Wheels Of Thunder December 2013

Vol. 4 Issue 12

DECEMBER 2013

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Front Cover Photo By Gary Walton/Action Graphics

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OWNER PRESIDENT – Scott Robinson scott@wheelsofthunder.net 612-730-3719

OFFICE STAFF AR/AP – Stacy Robinson 763-421-4400 SALES SUPPORT – Vince Griffith vince@wheelsofthunder.net 651-280-8658 JUNIOR BOSS – Zack Robinson 763-421-4400

EDITORIAL STAFF

Special Features

EDITOR/CREATIVE DIRECTOR Betty Schurmann editor@wheelsofthunder.net 763-421-4400

Jimmy John’s/Ski-Doo/Boss Racing ................4

Pro Stock Motorcycle Racing .......................18

Photographers/Writers MYLIE LAVOLD TOM EDWARDS JESSICA KANKE JENNA OSTERLUND CEAJA PHILP STEVE CASPER

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Wissota Expo ............................................24

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WoT 2013 All Motorsports Show .................38

NORTHERN SALES – Scott Robinson scott@wheelsofthunder.net 612-730-3719

Reviews & Tech

Bishops Motorsports ...................................12 Billet Connection Oil Filter Assemblies ..........37

SALES – Brad Couillard brad.couillard@gmail.com 763-232-1638

Departments

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Garage Built.................................................8 Calendar....................................................30

$34.99 - PHONE: 763-421-4400 www.wheelsofthunder.net

December 2013

Generations of Drag Racing ........................44

Rally’s & Shows

ADVERTISING STAFF

All content published herein is owned exclusively by Midwest Wheels of Thunder Magazine. Reproduction or further dissemination of the content herein is strictly prohibited without the express written authorization of Midwest Wheels of Thunder Magazine.

Legends – Doc Halladay .............................32

ABATE of MN.............................................43

Game On!..................................................52

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he long awaited season of action packed ISOC AMSOIL Championship Snocross is back! Team riders, sponsorships, and locations have gone through some changes, but are ready to tear up the tracks!

T

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Written by Ceaja Philp Photos provided by Gary Walton/Action Graphics

Jimmy John’s/Ski-Doo /Boss Racing

The Jimmy John’s/Ski-Doo/BOSS Racing based out of Winnipeg, Canada and shop based in West Fargo, North Dakota had a few things to add to those changes, and are confident they are ready to go! Owner, Garry Querel may be known for his calm demeanor, but inside the head of the ice

racing 2 time World Series Champion sits the innovative, competitive, determined mind that has his sleds and riders geared to take home titles of their own.

This team owner started on oval racing in 1974 and has continue to expand his competition style ever since. Even though he hit the brakes on his own racing around 2000, his desire to stay involved with the industry didn’t halt. Garry found just the right time a couple of years later and landed a factory Polaris team to run the Canadian CSRA Series for a year.

The thought of running the USA snocross tour didn’t leave his sight, and in the ’06 season signed Robbie Malinoski and Yamaha…with a four-stroke! The team was able to get a national event win, the only recorded one on that machine in the series to date. It was after that season Garry landed the factory supported BRP sponsor and has kept that relationship ever since.

Another fitting piece of Garry’s puzzle was finding crew chief, Jayme Cheney. The two decided that the Fargo/Moorhead area made sense logistically for the crew and riders, which so far has proven so.

Rider Petter Narsa #271, from Sweden will be running the full season again this year

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Doo/BOSS Racing team in Pro-Open this season. He has been riding in competition for over 9 years and continues to grow as a rider and fierce competitor. He is fully about support for his teammate but will be a challenger to the podium as well.

in Pro-Open. Narsa has been winning big titles overseas since 2007 and is looking to add an AMSOIL Championship this season. He has been patient with having to change the make of sled he rides and learning the machine as well as the tracks, but this season feels he is dialed in and ready.

Cheney mentioned that even though they are set to concentrate on the teams two Pro-Open riders they will also have the first 2 races of the season to include Sweden’s Adam Randheim. Adam is the reigning World Champion and will need to return to Sweden to complete his series, but would like to race in the US as well for a full season.

Rookie of the Year 2012, Darrin Mees #9 will also be riding for the Jimmy John’s/Ski-

I could hear the excitement in Garry’s voice as he spoke about the opener in Duluth.

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“We have worked hard all off-season and can’t wait to show the results.” He was also happy to announce another couple of signed sponsors being MotorFist and Fox Shocks.

To keep up with the Jimmy John’s/SkiDoo/BOSS Racing team you can find them at www.teambossracing.com or on Facebook Boss Racing

December 2013

1955 Chevy

It was worth the wait!

Pat Lies, originally from New Rockford, ND had his eye on a project that has been in his family for over 40 years, and it’s easy to understand why!

Written by Ceaja Philp

From the day it became his to its restoration completion, it took about four years. It was a lot of windshield time as he had a 2 hour drive one way to work on it during his weekends. His family is extremely happy with the time and work Pat has put into not only restoring Mayo’s car, but it is now something that can be driven, shown, and memories shared instead of just a diamond in the rough in the back of a garage.

Stock Original This is where it all started!

Sound Familiar?

Do you have a story of your custom ride? E-mail editor@wheelsofthunder.net and you could be featured with your ride in the next issue!

