Johns Nitro World: April 2011

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

NHRA and Social Media World

Monday, April 25, 2011

I am doing this blog on Terry McMillen because he has come along way to get where he is, and he is also one of the most wonderful, kind hearted person I have met on the drag racing circuit. Not only is he out talking, sharing experiences to his fans on Facebook and Twitter or signing autographs on and off the track, but in a moments notice he took the time away from his busy schedule to come and hang with his Twitter fans in Concord, NC at the ZMax 4-Wide Nationals on 4/16/11. I have great respect for Terry McMillen, Jim Walczak, and Cori Wickler who came out to Dave & Busters for a TweetUp that we planned just days before the event, and they spent time with their #1 fans and shared experiences, stories, took pictures, and signed autographs. It was the Highlight of my weekend in Concord, NC.

Terry grew up in the Muscle Car era, and was very fascinated with fast cars. When he was 14, he worked hard having a paper route before and after school so he could raise enough money to buy a this 1932 Ford, with a 392 Hemi and dual quads, he had his eye on. He started driving his 32 Ford at 15 1/2 years old, but not on the street, he would take it down to Merriville, IN, at the legendary US 30 Drag Strip. There his passion for drag racing continued to grow as he spent time racing his 32 Ford. From there Terry moved on to Bracket racing, Nitro Funny Car, and is now the Top Fuel Driver for the Amalie Top Fuel Dragster in the NHRA Full Throttle Series. He is based out of Elkhart, Indiana. One of his Highlights was beating Larry Dixon in Round 1 of the NHRA Winternationals in February in Pomona, CA. He is improving every time he goes down the track. Before you know it, he will win an event, which is his one of his short term goals. One of his long term goals is to win the Championship, and I am rooting him on to conquer that goal. He hopes to finish in the Top 10 in 2011 in the Top Fuel Class. Team McMillen is also working on supporting another Top Fuel Dragster this year. They are working diligently to get funding and the car ready for some events this year. I wish him great success on the growth of his team. When Terry is away from the need for speed, he loves boating, fishing and yard work.

Be looking for Terry McMillen in the near future as he will become a top contender in the Top Fuel Class. His passion and determination for the drag racing sport, I feel, will help him to conquer his goals. To find out more on Terry McMillen and his Top Fuel Dragster and Team, please click on the link below. All his fans hope that Terry will have an outstanding year in 2011. It would be great to see him compete in the top 10 and have a chance at the National Championship for 2011.

Link to Terry McMillen's web site:

http://terrymcmillen.com/

Link to Pictures from 2011 NHRA 4-Wide Nationals"

http://nitrojohns.shutterfly.com/

Thursday, April 21, 2011

From the Eyes of a Newbie, 4-Wide ZMAX Dragway

It all started out for me on Twitter. I connected with a wonderful group of people who are die hard NHRA fans. How we connected I really don't remember, but I feel truly blessed we did.
@NHRAChat - Greg & @NitroJohn - John started talking to me about a visitmyrtlebeach.com NHRA 4-Wide Nationals race they would be attending in Charlotte. I have never attend an NHRA race or any race for that matter. It sounded like fun though seeing that I like fast cars. Those two said come on and join us. A lot easier said than done due to finances. @LDCRust - Laura, whom I have never met said come on I will have two tickets waiting for you.
Are you serious? Who are these people? Well, let me tell you who they are. They are a family, a NHRA Family, and they welcomed me into the fold with open arms.
@cfreedle73 - Chris and I showed up to the track Saturday and found @LDCRust. She handed us our tickets and into the track we went. She is one of the best people I have had the privilege to meet.
Of course with the kind of luck I have, it stormed for the first 30 minutes we were there. Then the skies cleared and it turned into a beautiful day.
We finally met up with @NHRAChat, @NitroJohn, and @PapaNitroSTL. They became our guides into the life of NHRA racing.
They took us around the pits, where we got to watch the cars warming up. I gave everyone a good laugh when when I witnessed my first car firing up. I jumped a good 2 feet. That was the most exhilarating feeling though.
With the smell of Nitro in the air we worked our way to the stands. With earplugs in, I watched for the very first time the cars go flying by down the drag strip. I could feel it through my entire body. What a rush!
I have to say I am now addicted. Nitro has a funny way of seeping into your blood where you just can't get enough. You start counting down the days till the next race.
Our day became even more exhilarating thanks to Joe - @J88Ryan and Bob Tasca III - @Tasca3. We were invited into the Bob Tasca III pit area, where we got to watch @Tasca3 warm up his funny car. He took the time out to meet with us, take pictures and just chat. During this time we also got to meet Steve - @sremerson and his son. It was a joy to meet them both.
The NHRA drivers are a special breed. Their fans are important to them and they take the time to recognize us.
After the day was done at the track we headed on over to Dave and Busters for a tweetup. @TerryMcMillen, Jim and Cori were hanging out with us signing autographs. He is one of the best.
This whole experience has been a dream come true. Thank you to the NHRA family for welcoming @cfreedle73 and myself in. You are the best of the best.
Until the next race: Drive Fast and Drive Hard
Margie Freedle
@margiefreedle on twitter

