MARCH 9, 2023, AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – The excitement of the opening round of the 2023 National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Camping World Drag Racing Series hits a 11,000-horsepower pitch this weekend (March 9-12) at the legendary Gainesville Raceway in Florida as Dodge//SRT and Mopar competitors are staged to kick off the new season with another winning performance in the 54th annual NHRA Amalie Motor Oil Gatornationals.

Led by the Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) nitro team, Dodge//SRT and Mopar racers Leah Pruett (Top Fuel) and Matt Hagan (Funny Car) bring their strong Direct Connection entries to the 2023 season opening event, the first of 21 rounds for the coveted NHRA Camping World World Championships.

The Dodge//SRT and Mopar duo enter their second campaign under the TSR banner, and Hagan returns as the event’s defending Funny Car champion with his nitro-burning Direct Connection Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat. The 2022 Gatornationals Funny Car triumph for Hagan was the first win for the TSR squad. Hagan recorded three additional NHRA national event victories in the team’s initial season.

Pruett also scored a 2022 NHRA Top Fuel title for TSR at the Dodge Power Brokers NHRA Mile High Nationals last July in Morrison, Colorado.

“After an outstanding opening season with Tony Stewart Racing, we are excited for the 2023 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series as Leah and Matt are primed to put the Dodge Power Brokers and Direct Connection machines back in the winner’s circle,” said Tim Kuniskis, Dodge brand CEO – Stellantis. “Our Dodge//SRT performance enthusiasts also have the opportunity to get a close-up view of Direct Connection factory-backed performance products at our Manufacturers Midway display. It should be a spectacular season opener for the Dodge//SRT programs at Gainesville this weekend.”

The Direct Connection performance parts brand – only available through the Dodge Power Brokers dealer network – is the exclusive source of the Dodge brand’s factory-backed performance parts and straight-from-the-manufacturer technical information. Complete information on Direct Connection is available at DCPerformance.com.

For the first time in the 54 years of the NHRA Amalie Motor Oil Gatornationals, the Florida event will serve as the season-opening race on the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series schedule after many decades beginning with the NHRA Winternationals in Pomona, California. The on-track action begins Friday, March 10, with two qualifying sessions for the professional divisions, followed by two nitro sessions on Saturday with final eliminations set for Sunday at 10 a.m. EST. In addition, the Top Fuel ranks will feature the Pep Boy’s All-Star Top Fuel Callout on Saturday.

TSR team owner Tony Stewart, whose nitro operation recorded five NHRA national event wins in 2022, brings added enthusiasm for the Gainesville opener, as well as the upcoming 2023 season.

“We’re looking forward to getting the NHRA season started in Gainesville,” said Stewart, who’ll drive an Alcohol dragster for the full 2023 tour. “It’s a special track because it’s where Leah (Pruett) and I had our first date, and it’s where we got our first TSR team win last year with Matt Hagan. We retained all our team members, so I know we’re going to continue to build off last year’s success. The crews mesh very well together and are extremely talented. Both teams were able to test during the off-season to dial-in their setups and get ready for competition. We can’t thank Dodge enough for their support and continued partnership.”

Hagan, a three-time (2011, 2014, 2020) NHRA Funny Car World Champion, comes to Gainesville after a strong finish where he placed third in the 2022 Funny Car points with his Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat and ran his career-win total to 43. The Virginia driver has produced top-three national point finishes nine times during his legendary career.

Still working with famed crew chief Dickie Venables, Hagan quickly gave the new TSR organization immediate respect with the 2022 Gatornationals Funny Car in the Dodge Power Brokers and Direct Connection livery. While he successfully began the new chapter in his career with his new team and Direct Connection as his primary livery, Hagan is set for another strong Gatornationals performance after a stellar pre-season testing.

“I’m pumped to be returning to Gainesville as the defending champion,” said Hagan. “Knowing we’re starting the season at the Gatornationals, and it was the track we got TSR’s first win last year is special. It was also my first win at Gainesville too. I can’t wait to climb into this Sublime Green Dodge Direct Connection Charger SRT Hellcat Funny Car. Let’s light the pipes and get another win!

Pruett, a former Nostalgia Funny Car World Champion and NHRA SAMTech Factory Stock Showdown Champion, will campaign in her 11th year in drag racing’s ultimate division, Top Fuel, and again work with crew chief Neal Strausbaugh and the TSR crew at the NHRA Gatornationals this weekend. The 34-year-old California native begins the 2023 NHRA campaign with one of the best NHRA elapsed time in series history at 3.631 seconds.

“I can’t remember a time I’ve ever looked more forward to the Gatornationals than this race in our Sublime Green Dodge Direct Connection Top Fuel Dragster,” said Pruett. “It’s the overall season opener, not just on the East Coast. Teams also got extensive testing at this track in the last month, which means the competition is going to be ultra-thick. I believe the fans are in for a memorable event.”

