Pro Extreme winner Jason Hamstra
Jason Hamstra had a win, three finals appearances and the points lead in Pro Extreme during an already brilliant 2011 American Drag Racing League (ADRL) season.
Now, he can add a victory at his home track in front of a mass of family and friends to an already extensive accomplishment list.
Showing tremendous consistency throughout at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park, Hamstra wrapped up his magical day by going 3.715 at 207.05 miles per hour to beat Todd Tutterow in the finals of the Ford Drive One Summer Drags VII.
“All of our friends and family drove here, and it feels good to get this win in front of them,” Hamstra said. “If you’re going to pick one race to win, this would be it. You can’t ask for a whole lot more.”
Hamstra added a second victory to his 2011 season, extending his points lead in front of a packed crowd at U.S. 131.
Joining the Demotte, Ind. native in the MAVTV Winner’s Circle at the Ford Drive One Summer Drags VII was Mahana Al-Naemi (Pro Nitrous), Frankie Taylor (Extreme 10.5), Ashley Owens (Pro Extreme Motorcycle), Cary Goforth (Extreme Pro Stock) and Glenn Butcher (Top Sportsman).
Hamstra led an animated family-heavy celebration after qualifying second and running in the 3.70s all day.
Displaying a new patriotic-themed wrap, his efficient Duster beat Von Smith, Mick Snyder, who made his fifth straight semifinal appearance, and Tutterow (3.73 in the finals) in an excellent side-by-side finals matchup.
“We didn’t go too crazy with the car. We just tried to pick at it and it turned out for the best,” Hamstra said. “This is a good car. It does what we tell it to do.”
Pro Nitrous winner Mahana Al-Naemi
Al-Naemi sported a beaming smile after picking up his first ADRL win in the loaded Pro Nitrous class.
After becoming the No. 1 qualifier for the fourth straight race, the Al-Anabi Racing driver capped it off by going 3.882 at 194.54 mph in the finals against class standout Burton Auxier.
“I’m very, very happy. I tried many, many times to do this and to get a win is just great,” Al-Naemi said. “I think I’m getting better with each run, but when I saw the win light, I couldn’t believe it.”
Al-Naemi persevered through scorching track temperatures on Saturday, and his RJ Race Cars Camaro was solid all day. He beat teammate Mike Castellana in the semifinals – extracting revenge after Castellana beat Al-Naemi in the finals last month in Topeka – with a 3.88 before posting a nearly identical run a round later.
“(The crew) did a very good job today,” Al-Naemi said. “They wanted to make sure nothing went wrong.”
Paul Taylor (left) and Extreme 10.5 winner Frankie Taylor
Frankie Taylor may be used to the ADRL winner’s circle, but he graced it for the first time in Extreme 10.5 after beating Billy Glidden with an impressive 3.914 at 199.33 mph.
“To get that first win in this class, it feels really good,” said Taylor, who also credited Mickey Thompson Tires. “My brother made great calls on the car all weekend and every pass we made was good. He had the car in bracket-racing mode.”
Taylor qualified in the No. 1 spot with a track record 3.88 and was a step ahead of the class all weekend at U.S. 131 in his Jeffers Pro Cars Corvette.
He used a 3.924 to beat Chuck Ulsch in the semifinals and Taylor considered his victory against Glidden, who has 12 career wins, in the finals to be significant.
“Billy is so good and we needed that horsepower against him,” Taylor said. “If you beat him, you’ve earned it and it’s a big deal.”
Pro Extreme Motorcycle winner Ashley Owens
The win at the Ford Drive One Summer Drags VII for Owens against Eric McKinney was historic, as it gave him 12 for his career to tie Glidden for the most in ADRL history.
He also did it in fashion, running a 4.009 at 178.39 mph to make it the quickest PXM pass in ADRL history.
“I was getting a little nervous because Eric is so good on the tree. But everybody just did a great job and worked so hard to get this done,” Owens said. “We swapped around a lot of stuff and made a lot of changes, but it worked out great.”
Owens, the No. 1 qualifier, got plenty of stiff competition, as McKinney went as quick as 4.10, Terry Schweigert ran a 4.11 and Kim Morrell had a 4.13. But his Fast by Gast bike steadily improved, capped off with a pair of 4.08s before the big finish.
“I definitely thought it would go faster. We changed some things and it was probably more like the regular combination,” Owens said. “It responded even better than we thought.”
Extreme Pro Stock final
Cary Goforth, the No. 1 qualifier in XPS, couldn’t have expected such a great start for his new Jerry Haas-built GXP, but it delivered all weekend, including a remarkable 4.116 – the quickest pass of the event – in the finals against John Montecalvo.
