Drag News Magazine
300 W. Rocky St.
Athens, IL 62613
Phone#:
(217)636-8103
Fax#:
(217)636-8106


 

 

 



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dpo 4-23-08 - Drag News archives on dragphotosonline.com -
Twenty years of photos may take awhile to upload, but we're working on it. Check back often to www.dragphotosonline.com to look through 20 years of drag racing photos, now available for sale online. Todd Silvey has opened up his archives from the events he covered throughout the years and is slowly adding them to the site.
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st 4-23-08 - Few t-shirts still available -
A limited number of Drag News promotional shirts are still available. At this time, we have 17 XL, 23 L, and 4 medium promo shirts in stock, at $12.00 plus $3.00 shipping. Call (217) 636-8103 to order or send check or money order to 300 Rocky St., Athens IL 62613. When they're gone, they're gone!
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4-18-08 - Shop Drag News -
You can still purchase t-shirts and other items online by clicking on the Shop Drag News link, or here. Decals, t-shirts, and many unique racers products are available at our www.cc-flyer.com catalog site.

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3-18-08 - Back issues available -
If you missed any of the 240 issues of Drag News that were printed, or need an extra copy of one for your files, a limited number of back issues are available. Call (217) 636-8103 to order them. The first one is $5.00, any additional copies are $3.00 each, which includes postage and handling.

Please know which issue you want to order before you call.

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tandl 2-25-08 Drag News Magazine Acquired by Drag Illustrated -
As of the April 2008 issues, Drag Illustrated will acquire the readership of Drag News Magazine. After exactly 20 years of publication, Laurie and Todd Silvey will continue to concentrate on the racing industry with their successful marketing company, the GoFast Group, and will continue their racing event promotions and the World Drag Expo. "We have given Drag News twenty of the best years of our life and it has given us great and memorable years back for our efforts" said Laurie Silvey. "All of our Drag News readers will receive their current subscription obligation by Drag Illustrated, We think Drag News readers will enjoy what Drag Illustrated has to offer."

The February 1 2008 issue of Drag News was the last issue printed. All subscriptions ordered since January 26, 2008 have not been processed. Credit cards have not been charged and all checks that have been received have been destroyed and have not been cashed. All paypal orders that have been made since that date, will be refunded by March 1.

All Drag News readers will receive the completion of their subscription through Drag Illustrated beginning with their April 2008 issues, due to be printed on 3/26/08. Any questions, please contact Drag Illustrated at (800) 954-1320.

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doug 1/9/08 - Doug Doll to drive S&W car- Doug Doll Jr. has been chosen as the driver of the S&W Race Cars Super Comp dragster for 2008 and 2009.  Doll finished fourth in NHRA Division 1 points in 2007.  His plans are to compete at all NHRA Division 1 Lucas Oil division races and the Open Series as well as at selected NHRA and IHRA national events through 2009.  Doll will also continue to bracket race throughout the next years as well.
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bubba 1/10/08 - Bubba Stephenson sponsorship for 2008 - Bubba Stephenson is proud to announce a sponsorship agreement in which BracketNews.com as a main sponsor on his dragster. As a retired junior dragster competitor, the 19-year-old competitor from Bastrop, LA is quickly making a name for himself in big dollar bracket racing circles. "We're thrilled to have Bubba promoting BracketNews.com and our series" emphasized Gaylon Rolison. "Bubba is a young, hard-working, grounded guy that has a desire to succeed in sportsman drag racing and he is a great fit to help promote our annual Bracket Bash event. Bubba is also involved with a number of marketing partners like BTE Racing, Huntsville Engine & Performance, Construction Bolts of Monroe, and Bogacki Marketing Solutions.
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1/9/08 - Racer's News for 2008 and Win Prizes - Now is the time to "Get Ink" on your racing team news for the upcoming 2008 season. Drag News Magazine will begin its yearly series on Whats New for 2008 with the February 1, 2008 issue.  For the third year, Tuffpaw Products will award a medium door cabinet to one racer and a general purpose holder to a second contributor. In June 2008 all of the racers who contributed their team news will be placed in raffle for the prize.

