JR Todd feeling more comfortable in second outing.

Dollar General NHRA SummerNationals will be better for JR Todd

Six years ago, J.R. Todd commanded attention as he made his Professional debut in a Top Fuel dragster, and now, after a hiatus from NHRA competition that spanned more than two seasons, he has returned behind the wheel of a second car out of the Bob Vandergriff Racing stable. With the first two of a handful of scheduled events behind him, the Indiana-based nitro pilot is prepared to make a powerful impression with a strong showing at his sponsor’s event, the Dollar General NHRA SummerNationals at Heartland Park Topeka.

The former Jr. Dragster racer is acutely aware of his potential and is bringing it all to the table, just as he always has. Despite a limited schedule in his debut season, Todd finished in the top 10 in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series standings after tallying three victories in four final rounds and earned the 2006 Auto Club Road to the Future Award as the top rookie driver. Time away from NHRA competition was not time away from drag racing, either. Todd allowed no time for an accumulation of rust and raced a partial schedule in Pro Mod in the ADRL series and traveled to Qatar to run in the Arabian Drag Racing League, where he won the points championship.

“I was definitely nervous when I was waiting to make that first qualifying pass in Houston,” said Todd, who had not piloted a Top Fuel dragster at an NHRA event since the NHRA Sonoma Nationals in 2009. “I had some butterflies because it was the first run back in competition, and I kind of felt like a rookie again. But the more runs I make, the more comfortable I am – and the more comfortable Kurt [Elliott, crew chief] is in his role. Our confidence is building together, and now we’re ready to go out there and race these guys and show them what we’re capable of.”

Although new to the crew chief position, Elliott has had no trouble getting the Dollar General dragster down the racetrack on each run. That first clean streak at the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Spring Nationals presented by Super Start Batteries at Royal Purple Raceway produced a 3.95 at nearly 312 mph, and on his second pass, Todd clocked a career-best speed of 319.52. The team showed immediate signs of jelling, qualifying 11th and respectably earning a race-day start at its first event together.

The second outing, the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway, showed equal promise with another string of straight-down-the-track passes and a first-round match with eventual event victor Steve Torrence. Although Todd did not get the win in the first round, he clocked his quickest and fastest run of the weekend, a 3.859 at a career-best 319.67 mph.

“These last two races have gone really smooth for us, especially being that we are a relatively new team,” said Todd. “The competition is way tougher now than I ever remember it before in Top Fuel. You have to be able to run mid- to low 3.80s at will and in the heat now, and that’s pretty tough to do.
“Even though we haven’t been the quickest and fastest car out there, we’re going down the track, and I have to give it to Kurt for that. I think he was nervous at first, but I kept telling him, 'We’ve got nothing to lose these first few races; why not go for broke and show them what we’re capable of?' We’re learning every run and making improvements each time, and I was proud of him after that first run in Atlanta. I’m happy with the way things are going, and I’m so thankful Bob has given me the opportunity to drive.”

Todd and Vandergriff have been friends since Todd became a Pro in 2006, and the joining of forces is something that they have long been trying to make happen. Initially, the agreement is to race four to five events this year, although they are working to build the funding required to race 10 to 12 this season and a full schedule in 2013.

“When I left in 2008 – that was my last full-time ride – I didn’t know what was going to happen,” said Todd. “I finally got this lucky break with Bob, and I really hope we can build on it. It’s a little like having a carrot dangled in front of me, and I don’t want to have it taken away just yet.

“Hopefully, we can keep this going and do well for everyone at Dollar General this weekend. All of the big execs will be there, and they’ve never been to a drag race before. It will be cool to get them up there on the starting line between two Top Fuel cars, and hopefully we can put that big yellow dragster in the winner’s circle on Sunday. That would be the ultimate dream.” 

Corvette 2014?

Exclusive: This is the 2014 Chevy Corvette

The exclusive images you see here, derived from hours spent secretly poring over the sheetmetal of two seventh-generation Corvettes, show the next step in the supercar's iconic evolution. These aren't photos, but this is absolutely the next-generation Chevy Corvette in ZR1 trim. GM so doesn't want you to see these.

