﻿<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?><feed xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"><title>ATOM - NHRA Blog Feed</title><link href="http://www.nhra.com" /><updated>2012-02-07T20:08:03Z</updated><author><name>nhra</name></author><id>urn:uuid:cff8e831-b999-4d1f-a9b0-869ec95c62ae</id><entry><title type="html"><![CDATA[The dream is over, or has it just begun?]]></title><link href="http://www.nhra.com/blog/indy-2009/2009/9/7/the-dream-is-over,-or-has-it-just-begun/" /><id>urn:uuid:cff8e831-b999-4d1f-a9b0-869ec95c62ae</id><updated>2009-09-07T23:49:00Z</updated><summary type="html"><![CDATA[So, the 55th annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals are over. The stands have cleared, traffic is probably jammed up all along the surrounding roads, and everyone here in the press room is tap-tap-tapping away on their keyboards working to meet deadlines. My work here is done, except for you, my last little Indy blog.]]></summary></entry><entry><title type="html"><![CDATA[Event recap: Caddyshack Edition]]></title><link href="http://www.nhra.com/blog/indy-2009/2009/9/7/event-recap-caddyshack-edition/" /><id>urn:uuid:cff8e831-b999-4d1f-a9b0-869ec95c62ae</id><updated>2009-09-07T23:47:00Z</updated><summary type="html"><![CDATA[Wow, what a race! This year’s Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Lucas Oil had everything from great, side-by-side racing to competitive and personal drama that probably made for a wildly captivating ESPN2 telecast. At the suggestion of Kevin McKenna, I will recap NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing's version of The Masters with quotes from an all-time classic movie: Caddyshack.]]></summary></entry><entry><title type="html"><![CDATA[It doesn't get any better than this]]></title><link href="http://www.nhra.com/blog/indy-2009/2009/9/7/it-doesnt-get-any-better-than-this/" /><id>urn:uuid:cff8e831-b999-4d1f-a9b0-869ec95c62ae</id><updated>2009-09-07T21:50:00Z</updated><summary type="html"><![CDATA[When you cover any kind of event, you hope for a lot of things. Drama. Emotion. A chance at seeing history broken and records set.

Sometimes you get lucky and get one; sometimes you get none. At the 2009 Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Lucas Oil, we got all four. Lucky us.
]]></summary></entry><entry><title type="html"><![CDATA['Smoke' visits the U.S. Nationals]]></title><link href="http://www.nhra.com/blog/indy-2009/2009/9/7/smoke-visits-the-u.s.-nationals/" /><id>urn:uuid:cff8e831-b999-4d1f-a9b0-869ec95c62ae</id><updated>2009-09-07T18:17:00Z</updated><summary type="html"><![CDATA[One of the nine items I had on my want-to-see/do list this weekend was seeing special visitors, and I have to admit, with none materializing before today, I was starting to get a little nervous it wouldn’t happen. Thankfully, that changed during and after the second round of Pro eliminations today when NASCAR driver Tony Stewart (aka "Smoke") visited the U.S. Nationals.]]></summary></entry><entry><title type="html"><![CDATA[A lot of talent left in the sportsman ranks]]></title><link href="http://www.nhra.com/blog/indy-2009/2009/9/7/a-lot-of-talent-left-in-the-sportsman-ranks/" /><id>urn:uuid:cff8e831-b999-4d1f-a9b0-869ec95c62ae</id><updated>2009-09-07T17:36:00Z</updated><summary type="html"><![CDATA[You know the old saying about how the cream always rises to the top? A quick scan of the players still around for the final day of eliminations for the 54th annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals certainly seems to confirm that as the remaining sportsman drivers include at least a dozen drivers who are former national champions or past U.S. Nationals winners.  ]]></summary></entry><entry><title type="html"><![CDATA[Seeing the sights]]></title><link href="http://www.nhra.com/blog/indy-2009/2009/9/7/seeing-the-sights/" /><id>urn:uuid:cff8e831-b999-4d1f-a9b0-869ec95c62ae</id><updated>2009-09-07T15:23:00Z</updated><summary type="html"><![CDATA[The landscape at Indy has changed significantly over the years, from when the DA Lubricants Tower sat where today's Top Eliminator Club lives through the building of the famed Parks Tower and later the grandstand-topping skybox suites, and it's always one of my Indy rituals to take a good thorough tour around the facility to see old haunts and remember those no longer here.]]></summary></entry><entry><title type="html"><![CDATA[Not feeling the pressure … yeah right!]]></title><link href="http://www.nhra.com/blog/indy-2009/2009/9/7/not-feeling-the-pressure-…-yeah-right/" /><id>urn:uuid:cff8e831-b999-4d1f-a9b0-869ec95c62ae</id><updated>2009-09-07T15:08:00Z</updated><summary type="html"><![CDATA[As I ventured out to check out the activities of pre-race, and like many others out there, I couldn’t help but be drawn to the people who are fighting for a spot in the Countdown. Though I think they all were trying to stay calm or at least fake it some, there were definitely nerves out there.]]></summary></entry><entry><title type="html"><![CDATA[Meeting the members]]></title><link href="http://www.nhra.com/blog/indy-2009/2009/9/7/meeting-the-members/" /><id>urn:uuid:cff8e831-b999-4d1f-a9b0-869ec95c62ae</id><updated>2009-09-07T13:57:00Z</updated><summary type="html"><![CDATA[At select NHRA national events, NHRA members get to enjoy a place of their own, the NHRA Member Hospitality tent, where they can get out of the sun (or rain), buy some snacks, watch the races on closed-circuit TV, and, best of all, be selected the NHRA VIP Member of the Race on raceday. I dropped by the member tent this morning to chat with the faithful and watch the cool prize giveaways.]]></summary></entry><entry><title type="html"><![CDATA[Daily recap: Big Lebowski Edition]]></title><link href="http://www.nhra.com/blog/indy-2009/2009/9/6/daily-recap-big-lebowski-edition/" /><id>urn:uuid:cff8e831-b999-4d1f-a9b0-869ec95c62ae</id><updated>2009-09-07T02:19:00Z</updated><summary type="html"><![CDATA[I have to make this brief. I’m not going to miss Connie Kalitta get roasted; can you blame me? Tonight’s recap of Sunday’s event will be expressed in the form of quotes from the cult classic The Big Lebowski, a personal favorite. Go ahead and read forth. After all, “The Dude abides."]]></summary></entry><entry><title type="html"><![CDATA[The Good, Bad, and Ugly of Independent Funny Car drivers at Indy]]></title><link href="http://www.nhra.com/blog/indy-2009/2009/9/6/the-good,-bad,-and-ugly-of-independent-funny-car-drivers-at-indy/" /><id>urn:uuid:cff8e831-b999-4d1f-a9b0-869ec95c62ae</id><updated>2009-09-07T01:20:00Z</updated><summary type="html"><![CDATA[As I was putting together my profiles of the five (closer to 4.5 with Brian Thiel’s absence since Friday) independent Funny Car drivers at this event when one such pilot, Bob Bode, endured a massive explosion during the final qualifying session that led me to chasing down the Chicagoan for details. Bode can now say that he’s experienced something few drag racers have: 79 vertical G’s.]]></summary></entry><entry><title type="html"><![CDATA[Get out your calculators, part 2]]></title><link href="http://www.nhra.com/blog/indy-2009/2009/9/6/get-out-your-calculators,-part-2/" /><id>urn:uuid:cff8e831-b999-4d1f-a9b0-869ec95c62ae</id><updated>2009-09-07T00:19:00Z</updated><summary type="html"><![CDATA[As is the case with Pro Stock Motorcycle and the top spot in Pro Stock, things could get very interesting in Funny Car tomorrow. The top spot is still mathematically open, though, it would take a lot for Ron Capps to pass Tony Pedregon, and the battle for the 10th and final Countdown spot got downright interesting after Robert Hight qualified No. 1 and Matt Hagan nabbed the 15th starting spot.]]