Also entered at Gainesville Raceway for the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat nitro-burning contingent will be two-time world champion Cruz Pedregon in his Snap-On Tools Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Funny Car and young Alex Laughlin in the Havoline Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Funny Car for Jim Dunn.

Pedregon brings his Cruz Pedregon Racing team to Gainesville after a 2022 season-ending Funny Car victory at the NHRA Finals last November and seeks to add to his 38-career Funny Car win total this weekend, while Laughlin moves into the Funny Car division this year after stints in Pro Stock and Top Fuel. Team owner Dunn is a legendary figure in NHRA drag racing dating back to his Funny Car driving in the early 1970s.

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Drag racing’s best descend upon Route 66 Raceway near Chicago to compete in a multi-series battle this weekend.

JOLIET, Ill. (May 30, 2018) – Whether you are a longtime fan of drag racing, have been meaning to check it out for the first time, or a hot rod enthusiast looking for excitement this weekend—the JEGS Route 66 NHRA Nationals and Allstar Race, May 31-June 3, is sure to satisfy. JEGS Automotive, Inc. (JEGS), one of the largest e-commerce and mail order high-performance auto parts retailers worldwide, and title-rights sponsor of the race, along with the NHRA and Route 66 Raceway, offer a Mello Yello Drag Racing Series national race event and a Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series “clash of the titans” in one action-packed drag racing weekend. The event will also give fans a chance to see their favorite racing legends, including JEGS Founder, Hall of Fame Drag Racer and Grand Marshall of the Race, Jeg Coughlin Sr.

JEGS’ sponsorship is the latest in a decades-long tradition of investing and participating in drag racing; from primary sponsorships in the NHRA’s Pro Stock, Pro Mod and Top Dragster vehicles, being a 12-year title sponsor for the JEGS SPORTSNationals, to becoming the title sponsor of the JEGS Route 66 NRHA Nationals and Allstar Race—to name a few. Over the year, JEGS’ investment into motorsports has grown outside of drag racing, to include sponsorships for the Champion Racing Association (CRA) series, and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.

“JEGS has deep roots in drag racing that have existed since our founder, Jeg Coughlin Sr. was speeding down the strip,” said JEGS CEO, Jeffrey R. Hennion. “Our business aligns with the needs and interests of racing teams and fans, so we are proud to partner with the NHRA and Route 66 Raceway to bring multiple series together and showcase the highest level of drag racing competition.”

In addition to its founding legacy, JEGS has remained family-owned for more than fifty years, maintaining the authentic tie between JEGS, as a business, and drag racing. The Coughlin family has competed, or actively competes in multiple motorsports formats, and is one of drag racing’s most winningest families.

The JEGS Route 66 NHRA Nationals

 The JEGS Route 66 NHRA Nationals is the ninth of 24 events on the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series and is the first of four consecutive events that will prove critical for NHRA teams with title aspirations. Route 66 Raceway features the first true stadium of drag racing and has witnessed impressive performances by the top racers in the sport. Fans watching from home can catch the action on FS1.

Team JEGS will be well represented at the JEGS Route 66 NHRA Nationals, including six-time world champion Jeg Coughlin Jr., his brother, Mike Coughlin, nephew, Troy Coughlin Jr. and niece, Paige Coughlin. Jeg Jr. will be racing in Pro Stock as a member of the Elite Motorsports team. Mike is one of the leading contenders in Top Dragster. Troy Jr. is racing in Top Alcohol Dragster. In addition, Samantha Coughlin, wife of Jeg Jr., will join Paige in the Super Comp class.

The 2018 JEGS Allstars

This race-within-a-race will pit the top points earners from NHRA’s seven geographic divisions of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series and four Top Alcohol regions against each other in the culmination of a yearlong points battle.

Competitors in Top Alcohol Dragster, Top Alcohol Funny Car, Comp Eliminator, Top Sportsman, Top Dragster, Stock Eliminator, Super Comp, Super Gas, Super Stock, and Super Street will compete for team and individual honors as well as a share of the $124,000 purse.

“I consider this one of the biggest events on the year, outside of the World Championship. We do a lot of tuning and studying to prepare, and I am hoping for a big win in my third year participating in the race,” said Jeff Strickland, Super Stock and Top Dragster Competitor. “JEGS steps-up for drag racing and sportsman, so I am proud to be a part of the action.”

Local favorite Bruno Massel Jr., announcer for NHRAonFOX and past NHRA Champion, who will be racing in Comp Eliminator this weekend.

 “I have known the Coughlin family since I was a kid, and although we are competitors, we are also friends. I am a huge fan of JEGS—the company and the race team,” said Bruno. “The JEGS Allstar Race is the second biggest race, after the U.S. nationals. My dad won the JEGS Allstar Race in 1989 when it was held Columbus, Ohio. Now, with the race running out of Chicago, my home track, I am proud to have won the race three times and would sure like to win number four.”

