Pittsburgh Nitro Jam Fact Sheet

Pittsburgh Nitro Jam Fact Sheet

Fourth race of Nitro Jam season gets underway June 1-2 at Pittsburgh Raceway Park

NEW ALEXANDRIA, Pa. (May 29, 2012) – The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) Nitro Jam series returns to Pittsburgh Raceway Park in Pittsburgh, Pa. on June 1-2 for the Pittsburgh Nitro Jam.

This year’s Pittsburgh Nitro Jam features multiple professional and sportsman classes spread over the two-day weekend. The 2012 Pittsburgh Nitro Jam will feature professional competition in Pro Fuel Dragster, AMSOIL Prostalgia™ Nitro Funny Car, Nitro Harley and Fuel Altered. The event will also feature multiple exhibitions including the 30,000 horsepower Shockwave jet-powered semi and the return of the legendary Grave Digger monster truck.

The weekend will also include a double Summit Racing Equipment Pro-Am Tour presented by AMSOIL event with competition in Top Sportsman, Top Dragster, Super Stock, Stock, Quick Rod, Super Rod and Hot Rod. Pro-Am points will be awarded Saturday and Sunday and winners during Saturday’s Nitro Jam portion of the weekend will earn a spot in the year-end Summit Racing Equipment Tournament of Champions presented by AMSOIL.

This is the fourth race of the 2012 IHRA Nitro Jam season with championship points on the line in all professional classes. A spot in the year-end Summit Racing Equipment Tournament of Champions is on the line for racers in the sportsman classes on Saturday.

WHAT: The Pittsburgh Nitro Jam is the fourth race of the 2012 IHRA Nitro Jam season.

The event will include four professional classes including Pro Fuel Dragster, AMSOIL Prostalgia™ Nitro Funny Car, Fuel Altered and Nitro Harley, multiple sportsman classes including Top Sportsman, Top Dragster, Super Stock, Stock, Quick Rod, Super Rod and Hot Rod and thrilling exhibitions including Grave Digger, the Shockwave jet-powered semi and more.

WHEN: Friday-Saturday, June 1-2

WHERE: Pittsburgh Raceway Park – 538 Stone Jug Road, New Alexandria, PA 15670

 

SCHEDULE (Subject to change; all times local)

FRIDAY: Spectator gates open @ 2 p.m.; FanFest Pit Party @ 6:30 p.m.; Nitro Jam @ 8 p.m.

SATURDAY: Sportsman Racing @ 9 a.m.; Spectator gates open @ 2 p.m.; FanFest Pit Party @ 5:30 p.m.; Nitro Jam @ 7 p.m.

SUNDAY: Sportsman Racing @ 9 p.m.

2011 PITTSBURGH NITRO JAM WINNERS: Pro Fuel – Robin Samsel (Fri) & Mike Manners (Sat); Prostalgia Nitro Funny Car – Peter Gallen (Fri) & Mike McIntire (Sat); Nitro Harley – Jay Turner (Fri) & Mike Scott (Sun)

2011 PITTSBURGH PRO-AM WINNERS: Top Sportsman – Mike Sowards & Doug Gbur; Top Dragster – Will Crawford & Josh Rietscha; Super Stock – Pete D’Agnolo & Craig Marshall; Stock – Jim Boburka & Brent Darroch; Quick Rod – Kathy Fisher & Jeremy Mason; Super Rod – David Moore (2); Hot Rod – Ricky Roe & Greg Fowler

IMPORTANT LINKS: PITTSBURGH NITRO JAM PREVIEW   PITTSBURGH NITRO JAM EVENT PAGE   PITTSBURGH NITRO JAM TICKETS

Winners crowned at Summit Sportsman Spectacular

Winners crowned at Summit Sportsman Spectacular

Vedros, Robinson, Peery, Hawk, Savage and Dew take big wins in San Antonio

SAN ANTONIO, Texas (May 27, 2012) – With $5,000 on the line and a spot in the year-end Summit Racing Equipment Tournament of Champions presented by AMSOIL on the line, the first Summit Racing Sportsman Spectacular presented by AMSOIL of the year brought out the best of the best in south Texas and produced some great racing.

San Antonio Raceway was the host track for the first big money IHRA race of the year and at the end of the day six drivers walked away with their share of the loot brought to racers by Summit Racing Equipment and AMSOIL. The big winners from San Antonio were Ricky Vedros (Belle Rose, La.) in Top Sportsman, Todd Robinson (Corpus Christi, Texas) in Top Dragster, Pete Peery (Bowie, Texas) in Super Stock, Matt Hawk (Tucson, Ariz.) in Stock, Alan Savage (Mexia, Texas) in Quick Rod and Super Rod and Ray Dew (League City, Texas) in Hot Rod.

Quick Rod and Super Rod winner Alan Savage

Other winners from the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Spectacular presented by AMSOIL were Ryan McDonnell (San Antonio, Texas) in Top ET, Matt Hawk (Tucson, Ariz.) in Mod ET and Ethan Marr (Forney, Texas) in Junior Dragster.

