Sunday News and Notes from the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals
News and notes from the final day of eliminations at the 51st annual Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at historic Gainesville Raceway.
This is the first time the Gatornationals have been held in September but contrary to popular opinion, the event has not always been held in March. The inaugural Gatornationals in 1970 was held on Feb. 13-15, just two weeks after the traditional…
Ryan Oehler willing to go the extra mile (or 200) to ensure Gainesville success
For the first time in his career, Ryan Oehler is in contention for the Mello Yello Pro Stock Motorcycle championship and he’s determined to do everything possible to make that a reality. That mentality helps explain why Oeher and his crew would load their spare bike into the back of a pick up truck on Saturday night and make a 220 mile round trip drive to Orlando Speed World Dragway just to break in a couple of Mickey Thompson tires.
For the first time in his career, Ryan Oehler is in contention for the Mello Yello Pro Stock Motorcycle championship and he’s determined to do everything possible to make that a reality. That mentality helps explain why Oeher and his crew would load…
Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals Sunday Preview
Clay Millican, Matt Hagan, Deric Kramer, and Matt Smith qualified No. 1 on Saturday and will now try to finish the job by winning the 51st annual Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals.
Following a very active day of qualifying that featured a lot of shuffling and bumping among NHRA’s top four pro divisions, the stage is set for an epic finish to the 51st annual Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals. Following a six month delay due…
Clay Millican, Matt Hagan, Deric Kramer, and Matt Smith lead Gainesville qualifying
Six months later than anticipated, NHRA’s pro racers have returned to historic Gainesville Raceway to take care of unfinished business at the 51st annual Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals. Following Saturday’s two qualifying runs, Clay Millican, Matt Hagan, Deric Kramer, and Matt Smith have qualified in the top spot in their respective Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, and Pro Stock Motorcycle categories.
Six months later than anticipated, NHRA’s pro racers have returned to historic Gainesville Raceway to take care of unfinished business at the 51st annual Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals. Following Saturday’s two qualifying runs, Clay Millican,…
Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals Saturday Photo Gallery
Six months after the pandemic shutdown, NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing returned to Gainesville Raceway for the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals, and NHRA National Dragster photographer Jerry Foss was there to chronicle Saturday's action.
Factory Stock Showdown qualifying from the Gatornationals—See every Saturday run!
Watch Saturday's qualifying session of the SAMTech.edu NHRA Factory Stock Showdown at the 2020 Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals
A championship contender? Matt Hartford certainly believes he is
Following his runner-up finish at the Denso Spark Plugs NHRA U.S. Nationals, Matt Hartford feels he’s very much in the running for the 2020 Mello Yello Pro Stock world championship.
The math is daunting; 162 points in five races, but Matt Hartford still firmly believes he can win the 2020 Mello Yello Pro Stock championship. Hartford’s endless optimism is fueled in large part by his recent run to the final round of the Denso…
Gas vs electric Cobra Jet Mustangs at Gatornationals, testing Ford’s latest technology—See who won!
In 2020 Ford Performance is leveraging the NHRA’s quarter-mile laboratory to prove out what its high-performance vehicles [gas and electric] are capable of.
At the 2020 Denso Spark Plugs NHRA U.S. Nationals, Funny Car competitors (and old friends) Bob Tasca III and Tony Pedregon match raced electric and supercharged V8 Ford Mustang Cobra Jets. The all-electric Cobra Jet 1400 (which actually makes…
Stevens, Smith take victories at SRCA Dragstrip hosts Division 5 Lucas Oil race
James Stevens and Kyle Smith scored alcohol-class victories as the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series West Central Division was in action at SRCA Dragstrip.
The following are Sunday's final results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, West Central Division event at SRCA Dragstrip:
TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
James Stevens, Gothenburg, Neb., 5.355, 271.90 def. Aaron Cooper,…
Aragona Jr., Jewell, and Oakes lead Division 1 winners at Maple Grove Raceway
Frank Aragona Jr., Larry Jewell, and Shane Oakes were among those claiming Monday victories at the rain-delayed NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Northeast Division event at Maple Grove Raceway
The following are Monday's final results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, Northeast Division event at Maple Grove Raceway:
COMPETITION ELIMINATOR
Frank Aragona, Freehold, N.J., '19 Ken Keir, J/AA, 4.688, 146.73 …
Aragona, Worner, Kenny, Olt collect rain-delayed JEGS SPORTSnationals victories
Frank Aragona Jr,, Bryan Worner, Jason Kenny, and Walter Olt collected victories in the rain-delayed JEGS SPORTSnationals at New England Dragway, which were completed in conjunction with the Division 1 Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Maple Grove Raceway.