></summary></entry><entry><title type="html"><![CDATA[It's a family affair]]></title><link href="http://www.nhra.com/blog/indy-2009/2009/9/6/its-a-family-affair/" /><id>urn:uuid:cff8e831-b999-4d1f-a9b0-869ec95c62ae</id><updated>2009-09-06T23:27:00Z</updated><summary type="html"><![CDATA[Division 3 Super Comp racer Leslie Lucas held ND photographers Richard Wong and Jerrie Foss in rapt attention at the top end as she laid out a story about a couple of her friends, and they encouraged her to pass on the info to little old me so that I could share it with you folks (Richard Wong even snapped a photo to enhance the presentation; thanks, Richard!).]]></summary></entry><entry><title type="html"><![CDATA[In our thoughts]]></title><link href="http://www.nhra.com/blog/indy-2009/2009/9/6/in-our-thoughts/" /><id>urn:uuid:cff8e831-b999-4d1f-a9b0-869ec95c62ae</id><updated>2009-09-06T22:35:00Z</updated><summary type="html"><![CDATA[Our hearts go out to the Lawrence family today. Pro Stock racer Kevin Lawrence was here competing in his second event of the season with his lovely wife, Pam, and their daughters, Danielle and Nicole, by his side when they received word that a close family member had fallen ill. The Lawrences have withdrawn their entry and headed home to be with their loved one.]]></summary></entry><entry><title type="html"><![CDATA[Get out your calculators]]></title><link href="http://www.nhra.com/blog/indy-2009/2009/9/6/get-out-your-calculators/" /><id>urn:uuid:cff8e831-b999-4d1f-a9b0-869ec95c62ae</id><updated>2009-09-06T22:10:00Z</updated><summary type="html"><![CDATA[With the fields for the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Lucas Oil now set in Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle, it’s time to begin calculating the scenarios for the Countdown to 1. In Pro Stock, the No. 1 spot is still up for grabs, and Pro Stock Motorcycle has three spots still open and four riders within striking distance.]]></summary></entry><entry><title type="html"><![CDATA[Moving along better]]></title><link href="http://www.nhra.com/blog/indy-2009/2009/9/6/moving-along-better/" /><id>urn:uuid:cff8e831-b999-4d1f-a9b0-869ec95c62ae</id><updated>2009-09-06T21:09:00Z</updated><summary type="html"><![CDATA[As I was wandering up through the staging lanes as Pro Stock was getting ready to run, I ran into Steve Matusek, who in my opinion has one of the coolest Comp cars out there. I noticed right away how much better he was getting around these days. The last time I saw him, it was just days after he had torn his Achilles tendon, and needless to say, he was moving a little on the slow side. He's doing better now and planning his return to driving.]]></summary></entry><entry><title type="html"><![CDATA[Sportsman stuff from a wet Sunday at Indy]]></title><link href="http://www.nhra.com/blog/indy-2009/2009/9/6/sportsman-stuff-from-a-wet-sunday-at-indy/" /><id>urn:uuid:cff8e831-b999-4d1f-a9b0-869ec95c62ae</id><updated>2009-09-06T18:13:00Z</updated><summary type="html"><![CDATA[New generation Stockers: One of the biggest stories emanating from the sportsman pits at this year’s Mac Tools U.S. Nationals has been the heated battle between the Ford Cobra Jet and Dodge Challenger “package cars” in Stock Eliminator. ]]></summary></entry><entry><title type="html"><![CDATA[The King's new colors]]></title><link href="http://www.nhra.com/blog/indy-2009/2009/9/6/the-kings-new-colors/" /><id>urn:uuid:cff8e831-b999-4d1f-a9b0-869ec95c62ae</id><updated>2009-09-06T18:00:00Z</updated><summary type="html"><![CDATA[During the rain delay, we all headed over to Kenny Bernstein's pit area for the press conference where he was expected to announce his team's new sponsor for 2010. There had been plenty of speculation and leaks about the identity of the sponsor, and he definitely had a packed house of curious media, fellow racers, and a number of associated team sponsors on hand.]]