For race event and ticket information, visit https://www.NHRA.com

For venue and seating information, visit http://www.Route66Raceway.com/NHRA/NHRA-Route-66-Nationals.aspx

To learn more about JEGS Automotive, Inc., call (800) 345-4545 or visit us at www.JEGS.com.

Follow JEGS on social media: Facebook: www.facebook.com/JEGSPerformance, Twitter: www.twitter.com/JEGSPerformance, Instagram: www.instagram.com/JEGSPerformance, YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/JEGSHighPerformance

Meet Team JEGS, follow the Team JEGS race schedule and results, and learn more about racing by visiting www.TeamJEGS.com.

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JEGS Route 66 NHRA Nationals

The entitlement builds upon the involvement by the organization as the JEGS Allstars specialty race will take place on Saturday, June 2. This race-within-a-race will pit the top points earners from NHRA’s seven geographic divisions of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series and four Top Alcohol regions against each other in the culmination of a yearlong points battle. Competitors in Top Alcohol Dragster, Top Alcohol Funny Car, Comp Eliminator, Top Sportsman, Top Dragster, Stock Eliminator, Super Comp, Super Gas, Super Stock, and Super Street will compete for team and individual honors as well as a share of the $124,000 purse.

“JEGS has been involved with the sport of NHRA drag racing for decades and we are excited to have them on board as this iconic event celebrates its 20th year,” said Brad Gerber, NHRA vice president and chief development officer. “JEGS supports NHRA in a number of ways including the long-standing sponsorship of several drivers in both professional and sportsman categories.”

“At JEGS, our history and tradition in motorsports, especially with the NHRA, goes back to our founding over 50 years ago,” said chief executive officer of JEGS Automotive, Inc., Jeffrey R. Hennion. “We are excited to announce this broader partnership with the NHRA both at the JEGS Rt. 66 NHRA Nationals and with a broader, enhanced media relationship supporting NHRA national events throughout the year. We look forward to helping to make the JEGS Route 66 NHRA Nationals a memorable experience for all race fans, including all those competing in the JEGS All-Stars.”

The JEGS Route 66 NHRA Nationals is the ninth of 24 events on the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. It will be televised on FS1 and is the first of four consecutive events, which could prove critical for NHRA teams chasing title aspirations. Route 66 Raceway features the first true stadium of drag racing and has witnessed impressive performances by the top racers in the sport.

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. – April 24, 2018 – Six-time world champion drag racer Jeg Coughlin Jr. leads a strong contingent of talented JEGS-sponsored racers into this weekend’s ninth annual NGK Spark Plugs NHRA Four-Wide Nationals that will vie for wins in Pro Stock, Top Alcohol Dragster, Super Gas and Super Comp.

More importantly, the driver of the JEGS.com Elite Performance Pro Stock Camaro will be racing with his family as his teammates, including his wife Samantha, nephew Troy Jr., and niece Paige. Jeg Jr.’s brother Troy, the father of Troy Jr. and Paige, will also be on hand to offer support. The Coughlin Family will also be rooting for 13-year-old Clay, who will be racing his Junior Dragster in Columbus, Ohio with his dad Mike, the brother of Jeg Jr. and Troy.

Troy Coughlin, Jr. – Top Alcohol

Paige Coughlin – Pro Mod

Samantha Coughlin – Super Gas

Jeg Coughlin, Jr. – Pro Stock

There are many fast-moving parts to the Coughlin clan, and they wouldn’t want it any other way.

“Racing has always been a family affair for us,” said Jeg Jr. “My three brothers and I grew up following dad (Jeg Sr.) around the Midwest when he was competing. That got all of us interested in the sport, and many of our kids enjoy racing these days.”

“It’s also a huge part of our business,” Jeg Jr. adds. “JEGS Automotive was born out a need my father discovered in his youth—people wanted high performance parts to improve the cars they were racing. It’s all grown together hand-in-hand since then.”

Jeg Jr. could be in for a big weekend in Charlotte as his racing fortunes took a massive upturn in Houston, where he qualified No. 2 and raced to his best finish of the year after switching to a new car.

“We’ve been chasing it all year and it was very satisfying and rewarding to seemingly have it all come together for us this past weekend in Texas,” said Jeg Jr. “We’re hungry for a victory and doing it together with family around would make it very special.”

“Charlotte will be my wife’s first race of the year. We are both excited about that. Troy Jr. made some laps in her car in Richmond a week or so ago and it went really, really well, so I am excited to see her compete in Super Gas and Troy Jr. to race again in his Top Alcohol Dragster. That car is very fast. Plus, it’s Paige’s first national event so it’ll be quite a memorable affair all the way around.”

“It’s another weekend of racing with my family so I’m super happy. That’s how we like it.”
Piloting the JEGS.com Top Alcohol Dragster out of the McPhillips Racing camp, Troy Jr. says racing as a family is all he really knows.

