Adam Sinclair

Adam has been a race fan since the first time he went through the tunnel under the Daytona International Speedway more than 30 years ago. He has had the privilege of traveling to races all across the state of Florida (as well as one race in Ohio), watching nearly everything with a motor compete for fame and glory, as well as participating in various racing schools to get the feel of what racecar drivers go through every week.

Adam spent several years covering motorsports for Examiner.com., where he had the opportunity to see the racing world from behind the scenes as well as the grandstands. He invites everyone to follow him on Twitter, Facebook, and Google Plus, and looks forward to sharing his enthusiasm for all things racing with the readers of SpeedwayDigest.com.

Be sure to tune in for his sports talk program, Thursday Night Thunder, where he discusses the latest in motorsports news with drivers, crew members, and fans. The show takes place (almost) every Thursday at 8:00 pm EST on the Speedway Digest Radio Network.

Contact Adam: Email

Dalziel, Mills, Aschenbach Score Wins in Rain-Shortened Mid-Ohio Round 11

Saturday, Aug 02

On Saturday, August 2, Ryan Dalziel, Michael Mills and Lawson Aschenbach took GT, GT-A and GTS victories in a rain-shortened Round 11 of the Pirelli World Challenge season, the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Challenge Presented by StopTech.

In what was the reverse of Friday's Touring Car race, the weather conditions shifted from dry to wet, and intensifying rain forced the early conclusion to what had been a scheduled 50-minute timed race. Once the rain hit, course conditions shifted from yellow to red and checkered, and the race declared final by Race Control after a race time of 35 minutes and 55.908 seconds. The last completed lap was Lap 19.

Dalziel, of Winter Park, Fla., started fourth in the No. 31 EFFORT Racing Porsche GT3 R but advanced into third right off the line behind polesitter Mike Skeen, of Charlotte, N.C., in the No. 2 Hawk Performance Audi R8 Ultra and Johnny O'Connell, of Flowery Branch, Ga., in the No. 3 Cadillac Racing Cadillac CTS-V.R, who'd made a dynamic start from seventh up to second. O'Connell's start, fittingly, was named the Cadillac CTS-V Move of the Race.

Before the race had too much chance to get going, a multicar accident involving Marcelo Hahn, Craig Capaldi and Mitch Landry, among others, forced the race to go under caution on the first lap. The near-50 car field had made it away cleanly through Turn 1 following the standing start.

On Lap 6 the race resumed with Skeen in the lead and Dalziel able to make the move on O'Connell for second, exiting Turn 1.

The top three were able to continue their battle from there, Skeen ahead of Dalziel with O'Connell close, before rain hit the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course with just over 15 minutes remaining.

The rain prompted a full-course caution on Lap 17, and also affected strategies. O'Connell and Skeen took the opportunity to pit for rain tires, while Dalziel, who was making his first start this season, gambled that the race would not resume.

As the rain progressed from a steady rain to a near downpour, Race Control determined the course was unsafe to continue racing. Dalziel was in the lead at the time the course conditions shifted, with Lap 19 confirmed as the last completed lap. The win is Dalziel's first in Pirelli World Challenge.

"We figured we'd won but just needed confirmation, and I was wondering what would happen to Skeen," Dalziel said. "We stayed out despite the conditions; it's a shame to finish like that. Hopefully I didn't make myself look too bad and I'm really thankful for EFFORT Racing providing the opportunity. It's difficult to jump between an HPD and a Porsche GT3 R."

He added of the start and his battle: "The McLarens (Alex Figge and Robert Thorne) got a bad getaway, and I got a great start. Johnny was right on my rear. I like racing with Johnny, as he's always clean. We were starting to chip away at Mike. The strength of this car is the tires over a run; unfortunately the end occurred under yellow and we didn't get a chance to hunt Skeen down for the win on track."

O'Connell was classified second with Skeen third. O'Connell will add to his points lead after finishing ahead of his top title rival.

Anthony Lazzaro, of Atlanta, Ga., in the No. 61 R. Ferri Motorsports Ferrari 458 Italia GT3 and Andrew Palmer, of Chicago, in the No. 21 GMG Racing Audi R8 Ultra, rounded out the top five.

In GT-A, Mills, of Angleton, Texas, secured his third win of the season in the No. 41 EFFORT Racing Porsche GT3 R and second in a row. It also meant EFFORT Racing scored its first double victory in Pirelli World Challenge, and is the second team to do so this season (R. Ferri Motorsports also won GT and GT-A at Round 3 at Barber).

Mills made the winning move with a pass on fastest GT-A qualifier Albert von Thurn und Taxis, of Regensburg, Germany, in the No. 24 Reiter Engineering Lamborghini Gallardo FL2 just before the second yellow flag.

"I was patient with Albert and the conditions were changing," Mills said. "We got rain in some parts and not others. I watched where he was weak and got underneath him in 1. He was a gentleman about it, and that was the end of it. It's awesome for Jim (Taggart) and I, for Ryan (Dalziel) to get a win; it's a great day for Porsche, great day for EFFORT."

In his return to Pirelli World Challenge, Jim Taggart, of Cary, N.C. finished second in GT-A in the No. 7 Absolut/Porsche Porsche GT3 R with von Thurn und Taxis down to third, but still on the podium.

Prior class points leader Henrik Hedman, of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., in the No. 10 DragonSpeed Ferrari 458 Italia GT3, finished eighth among GT-A classified drivers and thus Mills should move to the GT-A points lead following this race.

GTS was more of a straightforward affair with Aschenbach, in the No. 1 Blackdog Speed Shop Chevrolet Camaro, able to control the race from pole position en route to his second win of the season.

"I could tell at the start that the rain was coming, and it was a matter of when not if," Aschenbach said. "I got a clean run off the line, then got some GT cars in-between, the gap came and we just had to maintain it. Hats off to Blackdog Speed Shop and this Chevy Camaro; we're pumped to get our season back on track."

Second after starting fourth was Alec Udell, of The Woodlands, Texas in the No. 17 Watson Racing/MDG Ford Mustang Boss 302S while third was Nic Jonsson, of Buford, Ga., in the No. 36 DonorsChoose.org Kia Optima.

Jonsson led home Kia Racing/Kinetic Motorsports teammate Mark Wilkins, of Toronto, in the No. 38 PutOnTheBrakes.org Kia Optima. In his first start of the season, Joey Atterbury, of Rochester, N.Y., made a nice charge from 11th on the grid up to fifth in the No. 33 Capaldi Racing/Ford Racing Ford Mustang Boss 302S.

One of Atterbury's teammates at Capaldi Racing was in a race for charity during race one of the weekend at Mid-Ohio. Pirelli World Challenge President/CEO Scott Bove, of Conifer, Col., made his first series start since Austin last year in the No. 55 Special Operations Warrior Foundation Ford Mustang Boss. Bove completed 12 laps and advanced five positions from a GTS starting position of 25th up to 20th in class by the checkered flag. Bove and Austin Cindric, of Mooresville, N.C., are racing this weekend in support of SOWF to raise awareness and funding.

Of note, James Sofronas, of Villa Park, Calif., took home the Invisible Glass Clean Pass of the Race award with a move on Andy Pilgrim, of Boca Raton, Fla., for sixth place. Sofronas, in the No. 14 Spyder/The Thermal Club Audi R8 Ultra, finished sixth with Pilgrim, in the No. 8 Cadillac Racing Cadillac CTS-V.R seventh in GT.

Also of note, Larry Funk, of Oberlin, Ohio, was the Sunoco Hard Charger after starting 21st in GTS and then ending eighth in the No. 22 Business Advisory Services BMW M3. Jay Matus, of Houston, took home the Optima Batteries Best Standing Start with a gain of seven positions off the start in the No. 71 VP Fuels Porsche 996. Matus finished 15th in the GTS class.

Listed below are the results from Saturday's 19-lap 42.902 mile Pirelli World Challenge GT/GTS Round 11 race, part of the Mid Ohio Sports Car Challenge at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, with finishing position, class, starting position in parentheses, driver, hometown, car, laps and reason out (if any).