Monday, April 18, 2011

4-Wide at ZMAX Dragway Weekend

First of all, let me just say WOW! What an experience to be at this 4-Wide NHRA visitmyrtlebeach.com Nationals in Concord, NC. The excitement, the rush, and adrenalin that this race produces is beyond ones wildest dreams. I would have to say that this is the NEW NHRA Platform that is going to take the NHRA to new heights. I may even go one step further and say that this event wins my award for being the BEST event on the NHRA Full Throttle Series Tour. It just beat out the BIG GO in Indy for me on Pure Excitement, and I Love going to Indy for their NHRA US National Event. I was a little hesitant at first to attend, but you got to be there to witness and absorb all that is has to offer.
Greg (@NHRAChat), Lynn (PapaNitroSTL) and I flew into Charlotte Airport on Friday 4/15, then all headed out to the track where we met up with a great Friend that got us into the event for all days there which included the sponsor viewing area. We arrived just in time for the start of the Pro Session which includes Pro Stock, Funny Cars and Top Fuel Dragsters. We were hanging out in the Sponsor Viewing area, and as we looked through the glass where the timing system was implemented, who was there looking at us non other then Laura (@LDCRust). We had tweeted her for a while but never met her and it was amazing that she recognized us. This woman is amazing and has a heart of gold. She actually, without ever meeting these (@margiefreedle & @cfreedle) NHRA 1st time comers whom we have been tweeting with, reached out an gave them 2 tickets to Saturdays Event. See folks, this is how the NHRA Family and Twitter Family are such special people. Just extraordinarily good hearted, down top earth people with hearts of Gold.
While walking the Pits on Friday I met up with Courtney Force and introduced myself to her as NitroJohn on twitter. She thanked me for all the ReTweets that I do for her and John Force Racing and that was so cool. I asked her to sign an autograph for a great twitter friend in California that couldn't make the event and without hesitating, she said no problem, and actually signed two for her (@KellyNorCal).
Then there we were waiting for the 1st Quad Top Fuel Cars to run down the track on Round one of qualifying. This took our breaths away as the roared with 32,000 hp down the track. It is and was an amazing site to see, but not just seeing it, actually feeling it. Right from there, I was hooked on 4-Wide NHRA Drag racing. THere has been a lot of mix emotions about 4_Wide, but I feel that the NHRA is making changes and getting this Platform ready for future events on the Full Throttle Series Tour. I think they will possible add the 4-Wide to more tracks as the years go by.
Throughout the day we walked through the pits talking to drivers, crews, and watching qualifying rounds 1 & 2. We just couldn't get enough of watching 4 cars going down the track at the same time. After the event we went out to dinner at Texas Roadhouse where we met some friends and enjoyed a great dinner. We then went swimming at our hotel indoor pool where we met up with Steve (@semerson) and his son. We weren't through yet as we continued the party going back to the Roadhouse and meeting up with Laura. We had a few drinks and enjoyed spending time with our new family member.
Saturday we were right back at the track, but it was raining and the weather was in Thunderstorm mode. Thanks to Don Schumacher Racing, we had made camp in Hospitality on Saturday and enjoyed the morning there until the Storm passed. DSR fed us lunch, Fried Chicken, Pork Lion, Potato Salad, Mac & Cheese, green beans, salad, drinks, and brownies. They have a wonderful spread of food at these events and it is so good. The storm was so bad that it actually rained right through the roof of the DSR Tent. Right after the storm, the skies cleared up, they dried the track and qualifying rounds 3 & 4continued throughout the day.
We then met up with Margie, Chris and Joe (@J88Ryan the Quick Lane rep for Bob Tasca III). Joe is one heck of a great guy. He got us all in to the Tasca Camp where we met and talked with Bob Tasca III and also took pictures with us all. Bob treated us like royalty. He took the time out of his busy schedule to talk with some of his #1 fans, and we can't thank him enough. We showed Margie and Chris around the pits as they were like children in a candy store. It was so exciting to bring someone to their first NHRA Event and watch their faces is priceless. Then they started warming up the cars, and they got a taste and smell of the Nitro that we always rave about. One funny incident where they were warming up a car, and they revved the car up, you could see Margie jump 2 feet. We all had a great laugh at that. Then Margie and Chris got to see and hear their First Nitro Cars go down the track. Pictures are posted on the link below. You could see it on their faces that they were hooked. It was a real thrill to watch all this unfold.
One of the Highlights of the day was when Bob Tasca blew the crank right through his engine block, and broke the body of his funny car. The crew worked very diligently to get the car back into racing status, by changing the engine, and getting the old body out. They got it done and back for Q4 just by 2 minuted to spare. IT was an amazing task, and I have to commend the crew for their hard work to get Bob back to the track for Q4. He then ran a 4.14 ET which was the best of that 4 wide cars. Bob almost won on Sunday but was just beat out by Fast Jack Beckman.
Myself, Greg, Lynn, Chris and Margie all went out to dinner Saturday after the event at Sticky Fingers. There they have some great BBQ Ribs, Steaks and Brisket. It was so mouth watering. After that we headed to Dave and Busters to meet up with the TweetUp we had planned. Everyone showed up and even Amalie Top Fuel Driver Terry McMillen, Jim Walczak (Terry's Pr man) and Cori Wickler (Terry's Vice President of Operations). That was so awesome for them to come to our first tweetup. Even though we planned this at the last minute, it ended up a success, and we all had a great evening talking with them all and having Terry sign autographs. They are a Top Notch Team, and that team is up and coming and I know will prove to be one of the top fuel contenders. I have a goal and I hope the others will too, to spread the word about Terry McMillen, and broaden his fan base. We were all so blessed to have Terry, Cori and Jim attend and hang with us for the night. But wait, not over yet! After Dave & Busters, Greg and I met up with Laura at our hotel and walked over to Quaker Steak & Lube to finish out the night. We had a great time with all our new twitter/NHRA fans and we were sad to leave. I hope that we will all get to meet up again at one of the future NHRA events to have more fun and excitement. Congratulations to Del Worsham, Jack Beckman and Greg Anderson for winning the 2nd annual 4-Wide event. I hope to make it back next year and hope more will filling the stands.