“It’s interesting because the McPhillips are just like us — they’ve always raced together, so that’s probably why I’m so happy and comfortable over here,” said Troy Jr. “I can’t recall but there are maybe a handful of races over my career where I haven’t had at least one family member in the pits with me, and usually its more, like this weekend.”

“I feel very lucky to live the life I live and to race the way we race. If we weren’t doing this together I doubt I’d be out here. That’s how strongly I feel about racing as a family. And this weekend we’re bringing my little sister Paige to her first national event and it’s pretty awesome for me to be there with her because that’s a big deal.”

Coming off a No. 1 qualifying effort at a divisional event in Virginia, Super Comp driver Paige revels in the support of her three-time championship-winning father Troy, her brother Troy Jr., her Aunt Samantha, and a large extended “family” of supporters.

“I couldn’t race without my family,” Paige said. “And that includes my crew guys, Justin Beaver and Tony Collier, who have really shaped me and given me the ability to go rounds. It’s also important to note the support of the 400-strong and completely amazing associates at JEGS headquarters.”

“Of course, my mom and dad have been so supportive of everything and T.J. is the best big brother ever. He’s raced so much and has done everything so he’s great to talk to when I have a question. Plus, he helps get the car set up and tests for me when I’m in school. That’s another big bonus of racing as a family; all the help you get.”

As they have done on many occasions, the entire Coughlin family will be keeping up with each other via the Internet and text messages.

“My son Clay is racing his 7.90 electric Junior Dragster at National Trail Raceway this weekend—his first race of the year, and I’ll be there helping him,” said two-time D3 champion, Mike Coughlin. “We’ll definitely stay in constant contact with everyone at Charlotte, finding out what’s happening there and letting them know how we’re doing.”

“For me personally, I’ve gotten so much joy and satisfaction watching my family members do well. Seeing Jeg Jr.’s incredible successes over the years, watching Troy win his Pro Mod championships, and now being a part of all the kids coming up and doing their thing, it’s just been a wonderful ride so far. Hopefully it continues for many years.”

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• World’s best drag racers begin their quest for history when the NHRA Countdown to the Championship kicks off at the Bellagio of drag strips, zMAX Dragway

• Three-day passes start at just $99, with children 13 and under admitted free when accompanied by an adult; tickets available at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-455-FANS (3267)

CONCORD, N.C. (Aug. 30, 2017) – With world championship titles on the line, fans can expect edge-of-their-seat excitement and action-packed drama as drivers in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series roll into zMAX Dragway for the ninth annual NHRA Carolina Nationals, Sept. 15-17.

The 11,000 horsepower, ground-pounding action NHRA drag racing fans love will once again be showcased at the state-of-the-art facility that has hosted the opening round of the six-race Countdown to the Championship playoff since 2008.

This year’s edition of the famed event will feature intense side-by-side racing as drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle compete for Mello Yello Series points and a coveted Wally trophy. Last year, fans witnessed the thrilling action as Antron Brown (Top Fuel), John Force (Funny Car), Jason Line (Pro Stock) and Chip Ellis (Pro Stock Motorcycle) bested the competition and claimed playoff wins. Brown and Line rode their winning momentum to 2016 world titles in their respective categories.

Heading into the final race of the regular season at Indianapolis, Brown, driver of the Matco Tools dragster for Don Schumacher Racing, holds the Top Fuel points lead. A three-time NHRA Carolina Nationals winner and two-time and defending series champion, he will certainly have a target on his back this year. Rounding out the top five in Top Fuel points, competitors like Steve Torrence, Leah Pritchett, Tony Schumacher and Brittany Force, have all secured spots in the Countdown and will aim to knock Brown down.

Coming off of his first Funny Car championship in 2016, Ron Capps has continued his dream year through 2017, powering his Don Schumacher Racing NAPA Auto Parts Funny Car to a career-best six wins on the season. A two-time winner at zMAX Dragway, including a victory earlier this season at the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals, Capps will have his hands full with the likes of Robert Hight, Matt Hagan, Tommy Johnson Jr. and Jack Beckman, among others, battling for crucial playoff points during the fall Charlotte showdown.

Bo Butner has only earned three Pro Stock Wallys in his career, but his consistency on the track has kept him atop the Pro Stock point standings for most of the season. The 43-year-old Indiana native will have to power his Jim Butner Auto Chevy past rookie sensation Tanner Gray (a four-time winner already this year), hometown racers Greg Anderson and Jason Line, and fellow Indiana wheelman Drew Skillman, among others, if he hopes to carry his consistent season all the way to a championship at year’s end.

In Pro Stock Motorcycles, LE Tonglet holds a 184-point advantage over a bevy of veteran racers heading into the season finale at Indianapolis this weekend. Tonglet returns to zMAX Dragway with a healthy dose of confidence after claiming the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals title earlier this season, his second win at the Bellagio of drag strips. But he faces a wave of veteran riders, including teammates Andrew Hines and Eddie Krawiec, who have won eight of the last 15 Pro Stock Motorcycle races at the world-class drag strip, two-time world champion Matt Smith and Hector Arana Jr., a Countdown contender in all seven seasons on the circuit.