1. GT, (4), Ryan Dalziel, Winter Park, Fla., Porsche GT3R, 19.
2. GT, (7), Johnny O'Connell, Flowery Branch, Ga., Cadillac CTS-V R, 19, -1.347.
3. GT, (1), Mike Skeen, Charlotte, N.C., Audi R8 Ultra, 19, -1.396.
4. GT, (5), Anthony Lazzaro, Atlanta, Ga., Ferrari 458 GT3 Italia, 19, -4.612.
5. GT, (8), Andrew Palmer, Chicago, Ill., Audi R8 Ultra, 19, -5.718.
6. GT, (10), James Sofronas, Villa Park, Calif., Audi R8 Ultra, 19, -10.596.
7. GT, (9), Andy Pilgrim, Boca Raton, Fla., Cadillac CTS-V R, 19, -10.876.
8. GT, (12), Michael Mills(A), Angleton, Texas, Porsche GT3R, 19, -14.585.
9. GT, (15), Jim Taggart(A), Cary, N.C., Porsche GT3 R, 19, -18.860.
10. GT, (11), Albert von Thurn und Taxis(A), Regensburg, Germany, Lamborghini Gallardo FL2, 19, -21.602.
11. GT, (24), Alex Lloyd, Westfield, Ind., Chevrolet Corvette, 19, -22.073.
12. GT, (6), Butch Leitzinger, State College, Pa., Bentley Continental GT3, 19, -23.847.
13. GT, (20), Bill Ziegler(A), Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., Audi R8 Ultra, 19, -32.773.
14. GT, (17), Dan Knox(A)(R), Pilot Point, Texas, Dodge Viper SRT GT3-R, 19, -33.134.
15. GT, (19), Alex Welch(A), Englewood, Colo., Audi R8 Ultra, 19, -34.842.
16. GT, (3), Robert Thorne, Littleton, Colo., McLaren 12C GT3, 19, -57.046.
17. GT, (2), Alex Figge, Denver, Colo., McLaren 12C GT3, 19, -1:15.711.
18. GT, (16), Jeff Courtney(A), Milwaukee, Wis., Audi R8 Ultra, 19, -1:16.668.
19. GT, (14), Henrik Hedman(A)(R), Ft Lauderdale, Fla., Ferrari 458 GT3, 19, -1:19.409.
20. GT, (18), Tim Pappas(A), Boston, Mass., Mercedes AMG SLS GT3, 18, -1 lap.
21. GT, (21), Fred Roberts(A), Toronto, Ontario, Dodge Viper Coupe, 18, -1 lap.
22. GT, (22), Walt Bowlin(A), Tarpon Springs, Fla., Audi R8 Ultra, 17, -2 lap.
23. GT, (23), Peter Cunningham, Milwaukee, Wis., Acura TLX-GT, 16, -3 lap.
24. GT, (13), Marcelo Hahn(A), Sao Paulo Brazil, BR, Lamborghini Gallardo FL2, 1, Mech.
25. GT, (25), Bret Curtis(A), Austin, Texas, Audi R8 Ultra, DNS.

1. GTS, (1), Lawson Aschenbach, Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., Chevrolet Camaro, 19.
2. GTS, (4), Alec Udell, The Woodlands, Texas, Ford MustangBoss302S, 19, -23.352.
3. GTS, (3), Nic Jonsson, Buford, Ga., Kia Optima, 19, -29.081.
4. GTS, (7), Mark Wilkins, Toronto, Ontario, Kia Optima, 19, -31.292.
5. GTS, (11), Joey Atterbury, Rochester, N.Y., Ford MustangBoss302S, 19, -39.186.
6. GTS, (9), Tony Gaples, Libertyville, Ill., Chevrolet Camaro, 19, -40.524.
7. GTS, (13), Nick Esayian, San Diego, Calif., Aston Martin GT4, 19, -42.207.
8. GTS, (21), Larry Funk, Oberlin, Ohio, BMW M3, 19, -2:03.461.
9. GTS, (2), Andy Lee, Colorado Springs, Colo., Chevrolet Camaro, 19, -3:00.482.
10. GTS, (24), Buz McCall, Boca Raton, Fla., Porsche Cayman S, 18, -1 lap.
11. GTS, (6), Dean Martin, Westland, Mich., Ford MustangBoss302S, 18, -1 lap.
12. GTS, (8), Jack Roush Jr, Livonia, Mich., Ford MustangBoss302R, 18, -1 lap.
13. GTS, (18), Brad Adams, New Orleans, La., Ford MustangBoss302S, 18, -1 lap.
14. GTS, (16), Brian Kleeman, Baltimore, Md., Nissan 370Z, 18, -1 lap.
15. GTS, (27), Jay Matus(R), Houston, Texas, Porsche 996, 17, -2 lap.
16. GTS, (22), Geoff Reeves(R), Cleveland, Ohio, Chevrolet Camaro, 17, -2 lap.
17. GTS, (5), Jack Baldwin, Marietta, Ga., Porsche Cayman S, 15, -4 lap.
18. GTS, (10), Drew Regitz, Denver, Colo., Aston Martin GT4, 15, -4 lap.
19. GTS, (19), Jorge De La Torre(R), McAllen, Texas, Aston Martin GT4, 15, -4 lap.
20. GTS, (26), Scott Bove, Conifer, Colo., Ford Mustang Boss, 12, -7 lap.
21. GTS, (14), Mitch Landry, Lake Charles, La., Ford MustangBoss302S, 1, Crash.
22. GTS, (17), Craig Capaldi, Richmond Township, Mich., Ford MustangBoss302S, 1, Crash.
23. GTS, (20), Ric Bushey, Virginia Beach, Va., Nissan 370Z, 0, Crash.
24. GTS, (23), Robert Stout, Brownsburg, Ind., Scion FR-S, 0, Crash.
25. GTS, (12), BJ Zacharias, Milford, Ohio, Nissan 370Z, DNS.
26. GTS, (15), Mark Klenin, Denver, Colo., Aston Martin GT4, DNS.
27. GTS, (25), Ray Mason, Columbus, Ohio, Subaru WRX-STi, DNS.

Time of race: 35 minutes, 55.908 seconds.

Average speed: 71.639 mph

Margin of victory: 1.347 Seconds (GT); 23.352 Seconds (GTS)

Lap leaders: Laps 1-18, #2 Mike Skeen; laps 19-19, #31 Ryan Dalziel (GT); Laps 1-19, #1 Lawson Aschenbach (GTS)

Fastest race lap: #31 Ryan Dalziel, 1:22.286 (98.787 mph) (GT); #1 Lawson Aschenbach, 1:28.435 (91.918 mph) (GTS)
Fastest qualifier: #2 Mike Skeen, 1:20.725 (100.697 mph) (GT); #1 Lawson Aschenbach, 1:27.557 (92.840 mph) (GTS)

Results and points are provisional until posted as final. By virtue of setting the fastest race laps, Dalziel (GT) and Aschenbach (GTS) will have the pole positions for Sunday's Round 12.

Tomorrow's Round 12 is scheduled to go green at 1:35 p.m. ET, with live streaming set to begin on www.world-challengetv.com at 1:15 p.m. ET.

Gallen Once Again Tops Nitro Funny Car Field At IHRA Pittsburgh Nationals

Saturday, Aug 02

In life, there are a few things you can almost always count on: death, taxes and Peter Gallen being at or near the top of the charts at Pittsburgh Raceway Park.

The Pennsylvania native has had a stranglehold on the Nitro Funny Car class the past two years in Pittsburgh and the three-time IHRA champion doesn't show any signs of slowing down. Gallen once again rocketed to the top of the charts Friday Night in claiming the No. 1 qualifying position during the fourth annual IHRA Nitro Jam Pittsburgh Nationals presented by Good Vibrations Motorsports.

