Bill Reichert

Jill Canuso

The save my seat letters are in the mail to the B’laster Cavalcade of Stars presented by Budweiser.  Patrons have from now until February 13th to renew your tickets to this year’s show which is building to be one of the largest divisional races on the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Tour.  There will be funny cars, dragsters, the legendary Bob Motz and his jet Kenworth, jet dragsters, geezer gassers and hundreds of sportsman racers to entertain you throughout the weekend!  And that’s not all…we’ll conclude the Friday and Saturday Night shows with fireworks!
 
Beginning Valentine’s Day, February 14th, tickets will go on sale to the general public to this year’s show which is May 18 – 20, 2012.  Renew now while it’s still fresh on your mind, by clicking here or calling the office at 419-668-5555.

Our Wiseco Cycle Tech SuperBike Champion was introduced to drag racing by his father at a young age.  His father took him to Dragway 42, Magnolia, and Thompson to race his big block Chevy.  Ed however turned his interest towards motorcycles.  Starting out as a street racer he made the switch to drag racing after seeing a friend crash.  About 20 years ago he decided to make the trip to Summit Motorsports Park and from the time he arrived, he knew that he had found his home.

Ed was the 2001 Wiseco CycleTech Champion and won the SuperBike class at the Halloween Classic in 2008.  If you all remember that Sunday night, gale force winds had begun in the final rounds.  A grand prize of a car was at stake.  The finalists had come to the conclusion that it wasn’t safe to run the final rounds, with the exception of Ed who was ready!  In retrospect he said it was a good decision.  They split the car.  

In 2011 Ed accumulated 34 points and 3 wins.  He accomplished this even though he had to work every Saturday and would not arrive at the track until 3:30 in the afternoon.  Some friends would have his bike ready and he would jump on, make a time trial and go racing!

Ed lives in Cuyahoga Falls and has 3 grown children, Tanya, Shannon and Allen.  This past Tuesday his son Allen left for Advanced Airborne Infantry training at Ft Benning, GA.  

His future plans include returning in 2012 to defend his title and to find a job where he doesn’t have to work on Saturdays!

Campaigning a successful racecar in the highly competitive Hays Pro Class requires an inordinate amount of expertise and resources.  Our Hays Pro Champion’s performance this year can be described as possibly the most dominant in recent history.  Brian maintained his first place position throughout the season.  In mid-August he held a 16 point advantage over second place.  That can be a blessing and a curse.  It is great to be on top but it makes you stay close to home verses traveling to other races.  At the end of the season Brian had accumulated 46 points and 3 feature wins. 

Brian has been racing 22 years following in his father Vince’s footsteps.  This is not his first trip to the Champions table.   He was the 2001 Comp Champion and the 2006 Modified Champion.  I see a pattern here, every 5 years, Brian is a Champion!  His racing resume also includes a 1993 Track Championship at Thompson Drag Raceway and a $10,000 win at Pacemakers Drag Raceway. 

Brian resides in Brunswick and is employed as a computer programmer and has previously authored a software program that interfaces with timing systems used for reporting race statistics.  Future plans include returning in 2012 to run Pro and possibly do a little traveling

GLENDORA, Calif. (Feb. 1, 2012) — NHRA officials announced today that Mark Lyle, long-time starter in NHRA’s Division 6 and a certified team member of the NHRA Safety Safari presented by AAA, has been named the official NHRA Chief Starter, one of the most storied positions in all of NHRA Drag Racing. There have only been two chief starters in the sport’s 60-plus year history, Buster Couch (1955-1996) and Rick Stewart (1996-2011).  

Beginning at the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals presented by Super Start Batteries at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, Feb. 9-12, Lyle will command the best view in the facility, standing alongside every kind of drag racing vehicle, most notably the 7,000-horsepower Top Fuel and Funny Car machines featured in NHRA’s marquee Full Throttle Drag Racing Series.