MORE INFO:

As always, fans will have the opportunity to interact with their favorite drivers as they’re granted an exclusive pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet. This unique opportunity in motorsports gives fans direct access to the teams, allowing them to see firsthand how the highly-skilled mechanics service their hot rods between rounds, and get autographs from their favorite NHRA drivers.

Fans also will want to visit NHRA’s popular Nitro Alley and Manufacturers Midway, where sponsors and race vendors create a carnival atmosphere, with interactive displays, simulated competitions, merchandise, food and fun for the entire family.

Mello Yello Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds (2:45 and 5:15 p.m.) on Friday, Sept. 15, and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, Sept. 16, at 12:45 and 3:15 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for noon on Sunday, Sept. 17.

Click here for the full weekend schedule.

TICKETS:

Don’t miss a minute of the action with three-day passes starting at just $99. Kids 13 and under are free with a paid adult. To purchase tickets, call 800-455-FANS (3267) or visit www.charlottemotorspeedway.com.

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Hickory Enclosed Trailer Sales Sponsors Low Qualifier Award for Both TD and TS

PITTSBORO, N.C. (March 4, 2017): As the stand-alone full-size dragster category in the PDRA, Top Dragster holds a great deal of weight with fans and racers, alike. The class has garnered great support at tracks across the country, leading to sub-four second qualifying bumps and a national ET record of 3.696 In 2017, Lucas Oil Products will once again bring Top Dragster action to the PDRA 660.

“Top Dragster is a very good fit for Lucas oil Products,” expressed Lucas Oil’s Tom Bogner. “Not only is the class very fast and exciting to watch, it is also a class that utilizes multiple forms of power adders for these engines- turbo, super chargers, nitrous oxide, as well as large displacement engines. Lucas Oil makes a wide variety of racing motor oils, suited for all these platforms. I believe our involvement helps building our brand with many more engine builders, as well as teams who all have different types of racing oil needs.”

“Lucas Oil does so much for motorsports, across a variety of genres,” added Will Smith, PDRA Director of Marketing. “We are grateful that they also choose to be involved with us and support our racers, not only in Top Dragster, but in all categories. It’s a great partnership that we are proud to welcome back for 2017.”

Bogner will be at select PDRA events throughout the season, representing Lucas Oil and supporting the PDRA customer base. “I am looking forward to attending events again this year with you all. We know how hard these teams work to build these amazing cars and are very proud to have our Lucas Oil decals on each one of these in the class. We hope to see even more teams using our oils in them, as well.”

Learn more about Lucas Oil Products at www.lucasoil.com.

The PDRA also welcomes new class supporter, Hickory Enclosed Trailer Sales. This North Carolina-based trailer manufacturer is presenting the Low Qualifier Award for both Lucas Oil Top Dragster and MagnaFuel Top Sportsman. The company is owned by longtime Top Sportsman pilot, Jeff Pittman. His business and life partner Angie Travis competes in Top Dragster.

“We’re very fortunate to have a lot of customer support in all of drag racing, but because of racing in Top Dragster and Top Sportsman in PDRA, we feel this is a good fit for our sponsorship dollars,” Pittman explained. “We love this style of racing. It’s a real family atmosphere. We enjoy the PDRA racing and friendships. This allows us to give back to the sport that has been so good to us.”

Hickory Enclosed Trailer Sales is a full service and sales company for all truck conversion brands. “We service everything that we sale,” Pittman added, “We offer at-track service by appointment. We sell all the major brands of truck conversions, as well as T&E Trailers, Performax Trailers, down to the Forest River Trailers.” Visit them at http://www.hickoryenclosed.com/ or see Jeff or Angie at one of the PDRA events this season.

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To Access the Summit Sportsman National Championship Live Stream: Go to WatchESPN.com and click the blue “Watch Now” button on the top of the page OR you can click the Summit Sportsman National Championship Live Stream logo at IHRA.com. You will be directed to an ESPN log in interface (example here) where you will select your cable or satellite provider from the menu and then be directed to log in using your cable or satellite provider online account username and password. If you do not have an online account set up with your existing cable or satellite provider, you should establish that account first before trying to use the WatchESPN log in interface. You must be an ESPN subscriber with your existing cable or satellite provider to be able to access ESPN3’s Live Stream. Event Schedule:

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PITTSBORO, N.C. (February 8, 2017): MVM by GALOT Motorsports makes its first public move since the company changed ownership in October. The innovative wheelie bar manufacturer was started in 2012 by Mike Valerio. When the company was purchased by GALOT Motorsports everyone knew there were good things ahead. The first of new things for the company is a partnership with the PDRA to become the Official Wheelie Bar of the eighth-mile doorslammer series. GALOT Motorsports representative and 2016 PDRA Pro Boost World Champion, Kevin Rivenbark, has been heading up MVM by GALOT with Valerio’s continued expert design input.