“This went exactly the way you would want it to. I don’t know how it could have gone any better,” Goforth said. “We knew John was going to step up, but we’re just so happy with this. I don’t even know what to say.”
In the semifinals, Goforth, with help from Sonny’s Racing Engines, beat points leader Pete Berner with a 4.12, retaking the points lead and extending it with his strong run a round later.
“If we’re running with Pete, we’re where we need to be,” Goforth said. “There’s so many guys working hard in this class, but we’re working hard enough that good things should happen.”
In the Top Sportsman final, Glenn Butcher went 4.25 at 168.48 mph, knocking off Charley Whittenburg.
It was a monumental win for Butcher, as he became the first winner in Top Sportsman since it was named an official class in the ADRL.
Butcher reflected on the thrilling moment in the winner’s circle.
“To be the first Top Sportsman winner in the ADRL, this is just incredible,” Butcher said. “To have the ADRL bring us in, it’s absolutely amazing. I had great help all day and the car was just on a string, and it worked out perfectly.”
Shainna Wilson was the winner in Pro Junior Dragster, going 7.941 at 82.55 mph. Wilson upended Trevor Wilson in the finals.
The next and sixth stop on the 2011 ADRL Tour – the U.S. Speedtech Drags IV – takes place on Aug. 12-13 at Virginia Motorsports Park in Petersburg, Va.
Top Sportsman winner Glenn Butcher
Saturday’s final results from the ADRL Ford Drive One Summer Drags VII at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park. The race is the Fifth of 9 in the American Drag Racing League:
Pro Extreme – Jason Hamstra, Plymouth Duster, 3.715, 207.05 def. Todd Tutterow, Chevy Camaro, 3.717, 204.76.
Pro Nitrous – Mahana Al-Naemi, Chevy Camaro, 3.882, 194.54 def. Burton Auxier, Camaro, 3.948, 182.47.
Extreme 10.5 – Frankie Taylor, Chevy Corvette, 3.914, 199.33 def. Billy Glidden, Ford Mustang, 3.995, 182.72.
Pro Extreme Motorcycle – Ashley Owens, Suzuki, 4.009, 178.39 def. Eric McKinney, Suzuki, 4.120, 171.46.
Extreme Pro Stock – Cary Goforth, Pontiac GXP, 4.116, 175.44 def. John Montecalvo, Chevy Cobalt, 4.120, 176.30.
Top Sportsman – Glenn Butcher, Chevy Camaro, 4.250, 168.48 def. Charlie Whittenburg, Camaro, 4.185, 171.72.
Pro Junior Dragster – Shainna Nelson, Home, 7.941, 82.55 def. Trevor Wilson, Hardens, 7.968, 83.32.
Pro Junior Dragster winner Shainna Nelson
(Photos by ADRL/Richards)
Extreme 10.5 driver Frankie Taylor
Another finals and another appearance for Jason Hamstra.
That makes four this year for the ADRL Pro Extreme Points leader after he went 3.71 during the semifinals of Saturday’s Ford Drive One Summer Drags VII at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park in Martin, Mich.
Hamstra beat his fellow Demotte, Ind. native Mick Snyder in the semifinals and will strengthen his PX points lead after Todd Tutterow knocked off Joey Martin in the other semifinal.
Tutterow stayed consistent, going 3.73 to move to his second final of the year.
In fact, this will be a rematch of the finals from the season-opening race at Royal Purple Raceway.
PRO NITROUS
Normally a master at the tree, Mike Castellana got a lesson from the student during the semifinals at U.S. 131. Mahana Al-Naemi was dynamite on the light against his teammate, as he went .002 to pull off a holeshot win against Castellana. Al-Naemi went 3.88, which was enough to hold off Castellana’s 3.87 thanks to his brilliance at the line.
Al-Naemi moves to his second straight ADRL final and will be seeking his first win, though Burton Auxier stands in his way. Auxier went 3.84 for the second straight round, though it didn’t matter since Ed Burnley went red.
Auxier is seeking his first win of 2011, too.
EXTREME 10.5
Billy Glidden will end up as the points leader in Extreme 10.5, but he would also like to end Saturday with his second event win of the year.
He’s almost there after displaying another consistent round and 4.00 in beating Dan Millen. Glidden had a great reaction time (.027) and Millen could never quite get his car on track.
In the other semifinal, Frankie Taylor advanced to his first ADRL 10.5 semifinal, going 3.92 to beat Chuck Ulsch. Taylor went 199.37 mph and has been a step ahead of everyone in the class this weekend.
