6th Sense May 1999

Fearless Ferd Flies in Phoenix

Photo by Rich Carlson

It had been more than a year since Mike Ferderer, one of the Northwest's most colorful racers found his way to the winner's circle, but at the Checker Schuck's Kragen Nationals at Firebird International Raceway in Phoenix, Ferderer broke out of his slump and took the Super Comp win.

'Ferd', who is best known for his performance in the Pennzoil Super Gas Pontiac, corrected problems that had plagued his Art Morrison-built Gumout Super Comp dragster and began to go on a tear. In the final round, Ferderer ran a 9.01 on a 8.97 index to take advantage of Division 7's Tom Yancer and his 8.96 breakout.

Ferd's wife, Barb, who travels to many national events, missed this one because she was on a work assignment in the Amazon jungle of Peru. (Ferd will probably note that Barb also missed his last big win, at the 1986 AutoZone Winternationals in Pomona.)

Defending Northwest Division Federal-Mogul Dragster champion Dale Carlson once again came close to a national event win. Carlson, after qualifying fourth, blasted by Melanie Troxel and Rick Henkelman before falling to Darren Nicholson in the final.

Finally, Bucky Austin's long winning streak came to an end in the first round in Phoenix. After qualifying second behind Frank Manzo, Austin lost traction in the first round and suffered defeat after five consecutive wins. top of page

Have You Seen Mission Lately?

If it has been awhile since your last visit to Mission Raceway you will be amazed at all of the changes that have taken place in the rapidly growing suburb of Vancouver. As soon as you cross the Fraser River you will immediately realize what we're talking about as you try to figure out how to get into the racetrack.

A new overpass now requires cars to exit off Highway 11 to the right. Turn left at the traffic light, proceed across the overpass and turn left into the track. The area was still under construction during our last visit, but the project should be completed and all the right signs in place before you get there. The addition of the overpass means there will be no more worries when exiting the speedway.

Also new to the Mission area since our last visit in June 1998 are the numerous restaurants and shops that seem to have popped up overnight. Within walking distance of the track are Boston Pizza, White Spot, Wendy's, Starbucks, Fogg n Suds, Sid's Bar & Grill, the Mission Springs Pub, Captain's Cabin and Pistol and Barnes Coffee.

The official host hotel Mission City Lodge is now full, but lodging is still available with the following track sponsors the new Travelodge of Abbotsford (13 minutes from the track) and the new Ramada Inn of Abbotsford, 15 minutes from the track on Highway 1 (1-888-411-1070).When making reservations, mention that you are attending the races at Mission, as many provide racer rates.

The new amenities will provide many conveniences for those who camp at the facility or who just used to make a run for supplies between rounds.
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Special Thanks from DRAW

One behalf of the Drag Racing Association of Women. 'Fast Help for Fast Friends.' thank you (to the racers from Woodburn Dragstrip and Seattle International Raceway) for the generous donation that was presented to DRAW in the memory of Jeff Wittig.

Said Linda Cook, DRAW area 6 coordinator. "I still find the months too short for all the races I want to attend, and all the friends of DRAW I want to see and thank. The longer I'm involved, the more I know the sincere caring and the wonder of the racing world. When Jeff died, his goodness did not perish, which was reflected in your donation to his memory. Sincere thanks."

What is DRAW all about? Check out the booth/canopy at Division 6 Federal-Mogul Drag Racing Series events.
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Advertising Available in CIS

Want to reach more of the best racers in the Northwest Division with advertising? For the first time ever, the NHRA Northwest Division is offering advertising opportunities in the publication that every racer needs as soon as they enter the track, the Competitor Information Sheet.

At each Federal-Mogul Drag Racing Series event and at the Sears Craftsman E.T. Finals, participants receive the official NHRA Northwest Division Competitor Information Sheet. It provides run order information, race procedures and guidelines for each event.

Advertisers may insert their brochure or flyer into this 'must read' publication at very reasonable rates. Inserts can be no larger than 8 1/2 x 11 inches and can be printed on either front or back.

If you're interested in advertising in any NHRA Northwest Division publication, call the Northwest office (360-698-3828) for rates and deadlines.
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Compton to Speak at Mission Racers' Forum

We are pleased to announce that NHRA Executive Vice President/General Manager Tom Compton will be the feature speaker at the special racers' Forum Friday May 7, in Mission B.C. The meeting will be held in the ballroom of the Mission City Lodge at 7 p.m.

