Click here for last month's posting from this page

• Disc 1 - BC Nationals & Pro Mod Challenge (running time 1 hr 36mins) (NEW view trailer)
  
• Disc 2 - National Open & BC Oldtime Drags (1 hr 41 mins) (NEW view trailer)
  
• Disc 3 - Night of Fire & All Ford Drags (1 hr 43 mins) (NEW view trailer)
  
• Disc 4 - Apr. 20-22 & Sept. 28-30 Brackets, TnT, etc. & All Bike Drags (feature cars & Top Fuel only) (1 hr 30 mins) (NEW view trailer) CAUTION 'F Word' Alert....you have been warned.

February 26, 2008 No more full size cases on mail orders after March 1, 2008
Because of increasing shipping costs ALL Horsepower Heaven video orders after March 1, 2008 will be sent in plain paper sleeves. This will ensure that our prices WILL NOT go up anytime soon and HH will continue free shipping of all videos. After much feedback HH customers have said the main deal is the video not the case. In the event you want the full case art and have your own cases, we will be happy to e-mail you a jpeg photo file so you can print it out yourself.

I continue working on the mrp site as well as some other projects, no idea when I'll get time to do much here.

Drag racing gets reprieve

Some updates on this mrp site regarding the schedule

Basic MRP 2008 schedule posted here. Lots left to be done on the MRP site which will begin once the printed schedules are done later this week and be on going for a few more weeks.

Two more chassis dates added
March 8th- Saturday- Billings MT- Road Runner Truck & Equipment- Jeff Scheller- 406-248-5625

March 22nd- Saturday- Missoula MT- Norm Jones Contracting- Chadd Pearson-406-546-6811

New Fuel Ban page saveracingincanada.com
Note: FYI there is but one single NHRA 'major' event in Canada - the MRP Lucas. Sorry, the Opens are not in the same league. I was also told that this coming ban was a reason why NHRA never again attempted to place a National Event in this country. Can you maybe now guess why NHRA (and IHRA) have remained rather quiet on this issue...as has basically everybody involved in the 'official' process of fighting it. Hmmm can you say CHRA??

Imagine a road trip...
Streeters of all shapes and sizes...touring across the country...a video...a tv show...picking up racers all along the way...to go here. I'm in. Interested sponsors e-mail me now.

Mission changes first Friday Night Street Legal
from March 28 to April 4. Work continues on the track schedule, and they hope to have a more detailed dates posted asap.

Top 'Comp' site going away?

Happy belated birthday (last Sat. Feb. 2) to Speedzone's Dean Murdoch.

Sorry for the lack of postings lately, been sick. -LP

And you thought those rich, drunk boyz at the Barrett Jackson were crazy...

Interesting PowerTV piece.

NHRA has been notified by HD Partners Acquisition Corporation (“HD Partners”) that it did not receive the necessary number of votes to finalize the transaction announced last May to acquire all of NHRA's professional racing assets.

NHRA NORTHWEST DIVISION CHASSIS INSPECTION SCHEDULE- as of 1/29/08

Feb 16th- Kent WA- Pacific Raceways- Dennis- 253-826-8666

Feb. 16th- Lewistown MT- K & R Autobody- Joe- 406-366-0202

Mar 8th- Boise ID- Boise Roadster Show- Scott- 208-938-8986

March 8th- Saturday- Billings MT- Road Runner Truck & Equipment- Jeff Scheller- 406-248-5625

Mar 15th- Spokane WA- Spokane Community College- Kerry- 509-965-2896

March 22nd- Saturday- Missoula MT- Norm Jones Contracting- Chadd Pearson-406-546-6811

Mar 29th- Woodburn OR- Woodburn Dragstrip- Gene- 503-982-4461

Mar 29th- Calgary AB- Unlimited Performance- Andy- 403-243-4949

Mar 29th- Yakima WA- Renegade Raceway- Troy- 509-877-7888

April 5th- Medicine Hat AB- Flint Energy- Jim- 403-526-1044

April 12th- Edmonton AB- Precision Performance- Wade- 780-477-7354

April 26th- Eagle Point OR- Champion Raceway- Jim- 541-830-3724

Please note: Racers must call and book appointment with contact prior to any inspection dates.

