[Dec99] [Jan01] [Feb] [Mar] [Current Navigation Page]

03.29.01

You may have noticed the ad above us here regarding a major advertising opportunity for our coverage of Mission Raceway during the 2001 season. This package is designed for major hitters who are seeking a very unique chance to have exclusive exposure on what will surely be some of our most hit on pages. Also included is placement on the HH2000 or 2001 video tapes. HH is moving forward in a big way this year, if you want to get on board and grow with us please send in an email for all the details.

So how could I have taken a day off from here with so much going down? Easy, it was one of my "you had better learn this quick or suffer" kind of days. Having run into a few problems since I updated from Dreamweaver1 to Dreamweaver4/Fireworks4 Studio, I figured I should at least take the darn tutorial. It's amazing what you can learn when you follow the instructions eh? I even get to test all this new found knowledge on another website, which I hope to be able to post next week. It's the first step on the long road to the total rebuild of this site. One that will be much more user...and advertiser friendly.

Good luck to Top Fuel rider Ron Houneit as he leaves today for the season opening AHDRA race in Phoenix. A new bike with many changes from his past ride (now in the capable hands of John Bryce) was completed just last night. I don't know if anyone else from our area is attending, maybe somebody out there can let us know. Or maybe we can just go over to the CMDRA site and check the forum.

One thing I neglected to do last year upon completion of the HH99 video was to post a link to the guy who allowed us the use of those great instrumental tunes. I met Lance Reegan Diehl in East Vancouver a few years ago and we have collaborated on a number of videos since. Last year we got back together thanks to the Internet. Now living in Seoul South Korea, Lance has a new CD coming out, so it's the perfect time to give his site a plug. Have a listen to some cool tunes and see what life is like for a Canuck in that land of Hyundai Ponys. www.lancereegandiehl.com

While on the subject of HH videos, my latest date for the completion of HH2000 is early May just in time for the first Mission Federal Mogul. Unlike any previous tape, I have produced this one will be sans of everything but a bit of voice over and car sounds. Sorry LanceRD fans, I just wanted to try something different, so look for the coming video to be one that will have no music.

Ok, onto the meat and spuds of today's update. We'll launch this one with a newsflash of possibly epic proportions. Thanks to our insiders far to the south we have learned of some possible changes that will drastically effect a number of drag racing's most popular classes. We're trying to tie down all the loose ends on this one, so stay tuned as it's hoped we'll be able to scoop a bunch of sites by the weekend.

Hi Larry: The International Blown Alcohol Association has finally realeased a tentative schedule for 2001.

We are excited to announce that our club will be attending at least 14 events, throughout B.C., Alberta, sask. and Montana. We look forward to seeing all of our fans in 2001, and with the inclusion of five new nostalgia-bodied Funny Cars, know that this season is going to be even better than last year!

As for your neck-of-the-woods, tentative plans have the IBAA at Mission August 11/12 for the Langley Loafers B.C. Oldtime Drags. Watch for a showdown between Jay mageau's '57 Chevy and Bruce Oliver's '55 T-Bird at this one. Bruce, formerly of the mainland, and Jay, formerly from vancouver Island, both want to show their best sides to friends and family. Of course local boy Chris Eggan, with Mr. Buffy's Toy Trans Am, might have a thing or two to say about that!

Look forward to seeing you there!

For more information goto www.awesomeburnouts.com We will blow you away!

Larry, Hello, it's Chad Barclay here with an update from the Canada West Pro Gas Association (CWPGA). Here's our 2001 schedule along with a link to our March newsletter. We also now have a web site, that will give northwest Super Gas racers and fans information on the CWPGA and its members.

April 28/29 Mission Raceway Park

May 26/27 Ashcroft Eagle Motorplex

June 16/17 Mission Raceway Park

Sept 15/16 Ashcroft Eagle Motorplex

October 20/21 Mission Raceway Park

*** All races are double headers.

Read the March 2001 CWPGA newsletter. www.geocities.com/cwpga2001/news.htm
Visit the CWPGA website. www.geocities.com/cwpga2001 <http://www.geocities.com/cwpga2001>

If anyone has any questions, please contact Chad Barclay

Phone: (250) 764-4914
Fax: (250) 860-3201
Email: cwpga@home.com
web: www.geocities.com/cwpga2001

See you at the track!!!

