Race info (ie: Fees, times etc are here)

May 29, 2008

Sunday gallery 2

May 28, 2008

Sunday galley #1 is here

Weekend wrap ups

Gilmour Racing LODRS 6-2 weekend wrap-up

Teen rookie is learning how tough TAD racing is……

Ashley Bart driving the Gilmour Motorsports TAD found out driving and tuning in the tough TAD class is just that… tough!
After getting licensed two years ago at Frank Hawley's school Ashley was making her competitive debut at Mission Raceway this past weekend. The Gilmour TAD is a new car for her and a totally new car for the Gilmour team. Their last ride caught fire two years ago in the trailer and burned to the ground. This new car is an ex- Marty Thacker ride that had gone 270 mph. The car proved it made lots of power on day one, when Ashley got to about 45 feet it smoked the tires like a fuel car.
The team put in a new clutch for the second qualifier Saturday afternoon. Unfortunately, the same result happened only a bit further down track. On Both runs, Ashley did the right thing and lifted early. In the final session they backed the clutch way down and hoped it would not be as aggressive. It did get off the starting line and got to about 90 feet before tire smoke again hit the rear tires. Ashley peddled the car but it failed to hook up and she lifted around 300 feet down track. While the team goal of making a couple full runs down the track and working towards a competitive tune -up did not quite happen they did gain valuable experience and the do know they have a car making huge power. They will get ready for the Seattle Divisional event in three weeks, and then race a few events in their home province of Alberta, before heading back out west for the Seattle national and Mission National Open.

Ashley and team owners Ken and Darlene Gilmour and Cal Bellamy would like to thank all the crew including Ashley's mom Barb and dad Rick, Gary Savage, Kim Steinhubl, Rob Webster, Brock Allaire, Del Lloyd and John Payne.

Doug Hegge LODRS 6-2 wrap-up

The first home division event at Mission Raceway for Doug Hegge and the Certeon A/Fuel team did not go quite to plan, but for a new team with very few runs in a new class, and in a class with perhaps the narrowest window for a clean run in warm weather, the team walked away knowing they are very close to being in the hunt.
After a tough first qualifier Friday where the car only ran on four cylinders due to an ignition issue, they came back Saturday with very different (hot)
Conditions. They responded with a soft 5.89/256 and a #2 position in the eight-car field. The bump was a 5.60, and the team needed a career best lap by almost a tenth, if they had any hope for racing on Sunday. They did tune up the car and found almost 2/10ths from their earlier run, but wound up #10 with a 5.69/259 mph run.
It was not far from the team goal of a 5.50 run, but still a bit of a disappointment. "We hoped to improve from our prior best et., but losing the run on Friday really hurt our chances, and when the air temperature increased by 20 degrees and 25 degrees (120) in track temperature on Saturday we knew it would be tough", Doug stated after the final run on Saturday.
Hopefully we will head into the next event at Seattle with more data and a closer handle on what the seas level like conditions will give us.

Doug thanks his crew including David, Ralph Fox, Casey, Kimberly Guidici, Jim Hegge and Molly Fox.
He also thanks his sponsors for their support. They include Radford Trucking, Total Impact wear, Certeon, Snap-on Tools and Spitzer Composites

O’Bannon resets track records en route to runner-up

MISSION, B.C. – NHRA Top Alcohol Funny Car driver Sean O’Bannon and the Tequila Patrón/Forest River RV’s team reset both ends of the track record en route to a runner-up finish during this past weekend’s Division 6 Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Mission Raceway, just north of the border in Mission, B.C. The event was O’Bannon’s first final since switching to the Funny Car class from Top Alcohol Dragster last year.

O’Bannon, 29, who helps run the family business, Fontana Wood Products in Fontana, Calif., when not racing qualified Jack O'Bannon Racing, Sam Shockley tuned ’08 Monte Carlo second in the field with a 5.653 second elapsed time at 255.97 mph. In round one, he took out Ken Kraus with a track-record 5.589 at 260.41, which was also his first trip into the 260 mph zone. He then defeated John Evanchuk in the semifinals with a 5.685 at 258.02 mph to set up the final with No. 1 qualifier Clint Thompson.

In the final, both cars left nearly identical and stayed locked together going down track, but it was Thompson who edged O’Bannon with a 5.682 at 256.70 to O’Bannon’s right-there 5.691 at 257.06 mph.

“We would have liked to get the win, but we’re happy with the weekend,” said O’Bannon. “We finally ran 260 mph our first weekend out with our new Monte Carlo body, which is a big milestone for us. There’s only a handful of cars that have ran that much mph at 92 over on the blower.”

“This weekend was another step in the right direction for this team,” O’Bannon continued. “We lost lane choice in the final, and the right lane was a little trickier to get down than the left. We gave Clint a good drag race; we didn’t beat ourselves.”

With the final round appearance, O’Bannon remains in second place in Division 6 standings, just a mere ten points out of first place behind Thompson. The strong showing also moved him to seventh in national point standings.

There will be little time for rest for the Tequila Patrón/Forest River RV’s team as they head straight to Topeka, Ks., for this weekend’s O’Reilly Summer Nationals. O’Bannon reached the semifinals of this event last year.

Simply Perfect in every way, Patrón is the world’s No. 1 selling ultra-premium tequila. From the finest, most expensive Weaber Blue agave plants grown in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, to the centuries-old distillation process, to the signed, handcrafted glass bottles, Patrón is produced with unparalleled attention to detail. Imported and marketed by Las Vegas-based The Patrón Spirits Company, brands in the portfolio consist of Patrón Gran Platinum, Patrón Anejo, Patrón Reposado, Patrón Silver, Patrón XO Café (tequila and coffee blend), and Patrón Citrónge (extra fine orange liqueur), Ultimat Vodka (80 proof, Black Cherry and Chocolate Vanilla), as well as Pyrat Pistol, Pyrat Cask, and Pyrat XO Reserve Caribbean rums.

To find out more about the Jack O'Bannon Racing Team, visit their website at www.JackOBannonRacing.com

To find out more about Jack O'Bannon Racing's quality partners, visit these websites:

www.PatronSpirits.com - Find out more about the world's number one tequila - Tequila Patrón.

www.ForestRiverInc.com - Find out more about America's largest producer of towable RV's and Cargo Trailers

www.HoosierTire.com - "Tires Designed for Champions"

www.LE-Inc.com - Lubrication Engineers - "Leaders in Lubrication"

May 26, 2008

New gallerys include:

Friday #2

Saturday gallery is here.