The Pacific Raceways 2008 schedule is now posted on their site

Todd Hoerner's new ride!

Vegas a wash...almost
Well. I'm home from Las Vegas with a wonderful case of the flu and a sore back from shoveling snow over the past 24 hours. Ah yes, a grand way to begin the year.

Though the PSCA event was wisely called on Thursday because of the bad weather, especially in the mountain passes most would have to transverse, we still managed to see some motorsport. Friday night was neat as I learned the IHBA was holding their awards banquet in the same hotel I was staying in, Sams Town. Too weird as I managed to run into a really old buddy, Gary Bergeron, a former Fraser Valley Drag Boat Assoc. racer and announcer who was here as the IHBA announcer. Small world eh?

Later that night we (dad and I) went out to LVMS for the first Midnight Mayhem of 2008...did I mention the weather both Friday and Saturday was beautiful. Even though VP of Racing Operations Chris Blair had not done any advertising other than putting it on the website schedule, the place was busy with 379 entries and over 2000 spectators!

Coolest thing I saw out there was an Eagle Talon with four new Hoosier slicks that left soft and ran 10.40/141!

Oh ya, it rained like crazy Sunday making the Thursday call a good one.

Between donations to the many casinos, on Monday we wasted a couple of hours before our flight home and trudged out to super windy (65 mph gusts) LVMSsuper speedway to have a look at the NASCAR test session. All the big guns were there, I got my first ever look at these cars, and came away with a few observations.

First, with just a dozen cars on the track, it's all but impossible to talk to anybody without yelling, and after about 20 minutes of the best in the biz zipping around the super fast oval I was bored out of my freekin mind! To do this for hours on a hot day with a bunch more noisy cars made me realize why so many beers are sold at these events. I'll take a nice couch, instant replays, low noise levels and much cheaper beer in my own living room thank you very much.

On a positive note it was cool seeing the big name cars for free. That's right, unlike pro drag test sessions, this gig was free. You could park right by the stands, sit in any grand seat you wanted, beer was available for sale...but you could probably sneak in your own with just a very few security people around. Yes, for hard core Junior fans, this was near Nirvana as only about 100 people were here.

Now that I'm home reality sets in quickly and I deal with e-mails like this:

I see you are supporting the fuel ban, I noticed you posted that the meeting is in Alberta on the fuel ban is that with the government? If so is anyone aware that the government (I assume who is behind the fuel ban) or supporting it just gave the Rimbey race track 430 K to build a drag race track and then ban the fuel to drag race ? Not sure the about the reason behind this ? ? ? Rimbey race track link http://www.caraceways.ca/

I guess it could be construed that I am supporting the fuel ban, but I'm not. I am simply questioning some of the logic on our side. Despite speaking with many people on both sides of the border and reading the proposed ban I honestly cannot figure out what this all really means. And because there is no one single entity to supply CONFIRMED answers I have to view most of what is being said with an open mind.

Last night on Speed Scene there was a good interview with Grand Bend Manager Ron Biekx (download and 01/29/2008 replay here) that gave a good update on the current situation, but I'm still confused on stuff like how nitro fits into this and if it really would be the end of the sport in this country. The plethora of conflicting info out there is nuts, the Rimby case a perfect example of how few are on the same page here.

Bottom line however is that I have made permanent links to the problem, signed the petition, so NO, I DO NOT SUPPORT THE BAN. I would just like to have WAY more information before I go off spouting all the bad things that MAY happen because of it.

You can be assured I feel for the people who stand to loose hundreds of thousands of dollars, and perhaps a way of life, but without knowing all the facts, I can't honestly say much more than we are in a green age, and you have to be very careful how you combat the green people because no matter what any of you say, drag racing with burnouts, oil downs, crew members forced to wear gas masks to do their jobs safely, etc. etc. is one of THE most ungreen pastimes out there.

That said, I will do all I can to supply my readers with the best information I can find so they can make their own decisions. And in closing, even though I DO NOT SUPPORT THE BAN, I will continue to post other views that may be relevant to the issue, even if they are mine alone.

And don't forget I, more than most of you, make a living from drag racing in Canada, have years and thousands of dollars invested in the sport, and stand to loose, not just a race car engine, but my entire working existence. Even so, I refuse to go off the deep end on this until I get more facts than I do right now.

