Martin wins second NPK race of the 2019 season

By Anthony Caruso III | Publisher 

Lizzy Musi’s three race Street Outlaws No Prep Kings Season 3 win streak has come to an end. She was eliminated in the first-round. 

With her being eliminated, it opened the door for a new winner. Ryan Martin won the event at Route 66 Raceway in Elwood, Illinois on Saturday night.

Ryan Martin (Photo by Fireball Camaro/Facebook)

Larry “Axman” Roach — his opponent in the final round — had problems during the burnout. Racemaster Chuck Seitsinger gave Roach a minute to get the car ready; however, it was broke. 

Martin made the solo pass for the win. He received the $40,000 prize for the win. 

This is Martin’s second win of the season. He won the season-opener that was postponed from the season-opener at Maryland International Raceway in Budds Creek, Maryland due to rain.

Martin had to complete the Maryland race during Memorial Day weekend at New England Dragway in Epping, New Hampshire on Friday night. 

So far this season, only Martin and Musi have wins through five events so far. 

Besides winning in New Hampshire, Musi also won at World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway in Madison, Illinois in June. Then, she won at Firebird Raceway in Eagle, Idaho in July.

Musi was eliminated by Eric Bain in the first-round at Route 66 Raceway.

With the Route 66 Raceway event in the books, there is only four races left on the season. On Sept. 6-7, the taping will travel to Bandimere Speedway in Morrison, Colorado. Late that month, the taping will continue at Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio on Sept. 20-21. 

There will be two tapings in October with a show taping at Palm Beach International Raceway in Jupiter, Florida on Oct. 11-12. The season will conclude at the Texas Motorplex on Oct. 25-26. 

Smith claims first Wally of 2019 at Route 66 Nationals

By Anthony Caruso III | Publisher

Denso/Stockseth Racing rider Matt Smith has finally won his first race of the 2019 season. It took him nine races for the reigning Pro Stock Motorcycle champion to win another Wally.

Smith defeated Karen Stoffer in the final round of the 22nd annual Route 66 NHRA Nationals. This is his 23rd win of his career in PSM.

The King, North Carolina native went 6.807 at 198.88 mph. He overcame a huge disadvantage early on, as Stoffer had a 0.002 light to Smith’s 0.064.

The Minden, Nevada native went 6.885 at 193.71 mph.

“Our red rocket showed up,” Smith said. “This Denso bike was on kill today. We made a little blooper in the second round but overall we had the quickest bike in every round. I just can’t say enough about my crew and my wife, Angie, and everyone who helps us. We had a good day. We needed to get a win so we pulled out our championship engine. It needs to be freshened to its going back to Elite to get honed after this race, and it will be better when we get it back and decide to use it again.

“Karen did an awesome job this weekend. She was .00 every time in eliminations. I wanted to be .04 or .03 and I was a little later than that. We put a new tire on for the final. It had one lap on it. We had our best 60-foot time of the weekend and that’s what got us the win was the call of changing tires before the final. We’re still working on our new clutch and we’ve got a lot to learn but we’ll be ready for the Countdown.”

Before this final round appearance, Smith held a 16-12 advantage over Stoffer in previous events. Now, Smith holds a 3-2 advantage in final rounds.

Stoffer had a great light, but lost the race in the final inches of the races. Smith was able to take her at the end for a victory by 0.0163 seconds, or approx. five feet.

Kramer claims third Wally at 2019 Route 66 Nationals

By Anthony Caruso III | Publisher

American Ethanol Pro Stock driver Deric Kramer won the 22nd annual Route 66 NHRA Nationals on Sunday. Kramer took out Erica Enders-Stevens in the final round at Route 66 Raceway in Elwood, Illinois.

The Sterling, Colorado native won with a 6.532 at 210.70 mph pass to capture the Wally. Enders-Stevens went red in the final round.

Derick Kramer racing on Sunday at the Route 66 NHRA Nationals (Photo by the NHRA)

The New Orleans, Louisiana native was -0.014 red. A lot of drivers fouled out during eliminations.