Friday's first gallery is here

A second Thursday gallery is here

Eliminations

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
Round 1
1) Duane Shields, Boulder City, Nev., 6.798, 218.81 def.
8) Kim Parker, Graham, Wash., 8.589, 97.65

7) Justin Davis, Murrieta, Calif., 5.483, 262.85 def.
2) Randy Eakins, Carson City, Nev., 5.495, 266.27

3) Joey Severance, Spanaway, Wash., 5.368, 264.62 def.
6) Brandon Johnson, Shelton, Wash., 12.349, 79.05

4) Shawn Cowie, Richmond, B.C., 5.356, 270.10 def.
5) Thomas Bayer, Fontana, Calif., 5.391, 265.48

Semifinals
Severance, 5.354, 262.46 def. Davis, 5.458, 263.08
Cowie, 5.357, 269.54 def. Shields, 5.429, 272.06

Final
Severance, 5.373, 265.40 def. Cowie, 5.366, 269.29

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
Round 1
1) Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls, Ore., '06 Monte Carlo, 5.630, 257.06 def.
8) Nathan Sitko, Edmonton, Alb., '02 Camaro, 5.875, 242.06

2) Sean O'Bannon, Ontario, Calif., '08 Monte Carlo, 5.589, 260.41 def.
7) Ken Kraus, Great Falls, Mont., '07 Monte Carlo, 6.927, 159.97

3) John Evanchuk, Edmonton, Alb., '02 Firebird, 5.737, 246.30 def.
6) Randy Parker, Puyallup, Wash., '04 Mustang, 17.697, 60.83

4) Brian Hough, Junction City, Ore., '06 Monte Carlo, 5.675, 256.04 def.
5) Tim Nemeth, Chilliwack, B.C., '02 Camaro, 6.098, 244.96

Semifinals
Thompson, 5.639, 257.28 def. Hough, 5.710, 255.24
O'Bannon, 5.685, 258.02 def. Evanchuk, 5.746, 252.45

Final
Thompson, 5.682, 256.70 def. O'Bannon, 5.691, 257.06

.........The grandstands showed the fans liked the weather as well, as it looked to be the largest Saturday crowd in recent event history. The two top classes did not disappoint and the local competitors in those two classes did their part to make Top Alcohol Dragster and Funny Car very exciting from the first pair down the track on Friday. Starting with the non qualifiers in TAD, young Rookie Ashley Bart in the Gilmour Motorsport made three attempt in qualifying but unfortunately the team could not get the clutch sorted out as the car went into Top Fuel like tire smoke at the 60 foot mark on all three attempt. Team owner Ken Gilmour stated they will have to go back to the drawing board to figure out why even with the massive changes they made it still smoked the tires. Ashley did get more acclimated to the new ride and it will bode well for her in the future. Troy Sitko only managed to make one lap, in the final qualifier, as that team had push rod issue that started out during the Thursday test session. Part of the problem was finding out they had too much valve spring pressure. They did get in a full lap in the final session and troy did improve on his career best mark by a tenth of a second and almost ten mph. They too will go away from the race with the knowledge the car will run solid fives. Leo Grocock will be kicking himself for a few days to come as he had a very good chance in the second round of qualifying to run a career best by over two tenths and possibly even enough to crack the 5.603 bump spot. He was on a solid 5.60 pass in that second session, but for reasons only he could explain (actually he can't, cause I asked him and he just said he wanted to jump into the river), he dumped the laundry and clicked the car off at the 900 foot mark and the chutes were fully deployed before he crosses the finish line. His et was still a career best, but it was only a 5.83@ 203 mph. Ouch, "would a, could a, should a"! Bill Edwards Jr., Only made two of three attempts and the car ran a bracket like 5.77 and 5.75 on the two attempts. The team had mechanical issue and did not run in the final session. Bill Sr. is learning the new conventional PSI hat set-up after switching from a home built deal. Vancouver Washington based Doug Hegge, in his Division Six debut ran a best of 5.69/258 in his A/Fuel Dragster. They team made improvement on every lap and likely would have been in the 5.50's if they had one more session. The team will be a contender before too long. Gary Ormsby Jr and the Hugh Ridley racing team overcame usual hurdles leading up to qualifying,a as he had the steering shaft on the car come off and then as he was trying to bring the car to a stop the master cylinder for the brakes lost all its fluid and he was steerless and brakeless after a tire shaking 200 foot run. He pulled the chute and the car unfortunately started to drift into the other lane and could only be along for the ride as the car slid over to the right guardrail and the car bump the wall wrecking the right rear tire and wheel. They did make repairs, and made all three qualifying attempts. His best was a 5.65 @ 240 mph but Gary was off the gas 5.22 seconds into the run and that based on the incrementals, would have been a 5.57 to 5.60 pass, likely enough to make the field. The car will be a solid 5.40 car in the near future.

On to the qualifying cars, Kim Parker made the two runs on Saturday to to her school bus driving job, and run one was a soft get down the track 5.603 @ 250 mph. In the final round the team hopped up the car in hopes of getting off the #8 spot and into the 5.40's. It was hopped up too much, as Kim car spit off the blower belt around the 600 foot mark.

#7 qualifier Justin Davis had two strong runs and one , the second that was not according to plan. On the first run Friday, the 21 year old rookie ran a very solid 5.57 @ 257 mph. Run one on Saturday the car was on a good lap when he suffered mechanicals issues, and the car came to a stop at half track. The Federlin tuned ride improved by .02 in the final session but stayed #7 with a 5.55/260 best.

The #6 qualifier, was Mr. consistent Brandon Johnson. The Mike Johnson tuned A/Fueler made all three runs within .04 of a second of each other in conditions that were completely different in each day. The first run Friday, was under pretty cool optimum condition and they likely would have liked to come away with a run better that the 5.45/266 that came up on the reader board. Saturday was hot, hot, hot but both runs Saturday were 5.49 efforts that showed the team will run solidly whatever the conditions thrown at them.

