After a national search, NHRA has hired motorsports executive Tony Driscoll to become vice president of sales and business development. Driscoll will be based in Charlotte and will report to Gary Darcy, NHRA senior vice president of sales and marketing.

Driscoll has spent more than 10 years working in motorsports, most recently as senior director of partnership and integrated media sales for International Speedway Corp. (ISC). ISC, whose primary business is the ownership and management of 13 NASCAR racetracks, is a leading promoter of motorsports activities. In his role as senior director, Driscoll was responsible for developing integrated partnership for Corporate America. Driscoll has worked in ISC’s corporate office in Daytona, Fla., since 2003 and spent the last six years working in various capacities, including as director of licensing business development.

“Bringing somebody of Tony’s caliber with his background and experience to our sales team rounds out our commitment to increase NHRA’s visibility among Corporate America and increase sponsorship development,” said NHRA President Tom Compton.

“NHRA offers an incredible value proposition, and we believe we have a significant opportunity to expand our sponsorship base both at the league and team level,” said Darcy. “With the addition of Tony, coupled with IMG and our current sales team in-house, we are poised to aggressively and proactively make an immediate impact on the national sports sponsorship community.” NHRA’s internal sales team will report directly to Driscoll.

NHRA will maintain its strategic alliance with IMG, which began in 2008, as its exclusive outside sponsorship marketing agent at the league level. Driscoll will split time between NHRA’s corporate headquarters in Glendora, Calif., and his permanent location in Charlotte. Coupled with IMG’s strong presence in New York, NHRA now boasts a strong sales effort presence in New York, Charlotte, and Southern California.

The list of companies that Driscoll has worked with is a who’s who of Corporate America and includes some of the most recognizable brands in the world. His relationships with key decision makers in sports sponsorships are ideally suited to support NHRA’s recent commitment to drive broader awareness for the sport in corporate boardrooms.

“I’m excited to join NHRA and am anxious to get started on meeting the current partners and immediately make an impact on developing new partnerships,” said Driscoll. “This is an incredible opportunity, and I believe my experience will allow me to contribute to the continued success of NHRA.”

Driscoll graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in marketing.
 

NHRA and Safety-Kleen Systems Inc. have announced an agreement to provide containers and disposal of properly segregated nonhazardous waste materials free of charge to the race teams attending this weekend’s Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals. Safety-Kleen also has been named the preferred provider for environmental services, fluid waste disposal, and parts cleaner service at Gainesville Raceway.

Earlier this year, NHRA announced a new environmental management policy for NHRA events and/or facilities. Teams are now fully responsible for following all laws and regulations and the NHRA rule. Teams must maintain separate waste streams and maintain an environmental management system in their respective pit areas.

NHRA and Safety-Kleen Systems will provide containers and secondary containment devices as well as proper labels for segregation and accumulation of waste generated by the teams. Safety-Kleen also will service its disposal. Although NHRA and Safety-Kleen are providing the containers and waste disposal, all teams must follow the policy announced by NHRA earlier this year. Under the new policy, teams are encouraged not to generate any hazardous waste. Although nonhazardous materials will be removed without cost to teams, any team generating hazardous waste will be subject to management and disposal costs that will be its sole responsibility. In addition, any team found in violation of the rules and procedures will be subject to governmental fines as well as penalties under the NHRA rule.

Related stories:
NHRA announces environmental management responsibility for all participants

Craig Treble returns to Don Schumacher Racing to ride the Valvoline Motorcycle Oils Suzuki at the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series Pro Stock Motorcycle season opener this weekend, the 41st annual Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville.

Treble last rode a DSR motorcycle in a limited season in 2008, winning once in one final round and reaching the semifinals two times. In his career, he has won 14 national events in 29 final rounds, including two victories in three final rounds in 2009 running his own team.

Longtime DSR Pro Stock Motorcycle crew chief Steve Tartaglia will tune the Valvoline Motorcycle Oils Suzuki.

“I’m thrilled to be back with Schumacher and with Steve Tartaglia,” said Treble, who will relocate from New Orleans to Brownsburg, Ind. “The NHRA has given the Suzukis 100ccs, which is a huge deal. The way I see it, I’m pretty much on the fastest Suzuki in the class, if history repeats itself. And the 100ccs may be what we need to get a real shot at coming after the V-Twins. They’ve been beating the class up pretty good for the last couple of years.” Matt Smith rode the same Suzuki to one final round in 2009 and qualified No. 1 twice, ending the season fourth in the standings on the top Suzuki in the class.