></summary></entry><entry><title type="html"><![CDATA[Indy trivia redux]]></title><link href="http://www.nhra.com/blog/indy-2009/2009/9/6/indy-trivia-redux/" /><id>urn:uuid:cff8e831-b999-4d1f-a9b0-869ec95c62ae</id><updated>2009-09-06T15:19:00Z</updated><summary type="html"><![CDATA[I'm not sure how many of you follow my bi-weekly column on NHRA.com, called the DRAGSTER Insider (how's that for a cheap plug?) ,but I thought that the column I wrote Friday was worth sharing here with a potentially larger audience.It'a series of somewhat obscure U.S. Nationals trivia notes that will eithr blow your mind or put you to sleep. I'm willing to take the risk.]]></summary></entry><entry><title type="html"><![CDATA[Daily Recap: Pulp Fiction Edition]]></title><link href="http://www.nhra.com/blog/indy-2009/2009/9/5/daily-recap-pulp-fiction-edition/" /><id>urn:uuid:cff8e831-b999-4d1f-a9b0-869ec95c62ae</id><updated>2009-09-06T02:09:00Z</updated><summary type="html"><![CDATA[Once again, I’m bringing you the daily recap of the event in the form of movie quotes. The movie of the day is the ever-popular Pulp Fiction, the 1994 cultural sensation that revived John Travolta’s career and propelled director Quentin Tarantino to superstardom.]]></summary></entry><entry><title type="html"><![CDATA[The ABCs of Top Fuel Independents]]></title><link href="http://www.nhra.com/blog/indy-2009/2009/9/5/the-abcs-of-top-fuel-independents/" /><id>urn:uuid:cff8e831-b999-4d1f-a9b0-869ec95c62ae</id><updated>2009-09-06T01:06:00Z</updated><summary type="html"><![CDATA[As a reporter and a racing fan, I have to admit that I’m a sucker for underdog stories. One of the beautiful things about the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Lucas Oil is the abundance of independent teams that show up to take a shot at winning on the grandest stage. In an effort to bring you a Reader’s Digest version of this year’s crop of underfunded entries with oversized hearts, I compiled an ABC list of nontouring competitors in Top Fuel.]]></summary></entry><entry><title type="html"><![CDATA['Snake' takes our breath away ... but I'm holding mine]]></title><link href="http://www.nhra.com/blog/indy-2009/2009/9/5/snake-takes-our-breath-away-...-but-im-holding-mine/" /><id>urn:uuid:cff8e831-b999-4d1f-a9b0-869ec95c62ae</id><updated>2009-09-05T21:36:00Z</updated><summary type="html"><![CDATA[We filed into the media center's press conference room like excited kids and left like mourners. That's the best way I can describe it. When one of the heroes of your sport -– let alone a childhood hero to most of us – says we might not be seeing him around next year, it's lump-in-the-throat time.]]></summary></entry><entry><title type="html"><![CDATA[Pay no attention to the men behind the giant inflatables]]></title><link href="http://www.nhra.com/blog/indy-2009/2009/9/5/pay-no-attention-to-the-men-behind-the-giant-inflatables/" /><id>urn:uuid:cff8e831-b999-4d1f-a9b0-869ec95c62ae</id><updated>2009-09-05T21:17:00Z</updated><summary type="html"><![CDATA[One of the greatest parts of my job is getting a chance to experience races from many different vantage points, and during the first qualifying session today, I had the opportunity to join ND photog extraordinaire Jerry Foss as he ventured to the top end. As one might expect, it gives you a very different view and experience than watching from the starting line area.]]