GRAY MOVES TO COLORFUL PRO STOCK SEAT

New Mexico journeyman racer Johnny Gray, who has driven fuel Funny Cars in the past, is making a return to the pro ranks but this time instead of nitro he is burning racing gas in his Larry Morgan-powered Pro Stock. Here he is shown at the Las Vegas Pro Stock Showdown. (Tim Marshall photo) [2/7/2008]

CARPENTER’S NEW ’55 NEARS COMPLETION AS THE FORMER ONE HEADS TO EUROPE

Charles Carpenter’s race shop is set to become a veritable showroom for classic “shoebox” Chevys as he takes delivery of his brand new Terry Murphy-built ’55 Chevy (shown). The car will join Carpenter’s original full-size ’55 and Pat Doherty’s menacing ’57 Chevy, but will take the place of one of the most unmistakable Pro Modified cars in recent history: Carpenter’s purple and yellow ’55.

After getting two ADRL Pro Nitrous wins, Carpenter decided it was time to part ways with his trusty ride in favor of a lighter car purposely built for ADRL competition. That decision has ultimately benefited a fellow “shoebox” fan halfway around the world: Henri Joosten of Holland.

“It’s going to be tough to see her go, but I think she is going to a good new home,” Carpenter said of Joosten’s purchase. “Henri has been racing a ’55 over in Europe for quite some time, and I feel certain he will be thrilled with the car.” [2/7/2008]

FORCE FAN CONTESTS EXPANDED

BrandSource has added Whirlpool to its popular ‘Win With Force’ drag racing promotion and is also introducing the BrandSource/Ford Racing Sweepstakes.
During the 2007 NHRA season, BrandSource and Mitsubishi expanded the Win With Force promotion to thirteen NHRA national events, with a 65” Mitsubishi TV being given away to a lucky race fan if a member of John Force Racing won the event.
This season fans will have even more reasons to cheer on the John Force Racing team since Mitsubishi has returned with their TV prize,and Whirlpool, has joined in the promotion. Whirlpool will give away a washer and dryer set if one
of the JFR team cars ends up qualified #1 for the overall event. At sixteen selected events this season, the Whirlpool prize will be announced at the end of Saturday qualifying.
Already a John Force Racing team partner, Ford Racing has joined the promotion by adding the BrandSource/Ford Racing Sweepstakes and its Grand Prize, a Mustang GT Coupe with Ford Racing Performance Packs. BrandSource will collect entries for the Sweepstakes at races, on-line at www.brandsource.com, as well as in BrandSource dealer locations in the coming weeks. (James Drew photo) [2/7/2008]

JERRY’S NUGGET SERIES STARTS AT LVMS

The 2008 Jerry’s Nugget Championship Drag Racing Series at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway will consist of 10 races. Participant’s eight best finishes in the first nine races and the points earned in the season-finale National Dragster Challenge will count toward the title. In the event that a race meet is cancelled for any reason, the race will not be rescheduled and an adjustment will be made to the points program at the sole decision of the track director. Classes are Super Pro Bracket, Pro Bracket, Sportsman Bracket, and E.T. Motorcycle.
The schedule is: March 15, Points race No. 1 (Season Kick-Off); April 5, Points race No. 2; April 19, Points race No.3; May 17, Points race No. 4 (King of the Track Championship Qualifier Night); May 31, Points race No. 5 (King of the Track Championship).; June 7, Points race No. 6.; June 14, Points race No. 7; Aug. 9, Points race No. 8) Late-Night Special); Sept. 6, Points race No. 9; Sept. 14, Points race No. 10 (season finale, NHRA National Dragster Challenge); and Sept. 26-28, E.T. Finals (Top Gun Raceway – Fallon, Nev.). [2/7/2008]