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Available Events:1999 NHRA NORTHWEST DIVISION SCHEDULE
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Chris Blair
Jerry Valentine
1999 NHRA Northwest Division Certification Team Important Northwest Division Office Notice Northwest Division Experiences Biggest Events EverThe first two events of the 1999 NHRA Northwest Division schedule broke all previous records for participant numbers. Firebird Raceway in Boise, Idaho, raised the bar on the opening weekend with 466 participants, including 351 NHRA points chasers. Three weeks later, despite a terrible weather forecast, Mission Raceway Park hosted 492 participants, including 374 NHRA Federal-Mogul Series racers. The increased car count in nearly all classes, the field-busting success of Top Comp, and the enthusiasm of our participants is greatly appreciated by the host track operators, the Division 6 Certification Team, and everyone at NHRA and Federal-Mogul. We thank all of you for breaking our records! Ignitor Shatters 15 NHRA RecordsFIREBIRD RACEWAY, Boise, Idaho (April 16-19) After fighting dismal weather conditions the last two seasons, Firebird Raceway hit a home run with the 1999 Boise Auto Parts ıNı Stuff Ignitor presented by Bob Rice Country. A packed grandstand of fans basking in 80-degree sunshine watched 15 NHRA speed and e.t. records earn their place in the record books. Fans also witnessed intense side-by-side action in nearly every category. These highlights, along with constant racing activity with little downtime, led many longtime drag racing supporters to call the event the best Ignitor ever. Winners and Runners-up: Federal-Mogul Dragster: Rick Santos def. Melanie Troxel Horsepower Heaven's web coverage of Boise FMDRS Mission Survives Rain, Snow, Hail, and Everything ElseMISSION RACEWAY PARK, Mission, B.C. (May 7-10) The 1999 Lordco B.C. Nationals will long be remembered as the event that just didnıt want to take place. The event at Mission Raceway Park endured three days of heavy rain, hail, and even snow before cars were sent down the racetrack for the first round of eliminations. The last car took the win light at noon Monday after 52 bags of oil dry, $1,500 worth of jet dryer fuel, 10 blown Christmas Tree fuses (due to moisture in the air), a broken jet dryer engine, an earth-shaking ³And They Walked Away² highlight by Pat Austin, and too many oildowns to mention. Despite such problems, which knocked the event off schedule again and again, a great crowd witnessed eliminations for nearly 500 race cars, a new national e.t. record of 5.598 by Austin during Federal-Mogul Funny Car qualifying, five rounds of Federal-Mogul Dragster and Federal-Mogul Funny Car in one day, and some of the most exciting racing ever at the Mission facility. The winners and runners-up of the divisionıs biggest and longest race ever were: Federal-Mogul Dragster: Melanie Troxel def. Mark Hentges Motorcycle eliminations will be completed at Ashcroft. Division 6 would like to thank all of the racers for their patience in completing the event and all who returned on Monday morning. If not for 100 percent cooperation from racers, crews, track workers, and the Certification Team, the event would not have been completed successfully, and most important, safely. The obvious goal was to complete the event by Sunday evening. When track temperatures dropped below 60 degrees and it became obvious that conditions were deteriorating, the starting-line crew, Safety Safari, and division director agreed unanimously to halt Sundayıs action to avoid risk to participants. While it may not have been a popular decision for everyone, the only logical choice in our effort to conduct events safely was to stop action. Horsepower Heaven's web coverage of Mission FMDRS Compton Headlines Racers' ForumThe long-anticipated NHRA Northwest Division Racersı Forum was held in the banquet room of the Mission City Lodge in Mission, B.C., Friday, May 7. More than 100 racers gathered to ask questions of Division Director Chris Blair, NHRA Field Marketing Director Melvyn Record, and NHRA Executive Vice President/General Manager Tom Compton. The highlight of the evening was Comptonıs presentation of NHRAıs strategic plan, seen for the first time by a divisionıs racers. The presentation outlined many new programs, changes to national event venues, new sponsor opportunities, the NHRA television package, and Internet coverage and laid to rest many rumors that have floated around for months. Following the success of the 1999 Racersı Forum, plans are under way