Four final rounds from the rain-delayed JEGS SPORTSnationals at New England Dragway were completed in conjunction with the Division 1 Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Maple Grove Raceway,.
Frank Aragona Jr, collected win No. 14 with his J/AA…
Thorne, Matusek bounce back quickly after Indy Pro Mod incidents
You can’t keep a good man down, especially if he happens to compete in the E3 Spark Plugs NHRA Pro Mod Series. That certainly applies to Steve Matusek and Kris Thorne, who are both racing this weekend in Gainesville less than three weeks after destroying race cars in separate crashes at the Denso Spark Plugs NHRA U.S. Nationals.
You can’t keep a good man down, especially if he happens to compete in the E3 Spark Plugs NHRA Pro Mod Series. That certainly applies to Steve Matusek and Kris Thorne, who are both racing this weekend in Gainesville less than three weeks after…
Nostalgia Pro Stock cars run at Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals—Watch'em now!
A pair of Southeast Nostalgia Pro Stock Series cars put on an exhibition at the 2020 Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals, and you can watch their Friday run, right here.
To catch all the action of the 2020 Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals, Sept. 25-27 in person you…
Factory Stock Showdown qualifying from the Gatornationals—See every Friday run!
Watch Friday's first qualifying session of the SAMTech.edu NHRA Factory Stock Showdown at the 2020 Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals
Bucher, Drew lead final winners as Division 3 Lucas Oil doubleheader wraps up
Mike Bucher and Ray Drew scored big wins to help wrap up the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series North Central Division doubleheader event at World Wide Technology Raceway.
The following are Saturday's final results for TAD and TAFC and final qualifying results for Sunday 's competition from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, North Central Division event at World Wide Technology Raceway:
TOP ALCOHOL…
Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals Saturday Preview
Six months after originally scheduled, the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals will take place at historic Gainesville Raceway with Mello Yello Drag Racing series champions crowned in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, and Pro Stock Motorcycle. Also on the docket is the E3 Pro Mod series, SAM Tech.edu Factory Stock Showdown, Mickey Thompson Top Fuel Harley series, and a full compliment of Lucas Oil Drag Racing series sportsman action.
The Gatornationals in September? For all the crazy and unpredictable things that have happened during the 2020 season, that surely tops the list. Then again, not much should surprise NHRA fans anymore. The reality is that we’ve got five events…
Eaton, Frantz, Wells lead winners at Beech Bend event conclusion
The NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series North Central Division completed the rain-delayed Beech Bend Raceway Park event from World Wide Technology Raceway.
The following are Thursday's final results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, North Central Division rain delayed Beech Bend Raceway Park event from World Wide Technology Raceway.
COMPETITION ELIMINATOR
David Eaton,…
Indy winners Beckman and Jackson talking momentum heading to Gainesville
Stevie "Fast" Jackson and "Fast Jack" Beckman joined Brian Lohnes on this episode of the NHRA Insider podcast. Both are fresh off Denso Spark Plugs NHRA U.S. Nationals wins and come into the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals with momentum on their side.
Stevie "Fast" Jackson and "Fast Jack" Beckman joined Brian Lohnes on this episode of the NHRA Insider podcast. Jackson and Beckman are fresh off Denso Spark Plugs NHRA U.S. Nationals wins and come into the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals…
Factory Stock racer Mark Pawuk on Ford vs. Dodge vs. Chevy, wheelstands, and racing in Gainesville
Mark Pawuk’s Drag Pak Dodge Challenger is second in points in the SAMTech.edu NHRA Factory Stock Showdown, and in this Skype interview with Brian Lohnes he explains how this isn’t the first time he’s tangled with the Stanfield family
To catch all the action of the 2020 Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals, Sept. 25-27 in person you can buy your…
When it comes to nitro clutch discs, it's all about matching their personalities
Accoridng to Amalie Top Fuel crew chief Rob Wendland, all clutch discs have personality. "Some are just angrier than others. Others just want to go along for the ride. Too many angry guys and you have a mob and all they want to do is smoke the tires." Getting them to work together is key.