></summary></entry><entry><title type="html"><![CDATA[Drive One, and note the attention to detail]]></title><link href="http://www.nhra.com/blog/indy-2009/2009/9/5/drive-one,-and-note-the-attention-to-detail/" /><id>urn:uuid:cff8e831-b999-4d1f-a9b0-869ec95c62ae</id><updated>2009-09-05T20:49:00Z</updated><summary type="html"><![CDATA[Jim Cunningham had surely hoped that the blocks and heads for his two Ford Mustang Pro Stockers would be ready in time for Indy, but he and driver Erica Enders are proudly wheeling new Mustang bodies here despite the absence of the important new internal pieces still in the final stages of production. ]]></summary></entry><entry><title type="html"><![CDATA[Still sporty]]></title><link href="http://www.nhra.com/blog/indy-2009/2009/9/5/still-sporty/" /><id>urn:uuid:cff8e831-b999-4d1f-a9b0-869ec95c62ae</id><updated>2009-09-05T17:47:00Z</updated><summary type="html"><![CDATA[Watching Matt Hartford in action again in Pro Stock, I'm struck by how many former NHRA sport compact racers are still racing with us two years after their series was discontinued. NHRA even allowed the Pro RWD and Pro FWD classes to compete at the U.S. Nationals from 2005 through 2007.
Hartford is joined in competition at this year's Big Go by Brad Personett and Grant Downing.]]></summary></entry><entry><title type="html"><![CDATA[Two wheel tales]]></title><link href="http://www.nhra.com/blog/indy-2009/2009/9/5/two-wheel-tales/" /><id>urn:uuid:cff8e831-b999-4d1f-a9b0-869ec95c62ae</id><updated>2009-09-05T17:03:00Z</updated><summary type="html"><![CDATA[Proud papa: In addition to his regular duties as a crewman and clutch tuner for rookie of the Year contender Douglas Horne, Gary Tonglet Sr. is also watching carefully as both of his sons, Gary Jr. (GT) and Lewis (LE), compete in the Pro Stock Motorcycle class. GT, who is a former NHRA Rookie of the Year award winner, is riding the family’s Suzuki, which is the same bike that LE rode earlier this year in Houston and Atlanta.]]></summary></entry><entry><title type="html"><![CDATA[A view from on high]]></title><link href="http://www.nhra.com/blog/indy-2009/2009/9/5/a-view-from-on-high/" /><id>urn:uuid:cff8e831-b999-4d1f-a9b0-869ec95c62ae</id><updated>2009-09-05T15:12:00Z</updated><summary type="html"><![CDATA[The Parks Tower has been an Indy landmark since 1984, and it's home to a variety of services, including the announcing deck, the media room, and corporate hospitality suites. 

Last night it again served as my viewing platform for the Pro qualifying session, but not from the second-floor media room. I was, as the Drifters used to sing, "Up on the roof."]]></summary></entry><entry><title type="html"><![CDATA[Friday Recap: Anchorman Edition]]></title><link href="http://www.nhra.com/blog/indy-2009/2009/9/4/friday-recap-anchorman-edition/" /><id>urn:uuid:cff8e831-b999-4d1f-a9b0-869ec95c62ae</id><updated>2009-09-05T02:57:00Z</updated><summary type="html"><![CDATA[The second day of action at the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Lucas Oil provided some memorable moments during the first session of qualifying in the Professional classes, and I choose to express my daily recaps through the majesty of movie quotes. Few movies are as quotable as the Will Ferrell vehicle Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, so let’s get this party started.]]