for a 2000 edition at a site to be determined. Certification Team Gets New WheelsThanks to three great companies, the NHRA Northwest Division Certification Team is proudly touring the pits on some flashy new vehicles. The great folks at Giant Bicycles are providing three state-of-the art 1999 limited-edition mountain bikes that feature chrome chassis, tires that provide a smooth ride on asphalt and dirt, black leather flamed seats that fit any size or shape, and state-of-the art suspension. For the location of your nearest authorized Giant dealer, call (800) 779-BIKE or visit Giantıs Web site: www.giant-bicycle.com. To test one for yourself, check out the display at Federal-Mogul Dragster racer Dale Carlsonıs pit. Carlson, who owns many Washington-based Bike Tech stores, can take your Giant order at the races and have your new ride delivered to the next event. The Cart Shop of Grants Pass, Ore., has come on board to provide the official golf cart of the Northwest Division. Painted in the flashy Federal-Mogul colors and bearing the Cart Shop logo, this Yamaha cart will be seen at every event. For information or to reserve a cart for the 1999 Sears Craftsman E.T. Finals, call Pug Hoover, (541) 479-9864. Freeway Trailer Sales of Tacoma has provided a new Spectre tilt trailer to transport the new golf cart to the races. Mike Rendel of Freeway Trailer Sales, who also provides the Certification Teamıs Wells Cargo trailer, can be reached at (800) 992-5644. (Ask for special NHRA racersı rates). We thank all of our fine sponsors for their support of NHRA drag racing
in the Pacific Northwest. Woodburn to Host King of the Coast ClashThe NHRA Northwest Division, Woodburn Dragstrip, and the Pro Sportsman Motorcycle racers of Divisions 6 and 7 have announced the first King of the Coast Clash motorcycle race, to be held July 10 during the Federal-Mogul Series event at Woodburn. This unique event will showcase the top eight riders in points from both divisions seeded on a tournament-style ladder to determine who is the best motorcycle drag racer on the West Coast. ³There has been a long-burning rivalry between the two divisions for many, many years,² said Woodburn Dragstrip operator Jay Livingston. ³The Pro Sportsman Motorcycle racers decided to add some fuel to the flames, and weıre giving them the track where they can settle the argument once and for all or at least for a year.² The top eight riders in Northwest Division points following the Seattle International Raceway Federal-Mogul event will represent the Northwest Division. The top eight in Pacific Division points will be determined following the event at Rocky Mountain Raceways in Salt Lake City. The first two rounds of the Clash will be held in conjunction with motorcycle qualifying Saturday, July 10; the semifinals and final will be run in conjunction with the final qualifying session of Federal-Mogul Dragster and Federal-Mogul Funny Car later that evening. The event currently is funded only by racer donations. Mike and Ramona Scott of Motorsports Unlimited have posted $500 toward the purse goal of $2,500, and Division 6 racer Greg Coen of Greg Coen Motor Company- American Motorcycle Specialist will sponsor a six-foot trophy for the champion. The Livingston Family of Woodburn Dragstrip will provide a championıs jacket, and many other racers are contributing parts, products, and special awards. Racers will also compete for a $100 top qualifier bonus posted by Motorsports Unlimited, cash bonuses from Mickey Thompson Racing Tires dealer Brian Hudson, and product bonus awards from George and Jackie Bryce of Star Racing at each Northwest Division Federal-Mogul Drag Racing Series event. If the race-within-a-race concept is successful, similar programs may be adopted for other Federal-Mogul Sportsman categories at selected Northwest Division Federal-Mogul Drag Racing Series host tracks in 2000. In addition to competing in the Clash, the top eight Pro Sportsman Motorcycle
riders will make exhibition runs at the Prolong Super Lubricants Northwest
Nationals presented by Alıs Auto Supply July 30-Aug. 1. Northwest Nationals Entry Deadline Fast Approachingline Fast Approaching Racers are reminded that the entry deadline for the Prolong Super Lubricants Northwest Nationals presented by Alıs Auto Supply is June 28. All entries must be postmarked by that date. The final opportunity to earn national-event grade points for the Northwest
Nationals will be the Seattle Federal-Mogul Drag Racing Series event June
25-27. Entry forms will be available at the event, or you may call the
Northwest Division office, (360) 698-3828, or the NHRA Competition Department,
