Wheels of Thunder Feb 2014 by Wheels Of Thunder All Motorsports Magazine

Vol. 5 Issue 1

FEBRUARY 2014

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Front Cover Photo By ÂŠ Gary Walton, Action Graphics, Inc.

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EDITORIAL STAFF

Special Features

Hentges Racing.............................................4

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

W.O.W. Jakki Farmer..................................14 Colton Moore - In loving Memory ................36

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

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That Sounds Good to Me ............................42

Rally’s & Shows

2014 Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals.............22

Manufacturer Series....................................32

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ADVERTISING STAFF

Departments

Garage Built ...............................................10

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

Calendar....................................................28

ABATE of MN.............................................41

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Game On!..................................................48

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February 2014

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Written by Steve Casper © Gary Walton, Action Graphics, Inc.

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fter a spectacular showing at the 2014 Winter X Games where Hentges Racing team riders, Kody Kamm and Justin Broberg, both came home with medals, the team had very little time to regroup before heading to Deadwood, South Dakota for the AMSOIL Championship Deadwood Snocross Shootout. It was there that Kamm was able to do so something no one else has been able to do all season long, beat Tucker Hibbert in an AMSOIL main event. February 2014

HENTGES RACING STARTS OFF 2014 WITH A BANG!

ÂŠ Gary Walton, Action Graphics, Inc.

Kody Kamm currently sits in second place in the AMSOIL Championship Snocross Pro Open points standings.

hop-up tricks, giving both Kamm and Broberg the ammunition to run up front in every event they enter.

By any measure, this would mark an awesome start to the 2014 winter season for the Hentges Team which is headed by veteran crew chief and former top racer Tim Bender. Their fleet of Polaris racing sleds feature the latest in racing technology and

Hentges Racing was formed in 2000 in Minneapolis as a true family endeavor. Brothers Nate and Jonny Hentges piloted the two HR Snocross entries, while Dad drove the motorhome and Mom fed the team at the track. Older brother Jer handled most of the logisitics and sister Krystal joined in, even racing herself a few times. In what is a short time in motor racing, Hengtes Racing has become the premiere factory Polaris Snocross team and a competitive force to be reckoned with each weekend. With the championship-caliber technical resources and developmental support of a manufacturer like Polaris married with the heart and passion of the Hentges family and young racers Kody Kamm and Justin Broberg, the team has certainly shown its muscle this year.

ÂŠ Gary Walton, Action Graphics, Inc. February 2014

"X-Games went really well for us," reported team owner Nate Hentges. "We went out two weeks prior to the event to test and get used to the altitude. It's a spendy deal, but it was well worth it when we came home with two medals." www.WheelsofThunder.net

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and are excited for what next year will bring,” said Nate. The team soon grabbed more headlines at the next round of the Snocross Championship in Deadwood, South Dakota when Tucker Hibbert’s (Monster Energy/Arctic Cat) storybook undefeated season come to an crashing halt during the Friday event when Wisconsin’s Kody Kamm “bumped” Hibbert out of the way off the start and rode to his first victory of the 2013-’14 ACS season.

During timed qualifying Kody cashed in second place while Justin got third. They placed 1-2 in their heats so that put them in a top position for the crucial start. “Kody was second off the start behind Tucker Hibbert and Justin ran in fourth before grabbing third,” said Nate. “From there they finished in second and third for a Silver and Bronze.” We asked Nate if the XGames courses are any different than the typical Snocross events they run on in the AMSOIL series. “The X-Games tracks tend to be more technical and interesting since they aren't running some of the lower classes like they do with the regular series. The riders all seem to really like the XGames tracks. We're pumped for going back next year to try and grab some more medals.”

For the first time, Hentges Racing took to the challenge of competing in a new discipline at the X Games by joining 2-time Winter X-Games medalist and premier athlete in the industry, Chris Burandt, in the Snowmobile Long Jump event. While competing in the final round of Snowmobile Long Jump, Burandt just missed a podium and an X-Games medal, finishing in 4th place. He took home the silver medal in the debut year of the discipline back in 2010.

If there was one venue where AMSOIL Championship Snocross fans could have marked their calendar with “anybody’s race” it would have been Deadwood. Hibbert struggled here last year and, given his history with Kamm (the two had an aggressive run-in at the previous round in Shakopee, Minn.), this would be a make© Gary Walton, Action Graphics, Inc.

“With a world class athlete like Chris Burandt on the team for the weekend it was a great experience. It was a first for us to compete in the Snowmobile Long Jump competition and we were able to build a competitive Polaris snowmobile for him. We consider his 4th place finish a success

or-break weekend for Hibbert’s run at a perfect season. With Hibbert selecting the very inside line with the No. 1 gate pick and Kamm lining up right beside him with the No. 2 pick, Hibbert got out a little bit ahead but was quickly met at the apex of the first turn berm and hit in the side by Kamm, forcing Hibbert off the track. Hibbert would run his Arctic Cat nearly two-thirds of the way around the track before re-joining the field in 10th place.

