Dave Connolly will get a big boost in his bid for the national Stock championship after inking a major sponsorship deal with Berger Chevrolet and its online parts division, GMPartsNow.com.
 
Connolly, a decorated driver and crew chief with 27 national event victories and numerous divisional wins, will be driving and tuning the '12 COPO Camaro that he recently raced to a semifinal finish in Charlotte. The car will continue to sport its Grumpy's Toy tribute paint scheme, a salute to Connolly's mentor, Bill "Grumpy" Jenkins, that will take up new residence on the rear fenders, and the doors will be adorned with GMPartsNow.com.
 
"We've had a great relationship with Berger Chevrolet since 2004, and this is an extension of that," said team owner Victor Cagnazzi. "We're anxious to let the millions of NHRA fans out there know about GMPartsNow.com. I recently visited the facility, and they have more than 60,000 square feet of warehouse space and 6 million dollars in inventory specifically dedicated to GM parts. They stock the full gamut of GM parts, from mechanical and powertrain to collision, performance, and outlet parts."


Danny and Ashley Force Hood have welcomed their second child, Noah William, to the John Force Racing team. Noah was born today (May 21) at 4:28 a.m. and crossed the scales at 7 pounds, 8 ounces, with a 21-inch wheelbase.

Mother and son are doing just fine, and brother Jacob happily welcomed his new sibling into the fold.

NHRA Funny Car driver Alexis DeJoria participated in a photo shoot for Inked Magazine, an edgy monthly publication written for individuals who innovate and inspire popular culture and emerging trends.

The shoot took place in the Tequila Patrón pit at Atlanta Dragway. DeJoria, who was in town for the originally scheduled Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals, braved the rain to pose for pictures with her nitromethane-burning Tequila Patrón Toyota Camry. DeJoria is slated to be featured in the publication’s highly anticipated Automotive issue, on newsstands in August.

“As a longtime tattoo enthusiast, I’m so honored to be included in the Automotive issue of Inked Magazine. I’ve been reading this magazine for quite a long time, and I admire the fact that they spotlight people from all walks of life -- anything from musicians to sports figures to television personalities,” said DeJoria, who boasts 19 tattoos and counting. “It’s cool to be able to introduce readers who may not be familiar with NHRA to our sport.”

“Alexis’ driving caught the eye of our racing insiders during her first foray into nitro Funny Car last year,” said Inked Editor-In-Chief Rocky Rakovic. “It wasn’t until she changed out of her firesuit to reveal her cool ink that we realized she isn’t just racing for Patrón but the tattooed culture on a whole. The feature will introduce the fascinating skill involved in NHRA to the non-informed who think the sport is just about who can put their foot down quicker as well as tell the story of Alexis’ amazing ride and, of course, highlight her beautiful body art. NHRA fans will see a side of Alexis that they never have before.”

Jim Dunn Racing’s Grime Boss Funny Car will be on display Thursday, May 16, at the Bass Pro Shops in Olathe, Kan., and legendary team owner Jim Dunn will sign autographs from 4 to 6 p.m.

The Grime Boss Funny Car will be at the Bass Pro Shops off of the 119th Street exit outside the main entrance for photo and autograph opportunities when entering and exiting the store. Fans can also enter for a chance to win tickets to the NHRA Kansas Nationals at Heartland Park Topeka this weekend, where the Jim Dunn Racing Grime Boss Funny Car team and driver Jeff Arend will be competing, and receive $5 coupons for race tickets and free samples of Grime Boss heavy-duty wipes.

..