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He spent most of his youth watching and helping his Dad, Mayo in the garage and shop. It didn’t only keep him busy in the small town but created a passion that has kept him wrenching for others for 25 plus years in the Fargo/West Fargo, ND area.

In the early 80’s Pat’s dad and brother, Rick had started the restoration on the ’55 but it ended with the Ditzler metallic blue lacquer coat and most of the stainless in place. Sadly it was shoved back into the garage for another 27 years. Pat waited ‘patiently’ for the time to come when he may get his chance to fully bring the classic back to life and on the road. In 2007 he finally got his chance to own his dad’s 1955 Chevy, who had bought it back in the early 70’s for only $150.00.

Under the hood of this Prowler Orange beauty is a fuel injected 383 from Quality Engines in Fargo, a way different beast than its original 265. He said the color first caught his attention on the cover of a Summit Racing Magazine from 2008, and

December 2013

Todd Haley of New Rockford help to make it happen. Pat also swapped the 3 speed manual for a 700R4 from Kennedy Transmission, also of Fargo. There is now a 373 posi, 2” drop spindles in the front, 1” drop leaf in the rear, 4 wheel disk brakes, and custom interior done by Lewallen Street Rod Interiors of Cleveland, TN. To top things off Pat wanted to find a name plate that would fit his American classic, and with the help of a driver’s actions on the interstate while he was trailering the ’55 to West Fargo, it happened…..THUMZUP! There is a bitter sweet ending to the actual restoration, being his Dad, Mayo was able to see the color on it, but was never able to take a ride having passed away in 2011 before it was complete. It makes the memories Pat has made with his family during the restoration and the times out enjoying the ride so much more important, and he hopes to create many more by being able to travel and hit some bigger car shows in the future.

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rowing up in a family that owns an auto repair and transmission business, Chris Bishop has always been around cars. As in most family businesses, everyone pitches in, and that was no different for Bishop as he worked alongside his dad learning his way around engines and transmissions. It’s not surprising that growing up in that environment would lead to a passion for racing.

Bishop started out racing BMX bikes and bided his time until he could get behind the wheel of a car.

Once that day came, it was off to the races, literally.

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Written by Mylie Lougheed

“When I turned 15 and got my license my dad said I could either circle track race or drag race,” says Bishop. He immediately hit the track, racing his 1977 Impala at BIR (Brainerd International Raceway) and other local tracks. The race was on after that and with help from his dad, Bishop built a ’79 tube chassis Malibu and started racing super gas at tracks across the Midwest in 1998.

The cars got faster, the tracks got bigger and the road got longer as Bishop moved to the NHRA circuit. He began traveling from

the Red River Valley to the Valley of the Sun, racing on tracks from Fargo to Phoenix and chasing the winners circle.

Historically, Bishop has had some notable successes. He has proven that he can win races and stay in the points race. In 2001, he won the NHRA 50th Anniversary Race at BIR along with capturing his first Wally, drag racing’s most prestigious trophy (named in honor of the late NHRA founder Wally Parks). In 2002, he was 3rd in Super Gas points at BIR. 2003 was a memorable year for Bishop, coming in 1st in Super Gas points at BIR where he was also crowned King of the Track and taking home an amazing three more Wally’s over two weekends; quite an accomplishment when there are many racers who never win one Wally, much less multiple ones. Bishop also placed 4th in Super Gas points in NHRA Division 5.

Bishop says one of the best of those 2003 memories was the King of the Track race at BIR. “It was especially sweet because all the winners from each class race against each other for an ultimate winner. There were over 600 competitors that weekend so winning that race was really memorable.”

With his dad by his side, good things were happening for Bishop. In 2004 he placed in the top 50 in national points, Super Gas. In 2005, he placed 4th in points, Super Gas, NHRA Division 5; Top 25 in national points, Super Gas; won the MDRA Sportsman Championship and won Best Appear-

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Some of those people include the Hughes Performance team. “Jim Hughes and Kevin Kleinweber have been great supporters,” says Bishop. “They stepped up when my father couldn’t be there and have helped me get everything working in the best possible combination. For that, I am very grateful.”

The Hughes partnership began back in about 2001 and has grown over the years.

“Along with our partnership selling transmissions and torque converters, we also sold and helped Chris set up his 2005 Don Davis Corvette Roadster (Hughes owns and builds Don Davis cars),” explains Kleinweber. “It began as a professional partnership and has grown into a close personal friendship.”

ing Team in Scribner, NE divisional event.

Along with success, 2005 also brought tragedy when his mother’s cancer returned.

“My father had to leave racing to take care of her,” says Bishop. “That was a really hard time for me both personally and professionally. I was forced to take on the role that my dad played of maintaining and dialing the car. While it was a huge learning curve, I surrounded myself with people who could guide me in a positive direction.”

Over the next 5 years, Bishop split his time between helping his family and racing when possible. “The spring of the 2010 racing season was one of the best,” says

Bishop. “My mom asked me to race as much as possible so she could watch me live my dream.” Bishop finished the season placing 7th in Super Comp and 4th in Super Gas as well as taking the runner up spot in Super Comp at the Chicago Divisional. Unfortunately, that was the last season his mother would see him race.

