Sunday, June 8th - O’Reilly Raceway Park, Clermont, IN – After a completely rained out final day of qualifying, the final eliminations of the Goodguys 20th Hot Rod Nationals here at O’Reilly Raceway Park at Indianapolis were as sunny and hot as the previous day was wet. A field of over 200 cars did battle on the ORP quarter mile today in twelve different classes offering everything from ground pounding Nostalgia Top Fuelers and Funny Cars to 13-second station wagons. Variety and ingenuity was the order of the day.

In Nostalgia top fuel, Cedar Falls, Iowa racer Roger Lechtenberg won the battle and the war. Driving Dale Suhr’s “Orange Crate” dragster, the man they call “Radar” breezed through eliminations, routinely pulling his parachute at the 1,000 foot mark. Maybe he was saving gas? “We’ve tinkered and tinkered with our tune up,” said car owner and chief mechanic Dale Suhr. “But today we left it basic and got the trophy.” Lechtenberg took Suhr’s hot rod through three flawless elimination rounds running as quick as 6.001 (in the semi final) and as fast as 251mph. In the final he defeated the gritty and consistent Randy Bridges of Virden, IL 6.024 @ 236 to the runner up’s 6.324 @ 236.71.

Sacramento, CA. (June 07, 2008) - Jim Murphy met Rick White in the Top Fuel final of Sacramento Raceways annual Nite of Fire - and won. Murphy had the reaction time, but White caught him and appeared to be on a low 5.8 or high 5.7 run but sacrificed some pistons at about 1200 ft and Murphy nicked him at the end, 5.789 at 254.87 to a very close 5.810 at 234.57. Murphy's 5.789 was a new track record and was particularly impressive as he did it in the least favored left lane. Also, his 60' time on the run (.093) was the quickest in NTF history. This left Murphy and the crew chomping at the bit for their next outing at Boise, Idaho August 08 - 10.

BAKERSFIELD, CA. (June 01, 2008) - Troy Green in the High Speed Motorsports - SilverThin Bearings Top Fuel dragster was the big dog at the inaugural Bakersfield Fuel & Gas Championships (aka Top Fuel Feature) at Famoso Raceway. Green got the best of his friend, Adam Sorokin in the final running a stout 5.749 at 261.09. Sorokin was with Green early on but got out of the groove and was forced to lift and coast though with a 8.479 at 97.95.

Low ET: Troy Green 5.715 seconds
Top Speed: Troy Green 261.09 MPH

 

NHRA Tech update: Rage Racing NTF Fuel Pump

5/12/2008: NHRA Technical Department has decided to delay the implementation, until further notice, of the Rage Racing NTF Fuel Pump (PN 1400N) for use in the Nostalgia Top Fuel category of the NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Series. For any questions or concerns, contact the NHRA Technical Department at 626-914-4761 ext.485.

 

PHOTOS FROM TEST SESSIONS

Photos from the May 2, 2008 Testing at Bakersfield

Hoosier Tires Officially On board

 

Grants Pass, OR (May 05, 2008) – After another successful test session on the 12x16 Hoosier Top Fuel "spec" tires it has been confirmed that Hoosier western rep, Robert Perryman will have 35 sets of the tire ready for deliver by May 15th and several cars plan to have them on for the Hot Rod Heritage Series event at Bakersfield May 30 - June 01.

Although some, including Adam Sorokin have run some impressive times on the new tire, this past weekend answered the question if they will ET when Brad Thompson ran a 1000' 5.64 at just 235 during a test session at Bakersfield. According to Thompson, "Aside from a little rattle with the tire came up, it was a very stable ride and they looked perfect after all three passes." He went on to say, "We're sure the minor tire shake is just a matter of finding the right air pressure."

For info on the new tire contact:
Robert Perryman
559-485-4612
Racing@HoosierTireWest.com

 

 

Hoosier Enters Nostalgia Top Fuel
Introducing New 12.00-16 N/TF Tire

Lakeville, IN- In late January 2008, Hoosier representatives were asked if they had a tire that would fit the needs of the 4,000 hp nostalgia top fuel dragster. Hoosier responded, on May 5, 2008, Hoosier has been approved to compete in Nostalgia Top Fuel. Introducing the 12.00-16 N/TF.

Below is the development timeline of Hoosier's latest offering in their drag line.
-Late January 2008, Hoosier is approached to build a tire for AAFD.
-Feb 10th, 2008, Mike McLennan (TEAM FULLER) makes first pass on Hoosier 10.5/33.0-16 (current production tire).
-Feb 16, 2008, Team Fuller tests @ Auto Club Raceway in Famosa, CA with very good results.
-Feb 18, 2008, Hoosier designs new 12/16-NTF tires.
-Mar 9, 2008, Rick White and Mike McLennan elect to use Hoosier 10.5/33.0-16 @ March Meet.
-Apr 1, 2008, Hoosier produces first 12.00/16 N/TF tire for testing -Apr 12, 2008, Rick White tests new 12.00/16 N/TF @ Speed World in Whitman, AZ, testing proved very promising with excellent results.
-Apr 21, 2008, Hoosier produces first production run of 12.00-16 N/TF tire for use @ Dragfest.
-May 3, 2008, first runs on new 12.00-16 N/TF tire. Brad Thompson runs a 1000' time of 4.76 and a 1320' time of 5.64 at just over 235 during a test session at Bakersfield.
-May 6, 2008, new 12.00-16 N/TF goes into production.

Part # 18975
Size: 12.00-16
Diameter:  33.0"
Circumference:  105.0"
T. Width:  12.0"
S. Width:  16.2" on a 12" rim
Weight:  34 lbs
Suggested Retail Price:  $260.00

65465 U.S. 31
LAKEVILLE, INDIANA 46536
Phone (574) 784-3152
Fax (574) 784-2385
WEBSITE: www.hoosiertire.com

 

John Shoemaker - RIP

To help preserve NHRA's rich history and tradition while capitalizing on the success of nostalgia drag racing competition, NHRA has formed the NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Racing Series that will crown year-end points champions in 14 categories.

“This new series is an exciting step that will appeal to drag racing fans young and old,” said Peter Clifford, NHRA executive vice president and general manager. “It's a great way to introduce the younger generation to the history of our sport and give fans young and old a glimpse of racing the way it used to be.”

The NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Racing Series will kick off with the famed March Meet in Bakersfield, Calif., March 7-9 and conclude Oct. 10-12 at the California Hot Rod Reunion presented by Automobile Club of Southern California back at Bakersfield's Auto Club Famoso Raceway.

 

Official publication of AAFD