></summary></entry><entry><title type="html"><![CDATA[Quotes from the Robert Hight press conference]]></title><link href="http://www.nhra.com/blog/indy-2009/2009/9/4/quotes-from-the-robert-hight-press-conference/" /><id>urn:uuid:cff8e831-b999-4d1f-a9b0-869ec95c62ae</id><updated>2009-09-05T02:09:00Z</updated><summary type="html"><![CDATA[Though there were great stories from qualifying in all of the Pro classes, I think it would be fair to say the story of the day was Robert Hight, who is fighting for his playoffs life, qualifying No. 1 in Funny Car. Hight was understandably excited and had a lot to say when he came up to the press center to meet the media, so much so that it wouldn’t all fit in the story recapping today’s action. So I give you more quotes and quips from his press conference.]]></summary></entry><entry><title type="html"><![CDATA[Alcohol, Tequila, Cold Liquid, Payne, Twins, and the like]]></title><link href="http://www.nhra.com/blog/indy-2009/2009/9/4/alcohol,-tequila,-cold-liquid,-payne,-twins,-and-the-like/" /><id>urn:uuid:cff8e831-b999-4d1f-a9b0-869ec95c62ae</id><updated>2009-09-04T23:25:00Z</updated><summary type="html"><![CDATA[The day is long, and I’m feeling bloggy. I knew I was spry when I readied myself for the day and met my coworkers at the continental breakfast 10 minutes past our scheduled rendezvous time (I usually run 15-20 minutes late). I needed that energy and that omelet to fuel myself for a marathon day of shaking hands and engaging racers in conversation about the fine art of going really, really fast.]]></summary></entry><entry><title type="html"><![CDATA[I think ...]]></title><link href="http://www.nhra.com/blog/indy-2009/2009/9/4/i-think-.../" /><id>urn:uuid:cff8e831-b999-4d1f-a9b0-869ec95c62ae</id><updated>2009-09-04T22:53:00Z</updated><summary type="html"><![CDATA[I think the timing is ripe for Tony Schumacher to tie Garlits' record of eight straight Indy wins. Indy is Tony Time for sure; "the Sarge" has won "the Big Go" seven times in the last nine years, an Indy dominance unseen in the event's history.  Sure, the U.S. Army car ain't what it was last year, but he's got the mojo. Best bet is that he and Larry Dixon will square off in the final,]]></summary></entry><entry><title type="html"><![CDATA[Who’s that sponsor?]]></title><link href="http://www.nhra.com/blog/indy-2009/2009/9/4/who’s-that-sponsor/" /><id>urn:uuid:cff8e831-b999-4d1f-a9b0-869ec95c62ae</id><updated>2009-09-04T22:25:00Z</updated><summary type="html"><![CDATA[OK, so Bob Wilber scooped me (of course in all fairness, I was waiting as not to spoil the surprise), but I thought the new decals on Tim Wilkerson’s car were so cool they deserved double the coverage. So, extending the cross-blogination, more on the Fink decals. To catch up those of who you may not have visited Wilber’s blog just yet, the team wanted to do something nice for crew member John Fink, so they made some cool decals for him.]]></summary></entry><entry><title type="html"><![CDATA[Go fast but slow down a bit, wouldja?]]></title><link href="http://www.nhra.com/blog/indy-2009/2009/9/4/go-fast-but-slow-down-a-bit,-wouldja/" /><id>urn:uuid:cff8e831-b999-4d1f-a9b0-869ec95c62ae</id><updated>2009-09-04T22:10:00Z</updated><summary type="html"><![CDATA[Oh my, how time flies. I forgot that about Indy; you get here early, but there is so much to do and see that before you know it, the day is over. It actually makes me just a little bit sad because I can already sense that it's slipping away, but it's also pretty exciting because we are that much closer to finding out who is going to walk away with the event trophies on Monday. ]]></summary></entry><entry><title type="html"><![CDATA[In a class all his own]]></title><link href="http://www.nhra.com/blog/indy-2009/2009/9/4/in-a-class-all-his-own/" /><id>urn:uuid:cff8e831-b999-4d1f-a9b0-869ec95c62ae</id><updated>2009-09-04T19:56:00Z</updated><summary type="html"><![CDATA[Over the years, the countless Super Stock and Stock drivers who have earned class eliminator wins at the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals could count on receiving two things for their efforts; an