Love it or hate it, the Chevrolet Corvette is an American icon. For most of its 60 years, the 'Vette's shown that a commodity-focused U.S. automaker can confound expectations and compete with the likes of Ferrari and Lamborghini. The seventh-generation Corvette — or C7 Corvette — as fan-boys and GM insiders call it — is designed to further confound those expectations.

These renderings were derived from hours this weekend I (and our designer) spent in secret, poring over the completely uncamouflaged "sheetmetal" of two versions of the next-gen Corvette. With limited time, we decided to, rather than show you the first one, a base level Corvette, we focused our rendering efforts instead on the high-performance ZR1 trim level.

None of our sources were willing to go on the record or allow me to run their name for fear they might lose their jobs. That's also why I'm showing renderings rather than actual photos — I don't care if it might cast doubt on the veracity of the styling — but I didn't want anyone losing their job over this.

That said, we showed these images to three different sources at General Motors — and all three confirmed that the images you see here accurately portray the ZR1 trim level for the seventh-generation Corvette. A fourth source — a non-GM employee — confirmed that the vehicle we show here is one of two Initial Vehicle Engineering Release (IVER) vehicles that's been making the rounds at the Milford Proving Grounds.

View the gallery

The ZR1 trim level is expected to come out later than the base model Corvette — which is slated for a 2014 model year and a reveal at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show. At first glance, you think this is nothing more than an evolutionary change to America's supercar. But give it a second for that initial enormously deceiving glance to dissipate into a double-take. The changes — like the very Camaro-esque rear taillights, the over-exaggerated side vents, and a new window in the rear quarter — will be absolutely polarizing to any Corvette fan-boy. And other items — like a split-rear window, a la the Corvette Stingray, won't make it into production. ### Jalpnik.com

Corvette Fire Bug?

California Couple Gets $3.4M Judgement for Fire Caused by Corvette.

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For many automotive enthusiasts, our cars mean the world to us. While they may not be living, breathing things, they make a difference in our lives and bring us a lot of joy. So when something goes terribly wrong and a beloved car is the cause of serious damage to property or life, it’s that much harder to swallow.

According to the Boekamp family of southern California, that’s exactly what happened with their Corvette back in January of 2010, allegedly causing a fire that burned the couple’s home to the ground. This was a definite tragedy, but as we found out, some justice may be heading the couple’s way after a jury found General Motors liable for the damages and awarded the family $3.4 million. Unfortunately for the Boekamps, GM has already stated that they will be appealing the judgment against them.

A California jury found that a 2005 Corvette like this one was the cause of a fire that burned a family's house down back in 2010.

The Boekamp family lived in the same 5,300 square-foot home in San Diego’s east county for 29 years before a fire erupted in the structure on January 16^th, 2010. Although hardwired fire alarms didn’t wake the couple the night of the fire, the smell of smoke did and they were able to escape unharmed. Unfortunately the house and the couple’s two Corvettes, a 2005 and a 1962 model, weren’t as lucky.

But as it turns out the ‘05 Corvette owned by Pattie Boekamp may not have been a victim in the fire, but actually the culprit. The fire ignited just a couple hours after the Corvette was parked back in the garage on the evening of January 16^th, and upon exiting the house with the fire raging, Herbert Boekamp noticed a trail of gasoline leading from the car to the outside of the garage. That was enough to make him think that the Corvette may have actually caused the fire.

Upon investigation by someone appointed by GM to look at the burnt car, it was determined that the fire did in fact start in the car and that the mechanism inside the telescoping steering column was to blame. Although the case seemed cut and dry, GM apparently told the Boekamps that they had no case against the automotive manufacturer, to which the Boekamps responded with a lawsuit.

Just recently, a jury found GM to be liable for the fire and the home’s destruction, awarding the family $3.4 million. The judgment against GM was entered as of Monday April 2^nd. While the money won’t bring back the family’s home or personal processions, it is a start for rebuilding. Unfortunately, the family can’t rebuild on the property until all the legal issues surrounding the case are resolved.

But the Boekamp family may not even get that far. GM has 60 days to appeal the judgment against them and stated that they planned on doing so after the court’s recent ruling. We just hope that if the Corvette was the cause of the fire that justice is served for the Boekamp family. ##

Safety First for Toyota/Lexus Vehicles

Regulators want brake-throttle override systems in all cars

Federal regulators plan to require automakers to design a brake-throttle override system into their vehicles to reduce the risks of high-speed, unintended acceleration.