PXM's Ashley Owens
In a matchup of last year’s final at U.S. 131, Ashley Owens again got the best of Terry Schweigert, this time in a great drag race.
Schweigert had an awesome run, going 4.113, but Owens had just enough power to hold him off, going 4.08 to move to the finals. Owens is searching for his fourth win in four tries this season.
Eric McKinney had luck go his way in the other semifinal, as Kim Morrell went red by .009.
It wasn’t a great pass for McKinney, as he had engine trouble late in the pass, going 4.57, which is far off his best pass of the day, a 4.10. McKinney will advance to the finals for the second time this season and will likely need a career-best to top Owens.
EXTREME PRO STOCK
John Montecalvo is another step closer to his second straight win at U.S. 131, using a prime performance in his semifinal matchup against Brad Waddle.
Seeking his first finals appearance, Waddle was slow off the line and never had a chance.
Montecalvo had a .007 reaction time and went 4.151 in his best pass of the weekend.
Cary Goforth will be seeking his second win in 2011 after Pete Berner had a red light in their anticipated semifinal matchup.
It might not have mattered, as Goforth had the best run of Saturday, using a .006 reaction time and ended up with a 4.129.
He’ll grab the points lead back from Berner in Extreme Pro Stock, but he certainly has his mind on a win right now.
XPS' John Montecalvo
In Top Sportsman, Glenn Butcher had a great .010 reaction time and ended up with a 4.276 at 167.25 mph to advance to the first Top Sportsman finals in ADRL history.
Joining him will be Charley Wittenburg, who went 4.229 in his own semfinal victory.
Butcher and Wittenburg will meet up in what will be a historic finals matchup.
(Photos by ADRL/Richards)
Pro Extreme driver Todd Tutterow
We’ll find out who is the king of Demotte, Ind. on Saturday at the Ford Drive One Summer Drags VII – at least when it comes to ADRL Pro Extreme racing.
The two residents – Mick Snyder and Jason Hamstra – both won their quarterfinal matchups at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park and the neighbors (relatively speaking) will meet up in the semifinals with plenty on the line.
Hamstra, the PX points leader, knocked off Von Smith with a 3.753, and will look to advance to his fourth final in 2011.
Snyder, meanwhile, advanced to his fifth semifinal in five races and will have lane choice over Hamstra after going 3.750 against Jason Scruggs.
Joey Martin had trouble starting his car, but got the car working just in time to send Joshua Hernandez home for the first time ever at U.S. 131.
Martin went 3.71 to set up a meeting with Todd Tutterow, who continues to have a starting-line hex on Frankie Taylor.
For the third time during the 2011 season, Tutterow beat Taylor on a holeshot, offsetting Taylor’s round-best 3.69. Tutterow cut a .008 light – Taylor was .100 – which made his 3.74 standup.
The semifinals also feature the top four in points in the standings.
Pro Nitrous driver Ed Burnley
PRO NITROUS
Burton Auxier is getting better by the round in Pro Nitrous and seems to be a serious threat to win the Ford Drive One Summer Drags VII in Martin. In a quarterfinal matchup with Jeff Naiser, Auxier went a round-best 3.84 to set up a meeting with Ed Burnley.
In a rematch of last month’s final in Topeka, Mahana Al-Naemi and Mike Castellana will meet after both looked strong in quarterfinal victories.
Al-Naemi had a straight and fast pass, going 3.887 to outlast Jim Halsey, while Castellana’s 3.932 was enough to end the day for points leader Khalid Al-Balooshi. Of course, Castellana is No. 2 in points and a third straight win would push him to the top spot.
It was an unfortunate end for Bob Rahaim and Burnley was glad to take advantage, using a holeshot to slip into the semifinals. Burnley went 3.96 and had a huge edge on the tree to offset’s Rahaim’s 3.91.
EXTREME 10.5
Frankie Taylor stayed atop Extreme 10.5, going 3.96 in his quarterfinal win against Brian Carpenter, which puts an end to his upset hopes.
Chuck Ulsch went 4.00 in a solo pass after Lamar Swindoll couldn’t get fixed in time after his brush with the wall in the first round. He’ll meet Taylor as the semifinals certainly feature heavy-hitters in the class.
Billy Glidden went 3.99 in his round win against Kenny Doak, but Dan Millen will get lane choice after going 3.98 on his solo pass, which was one of his best runs of the day.
PRO EXTREME MOTORCYCLE
The Pro Extreme Motorcycle class has never been quicker as a whole than it was during the quarterfinal session at U.S. 131.
