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All Rights Reserved
RECORD-SETTING HAGAN READIES TO BUILD ON MOMENTUM AS DIEHARD TEAM HEADS TO THE NORTHEAST
MOHNTON, Pa. - Being the quickest competitor in NHRA Funny Car isn't new to the driver of the DieHard Dodge Charger. Matt Hagan has reset his own national e.t. record three times, but he'd like to do a few more things, including make more history of his own as the Countdown to the Championship continues with the 27th annual Auto-PlusŪ NHRA Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway near Reading, Pa.
The defending event winners of the third of six events in the NHRA Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship are Larry Dixon (Top Fuel), Cruz Pedregon (Funny Car), Dave Connolly (Pro Stock) and Andrew Hines (Pro Stock Motorcycle).
During last season's stop at Maple Grove, Hagan set the national e.t. record and earned a runner-up finish, which set him up for a spectacular run for the championship. Unfortunately for Hagan, the team couldn't turn that success into his first championship, but he doesn't plan to let those struggles hurt this year.
"Last season was a perfect example that it doesn't matter until the last day is over at Pomona," Hagan said. "When things change, they change quickly in this sport. To me, the Countdown is nothing to worry about until it's all said and done, but it is great to know, though, that we might have a chance to win a few more races and see where we are when we head to Pomona."
The team has dealt with many struggles this season, collecting its first win just two races ago, in Charlotte, N.C., as well as setting the national e.t. record. After testing different combinations all season, crew chief Tommy DeLago decided to go back to the car they ran last season, and Hagan couldn't be happier.
"This is a huge confidence boost for me and our guys," Hagan said. "We're back in last years car where we set two national records, and then we go out to Charlotte two weeks ago and set another one and get the win. If that's not a good change, I don't know what is. I'm not saying we're going out and going to run the table every weekend, but it's nice to know we have a car that can go out there and have a chance to win these races."
Four races remain in the Countdown, and although Hagan suffered a second-round loss in Dallas, he knows that Maple Grove Raceway has been good to him, and he hopes to build on that success.
"We love running at Reading," Hagan said. "We'd love to repeat our record run from last year - those 20 bonus points would be great for the Countdown. It's a great track, and considering we're in the fall, it's probably going to be fast. We're looking to go rounds, gain points and improve our Countdown position."
Hagan's goals are the same as those of the nine other Funny Car drivers in the Countdown: They all plan to do what they can to be championship contenders. His teammates Jack Beckman and Ron Capps are fourth and fifth, respectively. Mike Neff still leads the point standings, and Cruz Pedregon, who won the last event in Dallas, is right behind Hagan in third. Robert Hight, Bob Tasca, Jeff Arend, John Force and Tim Wilkerson round out the playoff field for Funny Car.
During last season's stop at Maple Grove, Hagan set the national e.t. record and earned a runner-up finish, which set him up for a spectacular run for the championship. Unfortunately for Hagan, the team couldn't turn that success into his first championship, but he doesn't plan to let those struggles hurt this year.
"Last season was a perfect example that it doesn't matter until the last day is over at Pomona," Hagan said. "When things change, they change quickly in this sport. To me, the Countdown is nothing to worry about until it's all said and done, but it is great to know, though, that we might have a chance to win a few more races and see where we are when we head to Pomona."
The team has dealt with many struggles this season, collecting its first win just two races ago, in Charlotte, N.C., as well as setting the national e.t. record. After testing different combinations all season, crew chief Tommy DeLago decided to go back to the car they ran last season, and Hagan couldn't be happier.
"This is a huge confidence boost for me and our guys," Hagan said. "We're back in last years car where we set two national records, and then we go out to Charlotte two weeks ago and set another one and get the win. If that's not a good change, I don't know what is. I'm not saying we're going out and going to run the table every weekend, but it's nice to know we have a car that can go out there and have a chance to win these races."
Four races remain in the Countdown, and although Hagan suffered a second-round loss in Dallas, he knows that Maple Grove Raceway has been good to him, and he hopes to build on that success.
"We love running at Reading," Hagan said. "We'd love to repeat our record run from last year - those 20 bonus points would be great for the Countdown. It's a great track, and considering we're in the fall, it's probably going to be fast. We're looking to go rounds, gain points and improve our Countdown position."