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“Oh man, I bumped Tucker a little bit, held my line,” said Kamm of the incident. Hibbert would be unavailable for comment as of press time. February 2014

Tremblay would go down, handing 2nd place to Pallin. This would have meant a podium for Hibbert, but the points leader made an uncharacteristic error and was flung off his sled, salvaging a 6th place finish in the end. Justin Broberg finished a respectable 4th for the Hentges team and kept his top five position in the points standings.

With Kamm up front, 2012 ACS Pro Open champ Tim Tremblay (Scheuring Speed Sports/AMSOIL/Ski-Doo) would grab 2nd place, followed by No. 10 qualifier Kyle Pallin (Mystic/LaVallee Racing/Polaris). Six quick laps later on the tight, paper clipshaped Deadwood track - with Kamm putting up a blistering 25.5 second lap time to Hibbert’s 26:13 – the Polaris racer was up by eight seconds on the overall Pro Open points leader. At the midway point of the 22-lap contest Hibbert had moved up to 4th and was beginning to challenge Pallin for 3rd, but Kamm and Tremblay were gone. And unless something happened, like a wreck,

things didn’t look good for Hibbert’s win streak (which stood at 6-0 entering Deadwood). Kamm and Tremblay would lock up into an intense battle late in the contest, with Tremblay taking the lead from Kamm on the white flag lap. But Kamm held strong, wrestling the lead back from the former champ en route to a 1st place finish. “Tremblay passed me on the last lap, but I was able to square him up on the next turn and take the lead back and held on to the end,” said Kamm. Moments after that back and forth battle,

HENTGES RACING SPONSORS Polaris Pirtek FXR World Class Outerwear AMSOIL Monster Energy Superior 3rd Party Logistics Ergodyne Tenacious Work Gear Woody’s Traction Products Fox Shox Wells Fargo S.M. Hentges & Sons Inc Apple Ford Shakopee 139 Designs Camoplast C&A Pro Skis DP Brakes SPY Optics Starting Line Products NGK Spark Plugs Heel Clicker TekVest Black Dog Consulting Mobile Radio Engineering www.WheelsofThunder.net

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1972 Chevy Nova Yenko Clone

This car is a 6 year build. It is built for the strip with a 565 Chevy big block but is street legal.

FOR SALE! 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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Pushing 900+ horsepower on pump gas and backed by a powerglide transmission 5200 stall converter, and a custom fabricated 9” nickel plated rear end. The chassis is an 8.50 NHRA Certified full chromoly tube to the firewall with stock sub frame front with tubular chromoly front arms and manual rack and pinion, with 4 link and sway bar coil over suspention, 4 wheel disc brake Wilwood rears Strang fronts Wilwood rotors and Wilwood calipers with stainless steel drake line. Under the trunk lid is all custom tin work with 2 compartments for the 2 Optima batteries and the Magna Flow Pro Star 500 fuel pump and filters and also the 15 gal fuel cell. Inside the car you will find a full point roll cage, Kirkey aluminum bucket seat, carbon fiber dash filled with Autometer guages and removeable transmission cover.

February 2014

Hole shot rims are mounted with 33x18.5x15 Mickey Thompson DOT drag tires on the rear and 15x3 Mickey Thompson Sportsmans on the front. Body was originally a rally Nova. It was straightened and painted by Hardware Kustoms. All decals were done by Krazy Kustoms. It has a 4” fiberglass cowl hood and fiberglass bumpers. Additional points of interest: A full 4” ceramic coated exhaust system, all braided fuel lines, painless wiring from bumper to bumper, line lock and trans brake, Moroso transmission cooler, Northern Race Pro radiator, Dual Spal electric fans, Product Engineering air pump and fuel regulator, Wilwood master cylinder, Mezicre Enterprises electric water pump. MSD 7 AL Currently FOR SALE! For more information and photos go to www.DukesRaceShop.com.

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Wo W Jakki Farmer #405

Written by Mylie Lougheed Photos provided by Shawn Mueller Photography

on’t let the long blond hair and movie star smile fool you. Jakki Farmer may look like a “girly girl” and may even be one at times, but let her loose on a snocross track and she’s just as tough and races just as hard as the boys.

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Farmer has only been racing for 3 years but has garnered plenty of attention as she moves up the ranks in the women’s pro-am division. The 17 year old high school senior from Medford, Wisconsin is currently ranked 3rd in points on the International Series of Champions circuit (ISOC) and 2nd in the Great Northern Snocross Series (GNSS). Farmer says she has been trail riding with her family since she was little but became interested in racing when her cousin, Mike Bauer, became involved in snocross. “We started going out to races and watching him and then my little brother started racing. It was so fun to watch and cheer them on.” It wasn’t long before watching wasn’t enough for Farmer. “I started seeing girls out there racing and wished I could be one of them,” says Farmer. And be one of them she would, although it came about kind of by mistake. “My dad bought my brother a 440 Polaris but it was too big for him so he put me on it to give it a try.” explains Farmer. “It was really fun. I had a blast!”