It's looking like this weekend's PSCA opener at Las Vegas may well be canceled due to weather, but regardless, I'm outta hear soon and won't have e-mail till I get back. Not sure exactly when that may be, but I'll post here when I'm ready.

Fuel updates
Lotsa stuff going on, mainly behind the scenes, as track officials and business people prepare for 'the meeting' which I understand is in Alberta next month. If anybody has a time, place etc. I would love to post it so supporters could maybe show up...

I spoke today with Ken Venus from Windsor Ontario who has a weekly biker web/pod cast. He's looking into people to interview on this, so check out Biker Radio Magazine.

One thing still frustrating me is how nitromethane fits into this. One person tells me "it's a chemical with no lead in it" meaning it would not be banned to "it's on the shit list". Those are the BEST two pieces of info I have. I really wish somebody could give me an 'official' version of the possible ban on nitro.

The track too what to tame?
It's the week we travel to Las Vegas for not only HH's first race of the year but the Pacific Street Car Association's as well. It's always entertaining when these racers lay the hammer down on the track that's 'too good to tame' after a few winter months off. Now going on two years since we last saw the bad boyz n girlz of the southwest street legal scene, to say we're ready is an understatement. Check out the link below for a great season preview.

PSCA 10th Anniversary Season preview

Gary Densham talks about the flopper fraternity like nobody before.
Click here for 1320tv exclusive interview

BJ Auction
I mean really...this many (way) under 10,000 mile super muscle cars in one show at one time? Uh uh. I don't believe half of 'em are what they say they are. Take the booze outta that tent in Scottsdale and watch the prices drop like so many turds in a toilet.

PS: If ya don't wanna get soaked at BJ, you can really get screwed and put money down
on this imaginary mobile.

Some real nice photos of todays Nitro Blast Off at LVMS over on Comp+

Thieves steal Calgary charity car (more) (more)

HH joins with 1320TV!
Ya, I know. It only took two years, but we finally got it back together with Susan Wade of 1320tv.com.

With Wade living in Washington state, it's a no-brainer that one three two oh teevee should be hangin' some HH clips. Like eh.

Starting in a couple of weeks you'll see some exclusive HH video on 1320tv.com as we begin what will be a season long gig where Susan gets a bunch of cool, new video, and I get a great new place to market my products and services.

Initially 1320tv will repost some of the clips we have here, but we'll get them some new (and maybe some real old) material very soon.

We're very excited about coming on board with 1320tv and look forward to a great year that will see HH get more invloved with online video than ever before.

Fuel concerns shift from panic to work
After the initial few days of panic and confusion among Canadian drag racers regarding the leaded fuel ban, it's calmed down as a number of groups and individuals go to work to try and have the ban quashed by the February 13, 2008 deadline. Only this time it's different.

Different because there are actually a number of posting from race types who feel that whatever the loss, the sport will survive. Some mention NASCAR, others Europe, both of whom race (or will soon) with unleaded fuels. They say drag racing may fall off, but it will not die if leaded racing fuel is banned.

With 'lead' being the new four-letter-word of the day, it's difficult to make an argument for it in world charged up over climate change. How can we scream about lead in toys from China then turn around and whine that yawl can't burn jugs of it in your racecar for 'points' on weekends?

It's also tough because the manufacturers have plenty of unleaded products. And it's tough when BC has a Premier hell bent on a green agenda. Tougher still when you have a pretty strong feeling that the next US president will not be quite so 'NASCAR' as Dubya.

Canada could be the test bed for a smooth transition to American drag racing...it could happen.

We've heard that the last batch of lead tests done at MRP from the late 1990s resulted in more lead content beside the highway than the race track. Those numbers are currently being gathered up again.

We also know of at least one professional lobbyist who is working almost full time on this and hopes to have a website up asap. We'll let you know when we learn anything new.

And thanks to all the loyal HHers who find so much of this stuff and send me links.

DISASTER in Vegasville
Last Saturday night's D7 awards banquet bracket finals video was lost by the hotel and not found until Monday. D7D Mike Rice e-mailed Tuesday saying he chased down as many champs as he could to give them copies.