The proposal by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is a result of a horrific 2009 crash of a Lexus ES 350 in San Diego and a subsequent flood of complaints about incidents of unintended acceleration in Toyota and Lexus vehicles.

2012 Fiat 500 Abarth

Were it not for these high fuel costs, one would have to wonder if the acceptance of these little Italian get-a-rounds would be as great as it is.

They go fast with great maneuverability, with all the inherent characteristics of a relatively inexpensive Italian vehicle.  There was a time dependability was not the primary objective; i.e., Fiat X-1-9 of the 70’s. Today’s buyer is looking for not only dependability, but also performance.  To get this performance, the manufacturers are using tuners. Fiat has chosen to enlist the services of Carlo Abarth.

During the early days, Abarth influence on Fiat made them perform far better than they should have. It was in 1971 when Abarth became a permanent fixture at Fiat. It was a long time coming, but finally the proof is in the finished product.

The little 1.4-liter MultiAir four with its oil-induced intake valve system seems to be a good match for the weight. The Abarth engine has a number of components a far cry above Fiat’s predecessors; like a crankshaft and connecting rods of forged steel. What really sets the Abarth apart, and kicks horsepower from 101 to 160 at 5500 rpm, is an 18.0-psi turbocharger plus a pair of intercoolers set low in front behind outboard grille vents.

Torque gets a similar boost from 98 lb.-ft. to 150 in Normal mode or 170 after you push the Sport button. Just as important from the fun side of things, that torque is on hand from 2600-4100 rpm.

Engineers also opened up both the intake and exhaust systems for better breathing, though what you’ll love most about it is the thrumpy exhaust note.
Matched to the turbo four is a 5-speed manual gearbox and beefier half-shafts.

Suspension changes include lowering the ride height 0.6 in., stiffening the springs and rear torsion beam axle, and using Abarth-specific front lower control arms as part of a general firming. Brakes are now 11.1-in. discs at the front and 9.4-in. rear discs. Standard wheels are 16s with Pirelli Cinturato P7 all-seasons, the step up being 17s with Pirelli P-Zero Nero tires at 205/40-R17.

Fiat wants to emphasize the Abarth’s dual fun-on-weekends, off-to-work week nature and gives its electronic stability control three modes: On, Partial Off and Full Off.

Then comes what some consider the really important differences versus the stock 500, mainly a more aggressive appearance with added vents up front for cooling, side skirts, red brake calipers and a spoiler at the top of the lift back. Add a new lower rear design with a diffuser look and a pair of Abarth exhaust outlets to go with the new sound. Plus, of course, plenty of Abarth badging.

The 0-60 time drops to 7.2 seconds, the quarter-mile now in 15.5 sec, while  reaching an unconfirmed top speed of 129-mph.

Driving the Fiat 500 Abarth is simply a lot of fun. You can smoke the front tires off the line and that great exhaust note follows you right up to triple digits on the speedo.

The Abarth is a bit different than one would expect. Many small tuner cars’ suspensions have been stiffened to the molar-cracking level. Not the Abarth, which leans more than expected when you crank it into a corner. It’s actually quite fun, though you must be sure to brake in a straight line or it can be a bit darty under heavy braking. It would be nice if the shifter were more exact.

So what does all that--plus pricing between $22,700 and about $27,000--get you?  A decent driver, but we yet have to experience dependability and service costs in the long run.  Here’s hoping it’s better than prior experience with Italian vehicles.

Lucas Oil to sponsor the Greek for remainder of his career

Lucas Oil founder Forrest Lucas has announced a unique sponsorship of Chris Karamesines that will last as long as the drag racing legend competes.

Lucas Oil first joined Karamesines, widely known as "the Greek," for seven national events in 2011 to rave reviews from the media and fans.

"The Greek is a legend in our sport," Lucas said. "He's a great ambassador for drag racing and our line of products, and we're happy to partner with him again. I look forward to seeing the Greek's dragster go down the track with our colors on his car for many years to come."

The Chicago native raced in 13 Top Fuel events last year, qualifying for four races. Karamesines earned a first-round victory at Bristol Dragway, his first round-win in NHRA competition in more than 20 years.

