PHOENIX TESTING - EVENT NOTEBOOK
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TUESDAY TESTING -
ASHLEY, THE QUICKEST - Ashley Force Hood started the day with a blistering run at Firebird International Raceway and she capped the day with
an even better pass in her Dean Antonelli - Ron Douglas tuned Castrol GTX Ford Mustang. As the first John Force Racing Mustang to hit the track Force Hood covered the 1,000 ft. racing surface in 4.07 seconds at 305.73 mph as the last Mustang to power down the track she stepped it up with a 4.06 second, 310.34 mph run.In the early session John Force also made a solid 4.10 second run at 306.99 mph behind the wheel of his Castrol GTX High Mileage Ford Mustang. 2009 Funny Car champion Robert Hight made three runs in his Auto Club Ford Mustang as crew chief Jimmy Prock tested a variety of clutch packages and tune ups. A day earlier Hight made the quickest run of the 2010 testing session a 4.05 second run at over 310 mph so today’s slower times (5.03, 9.97, and 9.48 seconds) did not dampen his team’s enthusiasm.
While most observers watched the testing action with mild interest the spectators and teams on-hand perked up when Mike Neff made the third and final pass of the day in John Force’s Castrol GTX High Mileage Mustang. Neff the most recent NHRA national event winner, Auto Club Finals in November, has been involved with John Force’s team throughout the Phoenix testing session and the team will have some future announcements about the overall organization of Force’s racing operation.
After his run Neff commented on the experience.
"It was fun. It is always fun to climb into one of these Mustangs. It was a little stressful since it was John's Mustang and a few of the controls were in different places. It is not a big deal just a little awkward. It was exciting to make a run. I'm bummed it didn't make it to the top end. That is an awesome feeling to drive one of these Mustangs. I was glad to get back in it and keep my skills sharp," said Mike Neff.
NHRA AND THE AUTO-SHUT-OFF IN 2010 - Attitude’s CompetitionPlus.com has confirmed the NHRA will use an RF-controlled automatic
The RF-system was tested last year by the Force Racing teams with varied results. The system is not meant to replace the normal actions of the driver. It is meant to assist in the prevention of a catastrophic accident should the driver be incapacitated.
NHRA officials, based on the track, will place the RF device at least 200 feet past the finish line. The system shuts off the fuel, ignition and deploys the parachutes in cases where the driver is unable or has not yet performed those tasks. A redundant system, placed around the 1600 foot mark is also being considered.
John Medlen, with John Force Racing having worked with the system last year, is pleased with the introduction into all the Top Fuel and Funny Cars.
Medlen is suggesting to the drivers he talks with not to rely on the system. The system is good but the primary system should always be the driver according to Medlen.
“Driver's shouldn't change their routines,” cautions Medlen.
If the system were to malfunction the driver could easily run out of time and find himself or herself in trouble. That happened last year during the testing to one of the Force drivers. Luckily, the driver reacted just in time to keep the car out of the traps at the end of runoff.
Bob Tasca, owner/driver of the Quick Lane/Motorcraft Ford Mustang, has a single philosophy about the system.
“Pretend it is not even there,” says Tasca. “Not for a second would you rely on that thing to pull the parachutes and shut the car off. Positively, it is a wonderful thing if I am knocked out going 300 miles per hour that it's there. But you won't see me one time this season say, 'okay, I'll wait for the shutoff to hit the chutes.'
“I think you have to block it out of your mind completely. I think it's a great invention under a certain circumstance.”
NEFF READY TO MAKE LAPS - Mike Neff is getting behind the wheel of a Funny Car. The Castrol Ford Mustang of John Force to be exact.Neff, who has served as a tuner for three days during testing at Firebird Int'l Raceway, will run all but the first run today in the Force car.
Until today, it has only been speculated Neff would start the season as Force's tuner. Now the question is will Neff finish the season as Force's tuner.
“It's about the economy. That is why my fourth team is parked and Mike Neff is over with us” said Force. “I use to say I had the million dollar brain trust; spread over four cars. Now I have it over one car - the million dollar brain trust.
“(Neff's) working with Coil and Bernie. We just want the younger guys doing the running out there.”
Force hasn't given up on getting Neff back behind the wheel of a Funny Car. However, with Pomona looming ever closer, it was best to use the team's resources to the benefit of those cars with full sponsorship. For that reason alone, Neff will drive Force's car to keep his competitor's license up to date.