I'm really bummed it did not get shown at the banquet. I apologize to to not only the racers, but to Mike Rice who gave me a job that I didn't get done.

My congratulations to all the D7 champions.

Click here to see the D7 Bracket Finals 'Official' video

Fuel info from the CMDRA forum
Howdy Folks…. I have been doing a little research and have read the proposed act,

“REGULATIONS AMENDING THE GASOLINE REGULATION” as presented in the “CANADA GAZETTE VOLUME 141, #51” dated December 22, 2007

In doing so I have found that it no way mentions Nitromethane or any components contained in it.

This prompted me to call Jim MacMonagle who is the owner of Outlaw Racing Fuels in Lake Tahoe, Nevada. Today I had a long conversation with Jim about his nitromethane product and he has assured me that there is absolutely no lead in his product. He also stated that it is made to a medicinal grade spec. He also stated that his product has had some of the acidity removed from it so that it is more sense friendly, I.E. less nose and eye discomfort.

He also stated that there is some no-lead racing gasses available and that many US racers are running it with comparable results the leaded versions.

Ron Biekx, General Manager @ Grand Bend appears to be overreacting a little here. In the Regulation information he presented Nitromethane is legal for racing as it is Non leaded fuel by definition and description.

Do Not take this information as anything more than what it is, an FYI and an opinion. This being said, it does not diminish the importance of letting our government know where we stand on the prejudice and ignorance that is demonstrated with this regulation amendment.

So as Kevin, Andy, Ray and Jan have stated here don’t let your fingers fail you now. Be vocal and be heard! The time is now!

Al Miles
CMDRA DIRECTOR

Increased purses for D6 bracket racers
The 2008 NHRA Northwest Division Summit Racing Equipment ET Finals are set for August 29-31 (Labor Day weekend) at Firebird Raceway in Boise, Idaho. Here's what's new for racers participating in the Summit Series. (full story)

2008 Lucas Series changes

Las Vegas Lucas Oil Series and Street Car Super Nationals date changes
LAS VEGAS - With the recent date change of the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series finals at Pomona, Calif., officials at the NHRA Division 7 field office and The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway have decided to move the Las Vegas Lucas Oil Series event from October 24-26, to Nov. 6-9. The Las Vegas Lucas Oil Series event now will take place between the Las Vegas and Pomona POWERade Drag Racing Series national
events.

From 2001 to 2006, the Las Vegas Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event was held the weekend following the ACDelco Las Vegas Nationals. During that period, the event attracted in excess of 980 cars (and established the all-time NHRA Sportsman event record of 996 cars during the 2005 season). In 2007, when the NHRA POWERade series ran the Las Vegas and Pomona national events back-to-back, the Lucas Oil Series event moved to April and the car count dropped by more than 200 participants from the traditional date.

The 2008 Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Division 7 Finals once again will be the final event of the NHRA divisional series and again will be sponsored by Short Line Express Markets. The event will feature a Test 'n' Tune session on Wednesday, Nov. 5 and four days of competition beginning on Thursday, Nov. 6. The event will be headlined by Top Alcohol Dragster, Top Alcohol Funny Car and Nitro Motorcycle categories, in addition to the Lucas Oil Sportsman classes.

The Street Car Super Nationals, which was originally slated for November 7-9, will be moved to another available date. The complete 2008 Strip at LVMS schedule will be released by February 1.

Race City in limbo beyond 2010

Free pass to the bike show:
Volunteers still needed for BCCOM booth at Vancouver Motorcycle Show Jan. 24-26 at the Tradex in Abbotsford:
B.C. Coalition of Motorcyclists
Email: office@bccom-bc.com
Website: www.bccom-bc.com
Phone: (604) 580-0111 or 1-877-580-0111

Ford OWNS photos YOU take of YOUR Ford

Related link

Best comment yet goes like: "So if the police radar cam shoots my Ford, could it be thrown out of court because the police obtained the image without Ford's permission? And are now using said photo for monetary gain?"

Nawyn stays on as BCCCA Pres, Lowe now VP
Import and Junior Special Events dates added (more at mrp.com)

VP Fuels follow up
Hi Larry,

Regarding the posting you put on from a HH reader, they stated that VP Fuels only have one unleaded fuel.