Gallen was joined by Mark Cox, who was tops in Nitro Harley, along with top qualifiers Dean Goforth (Pro Stock), Don Blackshear (Nitro Altered) and Kat Moller (Jet Dragster).

Gallen made the jump to the No. 1 spot in the final nitro pass of the night, overtaking Bruce Litton who had taken the top qualifying position just one pair earlier. Gallen, driving the "Poverty Stricken" 1977 Monza, wrapped up Friday's professional qualifying with a 4.971-second pass at 223.33 mph in 1,000 feet of real estate, just ahead of Litton's 4.981 at 224.66 pass.

Local favorite Mike McIntire Jr., in the "McAttack" '69 Camaro, qualified third with a 5.044 at 214.90, followed by Jake Crimmins and Jason Rupert. John Hale, Ronny Young and Gary Kraus round out the Nitro Funny Car field.

In a surprising turn, perennial favorites Tim Boychuk and Mark Sanders both failed to qualify for Saturday's final eliminations in Nitro Funny Car.

Mark Cox led the way in IHRA's Nitro Harley category, putting down a 5.679 at 200.71 mph in the event-shortened 1,000 foot distance. Alvin Kobernusz was second with a 6.013 at 177.80, followed by Rocky Jackson, Bob Malloy and Mike Pelrine. The top three drivers in points - Mike Scott, Randal Andras and Jay Turner - all qualified in the bottom half of the field.

In Pro Stock, Dean Goforth followed up his surprising win two weeks ago in Cordova with the quickest lap Friday night as the entire Pro Stock field struggled to get down the tricky Pennsylvania track. Goforth put down a 4.617 at 118.45 in the eighth mile, followed by John DeFlorian Jr., Scott Hintz, Todd Hoerner and Pete Berner. The Pro Stock teams will get one more shot at qualifying Saturday afternoon.

Don Blackshear was top qualifier in Nitro Altered, putting the "Bullet Bob" machine securely in the No. 1 qualifying position with a 5.492 at 195.06. Shane Harter in "Nasty Benjamin" was second with a 5.541 at 199.20, followed by Kyle Hough, Ron Maroney and Mike Hilsabeck.

Finally in Jet Dragster, Kat Moller, just two weeks removed from her first career win, blasted to the top spot in the Matrix-sponsored jet dragster with a 4.980 at 244.96 pass. Newcomer Allison West, in only her second career start, was second with a 4.980 at 244.57.

Friday's results after qualifying from the 2014 IHRA Nitro Jam Pittsburgh Nationals presented by Good Vibrations Motorsports at Pittsburgh Raceway Park.

Nitro Funny Car - 1. Peter Gallen 4.971, 223.33; 2. Bruce Litton 4.981, 224.66; 3. Mike McIntire Jr. 5.044, 214.90; 4. Jake Cimmins 5.086, 220.80; 5. Jason Rupert 5.140, 215.93; 6. John Hale 5.154, 217.08; 7. Ronny Young 5.422, 205.86; 8. Gary Kraus 5.461, 197.46; 9. Tim Boychuk 5.502, 177.03; 10. Mike Smith 5.588, 166.91; 11. Mark Sanders 5.716, 132.55; 12. Greg Jacobsmeyer 5.856, 148.66

Pro Stock - 1. Dean Goforth 4.617, 118.45; 2. John DeFlorian Jr. 4.664, 120.32; 3. Scott Hintz 6.105, 94.40; 4. Todd Hoerner 7.980, 56.15; 5. Pete Berner 9.033, 48.14; 6. Cary Goforth broke

Nitro Harley - 1. Mark Cox 5.679, 200.71; 2. Alvin Kobernusz 6.013, 177.80; 3. Rocky Jackson 6.039, 165.75; 4. Bob Malloy 6.061, 153.48; 5. Mike Pelrine 6.368, 125.80; 6. Randal Andras 6.396, 137.70; 7. Mike Scott 6.569, 123.15; 8. Larry Brancaccio 6.731, 139.93; 9. Jay Turner 6.742, 111.94

Nitro Altered - 1. Don Blackshear 5.492, 195.06; 2. Shane Harter 5.541, 199.20; 3. Kyle Hough 5.693, 193.38; 4. Ron Maroney 5.874, 188.05; 5. Mike Hilsabeck 5.923, 132.86; 6. Troy Martin broke

Jet Dragster - 1. Kat Moller 4.980, 244.96; 2. Allison West 4.980, 244.57; 3. Marisha Falk 5.016, 228.31; 4. Elaine Larsen 5.021, 229.01

The IHRA Nitro Jam Pittsburgh Nationals presented by Good Vibrations Motorsports will continue on Saturday with sportsman racing throughout the day followed by Nitro Jam eliminations beginning at 6 p.m.

Tony Schumacher, John Force and Allen Johnson race to provisional No. 1’s at O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Northwest Nationals

Saturday, Aug 02

John Force raced to the provisional No. 1 qualifying position in Funny Car during Friday qualifying at the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Northwest Nationals. Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel) and Allen Johnson (Pro Stock) also were qualifying leaders at the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series event near Seattle.

Force ran a 4.085-second pass at 308.07 mph in his Castrol GTX High Mileage Ford Mustang to top the leaderboard after the first day of qualifying. Force, the driver with the most professional victories at Pacific Raceways with seven, is looking for his fourth No. 1 qualifier of the season and sixth at the facility.

“[Crew chief] Jimmy Prock’s been real consistent with this Ford,” said Force, whose hot rod has been to three straight finals. “It’s running real good. Temperatures started dropping real fast and Jimmy stepped it up.”

Defending event winner Matt Hagan sits second after the first day with a 4.100 at 302.41 in his Mopar Express Lane Dodge Charger. Two-time season race winner Alexis DeJoria drove her Patron XO Cafe Toyota Camry to a 4.101 at 303.23, good enough for the provisional No. 3 spot. Sonoma winner Courtney Force sits fifth with a 4.125 at 301.60 in her Traxxas Ford Mustang.

In Top Fuel, Schumacher claimed the top spot on the last run of the day with his 3.804 at 318.32 in his U.S. Army dragster. Schumacher, a seven-time world champ, is two sessions away from securing his second No. 1 qualifier of the season and third career in Seattle.

“The car was excellent on that last run,” Schumacher said. “To go out and qualify No. 1 with all those stout cars, everyone within a hundredth or a hundredth and a half in the top eight, that’s pretty impressive.”

Top Fuel points leader Doug Kalitta ran his Mac Tools dragster 3.805 to 320.28 to claim the No. 2 position. Reigning Top Fuel world champ Shawn Langdon was the top qualifier following the first session but sits third in his Al-Anabi Racing dragster with a 3.807 at 317.05. Sonoma winner Khalid alBalooshi is provisionally sixth with a 3.813 at 319.22 in his Al-Anabi Racing dragster.

Johnson is going for his fourth No. 1 of the season in Pro Stock following his 6.535 at 211.86 in the Magneti-Marelli Team Mopar Dodge Dart. Johnson has one career victory at Seattle coming in 2006.

“The track’s awesome,” Johnson said. “NHRA’s done a great job. My crew made some real wholesale changes with the car coming here from Sonoma on Sunday. To go out and do what we did, hats off to the team.”

Shane Gray ran a 6.538 at 211.96 in his Gray Manufacturing Chevy Camaro to sit second with two sessions remaining. Recent Sonoma winner Jason Line continued his positive momentum, driving his Summit Racing Chevy Camaro to the current No. 3 spot with a 6.549 at 211.36.

Friday's results after the first two of four rounds of qualifying for the 27th annual O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Northwest Nationals presented by Super Start Batteries at Pacific Raceways, 16th of 24 events in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. Qualifying will continue Saturday for Sunday's final eliminations.

