Medlen Returns to John Force Racing

(From l to r: John Force, Mike Neff, John Medlen. Photo by John Force Racing PR)

It was announced today that longtime John Force Racing tuner John Medlen, who left the team in 2010, is returning to JFR immediately as the director of safety and technology. Medlen will also head up the Eric Medlen Project as well as continue his work with Ford Racing. For the complete story at the St. Louis Motorsports Examiner, click HERE.

RACING ELECTRONICS Renews as the Official Radio Communications Provider of the NHRA

NHRA announced today that RACING ELECTRONICS, the worldwide leader in providing radio communications products to the motorsports industry, has renewed its official sponsorship as the Official Radio Communications provider of NHRA.

For two decades, RACING ELECTRONICS has been the Official Radio Communications sponsor of the world’s largest motorsports sanctioning body, providing hand-held radios, headsets, mobile units, ancillary products, base radios, antennas, on-site setup and support for the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series events, the divisional NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series events, NHRA’s owned and operated facilities and broadcasting.

“Racing Electronics has been a long-standing official sponsor of NHRA, providing a much needed service to the league, the race teams and our fans,” said Gary Darcy, senior vice president of sales and marketing, NHRA.  “This agreement ensures Racing Electronics will continue its involvement in the sport for years to come.”

In addition, RACING ELECTRONICS has a major presence at the NHRA Manufacturers Midway at NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series events, providing on-site sales, rentals and service for scanners, headsets and communication needs for NHRA race teams and fans.

“Since 2004, we have valued our official sponsorship with NHRA,” said Bruce Silver, president and CEO of RACING ELECTRONICS. “Because of our success in the sport, it was a logical decision to renew our agreement early.  Moving forward, we intend to extend our relationship with the teams and the fans with our newly launched scanner rental program.”

RACING ELECTRONICS has been in the racing industry for 24 years.  What began as a hobby in 1988 has grown to become the world leader in race communications. RACING ELECTRONICS is a manufacturer and supplier of a complete line of race communication products and accessories, providing its customers 2-way radios, scanners, headphones and headsets, as well as a complete selection of accessories and sportswear, and a guide listing the year’s races and scanner frequencies for specific events.

Summit Racing Equipment to Sponsor NHRA King of the Track Program

NHRA officials announced today that Summit Racing Equipment has expanded its involvement with NHRA and will become the title sponsor of the Summit Racing NHRA King of the Track program.

The Summit Racing NHRA King of the Track is a special event that is offered to all NHRA Member Tracks across the country, Canada and Puerto Rico, as a special event for their bracket racers and their bracket racing programs. Each track will have the option to host one Summit Racing King of the Track event each year. The event will feature a run-off between individual class winners with the coveted NHRA Wally trophy being awarded to the Summit Racing King of the Track winner at each NHRA member track.

“The NHRA King of the Track program is a great opportunity to support bracket racers and tracks across the country in addition to our Summit Racing Series,” said Jim Greenleaf, Summit Racing’s Motorsports and Events manager. “The program allows the tracks to put together an exciting weekend of racing as racers compete for the title ‘King of the Track.’”

The program is just one of several specialty race programs offered to NHRA Member Tracks that also include the National DRAGSTER Challenge and the NHRA Jr. Drag Racing League Challenge.

The sponsorship extends Summit’s current involvement in NHRA where the company is the title sponsor of the NHRA Summit Racing Series, which culminates in the crowning of Summit Racing Series National Champions. Summit is also the title sponsor of NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series events in Las Vegas, Atlanta, and Norwalk, Ohio. Summit also is the primary team sponsor for the Ken Black Racing Pro Stock team, featuring drivers Greg Anderson and Jason Line.

@55MarkMartin Takes to Twitter

(Photo by Brandon W. Mudd)

It started rather simply.