Karamesines, 82, has been racing since the 1950s and was recognized as one of NHRA's 50 Greatest Drivers in 2001. "The Greek" has won numerous national events in ADRA, AHRA and IHRA competition.

"I appreciate Forrest helping us out the way he does," Karamesines said. "We'll get to as many Top Fuel races as we can and will do our best for Lucas Oil. What they've done for our sport is tremendous and it's cool to have them on our car. We're very appreciative of their support."

Sunday At Firebird International Raceway Chandler,AZ

Sunday
at Firebird International Raceway
Chandler, Ariz.
Final finish order
TOP FUEL

1, Antron Brown; 2, Tony Schumacher; 3, Shawn Langdon; 4, Clay Millican; 5, Steve Torrence; 6, Doug Kalitta; 7, Spencer Massey; 8, Morgan Lucas; 9, Brandon Bernstein; 10, Khalid al Balooshi; 11, Bob Vandergriff; 12, Troy Buff; 13, Cory McClenathan; 14, Terry McMillen; 15, Mike Strasburg; 16, David Grubnic.

FUNNY CAR

1, Robert Hight; 2, Mike Neff; 3, Jack Beckman; 4, Courtney Force; 5, Jeff Arend; 6, Ron Capps; 7, Todd Lesenko; 8, Johnny Gray; 9, Bob Tasca III; 10, Tony Pedregon; 11, Cruz Pedregon; 12, Matt Hagan; 13, Grant Downing; 14, Jim Head; 15, Bob Bode; 16, John Force.

PRO STOCK

1, Jason Line; 2, Greg Anderson; 3, Greg Stanfield; 4, Rodger Brogdon; 5, Erica Enders; 6, Vincent Nobile; 7, Larry Morgan; 8, Mike Edwards; 9, Ronnie Humphrey; 10, Allen Johnson; 11. Kurt Johnson; 12, Warren Johnson; 13, Shane Gray; 14, Jeg Coughlin; 15, Ron Krisher; 16, Steve Kent.

Final Results

Top Fuel — Antron Brown, 3.793 seconds, 319.82 mph, def. Tony Schumacher, 3.813 seconds, 318.17 mph.
Funny Car — Robert Hight, Ford Mustang, 4.139, 307.02, def. Mike Neff, Mustang, 4.168, 309.91.
Pro Stock — Jason Line, Pontiac GXP, 6.558, 211.69, def. Greg Anderson, GXP, 6.570, 211.06.
Super Stock — Dan Fletcher, Chevy Camaro, 9.376, 144.04, def. Ken Etter, Plymouth Shadow, 10.166, 128.60.
Stock Eliminator — Leo Glassbrenner, Pontiac Firebird, 10.571, 116.81, def. Brad Hawk, Ford Mustang, 12.671, 103.00.
Super Comp — Greg Boutte, Dragster, 8.898, 174.71, def. Steve Whitfield, Dragster, foul.
Super Gas — Michael Miller, '27 Ford, 14.757, 84.36, def. Ed DeStaute, Chevy Corvette, broke.
Super Street — Ray Dew, Chevy Nova, 10.874, 128.63, def. Ryan Herem, Chevy Camaro, 10.867, 132.65.
Top Dragster — Tom Koenen, Dragster, 7.090, 189.39, def. JR Lobner, Dragster, 6.824, 196.99.
Top Sportsman — J Wayne Silvia, Chevy Cavalier, 11.560, 101.09, def. Ted Carli, Chevy Cobalt, broke.

