Fast Take Compiled by Dwight Drum
Web work by Larsen & Drum Images by Gary Larsen
A large group of press agents bring a load of talent to NNHRA and all of motorsports, and they are very good at creating, assembling and sending out their work. Most are dedicated and busy, but some stand out with their team reports because they bring special color and prose to their polished efforts.
Each week we select the press releases that are told like stories because we believe many fans out there would like a section reserved for driver PR story tellers. Growing up many of us probably learned to write while asking -- tell me a story.
We thank these select writers for their ability to keep on telling.
Non-Nitromethane classes including VP gasoline, Alcohol & Nitrous
Jeg Coughlin Jr. [Pro Stock Car]
The thrill remains strong for world champion Coughlin
Although he's been racing for more than two decades and has collected five world titles and 66 national event wins, Jeg Coughlin Jr. admits to a giddy excitement every time he arrives at an NHRA national event.
That feeling is never stronger than when Coughlin pulls into at Auto Club Raceway in Pomona, the site of this weekend's season-ending 46th annual Auto Club NHRA Finals.
"There's something magical about Pomona," the 40-year-old driver of the JEGS.com Chevrolet Cobalt said. "I think there's been so much history made there, so many special moments, so many legendary drag racers running down that strip. I'm getting goosebumps right now just talking about it.
"If you're a drag racer, I can assure you from personal experience that your blood starts pumping when you pull through the gates of that racetrack. You can't help it."
For all of the affection the second-generation driver has for the facility, Pomona has rewarded the son of Hall of Fame member Jeg Coughlin Sr. with six Pro Stock victories over the years, making it one of his favorite places on tour.
"Whether it's the start of a new season when everyone is dreaming big or the Finals when the Full Throttle and Lucas Oil Series titles are on the line, there's always an excitement in the air," Coughlin said. "It all started for me back in 1992 when I clinched the Super Gas title and towed back in front of the stands. I just felt so much love and appreciation from the fans that day. I've been crazy about the place ever since."
For the fourth time this year Coughlin will race Super Comp in addition to Pro Stock, giving him two chances to leave So-Cal with another trophy. Should he win the Super Comp class he will become the first driver in history to win an NHRA national event title in six different classes. He already has wins in Pro Stock, Comp, Super Stock, Super Gas, and Top Dragster.
"We'd love to close strong," Coughlin said. "I can tell you from past experiences that closing out the year with a victory makes the off-season much more enjoyable.
"The Pro Stock car was running strong in Vegas and we had a chance to run for the title so that's all you can ask for as a driver. The JEGS.com Super Comp dragster has been spot-on all year. That's just a matter of everything lining up correctly and the driver not making any mistakes."
Greg Anderson [Pro Stock Car]
Anderson to Stay the Course in Pursuit of Fourth Title
By all accounts, Summit Racing Pro Stock standout Greg Anderson is in a prime position to capture his fourth NHRA Full Throttle Pro Stock championship. With a 115-point lead following his highly emotional win in Las Vegas two weeks ago, there are multiple scenarios in which he can clinch the title short of winning Sunday's Auto Club NHRA Finals in Pomona, CA. Even so, neither he nor his KB Racing crew are about to abandon the aggressive approach they have used to good effect throughout the Countdown to One playoff season.
"The championship isn't won until they hand you the trophy and the big check, so this Summit Racing team is going into Pomona with guns blazing," said Anderson. "After all, as we have seen in the past, lightning can strike at any point during the final race, changing what most would consider a done deal. Having already had a pretty crazy year, I wouldn't be surprised by anything at this point.
"Still, we're not going to take it easy or race defensively. I've seen teams in many different sports lose when they play that way, so I'm certainly not going to do it. We're going to be as aggressive as we've ever been, doing whatever it takes to win the race. After all, if you want to be the champion, you don't want your last race to be a dud. You want to finish off with a bang, so you can step on that stage on Monday night knowing you had a great weekend. There's a lot on the line, so we're not about to lift off the throttle."
For the second consecutive race, Anderson will deploy his not-so-secret weapon in the form of team owner and close friend Ken Black. Encouraged by his crew's stellar performance in his return to the racetrack in Las Vegas where both Summit-backed entries advanced to the final, Black has decided to make the trip to California for this weekend's race, where his presence will undoubtedly provide his team with an extra spark.
"We're not about to worry about the championship, because just like in Las Vegas, it's going to be a great weekend no matter what happens because Ken (team owner Black) will be with there with us," said Anderson. "He's actually going to go on the road and travel to a race for the first time all year. His presence certainly made a difference in Vegas, because even though we struggled in qualifying, we kept a positive attitude, and had great results with both Summit cars in the final. With him back out there, we can handle anything that gets thrown at us, and as along as we go in with that attitude, things are going to work out just fine."