(626) 914-4761. Seattle FMDRS: Area AttractionsSeattle International Raceway offers visitors a world-class racing facility centrally located within minutes of hotels, restaurants, and a wide variety of recreational, cultural, and shopping opportunities. Located near SIR and many other attractions is the trackıs official hotel, the Hilton Garden Inn Seattle/Renton. The Hilton is a perfect place to relax, as it blends the latest technological amenities and comfortable furnishings. The hotel features a restaurant, lounge, indoor pool, whirlpool, fitness room, and 24-hour business center. For reservations, call the Hilton Garden Inn Seattle/Renton, (425) 430-1414, or 800-HILTONS. Mention that you are attending the event at SIR. Local restaurants to check out include B.B. McGrawıs Restaurant and Sports Bar in Auburn, (253) 804-5588. Itıs the home of the annual kick-off party for the Prolong Super Lubricants Northwest Nationals presented by Alıs Auto Supply and features 67 TVs, 24 imported and micro brews on tap, and a huge menu. H.D. Hotspurs, (253) 854-5653, features a barbecue menu and is located just seven miles from the track in Kent. The Longhorn Barbecue, (253) 804-9600, is located just off of Highway 18 and caters to large groups. And if you really want a fine-dining experience, check out Saltyıs at Redondo, (253)946-0636, home of the Northwestıs finest seafood. Once youıve filled up and found a place to sleep, check out the Grand Prix Indoor Karting Center in Fife, (253) 922-7722. You know the place is good if they make you sign a release, put on a helmet, and wear a firesuit. For information and a complete list of area hotels, call Seattle International
Raceway, (253) 631-1550. Edmonton to Kick Off National Open SeriesThe 1999 NHRA Canadian National Open Championship Series will kick off at Labatt Raceway in Edmonton, Alta., on Friday and Saturday, July 3-4 (see ad insert in this issue). The JBıs PowerCentre NHRA Canadian National Open will be the first of four events in this Northwest Division original series to be contested this summer. The event marks the return of Labatt to the NHRA special event schedule after a two-year absence. Since the last Canadian National Open in the capital city, the track has undergone an ownership change, multiple improvements, and an industry first naming rights sponsorship program with Labatt Brewery. For more information about the National Open and drag racing
in Edmonton, call race director and longtime Division 6 friend
Dianne Thompson, (403) 461-5801. Division 7 Gets New Director, Tech DirectorBrian Stickel of Ackworth, Iowa, has taken over the Pacific Division directorship left vacant by Glen Cromwell, who moved to the position of director of national event marketing. Stickel, pictured, comes from an event-production background that included organizing bicycle racing events for the ı96 Olympics in Atlanta. He organized the New England Mountain Bike Championships in Vermont and served as competition director and managing director of the National Off-Road Bicycle Association. Stickel also has served as executive director of the Des Moines Sports Authority and most recently ran his own sports event services consulting business. He and his wife have two children and will be relocating to Southern California. Longtime Division 7 Certification Team member Chris Forsyth has been named tech director for the Pacific Division. In addition to his role in Division 7, Forsyth will work closely with Division 6 Tech Director Jerry Valentine at many events in the Northwest. We congratulate Stickel and Forsyth on their new roles and
wish them the best of luck. Barnhart Becomes First Top Comp WinnerItıs hard to believe that a class would debut with a full field, but at Firebird Racewayıs Auto Parts ıNı Stuff Ignitor April 16-19, Top Comp exceeded all expectations and produced a full field of 32 race cars. Three weeks later at the Lordco B.C. Nationals, 36 cars took a shot at the 32-car field. For the record books, Mark Barnhart became NHRAıs first Top Comp winner when he took the victory at Firebird Raceway in his dragster. Dennis Fuller became the first driver of a full-bodied car to find victory lane when he blew away the competition at Mission to keep the dragsters-versus-doorslammers battle tied at one each. Tacoma-based Turbo Technologies posted $200 for the Top Comp
top qualifier at Mission and will continue to do so at selected
Federal-Mogul Series events. Morris Printing New Division SupporterIf youıve participated in any Northwest Division events this season, you may have noticed that the extremely valuable run cards are now sponsored by your fellow racers Phil and Dee at Morris Motor Sports Printing. Check out the advertisement on the back of the card for their complete list of trading cards, autograph cards, calendars, posters, and more. If you canıt wait and need professional printing, call them at (360) 568-1709 or visit their Web site, www.morrismotorsports.com.