#5 is the 2007 event winner, Tom Bayer. Bayer like Johnson made three runs like a bracket car, all three within .05 of each other. The Toyo tire driver, ran a 5.40 in round one, 5.44 during the smoking hot second session and was only one of three drivers to improve from day one in the final round. He went 5.397 at only 255 in the final round that based on the 10 mph lost would have been a bit quicker likely enough to get into the top half of the field.

#4 Shawn Cowie will face Bayer in round one after his 5.391 best. Shawn was the man in qualifying, based on that teams ability to adapt to the conditions presented. Shawn was within .006 on all three attempts, as he went 5.397, 5.392 and 5.391 respectively in the three attempts.

The # 3 qualifier Joey Severance Jr. will race Brandon Johnson in round one. Severance was the quickest of the blown cars and his best was a 5.367/265 turned in in round one. The second session he ran another 30, that one was a 5.39. He aborted the final run, as his blower belt exited the car after the 1-2 shift.

Randy Eakins eked out the #2 spot after the Edgecombe teams great 5.307 turned in in round one. During Saturday's hot 1:30 session, The car dropped a bunch of cylinders and in the third and final round Eakins ran a 5.51/262 to get back to a hot weather base line. He will face against Justin Davis in round one noon Sunday.

#1 qualifier and the monster shot heard around the three other divisionals held this weekend across North America was Duane Shields blistering 5.231/272.80 blast Friday afternoon.

Duane ran a solid 5.39 Saturday after during the hottest session and slowed to a 5.59 in the final round Saturday. He will race local fan favorite Kim Parker in round one.

Predicted winners in round one.

Duane Shields over Parker, Davis will not upset Eakins, Severance will take out Johnson and in a rematch of last years final, But a different result Cowie will edge Bayer.

In the semis, Cowie will continue his consistent runs and will upset Shields, and Severance will defeat a tire smoking Eakins.

The final round will be a tough all blown match up and the veteran Joey Severance will take out the local favourite on both ends of the track. a 5.37 to 5.38.

The whole Funny Car story will be posted tonight but here are the match ups.

#1 Thompson vs #8 Sitko. Winner, Thompson but it will be a decent race as the Hanna tuned Sitko car will turn in a career best 5.87 @ 243 mph. It will be .15 short of Thompson's low 5.70 pass.

#2 O'Bannon Vs #7 Ken Kraus. This one will be much closer that expected, as Kraus will leave on O'Bannon but the California driver will out run the Montana driver by 800 feet.

# 3 John Evanchuk will take out Randy Parker in a relatively close race. A 5.76 for Evanchuk to 5.84 for Parker.

The final pairing will see #4 Brian Hough leave on local Tim Nemeth and turn in his best run of the weekend a 5.67 to Nemeth's best of the weekend a 5.78

Hough and Thompson will race in a 2007 final rematch and the result will be the same as last year. Thompson will take out the 2007 Division Six champ. John Evanchuk will come up just short of Sean O'Bannon in the other match up.

The final round will see Thompson three peat as the Mission champ as he defeated a tire rattling O'Bannon

The complete report with photos Sunday evening

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) Duane Shields, Boulder City, Nev., 5.231 seconds, 272.80 mph
2) Randy Eakins, Carson City, Nev., 5.307, 268.41
3) Joey Severance, Spanaway, Wash., 5.367, 265.25
4) Shawn Cowie, Richmond, B.C., 5.391, 268.09
5) Thomas Bayer, Fontana, Calif., 5.397, 264.23
6) Brandon Johnson, Shelton, Wash., 5.457, 266.82
7) Justin Davis, Murrieta, Calif., 5.557, 260.49
8) Kim Parker, Graham, Wash., 5.603, 250.62
Not Qualified
9) Gary Ormsby Jr., Granite Bay, Calif., 5.658, 240.51
10) Doug Hegge, Vancouver, Wash., 5.692, 259.59
11) Bill Edwards Jr., Sumas, Wash., 5.755, 246.30
12) Leo Grocock, Mission, B.C., 5.839, 203.48
13) Troy Sitko, Edmonton, Alb., 6.174, 227.38
14) Ashley Bart, High River, Alb., 8.555, 102.51

First round TAD pairings
1) Duane Shields, Boulder City, Nev., 5.231 seconds, 272.80 mph vs.
8) Kim Parker, Graham, Wash., 5.603, 250.62

2) Randy Eakins, Carson City, Nev., 5.307, 268.41 vs.
7) Justin Davis, Murrieta, Calif., 5.557, 260.49

3) Joey Severance, Spanaway, Wash., 5.367, 265.25 vs.
6) Brandon Johnson, Shelton, Wash., 5.457, 266.82

4) Shawn Cowie, Richmond, B.C., 5.391, 268.09 vs.
5) Thomas Bayer, Fontana, Calif., 5.397, 264.23

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
1) Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls, Ore., '06 Monte Carlo, 5.626 seconds, 257.51 mph
2) Sean O'Bannon, Ontario, Calif., '08 Monte Carlo, 5.653, 255.97
3) John Evanchuk, Edmonton, Alb., '02 Firebird, 5.730, 250.48
4) Brian Hough, Junction City, Ore., '06 Monte Carlo, 5.741, 252.88
5) Tim Nemeth, Chilliwack, B.C., '02 Camaro, 5.820, 248.07
6) Randy Parker, Puyallup, Wash., '04 Mustang, 5.903, 242.78
7) Ken Kraus, Great Falls, Mont., '07 Monte Carlo, 5.925, 248.20
8) Nathan Sitko, Edmonton, Alb., '02 Camaro, 6.015, 236.90
Not Qualified
9) Dave Germain, Toledo, Wash., '02 Firebird, 6.178, 228.25
10) Shane Harter, Wenatchee, Wash., '00 Avenger, 6.241, 228.83

First round TAFC pairings
1) Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls, Ore., '06 Monte Carlo, 5.626 seconds, 257.51 mph vs.
8) Nathan Sitko, Edmonton, Alb., '02 Camaro, 6.015, 236.90

2) Sean O'Bannon, Ontario, Calif., '08 Monte Carlo, 5.653, 255.97 vs.
7) Ken Kraus, Great Falls, Mont., '07 Monte Carlo, 5.925, 248.20

3) John Evanchuk, Edmonton, Alb., '02 Firebird, 5.730, 250.48 vs.
6) Randy Parker, Puyallup, Wash., '04 Mustang, 5.903, 242.78

