Drag Racing Archives – Page 11 of 25

Stacy McGlory Driver of Champney Card FC

January 25, 2016 // by Kelly Morris

She began in the world of drag racing as a child, driving in a Junior Dragster at age 11. But Stacy McGlory wouldn’t stop there. As she turned 18, Stacy began racing a Dragster in the Super Pro category. One day, as Stacy had a run in with the Champney Card Funny Car at New England Dragway, along with her father, Don McGlory and friend/crew chief, Frank Freitas. There after, Stacy received the chance to become a Member of Champney Card crew. She enjoyed every minute of it, when it came time years later, Stacy was given the opportunity to drive a funny car!

As every driver knows, there is always the desire to go faster. I was very fortunate to become part of such an amazing team, I have always loved everything about the track and racing, its safe to say it is my home away from home.”

Stacy McGlory

Recently, Stacy McGlory, who is now 23, graduated from Tufts University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. When Stacy isn’t going full speeds down the track, she takes on the roll of an Engineer in North Haven, CT. She also participates with the Girl Scouts STEM Program to encourage more young girls to get involved with careers in math and science.

The majority of people are extremely positive about me pursing my dream; however, it is clear that Motorsports are still a male dominated sport. Plenty of people do not believe that I am the driver of the car or assume the car is substantially slower. I am fortunate that in my division, I have the full support of the track and Dana Hard who runs the East Coast Pro Comp series.”

Running in the East Coast Pro Comp Series in the Champney Card Alcohol Funny Car, Stacy McGlory competes in the 6.20 index racing class. Stacy states, “It is a truly amazing class because you are able to see dragsters line up against funny cars and altereds.” As Stacy prepared herself for the past year in the Champney Card Funny car, she spent about half of the season getting her license. Once completed, she was able to qualify for every race and was able to accomplish her first goal by being qualified 1st in the final race of the season. Stacy was able to finish 5th out of the 15 drivers, despite missing the first of the season.

As every driver knows, there is always the desire to go faster, I never imaged being able to race a funny car so for me this truly is a dream come true. That being said, the Champney Card funny car is hoping to start racing in more divisional’s this season and one day compete for the NHRA Alcohol Funny Car championship title.”

With amazing support from family, friends, fans, and her team. Stacy is happy to be racing! She says, “I wouldn’t be able to do this without them. I have to thank Sassy Engines, especially John Card who built and does all the maintenance work on the car. And to the owner Dennis Champney!”

You can learn more about Stacy, by clicking the following links.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stacy.mcglory/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Stacy-McGlory-153186548363900/

Sneak Peek: Erica Enders new Dodge Pro Stock

January 14, 2016 // by Horsepower & Heels

Elite Motorsports | Erica Enders Dodge Pro Stock 2016 Dart

NHRA Two-time Pro Stock World Champion Erica Enders has released a few sneak-peek shots of her striking new ’16 Dodge Dart. The car will be making its competition debut a month from now, when she begins her pursuit of a third consecutive NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series title.

Erica Enders’ new Dodge Pro Stock was built by RJ Race Cars in Galesburg, Ill., the famed shop led by Enders’ crew chiefs, Rick and Rickie Jones. They previously crafted her championship-winning cars from 2014 and 2015.

Enders’ Elite Motorsports team is beginning a partnership with Mopar this season and will field Dodge Darts in Pro Stock competition trim. The car is built to new NHRA Pro Stock specifications, including several new rules for 2016 and beyond: fuel-injected engines with a 10,500 rpm limit, plus the removal of hood scoops and shortened wheelie bars.

“Rick and Rickie take a lot of pride in the cars they produce,” Enders said. “They both have said these two cars are the best two pieces that have ever come out of their shop. That’s pretty cool.”

Erica Enders and her Elite Motorsports team are expected to test the new Dodge Pro Stock in Phoenix the week before the season-opening event, Feb. 12-14, at Auto Club Raceway in Pomona, Calif.

What do you think of the new, sleek, hoodscoop-less Pro Stock design?

Leave us a comment below!

Aerospace extends NHRA participation

January 13, 2016 // by Horsepower & Heels

Horsepower & Heels Motorsport Professional of the Year finalist, Kim Kussy, announced today that Aerospace Components has extended its agreement as the presenting sponsor of the NHRA Excellence in Engineering Award at select NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series events through the 2017 season.