Top Fuel -- 1. Tony Schumacher, 3.804 seconds, 318.32 mph; 2. Doug Kalitta, 3.805, 320.28; 3. Shawn Langdon, 3.807, 317.05; 4. Richie Crampton, 3.809, 317.19; 5. Bob Vandergriff, 3.812, 318.77; 6. Khalid alBalooshi, 3.813, 319.22; 7. Spencer Massey, 3.815, 318.09; 8. J.R. Todd, 3.827, 314.83; 9. Steve Torrence, 3.834, 316.45; 10. Troy Buff, 3.845, 311.41; 11. Brittany Force, 3.868, 309.34; 12. Antron Brown, 3.884, 309.34.

Not Qualified: 13. Clay Millican, 3.942, 300.53; 14. Mike Salinas, 4.195, 219.12; 15. Jenna Haddock, 4.210, 244.74; 16. Terry McMillen, 4.628, 166.11.

Funny Car -- 1. John Force, Ford Mustang, 4.085, 308.07; 2. Matt Hagan, Dodge Charger, 4.100, 302.41; 3. Alexis DeJoria, Toyota Camry, 4.101, 303.23; 4. Tommy Johnson Jr., Charger, 4.123, 297.94; 5. Courtney Force, Mustang, 4.125, 301.60; 6. Ron Capps, Charger, 4.131, 300.53; 7. Del Worsham, Camry, 4.136, 298.34; 8. Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 4.156, 299.26; 9. Cruz Pedregon, Camry, 4.170, 291.57; 10. Tony Pedregon, Camry, 4.183, 294.18; 11. Tim Wilkerson, Mustang, 4.197, 286.92; 12. Terry Haddock, Chevy Impala, 4.199, 292.46.

Not Qualified: 13. Gary Densham, 4.201, 291.76; 14. Robert Hight, 4.204, 280.89; 15. Jack Beckman, 4.256, 288.52; 16. Paul Lee, 4.558, 204.20; 17. Bucky Austin, 4.922, 186.79; 18. Jeff Diehl, 6.782, 110.51.

Pro Stock -- 1. Allen Johnson, Dodge Dart, 6.535, 211.86; 2. Shane Gray, Chevy Camaro, 6.538, 211.96; 3. Jason Line, Camaro, 6.549, 211.36; 4. Jeg Coughlin, Dart, 6.553, 211.13; 5. Greg Anderson, Camaro, 6.561, 211.30; 6. V. Gaines, Dart, 6.561, 211.10; 7. Jonathan Gray, Camaro, 6.562, 211.46; 8. Vincent Nobile, Camaro, 6.569, 210.73; 9. Chris McGaha, Camaro, 6.588, 210.57; 10. Matt Hartford, Dodge Avenger, 6.597, 210.67; 11. Dave Connolly, Camaro, 6.613, 209.14; 12. Deric Kramer, Avenger, 6.615, 209.39. Not Qualified: 13. Mark Wolfe, 7.154, 204.66; 14. Travis Mazza, 7.845, 129.28; 15. Larry Morgan, 14.308, 66.42.

NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series qualifying concludes Saturday with sessions beginning at 12:30 and 3:30 p.m.

Friday Crowns 19 National Champions From the 2014 Rocky Mountain ATV/MC AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship

Friday, Aug 01

The 33rd Annual Rocky Mountain ATV/MC AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship presented by AMSOIL crowned 19 National Champions on Friday as the penultimate day of racing took place in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee. The Loretta Lynn Ranch hosted another perfect day for racing as temperatures and track conditions were nothing short of ideal for the start of the final set of motos.

RJ Hampshire en route to a historic 6-0 sweep in the premier A class divisions, something that hasn't been done in 19 years

Factory Connection/AMSOIL Honda's RJ Hampshire is well on his way to earning the coveted AMA Horizon Award after posting a flawless 6-0 win record. Hampshire came into the final set of motos with a load of confidence behind him, putting forth a dominant performance in Open Pro Sport after inheriting the lead from Bell Holeshot winner Jerry Robin early on. Monster Energy/Team Green Kawasaki's Colt Nichols took second in Moto 3, which was good enough for second overall in the class (3-2-2). Yamaha/bLU cRU's Aaron Plessinger had a tough run earlier in the week after a big crash in the 250 A class knocked him out of title contention, but the Ohio native bounced back in Open Pro Sport to capture third overall with 2-3-3 moto scores.

Not the weekend Aaron Plessinger had planned, but he still managed a top three finish in the Open Pro Sport Class

The final 250 A moto showcased perhaps some of the most exciting action within the A divisions, capping off with a close battle for the lead between Hampshire and Luke Renzland. In attempt to end Hampshire's perfect record, Renzland dug deep in Moto 3 and applied pressure on the newly crowned champion but it wasn't enough to seal the deal in the end. With moto scores of 4-2-2, Renzland secured second overall, while Monster Energy/Team Green Kawasaki's Chris Alldredge rounded out the podium with moto scores of 2-8-4.

Luke Renzland captured Bell Holeshot Award and nearly ended the perfect
week that RJ Hampshire had going

Lorenzo Locurcio dominated the 450 B moto to the tune of 1-2-1 scores to capture his first title at Loretta Lynn's. Later in the day, Luocurcio capped his week by finishing second in 250 B. Yamaha made it a clean sweep in 250 B, with Tristan Charboneau (2-1-1) capturing the title and Ryan Surratt (5-6-3) rounding out the podium.

After sweeping the first two motos of the College B/C class, Stone Edler held a commanding lead over the field as they entered the final moto. RJ Wageman made a last ditch run for the championship by grabbing the Bell Holeshot, while Elder sat in 29th following a bad start. Ashton Hayes eventually passed Wageman for the lead while Elder worked his way all the way up to sixth, which was good enough to keep the championship. Wageman (6-4-2) finished second overall, with Salvatore Colangelo (2-7-4) in third.

Stone Edler didn't win the final moto but a pair of victories in the first two
motos helped him secure the College B/C title

In Two-Stroke B/C 16+, Carlen Gardner finished strong to claim the title with 3-1-2 scores. Timmy Badour (1-2-4) and Bennett Mantooth (2-5-3) finished second and third.

Tristan Charboneau secured the 250 B title with 2-1-1 moto scores

In a crazy battle for the Schoolboy 2 (13-16) B/C championship, consistency proved to be the key. Dylan Merriam (4-5-2) didn't win a moto all week, but the Honda mounted rider was consistent enough to secure the title after three motos with scores of 7-7-1, Chase Marquier landed the second place position and Rookie White rounded out the overall podium with moto scores of 8-1-6.

In Vet action, Ricky Renner continued his perfect run in the highly competitive Junior 25+ to secure the championship on Friday. Robbie Reynard (2-5-3) stayed consistent in all three motos to lock in second, while James Povolny captured third with 3-2-6 moto scores. Reynard bounced back in Vet 35+ to capture his tenth career title at Loretta Lynn's. James Povolny grabbed another podium finish with solid 2-2-2 finishes for the week and Tony Lorusso (5-3-3) rounded out the overall podium.

Lorenzo Locurcio captured his first ever title at Loretta Lynn's with the
450 B championship

In minicycle, Stilez Robertson was the man on top after taking home two titles on Friday: the 85 (9-11) Limited with 1-2-1 scores and 85 (9-11) with a 2-1-1. Pierce Brown captured second overall with moto scores of 11-1-2 and Ethan Mann (5-5-4) rounded out the podium.

In Mini Sr. 2 (12-14), Garrett Marchbanks (1-1-2) outlasted his fiercest competition, Chase Sexton (2-2-1), to win his first title of the week.

Pierce Brown battled through injury to secure second overall in 85 9-11

Nicholas Romano (1-1-1) made it a clean sweep in the 51cc (7-8) Limited class, followed by Noah Geyer (4-3-2) in the second place spot. Daxton Bennick went 5-9-5 to capture third overall for the week. In 51cc (4-6) Limited, Kace Evans held on for the title with 1-2-2 moto scores, topping Mason Dixon (3-5-1) and Evan Woody (5-4-3). Wyatt McGrath swept the 51cc (4-6) Special Limited title over Reed Harrison (4-5-4) and Braxton Black (2-6-9). In the final 51cc class-(4-6) Shaft Drive Limited-Aiden Eyler (2-2-2) held off Holland Purser (5-3-4) and Tyler Mollet (6-4-3).