“It is simply the highest honor anyone in my position can have,” said Lyle, who resides in North Bend, Wash., with his family.  “I really have to thank Kenworth Northwest for being flexible with my NHRA work schedule over the years and for allowing me to pursue my dream. To follow in the footsteps of two iconic and legendary figures in NHRA history is beyond words.  I am looking forward to sending off the first pair in Pomona.”

Lyle has worked in the automotive industry his entire professional career, all the while spending countless weeknights and weekends perfecting his craft on the starting line, or working as a safety team member in the sport he has loved since his youth.  He started as the official starter at Pacific Raceways in 2000, and since then has been a certified team member of NHRA’s Division 6. He was named the official starter of the division in 2005. Lyle worked alongside recently retired NHRA chief starter Stewart at many national events the last several years.

“Throughout his time as a starting line official, he has demonstrated the characteristics necessary to take on this very important position on the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series circuit,” said Graham Light, senior vice president of racing operations, NHRA.  “He always has safety first and foremost in his mind and strives to be fair and just in his decision-making.”

2011 Mallory Super Pro Champion  41 pts 2 wins

Chris has recollections of going to the track since he was 2.  He ran the Junior Dragster circuit and was National Champ at Indy in 1994 with Erica Enders as the runner-up.  For the record, he did beat Erica 3 times in his junior history!  He eventually went on to earn 9 Junior Track Championships including 6 at SMP, 2 at Milan Dragway and 1 at Kil-Kare Dragway.  He eventually moved up to a “big” car at age 16.  In 2007 he missed the Super Pro and Comp championship by 1 point.  In 2008 he was our Comp Champion.  He is an accomplished racer who has  lived every racer’s dream thus far winning 3 dragsters, 8-$10,000  and 10-$5,000 purses.

All of this success has not gone to his head.  When asked “did you ever think about driving professionally”?   He replied no, he hadn’t thought of it that actually he would stop driving tomorrow if he did not have his dad there beside him.  Their shared hobby has produced the valuable gift of time together.   

His race team includes his father Ken, mother Donna, Sister Kelly, teammate Randy Scheuer and longtime girlfriend Kaitlyn.    When not on the dragstrip, Chris is a Building Contractor General Manager and enjoys playing basketball.

The 2011 Mr. Gasket Racing season is officially in the history books.  Chris Bear (Mallory Super Pro), Brian Cireddu (Hays Pro), Ed James (Wiseco Cycle Tech Super Bike), Randy Biddle Jr (Accel Sportsman), and Bear Motorsports presented by American Race Cars Junior Dragster champions, Matt Dadas, (advanced) Zackary Manuel (intermediate) and Stephen Crowell (novice) were recognized during the 38th annual Mr. Gasket Banquet of Champions held at Kalahari resort.

During the awards ceremony a variety of individuals were recognized for their outstanding efforts involved with Summit Motorsports Park.  Rob McCurdy with the Mansfield News Journal received the “Media of the Year” award.  The “Appreciation Award” was given to Dan Roberson of Myer’s De Propane and the “Guy of the Year” awarded was presented to Kevin Pope.  

The “Most Improved” racer was awarded to Hays Pro racer, Nick Smith, for improving his racing efforts by moving up 68 positions in the points, to finish 26th overall with 15 points.  "Rookie of the Year" was awarded to Accel Sportsman racer Barb King.  King was the highest placing rookie out of all the classes, where she finished in the top 10 with 18 points.  

Both the Junior Red and Blue teams were acknowledged for their efforts during the Junior Drag Racing League Eastern Conference Finals held in Bristol, Tn last July.  Frankie McCullough, Trinity Marshall and Taylor Young were recognized for making it to the finals in their respected classes.  

In 2010, Bill Jr issued a challenge to the North Central Division NHRA Summit Racing Series Team to go to Indy and bring home the title.  Not only did they capture the title, they rocked!  During that weekend, the bracket finals team demonstrated there is no “I” or “me” in Team.  They all came together and worked together to accomplish this major fete.  Each member of the championship team received a Championship jacket and split a $6400 purse for their winning efforts.    