“We won by not making any mistakes, that’s been our biggest problem since Indy through the Countdown last year,” Kramer said. “We started off the year with again, more mistakes and when you make mistakes in this class its so close you can’t win.”

“I got lane choice in the semifinals and that was big. We made the best runs out of that particular lane and when you make good runs you put the pressure on the other driver to give it all they’ve got and luckily I came out ahead. We laid down a great pass in the final. When you see that win light on in your lane before you’re in high gear you can just enjoy the ride at that point.”

Kramer had two wins in 2018. His second win came at the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway in Brainerd, Minnesota on Aug. 19.

His first win came at the Menards NHRA Heartland Nationals presented by Minties on May 21 at Heartland Park Topeka in Topeka, Kansas.

Before this final round, Enders-Stevens held a 5-2 advantage over Kramer in previous events. He is now 2-0 against Enders-Stevens in final rounds.

Kramer at the win at the hit when Enders-Stevens went read. Kramer did make a good pass despite the foul on the other lane.

This is Kramer’s first win of the 2019 season.

Deric Kramer after winning on Sunday at the Route 66 NHRA Nationals (Photo by the NHRA)

Johnson Jr. wins it for The Don near Chicago at 2019 Route 66 Nationals

By Anthony Caruso III | Publisher

Make A Wish Foundation Funny Car pilot Tommy Johnson, Jr. won the 22nd annual Route 66 NHRA Nationals on Sunday. Johnson, Jr. defeated AAA of Southern California Funny Car pilot Robert Hight in the final round at Route 66 Raceway in Elwood, Illinois.

The Avon, Indiana native went 4.175 at 229.86 mph to win the Wally. His boss, Don Schumacher, who owns and operates Don Schumacher Racing, is from nearby Chicago, Illinois.

Tommy Johnson Jr. racing on Sunday at the Route 66 NHRA Nationals (Photo by the NHRA)

The Yorba Linda, California native — who won three events this season — went 4.438 at 202.55 mph in the losing effort.

“I’ve blown up three times already this year,” Johnson Jr. said. “I said that wasn’t even a blow-up, that was just a little bang. It makes your heart stop for a second cause you’re sitting there coasting and you know he’s got to be somewhere. He didn’t come and I thought, thank goodness. When I beat [Matt] Hagan here in 2015 he smoked the tires at the hit and it did the same thing. It spun and knocked the [blower] belt off and I coasted to the win. I don’t know what it is about this place. I saw the light come on and I was just thrilled for my guys and [sponsor] Doug Chandler. He’s continued this program, so I’m happy to get a win.”

This is Johnson, Jr.’s, first win since 2017. His last win was at the Auto Club NHRA Finals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona on Nov. 12, 2017 in Pomona, California.

Before this final round, Hight held a 23-15 advantage over Johnson, Jr., in previous events. He also held a 4-1 advantage in final rounds before Sunday’s final round.

Hight held the advantage, a small one, off of the starting line. Then, stayed out front until the 330-foot market. He then hazed the tires and did not attempt to get back not he throttle.

Johnson, Jr., on the other hand, started to pull away when Hight had problems. He then had problems at the 800-foot market when he banged a blower.

Yet, he was able to hold on for the win. This is Johnson, Jr.’s, 18th career win. This is his second career win at Route 66 Raceway.

Tommy Johnson Jr. on Sunday after winning the Route 66 NHRA Nationals (Photo by the NHRA)

Four in a row: Torrence wins the 2019 Route 66 Nationals

By Anthony Caruso III | Publisher

Capco Contractors Top Fuel Dragster pilot Steve Torrence is on a hot streak once again. He has now had two four race win streaks in the past seven months.

The Kilgore, Texas native defeated Scrappers Racing pilot Mike Salinas in the final round of the 22nd annual Route 66 NHRA Nationals on Sunday at Route 66 Raceway in Elwood, Illinois. Torrence went 3.763 at 326.32 mph.