“We’re pleased to have Valvoline Motorcycle Oils come onboard to sponsor the Suzuki in the first two races of the 2010 season,” said team owner Don Schumacher. “It will help raise the awareness among motorcycle owners that Valvoline offers a high-quality motorcycle oil that is available in retail auto-parts stores. We will continue to pursue other sponsorship for Treble to continue to compete for the rest of 2010.”

“It ought to be a very interesting year, to say the least,” added Treble. “We have to come out swinging and kick some butt in the first couple of races. Hopefully we can give Valvoline Motorcycle Oils a good value for their investment. I know we’re going to have a fast bike, and Steve is a very smart man.”

“We at Valvoline love racing and love engines of all types — cars, trucks, and certainly motorcycles,” said John Stotz, Valvoline global brands director. “Having Valvoline on and inside Craig’s bike is a great way to remind users of Valvoline Motorcycle Oil that they’re using the best.

“Being with Don Schumacher Racing in Pro Stock Motorcycle brings together two winners,” Stotz continued. “When it comes to drag racing, DSR is unmatched, and when it comes to motorcycle oil, Valvoline is the No. 1 brand in retail auto channels. It’s a perfect fit.”
 

After a decade of existence as an exhibition class, the Get Screened America Pro Mod Series will make its official debut as a full-fledged NHRA series at this weekend's Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals, and team owner/driver Roger Burgess couldn't be happier.

"A lot of people contributed a lot of time and effort to make this happen," Burgess said. "By becoming an official class it legitimizes everything we've been doing. Racing for Wally (trophies) is going to be very exciting. Everyone wants one of those little gold men. They are the NHRA's iconic symbol of success."

NHRA President Tom Compton lauded Burgess;' effort and dedication to make the new series a reality.

"The Get Screened America Pro Mod Series wouldn’t be possible without Roger Burgess, and I'm not talking about his obvious sponsorship of the series through his business," said Compton. "I'm talking about Roger Burgess himself.

"We don’t take launching a new series lightly and without our belief in Roger Burgess and what he brings to the relationship, both personally, and professionally, this would not have been possible. We owe a great deal of appreciation and gratitude to Roger for his belief in the NHRA and his belief in the class. He's very passionate about the Pro Mod class and he's a very genuine. We're thrilled and excited to begin a new era with the Get Screened America Pro Mod Series in Gainesville.

According to Burgess, since the announcement of the NHRA Get Screened America Pro Mod Drag Racing Series, the requests for a spot in the elite field have gone off the charts.

"It's a historic time for Pro Mods and we've been overwhelmed with requests from teams that want to take part in the series," Burgess said. "The NHRA was kind enough to push our number of entries for Gainesville from 24 to 28 and we still have several more wanting in.

"Being on ESPN2 also will help tremendously, especially with bringing corporate sponsors to the table for all of our competitors. This is big year for us."

Burgess himself will be among the drivers looking to claim the first Wally at the 41st annual Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals starting Friday at Gainesville Raceway.

"We have a brand-new '67 Camaro we wanted to use in 2010 but it hasn't tested very well so we've decided to start the season in one of last year's cars, a '63 Corvette," he said. "We obviously still have quite a bit of confidence in that car. We'll get the new one figured out and have it on track as soon as it's ready.

"If the weather cooperates, we could see the first all five-second field at this track. Every car on the entry list has run in the fives and half have run 5.8s. The fans are in for a treat."

When not at the racetrack, Burgess manages several businesses, which he says makes the downtime between seasons go quickly. But once the calendar gets close, the owner and founder of ProCare Rx and R2B2 Motors says he takes steps to get in a racing frame of mind.

"When the off-season first arrives you have to kind of forget about driving if you can," Burgess said. "When I'm out of the car I have a lot of other interests to keep me occupied so it's not too tough to get through it all.

"When the season gets closer I begin training. I do a lot of visualization. I'll try to remember the best run we've ever made and just relive it over and over in my mind. You want to train yourself to instinctively do all the things that make it a good run."