Savage was Saturday’s biggest winner, taking home $10,000 and two Ironman trophies in two of the Rod categories, although he had to work harder than anyone to get there. Savage lost in round one of both Quick Rod and Super Rod, but won his way back into the event via the re-entry round and rode that momentum to two season-altering victories. Although Savage had the biggest payday, he did not earn a spot in the TOC due to his losses.

Savage qualified fifth in Quick Rod and second in Super Rod, but didn’t fare well in competition losing to Mike Pevey in one matchup and Lloyd Parfait in the other. But with a special re-entry round available at Sportsman Spectacular events, Savage’s day wasn’t over just yet.

Top Sportsman winner Ricky Vedros

Savage’s journey to victory began in the re-entry round where he defeated Tina Stull in Quick Rod and Matt Exner in Super Rod. He followed that up with five more flawless rounds of competition in Quick Rod, defeating Clayton Nance, Vernon Rowland and Tony Livengood before meeting Scooter Choate in the final. Savage ran a 8.942, 159.74 in the 8.90 class while Choate posted a 8.934, 180.29 in the first final.

In the other Savage eliminated Tommy Phillips, Jarod Wilson and Charlie Stewart before meeting Jeff Lopez in the final. Savage won on a double breakout, running a 9.889, 157.07 in the 9.90 class to Lopez’s 9.887, 148.96 to take victory No. 2 on the evening.

San Antonio’s biggest field was in the third .90 class as Ray Dew qualified 14th in his ’70 Nova and went six rounds on his way to victory. Dew defeated Ryan McDonnell, Thomas Marlow, Ty Casey and Richard Ortegon to reach the finale where he matched up with Bart Nelson. Dew was nearly perfect on the tree and just a few hundredths off his dial in a double breakout victory with a 10.887, 136.74 in the 10.90 class to Nelson’s 10.877, 134.57.

Stock winner Matt Hawk

The second biggest field was in Top Dragster where Todd Robinson defeated some of the best dragster racers in the sport to take the win. Robinson defeated Aaron Cole, Leonard Greathouse, Lee Lightfoot and Ryan McDonnell before meeting former champion Scott Ball in the final. Unfortunately the exciting matchup was cut short when Ball went red and Robinson was able to coast across the line to pick up the big payday.

One former champion who did manage to pick up a win was defending Summit SuperSeries World Champion Matt Hawk who won in Stock. Hawk qualified 10th behind the wheel of his ’88 Mustang and defeated John Brimer, Lee Bannister and Brimer again before meeting Jacob Pitt in the final. Hawk ran a 12.858, 86.56 on a 12.62 dial in the final while Pitt went red.

Top Sportsman produced one of the most exciting final round matchups as Ricky Vedros drove his ’96 Beretta five rounds, culminating with a win over Matt Crisp in his 2009 Mustang. Vedros defeated Marlon Goates, Daniel Liebham and Trent Wilson before meeting Crisp, with both running within a few thousandths of their dial. Vedros ran a 7.732, 178.57 on a 7.73 dial while Crisp was narrowly too quick with a 7.631, 187.97 on a 7.64 dial.

Hot Rod winner Ray Dew

The final victor came in Super Stock as Pete Peery continued his winning ways in 2012 with a victory over Cody Blackmon and Dewayne Custer, defeating Custer in the final with a 10.023, 126.69 on a 10.00 dial to Custer’s 10.820, 124.52 on a 10.82 dial behind the wheel of his ’91 Calais.

Saturday’s other winners were Hawk, who ironically met Jacob Pitt in the final of both Stock and Mod ET, winning both, and Ryan McDonnell who defeated Michael Pennington in the Top ET final. Ethan Marr won Junior Dragster with a victory over Kenneth Hillin.

Maryland International Raceway will host the second Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Spectacular presented by AMSOIL of the year July 13-15 and Memphis International Raceway will host a Sportsman Spectacular and the final regular season race of the year October 12-14.

Can anyone stop Turner’s ‘big pig’ Nitro Harley at Pittsburgh?

Can anyone stop Turner’s ‘big pig’ Nitro Harley at Pittsburgh?

Undefeated Turner looking to continue domination at Pittsburgh Nito Jam

NEW ALEXANDRIA, Pa. (May 24, 2012) – It certainly doesn’t look like anything in the two wheel drag racing community right now.

And that is exactly the way Jay Turner likes it.

When Turner created the nitro-powered bike now known as the “big pig” last year, he was told it was too big and too different to be successful. But after three months of racing, four consecutive Nitro Jam victories and lap-after-lap of consistent runs, it seems Turner is the one laughing now.

Jay Turner’s innovative ‘big pig’ Nitro Harley has been dominating the class

“It has been quite a learning curve, but it is running great right now,” Turner said. “At first we were out there trying to set the world on fire, but we tuned it back a bit to get nice consistent passes and right now we are really happy with where we are at. Once we get this thing where it needs to be we will turn it back up and really make some noise.”

