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.
Longtime NHRA national and divisional event announcer and “Voice of the North Central Division” Leo Taugher has been named the grand marshal for the 7th annual Mickey Mart Cavalcade of Stars presented by Budweiser at Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park May 17-19. Taugher will be honored during Saturday’s pre-race ceremony of what has become the largest NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event in the country.
Taugher began announcing for track operators Richard and Vivian Mossey at Quaker City Dragway in Salem, Ohio, his lifelong hometown. In 1977, he was part of the announcing crew for the inaugural NHRA Division 3 E.T. Finals, now recognized as the NHRA Summit Racing Series.
The 1978 NHRA U.S. Nationals was Taugher’s first national event, and in 1988, he was named the North Central Division’s official announcer, covering special events throughout the division and emceeing the annual Land of the Winners awards banquet.
Taugher’s distinctive voice and vast knowledge of NHRA Sportsman racing have made him one of the favorites of racers and fans alike. Throughout the years, he has worked alongside Dave McClelland, Steve Evans, Bob Frey, and Alan Reinhart to bring out the excitement of NHRA Drag Racing.
“Leo is the consummate professional,” said Frey. “Over the years, I have worked with him and learned from him, and the main thing that I learned is that Leo is loved and respected by the racers, and that‘s the highest form of praise for an announcer. He is also a good friend and richly deserves this special honor.”
The Mickey Mart Cavalcade of Stars presented by Budweiser gets under way Friday morning and will include eliminations for Super Comp, Super Gas, and Super Street from the rained-out NHRA Spring Spectacle of Speed event at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis.
..