Bishop says that it was hard to focus on racing and to do everything without his dad, but that the experience made him a stronger person. “The last few years have been a struggle,” admits Bishop. “But with the great people I have in my life we are finally moving forward again.”

Looking back over the past season, Bishop says it was not what he had hoped for but in racing you have to roll with the punches.

“We started out the season really well,” he says. “We had a semi-final finish at the national event in Phoenix but from there we blew a motor and I to had jump into our ’82 Z-28 Chevy Camaro and race super street.”

Last season Bishop also spent a lot of time focusing on marketing his transmission business throughout the racing industry and pursuing marketing partners. Bishop says learning how to market the Bishop Performance Motorsports brand has been a new challenge, but one that he is 100% up for.

Along with Hughes, Northern Performance Auto Refinishing, Rieger Trucking, DRE Page 14

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December 2013

and Hoosier Racing Tires have all come on board. Bishop truly sees his marketing partners as more than sponsors. “I use all Hughes products in the transmissions I build for fellow racers,” says Bishop.

“While racing I carry (sell) Hughes products and engine diapers from DRE.” Bishop’s partners feel the same way about him. “Chris is an all around good guy as well as a good business man,” says Kleinweber. “The more we are involved with each other, the stronger our bond becomes.

As his business grows he helps us more and in turn we help him more.”

For Dennis Ridgeway, owner of DRE (Dennis Ridgeway Enterprises), joining forces with Bishop was good fit. “We are very selective about who we partner with,” says Ridgeway. Being a racer himself (Ridgeway runs a Super Comp car) Ridgeway knows how things work in the racing business.

“Racers like to buy from racers so it really helps have people like Chris who are racers and engine builders sell our product.”

Currently, Bishop is working on a new engine program with Lance Line and Line

December 2013

Performance Racing Engines and Dyno Service. “Having a new engine program will require changes in the torque converter as well, and Hughes is working on that,” explains Bishop.

There is a lot of positive energy in the

Bishop camp. “I’m really excited and expect great things to come,” says Bishop. Kleinweber agrees. “Knowing Chris as long as I have and seeing the way he has stepped up his program in the last year or so, I see him becoming a better and better.”

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HWY 169 ELK RIVER, MINNESOTA REGIONAL START DATE END DATE Elk River, MN

JAN. 11

JAN. 12

Elk River, MN

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ERX GRASSROOTS SERIES MONTH

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ERX Grassroots Race #1

DEC.

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TENTATIVE ERX Snow Oval Race #6 (Non-points)

ERX LEARN TO RIDE CLINIC L2R Snocross Clinic

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Photos courtesy of Art of Light Photography. www.artoflightphoto.net

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I

t began as Pro Stock/Bike (now Pro Stock/Motorcycle) in the 1980’s becoming the 4th professional category in National Hot Rod Association racing. The 1987 season saw the first championship in the debut year of the class. Dave Shultz was the initial champion. He followed that title with a second the next season. Shultz is the most successful 2 wheel racer with 6 championships and 45 national event wins.

During the 1996 season he won the Atlanta race; it was his 7th consecutive victory at the Peach State race track.

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Written by Tom Edwards

As a high school student, Shultz raced Super Stock cars. At about the same time, he tried his hand at motocross. In 1976 he began quarter mile straight line racing as nothing more than a hobby he enjoyed.

Drag racing motorcycles was a fit, and he joined the professional ranks. My wife and I had the pleasure of meeting him at an event in Las Vegas; it was the week-end The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway opened.

Having followed drag racing for decades, it was fun to meet a 6 time champion.

Angelle Savoie is the first woman to earn a Pro Stock/ Motorcycle title and is the female racer with the most wins in N.H.R.A. history. She began racing as a 6 year old and in 1996 she attended the Frank Hawley Drag Racing School in Florida. After resetting the school records for elapsed time and speed, Angelle considered professional drag racing as something she could do full time. Her instructor at the school was motorcycle racer George Bryce. He was clearly impressed by what he had seen from the Louisiana native and hired her for the following season. It didn’t take long for her to find the winners circle. She qualified number 5 at her first race and won the 4th race she entered. In 1999 she compiled a 33-9 won/loss record, that’s a .786 success rate, second only to drag racing legend John Force among professional drag racers that season. For the year she finished in second place by 8 points to Matt Hines. She used that finish as a springboard with PS/M championships in 2000, 2001 and 2002. During her career Angelle qualified number one 45 times.

Along with Dave Shultz and his 4 championships in the 1990’s John Myers also had a great decade with 3 titles during that 10 year span. He qualified first in 3 of the then 9 race PS/M schedule during the 1991 season. His 1992 title featured five number one qualifying positions; 4 of those were consecutive. Team owner George Bryce had a dominating racer. His final championship was earned during the 1995 season. John’s

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Year. Matt’s titles in 1997, 1998 and 1999 made him only the 3rd racer, with Dave Shultz and John Myers, to win a PS/M championship in the 1990’s. Matt’s brother Andrew won PS/M titles in 2004, 2005 and

2011 and was chosen the Rookie of the Year. He finished second, had 3 wins and qualified first 7 times. Those numbers would be considered impressive by those that have ridden pro stock motorcycles for years. Adam Arana joined the family business at the start of the 2013 season.