The seemingly bulky ride, with its considerably wider wheelbase and lengthy frame, has proven itself on the track with quick, consistent laps and a nice, smooth ride. And after two stops in San Antonio and Baton Rouge, Turner also has four shiny new trophies to attribute to his new ride as he currently sits first in points with an 8-0 win-loss record.

“The biggest difference is the wheelbase. It is a foot longer and it is completely different than anything we have ever had,” Turner said. “But we built it to be different. We wanted to stick our necks out and build something that is going to be much better or much worse. At first we really thought we had built something worse, especially with the way people were putting it down, but right now we are starting to think this thing is the way of the future. Suddenly everyone is admiring this thing and asking questions.”

Turner is undefeated in Nitro Jam competition in 2012 with four wins

Turner, of Julian, N.C., will admit that at first it was a completely different animal as he got used to a completely different routine, one that involved lengthy burnouts and a “pusher” to roll him back into position, but now he says it is like riding a bike – or in this case a motorcycle.

“When I first got on it it was completely different,” Turner said. “There are lots of bells and whistles that keep me pretty busy and it has pipes on both sides which also gives it a different feel. Being bigger and heavier we also do a burnout past the tree and it has to be pushed back into place. But once it goes it goes. It doesn’t spin the tires and our 60 foot times are awesome. And above all else, the fans like it with the big burnouts and fire coming out both sides.”

So far in 2012 Turner’s best pass in Nitro Jam competition has been a respectable 6.470, 211.01, but that, he says, will soon change.

The current IHRA Nitro Harley world record is 6.278 seconds set by Doug Vancil in 2002. The speed record sits at 221.85 mph, also set by Vancil in 2001. But if Turner has it his way, that record will be his by the end of the year.

Turner will look to continue his winning ways at the Pittsburgh Nitro Jam June 1-2

“We are excited to turn this thing loose and get after it,” Turner said. “It has plenty left in the motor and when we turn it up we are going to shoot for a five second pass. That is our ultimate goal.”

Next up for Turner and the Nitro Harley gang is a trip to Pittsburgh Raceway Park for the Pittsburgh Nitro Jam June 1-2, followed by the IHRA western swing in Salt Lake City, Utah and Edmonton, Alberta in late June and early July. During that stretch Turner hopes to slowly tune the bike toward a record pass and hopefully by the end of the summer have his name added to the record books.

Until then he is happy with his role as a pioneer in the fan-favorite class and looks forward to continuing to reinvent the already thrilling class.

“People really thought that it was too big and that it would not run. Now everyone is pretty much blown away that we got it running as quick and fast as we have,” Turner said. “This thing has opened up new avenues and if the economy ever turns around I think you will see more like this being built. We already have plans to build a second one ourselves.

“This is the first in a line. We can improve this and make this the baddest bike on the block.”

San Antonio Raceway set to host Sportsman Spectacula

San Antonio Raceway set to host Sportsman Spectacular

Sportsman only race to feature big money, spot in TOC for winners

SAN ANTONIO, Texas (May 10, 2012) – In 2011 the International Hot Rod Association created a revolutionary new program for sportsman racers known as the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Spectacular presented by AMSOIL.

Created as a unique way to celebrate the IHRA’s 40th anniversary season, the sports only true sportsman-only national event proved an overwhelming success as hundreds of racers from all across North America took advantage of this unique program awarding big payouts, big prizes and big competition at two experimental races last year at Maryland International Raceway and Virginia Motorsports Park.

Now, with an overwhelming demand for its return and a year under its belt, the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Spectacular presented by AMSOIL returns with three big races in 2012 beginning with a stop at San Antonio Raceway in Texas the weekend of May 25-27.

The first Sportsman Spectacular of 2012 will take place at SAR the weekend of May 25-27

San Antonio Raceway has already seen one big race in 2012 as the San Antonio Nitro Jam in March saw a 45 percent increase in car count and an extremely competitive race and with such a strong showing once already this year, and even more on the line coming up later this month, IHRA officials are expecting the first Summit Sportsman Spectacular of 2012 to be one of the biggest yet.

“The Sportsman Spectacular is an event designed specifically for the racers. What began as an experimental way to celebrate our 40th anniversary season quickly took on a life of its own and has turned into one of our biggest events on the schedule,” said Skooter Peaco, IHRA VP of Race Operations. “We have opened our doors to the best drivers in the world regardless of what HRA you call home as a way to give back to those that support the great sport of drag racing.

“The overwhelming support we saw last year showed us that we needed to expand this season and we have done just that by adding a great venue like San Antonio Raceway to the schedule. I expect great racing and a great event later this month at SAR. With a spot in the TOC and $5,000 on the line for event winners, this should be one memorable race.”

In all a grand total of $5,000 is up for grabs in each IHRA class for winners as the event features open fields consisting of both IHRA and NHRA competitors and a spot in the year-end Summit Racing Equipment Tournament of Champions presented by AMSOIL up for grabs making this the must-attend sportsman drag race of the season.