On the morning of Jan. 23, Mark Martin, dressed in his new firesuit, waited patiently in an office at Michael Waltrip Racing reading texts on his Sprint iPhone. An Aaron’s commercial was to begin filming in the shop a few minutes later.

A messenger brought in the word.

“Hey Mark, Michael just signed up you for Twitter and your address is @55markmartin.”

Martin looked up puzzled and simply said “OK…what does that mean?”

Within minutes Martin began Twitter lessons on his phone but was obviously still a bit unsure what his new boss just got him into.

“I don’t know about this,” said Martin, who begins his 30th Sprint Cup season in 2012.

“I’m not what they call an early adapter to new technology. I wasn’t a big fan of HDTV when it first came out, but after trying it out I can’t live without it now. So, I’ll try it.”

Waltrip, whose own Twitter following exceeds 81,000, offered some advice.

“I said, 'You don't have to be controversial, just follow along and let the fans have a peek into who you are,” suggested the two-time Daytona 500 champion.

Martin took the first tentative steps on Twitter and cautioned new followers that he’s still learning about social media.

“I don’t plan on tweeting about once a week,” he warned.

Martin began answering fan questions on subjects ranging from what he thought of his new team, his 25-race schedule or how much he can bench press. As the days ticked by he became more prolific, tweeting more than 200 times the first week. Mostly he talks about racing and his favorite music. He even learned to block followers jokingly threatening former teammate Matt Kenseth.

“I just like playing with it and talking to the fans,” said Martin who even tweeted over the weekend. “Never thought I’d get into it, but it’s kind of neat. At first I wasn’t sure Michael did me a favor because the last thing I need is something to take up more time, but it’s been fun so far. I’d have never done it on my own. I thought just kids did it, but I’ve got people all ages following me now.”

Within the first week his following surpassed 10,000.

“I guess they’ve hooked me,” Martin said.

VIDEO: Kenny Wallace Prepares for the 2012 DirtCar Nationals

Ford Sweeps Podium of 50th Rolex 24

Historic events are often filled with special moments, and the 50th anniversary of the Rolex 24 was no exception. Ford powered cars managed to sweep the podium of North America’s greatest endurance test at Daytona International Speedway on Sunday to kick off the 2012 season of the Grand-Am Rolex series.

Michael Shank Racing's No. 60 Daytona Prototype claimed the checkered flag, followed by Starworks Motorsport's No. 8 DP and the MSR No. 6 DP, giving the Blue Oval its first DP victory at Daytona since 2003, and its first overall victory in the 24-hour marathon event since 1999.

"I always feel like I have to prove myself, because I came from nothing," Michael Shank said. "I've had great relationships with people like Ozz Negri and John Pew that have taken our business to another level."

A.J. Allmendinger piloted across the finish line seconds ahead of pole winner Ryan Dalziel, and Filipe Nasr soon followed to complete the impressive feat.

"That Ford motor was the best, most powerful engine I've ever had," Allmendinger said, noting that when anyone challenged him during that final three-hour period, "the engine pulled like no other I've ever had. It was great."

Ford also swept the podium in 1966, one of four victories for the manufacturer in the 24-hour version of the race, which includes three overall victories -- 1966, 1997 and 1999.

"What a historic moment for all of Ford Motor Company and its fans around the world," Jamie Allison, director, Ford Racing, said. "In the hands of our long-time partners at Michael Shank Racing and our new friends at Starworks Motorsport, we are proud to have captured this special 1-2-3 finish at the 50th running of the iconic Rolex 24 at Daytona. Without so many people, a moment like this would never be possible. The support from Roush Yates, who support all of our teams in Grand-Am, under the leadership of John Maddux and Doug Yates is critical to our success."

The accomplishments of the weekend were also special for John Maddux of Roush Yates engines.

“We’ve had some really fast cars in the past, but we’ve never had it come together,” Maddux said. “We had two really strong teams and they put it all together there today. A huge thanks to Robert and Doug Yates and Jack Roush for believing in the fact that we could make a commercial business out of sports car racing. It’s been great.”

