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FOR SALE by HH
Canon Lenses 'as new' with original boxes, warrantee cards, caps, etc.
Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III USM $175 (new link)
Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM $550 (new link)
email Larry for details


2 Pirelli Cinturato P195/75R 14 SNOW tires
Fits '89 (or similar) Mustang 4 bolt pattern wheels.
Approx 75% tread, mounted, balanced and ready to bolt on.
photo1 photo 2 $100 firm email Larry for details

Hard-to-find Western Canadian racing magazines for sale
FEB. 1, 2007 LAST CHANCE OR THEY GO TO THE DUMPSTER THIS WEEKEND

NO REASONABLE OFFER REFUSED...BUT YOU MUST TAKE THEM ALL!

Muscle Machine diecasts too!

Div Six NHRA National Open Schedule

Belated congrats to Adam Bowdish and his bride, Amy Rollins on their marriage January 13.

Controversy at BJ because of stuff like this. Gotta wonder what would happen if one of the big motorsport sanctioning bodies did something like this as much of what we see online is somewhat similar.

BK Special at BJ
HH spoke to Buck Kinney Special owner Wayne Darby as he filled us in on the latest news from the Barrett Jackson auction. "Buck is here and he's like a kid in a candy shop" Darby said by phone this morning. "It was on the front page of the Arizona Republic newspaper. This is just awesome".

Look for the famed Northwest Super Stocker to go on the block at approx. 3:00 p.m. Saturday, prime time on the biggest day of the show. After seeing a roughly similar car sell for 1.7 million last year, this is obviously the time to see what the never-street-driven 1972 Malibu convertible will go for. Rumor is the buyer of last year's car has already expressed interest in the Buck Kinney Special.

Then again, this is an auction and one local person who has attended this event many times has expressed concern that the BKS is nothing like the Ray Allen world championship car that shocked many when it sold for such an astronomical number...but this is Barrett-Jackson and after watching a much-optioned 383 '70 Cuda snatch 90 big ones last night, who knows what could happen once the big boys toss back a few and open up their bank books. FYI you cannot buy for cash at BJ.

Any way you look at it, this is gonna be entertaining. Check out the car here, watch it on the Speed tomorrow, or see a replay online here.

More snowbird options
For the first time in two years we're not at Vegas for the opening of the drag racing season. The reasons are many ranging from old projects still being worked on to new ideas still in the planning stages.

For those fortunate enough to be in the high desert at some point over the next few weeks we suggest you bring a coat. Chris Blair once said one thing he misses living in Vegas is "the change of seasons". I kinda doubt he's feeling that right now, as despite the fact it's sunny, winter is in effect at LVMS as nightly temps are near freezing and afternoon numbers barely hitting the big six oh.

Repairs to 'the bump' were done long ago by using a technique similar to how the cracks in your driveway are fixed by drilling holes and pumping in a mixture of material that raises up the surface. Will be interesting to see how well it works.

While it may sound like we don't care that we're not there, dream on. Testing at THE STRIP is about as perfect a venue as we can think of. First you're in Vegas where you can still find great cheap food, or indulge in belt-busting big-buck culinary delights, party till dawn, and basically do about anything you can dream of...if you can pay for it. Then again with air fares of $49 each way available as late as last week, and now some fabulous package prices, almost any budget fan can still be there.

Ad in the fact you can sleep in late every test day because the cool air will force full runs to be done much later in the day and that you'll get to see dozens of flame throwin' passes under the lights, and baby this is an awesome drag racing experience for people like me who hate crowds and early morning line ups.

Next week Mike Rice and his crew come to town to host what has to be the earliest National Open in history, but the real cool part of that race is if you can stay another couple of days you can get in free to watch the NASCAR testing Monday and Tuesday Jan 29/30. Follow it all up with another test deal and Pro Stock Superbowl and holy cow here comes Pomona.

For now it's Vegas. The world's greatest drag racers at the world's greatest drag strip in the world's greatest party town. If that don't get yur drag racin blood boilin' I dunno wut will!

The Strip at LVMS is busy with three major events in as many weekends; Coming up: Nitro Blast-off, NHRA National Open, Pontiac Pro Stock Showdown

LAS VEGAS - The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway's 2007 drag racing season is roaring to life with three big events in as many weekends.

The action begins this weekend with the sixth annual Nitro Blast-off for NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series teams, including Top Fuel Dragster, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle. Racers scheduled to participate include John Force, Ashley Force, Kenny Bernstein, Jack Beckman, Robert Hight and Eric Medlen.