All IHRA and NHRA members can take part in this unique event

The Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Spectacular all gets underway on Friday, May 25 with a test and tune for all racers followed by a full day of qualifying and the first round eliminations on Saturday, May 26. Saturday’s race will also feature a re-entry round for first round losers to get back in the competition if the class car count is less than 64 cars, however any driver that loses first round and goes on to win the event will not earn a berth in the Tournament of Champions. Racers will conclude the event on Sunday with a huge purse, Ironman, national event contingency and a spot in the Summit Racing Tournament of Champions presented by AMSOIL for IHRA members all up for grabs.

Racing will be conducted in IHRA’s seven regular touring Pro-Am classes of Top Sportsman, Top Dragster, Super Stock, Stock, Quick Rod, Super Rod and Hot Rod with each winner collecting a $5,000 payday. Also in competition at SAR will be Top ET, Mod ET and Junior Dragster.

Entry into the event is only $200 with a guaranteed $5,000 to win for Pro-Am classes plus national event contingency going to the winner in each of the regular IHRA touring classes.

And to add to the grandness of the event, for the first time ever, the IHRA has opened its doors to allow all IHRA and NHRA members to compete in one event for the top prize at IHRA’s biggest-ever sportsman drag race May 25-27.

This is the first of three Summit Sportsman Spectacular events in 2012. Maryland International Raceway will host the next Sportsman Spectacular July 13-15 and Memphis International Raceway will host the third the weekend of October 12-14 in conjunction with the IHRA World Finals.

Don’t miss the biggest sportsman drag race this season at San Antonio Raceway as the Summit Sportsman Spectacular presented by AMSOIL returns May 25-27. For more information visit www.ihra.com or call San Antonio Raceway at (210) 698-2310.

Evans, Hilsabeck and Turner get weekend sweeps

 

Mardi Gras Nitro Jam comes a close with huge Sunday of racing

BATON ROUGE, La. (May 6, 2012) – While Saturday’s sold out Mardi Gras Nitro Jam was marred with weather, Sunday’s finale more than made up for it.

After a passing thundershower forced the postponement of the Mardi Gras Nitro Jam finale to Sunday, nitro racers and sportsman racers alike went to work under the hot Louisiana sun on Sunday and over a dozen winners were crowned on the final day of the Mardi Gras Nitro Jam presented by Domino’s Pizza at State Capitol Raceway.

Fuel Altered winner Mike Hilsabeck

In professional competition three drivers swept the weekend as Bill Evans (Pro Fuel), Mike Hilsabeck (Fuel Altered) and Jay Turner (Nitro Harley) took home a pair of Ironman trophies while James Day (AMSOIL Prostalgia Nitro Funny Car) and Al Suggs Jr. (Outlaw Pro Mod) added their name to the list with wins as well on Sunday.

Sportsman winners from day one of the Summit Racing Equipment Pro-Am Tour presented by AMSOIL and Tournament of Champions qualifier were Russell Marr (Forney, Texas) in Top Sportsman, Chase Murray (Orange, Texas) in Top Dragster, David Latino (Donaldsonville, La.) in Super Stock, Jimmy Hidalgo (Donaldsonville, La.) in Stock, Vernon Rowland (Blanchard, Okla.) in Quick Rod, Floyd Russo (Gonzales, La.) in Super Rod and Bart Nelson (Laporte, Texas) in Hot Rod. All seven drivers earned automatic bids into the year-end Summit Racing Equipment Tournament of Champions presented by AMSOIL.

Hilsabeck had perhaps the biggest weekend sweep of the professional categories as the Phoenix, Ariz. driver swept the Nostalgia Fuel Altered category in his first weekend out with Nitro Jam. Hilsabeck, behind the wheel of the “Arizona Thunder” Altered, beat defending class champion Ron Maroney on Friday and followed that up with a big win over young Kyle Hough in “Nanook” on Sunday.

Pro Fuel winner Bill Evans

Hilsabeck had the second best elapsed time of the opening round on Saturday to advance to the final and kept that speed on Sunday with a 6.597, 196.54 pass to drive around a tire-spinning Hough for his second career Nitro Jam victory.

“We had a great time in our first weekend out with Nitro Jam and we look forward to doing this again in the future,” Hilsabeck said. “It was great to be able to bring back the history and excitement of this class to a whole new generation of fans and Nitro Jam gives us that opportunity to put on this incredible show.”

Evans also doubled up over the weekend with a big win over Robin Samsel on Sunday in Pro Fuel Dragster. Evans consistently had the best times of the entire weekend in the nitro-powered category and used that momentum to pick up his 11th career Ironman on Sunday against Samsel. The Florida native ran a 5.616, 238.72 in the final to drive around Samsel who ran into trouble moments after stabbing the throttle.

Nitro Harley winner Jay Turner

In the consolation pairing Kristen Dennis drove around Cherissa Smallwood.