“We were very fortunate to be able to acquire a proven product such as MVM carbon wheelie bars,” stated Rivenbark. “MVM has the only proven carbon wheelie bars on the market today, and that is what separates us from the rest. We are planning to carry it to the next level.

“We’re excited to be the Official Wheelie Bar of the PDRA,” he added. “We want to support our customer base and the larger racer base, and thought the PDRA was a good place to do it.”

“GALOT Motorsports has always had a strong presence in the PDRA,” added PDRA Director of Marketing, Will Smith. “As World Champion racers, a host track to our marquee event, class sponsor, and now as the Official Wheelie Bar of the PDRA, GALOT Motorsports has shown unwavering support of this organization and its racers. We are thankful for their partnership and look forward to seeing more great things from MVM by GALOT.”

Rivenbark says the company has continued steady production throughout the ownership transition and will focus on expanding the product line later this year, including bars for sportsman categories, Alcohol Funny Car and more.

Rivenbark will attend PDRA events as an MVM by GALOT representative and will have limited parts available at the GALOT Motorsports pit area.

For more information on MVM by GALOT sales and services call Kevin Rivenbark at 910.305.2207 or Mike Valerio at 941.812.0250 or stop by the GALOT Motorsports pit area at any PDRA event.

ABOUT THE PDRA
Based in Pittsboro, North Carolina, the Professional Drag Racers Association is the top sanctioning body in the United States for the sport of eighth-mile drag racing. The PDRA’s professional categories include Pro Extreme, Pro Nitrous, Pro Boost, Extreme Pro Stock and Pro Extreme Motorcycle along with several sportsman and various exhibition categories. The 2017 PDRA schedule consists of eight national events. For more on the world’s premier eighth-mile drag racing organization visit www.pdra660.com. Follow the PDRA: Facebook, Instagram, Youtube.

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All eight 2017 PDRA events will be streamed live via Speed Video. Speed Video, a division of Power Automedia, will deliver all the PDRA action in high definition with multi-camera angles.

New this season, Jerry Bickel Race Cars brings a special feature to the live feed, the JBRC Showcase. Each live feed segment the PDRA announcing team will shine a spotlight on one of the newest Bickels machines to join the PDRA ranks. The car and driver will be picked by PDRA staff members. The chosen team will receive a plaque signed by Bickel himself, as well as an on-air showcase of the car.

As the “one stop chassis shop” JBRC is known for quality race cars that deliver. PDRA is home to many Bickel cars driven by big names such as Tommy Frankin, Terry Leggett, Lizzy Musi and the entire GALOT Motorsports team. Several drivers are slated to debut new JBRC rides this season including Jason Harris, Jim Sackuvich, John Camp and Stevie Jackson. Look for other new debuts during the JBRC Showcase.

JBRC has also stepped up to sponsor the entire Speed Video broadcast for two events, as well as maintain an associate sponsorship of the broadcast throughout the season.

The Quarter-Max Top End Zone joined the PDRA Live Feed at the end of the series’ inaugural year. It was the first official interview segment for the streamed events, catching drivers’ reactions immediately after they exited the race car. What was an instant hit with viewers will continue into 2017 thanks to the folks at Quarter-Max.

Last year the PDRA debuted two new segments, ‘Ask the Pros’ and the ‘Musi Minute’.  Ask the Pros features Andy McCoy from Andy McCoy Race Cars and the Miller family-owned Pee Dee Fleet team. Fans submit questions that McCoy or one of the Pee Dee Fleet team members answers live. Questions thus far have varied from novice to expert and covered a wide range of drag racing knowledge. This popular live feed feature will be back and better than ever in 2017. The Musi Minute will feature greater fan interaction this season. Pro Nitrous driver and President of Musi Racing Engines, Lizzy Musi, will continue her part in the Musi Minute, while giving PDRA fans an on-camera chance at each event, as well.

Tune in to the Speed Video-produced Live Feed for the PDRA season opener, the Southern Extreme Nationals, at South Georgia Motorsports Park, March 9-11.

ABOUT THE PDRA

Based in Pittsboro, North Carolina, the Professional Drag Racers Association is the top sanctioning body in the United States for the sport of eighth-mile drag racing. The PDRA’s professional categories include Pro Extreme, Pro Nitrous, Pro Boost, Extreme Pro Stock and Pro Extreme Motorcycle along with several sportsman and various exhibition categories. The 2017 PDRA schedule consists of eight national events. For more on the world’s premier eighth-mile drag racing organization visit www.pdra660.com. Follow the PDRA: Facebook, Instagram, Youtube.