Steve Torrence warming up on Sunday at the Route 66 NHRA Nationals (Photo by the NHRA)

The San Jose, California native — who picked up his first career win in Las Vegas in April — went 4.102 at 213.74. The No. 1 qualifier was down from the hit, as Torrence went 0.040 in reaction time to Salinas’ 0.112.

“These are the kind of conditions that we really do well in,” Torrence said. “Richard [Hogan] and Bobby [Lagana] excel on tracks that are hot and humid. This was a little tricky to navigate and they did an exceptional job. To be 22-4 in final rounds is a little surreal. I didn’t realize that and if you had asked me seven or eight years ago that I’d have 31 wins I’d have said your full of crap. I just wanted one win but I have a really good group of guys.

“When you see guys that go out and do well and continually win, it’s guys that have been together for years and they just work well together. That’s what we have. If one guy were to fall out, we’d find the missing piece of the puzzle that we didn’t have. It’s been an awesome ride if it ended today.”

With the win, Torrence has won four events in a row. The win streak began at the NGK Spark Plugs NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway in Concord, North Carolina.

Then, the streak continued at the Arby’s NHRA Southern Nationals in Commerce, Georgia and again at the Virginia NHRA Nationals at Virginia Motorsports Park in North Dinwiddie, Virginia. That leads to Sunday’s event near Chicago, which he also captured the Wally.

Torrence was on a win streak in the Countdown to the Championship from Sept. through Nov. when he swept the entire six races.

Before this final round, Torrence held a 6-1 advantage over Salinas in previous events. This was the first-time that they faced each other in the final round.

Towards the end of the race, Salinas hazed the tires. Torrence, on the other hand, had the starting line advantage and as the dragsters went down the track, he never trailed.

This is Torrence’s 31st career win in Top Fuel.

Steve Torrence after winning the Wally at the Route 66 NHRA Nationals (Photo by the NHRA)

Krawiec claims first No. 1 of 2019 at Route 66 Nationals

By Anthony Caruso III | Publisher

Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Eddie Krawiec is the No. 1 qualifier at the 22nd annual Route 66 NHRA Nationals. He went 6.801 at 198.79 on Friday to claim the top spot at Route 66 Raceway in Elwood, Illinois.

This is Krawiec’s first No. 1 qualifier of the season.

Eddie Krawiec racing on Saturday at the Route 66 NHRA Nationals (Photo by the NHRA)

“I’ve got a great crew that’s behind me,” Krawiec said. “It’s just fun to come out here and have a great bike going into raceday. I’m just looking at making good, cleans laps because that’s what it’s going to take to win.”

Krawiec will face Michael Ray Jr. in the first-round of eliminations. Ray Jr. went 7.435 at 145.28 mph.

According to NHRA.com, Ray Jr. may or may not race on Sunday.

“Depending on where he qualifies, Michael might or might not run the first round on Sunday,” Matt Smith said. “I want him to do well, but the most important thing is that we don’t do anything that might hurt Scotty. We need to get his bike going so I’m not going to sacrifice anything there.”

Smith — the reigning Pro Stock Motorcycle champion — is the No. 2 qualifier. The King, North Carolina native went 6.819 at 200.00 mph.

He will face Steve Johnson in the first-round of eliminations. Johnson went 7.343 at 139.14 mph.

Smith and Johnson have had beef with each other for weeks now. NHRA tried to allow them to clear the air in a sit-down interview in Charlotte, but that did not work.

Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Andrew Hines is the No. 3 qualifier. The Brownsburg, Indiana native went 6.835 at 197.62 mph.

He will face Andie Rawlings in the first-round of eliminations. Rawlings went 7.337 at 178.52 mph.

Lucas Oil Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Hector Arana Jr. is the No. 4 qualifier. The East Northport, New York native went 6.838 at 197.22 mph.

Arana Jr. will face Kelly Clontz in the first-round of eliminations. Clontz went 7.102 at 190.30 mph.

Lucas Oil Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Hector Arana is the No. 5 qualifier. The Milltown, Indiana native went 6.849 at 197.54 mph.

He will face rookie Jianna Salinas. She went 6.989 at 190.97 mph.