Hey Larry, here is the Northwest Super Streets Schedule for this year:

April 28,29 Mission ( Double Header) May 26,27 Ashcroft ( Double Header)

June 16,17 Mission (Double Header) Sept 15 -16 Ashcroft ( Double Header)

Oct 6-7 Mission ( Single ). Thanks Craig Bickle

Hi Larry, read your article on the imports and would like to say that we have been testing and tuning at woodburn last week and will be wanting to run my car in super gas despite what every body says. We were able to lay down some lo 9 passes and are working on 8s with consistency.
www.folckusa.com

Hi Larry, Just to keep you informed the Canadian Pro Street Association will be trying some new classes. The plan is to see how they go this year with the most popular classes to possibly return for 2002. The new classes are as follows:
- EFI Radial Tire (this is a class for late model cars with limited suspension mods and radial tires June 2/3

-Street Bike this is a class for street bikes with DOT tires and no wheelie bars Sept 1/2,

After that on Sept. 22/23 We will also be having and Import Shoot-out. The rules for that class will be simple. Import car with import engine.

All classes will receive a CPSA championship title for 2001. We are also looking for potential sponsors for the new classes.
Any interested parties or for more info, contact me directly or go to the CPSA site .

Don Murray, CPSA President

It's obvious 2001 will be the year the Imports make their big move forward in the Northwest. HH is thrilled to finally see this happen! New blood is always a good idea. We very much agree with the new CPSA classes, and the NHRA move into these exciting forms of racing!

For Immediate Release
Contact: Don Ewald
Director of Media and Racer Relations
(541) 955-7130 à (800) 245-6545

ADRA Forced to Move 2nd Event of 2001 Season to Cordova, IL

Gardnerville, NV (03-28-01) à Due to an un-resolvable insurance issue with the drag strip at Lena, MS. the American Drag Racing Association has been forced to relocate its „Ole South Reunion‰, the second event on their 14 race 2001 schedule. The event has been moved to the historic and spacious Cordova Dragway Park in Cordova, Illinois. The race dates remain the same, May 18th through the 20th. A new event name will be announced soon.

ADRA President, Bill Chapman explained the change of venue at a press conference in Gardnerville on Wednesday, March 28, 2001. „Needless to say, relocating of our second race of the season wasn‚t in the game plan. But due to an unforeseen flaw at the track in Jackson, we had no other choice but to move the event to Cordova. As everyone knows, ADRA has secured the best possible insurance for our events and when a host track fails to meet our rigid insurance standards we simply cannot race there.
Believing all things happen for a reason, we feel that Cordova Dragway Park is not only a better venue overall, but one that will offer ADRA racing to a much broader fan base. We are looking forward to working with Scott & Laura Gardner at a track that‚s steeped in history and tradition. Although we apologize to the fans in the Mississippi region, we‚re sure the folks in the Midwest will be thrilled with the move. Besides, we have several other events scheduled for the southern regions later in the season.‰

Cordova has played a key role in drag racing history for over 40 years. Although the track itself has gone through myriad changes over time, the memories and legends remain. Since the 1960s this fabled quarter mile has been graced by every great name the sport has ever known. ADRA classic drag racing will not only rekindle the memories of these legends but also write a new chapter in the lengthly book about one of the few remaining „classic‰ drag strips left in the world.

For more information regarding the Cordova event or the American Drag Racing Association you can find it on the web at ADRARacing.com or call (800) 245-6545. National and regional media contact: Realife Marketing (775) 425-0429.

Just to let you know we have changed our email address to strellracing@home.com effective immediately.
Thanks
Dave and Vicki Strell

This is the news I received over the weekend. I don't think I knew who he was but I believe some of you knew him. (Passed on to HH)
John P. Whatley
At his request, there will be no services for John P. Whatley of Whatcom
County. Mr. Whatley died Tuesday, March 20, 2001. He was 60. Born Aug. 3,
1940, to Phillip and Blanche (Barcley) Whatley in Vermillion, Alberta, he was
a Whatcom County resident for 31 years. Mr. Whatley served in the U.S. Army
and was a Vietnam War veteran. His passion was Hot Rod Sunday at Mission
Raceway. His sister Margaret Whatley died previously. Survivors include his
mother of Ferndale, nephews and one great-niece. Memorials may be made to the
American Cancer Society, Whatcom County Unit, P.O. Box 2447, Bellingham, WA
98227.