Hagan's goals are the same as those of the nine other Funny Car drivers in the Countdown: They all plan to do what they can to be championship contenders. His teammates Jack Beckman and Ron Capps are fourth and fifth, respectively. Mike Neff still leads the point standings, and Cruz Pedregon, who won the last event in Dallas, is right behind Hagan in third. Robert Hight, Bob Tasca, Jeff Arend, John Force and Tim Wilkerson round out the playoff field for Funny Car.
With the tightening of the points two races into the Countdown, the standings have been shaken up not only in Funny Car, but in Top Fuel as well. Del Worsham led the points from the second race of the season until the first race of the playoffs but is now third. Spencer Massey and Antron Brown have capitalized on his early exits at the last two races and sit first and second, respectively. 2010 champ Dixon has moved up to fourth, and Tony Schumacher is fifth. Brandon Bernstein, Doug Kalitta, Shawn Langdon, David Grubnic and Morgan Lucas round out the Top Fuel playoff field.
Pro Stock is dominated by the one-two punch that is the KB Racing team of Jason Line and Greg Anderson. They seem to have a combination that others are doing their best to figure out but just haven't been able to. Though Anderson has suffered two first-round losses in the Countdown, no other competitors have capitalized on his struggles, and he still sits second. Erica Enders moved up to third with her success in Dallas. The top 10 also includes Mike Edwards, Vincent Nobile, Greg Stanfield, Allen Johnson, Rodger Brogdon, Shane Gray and Ron Krisher.
The playoff drama is getting to all of the Pro Stock Motorcycle riders. After two rounds of the Countdown, Eddie Krawiec still leads the class despite his semifinal exit in Dallas. Karen Stoffer, who sits second, didn't capitalize on Krawiec's misstep as she exited in round two. Rookie Hector Arana Jr. is third, Matt Smith is fourth, and Krawiec's teammate, Andrew, Hines, is fifth. 2010 world champ LE Tonglet sits sixth, Dallas winner Michael Phillips is seventh, followed by Jerry Savoie, Hector Arana Sr. and Jim Underdahl.
***
AUTO-PLUSŪ NHRA NATIONALS
WHAT: 27th annual Auto-PlusŪ NHRA Nationals, 19th of 22 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series and the third of six races in the NHRA Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship. The top 10 drivers in four categories - Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle - earn points leading to 2011 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series world championships.
WHERE: Maple Grove Raceway, Mohnton, Pa. Track is located off the Pennsylvania Turnpike (Exit 298), 10 miles south of Reading, Pa.
WHEN: Thursday through Sunday, Sept. 29-Oct. 2
SCHEDULE:
THURSDAY, Sept. 29 - LUCAS OIL SERIES qualifying at 8:45 a.m.
FRIDAY, Sept. 30 - LUCAS OIL SERIES eliminations at 8:45 a.m.
FULL THROTTLE SERIES qualifying at 2:00 p.m. and 4:45 p.m.
SATURDAY, Oct. 1 - LUCAS OIL SERIES eliminations begin at 8:45 a.m.
FULL THROTTLE SERIES qualifying at 11:15 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
SUNDAY, Oct. 2 - Pre-race ceremonies, 10 a.m.
FULL THROTTLE SERIES eliminations begin at 11 a.m.
TELEVISION:
Sunday, Oct. 2, ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise one hour and a half hours of qualifying coverage starting at 12:30 a.m. (ET).
Sunday, Oct. 2, ESPN3.com will televise of coverage of eliminations starting at 11 a.m. (ET).
Sunday, Oct. 2, ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise two and half hours of coverage starting at 7 p.m. (ET).
SATELLITE (Digital HD Feed):
Friday, Sept. 30, 9 - 9:30 p.m. (ET), AMC 3 / Transponder 16C
Saturday, Oct. 1, 6 - 6:30 p.m. (ET), AMC 3 / Transponder 16C
Sunday, Oct. 2, 7 - 7:30 p.m. (ET), AMC 3 / Transponder 16C
(4020 MHz, vertical; Data Rate: 18.295441161 Mbp; Symbol Rate: 13.235 Ms; FEC: ū; Bandwidth: 18 Mhz)
Video news release contains race action highlights each day and winners interviews on Sunday.
2010 EVENT WINNERS:
Larry Dixon, Top Fuel; Cruz Pedregon, Funny Car; Dave Connolly, Pro Stock; Andrew Hines, Pro Stock Motorcycle.
