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

May 29, 2008

Sunday gallery 2 (Dean Murdoch photos)

May 28, 2008

Sunday gallery (courtesy Bill Jeffery)

May 26, 2008

New gallerys include:

Friday #2

Saturday gallery is here.

Friday's first gallery is here

A second Thursday gallery is here

TAD and TAFC results are here

330 cars were on the grounds for Sunday eliminations and they got underway at 9:00am precisely. With similar weather to Saturday qualifying most teams had a pretty good handle on their tune-ups. The exception to that were the A/Fuel cars that struggle in the warm weather and a 120 degree track surface.

(Murdoch, Hunter and Jeffery photos)

Before we get to Top Alcohol (Tuseday) , a couple other classes had a few surprises.

In Comp, #2 qualifier Clint Ness driving his K/A Altered was surprised by Ray Hadford in his A/ND. Neff probably though he had a couple tenths in the bank, based on qualifying, but Hadford had a great .005 light and found 7/100ths more performance in round one of and blew by Neff at 1100 feet. Ouch! Bob Marshall took a .07 CIC after his round one win over a red lighting Craig Donaldson.

Crew Chief Bruce Wilson tried in vain to get Bob to lift on the Racing Radio's but too much background noise kept Bob from understanding the message. In round two that .07 cost him the race as Dan Barton got the best of the local driver by about that .07 margin. Bruce Perkin, who was running this past weekend with an admittedly weak powerplant could only must up a .31 under the index #16 spot but the Maple Ridge driver made it all the way to the semi finals before bowing out to #1 qualifier and eventual winner Rob

Harrison. Runner-up Pat Byron had the kind of weekend you can only dream about as he debuted a brand new car and went all the way to the final round How about the Harrison Lougheed team based out of North Vancouver. Rob Harrison with Al Lougheed calling the shots in the very unique J/A Cavalier ran the table over the weekend. They qualified # 1 and ran rough shod over the field getting their much deserved Divisional event win. The win put the team into third place in the standing with a couple races at hand. Local Racers Craig Donaldson and Bob Kokotailo both ran very respectable. Donaldson ran Comp for the first time and this was Kokotailo's 3rd or 4th effort with the ex-Warren Johnson Pro Stock Firebird.

Two of the many highlights in the class were seeing Mark Wolfe rip of numerous mid six second et's at close to 220 mph. Another was seeing Bernie Plourd go to round three in his bad ss AA/AM. the past TAD winner laid down some solid 6.70 laps.

Casey Plaizer also had a very good but in the legendary Ken Reich Cavalier. Casey was in the seat for the first time ever, and cut a solid. .05 light in round one, and ran right in the middle of the pack in qualifying. His first round match-up saw the C/SMA ride pick up the front wheels and head for the guard rail. Plaizer calmly kept his foot in it, and steered it back to the center of his lane. He lost by only .02 to the eventual runner-updespite running quicker in round one than in qualifying. Good job by the "NEW HIRED GUN"

Top Sportsman, was the biggest disappointment for me due to the anemic car count. Only 14 cars turned out for what should be one the the top four classes in divisional competition. Most local drivers stayed away due to their hectic schedule locally. That Doorslammer series has three races in four weeks, and if they had all run this weekend it would mean four weekends in a row. Even the pros don't have a schedule like that. The

highlight was seeing Terry Spargo easily get the #1 spot in qualifying. He gave everyone a scare including himself though when he got real loose on the starting line, getting a bit of oil under his ttires. He just managed to keep the car off the wall at 60 feet. Robert Matthews is on a roll in the class, as he took his second consecutive win this season. Bill Kondolay in the family Cavalier went to the final round and almost got to stand beside his son Stefan who won in the Gross family Super Comp Dragster. Hopefully the DS schedule will better accommodate the Divisional event next year.

Stefan defeated Earl Cunningham in Super Comp. Cunningham, who ran right on the 8.90 number was .04 back at the starting line. Stefan's worst light in eliminations was an .023.

Top Dragster was a real battle of heavy weights, as Mike Henderson defeated JR Leercamp in the final round. Leercamp was debuting a new "For Sale" Mullis Dragster.

Super Gas and Super Street were almost a father/daughter winners circle shot. Chris Cannon was edged out by in Super Gas by Lindsay and daughter Nikki Cannon just failed to get her first ever win as she was defeated by Tony Hernandez.

Division Six 'king pin' Jeff Lane spoiled local favourite David Rastad's Cinderella story in Stock eliminator. Lane had .04 at the tree and Rastad was forced to break out in his attempt to get the win.

In Super Stock, it was an all Alberta final. Veteran Don Thomas defeated a red lighting Norm Lapoint

Buff Kobs defeated Jeff Havens in the Motorcycle final round. Both riders had killer lights , but Haven's took too much stripe and went under by .013

In Super Pro, a wheelstanding Ken Trociuk defeated the 7 second dragster driven by Kevin Chambers.

