DISCLAIMER - Air Cooled Drag Racing Monthly is not affiliated with or endorsed by Volkswagen of America or the Volkswagen company in any way.

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF ERIC ELLIS - Early morning rain fell all over the island on Sunday 7/15, but by 10:30 am the sun was out, and people were pouring in the gates of Ponce International Raceway in Ponce, Puerto Rico.

Cory McClenathan was albe to get one run in Friday night as qualifying was cut short due to a local noise ordinance.  In his one attempt he ran a 4.668 ET at 320.13 MPH, which puts him in the #12 position as of Friday night.  Qualifying will resume on Saturday morning, with the remaining Top Fuel dragsters getting their second qualifying attempt.  Cory is currently 10th in the NHRA POWERade Top Fuel point standings.  He has 602 points and is 446 points behind points leader Rod Fuller, but only 70 points behind David Grubnic who sits in the #8 and last spot for the Countdown to the Championship.

UPDATE #1 (Saturday, July 28 @ 4:30 PM PST) - Cory is qualified in the #13 position heading into eliminations on Sunday with a best pass of 4.668 ET at 320.13 MPH.  He will face Tony Schumacher who qualified #4 with a 4.574 ET at 327.27 MPH.  ACDRM.com staff member and photographer Brian Watts was at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, CA Saturday for some of the qualifying action and a trip to an NHRA event wouldn't be complete without stopping by Cory Mac's pits to say hello.  This had to be the highlight of the day for former VW drag racer Cory Mac!  Here are a few more pictures from Brian's day at the races.

UPDATE #2 (Sunday, July 29 @ 12:00 PM PST) - Cory leaves first, just barely (.094 RT to .096 RT) on Tony Schumacher but loses as Tony runs the quickest pass of the weekend.  He goes through the quarter-mile at 4.542 ET at 327.82 MPH to Cory's 5.451 ET at 196.97 MPH.

The NHRA takes a much needed week off and will not be in action until August 9-12 at Brainerd International Raceway for the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals.

Another Southern California drag racing facility will be no more after this weekend.  Los Angeles County Raceway (LACR) is following in the footsteps of many area tracks from the past including Orange County International Raceway and Lions Drag Strip just to name a few.  The track, which opened in October of 1964 as Palmdale International Raceway could not get  a reprieve even with the many who tried to "Save LACR" and after a 43 year run will close its gates for the final time.  The land LACR sits on is owned by the Lane Family of Quartz Hill and has been leased to the Watsonville based Granite Construction Co. with a portion of the property, where the track is located sub-leased to raceway operator Bernie Longjohn.  According to the lease Granite Construction holds the rights to minerals on the property, which the company extracts to make concrete, gavel and asphalt.  LACR has been featured in many television shows, music videos and movies and because of its location near many magazine companies it was often used to conduct comparison tests on products and vehicles.  Will there ever be another LACR and if so where will it be, we will just have to wait and see.

East Coast VW drag racer Jerry Lewis' entry into the Drag Racer Directory/Database has been updated with his recent 10.04 ET at 142.96 MPH run.  You can check out a video of the run by CLICKING HERE.  The Drag Racing Results page has been updated with the Winners/Runner-Ups for "the Drag-in", NASA Points Race #5 and Bug Jam 21 and the Point Standings page has been updated with the current NASA and PRA points.

On July 25, longtime VW drag racer and friend to many, Mark Riley, passed away from apparent heart failure at the age of 48.  Mark was dealing with many health issues in the last four years and was rarely seen at VW gatherings or events.  Our condolences go out to his family and many friends.   

This weekends Texas Volkswagen Drag Racing Association (TVWDRA) event scheduled at Texas Raceway has been postponed for reasons unknown.  The event, sponsored by B-Quick Racing will be run on another date and possibly location.  For more information on the TVWDRA you can visit their website at www.tvwdra.org. 

See who beat who and how quickly they did it.  Click each category to view the ladders from "the Drag-in":

Pro Mod | Super Street | Super Comp

Super Gas | Super Modified | Pro Eliminator

Brian Watts was on hand taken photos and even though he wasn't feeling his normal self after the long trip form Northern California he was able to get some great photos.  You can check out the photo gallery by CLICKING HERE.

A special thanks to Joell Berg for her assistance with acquiring the information for the ladders.