I did know John. He was one of those unforgetable nice guys. Although I ahdn't seen him for a few years he will be missed. LP

If there was ever a doubt as to the popularity of import drag racing in this region let this fact put all you doubters to bed. This past Sunday and Monday HH had it's biggest days EVER!! The increase over the previous best day was more than 10% Credit for this goes DIRECTLY to he inclusion of import drag racing pics on a test and tune day at Mission Raceway. I rest my case. And yes, you will soon see MUCH more import drag racing on this site. Thanks for the support, especially the many import racers who emailed in their positive comments. LP

I have received a number of good emails regarding the photo problem, along with suggestions on how to fix it. In at least one case a viewer could solve the problem by using a newer version of the same browser. I'll work on it when I have time...for now you'll just have to deal with it.

First up today is a late posting (my fault) of the new NHRA Div. 6 Top Comp rules. First is a message from Chris Blair, followed by the rules, ending with a concerned racer email and Blair's response. Look for another update tomorrow on all the other stuff that has come in over the past few days.

And PLEASE excuse any typos as this went through four programs(including an OCR) to get from the original to this web page. I refuse to put (even a pirate copy) Microsoft Word (the world's best virus magnet) onto my Mac, and since all you Lemmings feel there is nothing else but Word out there, I am forced to spend good money on a translation program....which I will do when I have money to blow...

TO: ALL TOP COMP COMPETITORS

FROM: Chris Blair
Northwest Division Director

DATE: MARCH 9, 2001
RE: THE 2001 SEASON

Enclosed you will find a copy of our new rules and procedures for Top Comp that will be implemented prior to our first race of the season. We have taken feedback obtained over the course of the past couple of seasons to provide you with a more defined set of rules to work with. Hopefully everyone will find these rules beneficial and easy to follow.

In addition, I have also enclosed a photocopy of the ad for the upcoming Bremerton National Open. This event will feature a Friday test night test n tune with a Gamblers race that evening. You will also have a complete program of qualifying and racing on both Saturday and Sunday. This is a one-of-a-kind event designed to provide our racers with the most opportunities to race (and win) without having to chase all over the Northwest to do it. In addition, the entry fees are actually cheaper than those of a typical Super Association event with admission prices that are the same as if you were to attend an average bracket race. It is our goal to provide the racers with a rewarding (yet economical) program that can also entertain spectators. I want the track operator to make a ton of money from the fans, not the participants.

If the Bremerton event is a success, you will see a complete schedule of multi-event weekends during the 2002 season. I would ask that you assist us, and your fellow racers, by being a part of this historic race.

I look forward to seeing you at the races and wish everyone a safe racing season.

2001 NHRA DIVISION SIX TOP COMP RULES/RACE PROCEDURES

Open to any car meeting NHRA Safety requirements. See 2001 NHRA Rulebook for E.T. (section 1B) or Advanced ET (section 1A) for regulations and requirements. Class rules are based on the ET for your vehicle. The only variance to this policy is that Data Recorders are permitted.

Drivers competition license must meet the criteria for his/her ET. All participants must have a valid NHRA membership and Top Comp competitor number .

Category is contested on a .5 tenths full tree with an open top bulb

FMDRS fields will be the 32 quickest qualifiers between 6.30 and 8.19 seconds. (Or altitude corrected to class minimum).

National Open fields will consist of all qualifiers quicker than 8.19 seconds. (Or the altitude corrected class minimum).

Cars will be laddered on the standard NHRA Pro Ladder (#1 vs. #32).

Drivers will be permitted to dial two tenths slower than their laddered qualified time provided that they do not dial slower than 8.19 seconds (or the altitude corrected class minimum). Dialing outside the class is not permitted.

Any driver dialing outside the two tenths limit will be disqualified upon completion of the run. This will be treated the same as a red-light or center line violation.

Any car failing to qualify far the laddered field will be permitted to participate in the host track's bracket program (where contested), free of charge. In the event that the track is not contesting a bracket program, entry fees will not be refunded for cars failing to qualify.

Weather permitting, Top Comp will typically receive three scheduled qualifying passes per event. At the standard event (with Sunday finals), the class will receive two Friday qualifying runs, one Saturday qualifying run and the first round of eliminations on Saturday afternoon.

If 16 or fewer cars are qualified, first round eliminations at a standard event will be held on Sunday morning and quarterfinal payout will not be applicable.

Lane choice for all rounds of eliminations will be based on a coin toss.

Every effort will be made, but is not guaranteed, to provide a minimum of thirty minutes from the time the last car in the class exits the track on the previous round until the class is again called to the staging lanes. This policy is contingent on weather~curfew/race conditions and is at the sole discretion of the event director.