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• Antron Brown captured his second consecutive NHRA Carolina Nationals Top Fuel victory Sunday at zMAX Dragway in the first race of the six-race Countdown to the Championship; Brown won last year en route to winning the title
•  John Force claimed his 146th career Funny Car win; Mooresville, North Carolina-based Jason Line won in Pro Stock and Chip Ellis prevailed in Pro Stock Motorcycle
• Fans can buy tickets to any upcoming Charlotte Motor Speedway, zMAX Dragway or The Dirt Track event by shopping online or by calling 1-800-455-FANS (3267)

CONCORD, N.C. (Sept. 18, 2016) – Antron Brown kicked off his NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Top Fuel title defense in spectacular fashion in Sunday’s NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMAX Dragway, as the Don Schumacher Racing driver won the Countdown to the Championship opener for the second year in a row after a breathtaking battle with No. 1 qualifier Doug Kalitta.

Brown’s victory was one of several memorable highlights in an unforgettable afternoon at the Bellagio of drag strips. Sixteen-time Funny Car champion John Force prevailed for the 146th time in his illustrious career, while Jason Line claimed the win in Pro Stock and Chip Ellis pulled off a spectacular upset in Pro Stock Motorcycle.

In Top Fuel, Brown held off Clay Milligan in the first round, Brittany Force — by one thousandth of a second — in the quarterfinal, underdog Pat Dakin in the semifinal and Kalitta in the final with a 3.763-second, 319.29-mph pass to pad his points lead.

“I’m dreaming right now. Somebody needs to come pinch me,” Brown said. “When you come here, this is how you want to start the Countdown off … We just kept digging. That was the key. Just keep digging. The track got to be the hottest it’s been all year long (132 degrees). We had to navigate it and we had to face some of the toughest matchups we’ve had all year … We put the work in today and we were fortunate enough to win.”

Force’s road to victory was equally as challenging. He topped No. 1 qualifier Tommy Johnson Jr. in the final with a 3.946-second, 324.06-mph pass that topped Johnson by .041 seconds for his first NHRA Carolina Nationals win.

“It’s stadiums like (zMAX Dragway) that really create the magic in your heart and (make) you want to race,” said Force, whose victory meant he has won every race on the schedule at least once. “We had a good day … I’ve got a race car now that I can race with. I’m not great but I’m good. When I’m on my game, I can win.”

Line prevailed over KB Racing teammate Greg Anderson in the Pro Stock final with a 6.621-second, 209.39-mph run to win by .018 seconds.

“It was a great day for us,” Line said. “If you want to win the championship you’ve just got to come out smoking. To race Greg in the final is a great thing. It’s good, but it’s bad because he’s the last guy you want to see over there in the final. He gets the best of me most of the time, but today was my day.”

Ellis captured his seventh career Pro Stock Motorcycle win when his 6.879-second, 194.88-mph pass held off Andrew Hines for the trophy — his first since 2008.

“This is the most important win of my career, just for (team owner Junior) Pittman,” Ellis said of his seventh career triumph. “I’m really proud to be a part of his team. It’s an amazing deal. We work really hard, putting in a lot of hours … Our bike is amazing. Our guys are doing a great job on the bike and it showed this weekend.”

TICKETS:
To purchase tickets to any upcoming Charlotte Motor Speedway event, including the Oct. 8 NASCAR Bank of America 500, shop online or call 1-800-455-FANS (3267).

KEEP TRACK:
Connect with zMAX Dragway and stay up to speed with all the happenings at the Bellagio of drag strips on Facebook, Twitter or on Charlotte Motor Speedway’s mobile app.

UNOFFICIAL RESULTS:

TOP FUEL:

ROUND ONE — Leah Pritchett, 3.840, 310.20 def. Richie Crampton, 7.051, 97.33; Antron Brown, 3.762, 318.99 def. Clay Millican, 5.606, 117.33; Brittany Force, 3.759, 321.81 def. Chris Karamesines, Broke; Doug Kalitta, 3.768, 324.20 def. Ike Maier, 5.535, 128.37; Cameron Ferre, 4.138, 226.73 def. Tony Schumacher, 6.860, 99.72; Steve Torrence, 4.416, 240.47 def. Scott Palmer, 4.849, 152.16; Wayne Newby, 3.982, 246.71 def. Shawn Langdon, 4.121, 263.36; Pat Dakin, 3.811, 319.90 def. J.R. Todd, 4.667, 173.85;

QUARTERFINALS — Newby, 3.849, 316.90 def. Torrence, 3.843, 280.25; Dakin, 5.327, 127.65 def. Ferre, Broke – No Show; Kalitta, 3.817, 320.20 def. Pritchett, 3.836, 320.13; Brown, 3.796, 319.60 def. Force, 3.797, 320.97;

SEMIFINALS — Kalitta, 3.879, 311.13 def. Newby, 4.096, 225.41; Brown, 3.870, 311.85 def. Dakin, 6.090, 101.73;

FINAL — Brown, 3.763, 319.29 def. Kalitta, 3.811, 320.28.