TRACK RECORDS:
Top Fuel - 3.786 seconds by Larry Dixon, Oct. 10; 322.42 mph by Dixon, Oct. 10
Funny Car - 4.011 seconds by Matt Hagan, Oct. 10; 312.35 mph by Cruz Pedregon ,Oct. 10
Pro Stock - 6.544 seconds by Greg Anderson, Oct. 10; 211.43 mph by Anderson, Oct. 10
Pro Stock Motorcycle - 6.828 seconds by Hector Arana, Oct. 10; 196.56 mph by Andrew Hines, Oct. 10
NATIONAL RECORDS:
Top Fuel - 3.770 sec. by Larry Dixon, Feb. 11, Pomona, Calif.; 327.90 mph by Tony Schumacher, Feb. 11, Pomona, Calif.
Funny Car - 3.995 sec. by Matt Hagan, Sept. 11, Concord, N.C..; 318.99 mph by Jack Beckman, Sept. 11, Charlotte, N.C.
Pro Stock - 6.495 sec. by Rodger Brogdon, March 11, Gainesville, Fla.; 213.57 mph by Erica Enders, March 11, Gainesville, Fla.
PS Motorcycle - 6.777 sec. by Hector Arana, March 11, Gainesville, Fla.; 199.26 mph by Eddie Krawiec, March 11, Gainesville, Fla.
TICKETS: For tickets call (610) 856-7200. Tickets also are available at maplegroveraceway.com.
GENERAL ADMISSION (includes pit pass) - Thursday: Adult, $12; Junior (6-12 years), free. Friday: Adult, $37; Junior (6-12 years), $10. Saturday: Adult, $49; Junior (6-12 years), $10. Sunday: Adult, $49; Junior (6-12 years), $10. Child (5 years and under), free in general admission and pit areas each day.
RESERVED SEATS (includes pit pass) - Friday: Adult, $44; Junior (6-12 years), $20; Child (5 years and under), $10. Saturday: Adult, $59; Junior (6-12 years), $20; Child (5 years and under), $10. Sunday: Adult, $60; Junior (6-12 years), $25; Child (5 years and under), $15.
CONTACT: NHRA Communications Department, (626) 914-4761. Scott Smith (317)281-5049, cell.
***
NHRA FULL THROTTLE COUNTDOWN TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP POINT STANDINGS
GLENDORA, Calif.--Point Standings (top 10) for NHRA professional categories following the 18th of 22 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series and the second of six races in the Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship, NHRA's six-race playoffs-
Top Fuel: 1. Spencer Massey, 2,267; 2. Antron Brown, 2,260; 3. Del Worsham, 2,201; 4. Larry Dixon, 2,199; 5. Tony Schumacher, 2,195; 6. Brandon Bernstein, 2,160; 7. Doug Kalitta, 2,132; 8. Shawn Langdon, 2,083; 9. David Grubnic, 2,064; 10. Morgan Lucas, 2,046.
Funny Car: 1. Mike Neff, 2,245; 2. Matt Hagan, 2,241; 3. Cruz Pedregon, 2,238; 4. Jack Beckman, 2,213; 5. Ron Capps, 2,178; 6. Robert Hight, 2,138; 7. Bob Tasca III, 2,107; 8. (tie) Jeff Arend, 2,096; John Force, 2,096; 10. Tim Wilkerson, 2,085.
Pro Stock: 1. Jason Line, 2,312; 2. Greg Anderson, 2,200; 3. Erica Enders, 2,176; 4. Mike Edwards, 2,168; 5. Vincent Nobile, 2,167; 6. Greg Stanfield, 2,123; 7. Allen Johnson, 2,114; 8. Rodger Brogdon, 2,094; 9. Shane Gray, 2,071; 10. Ron Krisher, 2,042.
Pro Stock Motorcycle: 1. Eddie Krawiec, 2,295; 2. Karen Stoffer, 2,232; 3. Hector Arana Jr, 2,205; 4. Matt Smith, 2,198; 5. Andrew Hines, 2,176; 6. LE Tonglet, 2,164; 7. Michael Phillips, 2,153; 8. Jerry Savoie, 2,124; 9. Hector Arana, 2,106; 10. Jim Underdahl, 2,086.