The rest of the ladder looked like this:

6. Angie Smith, EBR, 6.865, 197.16 mph vs. 11. Marc Ingwersen, Buell, 6.949, 192.85 mph

7. Angelle Sampey, Harley-Davidson, 6.867, 195.36 mph vs. 10. Scotty Pollacheck, EBR, 6.917, 193.77 mph

8. Ryan Oehler, Buell, 6.891, 197.19 mph vs. 9. Karen Stoffer, Suzuki, 6.892, 194.83 mph

Anderson picks up 103rd No. 1 qualifier of his PS career

By Anthony Caruso III | Publisher

Greg Anderson is the No. 1 qualifier on Saturday at the 22nd annual Route 66 NHRA Nationals. Anderson took the No. 1 qualifier away from his teammate Jason Line, who had the provisional top spot following Friday’s qualifying sessions.

The Charlotte, North Carolina native went 6.571 at 210.54 mph for the top spot. He claimed the top spot in his fourth qualifying session.

Greg Anderson racing on Saturday at the Route 66 NHRA Nationals (Photo by the NHRA)

With this No. 1 qualifier, Anderson now has 103 No. 1 qualifiers in his career. He broke a tie with the late, great Bob Glidden when he claimed his first No. 1 qualifier of the 2019 season.

“That’s a huge number, no question about it,” Anderson said of his 103rd No. 1 qualifier. “Anytime you can go by one of Bob Glidden’s records, you better be proud of that. That’s pretty darn cool. This racetrack, I’ve always loved coming here. It’s a great Pro Stock track because every bit of power you can find you can apply to it. Tonight’s session was just a perfect running car. That’s great and now onto business (Sunday).”

Anderson will face Alan Prusiensky in the first-round of eliminations. Prusiensky went 6.696 at 205.10 mph.

Summit Racing Equipment teammate Jason Line is the No. 2 qualifier. The Mooresville, North Carolina native went 6.575 at 209.39 mph.

Line will face Kenny Delco in the first-round of eliminations. Delco went 6.660 at 206.54 mph.

Total Seal driver Matt Hartford is the No. 3 qualifier. The Scottsdale, Arizona native went 6.585 at 206.76 mph.

Hartford will face Shane Tucker in the first-round of eliminations. Tucker went 6.657 at 206.23 mph.

Melling Performance/Elite Performance Pro Stock driver Erica Enders-Stevens is the No. 4 qualifier. The New Orleans, Louisiana native went 6.590 at 207.43 mph.

She will face Val Smeland in the first-round of eliminations. Smeland went 6.635 at 206.61 mph.

Elite Performance boss Richard Freeman is the No. 5 qualifier. The Wynnewood, Oklahoma native went 6.593 at 207.24 mph.

He will face Chris McGaha in the first-round of eliminations. McGaha went 6.628 at 208.01 mph.

The rest of the ladder played out like this:

6. Deric Kramer, Camaro, 6.594, 209.07 mph vs. 11. Rodger Brogdon, Camaro, 6.611, 207.27 mph

7. Fernando Cuadra, Camaro, 6.595, 207.94 mph vs. 10. Alex Laughlin, Camaro, 6.606, 206.92 mph

8. Bo Butner, Camaro, 6.598, 209.10 mph vs. 9. Jeg Coughlin, Camaro, 6.599, 207.02 mph

Did Not Qualify:

17. Wally Stroupe, 6.707, 205.72 mph

18. Fernando Cuadra Jr., 6.745, 204.39 mph

19. Robert River, 6.876, 200.83 mph

Hight, AAA guys are the No. 1 qualifier at 2019 Route 66 Nationals

By Anthony Caruso III | Publisher

AAA of Southern California Funny Car pilot Robert Hight is the No. 1 qualifier at the 22nd annual Route 66 NHRA Nationals. Hight went 3.880 at 334.24 mph.

Hight claimed the top qualifying spot in the fourth qualifying session. This is Hight’s sixth No. 1 qualifier of the 2019 season. Plus, this is his 66th No. 1 qualifier of his career.

