For the first time in 10 years, Carlisle Events is expanding within the Keystone State, adding the Bloomsburg Nationals powered by Carlisle Events to its schedule. The event, formerly known as the Bloomsburg Annual Rod and Custom Cruise-In, will take place Friday through Sunday, August 10-12 at the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania. The fairgrounds, located at 620 West Third St. in Bloomsburg – Columbia County, less than five miles from exit 232 and Interstate 80 is comprised of 227 acres of land. On-site amenities include 24-hour security, camping, exhibit buildings and in 2011, saw nearly 7,500 attendees come to town for the event.

Thanks to: www.popularhotrodding.com
http://www.popularhotrodding.com/hotnews/1204phr_carlisle_events_add_august_event_bloomsburg_pennsylvania/index.html#ixzz1v9oJ8IIR

                          

Featuring Aeromotive’s popular 340 lph Stealth Fuel Pump, this is the perfect fuel cell for your big horsepower needs. The internal pump is extremely quiet with an OEM style configuration capable of supporting 700+hp. Additionally, the fuel cell provides several performance advantages, such as cool operation, even in harsh driving conditions, achieved through always having the pump submerged with innovative baffling, and space savings.

The ease of installation for the fuel cell is also unbeatable with no pre-pump plumbing necessary. All you have to do is strap in the cell, hook up your wires and lines and be ready to drive; no welding or drilling required. Featuring a natural aluminum finish, this fuel cell will look good in any vehicle.

A bit more budget-friendly than Aeromotive’s A1000 and Eliminator fuel cells, the 340 Stealth Fuel Cell will save you space, time and money on your build project. And don’t forget, you can choose from 6-gallon, 15-gallon and 20-gallon cells to equip any application with the proper amount of fuel.

For more information about applications and retailers for Aeromotive’s 340 Stealth Fuel Cells, visit Aeromotive’s website.

By: Lindsey Fisher
Thanks to: www.dragzine.com
http://www.dragzine.com/news/aeromotive-offers-new-budget-friendly-340-stealth-fuel-cells/

                          

We are now over halfway through the month of May in the 2012 racing season.  Most of the country has been racing for over two months, and some of us are deep into our fifth month of motorsports action.  It seems like just yesterday that it was early February, and many of us were in Florida opening the 2012 season with the annual pilgrimage to the South known as Speedweeks. As we tried to enjoy the Florida sunshine and warmth, or should I say lack thereof during this year’s edition of the multi-week event, we all found ourselves plagued for the second straight year with a repetitive forecast of doom and gloom for our economy and the future of racing.  Some of the popular topics included crude prices that would top $150 a barrel by May, dwindling car counts, dwindling fan counts and widespread track closures.  I thought the month of May then would be a good time to evaluate what has and hasn’t happened regarding these predictions.

Oil prices play a significant role in the state of the motorsports industry.

At the forefront of concerns for this season was the likelihood of a rapidly accelerating crude oil price index.  I’ll be honest and admit that I am an avid watcher of Bloomberg.com on a daily basis to monitor the spikes and declines of crude oil futures.  I will not deny that this single commodity has as big an impact on our sport as anything, and mere speculation by individuals, who couldn’t possibly be any further detached from our sport, can deal a devastating blow.  After all, if crude prices go through the roof, then already expensive racing fuels see a price increase, prices go up for fuel for haulers, prices go up for track prep equipment and prices go up for gasoline for spectators’ vehicles.  The end result is a decline in overall participation, by both racers and fans, because it plain and simple just costs too much to go to the track.  However, as of May 16^th, 2012, crude prices are actually the lowest that they’ve been in over six months as they currently dip below $93 a barrel.  One year ago this week the prices were over $100 a barrel.  As a result, one can mark down the $150 a barrel theory as a false fear for at least the foreseeable future.

As a side note to the impact of fuel prices on racing, I find it interesting that although fuel prices spiked to the highest they had been in several months during Florida Speedweeks, fan and car counts were actually up at most of the events. This occurred even as gas prices surpassed $4 a gallon and diesel prices approached $4.50 a gallon in some areas of Florida.  Despite what one would expect, it seemed that fans and racers didn’t really bat an eye at the increased costs.