Part of that instinct is to get the feel for what it's going to be like on race day.

"I put my firesuit on at the shop and just wear it around," Burgess said. "It's important to be as comfortable as possible in your gear so I'll wear it until I realize I forgot I was wearing it, then I know I'm used to having it on.

"We have a practice tree as well. It doesn't replicate the car completely, and it certainly doesn't react like the car, but it keeps you mentally sharp and gets your mind to focus.

"We've got a big season ahead of us. It's about to start and we're all very excited. I can't wait to fire up the car on Friday."
 

After a decade as an exhibition class, the Get Screened America Pro Mod Drag Racing Series will make its official debut as a full-fledged NHRA series at this weekend's Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals, and team owner and driver Roger Burgess couldn't be happier.

"A lot of people contributed a lot of time and effort to make this happen," Burgess said. "By becoming an official class, it legitimizes everything we've been doing. Racing for Wally [trophies] is going to be very exciting. Everyone wants one of those little gold men. They are the NHRA's iconic symbol of success."

NHRA President Tom Compton lauded Burgess' effort and dedication to make the new series a reality.

"The Get Screened America Pro Mod Series wouldn’t be possible without Roger Burgess, and I'm not talking about his obvious sponsorship of the series through his business," said Compton. "I'm talking about Roger Burgess himself.

"We don’t take launching a new series lightly, and without our belief in Roger Burgess and what he brings to the relationship, both personally and professionally, this would not have been possible. We owe a great deal of appreciation and gratitude to Roger for his belief in the NHRA and his belief in the class. He's very passionate about the Pro Mod class, and he's very genuine. We're thrilled and excited to begin a new era with the Get Screened America Pro Mod Series in Gainesville."

According to Burgess, since the announcement of the NHRA Get Screened America Pro Mod Drag Racing Series, requests for a spot in the elite field have gone off the charts.

"It's a historic time for Pro Mods, and we've been overwhelmed with requests from teams that want to take part in the series," Burgess said. "The NHRA was kind enough to push our number of entries for Gainesville from 24 to 28, and we still have several more wanting in.

"Being on ESPN2 also will help tremendously, especially with bringing corporate sponsors to the table for all of our competitors. This is a big year for us."

Burgess will be among the drivers looking to claim the first Wally at the 41st annual Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals beginning Friday at Gainesville Raceway.

"We have a brand-new '67 Camaro we wanted to use in 2010, but it hasn't tested very well, so we've decided to start the season in one of last year's cars, a '63 Corvette," he said. "We obviously still have quite a bit of confidence in that car. We'll get the new one figured out and have it on track as soon as it's ready.

"If the weather cooperates, we could see the first all-five-second field at this track. Every car on the entry list has run in the fives and half have run 5.8s. The fans are in for a treat."

When not at the racetrack, Burgess manages several businesses, which he says makes the downtime between seasons go quickly. But once the season gets close, the owner and founder of ProCare Rx and R2B2 Motors says he takes steps to get in a racing frame of mind.

"When the off-season first arrives, you have to kind of forget about driving if you can," Burgess said. "When I'm out of the car, I have a lot of other interests to keep me occupied, so it's not too tough to get through it all.

"When the season gets closer, I begin training. I do a lot of visualization. I'll try to remember the best run we've ever made and just relive it over and over in my mind. You want to train yourself to instinctively do all the things that make it a good run."

Part of that instinct is to get the feel for what it's going to be like on race day.

"I put my firesuit on at the shop and just wear it around," Burgess said. "It's important to be as comfortable as possible in your gear, so I'll wear it until I realize I forgot I was wearing it, then I know I'm used to having it on.

"We have a practice Tree as well. It doesn't replicate the car completely, and it certainly doesn't react like the car, but it keeps you mentally sharp and gets your mind to focus.

"We've got a big season ahead of us. It's about to start, and we're all very excited. I can't wait to fire up the car on Friday."
 

As part of a NAPA Auto Parts March promotion, Ron Capps will drive the NAPA Filters Dodge Charger Funny Car at the 41st annual Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville, March 11-14, the third event of the 2010 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series.