In Nitro Harley Jay Turner moved to 8-0 in round wins this season with yet another victory behind the handlebars of his wildly-designed “big pig” Harley Davidson. In Sunday’s final North Carolina’s Turner met up with Mike Scott and ran a weekend best 6.470, 211.01 to pick up the win.

In the consolation round Louisiana’s Randal Andras defeated Steve Dorn.

Louisiana native Al Suggs Jr., from just down the road in Denham Springs, took the Outlaw Pro Mod category with a win over last year’s winner “Pizza Joe” Palmisano. With thousands of local fans on hand to cheer him on and a record-breaking ’41 Willys to guide, Suggs went three rounds of 1/8th mile competition against Wayne Collins and Bill Doucet before meeting Palmisano in the final.

Palmisano got a jump on Suggs, but the No. 1 qualifier showed just why he was featured on just about every media outlet in the area as he stormed back with a 4.052, 182.77 to take the win over Palmisano who ran a 4.244,167.91.

AMSOIL Prostalgia Nitro Funny Car winner James Day

Wrapping up the pro categories was James Day behind the wheel of the “Candies & Hughes” Barracuda as he went undefeated in his grudge race with Brad Thompson. Day won his opening round tilt on Saturday before the rains came and kept that momentum on Sunday with a weekend-best 5.853, 241.93 to Thompson’s 6.407, 188.63.

In the sportsman categories Russell Marr defeated Rowdy James in Top Sportsman, Chase Murray defeated T.J. Tracey in Top Dragster, David Latino defeated Wayne Winfield in Super Stock, Jimmy Hidalgo Sr. defeated Jimmy Hidalgo Jr. in Stock, Vernon Rowland defeated David Nicoll in Quick Rod, Floyd Russo defeated Chris Eidson in Super Rod and Bart Nelson defeated Thomas Marlow in Hot Rod.

Next up for the Nitro Jam tour is the Pittsburgh Nitro Jam June 1-2 at Pittsburgh Raceway Park.

Nitro Jam newcomer Hilsabeck grabs win on opening night

Nitro Jam newcomer Hilsabeck grabs win on opening night

Evans, Turner headline Friday Mardi Gras Nitro Jam winners

BATON ROUGE, La. (May 4, 2012) – Through four races Ron Maroney was darn near unbeatable.

That is, until he met Mike Hilsabeck.

In Hlsabeck’s Nitro Jam debut the Fuel Altered racer out of Phoenix, Ariz. upset undefeated Maroney in an exciting final that saw the driver of the “Arizona Thunder” win in a pedal fest to bring the opening night of the Mardi Gras Nitro Jam presented by Domino’s Pizza at State Capitol Raceway to a close.

Fuel Altered winner Mike Hilsabeck

Hilsabeck was joined by winners Bill Evans in Pro Fuel and Jay Turner in Nitro Harley on the first night of action at the Louisiana track. Nitro Jam’s AMSOIL Prostalgia Nitro Funny Car class was cut short of its final due to moisture on the track.

Hilsabeck, a longtime legend in the Fuel Altered category, produced two strong rounds to drive around Kyle Hough in Nanook in round one before meeting Maroney in the final. With the exciting – and rather late – evening crossing over into a new day, Hilsabeck and Maroney engaged in a pedal fest that saw Hilsabeck clock a 9.072, 156.73 behind the wheel of his ’23 Roadster to Maroney’s 10.250, 146.17.

In the consolation round Hough drove around Tom Padilla in “Nasty Benjamin” to pick up the round win.

Nitro Harley winner Jay Turner

In Nitro Harley North Carolina native Jay Turner continued his undefeated streak to move to 6-0 in rounds won with a victory over Canadian Mike Scott. Turner defeated Louisiana’s own Randal Andras in the opening tilt before matching up with Scott in the final. Turner ran a 6.852, 156.16 in the final to pick up his third Ironman trophy of the year.

Defending champion Steve Dorn defeated Andras in the consolation pairing.

Evans wrapped up Friday’s professional categories with two strong runs beginning with an opening round win over Robin Samsel. Evans was scheduled to lock horns with Cherissa Smallwood in the final, but Smallwood failed to fire and Evans was able to power down the track in an easy win to pick up his 10th career Nitro Jam victory.

Pro Fuel winner Bill Evans

Nitro Jam’s most recent race winner Kristen Dennis recorded the consolation round win over Samsel.

Brad Thompson and James Day, driving Louisiana’s famous Candies & Hughes machine, were scheduled to meet in the AMSOIL Prostalgia Nitro Funny Car final, but moisture on the track prevented the pair from competing their final runs.

Friday’s Mardi Gras Nitro Jam opener also featured a round of Outlaw Pro Modified racing as Denham Springs, La. native Al Suggs rocketed to the top of the qualifying charts with a blistering 3.981, 181.48 run in the 1/8 mile, light-years ahead of the rest of the competition. Last year’s winner Joe Palmisano was second on the charts with a 4.239, 173.14 followed by Joseph Mohana, Bill Doucet and Delaney Weaver.

Outlaw Pro Mod top qualifier Al Suggs Jr.