Each of the three Ford teams on the podium led at least one lap, including a race-best 295 by the No. 8 and 249 by the No. 60. The three teams combined to pace 545 of the 761 completed laps.

"A grueling 24-hour race is a culmination of team work, perseverance and flawless execution, and that came at the hands of all 12 of our Ford drivers," said Allison.

The No. 60 DP, piloted by Allmendinger, Ozz Negri, John Pew and Justin Wilson, and the No. 8 DP, manned by Dalziel, Lucas Luhr, Allan McNish, Alex Popow and Enzo Potolicchio, each showed long stints of dominance at various points in the race, and the crew of the No. 6 DP, driven by Jorge Goncalvez, Michael McDowell, Felipe Nasr, and Gustavo Yacaman, made critical strides to come back from a lap down in the late stages of the event.

Winning the Rolex 24 is a special victory, but claiming the checkered flag on the 50th anniversary of the event makes it a moment many will never forget.

"Being there for the weekend festivities to celebrate the history of this marquee event, with the leadership of Jim France and his team in Grand-Am, make this victory even sweeter," Allison said.

The Grand-Am Rolex season continues March 31, at Barber Motorsports Park.

Hughes Performance Continues Sponsorship of PSCA Event, Race Class in ‘12

For its eighth-consecutive season, Hughes Performance will provide title sponsorship of the Pacific Street Car Association’s Pro Street class as well as the May 18-20 Hughes Performance California Nationals at Auto Club Dragway in Fontana, Calif. It is the tenth year overall that Hughes Performance and PSCA have partnered to provide great West Coast drag racing for both the fans and the racers.

“Working with the PSCA and all of the racers in 2011 was one of the best experiences I have ever had in all the time I've worked in the high performance and racing aftermarket industry,” said Hughes Performance Sales Manager Pete Nichols. “Hughes Performance experienced some extremely positive growth within the PSCA and among the racers last year. Our brand presence and recognition was outstanding.

“The PSCA is built on a racing format that is the true heart and spirit of drag racing, and the racers that make up the PSCA are some of the best people that I have ever met and worked with.”

PSCA President Mel Roth said one of the primary reasons the sanction appreciates and respects Hughes Performance’s partnership is their racer support and the willingness to work with any racer with transmission-related issues at the track, whether they are Hughes Performance customers or not.

“Working with Hughes Performance means we know we’re going to have hassle-free dealings at the track,” Roth said. “Their commitment to PSCA and its racers is priceless. (Owner) Jim Hughes, Tony Kane, and Pete Nichols are all longtime racers and they understand the need of today’s racers and tomorrow’s customers.”

For more information on Hughes Performance, visit them on the Web by clicking HERE. Racers and auto enthusiasts can also check out their latest flier by clicking HERE.

Fans of the Pacific Street Car Association can find updates and photos of PSCA racers and events by checking out PSCARacing.com, Twitter.com/PSCARacing, and Facebook.com/PSCARacing. Videos of PSCA drag racing action can be found at YouTube.com/PSCARacing.

Racers can visit the PSCA’s official page on Facebook to find the 2012 class rules.

Get PSCA Stuff: Represent the Pacific Street Car Association and West Coast drag racing by visiting our online store! The official PSCA store has everything for fans and racers of all ages, including hats, shirts, DVDs, and more at huge discounts. Click HERE to start shopping!

Steve Torrence, Hogan accomplish testing goals; get ready for new season

January in Palm Beach, Fla. is a time when the warm weather lures many visitors who have escaped the much colder temperatures in the Northern states.

Basking in the sun, however, wasn’t on the minds of Steve Torrence and the Torrence Racing/Capco Contractors Inc. Top Fuel team on their recent trip to Palm Beach International Raceway. This visit was strictly for business.