FUNNY CAR:

ROUND ONE — Tommy Johnson Jr., Dodge Charger, 5.330, 132.70 def. Bob Gilbertson, Chevy Monte Carlo, Broke; Ron Capps, Charger, 3.972, 318.99 def. John Hale, Charger, 26.289, 23.60; John Force, Chevy Camaro, 3.965, 324.75 def. Dave Richards, Ford Mustang, 4.295, 271.19; John Bojec, Toyota Solara, 4.059, 308.78 def. Alexis DeJoria, Toyota Camry, Foul – Centerline; Del Worsham, Camry, 3.976, 321.12 def. Jack Beckman, Charger, 4.275, 220.37; Tim Wilkerson, Mustang, 4.029, 312.28 def. Chad Head, Camry, 4.172, 253.99; Robert Hight, Camaro, 3.916, 327.51 def. Cruz Pedregon, Camry, 4.828, 175.25; Matt Hagan, Charger, 3.975, 323.89 def. Courtney Force, Camaro, 4.024, 308.85;

QUARTERFINALS — J. Force, 4.013, 319.90 def. Wilkerson, 7.401, 103.50; Capps, 3.983, 314.31 def. Hight, 4.008, 320.51; Worsham, 4.045, 317.34 def. Bojec, Foul – Red Light; Johnson Jr., 3.970, 320.74 def. Hagan, 3.992, 322.11;

SEMIFINALS — Johnson Jr., 3.949, 321.19 def. Worsham, 3.990, 322.27; J. Force, 3.957, 323.27 def. Capps, 4.003, 317.57;

FINAL — J. Force, 3.946, 324.05 def. Johnson Jr., 3.987, 315.71.

PRO STOCK:

ROUND ONE — Chris McGaha, Chevy Camaro, 6.689, 207.72 def. Drew Skillman, Camaro, 6.718, 208.52; Bo Butner, Camaro, 6.649, 208.97 def. Matt Hartford, Camaro, 6.708, 207.75; Jeg Coughlin, Dodge Dart, 6.687, 206.76 def. Allen Johnson, Dart, 6.703, 207.98; Alex Laughlin, Camaro, 6.658, 208.36 def. Kenny Delco, Camaro, 6.714, 207.40; Shane Gray, Camaro, 6.624, 209.17 def. John Gaydosh Jr, Chevrolet Camaro, 6.736, 205.94; Jason Line, Camaro, 6.639, 208.94 def. Shane Tucker, Camaro, 6.715, 207.46; Greg Anderson, Camaro, 6.642, 209.23 def. Alan Prusiensky, Dart, 6.762, 205.35; Vincent Nobile, Camaro, 6.637, 208.49 def. Curt Steinbach, Camaro, 6.700, 206.07;

QUARTERFINALS — Anderson, 6.663, 208.39 def. McGaha, 6.690, 208.10; Line, 6.642, 209.01 def. Butner, 6.672, 209.75; Nobile, 6.660, 207.94 def. Coughlin, 6.705, 206.61; Laughlin, 6.681, 208.78 def. Gray, 6.952, 209.01;

SEMIFINALS — Anderson, 6.673, 208.59 def. Laughlin, 6.674, 209.36; Line, 6.630, 209.20 def. Nobile, 6.646, 209.30;

FINAL — Line, 6.621, 209.39 def. Anderson, 6.639, 209.20.

PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE:

ROUND ONE — Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 6.924, 193.29 def. Jerry Savoie, Suzuki, 6.895, 194.21; Jim Underdahl, Suzuki, 6.920, 193.07 def. Matt Smith, 6.915, 192.03; Chip Ellis, Buell, 6.875, 194.74 def. Shawn Gann, Buell, 6.959, 191.92; Angelle Sampey, Buell, 10.044, 97.19 def. Mark Paquette, Buell, Foul – Red Light; Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 6.971, 190.16 def. Melissa Surber, Buell, 7.073, 188.15; LE Tonglet, Suzuki, 6.884, 195.25 def. Cory Reed, Buell, 6.997, 192.30; Karen Stoffer, Suzuki, 6.932, 194.18 def. Eddie Krawiec, Harley-Davidson, 6.948, 193.74; Hector Arana Jr, Buell, 6.901, 194.86 def. Hector Arana, Buell, Broke;

QUARTERFINALS — Underdahl, 6.956, 192.49 def. Stoffer, 7.011, 193.32; Sampey, 6.896, 194.02 def. Arana Jr, 6.954, 193.74; Ellis, 6.905, 194.24 def. Tonglet, 7.125, 174.93; Hines, 6.921, 193.29 def. Johnson, 6.926, 192.74;

SEMIFINALS — Hines, 6.955, 191.40 def. Underdahl, 6.972, 194.44; Ellis, 6.890, 194.16 def. Sampey, 10.377, 77.18;

FINAL — Ellis, 6.879, 194.88 def. Hines, 6.908, 193.49.

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