During March, consumers will receive a free NAPA racing cap with any purchase at participating NAPA Auto Parts stores (while supplies last) and will receive 40 percent off the regular price of NAPA Gold Filters (air/oil/fuel/cabin air). At NAPA AutoCare Centers or any installer using NAPA parts, consumers will receive a $20 mail-in rebate when they purchase a NAPA Gold Air or Cabin air filter in conjunction with an oil change using a NAPA Gold or ProSelect oil filter.

"I've been talking about the NAPA Know How that has helped us get to the final round in Pomona and to the quarterfinals in Phoenix, in the first two races of the 2010 season," said Capps, who is third in the points standings, "and that's the theme this season. NHRA racing fans should take advantage of this promotion and root us on in Gainesville. We won the race in Topeka last year with the Adaptive One Brakes NAPA body, so we're hoping for the same results with the NAPA Filters body."

“We are looking forward to seeing Ron run the NAPA Filters paint scheme this weekend at the Gatornationals. We couldn’t think of a better place to showcase the above promotions than this historic event. We hope the fans enjoy the paint scheme and are able to take advantage of our special offers during the month of March," commented Mike Rearden, NAPA director of events/sponsorships.

The amended 2010 NHRA Rulebook, containing amendments made Dec. 8, 2009-March 1, 2010, is available online in the secure Members section of NHRA.com. Members and associate members may view, download, and print the amended Rulebook or portions of it at their convenience. Amendments, which also appear as a list under the Competition tab on NHRA.com and regularly in National DRAGSTER, are highlighted in the updated online version for easy reference.

The NHRA Rulebook is an online benefit for members that in 2010 replaced the print version, previously distributed in membership kits or as a ride-along to an issue of National DRAGSTER. For those who prefer a traditional print version, a limited number is available for sale. NHRA members will receive a 30 percent discount on one copy by calling 800-308-NHRA (6472) to order.

HOW TO ACCESS THE RULEBOOK: Members and associate members who are already registered to use the secure Members section need only log in at the top left of any NHRA.com page as usual and then click on Member Features to access the Rulebook.

Members and associate members who haven’t yet registered to use the secure Members section must first register to be able to access the online Rulebook and all of the other online member benefits. To register, log on to NHRA.com and click on Member Website Registration at the top of any page.

DOWNLOAD RULEBOOK
 

Multicar team owner Roger Burgess has announced that driver Melanie Troxel will race the team's Funny Car at the upcoming NHRA races in Gainesville and Charlotte.

Original plans that reflected available sponsorship dollars called for Troxel to park the car until April 9-11 for the national event at Houston Raceway Park, but Burgess decided to pay for the next two events out of his own pocket to help the newly formed Funny Car team find a rhythm.

"Racing six national events in a row gives everyone the best chance to find a good, solid tune-up," Burgess said. "In this way, by the time we get to Houston and the first Las Vegas race, we'll be ready to put the In-N-Out Burger body back on the car and really show them something on the racetrack.

"We've had a good start, but the team did come together late in the off-season, so the guys have been working overtime to get on pace with the other top teams. Everyone wanted to keep the momentum going, so I made the call. Like everyone else, I love seeing Melanie race."

Troxel and Burgess did sign In-N-Out Burger to a title sponsorship deal in the off-season; however, they only race for In-N-Out Burger during eight select races in the western United States. The team continues to look for support for the other 15 races in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series.

"We're running the Vietnam Veterans Tribute body in Gainesville and Charlotte, which is something that's very dear to my heart," Burgess said. "But if we find a suitable corporate partner before then, we can definitely get their name in front of millions of drag racing fans right away. Hopefully, we can get a deal done for all the races we have open and Melanie can truly run for the championship. She's as good as they come; she just needs the chance."

The only woman in history with victories in Funny Car and Top Fuel, Troxel was thrilled with the decision to run two extra events. In Gainesville, she'll also have her first chance to run Pro Mod, which she'll do as a teammate to Burgess and Ray Commisso.

"The Funny Car already has shown so much promise," Troxel said. "We're all excited about running the first six in a row. Now we can really put our minds to making the car quicker and more consistent. But, to be clear, we're not testing; we're trying to win.

"Gainesville will be my first time running both cars at the same event. I admit I was getting a little nervous about that prospect, but after Phoenix, we went testing, and it all came together for me. I've definitely figured out that I need some time before each run to gather my thoughts and mentally go through the procedures for each race car because they are very, very different. When you're in the car, you want everything to be instinctive and automatic.