In fact VP fuels have many unleaded fuels (too many to name). If you want to see how many unleaded fuels and their octane numbers etc, please go to http://www.vpracingfuels.com/vp_01_fuels.html#unleaded

In the past we have only stocked one or two unleaded fuels on our trailer due to the demand and space we have, as leaded fuels are a lot more popular so therefore had to stock more leaded fuel.

Thank-You
Ray and Jan Bobrowski
R.J. Enterprises (VP Fuels)

From one HH reader:
As far as classes, it would seriously initially affect anything other than
street cars. I don't know about Sunoco but VP only has one unleaded fuel
and it most certainly won't work on cars that require higher octanes.

E.T. cars and the Super Classes could convert over to methanol (with obvious
costs) but Stock, Super Stock, and Comp would be screwed.

I haven't read the document myself but it also sounds like Nitro is on the
shit list and that would put an end to feature cars as we know it, including
TAD and exhibition cars.

Our problem is that when this legislation was first introduced many years
ago, racing did not have a unified body to represent the industry. The
aviation industry, farmers, and fisherman are all except (as I understand)
because they were involved in the process and were able to convince the
politicians that they would have a minimal impact on the environment or that
their industry would be ruined by such a change.

I think that one avenue that can't be ignored is the tourism industry,
especially in provinces that hold major events like BC, AB, and ON. Also
the local politicians are not going to be happy if race tracks can't pay
their tax bills or employ people.

Fuel ban update
I'm getting a bit of feedback and questions on the fuel ban...but honestly not really that much. Most of the message boards I've seen actually have a few saying live with it because that's the kind of world we're living in. NASCAR is unleaded, and much of drag racing in Europe is too. Facts like that make it hard to argue against when it comes to government types.

Maybe the new NHRA Sportsman Racer Advisory Council can help?

The best defense I've heard so far is a combination of trying to prove this came out of left field with not enough time and info out there to actually be legal and the plan to roughly figure out how many actual vehicles we're talking about and once the government realizes it's so few, that perhaps we can get an exemption.

Trouble is nobody's leading the charge, there's simply a small number of racers e-mailing their government reps. Since we only have until February 13 to do this I fear the worst. The worst case scenario being IHRA and NHRA pulling all their major events out of Canada. No more IHRA National events and no more Lucas Series or National Opens. Beyond those races and the I still don't know.

There are some trying to organize and seriously lobby the government. If I hear anything more I will post it, if you hear anything please pass it on.

LIVE in Coquitlam at the Red Robinson Theatre...tomorrow night - 38 Special!

Strong rumor this night of another Import Drag Race at MRP in 2008

Chris Blair talks imports on speedtv.com

Local drag racing on TV
Am told that the 2007 Mission Lucas race will be on Driver's Seat this weekend. Show times are here.

This fuel thing
Being a professional spectator and not a racer I'm a bit uninformed in regards to this pending leaded racing fuel ban. It appears to me that those currently leading the charge against it are those whose employment is directly related to the two IHRA National events in this country, as this ban would most certainly end the biggest pair of drag races in the country. Would it do the same to NHRA Divisional competition? I don't know. Weekly racing? Oldtime drags? Street Cars? Super Classes? Jets???????

One thing I would very much like to have officially confirmed is exactly what cars would be effected. Will we really never again see nitro cars in Canada? How does nitro fit into this?

It's obvious, that with current rules, Stock and Super Stock would take a hit as would the big all-motor types and I guess nitrous cars...but really, I don't honestly know and so far nobody has really laid this all out. I wish somebody would, space here at HH is awaiting it.

One posting states that Grand Bend earns 60% of their annual income from that one race, so yes, that track may go under...but, and in my mind this is still a big 'but'...can't rules be changed, engines altered in many cases? How big a deal is it to change over to alcohol or unleaded fuel? I don't know, I need to be clued in as I'm sure many of you need to be as well.

Bottom line is that 'going green' is here to stay, and I stop and think for a moment before going off on a big tirade about the government screwing us before I know all the facts. I feel the time has come where drag racing must consider the ramifications of not only keeping the neighbors happy, but the general population as well. If it takes a major shake up to allow our sport to survive then so be it. Change is better than death.

