PODCAST UPDATE: HRML/CTR Broadcast for July 28th 2012

July 28, 2012 - Hour 1 CLICK HERE

Hot Rod Magazine Live starts off on a roll and never slows down on this weeks broadcast. First Joe’ Mini Bike Reunion get the party started and then Andrew Filippone Jr. shares insight into BLACK AIR: The Buick Grand National Documentary his documentary about a car called "a strange and curious misfit" then Johnny Omundson helps us wrap out minds around a 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle that makes 1000HP on propane.

July 28, 2012 - Hour 2 CLICK HERE

The Circle Track Hour starts off with Mike Pennington to talk about Mequiars "Ultimate Wash & Wax" and how many times you can drop a big-block into a Chevy Deuce. Then Pete Epple and Rob Fisher make a quick stop and talk ARCA racing and figure-eight late model craziness. Finally Brandon Miller gives you the path to getting Brembo NASCAR quality brakes on your Dirt Late Model or Sprint Car.

BROWN AND JOHNSON HEAD TO O’REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA NORTHWEST NATIONALS WITH OPPORTUNITY TO SWEEP THE WESTERN SWING

For the fourth time in the history of NHRA’s famed Western Swing, multiple drivers head to the third and final race of the grueling three races in three weeks trek with an opportunity to make history.

Top Fuel’s Antron Brown and Pro Stock’s Allen Johnson could become the first duo to sweep the Western Swing simultaneously. Brown, who was the last driver to sweep the Swing in 2009, has an additional carrot on the table; he could become the first driver to sweep the Swing twice.

Only seven drivers have broken out the traditional broom in the Winner’s Circle celebration at the end of the Western Swing. In addition to Brown, they are Joe Amato (1991), John Force (1994), Cory McClenathan (1997), Larry Dixon (2003), Greg Anderson (2004) and Tony Schumacher (2008).

On three previous occasions there were multiple drivers chasing the goal. When Force did it in ’94, Scott Kalitta and Darrell Alderman each came up short in their quests. When McClenathan swept Top Fuel in 1997, Jim Yates just missed becoming the first Pro Stock driver to do it. And in 2003 when Dixon accomplished the feat, Force missed the chance to become the first driver to sweep the Swing two times.

Brown and Johnson are certainly riding a strong wave of momentum as they prepare for their opportunity to sweep the Western Swing at the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Northwest Nationals presented by Super Start Batteries, Aug. 3-5 at Pacific Raceways near Seattle. Del Worsham (Top Fuel), Tim Wilkerson (Funny Car) and Jason Line (Pro Stock) were the 2011 winners at the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series event that will be televised on ESPN2HD.

Brown, who has been there before, says a little bit of Zen practice is what’s required to make it happen.

“We’re going to take the same approach this time like we did the last time,” Brown said. “We aren’t going to look into the future and we’ll just focus on the here and now.”

Brown, who squeaked past Brandon Bernstein for the win at Denver and then had to face red-hot Steve Torrence in the first round at Sonoma and later beat four-time season winner Spencer Massey in a photo finish in a thrilling side-by-side final round, knows the competition is simply too good to try and make predictions about possible outcomes.

“We aren’t going to talk about (sweeping the Western Swing),” Brown said. “We can talk about sweeping if we get to the final round at Seattle. First we have to qualify. Then we have to get past first round. There are a million little things that can go wrong on these cars at any time. We have to take it one round at a time. We need to keep our head down and keep digging.”

Johnson’s Team Mopar Dodge Avenger seems to be picking up steam with each event. He’s earned the most No. 1 qualifying positions in the category, including the last five in a row, and is now tied for the class lead in victories, with four.  Johnson outran fellow Mopar driver V. Gaines in the final round at Denver and then overcame a holeshot start by Anderson in the final to take the win at Sonoma.

His confidence seems to be growing and he’s getting more comfortable being called the Full Throttle Series points leader.