ARTICLE BY JASON CULLEY AND PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF BRIAN WATTS - Pro Racing Association (PRA) Pro Mod racer Hector Urias, is having a year that many dream of.  Last October he was the #1 qualifier in the Quick 16 class at the Nitto Sport Compact  World Finals in Pomona, CA and went onto to beat another VW driven by Pete Selders in the finals and take home a "WALLY".  Fast forward to April 2007 and the BUGORAMA in Phoenix and his first PRA event.  Hector advanced all the way to the finals and beat former PRA Pro Mod Champion Eric Madson for his first PRA win. Hector couldn't make it to Bugorama #59 in Sacramento, CA  due to prior commitments but with the way he has been driving there is a good chance he would have won that also?  Next up, "the Drag-in"! 

With eight cars entered in the Pro Mod class for this event there was bound to be some spectacular racing.  This was also the first full Pro Mod field anybody could remember in recent times and it was without two Pro Mod regulars, Pat McDermott and John Redding.  The list of drivers included the aforementioned Hector Urias, Eric Madson, Eric Calabrese, Kris Lauffer (who wowed the crowd with a funny car style burnout with smoke spewing from the wheel wells), Tywon Mitchell, Shawn Moore, Frank Estrada and Brian Parrott.  On his way to the finals Hector had to face Brian Parrot and Eric Madson while Eric Calabrese earned the trip by beating Tywon Mitchell and advanced to the finals when Frank Estrada failed to show up.  Both Eric and Hector have a Pro Mod win this year and after this race we would have our first two-time winner of the season in the class.  This day belonged to Hector as he was quick off the line and ran through the quarter mile with a 9.09 ET at 150 MPH to beat Eric.

After the race Eric Madson christened Hector with the nickname, the "Witch Doctor" officially welcoming him to the PRA Pro Mod family.  The name is apparently in reference to the "VODOO" that Hector puts on the adult beverages he shares with the other Pro Mod racers.

Congrats to a the following racers who won their classes at "the Drag-in", Roger Crawford (Heads Up Performance Super Street), Chris Brown (BUGFORMANCE Super Comp), Corrie Sacchette (VWTURBOKITS.com Super Gas), Randy Martindill (Clyde Berg Heads and Motors Super Modified).  This was also Corrie Sacchette's second victory of the season.

A few other highlights from the day included legendary Lee Leighton strapping in and running down the quarter mile at the young age of 72.  Also, Dan Cerny debut of his new two tone blue Super Street car.  Fresh off his win at Las Vegas, Larry Kelley was on hand with his Cal-Look Express drag bug.  Where's the Wally?

The next event for the PRA is Bugorama #60 at Sacramento Raceway Park in Sacramento, CA on September 2nd.  For more information on the PRA you can visit their website at www.racepra.com. 

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF GREG URRUTIA - Another double points race has been run and scored. As we've seen in the past, history does repeat itself. Racers make incredible gains and can turn around a season in this one race. Heading the charge to the finish line were two of NASA's fast females. Lynn Urrutia - Winner and Shannon Brown - Runner-up, (pictured on the right) posed for a lovely winner's circle picture. This is the first time two ladies have met in the final round.  This race was run along with the CMI (California Modified Imports) Summer Nationals. Special Guest of the Driver's Meeting was long time sponsor, Ken Jansen of Jansen Enterprises. Ken has provided many of our racers with quality parts and custom machine work for all their racing needs. Ken offered advise, suggestions, and assistance while visiting with the NASA Racers.  Big announcement of the day was the addition of the Coca Cola Company of Sacramento to our long list of fine sponsors. NASA Racer John Rocha was instrumental in completing this deal. Coca Cola has pledged 15  cases of product for every NASA event. Lynn's day started with back to back fouls (double red lights) in qualifying. Although this put her at the bottom of the ladder, she quickly refocused and concentrated on race routine.

Having to make a decision between NASA and PRA, Chris Brown (Winner of Super Comp at California Speedway) made the trip to Fontana, Shannon opted to race close to home. By herself, very determined and ready to race, Shannon towed the new larger trailer to the track, loaded and unloaded her racecar, set up her own pit, and prepped the car all by herself. We were all impressed. She was definitely "In It To Win It". Many offered assistance but it was quite obvious she had things well under control. You won't find a more dedicated racer at any level.