In order by quickest run, Ashley Owens (4.08), Eric McKinney (4.10), Terry Schweigert (4.11) and Kim Morrell (4.13) all picked up wins with outstanding runs, though Owens remains a step ahead of each of them.
He’ll meet Schweigert, who is going for his second straight win. It is also a rematch of the final in 2010 at U.S. 131.
The other semifinal pits Eric McKinney, who has been impressive when he has raced this year, against Morrell, who has recovered nicely since her crash in the final round of qualifying.
PXM's Kim Morrell
EXTREME PRO STOCK
It doesn’t get much better than the semifinal matchup in Extreme Pro Stock looming between Cary Goforth and Pete Berner.
The top two in the points standings meet up in a must-win situation for both drivers after each impressed in the quarterfinals.
Cary Goforth went a round-best 4.134 in beating Scott Hintz, while Pete Berner took advantage of an ill-timed red light from Elijah Morton.
Out of the No. 14 qualifying position, Brad Waddle continues to have a strong showing, moving into the semifinals with a major upset of John Pluchino. Waddle ended up with a 4.17 on a straight pass.
He’ll get John Montecalvo in the quarterfinals, after he went 4.15 in a great race against Dean Goforth. It was the second-quickest pass of the round as Montecalvo goes for his second straight win in Martin.
Top Sportsman winners from the quarterfinals included Tom Harger, Glenn Butcher, Marco Abruzzi and Charley Whittenburg.
XPS' Brad Waddle
(Photos by ADRL/Richards)
Joshua Hernandez’s streak at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park lives to see another round.
Undefeated for the past three years at the track in Martin, Mich., the Pro Extreme standout kept that streak alive with a first-round victory during Saturday’s Ford Drive One Summer Drags VII.
With his new Murf McKinney-built Corvette running better with each round, Hernandez went 3.86 against Quain Stott.
Things will get really difficult in the quarterfinals, as he faces No. 1 qualifier Joey Martin, who has won the last two races.
Von Smith appears to have found his mojo, going 3.80 to beat Mike Recchia. He’ll need to step it up against Jason Hamstra, who had one of the top passes of the round with a 3.77 against Mike Janis.
Jason Scruggs got a solo pass after Terry Leggett broke at the starting line, which means he’ll get Mick Snyder in a must-see quarterfinal matchup.
Frankie Taylor had a remarkable run out of the right lane, going 3.73 to set up a matchup with Todd Tutterow, which has become a theme for 2011. The duo has met at nearly every race and have provided a number of great side-by-side races.
Tutterow went 3.80 in his opening-round victory.
PRO NITROUS
Burton Auxier might have surrendered his No. 1 qualifier status to Mahana Al-Naemi, but he turned in the top time of first-round eliminations in Pro Nitrous, going an impressive 3.940 during the hottest part of the day.
That sends him to the second round against Jeff Naiser, who went 3.97 in a win.
Al-Naemi, the No. 1 qualifier for the fourth straight race, went 3.98 in his first-round win and gets Jim Halsey (pictured).
Khalid Al-Balooshi was nearly as sharp as Auxier, going 3.942 in his new jet-black car. He’ll meet Mike Castellana, who produced a 3.99 in his win, in the marquee matchup of the quarterfinal round.
Al-Balooshi holds a small points lead over Castellana, who is shooting for his third straight win.
In the big upset of the round, Ed Burnley knocked off Rickie Jones, going 4.074 to meet Bob Rahaim, who went 4.01 in front of a huge gathering of family and friends.
EXTREME 10.5
Frankie Taylor seems to have his Extreme 10.5 car dialed in, as he was the only driver to reach the 3-second mark, going 3.95 in his bye run.
He’ll meet Brian Carpenter, who has become the Cinderella story of the class this weekend.
The biggest scare of the round came from Lamar Swindoll, who crashed into the right wall at the finish line. It bounced off and then went back into it a second time, but Swindoll’s great driving saved it from crashing hard into the wall and causing major damage.
Swindoll escaped harm and it appeared he would be able to make the call for quarterfinals, where he would meet Chuck Ulsch after he went 4.11 in a win.
Billy Glidden and Eric Stubbs will meet in the quarterfinals, while Dan Millen has a bye after going 4.01 in his opening round win.
PRO EXTREME MOTORCYCLE
The low time of the first round in Pro Extreme Motorcycle went to Terry Schweigert (pictured), who is hunting for back-to-back wins.
He went a 4.12 in a win against Dave Vantine and will meet Travis Davis, who went 4.173 in a holeshot victory against hard-luck loser Carlos Wilkerson.
The second-quickest time belonged to Eric McKinney and the 4.13 he delivered in a win, setting up a matchup with Monte Campbell.