The Strip at LVMS will host its Bracket Championship Kick-off NHRA National Open Jan. 26-28. The weekend will begin on Thursday, Jan. 25, with a Test 'n' Tune session for National Open participants.

The second and final test session before the 2007 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series season begins will be held at The Strip at LVMS Feb. 2-4, featuring the Pontiac Pro Stock Showdown on Saturday, Feb. 3.

For more information, please contact The Strip's office at (702) 632-8213 or visit www.LVMS.com.

JANUARY
19-21 - Nitro Blast-Off invitational test session - 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
25 - National Open Test 'n' Tune - 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
26 - Bracket Championship Kick-Off / National Open Test 'n' Tune - 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
27 - Bracket Championship Kick-Off / NHRA National Open qualifying - 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
28 - Bracket Championship Kick-Off / NHRA National Open eliminations - 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

FEBRUARY
2 - NHRA Last Chance Test Session - 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
3 - Pontiac Pro Stock Showdown / NHRA Last Chance Test Session - 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
4 - NHRA Last Chance Test Session - 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

HHTV partial coverage of the 2006 Las Vegas Lucas now posted.

2007 MRP schedule now posted here. Please note the office did this not me, so if you have questions please either phone the office or e-mail the office.

Thanks to everybody who responded to yesterday's request for embroidery.

A note for the many e-mails I've not responded to, please feel free to send another if I have not got back to you yet.

And it seems like every cowboy in Alberta is sending out links to the country music video shot at Edmonton's Capital Raceway. Check it out here. Lotsa moto cross mud, but some neat drag racing shots too.

I've seen the rough draft of the 07 MRP schedule. I know they have meetings this week, so hopefully it will be finalized real soon.

HH seeking embroidery company in lower mainland
If any of you out there are in the embroidery business, please e-mail Larry as we need some work done.

All Peace (northern BC & AB) 2007 schedule

CMDRA 2007 schedule features changes and additions with more to come
The Canadian Motorcycle Drag Racing Association will return to Ashcroft's Eagle Motorplex not once but twice in 2007 leaving Mission with but one all motorcycle drag race. In addition to a pair of events at Eagle, Ontario's Grand Bend Motorplex will see two races for the Destroyer and street classes, but the June date will feature CMDRA Top Fuel for the first time east of Alberta. Also posted on the CMDRA site is a note stating that more eastern races will be announced soon.

The return to Ashcroft is in part due to safety improvements in the form of more concrete walls, but it's surprising that Mission will host but one event, the final one September 15-16.

For more go to cmdra.com

2007 CMDRA Western Schedule

• May 19-20 Nl'akapxm Eagle Motorplex Ashcroft, BC
  
• June 30-July 1 Castrol Raceway Edmonton, AB
  
• July 21-22 Nl'akapxm Eagle Motorplex Ashcroft, BC
  
• July 28-29 MHDRA Drag Strip Medicine Hat, AB
• August 11-12 Castrol Raceway Edmonton, AB
  
• Sept 15-16 Mission Raceway Park Mission, BC

2007 CMDRA Eastern Schedule

• June 16-17 Grand Bend Motorplex Grand Bend, ON
  Rain Date: June 18 (This race will include Top Fuel, Destroyer and Street classes - non points event for western racers)
  
• August 25 Grand Bend Motorplex Grand Bend, ON
  Rain Date: August 26 (This race will include the Destroyer and Street classes - non points event for western racers)

Hemi news
Get well wishes to Bob Jenkins, former driver and father of past Indy champ Jerry Jenkins of Modesto. Julie Jordan has posted info on his Boxing Day auto accident here. Spoke with Michael Ogburn today who mentioned Robert is home and feeling better every day.

As for the West Coast Hemi Team, look for another three race northwest circuit in 2007 with Shoot-outs at three D6 Lucas events at Boise, Mission and Seattle. "Harry's been busy making more power all winter, my car'll get some chassis changes, and we're really looking forward to returning to the northwest!"

The other major left coast Hemi Shoot-out at MOPARS at the Strip March 30, 31 is now part of the prestigious 2007 Mopar Super Stock Hemi Challenge Points Series! More info here.

Speaking of LVMS, it's almost time to go drag racing with a number of races and test sessions upcoming as can be seen below. Having been to a number of these events, I cannot say enough about how great they are. Few fans, LOTS of runs, especially under the lights. Any of these events come HIGHLY recommenced.

