IHRA STARS GOING TO STREET CAR RACING?

Recent success by IHRA Pro Stock heavyweights Dean and Cary Goforth at the U.S. Street Nationals at Bradenton and Rickie Smith at the Mid South Street Shootout at Memphis points to a definite trend of IHRA heavyweights looking for some other hunting grounds. Top Sportsman star Chris Rini should be continuing that trend at this weekend’s NMCA opener in Bradenton as well. With $35,000 up for grabs at the World Street Challenge in St. Louis, this could become an ultimate big buck showdown between any number of Pro Stock, Pro Street, Pro Mod and Top Sportsman cars.  (Rod Short photo) [3/27/2008]

PAT FOSTER SUCCUMBS

We’re sorry to report that Pat Foster lost his struggle early this morning. For an in-depth look at his life and career, please go to http://wediditforlove.com/Foster.html  It is a great tribute to the man. [3/27/2008]

PIRANAZ TO SPONSOR PIPPIN’S BIKE

PIRANAZ has signed-on as a sponsor of Junior Pippin's Pro Stock Motorcycle race team for the 2008 NHRA POWERade drag racing series.

"We were looking to do a bike, and had negotiated with other teams," said Mark Whisnant, owner of PIRANAZ. "We decided that it (Junior Pippin Racing) was a good fit."

Whisnant, a former Pro Stock car driver, has taken a keen interest in the two-wheel class. "The V-twin class is something I've really been interested in," he said. "He (Junior Pippin) is obviously a champion and proven winner. He's shown that with what he did in the AHDRA.
He's definitely going to be a winner in this (NHRA Pro Stock) class."

Pippin (shown) won four-straight All Harley Drag Racing Association Pro Stock titles from 2004 to 2007. [3/27/2008]

COKER ACQUIRES PHOENIX RACING TIRES

Coker Tire, the world’s largest supplier of collector vehicle tires and wheels, has acquired Phoenix Racing Tires. The acquisition spearheads the 2008 launch of Coker Tire’s new Performance Brand division.

“Phoenix is one of the country’s leading drag racing tire brands. I’m thrilled that we now have the opportunity to take this great line to the next level,” said Corky Coker, president of Coker Tire Company. "We’ve kicked off our 50th Anniversary year by announcing Phoenix’s arrival and will soon be rolling out our national distribution plan for Phoenix. Our new performance brand division’s marketing plan is exciting!”

The Phoenix racing tire molds were initially created by Firestone more than 40 years ago when the sport of drag racing just started booming across the United States. Today’s modern Phoenix brand brings more than 30 new size and compound variations of drag race tires to Coker’s product portfolio. 

Originally marketed as Firestone, Phoenix Drag Racing was launched in the mid-1990’s when several executives at Firestone chose to break away and re-launch the specialty drag racing tire brand. The tires have been most popular in the WHATEVER classes. [3/27/2008]

ENDERS USES MARKETING SKILLS TO FUND RACECAR

Erica Enders is taking the concept of giving a sponsor a good return on investment by assuming the responsibilities of VP of Marketing for her new sponsor, Master Formula Xtreme polishes, waxes, cleaners and sealers. The agreement means that her Allen Johnson-powered Dodge Stratus Pro Stock will be back on track for the first time this season.

“A sponsorship has to make fiscal sense regardless of what you accomplish on the racetrack,” the 24-year-old said. “In this case, our racing program will merely enhance what we will already be doing for Master Formula. I’m finally using all the marketing stuff I learned at Texas A&M. It’s empowering and a lot of fun to control your own destiny.”  (Todd Dziadosz photo) [3/27/2008]