Drivers will be asked to cooperate in keeping the event moving at a steady pace throughout qualifying and eliminations. Your assistance is necessary in firing up promptly, completing a burn out and staging as soon as possible. Drivers failing to cooperate will receive a warning by the event director and/or starter. This warning way also include a mandated time to properly stage the car on later runs. Time limits may also be imposed at events where weather and curfew factors may come into play. Participants will be notified via public address announcements when limits are put into place.

In adhering to the rules of sportsmanship and in an effort to provide our spectators with an entertaining program, every attempt will be made to provide competitors with ample time to make his/her run. We ask that Top Comp competitors modify their equipment to and between run maintenance to be race ready within thirty minutes (in late rounds). Cars will be called to the lanes based on the run schedule after consultation with pit and staging personnel at the sole discretion of the event director.

Top Comp was created by our track operators in an attempt to promote entertaining drag racing, fast cars and, most importantly, good sportsmanship. It is our belief that races, and championships, should be decided by the best drivers, in the best cars, giving 100% in a side-by-side battle on the race track. The future growth of the class depends on the commitment of our competitors to follow these
principal ideals without complicating our existing Federal Mogul Drag Racing Series programs and classes.

2001 POINTS PROGRAM DETAILS

FEDERAL MOGUL SERIES: Will consist of a driver's five best finishes in six opportunities to score Division Six Top Comp points.

CANADIAN NATIONAL OPEN SERIES: Will consist of a driver's three best finishes in four opportunities to score Division Six Top Comp points (Mission, Prince George, Calgary, Ashcroft).

CHRIS, HEY I SAW THE NEW RULES ABOUT THE 8.19 INDEX CHANGE. BAD MOVE, THIS IS
JUST GOING TO BRING IN PEOPLE FROM SUPER-COMP AND PUSH THE DOOR CARS OUT. THE
DRAGSTERS CAN EASILY BE MORE COMPETITIVE GOING THIS SLOW. I REALLY THINK THE
CLASS NEEDS US FOR APPEAL IF IT IS EVER TO ANY WHERE. IM CURIOUS WHY THIS WAS
NOT PUT TO A VOTE?

Blair's response:

So far I have received 10 calls/e-mails in regards to this issue. All but one have been in favor of the program.

At our Division Six rules meeting our track operators were faced with a tough decision. Do they continue with Top Comp? The class has always done well at Mission where we have so many of these cars but at other tracks the 2000 car counts had plummeted to only 16 entries. Keep in mind, this class was created by the track operators as the savior to our Comp eliminator problems. At two events in 2000 we actually had more Comp cars than Top Comp cars.

In conversations with many of our racers, the reason we were not filling out the field is because so many drivers who are in the 7.85 and slower range were afraid to travel any distance. At Mission last season we had 39 cars on the grounds yet only 28 made the show. Four of those cars missed the show by less than a hundredth. If this driver can't make the show and support the program, how likely is he to make a commitment to support several races.

I would argue that we are slowing the class too much if we would have permitted cars to qualify at 8.19 and then dial down to 8.39 in elimination's. However, our elimination e.t.'s are at the exact same limit as in previous seasons when a driver barely made the cut at 7.99 and then dialed in at 8.19 elimination's.

We were at a point where we had to either make these changes and continue or basically live with what we had and pray that it would work (fish or cut bait is good analogy).

This is class that was created by the track operators with all points funds monies coming from their contributions. This class and its rules, race procedures and direction (just as with Sportsman Bike) is a cooperative effort of the Northwest Division Office and our host track operators.

Trying to put an issue such as this to a vote would be somewhat difficult. Do you vote strictly among active Top Comp participants? If so, what about all of those people who are in the 7.90-8.19 who have stayed away because they didn't feel they had a shot. Or, what about the person who is building a car but has not yet registered as Top Comp?

Top Comp is currently comprised of about 16-20 loyal racers who I can count on to be at every race (yourself, Barnhart, Olson, etc.). However, the other 16 people we need to fill out the field haven't emerged despite two years of support. We have to get them hooked on the program, make them regulars at these events and then watch as their competitive desire will lead them to go quicker and quicker.

Sometimes you have to take a step back to re-group before you can move forward. The additional participants and the larger fields (by just cracking to door open just two tenths) will enable us to develop the program for the future. I do not want to see this class turn into another Super E program (Division 7) that hasn't shown any growth despite years of work.

As I mentioned in the opening, I have had several calls from enthusiastic racers who now feel there is some security with the class as a result of these changes. I had not had those calls in the two years since Top Comps inception.

