featured caroling with the Sonoma Valley High School choir, refreshments, a car display, balloon animals and a visit from Santa Claus and his Pit Crew. 

The event, which has attracted more than 1,600 children since its inception in 2005, culminated with Santa Claus presenting each child with a bag full of toys. Children ranged in age from newborn to 12-years-old.

“It was the most amazing day,” said Ana Ornelas, nine years old, from Sonoma. “My favorite part was taking a picture with Santa and my family, and my toys are cool, too.”

The festive event was held under sunny skies and all of the children left the raceway with new toys and wide smiles. Following the toy distribution, everyone was treated to a free lunch at the Infineon Raceway Café.

"This is the light in the tunnel at Christmas for a lot of these families,” said Maritza Barajas, the receptionist and client resource assistant at La Luz. “It is very touching. They feel so blessed to have the opportunity to come here and get presents for their children and families."  

All children who attended the party were pre-registered through six Sonoma Valley youth groups, including: FISH;  La Luz; Teen Parent Program; Valley of the Moon Boys and Girls Club; Stand By Me Mentoring; and WillMar Center for Bereaved Children.

The raceway received a generous outpouring of support from the community as nearly 700 toys were donated for the party. Some of the drop-off locations included: Sonoma Valley Index Tribune; Sonoma Valley Sun; Gundlach-Bundschu Winery; Schell-Vista Fire Department; Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce; and the Sonoma Valley Fire Department. The raceway also received toy donations from AutoTrader.com, United Site Services, Sonoma Blanket Brigade and the Sonoma Valley Mother’s Club, as well as a donation of kettle corn from MISTER POPS Kettle Korn.

WORSHAM, HAGAN AND KRAWIEC CLAIM NHRA FULL THROTTLE DRAG RACING SERIES  WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP TITLES AT POMONA

POMONA, Calif. – (November 13, 2011) - Del Worsham and Matt Hagan raced to their first NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series world championship titles and also earned race victories Sunday at the Auto Club NHRA Finals.

Veteran driver Worsham captured the Top Fuel season crown while Hagan avenged last season’s runner-up performance by taking the Funny Car title. Eddie Krawiec claimed his second Pro Stock Motorcycle championship. Pro Stock champ Jason Line secured his title two weeks ago in Las Vegas.

Greg Stanfield (Pro Stock) and Andrew Hines (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also were winners of the season-ending race in the NHRA Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship at historic Auto Club Raceway at Pomona.

Longtime Funny Car racer Worsham, 41, claimed the Top Fuel championship in dramatic fashion by edging series challenger Spencer Massey at the finish line in the winner-take-all semifinal round. He went on to claim his eighth victory of the season and 33rd of his career by outrunning Tony Schumacher in the final round. Worsham powered his Al-Anabi Racing dragster to a 3.796 second run at 318.02 mph to finish just in front of Schumacher’s U.S. Army machine, which posted a 3.799 at 321.50 and went winless for the season for the first time since the 2001 season.

“The semifinal round was the biggest of my 21 year career as far as what was at stake,” Worsham said. “Spencer Massey is a great competitor. It was so close, I didn’t know if I had won. When I saw the ESPN cameras coming over to me it was like, wow, I was speechless after that round.”

The $500,000 Full Throttle championship is the second consecutive and 10th overall in Top Fuel for Worsham’s team manager, Alan Johnson.

“Alan Johnson’s abilities are unmatched, he’s unbelievable and a great motivator,” Worsham said. “(Team owner) Sheikh Khalid put this team together with Alan, and Brian Husen did great in his first season as a crew chief. I was really down after (the race in) Reading  (Pa.), and we weren’t very good in Phoenix. Alan called me and Brian into his trailer after Phoenix and said we’re going to roll out a new chassis. This new car has been great for us.”

In Funny Car, Virginia cattle rancher Hagan, 28, avenged his painful loss to John Force last year by powering past teammate Jack Beckman in the quarterfinals and then outrunning two-time champ Cruz Pedregon in the semifinals to score his first world championship. He then claimed his second win of the season and fifth of his career by posting a track record performance of 4.009 at 317.79 in his DieHard Dodge Charger to hold off final round opponent Robert Hight in the quickest side-by-side race in Funny Car history. Hight trailed with a 4.031 at 318.92 in his Auto Club Ford Mustang.

“You come in expecting the worst and hoping for the best,” Hagan said. “It really is truly amazing this weekend to win the championship and win the race. It’s a testimony to all of my guys who have worked so hard on this DieHard team. They were so relaxed today. Being in that situation last year with John Force really helped us. I hate the phrase you’ve gotta lose one to win one, but in this case it’s sort of true. Last year we were trying so hard to make everything happen that we kind of chased it away I think, and this year we just let it all come to us.”

Hagan earned $500,000 for the championship title, which is the first for crew chief Tommy DeLago and the second Funny Car title for team owner Don Schumacher, who also won in 2005 with Gary Scelzi.

“I am really happy for DieHard and all the associates on the car,” Hagan said. “These Funny Car trophies are so hard to come by. When you can win it all, you have truly accomplished something.”

Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson rider Krawiec took his second Pro Stock Motorcycle title by winning the second round, which closed out his lone championship challenger Hector Arana Jr.

“This has been my championship all year long,” Krawiec said. “This championship validates the championship I won in 2008 when I didn’t win any races. For Andrew and I to go to the final two races and be winner and runner-up is amazing. Plus to have the opportunity to race with such great competitors, I couldn’t ask for anything more.”

Hines earned his second win of the season in Pro Stock Motorcycle, outrunning newly crowned champ Krawiec in the final. Hines took his 25th career victory with a 6.814 at 196.39 on his Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson, while Krawiec fouled at the start on his Harley-Davidson.

“Pomona has always been on my list and it’s been a thorn in my side,” Hines said. “I’ve been racing here for ten years and it’s been a long road. I’ve had a lot of ups and downs at this track. Today, our guys did an outstanding job. Communication doesn’t need to happen in our pit area because everyone knows what to do. It’s amazing to see our whole team perform. We put both of our V-Rods in the final at the last two races this year and luckily, I was able to get the last win of the year. It’ doesn’t get any better than that.”

In Pro Stock, Stanfield scored his first win of the season and fifth of his career when he defeated Kurt Johnson in the final round. Stanfield finished in 6.597 at 209.59 in his Nitro Fish Pontiac GXP, while Johnson’s GXP broke on the starting line.

“Any time that you win the last race of the season, it makes the winter time a lot better,” Stanfield said. “We’ve been a bit behind in this game for a while, we’re a little bit off, the car has got a lot of runs, and we’ll be hoping to get a new car for next year. It takes a lot of people to put a program like this together. And I have to thank J.D. Coffman of Coffman Trucking and Kenny Koretsky of NitroFish for their help. We’re a small team so we try to run everything really tight. We use our equipment probably longer than we need to. But for them guys, it’s special to give them a win.”

The 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series season begins Feb. 9-12 with the 52nd annual O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals presented by Super Start Batteries at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona.

FINAL FINISH ORDER

POMONA, Calif. – (November 13, 2011) - Final finish order (1-16) for professional categories at the 47th annual Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona.  The race is the final of 22 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series.

TOP FUEL: 1.  Del Worsham; 2.  Tony Schumacher; 3.  Spencer Massey; 4.  Larry Dixon; 5.  Antron Brown; 6.David Grubnic; 7.  Morgan Lucas; 8.  Brandon Bernstein; 9.  Bob Vandergriff; 10.  Doug Kalitta; 11. Mike Ashley; 12.  Cory McClenathan; 13.  Keith Murt; 14.  T.J. Zizzo; 15.  Clay Millican; 16.  Troy Buff.

FUNNY CAR: 1.  Matt Hagan; 2.  Robert Hight; 3.  Cruz Pedregon; 4.  Johnny Gray; 5.  Ron Capps; 6.  Jack Beckman; 7.  Melanie Troxel; 8.  Mike Neff; 9.  Jeff Arend; 10.  Bob Tasca III; 11.  Gary Densham; 12.  John Force; 13.  Alexis DeJoria; 14.  Jon Capps; 15.  Tony Pedregon; 16.  Tim Wilkerson.

PRO STOCK: 1.  Greg Stanfield; 2.  Kurt Johnson; 3.  Allen Johnson; 4.  Jason Line; 5.  Ronnie Humphrey; 6. Greg Anderson; 7.  Rodger Brogdon; 8.  Mike Edwards; 9.  Erica Enders; 10.  Larry Morgan; 11. Steve Kent; 12.  Vincent Nobile; 13.  Buddy Perkinson; 14.  Warren Johnson; 15.  Ron Krisher; 16. Shane Gray.

PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE: 1.  Andrew Hines; 2.  Eddie Krawiec; 3.  Hector Arana Jr; 4.  Hector Arana; 5.  LE Tonglet; 6. Angie Smith; 7.  Steve Johnson; 8.  Matt Smith; 9.  Shawn Gann; 10.  Chip Ellis; 11.  Karen Stoffer; 12.  Michael Ray; 13.  Michael Phillips; 14.  Justin Finley; 15.  Jim Underdahl; 16. Jerry Savoie.

SUNDAY'S FINAL RESULTS

POMONA, Calif. – (November 13, 2011) - Sunday's final results from the 47th annual Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona. The race is the final of 22 in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series:

Top Fuel -- Del Worsham, 3.796 seconds, 318.02 mph def. Tony Schumacher, 3.799 seconds, 321.50 mph.

Funny Car -- Matt Hagan, Dodge Charger, 4.009, 317.79 def. Robert Hight, Ford Mustang, 4.031, 318.92.

Pro Stock -- Greg Stanfield, Pontiac GXP, 6.597, 209.59 def. Kurt Johnson, GXP, 19.886, 44.02.

Pro Stock Motorcycle -- Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 6.814, 196.39  def. Eddie Krawiec, Harley-Davidson, foul.

Top Alcohol Dragster -- Jim Whiteley, 5.300, 269.62  def. Ray Martin, 5.422, 265.80.

Top Alcohol Funny Car -- Jay Payne, Ford Mustang, 5.575, 259.36  def. Sean Bellemeur, Chevy Camaro, 5.676, 255.73.

Summit Super Pro -- Mark Horton, Miller, 8.107, 164.19  def. Steven Shearer, Cameron, foul.

Summit Pro -- Brandon Schmall, Dodge Challenger, 9.918, 119.52  def. Paul Comeau, Chevy, 9.521, 140.08.

Summit Sportsman -- Edmond Richardson, Chevy Nova, 12.140, 105.99  def. Mark Faul, Chevy, 12.719, 95.63.

Summit Bike -- Tom Klemme, Kawasaki KZ 9000, 8.841, 141.46  def. David Primrose, Kawasaki, 9.004, 151.27.

FINAL ROUND-BY-ROUND RESULTS 

POMONA, Calif. – (November 13, 2011) - Final round-by-round results from the 47th annual Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, the final of 22 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series:

TOP FUEL: 

ROUND ONE -- David Grubnic, 3.846, 313.22 def. Doug Kalitta, 3.863, 308.14; Antron Brown, 3.833, 313.66 def. Bob Vandergriff, 3.842, 322.58; Morgan Lucas, 4.132, 230.10 def. Troy Buff, 11.497, 44.88; Tony Schumacher, 3.801, 325.53 def. Clay Millican, 9.982, 73.70; Larry Dixon, broke def.

Keith Murt, foul; Del Worsham, 3.865, 316.08 def. Mike Ashley, 3.904, 314.39; Spencer Massey, 3.824, 324.75 def. Cory McClenathan, 3.908, 282.84; Brandon Bernstein, 4.095, 275.96 def. T.J. Zizzo, 4.414, 180.26;

QUARTERFINALS -- Worsham, 3.850, 316.60 def. Grubnic, 3.880, 304.19; Dixon, 3.828, 320.36 def. Brown, 3.837, 316.75; Massey, 3.846, 316.15 def. Lucas, 4.206, 225.07; Schumacher, 3.826, 322.65 def. Bernstein, 6.644, 98.43;

SEMIFINALS -- Schumacher, 3.823, 322.19 def. Dixon, 3.828, 313.22; Worsham, 3.800, 322.27 def. Massey, 3.808, 322.73;

FINAL -- Worsham, 3.796, 318.02 def. Schumacher, 3.799, 321.50.

FUNNY CAR:

ROUND ONE -- Johnny Gray, Dodge Charger, 4.090, 313.00 def. John Force, Ford Mustang, 4.271, 290.94; Cruz Pedregon, Toyota Solara, 4.141, 313.29 def. Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 4.199, 308.07; Melanie Troxel, Solara, 4.151, 303.64 def. Tony Pedregon, Chevy Impala SS, 5.022, 162.65; Robert Hight, Mustang, 4.149, 309.13 def. Gary Densham, Charger, 4.269, 266.48; Matt Hagan, Charger, 4.092, 309.77 def. Jon Capps, Charger, 4.602, 236.22; Mike Neff, Mustang, 4.150, 311.27 def. Alexis DeJoria, Solara, foul; Ron Capps, Charger, 4.110, 311.13 def. Jeff Arend, Solara, 4.140, 299.20; Jack Beckman, Charger, 4.522, 280.84 def. Tim Wilkerson, Mustang, 7.012, 92.23;

QUARTERFINALS -- Gray, 4.105, 313.07 def. Neff, 4.155, 308.57; Hight, 4.091, 311.77 def. R. Capps, 4.114, 311.13; Hagan, 4.107, 307.44 def. Beckman, 4.142, 310.27; C. Pedregon, 4.079, 312.28 def. Troxel, 4.154, 308.57;

SEMIFINALS -- Hight, 4.079, 315.42 def. Gray, 7.473, 83.20; Hagan, 4.096, 309.34 def. C. Pedregon, 4.113, 311.77;

FINAL -- Hagan, 4.009, 317.79 def. Hight, 4.031, 318.92.