Pro Stock is dominated by the one-two punch that is the KB Racing team of Jason Line and Greg Anderson. They seem to have a combination that others are doing their best to figure out but just haven't been able to. Though Anderson has suffered two first-round losses in the Countdown, no other competitors have capitalized on his struggles, and he still sits second. Erica Enders moved up to third with her success in Dallas. The top 10 also includes Mike Edwards, Vincent Nobile, Greg Stanfield, Allen Johnson, Rodger Brogdon, Shane Gray and Ron Krisher.
The playoff drama is getting to all of the Pro Stock Motorcycle riders. After two rounds of the Countdown, Eddie Krawiec still leads the class despite his semifinal exit in Dallas. Karen Stoffer, who sits second, didn't capitalize on Krawiec's misstep as she exited in round two. Rookie Hector Arana Jr. is third, Matt Smith is fourth, and Krawiec's teammate, Andrew, Hines, is fifth. 2010 world champ LE Tonglet sits sixth, Dallas winner Michael Phillips is seventh, followed by Jerry Savoie, Hector Arana Sr. and Jim Underdahl.
- SCHEDULE: Full Throttle Drag Racing Series qualifying sessions are scheduled for 2 and 4:45 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 30, and at 11:15 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 1. Final eliminations will begin at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 2.
- TICKETS: Tickets are available for the 27th annual Auto-PlusŪ NHRA Nationals at www.ticketmaster.com.
- ON TV: ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise one hour and 30 minutes of qualifying coverage at 12:30 a.m. (ET) on Sunday, Oct. 2. A three-hour eliminations show will follow at 7 p.m. (ET) on Oct. 2 on ESPN2 and ESPN2HD.
- LUCAS OIL SERIES: The Auto-PlusŪ NHRA Nationals also will feature competition in seven categories in the NHRA Lucas Oil Series, where the future stars of the NHRA Full Throttle Series are born. Lucas Oil Series qualifying begins at 10 a.m. on Sept. 30. Lucas Oil Series eliminations begin at 8:45 a.m. on Sept. 30 and continue through Oct. 2.
- ON THE WEB: Get live timing, scoring, multimedia and the latest news updates from every NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series event on the Internet at www.nhra.com. Visit the official NHRA pages on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.
***
AUTO-PLUSŪ NHRA NATIONALS
WHAT: 27th annual Auto-PlusŪ NHRA Nationals, 19th of 22 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series and the third of six races in the NHRA Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship. The top 10 drivers in four categories - Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle - earn points leading to 2011 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series world championships.
WHERE: Maple Grove Raceway, Mohnton, Pa. Track is located off the Pennsylvania Turnpike (Exit 298), 10 miles south of Reading, Pa.
WHEN: Thursday through Sunday, Sept. 29-Oct. 2
SCHEDULE:
THURSDAY, Sept. 29 - LUCAS OIL SERIES qualifying at 8:45 a.m.
FRIDAY, Sept. 30 - LUCAS OIL SERIES eliminations at 8:45 a.m.
FULL THROTTLE SERIES qualifying at 2:00 p.m. and 4:45 p.m.
SATURDAY, Oct. 1 - LUCAS OIL SERIES eliminations begin at 8:45 a.m.
FULL THROTTLE SERIES qualifying at 11:15 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
SUNDAY, Oct. 2 - Pre-race ceremonies, 10 a.m.
FULL THROTTLE SERIES eliminations begin at 11 a.m.
TELEVISION:
Sunday, Oct. 2, ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise one hour and a half hours of qualifying coverage starting at 12:30 a.m. (ET).
Sunday, Oct. 2, ESPN3.com will televise of coverage of eliminations starting at 11 a.m. (ET).
Sunday, Oct. 2, ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise two and half hours of coverage starting at 7 p.m. (ET).
SATELLITE (Digital HD Feed):
Friday, Sept. 30, 9 - 9:30 p.m. (ET), AMC 3 / Transponder 16C
Saturday, Oct. 1, 6 - 6:30 p.m. (ET), AMC 3 / Transponder 16C
Sunday, Oct. 2, 7 - 7:30 p.m. (ET), AMC 3 / Transponder 16C
(4020 MHz, vertical; Data Rate: 18.295441161 Mbp; Symbol Rate: 13.235 Ms; FEC: ū; Bandwidth: 18 Mhz)
Video news release contains race action highlights each day and winners interviews on Sunday.