Farmer got in one race that first season and was hooked. “It was the last race of the season in Marshfield, WI,” remembers Farmer. “They threw me in the novice class and I think I got second place.” Farmer jokes about how well she did even though she had no racing experience. “I guess I have a little natural ability,” she says with a laugh. It’s a good bet the racers she beat that day may not have been laughing along with her. Farmer’s dad was confident enough in his daughter’s natural ability that he bought her a bigger sled, a 600 Polaris IQR, which she still races today. They bought the sled from Bauer which meant a lot to Farmer who draws inspiration from her cousin. “I’ve been working my way up and having so much fun,” says Farmer. Talking to Farmer, it’s hard to believe there is a shy girl somewhere inside. “I used to be really shy before I started racing,” she says. “Racing has helped me develop a lot more confidence and taught me to be brave and strong. Snocross has been a really good experience.” Farmer’s mother agrees. “I am most impressed with Jakki and how she has grown into a snocross advocate. She has a huge following of friends and relatives because she is so excited about racing. Her excitement is contagious.” I asked Farmer what advice she has for other young people, especially young girls who might want to try snocross. Her advice

February 2014

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that weren’t enough to keep her busy, she has recently gotten into snowboarding and wakeboarding. With her senior year to finish, high school graduation on the horizon and college decisions to make, Farmer is taking it all in stride. “Right now my goals are to finish in the top 5 nationally (ISOC) and first on the GNSS.” And as far as next season, Farmer says she isn’t sure how many races she will make but she isn’t hanging up her helmet and goggles yet. “I’m going to make as many races as I can, but with college I don’t know what that’s going to look like.” Whatever it looks like, we’re cheering for you Jakki, on and off the track. Farmer is sponsored by: (with a chuckle) is simply, “HOLD ON!” But she is serious about encouraging others. “Just try it. You won’t regret it.” And for those already involved in the sport, Farmer advises, “Practice! And ask other racers for tips and advice. Everyone is happy to help.” That willingness to help and the friendliness of the other racers is one of the things that Farmer loves most about snocross. “Everyone is there for each other. Even if your sled is ruined people are running around finding parts and helping you fix it.” Speaking of family, Farmer is one of three snocross racers in her family. Younger sister Markki (14) and little brother Zak (12) complete the trio of racers. Jan is definitely the proud mother. “I am their biggest cheerleader!” And surprisingly, she says she isn’t stressed out with worry as you might expect from a mom. “I don't get nervous about their racing in fear of them getting hurt like most mothers. Both Zak and Jakki have been in emergency rooms from getting run over by other sleds, but bodies mend.”

There are a lot of hours on the road and few weekends available for anything but racing in the winter. “People always ask me where we go for family vacations and my reply is that we vacation all winter long on the track,” says Jan without regrets. “Time with family, good friends, good food, and good racing is what life in the north is all about.” Rick agrees, “The kids are having so much fun you don’t mind the sacrifice.” Farmer’s talents don’t end on the snocross track. She was recently voted MVP of her high school volleyball team and featured on the local television news. She has also been offered a volleyball scholarship to University of Wisconsin-Marathon. And if

Fort Fremont Racing I Am Second FLY Motul Smith Optics Study Boy C&A Pro DP Brakes Dale Gas Polaris Monster PowerMadd XTC Camera Arctic FX Graphics

With dad (Rick) and mom hauling sleds and kids from race to race it truly is a family affair. When I spoke with Farmer she was on the road to an ISOC race in Deadwood, SD (12 hours away) with her uncle, her dad and her sled in the bed of the pickup. While they headed west, mom was taking Zak and Markki to a race in Richland Center, WI. Page 16

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Written and Photographed by Dan Jacobson Sr.

ow in the world do you put on the biggest nonsanctioned midget sprint car race, in the countries largest indoor building in January? We are talking about the 28th year of the Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Midget Nationals in Tulsa, OK. Two-hundred eighty five entries all lined up with a banked dirt track nearly a quarter of a mile on the outside wall. Eleven second laps create a vortex of air much like an Oklahoma tornado. A racing trade show all inside runs every hour of the weeks program. The numbers of workers to host such an event is staggering to handle the 10 to 20 thousand fans each of the five day run. Tulsa, Oklahoma makes a perfect central location for teams and fans. The city opens it arms each year like it’s the Super Bowl coming to town... This is the Lucas Oil “Chili Bowl” Midget Nationals.

Ricky Stenhouse Jr is in the house. Page 22

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2/3's of the 4 acre indoor build is paddock for the big rig trailer... All 285 cars fit inside

Who's idea is this: The amount of work to pull "all" the pieces together “seamlessly” is a year long project to active for the manage team directed by Donna Hahn Martin, Lanny Edwards and Emmet Hahn. Donna said, “Every year we say there is no way it can get any better, but it always does. We are so blessed. Being a labor of love, it has become more than ever dreamed.” Bring your walking shoes: Seems the event has arms and legs for everyone, young and old, first timers, disabled and veterans. The Chili Bowl is the grassroots racing super bowl fitting for any motor-sports fan. Four countries, New

Zealand, Australia, Canada and the majority from 33 of the 50 USA States. Easily the the most difficult racing event to make the final big dance in the world. Fans have a busy day with the trade show, pit action and racing non-stop. Trade show has all the players of racing plus local hospitality. Knoxville Raceway and National Sprint Car Hall of Fame & Museum’s Bob Baker took time to share his stories of the historical Iowa location. Kyle Douglas explained the Rod End Supplies newest products. Megan Hazel presented a look at the 2014 World of Outlaws and Dirt Car Racing season and track locations. The ladies of Hooters and Twin Peaks offered specials at the Tulsa locations. MavTV had a collection of cool swag and information to bring the network to everyone. Saturday there is an race equipment auction in and adjacent build on the massive Expo grounds.