PRO STOCK:

ROUND ONE -- Allen Johnson, Dodge Avenger, 12.493, 71.35 def. Vincent Nobile, Avenger, foul; Kurt Johnson, Pontiac GXP, 6.611, 209.69 def. Shane Gray, GXP, foul; Greg Stanfield, GXP, 6.595, 209.52 def. Larry Morgan, Ford Mustang, 6.587, 210.34; Rodger Brogdon, GXP, 6.572, 210.31 def. Ron Krisher, GXP, 7.203, 140.55; Jason Line, GXP, 6.569, 210.83 def. Steve Kent, GXP, 6.612, 209.62; Mike Edwards, GXP, 6.546, 210.83 def. Buddy Perkinson, Mustang, foul; Greg Anderson, GXP, 6.565, 211.06 def. Warren Johnson, GXP, 6.955, 158.84; Ronnie Humphrey, GXP, 6.556, 210.34 def. Erica Enders, Chevy Cobalt, 6.572, 210.64;

QUARTERFINALS -- Stanfield, 6.605, 209.39 def. Brogdon, 6.587, 209.82; K. Johnson, 6.595, 209.39 def. Anderson, 6.581, 210.47; Line, 6.552, 210.57 def. Humphrey, 6.580, 209.65; A. Johnson, 6.603, 210.57 def. Edwards, foul;

SEMIFINALS -- Stanfield, 6.609, 209.23 def. A. Johnson, 6.737, 177.46; K. Johnson, 6.606, 208.91 def. Line, 7.485, 135.91;

FINAL -- Stanfield, 6.597, 209.59 def. K. Johnson, 19.886, 44.02.

PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE:

ROUND ONE -- Angie Smith, Buell, 6.961, 191.54 def. Michael Ray, Buell, 6.997, 191.27; Matt Smith, Buell, 6.944, 191.48 def. Chip Ellis, Buell, 6.967, 191.54; LE Tonglet, Suzuki, 6.942, 191.05 def. Jerry Savoie, Suzuki, 7.076, 175.87; Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 6.865, 196.79 def. Michael Phillips, Suzuki, 6.999, 192.52; Hector Arana Jr, Buell, 6.836, 195.28 def. Justin Finley, Suzuki, 7.044, 192.93; Eddie Krawiec, Harley-Davidson, 6.873, 196.22 def. Karen Stoffer, Suzuki, 6.993, 191.54; Hector Arana, Buell, 6.905, 193.38 def. Jim Underdahl, Suzuki, 7.060, 189.60; Steve Johnson, Suzuki, broke def. Shawn Gann, Buell, foul;

QUARTERFINALS -- Arana, 6.876, 193.46 def. Johnson, 7.000, 192.41; Hines, 6.854, 196.87 def. A. Smith, 6.955, 191.54; Krawiec, 6.853, 196.67 def. Tonglet, 6.937, 191.27; Arana Jr, 6.847, 196.44 def. M. Smith, 7.357, 142.79;

SEMIFINALS -- Hines, 6.880, 195.99 def. Arana, 6.894, 193.02; Krawiec, 6.831, 195.51 def. Arana Jr, 6.863, 190.43;

FINAL -- Hines, 6.814, 196.39 def. Krawiec, foul.

FINAL POINT STANDINGS (Top Ten)

POMONA, Calif. – (November 13, 2011) -Final point standings (top 10) for NHRA professional categories following the 47th annual Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona-

Top Fuel

1.  Del Worsham, 2,627; 2.  Spencer Massey, 2,569; 3.  Antron Brown, 2,542; 4.  Larry Dixon, 2,540; 5.  Tony Schumacher, 2,467; 6.  Brandon Bernstein, 2,381; 7.  David Grubnic, 2,273; 8.  Doug Kalitta, 2,239; 9.  Shawn Langdon, 2,208; 10.  Morgan Lucas, 2,138.

Funny Car

1.  Matt Hagan, 2,540; 2.  Jack Beckman, 2,468; 3.  Cruz Pedregon, 2,465; 4.  Robert Hight, 2,447; 5.  Mike Neff, 2,440; 6.  Ron Capps, 2,397; 7.  Bob Tasca III, 2,327; 8.  Jeff Arend, 2,303; 9. John Force, 2,232; 10.  Tim Wilkerson, 2,212.

Pro Stock

1.  Jason Line, 2,675; 2.  Mike Edwards, 2,486; 3.  Greg Anderson, 2,456; 4.  Allen Johnson, 2,411; 5.  Vincent Nobile, 2,377; 6.  Erica Enders, 2,369; 7.  Greg Stanfield, 2,350; 8.  Rodger Brogdon, 2,333; 9.  Shane Gray, 2,218; 10.  Ron Krisher, 2,198.

Pro Stock Motorcycle

1.  Eddie Krawiec, 2,691; 2.  Hector Arana Jr, 2,601; 3.  Andrew Hines, 2,511; 4.  Matt Smith, 2,456; 5.  Hector Arana, 2,389; 6.  Karen Stoffer, 2,360; 7.  LE Tonglet, 2,354; 8.  Jerry Savoie, 2,337; 9.  Michael Phillips, 2,277; 10.  Jim Underdahl, 2,232.

HIGHT TAKES PROVISIONAL TOP SPOT IN FUNNY CAR; SCHUMACHER, EDWARDS, HINES ALSO NO. 1 AT AUTO CLUB RACEWAY

POMONA, Calif. – (November 11, 2011) - Robert Hight raced to the qualifying lead in Funny Car Thursday at the Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona.   

Tony Schumacher, Mike Edwards and Andrew Hines are also qualifying leaders at the season-ending race of the 2011 Full Throttle Drag Racing Series.

Hight powered his Auto Club Ford Mustang to the provisional top spot in the field with a run of 4.084 seconds at 312.13 mph. Hight earned three bonus points toward the battle for the NHRA Full Throttle Funny Car world championship.

“Basically, we did today what we have to do every single run in qualifying,” said Hight, who entered the event fifth in the standings, 71 points behind leader Matt Hagan. “We dug ourselves a big hole in Vegas and it would be cool to cut this thing down to less than three rounds so that we don’t have to rely on the top two guys going out in the first round because they haven’t done that a lot. But it’s only one day. I think I was up in the media room the first day in Vegas and we all know how that turned out.”

Hight’s teammate and fourth-place driver in the point standings Mike Neff is second and picked up two bonus points, while Las Vegas winner Ron Capps raced to the third spot and earned one bonus point.

In Top Fuel, Schumacher powered his U.S. Army dragster to the front of the field with a run of 3.827 at 321.19. If it stands it would be his seventh No. 1 qualifier of the season, 68th of his career and fifth consecutive at this event.

“We haven’t won this season,” said Schumacher, a four-time winner of this event. “Getting a pewter Wally is something we wanted to do and joked about earlier in the year. We won a lot of the special Wallys like the 50th Indy and the 50th Dallas. If you told me earlier this year that we wouldn’t have any wins coming into this race, I wouldn’t have believed you. This car and this team are too good. It is what it is. I’m out here watching my teammates compete for championships and hoping I can help them by beating the Al-Anabi guys.”

Al-Anabi Racing dragster pilot and second-place driver in the point standings, Del Worsham, raced to the provisional second spot and picked up two bonus points in the process. Worsham entered the event two points behind leader Spencer Massey, who took the provisional third place and grabbed one bonus point.

In Pro Stock, Edwards powered his Penhall/Interstate Batteries Pontiac GXP to the top spot with a run of 6.520 at 210.93. If it stands it would be his sixth No. 1 qualifier of the season, 40th of his career and third straight in the Countdown.

“This was a great way to start,” said Edwards, who is coming off a recent win in Las Vegas. “The first thing that you have to do is qualify. We just have to race the track and the conditions. Hats off to my guys for doing a great job.”

In Pro Stock Motorcycle Hines rode his Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson to a 6.820 at a track record speed of 197.54 to take the provisional top spot in the class. If it stands it would be his second No. 1 qualifier of the season, 30th of his career and third at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona.

“It does feel real good to get No. 1 on Thursday,” said Hines. “It gets your mindset in a whole different frame for the rest of the weekend. This is the only track where we qualify on Thursday but we have to act like its Saturday and go out there and try to kill it. I’m trying to catch Matt Smith for third place so that three bonus points could come in handy. Hopefully we can go around him on Sunday. We also prevented Hector (Arana) Jr. from getting three bonus points which helps (teammate) Eddie (Krawiec).”

Qualifying for the Auto Club NHRA Finals will continue Friday with qualifying set for Noon and Saturday, Nov. 12, with sessions at 11 a.m. and 1:45 p.m.

THURSDAY'S RESULTS 

POMONA, Calif. – (November 11, 2011) - Thursday's results after the first one of four rounds of qualifying for the 47th annual Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, final of 22 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series.  Qualifying will continue Friday for Saturday's final eliminations.

Top Fuel -- 1. Tony Schumacher, 3.827 seconds, 321.19 mph; 2. Del Worsham, 3.830, 314.61; 3. Spencer Massey, 3.837, 319.14; 4. Morgan Lucas, 3.838, 317.87; 5. Doug Kalitta, 3.851, 319.22; 6. David Grubnic, 3.854, 315.49; 7. Brandon Bernstein, 3.859, 315.19; 8. Larry Dixon, 3.870, 315.34; 9. Bob Vandergriff, 3.897, 319.98; 10. Cory McClenathan, 3.898, 312.93; 11. Troy Buff, 3.940, 303.37; 12. Terry McMillen, 3.965, 313.88.  Not Qualified: 13. Mike Ashley, 3.978, 305.91; 14. Chris Karamesines, 4.004, 295.21; 15. Todd Paton, 4.278, 214.42; 16. Antron Brown, 4.380, 183.47; 17. Steven Chrisman, 4.381, 271.68; 18. Dom Lagana, 4.500, 179.18; 19. Pat Dakin, 4.566, 171.99; 20. Mike Salinas, 4.999, 190.16; 21. Damien Harris, 5.849, 112.15; 22. Shawn Langdon, 6.721, 100.16; 23. Keith Murf, 7.187, 80.58; 24. Thomas Nataas, 9.735, 77.16; 25. T.J. Zizzo, 9.896, 74.86; 26. Clay Millican, broke.

Funny Car -- 1. Robert Hight, Ford Mustang, 4.084, 312.13; 2. Mike Neff, Mustang, 4.087, 313.44; 3. Ron Capps, Dodge Charger, 4.124, 301.94; 4. Tim Wilkerson, Mustang, 4.125, 301.87; 5. Matt Hagan, Charger, 4.137, 304.32; 6. Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 4.138, 306.33; 7. Jon Capps, Charger, 4.165, 298.01; 8. Paul Lee, Chevy Impala SS, 4.254, 300.20; 9. Bob Bode, Toyota Solara, 4.257, 295.79; 10. Jeff Arend, Solara, 4.261, 241.71; 11. Tony Pedregon, Impala SS, 4.471, 270.81; 12. John Force, Mustang, 4.585, 260.06.  Not Qualified: 13. Gary Densham, 4.993, 164.81; 14. Melanie Troxel, 5.488, 222.73; 15. Cory Lee, 5.661, 126.28; 16. Jack Beckman, 6.613, 96.95; 17. Jim Head, 6.701, 102.77; 18. Jeff Diehl, 7.547, 95.52; 19. Alexis DeJoria, 8.264, 77.45; 20. Peter Russo, 8.632, 76.80; 21. Terry Haddock, 8.886, 85.81; 22. Johnny Gray, 8.957, 75.35; 23. Cruz Pedregon, 9.157, 73.41.

Pro Stock -- 1. Mike Edwards, Pontiac GXP, 6.520, 210.93; 2. Greg Anderson, GXP, 6.537, 211.46; 3. Jason Line, GXP, 6.538, 211.20; 4. Larry Morgan, Ford Mustang, 6.554, 210.97; 5. Kurt Johnson, GXP, 6.560, 211.06; 6. Vincent Nobile, Dodge Avenger, 6.561, 211.20; 7. Rodger Brogdon, GXP, 6.563, 210.57; 8. Ronnie Humphrey, GXP, 6.570, 211.13; 9. Shane Gray, GXP, 6.572, 211.03; 10. Greg Stanfield, GXP, 6.578, 209.75; 11. Warren Johnson, GXP, 6.595, 210.44; 12. Erica Enders, Chevy Cobalt, 6.601, 210.87.  Not Qualified: 13. Mark Wolfe, 6.601, 210.21; 14. Steve Kent, 6.609, 209.14; 15. Grace Howell, 6.615, 208.97; 16. Allen Johnson, 6.620, 197.77; 17. Buddy Perkinson, 6.628, 208.75; 18. V. Gaines, 6.750, 178.83; 19. Gordie Rivera, 6.766, 206.07; 20. Ron Krisher, 9.742, 89.92.