Send in your information and photos of your new car, new sponsors, and notable updates on your current racing operation. Photos and news can be mailed to Drag News "dept new for 08" at 300 W. Rocky St., Athens, IL 62613 or e-mail news and digital photos to whatsnew@dragnews.com. Digital photos should be a minimum of 1000 pixels wide for paper print clarity.

You can also bring your racer news info to the Drag news display booth at the upcoming World Drag Expo. Make sure to bring it in an envelope and we will bring all of the racer submission back for the next issue of DN!

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1/8/08 - TORCO sponsorship "Interruption" - As of today, news had broken from a number of press releases that Torco Racing Fuels has immediately suspended sponsorship of select professional racing teams. Further research had reported that Torco Racing Fuels had announced a complete "interruption for the 2008 racing season" of sponsorship of all Evan Knoll owned and Torco Fuels sponsored race cars. Drag News also confirmed reports from sportsman teams that the cancellation of sponsorships extend from the high number of professional category racing teams to all sportsman sponsorships. One specific sportsman racer, who asked Drag News not to be named due to immediate negotiation with potential new sponsor stated "Everything seemed fine at the recent trade shows. Now I am a few weeks from the new season beginning and I get this notice, It's just disappointing". Reports have also stated that sponsorship of tracks and sanctioned events will remain intact for 2008.
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1/8/08 - Redding must repay past interest - Interest is still owed to the city of Redding, Calif. on a loan used to upgrade the pavement on the property at Redding Dragstrip.  The city council recently voted unanimously to deny a Northern California Drag Racing Association request to waive the final interest payment on the borrowed $70,000.  The dragstrip held 17 "street legal" races in 2007.  The association had hoped to use the money needed to pay the interest back for better lighting and PA system.
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1/8/08 - $1100 raised for charity - Paul Fink spent the weekend of the Snowbird Outlaw Nationals at Bradenton Motorsports Park raising money for Angels Without Wings.  The charity is a Pinellas County (Florida) Children's Charity that provides help to children without parents or whose parents are incarcerated.  With the help of the track, Right Trailers and Unlimited Auto Detailing, Fink held a raffle for an ultimate trailer wash and detail.  Rick Trapiss and his wife, from Nomad Tool and Supply, won the prize.  The net donation to the charity was $1100.00.
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1/8/08 - Think to Win this month from Tami Eggleston - The January 1 issue of Drag News once again features the psycology/racing wisdom of Tammi Eggleston. Tami this month talks about "The Enemy of Great is Good" and contentment and the hurdle to accomplish greater goals in your racing. Don't miss out on Tami's popular articles in Drag News.  Check out the Drag News Magazine "Racer's Dozen" web special .

And remember, if you like Tammi's Think to Win articles, make sure to make plans for the upcoming World Drag Expo January 19th and 20th. Along with a great host of hardcore racer seminars, you can check our Tammi's lecture "The Mental Toolbox:  Psychological Performance Enhancement" on Saturday of the weekend show on the World Drag Expo seminar schedule.

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1/7/08 - Development of a racing complex near Sturgeon- The Junction Development Group LLC, an economic development in Randolph, Boone, and Audrain Countys in Mid Missouri is in development of an racing complex near Sturgeon along with retail, commercial, and industrial facilities located in southern Randolph county. This  facility will have a full scale Travel Center with fueling and convenience store, and a Restaurant along with a 6500 permanent seat Coliseum, a small Dirt Track, a paved Road Coarse, and a ¼ mile Drag Strip.  This project plans to be completed by winter of 2010. More info can be found at www.22junctionproject.com and at information@junctionproject.com
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1/6/08 - FRAM Racing oil filters recalled- FRAM Racing oil filters have recalled the popular racing HP4 and HP8 filters that were manufactured from May 25, 2006 through September 14, 2007. The gasket of the oil filter may become more pliable under high temperatures and pressures. This condition may cause inadequate sealing and loss of engine oil. These oil filters can be identified by date code: A61451 through A72571 sequentially. You can see more info on the recall at the Fram web site.
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1/4/08 - Hardcore Racer Tech in January 08 issue of Drag News - Along with the "Racers Toolbox" articles, the latest issue also feature tech articles on "Strong and Deep" PML cast aluminum transmission pans and differential covers. Also "Quick Tech" explains the new Mr Gasket Thermocap along with Made 4 You Products new spark plug retainer system.