Final round-by-round
TOP FUEL

ROUND ONE — Morgan Lucas, 3.832, 307.72, def. Khalid alBalooshi, 3.808, 318.17; Doug Kalitta, 3.828, 321.96, def. Bob Vandergriff, 3.874, 315.86; Antron Brown, 3.805, 321.96, def. Terry McMillen, 4.197, 219.19; Steve Torrence, 3.801, 322.04, def. Brandon Bernstein, 3.794, 319.75; Shawn Langdon, 3.770, 321.58, def. Troy Buff, 3.936, 302.82; Tony Schumacher, 3.770, 323.12, def. Mike Strasburg, 4.217, 208.91; Spencer Massey, 3.769, 325.37, def. Cory McClenathan, 3.964, 255.73; Clay Millican, 3.861, 314.31, def. David Grubnic, 4.817, 150.11.
QUARTERFINALS — Millican, 3.838, 317.87, def. Torrence, 3.796, 318.99; Langdon, 3.791, 318.39, def. Lucas, 4.508, 174.32; Schumacher, 3.819, 315.12, def. Kalitta, 3.856, 307.65; Brown, 3.888, 287.47, def. Massey, 3.987, 262.74.
SEMIFINALS — Schumacher, 3.797, 317.57, def. Millican, 8.924, 83.46; Brown, 3.832, 313.51, def. Langdon, 6.072, 106.18.
FINAL — Brown, 3.793, 319.82, def. Schumacher, 3.813, 318.17.

FUNNY CAR

ROUND ONE — Jeff Arend, Toyota Solara, 4.117, 308.64, def. Jim Head, Solara, 5.417, 139.86; Mike Neff, Ford Mustang, 4.072, 309.13, def. Bob Bode, Chevy Impala, 5.960, 143.75; Johnny Gray, Dodge Charger, 4.084, 310.34, def. Grant Downing, Charger, 4.422, 217.28; Todd Lesenko, Impala, 4.264, 266.79, def. Matt Hagan, Charger, 4.325, 293.92; Courtney Force, Mustang, 4.146, 307.30, def. John Force, Mustang, 7.364, 91.30; Jack Beckman, Charger, 4.090, 308.57, def. Tony Pedregon, Impala, 4.179, 304.53; Ron Capps, Charger, 4.162, 301.13, def. Cruz Pedregon, Solara, 4.210, 274.33; Robert Hight, Mustang, 4.095, 308.85, def. Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 4.157, 302.28.
QUARTERFINALS — Hight, 4.613, 241.97, def. Gray, DQ; Beckman, 4.172, 282.24, def. Arend, 4.322, 294.43; Neff, 4.264, 246.75, def. Capps, 7.000, 90.68; C. Force, 4.099, 306.95, def. Lesenko, 7.073, 93.02.
SEMIFINALS — Neff, 4.099, 306.74, def. Beckman, 4.129, 301.60; Hight, 4.158, 304.32, def. C. Force, 4.199, 299.93.
FINAL — Hight, 4.139, 307.02, def. Neff, 4.168, 309.91.

PRO STOCK

ROUND ONE — Rodger Brogdon, Pontiac GXP, 6.617, 209.98, def. Ron Krisher, GXP, 7.125, 140.23; Erica Enders, Chevy Cobalt, 6.581, 210.54, def. Steve Kent, GXP, 8.753, 108.86; Larry Morgan, Ford Mustang, 6.581, 209.72, def. Allen Johnson, Dodge Avenger, 6.598, 210.97; Vincent Nobile, Avenger, 6.571, 211.26, def. Shane Gray, GXP, 7.003, 158.82; Greg Stanfield, GXP, 6.623, 209.20, def. Ronnie Humphrey, GXP, 6.592, 210.93; Mike Edwards, GXP, 6.567, 210.73, def. Warren Johnson, GXP, 6.634, 208.39; Jason Line, GXP, 6.549, 211.56, def. Jeg Coughlin, Avenger, 7.078, 156.92; Greg Anderson, GXP, 6.555, 210.83, def. Kurt Johnson, GXP, 6.618, 209.52.
QUARTERFINALS — Stanfield, 6.636, 207.85, def. Morgan, 11.083, 77.23; Brogdon, 6.640, 208.68, def. Edwards, 14.908, 53.63; Anderson, 6.569, 211.39, def. Nobile, foul; Line, 6.561, 211.36, def. Enders, 6.610, 209.10.
SEMIFINALS — Anderson, 6.590, 210.21, def. Brogdon, 6.632, 208.36; Line, 6.556, 211.23, def. Stanfield, 6.618, 208.68.
FINAL — Line, 6.558, 211.69, def. Anderson, 6.570, 211.06.

Winternationals 2012

It took 5 days to complete, but the Winternationals at

the Auto Club Raceway in Pomona finally was completed 

a day late. Of course, the Pros finished the finals on Sunday, 

 for ESPN2, but Sportsman Finals were put off until the

following day. 