Pro Stock Motorcycle -- 1. Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 6.820, 197.54; 2. Hector Arana Jr, Buell, 6.832, 194.04; 3. Eddie Krawiec, Harley-Davidson, 6.853, 195.99; 4. Hector Arana, Buell, 6.885, 175.48; 5. Matt Smith, Buell, 6.896, 193.46; 6. Michael Ray, Buell, 6.900, 192.63; 7. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 6.905, 192.22; 8. Shawn Gann, Buell, 6.911, 191.43; 9. Jim Underdahl, Suzuki, 6.922, 193.07; 10. LE Tonglet, Suzuki, 6.936, 191.08; 11. Jerry Savoie, Suzuki, 6.953, 190.62; 12. Chip Ellis, Buell, 6.954, 189.42.  Not Qualified: 13. Angie Smith, 6.955, 190.70; 14. Justin Finley, 6.960, 194.97; 15. Michael Phillips, 6.961, 194.13; 16. Mike Berry, 6.975, 191.48; 17. Bailey Whitaker, 6.983, 192.55; 18. Karen Stoffer, 7.036, 189.02; 19. Fredrik Fredlund, 7.038, 188.46; 20. Katie Sullivan, 7.070, 187.76; 21. Freddie Camarena, 7.135, 188.52; 22. Matt Guidera, 7.154, 186.23; 23. James Surber, 7.262, 184.80; 24. Redell Harris, 7.268, 185.89; 25. Wesley Wells, 7.505, 157.14.

IZOD INDYCAR SERIES ANNOUNCES FIRST-EVER CHINA RACE

INDIANAPOLIS (Thursday, Nov. 10, 2011) - A first-ever IZOD IndyCar Series race in China is among four international destinations announced today by INDYCAR for the 2012 season.

The IZOD IndyCar Series will race on a 3.87-mile street circuit in Qingdao, China - the Yellow Sea coastal city of 8.7 million between Beijing and Shanghai that played host to the 2008 Summer Olympics Sailing competition. INDYCAR also will sanction 2012 events in Toronto, Ontario, São Paulo, Brazil, and Edmonton, Alberta.

"As the world global economy continues to grow and evolve, China, the world's second-largest economy, has become a top priority with most American businesses and the sponsors that are committed to INDYCAR," said Randy Bernard, CEO, INDYCAR. "Last year, at our sponsorship summit, China was the No. 1 place our sponsors wanted to go outside of the United States.

"We are very excited and truly grateful for the full support of the Chinese Government, Qingdao City Government and related Government Bureaus in providing the opportunity to bring the IZOD IndyCar Series to China. We are committed to doing our part in making this a fantastic race event weekend to be seen on the world stage."

The race will be contested on a temporary street circuit, with the long-term objective of constructing a permanent racing and entertainment venue. Known for its German and French heritage, Qingdao boasts an almost European atmosphere, with the city often referred to as "China's Switzerland." The race is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 19, which coincides with the popular Qingdao International Beer Festival.

"The China automotive industry is experiencing explosive growth and it is just smart to begin establishing our brand and business roots in the China marketplace," said Terry Angstadt, Commercial Division President, INDYCAR. "Over the last three years - with full support of the Chinese Government, Qingdao City Government and related Government Bureaus - U.S.-based INDYCAR representative ARD, China race promoter Yinxin Investment, as well as major sponsor Qingdao City Construction Investment Group have worked with our team in the realization of this historic race event. We couldn't be happier for the future Chinese race fans and the extended INDYCAR family."

The event in Qingdao complements two other venues that return to the IZOD IndyCar Series calendar for 2012: the Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix on Sunday, June 3, and the Auto Club Speedway oval in Fontana, Calif., for a race under the lights Saturday, Sept. 15.

The 2012 season, which will feature the return of engine manufacturer competition and a new, stylish car, kicks off Sunday, March 25, with the eighth Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. The Indianapolis 500 is scheduled for Sunday, May 27, with Pole Day on Saturday, May 19.

The remainder of the 2012 IZOD IndyCar Series schedule, and the 2012 Firestone Indy Lights schedule, will be announced soon.

Infineon Raceway Statement on the Passing of Dan Wheldon

SONOMA, Calif. (Oct. 16, 2011) – Below is a statement from Steve Page, president and general manager of Infineon Raceway, on the passing today of INDYCAR driver Dan Wheldon:

“This is a truly heartbreaking loss.  Dan Wheldon was a terrific driver and a great champion, but overall he was one of the most engaging, intelligent and colorful individuals in our sport.  We were fortunate to work with Dan as a regular promotional partner over the years.  We will miss his competitive drive on the track and his energy and sense of humor in the paddock.”

Dan Wheldon stats at Infineon Raceway: Wheldon had six INDYCAR starts at Infineon Raceway from 2005-2010 with a career-best finish of fourth in 2008. Overall, he had three top-10 efforts in the six starts in Sonoma (sixth in 2006 and seventh in 2007). His last race in Sonoma took place on Aug. 22, 2010 at the Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma, where he placed 25th.

Pursley Wraps Up NASCAR K&N Pro Series West Championship

Holmes battles back for win at All American Speedway

ROSEVILLE, Calif. (Oct. 15, 2011) — Greg Pursley, in a dominating season, clinched the 2011 NASCAR K&N Pro Series West championship when the Toyota/NAPA Auto Parts 150 presented by Pick-N-Pull got underway on Saturday night at All American Speedway. And about 57 minutes later, Eric Holmes collected the race win.

Pursley of Newhall, Calif., simply needed to take the green flag to nail down his first series title with one race left on the schedule, but that proved to be a little dramatic. At the drop of the green, Pursley, who started the race in the seventh position, was in a tangle of cars coming off Turn 4. The incident left Pursley and Michael Self turned around and damage to other cars, including Jessica Brunelli.

“The green flag flew and we got dumped,” Pursley said. “We didn’t even get into fourth gear. So, we started dead-last and kind of was on a mission after that. We probably had to burn the car down going from last to the top five. We tried to run a little bit and save a little bit. These guys were running hard tonight. We had a good race tonight. We got up to second and battled Eric for the win. I couldn’t ask for anything more.”

That little scuffle aside, the 2011 season could not have gone better for Pursley. He picked up six wins in the season’s first eight events to open up a huge 298-point lead in the standings. Despite not having won since July 10 at Evergreen Speedway in Monroe, Wash., Pursley has continued to run well. Factoring in his runner-up finish in this race, Pursley has top-five finishes in each of his last four starts.

“The Gene Price Motorsports team did a great job and gave me a great car,” Pursley said. “That’s pretty much how it’s been all year. It’s been a dream season to me, winning six races and five poles and finally winning a championship here. I can’t thank them enough.”

For Holmes of Escalon, Calif., the Toyota/NAPA Auto Parts 150 presented by Pick-N-Pull victory was his second straight series win and fourth in eight starts at All American Speedway, his adopted home track.

His victory did not come easy, however. In qualifying earlier in the day, Holmes had the fastest time for much of the session until the final car went on the clock and 18-year-old Jacob Gomes nabbed the pole position.

Gomes gained the early lead and Holmes hounded the teen through the early stages of the event, until finally getting by on Lap 31. Another teenager, 2011 Sunoco Rookie of the Year Dylan Kwasniewski, had ideas of his own, however, and took command on Lap 68. A fierce battle continued among the leaders throughout the race.

Derek Thorn got past Kwasniewski on Lap 120, but a few laps later the two made contact coming through Turn 4. The incident left Thorn at the back of the pack and resulted in an aggressive driving penalty from NASCAR officials that put Kwasniewski at the back, also.

Fifteen-year-old Cameron Hayley inherited the lead, but had to contend with a pack of hungry challengers on the restart. Holmes took the lead on Lap 140 and then was able to hold off Pursley over the final 12 laps of competition.

“I always look forward to coming to All American Speedway,” said Holmes. “We’ve got a lot of support from NAPA and a lot of local fans. It’s one of my favorite races of the year. We usually win it or something happens.

“Tonight, we had a great car,” he said. “We had to give up the lead there for a little while. We lost the brakes – had a little brake issue. But we got it dialed in and saved the car for the end. 

The NAPA Toyota is in Victory lane two races in a row. I’ve got to thank everybody on the team. Ty Joiner coming back on board … I missed him. The two races we’ve been together, we’ve won two in a row. It’s great to have him back.”

Hayley closed out the race in the third position followed by Luis Martinez Jr. and Chad Boat in fourth and fifth, respectively. Rounding out the top 10 were Gomes, Ryan Philpott, Daryl Harr, Kwasniewski and Matt Scott – the local track champion who was making his series debut.

With his win, Holmes moved to second in the championship standings behind Pursley – 2,220 to 1,902. Moses Smith is third with 1,868, followed by Martinez with 1,854 and Kwasniewski with 1,792. Sixth through 10th are Brett Thompson at 1,763, Michael Self at 1,740, Daryl Harr at 1,591, Philpott at 1,545 and Carl Harr at 1,429.

The Toyota/NAPA Auto Parts 150 presented by Pick-N-Pull will air on SPEED on Thursday, Oct. 20 at 7 p.m. ET.

The next event on the 2011 schedule for the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West will be the season finale Casino Arizona 125 at Phoenix International Raceway on Saturday, Nov. 12.

SCOTT RUNNING DOUBLE DUTY THIS WEEKEND AT ROSEVILLE

PINE GROVE, CALIFORNIA (October 14, 2011) – 19 year-old Matt Scott is making his NASCAR K&N Pro Series, West debut on Saturday night at All American Speedway but will also defend his home track from a host of outsiders as he will race in Friday night’s Late Model contest as well.  The 2010 & 2011 track championship will be driving a pair of #35 RPM NorCal Chevrolets on the weekend with Saturday’s NASCAR K&N Pro Series effort also supported by Kamps Propane.

Scott has 19 career Late Model wins at All American Speedway but his NASCAR K&N Pro Series debut will come against one of the toughest fields ever assembled at the speedway.  As many as a dozen drivers under 21 could make the field including three making their series debuts.

A strong performance in testing last Thursday has Scott optimistic about the debut.

“We’re real competitive now,” Scott said, “With a few laps on the tires we’re in the (13.9s) which is respectable for this track.  I’d like to get a top-five but a top-ten would be just as good for me.  We only got about 30 laps of testing because of sound restrictions.”

For Friday night’s Late Model race, more than 20 Late Models are expected to be racing in the 100 lap contest with a huge crowd of Matt Scott Racing supporters in the stands.  RPM NorCal is not only sponsoring Scott in the race but also sponsoring the event itself.

Saturday’s races will be held before a crowd of more than 7,500 plus live radio on NASCARHomeTracks.com and tape-delay coverage on SPEED.  Additional sponsors for Scott’s efforts on Saturday include Pardee Lake Recreation, CatchYourEye.com, TAS Construction, SP Graphics, and Blakesley Sports Media.

Matt Scott Racing would also like to thank their entire crew which includes car owners Gary Quigley, Mike Scott, and Chuck Scott, plus crew chief Eric Snyder, and crew members Brian Bates, Rich Field, and many others for their support.

Potential sponsors for the 2012 season are urged to contact Steven Blakesley at steven@norcalmedia.com or (916) 509-7049 for details on sponsoring Matt Scott Racing.

Race fans can learn more about Matt Scott Racing at www.mattscottracing.com or “Matt Scott Racing” on Facebook.

A RECORD NUMBER OF ENTRIES FOR SATURDAY’S NASCAR K&N PRO SERIES THIS SATURDAY AT ALL AMERICAN SPEEDWAY

ANTELOPE, CA (10-11-2011) –  The Toyota/NAPA AUTO PARTS “150” presented by Pick-N-Pull at All American Speedway on Saturday has attracted a record 31 entries-which would make it the largest ever turnout for a NASCAR K&N Pro Series West race at the Roseville, CA track. “We’re excited to see the depth of talent on the entry list,” said event promoter Bill McAnally, President of Bill McAnally Racing. “We had a big turnout for last week’s practice session and it set the stage for some great racing on Saturday.” I’m particularly impressed with the young generation of drivers in the series this year, including the newcomers for the this event,” said McAnally. “It will be great to see them challenge the veterans of the series on Roseville’s tight oval.”

Bill McAnally Racing is also proud to announce an additional bonus for the October 14^th Modified Event at Roseville’s All American Speedway. Any 2011 Champion Driver from any series or track at any level is eligible for a $500 bonus to win the Penney Racing/RPM NORCAL Modified feature!!  This added to the many bonuses already in place makes this the event to win!! Call 916-676-0256 to register

Reminder! Free Practice for Late Models, Modifieds and Legends Thursday, October 13^th. Gates open at 1:00pm and track is green from 3:30pm to 6:30pm

Friday night’s racing events will feature both the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Late Models and Modifieds for the last race of the season. Also there will be SRL and Legends Practice.

On Saturday, the feature event brings high-energy, side-by-side NASCAR action to the 1/3 mile paved oval with the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West Toyota NAPA AUTO PARTS 150 presented by Pick-n-Pull. Fans will be treated to over 300 laps of racing action at the largest Stock Car showdown in Northern California. In addition to the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West racing action includes the SRL Spears Southwest Tour Series Thunder Valley Casino Resort 135, Presented by AmeriPride Uniform Services and the SRL Legends of the Pacific Cars.