“We’re learning how to win, round by round by round,” Johnson said. “And we’re taking it one round at a time.”

A strong stable of competitors in the 200-mph factory hot rod class will be working hard to end Johnson’s streak, including Anderson, Line, Mike Edwards, Vincent Nobile and recent first-time winner Erica Enders.

However, with a victory and two runner-up finishes to his credit in recent seasons at Pacific Raceways and also given how well his car is performing at the moment, Johnson really likes his chances to become the second Pro Stock driver to sweep the Swing.

“We’ve got an awesome race car and a great team making decisions,” Johnson said. “It’s a sweet feeling knowing every time you go up there you are going to be the fastest car. You just have to be consistent as a driver. I was able to do that (in Denver and Sonoma) and hopefully I can carry that on into Seattle.”

SHOW PREVIEW: "SO CAL AMC PRESENTS ITS ALL AMERICAN MOTORS CAR SHOW , SWAP MEET AND CAR CRUISE"

Join the SO CAL AMC AMERICAN MOTORS CAR SHOW with Hot Rod Magazine for a Car Cruise at the Automobile Driving Museum from 5PM to 8 PM and then on Saturday July 28, 2012 we will hold a our annual Car Show and Swap Meet from 9AM TO 4PM - for more imformation check out their website CLICK HERE

Tasca Joins Global EcoBoost Movement at Pacific Raceways with Distinctive White, Black and Ford Blue Paint Scheme

·       Bob Tasca III participates in Ford Racing’s global EcoBoost Movement this weekend at Pacific Raceways near Seattle.

·       For this weekend only, the distinctive white, black and Ford Blue racing stripe and branding will replace the Motorcraft/Quick Lane paint scheme on Tasca’s Ford Shelby Mustang Funny Car.

·       Drivers competing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series, along with NHRA and Best in the Desert Racing Association will participate in the EcoBoost movement in North America, while their counterparts in the FIA World Rally Championship and China Touring Car Championship are involved in other parts of the world.

 

Ford Motor Company’s worldwide EcoBoost Movement hits the world’s fastest motorsport – the NHRA Full Throttle Series – in this weekend’s race at Pacific Raceways.

Bob Tasca III, whose grandfather Bob Tasca Sr. convinced Ford to get involved in the National Hot Rod Association in the sport’s infancy, is proud to compete with the white, black and Ford Blue livery on his Ford Shelby Mustang in Seattle.

“Seattle is a big race for us and it’s a big race for EcoBoost,” said Bob Tasca III, who still works at the Tasca family dealership his grandfather founded in Rhode Island. “It’s technology that Ford Motor Company really has pioneered and it’s changed the landscape of making modern-day vehicles fuel efficient and at the same time not giving up any performance.”

Special Ford EcoBoost livery will be highly visible with selected Ford drivers around the world during August to raise awareness of Ford’s latest global engine technology among consumers.

Drivers competing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series, along with NHRA and Best in the Desert Racing Association will participate in North America, while their counterparts in the FIA World Rally Championship and China Touring Car Championship are involved in other parts of the world.

EcoBoost is Ford’s global engine technology that uses smaller turbocharged engines to provide increased power and fuel efficiency while also decreasing emissions.

“You know the old saying ‘You can’t have your cake and eat it, too,’” Tasca said. “This EcoBoost technology actually gives you both. It gives you performance of a vehicle that you expect and fuel economy that you can’t believe. It’s great to be a part of this global initiative with racing to bring awareness to the EcoBoost technology.

“There’s always a lot of buzz about hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles and although they have a great place in the marketplace, there’s no better technology that’s more affordable that gives the performance and the fuel economy than EcoBoost technology and you can find it in Fords across the line-up, from the F-150 to the Ford Flex, all the way into the new Ford Fusion coming. It’s just exciting to be out here spreading the word for Ford.”

For live updates, follow the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Shelby Mustang team on Twitter (MQL_Racing) and Facebook (click on the “Twitter” icon). Follow driver Bob Tasca III on Twitter at @Tasca3 and Facebook.