4) Brian Hough, Junction City, Ore., '06 Monte Carlo, 5.741, 252.88 vs.
5) Tim Nemeth, Chilliwack, B.C., '02 Camaro, 5.820, 248.07

May 24, 2008

Top Alcohol Preview

TAD
In what will likely be the quickest field in Division Six history, 14 dragster are set to face off this weekend at Mission Raceway. Two drivers who finished in the top five in the world last year are here including #2 Tom Bayer ready to compete in his sophomore year as well at veteran Duane Shields who finished #2 in 2007. Will cool high 60's and low 70's in the forecast for the entire weekend, we could see history making runs form both the Blown and Injected nitro versions of the class. Thomas Bayer, Shawn Cowie and Joey Severance all have a chance to run in the 5.20's at over 270 mph this weekend. If that happens it will mark the first time in history that a blown car has run in the 5.20's at a division event. Duane Shields and Randy Eakins and to a lesser degree Brandon Johnson all have a chance to run in the 5.20's or even the 5.1's if the conditions and tune-ups are right.
The biggest hurdle this weekend is making the field and then who will survive what will be a shootout of epic proportions come Sunday afternoon.Here are the likely combatants to make the eight car after final qualifying Saturday.

The top four listed are really pick-ems for the Wally on Sunday, but the edge has to go to Duane Shields simply because it is a cool weekend and that A/Fueler flat out hauls. With a Divisional track record of a 5.20 two years ago here at Mission, and an out of the box 5.23 Friday the Shields clan really have this race to lose.
Duane Shields Odds 2-1

Thomas Bayer
Sophomore sensation Tom Bayer with the expertise for Steve and Patti Federlin in their corner really should not been second in line but after a 5.23 from Shields Friday and a middle of the pack 5.40 by Bayer it is tough to make the defending champion the favourite. This team has been to the final here at four of the last five events and have two wins.
Thomas Bayer odds, 4-1

Joey Severance and the Washington based team are another one of the team who at most event would likely be the favourite. When this team is one their game they usually have the baddest blown car on the grounds. And when Joey is on his game he is possibly the best leaver in the class. Last year they were hot and a couple California races, this year they did struggle a bit at those same events. They were the quickest blown car here yesterday and would not be out of place in the final.
Joey Severance Odds, 5-1

Shawn Cowie another sophomore standout, this car is flat out he fastest blown car anywhere. It has gone 273 mph, its only minor knock, it that it does not seem to be able to run on the ragged edge to the first 330 feet that are so critical for the blown cars. This is one of the few Blown cars that have not utilized the extra OD on a regular basis the blown cars were awarded last year and the extra boost has not always working favourably for the team. If they can get the first 330 sorted out they likely will have 5.20 power in the right atmospheric conditions.
Shawn has greatly improved his reaction times this year so if all the ducks are in a row, he could reach the final again this year and maybe come home with the win at his home track.
Shawn Cowie Odds, 5-1

Randy Eakins. This is Randy's first foray to the hallowed Mission grounds, but the Edgecombe team have a strong history here at Mission. They have been here on a number of occasions and call this one of their favourite tracks. This team is stuck right at 5.30 second have run that number on three different occasions, but never hitting a 5.2 pass. A right out of the box 5.30 shot Friday bodes well for their chances to run in the 5.20's this weekend. If they accomplish that goal they will likely be a finalist this weekend.
Randy Eakins Odds, 6-1

Brandon Johnson. The Johnson Family A/Fueler is a bit of an enigma. They have all the right equipment, they have a very close relationship with the Shields team (which should translate to inside info) but they really seem to run well only sporadically. The team won their very first race with their new A/Fueler and have had a few good runs since that time. But tire smoke has been just as prevalent. When (not if) tuner Mike Johnson has the A/Fuel thing sorted out, look out!
Brandon Johnson Odds, 8-1

Kim Parker. One of the nicest Tad racers I have ever met, She is dynamite behind the wheel of the family dragster. The team has made big strides in the last two years and have 5.40 runs in their resume. They will need that and likely more to see the final round. Can dad Steve, brother in law Russ and husband Randy provide the necessary tune-up for Kim to reach the final round? They have to decide if the ragged edge tune-up is in their budget.
Kim Parker Odds, 10-1

Justin Davis. The team pedigree for Justin Davis is there. Having Steve and Patti Federlin in your corner is one of the right choices any driver could make. In just a few laps for the 21 yr old rookie Justin has already turned in 5.50 laps in the second car of the two car team. Does he have the experience and are Steve and Patti willing to say his is ready for what will likely be two more tenths of a second to be competitive this weekend. We will know that answer after today's final qualifying in what will likely be a record breaking Division Six field.
Justin Davis Odds, 11-1

Gary Ormsby Jr. Another driver with lots of pedigree and in this case experience as well. The Hugh Ridley owned TAD team are really just getting their feet wet this year, a few runs in the 2007 season and some testing in Division Seven earlier this year has taught the BC team a lot. Can they turn that experience in 5.40 passes or better this weekend. After Thursday misadventures and Friday tire shake, they hope the bugs are worked out for a very tough Saturday two rounds of qualifying.
Gary Ormsby Jr. Odds, 12-1

Bill Edwards Jr. Bill is one of the best Division Six drivers out there and his dad is one of the smartest crew Chiefs I have ever met, but the team does not have the BUDGET to race against the 5.20 and %30 juggernaut ahead of them. They go to a race hoping to improve personal bests and to squeak into the #7 or #8 Spot. This weekend it will take a personal best by a tenth and a half to accomplish that goal. I for one am hoping they can do that.
Bill Edwards Odds, 14-1

Doug Hegge. Racing experience is there, but in this class the driver's job is only part of the equation. Doug has a strong background as a driver, but an A/Fuel Dragster is a whole different animal than a Top Comp Dragster. The team is smart by taking baby steps in this class, so really what they are looking for is to run personal bests and keep on improving.
Doug Hegge Odds, 16-1

Leo Grocock. Another local competitor would just want to make improvement to his resume. The car has should easy 5.60 potential and that will still put them 2 tenths back. But a 560 lap would send the Mission based team home very happy.
Leo Grocock Odds, 19-1

Ashley Bart. The young rookie has all the right tools to be a hit in Drag Racing. She is young, smart, cute, committed, keen and has driving talent. The team is still learning what it takes to run a top notch TAD. They have all the right parts and just need the experience. When all those ducks are in a row, they will be a 5.4-5.5 team
Ashley Bart Odds, 20-1

Troy Sitko. Troy and Sitko team are another one here looking for improvement and knowledge. Owners Ken and Irene did the right thing and brought in a solid tuner for the weekend and if they get the engine owes sorted out for Saturday the car should make a 3 to 5 tenth jump in personal best performance.
Troy Sitko Odds, 21-1

Top Alcohol Funny Car

Odds for Funny Car teams

Sean O'Bannon 2-1 The team is on the verge of greatness in the class. They should run 5.5 this weekend.