I mean really, I've posted so many times how fractured this sport is and how it's getting worse. Talk about divide and conquer. This sport is ripe for that. Is it the end of the Canuck drag racing world? At this point, knowing what little I actually know, I don't think it is, but I've been wrong before.

I just don't know enough to really make a stand here and need more info. If there is anybody out there who can put into words just what classes will be effected and how, I'd love to read it and post it.

Before we go too stupid here we need facts - facts I prefer to find myself and not rely on panicked track operators or the government to provide me.

Send here, I will edit and post what I feel is informative info on this. You've got a zillion message boards to bitch and complain, so please do that there. This site is here to try and help not hinder.

http://www.drivingethanol.org/motorsports/drag_racing.aspx

From http://www.grandbendmotorplex.com/08-end-of-racing.html

The End of Canadian Drag Racing?
Lots of buzz out there tonight regarding this. I know nothing about it, but I'm sure we'll hear more very soon.

B.C. Members of Parliament

Alberta Members of Parliament

MRP note
Coming just a few days before the annual BCCCA election Jan. 13, don't expect an official comment on this matter until the 2008 executive is set.

Classracer.com

Eagle 'Get Together' Feb. 23 Ya that party again!
NEW LOCATION Aldergrove Legion , 26607 Fraser Hwy, Aldergrove BC

Doors open 6:00 PM
Dinner 7:00 PM. Same caterer as last year.

Adults 35.00 Children 20.00 ONLY 140 tickets available

We will be holding a reverse draw, and having games throughout the night. (scary thought)

Please contact the following people for tickets:

• Juie @ jwcrawford@shaw.ca
  
• Jan @ rjenter@shaw.ca
  
• Ken Orser orsepower@shaw.ca
  
• Joe Sye jsye@shaw.ca
  
• Sue susan@vectoreng.ca
  

The Best Western Hotel is a few blocks from the Aldergrove Legion. You can call for rooms there, the rate they gave me is $95.00 and 15% tax.

If you go to there web site you can get rooms for about $85.00 a night but there are some restrictions with booking on line.

PLEASE DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE!

The phone number is 604-856-9880 or 1-800-834-0833
Website is www.bestwesterncountry.com

Hope Allen to drive former Evans Dragster
"I owned that car since 1991" said John Evans. "I wish Hope all the best in it."

Built by legendary fabricator Jim Hume of H&H Racecraft of Sedro Wholly WA, Team Evans is having a new rear engine car built for brother George.

"It'll be a fast blown small block Super Comp car", snickered 62 year young 'big' brother. "George likes to go fast!"

"She didn't want those little front wheels though" John laughed. "So we put a set of normal ones on there". HH didn't get a chance to talk to the Allens, but know somebody whose gonna have some fun in 2008.

R&H Racecar Grand Opening January 26
3 PM to ???
Please RSVP ryan@rhracecars.com
4631 Teather Road, Kelowna BC

Torco update

Pair of announcements put pro drag racing into question
First the NHRA tries to distance itself from the upcoming Las Vegas pro test session, then Torco seemingly pulls out of the sport. Having just come down in the past 48 hours, nobody seems to know exactly what this all means, but whatever the real reasons, it does not look very healthy.

All the major drag sites are covering this, so we won't bother posting links. You know where to go.

Schedules, schedules, schedules
MRP schedule is coming along well. We hope to have a basic one posted this week. A number of groups have not finalized as of yet, but the weekend dates are all in place. Same deal with the Eagle Motorplex who have recently updated their website with a new look.

The CMDRA does have their dates done:

1. MAY 17/18 Ashcroft
   
2. JUNE 7/8 Medicine Hat
   
3. JUNE 14/15 Grand Bend,Ontario
   
4. JUNE 28/29 Edmonton
   
5. JULY 19/20 Fort St. John
   
6. AUGUST 9/10 Mission
7. SEPT 13/14 Edmonton Season Final
   

Victoria NHRA Chassis date
Saturday Jan. 26 will see NHRA Tech Greg Park travel to the Island for a chassis cert trip organized by Steve Thompson (250-478-2115). It will happen in Victoria, but Park did tell HH he may be able to go up Island, so if you need his services e-mail him at gapg@telus.net.