Link to Pictures of the weekend at 4-Wide:

http://nitrojohns.shutterfly.com/

Thursday, April 14, 2011

4 Wide Tweetup at Dave & Busters

Hi Twitterverse! For all those in tweetland who are attending the visitmyrtlebeach.com NHRA Nationals at zMAXDragway on April 15-17, 2011, we are having a Tweetup at Dave & Busters in the Concord Mall in Concord, NC at 7:00pm. The Twitter hashtag is #NHRA4Wide. The address is: 8361 Concord Mills Blvd, Concord, NC 28027. Ph# 704-979-1700. Updates and details will follow on Pro Driver/s that will be attending for autographs. After the Tweetup, for those who love the thrill of racing, we will be heading over to the NASCAR Speed Park in the same Mall, to Race on their track. Here is a link to the Nascar Speed Park: http://www.nascarspeedpark.com/nc.aspx
We hope you can attend for some fun action at Dave & Busters. Bring the kids and enjoy the evening meeting up with fellow NHRA tweeter.
For more information you can email me at nitrojohn12@yahoo.com
Drivers & Crew attending: NHRA Pro Top Fuel Dragster Driver Terry McMillen.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Pre 4-Wide at zMAXDragway

With the upcoming 2nd annual visitmyrtlebeach.com NHRA Nationals, the weather reports possibly rain on Friday and Saturday. No matter what the outcome of the weather, I know we will all have the best of times and make the best of it. This is such an exciting event to go to being the only National Event that has a different format of drag racing. Instead of the customary 2 cars going down the track, they have 4 cars roaring down the track all at once producing two times the horsepower at conventional tracks. There are still mix emotions on this event from both the fans and the NHRA drivers.
Last March was the a Historical moment in NHRA History, producing the 1st 4 wide event on the NHRA Full Throttle Series tour. Of course with any changes that we occur in life is not always accepted with open arms at first. ZMax is putting together the prototype of what is about to possibly be implemented at more tracks within the Full Throttle Series Tour. The sister track was actually built with the same specs as zMAX in hopes to one day changing to the 4-Wide format. I did talk to Graham Light on the starting line in Indy last year, and he said that they want this to work, and it could be a big plus for the NHRA. I do agree, and they still have some bugs and changes to perfect it, but I feel they will get it right.
The 4-Wide event will bring a different aspect to the field of play. You can read all about how it works here, so I won't go into the details - http://www.competitionplus.com/drag-racing/news/17209-4-wide-racing-still-draws-mixed-reactions-from-drivers
This would mean that the race will accelerate in time, possible less down time making way for probable Simulcast of Live TV. I am all for it and willing to go the length to help promote this new format. I will be experiencing the 4-Wide for the first time April 14 - 17 2011 and I will blog on it when I return with a lot of opinions and photo's.
I will be meeting up with a lot of twitter fans at ZMAX this weekend and you can follow them on twitter to view their perspective, views and outtakes of this event. Here are a list: @NHRAChat, @J88Ryan, @gwhitt1, @NancyBenza/@BobBenza and family, @sremerson & his son, @LDCRust, @margiefreedle, cfreedle73, @gottagoracing, @Quick_Lane and @MQL_Racing. Also meeting up with PapaNitro (Gregs Father-in-Law) will be there too who does not have a twitter account.