In the final pass of the evening the world famous Grave Digger piloted by Randy Brown took two round wins over Joey Parnell in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle.

The Mardi Gras Nitro Jam presented by Domino’s Pizza will continue on Saturday with the final day of professional competition in Pro Fuel Dragster, AMSOIL Prostalgia Nitro Funny Car, Nitro Harley and Fuel Altered in addition to two more rounds of Outlaw Pro Modified qualifying and hundreds of sportsman racers in competition. Saturday’s Mardi Gras finale will also include jet dragsters, jet funny cars, the Chevy Rebellion wheelstander and the monster truck showdown between Grave Digger and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle in addition to all the nitro action.

Gates open at 2 p.m. with FanFest scheduled for 6:30 p.m. and two more rounds of Nitro Jam at 8 p.m.

Louisiana’s own ‘Candies & Hughes’ Funny Car returns

Louisiana’s own ‘Candies & Hughes’ Funny Car returns

Legendary race team returns home for Mardi Gras Nitro Jam

BATON ROUGE, La. (May 1, 2012) – It is one of the most important names in drag racing history and this weekend at the Mardi Gras Nitro Jam presented by Domino’s Pizza at State Capitol Raceway the world famous “Candies & Hughes” AMSOIL Prostalgia Nitro Funny Car will return to competition right where the legend began – in the heart of Louisiana.

Founded by Paul Candies and Leonard Hughes of Houma, La., the legend of Candies & Hughes has spanned six decades and has included multiple championship and national event victories with both the IHRA and NHRA. The team has included numerous drivers spanning that timeframe including the likes of Hughes, Mark Oswald, Richard Tharp, Dave Settles and Leroy Goldstein in both Top Fuel and Funny Car. In addition to collecting dozens of wins over the years, the team also registered many firsts including being the first team to win the Winston championships in both Top Fuel and Funny Car and the only team to win both NHRA and IHRA Winston championships in the same year.

Fans of drag racing history will enjoy seeing the ‘Candies & Hughes’ Funny Car back in action

Today the famous Candies & Hughes machine is owned by Jim Broome of Tucson, Ariz. and piloted by Mike Savage. Savage has enjoyed keeping the legend of Candies & Hughes alive and even returned the famous machine to its winning ways earlier this year at the Arizona Nitro Jam in Tucson with a victory over defending AMSOIL Prostalgia Nitro Funny Car World Champion Peter Gallen. Savage has added two more runner-up finishes to his resume in 2012 to head the Funny Car standings entering the Louisiana event this weekend at State Capitol Raceway.

The 2012 Mardi Gras Nitro Jam presented by Domino’s Pizza will take place May 4-5 at State Capitol Raceway. The event will feature four nitro classes including Pro Fuel Dragster, AMSOIL Prostalgia Nitro Funny Car, Nitro Harley and Fuel Altered in addition to the wild Outlaw Pro Mod class. The event will also feature an incredible show featuring jet dragsters, jet funny cars, the 30,000 horsepower Shockwave jet semi, the Chevy Rebellion wheelstander and the Louisiana debut of the monster truck drag race between Grave Digger driven by Randy Brown and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle drive by Joey Parnell.

But it will be Savage and the famous “Cajun Cuda” of Candies & Hughes that will be the real star of the show as one of the most famous machines in drag racing history returns home for two huge days of racing this weekend at State Capitol Raceway.

World’s largest nitro party returns to Baton Rouge May 4-5

 

World’s largest nitro party returns to Baton Rouge May 4-5

2012 Mardi Gras Nitro Jam promises to be biggest yet

BATON ROUGE, La. (April 26, 2012) – For three years State Capitol Raceway has proven to be the Mecca of nitro entertainment.

With an atmosphere that would rival even the best Mardi Gras soiree and a show that has proven the best in the state, State Capitol Raceway is once again gearing up for the world’s largest nitro party when the stars of Nitro Jam return to Baton Rouge for the fourth annual Mardi Gras Nitro Jam May 4-5 at SCR.

And this year that party will be taken to another level.

The Mardi Gras Nitro Jam returns to Baton Rouge May 4-5 at State Capitol Raceway

The 2012 Mardi Gras Nitro Jam will feature the biggest motorsports spectacle in the state when four nitro classes, jets, wheelstanders and the world’s only monster truck drag race hit the lanes at State Capitol Raceway all over two thrilling days in May. The event is all set to a Mardi Gras atmosphere with beads, a parade and enough spicy gumbo and other Louisiana specialties to last a lifetime.

Nitro Jam show time is set for 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday with a double Summit Racing Equipment Pro-Am presented by AMSOIL taking place Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are only $20 if purchased in advance by logging on to www.nitrojam.com.

“We go to a lot of great venues and great cities, but perhaps none is as unique as the race in Baton Rouge,” said Nitro Jam President Aaron Polburn. “With the atmosphere, the food and the fun all combined with an exciting race, it makes for an event unlike any other. People show up at State Capitol Raceway early in the morning and stay late into the night. It isn’t as much a race as it is an experience and it is an experience that people tend to never forget.”