"It's also going to be a lot of fun racing with Roger and Ray again. They haven't raced since last November, so I know they're excited, and that will lift the mood of the entire team to an even higher level. Gainesville is going to be a blast."

Kurt Busch, the 2004 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion, will return to his drag racing roots during the 41st running of the Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals March 11-14 at historic Gainesville Raceway.

The driver of the No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge for Penske Racing is set to get behind the wheel of his rebuilt 1970 Dodge Challenger next weekend to compete against a field of between 70 and 90 veteran Super Gas racers who no doubt will be champing at the bit to line up against one of the biggest names in motorsports.

Busch will make a minimum of three time trial passes on Thursday March 11 and the field will return Friday morning to begin eliminations.

“Gainesville is one of the marquee events on the NHRA calendar and it’s a privilege to compete against the best Sportsman racers out there,” Busch said.

Busch bought the Dodge Challenger in 2008 and began the process of getting it into race shape in March of 2009.  The car is powered by a stroked 6.1 liter Hemi, weighs 3,000 pounds and puts out a 1,167 horsepower. 

While Busch feels at home behind the wheel of his Sprint Cup car he is aware that this will be a new and exciting environment for him.

“Sportsman racing is no different than any other type of racing, you need seat time.  I spent over 30 hours at Roy Hill’s drag racing school, and have had two tests in my own Challenger, but that’s nowhere compared to the seat time many of these guys have in their own cars.  We are going to go out there and do our best competing against these talented Sportsman racers,” Busch said.

Busch’s love affair with drag racing began back in the early 1990s when he met a pair of Las Vegas based NHRA racers, George Marnell, a Pro Stock racer, and Dave Bush (no relation), a Super Comp competitor. And when Kurt began driving in the Sprint Cup Series for Penske Racing, he got to know NHRA Top Fuel champion Larry Dixon as both were sponsored by Miller Lite. 

He got the idea to compete in an NHRA event after taking part in the opening night of zMax Dragway in Concord, N.C., in September 2008 and one of the rare off-weekends in the NASCAR schedule coincided with next weekend’s 41st running of the prestigious Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals.

For tickets for the 41st annual Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals, log on to www.ticketmaster.com or call 800-884-NHRA (6472).
 

Kurt Busch, the 2004 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion, will return to his drag racing roots during the 41st running of the Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals March 11-14 at historic Gainesville Raceway.

The driver of the No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge for Penske Racing is set to get behind the wheel of his rebuilt '70 Dodge Challenger next weekend to compete against a field of between 70 and 90 veteran Super Gas racers who no doubt will be champing at the bit to line up against one of the biggest names in motorsports.

Busch will make a minimum of three time-trial passes Thursday, March 11, and will return Friday morning to begin eliminations.

“Gainesville is one of the marquee events on the NHRA calendar, and it’s a privilege to compete against the best Sportsman racers out there,” Busch said.

Busch bought the Dodge Challenger in 2008 and began the process of getting it into race shape in March 2009. The car is powered by a stroked 6.1-liter Hemi, weighs 3,000 pounds, and puts out 1,167 horsepower. 

Though Busch feels at home behind the wheel of his Sprint Cup car, he is aware that this will be a new and exciting environment for him.

“Sportsman racing is no different than any other type of racing; you need seat time. I spent over 30 hours at Roy Hill’s drag racing school and have had two tests in my own Challenger, but that’s nowhere compared to the seat time many of these guys have in their own cars. We are going to go out there and do our best competing against these talented Sportsman racers,” Busch said.

Busch’s love affair with drag racing began in the early 1990s when he met a pair of Las Vegas-based NHRA racers, George Marnell, a Pro Stock racer, and Dave Bush, a Super Comp competitor. When Busch began driving in the Sprint Cup Series for Penske Racing, he also got to know NHRA Top Fuel world champion Larry Dixon as both were sponsored by Miller Lite. 

He got the idea to compete at an NHRA event after taking part in the opening night of zMax Dragway in Charlotte in September 2008, and one of the rare off-weekends on the NASCAR schedule coincided with next weekend’s 41st running of the prestigious Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals.

For tickets for the 41st annual Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals, log on to www.ticketmaster.com or call 800-884-NHRA (6472).