Each night will feature Kenny Bartram’s “Steel Rodeo”. An X-Games Freestyle Moto-X Show Featuring “Cowboy” Kenny Bartram!  Bartram started his career at age 7 and is now a dominant force in the sport; winning an unprecedented 13 IFMA events in row and 26 Main Event wins in a single season.

Bartram has also accumulated 7 World Championships, Dew Tour Champion and 10 medals from X Games and Gravity Games, including 4 Gold and many more titles and championships along the way. Kenny will be joined by three other riders: Cody Elkins, and Gabriel Villegas and Matt BuytenThe K&N Pro Series is NASCAR’S premier regional stock car racing series. The series is not only a developmental series for drivers like, Kevin Harvick, Clint Bowyer, David Gilliland and Trevor Bayne, but also for regulars like three-time NASCAR K&N Pro Series West Champion Eric Holmes and three-time winner of Most Popular Driver Award in NASCAR K&N Pro Series WestMoses Smith.

Advanced tickets are now on sale for the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West Weekend October 14 and 15.  Advance Adult General Admission Tickets for Saturday are $30.00. Day of race Adult General Admission are $35.00. Juniors (6-11) are $15.00 and Kids 5 years and under Free. Saturday VIP Hospitality tickets are also available for $65 in advance and $70 day of race. Hospitality Upgrade to Include: VIP Grandstand Seating area for Saturday night’s races, dinner and beverages in hospitality area, driver appearances and race day gifts in hospitality area. Gates open at 4:00 pm; racing begins at 8:00.  Parking: Placer County Fair parking fee of $5.00 per vehicle.

Friday night General admission tickets are just $15.00, Children 12 & Under $5:00. Gates Open at 5:00 pm Racing begins at 8:00 pm.  Parking: Placer County Fair parking fee of $5:00 per vehicle.

Weekend tickets, single day tickets and VIP ticket packages can be purchased by phone by calling (916) 676-0256 or in person at Bill McAnally Racing, 8636 Antelope North Road, Antelope, CA 95843. Tickets are also available through the Placer County Fair office located 800 All America City Blvd., Roseville, CA 95678.

Tickets can also purchased on line with Pay Pal at www.billmcanallyracing.com

HIGHT WINS AUTO PLUS NHRA NATIONALS

READING, PA - (October 3, 2011) -  It took two days and repeated breaks in the racing action but Robert Hight and the Auto Club Ford Mustang team got their mo-jo back with three races remaining the Countdown to the Championship. On Monday afternoon Robert Hight defeated Johnny Gray to win for the fifth time in 2011.

“We knew coming in here this was our last chance race. If we had another bad showing it would be over because you put yourself in such a hole when you lose first round at the first two races of the Countdown. Then I have that monkey on my back from last year when we didn’t win a single round in the Countdown. We had won four races before that and then in the Countdown to lose eight races in a row in first round,” said Hight the 2009 Funny Car champion. “You have to get that monkey off your back. We have been struggling that is no secret. Jimmy has worked so hard and we have to thank Mike Neff and all the teams because we all worked so well together. Mike Neff helped get us back on track. Once Jimmy gets it he has got it. I am looking forward to heading out west to home for the final three. We are back into this deal.”

Hight bested Jeff Arend in the semi-finals then a brief rain shower suspended racing action for over an hour before the final rounds could be contested. Hight’s semi-final win was the 2,000^th round win for JFR in Funny Car. In the history of the Funny Car category 10,183 rounds have been run with JFFR winning nearly 20% of those races.

Hight made a major move up the point standings and closed the gap on the points leaders today. With the win Hight jumped from 6th to 4th. Entering the Auto Plus NHRA Nationals Hight was107 point behind points leader Mike Neff. As the Full Throttle Drag Racing Series moves to Phoenix Hight is now only 52 points behind points leader Matt Hagan and a mere 20 points out of third place. Drivers earn 20 points for every round win.

“This is a career for me to win five races in one season. That is most I have ever had. I have been in five finals this year so we are batting 100%. We are racing a tough car over there, Johnny Gray. They threw down some major league numbers this weekend and you can see that that eats at (crew chief) Jimmy Prock,” said Hight. “He wants to be out there running those numbers. We have to keep making baby steps and move forward. We can’t go out there and give it away. If we would have gone out there and pushed to try and run 4.01, something we haven’t done all weekend, we might have been like them and smoked the tires.”

In the final Gray smoked the tires at about half track and as Hight neared the finish line his Auto Club Ford Mustang began drifting towards the wall in the right lane.

“It wasn’t my greatest run of the day either. I got it a little outside down track and once you do that at this place it just pulls you. For a second I thought I was right on the wall. It started to spin a little and I lifted,” said Hight. “I saw that win light and then I heard my crew guys celebrating. That is the worst part of being a driver once you see the win light now there is no celebrating because everyone is on the starting line. You are down at the finish line by yourself. It is a great feeling to have (assistant crew chief) Eric Lane tell you that you won and it ran a 4.06.”

Hight started the race from the No. 11 qualifying spot. Throughout the weekend it appeared his Mustang was on the verge of breaking out in qualifying.

 “We struggled a little bit. The Friday night run it slowed way, way down. We were on a good run on Saturday morning that we figured could run 4.02 real easy and it welded the clutch. Jimmy had to fix that. We haven’t been making good runs like that and throwing down so this has been a learning curve for us. We have had to do it as we have gone along and make baby steps,” said a confident Hight.

“It was smooth all day and that is what I am most impressed about. The last races it has been rattling and shaking. It was unfriendly to drive. Now this thing is smooth as can be and it is fast. There is no way we are going to win this championship is all the JFR Mustangs are not running good. We can’t just have Mike Neff pulling the team and holding us up. We have to be there for him and he has to be there for us. John is back in the game too. They made some real good runs in qualifying and they had some bad luck on Sunday. I believe JFR has a great shot at this.”

Prior to the final the Johnny Gray team appeared to be contemplating a lane switch from the left to the right for the final round. In the previous three rounds Gray had been in the left and Hight was winning from the right.

“We figured they were playing a little game. I knew they weren’t coming out of the left. They had been running well over there. They hadn’t done much in the right. Our guy, (track specialist) Lanny Miglizzi, who is out on the track from 7 a.m. until midnight said there is nothing wrong with that left lane. They were probably playing a little game with us. Luckily we went out there and found a path down both lanes so we were ready. I have to give it to my guys. We have enough people out there at JFR who are working hard and we have out head in the game.”

In 2009 when Hight’s team was struggling team owner shook up the teams going into Reading and it pulled Hight out of a funk that eventually led to his first Full Throttle Funny Car world championship. Last year it was a shocking first round loss at Maple Grove Raceway by Force that rallied the troops for a dramatic comeback for Force’s 15th championship. This race was once again a turning point for Hight and JFR.

“This is a turning point for us without a doubt. Our season was over is we didn’t pull this off. I have had great success at all three of the remaining races,” said Hight “I have been to the final twice at Phoenix. I made the quickest run in history at a quarter mile there. They have a new surface out there and it is going to be a learning curve for all of us. It is probably going to be hot sp what you learned here you throw it out the window and you go back to your hot set up and we are going to have to step that up a click. If you can run in conditions like this I believe we can back it down and run in any condition.”

With Hight’s win a lucky fan will win a flat screen TV compliments of BrandSource and the Win with Force promotion. This will be the 11^th TV given away in 2011. Hight and Mike Neff have each won five times and John Force won in Denver.

NEFF ESCAPES DALLAS WITH POINTS LEAD

ENNIS, TX - (September 25, 2011) - The Castrol GTX Ford Mustang and Mike Neff will leave the famed Texas Motorplex with the points lead but he got a little help from two unlikely competitors. In the premiere match-up of the first round at the AAA Texas NHRA Fall Nationals, points leader Neff dropped a close race to Matt Hagan, No. 2 in points, losing by five thousandths of a second at the finish line. Hagan left the starting line a shade quicker than Neff and his slower 4.172 second pass was enough to get to the stripe first in front of Neff’s 4.151 second run.

After the race Neff did not lose his cool but kept a positive outlook when he was looking at the possibility of losing his points lead if Hagan defeated Melanie Troxel in round two. When he was asked what he would have done differently against Hagan Neff was straightforward and to the point.

“I would have hit the gas six thousandths sooner. Honestly, I am alright. This Castrol GTX Ford Mustang ran exactly what I was shooting for,” said Neff, a five-time winner in 2011. “That is the hard part. We have a great team here and they put up a good run over there. The race was decided by five thousandths of a second. What more can you ask for. You aren’t going to win all those. Like I said our car is running good. I am not discouraged or worried in any way. We have come from behind and won championships before. There are four to go and we’ll be ready.”

Neff will not have to come from behind because in the second round he received a huge boost from Melanie Troxel and Jon Capps as these two non-Countdown drivers eliminated Hagan and Jack Beckman respectively securing the points lead for Neff.

The Castrol GTX Ford Mustang will carry a slim four point lead into the third race of the Countdown. All three John Force Racing Mustangs were eliminated in the first round The last time this occurred JFR bounced back with two consecutive wins by John Force and an unprecedented 15^th Full Throttle Funny Car championship.

Besides Neff’s strong 4.15 second lap in a losing effort the first round was forgettable for John Force Racing. Both Robert Hight and John Force smoked the tires in their opening round races.

Team leader John Force was fiery and defiant prior to the second round as he motivated his team for the final four races of the Countdown.

“I already met with my team. I told then, ‘What did you think this was going to be easy?’ This is a dog fight! We have won 17 championships when you walk out of these trailers you walk out like you just won the round,’ said Force, the winningest driver in NHRA history.

“They understand that they know the drill. This fight has only started. I like a good fight. Hagan he fought last year and he didn’t get it. He is going for it this year and so is Mike Neff and so is Robert Hight. So is John Force. There is one Ford left out there and that is Bob Tasca III and I am going to root for him and I am going to root for Melanie Troxel and I am going to root for Cruz Pedregon because they have to do some real damage out there to help us out. We are going to leave here with this points lead because that is how I think and even they get the points lead they are not better than us. It is that simple. Sometimes they get luckier. I ain’t saying they ain’t as good but they are not better. We’ll see this at the World Finals.”

HAGAN MAKES NHRA HISTORY WITH FIRST THREE-SECOND RUN; DIXON, LINE, KRAWIEC ALSO NO. 1 IN CHARLOTTE

CONCORD, N.C. – (September 16, 2011) - Matt Hagan raced to the first three-second Funny Car run in NHRA history during Friday night qualifying at the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Nationals at zMAX Dragway.   

With the run Hagan joined Larry Dixon, Jason Line and Eddie Krawiec as the provisional No. 1 qualifiers in their respective categories at the 17th of 22 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series and the first of six races in the NHRA Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship, the six-race playoffs to determine the world championships.

Hagan made NHRA history when he powered his Die Hard Dodge Charger to a 3.995-second run, the quickest in NHRA Funny Car history, at 316.23 mph Friday night to take the provisional No. 1 spot. If it stands, it would be his third No. 1 qualifier of the season and ninth of his career.

“To be a part of history and be the first person in the three-second range, that’s something that they can never take away from you,” said Hagan. “I just can’t say enough about (crew chief) Tommy DeLago. What a mad scientist that guy is to put a race car like that underneath me. My guys just do such a great job and it’s incredible. It’s just a real testimony to how good of a job they do.”

The previous quickest run in NHRA history was a 4.005-second pass set by Robert Hight in 2008 in Richmond. While Hagan made the quickest Funny Car pass in NHRA history, his Don Schumacher Racing teammate Jack Beckman made the fastest, posting a 318.92 mph qualifying run in his Aaron’s/Valvoline Dodge Charger. Beckman currently sits in the provisional third spot in the field.

Dixon raced his Al-Anabi Racing dragster to the top of the Top Fuel field with a  run of 3.784 at 324.83. If it stands it would be his third No. 1 qualifier of the season for the defending world champion and 51st of his career.

“The first run was great,” said Dixon. “It gave us a backup for a national record and kind of put us in position to go for it tonight. We had nothing to lose. We were aggressive, but it just didn’t stick. This racetrack is so smooth with so much grip. The credit goes to the preparation of the racetrack, and the conditions came right to it to give us a chance to go fast today.”

Dixon’s teammate and current points leader Del Worsham sits in the provisional third spot, while Mac Tools U.S. Nationals winner Antron Brown hold the provisional second spot in the field.

In Pro Stock, Line powered his Summit Racing Pontiac GXP to the provisional top spot in Pro Stock, followed closely by KB Racing teammate and current points leader Greg Anderson, who sits in the second provisional spot. Line took the provisional No. 1 with a run of 6.520 at 212.66. If it stands, it would be his third No. 1 qualifier in a row, fifth of the season and 22nd of his career.

“I think there was a lot left in that run and if we get any kind of weather tomorrow, it’s not going to hold,” said Line. “We feel like we could have gone a .49 or run close to or under the record, and that’s the goal, especially in my case. Making up 20 points on Greg would be a really good thing, but his car is obviously just as capable and I think there are a couple of other cars that are capable as well. We’ll see what tomorrow brings.”

Krawiec rode his Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson to the top of the field in Pro Stock Motorcycle with a run of 6.833, a track record, at 196.70. If it stands, it would be Krawiec’s third No. 1 qualifier of the season and ninth of his career.