This year’s "Rossler Wrench" Award was presented to Ken Bear.  Over the years, Bear Motorsports has achieved tremendous success at Summit Motorsports Park and around the country.  This includes nine junior track championships, two track championships, a class champion at the K&N Halloween Classic and has received numerous cash and prizes.  When interviewed about the success of his teams, Bear is quoted as saying “without them, there is no me.  Without me there is no them.”     

Mr. Gasket was honored “Manufacturer of the Year” for their increase involvement with the track which includes funding the Season Point’s purse, providing champion jackets to class winner’s, expanded their contingency program and being a major sponsor of the racer banquet.  

The following racers received the "R&R Auto Body" best appearing awards, Gary Kintz, Mallory Super Pro; Matt Rainey, Hays Pro; Bill Keller, Accel Sportsman; and Eric Harmon, Wiseco/Cycle Tech Super Bike.  Bear Motorsports Jr Dragster presented by American Race Car recipients were Trinity Marshall, Novice; Alexandra Frazier, Intermediate; and Kalob Smith, Advanced.  

The Mr. Gasket Banquet of Champions concluded with the presentation of the most prestigious award, the "Bill Bader Sportsman of the Year".  In a very emotional speech, Bill Bader Sr explained why Bob Kosanka was most deserving of this special award.  Brian Hurst, the 2010 recipient presented Kosanka with the "Sportsman of the Year" Trophy.

We are deeply saddened to report another member of our racing family passed away over the weekend, Jim Rahl.  

James "Jim" Rahl, age 62, passed away suddenly on Saturday, January 21, 2012 at his residence.  Born on July 3, 1949 in Lorain, Jim graduated from Admiral King High School in 1967.  Like many young men in the mid-1960's, Jim was drafted into the U.S. Army where he proudly served as an infantryman during the Vietnam War. Among the many citations and medals awarded to him were the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars, Army Commendation Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster and The Purple Heart. After leaving the service, Jim went to work at the Ford Motor Lorain Assembly Plant. Upon retiring, he was able to devote all his time his true passion "all things cars". He loved racing his cars especially his "Rahl's Royce". He will be sadly missed by his many racing buddies, not only because of his skills on the drag racing track, but also his ability to repair anything related to cars.

Preceded in death by his mother, Betty Sterrett; his grandparents, Albert "AW" and Edith Rahl and Henry and Nell Esch.

Jim leaves behind to cherish his memory his beloved father and step-mother, Claude and Viola Rahl; his sister, Claudia Rahl; his niece, Courtney Rahl; a great-nephew, Matthew Rahl and his faithful companion, "Buck".

The family will receive friends on Friday, January 27, 2012 from 4-8 p.m. in the Dovin and Reber Jones Funeral & Cremation Center, 1110 Cooper Foster Park Rd., Amherst. Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. in the funeral center. Pastor Bob Daugherty will officiate. Burial will follow in North Murray Ridge Cemetery, Elyria with military honors being conducted.  Family and friends may leave online condolences at www.dovinreberjones.com.

It’s that time of year again! Moto Lenz Photos will be taking family portraits in the Portia room. There will be two different backdrops to choose from and different packages to be offered including canvas wrapped photos. Be sure to grab your order form at Registration and stop by and see Moto Lenz Photos after 4:00pm in the Portia Room!!  If you have any question prior to Saturday, you can contact Mike at 419-569-3253 or by email at mike@motolenzphotos.com.

We are pleased to announce, Marketplace will be part of this year’s banquet festivities. The Marketplace will be open from 10:00am to 3:00pm in the Kalahari Nia Center on Saturday, January 28^th.  The following vendors will be on site to demonstrate and answer questions about their products:  Dart, Flaming River, Hagerty Insurance, the I-X Center, Key Bank, Krystowski Tractor Sales, Mr. Gasket, R&R Auto Body, Racers for Christ, Summit Racing Equipment, Thermo-Tec, Velvet Ice Cream and Wiseco.  Ken Hillman and Myron Halczuk from our tech department will also be available to answer tech questions.