For either racer, there was no easy road to the final round. First up for Lynn was Steve Teeters who was coming off a great showing at Bug-O-Rama. Then it was the "Boy Wonder" Chad Axford currently second in points. In the semi finals Lynn prevailed over Alan Camyre. All of her opponents were in the top 10.  Shannon raced the Drag Bus of Jason Lang in round one. Next race was against "The Bounty Hunter" Brian Gomez and then went right to the top when she matched up with and beat current points leader Wayne Axford (pictured on the left) in the semi's.

The final race for NASA was the last race of the day, very fitting.  The import racers had finished their contest and most were already gone. The only cars in the staging lanes were NASA's final pair. The track staff once again extended their hospitality. They told both racers to take their time, when they were ready to go they would be at their posts. Although it had been a long, hot day for the officials, they were happy to accommodate these two lovely ladies who always have a smile to share with them. The track staff has really adopted us as part of their family. This, another close race had Lynn (pictures on the right) scored as the race winner with 15.382 ET on a Dial-In of 15.35 at 85.880 MPH.  Shannon gave her a good race with 13.329 ET on a Dial-In of 13.10 at 95.028 MPH.

For her efforts Lynn goes home with the following Double Payouts....
$100.00 Cash from Greg's VW Service
$100.00 Gift Certificate from Bugformance of Sacramento
$100.00 Gift Certificate from Jansen Enterprises
$50.00  Jackpot Cash
Sprite Courtesy of Coca Cola of Sacramento
Two Cases of Oil from Meyer Racing
Winner's Trophy, 200 points, and of course the Winner's Decal.

Shannon carried home the Runner-Up Trophy, her share of the Jackpot Fund, and 160 points which moves her from 9th up to a three way tie for 5th place.

Also in the rewards department . . .
Wayne Axford - Best Light of the Day. Good for $100.00 gift certificate from Bugformance of Sacramento and 40 Bonus points.
Brian Gomez - Best Package in Round One (.229). That's worth $50.00 cash from Mellow Insanity Racing and a T-shirt from Wolfgang International
Brian Gomez - Top Qualifier (.009) Good for $50.00 cash from Mountain View Home Improvement and a T-shirt from Bugformance of Sacramento.

Winner's in the Driver's Meeting Raffle include . . .
Rick DeLeon - Case of Coca Cola Classic
Jason Lang - T-shirt from Bugformance of Sacramento
Nathan Cole - T-shirt from Bugformance of Sacramento
Alan Camyre - Joseph Abbound Designer Sunglasses, courtesy of RichLynn
Vineyards

Next Race August 25, Sacramento Raceway

NASA officials have announced that one of the largest, most recognizable brand names in the world has teamed up with the NASA Pro-VW Drag Racing Series.  The Coca- Cola company has come onboard as their newest sponsor and Coca-Cola of Sacramento will donate 15 cases of Coca-Cola product at every NASA event.  NASA member John Rocha played a big role in securing the sponsorship from Coca-Cola.

"Join NASA and race your way to a bounty of cash, prizes and awards.  We have the finest sponsors across the board.  You can win anything from high performance VW parts and NHRA race passes to designer sunglasses and fine wines.

Gain knowledge and experience racing with some of the finest names VW drag racing.  NASA racing is fun, affordable, and more rewarding then ever.  Race with the friendliest group of people to ever assemble at the race track.  We are looking forward to the next Winner's Circle celebration where the winners are sure to shake up a can and spray the masses!

See You In The Winner's Circle" - Greg Urrutia

The Air Cooled Drag Racing Monthly Drag Racer Directory/Database is up and running.  Thanks to Jack Oxley, Jim Gillum, Jerry Lewis, Mel Bellwood and Marty Staggs for submitting their information and keep an eye out for future submissions. 

It was the ladies of the NASA Pro-VW Drag Racing Series who ruled the track at Sacramento Raceway Park in Sacramento, CA.  In one of the most important races of the season for NASA, a double points race, Lynn Urrutia beat Shannon Brown in the finals on Sunday.  Look for a race story/recap from Greg Urrutia real soon. 

For more information on the NASA Pro-VW Drag Racing Series you can visit their website at www.nasavwdragracing.com.

Clyde Berg Heads presents "the Drag-in" at California Speedway in Fontana.

7:00 PM PST: Hector Urias takes out Eric Calabrese in the Pro Mod finals.  Look for a full race report/recap in the next few days.