Compton will share NHRA's strategic plan with Northwest Division racers and discuss the future of the sport on the national and divisional level. Other topics will be the growth of the Federal-Mogul Drag Racing series and the active role of sportsman racers in the development of the sport. This will be the first time that Compton has made this special presentation to a specific division's racers. Joining him will be NHRA Director of Field Marketing Melvyn Record and Federal Mogul's Kent Chalfant, who will participate in a question-and-answer forum.

NHRA Northwest Division Director Chris Blair will discuss the future of the Northwest division and plans for schedule changes. He will also address the questions and suggestions gathered by Drivers' Commission representatives prior to the event. Joining Blair will be Northwest Division Tech Director Jerry Valentine and representatives from Federal-Mogul Drag Racing series host facilities.

If you have a specific concern you wish to have addressed, you may send it in advance to NHRA Northwest Division, P.O. Box 3488, Silverdale, Wa. 98383; fax (360) 698-4685. This will be a very special meeting, and we hope all racers will participate.
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Drag City to Host Jr. Dragster National Open

As a test run for the six-race Northwest Division Jr. Dragster Series that will debut in 2000, Drag City Raceway in Pocatello Idaho will host the inaugural Northwest Jr. Dragster National Open June 4/5.

The 1/8th mile dragstrip will host the second running of the Small Fry Nationals which in 1999, will be run as an official NHRA National Open and award Jr. Wally trophies to each winner.

The track manager has already committed to hosting a series event in 2000 as has race City Motorsports Park in Calgary, Alberta. The Northwest Division is awaiting commitments from four other tracks to host the special Jr. only series and will announce sites and dates in an upcoming issue.

In next year's series racers may earn series points in their first four races, with their best three finishes counting toward the title. Racers may compete in more than four races but points cannot be earned at the fifth and sixth events.
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Pro-Sportsman Bike Receives Special Postings

In 1999 Star Racing, a strong supporter of the Northwest Division Pro-Sportsman Motorcycle class, has again stepped up to promote the continued development of the category.

George and Jackie Bryce of Star Racing, owners of Angelle Seeling's Winston Pro Stock Bike, have posted bonus awards for their customers competing in Pro-Sportsman Motorcycle. Event winners using Star racing products will receive a voucher toward a future purchase.
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1999 Northwest Division Federal-Mogul Series Event Purse Increased

At the 1998 NHRA Northwest Division Federal-Mogul track operators' meetings, the following purses were ratified for the 1999 racing season. Increases are hilighted in bold with the dollar-amount increase over the 1998 season in parenthesis.

Federal-Mogul Dragster and Funny Car
Win: $2500
R/U: $1000
Semi: $700
1st Rd: $500

Comp Eliminator(if entries exceed 17)
Win: $1000
R/U: $700
Semi: $250
Qtr: $100

Comp Eliminator(16 or fewer entries)
Win: $800
R/U: $500
Semi: $150
Qtr: no payout

Super Stock (if entries exceed 17)
Win: $1000
R/U: $600
Semi: $250
Qtr: $100

Super Stock (16 or fewer entries)
Win: $1000
R/U: $600
Semi: $250

Stock (+$300)
Win: $900 (+$100)
R/U: $500
Semi: $200 (+$50)
Qtr: $125 (+$25)

Super Comp (+$100)
Win: $1000
R/U: $600
Semi: $200
Qtr: $125 (+$25)

Super Gas (+$100)
Win: $1000
R/U: $600
Semi: $200
Qtr: $125 (+$25)

Super Street (+$100)
Win: $800
R/U: $500
Semi: $200(+$50)
Qtr: $100

Pro-Sportsman Bike
Win: $700
R/U: $350
Semi: $100

Top Comp
Win: $1000
R/U: $500
Semi: $200
Qtr: $100

All 1999 entry fees are $125 (car & driver)
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Bonus Awards Posted for Top Comp

As excitement builds for the debut of NHRA's newest eliminator category, Top Comp, we are pleased to announce that as of March 25, the following companies will post awards for each of the six Federal-Mogul Drag Racing Series Events. Check the Competitor Information sheet at each event for additional companies that may be posting awards for using their products and displaying their decals.

Top Comp Contingency Sponsors:

Mission Wraps Up Federal-Mogul Allstars Points

The Lordco BC Nationals at Mission Raceway Park will be the last opportunity for racers to earn points in the 1999 Federal-Mogul Allstars program. The top points earners in the eight Federal-Mogul classes will earn an invitation to compete in the Federal-Mogul Allstars event to be held on Saturday of the Pontiac Excitement Nationals presented by Summit Racing at National Trail Raceway in Columbus, Ohio.