As a reminder, this Friday, January 20^th is the last day to register for the 2011 Mr. Gasket Banquet of Champions.  You can click here or call the office at 419-668-5555 to make your reservations.  Ticket prices are $46 (adult) and $25 (child 14 and under).  If you would like to block a table, you can do so for an additional fee of $10. 

Read this thru slowly and try to comprehend the amount of force produced in just 4 seconds!

There are no rockets or airplanes built by any government in the world that can accelerate from a standing start as fast as a Top Fuel Dragster or Funny Car!
                                
DEFINITION OF ACCELERATION
One top fuel dragster 500 cubic inch Hemi engine makes more horsepower than the first 4 rows of stock cars at the Daytona 500.

It takes just 15/100ths of a second for all 8,000+ horsepower of an NHRA  Top Fuel dragster engine to reach the rear wheels.

Under full throttle, a dragster engine consumes 1-1/2 gallons of nitro
methane per second; a fully loaded 747 consumes jet fuel at the same rate with 25% less energy being produced.

A stock Dodge Hemi V8 engine cannot produce enough power to drive the dragster's supercharger.

With 3,000 CFM of air being rammed in by the supercharger on overdrive, the fuel mixture is compressed into a near-solid form before ignition.

Cylinders run on the verge of hydraulic lock at full throttle.
At the stoichiometric (stoichiometry: methodology and technology by
which quantities of reactants and products in chemical reactions are
determined) 1.7:1 air/fuel mixture of nitro methane, the flame front
temperature measures 7,050 deg. F.

Nitro methane burns yellow... The spectacular white flame seen above the stacks at night is raw burning hydrogen, dissociated from atmospheric water vapor by the searing exhaust gases.

Dual magnetos supply 44 amps to each spark plug. This is the output of an arc welder in each cylinder.

Spark plug electrodes are totally consumed during a pass. After halfway, the engine is dieseling from compression, plus the glow of exhaust valves at 1,400 deg F. The engine can only be shut down by cutting the fuel flow.

If spark momentarily fails early in the run, unburned nitro builds up in
the affected cylinders and then explodes with sufficient force to blow
cylinder heads off the block in pieces or split the block in half.

In order to exceed 300 mph in 4.5 seconds, dragsters must
accelerate an average of over 4G's. In order to reach 200 mph (well
before half-track), the launch acceleration approaches 8G's.

Dragsters reach over 300 miles per hour before you have
completed reading this sentence.

Top fuel engines turn approximately 540 revolutions from light to light!
Including the burnout, the engine must only survive 900 revolutions
under load.

The RPM redline is actually quite high at 9,500 rpm.

Assuming all the equipment is paid off, the crew worked for
free, and for once NOTHING BLOWS UP, each run costs an estimate
$1,000.00 per second.

The current top fuel dragster elapsed time record is 4.428
seconds for the quarter mile ( 11/12/06, Tony Schumacher, at Pomona, CA). The top speed record is 336.15 mph as measured over the last 66' of the run (05/25/05 Tony Schumacher, at Hebron, OH).

Putting all of this into perspective:  You are driving the average $140,000 Lingenfelter 'twin-turbo' powered Corvette Z06. Over a mile up the road, a top fuel dragster is staged and ready to launch down a quarter mile strip as you pass. You have the advantage of a flying start. You run the 'Vette hard up through the gears and blast across the starting line and pass the dragster at an honest 200 mph. The 'tree' goes green for both of you at that moment.  The dragster launches and starts after you. You keep your foot down hard, but you hear an incredibly brutal whine that sears your eardrums and within 3 seconds, the dragster catches and passes you. He beats you to the finish line, a quarter mile away from where you just
passed him.

Think about it, from a standing start, the dragster had
spotted you 200 mph and not only caught, but nearly blasted you off the road when he passed you within a mere 1,320 foot long race course.                                    
...... And that my friend, is ACCELERATION!