Gary Tonglet and his sons G.T. and L.E. are another PS/M family. Gary began racing on the NHRA circuit in 1992 and his then

2006 giving the Hines family an impressive list of national championships. Proving that he can tune them as well as he rode them, Matt serves as Andrew’s crew chief.

33 career wins places him 3rd on the alltime win list for 2 wheelers.

teenage son G.T. was the crew chief. Gary had a license for cars on the other end of the speed range from motorcycles in professional drag racing, a Top Fuel dragster.

1999 was his final season on a motorcycle

Byron Hines is the first link in a chain of PS/M riders. He finished the 1991 season in 10th place and moved to second the following year, his last as a rider. Second generation motorcycle drag racer Matt Hines, Byron’s son, was on the fast track to maintaining a family tradition during his riding days. He earned his pro racing license in 1995.The 1997 season saw him win 8 of 12 final rounds. In 1999 he reset the national record for elapsed time and established a new speed record the following year. He reached the winners circle in just his 7th race and was selected as a co-Rookie of the

Like the Hines, the Arana’s, Hector, the patriarch of the family, Hector Jr., and Adam have a team with 3 former or current riders. Hector, a Miami resident, earned his first win in 2008 and the Pro Stock Motorcycle championship in 2009 with 5 wins including the U.S. Nationals at Indianapolis.

The 2010 season saw Hector qualify first 6 times and reach 5 final rounds. The following year he set the national Elapsed Time record at the Gatornationals in Gainesville, Florida, the opening event for 2 wheel racers. Hector serves as his own crew chief.

Hector Jr. debuted as a professional rider in Page 20

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seat. G.T. was one of the first 2 riders chosen to ride a Harley-Davidson for the 2002 season. His 2001 win at the St. Louis race made him the youngest racer to win an NHRA national event. At the conclusion of the 2010 season, L.E. Tonglet was the Pro Stock Motorcycle champion. It was his first full season and made him the youngest champ in N.H.R.A. history.

For the Smith family, Matt and his father Rickie, the 2013 season was as memorable as it was historic. They became the first father and son champs in the same season in NHRA history; Rickie won the Pro Mod title. Matt’s 2007 title could not have had a more dramatic finish. In the final round of the last race of the season, he turned on the win light against defending champion Andrew Hines. Matt’s most recent title was December 2013

wrapped up at Las Vegas Motor Speedway during the October race. My wife and I were there and enjoyed seeing a champion crowned. Matt serves as his own crew chief.

His wife Angie also competes in the 2 wheel set.

Eddie Krawiec is a 3 time champion with titles in 2008, 2011 and 2012. His first year of N.H.R.A. competition was 2004 and he went full time before the start of the 2007 campaign. He qualified for the playoffs and finished with an impressive seventh place finish. At the 2011 race in Gainesville he made a 199.26 MPH run, still the fastest in N.H.R.A. history. During the 2012 season

he went to 11 final rounds and reached the finish line first 9 times. At the 2011race at Gainesville he made a 199.26 MPH run, still the fastest motorcycle pass in N.H.R.A. history. Matt Hines is Eddie’s crew chief.

Many long-time fans will tell you that, if he doesn’t have the most fun among those in the motorcycle set, Steve Johnson is near the top of that list. He began his drag racing career in 1987 and won the Drag Bike USA Championship in the 1987 and 1989 seasons. In 1991 he was successful in The Land of the Rising Sun, winning the Fiji Internationals in Japan, a race the N.H.R.A. had coordinated. Steve has won the U.S.

Nationals at Indianapolis, the biggest event of the racing season for every class in drag racing, twice. That’s 2 more wins at that race than many racers will have in their careers. Drag racers have said for years that if they don’t win a championship, winning Indy is the next best thing.

Having followed professional drag racing for years, I have always found the Pro Stock Motorcycle class has a lot of side by side runs down the track. You rarely see anyone in that category winning by a wide margin.

Among the last speed barriers in drag racing is a 200 MPH motorcycle run. They’re close, high 190’s so I expect to see a 200 on the scoreboard during the 2014 season. I hope my wife and I are there to see that run.

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WISSOTA EXPO • ST. CLOUD, MN

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NOVEMBER 8TH, 9TH, 10TH

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February 2014

Doc Halladay

Written by Ceaja Philp

nother amazing season as the pros of the Mello Yellow NHRA Series fought through more safety changes, sponsorships coming and going, and drivers battling to the end to take the championship title! When I look back and think about all of the things NHRA’s 60 plus years has given us, I think about those who were involved in founding it, the ones currently working hard and making it a thrill for us to watch each race weekend, and for all of the up and coming stars well on their way.

A

Bill Schifsky and Doc Halladay standing next to Bills front engine dragster which Doc Halladay drove back in the early 1960’s.

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Then I think about how the Midwest has provided the NHRA with many legendary racers, and has so many that are tearing up the drag strips today.

One name that stands out to me is Doc Halladay. Doc is a North Dakota native so naturally I found myself drawn to his story.

His is a little different than most. Unlike many in the race industry he was the only one in his family to become involved with racing.

and racing. He owned a 1932 Ford Sedan at the time and ended up finding someone who had a 1934 Ford Coupe, ‘B’ Altered.