Kim Morrell returned from her mishap in the fourth qualifying round, going 4.145 to beat Rob Hunnicutt and meet Dave Norris.
With the fourth-best pass of the day, Ashley Owens moved onto the quarterfinals, as his 4.145 sets up a meeting with up-and-comer Casey Stemper.
EXTREME PRO STOCK
Red lights filled up the first round of eliminations in Extreme Pro Stock, as a total of five red lights allowed Cary Goforth, Scott Hintz, Elijah Morton, Dean Goforth and John Montecalvo to advance.
Richard Penland, who was the No. 3 qualifier, broke before his run, handing another victory to Brad Waddle, who gets John Pluchino after he knocked off Richie Stevens due to a .012 holeshot.
Pete Berner topped Bert Jackson with a 4.19 to meet Morton, while drivers of two of the quicker first round passes – 4.171 for Cary Goforth and 4.177 for Hintz – meet in an exciting second-round matchup.
Dean Goforth faces off against John Montecalvo in another must-see quarterfinal race.
Top Sportsman winners in the first round included Michael Standley, Tom Harger, Glenn Butcher, Rob Harviscnah, Don Klooster, Marco Abruzzi, Charley Whittenburg and Scott Wasko.
Extreme Pro Stock driver Elijah Morton
(Photos by ADRL/Richards)
Pro Extreme driver Chris Russo
There weren’t major moves during the final round of qualifying on Saturday morning for the Ford Drive One Summer Drags VII at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park in Martin, Mich.
But a couple of drivers, namely Bob Bertsch and Chris Russo, had some much-needed performances during their final pass of qualifying.
On the final qualifying run of the event, Russo squeaked into the loaded Pro Extreme field, running an impressive 3.871 to jump to the No. 13 spot. He gets the task of facing defending world champion Frankie Taylor in the first round.
Bertsch, meanwhile, needed his last pass in Extreme Pro Stock to move into the No. 16 spot, going 4.17 to move into the final spot.
It all sets up what will be an amazing day of eliminations at U.S. 131.
In Pro Extreme, Joey Martin, Jason Hamstra and Mick Snyder all stayed in the top three spots. Hamstra gets an intriguing matchup in the first round, as the PX points leader meets the dangerous Mike Janis. Other incredible first-round action includes No. 8 Joshua Hernandez and No. 9 Quain Stott, No. 7 Mike Recchia meeting No. 10 Von Smith and a 6-11 matchup between Terry Leggett (No. 6) and Jason Scruggs.
Mahana Al-Naemi stayed atop Pro Nitrous, with Bob Rahaim and Burtin Auxier close behind as well. Khalid Al-Balooshi made the straightest pass in the afternoon heat during the final qualifying session on Saturday, and the No. 5 qualifier meets Robert Mathis in the first round. Mike Castellana, looking for his third straight win, meets No. 13 Steve Vick in a first-round race, while the 8-9 matchup features Jim Halsey and Jim Laurita.
Frankie Taylor gets a first-round bye in Extreme 10.5, as his 3.88 more than held up through the final qualifying session.
He’ll meet the Jim Widener-Brian Carpenter winner in the quarterfinals after Carpenter jumped five spots in his final qualifying run, going to the No. 8 spot.
Another great first-round matchup features No. 4 Chuck Ulsch and No. 11 Grant McCrary.
Ashley Owens sat out the qualifying session and his 4.11 held up – but just barely. Eric McKinney jumped to the No. 2 position in Pro Extreme Motorcycle, going 4.12 in an excellent pass under the sun.
In an unfortunate turn of events, Kim Morrell ran over part of the header after it fell off during her last qualifying run. It led to a scrape with the wall and then the bike and Morrell took a tumble.
She was taken to the hospital for precautionary reasons and it was unsure if she would be able to continue racing this weekend.
Bertsch squeaked into the field in Extreme Pro Stock, but he’ll have a tough task right off the bat as he gets No. 1 qualifier Cary Goforth.
John Montecalvo meets Brian Gahm in another excellent first-round matchup while No. 5 qualifier Elijah Morton takes on Trevor Eman.
The 25-car record-breaking field delivered amazing racing during qualifying. The 16 competitors who advanced to eliminations were separated by just .051.
Top Sportsman’s No. 1 qualifier, Mark Malcuit, broke during his only run of the day, meaning alternate Michael Standley gets into the field.
(Photos by ADRL/Richards)
Pro Extreme driver Joey Martin
Joey Martin had never raced at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park before Friday.