Four nitro classes and a number of exhibitions will wow Louisiana race fans

The 2012 Mardi Gras Nitro Jam will be run over two days in May with a full nitro show accompanying a huge sportsman race culminating with seven more drivers earning their way into the Summit Racing Equipment Tournament of Champions presented by AMSOIL.

In the professional ranks four nitro classes will fill the lanes at State Capitol Raceway highlighted by another great race in the hit AMSOIL Prostalgia™ Nitro Funny Car class. After last year’s race brought the sellout crowd to its feet, the stars return to Baton Rouge to battle for bragging rights and a huge win as defending series champion and State Capitol winner Peter Gallen in his brand new “Poverty Stricken” machine battles Mike Savage in the Louisiana legend “Candies & Hughes” Barracuda, Greg Jacobsmeyer in the “Allstar” Dodge and many more.

The Mardi Gras Nitro Jam will also feature the return of the 100-percent nitro-powered Pro Fuel Dragster class as 2010 Nitro Jam champion Bill Evans in “Black Pearl” battles Robin Samsel in “Predator” and Nitro Jam’s only female stars Cherissa Smallwood in the “Nitro and Lace” dragster and Texas native Kristen Dennis in “Ladies First.” Both Smallwood and Dennis have visited victory lane in 2012 making for one of the most competitive starts to the class ever.

Tickets for the Mardi Gras Nitro Jam are only $20 if purchased in advance

Rounding out the nitro classes at the San Antonio Nitro Jam are the stars of the out-of-control Fuel Altered class and the stars of Nitro Harley as two of the most extreme classes in drag racing return for four exciting rounds of racing. In the Fuel Altered class defending class champion Ron Maroney in the “Blind Faith” entry will battle rookie sensation Kyle Hough in “Nanook”, Tom Padilla in “Nasty Benjamin” and more. In Nitro Harley four of the fastest racers on two wheels will do battle at over 220 miles per hour from the back of a motorcycle.

The exhibition portion of the event will feature the return of the Shockwave jet semi and battle of the monster trucks in addition to the side-by-side 300 mph battle of Jet Dragsters and the Chevy Rebellion wheelstander.

The first-ever monster truck drag race will be sure to keep fans on the edge of their seat as Grave Digger driven by former Monster Jam World Champion Randy Brown battles Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle driven by Joey Parnell in a showdown featuring halftrack burnouts on towering, mammoth tires and wheel-to-wheel racing like fans have never seen before.

Wrapping up the evening will be the incredible show put on by the 30,000 horsepower Shockwave jet semi. With nearly 30-foot flames and enough power to topple a building, the Shockwave jet semi will bring the event to a close with a finale you have to see to believe.

Grave Digger will make its Mardi Gras Nitro Jam drag racing debut racing against TMNT

In sportsman competition all seven IHRA classes will be featured as the stars of Top Sportsman, Top Dragster, Super Stock, Stock, Quick Rod, Super Rod and Hot Rod battle for a spot in the year-end Tournament of Champions. Last year’s winners included Les Herod (TS), Clayton Nance (TD, QR), Gilbert Johnson (SS), Myron Piatek (STK), Jeff Southerland (SR) and Ray Todd (HR).

In addition to all the on-track action, new in 2012 will be the revamped FanFest Pit Party beginning at 6:30 p.m. both days. The FanFest Pit Party will feature driver autographs and various activities for fans of all ages prior to the start of the Nitro Jam professional rounds. Racing will get underway both days at 8 p.m.

Don’t miss Louisiana’s legendary nitro extravaganza May 4-5 at State Capitol Raceway!

CarSafe named title sponsor for Northern Nitro Jam

 

CarSafe to have major presence at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park

NORWALK, Ohio (April 18, 2012) – The International Hot Rod Association® (IHRA®) and Nitro Jam® are pleased to announce CarSafe as the title sponsor of the CarSafe Northern Nitro Jam at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park in Martin, Mich. the weekend of August 10-11.

CarSafe, based in Oklahoma City, Okla., is an agency that provides Vehicle Breakdown Protection, or what most people know as “extended warranties.” With amazing benefits including roadside assistance, towing and rental cars, CarSafe’s Extended Vehicle Service Agreements help keep your car on the road and your wallet in your pocket. And with CarSafe’s extensive background in customer service within the automotive industry, the CarSafe team is looking forward to partnering with Nitro Jam at one of the biggest events on the 2012 schedule.

“CarSafe is excited to partner with the IHRA. We know that it is an organization focused on entertainment, fast cars and fun for the whole family,” said Mark Eckman, CarSafe Founder. “CarSafe is all about helping motorists with our Vehicle Breakdown Protection on vehicles after original factory warranties expire. We look forward to two respected organizations teaming up to provide a great weekend of racing and entertainment for fans of all ages.”

CarSafe is dedicated to being the leading provider of Extended Vehicle Service Agreements and taking the worry and frustration out of vehicle repairs. CarSafe provides practical and affordable coverage options for all types of cars and trucks.