Clint Thompson 3-1. Two time defending champ could be the favourite but I am going with a hunch and O'Bannon.

Brian Hough 4-1. The Oregon based team does not quite look like it did in 06 when they were a huge threat at every race.

Ken Kraus 5-1. The US/Can team has all the right tools and have their oiling issues sorted out, look for them to run a high 5.6 this weekend.

John Evanchuk 6-1. The Alberta based team made big strides last year and are hoping for more improvement in 2008. If they do they could be the strongest Canadian team here.
Tim Nemeth 7-1. What was said in John Evanchuck's last sentence goes for this BC based team as well. They will make strides in 2008 but is it 5.60 strides?

Randy Parker 8-1 Randy Parker seems to be stuck in the 5.70-5.80 range, once he turns that corner he will win a few of these races.

Nathan Sitko 10-1. With the assistance of Will Hanna this weekend Nathan should go out an improve his personal best by as much as 3/10ths.

Dave Germain 12-1. A bit of an unknown as Dave makes it out to races in a sporadic manner. He has all the right stuff, he just has to 'Git er done"

Shane Harter 16-1. Shane has only run a couple divisionals before and knows he will have to find two tenths to make the field this weekend.

May 23, 2008

Friday's first gallery is here

A second Thursday gallery is here

Courtesy NHRA Marketing and Drag Race Central.

MISSION, B.C. -- The first day of qualifying at the Lordco BC Nationals, a round of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series at Mission Raceway Park, is in the books. Duane Shields of Boulder City, Nev., is the best qualifier in Top Alcohol Dragster while Klamath Falls, Ore., racer Clint Thompson leads the Top Alcohol Funny Car field. More than 400 racers in 11 categories converged on Mission Raceway in hopes of making their way to the winner's circle on Sunday.
Shields' 5.231-second, 272.80 mph pass was more than enough to cover second-place qualifier Randy Eakins of Carson City, Nev., who ran 5.307 seconds at 268.41 mph. With two more qualifying runs slated for the weekend, there are 12 racers vying for a place in the eight-car eliminations field in Top Alcohol Dragster. Richmond's Shawn Cowie is qualified in the No. 4 spot and Sumas, Wash., racer Bill Edwards Jr., is in the bump spot. Mission resident Leo Grocock is currently on the outside looking in from the No. 10 position.

Thompson's 5.626-second, 257.51 mph pass was just enough to get by No. 2 qualifier Sean O'Bannon's 5.653-second, 255.97 mph effort. O'Bannon is a resident of Ontario, Calif. Tim Nemeth of Chilliwack is in the No. 3 spot after covering the quarter-mile in 5.840 seconds at 248.07 mph.

North Vancouver racer Rob Harrison set the pace in Comp Eliminator while Delta, B.C., resident Terry Spargo leads the pack in Top Sportsman and Coquitlam's Kelly Vos rode to the top of the Sportsman Motorcycle field. Jim Caughlin, Woodburn, Ore., drove his '96 Escort to the No. 1 position in Super Stock, Tom Gaynor, Vancouver, Wash., is No. 1 in Stock Eliminator, and Top Dragster is headed up by Greg Carlisle, Lake Stevens, Wash. Other local racers who qualified in the top 10 include Langley residents Bob Marshall (No. 4 in Comp Eliminator) and Rick Pike (No. 8 in Super Stock); Surrey's Martin Zazula (No. 2 in Top Dragster) and Al Omond (No. 7 in Sportsman Motorcycle), and Maple Ridge racer Rob Charlton (No. 9 in Top Sportsman).

Racing continues Saturday and Sunday at the Lordco BC Nationals. Qualifying and time trials continue Saturday at 9 a.m. and eliminations start on Sunday at 9 a.m. Gates open at 8 a.m. both days. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car will have two qualifying runs on Saturday, at 1 and 4 p.m., and run first round of eliminations Sunday at noon.

General admission tickets for the Lordco BC Nationals are $20 each day. Children 12 and under are admitted free with a paid adult. Pit passes are available for $5 each day.

Mission Raceway Park is located 10 miles north of Sumas, Wash., on Highway 11. For more information call the track, (604) 826-6315, or visit www.MissionRaceway.com.

The following are Friday's qualifying results from the Lordco BC Nationals event at Mission Raceway:

TAD

1) Duane Shields, Boulder City, Nev., 5.231 seconds, 272.80 mph
2) Randy Eakins, Carson City, Nev., 5.307, 268.41
3) Joey Severance, Spanaway, Wash., 5.367, 265.25
4) Shawn Cowie, Richmond, B.C., 5.397, 268.01
5) Thomas Bayer, Fontana, Calif., 5.407, 264.23
6) Brandon Johnson, Shelton, Wash., 5.457, 266.82
7) Justin Davis, Murrieta, Calif., 5.570, 257.21
8) Bill Edwards Jr., Sumas, Wash., 5.770, 246.30
Not Qualified
9) Doug Hegge, Vancouver, Wash., 7.326, 212.86
10) Leo Grocock, Mission, B.C., 8.323, 88.56
11) Gary Ormsby Jr., Granite Bay, Calif., 9.347, 87.03
12) Ashley Bart, High River, Alb., 11.217, 68.91

TAFC

1) Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls, Ore., '06 Monte Carlo, 5.626 seconds, 257.51 mph
2) Sean O'Bannon, Ontario, Calif., '07 Charger, 5.653, 255.97
3) Tim Nemeth, Chilliwack, B.C., '02 Camaro, 5.840, 248.07
4) Randy Parker, Puyallup, Wash., '04 Mustang, 5.974, 241.67
5) John Evanchuk, Edmonton, Alb., '02 Firebird, 6.139, 240.44
6) Nathan Sitko, Edmonton, Alb., '02 Camaro, 6.818, 209.30
7) Dave Germain, Toledo, Wash., '02 Firebird, 10.337, 76.77
8) Brian Hough, Junction City, Ore., '06 Monte Carlo, 11.433, 66.19

