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What's New '09

2009-03-05T12:19:00.002-05:00

Hello Pro Stock fans, I'm back. Yes, it has been a long time since I wrote anything new. 2008 really sucked and I had zero motivation to write. I would like send a very late congrats to Kirk Miller and the Grinch crew for their Class III title last year. Kirk is a first class guy and I always look foward to seeing him at the races (just wish we didn't have to race against him). As for Mean Streak, '08 did not see much of us as the cost of fuel was, well you all know what that was like, so two races were all we could afford to run. Our first race was the MRA-supported Outlaw Pro Stock class at the Schaghticoke Fairgrounds, put on by MRA prez Mike Z. For the first time in many years, yours truly was behind the wheel and brought home a 3rd place finish. Not bad considering my lack of cuts. Sadly this marked the second year that the firemen watering the track really screwed the pooch by creating a really nice sippy hole in the middle of the track. I really hope that changes for '09.

This season Mean Streak will be up and running with both myself and my main man Chuck Courty III behind the wheel. The '09 schedule is being finalized and we will be keeping the travel to a minimum. The only NMRO race on the schedule will be Bloomsburg. I was very happy to see the VT jambo on the schedule only to find out there were no mud drags! Way to go, NMRO!

On the MRA front, things seem to be moving along very smoothly. There will be a five-race points series this year, and the races have been spread out across the country. Sadly, none are very close to me, so not sure how many Mean Streak will be at. There will be two races at the Transfer Fairgrounds this year. The first will be the Harvest Fair race on August 29. This will also be one of the MRA points races. The second race will be the Shootout on October 10. There was a lot of talk about having the blower class involved in this race so stay tuned.

The last thing I wanted to bring to your attention was the formation of the NEMRO. This organization has been formed to run races on the property of the New England Dragway in Epping, NH. At the helm is none other than fellow CT native, and one of my favorite racers, Tina Olszewski. Through several conversations with Madam President, I have learned that this is going to be one of the first permanent mud drag facilities in the Northeast. A timing tower, two sets of timing lights, grandstands, and lights to run at night are all in the works. Sponsors are being sought for both the overall events as well as for the individual classes. There are rules for nine classes, though they would not all be run at every event, and there is a $50 membership fee. The membership is not required to run, but there is talk of discounts on entry fees as well as reserved pit parking for members. The track will be 30 ft. wide each lane, and 180 ft. long. All the EMS and fire control will be supplied by the Dragway. For us Pro Stock guys, there will be a DOT and an Outlaw class, and the rules are very similar to NMRO and the MRA, so there should be no surprises. The one thing I really hope happens this year is the chance to run the Pro Stock class as an eliminator. Yes, first to the stripe winners and going rounds. Brian Erne and I talked about this at the Fast Mud/MRA meeting this February, as well as setting up a standalone Pro Stock show similar to the Pro-BADD deal Gary Baker has put together. The main difference would be that we would run a quick 8 or quick 16 format. I guess something good came out of that meeting besides a lot of empty beer cans. The NEMRO has their race dates set, and a test and tune date should happen sometime in May. Check out their website for all the details and try to support this new venture however you can.

That's all for now.

Am I Surprised?

2008-05-30T15:16:00.004-05:00

As I sit here reminiscing about my many trips to Lima, I took a look at my expenses, and using the new fuel prices, guess what I found? That's right, a huge increase. A trip to Anderson you say? At 12 to 13 miles per gallon it would cost over $600 in fuel alone. So is anyone surprised that car counts are down and people are getting out or not racing? The big topic on the web site is the "big money race". When you are spending double plus just to get to work and back plus costs rising everywhere else, how can you justify the expense? Now, we are not alone. When I speak to friends in other forms of motorsports, I hear the same thing. My point to this is that now is the time to get divisional racing started. This would go a long way to keep people racing and help keep expenses down. While this is not a new idea, it just might be the one thing that keeps mud racing viable in these harsh economic times.

On another note, I have been watching how the MRA has dealt with the first few events, and while some mistakes have been made, some simple communication could keep the naysayers at bay. With so many people watching, it is very important to do what you say and say what you mean.