Lucas Oil track staff kept the constant flow of on the off the track. February 2014

Before they start the engines: Meeting fans, teams, vendors and racers is all invitingly casual early in the week and everyday the growing crowd size slowed by the sheer numbers. By Saturday it's grid lock with people packed in for the Chili Bowl Midget National finals. It's a good thing they have giant screens located though out the Expo center for the multitaskers. The growing crowd in the arena / track seats are full and people fill every standing place to view the action. Many people opt for the lawn chairs, inflatable couches view of the mega screens from the pits. This pit view of the constant broadcast www.WheelsofThunder.net

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The top qualifiers from the weeks racing that made the direct transfers draw for the pole on back in the big dance Saturday. One more event for the fans to enjoy... Makes a pre-game coin toss seem small. My Chili Bowl National started early Tuesday morning with Reed Nudell (my veteran Chili Bowl guide) helped get me up to speed in the Midget Racing world. Putting

Every seat was a tight squeeze.

coverage by; http://www.racinboys.com shows live and re-runs of the weeks action. Racinboys.com is a great service for the fans at home with on line grass roots motorsports coverage though out the year. Racing stars and heroes: Chili Bowl attracts the past and present of racing, keeping your eyes open is everything. NASCAR leads the way with Kasey Kahne, J.J. Yeley, Ricky Stenhouse Jr racing and girlfriend Danica Patrick cheering, Tony Stewart showed up to give support to his team, still the a noticeable limp. Trolling the pits was Johnny Rutherford and Al Unser Sr.. Proving the Chili Bowl is a big family event many of the greats from sprint cars, Sammy and Kevin Swindell, 2013 World of Outlaws champion Daryn Pittman, Jac “Wild Child”

Danica Patrick visits with a young race fan as boy friend Ricky Stenhouse Jr. looks on.

Haudenschild, Joey Saldana to name a few. Sammy competed in the inaugural 1987 event placing sixth, the late Rich Vogler was the winner. From Indy Car, NASCAR, IMSA, SCCA P.J.Jones. P.J. Jones has a long history here at the River Spirit Expo Center Page 24

in the A main six times still looking for victory number one. Chad Boat of USAC, NASCAR Nationwide won his first Arizona State Championship in quarter midgets at age 7 . Chad is chasing his fathers (Billy Boat) success after his the victory in 1997 Chili Bowl. Daryn Pitman 2013 World of Outlaws champion is pilot of the Bob Hurley Ford entry number twenty-one. Over the 28 years the magic of the Chili Bowl has created eighteen winners. Swindell family leads with nine total, Kevin has four and dad Sammy has five. Only “Smoke” Tony Stewart, Cory Kruseman and Dan Boorse have two. Knowing how it feels to win a Chili Bowl from oldest to newest; Rich Vogler, Scott Hatton, John Heydenreich, Lealand McSpadden, Dave Blaney, Andy Hillenburg, Donnie Beechler, Billy Boat, Jay Drake, Damion Gardner... New to the historic list in 2014 Bryan Clauson. To finish first, first you must finish: Only twenty four make the big show Saturday night, it takes four nights of 70 entries each night to advance the top three making up half the field (12). Saturday's two Bmains (six from twenty each) fill the remaining slots of the twenty-four driver in the Lucas Oil Championship feature event. The mind boggling action each and every race, the iconic event brings out the best of the best. Smallest of miscues are nearly impossible to over come‚ Yet some have. This year the Kevin Swindell raced his way into the A featured main after a difficult start early in the week. The defending champion of the past four years worked his magic from far back in the alphabet to secure a back 12 in the “A” main Saturday.

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JR Yelley talks over set-up for the difficult qualifying rounds

the names to faces, car numbers to pit location becomes the key as we made our way through the five days. One of my first contacts was made by Bob Farris with the 63 two car team owned by builder Rusty Kunz supported by Dooling Machine, Curb Records,Westin Packaged Meats, Spike (chassis), Esslinger (engine), Hoosier Tire . Drivers Bryan Clauson and Michael Pickens for 2014 event. Rusty has had the best of the Midget racing world drive his world class machines over the years and never won the Chili Bowl National until 2014. Rusty’s wife Wanda Kunz explained the year long dedication Rusty puts into the Chili Bowl cars. Rusty’s brother Keith crew chief of the 71k and 67 team of Kyle Larson, Rico Abreu and Tanner Thorson. Kunz / Weyant family has a multi generational midget and sprint car history recently lost their race mother and car owner Lillian Kunz. The family is racing on like a swiss watch.