Want the latest in Drag News.... news? Check out the "Racer's Dozen" web special on a full year of monthly issues mailed to your door plus a 13th monthly issue added on FREE for subscribing here at dragnews.com with one of Drag News Magazine's  secure ordering options

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1/5/08 - New "Queen of Diamonds" Drive - Weenie roaster fans revel in the news of Hanna Motorsports announcing the choice of driver Jill Canuso, of Vineland, NJ, as the new driver from their promotions to find a new female driver for the "Queen of Diamonds" Jet Dragster for 2008. Over  eighty applicants from across the nation filled out applications for the jet-jockey job Rich Hanna commented "The fact that so many had a similar background and similar credentials actually made it much more difficult then we had anticipated." In current licensing stages, Canuso will be part of the Hanna Motorsports jet dragster and jet funny car teams. You can see more info at  the hannamotorsports.com website.
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1/3/08 - Hey, It's winter! - Racers can have a little more hardcore racing fun as they clack around the computer during the off season. The new Extreme Velocity Street Challenge game has the experience of drag racing in all it's glory with the latest in 3D graphics. EV is a new generation of video racing game where new updates are released on a weekly or daily basis. Unlike other racing games, we add new cars, new paint schemes, new graphics, and other game enhancements on an ongoing basis. You can download the game online and rive the amazing Top Fuel Dragsters, Top Fuel Funny cars, Street Cars, and more. Download the multiplayer online game now at streetchallenge3d.com.
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1/1/08 - January 1 Issue -
Bracket Finals 2007 - IHRA Division 4
Tenn-Tuck -
At Beech Bend Raceway Park
Keep 'Em Separated -
Plug wire retainer system
The Single Footbrake Bleeding Boogie -
Valved brake bleeder system
Strong and Deep -
lightweight cast aluminum covers
Quick Tech -
Read your engine temp right where it counts
Racers Toolbox -
Love your plugs
Halloweird -
At Cordova Dragway Park
Fall Classic -
At Indianapolis Raceway Park
Think to win -
The Enemy of Great is Good
Champs Corner -
Allison Guenther, Matt Kohl, Cody Anderson, Pop Arthurs
Bracket Finals 2007 -
NHRA Division 2
Geezers at the Grove -
Maple Grove Raceway
Bracket Finals 2007 -
IHRA Division 9
Peach State Nationals -
at Silver Dollar Raceway
Atlanta Dragway Banquet
Shakedown at E-Town -
At Old Bridge Township Raceway Park
Sibling Rivalry -
Alissa and Lewie Wortman's junior dragster team
Bluegrass Nationals -
at Mt. Park Dragway
Halloween Classic -
At Summit Motorsports Park
Shoptalk -
with Ronnie Davis of Shakedown Fiberglass
plus Results, Stuff, and more
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happy 12/29/07 - To a Great 2008! - With all of the Drag News staff taking off for a long New Years weekend, here is an early toast to a great 2008 for the entire sportsman drag racing community. On behalf of Laurie and Todd Silvey and the entire staff, we look forward to a great 2008 celebration of Drag News Magazine 20th year anniversary! No big New Years Eve party for us... but after 20 years of friends and racing family to look back on, we're going to celebrate by watching the first 2008 sunrise together. Raising our glasses to 2007, and a great 2008!
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div2 12/28/07 - Upright Exhausts May Become Mandatory - NHRA's South Central Division states that the lack of use of upright exhaust stacks on generators in the pits has become a problem at the divisional races.  It is being proposed that upright exhaust stacks will become mandatory for all generators in the future, but is just a proposal right now.  At this point, upright exhaust stacks are mandatory for motor homes parking in the pits at national events, and that policy may soon be adopted for the pit areas as well.  Upright stacks keep exhaust fumes from going into your coach or trailer as well as your neighbor's.
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bobdaniels 12/26/07 - NHRA Division 3 to offer tribute to Daniels - A special tribute is planned fr NHRA Division 3's first director, Bob Daniels, who passed away on June 30, 2007.  The tribute will be offered during the annual Land of the Winners banquet to be held on January 5, 2008 at the Sheraton Indianapolis Hotel and Suites.
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12/25/07 - Happy Holidays - From each and every one of us at Drag News Magazine, the World Drag Expo and the Bracket All-Star Tour, we wish all of our readers, racers and friends the happiest of holidays.
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12/21/07 -Racer Toolbox articles in upcoming Drag News- The January 08 issue of Drag News will be filled as usual with hardcore racer tech such as two "Racer's Toolbox" articles. This month will feature an in depth "Love Your Plugs" article on the fine tuning of Spark plugs. The Allstar Performance line of plug indexing tools and precision plug gapping fixtures will be explained. Brake bleeding tech procedures will be featured with Russell Performance's line of "Speed Bleeders" brake bleeding check-ball valves that make bleeding brakes a one person task.