But, like everywhere else he’s been in 2011, the Pro Extreme standout made an immediate impression, the latest coming at the American Drag Racing League’s (ADRL) Ford Drive One Summer Drags VII.
Martin and his popular Lowmad scorched the Martin track under the lights, going 3.664 at 205 miles per hour in the third qualifying session, putting him in the No. 1 spot and just missing out on yet another track record in the latest chapter of his remarkable 2011 season.
“Just like all of the other tracks we roll up to, we just want to go from point A to B,” Martin said. “I’m the one in control of that, but we just have to race the track.”
Martin has done that nearly flawlessly all year, but he had company on Friday on an entertaining and historic day of qualifying at U.S. 131.
Mahana Al-Naemi’s 3.83 took the top spot – and the track record – in Pro Nitrous, while Frankie Taylor’s Extreme 10.5 car went 3.88, setting a track record in the process in that class as well.
With a record-breaking 25-car field in Extreme Pro Stock, Cary Goforth’s 4.119 was good enough for the top spot in that loaded class. Ashley Owens went an identical 4.119 to sit atop Pro Extreme Motorcycle, and Top Sportsman’s first race as an official class in the ADRL was a rousing success with Marc Malcuit’s 4.17 putting him in the No. 1 position.
The fourth and final round of qualifying for the Ford Drive One Summer Drags VII takes place at 12 p.m. on Saturday with eliminations to follow at 3 p.m.
Martin, though, once again stole all the attention late with his incredible 3.66, which just edged out points leader Jason Hamstra’s 3.68 and Mick Snyder’s 3.69.
It came after Martin struggled during his first two runs, but he figured out the track at the opportune time as he looks for his third straight ADRL win in Pro Extreme.
“We had to calm (the car) down a little bit,” Martin said. “On that last pass, the car had never been tuned down that much this year. The track was not going to take the power like we’ve had it this year.”
Pro Nitrous driver Mahana Al-Naemi
Al-Naemi moved closer to an impressive streak in Pro Nitrous, and if his 3.832 at 197 mph holds up, he will be the No. 1 qualifier for the fourth straight race in the ultra-competitive class.
“I was happy with that. When I feel the car goes on two wheels, I know it’s going to be a good number,” Al-Naemi said. “I’m getting more and more comfortable with each race.”
That has been evident as Al-Naemi advanced his Al-Anabi Racing Camaro to the finals last month for the first time and appears close to his first ADRL win.
Right behind Al-Naemi in qualifying is Bob Rahaim, who went 3.858 at his home track, and Burton Auxier, who also went 3.858.
“(Saturday) is going to be different, but I will rely on (crew chief) Shannon (Jenkins) to make the right call,” Al-Naemi said.
Extreme 10.5 driver Frankie Taylor
Frankie Taylor had the perfect call on his Extreme 10.5 car from the outset on Friday as it went 3.88 right out of the trailer.
That was exactly what the team had hoped for after changing the car back to a more consistent combination before this race.
“The car has its normal set-up back in it and everything worked in it today,” Taylor said. “We’re still learning these 10.5 cars a little, but this was pretty good. We’ve been trying a lot of stuff, but we’re trying to win a championship now.”
Others are, too, and Dan Millen’s 3.967 and Billy Glidden’s 3.978 have them second and third, respectively, through three qualifying rounds.
It was a remarkable debut for Cary Goforth’s new Jerry Haas-built GXP, which went a class-best 4.119 right out of the gates on Friday in XPS.
Goforth’s father, Dean, caught up to Cary, running a near-identical 4.119, landing in the No. 2 spot based on Cary’s quicker speed (176.92 mph to 176.75 mph).
Cary saw it all as a win-win for the family after one day of racing.
“I’m pleased because dad’s No. 2 and that could have gone either way. I’m just happy because he’s got his confidence back,” Goforth said. “I’m happy for him and I’m just as happy to be No. 1. Basically we’re both No. 1.”
Extreme Pro Stock driver Cary Goforth
Richard Penland shot to the third spot in a huge XPS field, going 4.126 with Pete Berner right behind with a 4.127.
Goforth hopes to finish the job on Saturday, but it will be difficult in a field that features 25 cars, an ADRL record for XPS, with the top 16 separated by just .058, which is another class record.
“We’ve got some good power in this new car and we’re just scratching the surface with it,” Goforth said. “What we need to do is get after it a little more (on Saturday). I believe it will take a 4.09. We had some missed opportunities the last couple races and we’ve got to go more rounds.”
Ashley Owens returned in fine and familiar fashion, delivering a strong performance in the third qualifying session.