“Any time you come out and make a run like that out of the box, it sets the tone for your camp,” said Krawiec. “We underestimated the track on our second run. We second-guessed ourselves and turned the rpm down, making the bike bog. We’ll bounce back tomorrow, and we need to because our time probably won’t hold up.”

Qualifying will continue tomorrow will sessions at 11:15 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. Eliminations will begin Sunday at noon.

FRIDAY'S RESULTS 

CONCORD, N.C. -- (September 16, 2011) - Friday's results after the first two of four rounds of qualifying for the Fourth annual  O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Nationals at zMax Dragway @ Concord, 17th of 22 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series.  Qualifying will continue Saturday for Sunday's final eliminations.

Top Fuel -- 1. Larry Dixon, 3.784 seconds, 324.83 mph; 2. Antron Brown, 3.802, 324.44; 3. Del Worsham, 3.803, 322.27; 4. Tony Schumacher, 3.808, 321.88; 5. Spencer Massey, 3.808, 321.42; 6. Doug Kalitta, 3.840, 318.92; 7. Brandon Bernstein, 3.853, 318.32; 8. Terry McMillen, 3.856, 321.50; 9. T.J. Zizzo, 3.860, 316.23; 10. Bob Vandergriff, 3.861, 320.05; 11. Rod Fuller, 3.863, 320.43; 12. Shawn Langdon, 3.865, 317.12.  Not Qualified: 13. Clay Millican, 3.884, 313.88; 14. Bruce Litton, 3.901, 315.71; 15. Morgan Lucas, 3.903, 314.24; 16. Dom Lagana, 3.922, 313.00; 17. David Grubnic, 4.138, 203.74; 18. Ike Maier, 4.219, 284.39; 19. Chris Karamesines, 8.029, 65.50; 20. Pat Dakin, 14.660, 62.77.

Funny Car -- 1. Matt Hagan, Dodge Charger, 3.995, 316.23; 2. Mike Neff, Ford Mustang, 4.038, 314.17; 3. Jack Beckman, Charger, 4.044, 318.92; 4. Jeff Arend, Toyota Solara, 4.048, 313.44; 5. Melanie Troxel, Solara, 4.049, 308.85; 6. Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 4.059, 311.41; 7. Robert Hight, Mustang, 4.060, 314.90; 8. Johnny Gray, Charger, 4.087, 312.78; 9. Tim Wilkerson, Mustang, 4.108, 305.84; 10. Paul Lee, Chevy Impala SS, 4.118, 309.49; 11. Jim Head, Solara, 4.132, 301.54; 12. Tony Pedregon, Impala SS, 4.136, 300.86.  Not Qualified: 13. John Smith, 4.208, 289.94; 14. Cruz Pedregon, 4.538, 185.92; 15. John Force, 6.718, 96.94; 16. Ron Capps, 7.057, 84.93; 17.

Bob Gilbertson, broke.

Pro Stock -- 1. Jason Line, Pontiac GXP, 6.510, 212.66; 2. Greg Anderson, GXP, 6.515, 212.69; 3. Allen Johnson, Dodge Avenger, 6.529, 211.99; 4. Ronnie Humphrey, GXP, 6.534, 211.76; 5. Mike Edwards, GXP, 6.540, 211.93; 6. Kurt Johnson, GXP, 6.546, 211.43; 7. Larry Morgan, Ford Mustang, 6.548, 211.20; 8. Erica Enders, Chevy Cobalt, 6.551, 211.49; 9. Vincent Nobile, Avenger, 6.561, 211.86; 10. Rodger Brogdon, GXP, 6.571, 211.16; 11. Greg Stanfield, GXP, 6.571, 210.05; 12. Shane Gray, GXP, 6.572, 209.95.  Not Qualified: 13. V. Gaines, 6.579, 210.64; 14. Steve Kent, 6.581, 210.80; 15. Buddy Perkinson, 6.581, 210.21; 16. Ron Krisher, 6.589, 210.05; 17. Bob Benza, 6.652, 201.16; 18. Wally Stroupe, 6.801, 202.24; 19. Warren Johnson, 7.526, 205.85; 20. Grace Howell, 10.592, 115.75; 21. Robert Patrick, 13.898, 61.59.

Pro Stock Motorcycle -- 1. Eddie Krawiec, Harley-Davidson, 6.833, 196.70; 2. Matt Smith, Buell, 6.871, 191.84; 3. Karen Stoffer, Suzuki, 6.873, 195.59; 4. Hector Arana Jr, Buell, 6.914, 191.51; 5. Angie Smith, Buell, 6.920, 190.46; 6. Jim Underdahl, Suzuki, 6.921, 194.72; 7. Hector Arana, Buell, 6.935, 191.97; 8. Michael Phillips, Suzuki, 6.937, 194.86; 9. Chip Ellis, Buell, 6.938, 192.11; 10. Michael Ray, Buell, 6.943, 189.76; 11. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 6.984, 191.02; 12. Shawn Gann, Buell, 6.984, 189.68.  Not Qualified: 13. Andrew Hines, 6.986, 194.35; 14. Bailey Whitaker, 7.046, 190.70; 15. Matt Guidera, 7.047, 188.46; 16. Joe DeSantis, 8.893, 99.06; 17. Jerry Savoie, 21.635, 26.15; 18. LE Tonglet, 22.469, 25.25; 19. Justin Finley, 28.012, 78.87.

DIXON SCORES PEAK PERFORMANCE POLE AWARD FOR INDY JAPAN: THE FINAL

NHRA DEDICATES TOP ELIMINATOR CLUB GRANDSTAND AT HISTORIC LUCAS OIL RACEWAY IN HONOR OF SHIRLEY MULDOWNEY

CLERMONT, Ind. -- (September 3, 2011) - NHRA legend Shirley Muldowney was honored Saturday at the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Lucas Oil as NHRA President Tom Compton announced the Top Eliminator Club grandstands located behind the starting line at Lucas Oil Raceway has been dedicated in honor of the pioneering three-time NHRA Top Fuel world champion.

It marks only the third time in NHRA’s history that a section of grandstand at an NHRA-owned and operated facility has been named for one of the sport’s legends.  Earlier this year, during NHRA’s 60th Anniversary celebration, a section of grandstand at fabled Auto Club Raceway at Pomona was named for Don “The Snake” Prudhomme, and later in March, a section of grandstand at Florida’s Gainesville Raceway was named after “Big Daddy” Don Garlits.

“There is no doubt that Shirley Muldowney is not only one of the greatest drivers in NHRA, but she is also one of the most accomplished women athletes of her time,” Compton said. “It is truly fitting that we dedicate a section of grandstand at the most historic facilities in drag racing, to one of the most historic and popular figures in NHRA’s history.”

Muldowney was named No. 5 in the Top 50 Drivers in NHRA history in 2001, and earned 18 NHRA national events, including a triumphant victory over Connie Kalitta at the 1982 Mac Tools U.S. Nationals.  Muldowney helped break the gender barrier in drag racing, laying the path for hundreds of women who followed admiringly in her footsteps.

“It looks like I’ll have a place to sit,” said an emotional Shirley Muldowney after the unveiling.  “A lot of times I’ll go into the stands with a hat on trying to be incognito, thinking nobody will recognize me. That’s amazing. Thank you so much to Tom Compton and NHRA for this wonderful moment.”

Her career and accomplishments have been recognized outside the sport of NHRA Drag Racing.  Among her many honors and awards include the United States Sports Academy’s Mildred “Babe” Didrikson Zaharias Courage Award and being honored by the New York State Senate, her birth state, as one of the Thirty Women of Distinction, alongside Susan B. Anthony and Eleanor Roosevelt.  Muldowney was named one of Sports Illustrated for Women’s top 100 athletes.

Headquartered in Glendora, Calif., NHRA is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2011.  As the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States, NHRA presents 22 national events featuring the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series, NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series and NHRA Get Screened America Pro Mod Drag Racing Series. NHRA offers competition opportunities for drivers of all levels in the NHRA Summit Racing Series and the NHRA Drags: Street Legal Style presented by AAA.  NHRA also offers the Jr. Drag Racing League for youth ages 8 to 17.   In addition, NHRA owns and operates five racing facilities: Gainesville Raceway in Florida; Atlanta Dragway in Georgia; National Trail Raceway in Ohio; Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis; and Auto Club Raceway at Pomona in Southern California. For more information, log on to NHRA.com, or visit the official NHRA pages on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.

MULDOWNEY RECEIVES MILDRED MARCUM PIONEER AWARD DURING 9TH ANNUAL WOMEN IN THE WINNER’S CIRCLE FOUNDATION DINNER

BROWNSBURG, Ind. – (September 2, 2011) - Shirley Muldowney was honored as the 2011 recipient of the Mildred Marcum Pioneer Award, highlighting the ninth annual Women in the Winner’s Circle Foundation award celebration.   The event was held Thursday, Sept. 1 at Don Schumacher Racing headquarters on the eve of the 57th running of the worlds’ most prestigious drag racing event, the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Lucas Oil.

The Women in the Winner’s Circle Foundation was founded by Lyn St. James, who has dedicated much of her life after retiring from racing to help women achieve their goals and aspirations in the motorsports field.   The event was attended by many motorsports dignitaries and VIPs and showcased some of the best women racers currently competing in the top motorsports leagues in the world including ARCA, IndyCar, NASCAR, NHRA and USAC.  The night was co-emceed by Debby Knox of WISH-TV along with St. James.

Muldowney was the second drag racer to win the Mildred Marcum Pioneer Award, which is presented to females in racing who through their dedication and passion for the sport have changed racing for women.  In 2006, Barbara Parks, wife of NHRA founder Wally Parks, received the award posthumously.

Muldowney, winner of three NHRA Top Fuel world championships and 18 NHRA national events, became the first woman to win an NHRA national event and a world championship title.  When Muldowney won the 1977 NHRA Top Fuel world championship, her accomplishment was so outstanding that the U.S. House of Representatives bestowed upon her an Outstanding Achievement Award.

The NHRA was well represented in other categories as Kim LaHaie Richards, co-crew chief for Ron Capps, was named the winner of the C&R Racing Woman in Technology Award and the 2011 Opportunity Award was given to Roger Burgess with R2B2 Racing.  Mazda USA MazdaSpeed was also honored with an Opportunity Award during the evening.  Among the women of drag racing in attendance included: Samantha Coughlin, Alexis DeJoria, Erica Enders, Peggy Llewellyn, Leah Pruett and Melanie Troxel. 

Also honored were Danica Patrick who was given the 2011 Achievement Award and Jessica Bean, who received the USAC Kara Hendrick Spirit Award.    The 2011 Leadership Award was presented to the FIA Women & Motor Sport Commission. 

Headquartered in Glendora, Calif., NHRA is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2011.  As the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States, NHRA presents 22 national events featuring the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series, NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series and NHRA Get Screened America Pro Mod Drag Racing Series. NHRA offers competition opportunities for drivers of all levels in the NHRA Summit Racing Series and the NHRA Drags: Street Legal Style presented by AAA.  NHRA also offers the Jr. Drag Racing League for youth ages 8 to 17.   In addition, NHRA owns and operates five racing facilities: Gainesville Raceway in Florida; Atlanta Dragway in Georgia; National Trail Raceway in Ohio; Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis; and Auto Club Raceway at Pomona in Southern California. For more information, log on to NHRA.com, or visit the official NHRA pages on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.

SONOMA,  Calif. (Aug. 28, 2011) - Team Penske's Will Power continued his recent domination at Infineon Raceway on Sunday, taking the victory in the Indy® Grand Prix of Sonoma.

It was Power's second consecutive win in the Sonoma Valley and his fifth of the season as he inched closer to points leader Dario Franchitti in the chase for the IZOD IndyCar® Series championship.

Power, who qualified on the pole, led 71 of the 75 laps over the twisting 12-turn, 2.303-mile road course. Team Penske swept the top three spots, with Helio Castroneves second and Ryan Briscoe third.

"This is like home for me," said Power.  "To start 1-2-3 and finish 1-2-3, what a dream weekend."

Franchitti (Target Chip Ganassi Racing) and teammate Scott Dixon completed the top five. With the win, Power now trails Franchitti by 26 points with just four races left in the season. Power has posted wins in two of his last four races.

"We have a legitimate shot at the championship," said Power, who became the first repeat winner at Infineon Raceway since INDYCAR first visited Sonoma in 2005. "We're 26 points out and we have two road courses and two ovals left. We can get this….this was also great momentum for the team with a 1-2-3 finish."

For Castroneves, this matched his best finish of the season (Edmonton).

"It's been a roller-coaster season for me but this weekend it's been all about the team," said Castroneves, who won in Sonoma in 2008. "We deserved this. It was a great result. It's rare to start 1-2-3 and finish 1-2-3."             

This marks the first 1-2-3 finish for Team Penske since Mid-Ohio in 1994. Moreover, Team Penske also won the Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race in Sonoma in June (Kurt Busch).

In other racing on Sunday, Patrick Long (Porsche) swept the weekend in the GT class for the SCCA Pro Racing World Challenge.  Other winners were rookie Ben Crosland in GTS (Ford Mustang) and Aaron Povoledo in Touring Car (Volvo).

San Rafael's Patrick O'Neill also made it a clean sweep, taking the win in the Formula Car Challenge main event. O'Neill also won the Formula Car Challenge race on Saturday.