Now let’s move on to the subject of the predicted dwindling car counts for this season. While some weekly tracks have continued to struggle, other tracks have boasted near record car counts for weekly shows. Some impressive numbers seen so far this season include 166 cars for a recent weekly event at Hilltop Speedway (Millersburg, Ohio), and Stateline Speedway (Busti, New York) drew a great field of 158 entries for a weekly show. While I wish I could say that all tracks have been seeing these kinds of car counts for their weekly shows, obviously that isn’t so.  I have talked with several promoters though who have indicated that their weekly fan counts have been on the increase, and that there has been a noticeable gain in new competitors. While the survival of the weekly show is far from being out of the woods, I do honestly believe that there is hope. With smart promotion, sensible operation and a reasonable economy to show support, I think that many of these tracks can claw their way out of the red into the land of profitability once again.

A great crowd watched Billy Moyer win the COMP Cams Super Dirt Series race at I-30 Speedway in March

While weekly shows are still a crapshoot, regional and special events are really shining in 2012 thus far. Tracey Clay, promoter at I-30 Speedway in Little Rock, AR, recently reported a record crowd for a Late Model event during the $2,000-to-win COMP Cams Super Dirt Series race at her historic 1/4 mile oval.  The Lucas Oil American Sprint Car Series has also reported several record crowds at events that they have sanctioned in 2012.  On the national Dirt Late Model front, the prominent nationwide tours have also been filling facilities to the rafters.  Jackson Motor Speedway (Byram, Mississippi) was jam packed for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series in late March, while on the same weekend the World of Outlaws Late Model Dirt Series drew a near-record crowd to Farmer City Speedway (Farmer City, Illinois).

Not only are the crowds on the increase at these special events, but so far this year their car counts have been through the roof as well.  In addition to the mainstays at these high profile shows, there has been the emergence of several new drivers in many divisions. In addition, we have seen the return of some teams that decided to take a hiatus when the economy turned downward a few years ago.  Even more interestingly, it seems that an increasing number of teams who have stayed local over the past several years are venturing out to more regional and national events within reasonable distance of their home bases.  It’s made for some really interesting and fun fields at several races across the country thus far this season.

We clearly live in a turbulent world with a turbulent economy, and it’s no secret that it doesn’t take much to turn things for the worst in the blink of an eye. However, the reality is that so far this year things have only improved, and it’s been reflected in the success of the racing business. The first half of the 2012 season, from my vantage point at least, has been nothing short of spectacular, and we can only hope that the second half will be even better.

Main image thanks to: www.autocityspeedway.com

Other images thanks to: www.cnbc.com (Oil Field) and DirtonDirt.com (Billy Moyer)

                          

We’ve all heard the non-stop reminders and clichés, if you will, that tell us to always keep safety as priority number one when it comes to racing. Sometimes I fear that we all hear it so much that we become numb to just how important the message really is. Most of us take it for granted until we get a harsh reminder of just how relevant the topic is to all of us in the motorsports industry.

I personally was recently reminded of just how important safety equipment can be in the racing world. I was at my home track, Riverside International Speedway (West Memphis, Arkansas), on April 28^th for the 3^rd Annual Rock and Roll 50. A great field of 45 Sprint Cars had filled the pit area at the legendary oval, and an equally packed grandstand full of fans was on hand to catch all of the action. I was there announcing what had just been a great show from top to bottom. While there had been the typical thrills and chills from accidents that you expect at a quarter-mile bullring, nothing all that out of the ordinary had transpired during heat race and B-Main action. However, on lap 44 of the 50 lap finale, everything came to a screeching halt as a competitor’s car erupted into flames on the backstretch, and safety equipment instantly became the difference in life and death.

Gary Wright's car engulfed in flames at Riverside International Speedway

As a pair of young drivers, Seth Bergman and Brad Loyet, waged war for the lead late in the race, great battles raged all over the track. However, National Sprint Car Hall of Fame competitor Gary Wright was seeing his chances at a top ten finish evaporate as mechanical woes caused him to slow while he traveled down the backstretch towards turn three. As he slowed he received hard contact from a fellow competitor, who had nowhere to go on the tight oval. The ensuing collision ruptured the fuel tank on Wright’s entry, and in a split second his car was engulfed in a raging methanol fire.