Vote for Canada's 'of the year' drag racing people and places
I'm not a fan of these online 'contests', but since it does have some local interest, here is the link.

CES
It's amazing I've gotten anything done the past couple of days what with all the new toys being announced live online at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. To me it's all kinda just about bigger flat screens, small pseudo laptops, and new ways of transferring, sharing and storing files. Appears that HD-DVD will soon be dead, so I guess I can now go out a get a PS3 and try all that wonderful transferring, storage and display of the dozens of hours of HD video I took in last year, as I am seriously looking at selling edited HD video in file form, not a disc. Best site to see all this stuff (if you have a few hours to blow) is gizmodo as they tell it like it iz, but this site has simple daily recaps.

NHRA Division Six Chassis date
Jan 26 at Jackson Automotive & Performance Wilsonville Oregon from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Call for apt 503-682-2165

Tamez does doors at Renegade
"Its a done deal, '08 will see a six race series for Door Cars running 8.99 and quicker at Yakima" were the opening words of an e-mail tonight from Frank Tamez. "I have been working on this since November and finally got it ironed out. I believe it will have a chance of becoming a great series for the doorcars that are just not quite fast enough to make a divisional and the guys that don't want to take so much time."
Frank also mentioned a new ride he'll have real soon, a '67 Nova that'll promise to be bitchin! But on to the info:

• Doors, left hand drive and a roof
  
• 8.99 or quicker all run
  
• Sportsman ladder
  
• All electronics allowed
  
• ET and Advanced ET rules
• $50.00 entry fee
  
• Percentage of entry fees to semi's and maybe quarters depending on car count
• $250 to runner up paid by sponsor
  
• $1000 to win paid by sponsor
  
• Winner makes one more round with winner of Super Pro for a "King of The Hill" final round with another
• $250 paid to winner.
  
• Super Pro points awarded for qualifying for ET finals.

Most of the events are run in the evening so there is no need to get up at 4 am to drive to Yakima. Gates usually open at 4 pm with qualifying at around 5:30 (usually 3 rounds) and racing right afterwards.

I had forgotten how much fun I had when I raced at Yakima before I got involved in Top Comp. The second half of the season crewing for my kid in his '66 Nova convinced me that "I wanted some of that". My '67 Nova is almost ready and I will be at all 6 events ( I still have the Mustang for the Divisional's).

It should be a blast
-One day and be home that night
-No pressure. We all want to win but its also about the fun factor
-Pretty nice purse
- Naked lady's (Daisy, My female Great Dane)

Dragster guys
Give me a little time. Let me get this one off the ground and I will work on an 'Outlaw Top Dragster' series. Maybe next year...In the meantime I have convinced the track operators to hold a two day event the last week in September with the potential for some HUGE money payout.

Preliminary Plan
-Saturday test and tune and time trials combined (40.00 fee)
-Sunday Race

Electronics Class
250 entry with an 85% payout 70% to the winner and 30% to runner up.

64 entries = $9540.00 to winner and $4080.00 to runner up. Imagine 128 entries...Does that sound sweet or what?

Non Electronics Class
$ 150 entry with the same payout schedule

Low buck Non Electronics also with a 50.00 entree and the same payout schedule.

Anybody going to the Halloween Classic and Vegas National Event will be welcome to leave their rigs at the track until then.

Hope to see ya all there. If I can make these two things work this year then I believe I can talk them into expanding the following year and adding a Dragster class.

Frank Tamez

MRP Major race dates released

Sorry I did not get this posted until today
Hi Larry, I dislike sending you these bad news things but you have the best racer website on the planet. Jim Gilmore (58), who was a well known Seattle area Super Street and Bracket racer passed away December 27. Jim had been unable to race for several years due to a disability from an "MS like" illness. Jim is survived by his son Dennis and family, and brother Andy both bracket racers at Pacific Raceways. Services for Jim will be held January 3rd at 12:30 pm in SeaTac Washington at Washington Memorial Funeral Home, 16445 International Blvd. SeaTac, WA 98188
-Ed Hauter

Question going into a new year:

Who has the quickest wheelie barLESS door (and street) car in the northwest? Pro Mod...Pro Street...Top Sportsman...How quick/fast....Where was the run made...etc.
Just curious.
- LP