The calm before the 50cc storm

In the 65 divisions, Joshua Varize swept all three motos for the (10-11) Limited championship. Jett Reynolds (9-1-1) emerged victorious in a wild finish to the end, capturing the 65 (7-9) Limited title.

All four 51cc classes crowned champions on Friday. The rest of racing will

resume on Saturday morning

The final day of racing will begin at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday morning, crowning the remainder of National Champions. Live streaming coverage begins Saturday morning at 10 a.m. CT / 11 a.m. ET on RacerTV.com.

Archived coverage is now available from the first four days of racing on RacerTV.com, to view please click HERE.

Complete results from the 2014 National Championship can be found HERE and Live Timing & Scoring can be accessed HERE.

The 2014 Rocky Mountain ATV/MC AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship presented by AMSOIL will take place July 27 - Aug. 2 at Loretta Lynn Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee. For more information, visit the series website atwww.mxsports.com.

About the Rocky Mountain ATV/MC AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship

The Rocky Mountain ATV/MCAMA Amateur National Motocross Championship is the world's largest and most prestigious amateur motocross racing program. The national qualifying program consists of 52 Area Qualifiers (February through May) and 12 Regional Championships (June), hosted at select motocross facilities across the country. The qualifying system culminates in the National Final (first week of August) hosted annually since 1982 at the home of country music star Loretta Lynn in Hurricane Mills, Tenn. Nearly 20,000 racers attempt to qualify in 36 classes for the 1,446 available positions at the National. Christened "The World's Greatest Motocross Vacation", the National event serves as a launch pad for some of the biggest names in professional motocross and supercross, including Ricky Carmichael, James Stewart, Ryan Villopoto, and Ryan Dungey. The national program is produced by MX Sports, Inc., a West Virginia-based race production.

(Rocky Mountain ATV/MCAMA Amateur National Motocross Championship PR)

Two of Three Qualifying Sessions in the Books at Summit Point

Friday, Aug 01

Drivers in 27 Runoffs-eligible classes took to Summit Point Motorsports Park on Friday to start setting the grid for Round 13 of the SCCA Eastern Conference U.S. Majors Tour, part of the SafeRacer SCCA National Racing program. This weekend’s doubleheader event will mark the final two rounds on the conference calendar in 2014.

The seven race groups still have one more 15-minute qualifying session, slated for Saturday morning, before the starting lineups are set for the 30-minute sprint races later in the day. The fastest lap for each driver during the three sessions will set the grid for the sprint races, while Sunday’s grid will be ordered based on the single best lap notched by each driver throughout the weekend including those made during the first race.

Group One: Spec Racer Ford was the first class to hit the track in the morning and after the lunch break. Jeffrey Lehner, of Ballston Spa, New York, is the provisional polesitter with another 15-minute qualifying session scheduled for Saturday morning. In his No. 77 Johnstown Auto Parts SRF, Lehner's fast lap of 1:24.404 around the 10-turn, 2.0-mile circuit during the morning session was enough to keep him on top.

After the first of the twin 20-minute sessions, Lehner was the fastest driver in the group. While time ticked by in the afternoon allotment, it looked like Lehner was going to finish atop the time charts, but was unable to better his time from the morning. However, Bruce Meyers put in a flyer on his penultimate lap of the session but fell 0.063-second short of capturing the top position.

Group Two: The small formula classes, made up of Formula F, Formula 500 and Formula Vee, saw the same drivers top the time charts during both sessions. Jeremy Grenier (No. 12 Ski Motorsport/Hoosier Citation F1600), of Charles Town, West Virginia, topped the class, stopping the clock at 1:14.997.

The two remaining class-topping drivers in the group also improved on their times from the morning session. In the No. 60 Frenzinta Racing QRE Invader QC-1, Jay Beckley, of Marlton, New Jersey, and Jonathan Weisheit (No. 61 JK Technologies JK Tech XP1), of Baltimore, Maryland, will have to wait until the end of Saturday’s short qualifying session to see if they can start at the front of the sprint race field.

Group Three: Tyler Kicera, of Manheim, Pennsylvania, held onto the top spot in Spec Miata. In the No. 44 Rock-It Cargo/Kicera Motorsports Mazda Miata, Kicera was able to improve on his time from the morning session, allowing him to stay ahead of brothers Sebastian and Forrest Landy. As it currently stands, the Landys sit second and third in the aforementioned order.

Group Four: Kyle Disque, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, set the fastest lap of the session in his GT-Lite-classed No. 92 Toyota/Hoosier/71 Crowd Toyota Tercel. By bettering his fast time from the first qualifying session, Disque held onto the top provisional spot for Saturday’s race.

In F Production, Patrick Crider (No. 89 Hoosier Tire/Jesse Prather Motorsports Mazda Miata), of Leesburg, Virginia, holds the fastest lap thus far, even though he was unable to improve during the second session. Miner Wilcox, of Wingina, Virginia, sits atop the provisional E Production starting grid in his No. 65 Checkered Flag Farm Caterham 7 America. Ron Bartell, of Madbury, New Hampshire, also held his front-running position making a vast improvement during the second 20-minute session, in his H Prepared No. 4 Hoosier Tire MG Midget.

Group Five: Jason Slahor (No. 9 Slahor Racing Van Diemen RF-98), of Ellicott City, Maryland, has been the fastest of the Formula 1000 field, thus far. However, the battle for the Conference Championship rages behind him between Alex Mayer and Alastair McEwan.

Chuck Moran, of Oakton, Virginia, sits on the Formula Continental provisional pole on the strength of his best time during the first session in his No. 45 Ski Motorsports Van Diemen RF-00. Justin Huffman (No. 11 Jamison Formula Enterprise/Ford), of Herndon, Virginia, in Formula Enterprise and Dennis Hanratty, Jr. (No. 18 Epic Cameras Kinesys Sunscreen West WR-1000), of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, in Prototype 2, also held onto the provisional pole, based on their quickest lap from the morning. Stuart Rettie, of Houston, is the de facto polesitter as the only Formula Mazda entered, as he pilots the No. 21 Hillenburg Motorsports Star Mazda FM.

Group Six: In GT-1, Scott Quaile, of Copake Falls, New York, has been the class of the field in his No. 89 Davis Auto Body Chevrolet Camaro. Robert Lentz, Sr. (No. 64 FGR Consulting Nissan 300ZX), of Leesburg, Virginia, was top in GT-2, based on his fast lap from the morning session.

David Sanders, of Exton, Pennsylvania, was able to improve upon his time from the morning in his No. 73 Phoenix Performance Chevrolet Corvette, allowing him to hold onto the top spot. James Ashe (No. 22 Spectro Oils Mazda RX-7), of Prospect, Connecticut, is the quickest in GT-3, while Amy Aquilante, of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, also improved during the afternoon in her No. 50 Tom Aquilante Racing Pontiac Firebird.

Group Seven: Calvert, of Potomac, Maryland, was also the quickest Touring 2 driver following two qualifying sessions in his No. 77 Phoenix Performance/Hoosier Tire Ford Mustang GT. Kevin Boehm, of Marysville, Ohio, was in the same boat as Calvert in his Touring 3 No. 79 BFGoodrich Tires/Honda Racing/HPD Honda S2000.

Greg Amy (No. 33 Hoosier/HPD/Carbotech Acura Integra GS-R), of Middletown, Connecticut, held onto his top position in Super Touring Lite, while Peter Schwartzott, of White Plains, New York, was the fastest in B-Spec behind the wheel of his No. 04 BFGoodrich Tires Chevrolet Sonic. Christopher Collins (No. 57 Meathead Racing/Coca Mazda Miata), of Darnestown, Maryland, in Touring 4 and Michael Reece (No. 69 Northside Imports Honda S2000), of Brooklyn, New York, in Super Touring Under were the only cars in their respective classes.