“Historic” Win for Dream Cruisers

New Michigan Law Opens New Opportunities for Vintage Vehicles

Remember the days when roadways were jam-packed with cars sporting whitewalls, tailfins and chrome bumpers? It was a time when disc brakes, power windows and air conditioning weren’t standard equipment and rock bands sang about Little Deuce Coupes, GTOs and Hot Rod Lincolns. Well, welcome to Michigan in August!

In a day and time when miles per gallon often trump miles per hour in automotive conversation, the rules of the road generally aren’t intended to favor vintage vehicles. However, a new Michigan law not only benefits classics but encourages their use. Just in time for the famous Woodward Dream Cruise, Senate Bill 1146 will allow registered historic motor vehicles (more than 25 years old) unlimited use as “exhibition” vehicles the entire month of August each year. Sponsored in the legislature by Senator Mike Kowall, the bill was signed into law by Governor Rick Snyder. The new law providesMichigan historic vehicle owners the opportunity to enjoy recreational driving in the month of August in addition to the other sanctioned uses. By implication, the law also acknowledges the immeasurable time and money automotive hobbyists, especially historic vehicle owners, invest in their cars.

While, in recent times, some states have sought to restrict the usage of “historic” vehicles, toughen eligibility criteria and target old cars as a revenue source, Senator Kowall has stood up for them with this and other legislation. Kowall is a dyed-in-the-wool gearhead. Born into a family of automotive enthusiasts, he became disheartened by citations being issued to drivers of “historic” vehicles in his area. To combat this activity and help ensure another spectacular Dream Cruise, S.B. 1146 was introduced. Major groundwork for this bill had been laid by Senate Resolution No. 159 which commemorates August 2012 as Automotive Heritage Month in the state of Michigan, of which Kowall was also a sponsor.

Automotive enthusiasts everywhere can look to this law as another example of an informed state government working effectively on our behalf. Upon being introduced, S.B. 1146 moved through the Michigan state legislature with a speed akin to a racing vehicle hitting its top end. In one month’s time, the Senate Committee on Transportation (of which Kowall is vice chair) quickly passed the bill to the entire Senate, then the House Transportation Committee and full House of Representatives before reaching the governor’s desk.

Not only is Kowall a long-time member of the SAN-supported State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus, a bipartisan group comprised of state lawmakers whose common thread is a love and appreciation for automobiles, but his wife Eileen who serves in the Michigan House of Representatives is a member as well. Although she is not nearly the automotive aficionado that her husband is, Eileen helps maintain the couple’s own classic car collection. However, they are not the only partners to share membership in the caucus. Others include Senator Ted Gaines and Assemblymember Beth Gaines, both in the California legislature, as well as New Hampshire Senator Andy Sanborn and Representative Laurie Sanborn.

Credit for the victory of S.B. 1146 is owed in no small part to the passionate Michigan hobbyists who answered the call and participated in letting lawmakers know their feelings about this issue. We encourage SAN members to continue to make in-roads with legislators in their state so that the network can report more successes like this. “Spend eight hours getting to know your legislators, and follow their progress,” Kowall advises. “Offer your special car to them for a parade appearance. This small investment could pay off 10-fold!” Hobby-friendly lawmakers in your state, members of the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus, can be found on the SAN website at www.semasan.com.

Kenny Brown Light-Weight Radiator Core Support for 2005-2013 Mustang and Shelby GT500

Kenny Brown has released his NEW Light-Weight Radiator Core Support designed to fit all 2005-2013 Mustangs, Boss 302 and Shelby GT500.  The new core support is another addition to Kenny's popular AGS 4.0 line of chassis and suspension components designed to add strength and reduce weight.

“Our new Light-Weight Radiator Core Support is another product of our GT-4 Mustang development program, according to Kenny Brown.  It's another great way to shed a few pounds on the front of the car and gain some strength for the track, but we also designed it for street use so all of the factory bracing and sway bar brackets fit through 2013".