Allstar representatives recieve numerous bonus awards and prizes, compete against the best of each division for a huge cash purse, and are honored at a post-race banquet. As an extra incentive to racers, the division scoring the most points will share $20,000 among its representatives.

When preparing the 1999 Northwest Division schedule, special attention was paid to making participation in the Federal-Mogul Allstars competition more convenient for racers. Racers will now be able to work their way east and hit the Fram Route 66 Nationals in Joliet, Ill. June 3-6 on their way to Columbus June 10-13. Unlike last year, when racers had just four days to get from Columbus to Seattle for the fourth race of the Northwest Division Federal-Mogul Drag Racing series, and extra weekend between events will provide ample recovery time.

In 1998, eventual Northwest Division Champion, Jason Heard beat the best to claim the title of Super Street Federal-Mogul Allstars Champion. Along with his share of a large purse, Heard was honored at the banquet, received a Federal-Mogul Allstars trophy, Wittnauer watch, Federal-Mogul Allstars champion's ring and many other prizes. In addition, heard was recognized in a full-page ad saluting the champions that appeared in National Speed Sport News and National Dragster and was honored with a special trading card that will be distributed at the 1999 event.
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Southern Oregon Bracket Nationals Just Around the Corner

Wayne Seldon, John Skinner and the staff of Southern Oregon Dragway are eagerly preparing for their first major event of 1999, the NHRA Northwest Division Bracket Nationals May 22-23. This will be the only NHRA Northwest Division Bracket Nationals held in the United States this season. The race will also provide Northwest Division racers an excellent opportunity to try out Southern Oregon Dragway in preparation for the Sears Craftsman E.T. Finals in September.

The two-day event will feature time trials and elimination's each day. Sunday's race winner will receive an official NHRA Northwest Division Bracket Nationals Wally trophy. All participants will receive a national event grade point for this official NHRA championship event should they compete in a Federal-Mogul Sportsman class.

The second and final NHRA Northwest Division Bracket Nationals event will be held at North Central Motorsports Park in Prince George, BC, Aug. 7-8.
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Ashcroft to Host Allstars Benefit Race

Eagle Motorplex track operator Wyatt McMurray has added an extra feature to his upcoming A&W Presents Thunder in the Desert Federal-Mogul Drag Racing Series event May 28-30. On Friday evening after time trials, the track will host an extra race-within-a-race with proceeds going to teams who will be making the trip to Columbus to represent Division 6 in the Federal-Mogul Allstars team competition.

"What we want to do is combine a cash bash and pep rally to get our representatives pumped up before they head to Columbus," explained McMurray. "This benefit race will add some extra funds to the travel budgets and show the support that the Northwest Division officials, track operators and racers have for our Allstars."

An electronics class and a non-electronics class will be contested at the cash bash, both on a five-tenths full tree. Entry fee will be $50 per car with a payoff of 40% to the Allstars, 10% to the runner-up, and 50% to the winner.

For more information, see the Competitor Information Sheet that will be distributed upon entry to the event.
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Sixth Sense Print Version to Adopt New Look, New Format

Beginning with the June issue, which will come your way in mid-May, the official newsletter of the Northwest Division will take on a new look and feature many changes. Sixth Sense will switch to a newspaper format with more pictures, more editorial content and extra features.

We are currently welcoming guest editorials, photo submissions and any other news that can fit. For our advertisers we will no longer accept advertising inserts, but will instead offer two-page centerspread, full-page, half-page, quarter-page and eighth-page ads. Contact the Northwest Division office (360-698-3828) for additional information, ad rates, and/or to reserve ad space.

The editorial, photo deadline for the June issue is May 6. Advertising reservations must be made before May 4. The June issue will feature results from Federal-Mogul Drag Racing Series events Boise and Mission plus event previews for Seattle, Edmonton and Woodburn.

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Winston Continues to Support Top Qualifier Program

The R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company's Winston brand will continue its support of the Federal-Mogul Drag Racing series in 1999 by posting $2500 per event in Winston Top Qualifier bonus awards at each of the 42 races for a total commitment of $105,000. Northwest Division racers will take home an extra $15,000 in 1999, thanks to the folks at Winston.

The breakdown of Winston Top Qualifier award money is as follows:

Federal-Mogul Dragster $1000

Federal-Mogul Funny Car $1000

Comp $200

Super Stock $200

Stock $100

To be eligible for the awards, you must display the Winston top Qualifier decals, available at the NHRA Northwest division team trailer. top of page

Welcome Back, Bremerton!

It has been one of the worst-kept secrets of the winter, but we are finally ready to make the official announcement that Bremerton Raceway in Bremerton, Wa. will return to the ranks as an official NHRA member track. During the off-season, Handler's Racing Association President Gordon Howell and the members of the organization have been busy locating and purchasing concrete retaining barriers and will have them in place before their first NHRA event.