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Bob & Nancy Benza Racing

One of the nicest and down to earth family racing teams that I have had the great pleasure of meeting is Team Benza, BNB Racing. In reality, we're all families within the NHRA Family, all having the racing gene as a common DNA. I have always watched BNB Racing from afar being on the west coast, but then moving to the east coast, I finally met them in Indy at the Mac Tools US NHRA Nationals in 2010. Their warm hospitality is a pleasure in its own. Watching Bob, Nancy, and their 3 daughters working feverishly to get their Pro Stock Car ready for the next round is well orchestrated. You can easily see the passion that goes into running a race team. You can also follow all the Benza's on twitter, and they are very entertaining.
Bob Benza, who is one of the Top Bridge Building and Rehabilitating Contractors in the United States, has had the passion of drag racing since the early 70's. Him and his brother Raymond started the Saw Mill Speed Shop, where they built a Modified Production Car. He spent every free moment at race track in New York and Upper New Jersey learning his way around the race car. Since then, Bob has brought his talents to being a NHRA Pro Stock team owner and driver.
Bob has won two - Best Engineered Car Awards, 4 Division Points Meet, set 12 National Records in Competition and Modified Eliminator, 1986: Finished fifth in Division 1 points and 11th in national points in Competition Eliminator class; Won NHRA Summernationals, 1987: Runner up at U.S. Nationals in Competition Eliminator, and then in 1997: Began racing Pro Stock on a limited basis. Then in 1998 he Qualified ninth at Richmond event after only three events and won first round of competition. Also in 2001, Won Best Appearing Car award at Reading, Pa., event; Recorded career-best elapsed time and top speed, including first lap in excess of 200 mph; as he ran a limited schedule. 2006 he qualified for the US Nationals in Indy.
Behind the strength of Bob Benza is his loving family that has been at his side through every aspect of his career. He met his wife (High School Sweetheart)Nancy in the early 80's. Ever since then, Nancy Benza has been in vital role of help and support for their success. Bob has said "There's nothing she can't do on the car, from taking out the clutch to replacing the valve springs, I'd match her up with anyone. In the early years it was just her and Bob at most of the races. He couldn't have done it without her, and would not want to do it without her either. She is an inspiration and with her undying support, it allows them to continue their racing dream.
Bob and Nancy also have three beautiful daughters, Kristina, Amanda, and Kimberly who also contribute a lot of their time in supporting and helping out in the pits to keep Bob on the track. It is such a joy to watch them all working in the pits together. When they are not at the NHRA Events, they are continuing their careers in education.
The rest of Bobs crew that keeps him in contention are Crew Chief - Tom Martino, and crew members, Tom Vollbrecht, Cody McManama, Sean Swann, and Bill Krug. Together the are form BNB Racing.
Bobs Pro stock car is a 2010 Pontiac GXP, with a 500 CID DRCE II engine with 2 four barrel carbs, that powers 1400 plus horsepower. They recently qualified 15th at the GatorNationals in Gainesville, Fla with a 6.564 / 210 mph. We are looking forward to seeing the Benza's in Concord, NC at the Myrtlebeach.com Nationals at zMAXDragway for the 4-Wide event. We're all hoping for great qualifying, getting them into Sunday's elimination. As you know, anything can happen in eliminations, and this could be a moment to take home the Wally for Team Benza.
Please check out BNB Racing web site at the link below. You can also follow Bob on twitter @BobBenza and Nancy @NancyBenza.

Link to BNB Racing:

http://www.bobbenzaracing.com/index.html

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Parise Racing - Making a Difference