The King of the Chili Bowl Sammy Swindell very hands on. February 2014

Kevin Swindell has won the last four years in a row (2013-2010) with his dad Sammy Swindell winning the 2009, 20 years after his first of five victories at the Tulsa classic. To say the Swindell’s aren’t favorites would be an understatement. To be very honest there is a complete story about each of the 24 qualifiers and 18 different Chili bowl winners... This story is going behind the scenes, all the people who provide the event for the super stars. Chili Bowl National Nuts and Bolts: From the steady stream of trash can emptying, meat and bun hauling... The crowd was pleased hour after hour. Maybe the only place in the world I’ve been able to walk openly through the pits with a beer and a race dog (hot dog). The star watching, Rodeo Drive had nothing on the Chili Bowl with past and present’s best. This might be the time I say, Buck-list fulfilled, but not so fast. For years, Dave Despain has been hard at work doing Wind tunnel on Speed Channel right up to Fox Sports One had a different idea. MavTV owned by Forest Lucas (Lucas Oil) who has a passion and bulls-eye on grassroots racing for the new network including four and two wheel racing of all kinds. MavTV has Dave Despain working the mic and camera setting up the perfect match for the fans. Robin Miller a not very good college student but very good american motor-sports journalist from Indianapolis was in the house. Since his passion for midget racing goes back to a USAC Midget he bought

from Gary Bettenhausen in the 70’s. Robin has broken more stories in racing world than most. Walking from the press room I ran into the “Lone Star JR”, Johnny Rutherford and his beautiful wife Betty. Johnny’s racing life was full of epic moments and Betty his wife was instrumental in allowing women in the pit’s and paddock of auto racing. Johnny was the youngest driver to win the Daytona NASCAR race driving for Smokey Yunick besides the three Indy 500’s. I have to say, Johnny and Betty show no age as they light up the room. Just a tip of the iceberg, with 15,000 plus fans in the house I missed shaking hands with current and past stars from AMA Pro Dirt Track motorcycles, Ronnie Jones, Scott Adams, Indy Cars Al Unser Sr., and so many more from all racing disciplines... This is the real deal for any racing fan and very “Bucket List” worthy. Saturday morning when the doors swing open, it’s a foot race to grab up the best general admission seats. “Quite the show in itself”, said Chief of Security Bart. By main event time Saturday night, all the seats are full with an extra squish The Lucas Oil Track Crew was like a show of it’s own, they were on target to perfection quicker than a refill on your favorite treat. The Lucas Oil track crew handled issue after issue in surgical fashion. Moving the wounded cars right side up and away... Yet keeping the show rolling allowing little time for repairs of the wounded. With the Saturday roll over count already over 30 with

Must have Chili Bowl wear sold fast!

dozens of races to come, the crowd saw many a star making the trip up the pathway from the track to the pits with the look, only if that hadn’t happened. Processing the looks on the drivers faces was from “How is my wife going to understand this” to “I just spent thousands and now get nothing”. The trill of victory and agony of defeat is alive and well at the Chili Bowl. Truly, with everything going on non-stop during any of the five days at the Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals it is a over whelming hit for everyone in the the house and the city of Tulsa. Hotels clammer to join in the preferred list of lodging providers. After the daily races, fans teams and drivers fill the local hot spots. Point is the Chili Bowl generates millions to the Tulsa economy everyday. Donna Hahn Harris said, “We have surrounded ourselves with some of the best help there is. The Chili Bowl, to us, is a labor of love. It has become more than we ever dreamed it could be.” MavTV, Owned by Forest Lucas who does the live finals Saturday has a vision and offer to buy the Chili Bowl from his friend Emmet Hahn. The rumor is that Forest Lucas has been asking for a purchase price, Emmet’s answer, “It’s not for sale”. From this author’s point of view, “ This is one of the best racing events on wheels, any place on our planet”. Looking forward to the 2015 event starts now... The tickets go on sale in March and the coveted front straight reserved seats from 2013 have first choice to lock them in. Flyer for the 2015 event goes out February 18th one month after the 2014 event checkers. People leave the seats in wills passing on the passion of the Chili Bowl to the next generation. Buck-list worthy, “I'd say so!”

Bryan Clauson, driver of the winning 63 car, owner Rusty Kunz. February 2014

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Media Contact: Sara Griewing • sgriewing@forwardsportsmarketing.com The Manufacturers Series, which is comprised of the Super Chevy Show, Fun Ford Weekend and Mega Mopar Action automotive events is geared up for the 2014 season with the release of the new 33 eventschedule that includes the dates for the newest host track to join the tour, U.S. 131 Motorsports Park in Martin, Michigan. All three branded Series tours will make a stop at the “Fastest Track in Michigan,” giving Chevrolet, Ford and Mopar fans in the Great Lakes region a place to see the finest show cars and fastest drag cars in the area compete for an historic first-place win during the 2014 stops in Martin, Michigan. “We are excited to have U.S. 131 Motorsports Park join the Manufacturers Series events for our Chevy, Ford and Mopar fans in Michigan to showcase Detroit iron and competition of the American brands,” said Lex Dudas, Manufacturers Series president.