And some of the fastest cars in the world will be featured at the CarSafe Northern Nitro Jam at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park. Featuring a full lineup of nitro-powered entertainment including Pro Fuel Dragsters, AMSOIL Prostalgia Nitro Funny Cars, Nitro Harleys and Fuel Altereds in addition to an incredible show featuring the legendary Grave Digger and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle monster trucks, the 30,000 horsepower Shockwave jet semi and much more, the CarSafe Northern Nitro Jam promises to bring the 2012 Nitro Jam season to a close with one of the biggest events of the year.

For more information on the CarSafe Northern Nitro Jam, visit www.nitrojam.com. For more information on CarSafe, visit www.carsafe.com or call (866) 466-5239 to receive a free quote.

Wild night of racing concludes Friday San Antonio Nitro Jam

 

Turner dominates on ‘big pig’ Nitro Harley

SAN ANTONIO, Texas (March 28, 2012) – They said it was too heavy. They said it was too different.

But it is Jay Turner who is having the last laugh now.

Turner, who spent a majority of the offseason working on a brand new and very unique Nitro Harley, debuted what his team calls the “big pig” in front of a large Friday crowd at the San Antonio Nitro Jam at San Antonio Raceway and drove the bike to a victory over friend and rival Jake Stordeur on opening night.

Jay Turner had a big night atop his ‘big pig’ Nitro Harley in picking up the win

The new Nitro Harley, which is quite a bit longer than the other bikes with some added weight, blasted down the quarter-mile with dual flames kissing the ground as he drove to a 6.526, 208.53 to storm past Stordeur who ran a 7.605, 155.82 in his seventh career Nitro Jam win.

“Everyone had doubts about this bike, but we knew what it was capable of,” Turner said. “We heard it all, but mostly people thought it was just too heavy to go fast. But with the way this thing is made, it gives us a few advantages over others that I think we can turn into some consistently fast passes throughout the season.”

Other pro winners from Friday’s San Antonio Nitro Jam included Texas native and fan favorite John Hale in the “Nitro Boss” AMSOIL Prostalgia Nitro Funny Car, Bill Evans in the “Black Pearl” Pro Fuel Dragster and Ron Maroney in the “Blind Faith” Fuel Altered.

Turner showed just what his new bike could do right from the start on Friday with an opening round shot of 6.470/198.59 to drive around defending champion Steve Dorn to reach to final. In the main event Turner left first and never looked back, lighting up the night sky with a flame show not often seen on a motorcycle straight through the trap. In the consolation round Dorn defeated Mike Scott.

John Hale was another driver making a statement on Friday, winning in his very first passes in Nitro Jam competition. Hale, going against one of the toughest AMSOIL Prostalgia Nitro Funny Car fields of the season, bested last weekend’s winner Mike Savage in “Candies & Hughes” in round one before meeting defending series champion Peter Gallen in the “Poverty Stricken” machine in the final.

Texas native John Hale won in AMSOIL Prostalgia Nitro Funny Car

Despite such a thrilling final round pairing, the show turned anticlimactic when Gallen broke and Hale took an easy stroll down the quarter-mile in a makeshift victory lap. With the loss, Gallen fell short again in what is the worst stretch of his young nitro career.

In the consolation rounds Dale Pulde put a check in the win column in his big return behind the wheel of the “War Eagle” in a win over Savage, Mitch King drove the “Brand X” Mustang to a win over Brad Thompson and Tim Boychuk rounded out the list with a solo pass in the “Troy Lee Designs” Pontiac.

Of all the classes running at Nitro Jam, the driver making it look the easiest is defending Fuel Altered champion Ron Maroney who drove to his third consecutive win Friday night at SAR. Maroney, behind the wheel of the “Blind Faith” machine, took out Jason Richey in round one and then put down a solid 6.531/191.65 to defeat rookie Kyle Hough’s 6.816/206.42 in the final.

Rounding out the pro rounds on Friday was Bill Evans’ big win in Pro Fuel Dragster. Evans had two very consistent laps on Friday on his way to a victory, ending the night with a win over Kristen Dennis for his ninth career Ironman. Evans ran a 5.539/250.28 in the final to Denis’ 6.024/208.53. In the consolation pairing Cherissa Smallwood defeated Robin Samsel.

Even thought he didn’t get the win, Kyle Hough has been very exciting to watch as of late

One of the most anticipated matchups of the evening ended with a split between Grave Digger and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle as Randy Brown drove Digger to a victory in round one and drag racing newbie Joey Parnell claimed the second matchup.

The wild evening concluded with a few unexpected long runs into the nets when the Chattanooga Choo-Choo jet train went long, but the remaining jet dragster, jet funny cars and jet truck put on a tremendous show.

The San Antonio Nitro Jam will continue on Saturday with day two at San Antonio Raceway. Gates open at 11 a.m. with FanFest set to being at 6:30 p.m. and two rounds of Nitro Jam at 8 p.m.