Check Out the Photo Journals at horsepowerheaven.comOne of the early highlights of the 1999 racing season has been the photo journals of longtime drag racing photographer and web site king Larry Pfister at www.horsepowerheaven.com. At each NHRA Northwest Division Federal-Mogul Drag Racing Series event, Pfister goes behind the scenes to get photos youıll never see anywhere else. Along with the incredible photography, Pfister adds captions and his daily journal to really make things interesting. Pfister, who now attends nearly every event, also produces custom team videos to use in sponsor presentations or as an archive for down the road. For more information or to take another look at the races, visit horsepowerheaven.com or call 604-530-7008 between 7:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. 1999 NHRA Federal-Mogul Allstars Representatives ChosenThe points chase came down to the final round of eliminations at Mission Raceway Park, and Division 6 now has determined all but one member of its 1999 Federal-Mogul Allstars team. The 1999 Federal-Mogul Allstars event will be held Saturday, June 12, during the Pontiac Excitement Nationals presented by Summit Racing at National Trail Raceway in Columbus, Ohio. Federal-Mogul Allstars representatives compete for a huge purse, recognition in many national publications, a limited-edition trading card, and bonus awards from series sponsor Federal-Mogul. In addition to the individual awards, the winning division representatives share a $20,000 bonus. The 1999 team appears to be the best assembled since the 1988 team took a victory with only six of eight available representatives. At press time the Northwest Division had seven of the eight positions filled, with only Federal-Mogul Dragster still to be determined. Your 1999 Allstars are: Federal-Mogul Funny Car Pat Austin Tacoma, Wash. (multiple winner of this event) Comp Eliminator Rob Robinson Portland, Ore. Super Stock Mark Faul Tacoma, Wash. Stock Cal Method Kennewick, Wash. Super Comp Terry Giese Milwaukie, Ore. Super Gas Mike Henderson Tacoma, Wash. Super Street Jason Heard Vancouver, Wash. (1998 Allstars champion) We thank everyone for participating in the 1999 Federal-Mogul Allstars points chase. 1999 NHRA Northwest Division Certification Team1999 NHRA Northwest Division Certification Team Itıs not often that we can get the entire gang together for a photo, but we gave it a shot at the Boise Federal-Mogul Drag Racing Series event. With about 90 percent of the crew on hand and everyone decked out in their formal attire, we struck a pose next to our GMC Safety Safari truck and smiled for photographer and team member Larry Pfister. Pictured are (front row from left) Tara Darough, Jonathan McMurray,
Dave Dowhaniuk, Assistant Tech Director Dave Schaffel, Steve Wong,
Mike Rice, Louie Murray, and Assistant Event Director Wyatt McMurray,
Team members not on hand were Steve Denbo, Mike Meyer, Virginia Bushmaker, Warren Bingham, Bill McKenzie, Brian Arnott, Willie Skillings, and Hall of Fame starter Ray Rice. Important Northwest Division Office NoticeDue to our travels to the 1999 Pontiac Excitement Nationals presented by Summit Racing and annual track inspections, you may have difficulty contacting the Northwest Division office June 8-22. During this period we will check our messages and return calls daily, but you may wish to contact NHRA headquarters if you have licensing or event entry questions that require immediate attention. Direct all licensing and permanent number questions to Nina Kenyon in the NHRA National Field Office, (626) 914-4761, ext. 270. She handles all Division 6 licenses, medical applications, and permanent number processing and can handle any urgent situation that may arise. If you need assistance with an event entry and will not be attending the Seattle FMDRS, call the NHRA Competition Department in Glendora, (626) 914-4761, ext. 268 or 258. |
All images and stories on this website are Copyright Larry Pfister © 1999. Any reproduction of images and/or stories in any form without the expressed permission of Larry Pfister is strictly prohibited. All rights reserved. Some images are copyright property of others and are posted on www.horsepowerheaven.com with permission of the copyright holders. If any copyright images or words are posted to this site in error, please inform the webmaster via email and they will be removed immediately.