Thank you for your concerns with the program and your support of NHRA Drag Racing. By year's end I think you will agree that the right move was made.

Sincerely,
Chris Blair
Northwest Division Director

Since our update to Dreamweaver 4 a month ago some people are having problems viewing pictures (most recently March Meet and yesterday's Mission pics). I know some of you were having problems and corrected it at your end. Anyone who has solved this please let me know in detail what you did. As well, if you cannot see images tell me!!...along with what browser and version you are using. Thank you LP

PS: it's 9:30am and raining here in Langley...as I'm sure it probably is out at the track too. Today appears to be a wash-out.

Haven't even surfed yet, but got the latest GOODGUYS MARCH MEET video up HERE.

Mission test and tune was good. Photos are NOW HERE

We didn't see a Stocker nine today, but we did get to see a TEN when Rick Johnson climbed into the shoebox Super Stocker and made a couple of hits! Click each for larger versions of that smile, that launch, that reaction time that ET....easily our HH moment of the day.

The call is still for rain to begin sometime tonight.

Thinking of going out to MRP today? Weather as of 8am is cool, cloudy and dry. Report is for rain to begin this evening, so depending on how long it takes to prep the track you should get some hits in. While the cold air will make plenty of power, getting some heat into the surface will defiantly be a problem as the sun is not scheduled to make an appearance....then again this is the west coast. I hope to go out later in the day, so will report tonight on what I see. LP

To begin, please welcome our newest advertiser Terry McHardy. Not our usual deal, but at this point we will accept most anything. He's got a house for sale that is perfect for all you well-heeled racers wanting to move out here to Langley, BC. Hey if nuthin' else, you'll be close to HH. Check it out.

Many items to post today as the latest weather report calls for rain to begin later tomorrow. Maybe MRP will get some test n tune time after all as we learn that the Lee Bros. are scheduled to bring their all new SS/AA Mopar out from Red deer for some shakedown hits....UPDATE: After seeing the weather report the Lee Bro. will NOT be at MRP this weekend.

Hi All,
New update on the newsletter page, and once the season starts I will have more to talk about, lol. TeamMission.Com - Summit Racing Series Vicki Strell

A number of people sent us links regarding the IHRA coming to Pocatello Idaho. This is going to be very, very interesting.

http://www.ihra.com/news/2001march/20snake_river.html

http://www.speedvision.com/pub/articles/racing/09commentary/010322.html

http://www.speedvision.com/pub/articles/racing/05NHRA/010322a.html

We learn that Bob Wilson's 'Downunder-Thunder' Tour has resulted in some track time for him and digger...despite yesterday's local weather call for 'partly cloudy, scattered MIR'. Check his Northern Thunder News page for more.

Hey Larry, since you mentioned the new location of the Pacific Northwest Super Comp Association website, could you also mention that it also now has a forum for racers to post info and comments. This a new addition to the website and could turn out to be fun if Tory Lea has anything to do with it. Bill Evans, webmaster

Hi Larry,
I wanted to tell you about a couple of websites I'm doing.
The first is for my own Front Engine Dragster "One Hot
Chili Pepper" that I plan to campaign at Woodburn this
year:
www.onehotchilipepper.com
The next is for the Front Engine Dragsters of America (FEDA)
site:
www.fedaonline.org
Hopefully you will see these fit to link from your extensive
collection of great drag racing links. I will certainly add
horsepowerheaven.com to my link pages very soon!
Thanks,
Chris "Spud" Miller
spudmiller@home.com

Dear Division Six Participants:
I just wanted to remind everyone that only two races remain in deciding who will represent the Northwest Division during the 2001 edition of the NHRA All-Star race. The 2001 event will be held at National Trail Raceway in Columbus, Ohio as part of the Pontiac Excitement Nationals presented by Summit.

Drivers in each of the eight Federal Mogul categories compete for additional prizes and the winning team will split $20,000.

Points are calculated based on a driver's performance in six "in-division" events. The 2000 races used in this calculation are; Mission #2 (June), Woodburn, Yakima and Medford. The 2001 events that remain are Boise and Mission #1 (May).