Fortunately for me and co-writer, Diana Luna, we were

able to have sit-down conversations with Antron Brown

and Matt Hagen the previous day.

That learned in the sit-down conversation was a bit more

about Matt Hagen, the # 12 qualifier and DSR driver of the 

Aaron/Mopar, and of course it carried the # 1 into the 

field this weekend. Being from Christansburg, VA, just having 

this informal conversation was a good learning process. 

The fact that he had a number of experiences in the roundy 

round circuit, he chose to dedicate his abilities in the field 

of driving a funny car for DSR. 

I gained a new respect for that which Matt brings to the sport, 

as well as he as an individual.  Of course, that respect did

not help much on the track in that the winner, John Force, 

was one who has been there so many times. I’ve had many

conversations with Force, in that my involvement began in the

sport began when he started using that phrase, “I’m just a truck driver”

has given many opportunities to sit with him. So much so, 

I was not surprised to see the John Force Grandstands 

in place.   

Antron Brown is a piece of work; excellent conversationalist, 

well read and a great communicator. When he qualified in 

the #2 spot, it was felt he could get around the field and back 

to the winners circle, but as Antron said, these races are won 

by a hundredth of a second, and so it was in nearly every round. 

When experiencing Top Fuel, it’s like a volcanic eruption. 

He did make it to the finals;

 Rnd 1

W) Antron Brown (Matco Tools/Aaron's Dragster)   

                               0.054  3.801et  325.92 mph

(L) Cory McClenathan (Rapisarda Racing Dragster)

                             0.086  5.902 et  108.47 mph  

 Rnd 2

W) Antron Brown (Matco Tools/Aaron's Dragster)   

                          0.037   3.771et  323.35 mph

(L) Brandon Bernstein (MAV TV/Lucas Oil Dragster)

                      0.061   10.000 et  75.56 mph

 Rnd 3

(W) Antron Brown (Matco Tools/Aaron's Dragster)  

                     0.058-  3.819 et  320.28 mph

(L) Morgan Lucas (GEICO/Lucas Oil Dragster)  

                   0.037 -  4.430 et  178.57 mph

 Rnd 4

(W) Spencer Massey (FRAM/Prestone Dragster) 

                   0.049  3.750 et  325.77 mph

(L) Antron Brown (Matco Tools/Aaron's Dragster) 

                 0.036  3.794 et  320.43 mph  

  Fuel Funny Car

Of course, these cars are so unpredictable;

the dominating car last year of Matt’s went 

out in first round of eliminations, losing to Ron Capps.

(W) Ron Capps (NAPA Auto Parts Charger)  

                    0.059      4.093 et  312.06 mph

(L) Matt Hagan (Aaron's/Mopar Charger)  

                0.062    4.298 et   269.73 mph

 There was a lot of action between first round and finals. 

However, between the rain and cold, we were only able 

to see/experience a small portion of eliminations. 

 This is final round results.

(W) John Force (Castrol GTX High Mileage Mustang 

                      0.067      4.080 et 315.64 mph

(L) Mike Neff (Castrol GTX Mustang) 

                    0.175      4.036 et 316.82 mph

 As you can see, the Force won this at the tree!

Wonder how that happened over his teammate?
 The weather was so cold, the air temp 63 degrees and

the track temp 69 degrees. My body temp seemed to be

at 20 and my mind told me to go inside the motor home

for a while. 

 Pro Stock

At the start of this process of eliminations, one wonders 

when the Pontiac emblem will finally be retired.  The 

only real way to tell the difference between the teams was 

the paint or in today’s world, wraps on the cars.  Engines 

are the same and except for a few red-lights, the win margins

were + or - .05 seconds at 210 mph or there about. 

Then came the final round  which Greg Anderson worked 

his way through the field for the  win over Jeg Coughlin; 

6.549 @ 210.87 to Jeg’s 6.586 @ 209.62. Very small margin 

for the win, but then that’s normal in this very competitive field.  

Maybe next year the variety will be better. 

 Most enjoyment was in the far off pit area for the 

Sportsman competitors which eliminations carried 

over until Monday, another cold day.

We will venture into the Sportsman Field and

Final results in the next post. 

Conventional Loans May Have all Dried up, but..

Money is still available; privatemoneyexchange.com/esmith