4:20 PM PST:  In the second round of eliminations Hector Urias beats Eric Madson, 9.44 ET to a 9.49 ET.  In the other race Eric Calabrese automatically advances to the finals when Frank Estrada fails to show.

3:10 PM PST:  Eliminations have begun.  In Pro Mod; Estrada, Calabrese, Urias (thanks to a Parrott red light) and Madson advance to the second round.

3:03 PM PST:  Eliminations will be starting soon.  In the Heads Up Performance Super Street class Roger Crawford has run a 10.27 ET which is fastest of the day so far.

1:43 PM PST: First up for round three of qualifications is Eric Calabrese and Brian Parrott and Eric completes the quickest and fastest pass of the day so far with a 8.74 ET at 163 MPH and claims the #1 spot for now.  Brian improves over his previous runs with a 10.78 ET 129 MPH.  Tywon Mitchell and Shawn Moore are up next and Tywon's luck hasn't changed and he cannot make a pass.  Shawn runs a 11.20 ET at 124 MPH which doesn't help him improve.  That is all for round three of the Pro Mod qualifications.

1:00 PM PST: The second round of qualifying for the VW Paradise Pro Mod class starts with Tywon and Hector, who both broke and didn't make passes in round one.  Tywon is still having troubles and Hector runs a 9.32 ET at 148 MPH.  Shawn Moore up next with a single run improving on his first pass with a  10.77 at 129 MPH.  Another single run, this time Frank Estrada and he has a good run going but has to shut it down at half track and goes through the lights with a 10.25 ET at 99 MPH.  Eric Madson, Kris Lauffer, Brian Parrott and Eric Calabrese sit this round out.

11:37 AM PST:  First up are Eric Madson and Kris Lauffer with 200 foot burnouts to start the day off right.  Madson runs a 9.11 ET at 151 MPH and Kris runs a 10.08 ET in his first Pro Mod qualifying attempt. Tywon Mitchell and Brian Parrott are next up with Tywon breaking and shutting it down.  Brian runs an 11.30 ET at 119 MPH.  Hector Urias and Frank Estrada are next and Hector lays down a nice burnout but has problems and shuts it down also.  Frank clicks off a 10.18 ET at  101 MPH run.  The last of the Pro Mods to run are Eric Calabrese and Shawn Moore.  Eric runs a 11.78 at 118 MPH and Shawn runs a 11.00 ET at 126 MPH.

11:31 AM PST:  Track officials are prepping the track for the start of the VW Paradise Pro Mod qualifying runs.

11:10 AM PST:  In addition to the VW Paradise Pro Mod class having a full field, the Heads Up Performance Super Street class will also be full. 

10:39 AM PST:  There are eight Pro Mods in attendance so far, the most for any PRA event this season.  The drivers include Eric Madson (#1 in points), Eric Calabrese (#2 in points), Hector Urias (#4 in points), Frank Estrada (#5 in points), Kris Lauffer, Tywon Mitchell, Shawn Moore and Brian Parrott.  As mentioned in a previous article (SNOOPY SPOTTED IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA), Eric Madson made the surprise journey to California.  This is also the first race that VW Paradise will be class sponsor for the Pro Mods.

Check back here throughout the day for updates thanks to Brian Watts and Dominic "TBK" Carollo.

The first day of qualifications were rained out at the 20th annual Schuck's Auto Supply NHRA Nationals at Pacific Raceway in Kent, WA.  Teams will have to get by with only two qualifying runs on Saturday if the rain can stay away.

UPDATE #1 (Saturday, July 21) - After his first qualifying pass Cory McClenathan is #11 with a 4.729 ET at 291.38 MPH.  Rain stopped the action for a little while but qualifying resumed at 4 PM PST.  The rain came back and officials have set the elimination field with only one round of qualifying finished.  Cory will face Doug Herbert, who qualified #5, in the first round of eliminations on Sunday.

UPDATE #2 (Sunday, July 22) - Cory loses traction almost immediately and could not get his dragster to hook up, only mustering a 10.671 ET at 87.07 MPH.  Doug Herbert runs a 4.572 ET at 320.05 MPH and advances to the second round and will face Rod Fuller.