Whilethe fans in the stands gasped at the accident, I sat there with the microphone in my hand not sure what to say next. In my mind this just couldn’t be happening. Accidents like this never seemed to happen to the legends. As the car erupted into flames, Wright immediately began flailing inside the cockpit to free himself from his harnesses. Although it took less than ten seconds for him to get out of the car, for myself and the onlookers it seemed like hours, and for Wright I’m sure it seemed like an eternity as he sat in a raging inferno.  Unbeknownst to everyone in attendance, Wright was also having a hard time exiting his car due to harnesses that were jammed from the impact. Finally, and thankfully, he was able to work himself free and he fled from his burning car. After a few seconds spent rolling on the ground to ensure that he was no longer on fire, the Texas driver emerged with only minimal injuries.

Gary Wright has had a long and storied career in Sprint Car racing that includes multiple national championships, track championships and countless feature wins. Yet, due to his years of experience, perhaps his biggest achievement has been his understanding the value of top-notch safety equipment, and never compromising on surrounding himself with anything less than the best. If not for the best firesuit, glove and helmet on the market, one shivers to think how the incident might have ended for Wright that night.

I know that my role in motorsports involves me operating on the opposite side of the fence from the warriors who compete on the track every weekend for our entertainment. However, even though I know they get tired of hearing it, I always preach the value of not cutting corners on safety apparel and devices. More than one driver has told me that he’ll upgrade his stuff down the road, but he just can’t afford it right now. My opinion is that if you can’t afford the best safety protection available then you shouldn’t be out there. Other drivers who choose not to wear gloves tell me that they don’t wear them because they can’t feel the handle of the car as well. I always remind them of a Memphis area racer who lost fingers on both hands after an oil fire severely burned his bare hands. It only takes one accident to create a lifetime of regrets, or even worse, grief from a family left behind.

The Hans Device has been a major factor in keeping drivers safe and saving lives

While I’m far from an expert on safety apparel and devices, I’m always interested to learn more, and it seems like every time I lend an ear I find out something else that I didn’t know. For instance, firesuits, harnesses and helmets have a limited shelf life. I guess in my mind I figured that you could buy one of these and be safe for life. The reality though is that washing, drying and overall wear on suits can take its toll. Helmets are not immune either, as they lose their integrity over time and need regular replacement.  Depending on your make and model you can expect varying results and maintenance requirements for your safety devices. Always consult your suppliers so that you know what to do, what not to do and how often to plan on replacing your safety equipment. Organizations such as the World Karting Association (WKA) have gone as far as to require all competitors to have their safety apparel and helmets inspected prior to each event. If any competitor’s equipment doesn’t meet the safety specifications and required dating then they will not be allowed to race.

Preparation by tracks is another vital factor in protecting racers and fans. Whether it’s adequate catch fences, properly trained staff or even something as simple as the proper fire extinguishers (different types of fuels require different types of extinguishers to be most effective), tracks must be prepared for the worst at all times. Obviously track owners hope they never have to encounter one of these situations, but they have to be prepared at all times in the event that they do.

Thankfully, fires, freak accidents and other related incidents happen few and far between in our sport. But as Gary Wright’s accident proved on the night of April 28^th, they can happen to anyone, anywhere and at any time. Without the proper protection any racer could be seconds away from a fatal accident. Don’t let that racer be you.

Main image thanks to: blogs.courant.com

Other images thanks to  Jones Sports Media (Gary Wright car) and www.circletrack.com (Hans device)

                          

Is this the 2015 Ford Mustang? According to some Ford insiders it is pretty dang close. The near complete redesign is probably going to be released during the Ford Mustang’s 50 year anniversary party in 2014. Some commenters from blogs.insideline.com are angry with the “European redesign” saying things like:

lt1boy said: “Looks like an Aston Martin front end. Good looking car, but I’m not a fan of it, to be honest. A Mustang should look like a Mustang. American cars should be bold and American – they shouldn’t try to appeal to Europeans. We already have enough German cars to do that.” and carpaul1 added: “This is NOT a Mustang. It can be a Honda Accord Coupe, or Hyundai Genesis coupe, even a Ford Proble. It doesn’t have the classic beauty of a Mustang, or the size. Sell this next to current Mustang, and it will have the same fate as the Probe. A Mustang needs to be a bit more upright with ease of entry and American style. Damn the Euro chic, this is NOT a Mustang