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MONDAY TESTING - TESTING WITH THE FORDS AND A HAPPY FORCE, JOHN FORCE, THAT IS
STILL BEATING THE HORSE - The NHRA is still testing with a spec motor.
Tim Wilkerson, in his third day of testing, has been running various combinations with the spec motor as the NHRA continues their investigative process.
“Yes,” said Wilkerson when asked if a motor sitting off to the side in his pit area was one of the NHRA's spec motor. “It just pushed a gasket out. It had a hole out at the step and I just drove it too far with a hole out. That's not an uncommon problem with a cylinder out early, if you drive it too far.
“It's still an experiment at this time.”
With any experiment there will be both successes and failures. You need both to learn.
“We're just trying different things. There really are no rules with it. The motor is small. The blower is turning slow. The fuel pump is little. Obviously, after looking at it there, when it hiccups it doesn't like it.”
Wilkerson, who has been working with the NHRA on the project for almost a year, sees progress being made. No different from other motors, when the conditions are right the motor runs just fine. Finding consistency with the motor is important.
“Who knows, we might end learning what we don't want to do.”
During the first day of testing, Wilkerson explained they used a four disk clutch but the engine didn't respond well. They have since gone back to a five disk clutch. He always said it was unlikely he would drive the car all the way through, opting instead to make half-track runs.
Once Wilkerson is finished with testing the spec motor, he'll put his own equipment in the car and do some further testing for himself and his team.
“We really feel good about our car. We're bound and determined to keep aggravating them out here. That's our plan.”
When it comes to the prospects for his son, Wilkerson had hoped to put a deal together for Pomona but just couldn't get things done.
“Dan doesn't have anything yet. I really thought we had a little deal set up for him to race in Pomona, but I don't think it's going to happen now. We're going to keep carrying on.”
In the time it takes to pre-stage, stage and run, John Force went from being the fastest on the drag strip to being second, for the third day in a row. Moments after Force posted a 4.087 second, 308.71 mph pass, Robert Hight left the “old man” in the dust with a stellar 4.053 second, 310.91 mph pass.
Looking to best them both, Ashley Force-Hood was done by the 60 foot mark.
“I'm excited about it,” said Force when asked to discuss the run. “Last year here I couldn't get down the racetrack for three days and then we finally did. It shows the preparation of the track.”
Last year 23 teams showed up for testing in Las Vegas and the track conditions were sub-par. This year, Force was promised the track would be much better.
“I chose to come here. Charlie Allen (track owner) said it wouldn't be like last year; they would fix it. I had our guy Lanny Miglizzi (the famed track whisperer) over here two days early to see what they were doing to try and give any input he could. Dan Olson was here. They really were focusing on it and I have already gotten a number of calls from other teams (saying they) screwed up; should have been there.
“This is the road to Pomona. This is where you come back first. Florida don't do me no good. My guys wanted to go but I said no.”
Based on the calls he's received this past weekend, Force believes “some boys are kicking themselves.
"Nobody wants to come and run for three days and you can't blame them from last year.
Last year I look at and mistakes sometimes happen. People try new stuff you know what I mean. JP1 has this new VHT stuff because it has to be chemically (enviromentally friendly), because of Obama's campaign that we don't screw up the ozone. It has to be green. It started last year because of certain chemicals that can't be in the air.”
Two years removed from a near fatal accident, Force believes he is really ready to contend for a championship.
“4.08 is good. It is good for me mentally,” continued Force. “Robert ran right around me. He got and .05 that is big. I feel good. I feel confident. It is never good to get too fast to quick cause you almost feel lucky. Then luck goes away. Mike Neff and Austin Coil working together - this is going to be good.
The single downside to the run was damage done to a brand new body.
“They had left the (1320') cones out because they have so many different categories running. It is a lot of work in all fairness to them to change it back/ they have to go glue them and everything. I went through the lights not thinking anything was there and I am not supposed to cross the centerline anyway. My fault.”
The new chassis, according to Force contributed to issue.
“If you see me leaving the starting line it is snaking,” started Force as he explained how he was adjusting to the new chassis. “I am over steering it because it is like it has power steering with the new hump built into the chassis. I am used to muscling it in my old car you know what I mean. It is like driving a truck. This Ford Mustang you give it a little bit it takes a lot so I am trying to find my spot.”
Once Force saw the damage from the cones, he said, “That made me sick.
“When I passed the lights (the car) started to drift over and I didn't jerk it back. I thought just pull it back slow. I had nobody in the other lane and I mowed em down. In my brand new body.”
Finished talking about his run, Force turned his attention to Hight's blistering 4.053 second pass.