National mortgage lender Guaranteed Rate sponsors Paul Richards Racing
Guaranteed Rate, one of the largest retail mortgage lenders in the United States, will be the primary partner on Dave Richards’ Ford Mustang for 51st annual Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals.
Paul Richards Racing has announced that Guaranteed Rate, one of the largest retail mortgage lenders in the United States, will be the primary partner on Dave Richards’ Ford Mustang for 51st annual Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals.
“…
Everything you always wanted to know about 'Snake' (but were afraid to ask)
NHRA Drag Racing legend Don Prudhomme's new book is a great book for “Snake” fans, especially those wanting to know as much about the man as his machines. It's packed with great photos and eye-opening personal background and racing anecdotes from his amazing career in the sport.
I’m not going to lie. I consider myself one of the foremost experts on the life and times of Don “the Snake” Prudhomme. It’s a depth of knowledge honed from years of fandom and work products — memorizing stats, cars, places, and things…
Pro Mod racer Steve Matusek on his Indy crash and the ProCharger car he’ll race at the Gatornationals
Forty-five minutes after his crash at the 2020 Denso Spark Plugs NHRA U.S. Nationals, Steve Matusek had a plan in place to drive a familiar car at the 2020 Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals. Hear the whole story in this Skype interview with Brian Lohnes.
Ron Capps, set to make move in Gainesville with a precision tune-up from Rahn Tobler
Though fifth in Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Funny Car points, Ron Capps is set to strike at the 2020 Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals because #EveryRoundCounts!
Capps says Rahn Tobler has an aggressive attitude coming into the Gatornationals, and they will have to stay on the throttle—literally— this weekend to succeed.
To catch all the action of the 2020 …
Nitro Time Machine: Don Prudhomme dominates 1980 Gatornationals action
Funny Car legend Don "the Snake" Prudhomme won the Gatornationals five times in his career, but none were as dominating as his performance in 1980, when he reset the Funny Car national record twice en route to victory.
To catch all the action of the 2020 Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals, Sept. 25-27 in person you…
Torrence, Coughlin step up to sit down for Darrell Gwynn Wheelchair Challenge
Former NHRA Top Fuel racer Darrell Gwynn, paralyzed in a racing accident 30 years ago, has created a Wheelchair Challenge to continue to advocate and raise money for programs for those in similar or worse situations. NHRA's Steve Torrence and Jeg Coughlin Jr, were among the first to step up to help.
Thirty years ago, NHRA Top Fuel legend Darrell Gwynn was injured in a racing accident in England and confined to a wheelchair. Since then he has worked tirelessly to advocate for those in similar or worse situations, including the annual Track Walk…
Tricky Tipster: Gainesville predictions, take two
As the NHRA tour moves to Gainesville Raceway for a second attempt at the Amalie Motor Oil Gatornationals, Tricky Tipster has chosen Steve Torrence (Top Fuel), Matt Hagan (Funny Car), Jeg Coughlin Jr. (Pro Stock), Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle), and Stevie Jackson (Pro Mod) as his pre-race favorites.
After four races at Lucas Oil Raceway Indianapolis, the NHRA Mello Yello tour takes a much-needed road trip to Gainesville Raceway for the resumption of the Amalie Motor Oil Gatornationals, an event previously scheduled for mid-March. When it comes…
Shirley Muldowney helmet collection headed to Garlits Museum of Drag Racing
More than three dozen of NHRA Top Fuel legend Shirley Muldowney's racing helmets are headed to Florida and the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing for permanent display.
For a driver, there’s no more personal piece of safety gear than a helmet. In addition to offering crucial head protection every time a driver cinches tight the straps before each pass, they’re also works of art and self-expression and very near and…
Nitro Time Machine: "Big Daddy" Don Garlits' historic 270-mph Gatornationals run
At the 1986 Gatornationals, "Big Daddy" Don Garlits debuted Swamp Rat XXX which featured a number of aerodynamic enhancements including unique front nose and a cockpit canopy. By the end of the weekend, he'd made history with the sport's first 270-mph run.
To catch all the action of the 2020 Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals, Sept. 25-27 in person you…
Rebuilding a nitro supercharger, Part 2
Superchargers produce the boost that allow today;s nitro-burning engines to produce 11,000 horsepower, but like every other part, they need servicing. Paul Lee Racin'g Donnie Bender walks us through the steps.