NHRA Driver » Bob Vandergriff

NHRA 101: Your Guide to NHRA Drag Racing

In basic terms, a drag race is an acceleration contest between two vehicles over a measured distance, but what is a holeshot? Or a breakout? Welcome to NHRA 101, your complete guide to the world of NHRA Drag Racing, from the terminology of the sport to what you need to enjoy a day at the races to info on the many different vehicles that take to the track during a race weekend.
NHRA.com Features and Columns

There's more to drag racing than just two cars streaking down the strip. NHRA.com has a wide assortment of regular columns, including the DRAGSTER Insider -- in which ND Editor Phil Burgess treats you to "the stories behind the stories" from yesterday and today -- exclusive Driver Blogs that take you into the homes and trailers of the sport's top stars, and the NHRA.com Notebook. From this area, you also can access previous Special Sections, including special-edition websites and blogs as well as memorial pages.
Meet the Stars of the NHRA Mello Yello Series

Want more information on your favorite NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series drivers? NHRA.com has full bios on all the series regulars, including major accomplishments, best runs, hobbies, and more, plus team and driver website addresses and contact information in the fan-club sections.
Watch NHRA Drag Racing on TV

All 24 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series events feature same-day television coverage on ESPN2 of the Professional-class action with play-by-play from motor racing veteran Dave Rieff and expert color commentary by former Top Fuel and Funny Car racer Mike Dunn. ESPN2 also offers coverage of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series. NHRA Drag Racing also is aired in Canada on TSN.
The Sights and Sounds of NHRA Drag Racing

NHRA.com offers a wide array of multimedia features for you to enjoy the sights and sounds of NHRA Drag Racing. With video clips and photos from the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, the popular National Dragster Photo of the Week, and a gallery of .wav files for your computer, there's lots to see and hear in NHRA Multimedia.
Get Your Official NHRA Apparel and Merchandise

A wide range of NHRA-themed items is available for purchase online. The NitroMall is your one-stop spot for official NHRA merchandise, products from some of the teams of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, and more. The NHRA Store is the place to join NHRA and purchase specialty items and DVDs, and the NHRA Museum Store has items to satisfy history buffs, from vintage T-shirts to historical books.

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Bob Vandergriff Jr.

Bob Vandergriff

Date of birth:
February 07, 1965
Hometown:
Cumming, Ga.
Sponsor/Car:
C&J Energy Services dragster
Crew Chief:
Rob Flynn

Career Wins: 3
TF: 3
Career Final Rounds: 16
TF: 16
Career Best E.T.:
3.795
Career Best Speed:
326.24

2012: Raced to second career victory with win at Las Vegas 2; posted semi finishes at Houston and Pomona 2; qualified a season-best third at Pomona 1; qualified for the Countdown playoffs for the second time; qualified for all 23 events
2011: Raced to first career victory at Dallas after 13 final rounds without a win; Qualified a season-high second at Denver; Posted career-best performances for time and speed
2010: Qualified for all 12 races he entered; Qualified a season-best fifth at Bristol and Norwalk
2009: Qualfied for all five events attended; Advanced to second round in Atlanta and Memphis
2008: Raced to a semifinal finish at his hometown event in Atlanta
2007: Just missed making the inaugural Countdown to 1 field, finishing fifth in the NHRA POWERade point standings behind five runner-up finishes; Clocked career-best performances for time and speed
2006: Returned to competition full time for the first time since 2000; Introduced UPS as major sponsor of his Top Fuel dragster
2004: Earned runner-up finish at Reading, his first final round appearance since 2000
2000: Finished in the top 10 for the fourth consecutive season; Runner-up at Phoenix
1999: Recorded career-best speed at Englishtown; Was runner-up to John Force at NHRA All-Star event in Bristol featuring unique format of Top Fuel vs. Funny Car; Qualified No. 1 at two events
1998: Qualified for all 22 national events; Posted a runner-up finish at Columbus
1997: Advanced to two final rounds en route to career-best points finish
1996: Earned first career No. 1 qualifying position (Seattle)
1995: Made first career final round appearance (Indianapolis)
1994: Named NHRA Rookie of the Year

Marital status: Married (Marisa_
Daughters: Ashley, Sydney
Son: Bob III, (Trey); Luke
Height/weight: 6´0´´, 205 lbs.
Hobbies: Golf
Owns Vandergriff Motorsports Apparel
Earned Auto Club Road to the Future award for top rookie performance of 1994
Earned Business Administration degree at the University of Utah
All-state football and basketball player at LaHabra High School in Southern California
Enjoys playing golf with PGA Tour friends such as Bob May, Troy Matteson, and Jay Don Blake

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