The current top three drivers are as follows:

FMD
Brandon Henkelman 278
Mark Hentges 206
Dale Carlson 159

FMFC
Russ Parker 235
John Hyland 224
Pat Austin 213

Comp
Jim Warter 242
Brian Hyerstay 231
Nick Johndahl 209

Super Stock
Steve Wann 284
Gary Rouse 219
Bill Stewart 207

Stock
Jody Lang 247
Stan Hawes 227
Bill Bushmaker 215

Super Comp
Jeff Yoder 225
Holly Gaynor 193
Moe Trujillio 193

Super Gas
Mark Cavar 302
John Peterson 248
Joe Mellof 226

Super Street
Tom Williams 258
James Band 205
Kurt Gross 204

Division Six Administrative Assistant Katie Anderson will have complete points updates available and both the Mission and Boise events. If you are interested in representing your class, regardless of your place in the standings, please let us know at the Boise event. Should the person(s) in front of you elect not to participate, you will be contacted with the opportunity to attend the race.

This is a truly exciting program and, if you were to ask anyone who has participated (or won), it is an experience you will always remember.
Thanks,
Chris Blair
Northwest Division Director

For all of you who use AOL this came to us:
Over the past few weeks, we have been working with America Online, to develop promotional programs for upcoming national events. One component involves an AOL Keyword. For those AOL users out there, and there are many of you, I am sure you are very familiar with AOL keywords. Keywords are basically easy to remember, short-cuts to various online properties.

I am pleased to announce, effective today, AOL users can enter keyword NHRA, and nhra.com will be displayed!

Paula is incorporating this new information into all existing communication materials, and she will provide updated specs very soon. There are certain AOL requirements for promoting this program, so please follow the guidelines from Paula.

This keyword, used in conjunction with nhra.com, can and should be promoted for any/all NHRA programs.

Thanks! Mike Shaffer

For those seeking the updated March Meet video, the sheer volume of stuff coming in has put it back a few days. Please be patient. We also have in the works some more Vancouver Motorsport Show coverage as well. LP

Dear Race Fans:
For the last several weeks rumors have been rampant that the NHRA Northwest Division would be incorporating Top Fuel Harley's as part of our racing program. Today I would like to go on record to confirm that this is, in fact, true.

We have reached an agreement with the Western Harley Racers Association (WHRA) to conduct exhibition Top Fuel Drag Racing at three events in the Northwest Division.

These events are as follows:
May 12 & 13: Bremerton Raceway Bremerton, Washington - Northwest Sportsman Classic
July 21 & 22: Mission Raceway Mission, B.C. - Canadian National Open Series
September 21 & 22: Southern Oregon Dragway Medford, Oregon - Federal Mogul Drag Racing Series

The selected events were chosen in respect to their diverse appeal. Each event is unique and is part of a separate series. This will enable us to showcase the program to a variety of racing enthusiasts as a way of testing the waters for future expansion.

I have wanted to implement Fuel Harleys into NHRA competition for many years. However, one of our primary concerns was insuring that we provided our fans with the absolute best riders and equipment in the Northwest. Since we are over-run with the day-to-day administration of our existing programs, I felt it was in our best interest to go directly to the top riders to act as event organizers.

After conversations with three of the top professionals in the sport, we elected to turn over the organizational and administrative reigns to the Western Harley Racers Association. They will insure that we have the top bikes, the best riders and the most entertaining program at each of the three events.

The typical race format will see six (6) Top Fuel Harleys attempting to qualify on the first day of the scheduled in two (2) qualifying passes. On the second day of the event, the top four (4) riders will participate in eliminations to crown the event champion.

Per our agreement with the WHRA, our track operators will actively promote the class and the development of the program. It is our intent to launch this class and their series so that our fans will have the opportunity to watch a high-quality and professionally run Top Fuel program at their local track.

If you would like additional information in regards to Top Fuel Harley racing in the Northwest Division, I would encourage you to contact Steve Huff at 206-763-7522. (or Ron Houneit at ronfastlane@hotmail.com -ed.)

See you at the races.
Chris Blair
NHRA Northwest Division Director

An Airtime Aviation road report courtesy Lezlee Hentges:
On our journey to the Gators, our favorite Flight Attendant...
Denise Pettie was working our flight. What service this girl gives!!!
(guess it helps we've been friends for so long ... Unfortunately, since she
was on duty...her lips never got numb) Seeing her backing up the drink cart
made me proud. She obviously has gone to the Lezlee's school of backing up.
She signaled her driver with the utmost perfection. Although no one else on
the flight knew WHAT she was doing...Mark and I thought she was hilarious!!!
Just don't ask her for a cup of coffee...she has troubles with her coffee.
She definitely made the 5 hour flight 'fly by'.
THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