The Light-Weight Radiator Core Support is designed to replace the factory component and is a bolt-on part that requires no modifications.  The new core support also allows for use of the factory support bracing used on 2011-2013 model Mustangs, equipped with electronic steering. Tubular design also allows for a considerable reduction in weight over the factory stamped steel support, and helps to further improve the weight balance of the car.  The assembly is manufactured from high-grade steel, finished in a durable powder coating, and includes all required hardware.

HIGH-PROFILE FUNNY CAR ROOKIES ALEXIS DEJORIA AND COURTNEY FORCE EXCITED TO RETURN TO PACIFIC RACEWAYS

The battle between rookie Funny Car drivers Alexis DeJoria and Courtney Force is heating up as the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to the Northwest for the 25th annual O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Northwest Nationals presented by Super Start Batteries at Pacific Raceways near Seattle, the third and final stop of the grueling Western Swing.

In addition to bragging rights in the pits, both are leading candidates for the prestigious Auto Club Road to the Future Award, presented each season to the top rookie driver at the season-ending awards ceremony.

Both drivers have experienced some growing pains throughout their rookie campaign, however each have had plenty of moments to shine as well.

Force has reached two final rounds behind the wheel of her Traxxas Ford Mustang this season, but has also learned how difficult the 7,000-horspeower nitro-burning machines can be to drive when she brushed the wall at high-speed early in the season.

DeJoria has also reached a final round, in Bristol, Tenn., but the Tequila Patron Toyota Camry team has learned what it’s like to be on the sidelines Sunday morning after posting DNQs at races in Denver and Norwalk, Ohio.

Following Sonoma, Force is seventh in the points standings and has qualified for each of the 14 races.

“There have definitely been some ups and downs during my rookie season in Funny Car,” Force said. “I have learned a lot so far this season, and will continue learning each time I'm in the seat and every pass down the racetrack I am learning something new. Overall, I'm very excited with how this season is going.”

DeJoria is 13th overall in the series standings and will need to make a move at the next three events if she is going to join Force in the top 10 and qualify for the Countdown to the Championship. However, no matter the outcome, she’s pleased with how her team, which is led by former driver Del Worsham, has performed this season.

“If I had to grade my personal performance, I’d give myself a seven out of 10,” DeJoria said. “I think I’ve overcome a lot and I’ve done pretty well this season. I always strive to do better and am constantly pushing myself to do better.”

As the tour heads to Seattle, both drivers are looking forward to returning to the track where they each earned their first Wally trophies in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series. DeJoria won in Top Alcohol Funny Car at the event last season and Force claimed a Top Alcohol Dragster victory at the scenic facility in 2009.

“I'm so excited to be back in Seattle being that I earned my first ever national event Wally at this race track when I was competing in Top Alcohol Dragster,” Force said. “I'm really hoping this is my lucky track and I'll be able to do just as well in the Funny Car class this weekend.”

Said DeJoria: “It’s very exciting to go back to the place where I won last season in Top Alcohol Funny Car. You can’t help but feel confident going back to a place where you’ve had such great success.”

They are two of the most high-profile rookies to enter NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series competition in many seasons, so ultimately there is quite a bit of pressure for both drivers to not only perform on the track, but also off the track as ambassadors for the sport of NHRA Drag Racing and their respective sponsors.

“Taking on the role of an ambassador and role model is something that I value very much,” said DeJoria, daughter of famed entrepreneur John Paul DeJoria. “I’m very passionate about what I do, which makes it very easy for me to talk so openly about it. I have a daughter myself so it’s important for me and if I can be a positive role model to not only my daughter, but any other young girl seeking someone to look up to, I feel as if I’ve done my job.”

The 24-year-old Force is the daughter of 15-time NHRA Funny Car world champ John Force. Racing has been a part of her life for as long as she can remember.

