by Bobby Bennett Jr. Wed, 2024-02-28 11:46
by Bobby Bennett Jr. Wed, 2024-02-28 11:42
LE Tonglet, the 2010 NHRA world champion and a veteran of 20 NHRA national events, is set to re-enter the Pro Stock Motorcycle class for the 2024 season. Tonglet will ride a Suzuki Hayabusa as part of a lease agreement with the Vance & Hines team, with backing from Kenny Koretsky's diverse business portfolio, including Nitro Fish apparel, Maple Grove Raceway, and KPK Development.
"I'm really excited to be back and be on a bike that should be really competitive," Tonglet said. "This is a new bike, which I've never had before, and I can't wait to ride it," he added, highlighting the anticipation surrounding his return.
Having made sporadic appearances in recent NHRA seasons, Tonglet last won at the 2018 Dallas event, defeating then-teammate Jerry Savoie in the final round. Despite his intermittent presence, Tonglet remains confident in his abilities, looking forward to his upcoming races.
by Bobby Bennett Jr.; Photos by Tracy Waters, Dave DeAngelis Mon, 2024-02-26 20:30
by Bobby Bennett Jr., Photos by Chris Simmons Mon, 2024-02-26 18:38
Let the record reflect Stevie Fast put the Gapp Band back together. This is not to be confused with the Gap Band, a popular R&B group known for such hits as "You dropped the bomb on me" and "Burn Rubber on Me."
Jackson and his Gapp band team of Radial vs. The World team were singing the same tune as the popular doorslammer driver unveiled a new Camaro and dropped a bomb and burned rubber over the field at the latest Duck X Productions' extravaganze, Lights Out 15, in Valdosta, Ga.
by Bobby Bennett Jr. Mon, 2024-02-26 11:49
Dave Connolly is an NHRA Pro Stock world championship crew chief and a 26-time winner as a Pro Stock driver.
Yet, Connolly wasn’t sure what to expect when he signed on to drive a second car for Matt Hartford at the inaugural Scag Power Equipment PRO Superstar Shootout presented by Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage, Feb. 8-10 in Bradenton, Fla.
Well, he was thrilled with how things unfolded.
by Bobby Bennett Jr. Fri, 2024-02-23 20:56
NHRA officials have revealed that Automotive Racing Products (ARP) will serve as the title sponsor for the inaugural "ARP Six-Second Club" in the Holly EFI NHRA Factory X category. This new segment, dedicated to vehicles manufactured in 2019 and beyond, is set to embark on its first full season in 2024, spanning eight national events, commencing with the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on April 12-14, and concluding at the NHRA Nevada Nationals in Las Vegas on Oct. 31-Nov. 3.
by Bobby Bennett Jr.; Photos by Chris Simmons Fri, 2024-02-23 20:47
When there's a point to be proven, rest assured that doorslammer drag racing icon Stevie "Fast" Jackson isn't shy about getting the job done. Some circles believed Jackson was finished in small tire racing after years of being absent at the drag radial events.
Let the record reflect very few can straighten a circle like Stevie Fast.
In a brand new, purpose-built ride for small tire racing, Jackson came out on the first day at the Lights Out 15 drag radial event at South Georgia Motorsports Park outside of Valdosta, Ga., proving he's still a force to be reckoned with.
by Bobby Bennett Jr. Wed, 2024-02-21 13:53
Larry Frazier, a noted drag racing tuner in the nitro world, passed away on February 9, 2024. He was 87 and died peacefully in his sleep.
Frazier left behind a legacy of helping the smaller teams who needed more options to champion their cause.
Two of drag racing's more popular people champions, Scott Palmer and John Force, benefitted from Frazier.
by Bobby Bennett Jr.: Photos by Greg Burrow, Bobby Bennett, Jon Asher Tue, 2024-02-20 20:33
When Pro Modified pioneer Robbie Vandergriff got the call from the North Carolina Hall of Fame informing him of his appointment into the state's drag racing shrine, his inquisitive nature immediately got the best of him.
"How is that? I'm not even from North Carolina," Vandergriff responded.
Then it occurred to the Knoxville, Tenn., resident, back in the formative days of Pro Modified, he had spent as much if not more time, running the highways of North Carolina and parking in its drag strips than he did in the Volunteer State.
by Bobby Bennett Jr. Tue, 2024-02-20 19:58
Joe C. Maynard, with a background in military aviation and local dirt track racing, is set to debut in NHRA’s Top Alcohol Dragster category at the Division 2 event at Gainesville Raceway. Maynard, driving the JCM Racing/Leatherwood Distillery A/Fuel Dragster, aims to compete for a Wally trophy in his rookie season.
Maynard, a former Chief Warrant Officer Four in the U.S. Army, brings extensive experience in handling high-pressure situations from his 20-year military career. His transition to drag racing follows successful stints in local dirt track competitions and training at Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School, where he earned his Top Alcohol Dragster license.
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