“We are excited to announce our multi-year involvement as presenting sponsors of the NHRA Aerospace Components Excellence in Engineering Award,” said Kim Kussy, co-founder, President and CMO of Aerospace Components Inc. “Because we design and manufacture high performance drag racing billet aluminum components, this program is a perfect fit to honor and support those sportsman racers who exemplify the best engineered vehicles with a Wally trophy.”

Aerospace Components Excellence in Engineering

Formerly the Best Engineered Car Award, NHRA’s Excellence in Engineering Award will be presented at 12 NHRA Mello Yello Series races in 2016. The prestigious award is presented to an individual who brings a unique edge in craftsmanship and technology to each NHRA national event. Voted on by the NHRA Tech Department, the recipient receives a special award-specific Wally to commemorate the achievement. Past winners have included unique chassis builders, drivers that feature distinctive parts and individuals who work to design and test unique concepts.

The NHRA is very proud to have Aerospace Components continue its partnership with NHRA Drag Racing,” said Gary Darcy, NHRA senior vice president of sales and marketing. “The NHRA features some of the world’s most mechanically and technically complex machines and the NHRA Aerospace Components Excellence in Engineering Award honors those who continue to push the boundaries and break barriers in our high-speed sport.”

The program is only one of the ways Kim Kussy stays active within the racing community, supporting customers and racers for their successes. Aerospace Components is family-owned and operated by the Kussy family and has been producing high quality components for 30 years.

They began doing government contract work, primarily the manufacturing of defense systems, guidance systems and space station components, with Kim growing the business becoming one of the most successful professional women in motorsports.

Today, the Aerospace Components name is known throughout the racing industry as one of the leaders in manufacturing high performance drag racing products. They design and build brake systems for any make or model car, billet aluminum vacuum pump systems, fuel pumps, water pumps, two speed power glide shifters and more.

Valerie Clements hopes for 2016 Win

January 11, 2016 // by Kelly Morris

Leaving 2015 behind and getting close to a new season, Valerie Clements takes on her 2005 and 2014 Mustangs, both entered in the NMRA & Renegade classes. As she becomes familiarized with tuning her own cars, Valerie has high hopes in winning a Renegade class for 2016. With there being few women in her class, she was asked how men in her class treated her on and off the track. Valerie says, “It’s almost like having a lot of big brothers around! It’s really cool how much you can learn just by going around and talking to the people in your class.” Valerie is ready, willing and focused to bring home that win!

I’m 22 years old, I have a family that loves constantly thinking about and doing racing.”

Valerie Clements Meets Drag Racing

Finding her love for drag racing at such a young age, Valerie can’t recall her first time at the race track but says it’s probably because she was around a year old. She remembers times from her JR Dragster days when her father and uncle would take their Mach 1 to Alanta Dragway, attending on Saturdays for the open trailer bracket race event. Valerie says she would help work on the car before each round.

I knew I wanted to race when I would be on the starting line with my mom and dad while my brother made run in his JR Dragster.”

Valerie took on her brothers JR Dragster at just 8 years old. When he received a new one, the tradition continued on as he would eventually grow out of the JR Dragster. Valerie competed in the JR dragster program until she was 18 years-old. Her father purchased a 2005 Mustang when she turned 17 from the Sutton Ford in Chicago, which was the NMRA Renegade championship car in 2008 with Bob Cook as the driver.

I couldn’t wait to get in the car and learn about the world of fast door cars. It was a little intimidating at first, I wont lie. But how could it not be intimidating when there are a bunch of switches and buttons you’re not used to and want everything to go perfectly fine.”

Accomplishments

NMRA 2012 Rookie of the Year
NMRA 2013 Renegade Event Winner at Maryland International Raceway
NMRA 2015 Ambassador of the Year

Family Support

When it comes to Drag Racing, it’s like one big family. Everyone is competitive but by the end of the day we are all there for each other. Valerie not only gets the support she needs from the fellow racers, but from her family too. Having her father and brother do everything from putting the engines together, to fabricating the intercooler systems, to driving the trucks and trailers to the racetracks. “You name it they’ve done it. They have even swapped out my motor, twice might I add, overnight for me after blowing an engine.” Valerie says.

A two car team takes a lot!! Sometimes my cousins, uncle, and aunt get to make it to our races. That’s where the real fun is. We’re all together, working in harmony on these cars and it makes it that much more satisfying when one of us ends up in the winner’s circle or makes a good hit.”