"I put the marks together and went for it," O'Neill said. "It's been a great weekend and I'm ready for a beer."

POWER WINS PEAK PERFORMANCE POLE AWARD FOR INDY GP OF SONOMA

SONOMA, Calif. -- (Saturday, August 27, 2011) - Will Power earned his sixth PEAK Performance Pole Award of the season as Team Penske swept the top-three spots in qualifying for the Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma at Infineon Raceway. Helio Castroneves and Ryan Briscoe will start second and third, respectively.

Power, who won the race in 2010 to wrap up the first Mario Andretti Road Trophy, is the first to earn back-to-back poles at the technically and physically challenging circuit.

Point leader Dario Franchitti will start fourth while his teammate Scott Dixon will start fifth. Rookie James Hinchcliffe, driving the No. 06 Sprott car for Newman/Haas Racing, reached his first Firestone Fast Six.

DAY 2 NOTEBOOK:

Will Power pulled on his helmet, turned toward the Infineon Raceway grandstand and gave a thumbs up to his No. 1 fan.

Brian McEnnerny returned the salute before Power climbed in the No. 12 Verizon Wireless car for the initial practice of the Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma. He remained in the front row, behind the pit stand, the entire session, watching from his wheelchair.

The boy, who has cerebal palsy, connected with Power during an IZOD IndyCar Series autograph session last year at the Union Square Macy's in San Francisco. McEnnerny began following Power after hearing of his August 2009 practice crash at Infineon Raceway, in which he suffered concussion and compression fractures of his second and fourth lumbar vertebrae.

After meeting McEnnerny, Power learned that he and his family were not able to secure tickets to the race. So, with assistance from the team and raceway officials, tickets were provided.

Power, who started from the pole, won the race to clinch the inaugural Mario Andretti Road Trophy. The team invited McEnnerny into Victory Lane, where he joined in posing for photos with Power, Andretti and the team.

"He's such a pleasant kid," said Power, who provided his fan and team a smile with the second-fastest lap of the session (1 minute, 19.5633 seconds). "I can tell already this year that he's grown quite a bit. He's so enthusiastic. His room is made up of massive Verizon car banners and photos.

He loves coming out here and we love having him out here."

***

Dario Franchitti, who was quickest in Friday's practice session, has an average finish of 3.4 in five IZOD IndyCar Series starts in Sonoma. He won in 2009, and is looking to become the first two-time winner in the seven times the series has visited.

***

INDYCAR and Ortsbo, INDYCAR's official online translation service partner, hosted their first first Live & Global event -- in which fans and the media could chat with the guests in more than 50 languages with live video streaming on home and mobile platforms.

Mario, Michael and Marco Andretti answered questions during the 45-minute session hosted by reigning Indianapolis 500 champion Dan Wheldon from Russia, Belgium, Norway, France, Greece, South Africa, India, Canada and the United States.

In fact, Intertainment Media CEO David Lucatch (parent company of Ortsbo) said fans from more than 80 countries registered to watch.

"This is just the start," Lucatch said. "It's an amazing opportunity to showcase our technology with a fantastic partner in INDYCAR. From the standpoint of INDYCAR, the fans are global, the race car drivers are global and the events are global. The technology allows people to communicate through literally a global village.

"People are not only broadcasting out in 52 languages, people are broadcasting in in 52 languages. When we think of broadcasting, we think of one way and that's really not global. Today, we created with INDYCAR a true global village."

Ortsbo enables real-time conversational translation in more than 50 languages and seamlessly integrates with the most popular social media platforms.

"Ortsbo has opened the door for INDYCAR to virtually touch its fans around the world," INDYCAR CEO Randy Bernard said. "Besides translating our messages into multiple languages, they've given us the ability to interact with fans worldwide in real time with their Live & Global events, making INDYCAR a true global entertainment property."

***

JR Hildebrand, who cut his teeth at the Jim Russell Racing School at Infineon Raceway, has had a busy week in the Bay Area promoting the race. The National Guard Panther Racing rookie is from Sausalito, Calif.

It's included a stop at the San Francisco 49ers nearby practice facility to meet with Panther team co-owner and 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh and going on the field at AT&T Park -- home of the San Francisco Giants -- to meet players and manager Bruce Bochy.

"I won my first go-kart race at Infineon and won my first race in a car there as well, so it's a special track for myself and my family and we'll have a lot of friends and family out to watch the National Guard boys this weekend," he said.

***

Andretti Autosport driver Mike Conway got an aerial view of Infineon Raceway courtesy of the crew of a Boeing C-17 Globemaster III from nearby Travis Air Force Base.

Air Force Col. Al Lupenski, 349th Operations Group Commander and a longtime associate of Andretti Autosport, piloted the C-17 for the "mission" that included a mid-air refuel from a KC 10 Extender at 26,000 feet.

"I have talked with Michael (Andretti), his drivers and crew members about our 'pit stops' for a long time," Lupenski said. "I have been lucky enough to watch the IndyCar Series pit stop up close."

PEAK PERFORMANCE POLE QUALIFYING NOTES:

• Will Power won his sixth PEAK Performance Pole Award of 2011. He also won poles at St. Petersburg, Barber, Long Beach, Sao Paulo and Toronto.

• Power won the pole position at Infineon Raceway for the second-straight season. The pole sitter has won the race in each of the last three races at Infineon Raceway.

• Power is the only driver to have qualified for Firestone Fast Six for every race this season.

• Helio Castroneves qualified second, his second front row start in 2011. He also started second at Milwaukee. It is Castroneves' best qualifying performance on a road/street course in 2011.

• Ryan Briscoe qualified third, his fourth top-five start in 2011.

• James Hinchcliffe qualified for Firestone Fast Six for the first time in his IZOD IndyCar Series career. His sixth starting spot is his best starting position on a road/street course.

• Ana Beatriz will start 10^th. It is her best start in her IZOD IndyCar Series career.

PEAK PERFORMANCE POLE QUALIFYING QUOTES:

WILL POWER (No. 12 Verizon Team Penske, PEAK Performance Pole Award winner): "This qualifying session was as perfect as it could go. We were a little concerned after practice and didn't know if we had the pace or not, but we made some good changes before qualifying. We were able to put a perfect lap together that was mistake free and hit all of the sectors and that was the key to posting the quickest lap. I am very happy with the efforts of Verizon Team Penske and having all three Team Penske cars up top today was indicative of the work we have done. We were struggling a little bit on road courses so we have worked hard on improving the car and this is a result of the hard work.   

RYAN BRISCOE (No. 6 Penske Truck Racing, qualified third): "The hard work of Team Penske is paying off and now we seem to be executing the car. This is a great achievement from our standpoint of the No. 6 crew side. We didn't have the best of days yesterday as we had issues with the brakes. We came on strong today and were fighting for the top spot all day long. It feels great and hopefully we can move up a little tomorrow as well."

DARIO FRANCHITTI (No. 10 Target Chip Ganassi Racing, qualified fourth): "We worked really hard on getting both of the Target cars ready for qualifying and to have good balance on the Firestone black tires. We tried putting the red tires on and the car was terrible. We tried to put up a fast lap and get the time we needed. We made a couple of changes throughout the session but just didn't quite have it. We have a lot of work to do tonight because we are going to have to use the red tires for one segment of the race tomorrow.

SEBASTIEN BOURDAIS (No. 19 Boy Scouts of America, qualified eighth): "I screwed up.  It's not bad bad but it should have been better. I anticipated the track would get grippier and better, but it didn't.  It's on me.  Tomorrow will be a game of not making mistakes."

SCOTT DIXON (No. 9 Target Chip Ganassi Racing, qualified fifth): "The cars were good this morning in cool weather but once the track heated up we really struggled with the grip. I'm surprised we didn't gain that much on red tires and Penske seemed to stay the same as what they were the morning, so it's a little bit frustrating. We obviously messed up quite a bit there. I think this is just about our worst qualifying on road courses this year. I think that both cars will be strong in the race but it's really tough to qualify especially when you're here in Sonoma when you can't pass."

HELIO CASTRONEVES (No. 3 Guidepoint Systems Team Penske, qualified second): "Wow, I'm so happy to be starting on the front row in our Guidepoint Systems car. It has been awhile since I've started up front and here and it feels awesome. It is a great result for Team Penske to start 1-2-3. I have to thank all my guys for all their hard work and thank everyone for sticking with me through what has been a difficult season. Now, tomorrow we just have to go out there and finish the job and bring home a strong result for the team."  

JAMES HINCHCLIFFE (No. 06 Sprott Newman/Haas Racing, qualified sixth): "It's cool to see a blue car up there. It's something that Oriol's done a couple of times this year and it's nice now to add my name to the list. We didn't have the best day yesterday and we didn't have the best run this morning  so we weren't quite sure what to do and we were in a little bit of crisis mode.  We really buckled down and put our heads together and asked the guys to do a lot of changes to the car during qualifying and I thank them for actually getting it done and it seem to work out alright so I'm really happy to get into the Firestone Fast Six for the first time."

E.J. VISO (No. 59 PDVSA - KV Racing Technology - Lotus, qualified ninth): "So far this weekend has been very challenging for the team.  This is a very difficult track to come up with the right setup.  It requires us to sacrifice something in one corner to gain in another, so we still need to try and find the right solution.  Qualifying ninth for the race is very important as it's always a very long race and this will give us a better chance for a good result."

ORIOL SERVIA (No. 2 Telemundo Newman/Haas Racing): "Our qualifying effort was not what we wanted; it didn't make our weekend easy for us. We tried to guess what the red Firestone alternate's would do and we went a little too far and couldn't put it together. I had one lap that I thought the car was good enough but I just couldn't push it enough. And the next lap that I pushed, the tires had already went off. I couldn't put it together but at least James saved qualifying for the team. We actually looked like the best of the rest after the Penske's and Ganassi's. Well done for James and hopefully we can put it together for tomorrow. This is a track that, yes, it is very difficult to pass but it is a race that for some reason a lot of stuff, a lot of yellows and different strategies so there is no reason to give up at all. We would have preferred to qualify better - no doubt - but there is still a definite possibility of moving the Telemundo car forward tomorrow."

DANICA PATRICK (No. 7 Team GoDaddy): "Qualifying didn't go our way today. We were hoping for some speed after practice earlier, but we didn't quite have it. We'll work hard to get the GoDaddy.com car ready for the race and move up the field tomorrow."

GRAHAM RAHAL (No. 38 Service Central):  "We're frustrated. We thought the No. 38 Service Central car was quick enough to get us to the final round of qualifying. It just didn't work out. The car was very loose and our timing was off. We had a lap going that was going to be strong, but I had to lift because Scott (Dixon) came out of the pits which I didn't think would kill our run. When I got back up to speed, I had one more good lap and unfortunately (Sebastian) Saavedra spun in front of us so we didn't even get a shot at it. Another disappointing factor is we'll be racing in Baltimore next weekend and it's going to be a tight street circuit; we're going to be pitted in the middle of pit lane and that's not what we want. We want to be pitted up front like we are here at Infineon Raceway. We're starting 13^th tomorrow, which isn't ideal, but the Service Central team will rebuild tonight and we'll be strong the race."

CHARLIE KIMBALL (No. 83 Levemir and NovoLog FlexPen):  "It is a little disappointing for the Novo Nordisk Chip Ganassi Racing team. We got a little aggressive with the qualifying set-up, hoping it would push us a little bit more to nab a spot in the top-10. With the sun coming out this afternoon, it kind of bit us. It's a shame to be starting 26^th because I know we have a lot more speed in the No. 83 Levemir and NovoLog FlexPen car, but the race tomorrow is long and I know we'll have a good strategy and good pace if we get to show it."

GIORGIO PANTANO (No. 22 TranSystems/Dreyer & Reinbold Racing): "I'm not that happy, to be honest. I was convinced that we would be in a better position, but that's okay because tomorrow is a long day. This was my first qualifying after six years, and tomorrow is a long race tomorrow and we will work hard to bring home a good result."

ANA BEATRIZ (No. 24 Team Ipiranga/Dreyer & Reinbold Racing): "We came to the test with a couple of ideas and we tried different things that helped us find another fast way. I'm really glad that we found it and that we came here and were competitive. I'm really happy that we were able to make it into the fast twelve. Unfortunately, in the second qualifying we didn't quite get the grip that we had in the first session, but I'm happy with where we ended up. I'm really proud of the Ipiranga crew and I would like to thank Dreyer & Reinbold Racing for all of their hard work. We have been pushing really hard and it's great to be in the top-ten. We will push hard tomorrow during the race and hopefully we can get a good result.

MIKE CONWAY (No. 27 @FollowAndretti): "The car is pretty good until the tires start to fall off.  You can get about two or three laps with the red (Firestone) tires in qualifying.  If you get a good rhythm, you can improve on your fourth lap.  But it is tough. I'm sorry that qualifying didn't work out for the rest of the guys because they took my direction on the setup.  They didn't seem to have a good run.  The track in qualifying wasn't the same as practice.  When I went out on the reds (tires), I said, 'Whew, the track isn't as good as before.'  But we have decent starting spot.  I'd sure like to put the car up on the podium again.  The first time I came here in 2009, I was third.  I didn't get a chance to race here last year."