“It made me look bad again,” said Force with a laugh and a huge smile. “He is just proving that the champ is thundering. That is what it is all about. He came out and saw that 4.08 he knows how to run his car. A 4.05 is pretty good. He'll come back and make it run a little bit harder. We'll see what happens. We are trying some new stuff right now.
“I was excited for Robert. I love Robert. I have to call the grand baby and say that daddy beat grandpa again.”
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SUNDAY TESTING - A MIGHTY UNSPECTACULAR DAY IN THE DESERT
NO TESTING POLICY CHANGES - Anyone who believed the NHRA would tighten or at the least clarify the testing limits on Top Fuel and Funny Car teams is wrong.
Various teams acknowledged they have been informed the testing policy set in place last year would remain unchanged in 2010.
John Force, admitting he saved money in 2009 because of the policy, hadn't given the repercussions of the NHRA decision much thought, until he was asked.
“It really saved us not testing, but if we need to test we will. It's really about the economy.”
It became apparent last year, the policy was not as set in stone as some imagined. Each team can test four times. It was learned at Brainerd that if a driver who had already tested four times with his own team, could test with another team without penalty against the driver or the team testing. It also became apparent that once a team tested a fifth time, they were penalized and then the process restarted with the team getting four new test sessions without further penalty.
Force, unaware of the resetting portion of the policy, smiled and said, “Really. Thank you.”
While the NHRA has not taken any action on the testing policy, they are preparing to announce a new SFI spec governing wheels. In the future all wheels will have to be manufactured to a new SFI spec and be re-certified every year. Tasca Racing, the team that broke a wheel at zMax Dragway last year, has already made a switch to assure they are in full compliance with the new spec.
“This is a really good move by the NHRA,” said Bob Tasca III, who admitted there would be a cost involved, but one necessary to ensure the safety of the drivers.
FORCE FIRST, ZIPPY NEXT - With two more days of testing remaining at Firebird Int'l Raceway, John Force, at 60 years of age, is quickest down the track among the six Funny Car drivers on site. Force posted a 4.109 second, 308.50 mph on his final pass of the day.Speaking to the media following his run, Force talked about how comfortable he felt being in the car, how important it was to get to the gym and how he would relinquish the seat to Mike Neff probably on Tuesday.
“I need to let Zippy makes some runs to keep his license current, to let him knock off the rust and to be ready when we get a deal done,” said Force, who added, “I've got that fourth car ready to go.”
DESERT STORMING - Brandon Bernstein posted the fastest run of the three Top Fuel dragsters on property with a very stout 3.873 second. 316.08 mph pass. Doug Foley ran a 3.943 second, 256.02 mph. Troy Buff turned in the hottest performance of the day when a fuel line broke at the hit of the throttle. On Buff's previous pass he banged a blower, which had track officials and crew members picking up parts and pieces along the first 60 feet of the track.
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SATURDAY TESTING - LET THE SPECULATION BEGIN
BOSS ON THE RAMPAGE - Leave it to John Force, a 14-time Funny Car Champion celebrating his 25th year with sponsor Castrol, to set the 
tongues wagging. Force and his tuner – Mike Neff.
Waiting until late in the afternoon, 4:07 pm, Force posted a 4.79 second, 242.06 mph pass after cutting off the engine at the 800 foot mark. At the 660 foot mark Force's speed was 264.96 mph. The fastest speed to that mark clocked all day.
Driving an in-house built chassis, Force was excited about the numbers.
“It has good enough numbers to run an 4.0, an .06 or .07,” said Force, who also admitted he just needed some seat time. “The burnout was too long. I was trying to practice with the steering wheel; just forgot where I was at.”
The chassis Force ran was run by Neff last year and is an in-house chassis with flex built in.
“Neff knows this chassis,” said Force.
Additionally, the team is running a different engine combination.
“I don't know what it is,” said Force, catching himself when he started talking about the engine combination. “I've been so overloaded over the winter I haven't addressed that yet.”
Force liked the run, a lot saying it felt good and then revealed what everyone has talked about all winter, “Robert's car shock, so did Ashley's so Neff gave it a little more pop and it went right through it.”
At least for now, Mike Neff, the fourth driver at John Force racing, is working with Austin Coil tuning Force's Ford Mustang.