Robert Hight racing on Saturday at the Route 66 NHRA Nationals (Photo by the NHRA)

“The conditions were there tonight, and we gave it the power and it stuck,” Hight said. “It was a great run and I’m loving the conditions we’re going to have (Sunday). It’s awesome to come to Chicago and see a field like this. There are a lot of good cars here. Some didn’t make it, but for a while there we were wondering if it was going to be us. When you’re 14th going into the last session, it’s a little nerve-wracking.”

Hight will face Jim Campbell in the first-round of eliminations. Campbell went 4.055 at 314.75 mph.

Make-A-Wish Foundation Funny Car pilot Tommy Johnson Jr. is the No. 2 qualifier. The Avon, Indiana native went 3.883 at 326.24 mph.

Johnson Jr. will face Paul Lee in the first-round of eliminations. He went 4.026 at 296.44 mph.

NAPA Auto Parts Funny Car pilot Ron Capps is the No. 3 qualifier. The Carlsbad, California native — who is on a two-race win streak — went 3.882 at 325.53 mph.

He’ll face Bob Bode Jr. in the first-round of eliminations. Bode Jr. went 4.015 at 315.05 mph.

Global Electronic Technology Funny Car pilot Shawn Langdon is the No. 4 qualifier. The Danville, Indiana native went 3.896 at 332.84 mph.

He’ll face Jeff Arend — who is filling in for Jonnie Lindberg this weekend — in the first-round of eliminations. He went 3.985 at 321.12 mph.

Infinite Hero Foundation Funny Car pilot Jack Beckman is the No. 5 qualifier. The Norco, California native went 3.899 at 331.28 mph.

Beckman will face Blake Alexander in the first-round of eliminations. Alexander went 3.959 at 325.22 mph.

The rest of the ladder looked like this:

6. J.R. Todd, Camry, 3.904, 327.43 mph vs. 11. John Force, Camaro, 3.948, 326.48 mph

7. Matt Hagan, Charger, 3.936, 323.97 mph vs. 10. Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 3.943, 322.19 mph

8. Cruz Pedregon, Charger, 3.939, 321.88 mph vs. 9. Tim Wilkerson, Mustang, 3.940, 327.11 mph

Did Not Qualify:

17. Justin Schriefer, 4.056, 305.01 mph

18. Dale Creasy Jr., 4.085, 308.07 mph

19. Terry Haddock, 4.175, 300.66 mph 

Salinas, Scrappers are No.1 at 2019 Route 66 Nationals

By Anthony Caruso III | Publisher

Scrappers Racing Top Fuel pilot Mike Salinas is the No. 1 qualifier on Saturday at the 22nd annual Route 66 NHRA Nationals. He went 3.693 at 328.30 mph on Friday to claim the top spot at Route 66 Raceway in Elwood, Illinois.

This is the San Jose, California native’s third No. 1 qualifier of the season. In addition, this is the fourth No. 1 qualifier of the season.

Mike Salinas racing on Saturday at the Route 66 NHRA Nationals (Photo by the NHRA)

“We do have a good program,” Salinas said. “I’m doing the same thing I was doing last year. The only difference is the people who are behind me now. They’re making this possible and I’m trying to do what they need me to do. The level we’re at now, it’s a different level than I’ve ever been. It’s pretty intense and it’s pretty amazing.”

He’ll face Scott Palmer in the first-round of eliminations. Palmer went 3.854 at 321.73 mph.

Matco Tools Top Fuel Dragster pilot Antron Brown is the No. 2 qualifier. The Pittsboro, Indiana native went 3.715 at 328.14 mph.

Brown will face Brittany Force in the first-round of eliminations. Force went 3.819 at 320.36 mph.

Capco Contractors Top Fuel Dragster pilot Steve Torrence is the No. 3 qualifier. The Kilgore, Texas native went 3.757 at 322.34 mph.

Torrence will face Terry McMillen in the first-round of eliminations. McMillen went 3.810 at 320.28 mph.