However, Anderson's objective for this final race extends beyond his own pursuit of the title. With running mate Jason Line rising steadily through the ranks over the last few events, the opportunity exists for the two to finish atop the Pro Stock standings, an outcome Anderson is determined to help happen.
"As important as it is for us to wrap up the championship, we also have to focus on getting Jason as high as we can in the final points standings," said Anderson. "If things go our way, he could finish as high as second, which would be an awesome result for Ken, Judy and Kenny Black, as well as everyone from Summit Racing Equipment. Therefore, I'm going to help him in whatever way possible, with all three cars including Ronnie's (Humphrey) Genuine Hotrod Hardware Pontiac trying to eliminate Jason's competition wherever we can. It will take some doing, but I think we're up to the task."
One final factor further aiding Anderson's pre-race confidence is his strong record at the Auto Club Raceway, site of this weekend's event. His nine wins on the Pomona quarter-mile are most at any single track throughout his career (and second most among all Pro Stock competitors, trailing only Bob Glidden), and include the last two Finals, a record he hopes to embellish with this year's edition.
"Whether we are in hunt for the championship or not, I love this racetrack and this race, period," said Anderson. "It's the end of the year, and no matter how much we might have struggled before, we always seem to get our act together and put ourselves in a position to win this race. There is a lot of tradition associated with this one race, so I look forward to it under any circumstances, but think we can do a lot of good this weekend. It means a lot to me to finish off on a strong note, so I'm anxious to get there and get going."
Jason Line [Pro Stock Car]
Jason Has a Lot on the Line in Pomona
After nine months and 22 races, the 2010 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing season will come to a close on Sunday with the final eliminations of the Auto Club NHRA Finals in Pomona, CA. For Jason Line and his Summit Racing team, as well as all the competitors, this race represents their last chance to add to their accomplishments for the year. In Line's case, there is a significant amount at stake, as he can not only help his teammate Greg Anderson secure his fourth Pro Stock championship, but also improve his position in the final championship standings, with the second runner-up finish of his Pro Stock career within his grasp.
"I definitely have a lot to shoot for this weekend in Pomona," said Line. "Naturally, it starts with wanting to win the race just as we do every time out. In addition, with Greg (teammate Anderson) looking pretty good for the championship, I'd like to make it a 1-2 finish for Ken, Judy and Kenny Black as well as everyone at Summit Racing. We'll have our work cut out as we have to pass two very tough competitors, but if the cards fall our way it's certainly out there for us.
"Although we've had a very fast Summit Racing Pontiac throughout the Countdown, what we haven't had is an abundance of racing luck. Hopefully, we turned that corner in Las Vegas when we made it to the final against Greg, and can finish the job this weekend in Pomona."
Coming into the Auto Club Raceway at Pomona on the heels of a tremendous weekend in Las Vegas, confidence is not an issue for Line and his KB Racing crew. In addition, with a proven record of success on the Southern California quarter-mile, the 2006 Pro Stock champion is ready to close out his 2010 campaign on a positive note.
"The atmosphere on this KB Racing team is absolutely tremendous right now," said Line. "We're coming off what was probably the biggest weekend in the team's history between welcoming Ken back to the track after his health issues, having both Summit cars in the final and putting a stranglehold on the championship, so everyone has a smile on their face.
"We also have several people on the team who were not with us when we last won the championship in 2006, so this is a new experience for them and it's great to see their reaction. However, we still have one race left and a lot of work to do. Fortunately, our Summit Racing Pontiacs seem to do well in Pomona with both Greg and I having won there in the past, so we're looking forward to having another great weekend.
"I've always liked going to Pomona. At the beginning of the year, I'm excited by the prospects of the new season, while at the Finals, I'm looking forward to wrapping things up and spending a little time at home with the family. Either way, it's a fun race, so I can't wait to get there. I'm excited about our prospects, because I really believe we can walk out of there with the win, which would be the perfect way to end this season."
Greg Stanfield [Pro Stock Car]
Greg Stanfield making charge for No. 2 Pro Stock finish
The scenario Greg Stanfield planned for the season-ending Automobile Club of California NHRA Finals had him winning the race and the Pro Stock championship at Pomona, Calif.
However, he had to alter his ambitions when Greg Anderson virtually clinched the 2010 title on Halloween with a victory at Las Vegas. "Now we'll go with the next-best thing," Stanfield commented. "We want to win at Pomona and finish second."
That is achievable because the engine builder/driver of the Nitro Fish/Indicom Electric Pontiac GXP is third in Full Throttle Drag Racing Series points (2426), 11 behind runner-up Mike Edwards. He's also 30 points in front of No. 4 Jason Line. Should Stanfield reach his goal, it would be his highest Pro Stock finish and be accompanied by a $50,000 check.