Want the latest in Drag News.... news? Check out the "Racer's Dozen" web special on a full year of monthly issues mailed to your door plus a 13th monthly issue added on FREE for subscribing here at dragnews.com with one of Drag News Magazine's  secure ordering options

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12/19/07 -Happy Birthday Todd- Well, can't say much other than Drag News Magazine's Mr. President himself, Todd Silvey turns 45 today... unfortunately Mr. Silvey could not be reached for comment, he was out shopping for a cane...
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12/18/07 -New Tower Under Construction at Gainesville- A sneak peek of the new control tower facility at Florida's Gainesville Raceway. Completion the unique tower is due well before early spring upcoming events such as the NHRA Gatornationals.
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12/17/07 -World Drag Expo to feature "Champions Row"- A new feature for the 2008 World Drag Expo is a "Champions Row" to exhibit 2007 Champion race cars from the host tracks and racing groups exhibiting at the show. Tracks like Cordova Dragway, Route 66 Raceway, Muncie Dragway, Byron Dragway, Cedar Falls Raceway, Midwest Super Comp Series, Illinois Midwest Street Machines, Great Lakes Dragaway, Eddyville Raceway Park, The National Hot Rod Association , The International Hot Rod Association and US 131 Motorsports Park. World Drag Expo promoter Laurie Silvey comments, "We think this a great opportunity for promoters to showcase their champions and make an interesting addition for our attendees to appreciate". Make sure to check out www.worlddragexpo.com for the latest show news and exhibitor specials leading up to the January 18th and 19th, 2008 show.
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12/15/07 -World Champion Bill Reichert will display his Rislone Engine Treatment backed injected nitro dragster at the upcoming World Drag Expo - Jan. 19-20, at the Schaumburg Convention Center in Schaumburg, Ill.  The Rislone dragster will be the centerpiece of the main entrance into the show hall. For lots of daily info on the undisputed largest motorsports show in the Midwest, visit www.WorldDragExpo.com and see the latest in exhibitors and show specials that will be featured daily up to the show, this coming January 19th & 20th, 2008.
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12/12/07 -Infamous Jet Dragster Auctioned- Placed on the United Kingdom Ebay auction, the ‘Vampire’, the jet dragster holds the Official British Land Speed record at an average, each-way speed of 301mph. The Vampire gained most of it's notoriety in 2006 on the BBC "Top Gear" television show after a violent crash with English television personality Richard "Hamster" Hammond behind the wheel. The Ebay action began at 2,500 British Pounds (about 5k in U.S. dollars and received no bidders by the end of the auction.
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12/10/07 -Burnouts from across the world- Burnouts from across the world- With a little holiday relaxation at your computer, check out these global variations on the hardcore American burnout with this link to a photobucket movie... warning, enjoyable politically incorrect content.
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12/8/07 - Jackets in production- Now that it is getting colder, many of the Edelbrock Class Champions and American Racing Dead-On Award winners have asked about their jackets. Since our final All-Star race for 2007 was just a little more than a month ago, custom embroidery production has begun after the final Beech bend event for the winners' jackets. The award jackets should be completed by the sponsor companies and mailed before the end of December. Thanks for the inquiries and remember these jackets are custom produced for our champs which takes a little time to produce.
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12/7/07 - Recall of dragster and funny car toys- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with International Sourcing Ltd. of Springfield, Mo. has announced a voluntary recall of the Dragster and Funny Car toys. The surface paint on the wheels and engine of the toys contains excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.