NHRA Wally trophy and a friendly smile when greeted by photographer Eric Brooks in the top-end winner’s circle at O’Reilly Raceway Park. ]]></summary></entry><entry><title type="html"><![CDATA[The calm before the storm and crossing things off the list]]></title><link href="http://www.nhra.com/blog/indy-2009/2009/9/4/the-calm-before-the-storm-and-crossing-things-off-the-list/" /><id>urn:uuid:cff8e831-b999-4d1f-a9b0-869ec95c62ae</id><updated>2009-09-04T17:11:00Z</updated><summary type="html"><![CDATA[Friday in Indy is always a very odd type of day for me because there’s this strange calm that hangs over the Professional pits, particularly in the nitro classes, that just doesn’t seem to happen at many other events or any other day here. It’s the calm before the storm, and much like the track versus corn fields side of the road (see my previous blog post), it’s kind of a weird contrast from what we will see in the coming days.]]></summary></entry><entry><title type="html"><![CDATA[Qualifying drama prepares to unfold]]></title><link href="http://www.nhra.com/blog/indy-2009/2009/9/4/qualifying-drama-prepares-to-unfold/" /><id>urn:uuid:cff8e831-b999-4d1f-a9b0-869ec95c62ae</id><updated>2009-09-04T15:27:00Z</updated><summary type="html"><![CDATA[Today kicks off Pro qualifying, and, of course, what's got everyone in a tizzy is that Indy marks the final event of the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series' 18-race regular season that will set the 10-driver Countdown to 1 fields for the six-event playoffs, so there's a ton on the line above and beyond the thrill and spectacle of racing at NHRA's biggest, oldest, richest, and most prestigious drag race. ]]></summary></entry><entry><title type="html"><![CDATA[The news never stops, even for travel]]></title><link href="http://www.nhra.com/blog/indy-2009/2009/9/3/the-news-never-stops,-even-for-travel/" /><id>urn:uuid:cff8e831-b999-4d1f-a9b0-869ec95c62ae</id><updated>2009-09-04T00:34:00Z</updated><summary type="html"><![CDATA[So there we were, taxiing to the gate after landing in Dallas en route to Indy. I turned on the cellphone to check for messages. and then the phone started ringing; it was Elon Werner, publicist for John Force Racing.

"Phil, just wanted to let you I know I just shot you a release about the medical condition of [snap … crackle …. pop]. Can you get it posted on NHRA.com as soon as possible?"

Huh? Wait. What?]]></summary></entry><entry><title type="html"><![CDATA[Quick hits from a fun Thursday]]></title><link href="http://www.nhra.com/blog/indy-2009/2009/9/3/quick-hits-from-a-fun-thursday/" /><id>urn:uuid:cff8e831-b999-4d1f-a9b0-869ec95c62ae</id><updated>2009-09-03T21:47:00Z</updated><summary type="html"><![CDATA[Answering the Bell
Whoever said getting there is half the fun probably never traveled to a race with Super Stock drivers Eric Bell and Dave Mann. Bell, a former major league baseball player who currently campaigns a very clean and competitive SS/EA Dodge Challenger, and Mann, who campaigns an original four-speed Hemi-powered ’67 Coronet in SS/E, left their home in Phoenix, Ariz., on Friday and expected to arrive in Indy by late Saturday night.]]></summary></entry><entry><title type="html"><![CDATA[Stockers are way cool]]></title><link href="http://www.nhra.com/blog/indy-2009/2009/9/2/stockers-are-way-cool/" /><id>urn:uuid:cff8e831-b999-4d1f-a9b0-869ec95c62ae</id><updated>2009-09-02T22:05:00Z</updated><summary type="html"><![CDATA[On the first official day of the 2009 Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Lucas Oil, the Stock eliminator class practically stole the show as the Cobra Jet Mustang and Dodge Challenger package cars began a heated battle in the sort of manufacturer battle that hasn’t been seen in Indy since the early 1970s. ]]></summary></entry><entry><title type="html"><![CDATA[The countdown to the last race of the Countdown is on!]]