Do you know what really got my attention and excited me recently? That one of our own NHRA Community Family Racers started a program to help Our Military Vets, the Homeless, and the Jobless! How wonderful is that? Being a Veteran, this really sparked my interest. In todays economy, you see and hear about government programs shutting down, and less money being allocated to programs that help those who served our country to keep it Free.
Well, I'd like to introduce you to Andrew and Dina Parise of Parise Racing who started a program that will help those Vets that are needing assistance. They firmly believe that out Freedom is not Free, and I will be the first to agree. Men and woman throughout our history, have devoted their time and skills to protect this land we call the UNITED STATES. Many have become disabled, some have lost their lives, and many have lost their way. They are hoping that your donations will help put an ease to all their fears. A link to where you can help with donations will be listed at the bottom of this blog.
Andrew Parise grew up in a Military background. Though he rarely speaks about it. The Parise’s as a couple and as a team have the belief that we all need to remember one thing; Freedom is Not Free. That simple, possibly overused all but cliché saying has quite a bit of meaning to the Parise Racing team. It has become a bit of a mantra, if you will.
So, it began with a tribute to our U.S. Military in the way of paint schemes on the cars. They began with Andrew’s 53 Corvette. In the form of a p-40 Warhawk fighter Jet, they added; POW flags, fallen soldiers and an American flag. How much further could Parise Racing go? Much further! Dina’s 63 Corvette paint consists of protesters to Medevac helicopters and a Vietnam wall on one side to a stealth bomber, and soldiers on the other.The team has now stepped it up again! Andrew’s ’53 was recently repainted. You just have to see these cars to believe them.
Was paint really enough? Absolutely not. The tribute progressed from paint to philanthropy. The Parise’s began raising donations for the Wounded Warrior Project. They raise the donations at every event they attend, as well as through a ‘Donate Now’ button on their website. When visiting the website, feel free to make a fast, easy secure donation by using the ‘Donate Now’ button’! Although the WWP is a wonderful charity, the Parise’s also wanted to create some personal interaction with Military personnel. In turn Vettes for Vets was created. Through this program the Parise’s have created a VIP program on race days to invite Veterans, wounded warriors and active duty Military for a fun day of racing. Off the track, the Parise’s are working toward the future in the hopes to help to conquer many different problems facing Veterans today; Homelessness, joblessness and healthcare to name a few. The Parise’s trying to begin that process. Expanding on a program that is created by the team, means allocating funds exactly where they see fit.
There is a bright future for the Vettes for Vets program. What the team could use now is a bit of backing to kick start their program. They are hoping to find sponsors willing to do so.
The Parise’s charitable involvement does not start and end with our Nation’s Military Members. The team also raises awareness and funds for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The team has found that unfortunately, at two can tend to overlap one another.
In 2005 a close friend to the Parise team was diagnosed with the disease and so began, ‘Racing for a Cure’. The Parise’s began this endeavor as Super Comp racers, and still continue it today. When visiting the website, feel free to make a fast, easy secure donation by using the ‘Donate Now’ button’!
In closing, I feel this is a great asset to the NHRA Community. Their hard work, passion, and determination I feel will be very successful. I am very proud to say that I am overwhelmed, and excited about the Parise's involvement to reach out to help our Vets. Charitable work, striving to make a difference, and going the extra mile is what the NHRA and sponsors are all about, and they have taken it to Heart.