The timing was perfect…he wanted to race and the other gentleman wanted his car.

They ended up doing a trade and from there he was on his way!

His memory of his first race being at Minnesota Dragways and how he felt finally doing what he always wanted to do is as vivid to him now as it was that day. He was racing against tough competition and getting to test his abilities and limits. Doc quickly gained respect with his driving ability and was given a race license, which became a requirement along the way for new drivers entering the sport.

Doc started like many racers, doing some ‘street racing’ as he grew up, and found he liked the thrill and challenge of out performing the next guy. He had no idea at that time what a name he would make for himself later.

Still a teenager, he moved to Minnesota to work and attend school. While doing so he continued to have that itch for speed Doc drove a few different styles of cars through the years. The sixties had him in a dragster before switching to a funny car in the seventies. Charlie Proite built the first ‘Telstar’ funny car in 1970, and Doc teamed with him in the mid 1970s. Charlie had been driving under the ‘Telstar’ name starting in the sixties, and it became one the most popular names in drag racing.

Halladay eventually bought out Proite’s half of the partnership.

Doc saw a lot of success through his race years, but sadly with many of the changes taking place with cost and sponsorships, it started to take a toll on many of the racers and their teams, including his. In 1991, he made the hard decision to retire from racDecember 2013

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ing, selling everything except his Telstar Funny Car. This was not only hard on him and his team, but on his many fans.

Doc was away from the drivers seat for about 17 years when along came a series that sparked his interest. In 2008, Doc was able to join forces again with long time crew chief Jerry Newman. Again, the duo would be together at the starting line. One of the most iconic things is that it would be in his old car! Doc decided to bring back the ‘Telstar’ Nitro Funny Car and race in the many Nostalgia Drag Racing events!

This new series made his decision to come back much easier. The teams would be restricted to certain requirements of racing, keeping the costs lower without sacrificing the action packed racing as always!

For a very short moment however, Doc questioned himself and wondered if he still had ‘it’ in him to race. The answer came quickly as he strapped himself back into the driver’s seat. He excitedly said, “The old feelings came right back! That ‘rush’ you feel never really leaves you once you’ve felt it! You always hope to do it again, even if it’s just one more time.” Doc has been able to not only get that feeling again, but is

When I asked him what he thought about the new series and where it is going he had positive things to say. He said the sport is growing and they are all having a wonderful time being a part of it, and it’s giving the fans all something additional and new to be a part of. Doc says it is nice to see what this series is doing for everyone involved and how nice it is to see it pull some of the other ‘retired’ racers out to compete again.

Certain things stand out in a racer’s career that highlights their accomplishments.

Doc says one of his greatest moments was making the decision to come back. He explained how humbling it is to be at the Nostalgia events and have people bring him old photos, talking about the ‘days when’. He says he has been just amazing with some of the photos and autographed items they have brought for him to see.

As for his thoughts of his future now…Doc thinks he will continue as long as he is having fun, the fans are enjoying themselves, and the budget allows him to do so. In addition to his car, Doc built a tribute car of the legendary Tom Hoover’s ‘Showtime’ Nitro Funny Car, which is always a good time for fans as they see the two cars side by side at the starting line.

Wally Parks started with an idea, and over time the NHRA has become the largest motorsports sanctioning body in the world.

We are honored to have Doc Halladay as a huge part of NHRA’s history, and consider him one of our Midwest Pioneers of Racing!

having the time of his life! Not long ago he broke a new track record in Grove Creek, MN. He ran his ‘Telstar’ Nitro Funny Car a lighting 4.214 seconds at 187.24 mph on the eighth mile track.

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PRESS RELEASE! PRESS RELEASE! PRESS RELEASE! PRESS RELEASE!

SEE THROUGH OIL FILTER ASSEMBLIES Billet Connection has developed new patent pending Billet See Through Oil Filter Assemblies.

Billet Connection Hi Performance and Racing parts has developed products to make it possible and easy to keep track of Performance and Racing Engines. Engines usually have a component failure before many parts fail and the motor blows! The main reasons for blown engines is valve train components and bearing failures.

and major components starting to fail. Knowing there is a problem so you don't run the car again could save a blown engine and cost alot less to fix.

Billet Connection has also developed tools for valve trains. Valve Spring Compressor Tool (Part #9015) comes with 3 different Spring Cups. Fits springs from stock SB & BB Chevy, Ford, Dodge, and 1.675� all out Racing Springs.

Allows easy removal of springs when cylinder

heads are off. Push Rod & Wrist Pin Checking Tool (Part #9030) checks the run out and straightness of both Push Rods and Wrist Pins of all sizes and types, including Hemi. BAE HEMI FAT Head Spring Pressure Tool (Part #9055) checks spring seat pressure up to 500 lbs. when heads, rockers and shafts are installed. Tool fits BAE 4 and 5 FAT head Hemi.

For more info and products call 509-467-7584 or go to www.billetconnection.com

Billet Connection has helped the motor sports enthusiast work on and keep track of there engines by developing new patent pending Billet See Through Oil Filter Assemblies. These Filter Assemblies allow the user to visually see oil pumping through the filter, to help determine the condition of the oil. The filter assembly can also be quickly emptied in seconds for visual inspection of the filter element and the particles that were filtered out of the engine. Even when filtering non transparent fluids like engine oil.