Kenny Bernstein to renew NHRA Funny Car license and unveil Monster Energy Lucas Oil Dodge Charger at Nitro Blast-Off test Jan. 19-21 at The Strip at LVMS

LAS VEGAS - Six-time NHRA world champion Kenny Bernstein electrified the drag racing world last September when he announced he was making a comeback to the sport after retiring in 2003*. Bernstein, who has earned two Top Fuel Dragster championships as well as four Funny Car titles and 69 national-event victories, will return to the driver's seat Jan. 19-21 at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway during the sixth annual Nitro Blast-off test session for professional NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series teams. Since Bernstein has retired as a driver, he also will have to renew his NHRA Funny Car license in Las Vegas.

A photo of his new Dodge Charger Funny Car, to be sponsored by Monster Energy Drink and Lucas Oil, is not available because it will be unveiled and initially photographed at The Strip at LVMS Jan. 19. The three-day test session is open to the public and drag racing fans will get a sneak peak at their favorite drivers and the new cars before the 2007 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series season begins.

"We will be debuting our Monster Energy/Lucas Oil Funny Car team this season," said Bernstein. "Because we're a new team, it's important for me to get as much seat time as possible, and for the team to find a comfort zone with the tune-up.

"Also very importantly, I will have to renew my license to drive a Funny Car. In order to renew my Funny Car license, I will have to make two runs of 5.50 seconds or quicker and two runs of 250 mph or faster. We hope to accomplish this early in the session so we can concentrate on tune-up combinations."
Bernstein will be joined by the biggest names in professional drag racing, including John Force Racing and Don Schumacher Racing, as Top Fuel Dragster, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle teams fine-tune their entries in preparation for the grueling 2007 NHRA POWERade schedule. ESPN also will be on hand to videotape the test session for future broadcast use.

For more information, please contact The Strip at LVMS' office at (702) 632-8213 or visit www.LVMS.com.

Thursday, Jan. 18
9 a.m. - Credential sales and pit gates open for all participants.
2 p.m. - Sportsman tech (in staging) and professional tech.
6 p.m. - Credential sales and tech closed.
9 p.m. - Pits closed (working on cars after 9 p.m. is prohibited).

Friday, Jan. 19 to Sunday, Jan. 21
7 a.m. - Credential sales and pit gates open for all participants.
8 a.m. - Sportsman testing.
10 a.m. - Professional testing begins.
4 p.m. - Sportsman testing concludes.
5 p.m. - Nitro Happy Hour (Top Fuel Dragster and Funny Car only).
6 p.m. - Track closed.
9 p.m. - Pits closed (working on cars after 9 p.m. is prohibited).

Spectator admission
Adult single-day - $20.
Adult weekend super-saver (all 3 days) - $50.
Kids (6-12) single-day - $8.
Kids (6-12) weekend super-saver (all 3 days) - $20.
Kids 5 and under (with paid adult) - Free.

Racer entry fees
NHRA professional categories (car, driver, five crew passes and two parking passes) - $750.
NHRA Sportsman categories (car, driver and one parking pass) - $200.
NHRA Sportsman single-day (car and driver) - $100.

Credentials
Weekend restricted-area pass - $50.
Additional pit parking passes - $30.

Eligible professional categories: Top Fuel Dragster, Funny Car, Pro Stock, Pro Stock Motorcycle, Pro Mod, Top Alcohol Dragster, Top Alcohol Funny Car, Top Fuel Harley.

Eligible Sportsman categories: Competition Eliminator, Super Stock, Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas, Super Street, Top Dragster, Top Sportsman, Super Pro Bracket, Pro Bracket, Sportsman Motorcycle.

* All teams, all classes will be granted one (1) free oil-down for the weekend. A clean-up charge will apply after second leakage.
* No one may enter the facility early for set-up.
* Testing will take place on the Monday (Jan. 22) and Tuesday (Jan. 23) following the event as a private track rental. The cost to participate is $500 per car (regardless of class). Payment must be made in the tower each day prior to testing. Testing on the private rental days will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
* NHRA "hard cards" (including racer, crew, sponsors and media) will not be honored for this event. All media credential requests must be directed to LVMS Public Relations Manager John Bisci at (702) 632-8231 or jbisci@lvms.com.
*Bernstein officially retired at the end of the 2002 season, but returned to racing to sub for son Brandon, when he was injured during the 2003 season.