After easing in a new motor to start the day – running a pedestrian (for him) 4.20 – Owens and his Fast by Gast bike stepped up considerably, running a 4.119 at 174.69 mph to jump a number of riders.
“(The first pass) was just an easy pass. It was the first pass with a new engine and we just wanted to break it in and go from there,” Owens said. “I thought that second pass was maybe even a little faster.
“But we’ll go through everything and decide what we need to do. I’m not really happy with a (4.11), so we’ll try to improve on that (on Saturday).”
Owens has close company after Kim Morrell went 4.132 in her third qualifying pass while Terry Schweigert’s 4.135 on his final pass puts him in third.
Pro Extreme Motorcycle rider Ashley Owens
In Top Sportsman, Malcuit’s first run was more than enough to stand up as Top Sportsman made its official class debut.
A total of 21 cars made passes on Friday, but none were better than Malcuit’s run of 4.173 at 171.72 mph. Local native Don Klooster is second with a 4.212 and Charley Whittenburg sits right behind with a 4.214.
In Pro Junior Dragster, Trevor Wilson took the top spot with a .001 reaction time.
Top Sportsman driver Mark Malcuit
(Photos by ADRL/Richards)
Pro Extreme driver Jason Hamstra
Mick Snyder suddenly has some Pro Extreme competition at the Ford Drive One Summer Drags VII at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park in Martin, Mich.
After Snyder went 3.690 during the first qualifying session, several others came close to that during the second qualifying pass on Friday.
Frankie Taylor is now right behind after a great second pass that saw the Madman go 3.691 at 204.24 miles per hour.
Taylor wasn’t the only driver to have a good second run. Jason Hamstra went 3.75 to move into the No. 3 position.
Todd Tutterow jumped to No. 4 with a 3.803 and Joey Martin rounds out the top five with a 3.806.
For most, however, just getting down the track was an adventure, which was a repeat of the first qualifying session.
Todd Martin continues to lurk as a possible contender, going 3.907, while Jason Scruggs had workmanlike 3.955.
Pro Nitrous driver Burton Auxier
Burton Auxier’s 3.85 held onto the top spot after the second qualifying session as U.S. 131 again proved to be a difficult puzzle to solve for Pro Nitrous drivers on Friday.
A number started to struggle at about the halfway mark and Auxier kept his lead with Jeff Naiser also maintaining his No. 2 position (3.90).
Khalid Al-Balooshi and his new car made the most noise during the second qualifying session, going 3.927 at 195 mph. Even on that run, though, Al-Balooshi struggled at the very end of the track, which could have cost him the top spot.
Bob Rahaim’s 3.97 was the other notable run in the class, as he jumped to the No. 7 spot with his strong pass at his home track.
Extreme 10.5 driver Eric Stubbs
EXTREME 10.5
Billy Glidden couldn’t have asked for a better response to a frustrating first run.
The lugnuts on the rear left wheel were not tightened during his first qualifying session, causing major trouble. The wheel fell off and the run abruptly ended.
Things were much different during the second run and Glidden went straight down the track, going 3.99 at 182.54 mph to move to the No. 2 position.
It was a welcome sight for Glidden, who is now set up nicely for the rest of the weekend.
A number of drivers sat out the round, including Frankie Taylor, whose 3.88 from the first session was more than enough to stay at No. 1.
Chuck Ulsch moved to No. 3 with a 4.00 at 194.22 mph during his solid second pass.
But Dan Millen continues to struggle. After problems at the starting line on his first run, Millen lost control of his Mustang late in his second run, nearly crossing the starting line and settling with a 4.49, which puts him at No. 9.
PRO EXTREME MOTORCYCLE
Things continue to round into form for Terry Schweigert, who remains quick and consistent in Martin, Mich.
Already the No. 1 qualifier, the Canadian dairy farmer upped the ante during the second qualifying session, making a small improvement from his early 4.151. This time, he went a 4.150, staying in the top spot though the competition got a little tighter.
Kim Morrell made a strong jump, moving up to No. 2 with an impressive 4.155 in the afternoon heat.
Eric McKinney dropped a spot, as his 4.1666 from the first session still held up strong.
Ashley Owens sat out the second round, staying in the fifth position.
Extreme Pro Stock driver Cary Goforth
The scorching afternoon heat at U.S. 131 kept Extreme Pro Stock drivers from making any major moves and the top still looks the same.
Cary Goforth’s 4.11 is still good for No. 1, and Dean Goforth’s 4.12 is still in second.
Pete Berner stays third, maintaining his slim points lead over the younger Goforth (Cary).
One of the stronger runs of the session came from Team Aruba’s Trevor Eman, who went 4.15 to move up to the No. 4 spot.