This is done in seconds without draining or leaking any oil, unbolting or loosening any fasteners or fittings and without the loss of any oil out of the system.

These filter assemblies are like having an insurance policy for your engine. Being able to visually inspect and examine the filtered particals could save a motor or win a race. Stories shared by users of See Through Filters are when they saw more than a normal amount of particals when checking the filter, they looked for the problem and fixed it to keep racing. Others have saw alot of material in the filter and brought there race car home to find bearings December 2013

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11th Annual Biker Day at the Capitol erday will go a long way to beat back those who oppose our helmet choice stance.

Bikerday at the Capitol would not be possible without the many contributions made by individuals and groups who support motorcycling freedom in Minnesota. If you or your group would like to contribute, contact ABATE of Minnesota at 2014bikerday@abatemn.org or 1-800-224-6570.

Also, Bikerday pins are available for $3, plus $1 shipping, with all proceeds supporting Bikerday.

If you can’t attend you can still help: Call or send a letter of support to your legislators.

This will be a great day for Minnesota motorcycling freedom, don't miss it.

We need you there – You need you there Be there – Do it for you.

ABATE of Minnesota’s 11th annual Bikerday at the Minnesota State Capitol will be held on Wednesday, March 12, 2014. If you will be attending Bikerday be sure to register on the ABATE of Minnesota web site before February 28th. By registering, ABATE volunteers will provide you with Bikerday talking points when you arrive at the Capitol and also arrange for you to meet with your State Senator and State Representative. Bus transportation is provided from around the state. By the busload and individually ABATE members, club members, motorcycling groups and independent riders will walk into the Capitol to make sure their voice is heard. Your presence is crucial to protect your rights and safety as a Minnesota motorcyclist. Together we will: • Maintain your right to wear or not wear a helmet while riding.

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• Increase penalties for those who cause harm by driving negligently.

• Defeat oppressive motorcycle insurance increases.

• Improve the safety of all Minnesota motorcyclists.

On March 12, 2014, from 8:15 to 9:15 am, we will assemble in the Minnesota State Capitol Rotunda. You will receive a packet containing talking points on the legislative agenda and the time and room number for meeting with your Senator and Representative or staff. At 9:15am we will hear from many key people in Minnesota politics.

During the 2012 session there was a helmet bill introduced in the Minnesota legislature. Many of the sponsors of that bill are still in the legislature and will be hoping to persuade their colleagues to support helmet bill language. A strong showing at Bik-

For more information, email 2014bikerday@abatemn.org or call 1-800-224-6570.

Check www.abatemn.org often for updated information.

Yours in freedom, Mack Backlund, State Coordinator ABATE of MN • 763-226-9195 www.WheelsofThunder.net

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A

Written by Tom Edwards

fter spending his early years in Texas, “Flaming Frank” Pedragon moved to California and began a family tradition that is well into its second decade. Frank’s sons, Frank Jr., Cruz and Tony have carried on their dad’s passion for the sport with considerable passion and success. Between them Cruz and Tony are 4 (2 each) time Funny Car world champions. As a fan, seeing their recreation of Flaming Frank’s front engine Fiat coupe was enjoyable. It was a great acknowledgement of their father, his contributions to the sport, and that era of drag racing. He retired from the sport at the end of the 1968 season.

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Cruz had his first professional win in 1992 at the Houston race. His 5.10 ET at the event was the quickest run in history. His championship seasons were in 1992 and 2008. He and John Force are the only Funny Car drivers to win the title during the 1990’s. During the 1998 season he qualified number 1 at 12 races. Cruz had his first win as an owner and driver was at the 2000 race in New Jersey. At top end interviews, the other Funny Car drivers, in discussing Cruz will frequently say along the lines of “He can put up some serious numbers”.

Tony is the youngest of the 3 brothers. In 1997 he defeated Cruz in the first allbrother Funny Car final. His 2002 season saw 6 wins in 8 finals and his 4th second place finish for the year. After a championship 2003 season, Tony left John Force Racing and started his own team. In his debut year as an owner/driver Tony finished in 8th place. That marked his 9th consecutive top 10 finish. His 3 wins in the 2006 season resulted in a top 5 finish for the year.

As a rookie during the 1998 season, Frank Jr. got his first year off to a great start with back-to-back wins. For 2 generations, the Pedragon’s have been turning on the win light at the end of a drag strip.

Kenny Bernstein had many amazing moments during his Hall of Fame career.

When his name comes up in conversations, most fans mention the 301.70 MPH run with a 4.82 E.T. at the 1992 Gatornationals in Gainesville Raceway. At 4.82 seconds, the run was also the quickest run in history at that time. The 300 MPH barrier had been broken and, for the rest of his career Kenny was, understandably, referred to as The King of Speed. I remember an interview shortly after the 301 pass and Kenny said one of the guys in the shut down area was holding 3 (as in hundreds of miles an hour) fingers up and Kenny thought he had qualified third. Not quite. In 1979 he established a sponsorship with Anhauser/Busch that lasted 30 years, the longest in motor sport history. Kenny was the Funny Car

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champion 4 consecutive years beginning in 1985. He earned Top Fuel titles in 1996 and 2001.

town, New Jersey race. It was the second barrier breaking pass from a Warren Johnson Racing team member. From 1993 to 2009, Kurt earned consecutive Top 10 finishes.