RYAN HUNTER-REAY (No. 28 Team DHL/Circle K/Sun Drop Citrus Soda): "We had some issues in the first round of qualifying that we really hadn't seen before.  We were off about seven tenths of a second in two of the slowest corners on the track. Those should be the easiest corners for us.  They are second gear turns. It is a little like street course handling.  Wow, we have to get it figured out for Sunday's race.  Sunday is really the only day that counts."

HO-PIN TUNG (No. 88 Mouser.com Schmidt Dragon Racing): "Today went well for the Dragon Racing Sam Schmidt team. We wish we could have qualified the car in a better position, but an error I made on our last lap, cost us about 2 positions. The car handled well and I felt comfortable completing my first qualifying attempt in IndyCar. Tomorrow will be a big day for me making my first real IndyCar debut and I hope to make a strong run here in Sonoma."

TAKUMA SATO (No. 5 KV Racing Technology - Lotus): "I am extremely disappointed.  We have tried several changes, but they didn't give us enough speed.  Tonight we have to look at all the data and find something for the race tomorrow."

TONY KANAAN (No. 82 GEICO - KV Racing Technology - Lotus): "It's just disappointing.  We couldn't find a good balance for the car both yesterday and today and that translated to a bad qualifying run. We'll work overnight to find a solution for tomorrow's warmup and see how that goes.  Hopefully we can do better than this for the race."

MARCO ANDRETTI (No. 26 Team All Natural Snapple): "We were limited on the front of the car and that's where we lost the most lap time today. We're really struggling a bit with the car - it was too conservative for qualifying. For qualifying you have to make the car turn and the Snapple car wasn't turning today. We'll do our best to gain track position during the race tomorrow."

SUNDAY'S SCHEDULE

9 - 9:30 a.m. - IZOD IndyCar Series warmup

1 p.m. - Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma pre-race

1:45 p.m. - Indy Grand Prix of Somona (75 laps), VERSUS (Live).

The next IZOD IndyCar Series event is the Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma on Aug. 28 at Infineon Raceway. The race will be televised live at 4 p.m. (ET) by VERSUS and broadcast by the IMS Radio Network. The next Firestone Indy Lights race is Baltimore 100 on Sept. 4 at the Streets of Baltimore. The race will be televised live at Noon (ET) by VERSUS.

SONOMA, Calif. (Aug. 24, 2011) – Infineon Raceway offers race fans an incredible experience both on and off the track at the Indy® Grand Prix of Sonoma (Aug. 26-28).

In addition to racing in five different categories, highlighted by the IZOD IndyCar Series, the raceway will also host a variety of promotions, fan events and charitable activities to keep fans entertained during race week/weekend.

For more details on any of these events, please visitinfineonraceway.com/indycar or call 800-870-RACE (7223).

THURSDAY, AUG. 25

Autograph Session at Macy’s Union Square

Rub elbows with racing legend Mario Andretti as well as INDYCAR drivers Helio Castroneves, Ryan Briscoe, Will Power and Simona de Silvestro at Macy’s Union Square in San Francisco beginning at 6 p.m.

Wheeling in Wine Country

The raceway will host its first Wheeling in Wine Country Charity Bicycle Ride on the twisting road course from 6-7:30 p.m., featuring INDYCAR drivers Charlie Kimball, Vitor Meira and Graham Rahal. Riders of all skill levels are encouraged to attend this fun ride. Walk-ups welcome.

FRIDAY, AUG. 26

Firestone Tech Talk and Firehawk appearance - 1 p.m. (INDYCAR Fan Village)

Meet the Team Penkse Drivers

Head to Marin Honda to meet Helio Castroneves, Will Power and Ryan Briscoe between 6:30-7 p.m. There will be a chance to win race tickets and garage passes.

SATURDAY, AUG. 27

Mario, Michael and Marco Andretti Chat Streamed Live on Ortsbo – 9 a.m. (INDYCAR Fan Village)

Mario, Michael and Marco Andretti will chat with race fans and media from around the world in up to 53 languages during a live video stream. Fans and media can register online for the event at indycarliveandglobal.com andandrettiliveandglobal.com

Driver Autograph Sessions
Meet many of the stars from the IZOD IndyCar Series at driver autograph sessions in the INDYCAR Fan Village.

12:35 p.m. - 1:35 p.m. Autograph Session
Danica Patrick, Marco Andretti, Mike Conway, Ryan Hunter-Reay,
INDYCAR Legends - Mario Andretti , Al Unser Jr., Johnny Rutherford  

4:45 p.m. - 5:45 p.m. Autograph Session
Will Power, Helio Castroneves, Scott Dixon, Dario Franchitti, JR Hildebrand, Graham Rahal, Tony Kannan, Oriol Servia, James Hinchcliffe, Takuma Sato, Ryan Briscoe, Charlie Kimabll, Victor Meria, Ed Carpenter, EJ Viso, Sebastien Bourdais, Ana Beatriz, Sebastian Saavedra, Simona de Silvestro, James Jakes, Alex Tagliani, Giorgio Pantano.

Star Mazda Autograph Session - 1:45 p.m. (INDYCAR Fan Village)

Star Mazda driver Zach Veach Q&A - 2:15 p.m. (INDYCAR Fan Village)

IZOD IndyCar Series drivers Sebastien Bourdais and James Jakes Q&A - 4:30 p.m. (INDYCAR Fan Village)

SUNDAY, AUG. 28
Danica Patrick Q&A (Tickets available) – 9:45 a.m.

Firestone Tech Talk & Firehawk appearance - 10 a.m. (INDYCAR Fan Village)

Will Power Q&A (Tickets available) – 10:15 a.m.

INDYCAR Charity Auction – 10:30 a.m. (Wine Country Winner’s Circle)
Take a lap around the world-famous road course during pre-race ceremonies with an IZOD IndyCar Series driver. Proceeds benefit Speedway Children’s Charities.

Legends in Sonoma Q&A with Mario Andretti, Al Unser Jr. and Johnny Rutherford (Tickets available) – 11 a.m.

Honda Tech Talk - 11:30 a.m. (INDYCAR Fan Village)

Patriots Jet Team Air Show – 12:25 p.m.

Military Appreciation Day Pre-event ceremonies – 12:55 p.m.

Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma IZOD IndyCar Series Race – 1:45 p.m.

AROUND THE PADDOCK
INDYCAR Fan Village
Visit the INDYCAR Fan Village to test your skills on racing simulators, win cool race items on the Honda prize wheel, and check out the new concept cars for the 2012 race season. 

Fans can also redeem your race ticket for a complimentary ticket to the IZOD IndyCar Series finale at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Oct. 16. 

Look for eBay Motors QR Codes

Download the free eBay Motors app and look for QR codes around the raceway. Scan them for a chance to win great prizes like driver meet & greets, ticket upgrades or access to exclusive VIP areas. Visit the eBay Motors display in the main paddock to learn more and to pick up a special giveaway.

Motor Sports Midway
Infineon Raceway will again host a bustling Motor Sports Midway, featuring after-market products, food, beverage and entertainment options, including the Eurobungy Trampoline.

Sonoma Salutes Our Troops 
Be sure to stop by the Sonoma Salutes Our Troops booth located in the paddock to write a note or make a donation to help send supplies to our troops stationed overseas.

Get a Signed Poster from One of the Infineon Raceway Girls 
Visit the Infineon Raceway Girls booth in the main paddock to get your photo taken, and pick up a signed poster!  A $3 donation to Speedway Children’s Charities is encouraged.

Infineon Raceway Honors Military at Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma

SONOMA, Calif. (Aug. 23, 2011) — Infineon Raceway will continue its long-standing tradition of honoring the United States Armed Forces with Military Appreciation Day at the Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma on Sunday, Aug. 28.

Major General Mike Myatt has been named Grand Marshal of the race weekend and will take part in issuing the most famous words in racing, “Drivers, Start Your Engines.”

Among his many honors, Myatt commanded the 1st Marine Division during Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm (1990-91). His unit defeated seven Iraqi Army divisions and also liberated Kuwait City. Myatt, who retired from the Marine Corps in 1995, also served two tours in the Republic of Vietnam. Myatt, a San Francisco native, is currently the chairman of the San Francisco Fleet Week Association, as well as President and CEO of the Marines’ Memorial Club in San Francisco.

The United States military will be saluted in many other ways on race day, including:

• Pre-race ceremonies will boast the unfurling of two large American flags, one by the United States Coast Guard and the other by the California Army National Guard. A joint services honor guard with representatives from all branches of the military will also be featured.

• Members of the Band of the Golden West from Travis Air Force Base will perform the national anthem, as well as God Bless America.

• The Patriots Jet Demonstration Team will perform a six-jet air show during pre-race ceremonies. Most of the pilots are former members of the United States military.

• The Coast Guard will host a special fly-by with a C130 Hercules and two H-65 Dolphin helicopters moments before the green flag is dropped on the Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma.

• Sonoman Bucky Peterson, Chairman of the Troops to College program, will recognize veterans who have earned a degree or taken advantage of Troops to College benefits.

• Sergeant Lorenzo Hernandez, a Monterey native, will hold his re-enlistment ceremony in the Winner’s Circle at 2:30 p.m. Hernandez served in two combat deployments in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

In addition to the many at-track honors, the raceway will give race fans an opportunity to salute the military, as well, with its PG&E Tickets for Troops program.  For just $20, race fans can purchase a ticket to send an active military member, veteran or reservist to the Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma. This program was made possible by the raceway’s partnership with PG&E and Operation: Care and Comfort.

The PG&E Tickets for Troops program also featured the distribution of approximately 10,000 race-day tickets to all branches of the military.

QUALIFYING: Record Effort For Kwasniewski

Youngest Pole Winner In K&N Pro Series West History

DACONO, Colo. – (August 6, 2011) - Dylan Kwasniewski became the youngest pole winner in NASCAR K&N Pro Series West history Saturday when he posted the fastest qualifying time for the Toyota/NAPA Auto Parts 150 at Colorado National Speedway.

Kwasniewski, a rookie from Las Vegas, recorded a fast lap of 16.491 seconds (81.863 mph) around the .375-mile Colorado oval for the first 21 Means 21 Pole Award presented by Coors Light of his career. Kwasniewski, who turned 16 on May 31, surpassed the previous mark for the youngest pole winner held by Spencer Clark who was 19 years, 11 months when he won the pole at Phoenix International Raceway on Jan. 26, 2006.

Championship leader Greg Pursley – Kwasniewski’s teammate – qualified second with a fast lap of 16.542 (81.610). This marks the fourth time this season that the Gene Price Motorsports teammates took the front row.

Kwasniewski is in position to continue a recent trend in K&N Pro Series West action. The three previous events have all seen the pole winner go on to reach Victory Lane, and it’s happened in four of the season’s first nine events.

The second row for tonight’s race will feature the K&N Pro Series West debut of Alex Bowman and Luis Martinez Jr., who won last time out at Portland International Raceway. Bowman laid down a lap of 16.567 (81.487) while Martinez was at 16.600 (81.325).

Ryan Philpott, Moses Smith, Brett Thompson, Michael Self, Eric Holmes and Ben Kennedy – who will also make his K&N Pro Series West debut – rounded out the top 10 qualifiers. Holmes is the defending race winner.

The Toyota/NAPA Auto Parts 150 is slated to take the green flag at approximately 8:15 p.m. MT.

FORCE No. 1 FRIDAY AT O’REILLY NORTHWEST NATIONALS

BROWN, CAPPS, ANDERSON AND TONGLET RACE TO VICTORIES AT FRAM/AUTOLITE NHRA NATIONALS

FORCE CLAIMS NHRA RECORD 139TH NO. 1 QUALIFYING POSITION SATURDAY AT FRAM / AUTOLITE NHRA NATIONALS

Schumacher, Johnson and Arana Jr. also earn top qualifying positions at Infineon Raceway

SONOMA, Calif. – (July 30, 2011) - John Force became NHRA’s all-time leader in No. 1 qualifying positions when he raced to the top spot in  Funny Car Saturday at the FRAM / Autolite NHRA Nationals at Infineon Raceway.

Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel), Allen Johnson (Pro Stock) and Hector Arana Jr. (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also will lead their categories into Sunday’s 11 a.m. eliminations at the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series event.

Force claimed his fifth No. 1 of the season and 139th of his career, which broke a tie with Pro Stock legend Warren Johnson for the most top qualifying positions in the history of the sport. Force took the top spot with a performance of 4.060 seconds at 311.99 mph in his Castrol GTX High Mileage Ford Mustang.

“When you can be put in the books with people like Warren Johnson and Bob Glidden from years ago it makes you feel good,” Force said. “But I am still chasing them in my mind. It’s what gets me up each day and keeps me going. I am a race car driver and it’s what I really love.”

Force was a bit emotional when he reflected on the accomplishment and all of the No. 1s he’s earned over the years, including eight at Infineon Raceway.

“I just gave credit to all of my crew chiefs at the top end,” Force said. “From [Steve] Pleuger back in Baton Rouge (1986), to [former crew chief Austin] Coil who’s not with us anymore, I wish he was but he’s on vacation somewhere right now, to Dean Antonelli and Jimmy Prock. Those guys are the reason I’m here today. There’s one person who’s been with me before my sponsors, before my crew chiefs and that’s my girls’ mother, Laurie. She’s the only one that’s been here alongside me longer than Coil and I love her for that. I’m so thankful that she was there and still is with me, she’s even here today.”