2010 EVENT WINNERS:
Larry Dixon, Top Fuel; Cruz Pedregon, Funny Car; Dave Connolly, Pro Stock; Andrew Hines, Pro Stock Motorcycle.
TRACK RECORDS:
Top Fuel - 3.786 seconds by Larry Dixon, Oct. 10; 322.42 mph by Dixon, Oct. 10
Funny Car - 4.011 seconds by Matt Hagan, Oct. 10; 312.35 mph by Cruz Pedregon ,Oct. 10
Pro Stock - 6.544 seconds by Greg Anderson, Oct. 10; 211.43 mph by Anderson, Oct. 10
Pro Stock Motorcycle - 6.828 seconds by Hector Arana, Oct. 10; 196.56 mph by Andrew Hines, Oct. 10
NATIONAL RECORDS:
Top Fuel - 3.770 sec. by Larry Dixon, Feb. 11, Pomona, Calif.; 327.90 mph by Tony Schumacher, Feb. 11, Pomona, Calif.
Funny Car - 3.995 sec. by Matt Hagan, Sept. 11, Concord, N.C..; 318.99 mph by Jack Beckman, Sept. 11, Charlotte, N.C.
Pro Stock - 6.495 sec. by Rodger Brogdon, March 11, Gainesville, Fla.; 213.57 mph by Erica Enders, March 11, Gainesville, Fla.
PS Motorcycle - 6.777 sec. by Hector Arana, March 11, Gainesville, Fla.; 199.26 mph by Eddie Krawiec, March 11, Gainesville, Fla.
TICKETS: For tickets call (610) 856-7200. Tickets also are available at maplegroveraceway.com.
GENERAL ADMISSION (includes pit pass) - Thursday: Adult, $12; Junior (6-12 years), free. Friday: Adult, $37; Junior (6-12 years), $10. Saturday: Adult, $49; Junior (6-12 years), $10. Sunday: Adult, $49; Junior (6-12 years), $10. Child (5 years and under), free in general admission and pit areas each day.
RESERVED SEATS (includes pit pass) - Friday: Adult, $44; Junior (6-12 years), $20; Child (5 years and under), $10. Saturday: Adult, $59; Junior (6-12 years), $20; Child (5 years and under), $10. Sunday: Adult, $60; Junior (6-12 years), $25; Child (5 years and under), $15.
CONTACT: NHRA Communications Department, (626) 914-4761. Scott Smith (317)281-5049, cell.
***
NHRA FULL THROTTLE COUNTDOWN TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP POINT STANDINGS
GLENDORA, Calif.--Point Standings (top 10) for NHRA professional categories following the 18th of 22 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series and the second of six races in the Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship, NHRA's six-race playoffs-
Top Fuel: 1. Spencer Massey, 2,267; 2. Antron Brown, 2,260; 3. Del Worsham, 2,201; 4. Larry Dixon, 2,199; 5. Tony Schumacher, 2,195; 6. Brandon Bernstein, 2,160; 7. Doug Kalitta, 2,132; 8. Shawn Langdon, 2,083; 9. David Grubnic, 2,064; 10. Morgan Lucas, 2,046.
Funny Car: 1. Mike Neff, 2,245; 2. Matt Hagan, 2,241; 3. Cruz Pedregon, 2,238; 4. Jack Beckman, 2,213; 5. Ron Capps, 2,178; 6. Robert Hight, 2,138; 7. Bob Tasca III, 2,107; 8. (tie) Jeff Arend, 2,096; John Force, 2,096; 10. Tim Wilkerson, 2,085.
Pro Stock: 1. Jason Line, 2,312; 2. Greg Anderson, 2,200; 3. Erica Enders, 2,176; 4. Mike Edwards, 2,168; 5. Vincent Nobile, 2,167; 6. Greg Stanfield, 2,123; 7. Allen Johnson, 2,114; 8. Rodger Brogdon, 2,094; 9. Shane Gray, 2,071; 10. Ron Krisher, 2,042.
Pro Stock Motorcycle: 1. Eddie Krawiec, 2,295; 2. Karen Stoffer, 2,232; 3. Hector Arana Jr, 2,205; 4. Matt Smith, 2,198; 5. Andrew Hines, 2,176; 6. LE Tonglet, 2,164; 7. Michael Phillips, 2,153; 8. Jerry Savoie, 2,124; 9. Hector Arana, 2,106; 10. Jim Underdahl, 2,086.