"We definitely want to end things on a high note," Stanfield said. "We've run well in the last five races, so we want to make it six. That would make it three final rounds in the six Countdown (to the Championship) races."
"We have one of the best drivers in the business," noted team owner Kenny Koretsky, "and he is on his game right now. I am looking forward to the end of the season. It has been a very busy year for me."
Stanfield, crew chief Eddie Guarnaccia and the crew have worked hard all season. Stanfield began the Countdown with an impressive victory in the esteemed U.S. Nationals on Labor Day, giving team owner Koretsky his first win in the category. Stanfield went to the title round at Charlotte and was a semifinalist at Dallas and Las Vegas.
"We are looking forward to this weekend," said Guarnaccia. "Greg worked on our good motor. If it runs well, I think we have a real opportunity to win the race. We know Mike and Jason aren't going to quit. We want to finish second, and that means we have to be at our best."
Allen Johnson [Pro Stock Car]
Te Allen Johnson Hopes to End Strong 2010 Season with Pomona Victory
Mopar®/J&J Racing team up for NHRA Full Throttle Hard-Working Crew Award
It's been a year to remember for Allen Johnson. The Team Mopar® Pro Stock veteran has set single-season career marks in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series for No. 1 Qualifier Awards (seven), final-round appearances (four) and round wins (35). Johnson will attempt to claim his fourth straight No. 1 spot and also match his previous career season-high for wins with a victory in the final race of the year, the Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals, Nov. 11-14 in Pomona, Calif.
"We have been solid as a rock this entire year, which is an accomplishment considering we were breaking in a new car, our Mopar Dodge Avenger," said Johnson, who has captured three straight No. 1 Qualifier Awards (Dallas, Reading, Vegas) coming into Pomona. "We've made some mistakes in the Countdown, but all in all it's been an up year, with a lot of great firsts for the Mopar/J&J Racing team.
"It's really a springboard to next year, to start the year off even stronger and make sure we keep it going during the Countdown. Winning at Pomona would be a great carry over into next year and a nice way to end the season for our team."
Johnson's win this season came in July at Mopar's headline event, the Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals. His Mopar/J&J Racing crew was recognized for their hard work at the event as one of four finalists in the Pro Stock class for the 2010 NHRA Full Throttle Hard-Working Crew Award. Fans can vote for the J&J Racing team at www.nhra.com/hardworkingcrew/. Johnson is very much appreciative of a crew that regularly gives him an advantage on race day-one he hopes to use to secure a Wally trophy at Pomona.
"I'm very proud of everybody involved in our program, including the crew, the Mopar engineers, the associate sponsors-all the folks that have had a part in this first year with the Mopar Dodge Avenger," said a complimentary Johnson. "It's just been a very awesome year.
"To double your career total of No. 1 Qualifier Awards in just one year is an amazing feat, and it speaks volumes about the J&J Racing crew. A win this Sunday would be a great way to repay them for their efforts."
L.E. Tonglet [Pro Stock Motorcycle]
Rookie LE Tonglet takes aim at NHRA Pro Stock Bike title
"We never really thought we could be in this kind of position," said Tonglet, driver of the Tonglet Racing Nitro Fish Suzuki GSXR. "I'm glad we can be a threat to Andrew. If we want to beat him, we need to get on the same side of the ladder so we can meet him before the finals.
"We plan to go into Pomona and come out swinging."
There was a time during the U.S. Nationals' victory celebration that LE, his dad/team owner Gary and brother GT questioned whether they would be able to compete in the remaining five events. Their dazzling performance attracted the attention of Nitro Fish owner Kenny Koretsky, who stepped in with sponsorship for the remainder of the season.
"LE has done a terrific job," Koretsky said. "This is a very exciting time for them. I hope they win the championship."
"We are really confident," LE added. "The new motor we have is running good numbers and we have two motors that are really fast. That takes a lot of pressure off us. We don't have to try and save the one motor like we have been doing all year. Now we have a reliable backup that is just as fast, if not quicker than the one we've been using. That's a huge help.
"We've couldn't have done it without support from Kenny Koretsky or Vance and Hines, who supply our motors. It has been a great five races and a great year. For this being my rookie year, I couldn't ask for anything more.
"We went to Indy hoping to qualify and win a couple or rounds so we could pay for the trip."
Now, the shoo-in for NHRA's Auto Club Road to the Future Award (aka rookie of the year), Tonglet hopes Sunday he will add the category's $75,000 top prize to his list of accomplishments. If he does, LE would become the youngest NHRA world champion and the second rookie champion. Gary Scelzi was first, winning the Top Fuel title in 1997 as a rookie. Hines was 21 when he won his first of three championships in 2004.