TOP SPORTSMAN
Mark Malcuit remained on top through two of three qualifying sessions, as his 4.17 was more than enough to stay in first.
Don Klooster and his 4.244 keeps him in second, but there were moves behind them. Charley Whittenburg jumped up to third with a 4.245 and Glenn Butcher’s 4.298 is a spot behind in a closely-packed top half of the field.
(Photos by ADRL/Richards)
“We got everything together,” Halsey said. “We struggled last year and regrouped over the winter. We got our old team back together and I think that helped more than anything. The chemistry is back and we made a real good run.
It’s a rough job, but as Camp Stanley is known to say, “somebody’s gotta do it.”
The legendary Shannon Jenkins won in Pro Mod, while Ron Procopio took the title in Pro Drag Bike.
But Jenkins, the grizzled veteran, won out in the end in his sharp new Al-Anabi Racing Camaro, going 4.15 at 184.75 miles per hour in the championship round.
In total, there will be six groups of three winning fans: two groups will be selected each Friday, and four groups will be selected each Saturday. Winners will earn a chance for that up-close racing experience in a behind-the-scenes look at ADRL in action. They’ll also receive a Mickey Thompson t-shirt, as well as a guided tour of the starting line, finish line, pits, VIP suite and media room. All winners will also be featured in the live Internet broadcast, and on the ADRL website. 
SPEED.
As you can see, Extreme Pro Stock standout Cary Goforth was spotted at Jerry Haas Race Cars checking up on his father Dean’s new 2011 GXP that will be running this year in XPS. 
Your agent just got finished reading the Competition Licensing Policy on the ADRL website and came away impressed by the extent the ADRL continues to go to in order to provide as safe and entertaining of a race as possible.
“I want to thank everyone on my team and to Sheikh Khalid Al-Thani for giving me the opportunity to do what I love,” Al-Balooshi said.
Frankie Taylor’s 3.879 in the quickest side-by-side XTF race in history.
“It was an unbelievable run. We’ve been working hard all year. We have a great team and Matt’s doing a great job driving,” Smith’s crew chief Frank Manzo said. “It’s very important to have a team that works together and we’re starting to make some consistent runs.
The points winner after seven races also earns $50,000 in PX and PN, and $25,000 in XTF and PXM, in addition to earning an automatic spot in the semis.
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Your agent thinks a lot is going to be accomplished tonight.
Your agent was grateful of the following news that was just sent to him moments ago:
A new week means a new video as the ADRL’s “Video of the Day” continues to get bigger. We’re sticking with July as we re-trace the record-breaking 2010 season.
“This will be good for us because it will generate more business for us, but it’s a win for our customers and also gives the ADRL another business partner. It’s good all the way around.”
“With the assistance and support of Ford Racing and Tim McAmis Race Cars (TMRC), the ADRL is putting the finest equipment and most experienced personnel in position to make a significant difference in any emergency situation.”
“I am so excited to have J.D. and Terrisa Coffman as part of my racing team,” Smith said. “They are great people and I intend for our relationship to last a long time.” .jpg)
Todd shares a similar notion and that teamwork is a key reason why the ultra-talented driver has gotten off to such a hot start in his Pro Extreme career.
After qualifying in the No. 2 spot with a pass of 4.01 - impressive enough considering this was Taylor’s first weekend racing on the smaller tires - Taylor went 3.96 in two elimination round victories, advancing to the finals against 2010 American Drag Racing League (ADRL) XTF World Champion Dan Millen.
The holiday season might be officially over, but the ADRL is staying festive with its ongoing video of the day..JPG)
with an otherworldly performance and Ashley Owens wowed everyone with a 4.02 in Pro Extreme Motorcycle.
well.
Best Drag Race: Joshua Hernandez and Frankie Taylor made history with the quickest side-by-side race in ADRL history, with both going 3.65 or better. Hernandez won by a mere three feet.
Tonight’s featured guests are 2010 Pro Nitrous World Champion Burton Auxier and Extreme Pro Stock standout Cary Goforth, and that has your agent excited. Hosts Bret Kepner and Josh Hachat have talked to all of the 2010 ADRL World Champions except for Auxier, so your agent is very much interested to see what Auxier has to say on tonight’s program. Auxier knocked off friend and teammate Shannon Jenkins in the finals to win his first ADRL World Championship and he’s currently getting ready to leave for Qatar to continue racing in the Arabian Drag Racing League. Goforth finished first in the points standings in XPS, won three events in 2010 and also set both the E.T. and speed records in the class in what was a memorable year.