The last thing I want to address concerns rules enforcement. I have heard rumors that both the NMRO as well as the MRA have not really been enforcing the rules at the first couple of races, and I am concerned for the future. While I fully realize that the MRA is a new deal, the one thing it cannot afford is any missteps here. As of right now there are no regulations on what constitutes cheating, what the penalties are for these infractions, will there be a protest procedure, and who will be responsible for tech inspection. I would be happy to help in the tech inspection at the races I go to, but if the inspector finds things wrong and his authority is underminded by promotors, then how is this gonna work? Any legitimate racing organization has its own police to keep things fair. If the MRA is really serious about legitimacy then this must happen, and fast. With so many racers being willing to help, having divisional tech inspectors would take the load off promoters and reps and allow them to do their jobs more effectively. No mud racing will ever be taken seriously until this organization has some very serious teeth and the willingness to use them! My fear is that since the rules were written to try to please everyone, rules enforcement will go the same way. Time as always will be the judge, but you can bet I will be watching.

That's all for now.

PA Postscript '08

2008-03-09T19:08:00.002-05:00

There is nothing quite like a drive across PA on I-80, especially during the winter. It was nonetheless worth the crappy drive to see so many old friends and to be a part of the MRA meeting that took place there.

In my last column I stated that the last thing that the sport of mud racing needed was another sanctioning body. While I still stand by that, after attending the MRA meeting and hearing what they had going for them, the real question becomes, "Will we need thee, NMRO, in the future"? Don't get me wrong, the MRA has a lot to prove and a long way to go, but the officers and delegates have really put a lot of time, money and effort into this organization. I have been keeping up on the MRA website, and though most of the buzz is centered around the rules, I do think there are a few things that many people don't know.

First, there are set and fairly short term limits to all elected officials. Second, the MRA has set up very specific track construction and safety guidelines. This will include minimum safety personnel requirements, as well as having inspections for track width and shutdown lengths. Driver safety is also a big concern, with the 2008 guidelines becoming mandatory in the years to come. Something else to come out of this meeting was the Fast Mud race dates for '08. The Harvest Fair race will be on August 23, and the Shootout will be October 11. The blower class is also being considered for inclusion at the Shootout, and both races are being considered for MRA sanctioning. There was also a discussion on races that are sanctioned, and ones that are supported. At a sanctioned race, all MRA class, safety, and track rules will be followed, and eventually points will be issued. A supported race will be those that follow most of the rules, but either can't or won't enforce all of them.

As for the '08 season, Mean Streak will be running as many MRA races in this area as we can, and according to prez Mike Zibella, there may be a number of new races up this way. As of right now, the only NMRO race on the schedule for us will be Bloomsburg, and when we get the dates for the other races we will post them.

I was disappointed to hear of Chris Terry's resignation as a board member of the MRA. I really don't understand his actions, and much of what I have read doesn't make much sense. I will say that one race date conflicting with another is no reason to throw away the whole organization. This happens in other forms of racing with little ill effect. In the day of $4 a gallon diesel, not too many racers can afford to travel. So how do the TMRO's actions benefit anyone (they don't), and they only open the door for animosity in a sport that doesn't need it. Sadly, there will always be those naysayers that take cheap shots at those willing to step up and lead or speak their minds. Since you can't please everyone, I say to my friends at the MRA, keep it up, there are a lot of us that think you are doing a great job.

That's all for now.