“I love what I do for a living,” Force said. “It has always been a dream of mine to race professionally in the NHRA so it is an amazing feeling to also have the opportunity to fulfill the duty of representing my favorite sport, the NHRA. As far as being a role model, I just hope I can be represented as a symbol of what young girls are capable of doing when they grow up, and that if they stick to their dream, they can make it happen with enough motivation, drive, and a positive attitude.”

As much as DeJoria and Force hope to earn their first career Funny Car victories at Pacific Raceways, there are many other drivers in the category who will be battling them for the title. That includes three-time defending event Funny Car winner Tim Wilkerson, who is fighting for a spot in the top 10.

Reigning Funny Car world champ Matt Hagan is coming off his first final round of the season and hoping to build upon that success in Seattle with hopes of passing Wilkerson in 11th and John Force in 10th, so he can earn a playoff berth.

In Top Fuel, Don Schumacher Racing has dominated all season long with Antron Brown and Spencer Massey tied atop to the point standings and Tony Schumacher is in third right behind his teammates. The battle is brewing between Clay Millican and Bob Vandergriff  for the 10th and final spot in the Countdown. Millican is four points out of 10th with just three races left until the Countdown begins.

Allen Johnson and his Mopar Dodge Avenger took over the points lead in Denver and extended it with a win over Greg Anderson at the most recent NHRA event in Sonoma, Calif. The battle at the top is tight, but so is the battle for the 9th and 10th spots, between Ron Krisher, Jeg Coughlin, V. Gaines and Larry Morgan. With only three races left before the Countdown to the Championship, the battle for the final top 10 spots in all of the classes kicks into high gear starting at Seattle.

Seattle Space Needle to Host Grime Boss Funny Car and Driver Todd Lesenko

NHRA rookie Funny Car driver and Canadian resident, Todd Lesenko, has been able check a few items off  his “to do list” this season by touring the United States with the NHRA Full Throttle Series and getting to race at many of the storied tracks that have made the sport of drag racing so popular.  Along the way he’s been able to travel to new destinations in the U.S., and visit special attractions like the Empire State building in Manhattan after the nearby Englishtown, New Jersey race.   At the upcoming NHRA Northwest Nationals in Seattle, Lesenko will get to check another item off his list by visiting the famous Space Needle and having his Jim Dunn Racing, Grime Boss Funny Car on display at the same time.

Thursday, August 2, 2012, from 1:00 – 2:00pm, fans in the Seattle area will be able to meet Todd Lesenko and get autographs and pictures with him and the Grime Boss Funny Car at the Space Needle.

Drag racing fans in the U.S. have embraced Lesenko, a native of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, and a significant number are following him on his popular twitter account, @JDunnRacing.  They particularly like to connect with him at pre-race activities.  “My wife and I have really enjoyed NHRA’s Western Swing, traveling from Denver to Sonoma, and now to Seattle these past three weeks, stopping to meet so many new fans along the way” said Lesenko.  “We had a blast signing autographs at the Mopar Big Block Party in Colorado prior to the Mile High Nationals, and answering fan questions at the Wine Country Winner’s Circle Q&A during the Sonoma race weekend.  This week I am excited to have the Grime Boss Funny Car on display and participate in the NHRA event press conference at the Space Needle in Seattle.  This is fun stuff and provides great exposure for our sponsors like Grime Boss hand wipes, AGI a Uni-Select member in Canada, and Jerry’s Auto Supply here in the Seattle area.”

In addition to his growing fan base in the U.S., Lesenko is also importing a fairly good sized crowd from Canada for the Seattle race, and has a ready-made local audience attending through Jerry’s Auto Supply stores in the area.  “Whether it’s at my Fountain Tire Store in Edmonton, or at any of the seven Jerry’s Auto Supply stores in Eastern Washington, we share Uni-Select’s commitment to quality parts, fair prices, and excellent customer service. I’m proud to have the great folks from Jerry’s Auto Supply as part of my team this weekend in Seattle. ”

Once the pre-race festivities have concluded, Lesenko will climb into the Grime Boss Funny Car beginning with the opening qualifying session on Friday, August 3 at Pacific Raceways in Kent, Washington to focus on winning his first NHRA national event in the Nitro Funny Car category.