Each of the seven run groups will run another 15-minute qualifying session on Saturday morning, starting at 8:00 a.m. (EDT). Sprint races are slated to begin at 11:00 a.m. (EDT), with the 25-lap endurance races starting Sunday at 8:40 a.m. (EDT).

Additional information on the Summit Point Majors, including the schedule and entry list, can be found at http://www.scca.com/events/index.cfm?eid=6896.

DiMeo, Wolfe, Palmer Score Round 9 Mid-Ohio Wins in Mixed Conditions

Friday, Aug 01

Michael DiMeo, of Toronto, Jason Wolfe, of Mt. Vernon, Ohio, and Tyler Palmer, of San Diego, Calif., took wins in Round 9 of the Pirelli World Challenge Touring Car, Touring Car A and Touring Car B-Spec seasons, the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Challenge Presented by StopTech.

What started off as a challenging race, weather-wise, the 26-car starting field survived a light to moderate drizzle when the 40-minute timed race began but then all drove cleanly through the remainder of the race as the track dried out and the sun rose once more.

With wet conditions, Race Control made the decision to switch the start from a standing to a double-file rolling start, with several laps run under yellow flag conditions before the field got the green flag. Once the green flew, the action was able to begin as the majority of the field ran on the Pirelli P-Zero slicks on a wet track. With track conditions the way they were, green flag racing was preserved with some clean, safe driving throughout the field.

DiMeo, in the No. 71 Grand Alarms Honda Civic Si held the overall lead but the man on the charge was Wolfe, in the No. 36 Wolfe Trucking Kia Forte Koup, from 14th overall on the starting grid (fourth in TCA).

Wolfe, a TCA driver, weaved through the entirety of the TC field except for race leader DiMeo all the way up to second place overall. The Ohio native serves as a track instructor at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course and additionally had three races under his belt in a USF2000 open-wheel car at this race last year, so his experience paid major dividends.

The other star of the early stages was Steven Doherty, of Plainfield, Ill., in the No. 94 Nissan/GT Academy/Skullcandy Nissan Altima Coupe. Doherty slipped, slid and nearly lost the rear of his car at least three different times in the opening laps but on each occasion managed to save the car from a full spin.

As the race track dried out, DiMeo maintained control and improved his times, while Doherty made it up to second overall. DiMeo won the race by 14.102 seconds at an average speed of 68.574 mph; he also captured the StopTech Brake Late, Finish First Award for his efforts.

Wolfe finished third overall to win TCA; meanwhile Doherty's teammate, Bryan Heitkotter, of Fresno, Calif., finished third in TC and fourth overall in the No. 93 Nissan/GT Academy/Skullcandy Nissan Altima Coupe.

DiMeo recapped his drive from the overall pole to his seventh win of the Touring Car season. "We started on dries as just before the race it was only light spitting rain, but then as soon as we took to the track it started to come down heavier, and the spray from the safety car was even bad," DiMeo said. "That was a wild first couple laps. Then a dry line started to form. Through mid-race, we ran the dry line again. I think that was the best call," he added, referring to the call to switch to a rolling start. "With a standing start it would have been a lot of wheel spin and no one going anywhere. But everyone made it through Turn 1 safe behind me in my mirrors. It was a smart call."

Doherty expanded on his early race slip-and-slide and how he was able to hang on. "That all goes back to my circle track experience getting punted every week," Doherty said. "I have plenty of experience in a front-wheel drive car going sideways, so that definitely saved me on that one. It was super impressive driving by everyone. Three classes, 30-odd cars and no full-course yellows is a testament to the drivers in this series."

Wolfe took home three awards following his fourth win of the season. His rocket start of 11 positions gained netted him the Optima Batteries Best Start of the race. Wolfe's sequence of moves – all on dries – took home the Cadillac CTS-V Move of the Race. And, unsurprisingly, with a gain of 11 positions from 14th overall to third overall by the checkered flag, Wolfe was the Sunoco Hard Charger as well.

"I don't really remember a whole lot to be honest ... it was just adrenaline going through me," Wolfe said. "We got up to P2 overall and then I wondered if we could get the win overall. As an instructor I have a lot of track experience here, so I know the line pretty well. It's hard to say what a standing start would have produced."

Meanwhile behind him, there was an intense three-way battle for second in class. Ultimately, Ernie Francis Jr., of Dania, Fla., prevailed with second in the No. 98 Breathless Performance Mazda MX-5.

The Shea Racing teammates, Jason Cherry, of Gambrills, Md., in the No. 13 Autism Society of America/Avpro/Purposeful Architecture Mazda MX-5 and Shea Holbrook, of Groveland, Fla., in the No. 67 TRUECar/Lucas Oil/Radium Honda Civic Si, each ran second at times but suffered occasional traffic mishaps, then had slight contact on the final lap.

Francis Jr. described his view of the proceedings. "We were fighting for second and no one wanted to give it up," Francis Jr. said. "On a drying track, any mistake would send you off from the wet line. The two in front of us took themselves out, which brought us into a second place finish. It had been really clean racing between the three of us until the last lap."

Cherry offered a take on his battle with Francis Jr. and Holbrook. "It was sketchy trying to drive on dries with a rear-wheel drive car," Cherry said. "Then a spin on the first lap made it difficult. Once I worked back through the B-spec (cars), we had a great battle. On the last lap I went for a pass on Shea Holbrook and we made some contact. That sent her back and Ernie Francis Jr. drove around us."

In TCB, another big mover on the day was Palmer, in the No. 37 MINI USA/Mobil 1/Flying L Racing/ThePainter'sFriend.com/Discount Tire Mini Cooper, who started only eighth in class but carved his way through to the win. Palmer's pass of Glenn Nixon, of Mission, B.C., for the TCB lead on Lap 7 netted him the Invisible Glass Clean Pass of the Race award. The win is Palmer's second this season and continues his run of podium finishes in all but two of his career starts.

"So I started eighth; the car was fine but the time wasn't there," Palmer said. "It started sprinkling but I felt comfortable in the rain. As the race went on, everyone was on slicks, so I did what I could. Once I got out front halfway, I just did the best I could to keep it up front. It wasn't wet enough for rains."

Second, after inheriting the pole position due to a technical infraction found post-qualifying for another car, was John Heinricy, of Clarkston, Mich., in the No. 35 Matick Chevrolet Chevrolet Sonic. Heinricy suffered contact on the first lap to drop to the rear of the TCB class field, but recovered with a methodical drive back through.

"Once I got out of the Keyhole on the first lap, I got hit on every side of the car I think, and ended up last," Heinricy said. "I have a lot of experience in the wet. So I put my head down for 40 minutes, said be smooth even though it was still really treacherous. We got the car here, and showed what it could do. Successful day." The race marked the first of the year for both Heinricy and the Chevrolet Sonic in Pirelli World Challenge.

Third, after starting fifth, was Nixon, in the No. 58 Racing.ca/LaptopScreen.com/Nixon Prosports Mini Cooper. Nixon has his third podium finish in as many Pirelli World Challenge starts this season.

Palmer should close substantially in the points standings as each of the top three drivers struggled in Round 9.

Brian Price, of Middletown, Va., in the No. 51 Unlimited Racing/RP Performance Honda Fit, Nathan Stacy, of Owasso, Okla. in the No. 14 MDG/Ford Racing Ford Fiesta, and Paul Holton, of Tallahassee, Fla., in the No. 65 Radium/TRUECar/Lucas Oil Honda Fit finished ninth, 10th and 12th. That trio occupied the top three in points entering the weekend.

Also of note, Leo Parente, of New York, NY, made up six positions overall early in the No. 00 FIAT USA/Pirelli Tire/SRT Motorsports FIAT 500 but had a slight off early at Turn 6. Parente is one of two drivers racing for charity this weekend in the No. 00 car, which is raising money for the Maxton's Fight Foundation. Parente ended 11th in TCB after starting 12th in class.