The More Things Change the More They Stay the Same

2007-12-31T13:55:00.000-05:00

I'M BACK! That's right, folks. After putting the Jeep back together and doing a lot of reading on various websites, I have just one question for all of you: Where is this sport going?! I have read sooo many different and exciting ideas about how to improve the sport, but who will lead us to this promised land? The NMRO? Not! The MRA? I wonder? From what I have read, the MRA seems to be heading in its own direction and away from what I thought and felt was its true calling, the representation of the racer. If I have a problem with or suggestion about Class 3 then who do I talk to? Something else I found very interesting is the absence of some very high profile names from the rep list. Why is this? What would happen if the MRA suggests rule changes or an increase in payout? Would there be some type of strike or is this just a paper tiger? In my opinion, the last thing the sport needs right now is another sanctioning body. It needs LEADERSHIP and UNITY!!!!! Being from the Northeast, I have been fortunate to have Mike Zibella promoting races for the past few years. Every year it is the same thing: good tracks, decent money, no racers. In 2005, the NMRO had a points race at the Chatham fairgrounds and there were only 3 (yes 3) more Class 3 entries than normal. Ask Mike how he did at that race financially. Fast Mud Promotions had their lowest Class 3 turnout ever at the second race in 2007. Again good track, more money than NMRO, and no racers. One word can sum all this up and that is Stagnation! No hobby, sport or business will survive in an era of $3.50 plus for diesel fuel and 5 times that for racing gas without growth. While this column may sound like a pessimistic rant, it comes from my passion for this sport and my concern that the sport of mud racing will never outgrow its boutique status in the world of motorsports. To those who can effect change, I have one final word and that is that the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few. The NHRA made that choice in 1982 and look where their Pro Stock class is today. I would like to say Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all my friends and to all of our servicemen and women keeping this country great. That's all for now.

Message From Brian Erne - National Mud Racers Association

2007-08-26T23:07:00.000-05:00

Yes, the National Mud Racers Association is still alive and progressing. I am still compiling a list of nominees and receiving a few emails from nominees who are accepting nomination.

My goal is still to have a ballot prepared to begin circulating by the Indy Jamboree. The problem is that I still have a list of about 70 nominees and only 9 of these people have replied to let me know that they are interested. This, in itself, is not a problem. If we have a ballot with 12 or 15 nominees on it that would be great.

The thing is, I think there are still quite a few people on the nominee list who would like to be on the ballot. I really need those people to send me an email to let me know. I plan to include a small bio on each nominee, so some personal information such as location, experience in the sport of mud racing, and ideas and goals would be helpful.

I will only include on the ballot those nominees who contact me and express interest. Please encourage those who are on the list and have not accepted nomination to do so.

Here is the complete list of nominees, followed by the list of nominees at this point, who will be on the ballot.

As usual, email me with ideas or questions.

Thanks!
Brian Erne
theernes@comcast.net

Keith Mitchell	Gene Cutchin	Jeff Funk
Scott Snarski	Scott Graham	Brad Wisdom
Mitch Mitchell	Todd James	Terry Slocum
Dusty DeGraffenreid	Scott Lemmon	Mike Lebakken
Chris Terry	Gary Evans	Brad Craven
Ben Cranford	Scott Robertson	Rick Nagele
Brendan Kinsella	Jon Thee	Yvonne Cranford
George Vanderwaal	Dwight Terry	Hugh Crockerell
Mike Lane	Tom Frost	Gary Baker
Brandon Lee	Jeff Smith	Kip Finley
Keith Raedel	Terry Shants	Don Bertrum
Jackie Burden	Dennis Hinson	Joe Curtis
John Stull	Richard Stull	Brian Postelwaith
Chuck Courty	Eric Klos	Chris Boulet
Brian Erne	Tim Wheelus	Tubby McDonald
Scot Sanford	Casey Cagle	Jason Williams
Charles Strickland	Gary Heusted	Bobby Poston
Dave Moeller	Rod Clinton	Mike Zibella
Trevor Pugh	Morticia Walters	Brian Morrison
Bobby Curit	David Kurtz	Tubby McDonald
Mike Lebbaken	Jamie Boyd	Orilin Clark
Dennis Hinson	Mike Maurath	Matt Phieffer
Jeremy Warner	Scott Parent	Andy Garrett
Wayne Bonnaker	Chad Bergman	Calvin Raedel
Jason Bergman	Cory Witt

Accepted Nomination:

Bobby Poston (NC)
Jeff Smith (AR)
Mike Zibella (NY)
Jon Thee (MO)
Scott Graham (MO)
Trevor Pugh (WV)
Dusty DeGraffenreid (MO)
Jeffery Funk (IA)
Chris Terry (TN)
Scott Lemmon (MO)

The Streak Continues

2007-07-29T23:42:00.000-05:00

Where to start, where to start. First, I am sorry for not getting a new column out sooner, but I had lost the motivation to write. That has returned. I would like to extend an invitation to those interested to pen a guest column for the front page of the website. This I feel will help to minimize the dead air as well as to introduce some new ideas and new writers to the site. All guest columns can be emailed to the website administrator for final approval.