Other commenters seem to be very happy with the redesign:

“Looks pretty good. Finally let the retro thing die.” is what gtrguy2012 had to say. cygnus_x1 added: “Wow, that’s a nice looking car. I hope they build it exactly like that.”
Courtesy of Edmonds Inside Line

The biggest change that they are bringing to the new Mustang is that for the first time they will be ditching the solid rear axle for an independent rear suspension. This is also anther obvious play to make the Mustang more desirable to Europeans. The weight that they will lose from the deletion of the axle will result in better gas mileage and better performance.

Ford has a huge presence in Europe right now but with the number of vehicles sold falling 7.3 percent from January through March, to 325,400. Ford needs to find a way to attract more customers to an otherwise ignored car. They must also figure that Ford has enough brand loyalty in the United States with the Mustang that they can get away with such a dramatic redesign.

By: Richard Stalker
Thanks to: www.webpronews.com
http://www.webpronews.com/ford-mustangs-new-design-turning-heads-2012-05

                          

George Cooley, middle, of Stupid Fast Racing

The American Drag Racing League’s (ADRL) popular online radio show, “ADRL Drag Racing Live” is back and with a new sponsor.

The world’s premier eighth-mile drag racing league is pleased to announce that Stupid Fast Racing is now the official sponsor of “ADRL Drag Racing Live.”

The newest season of the show will debut on Tuesday, May 8 at 9 p.m. EST, just days after the ADRL’s Northeast Drags II presented by Penske at Maple Grove Raceway.

“ADRL Drag Racing Live” presented by Stupid Fast Racing will then air every Tuesday in the same timeslot.

Created in 2011, Stupid Fast Racing is an innovative and premium apparel company, offering high-quality designs and eye-catching, bold racing apparel.

“We’re very excited to be the sponsor of the show and we’re honored to be part of the ADRL,” Stupid Fast Racing co-owner George Cooley said. “It’s such an informative show and it’s great for the public to hear from the racers.
“The ADRL is such a different format and for fans to be in touch with the drivers and know what they’re doing, it’s a great thing. All of the drivers – from Frankie Taylor to Todd Tutterow to Mike Castellana – they all take the time to do the show, which is exciting as well.”

Cooley and his business partner, Jeff Sommers, have been involved in the drag racing world for decades, and introduced the Stupid Fast Racing brand late in the 2011 racing season.

Even with just one design, it was an immediate hit at the final three ADRL races. With more than five cutting-edge designs for 2012, the brand has already proven to be popular in the drag racing community.

Providing outside-the-box designs, the premium brand has been a hit at each of the first two ADRL events. Stupid Fast Racing was at Maple Grove Raceway this weekend and will be at all remaining 2012 ADRL Tour events.

“We’ve got a great artist and a lot of good people behind us,” Cooley said. “We’re presenting something that is fresh and new and I think people will like that. We’re headed in the right direction and I think the attention and feedback we have received is very encouraging. Everyone here is extremely excited about our product line.”

Featuring all the top ADRL competitors and personalities as the only weekly show that is 100 percent devoted to the ADRL, “ADRL Drag Racing Live” is a quick-paced and informative online program.

The entertaining 60-minute broadcast of “ADRL Drag Racing Live” presented by Stupid Fast Racing will air live on the ADRL website, www.ADRL.us and also on www.blogtalkradio.com/adrldragracinglive. Every archived show is available on-demand for free on the ADRL website as well.

“ADRL Drag Racing Live” is hosted by ADRL Television personality Bret Kepner and ADRL Director of Media and Communications Josh Hachat.

The first show will take a look back at the ADRL Northeast Drags II presented by Penske, which takes place Friday and Saturday at Maple Grove Raceway.

“We are thrilled to have ‘ADRL Drag Racing Live’ returning for a second season and just as excited to have Stupid Fast Racing as the sponsor for the show,” ADRL Executive Vice President Jeff Fortune said. “They are a great new brand and their support will make for an outstanding new season for the broadcast.”

For more information on Stupid Fast Racing, visit www.reallystupidfast.com or visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pages/Stupid-Fast-Racing/304188866299701.