Catch up with Valerie Clements on her Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/valerieclementsracing/

Elaine Larsen to drive FIT Jet Dragster for 2016

January 6, 2016 // by Horsepower & Heels

Elaine Larsen to drive FIT Jet for Florida Institute of Technology

IHRA Jet dragster driver Elaine Larsen, who just completed a four-win 2015 season that earned her a second consecutive IHRA Jet Dragster world championship, announced today that she will step into the driving cockpit of the Florida Institute of Technology jet dragster for 2016.

“I am really excited to drive the Florida Tech jet dragster, not only because I expect to bring my championship abilities to this great team, but also because this will allow me the opportunity to showcase to the world all of the hard work and dedication of students and faculty at Florida Tech.”

Now entering the second year of partnership with Florida Tech, the team will formally open its Larsen Motorsports High Performance Vehicles Research & Development Center this February at the university’s Palm Bay research center, located near their main Melbourne campus. The 30,000-square-foot facility, featuring full-concept design, engineering and fabrication capabilities and room for up to nine race teams, will continue to enhance the unique and powerful educational impact of the Florida Tech-Larsen Motorsports relationship.

“I am excited to work at the shop and on the track with Florida Tech students,” Larsen said.

Larsen’s crew chief during her 2015 championship run, Paige Sanchez, returns track side and at the development center for the 2016 season. Sanchez is currently earning her master’s degree in mechanical engineering at Florida Tech in addition to her duties as crew chief for Elaine.

“Whether developing a computer model, fine-tuning our General Electric J-85 turbo jet engines or getting dirty with some routine maintenance, the hands-on experiences I get at Larsen touch on multiple STEM disciplines and really enhance my classroom education,” Sanchez said.

The R&D Center hosts upwards of 15 Florida Tech students on any given day, providing hands-on learning experiences in a variety of curriculum ranging from aerospace, mechanical and electrical engineering majors to those studying communications, marketing, and human factors.

“We have laid out our facility to enable us to provide student and internship opportunities that center on the STEM areas of science, technology, engineering and math,” said Chris Larsen, Larsen Motorsports CEO and co-founder

If the coming year is anything like 2015, it promises to be a busy one for the students, the Larsens and all of Larsen Motorsports. Last year, the team traveled the country – and into Canada – for a dozen races, while making numerous appearances with the 5,500-horsepower Florida Tech jet dragster, from the Melbourne Air Show to campus events including Discovery Day and homecoming.

Autoweek names Erica Enders for Driver Award

January 5, 2016 // by Horsepower & Heels

NHRA Pro Stock driver, Erica Enders continues to rack up accolades for her historical “R-EE-peat” championship season. Most recently, Autoweek names Erica Enders as its inaugural Autoweek Driver Award recipient.

Enders earned her second consecutive Pro Stock championship with a dominant performance in the 2015 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, winning nine races, breaking Angelle Sampey’s single-season win record for females, passed legend Shirley Muldowney for second place in career wins by a woman as her total increased to 21 career victories, and most recently, was voted the Horsepower & Heels Female Racer of the Year and Female Motorsport Professional of the Year.

Enders also set an all-time NHRA record by winning three consecutive final rounds on holeshots (in Brainerd, Minn.; Indianapolis; and Charlotte), proving deadly on the tree all season long, leading to her being able to clinch the championship in Las Vegas with one race remaining on the schedule. She became the first driver in Pro Stock to win back-to-back titles since the great Jeg Coughlin Jr. accomplished that feat in 2007-08.

It’s a huge honor to be named as the winner of the Autoweek Driver Award, especially considering it covers all of motorsports,” Enders said. “Sometimes drag racing is overlooked, so it’s pretty neat for us. Thanks to (team owner) Richard Freeman, (crew chiefs) Rick and Rickie Jones and Mark Ingersoll, and all my Elite Motorsports guys. I’ve got the best, smartest, most loyal guys in the business, and they make this whole deal possible. I’m a blessed girl to be their driver, and we’ll continue to live this dream.”

The Autoweek Awards were launched to “recognize individuals or companies who, over the course of the last year, have made substantial contributions to the continued relevance and advancement of car culture.”

The magazine said of Enders, “No other driver has dominated their sport to the degree that Enders has over the course of the last two years.”

Larsen Motorsports 2015 [VIDEO]

December 19, 2015 // by Horsepower & Heels

Check out this cool 2015 Jetlife video for Larsen Motorsports! Watch Elaine Larsen, Marisha Falk, Kat Moller, and Shea Holbrook tear up the track in their Jet Dragsters!

