posted by TopFuelPhotos on May 11

If Saturday nights 1/8 mile race was any indication on how David Scott will do in the next two races, he will play havoc for other race teams. Scott who plans on running next weeks National Dragster & Jr. Dragster Challenge at Gainesville Raceway and then taking a trip to Bristol International Dragway, to run the World FootBrake Challenge, in his R & S Auto Sponsored camaro. Scott first had to deal with Darren Stutts in the footbrake class. Both cars got of the line great and it was a close race at the end. Scott got there first and took the win in footbrake. Scott took that momentum right into the combo class meeting up with Bobby Powers. Powers had already won the electronics class but couldn’t get around Scott. Last week Erine Renfroe took the win in the same classes for a back to back wins for the R & S Auto cars. Last nights race was delayed about a hour when track workers had to clean the track up after Butch Baillis crashed his dragster. Baillis who was driving a undercover type dragster was running with Mike Fitzgerald, both cars were on a good run when Baillis (right lane) car went sliding through the 1/8 mile finish line and going into the left lane and hitting the left side wall. The car rolled numerous times before coming to a rest just past the 1/4 mile finish line. Baillis was taken to the hospital after complaining of back pain. The track workers did a great job getting the driver out of the car and should pat them selves on the back for a great job. Well done guys. We will keep you updated on how Baillis is doing. Don’t miss next weekends race, 1/4 SUMMIT ET Series Bracket, plus National Dragster & Jr. Dragster Challenge. Gates open at 4:30. ***TOP FUEL PHOTOS WILL NOT BE AT THIS RACE DUE TO GOING OUT OF TOWN*** WE WILL BE BACK ON THE 24th. BE SAFE AND HAVE FUN. To see results of last nights race click here: Read the rest of this entry »

posted by TopFuelPhotos on May 4

After a month off due to other events being held at the track, the 1/4 Mile Summit ET Series Bracket Racing got back going at Gainesville Raceway Saturday. These guys and gals were ready to get back going and by the looks of the turn out it was going to be a hard fought battle. The track was looking good, the cars were good, it’s time to Rock N Roll. In Combo, Ernie Renfroe, (1970 Camaro) with a nice run, took out Jimmy Montgomery(1999 Dragster). Montgomery, came right back and took home the trophy in the Electronics class when he met up with Dave Hellriegel(1979 Chevy). Foot Brake saw a repeat winner when Ernie Renfroe met up with a stubborn Dan Macal in his 1983 Hurst. John Upthegrove (1978 Kawasaki) beat out Roy Johnson on his 2006 IX14 in the Pro M/C class. Street Cycle saw a good match up with Duane Schmidt and Emery Fuller. Schmidt (2004 Kawasaki) beat Fuller (2007 Kawasaki) to the line to take top spot in this class. Casey Miller (1991 Camaro) and Chris Parisi (2007 Mustang) went to the finals in True Street and it was Miller taking out Parisi. In JR Dragster, Dalton Samuel took out the Bar’s Leak dragster, driven by Alison McLean. Congratulations to all the winners and runner ups. See you next weekend when the 1/8 mile will meet up again.

posted by TopFuelPhotos on Mar 30

(Story by: Thomas & Renee Gaines)

The 2008 1/4 Mile Summit ET Series Bracket Racing season started Saturday night (03-29-08) at Gainesville Raceway. At 5:00 p.m. people were lined up all the way to the road waiting to get into the gate. All but one class was represented well. Street Bike ran with only three bikes. Duane Schmidt met up with Billy “The Wheelie” Barton. Schmidt had to play catch up with Barton, and took the win at the line. In pro bike the finals saw Dave Young take the win against Roger Cloer. In True Street, Chris Parisi took out Monica Roberts when she left a little early and red lighted. Derek Vazquez and Katie McLean saw each other in the final Jr. dragster run with Derek taking the win and Katie bringing home runner up. Watch out for these guys and gals, it’s going to be a tough division. In the foot brake class, Jeff Gatlin took the win over Dave Scott. Buddy Goolsby couldn’t be stopped all night and took the win in two classes. In electronics, Goolsby, took the win against Jimmy Montgomery in the battle of the dragsters. And in combo, Jeff Gatlin red lighted giving the win to Goolsby. A special thanks goes out to all the Gainesville Raceway track workers who kept the track in great shape and safe all night long. Next week starts the 1/8 mile season. See you there. Read the rest of this entry »

posted by TopFuelPhotos on Jan 14

The 10th annual Racer Awards Banquet was held this past Saturday night (January 12) at Gainesville Raceway Pavilion. This years banquet went off without a hitch. Great food, great music and great conversation among racers, family and friends. A big Thank You to Yvette Glisson, Melinda Selvidge and Don Robertson for making this years banquet the best. There were lots of prizes given away and Track Champions and Series Winners were Crowned. As we get ready to start the new season, lets continue to keep Tom in our prayers as he continues his recovery also remember to always use your safety equipment, its there to keep you safe. Take time to say “Thanks” and ” Good Job” to the track workers, they put in lots of hours so you will have a safe track and a great time doing what we all love. Keep your EYE on the tree and be safe.