Results and points are provisional until posted as final. DiMeo and Wolfe should expand their points leads in TC and TCA after Round 9; Palmer is projected to move into third in TCB behind Price and Stacy.

Round 10 of the season will be Saturday at 4:35 p.m. ET; live streaming on world-challengetv.com will begin at 4:15 p.m. ET.

LEXINGTON, Ohio - Results from Friday's 20-lap 45.16 mile Pirelli World Challenge TC/TCA/TCB Round 9 race, part of the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Challenge at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, with finishing position, class, starting position in parentheses, driver, hometown, car, laps and reason out (if any).

1. TC, (1), Michael DiMeo(R), Toronto, Ontario, Honda Civic Si, 20.
2. TC, (3), Steven Doherty, Plainfield, Ill., Nissan Altima Coupe, 20, -14.102.
3. TC, (4), Bryan Heitkotter, Fresno, Calif., Nissan Altima Coupe, 20, -1:05.735.
4. TC, (7), Tony Rivera, Lake Jackson, Texas, Scion FRS Coupe, 20, -1:12.949.
5. TC, (2), Adam Poland(R), Mt. Vernon, Texas, Mazda MX-5, 20, -1:19.353.
6. TC, (8), Ron Yarab(R), Youngstown, Ohio, Honda Civic Si, 20, -1:26.507.
7. TC, (10), Branden Peterson, Breckenridge, Colo., Honda Civic SI, 19, -1 lap.
8. TC, (5), Emilee Tominovich(R), Laurel, Md., Volkswagen Jetta GLI, 19, -1 lap.
9. TC, (6), Kevin Anderson(R), Huntington Station, N.Y., Mazda RX8, 0, Mech.

10. TC, (9), Fred Emich, Denver, Col., Volkswagen Jetta GTI, DNS.

1. TCA, (4), Jason Wolfe(R), Mt. Vernon, Ohio, Kia Forte Koup, 20.
2. TCA, (2), Ernie Francis_Jr, Dania, Fla., MAZDA MX-5, 19, -1 lap.
3. TCA, (3), Jason Cherry(R), Gambrills, Md., Mazda MX-5, 19, -1 lap.
4. TCA, (1), Shea Holbrook, Groveland, Fla., Honda Civic Si, 19, -1 lap.

1. TCB, (8), Tyler Palmer, San Diego, Calif., MINI Cooper, 19.
2. TCB, (1), John Heinricy, Clarkston, Mich., Chevrolet Sonic, 19, -10.419.
3. TCB, (5), Glenn Nixon(R), Mission, British Columbia, MINI Cooper, 19, -14.480.
4. TCB, (4), PJ Groenke, Toronto, Canada, Honda Fit, 19, -27.486.
5. TCB, (13), Chase Pelletier, Brampton, Ontario, Honda Fit, 19, -38.133.
6. TCB, (10), Austin Snader(R), Fulshear, Texas, FIAT 500, 19, -43.891.
7. TCB, (9), Jason Fichter(R), Jupiter, Fla., MINI Cooper, 18, -1 lap.
8. TCB, (11), Tom Noble(R), St. Louis Park, Minn., MINI Cooper, 18, -1 lap.
9. TCB, (2), Brian Price(R), Middletown, Va., Honda Fit, 18, -1 lap.
10. TCB, (7), Nathan Stacy(R), Owassa, Okla., Ford Fiesta, 18, -1 lap.
11. TCB, (12), Leo Parente, New York, N.Y., Fiat 500, 18, -1 lap.
12. TCB, (6), Paul Holton(R), Tallahassee, Fla., Honda Fit, 17, -2 lap.
13. TCB, (3), Andrei Kisel(R), N. Vancouver, British Columbia, MINI Cooper, 17, -2 lap.

Time of race: 39 minutes, 30.803 seconds.
Average speed: 68.574 mph

Margin of victory: 14.102 Seconds (TC); 1 Lap + Greater Than 1 Lap (TCA); 10.419 Seconds (TCB)

Lap leaders: Laps 1-20, #71 Michael DiMeo(R) (TC); Laps 1-2, #67 Shea Holbrook, Laps 3-20, #36 Jason Wolfe(R) (TCA); Laps 1-2, #35 John Heinricy, Laps 3-5, #58 Glenn Nixon(R), Laps 6-19 #37 Tyler Palmer (TCB)

Fastest race lap: #94 Steven Doherty, 1:37.850 (83.074 mph) (TC); #67 Shea Holbrook, 1:41.380 (80.181 mph) (TCA); #12 Chase Pelletier, 1:49.352 (74.336 mph) (TCB)

Fastest qualifier: #71 Michael DiMeo(R), 1:34.810 (85.737 mph) (TC); #67 Shea Holbrook, 1:38.093 (82.868 mph) (TCA); #35 John Heinricy, 1:48.028 (75.247 mph) (TCB)

(Pirelli World Challenge PR)

Bonhams to Preview Ultra-Rare Ferrari 250 GTO at Monterey Pre-Reunion

Friday, Aug 01

An example of arguably the most famous and sought-after classic race car ever – the 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO – will be previewed by Bonhams at the Monterey Pre-Reunion August 9 and 10. The classic race car, of which only 39 were constructed, will be shown in the Bonhams hospitality area at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca where the historic car racing is taking place.

The Ferrari, chassis number 3851GT, is from the Maranello Rosso Collection and has been in one family’s care for the past 49 years. Bonhams will sell the car and nine other Ferraris from the collection at its Bonhams Quail Lodge Auction August 14.

“Collectors around the world are eagerly awaiting auction day to see what the market will command for such a historically significant and rarely available automobile,” said Mark Osborne, head of motoring for Bonhams in the U.S. “There is no reserve on this car, meaning that it will be sold to the highest bidder regardless of what that bid is. And what better way to showcase it than in front of racers and collectors who are at the Monterey Pre-Reunion.”

This car was the 19th Ferrari GTO to be completed. Since two of the preceding examples had been 330 GTOs with 4-litre engines instead of the GT-homologated 3-litre '250' units it may be regarded as the 17th 250 GTO. It was collected by its first owner, the experienced and rugged 34-year-old French privateer Jo Schlesser, who immediately entered it in the 1962 Tour de France Automobile, with co-driver French skiing champion Henri Oreiller. The duo covered 3,418 miles and finished second overall.

The Monterey Pre-Reunion kicks off the Monterey Classic Car Week of activities including the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion (August 14-17), Quail Motorsports Gathering (August 15) and the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance (August 17).

Bonhams returns to the Monterey Pre-Reunion for the fifth consecutive year showcasing auction cars at its Turn 4 chalet in the race paddock. Several other cars will join the Ferrari 250 GTO for visitors to inspect before they go on final display prior to the auction beginning.

“We are thrilled Bonhams has selected the Monterey Pre-Reunion to preview this superb race car to our guests,” said Gill Campbell, CEO and general manager of Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. “It is a privilege to be working with Bonhams on enhancing the experience for our drivers and wish them great success in the auction of these very important cars.”

Admission to the Monterey Pre-Reunion August 9 and 10 is just $20 at the paddock entrance of Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Advance purchase tickets for the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion August 14-17, featuring 550 historic race cars and the centennial of Maserati, are still available online at www.MazdaRaceway.com or by calling 800-327-7322.

74th Daytona 200 Set for Saturday, March 14

Friday, Aug 01

The 74th DAYTONA 200, which will showcase the return of the AMA Pro SuperBike class to America's most historic motorcycle race, will be held on Saturday, March 14. Tickets go on sale Monday, Aug. 4 at 9 a.m.

Earlier this year, AMA Pro Racing announced that its premier AMA Pro SuperBike class will return to the DAYTONA 200 in 2015. The season-opening event will be a 69-lap race contested on Daytona International Speedway's 2.91-mile short course. Since 2005, the smaller-displacement motorcycles of Formula Xtreme and GoPro Daytona SportBike have been showcased in the prestigious event. With the 2015 return of the AMA Pro SuperBikes, the top teams and riders will again headline the historic event.