Please help with your donations by clicking the link below. Also, to see the great art work and paint schemes on their cars, you can also click the link to their web site.

Link to Parise Racing Web Site:
http://www.pariseracing.com/

Link for Causes and Donations:
http://www.pariseracing.com/causes.php

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Bob Tasca III Funny Car Driver - Updated

I decided to do a blog about Bob Tasca III because of his determination, persistence, and love of the NHRA Drag racing sport. He also is very loyal to his fans and from what I have experienced, will interact with his fan base on the media networks. That is a big plus in my book. Corinna (@corinnamakeup on twitter)and I had the pleasure of meeting Bob at the NHRA Arizona Nationals in Phoenix, AZ in 2010. He took time out of his busy schedule to film an interview for Corinna's blog. Fans are great part of his life.
Bob Tasca III drives the Quick Lane/Motorcraft Ford Mustang in the NHRA Nitro Funny Car Class. As history has it, his Grandfather (Bob Tasca Sr) was instrumental in launching Ford’s return to professional drag racing more than four decades ago. He also played a very important part in Bringing the Cobra 428 to Ford. Bob's father, Bob Tasca Jr, is the President of Tasca Automotive Group in Cranston, RI. You will see him at the track supporting his son in every way possible.
Bob has been racing since he was 16 years old. He started his career by attending Roy Hill's Racing School (Roy's Link is on the bottom of this blog). Bob used to hang around John Force and the Castrol GTX crew before he jumped into a Nitro Funny Car. Prior to driving his Nitro Funny Car, Bob drove an Alcohol Funny Car in which he holds the division record for quickest elapse time (ET) in the quarter mile at 5.541 seconds at 263 mph. He also holds a Super Comp, and Pro Stock License.
Bobs first race in a Nitro Funny Car was at Car Quest Winternationals in Pomona, Ca in 2008 where his first qualifying round he ran a 5.277 ET 309.34 mph. He ended up qualifying in the 14th position with a respectable 4.845 ET. Sunday's elimination's he got his first round win beating Melanie Troxel, but lost to Ashley Force Hood in the second round. His first season he ended up 12th in the points, but by the second season he finished 8th. His second year he won 2 events, one at Gainesville, and the other at Maple Grove in Reading, PA. His first #1 Qualifying adventure was in Gainesville in 2009 at the Gator Nationals where he ran a 4.198.
Quick Lane and Motorcraft have been very supported in sponsoring Bob Tasca III, and has been with him from the start. I feel they have a very good relationship. I have been corresponding to both on the media networks, and they are some of the most friendliest group of people to be involved with. I really have enjoyed our relationship. That is what the NHRA Family is all about. You feel like you're a part of what is going on at and away from the events. The teams and sponsors accept each and every fan into their hearts, and are always there with a warm welcome.
We (Some of the Nitro Twitter Gang such as @NHRAChat, NitroPapa, and @sremerson) will be attending The Myrtlebeach.com Nationals in Charlotte, NC on April 15-17, and we are looking forward to meeting Bob Tasca III, his crew, and his sponsors. This 4 - Wide event is only the 2nd annual event there, and from what I hear, it is an experience you will never forget. The thrill of 4 Nitro Cars barreling down the strip at once, with 32,000 horsepower, will be as exciting as it gets. I wish Bob Tasca III the best in Charlotte, and would love to see him take home the Wally!
Welcome a new member of the Tasca family to NHRA Racing. Bob Tasca IV will step into a Junior Dragster for testing at zMAXDragway in Charlotte, NC the weekend of April 14-17. He asked for own dragster when he was only 4 years old. We are so thrilled for the Tasca Family with their involvement in the NHRA. Best of Luck Bob Tasca IV. Links to Bob Tasca III web sites and blogs are posted below.