Comp

1) Rob Harrison, N. Vancouver, B.C., '05 Cavalier, J/A, 7.735 seconds, -0.745 (under index)
2) Clint Neff, Westminster, Colo., '23 roadster, K/A, 7.859, -0.741
3) Pat Byron, Hoquiam, Wash., dragster, C/D, 6.926, -0.614
4) Bob Marshall, Langley, B.C., '08 GTO, B/AA, 7.029, -0.611
5) Mark Stewart, Medford, Ore., '98 Achieva, G/SMA, 8.879, -0.481
6) Dan Barton, Post Falls, Idaho, '05 Cavalier, G/SMA, 8.883, -0.477
7) Mark Wolfe, Marysville, Wash., '96 Thunderbird, AA/AT, 6.614, -0.476
8) Adam Bowdish, Oregon City, Ore., '89 Trans Am, H/SM, 9.096, -0.474
9) Casey Plaizer, Edmonton, Alb., '04 Cavalier, C/SMA, 8.405, -0.455
10) Randy Jones, Monarch Beach, Calif., '04 Cavalier, H/SM, 9.121, -0.449

Top Sportsman

1) Terry Spargo, Delta, B.C., '02 Cavalier, 6.743 seconds, 205.52 mph
2) Dean Woods, Duncan, B.C., '06 GTO, 7.183, 193.38
3) Frank Tamez, Yakima, Wash., '67 Nova, 7.190, 188.36
4) Aaron Giroux, Canyon Creek, Alb., '02 Cavalier, 7.314, 187.69
5) Daryl Hemley, Burley, Wash., '02 Cavalier, 7.423, 185.33
6) Robert Matthews, Gig Harbor, Wash., '67 Nova, 7.506, 181.23
7) Randy Johnson, Bothell, Wash., '04 Cavalier, 7.527, 182.44
8) Geordie Castle, Sherwood Park, Alb., '04 S-10, 7.641, 180.65
9) Rob Charlton, Maple Ridge, B.C., '00 S-10, 7.815, 172.01
10) Frank Nelson, Auburn, Wash., '05 Cavalier, 7.855, 177.97

Top Dragster

1) Greg Carlile, Lake Stevens, Wash., dragster, 6.519 seconds, 212.96 mph
2) Martin Zazula, Surrey, B.C., dragster, 6.634, 204.22
3) Neil Lachelt, Kelowna, B.C., dragster, 6.776, 210.57
4) Tom Koenen, Tucson, Ariz., dragster, 6.858, 195.95
5) Glen Hultberg, Medical Lake, Wash., dragster, 7.054, 192.84
6) Shane Molinari, Battle Ground, Wash., dragster, 7.074, 188.04
7) Jeff Bailey, Kalispell, Mont., dragster, 7.084, 195.73
8) Mike Peck, Woodinville, Wash., dragster, 7.088, 189.47
9) Dale Green, Kent, Wash., dragster, 7.090, 188.52
10) Mike Henderson, Tacoma, Wash., dragster, 7.116, 188.20

Super Stock

1) Jim Caughlin, Woodburn, Ore., '96 Escort, SS/FS, 11.423 seconds, -1.327 (under index)
2) Jeff Lane, North Bend, Wash., '08 Cobalt, SS/BS, 8.846, -1.204
3) Sean Cour, Brush Prairie, Wash., '08 Cobalt, GT/AA, 9.212, -1.188
4) Chuck Stubeck, Chatsworth, Calif., '69 Roadrunner, SS/FA, 9.609, -1.141
5) Alan Falcone, Normandy Park, Wash., '91 Calais, GT/CA, 9.577, -1.123
6) Mike Pruss, Red Deer, Alb., '02 Firebird, SS/HA, 9.800, -1.100
7) Tom Nolan, Lacombe, Alb., '04 S-10, GT/TA, 9.777, -1.073
8) Rick Pike, Langley, B.C., '56 Chevy, SS/PA, 11.935, -1.015
9) Rick Paton, Edmonton, Alb., '02 Camaro, SS/BS, 9.043, -1.007
10) Jared Erichsen, Hanna, Alb., '67 Camaro, SS/HA, 9.894, -1.006

Stock

1) Tom Gaynor, Vancouver, Wash., '95 Firebird, C/SA, 10.503 seconds, -1.197 (under index)
2) Bill Edgeworth, Tacoma, Wash., '77 Firebird, K/SA, 11.761, -1.189
3) Dan Cyr, Portland, Ore., '69 Camaro, A/SA, 10.138, -1.162
4) John Hill, Fairbanks, Alaska, '87 Camaro, I/SA, 11.439, -1.161
5) Hal Sorensen, Vancouver, Wash., '69 Camaro, AA/SA, 9.759, -1.141
6) Mary Ann Method, Weston, Ore., '69 Nova, B/SA, 10.420, -1.130
7) Jeff Lane, North Bend, Wash., '96 Corvette, C/SA, 10.590, -1.110
8) Larry Peterson, Eugene, Ore., '71 Chevelle, B/SA, 10.443, -1.107
9) Jim Mantle, Black Creek, B.C., '79 Pacer Wgn, V/SA, 14.713, -1.087
10) Steve Cozakos, Marysville, Wash., '69 Nova, G/SA, 11.224, -1.076

Motorcycle

1) Kelly Vos, Coquitlam, B.C., '78 Suzuki, SMC, 0.002 seconds reaction time
2) Brett Hordemann, Spokane, Wash., '95 Kawasaki, SMC, 0.003
3) Jeff Havens, Yakima, Wash., '95 Suzuki, SMC, 0.006
4) Buff Kobs, Coeur D'lene, Idaho, '95 Kawasaki, SMC, 0.008
5) Miles Hauer, Seattle, '81 Suzuki, SMC, 0.010
6) Nick Kessler, Medford, Ore., '78 Kawasaki, SMC, 0.014
7) Al Omond, Surrey, B.C., '94 Kawasaki, SMC, 0.022
8) Kevin Brennan, Chilliwack, B.C., '92 Suzuki, SMC, 0.028
9) Christopher McKnight, Arlington, Wash., '00 Suzuki, SMC, 0.049
10) James Empey, Poulsbo, Wash., '01 Harley, SMC, 0.053

Friday's first gallery is here

A second Thursday gallery is here

May 22, 2008

Thursday gallery is here.