Larsen Motorsports | JETLIFE 2015

Video footage by Les Mayhew

NMRA Rookie of the Year Haley James

December 16, 2015 // by Horsepower & Heels

NMRA 2015 Class Champions — Photo: NMRA Digital

Capping a monumental season that saw her first-ever heads-up drag racing competition, first event win, a trip to all 6 event finals and her first National Mustang Racers Association class championship, it is no surprise that drag racing upstart Haley James would be shoe-in for the NMRA’s Rookie of the Year honors.

It seems like just yesterday we flew to Bradenton where I’d let go of that trans-brake for the first time and feel that addicting adrenaline rush that we’re all too familiar with,” said James of her whirlwind season.

At the annual NMRA awards ceremony, held in conjunction with the PRI show in Indianapolis, Haley James would take the stage to claim her Coyote Modified Class Championship recognition for a dominant season in the CM class. James, who scored 3 event wins and appeared in all 6 event finals during the NMRA season, earned the top points total with her fox-bodied turbocharged, Coyote-powered coupe.

She would also receive the coveted special Nitto Class Championship ring, a jewel encrusted drag racing Christmas tree class ring traditionally bestowed onto each NMRA class champion at the close of the season to celebrate the honor.

NMRA Rookie of the Year Haley James

The Hellion B-Team would continue to rack up trophies in the special award categories. Haley’s father and crew chief, Dwayne James, would receive the Crew Member of the Year award, beating out other nominees Susie Wiker and Bruce Hemminger.

None of this would have been possible without my team and their unequivocal dedication, my dad especially, for not only funding everything but also for being the most bad-ass tuner ever.”

And it would be tough to argue with the selection of NMRA’s new Rookie of the Year Haley James, who claimed the award over nominees Steve Daniels and Ryan Jones.

I never thought I’d see myself in Race Pages, or Drag Illustrated, or standing here, not only with the title of 2015 Coyote Modified Champion, but also 2015 Rookie of the Year.”

2016 plans for #1 Coyote Modified Champ

What’s next for NMRA Rookie of the Year Haley James? Will she return with the #1 on her window next season to defend her title in Coyote Modified? Or perhaps take her shot at moving up the ranks into another NMRA class?

The future isn’t decided yet. James stated that her and her Hellion teammates are awaiting the outcome and official announcement of 2016 NMRA rule changes before solidifying their 2016 race plans. Could we see the new hot shoe champ return to defend her dominating championship run or perhaps take on a new challenge, moving up and seeking a rookie debut in another class?

One thing is for sure, we have only seen the beginning of Haley James’s drag racing career.

Leave a comment below to congratulate NMRA Rookie of the Year Haley James!

Victory Motorcycle driver Angie Smith eager to return

December 14, 2015 // by Horsepower & Heels

Victory Motorcycle driver Angie Smith is eager to return to NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle competition in 2016. The husband-wife power team of Angie and Matt Smith introduced the Victory Motorcycle brand to the NHRA Mellow Yellow drag racing series competition this season, after Victory began looking for a way to get into the NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle class in late 2014. They met with a handful of teams before settling on the championship-winning pair.

Tough transition for Victory Motorcycle driver Angie Smith

But pioneering a new build and combination isn’t without its difficulties and challenges, as the team worked hard to develop the new Victory Pro Stock Motorcycle program. Angie struggled early in the season with the aerodynamics of the new smaller fairing on the Victory race-prototypes. At one of the first test sessions with the new bike, the team discovered that the Victory’s smaller fairing produced much higher wind resistance, with Angie’s hand actually blowing off the handlebars on one of her early runs, overpowering her slight build. She kept control and stayed on the bike, but her confidence suffered.

An NHRA-approved midseason adjustment to the bodywork alleviated some of the wind resistance that the team was fighting, also helping to put the Victory more on par to the other manufacturers in the class in performance and speed.

“It took a while to get my confidence back,” she said. “But toward the end of the season, I was doing a lot better. I think in 2016 we’re going to be really, really good.”

As the season progressed, so did the confidence of Angie Smith. She began the season at the bottom of the Pro Stock Motorcycle ladder, with a DNQ at the 4-wide Nationals and 7 total #16 qualifying starts. But midseason, during the Western swing, their tireless efforts would begin to turn around, netting her a #11 qualified position for the Bandimere event and a season-best #8 effort in Maple Grove.