Nitro Ninja/Lucas Oil/Magic Dry Top Fuel Dragster pilot Dom Lagana is the No. 4 qualifier. The Scarsdale, New York native went 3.763 at 323.19 mph.

Lagana will face Pat Dakin in the first round of eliminations. Dakin went 3.808 at 324.12 mph.

Mac Tools Top Fuel Dragster Pilot Doug Kalitta is the No. 5 qualifier. The Ann Arbor, Michigan native went 3.764 at 322.96 mph.

He’ll face Shawn Reed in the first-round of eliminations. Reed went 3.800 at 319.67 mph.

The rest of the ladder panned out like this:

6. Austin Prock, 3.769, 321.19 mph vs. 11. Richie Crampton, 3.796, 320.13 mph

7. Clay Millican, 3.774, 324.98 mph vs. 10. Jordan Vandergriff, 3.794, 325.37 mph

8. Leah Pritchett, 3.776, 327.82 mph vs. 9. T.J. Zizzo, 3.783, 323.12 mph

Did Not Qualify:

17. Luigi Novelli, 3.946, 297.09 mph

18. Cameron Ferre, 3.950, 297.48 mph

19. Kyle Wurtzel, 3.961, 295.40 mph

20. Lex Joon, 4.097, 262.59 mph

21. Chris Karamesines, 4.468, 191.38 mph

Krawiec is the provisional PSM leader at the 2019 Route 66 Nationals

By Anthony Caruso III | Publisher

Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Eddie Krawiec is the provisional No. 1 qualifier on Friday. The Avon, Indiana native went 6.835 at 196.87 mph at the Route 66 NHRA Nationals at Route 66 Raceway in Elwood, Illinois.

Krawiec picked up the provisional top spot during his second qualifying pass.

Eddie Krawiec racing on Friday at the Route 66 NHRA Nationals (Photo by the NHRA)

“I’m fresh on a new chassis,” Krawiec said. “Angelle [Sampey] and Andrew [Hines] have been running it pretty much the whole season with good luck. We kind of retired the old girl, my bike, I hated to get ride of it. I’ve been riding it the last eight years and it’s treated me well. It was time to move on to the new stuff. Matt Hines is the guy who drew it up and developed it and Mike Mullaney is the guy who built it. We have a great group of individuals in the shop to get it done so we could debut it in Richmond.

“Andrew’s bike is in a window right now. He’s been killing it out there. If I can get mine in a window, I think it will run just as good. We expect to come out here and run well because that’s what we do. Look at the top bikes out here separated by a few thousandths of a second. The class has great competition. Right now, you have to be on your game. It doesn’t matter how good of a motorcycle you have. If you’re not riding it well, you’re not going to win.”

Denso/Elite Performance Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Matt Smith is the provisional No. 2 qualifier. The King, North Carolina native went 6.837 at 198.32 mph.

Lucas Oil sponsored Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Hector Arana Jr. is the provisional No. 3 qualifier. The East Northport, New York native went 6.838 at 197.22 mph.

Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Andrew Hines is the provisional No. 4 qualifier. The Brownsburg, Indiana native went 6.844 at 196.60 mph.

Lucas Oil sponsored Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Hector Arana Jr. is the provisional No. 5 qualifier. The Corydon, Indiana native went 6.849 at 197.54 mph.

The rest of the field panned out like this:

6) Angelle Sampey, Harley-Davidson, 6.867, 195.36 mph

7) Angie Smith, EBR, 6.901, 195.96 mph

8) Karen Stoffer, Suzuki, 6.912, 195.00 mph

9) Ryan Oehler, Buell, 6.934, 196.42 mph

10) Scotty Pollacheck, EBR, 6.987, 193.16 mph

11) Jianna Salinas, Suzuki, 6.989, 190.97 mph

12) Marc Ingwersen, Buell, 7.025, 191.00 mph

13) Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 7.343, 139.14 mph

14) Michael Ray Jr., Buell, 7.435, 145.28 mph

15) Kelly Clontz, Suzuki, 19.922, 26.98 mph