The status of NHRA Pro Modified has recently experienced as many ups
and downs as a rollercoaster. Now, the exhibition category might have
taken its final ride.

A letter distributed from Brakesafe President Rich Battaglini’s email
address said that due to “an unforeseen down-turn” in the automotive
industry that his company would be unable to sponsor the series in
2009. Battaglini, according to a source, had signed a letter of intent
with the NHRA to sponsor the ten-race series.

Service Scheduled for Tonight at 6 PM, PST in Pomona …

Donnie Faulkner knew that Thursday, February 5, 2009 would, for him, present one of the toughest challenges of the season.

For the operator of the Rolling O merchandise trailer on the NHRA
Manufacturer’s Midway, this weekend’s NHRA Kragen O’Reilly
Winternationals marks the first time in nine years that he will open
the store without his wife Hollie Faulkner working alongside.

Hollie died of a sudden illness on December 21, 2008, leaving Faulkner and their then four-month old daughter Emma behind.

Faulkner said Thursday’s experience was tough emotionally not just for himself, but those close to her as well.

When every second of NHRA Drag Racing is packed with heart-pounding
moments, how do you single out those moments that rank as the best of
the best? You launch "The Quest for the Full Throttle Moment," an
innovative new bonus award program developed by Full Throttle and NHRA
that will recognize the season’s most unforgettable moments.

Teams in all four NHRA professional categories will be eligible for the
new bonus award, which will recognize a single greatest moment in each
pro class from all 24 events during the 2009 NHRA Full Throttle Drag
Racing Series season. At the season-ending awards ceremony, one
greatest moment from each category will be declared the best of the
season.

The Quest for the Full Throttle Moment replaces the Full Throttle Pit
Crew Challenge bonus program, which was launched by Full Throttle in
2005.

Aerodine Composites Goup of Indianapolis, IN and Kennametal of Latrobe, PA have joined the growing number of sponsors supporting the Supercharged Thunder Nostalgia Touring Group.

Officials
of the National Guard American Drag Racing League announced today that
Safety-Kleen Systems, Inc., a leading North American provider of
environmental services and industrial solutions will be the title
sponsor for the season opening round of the ten-race 2009 National
Guard ADRL tour on March 6-7 at Houston Raceway Park in Baytown, Texas.

The occasion also marked the unveiling of a groundbreaking, yearlong
joint recycling program by the National Guard ADRL and Safety-Kleen to
help both fans and competitors to be more environmentally friendly.

Rain showers forced the postponement of first day qualifying at the NHRA Winternationals in Pomona, Ca.

Nine pairs into Top Alcohol Dragster qualifying, the first sprinkles began to fall and developed into steady rain.

Rain is forecast through Saturday morning, with 90% chance on Friday.
Saturday’s forecast drops to 60% with Sunday presenting a perfect day
for racing.

CompetitionPlus.com Director of Photography Roger Richards had the right shot in Stock eliminator qualifying
when John Irving had more than a fair share of problems chopping down
the tree ... literally!

SEE THE FULL SEQUENCE

Veteran Team Owner Says No Truth to Suggestions Murf McKinney Joining Staff …

Despite being just a few days away from the opening of the 2009 NHRA
season, 14-time World Champion John Force has taken the time to dispel
rumors veteran chassis builder Murf McKinney is being hired as his
in-house chassis builder.

“Murf has a great operation and he builds for all the teams,” Force
said when asked about the rumors. “Would I love to have a guy of his
talents? You bet. He’s got his own program and staying where he’s at.”

Rookie to Make Top Fuel Debut in Pomona ...

It
wasn't long ago that Shawn Langdon hoped for a good report card from
his teachers at Sky Country Elementary in nearby Mira Loma, Calif.,
which would earn him a ticket to the NHRA Winternationals. Now the Top
Fuel rookie is hoping his professional debut at the same event simply
makes the grade.

"My goal this weekend is to not slow the team down," Langdon said. "I really just hope I don't do anything stupid."

Shakedown at E'town, a major independent doorslammer event hosted by
Old Bridge Township Raceway Park, has formed a six-second Drag Radial
club with the creation of the Shakedown at E'town 6-Second Drag Radial
Club. This club will feature the first six drivers to run 6 seconds in
a Drag Radial car. Each of the six drivers will receive a custom
embroidered jacket, a commemorative plaque along with six complimentary
Drag Radial tech cards to the next six Shakedown at E'town events.