Team pre race press releases.

O'Bannon set to debut new Monte Carlo in Mission

(courtesy Will Hanna Pro Race PR)

MISSION, B.C. - Second-year NHRA Top Alcohol Funny Car driver Sean O'Bannon and the Tequila Patrón/Forest River RV's team will debut their new '08 Monte Carlo body during this weekend's Division 6 Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event in Mission, B.C. The team hopes the lower-profile Monte Carlo body will enable the team to run better speeds.

O'Bannon, who helps run the family business, Fontana Wood Products, in Fontana, Calif., is excited about returning to the track after qualifying No. 2 at his last event, the SummitRacing.com Nationals in Las Vegas.

"Sam [Shockley] and the guys have this Tequila Patrón - Forest River RV's car running pretty well this year," said O'Bannon. "We're pleased with the progress we've been able to make. We looked at all of the bodies out there and felt like this Monte Carlo body was the sleekest out there, so we're trying one out. We've been running good speed with the car, so if we can pick up anything, it will be a solid step in the right direction. If we see that this body is better, there's a good chance you'll see one on Alexis' car soon."

With Mission Raceway's surface and near sea-level altitude known for producing strong performances, O'Bannon is excited to see what the team can do.

"I've always heard good things about this track," stated O'Bannon. "We used to come up here and run the dragster back when Rick [Santos] was driving for us. I'm really looking forward to it."

"This weekend will also be different for us as we don't have our teammate Alexis [De Joria] with us," added O'Bannon. "Going into the season, we didn't want to have to compete against each other in the same divisional points, so she's claiming Division 7 and we're claiming Division 6, so there will be a few races where we split up and go to different events."

Qualifying begins on Friday, with two more sessions on Saturday. Final eliminations will conclude the event on Sunday.

Simply Perfect in every way, Patrón is the world’s No. 1 selling ultra-premium tequila. From the finest, most expensive Weaber Blue agave plants grown in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, to the centuries-old distillation process, to the signed, handcrafted glass bottles, Patrón is produced with unparalleled attention to detail. Imported and marketed by Las Vegas-based The Patrón Spirits Company, brands in the portfolio consist of Patrón Gran Platinum, Patrón Anejo, Patrón Reposado, Patrón Silver, Patrón XO Café (tequila and coffee blend), and Patrón Citrónge (extra fine orange liqueur), Ultimat Vodka (80 proof, Black Cherry and Chocolate Vanilla), as well as Pyrat Pistol, Pyrat Cask, and Pyrat XO Reserve Caribbean rums.

To find out more about the Jack O'Bannon Racing Team, visit their website at www.JackOBannonRacing.com

To find out more about Jack O'Bannon Racing's quality partners, visit these websites:

www.PatronSpirits.com - Find out more about the world's number one tequila - Tequila Patrón.

www.ForestRiverInc.com - Find out more about America's largest producer of towable RV's and Cargo Trailers

www.HoosierTire.com - "Tires Designed for Champions"

www.LE-Inc.com - Lubrication Engineers - "Leaders in Lubrication"

Nemeth Racing Mission pre race

Tim and Nancy Nemeth and the Nemeth Racing Top Alcohol Funny car make their 2008 debut this weekend at Mission Raceway. A long time team out of the Province of British Columbia, the team made a number of engine changes and a few crew changes over the long winter and are looking forward to the entire Division six schedule and a couple national event in 2008. With help in the last couple seasons from Steve Boggs to fine tune the fuel system, Tim and Nancy feel they have a good handle on the Newberry combination. This season, they brought in long tine engine builder Paul Teresanko and his son Steven to make sure every detail on the car is just right.
After finishing #3 in the division a couple years ago, they want to repeat that effort and possibly improve on it, but they also know there are a handful of very tough competitors in the North West.
With no test runs to start the season due to work commitments, Tim laid down a very respectable 5.84/248 to open the event Friday afternoon. That run put the team in the top half of the tough field and they want to stay there for eliminations Sunday. It likely will take a mid to low 5.70 to be in the top half of the field.
Cool temperatures all weekend could mean a record breaking bump spot for the sea level facility.
Tim and Nancy would like to thank the sponsors on the team and they include Demidoff Equipment, Corporate Electric, TDN Constructors Group, Barry Hamel Equipment, Pennzoil Canada, Chicago Pneumatic and Jet Tools and Equipment.
The crew include Paul and Steven Teresanko, Rick Percer, Elgin Pickering Mike McMahon and Mark Campbell.

Brothers to make history at Mission Raceway this weekend.

The family pedigree is there, third generation drivers are ready to make history in Division six at Mission Raceway this weekend for the Lordco Auto Part BC Nationals. Lucas Oil event. The two brothers, Troy and Nathan Sitko will step into the spot light behind the family's Top Alcohol dragster and Funny Car for the first time in Division six history.
Grand father George Sitko and father Ken have been in the sport since the early 70's based out of Canada's drag racing hot bed, Northern Alberta. The city of Edmonton sport claim as the "City of Champions" is certainly true for Hockey and Canadian Football, but many Drag racing legends have come out of the province of Alberta. Terry Capp, Dale Armstrong, Gordie Bonin, Graham Light and Rob Flynn are just of few of the household names who name Alberta as their place of residence in their early years. The Sitko family starting with George were along side those legendary names and now the brother act are set to compete in the top two classes in sportsman racing.
Nathan, 23 is actually the veteran of the two brother has competed in the top alcohol classes since he was 16 yrs old. He stepped right up from Jr. Dragster to the Top Alcohol Dragster class. He was in a TAD for two years until the IHRA came to town and they make the switch to Alcohol Funny Car (the IHRA does not have a TAD class). They have run a roots blower combination until now with the flopper. Troy 25 yrs. old, got his licence two years ago in the family TAD which was sitting in the rafters and has match raced a few times during that time. Over the winter, with the valuable help from sponsors and dedicated crew members, the decision was made to make the switch to screw (PSI) blowers and this weekend at Mission Raceway the two will compete for the first time in a NHRA divisional event.
To help the team get a base line tune up for both cars, Ken brought in vaunted Texas tuner Will Hanna. While not much older than Troy Hanna brings a wealth of experience to the two-car team and they are looking forward to competing in what likely will be the toughest field ever assembled for a Divisional event at Mission Raceway Park. 14 Dragsters and 11 Funny Cars will attempt to make the respective eight car fields, this weekend. With a career best of a 6.05 for Nathan and a 6.20 for Troy both now that Will's experience and likely a bit of luck will have to play on their side if they are to compete on Sunday. Nathan had a 1000 foot shot in test Thursday and the number to the 1000 foot mark translated to a high 5.80 pass, giving that team extreme optimism heading into qualifying. Troy had a couple push rods break early in his test run ending his chance for a career best mark. The team is still very confident Troy will run 5.60's -5.80's this weekend.
Troy's crew consists of Greg Sereda, Bill Ave, Greg Ettinger, Shelly Hambleton and of course father Ken, mom Irene, sister Britanny and this weekend's consultant, Will Hanna.
Nathan's crew includes crew chief Shane Reykdal, Chris Johnston, Hanna and of course mom, dad and sister.
Sitko family racing would like to thank the sponsors including Western Camp Services, Lesco Distributors (Lucas Oil Products), Paradise RV, Fairmont Electroplating, Commercial Solutions, Shane & Wilma Reykdal Racing and Greg Ettinger Motorpsports.
For more team information log onto www.sitkoracing.com