Robert Hight was second in his Auto Club Ford Mustang with a 4.084 at 311.49, while defending event winner Ron Capps was third in his NAPA Dodge Charger with a 4.107 at 305.77.

Schumacher earned his fourth No. 1 of the season in Top Fuel and 65th of his career with a 3.814 at 321.65 mph effort in his U.S. Army dragster. Schumacher didn’t have the quickest dragster in either of the two qualifying sessions today but is ready for eliminations tomorrow when he will face Steve Chrisman in the opening round.

“We just need to focus on running fast and going rounds and winning this race and continuing the momentum we started in Denver,” Schumacher said. “We’ve just got to go out there and win this race.”

Spencer Massey was second with a 3.834 at 313.88 in the FRAM/Prestone dragster and Antron Brown is third with a 3.841 at 315.19 in the Matco Tools dragster. Series points leader Del Worsham qualified seventh with a 3.893 at 311.41 in his Al-Anabi Racing dragster.

In Pro Stock, Johnson logged a track record performance of 6.538 at 211.58 in his Team Mopar Dodge Avenger to earn his third No. 1 qualifying position of the season, 18th of his career and second consecutive at this track.

“In the morning run we made a really good run,” said Johnson, who will face V Gaines in the opening round. “We actually had to change motors because we had a little bit of a problem so we had to put in the back up motor and it really feels good to do that. We’ve got three or four that we can put in there and do about the same thing. Our team loves coming out here for the Western Swing. We always have a blast.” 

Greg Anderson qualified second with a 6.551 at 209.69 in his Summit Racing Pontiac GXP and Erica Enders will try to claim her milestone first victory from the third spot. She posted a 6.555 at 209.82 in her ZaZa Energy Chevy Cobalt.

Rookie rider Arana Jr. took his third No. 1 of the season in Pro Stock Motorcycle with a 6.881 at 193.99 on his Lucas Oil Buell. He had to rally to take the top spot back on his final run after Eddie Krawiec briefly stole the position late in the second session.

"I saw Eddie make his run and I was like, 'Oh no, he just took it from me,'" Arana Jr. said. "I felt sick to my stomach and my nerves really kicked in. I was shaking, but I knew if I made a perfect run we could take it back. I let the clutch out and it fishtailed a little. Then I went through the gears and tucked as tight as I ever have and we got it back by a thousandth of a second. That was about as exciting as it gets right there."

Arana Jr. will face Jim Underdahl in the opening round while No. 2 qualifier Krawiec will meet resurgent Chip Ellis. Andrew Hines qualified third and will face Hector Arana Sr.

SUNDAY'S FIRST ROUND PAIRINGS FOR ELIMINATION ROUNDS 

SONOMA, Calif. -- (July 30, 2011) - Sunday's first-round pairings for professional eliminations for the 24th annual FRAM/Autolite NHRA Nationals at Infineon Raceway, the 13th of 22 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series.  Pairings based on qualifying results, which ended Saturday. DNQs listed below pairings.

Top Fuel -- 1. Tony Schumacher, 3.814 seconds, 321.65 mph  vs. 16. Steven Chrisman, 4.098, 289.69; 2. Spencer Massey, 3.834, 313.88  vs. 15. Bob Vandergriff, 4.019, 305.63; 3. Antron Brown, 3.841, 315.19  vs. 14. Ron August, 3.996, 304.39; 4. Terry McMillen, 3.861, 311.05  vs. 13. Troy Buff, 3.979, 297.29; 5. Larry Dixon, 3.868, 314.17  vs. 12. Morgan Lucas, 3.950, 307.30; 6. David Grubnic, 3.886, 312.71  vs. 11. Shawn Langdon, 3.929, 310.98; 7. Del Worsham, 3.893, 311.41  vs. 10. Clay Millican, 3.923, 309.56; 8. Brandon Bernstein, 3.911, 310.77  vs. 9. Doug Kalitta, 3.916, 306.26. Did Not Qualify: 17. Mike Strasburg, 4.101, 296.37; 18. Scott Palmer, 4.167, 239.48; 19. Steve Faria, 4.390, 238.60; 20. Mike Salinas, 4.429, 196.99.

Funny Car -- 1. John Force, Ford Mustang, 4.060, 311.99  vs. 16. Brian Thiel, Dodge Charger, 4.377, 296.11; 2. Robert Hight, Mustang, 4.084, 311.49  vs. 15. Jeff Diehl, Chevy Monte Carlo, 4.324, 288.70; 3. Ron Capps, Charger, 4.107, 305.77  vs. 14. Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 4.259, 299.73; 4. Melanie Troxel, Toyota Solara, 4.108, 308.07  vs. 13. Paul Lee, Chevy Impala SS, 4.187, 269.40; 5. Tim Wilkerson, Mustang, 4.114, 303.37  vs. 12. Tony Pedregon, Impala SS, 4.187, 295.21; 6. Jack Beckman, Charger, 4.115, 308.99  vs. 11. Johnny Gray, Charger, 4.182, 300.86; 7. Matt Hagan, Charger, 4.121, 302.96  vs. 10. Cruz Pedregon, Solara, 4.164, 304.39; 8. Gary Densham, Charger, 4.129, 301.94  vs. 9. Mike Neff, Mustang, 4.135, 305.49. Did Not Qualify: 17. Jeff Arend, 4.439, 289.32.

Pro Stock -- 1. Allen Johnson, Dodge Avenger, 6.538, 211.56  vs. 16. V. Gaines, Avenger, 11.090, 209.52; 2. Greg Anderson, Pontiac GXP, 6.551, 210.31  vs. 15. Gordie Rivera, GXP, 6.969, 204.79; 3. Erica Enders, Chevy Cobalt, 6.555, 210.44  vs. 14. Shane Gray, GXP, 6.610, 208.97; 4. Greg Stanfield, GXP, 6.566, 209.49  vs. 13. Ron Krisher, GXP, 6.597, 210.01; 5. Mike Edwards, GXP, 6.569, 210.05  vs. 12. Warren Johnson, GXP, 6.583, 209.62; 6. Ronnie Humphrey, GXP, 6.569, 209.95 vs. 11. Vincent Nobile, Avenger, 6.580, 209.98; 7. Kurt Johnson, GXP, 6.576, 209.98  vs. 10. Rodger Brogdon, GXP, 6.580, 210.24; 8. Larry Morgan, Ford Mustang, 6.576, 209.52  vs. 9. Jason Line, GXP, 6.577, 210.05.

Pro Stock Motorcycle -- 1. Hector Arana Jr, Buell, 6.881, 193.99  vs. 16. Jim Underdahl, Suzuki, 7.041, 191.70; 2. Eddie Krawiec, Harley-Davidson, 6.882, 194.21  vs. 15. Chip Ellis, Buell, 7.014, 190.48; 3. Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 6.915, 192.63  vs. 14. Hector Arana, Buell, 6.998, 189.44; 4. Matt Smith, Buell, 6.916, 189.34  vs. 13. Mike Berry, Buell, 6.997, 188.15; 5. Angie Smith, Buell, 6.928, 190.22  vs. 12. Justin Finley, Suzuki, 6.989, 192.47; 6. Michael Phillips, Suzuki, 6.936, 193.88  vs. 11. David Hope, Buell, 6.978, 188.94; 7. Karen Stoffer, Suzuki, 6.938, 193.60  vs. 10. Jerry Savoie, Suzuki, 6.976, 191.02; 8. LE Tonglet, Suzuki, 6.948, 192.22  vs. 9. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 6.971, 192.03. Did Not Qualify: 17. Shawn Gann, 7.047, 188.91; 18. James Surber, 7.061, 187.42; 19. Freddie Camarena, 7.101, 188.28; 20. Rhett Lougheed, 7.124, 185.46; 21. Katie Sullivan, 7.141, 187.81; 22. Bailey Whitaker, 7.171, 183.44; 23. Matt Guidera, 7.237, 180.48; 24. Redell Harris, 7.291, 186.74; 25. GT Tonglet, broke.

MORRISON, CO --- (July 24, 2011) - John Force joined his teammates, Mike Neff and Robert Hight, by adding an NHRA  60^th anniversary commemorative Wally to his trophy case winning the 32^nd annual NHRA Mopar Mile High Nationals today. Force took win after Matt Hagan red-lit in the final round giving Force the automatic win light. It was Force’s 6^th win at the Mopar Mile High Nationals in nine final round appearances and 133^rd of his career. It was Force’s first final round appearance of 2011. The last time Force was in the winner’s circle he was hoisting the NHRA Auto Finals trophy and the Full Throttle Funny Car World Championship trophy at the end of 2010.

“Just like the military it is all about teamwork,” said a nearly exhausted John Force on Sunday night. “We have great guys. (Co-crew chiefs) Dean Antonelli and Ron Douglas have been struggling but they have all the same stuff that (crew chiefs) Jimmy Prock and Mike Neff have. Everybody was helping. Even Robert Hight, president of the company finally spoke up.”

“I said, ‘I don’t know what is wrong. My luck is bad. It could be that my race car is off and the weight is different.’ He said, ‘No it is you.’ Robert told me to get back in the game. He said my head was in Oshkosh at the air show and the Indy 500 and every place I was going. He said you are not in your race car. He said that I had taught him and he knew my head wasn’t right. He reminded me Ihave to live it and I wasn’t living it. It was an eye opener. He was right.”

“I went back to Guido (Dean Antonelli) and Ron and told them they would have everything from me this weekend. It is team work and yeah we did some damage last night but we came back with those Fords.”

“Before the semi-final race Mike Neff looked at me and said get out there and fight like you want this. He told me to kick his butt if I could. He said I was better than I had been showing.”

Force beat Tony Pedregon in the first round then out ran points leader Mike Neff in the second round. In the semi-finals Force had to outrun one of the surprises of the season in Jeff Arend before squaring off with Matt Hagan. Force held a 6-3 record going into the final and the drivers were 1-1 in finals with Hagan winning Dallas in 2010 and Force winning in their last head-to-head meeting in Las Vegas2 last year.

“I went up against that kid Hagan and I really felt good. I said in an interview I went up to Hagan right before the final. He said good luck and I said you and I were the champs last year. You and I fought it out to the wire when nobody else could and now we are in the final. I told him we are back where we belong. He had a big old grin on his face. He said you are right. We want to be there. We miss it. We miss that winners circle.”

“I thought I was dead late. I thought, ‘Oh the whipping is coming.’ You have to be really on your game against Hagan. Sometimes luck is part of it. He was outrunning me. I chased him all the way to the lights. I was hoping he would nose over. I did not know that he red lit. That is how close we were right on that tree. He is a champion. I really like the kid. He is the future.”

The crew chief tandem of Dean Antonelli and Ron Douglas is the third crew chief combination Force has won with in his legendary career. This was JFR’s sixth win in a row this season and it marked the 14^th time in a row a Ford Mustang was represented in the final round of an NHRA race.

Robert Hight had a chance to set up a rematch of last year’s Denver final but he was upended by Hagan in the semi-finals. Hight did move up in the Full Throttle point standings securing the No. 2 spot. He now has a slim five point lead over Jack Beckman.

“I moved up to second which was one of my goals this weekend. Now I have to hang on to it and grow that lead. Going rounds was great and it was awesome to see John get that win. He needed it and the team needed it,” said Hight a four time winner in 2011. “We have a pretty good streak going.  Now all three JFR Fords have wins this season and John has a leg up on the Western Swing. He has won it before so you can never count him out. Jimmy can put his Denver tune up away for a year and we’ll be ready to get after it in Sonoma in a couple of days. I am going up to Sacramento to do some advance media and I’ll be ready to get back in this Auto Club Ford Mustang in a couple of days. Hagan outran us in the semis and it was tough to beat Wilkerson in the second round. We had our hands full today for sure.”

The hottest driver in Funny Car Mike Neff was ousted in the second round. It was just the second time Neff and his Castrol GTX Ford Mustang have lost in the second round in the last eight races including today. In Bristol teammate and eventual event winner Robert Hight beat him and today Force outran him in the second round before going on to his first win.

“We had some clutch wear in the first round that made us drop some cylinders. I wanted to keep that win streak going but if you have to lose to someone no one can hang their head if you lose to Force,” said Neff, a four time 2011 winner. “It was great to see him in the winner’s circle. The fans love him. I think that was like nine wins for us in twelve races. That is pretty incredible. We’ll get off this mountain and head to Sonoma. I’m looking forward to getting back out there.”

Neff held onto the top spot in the Full Throttle point standings and secured his spot in the Countdown this weekend. Hight moved up and with Force’s win he put 194 points between himself and 11^th place driver Johnny Gray.

Busch has won across NASCAR’s three national series at 25 different tracks, capturing wins in all three series at eight different tracks including NASCAR’s first three-race weekend sweep a year ago at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Busch ranks tied for 28th with Terry Labonte in NASCAR Sprint Cup career victories.

The 2009 NASCAR Nationwide Series champion has won races in eight consecutive seasons in the series, including a record-breaking 13 victories in 2010.

In the NASCAR Camping World Truck, Busch ranks second to Ron Hornaday Jr., who has 48 wins.

Pursley Overcomes Flat Tire For Win At Evergreen Speedway

Sixth win in eight races this year in NASCAR K&N Pro Series West