"Dad, GT and I are a great team," LE said. "My dad knows a lot about the sport. He used to ride and he's been around the sport for a long time. GT rode for six years, so we have a lot of experience between the three of us."
When it comes to tuning the bike, Gary said he and GT talk to LE about the runs "and we tune it and make the changes.
Eddie Krawiec [Pro Stock Motorcycle]
SPECIAL SCREAMIN' EAGLE V-ROD TO HONOR MILITARY AT POMONA
Krawiec Racing for the Troops During Harley-Davidson Military Appreciation Month
Harley-Davidson and the Screamin' Eagle®/Vance & Hines drag racing team will honor active and retired U.S. military personnel during the Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Season Finals with a special military-themed livery on the #2 Harley-Davidson® V-Rod® of rider Eddie Krawiec.
"Throughout November, the second annual Harley-Davidson Military Appreciation Month, the Motor Company celebrates its long-standing bond with the men and women who have served the United States," said Steve Piehl, Harley-Davidson Director, Customer Experience. "This race event, coming on the weekend following Veteran's Day, gives Harley-Davidson an opportunity to show its appreciation on the track, and ask race fans and all Americans to salute those who defend its freedom."
The #2 V-Rod will be decked out in classic olive drab paint with white stars and "rivet" details. Krawiec will wear matching leathers and a special helmet design during this final racing event of the 2010 NHRA Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship, November 11-14 at the Auto Club Raceway in Pomona, Calif. This is the first time a Screamin' Eagle/Vance & Hines motorcycle has been used for a commemorative event, according to Terry Vance of Vance & Hines Motorsports.
"It's always fun and rewarding to get involved in an effort like this one," said Vance. "The paint scheme was designed in-house at Vance & Hines and everyone participated. A number of our suppliers have also supported the effort with Eddie's riding gear and other items. It's a fine tribute to everyone who serves or has served this country."
The centerpiece of Harley-Davidson's Military Appreciation Month is the opportunity for Americans to create personal messages of gratitude for active and retired personnel at www.harley-davidson.com/thankyou. These messages are posted on an electronic postcard featuring supermodel and motorcycle rider Marisa Miller. Americans are also encouraged to visit their local Harley-Davidson dealership to learn about more opportunities to honor local military heroes.
The NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle championship will be decided this weekend at the Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals. Krawiec's teammate, Screamin' Eagle/Vance & Hines rider Andrew Hines holds a 34-point lead in the standings heading into this final race weekend of the year. Krawiec is in fourth place.
Screamin' Eagle Performance Parts are inspired by and built in the spirit of the raw adrenaline and power of motorcycle racing. Screamin' Eagle Pro parts are specifically designed for race-use applications, while Screamin' Eagle parts offer street-use performance options for the Harley-Davidson motorcycle owner. Visit www.harley-davidson.com for more information.
The Screamin' Eagle/Vance & Hines Pro Stock Motorcycle team is sponsored by Matco Tools, Dunlop and S100.
Karen Stoffer [Pro Stock Motorcycle]
Stoffer rounding into shape as season draws to a close
Two times in the last three national events, as tension over the 2010 title chase has intensified, Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Karen Stoffer has butted into the equation on her GEICO Powersports Suzuki and done her best to spoil the plans of the few remaining championship contenders.
Stoffer qualified a lofty third in the ultra-competitive class in both Dallas and Las Vegas, announcing to her peers that she's back in the mix to win any race she enters. It took her crew a lot of old-fashioned hard work to get to this point, but Stoffer is pleased to once again be a threat.
"It's bittersweet since it's the last race of the season," Stoffer said. "Bitter because it's the end of the season but sweet because we think we have finally figured out the bike.
"We don't have much of a chance to move around in points but we do have a chance to go out and make a big statement by winning the race. It's been a while since we've just gone out and won a race but we finally think we've got a really good chance to do it this weekend."
Stoffer and the rest of the NHRA pros will conclude their season Thursday-Sunday at the 46th annual Auto Club NHRA Finals in Pomona. Adding to the excitement is the fact Stoffer was raised in the Los Angeles suburb of Panorama City, Calif., which gives her many hometown supporters a chance to come and watch her ride in person.
"We're heading into another home track for us since Southern California is where I'm from," said Stoffer, who now resides on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe. "We have a lot of people visiting and we're really excited about that. It's always great to have the extra support.
"We did really well in Las Vegas and the whole set-up seems to be jiving right now. We'd like to just go out there and ride the momentum from Las Vegas all the way to the winner's circle."
Team JEGS [Sportsman classes]
John Coughlin [Comp Car]
John Coughlin looking to duplicate Las Vegas success
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