Doug Hegge Mission pre race

This weekend marks the first Top Alcohol Dragster event for Vancouver Washington driver Doug Hegge in his home division.

A long time sportsman racer in the Super classes as well as a top performer in Top Comp, Doug Hegge stepped up his program and now fields an A/Fuel Dragster. In his case, it is not the huge step that many experience, as his Top Comp Dragster was one of the quickest in the country. He raced a 740-inch Buck racing engine with four nitrous systems on it and it ran in the 6.30's and 40's on a regular basis. His new ride actually his old car with a number of additions and modifications, and yes there is a big difference from 6.30's to the 5.30 range or better, but the team is taking small steps to get to that point and for the race at Mission this weekend, they are hoping to work on a tune-up that will work in the rarefied sea level air the 24 foot elevated track in Mission British Columbia is famous for.
The team has tested extensively already this season and a few times last year and competed at the Las Vegas national event at the start of the year, just missing the field in the #18 spot.

As stated earlier, this weekend marks the first time the teams A/Fueler has had a chance to run in sea level conditions and they are very excited to see if they can use the knowledge gained so far in their brief foray in Top Alcohol. Doug a computer tech by day, has utilized some of the best brains in the Top Alcohol world, including World Champion Bill Riechert who supplies the power plants and base line tune-up as well as Spitzer Race cars to help modify the dragster for A/Fuel racing. The teams best so far is a low 5.70 but the best speed of 268 mph indicates they are well on their way to running sub 5.50 passes.
Day one at Mission produced another one of those learning curves for a young team. The car did a strong burnout, but right at the launch, the crank trigger for one of the mags broke leaving the car with only one magneto to fire the nitromethane. It completely killed four cylinders and Doug laboured down track to a low seven second time slip a@ 211 mph.
They got the trigger replaced and are ready for round two Saturday afternoon.
Doug would like to that his sponsors for their support to get to this point and they include Radford Trucking, Total Impact wear, Certeon, Snap-on Tools and Spitzer Composites. His very capable crew includes David Walter who works the right side of the motor and the fuel system, Ralph Fox works the left side, Casey McGowan is the clutch guy, Kimberly Guidici is the bottom end expert, Jim Hegge is the go-to guy and Molly Fox works every other detail on the car and for the team.

Teenage sensation set to debut this weekend at Mission Raceway.

19 year-old Ashley Bart is set to make her Top alcohol Dragster debut this weekend at Mission Raceway park for the Lordco BC Nationals.
Ashley, just out of high school, and entering her second year of Law school, will compete behind the Wheel of the Gilmour Motorsport TAD based out of Calgary Alberta. Cutting her teeth in Jr Dragster competition since she was 10 yrs old, she graduated to Super Comp racing when she turned 16 and then ask for a trip to Frank Hawley's drag racing school instead of the usual request of a car for her birthday. The request was granted and Ashley got her license at the school when she was 17, running a best of 5.90 @ 232 mph. She has made only three short runs in Ken Gilmour's TAD, so this weekend is a huge step for the 19 year old.
Ashley is a third generation motorsport competitor, and if her pedigree is anything, she likely will be a strong competitor for years to come. Her grandmother was a champion Snowmobile rider, winning numerous titles as was her father Rick with the sleds. Rick won a couple NHRA National Opens as well as an Ironman ( HRA race). Ashey herself has won coveted Wally's and Iron men in both the NHRA and IHRA.
The team knows this weekend will be tough as 14 of the top Top Alcohol Dragsters on the West Coast are in attendance at Mission Raceway. The goal this weekend is to get more seat time and if the stars are all aligned, they will qualifying in what likely will be the quickest field in Division six history.
Ashley and team owners Ken and Darlene Gilmour and Cal Bellamy would like to thank all the crew including Ashley's mom Barb and dad Rick, Gary Savage, Kim Steinhubl, Rob Webster, Brock Allaire, Del Lloyd and John Payne.
The sponsor who make the teams dream happen include Omega 2000 Cribbing, Lucas Oil Products, Mopac Auto Supply, Global Signs, Malik Auto Centre, Sonic Oil Field, Darkside Racing, National Transmission, Top Gun, Unifirst, Comp Cams, Berube Custom Tanks, LB Trailers, Paron Rod and Custom, Western Financial and Mechanix Wear

Top Alcohol Dragster entry list

Ashley Bart
Thomas Bayer
Shawn Cowie
Justin Davis
Randy Eakins
Bill Edwards Jr.
Doug Hegge
Brandon Johnson
Kim Parker
Joey Severance
Duane Shields
Troy Sitko

Leo Grocock
Gary Ormsby Jr.

Top Alcohol Funny Car

Shane Harter
Brian Hough
Ken Kraus
Sean O'Bannon
Randy Parker
Nathan Sitko
Clint Thompson

Tim Nemeth
Dave Germain
John Evanchuck