Torrence joined many of his peers for the only pre-season test and tune. While some of them were concentrating on going quicker and faster during the sessions, Torrence and crew chief Richard Hogan preferred to use the track time more as an important rehearsal for the fast-approaching O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals at Pomona, Calif.

It will be the fourth race for the Torrence Racing/Capco Contractors Inc. team since its September debut at Dallas and the first for the full crew.

“We wanted to concentrate on getting the new guys working well together under race-track conditions,” said Torrence. “Richard had the car running well, and overall, everything went fairly well.

“I have confidence in the car, Richard, and the crew. We started slowly but things got better with each run, and we were able to collect a lot of data during testing.”

Hogan, meanwhile, said it was “business as usual. We got our new car ready to race and the guys did a good job. They headed back to Brownsburg (Ind., to their shop) to get ready for the Pomona trip.”

Torrence used his seat time to get reacquainted with driving the 8,000-horsepower racing machine. “It felt good,” he reported. “I was glad to be back in the car. It had been a while since I was in it.”

The next time will be Feb. 9 when the curtain goes up for the 23-race 2012 Full Throttle Racing Series.

NHRA Rookies Force, Dejoria Meet National Press During NASCAR Media Week

(Courtney Force, left, and Alexis Dejoria, right, headline a talented crop of NHRA Full Throttle Series rookies in 2012. The pair were in Charlotte Wednesday to talk to media at zMAX Dragway. Photo by John Force Racing PR)

NHRA introduced two of the most intriguing rookie drivers in the history of the sport to the national motorsports media today during a press conference conducted as part of the NASCAR Sprint Media Tour hosted by Charlotte Motor Speedway. The legendary multi-purpose motorsports facility annually hosts two NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series events at its spectacular zMAX Dragway.

Rookie Funny Car drivers Alexis DeJoria and Courtney Force, both an important part of NHRA’s Nitro Generation theme for 2012, joined NHRA President Tom Compton during the season-preview press event, which was held in front of more than 100 of the nation’s top motorsports journalists.

DeJoria, daughter of famed entrepreneur John Paul DeJoria, will drive the Tequila Patron Toyota Camry and Force, youngest daughter of 15-time NHRA world champ John Force, will pilot the Traxxas Ford Mustang. The two drivers will be among the top contenders for the prestigious Auto Club Road to the Future Award, which annually recognizes NHRA’s top performing rookie driver.

"It was a little overwhelming to meet with all the media. I was glad I was with Alexis. We were able to talk about our dreams and how we came up through the ranks as well as what it is like to be a female racing at over 300 mph. I am looking forward to getting on the track at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona in a couple of weeks.," said Courtney Force. "We just wrapped up testing yesterday in West Palm Beach. I am learning a lot about driving Funny Cars from my dad and I have also learned a lot about the media from watching all his interviews. I don't think I can be as entertaining but I do enjoy talking about NHRA and getting behind the wheel of my Traxxas Ford Mustang Funny Car."

The two drivers fielded questions from reporters about the challenges and expectations for their upcoming seasons and posed for photographs alongside a specially-wrapped Funny Car that featured the NHRA Nitro Generation design. NHRA also showed a high-energy video to the media that focused on the thrilling 300-mph performances, powerful side-by-side racing and close finishes that make NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing one of the most intense motorsports attractions on the planet.

Later in the afternoon many of the journalists attending the week-long media tour will participate in an NHRA Full Throttle Media Challenge Drag Race at zMAX Dragway. Media members will race in identically-prepared street-ready Ford Mustangs and DeJoria and Force will serve as driving coaches. DeJoria and Force also will race in the stock Mustangs in an exhibition prior to the media challenge race.

The highly-anticipated rookie battle begins Feb. 9-12 at the 52nd annual O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals presented by Super Start Batteries at historic Auto Club Raceway at Pomona in Southern California. The tradition-rich race is the first of 23 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series for 2012. Tickets are available at www.NHRATIX.com or by calling (800) 884-NHRA (6472).