The track located about 30 miles north of Tacoma, regularly receives more than 200 cars per event. In addition to its regular program, Bremerton Raceway will field a team to compete in the 1999 NHRA Northwest Division Sears Craftsman E.T. Finals at Southern Oregon Dragway. top of page

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Licensing

by Dave Mohn

With the start of the 1999 racing season just days away, we anticipate many applications coming our way. Every year we encounter some common problems that delay processing applications and often leave you wondering if you will ever see that license. In an effort to prevent delays, we have compiled the answers to the following questions.

Please note that new license forms are used each year, so make sure you have the right one before going any further. The 1999 forms are blue (1998 was green) and have the words 'NHRA‹107 Revised 1-1-99' in the bottom left corner.

Many forms are mailed in without being completed in full. Please take a minute to review your form before mailing and remember that we must have time slips for all new or upgrade questions.

In an effort to improve the quality of customer service in the Northwest Division, we will call you if there is anything missing from your form instead of just mailing it back to you. Division secretary Lori Shropshire will work with you over the phone to make sure you are properly informed about what is incomplete and will take steps to get your material to you quicker.

At each FMDRS and National Open event, we will have on file a summary of license forms processed in the preceding six weeks. If you have any questions regarding whether your form was received and/or the status of your license, we hope to provide a quicker answer for you than in the past. See either Pam Gorman or Heather Blair in the tower, and they will do their bit to help.

Q: Who needs a License?
A: Any driver whose car or bike runs quicker than 10.00 seconds (6.40 eigth-mile), or who races in certain Super Stock classes as required per the NHRA Rulebook must apply for an NHRA Competition License before being allowed to race at an NHRA member track.

Q: How do I get a License?
A: Obtain the proper forms from your division office or the track where you will be making your test runs. First you must have the NHRA Medical Certificate completed by your family doctor or a physician at a walk in clinic. When you arrive at the NHRA member track where you will be making your test runs, notify the appropriate person that you are there for licensing. You must pass a blindfold test in your race car to show that you know the locations of all the controls and switches without looking for them. Make single practice runs before the test runs to help you become familiar with your race car.

When you are ready tor test runs, a minimum of six runs is required. These runs must be witnessed by two drivers who are currently licensed in the same class (or a faster class) for which you are applying. All test runs must be single (non-competition) runs and be representative of the category applied for. The original time slips from all six test runs must be attached to the license application. Further details on the NHRA licensing procedure appear on the official NHRA Competition License application form.

Q: How Long is My License valid?
A: An NHRA license will expire two years from the date of the physical exam.

Q: I'm Moving up from Super Gas to Comp Eliminator. Do I need a new License?
A: If you are changing from a Type B (wheelbase up to125 inches) to a Type A (wheelbase over 125 inches), or going quicker than 7.50, you must complete the cross-grade/upgrade requirements as listed on the back of the NHRA Competition License Application. It will involve test runs. If you are using the Same type car and not going any quicker, then you need only got a number in Comp Eliminator.

Q: How much does an NHRA License cost?
A: An NHRA Competition License costs $50 and is good for two years from the date of the physical. The cost of the, license includes a competition number in one eliminator. Numbers for additional eliminators are $10 per eliminator. A $10 fee also applies for drivers who upgrade or crossgrade their licenses. Replacement cards cost $5.

Q: My license has expired. How do I renew it?
A: You will need the latest NHRA Medical Certificate and the latest NHRA Competition License Application forms. If it has been less than six months since your license expired, all that's required is a current physical exam and payment of the appropriate fee. If the license has been expired for more than six months, you will need to complete the final three runs on the application as well. If it has been more than two years since your license expired, you will be considered a new driver and must meet all new driver requirements.

Q: Do I need to be a member of NHRA?
A: Drivers competing in NHRA national events, the Federal-Mogul Drag Racing Series, or National Opens must have an NHRA membership. Membership costs $59.95 (U.S.) per year or $109.90 (U.S.) for two years. Annual benefits include a $235,000 excess medical insurance policy, 48 issues of National Dragster an official NHRA Rulebook, a Decal, and pin (membership kit contents may vary).

Q: Who needs a NHRA Permanent Competition Number?
A: All drivers competing in non-licensed classes must have an NHRA Permanent Competition Number to participate in national events, the Federal-Mogul Drag Racing Series, National Opens, and the Sears Craftsman E.T. Racing Series Finals (eighth-mile and quarter-mile).