The Air Cooled Drag Racing Monthly website is starting an Air Cooled Drag Racer Directory/Database and is looking for your submissions.  We are looking for a wide variety of submissions, it doesn't matter if you have a 8-second Pro Stocker or 20-second daily driver.  You can submit changes anytime if your personal best ET/MPH changes or you build a new car.  You can also submit numerous cars at once, past and present.  Please visit the Drag Racer Directory/Database webpage for more details and we hope to hear from you soon! 

Snoopy will be in Southern California this weekend and we aren't talking about the one at Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park!  The current Pro Racing Association's (PRA) Pro Mod class points leader Eric Madson surprised many as he made the trip from Colorado to California and will be racing at "the Drag-in" at California Speedway in Fontana.  Just a few days ago it was reported that Madson would not be there to compete but apparently he didn't want to give away his points lead without a fight, especially to his arch-enemy, "The Red Baron" and Eric Calabrese. 

Brian Watts will be in Fontana to photograph and cover the event for Air Cooled Drag Racing Monthly so look for a story with some great photos in the next few days.  In addition ACDRM.com will try to bring you updates throughout the day if you are not lucky enough to be at the track. 

With rain falling most of the morning the track was finally dry enough to start racing around 4:35 PM (GMT) but as torrential thunderstorms started just an hour later the remainder of the race day was cancelled.  The Volkswagen Drag Racing Club (VWDRC) was able to get one round of qualifications completed in the VW Pro, VW Alternate Engine and VW Sportsman classes.  Here are the top five qualifiers from each class:

Racing is set to start at 10:00 AM (GMT) on Sunday, July 22nd.  For more information on the Volkswagen Drag Racing Club and Bug Jam you can visit www.vwdrc.com and www.bugjam.co.uk.  Results courtesy of eurodragster.com.  

The first day of qualifications were rained out at the 20th annual Schuck's Auto Supply NHRA Nationals at Pacific Raceway in Kent, WA.  Teams will have to get by with only two qualifying runs on Saturday if the rain can stay away.

UPDATE #1 (Saturday, July 21) - After his first qualifying pass Cory McClenathan is #11 with a 4.729 ET at 291.38 MPH.  Rain stopped the action for a little while but qualifying resumed at 4 PM PST.  The rain came back and officials have set the elimination field with only one round of qualifying finished.  Cory will face Doug Herbert, who qualified #5, in the first round of eliminations on Sunday.

We have added two new wallpapers to our download section.  CLICK HERE to visit the download section for larger versions and follow the instructions there to download the wallpapers and as always thank-you for visiting Air Cooled Drag Racing Monthly.

In addition look for some new drag racing wallpaper downloads after the "the Drag-in" this weekend.

Kevin Reynolds, Pro Racing Association (PRA) Official has announced that VW Paradise has come on board and will be sponsoring the Pro Mod class for the remainder of the season.  This announcement comes only a few days before "the Drag-in" at California Speedway in Fontana, CA and a little over a week after it was announced that G. Serrano VW Parts and Service was removed.  VW Paradise has been involved in the sport of VW drag racing since 1980, from the first "Paradise Express" '67 drag sedan to the current twin turbo powered front engine dragster they call, "The Nail".

For more information on VW Paradise you can visit their website at www.vwparadise.com.  

The "Devils Hot Rod" is making the trip to the California Speedway in Fontana, CA for "the Drag-in" on Sunday, July 22nd to compete in the Pro Racing Association's Pro Mod class.  The "Devils Hot Rod" is definitely capable of low 9 second passes at over 130 miles per hour and will need to a few of those runs this weekend to compete against Eric Calabrese, Tywon Mitchell, Frank Estrada and Hector Urias just to name a few.  Some notables Pro Mod mainstays missing will be Eric Madson and John Redding who are currently #1 and #3 in the Pro Racing Association's Pro Mod class standings.  There is talk floating around that there could be a full field competing in Pro Mod anyways, as well as a few other classes.  This is the third event on the 2007 PRA, for more information you can visit www.racepra.com.

Photograph of Kris Lauffer provided by Eric Ellis, Speedshots Motorsports Photography.

ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY MAT SANCHEZ (Outlaw Flat Four) - Going back to the last quarter of 2006 we were trying to work out how to cut our 2007 calendar and whilst we had a great inaugural season during the course of 2006 the one thing we hadn't done as a club was a VW event and we may well have carried on without one for the year had it not been for one event, European Bug-In. In the spring of 2006 Kobus Cantraine had posted a thread on the Cal-Look Lounge about there being a Bug-In in Europe in 2007 sometime around early July and that's when the buzz started. Enthusiasts of the performance side of the VW scene in Europe have over the last few years increasingly been looking to events like the Bug Run in Sweden, The Scandinavian Cal-Look Classic in Norway and DAS Drag Day in Germany, these are smaller events with few attractions aside from the cars and the on-track action and Bug-In promised an event in this spirit but on a potentially greater scale. The news of the new event spread across the scene virally and by the time we came to consider 2007 as a club several members had already decided to go to the Bug-In. Normally it would be hard to make an overseas event part of the calendar as the cost of taking a car to race on the continent is that much greater than a weekend at our 'home' track SCR and as such it is too much to ask of people here though the situation was different. People already wanted to go anyway and as such we made a call to the Bug-In organisers to make it official. Initially we had thoughts of a round featuring eight, maybe a dozen cars but people kept on signing up to the trip and in the end 22 Outlaw cars headed over to Chimay and Europe's premiere VW event, the 1st ever European Bug-In.

For the rest of the story head over to the Outlaw Flat Four website and click on NEWS near the top of the page.  More photographs can also be seen from the event by clicking the PHOTOS link.   

On July 22, the Pro Racing Association (PRA) will be holding their third event of the 2007 season, Clyde Berg Heads presents "the Drag-in" at California Speedway in Fontana, CA.  Currently Eric Madson (Pro Mod), Greg Tims (Super Street), Robert Hemphill (Super Comp), Rich Grise (Super Gas), Russell Sakatani (Super Modified) and Ernie Crowley (Pro Eliminator) lead their respective classes.  Gates open at 7:00 AM and for information you can contact 714-632-9229.  For additional information on the Pro Racing Association (PRA) you can visit their website at www.racepra.com.

This weekend, July 20th - July 22nd Santa Pod Raceway in England will be host to Bug Jam 21.  The Volkswagen Drag Racing Club will be in action with their VW SPortsman, VW Pro and VW Alternate Engine classes.  Saturday, July 21st will be a test and tune day with qualifying and eliminations on Sunday, July 22nd.  For more information on Bug Jam or the Volkswagen Drag Racing Series you can check out www.bugjam.co.uk and www.vwdrc.com. 

The NASA Pro-VW Drag Racing Series will also be in action with their 5th points race of the season on July 22nd at Sacramento Raceway Park in Sacramento, CA.  This could be the most important race of the NASA season as it is a double points race.  The current points leader is Wayne Axford who leads his son Chad and John Rocha by 60 points.  For more information on the NASA Pro-VW Drag Racing Series you can check out their website at www.nasavwdragracing.com.     

On Sunday, July 15 the East Coast Pro Racing Association (ECPRA) Pro Stocks made an appearance at Roxboro Motorsports Park in Timberlake, NC for the 2nd Annual Bug Wild.  Seven cars made the trip with six able to qualify for the first round of eliminations, Frank Daniels could not make a pass due to car troubles. 

Damon Harmon qualified in the #1 position with a 6.195 ET at 111.21 MPH, followed by Warren Skaggs (6.269 ET at 109.67 MPH), Ollie Frey (6.359 ET at 108.02 MPH), Todd Howard (6.418 ET at 106.26 MPH), Toy Woykowski (6.546 ET at 103.65 MPH), Gene Collier (6.746 ET at 102.13 MPH).  Damon and Warren received first round bye runs with Todd Howard and Ollie Frey joining them in the semi-finals. 

Todd was the lucky racer to draw #1 qualifier Damon Harmon but that didn't matter to him and he proceeded to put Damon away with a 6.44 ET to the losing 6.53 ET.  The #2 qualifier fared a little better as Warren Skaggs clicked off a 6.27 ET  to beat Ollie Frey who ran a 6.79 ET.

In the finals Todd was able to manage a 6.53 ET at 103 MPH but it wasn't good enough to beat Warren who claimed victory with a 6.26 ET at 109 MPH.  Warren also received a bonus of $100 (winner) and $40 (best reaction time) from McCarthy Racing Heads and Herbert Racing respectively.  Herbert Racing also awarded a $60 bonus to the racer with the low ET which went to Damon Harmon with his 6.19 ET.