Funny Car driver John Force has more championships in NHRA competition than any other professional driver in history. The 2013 season saw him clinch his 16th title at the fall race at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. He is the easily the most

Kenny’s son Brandon drove a Top Alcohol dragster for the 2001 season. During a race at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, they became the first father and son to win at the same national event. In June 2001 they did it again, this time it was in Chitown. The following year Brandon was a crew member on Kenny’s team. His 2003 season was off to a great start with 3 wins in the first 8 races. An accident at the race at Old Bridge Township Raceway in New Jersey brought an end to his season. His dad filled in for him as the driver. Despite all of the races he was unable to attend, Brandon was selected Rookie of the Year. In 2004 he joined his dad when he became the NHRA speed record holder. The 2006 season saw 4 wins in 7 final rounds and that was good for a 3rd place finish. In 2011 he had his 8th top ten finish. For the 2014 season, Brandon will be a part of the Al-Anabi team as general manager, a position he has held on Kenny’s team.

Warren Johnson, the “Professor of Pro Stock”, went drag racing full time in 1976.

As he has done so many times at the starting line, he got his racing career off to a great start with a second place finish. He earned his nickname when it became clear that he would frequently be “ahead of the class”. Warren is a six-time Pro Stock Champion and leads the category with 97 wins. Among the many highlights of his Hall of Fame career is a 200 MPH run durPage 46

ing the 1997 race in Richmond, Virginia. It was the first 200 run in Pro Stock history.

The 2010 season saw him become, at 66, the oldest national event professional winner at the race in Madison, Illinois. He is the number 7 driver on the NHRA’s 2001 Top 50 list.

well known driver in the sport and probably the most popular. If you find yourself in the pit area and it looks like the population of a small town is at one pit, it’s a real good chance they are there to get an autograph or photo with the always talkative

champ. John Force Racing has a total of 18 Funny Car titles. He was chosen the #2 drag racer of all time, behind Don Garlits, during the NHRA’s 50th anniversary season.

The first of the 3 Force Girls that opted to carry on the family business was Ashley; like her dad, she went into Funny Car racing. While driving a Top Alcohol dragster during the 2004 season, she joined her faWarren’s son Kurt is the other half of the father/son team that is, in the pro categories, the most successful in drag racing history.

Kurt’s 1993 Rookie of the Year season saw him win 3 races and finish an impressive second place for the year, one spot behind his father. In 1994 he became the first Pro Stock racer with a sub 7 second run. He made the 6.98 second pass at the English-

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ther in the winner’s circle at the last race of the season; the Auto Club Finals at Pomona. That made them the first father/daughter event winners. With a won/loss record of 49-24 during her first 2 years piloting a dragster, she won 67% of the races she entered. In 2008, the Jim Murray Memorial Foundation selected her as the Female Athlete of the Year. Brittany Force is John’s second youngest daughter.

2013 was her rookie year as she became the first Force girl in a Top Fuel dragster. As training to drive the fastest accelerating cars in the world, she drove a Super Comp dragster before going to a Top Alcohol dragster.

Showing that John knows his A (Ashley), B (Brittany) C’s, Courtney Force entered the

onship and Funny Car teammate Fast Jack Beckman won, too bringing Don’s career total of season championships to 11, an amazing number. He has been a team owner and driver since the mid 1960’s. The roof mounted escape hatch seen on Funny Cars is his design. Don retired from the driving aspect of drag racing at the end of the 1974 season.

The next generation Schumacher to take up the sport was Tony, Don’s son. The second generation racers record in Top Fuel is, literally, unmatched. He has more wins than any other driver in NHRA history. His first title was in 1999 and he must have enjoyed winning it. Since then, he has done it 6 more times. During the 1999 season he broke the 330 MPH barrier at the Phoenix race. In 2000 Tony debuted his Army sponsored dragster and in 2003 he had a top 10 finish in the standings for the tenth consecutive year and a second straight Indy win. The 2005 championship season featured a 5 race winning streak, 20 consecutive round wins and 11 time slips that made him the number 1 qualifier. The title won the following year was accomplished in dramatic fashion. In what has become world of professional drag racing at the start of the 2012 season. That impressive effort lead to the Rookie of the Year Award.

At the start of her second year in Funny Car she was the #1 qualifier at the Winternationals in Pomona. That proved to be an indicator of how her week-end would turn out. She won the race and reset the track speed record for her class. Courtney finished the year in 5th place. Like her sisters, she drove a Top Alcohol dragster before her switch to the professional ranks.

2013 International Motorsport Hall of Fame member Don Schumacher has been involved with drag racing for more than half a century. For the DSR team owner, as history has shown, it has worked out very well. During the 2012 season, Top Fuel driver Antron Brown earned the champiDecember 2013

known as “The Run”, Tony’s 4.428 second elapsed time won the Finals at Pomona edging Doug Kalitta. His sixth title and seventh Indy win were part of the 2008 season.

In 2012 Tony has his eleventh consecutive Top 5 finish.