While shopping at midnight that night...airline lost our luggage...I found my
newest and favoritist LUCKY PENNY. I am sure that penny made all the
difference in our back to back 5.38's. (did you all hear us hollering...and
honking) It was pretty exciting.Unfortunately, my newest and
favoritist lucky penny didn't work on the weather. It rained out on
Sunday...rescheduled for April 21st...YUK! (funny thing...Reese got rained
out too, here in Seattle!) Our next race will be Vegas Nationals...the first
part of April. Will keep you all posted...if you like. ...Lezlee

The Calgary Drag Racing Association held its 2nd annual raffle draw for an all expenses paid trip to the NHRA Summit Racing.com event in Las Vegas April 5-8 this past Monday evening at it's monthly meeting. Drawn in front of a packed house of CDRA members and guests, the lucky recipient of a trip to Vegas is Winston Lee-Owe of Calgary, Alberta. Winston and his wife, Bibi will travel to Las Vegas on April 4 and take in all the splendors which NHRA drag racing and Las Vegas has to offer.

On behalf of the Calgary Drag Racing Association, Mike Ferstl, President of the CDRA would like to congratulate Winston and Bibi. Mike and club members look forward to hearing the stories of your historic week in Vegas!

Our March Meet coverage will continue later today with the Sunday video, followed by what will be our grand finale soon afterwards. Interesting that our extensive video coverage of this event is proving to be a bandwidth hog with so many people viewing the moving images. If you run into a major buffering problem, please be patient and try it again at another time. Hopefully this will not cause too many problems in the future. Our host, SuperWebHost.com, says HH is their number one bandwidth user, and our visitor count continues to climb. Thanks much to Glenn Miller for hanging with us as we continue to push the limits of this technology.

Speaking of which, since he will soon be a Super Comp racer, Glenn has reminded us there is a new URL for the Pacific Northwest Super Comp Association, it's moved to http://www.pnsca.com. look for his new car maybe this weeknd at MRP...if the weather holds. LP

The small daily updates here will continue for just another day. It's working out well as there is currently not a lot of info coming in anyway. When I say small, I refer to the amount of text on this page, as over on our March Meet page HERE is another major video update. Go out a buy a sub-woofer for this one. LP

Rain in the southeast...rain in the northwest....what the heck, may as well watch a video eh? Friday March Meet now available HERE.

After being away for eight days, then returning home to basically sit in front of my computer for a couple more, I took a few days to catch up on some non-Internet stuff, such as taking my parents out for their 48th anniversary. The least I could do after having them put up with their only kid for so long.

Can't recall if I mentioned this before, but my plan of editing video in a motor home was a wish at best so I still have a ton of that stuff to do...mostly for free at this point as these people have (and still are) waiting for their 2000 tapes. Needless to say I will not be doing videos this year. After two years of trying it two different ways it has proven to be failure as the time involved is simply ridiculous. All efforts from here on will go to this site.

Noticed an update on Bob Wilson's Northern Thunder News site. I have no idea what has happened with his own car, so maybe somebody out there can fill me in.

There is a neat update on the March Meet on Dawn Mazi-Hovsepian's own page HERE.

Our next MM video should be up later tonight or tomorrow. As for those stretched still images from Thursday and Friday last we will get to them last as our script only works on original full-size images...which these ain't. Will have to do them one-at-a-time, when we get time. We must also thank Tripledoubleu for the hookup from our motel that made those remote updates possible. On second thought you thank him at his site HERE.

Hi Larry: Great coverage on the March Meet, almost like being there. A
group of us out here on the prairies formed the Nostalgia Hot Rod
Eliminator Club (NHREC). Comprised of Altereds, Doorslamers, Front Engine
Dragsters, and Funny Cars, all supercharged, all vintage, all running on a
7.50 index.We will be at the NHRA 50th anniversary races in Edmonton and
Medicine Hat this season, and hope to get to Mission for the Loafers
race.We also have a web site.
http://www.nostalgiahotrods.com/
Thanks for your support.
Paul

And Dean Murdoch sends this bitchin' piece of info....the crew must be goin' NUTS!!!

Larry , you notice Hentges out qualified Santos at the Gators. First time
ever I think. HE ran his first '30 as well. That makes him the third
quickest blown car on the planet. Behind Sir Rick, and Duane Shields who ran
at '37 Phoenix. All three will be at Mission. I can't wait.
Dean, SpeedZone Mag

You say our March Meet coverage is just not enough....you say you want more...how about a link to the CompetitionPlus coverage by or friends Dawn Mazi-Hovsepian and husband Mark Hovsepian HERE.