TOP FUEL
Psn---Num-Driver, Home Town, Car Type-----------------TT-ET----TT-Spd-Top Spd
1 1301 Doug Foley, Sewell NJ, McKinney-TFX 6.999 112.84 112.84
2 7 Brandon Bernstein, Lake Forest CA, McKinney-TFX 8.527 82.29 82.29
3 497 Troy Buff, Carson City NV, Don Long-BAE 9.561 54.57 54.57
FUNNY CAR
Psn---Num-Driver, Home Town, Car Type-----------------TT-ET----TT- Spd- Top Spd
1 6 Ashley Force Hood, Yorba Linda CA, '08 Mustang 4.113 302.75 302.75
2 4 Robert Hight, Yorba Linda CA, '09 Mustang 4.115 302.21 302.21
3 7 John Force, Yorba Linda CA, '09 Mustang 4.192 242.06 242.06
4 1777 Bob Tasca III, Cranston RI, '08 Mustang 4.988 72.57 72.87
5 1 Cruz Pedregon, Brownsburg IN, '09 Solara 8.880 82.50 82.50
Timing data courtesy of CompuLink, Results provided by the FastNews Network, courtesy of Summit Racing Equipment
HARRIS DISMISSED, FOLEY FILLS IN - The partnership ended before the dragster turned a tire under power.
Jessie Harris, the named driver for the Dote Family Top Fuel dragster last fall, was released on Friday in a move the team described as a “difference of operational philosophy”.
“The partnership between Dote Racing and Jessie Harris ended on Friday January 22nd, 2010 after it became apparent to us a difference in operational philosophy existed,” said Doug Foley, team manager. “This was not based on any one particular incident, but a pattern which we felt had developed over the past few weeks. We established this team with the highest standards for safety and professionalism in mind. We expect all team members to be prepared to perform their duties at all times and be respectful to all team members. Releasing Ms. Harris was a difficult decision for all parties involved. We wish her the best in the pursuit of her personal and professional goals.”
The Utica, NY.-based team was in Phoenix, Az., to participate in pre-season testing and enable Harris to complete her licensing procedures behind the wheel of the ex-Foley dragster. Foley will drive the car this weekend.
Ms. Harris spoke to Attitude’s CompetitionPlus.com while awaiting her flight home to upstate New York.
"I was shocked,” said Harris, who was scheduled to drive at five events in 2010. “We were at the track preparing to warm up the car when I was told that they (Dote Racing) were going in a different direction that didn't include me. I volunteered my time and efforts both as marketing manager and driver for the Dote racing family. I stayed loyal to my commitment and passed up a fully paid driving and partnership opportunity back in November. I am disappointed in the Dote Family’s lack of integrity.
“I have no regrets as I know that I gave all I promised and more to the team. I was naive to believe the Dote family would stand by their word and should have insisted on a contract. I have learned my lesson the hard way. I will not let this get me down. I fully intend to continue pursuing my goal to be behind the wheel of a fuel car."
A press release from the team confirmed their intentions to race at the NHRA Gatornationals in March, with a yet unannounced driver. - Bobby Bennett
ONE AND TWO, STILL ONE AND TWO - Robert Hight and Ashley Force closed out the first day of testing at Firebird Int'l Raceway with stellar passes of 4.115 and 4.113 respectively. Force Hood also posted the quickest 1000 foot speed at 302.75 mph.
“Today went really smoothly – more smoothly than any first day of testing I remember….,” Force Hood said. In previous years testing at Firebird, Force-Hood stated it took 11 runs to get a full pass.
Robert Hight quickly agreed, saying the track prep performed by the NHRA and track employees was exemplary.
“I was a little rusty that's for sure,” admitted Hight. “I was using up a lot of the race track. NHRA and Firebird has done a great job with this racetrack. I know last year it took us seven or eight runs per team before we ever got down the track, even to the 330. On our second try today we went down the track to the finish line. It's a good way to start.”
GETTING TO KNOW YOU – Cruz Pedregon's Snap-On Toyota team rolled into Firebird Int'l Raceway in a plain red hauler, however the car carried the Snap-On decals. Most of the faces on the crew were unrecognizable and the team spent most of the day just trying to adjust to each other.
John Force was another one keeping an eye on his team. Most of the crew from Neff's team of last year are now working on Force's car under the watchful eye of Austin Coil and Mike Neff.
KNOCKING OFF THE RUST - Bob Tasca made two passes on Saturday at Firebird Raceway in his Motorcraft/Quick Lane just to knock the rust off after missing the recent test in Palm Beach. The team was in Palm Beach, however Tasca, was not there due to the passing of his grandfather and the sudden illness of his middle son.
In Palm Beach, Del Worsham subbed for Tasca and others, making seven passes in the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford.
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