Pontiac Pro Stock Showdown returns to The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway during Feb. 2-4 Last Chance Test Session for NHRA professional teams

LAS VEGAS - The clock is rapidly ticking toward the start of the 2007 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series season, and in just a few short weeks some of the best drivers in the NHRA Pro Stock class will converge on The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway for the Pontiac Pro Stock Showdown on Saturday, Feb. 3. The Pontiac Pro Stock Showdown, presented during the Feb. 2-4 Last Chance Test Session, will provide teams with the opportunity for some intense side-by-side competition - their first since last November - and some all-important last-chance testing before they make their way west to Pomona and the beginning of the 23 race 2007 campaign.

"We're excited that Pontiac chose The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway to host the biggest pre-season event in the sport of professional drag racing," said Chris Blair, LVMS' vice president of racing operations. "The 2006 event featured the sport's top Pro Stock drivers and the action was incredible from start to finish. We believe this year's event will be even better and the 2007 Pontiac Pro Stock Showdown will be the perfect catalyst for an incredible season." "Pontiac is proud to once again be the title-rights sponsor for the Pro Stock Showdown," said Fred Simmonds, GM's drag racing marketing manager. "The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway is a great venue and the fans will get a terrific opportunity to see their favorite drivers in a very accessible setting. Last year, every Pro Stock car that qualified for the Winternationals was at the Pontiac Pro Stock Showdown, and this event will give teams a chance to make some final adjustments before making the short trek to Pomona."

A prominent list of Pro Stock drivers will be on hand when the gates to The Strip at LVMS open for competition on Feb. 3. Those expected to attend include six-time NHRA champion Warren Johnson, three-time NHRA title holder Greg Anderson, defending POWERade champion Jason Line, two-time champion Jim Yates, two-time champion Jeg Coughlin Jr., Mike Edwards, perennial Pro Stock favorite Kurt Johnson, Dave Connolly, Tom Martino, Greg Stanfield, Ron Krisher, Tom Hammonds, Kenny Koretsky and defending event winner Larry Morgan. "Attending the Pontiac Pro Stock Showdown is imperative as far as we're concerned," said Greg Anderson. "You have Pomona the next weekend and from a competition standpoint, it's absolutely the smartest thing you can do, go racing the week before and try to get all the things you thought you learned over the winter ironed out on the racetrack to see if they actually do work. You don't want to go to the Winternationals cold turkey, thinking things look good. You have to get on the track before Pomona to make sure you have all of your ducks in a row, and it's something we do every year and will continue to do. Because of team owner and Las Vegas native Ken Black, we consider The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway our home track and the more times we can run there in front of his friends and family, the better off it is as far as we're concerned. We go there and test whether there's a race or not, so for us, it's the perfect place to have the Pontiac Showdown."

"Las Vegas is the most important test we have because all of the other cars will be there, and that will give us a good idea of where we stack up," said Jim Yates. "That should give us a pretty good idea on what to expect the following weekend in Pomona. We've had very good luck going to Las Vegas and testing right before Pomona, and we know a good correlation between the two racetracks. We know how to adapt from Vegas to Pomona, and we've been successful in doing that the last couple of years."

Spectator gates will open on Saturday, Feb. 3, at 7 a.m. and the first 1,000 spectators will receive a free Pontiac Motorsports hat. The first of two rounds of Pro Stock qualifying will begin at 10 a.m. and the 16-car elimination rounds will start at 1 p.m. (Sportsman and all pro categories will be testing as well.) A free drivers' autograph session will kick off the weekend. Fans are encouraged to meet their favorite NHRA drivers on Friday, Feb. 2, from 8 - 9 p.m. in the Del Mar Room at the South Point Hotel & Casino at 9777 Las Vegas Boulevard South.

For more information, please call LVMS at (702) 644-4444 or visit www.LVMS.com.

The first NHRA Northwest Division Chassis Inspection Seminar of 2007 will be held at Jackson Automotive in Wilsonville on Saturday February 3rd. If you want to attend this event you MUST CALL AND PRE-REGISTER. Call Steve Jackson at 503-682-2165 to book your spot.

As there has been a number of chassis spec changes over the past three years it might be a good idea to have your chassis inspected early so that you have plenty of time to make any necessary changes before the racing season begins.

It is also a great opportunity for you to avoid long line-ups at seminars held at the beginning of the race season.
Book your chassis inspection now so you can get your car together and be ready for racing.

Sincerely,
Dave Schaffel
NHRA D6 Tech Director

HH photos now available for sale. Click here for complete info.