(Photo by ADRL/Richards)

Thanks to www.adrl.us
http://www.adrl.us/2012/05/adrl-drag-racing-live-is-back-for-second-season-premieres-tuesday-9-p-m-est/

                          

Today Eldora Speedway announced that they will be restructuring not only the format but also giving more money to the drivers!

Here are the changes to the 2012 dream:

• posted awards of nearly $210,000
• Time trial runs will now lock just 60 entrants into Saturday’s traditional 15-lap heat races,
• 20-car Saturday line-ups to be determined by the results of the newly designed Friday night qualifying features.
• Each qualifying feature will pay $1,000-to-win and will carry full United Midwestern Promoters (UMP) DIRTcar points.
• Top three drivers will advance into the Dirt Late Model Dream presented by Ferris Commercial Mowers from each of the Saturday heats.
• Finishers 4-6 will go into the B-Feature, while heat race finishers 7-10 will be lined up into the C-Feature.
• The top-six finishers in the C-main will have earned starting slots into the B-Feature, and retire to the pit area to prep.  Cars not making that cut will remain on the racing surface and run a five-lap scramble for $1,000-to-win and full UMP DIRTcar points.
• That same concept will hold true for the B-Feature which serves as the final opportunity for six drivers to to earn a spot in the Dream line-up before another five-lap scramble also paying $1,000-to-win and full UMP DIRTcar points.

Read the official release below for more information.

Official release from Eldora Speedway:

ROSSBURG, Ohio (April 25) — Eldora Speedway officials announced today a restructured race format and increase in prize money for the $100,000-to-win Dirt Late Model Dream presented by Ferris Commercial Mowers on Friday and Saturday, June 8 and 9.

With the support of the Briggs & Stratton Power Products Group and its Ferris brand, the commercial mower industry leader, comes a new level of excitement for the marquee event; including posted awards of nearly $210,000 and an exciting enhancement to the already competitive race format.

At $100,000-to-win, the 18th annual event still remains the richest payday of the year and a lofty goal for dirt Late Model racers nationwide.  Now, through the Ferris partnership, over one-half of the starting field in the 100-lap main event will see an increase in prize money, including a hefty $1,750 for 24th position.

However, while the longtime Eldora staple of Friday night time trials, the Saturday 100-lap chase and the $100,000 paycheck remain constant, the pursuit towards that rewarding payday will take on a decidedly different look in 2012.

Friday night’s  time trial runs will now lock just 60 entrants into Saturday’s traditional 15-lap heat races, with the balance of those 20-car line-ups to be determined by the results of the newly designed Friday night qualifying features.

Each qualifying feature will pay $1,000-to-win and will carry full United Midwestern Promoters (UMP) DIRTcar points; one of the many opportunities throughout the weekend that entered drivers will be able to add tallies towards their 2012 UMP DIRTcar cumulative points chase.

The excitement and drama carries over to Saturday’s time honored heat races, with inversion of the heats to be determined via the fan favorite ‘Wheel of Misfortune’ by Friday’s quickest driver.

Three drivers will advance into the Dirt Late Model Dream presented by Ferris Commercial Mowers from each of the heats.  Finishers 4-6 will go into the B-Feature, while heat race finishers 7-10 will be lined up into the C-Feature, with both events having advancing rights, increased purses plus yet another new innovation.

At the end of the advertised distance for the C-Feature, the top-six finishers will have earned starting slots into the B-Feature and retire to the pit area to prep.  Cars not making that cut will remain on the racing surface and run a five-lap scramble for $1,000-to-win and full UMP DIRTcar points.   That same concept will hold true for the B-Feature which serves as the final opportunity for six drivers to to earn a spot in the Dream line-up before another five-lap scramble also paying $1,000-to-win and full UMP DIRTcar points.

Tickets and campsites for the Dirt Late Model Dream presented by Ferris Commercial Mowers, the Feed The Children Prelude to the Dream two nights prior (June 6) and other Eldora Speedway events are available by calling the track office (937) 338-3815 or online 24 hours a day at www.EldoraSpeedway.com.

By: John Gibson
Thanks to: www.onedirt.com
http://www.onedirt.com/news/breaking-newseldora-announces-2012-dream-purse-increase-and-changes/