We are 100 percent behind this deal,” Angie said. “There’s no 9-to-5, 40-hour work week. We’ve been putting in all of out time to make this program better because we want to make Victory happy and we want to be happy as racers. We want this partnership with Victory Motorcycles to last a lifetime. We want to get as many people as we can riding Victory Motorcycles. The best way to do that is win because that shows everyone how great these motorcycles are.”

Though she encountered a rocky start in 2015, Smith is no novice to the Pro Stock Motorcycle ranks. Angie is one of just 15 women in NHRA’s 64-year history to claim a national event trophy, and her crew chief/husband Matt says she will be adding to her career total in 2016.

She’s come a long way over the last couple of years,” he said. “The 2015 season was kind of a setback for her, mainly because of how the wind affects her on the Victory. She’ll be a lot better in 2016. We’ve just got to get her some more laps. She’ll be good next year.”

NMRA Bridgett Davis, Looking Forward to 2016

December 11, 2015 // by Kelly Morris

NMRA Driver, Bridgett Davis has many goals in mind when it comes to Drag Racing. Taking on her 2013 GT Mustang in the Roush Performance Super Stang class, she has high hopes to making it to the top or at least take on the top five entering into the 2016 season. After Bridgett’s finances allowed her to pursue her love for Drag Racing, she would hit every track in a hundred mile radius whenever there was a Test and Tune. A friend suggested to her in 2014 that she should take on her first competitive competition for the Muscle Mustang and Fast Fords all female shoot out class of the NMRA.

I would follow this up with competition in local events and would finish out 2014 with a 2nd place finish in the 14 second class of True Street.Upon my completion of the the 2014 season I made the decision that I would make my rookie season appearance in the 2015 NMRA class of Super Stang.”

With an index based format, she felt this class would serve as a good next step in her evolution. As her Mustang serves as her daily driver, Bridgett needed to enter in a street legal class. Finishing out in an 18th place point finish out of a 41 driver roster for the year, she felt good about her overall first season.

Fast cars always honestly attracted me. Something about them. The power, the sound, the speed. Growing up in Indianapolis, Indiana from an early age most weekends were spent cruising, at the local car show, or at the track. I always knew someday I would take my passion for racing from the spectator perspective to behind the wheel.”

Bridgett Davis Accomplishments

2nd place finish in 14 second class of 2014 NMRA Bowling Green Kentucky

2015 NMRA/ Super Stang 18th place finish out of a 41 driver roster

Personal Magazine Article and Radio Appearances:

2013 December Issue of AFX Magazine
2014 Win A New Mustang Book Publication
2015 March Issue of Mustang Driver
2015 February Speed Scene Live Radio
2015 June Heals On Wheels Radio Appearance

I also hope to begin to venture into oval track racing as well as a run in the upcoming 2016 Great America Road Rally.”

Being A Woman Of Motorsports

Venturing her first time into racing, Bridgett had felt very intimidated by the other woman. She never realized how many woman were into Motorsports. As she befriended Stacy Lynn Butler, “Stacy took me under her wing and began to show me the ropes. She was happy to help and without her I could have not made it through that first pass. She was patient and enjoyed helping me.” Bridgett said.

I think staying humble and approachable is so important. We can all learn from each other and help each other up the ladder. Success in my mind is determined by how many you helped up the ladder. This is true measurement of personal success. If I have something to share with other females that can help them in their journey as others may have helped you, you should always share the wealth. Through TAG the online forum I assist in running, I am able to connect with many women via conversations and posts. We provide a forum in which women are able to come together, ask questions and share experiences.

The great thing about cars is there are so many aspects you can take an interest in. With the varies of forums and sites Bridgett’s been involved in or worked for. Taking the opportunity now to pay a little of that back to other women, whether they have a question or need some advice. Bridgett says, “I try to be there to assist in whatever way I can. If I cannot help them I make sure I direct them to someone who can. I don’t seek to be a role model just a friend to other girls in the scene.” While continuing on Bridgett’s love for Drag Racing, she also has great support from her loving family and friends.

Never come into anything with an attitude or thinking you know everything. As the newbie it is important to stay humble and know you are the student. The more information you have the more skilled you become with each pass. Everyone has an experience or story to tell you can learn from.”

Fellow Sponsors

SilverHorse Racing –www.silverhorseracing.com

JMS Chips– www.jmschips.com

Ratemyridez – www.ratemyridez.com