></title><link href="http://www.nhra.com/blog/indy-2009/2009/9/1/the-countdown-to-the-last-race-of-the-countdown-is-on/" /><id>urn:uuid:cff8e831-b999-4d1f-a9b0-869ec95c62ae</id><updated>2009-09-01T21:53:00Z</updated><summary type="html"><![CDATA[It’s that time of year when we faithful NHRA reporters foray from the medium of print to bring you up-to-the-minute news and reports from the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals via the blogosphere. We will seamlessly transition from being National DRAGSTER editors to being your online orators of ORP, the raconteurs of Raceway Park, the hosts of high-horsepower on high-speed Internet, the narrators of the Nationals, the Lords of Blogtown, if you will.]]></summary></entry><entry><title type="html"><![CDATA[Two-wheel tales and Indy stacking day]]></title><link href="http://www.nhra.com/blog/indy-2009/2009/9/1/two-wheel tales /" /><id>urn:uuid:cff8e831-b999-4d1f-a9b0-869ec95c62ae</id><updated>2009-09-01T20:51:00Z</updated><summary type="html"><![CDATA[For many of my National DRAGSTER co-workers, the annual six-day road trip to Indianapolis qualifies as “just enough” in terms of time away from the home front, but this year, I opted for the extended tour as I willingly and happily signed up for more than 10 adventure-filled days in the great state of Indiana. My reasons for the extended trip, which began last Saturday, were twofold.]]></summary></entry><entry><title type="html"><![CDATA[Nine reasons I’m excited about Indy]]></title><link href="http://www.nhra.com/blog/indy-2009/2009/9/1/nine-reasons-i’m-excited-about-indy/" /><id>urn:uuid:cff8e831-b999-4d1f-a9b0-869ec95c62ae</id><updated>2009-09-01T17:59:00Z</updated><summary type="html"><![CDATA[After reading boss Phil Burgess’ note that this will be his 27th straight year going to Indy, it seems a little odd for me to be marveling over the fact that this is nine in a row for me, but I am nonetheless surprised. So in honor of my ninth journey to the Hoosier State, I am beginning my Indy blogging adventures with the nine things I am most looking forward to seeing/doing in Indy.]]></summary></entry><entry><title type="html"><![CDATA[Dear Indy, you’re so cool]]></title><link href="http://www.nhra.com/blog/indy-2009/2009/9/1/dear-indy,-you’re-so-cool/" /><id>urn:uuid:cff8e831-b999-4d1f-a9b0-869ec95c62ae</id><updated>2009-09-01T17:10:00Z</updated><summary type="html"><![CDATA[Swell. It’s supposed to be 102 degrees today in SoCal, and the hills are ablaze with a wicked set of fires filling the air with unhealthy levels of ash. Escaping to the Midwest is vastly appealing, and ORP is waiting for our team with open arms, the promise of fresh air, and a 20-degree temperature drop. I love you Indy, I really do, and for so much more than your predicted cooler weather and non-life-threatening nitrogen/oxygen atmospheric blend.]]></summary></entry><entry><title type="html"><![CDATA[Well, here we go again ...]]></title><link href="http://www.nhra.com/blog/indy-2009/2009/9/1/well,-here-we-go-again-.../" /><id>urn:uuid:cff8e831-b999-4d1f-a9b0-869ec95c62ae</id><updated>2009-09-01T13:09:00Z</updated><summary type="html"><![CDATA[It's T-minus one day for the launch of the 55th annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Lucas Oil, and the National DRAGSTER staffers are typing their little fingers off to finish this week's work early so we can all grab the dry cleaning, pack the suitcase, and hop an eastbound MD-80 Thursday morning.

It's my 27th straight U.S. Nationals, and I'm every bit as giddy as I was for my first, way back in 1983.]]></summary></entry></feed>