Final round results

COMPETITION ELIMINATOR
Rob Harrison, N. Vancouver, B.C., '05 Cavalier, J/A, 7.801, 164.35 def.
Pat Byron, Hoquiam, Wash., dragster, C/D, 7.028, 193.96

SUPER STOCK
Don Thomas, Spruce Grove, Alb., '04 Grand Am, GT/CA, 12.120, 77.92 def.
Norm Lapointe, Edmonton, Alb., '06 Cobalt, GT/BA, foul

STOCK ELIMINATOR
Jeff Lane, North Bend, Wash., '96 Corvette, C/SA, 10.493, 123.22 def.
David Rastad, Maple Ridge, B.C., '77 Firebird, M/SA, 12.106, 108.45

SUPER COMP
Stefan Kondolay, Chilliwack, B.C., dragster, 8.917, 164.89 def.
Earl Cunningham, Bonney Lake, Wash., dragster, 8.901, 171.00

SUPER GAS
Lindsey Larson, University Place, Wash., '00 Corvette, 9.901, 161.98 def.
Chris Cannon, Bothell, Wash., '63 Corvette, 9.932, 161.57

SUPER STREET
Tony Hernandez, Buckley, Wash., '66 Nova, 10.900, 141.11 def.
Nikki Cannon, Bothell, Wash., '67 Nova, 10.923, 142.99

TOP SPORTSMAN
Robert Matthews, Gig Harbor, Wash., '67 Nova, 7.571, 173.84 def.
Bill Kondolay, Chilliwack, B.C., '04 Cavalier, 7.977, 170.51

TOP DRAGSTER
Mike Henderson, Tacoma, Wash., dragster, 7.148, 187.65 def.
JR Leerkamp, Olympia, Wash., dragster, foul

SPORTSMAN MOTORCYCLE
Buff Kobs, Coeur D'lene, Idaho, '95 Kawasaki, 8.022, 168.03 def.
Jeff Havens, Yakima, Wash., '95 Suzuki, 7.916, 152.41

SUPER PRO
Kenny Trociuk, Surry, B.C., '70 Chevelle, 10.054, 129.36 def.
Kevin Chambers, Bellingham, Wash., dragster, 7.860, 170.32

Final qualifying

COMPETITION ELIMINATOR
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, 6.864, -0.676
4) Bob Marshall, Langley, B.C., '08 GTO, B/AA, 7.029, -0.611
5) Randy Jones, Monarch Beach, Calif., '04 Cavalier, H/SM, 8.997, -0.573
6) Mark Wolfe, Marysville, Wash., '96 Thunderbird, AA/AT, 6.541, -0.549
7) Phil Cocuzza, Acton, Calif., '07 GTO, B/EA, 7.832, -0.508
8) Mark Stewart, Medford, Ore., '98 Achieva, G/SMA, 8.876, -0.484
9) Dan Barton, Post Falls, Idaho, '05 Cavalier, G/SMA, 8.883, -0.477
10) Adam Bowdish, Oregon City, Ore., '89 Trans Am, H/SM, 9.096, -0.474

SUPER STOCK
1) Jim Caughlin, Woodburn, Ore., '96 Escort, SS/FS, 11.423 seconds, -1.327 (under index)
2) Sean Cour, Brush Prairie, Wash., '08 Cobalt, GT/AA, 9.127, -1.273
3) Jeff Lane, North Bend, Wash., '08 Cobalt, SS/BS, 8.812, -1.238
4) Chuck Stubeck, Chatsworth, Calif., '69 Roadrunner, SS/FA, 9.609, -1.141
5) Mike Pruss, Red Deer, Alb., '02 Firebird, SS/HA, 9.775, -1.125
6) Alan Falcone, Normandy Park, Wash., '91 Calais, GT/CA, 9.577, -1.123
7) Tom Nolan, Lacombe, Alb., '04 S-10, GT/TA, 9.777, -1.073
8) Rick Paton, Edmonton, Alb., '02 Camaro, SS/BS, 8.988, -1.062
9) Rick Pike, Langley, B.C., '56 Chevy, SS/PA, 11.905, -1.045
10) Jared Erichsen, Hanna, Alb., '67 Camaro, SS/HA, 9.894, -1.006

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) Bill Edgeworth, Tacoma, Wash., '77 Firebird, K/SA, 11.563 seconds, -1.387 (under index)
2) Tom Gaynor, Vancouver, Wash., '95 Firebird, C/SA, 10.503, -1.197
3) Mary Ann Method, Weston, Ore., '69 Nova, B/SA, 10.358, -1.192
4) Dan Cyr, Portland, Ore., '69 Camaro, A/SA, 10.138, -1.162
5) John Hill, Fairbanks, Alaska, '87 Camaro, I/SA, 11.439, -1.161
6) Jeff Lane, North Bend, Wash., '96 Corvette, C/SA, 10.546, -1.154
7) Hal Sorensen, Vancouver, Wash., '69 Camaro, AA/SA, 9.759, -1.141
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

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) Doug McCaskill, Whitecourt, Alb., '01 S-10, 7.260, 188.08
5) Aaron Giroux, Canyon Creek, Alb., '02 Cavalier, 7.314, 187.69
6) Rash Dhalliwal, Langley, B.C., '01 Mustang, 7.412, 166.79
7) Daryl Hemley, Burley, Wash., '02 Cavalier, 7.423, 185.33
8) Robert Matthews, Gig Harbor, Wash., '67 Nova, 7.506, 181.23
9) Randy Johnson, Bothell, Wash., '04 Cavalier, 7.527, 182.44
10) Geordie Castle, Sherwood Park, Alb., '04 S-10, 7.616, 172.01

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) Quentin Chambers, Bellingham, Wash., dragster, 6.717, 206.13
4) Neil Lachelt, Kelowna, B.C., dragster, 6.776, 210.57
5) Tom Koenen, Tucson, Ariz., dragster, 6.858, 195.95
6) Mike Peck, Woodinville, Wash., dragster, 6.969, 195.10
7) Glen Hultberg, Medical Lake, Wash., dragster, 7.054, 192.84
8) Shane Molinari, Battle Ground, Wash., dragster, 7.074, 188.04
9) Jeff Bailey, Kalispell, Mont., dragster, 7.084, 195.73
10) Dale Green, Kent, Wash., dragster, 7.090, 188.52

SPORTSMAN 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, 0.006
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) Jim Shellenberger, Salem, Ore., '76 Kawasaki, SMC, 0.049

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