Link to Roy Hill's Drag Racing School:
http://royhillsdragracingschool.com/

Link to Bob Tasca Racing:
http://tascaracing.com/

Link to Bob Tasca Blog:
http://tascaracing.com/?p=1489

Link to Quick Lane:
http://www.quicklane.com/

Link to Ford Motorcraft:
http://www.fordparts.com/Landing/Motorcraft.aspx

Winternationals, Pomona CA 2011

Being able to attend the first NHRA National Event of the year has always been an ultimate experience for me. The weather is cooler with the snow capped mountains hanging in the back drop of the Auto Club Raceway. After a 3 month Hiatus from drag racing, the fans and teams are eager to get back to the sites and sounds of the track.

I arrived at the Auto Club Raceway on Friday, which was the second day of the event, and clouds have formed threatening rain. Throughout the day it lightly rained or there was just enough moisture in the air to halt any racing or qualifying. That didn't stop my friend and I from enjoying the day to it's fullest. One of the reasons for attending the first event of the year is that you get to see the new cars, new paint schemes, and new racing attire that the teams are sporting. Fans are in front of their favorite driver waiting anxiously for the next autograph signing session, and others fill the Nitro Mall for Merchandise of teams and drivers they love. Also on the Midway are a lot of food concessions that have plenty to offer. I always said it's like going to State Fair when ever I attend the Winternationals because it actually is the same place of the Los Angeles County Fair. While strolling through the pit area, because as you know every ticket is a pit pass, you'll hear the nitro cars start up to warm up. Fans rush to the loud sounds, and then you'll see them backing up with tears when the Nitro meets their eyes. It's like walking into an onion factory, only more intense, but it is a odor we longed to smell after the long winter off.

As the rain continued, Frank and I kept dry in Hospitality. We were determined to stick it out until the official word that the event was cancelled. During Friday we were fortunate to be invited by Rob at Castrol and John Force Racing to attend a special Meet & Greet with the Drivers of JFR. We were escorted by Lori Ann from Castrol into John Force Racing Camp to an area behind the scenes, to meet John Force, Mike Neff and Robert Hight. Each Driver came over one by one to meet us, talk with us, sign autographs and take pictures with us. It was such a wonderful experience I'll never forget. They treated us like royalty. After the Meet and Greet, Lori told us to get the pictures developed into 8 x 10's and bring them back, and she would have John Force sign the pictures. When we arrive Sunday for eliminations, we gave them to Lori, and she had John Force sign each picture. That was so awesome. The event was then cancelled at 4:00 pm. No qualifying runs were ever run.