The Super Chevy Show presented by Chevrolet Performance will include 12 events in 2014 beginning in Jupiter, Florida at Palm Beach International Raceway with a new date of April 4-6, and ending at Royal Purple Raceway in Baytown, Texas October 11-12. Texas Motorplex in Ennis, Texas will be returning to a two-day Saturday-Sunday event May 17-18, 2014 and will share a weekend doubleheader with Virginia Motorsports Park in Petersburg Virginia. Royal Purple Raceway will host the first of 12 Blue Oval Fun Ford Weekend dates for the 2014 season on March 29, with U.S. 131 Motorsports Park kicking off mid-season as the sixth event on July 13. Texas Motorplex will host the final event for 2014 on November 8, with a later date to beat the Texas heat. Texas Motorplex will kick-off the 9 event Mega Mopar Action Series March 29, while Mopar Action Magazine welcomes U.S. 131 Motor-

sports Park to its namesake Series May 15. Virginia Motorsports Park and Palm Beach International Raceway will share a weekend in September as the first doubleheader for the Series on the September 20-21, weekend with Auto Club Famoso Raceway in Bakersfield California wrapping up the season October 45, 2014. About the Manufacturers Series – Designed to offer a little something for everyone in a family atmosphere for "Big Three" American automotive brand enthusiasts, the Super Chevy Show, Fun Ford Weekend and Mega Mopar Action Series are all members of the Manufacturers Series with 33 North American events in 2014. Each Manufacturers Series event is wholly owned by its respective host track and showcases a car show, drag racing, manufacturer's midway, swap meet and car corral, as well as autocross at selected events. For more information or for event schedules, visit www.mfgseries.com

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2014 SUPER CHEVY SHOW PRESENTED BY CHEVROLET PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE April 4-6 April 11-13 May 17-18 May 17-18 May 30-June 1 June 7-8 June 20-22 July 11-13 August 15-16 Sept. 26-28 October 3-5 October 11-12

Palm Beach International Raceway Memphis International Raceway Texas Motorplex Virginia Motorsports Park U.S. 131 Motorsports Park Auto Club Famoso Raceway Gateway Motorsports Park Maple Grove Raceway Bandimere Speedway Bristol Dragway Rockingham Dragway Royal Purple Raceway

Jupiter, FL Memphis, TN Ennis, TX Petersburg, VA Martin, MI Bakersfield, CA St. Louis, MO Reading, PA Denver, CO Bristol, TN Rockingham, NC Baytown, TX

2014 FUN FORD WEEKEND SCHEDULE March 29 April 26-27 June 6-7 June 14-15 June 22 July 13 July 18-19 August 29-30 Sept. 6-7 Sept. 13 Sept. 19-20 November 8

Royal Purple Raceway Rockingham Dragway Memphis International Raceway Virginia Motorsports Park Bandimere Speedway U.S. 131 Motorsports Park Gateway Motorsports Park Bristol Dragway Auto Club Famoso Raceway Maple Grove Raceway Palm Beach International Raceway Texas Motorplex

Baytown, TX Rockingham, NC Memphis, TN Petersburg, VA Denver, CO Martin, MI St. Louis, MO Bristol, TN Bakersfield, CA Reading, PA Jupiter, FL Ennis, TX

2014 MEGA MOPAR ACTION SCHEDULE March 29 April 12 May 18 June 1 June 8 June 21 Sept. 20-21 Sept. 21 October 4-5 February 2014

Texas Motorplex Rockingham Dragway U.S. 131 Motorsports Park Bandimere Speedway Memphis International Raceway Maple Grove Raceway Virginia Motorsports Park Palm Beach International Raceway Auto Club Famoso Raceway

Ennis, TX Rockingham, NC Martin, MI Denver, CO Memphis, TN Reading, PA Petersburg, VA Jupiter, FL Bakersfield, CA www.WheelsofThunder.net

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Written By Ceaja Philp

t’s hard to believe a year has passed since we lost four-time X Games champion Caleb Moore. Younger brother, Colten Moore said he was ready to return to the scene of the accident and compete in Caleb's memory at the same event, and that he did!

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Colten won his second X Games gold medal during the opening in Aspen’s X Games 2014. It was an extremely emotional win that he dedicated to his older brother, Caleb. There wasn’t a dry eye in the place as he held his gold medal in the air thanking Caleb and telling him it was for him.

During last year’s X Games Colten had a crash of his own just minutes after his brother's accident where he separated his pelvis and was admitted to the same hospital as Caleb that night. Once he recovered, he said he never considered giving up the sport. Colten, now only 24 has been busy riding with the Nitro Circus in Europe, riding with Nuclear Cowboyz, and preparing himself for his return to X Games to take on the Freestyle competition. He didn’t hesitate a second to say he was ready to return because he knew Caleb would be there watching out for him. He knows his passion and drive to compete is supported by his family, friends, and Caleb, and his brother would never want him to have stopped because of what happened. Colten says it has definitely been an adjustment riding without his training partner, chief mechanic, sibling rival and best friend, but also knows this is what he was meant to do.