In the Super Pro Class (non-ECPRA) Steve Bowers who ran a 7.239 ET (7.12 dial-in) at 88.96 MPH over Jerry Lewis who left early and lit the red light.  Jerry didn't give up on the run though and ran a 6.696 ET (6.70 dial-in) at 110.54 MPH. 

For more pictures from this event you can check out the HoleShot Photography gallery by clicking HERE.

For more information the ECPRA you can visit their website at www.eastcoastpra.com.   

Pat McDermott has been spending his Winter, Spring and Summer spare moments rebuilding his VW powered Fiat that he unfortunately crashed at the Pro Racing Association's (PRA) Finals last November in Fontana, CA.  Not sure if we will see it on the track this year (we are hoping though!), Pat will show off the horsepower at The First Annual . . . Dyno Session in the Desert presented by CB Performance High Performance Racing Products in Las Vegas, NV on October 4th.  Pat has been documenting the rebuild process and has released the following videos, this is the first three of a scheduled five.

"Fiat Highlights"

PRA Finals - Fontana - November 12, 2006

Let The Rebuilding Begin

With 5 events remaining in the Countdown to the Championship, former VW drag racer Cory McClenathan remains in the #10 spot, 12 points behond Melanie Troxell.  After the first two rounds of qualifying Melanie is #1 (4.610 ET @ 322.42 MPH) and Cory is #15 (4.863 ET @ 308.43 MPH).

UPDATE #1 (Saturday, July 14 @ 2:49 PM) - In the third round of eliminations Cory has his best pass of the weekend with a 4.819 ET at 308.35 MPH but remains in the #15 position.

UPDATE #2 (Saturday, July 14) - Cory skipped the last round of eliminations and will remain in the #15 position for the 28th Annual NHRA Mopar Mile High Nationals in Denver, CO.  He will face David Grubnic in the first round of eliminations.  David qualified in the #2 position with a 4.612 ET at 327.82 MPH.

UPDATE #3 (Sunday, July 15) - Cory's day ends too quickly as David Grubnic gets the hole shot (0.080 RT to 0.112 RT) and cruises to the Round 1 victory.  Cory runs a 4.895 ET at 267.43 MPH but loses to Grubnic's 4.806 ET at 302.69 MPH.

The NHRA heads to Seattle, WA for the Schuck's Auto Supply NHRA Nationals from July 20th - 22nd.

BY GREG URRUTIA - Sunday July, 22 at Sacramento Raceway is NASA's pivotal Double Points Race. Also up for grabs are Double Cash Payouts from our many fine sponsors. Racer's have a crack at winning over $500.00 of cash and prizes.  Without a doubt NASA's most important race of the year. For many a chance to make a huge gain in the points chase. For others, an opportunity to seal up a Championship. This one event can turn a racer's season around and put them right back into the race for the championship. Many NASA Racers have been busy making repairs and improvements to their cars since the last outing. Some Racers will have to make the choice between the PRA points race in Fontana vs. NASA 2X-Points. History has seen record turnouts for this race and in some cases a "Spoiler" can be a factor. This race is the Big One! 

See You In The Winner's Circle

For more information on the NASA Pro-VW Drag Racing Series you can visit their website at www.nasavwdragracing.com. 

Larry Kelley in the Cal-Look Express and his son, former VW drag racer Scott Kelley driving the Toyo Tires Bullet '06 Toyota Corolla are leaving Las Vegas with Wally's in their hands.  This was the first Wally for Larry in the NHRA Xplod Compact Racing Series Quick 16 class and the first time a Father and Son have won at the same event.  Scott advanced to the finals for the 8th time in the Honda Tuning All Motor class where he had won 5 out of the 7 times and this is his first trip to the finals since Topeka, KS in 2005 where he finished as the runner-up. 

Scott qualified in the #3 position with a 10.252 ET at 131.83 MPH, behind Norris Prayoonto (9.969 ET at 137.57 MPH) and Jeremy Lookofsky (9.987 ET at 136.63 MPH).  In the finals Scott got the hole shot (0.070 to 0.265) and it was never really a close race against Leslie Durst-Armendariz in her '06 Scion.  Scott clicked off a 10.048 ET at 133.65 MPH to beat Leslie's 10.532 ET at 138.03 MPH. 

For the rest of Larry's day you can see his results below (for the first round of eliminations and qualifying scroll down for story):

Larry took it easy on the car on his bye run to advance to the semi-finals.