One of the first drag races I went to was a match race featuring Don Garlits and Connie Kalitta. Like other before him and since, Connie began his drag racing career in the late 1950’s and that developed into a multigenerational family endeavor. As a driver, he had his first win in 1964 and from 1973

until 1977 he was Shirley Muldowney’s crew chief. My wife and I were at Pomona when, back behind the wheel again, Connie broke the 290 MPH level. At a top end interview, he said “the telephone poles across the street looked like a picket fence”.

As far apart as telephone poles are, 290 sounds about right to get that visual. Connie is the owner of Kalitta Air, a large air cargo transportation company and was a 1992 inductee into the Motorsports Hall of Fame.

Two next generation drivers followed Connie into the world of professional drag racing; his son Scott and nephew Doug. Like Connie, they both drove Top Fuel dragsters; Scott also piloted Funny Cars. In 1990 Scott entered 19 races and qualifies for 17 of them good for a ninth place finish. That was also his spot after the 1989 and 1990 seasons. 1991 was his first year in Top Fuel after 3 years in a fuel coupe.

Tragically, Scott lost his life during the final www.WheelsofThunder.net

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mented a variety of safety improvements.

round of qualifying at the 2008 race at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park in New Jersey. It is the track where his career began in 1982. After an evaluation of the crash, a number of pro drivers and NHRA representatives collectively designed and imple-

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Doug Kalitta has helped establish the second generation of Kalitta racers as a group you really would rather not race too frequently. As the 1991 USAC Rookie of the Year in the midget series, his racing career was off to a fast start. He was the 1994 champ in the sprint cup class. In 1998 he moved to NHRA Top Fuel racing and earned the Rookie of the Year award for the second time in his racing career. He proved to be as good behind the wheel of a straight line race car as he was with the round and round variety. The 2003, 2004 and 2006 seasons all had second place finishes. Doug won the 2013 Fall Nationals at the Texas Motorplex. During a visit to Las Vegas years ago for a race, my wife and I were talking a walk around the MGM Grand when we saw an amazing looking dark green and lighter green dragster. Most nitro cars have a lot of sponsorship logos on their cars for a reason; financial support. Not this car. In gold lettering along the side was MGM GRAND. Leo, the MGM lion, was leading the way.

When I looked at the body panel near the driver’s window shield I saw a list of the

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crew and their particular job. Connie was listed as “Pit Boss” which I thought was perfect. Doug was helping fans get behind the wheel for a photo op and, no surprise here, Cathy took a few shots of me. It was fun.

The 6 first and second generation racing families in this article is just a fraction of the number throughout drag racing from the sportsman ranks to the professional categories. I think that is a positive sign for the growth of the sport. Multi-generational involvement with drag racing isn’t confined to the racers and pit crews. A look around the stands shows that it applies there, too.

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G

reetings again Wheels fans!! Winter has arrived and we you are as excited for the change of seasons as we are at GameON! TV.

This issue of Wheels of Thunder is full of great stories, the best pictures and sponsor information and it all underscores just how much momentum and excitement surrounds motorsports! GameON! TV continues to grow & reach so many of you with our sports programming. You might know that we broadcast in the Dakota’s and western Minnesota via MidCo Sports Network. GameON! loves sports, from the variety of professional, college & high school sports to all the outdoor events that dot our regional landscape.

GameON’s partnership with Wheels of Thunder is strong and just like you, we also enjoy the most comprehensive race magazine and website to be found!

Wheels of Thunder magazine gets it and gets you the latest information, amazing pictures and all those terrific stories to the most passionate motorsports fans in the country!

Looking ahead, there’s more special events and moments ahead for GameON! Each and every week GameON! comes to you in crystal clear full High Definition and our first APP (it’s free to for Apple & Android phones) is available for your use! GameON! TV is now offering a weekly PODCAST available @ our show website www.GameOnTvMN.com. It’s full of bits and pieces of sports from the region and what’s ahead on our weekly TV show. GameON! still serves as the lead-in to the award winning FOX NFL pre game show on FOX’s MY29 here in the Twin Cities during the NFL Season.

GameON! does what no other TV sports interview show (in the region) does. We offer a diverse and entertaining half hour of TV as we bring you the most visible and popular Minnesota sports figures. From the Vikings, the NBA Timberwolves, the NHL Wild, the Twins and we visit with the Lacrosse Swarm. We talk ISOC racing and NASCAR. This show is interactive so we’d love to hear from you! Please visit our Facebook site (friend us @ GameON on facebook), our website @

www.gameontvmn.com and 24/7on twitter #gameontvmn. And we’re always planning bigger and better shows at the best location in Minneapolis at Bar Abilene UPTOWN. You are always welcome to visit our live tapings and each week we list guests and updates on the GameON! website as well as our Facebook site.

Get upclose and personal with us!!

GameON! Host Rod Simons is also found on the new radio home for your Minnesota Twins @ KTWIN 96.3.

So, please join us for all that sports offers us here in our great neck of the woods, via Wheels of Thunder, GameON! and KTWIN radio! And get your Vikings fix with our partner in one of the largest Vikings fan websites in the world, www.PurplePride.org. I’ve said it before and I’m saying it again! Get off the couch and get your GameON! Be a part of the exciting effort we're putting on! Here’s to the spring fast approaching! Hope to see you at an upcoming GameON! taping!!Keep your GameON!

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