COPO BUILD SPOTLIGHT: CAR #3 STEPS UP TO THE PLATE

In my efforts to keep the audience of Hot Rod Magazine Live up to date on the COPO Camaros I always make sure to stop by "The Block" and see what the mad geniuses have going on inside the assembly facility. CLICK HERE TO SEE THE WHOLE STORY. 

SEVEN DRIVERS EARN FULL THROTTLE COUNTDOWN TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP BERTHS AT NHRA SONOMA NATIONALS

Seven drivers clinched Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship playoff berths at the NHRA Sonoma Nationals, bringing the number of drivers who have secured their invitations to the playoffs to 14.

Top Fuel racers Antron Brown and Tony Schumacher, along with Funny Car driver Ron Capps, and Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Hector Arana Jr. all locked up their positions during NHRA Sonoma Nationals qualifying.

On Sunday, Pro Stock racers Mike Edwards and Vincent Nobile clinched by advancing to round two, and Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Hector Arana Sr. clinched by advancing to the semifinals.

The NHRA Full Throttle Series regular season concludes Labor Day weekend at the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Auto-Plus in Indianapolis. A six-race playoff series, the Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship, will lead to the crowning of the 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series champs. The Countdown begins Sept. 14-16 at zMAX Dragway near Charlotte, N.C.

COUNTDOWN FIELDS TO DATE

Top Fuel

1. Spencer Massey

2. Antron Brown

3. Tony Schumacher

Funny Car

1. Robert Hight

2. Ron Capps

Pro Stock

1. Greg Anderson

2. Jason Line

3. Allen Johnson

4. Mike Edwards

5. Vincent Nobile

Pro Stock Motorcycle

1. Eddie Krawiec

2. Andrew Hines

3. Hector Arana Jr.

4. Hector Arana Sr.

BROWN, GRAY, A. JOHNSON AND KRAWIEC RACE TO VICTORIES AT NHRA SONOMA NATIONALS

Antron Brown raced to the Top Fuel victory Sunday at the NHRA Sonoma Nationals, and moved into position to become the first NHRA driver to sweep the three-race Western Swing twice.

Johnny Gray (Funny Car), Allen Johnson (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also were winners of the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series event near San Francisco.

Brown, who became one of seven drivers in NHRA history to sweep the Western Swing in 2009, outran Spencer Massey in the final to claim his third win at Sonoma, his fourth victory of the season and 35th of his career. Brown’s Matco Tools dragster produced a final round performance of 3.814 seconds at 318.02 mph to hold off Massey’s charging FRAM/Prestone dragster, which finished in 3.826 at 323.50.

“The car is just running phenomenal, it’s so easy to drive,” said Brown, who defeated Steve Torrence, Tony Schumacher and Brandon Bernstein to advance to the final round.

“The boys (crew chiefs Mark Oswald and Brian Corradi) made great decisions each and every round,” Brown continued. “It’s one of those weekends that worked out. It was brutal for us given the (eliminations) ladder we had. We had to take it one round at a time. We kept our head down and kept digging. We aren’t going to talk about (sweeping the Western Swing). We can talk about sweeping if we get to the final round at Seattle next weekend. First we have to qualify. Then we have to get past first round. The competition is just that good.”

Brown says he’ll try to remember what worked for him in 2009 as he approaches a second sweep of the Western Swing.

“We’re going to take the same approach this time like we did the last time,” Brown said. “We aren’t going to look into the future and we’ll just focus on the here and now.”

Due to qualifying bonus points earned by Massey, he and Brown moved into a tie for the series lead. They are 126 in front of third place Tony Schumacher, the seven-time world champ.