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He has been a busy year for Colten but worth every bit of it he says. He spent a large part of the year in Europe on the Nitro Circus tour, back for rehearsals with the Nuclear Cowboyz, X Games, and now a few months back with Nuclear Cowboyz. When I asked Colten where he gets all of his strength to move forward and keep such a busy schedule since Caleb’s passing he simply said, “Caleb is with me every day and I know it. Caleb wouldn't have wanted me to quit, so I am focused more than ever. I know what I do is a gift and the experience I am gaining from the gift is incredible. My family have always supported our decision to ride. We've always known the risks but you have to agree, living life to the fullest and chasing your dreams is what it's about. Caleb and I have lived more life in our 25 & 24 years, respectfully, than most people at 60. And, I thank my parents for their support because I'm thankful for the life experience I've gained.”

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If it doesn’t affect me why should I care? Man, do I hear that a lot. And my answer is pretty much always the same; if it has any kind of impact on riding motorcycling it concerns all of us. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) has been working hard to prevent any government interference at the national level that may affect our riding freedom and here is a brief summary of three areas that have an impact on our lifestyle. H.R. 1861 The summary of the bill is: “The Secretary of Transportation may not provide a grant or any funds to a state, county, town, or township, Indian tribe, municipal or other local government to be used for any program to check helmet usage or create checkpoints for an operator of motorcycle or passenger on a motorcycle”. That’s pretty straight forward; motorcycle only checkpoints are nothing more than a harassment tool and a waste of money. The

bill does one more thing; it strikes the words “motorcycle helmets” from the highway safety programs section and inserts “to prevent accidents in order to reduce injuries and deaths resulting from accidents involving motor vehicles and motorcycles”. As we all know, crash prevention saves lives and that is where the government should focus their attention. If you agree with this there is something you can do. H.R. 1861 is in the U.S. House of Representatives and if your U.S. Rep has not signed onto this bill then you should ask them to do just that. U.S. Reps McCollum, Ellison, and Nolan all need a polite yet firm nudge to sign onto this common sense legislation. U.S. Reps Kline, Walz, Bachmann, Peterson, and Paulsen have all signed onto this bill. If your Rep has not signed on please contact them. If they have already supported us then please contact them to say thanks. All of their contact info is on the back page of every issue of ABATE of Minnesota’s newsletter, Road Noise. That’s not all that you can do. The MRF has learned that there will be a U.S. Senate companion bill coming soon. That means when the call goes out we also need to contact U.S. Senators Klobuchar and Franken. H.R. 875 This bill is all about ethanol, E15 (gas with 15% ethanol) and the effect that it may or may not have on our motorcycle engines. The fact is we just don’t know. But we do know that most of the manufactures that make our rides have language in their owners manuals that state the use of E15 will void our warranties. This bill simply asks for an impartial study to be conducted on the effects of E15 on our motors. If it doesn’t harm our motors great - E15 for everybody. But if it does we need to know. Contact your member of the U.S. House of Reps to ask for support of this bill. Again, their contact info is on the back page of Road Noise.

February 2014

H.R. 2414 This is the “Black Box Privacy Protection Act” that was introduced back in June. Sooner or later all new motorcycles will have “Black Boxes” that will record what you’re up to and how fast you’re going when you’re doing it. This bill would make the data the property of the motorcycle owner (or car owner). Contact your U.S. Rep and tell them that the information should belong to the vehicle owner. And anyone else interested needs a warrant or subpoena to look at it. Now I know some of the above may not have a direct impact on your current riding liberty, but we have to win some of these battles or the next attack will have a direct impact on your future freedom of the road. Contact me if you would like more info. And please join and support ABATE of Minnesota and the Motorcycle Riders Foundation. Total Vigilance,

Todd Riba, toddriba@gmail.com (952) 239-0929, www.mrf.org www.WheelsofThunder.net

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Written by Tom Edwards

I’

m comin’ off the line when the light turns green. Well I’m not braggin’ babe so put me down, but I’ve got the fastest set of wheels in town. She’s got a competition clutch with a 4 on the floor and she purrs like a kitten ‘til the lake pipes roar. To get the traction I’m ridin’ the clutch. My pressure plate is burnin’, that machine is too much. Gotta be cool now, power shift here we go. We always take my car ‘cause its never been beat. Those lyrics and songs like 409, Shut Down, Little Deuce Coupe shows the Beach Boys enjoy drag racing as much as they like rock ‘n roll. For me, that has been a nice combination for a lot of years. Page 42

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My wife Cathy and I lived in southern California for 35 years and we have seen “America’s Band” 6 times and it’s been Fun, fun, fun every time. One of those concerts was in San Diego after a baseball game. Before the band took the stage a nice collection of Corvette’s, hot rods and woody station wagons with surf boards on the roof rolled out from behind the back wall with a Beach Boy in each car. How cool is that? During that hour and a half set they played a few of their cars songs in a row with lead singer Mike Love using an air shift for emphasis. It looked like the 4 speed he has uses the same pattern I have in my ride. February 2014