The recall includes plastic models of a dragster and funny car. The dragster is approximately 22 inches long, black in color with various sponsor decals on the toys. The funny car is approximately 14 inches long and is black in color. The toys both have the ISL logo imprinted on the underside.
The toys were sold at National Hot Rod Association events through Schumacher Racing and Matco Tools through door to door sales by its representatives from March 2007 through September 2007. Consumers should immediately take the toy away from children and return it to International Sourcing Ltd. for a full refund or replacement product.
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12/7/07 - Barklage team suffers damage in trailer fire- The trailer containing the Barklage Brothers Pro-Modified race cars caught fire while on the way to the Super Chevy Show at Moroso Motorsports Park in Florida. Zach's '57 Chevy was burned, possibly irreparably due to the intense heat that the tubing sustained during the fire. More inspection of the chassis and engine is necessary before the total damage can be assessed. The trailer has a six foot hole in it, and is totalled due to structural damage. Cody's GTO was on the upper level of the trailer, and is not believed to have suffered any damage. The team finished one-two in Nitro Coupe points in 2007.
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12/4/07 - Bristol Dragway eliminates bracket racing for 2008- In a letter sent to all of their points racers, Bristol Dragway in Tennessee recently announced that there will be no bracket racing program at the track in 2008. It was stated that track staff made every effort during the last part of the 2007 season to continue with a successful bracket program, but without a bigger profit margin, it just wasn't going to happen. The only bracket racing that will take place at the track next year will be during events when the track is rented.
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12/4/07 - DN announces 2008 AST schedule- The 2008 Drag News All-Star will add new stops at Memphis Motorsports Park and Summit Motorsports Park as well as returning to several familiar tracks welcoming the series back for another year. The season will start out at Mt. Park Dragway on April 19 and continue on to No Problem Raceway on April 26. From there, we move on to Milan Dragway on a new date, May 17, and will be at Eddyville Raceway Park on May 24. On June 8, we will be at Beech Bend Raceway Park, and then the next weekend at Atlanta Dragway on June 14. On June 21, we will travel to Cordova Dragway Park, and from there on to Summit Motorsports Park on July 5. July 19 will see the series back at Mid-Michigan Motorplex, and on to Pittsburgh Raceway Park on July 26. On August 9, we will be at Gateway International Raceway with both Junior Dragsters and the big cars running on the same day (a change from the past years). National Trail Raceway welcomes us back on August 19, and on August 30, we return to Tulsa Raceway Park. The season concludes at the Super Bowl of Bracket Racing on September 20 and 21, and the Jr. Dragsters will hit the track for the tenth annual Jr. Dragster Halloween Nationals at Cordova Dragway Park on October 3-5. Mark your calendars now for the All-Star Tour event near you!
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12/1/07 - December 1 Issue -
Tried and True -
ladder bars are still a proven bracket racing suspension combination
Northern Sports Nationals -At National Trail Raceway
Shoptalk -with John Drummond, Publicity Director for Goodguys Rod and Custom Association
Oktoberfest of Drag Racing -At Cordova Dragway Park
It's Good to Be King -King of the Bluegrass at Mountain Park Dragway
Bracket Finals 2007 - IHRA Division 5
Think to Win -You can't win if you don't know the rules
Bracket Finals 2007 - NHRA Division 4
Chasing Points -At Thunder Valley Raceway Park, Silver Dollar Raceway
Fall Battle of the High Schools - At Cordova Dragway Park
Summer Shootout Season Finale - At Gateway International Raceway
Hal Nats - At Cordova Dragway Park
Bracket Finals 2007 -IHRA Division 3
Double Your Brakes for Fun and Safety -Double Caliper Brake Systems Provide Advantages
Tour De'Allstar - At Beech Bend Raceway Park