“We’re just trying to shoot for it and win as many races as possible,” Brown said. “We want to go into the Countdown as the points leader and there’s an extra 20 points on the line if you can do that. That proved to be huge last year in the final race of the season. We are clawing for everything that we can get.”

In Funny Car, Gray claimed his second victory of the season by defeating defending world champ Matt Hagan in the final round. Gray posted a winning effort of 4.142 at 305.15 in his Service Central Dodge Charger, while Hagan trailed with a 5.461 at 146.67 in his Aaron’s/Mopar Charger.

“We had a great race car all weekend,” Gray said. “We struggled a little in qualifying, but I have a great crew and crew chief and they gave me a great race car today.”

Gray won from the No. 6 qualifying position, beating Tim Wilkerson, Gary Densham and Denver winner Jack Beckman en route to his third final round of the season. With the win he remained in fifth place, but now trails fourth place Mike Neff by 18 points. He’s 62 points out of third.

“I’d like to move up a little bit more and earn a few more points to start the Countdown with,” said Gray, who didn’t make the Countdown last season. “I’m ready for the Countdown, we’ve got a great race car.”

Johnson raced to his fourth Pro Stock win of the season, beating four-time world champ Greg Anderson in the final round. Johnson, who will join Brown in a quest to sweep the Western Swing in Seattle next week, won from the top qualifying position with a final round effort of 6.542 at 211.76 in his Team Mopar Dodge Avenger, overcoming a near perfect reaction time from Anderson, who trailed with a 6.573 at 210.93 in his Summit Racing Chevy Camaro.

“We’ve got an awesome race car and a great team making decisions,” Johnson said. “It’s a sweet feeling knowing every time you go up there you are going to be the fastest car. You just have to be consistent as a driver. I was able to do that today and hopefully I can carry that on into Seattle.”

Johnson used a consistent string of low 6.50s to beat early round opponents Matt Hartford, Jeg Coughlin and Jason Line. He also had the quicker reaction time in each round except the final.

“We’re learning how to win, round by round by round,” Johnson said. “And we’re taking it one round at a time.”

Johnson, who increased his series lead to 54 points over Anderson, feels confident that he can become the eighth driver to sweep the swing and only the second Pro Stock driver to accomplish the rare feat, joining Anderson (2004).

“I can’t imagine winning two in a row and we’ve done it with earning maximum points,” Johnson said. “Every round of qualifying and eliminations we had the quickest car. It’s mind-boggling to me. We are getting in the championship mind set. I’ve never thought of myself as the best out here. So I have to start thinking that way and get my confidence up so we can get ready for the Countdown.”

In Pro Stock Motorcycle, top qualifier Krawiec raced to his fifth victory of the season and second in a row, once again beating teammate Andrew Hines in the final round. In a battle between Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidsons, Krawiec raced to a final round performance of 6.809 at 197.74 to drive around the quicker-reacting Hines, who trailed with a 6.839 at 196.27.

To advance to the final, Krawiec defeated Angie Smith, John Hall and Hector Arana Sr. Krawiec’s bike posted the low E.T. of the weekend in the first round win with a 6.785. He then ran low 6.80s in the final three round wins.

“You can’t make mistakes out here,” Krawiec said. “We’re focusing on round wins. You get enough of them and that will equal race wins and then enough of those will win championships. I just want to see win lights.”

The win was the eighth of the season for the Harley team and continues their domination dating back to last season. Hines advanced to his fourth consecutive final round appearance. The two riders are one and two in the series standings and pulling away from the pack.

“Hopefully we don’t peak before the Countdown,” Krawiec said. “We can dominate and be the team for the first 10 races, but we could fizzle out for the final six, and the end result is you don’t win the championship. Our main goal is to stay on top of our program and do the best we can.”

The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series continues Aug. 3-5 with the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Northwest Nationals presented by Super Start Batteries at Pacific Raceways near Seattle, the third and final leg of the Western Swing.

