VOLUME XIX,  NUMBER 11 - NOVEMBER  2017

Tanner Gray named 2017 NHRA Rookie of the Year

As expected, Tanner Gray was awarded the 2017 Auto Club of Southern California Road to the Future Award at the NHRA banquet Monday evening, Nov. 13, at the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland. The award comes with a $20,000 prize.

 

Tanner is the 19-year-old son of racer Shane Gray and the grandson of Johnny Gray. In his first season in Pro Stock Gray had five wins and two runner-up finishes and finished No. 4 in the points.

 

“It’s feels good to win the award,” Gray said. “Our season could have always been better, but I am really proud of what my team has accomplished. For someone who has never drag raced, I was able to come out here and win with the hard work, dedication and effort from my entire team. They definitely made the learning curve easier and not as steep as it could have been. I owe this award to them.”  (DRO file photo)  [11/14/17]

Torrence has ‘disheartening’ end after season of domination

After dominating all season long at the wheel of the Capco Contractors Top Fuel dragster, Steve Torrence had to settle for “almost” one more time.

 

“It’s very disheartening. You win nine races (eight tour events and the Traxxas Nitro Shootout) and can’t close the deal,” said Torrence. “I’m not a real big fan of NHRA’s welfare points system but it is what it is.

 

“I want to congratulate Brittany, A.J. (Alan Johnson), John Force and that whole Monster team. They just played the Countdown game better than the rest of us (going to the finals five times in six races).

 

See all the pro results at here.  (Ron Lewis photo)  [11/14/17]

Chevrolet wins NHRA Manufacturers Cup

In what can be a surprise to no one, Chevrolet won the NHRA Manufacturers Cup for a record-extending 22nd time. Chevy first earned the award in 1966, and no other manufacturer has won it more times.

 

The Manufacturers Cup is awarded to the automobile manufacturer whose current-year models earn the most points for qualifying and category victories at NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series national and Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series regional and divisional events. Points are awarded to entries in Funny Car, Pro Stock, Super Stock and Stock Eliminator classes.

 

Points accumulated by Chevrolet Camaro SS and Chevrolet COPO Camaro drivers in the professional and Sportsman classes were more than double the closest manufacturer’s total. [11/14/17]

Fun in the (Not So Much) Sun

The sun was playing hide-and-seek with the racers at Florida’s Bradenton Motorsports Park for the fourth edition of the Fun in The Sun bracket series sponsored by Strange Engineering.

Gary Williams

 

After a crash on Friday, Nov. 10, with 10 cars left the first race was completed on Saturday when Gary Williams’ dragster got the win by only .002-second over the Vega of David Guerra.

Saturday race winner was Troy Williams Jr. over Amy Crosby (broke).  (John DiBartolomeo photos)

 

After the second race of the day, rain came again, causing a halt in the program. Unfortunately, after overnight rain, the track was not in condition to hold any more racing, and with more rain in the forecast, officials made the decision to cancel the entire event. The money was split between the remaining competitors.

 

“It was an unfortunate situation and a very tough one to decide, but in all fairness to the racers, it was only the right thing to do,” said co-promoter Scott Richardson. “I’d like to thank everyone for coming and their patience, and I hope to see all next year.”  [11/14/17]

Densham ‘ponies’ up

The Agent was happy to see veteran Gary Densham qualify in the No. 10 spot at the Pomona Finals. Densham’s Mustang body was damaged after a blower got loose and there was a small fire as he crossed the line with a 3.993 at 320.66 mph in Q3.

 

Densham’s team did not return for Q4 and, unfortunately, they could not make the call for Sunday’s first round match with Matt Hagan. Oh, the joys of being a low-budget team! Maybe Ford could be of help next season?  (Ron Lewis photo)  [11/14/17]

New Product of the Day

 

FAST XDi Race Cam Sync Distributor

The FAST XDi Race Cam Sync Distributor is any easy solution for those looking to provide an accurate cam sync signal to their aftermarket fuel injection system. Designed for applications that typically use a crank trigger, this distributor enables proper functioning of sequential fuel injection, individual cylinder spark timing and fuel injector phasing — a must for maximum power and efficiency. Testing has shown the Hall-effect style optical pickup maintains a steady +/- 1⁄2-degree trigger signal, unlike competitors’ inductive style pickups prone to signal drift at high RPM. Ideal for drag racing, high-end street and marine applications, the new FAST XDi Race Cam Sync Distributor is constructed with a billet housing, precision ground stainless shaft and premium bearings. Hand-assembled parts also maintain consistent shaft end play, eliminating another source of triggering fluctuation. Each distributor comes with a precision machined bronze gear and must be used with a crank trigger and external ignition box.   [11/14/17]

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