Sonny Leonard and a newly shorn ADRL pres Kenny Nowling announced the addition of a Pro Stock class.  (ADRL Communications photo)

SONNY’S TO SPONSOR PRO STOCK CLASS AT ADRL

The Flowmaster American Drag Racing League will add mountain-motor Extreme Pro Stock as an experimental class for two of its remaining races in 2008, with the possibility of making it a full-time class in 2009 and beyond.

The two races will make up the inaugural Sonny’s Extreme Pro Stock Challenge presented by Purvis Ford-Lincoln-Mercury. The Challenge will be contested as part of the inaugural ADRL 1-800-Go-Guard.com U.S. Drags at Maryland International Raceway in Budd’s Creek, MD, on July 25-26 and Hushpower Dragstock V at Rockingham Dragway in Rockingham, NC, on Sept 12-13.
 
“I feel good about it because it gives the Pro Stock guys more places to race with basically the same type engines; naturally aspirated 800-cubic-inch motors that make about 1,900 horsepower,” said Pro Stock engine builder Sonny Leonard of Sonny’s.

“They can run 4-ohs in the eighth mile, so I think they’ll put on a good show here with the ADRL. I think it will be very exciting for the spectators and sponsors, too.” [7/7/2008]

GARLITS AND LILLY WILL SERVE AS GRAND MARSHAL AND HONORARY STARTER

Mopar will recognize two legendary drag racers at the Mile-High Nationals this weekend in Denver. Don “Big Daddy” Garlits will serve as Grand Marshal and Judy “Miss Mighty Mopar” Lilly will serve as Honorary Starter. Both competed with Mopar power to build the brand’s storied motorsports heritage.

In 2001, the NHRA proclaimed Garlits "the greatest drag racer of all time” by naming him “number one of the Top 50 drivers from the NHRA’s first 50 years.” The majority of his 144 national event wins, eight U.S. Nationals championships and 17 World Championship titles came while competing with a Mopar power plant. Inducted into the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame in 1998, Lilly is recognized as one of the female trailblazers in the sport of drag racing. [7/7/2008]

A LITTLE SHORT AT RADFORD

Hernandez wasn’t the only racer to have trouble stopping on the Shelor Motor Mile eighth mile. Here Brian Daniels’ Corvette is in the weeds.

Pro Mod pilot Joshua Hernandez found himself in the sand trap following his second round victory at the ADRL event in Radford, Va.

“This is some tough racing up here on the mountain,” Hernandez said. “The track is a little short for stopping these 200-mph cars in thin air, and I’ve had a tough time getting this ‘ol Guard car slowed down without hoppin’ on these big Hoosier tires down in the shutdown area.  

“I got the car a little dirty and left a mark on her nose but got her cleaned up and back for next round,” he added.

With help from teammate Harold Martin’s crew as well as Chip King’s repair expertise (and some fashionable red duct tape), Hernandez was able to return to the starting line for the semifinal win over Brian Daniels before matching up against the Willys of Travis Swearingen in the final round. A 3.951 for Hernandez couldn’t overcome Swearingen’s 3.819. (Rod Short photos) [7/7/2008]