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11/28/07 - Quaker City Raceway back on track - Though the sale listing for the Salem, Ohio quarter-mile dragstrip states that the facility will be open in 2008 and special events are being planned, it may not be under the same management. The track, which went on the auction block unsuccessfully last spring for $1,300,000, ended up being operated this year by owner, Dan Swindell, and run by track manager, Clint Daley. However, it is once again listed for sale with an asking price of $850,000 for the business and property.
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11/28/07 - Cedar Falls Raceway announces banquet date - The Cedar Falls Raceway Championship Awards Banquet is set for February 23, 2008 at the Janesville Riviera Roose Community Center in Janesville, IA. "We are excited to host the Banquet at such a great venue" said GM Dan Driscoll. The Banquet will include a "Grand Buffet" as well as the Awards & Video Presentations and full bar service. readmore
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11/26/07 - Ban removed, Bruton can build in Concord...but will he?- The Concord N.C. city council voted unanimously to rescind its ban on the dragstrip that Bruton Smith wanted to build near Lowe's Motor Speedway. When the vote first came down to deny him the right to build the strip, Bruton threatened to move the entire facility to another location. The new vote doesn't mean he won't stand behind that threat, as he has offers from other locations. He has stated that should he decide to build a new speedway and demolish Lowe's, he will buy back the condominiums that overlook the speedway from owners who want to sell because the track will no longer be operating.
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  11/24/07 - Hot Rod Reunion returns to Beech Bend for 2008- The sixth annual NHRA Hot Rod Reunion will return to Beech Bend Raceway Park, Bowling Green, Ky., on Father's Day weekend, June 13-15, 2008. The Parks Museum and Beech Bend have signed a five year contract to keep the event at the facility long-term. The event is sponsored by Holley Performance Products, also located in Bowling Green. Bill Tichenor, Marketing Manager for Holley, noted that they were very pleased that the Reunion was returning to their hometown. NHRA states that they listened to their customers and the customers wanted the event to be held in Bowling Green. They enjoy the covered grandstands and trees on the grounds. Dick Lahaie will serve as the event's Grand Marshal in 2008. Honorees for the event include Arnie "The Farmer" Beswick, Boogie Scott, Bob Stange, Jim Walster, and Gabby Bleeker.
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11/14/07 - CFR to host NHRA National Open in '08 - Cedar Falls Raceway will hold an NHRA West Central Division 5 National Open on June 21-22, 2008. "We are very happy to host an NHRA National Open" said CFR Manager Dan Driscoll. "There are a lot of racers in our area that race class legal cars as well as others in the index classes, this is a natural event for them to attend." In addition, we will have a 2-day bracket program and more" he added. readmore
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11/13/07 - CamLogic's Digital Degree System wins SEMA award - Congratulations to CamLogic Technologies of Walled Lake, Mi. for their runner-up finish in the New Products - Best New Tools and Equipment products at the SEMA show held recently in Las Vegas. You can also check it out the in-depth tech article in the November 1, 2007 issue of Drag News Magazine. Todd Silvey explains the complete cam-degree process with the award-winning digital degree readout product for proper engine assembly.
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  11/8/07 - Get your Christmas cards here - www.dragphotosonline.com now has a Christmas card option available. Four options are online for 4x6 or 5x7 Christmas cards featuring your racing photo chosen from www.dragphotosonline.com. Only $20.00 for 20 4x6 cards and envelopes or $30.00 for 20 5x7 cards and envelopes. Hurry to choose your photo, on-time delivery is only guaranteed until December 15.
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11/7/07 - Whatever you do, don't lick the Funny Cars - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced the recall of another Chinese-manufactured toys because of excessive levels of lead now including a mini drag racing toy. The mini-Funny Car toys are distributed by International Sourcing Ltd. of Springfield, Mo. and sold nationally through many retailers including Dollar General Stores. The CPSC said surface paint on the toys contain excessive levels of lead, in violation of federal standards.
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11/7/07 - Muncie Dragway under new ownership - The ink hasn't even dried on the contract, but as of this afternoon, David Himes, Westfield, Ind. is the new owner of Muncie Dragway. David is excited about the new season, as he expects to make many improvements to the track this winter, including new track surface among others. Stay tuned for more information as it develops.
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