"The DAYTONA 200 has a long and storied history on both the sands of Daytona Beach and on the high banks of the Speedway," Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III said. "We're looking forward to witnessing a new chapter in the event's history as the powerful SuperBikes from AMA's premier class return to compete in motorcycle's most historic and demanding race."

In addition to the Daytona 200, the Speedway will host a full complement of AMA Pro Road Racing classes March 12-14 with the GoPro Daytona SportBike and the Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson Series. The AMA Pro Flat Track doubleheader is scheduled for March 12-13.

The roots of the DAYTONA 200 can be traced back to the sands of Daytona Beach with Ed Kretz Sr. winning the inaugural event back in 1937 aboard an Indian. The DAYTONA 200 moved to Daytona International Speedway in 1961 and is the only endurance race on the AMA Pro schedule.

Triumph rider Danny Eslick dominated the 2014 edition of the DAYTONA 200. Eslick became the first rider to win the DAYTONA 200 aboard a Triumph since the late Gary Nixon in 1967 and joined a long list of motorcycle legends that have conquered the grueling race including Scott Russell, Miguel Duhamel, Mat Mladin, Kenny Roberts and Dick Klamforth.

Kicking off DAYTONA 200 Week on Saturday night, March 7 will be the prestigious Daytona Supercross- the only AMA Supercross event in Florida in 2015. The tough and challenging course will once again be designed by Supercross legend Ricky Carmichael.

Following the Daytona Supercross will be the sixth annual Ricky Carmichael Amateur Supercross on Sunday, March 8 and Monday, March 9 where amateur Supercross racers will have an opportunity to test their skills on the same course used in the Daytona Supercross.

Tickets for all motorcycle racing events are available by calling 1-800-PITSHOP or online at http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com

Fans can stay connected with Daytona International Speedway on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram andPinterest for the latest news all season long. Fans can follow the latest on DAYTONA Rising, the $400 million frontstretch renovation at the "World Center of Racing" by using #DAYTONARising on Twitter or visiting www.daytonarising.com.

Larsen Jet Girls make FireBall for Charity

Friday, Aug 01

Jet dragster drivers Elaine Larsen and Marisha Falk, from Daytona Florida based Larsen Motorsports, will make a new kind of Fire Ball for them this year without their jet dragsters.

The dynamic duo has been selected to participate in this year’s Fireball Run Adventure-Rally where America is literally the game board. The event will take them across North America on an eight day adventure through America's frontier covering thousands of miles. An actual trivial pursuit challenge, where America is the game board.

Providing support for Elaine and Marisha are multi-year sponsors of the Larsen Motorsports Jet Racing Teams, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Miller Welding, Simpson Race Products and Carlisle Events.

The core purpose of the event is to help find lost or missing children. Covering over 2000 miles, the teams will spread awareness and hand out flyers of missing children across America. Specifically, Elaine and Marisha will be racing to help bring home 17 year old Gloria Alvarado, missing from Sanford Florida who was last seen July 30, 2012.

Information about Gloria or any other missing children can be reported to any law enforcement agency or to the National Center For Missing and Exploited Children.

You can follow the teams on Fireballrun.com as well as on Elaine and Marisha’s Facebook where you can help the girls solve the clues and be a part of their adventure.

Championships At Stake This Weekend At IHRA Pittsburgh Nationals

Friday, Aug 01

With only three races remaining in the 2014 IHRA Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series season, championship points are at a premium.

And that couldn't be any more true than at this weekend's pivotal stop at Pittsburgh Raceway Park as the stars of the IHRA return to the Steel City for the fourth annual IHRA Nitro Jam Pittsburgh Nationals presented by Good Vibrations Motorsports this Friday and Saturday.

Jason Rupert can clinch the IHRA Funny Car championship this weekend

Following a compelling race at Cordova Dragway Park two weeks ago that saw first-time winners in every professional category except one, fans and drivers are buzzing as the IHRA returns to the track this weekend with only three events remaining.

"We saw an exceptional race at Cordova earlier this month and that has created a lot of attention on the IHRA and the Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series. After what we saw in Illinois, I would expect similar results this weekend in Pittsburgh with another superior lineup heading to Pennsylvania," said Scott Gardner, President of IHRA Motorsports. "I expect, with only a few races left, the competition and intensity will be at an all-time high which should make for an extremely compelling race this weekend."

Adding to the racing excitement itself, two unique variables will play a key role at this weekend's event at Pittsburgh Raceway Park - track length and the crunch being placed on IHRA's Nitro Funny Car teams.

First up, Pittsburgh Raceway Park will host IHRA's only event not contested on the quarter-mile this season. For safety reasons, the IHRA Pittsburgh Nationals will be shortened to 1,000 feet for all nitro classes creating an extra challenge for IHRA teams. While 320 less feet doesn't sound like a lot, it could play a major role in the final outcomes with some teams better suited to shorter attacks.

The second variable is the Nitro Funny Car schedule. With one less event on the schedule than all of the other pro classes, the IHRA Pittsburgh Nationals will serve as the next-to-last race of the season for Nitro Funny Car competitors, meaning championships can be clinched this weekend.

One of the closest battles this season has taken place in Nitro Harley

Breakout star Jason Rupert in the Bays and Rupert "Black Plague" '69 Camaro can clinch his first IHRA Nitro Funny Car championship this weekend with a strong performance at the Pittsburgh Nationals as he holds a commanding 177-point lead over second place Mark Sanders. With four national event victories and a trip to the final round at every national event entered except one, Rupert can seal his first IHRA title and fourth career Nitro Funny Car championship in Pittsburgh.

But it won't be an easy task. Fellow 2014 national event winners John Hale in the "Mike Burkhart" tribute Camaro and Mike McIntire in the "McAttack" Camaro will join IHRA record holder and multi-time Pittsburgh winner Peter Gallen in trying add another Ironman to their collection. They will be joined in Pittsburgh by Sanders, Tim Boychuk, Bruce Litton, Mike Smith, Ronny Young, Greg Jacobsmeyer, Gary Kraus, John Crimmins and more.

The remaining professional classes still face three races, giving them extra time to lock up their respective championships.

One of the closest battles of 2014 is in Nitro Harley as Canadian Mike Scott sits just 15 points ahead of Louisiana native Randal Andras and a little over 100 points clear of fourth place Mark Cox. Multi-time IHRA champion Jay Turner sits in the middle in third. Scott leads the quartet with three wins this season, though he hasn't hoisted an Ironman trophy since early June. Cox has two wins, while Andras has one.

In Pro Stock, Oklahoma's Cary Goforth leads the championship standings by 32 points over John DeFlorian. Goforth and DeFlorian began the season as the class of the field, but have not visited the winner's circle since early April. They will look to regain momentum this weekend.

Black Diamond Motorsports and Goforth Racing will continue their battle in Pittsburgh this weekend with both teams gunning for the title

Goforth teammate Todd Hoerner sits third in the championship standings, followed by Kevin Bealko and Pete Berner. Dean Goforth is the most recent winner in the class, winning the Summer Nationals at Cordova earlier this month.

Rounding out the pro classes are Nitro Altered and Jet Dragster as Ron Maroney brings a healthy lead in the AA/FA category in the "Blind Faith" machine over Don Blackshear in "Bullet Bob." In Jet Dragster, Elaine Larsen leads the all-female lineup, just ahead of Dawn Perdue. 20-year-old Kat Moller, fourth in points, won her first career race last weekend in Cordova giving all four girls at the top of the standings a win this season.

The 2014 IHRA Nitro Jam Pittsburgh Nationals presented by Good Vibrations Motorsports will take place this Friday and Saturday at Pittsburgh Raceway Park. Tickets can be purchased online at www.nitrojam.com or at the gate on the day of the show. For more information, visit www.nitrojam.com or call Pittsburgh Raceway Park at (724) 668-7600.

(IHRA PR)

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Adam Sinclair

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