Sunday we were back at the track ready for fun filled day of eliminations, and it was a picture perfect day. Fans filled the pits and stands area as the first race eliminations began. While you're in the pits and you hear the roar of the first Top Fuel Dragster perform its burnout, you see fans rushing to get their seats. You see, it's not just seeing the event that is so exciting, it is a feeling. When you feel the thrust of 8,000 horsepower running down the track, the whole ground shakes, vibrating every inch of your body. Ear plugs are also a must. I encourage everyone who has not been to an event, to get out and experience it for themselves. I can relate it to going to the Grand Canyon. You can see it in pictures, but you cannot feel the beauty until you experience it in person. It is so breath taking, that it leaves you wanting more.

At the end of the day, the winners prevailed. In Top Fuel it came down to the teammates Shawn Langdon and Morgan Lucas racing each other in the Finals. Morgan Lucas won the event with a 3.835 ET over Langdon's 4.047. In Funny Car it was a classic John Force Racing versus Don Schumacher Racing. Robert Hight took out Matt Hagan on a hole shot with a 4.056 ET to Matt Hagan's faster 4.023 ET. A hole shot boils down to the reaction time when leaving the start line. Pro Stock finals were Jason Line and Greg Stanfield. Jason took the green light with a 6.529 ET to Greg's 6.595 ET. Other winners were Top Alcohol Fuel Dragster- Duane Shields, and Top Alcohol Funny Car - Tony Bartone. The first race went into the books, and it was such an exciting race to attend.

Here is a link to photo's of the 2011 Winternationals:

http://nitrojohns.shutterfly.com/#

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Castrol Motor Oils and Lubricants

Castrol Motor Oils and Lubricants

If you want a product that is worth its weight in gold, then you definitely should be using Castrol Oil in your engine. I have been using Castrol oil religiously in My Trucks engine for the past 11 years, and might I say, it is the best decision I ever made for my trucks life and performance. I have 140,000 miles on my engine, and it is still as strong as the first day I bought it. Now that the mileage is up there, I use Castrol High Mileage Oil at every 3,000 mile interval.
Castrol has many blends and products suitable for your needs. There is the Edge, Syntec, GTX SYNblend, GTX, GTX High Mileage, transmission fluids, also for motorcycles and boats. Take time to check out their web sites for more information and specs that best suit you.

Courtney Force

Courtney Force who is the youngest daughter of 15 Time NHRA World Funny Car Champion John Force, was born on June 20, 1988. She earned her Competition license in 2005, and her Alcohol-Fuel license in 2008. She also attends Cal State Fullerton majoring in communications. She began her career racing in Super Comp before moving up to Top Alcohol Fuel Dragster in 2008. She won her first National event July 19, 2009 in TAFD in Seattle, Washington at the 22nd Annual NHRA Northwest Nationals.

She is currently involved in moving up to the Nitro Funny Car Class in hopes of getting her Funny Car License in 2011. During her Funny Car 101 schooling, she is getting a lot of help from the John Force Racing Crews, such as Mike Neff, Dean "Guido" Antonelli, Ron Douglas, John Force and more. She currently testing, doing burnout, and running half track so she can get the feel of her new adventure.

Her Ford Nitro Funny Car is sponsored by Brandsource, Ford, Castrol, Auto Club (AAA, Mac Tools and many more.

Here are links to her Interview and Pictures in Las Vegas during Monday's testing:

http://rpm2night.com/media/courtney-force-vegas-test.87/

http://rebilasphoto.photoshelter.com/gallery-image/NHRA-Courtney-Force-Testing/G0000rt7xq.U8t14/I0000onwRLQhEeX8

Johns Nitro World

Welcome Nitro Fans

NitroJohn