Shortly after I became interested in straight line racing I bought an auto racing magazine to catch up on what was new. I remember seeing a picture of a dragster with “Beach Boys” prominently displayed on a body panel between the front and back wheels. You just can’t get too much more California cool than that. For me, that was the first time I had seen a nice blending of drag racing and rock ‘ roll. Over the years, I have seen that mix a number of times. During one of our many visits to Pomona to see the Winternationals, my wife Cathy and I enjoyed seeing a Fabulous Thunderbirds concert in an area near the pits. I remember their set didn’t happen when any of the nitromethane fueled cars were on the track. We have seen a lot of rock bands live and have attended drag races for years so

February 2014

we know they both can be just a little loud. I’m pretty sure we have never heard a rock band, and we’ve seen The Who twice, that could drown out the sound generated by the nitro cars. I can understand why the T Birds didn’t even try. That concert was in 2001, the NHRA’s golden anniversary season. After a great concert Cathy and I met lead singer/harmonica player Kim Wilson, so that was fun. While we were taking a stroll around the souvenir trailers we saw a guitar display that tied drag racing and music together in an interesting way. The guitars featured musicians and the NHRA 50th anniversary logo. If I could play a guitar, any of those would have to been a nice addition to my memorabilia collection. During a 2003 race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway we were in the pits and saw something that let us know it was about to get loud; actually, very loud. I have followed Kalitta Motorsports cars since I saw Connie race in the 1960’s at one of the earliest races I had attended. While checking out Doug Kalitta’s Kiss sponsored Top Fuel dragster, Cathy and I saw their bass player, Gene Simmons putting on a set of ear muffs. Think about that. Kiss isn’t known for quiet melodies, so if Gene thought it was going to be loud, that’s a really good clue about what to expect next. Sure enough, when the engine was fired up, it was a cover your ears moment. Kiss also sponsored Tony Pedregon’s Funny Car and Kurt Johnson’s Pro Stocker. I collect drag racing memorabilia so adding a 1/24 scale die cast Kiss Top Fuel dragster was a nice addition to the Kalitta section. I have enjoyed photography since I was in the military and stationed in Japan so getting shots of the Kiss cars on the track www.WheelsofThunder.net

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was fun. Before each of the cars made a run, the replay screen had images of the band. It made you want to “Rock ‘n roll all night, and party every day”. Heavy metal rock band Motley Crue got involved with drag racing when they sponsored a Funny Car. I have heard the band and watched the car race; I think that may have been a tie for which was loudest. You don’t have to lean in to hear the band or the car. During a meet-and-greet with the fans at an event on Fremont Street in Las Vegas, Cathy and I had a chance to meet lead singer Vince Neil and learned he has enjoyed drag racing for years. Like the other rock’n roll cars, the Motley Crue car had an interesting paint scheme.

nice to hear. I’ll assume “When you’re in” is about qualifying for a race. More than one racer has told me their cars don’t run or nitro or racing gasoline; they run on “Money”. “Welcome to the machine” certainly applies to the amazing cars and motorcycles in the world’s fastest motorsport. They are machines unlike anything else in racing.

the wings of the rear spoiler of their cars during the 2004 season. No surprise here; both cars had very cool designs that reminded me of some of Santana’s CD covers. In 1998 the bands founder, Carlos Santana, established The Milagro Foundation with his family. The publicly funded organization has raised more than $5 million for non-profit groups that provide support for children in need around the world. Concerning those efforts Carlos said “There is no greater reward than working from your heart and making a difference in the world”. On a personal level, it is always nice to see the racers, musicians or athletes you follow have a set of priorities you support. I wonder if Cruz and Tony played “Everything is coming our way” after a good day at the track. I’ll guess “Day of celebration” is

about a win and “Smooth” has to be about a pass down the track that went well. When the Beatles recorded “Drive my car” for their Rubber Soul album I wondered if they were talking about a Top Fueler, a Funny Car or a Pro Stock car. As a fan of Funny Car racers Cruz and Tony Pedregon and rock music, it was nice to see the name Santana, one of my favorite bands since I saw them in San Diego years ago, on

Hey Bruce; “Born to run” is about the cars you saw at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park in your home state of New Jersey, right?

The connections I have seen with drag racing and music aren’t confined to car sponsorship. To promote what turned out to be their final world tour, Pink Floyd had a very colorful blimp fly over the track at Pomona during a race. You don’t see that every day. As low as the blimp was flying, I thought a few racing related songs would have been

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verywhere you look, there’s snow! From racers dashing in snowmobiles flying parallel to rural roads to the Publisher of this very magazine watching his son Zach racing and tearing it up on a rig of their own. It’s a racers wonderland for sure! Greetings again Wheels fans! You have plenty of time to continue to enjoy our great Outdoors since this snow and cold should be with us until, say…June?! We hope you are as excited as we are at GameON! TV. This issue of Wheels of Thunder is full of great stories, amazing pictures and sponsor information that underscores just how much momentum and excitement surrounds motorsports! GameON! TV continues to grow & reach so many of you with our sports programming and you know by now 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! 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. There’s NASCAR and we’re all over your favorite drivers, from Kody Kamm to X-Games Gold Medalist Levi LaVallee. 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 TexMex Restaurant Bar Abilene in Uptown MPLS. 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!! 8-time Emmy winning GameON! host Rod Simons also talks baseball as he serves as the host of the weekly Twins Territory on the 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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