CONGRATULATIONS TO :

TRACK CHAMPIONS

Buddy Abbott– Electronics

David Scott– Footbrake

April Macal– Ture Street

Troy Crawford– Motorcycle

Darrell Pons Jr.– Jr. Dragster

SERIES WINNERS

Bobby Powers– 1/8 Mile Electronic

Derek Putnam– 1/4 Mike Footbrake

Tom Tilton– 1/8 Mile True Street

Mike Lakoskey– 1/4 Mile Pro Cycle

Paul Stuart– 1/4 Mile Street Cycle

Billy Barton– 1/8 Mile Street Cycle

Open Comp Series, Sponsored by Rollins Automotive

Winner: Victor Adams
Runner-up: Dan Macal

posted by TopFuelPhotos on Jan 7

Jessie Harris has been thrilling race fans for the past five years, driving her jet powered dragster across the country. Now she has the chance to drive a 8,000 hp top fuel dragster for Evan Knoll and Torco Race Fuels. Not since Christine Powell, has there been such a buzz about a rookie top fuel driver coming into the NHRA ranks. Jessie earned the title of winningest driver in Jet Dragster history, now she will try to add another title to her list, rookie of the year and then top fuel champion. I had a chance to talk with Jessie and asked her a few questions.

Q. Tell me a little about your self.
J. My name is Jessie Harris. I reside in Rome, NY. I am 25 years old. Over the last 5 years, I have spent the weekends driving a Jet Powered Dragster and the weekdays managing a physical therapists office.

Q. How and when did you get into racing?
J. I have been crewing on my step-father’s blown alcohol roadster since the age of 6. From the first time I set foot at a racetrack, I fell in love with the sight, the sound, and the smell.

Q. I know you raced the jet cars, so how hard was it going from the jet car to the top fuel dragster?
J. I believe driving the Jet Dragster gave me the insight I needed to transition well into the Top Fuel car. I have made over 1,000 runs in the last 5 years, all either close to or quicker than 300 mph. So, in that aspect, I learned how to finesse and react at fast speeds. But I had to be willing to be a student again. I had never felt tire shake before. I had to learn how to drive a 8,000 hp wheel driven car as opposed to the 6,000 hp thrust driven car.

Q. How did the deal with you getting into a top fueler come about?
J. It has been my dream to drive a fuel car since I was 6 years old. I knew that I had to ‘play the game’ and market myself to get where I wanted to be. I spent 5 years in the Jet Dragster building a good resume and networking. At that point, I just started introducing myself to the pro’s, expressing my interest in driving. After seeing my face and hearing my name more than a few times, I think everyone started to believe I was serious and was willing to put in the effort.

Q. What are your plans for 08, I think you are going to be driving for Evan, right?
J. I will be driving a second dragster on Clay Millican’s team owned by Evan Knoll. Torco Race Fuels will be the primary sponsor but as for the paint scheme or theme… I am sorry, I can’t divulge just yet!

Q. Do you think you have something to prove coming into the NHRA ?
J. I believe in myself to be a good student who is willing to put in the effort to be the best. I want to prove that I deserve this opportunity I have been given. From there I will focus on making laps, going rounds, winning races, and eventually winning championships.

Q. When you stop and think about were you are at in your career,what goes through your mind?
J. I am blessed. I really do have to keep pinching myself as the countdown begins for Pomona. Few have or will ever have the opportunity to do this. Without a supportive family and friends, I would not be where I am today. I owe a lot to them.

Q. Who do you look up to as far as drag racing?
J. Oh my gosh, I have been watching the greats for a long time but I would have to say my mother and step-father, Penny and Joe Veschusio. They have taught me the in’s and out’s of drag racing. Both about the driving side and the business side.

Q. What do you do in the off season
J. Well, most will tell you, there really isn’t an off season but in my free time, I love to go snowmobiling, boating, running, and lift weights. Most of all, I love spending time with my family, boyfriend and friends. I have two great little sisters, Marie (12) and Megan (10) who insist they are drivers in training. I love it when I can catch one of their basketball or volleyball games.

Q. What track are you most looking forward to getting to and why?
J. My two favorites are Englishtown, NJ and Norwalk, OH. The track owners, staff, and fans are like a second family to me.

Q. One thing that people don’t know about you.
J. You’re killing me… Pretty much, what you see, is what you get with me.

I would like to sincerely thank a few people who have played intricate roles in my career. Frank Hawley, a fantastic instructor for working with me from getting my Alcohol Funny Car license to signing off on my Top Fuel license. Clay Millican, Lance Larsen, Johnny West and the rest of our two car team for being the all-stars that they are and supporting me every step of the way. Evan Knoll for believing in my passion to drive his car and support his company.