FLASH Exclusive HH audio interview with ADRA Chairman/VP Dick Barber HERE.

Our first videos from Bakersfield are now online and can be viewed from our HH event homepage HERE. We will begin slowly and progress into some of the wildest online drag video you will see anywhere. Please keep checking this deal out.

www.bsdragracing.com UPDATE
We're actually ahead of schedule, which is nearly unheard-of with a new race
car. Drivetrain is installed, wiring and fuel system is 1/2 done, final hood
scope fitting, rear valence fitting, wheelie bars, gauges, engine
accessories, sensors, etc. are almost all in place. Next week the truck is
going to be stripped down and the interior of the body will be painted along
with the powder painting of the chassis. Then it will all be re-assembled
and track tested for a few weeks. Then it is off to Corvette Specialties for
a beautiful exterior paint job. Then the coming out party which you, your
friends and families will be invited to in May.

And, lest we forget - the Chevelle is returning for street/strip duty with a
more complete interior (new seats, carpet, and a re-designed
instrument/switch panel), an electrical fuel injection system (to feed the
1100hp motor), a new dry manifold nitrous system, wider street legal 16x31
rear tires, new Wilwood disk brakes at all corners, etc. Expect a show
winning car that runs as fast at the strip (or faster) than ever.

Our thanks to Derek for keeping us updated on these two killer projects....and if you have some info to send in on your ride, feel free,

Also thanks to Ken Bradley for this MRP update: Not much happened this past weekend although the high school did run Friday. Saturday maybe 1/2 day then too cold and damp. Washout Sunday.

Another cool page to checkout ...along with the newest member of the Superwebhost.com team, is Byron Stack's www.gassermadness.com site.

Good luck to the Hentges FMD team in Gainsville this weekend!!! Going for their first ever National Event win.

Also good luck to our friend in Nevada...

A total of 27 hirez images from the Goodguys March Meet are now up HERE. Video coming soon.

Here's aWoodburn report thanks to Jonathan Adams

Over 300 race cars were in attendance as Woodburn Dragstrip opened the 2001 season with a test and tune. Among those drivers making test runs were Dennis Myers in his D/AA Comp Elim. pickup, a very cool ride. Tommy Gaynor and Rob Horsley were at the wheel of Don Rhyne's Stock Eliminator Firebirds, and Mary Ann Method was there in her familiar Nova. Jeff Jackson led a host of Super Street competitors, which included 17-year-old Julie Merritt at the wheel of her father Duane's good-looking Nova. In addition, Johnathan Lowry prepared for his final season in the Jr. Dragster ranks with a best lap of 7.92, and '99 track champ Adam DePeel made his first laps in a brand new Half Scale-built Jr. And an ever increasing contingent of Import racers were out in force. Could Woodburn see it's first Import driver as a team member at the ET Finals?

The 2001 season continues on March 17 and 18, with two days of testing. The Don Rhyne Painting Co. Jr. Drag Racing Series opens its season on March 24, in conjunction with a test and tune and the SFI Chassis Certification. On March 25, the Snap-On Tools/VP Racing Fuels ET Racing Series gets underway. The 2001 season began in record-breaking fashion at Woodburn Dragstrip, and it can only get better.

Hey we made it home! Managed to actually get some work done in the motorhome too as can be read on this small update to our March Meet coverage HERE.

Had a few people say they had problems viewing the pics from the weekend, though many had no problem....hmmmm. seems ok now, but if you still cannot see the pics (yes we forgot to cram them down from digital 720x480 originals that's why they all appear a little stretched), please let me know.

Congrats to Mark Hentges winning FMD in Orlando over the weekend and also to son Randy winning his first ever Jr. race at Seattle the very same day! If anyone has any other local stuff they can fill me in on...MRP for instance, please do.

All kinds of stuff coming at you tomorrow once I get a decent sleep tonight.

LP

03.10.01

BAKERSFIELD FRIDAY

03.08.01

Two days on the road...and if you can read this you know what it means. We're in Bakersfield. The flu has hit hard, but we're online with our photo coverage of the Goodguys March Meet HERE.

Coming when we get home next week ad exclusive video interview with Dick Barber, Executive V.P. of the ADRA.

03.03.01

Midnight. Still on Vancouver Motorsport Show patrol. New photo update HERE.

Most everything around here for the weekend will revolve around the Vancouver Motorsport Show. Check out five full pages of set-up night photos by clicking on the ad to the left