* * *

SONOMA, Calif. -- Final finish order (1-16) at the 25th annual NHRA Sonoma Nationals at Raceway at Sonoma.  The race is the 14th of 23 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series.

TOP FUEL:

1.  Antron Brown; 2.  Spencer Massey; 3.  Doug Kalitta; 4.  Brandon Bernstein; 5.  Clay Millican; 6.  Shawn Langdon; 7.  Tony Schumacher; 8.  David Grubnic; 9.  Steve Torrence; 10.  Bob Vandergriff; 11.  Mike Strasburg; 12.  Terry McMillen; 13.  Mike Salinas; 14.  Morgan Lucas; 15. Khalid alBalooshi; 16.  Scott Palmer.

FUNNY CAR:

1.  Johnny Gray; 2.  Matt Hagan; 3.  Jack Beckman; 4.  Cruz Pedregon; 5.  Robert Hight; 6.  Gary Densham; 7.  Jeff Arend; 8.  Alexis DeJoria; 9.  Courtney Force; 10.  John Force; 11.  Jeff Diehl; 12.  Mike Neff; 13.  Tim Wilkerson; 14.  Ron Capps; 15.  Dale Creasy Jr.; 16.  Bob Tasca III.

PRO STOCK:

1.  Allen Johnson; 2.  Greg Anderson; 3.  Jason Line; 4.  Mike Edwards; 5.  Vincent Nobile; 6. Erica Enders; 7.  Larry Morgan; 8.  Jeg Coughlin; 9.  Warren Johnson; 10.  Shane Gray; 11.  V. Gaines; 12.  Matt Hartford; 13.  JR Carr; 14.  Gordie Rivera; 15.  Kurt Johnson; 16.  Ron Krisher.

PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE:

1.  Eddie Krawiec; 2.  Andrew Hines; 3.  Hector Arana; 4.  Hector Arana Jr; 5.  Karen Stoffer; 6. John Hall; 7.  Scotty Pollacheck; 8.  Shawn Gann; 9.  Angie Smith; 10.  Jerry Savoie; 11.  Michael Ray; 12.  Steve Johnson; 13.  Katie Sullivan; 14.  Matt Guidera; 15.  Matt Smith; 16.  Michael Phillips.

SONOMA, Calif. -- Sunday's final results from the 25th annual NHRA Sonoma Nationals at Raceway at Sonoma. The race is the 14th of 23 in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series:

Top Fuel -- Antron Brown, 3.814 seconds, 318.02 mph  def. Spencer Massey, 3.826 seconds, 323.50 mph.

Funny Car -- Johnny Gray, Dodge Charger, 4.142, 305.15  def. Matt Hagan, Charger, 5.461, 146.67.

Pro Stock -- Allen Johnson, Dodge Avenger, 6.542, 211.76  def. Greg Anderson, Chevy Camaro, 6.573, 210.93.

Pro Stock Motorcycle -- Eddie Krawiec, Harley-Davidson, 6.809, 197.74  def. Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 6.839, 196.27.

Super Stock -- Justin Lamb, Cobalt, 8.586, 154.32  def. Dave Raybourn, Dart, 8.589, 154.14.

Stock Eliminator -- Tommy Gaynor, Camaro, 10.863, 109.19  def. Dave Bridgewater, Camaro, 10.505, 123.01.

Top Dragster -- Bobby Ray McMahan, Dragster, 6.553, 206.76  def. Val Torres Jr., Dragster, 6.648, 202.21.

Top Sportsman -- Ed Olpin, Camaro, 7.575, 181.11  def. Todd Stewart, Cobalt, 7.097, 186.20.

Super Comp -- Aaron Kinard, Dragster, 8.952, 164.75  def. Justin Morgan, Dragster, 8.894, 173.09.

Super Gas -- Rob Willis, Firebird, 9.958, 148.97  def. Ronnie Lahn, Cavalier, foul.