Now as for results, I want to send a belated congrats to Brian and Rick for winning and resetting the 160' record in Lima. As most of you know, that lasted about 3 weeks and was reset by Mark Hess at the National in Springfield, Illinois. This is what I like about this sport, at Bloomsburg Jason Williams not only won the race, not only reset the record, but also took fast reaction time. Talk about a points haul! 3 races, 3 different winners. Mean Streak kept its own streak alive by hurting the tranny in Lima and then grenading it in spectacular fashion in Schaghticoke, NY. Broken parts may very well be a part of racing, but after a year it is getting kinda old. Fortunately there aren't any old parts left, so look for this streak to end. I would like to thank Mike Z and crew for putting on a good race at a very nice facility. In a post race conversation Mike informed me that there is the possibility for more races there, as well as a higher than expected car count with very little advertising.

On the Racer Association front, there is still a steady stream of dialog with some really good ideas being thrown around. Two of them that I really like are the formation of geographical divisions, where racers compete locally to see who qualifiies to race nationally, and institution of a qualified field with first to the stripe winners. These ideas most definitely have a draw with asphalt drag fans, as the formats would then be the same and much easier to understand for the novice fan. One final note is to wish Brian and Kim Erne's daughter Lizzy a speedy recovery from surgery. Get well and we'll see you soon.

That's all for now.

2007 Preview

2007-03-08T14:01:00.000-05:00

As spring is finally starting to get here, the '07 season can't be far behind. For those who ran the TMRO race, it has already begun. Due to weather considerations along our intended travel path, Mean Streak stayed home, and while I missed seeing and racing with my friends, the money will be better spent on prepping for the '07 outdoor season. As for the jeep, the main focus in '07 will be reliability and fine tuning the existing combo. I have started the design phase for a new chassis, and will be working toward having it out in '08. I have gotten some really good ideas from many fellow racers and will be lurking in the pits with a camera when I see more. The only rule change that I have heard of for Pro Stock will disallow the removal of body parts from the race vehicle before racing, so as to maintain their stock appearance.

As for the web site, I wll be adding a new interview piece entitled OUT OF BOUNDS WITH.... This will be a short 10 to 12 question interview with past and present Pro Class racers. The format and questions should be ready for Lima. The other change that you will notice affects the blog page and the content of comments left there. As of now, there will be a ZERO TOLERANCE policy for personal attacks of any kind directed at anyone. I do not want my fellow racers to stop visiting and posting to the site, and off topic and blatant and personal attacks are not what this forum is for. While I do not believe in censorship, any inapproprate posts will now simply be deleted. On a final note, there is no such thing as anonimity on the internet, and those responsible for the inappropriate posts should have thought about that. We know who you are and where you are.

That's all for now.

Looking Ahead Part II

2007-01-15T19:29:00.000-05:00

As the snow falls here in Maine on New Year's Eve, my mind starts to wonder about what 2007 will bring.

Part of my research has drawn me to many mud racing-related web sites and their various chat rooms. The big buzz now is the chassis issue. Should back half kits be legal? Should center seats be legal? What should be done about wheelbase and how do you enforce it all?

With regards to back half kits, I feel that they should be legal. Whether you build it yourself or have a chassis built for you, a back half kit when properly attached would be a strong foundation for a safe chassis.

Yes, my first reason is safety. The faster we get, the more possible it will become for our vehicles to wreck. The stronger and stiffer the chassis (up to a point), the less chance there is for the driver to be hurt. Obviously, proper safety gear as well as driver restraints all play a part in this. If the chassis is stronger, then it will last longer before it has to be replaced, thus helping to keep the cost of racing down.

Finally, when tied together with a strong cage, a non-flexing chassis allows the suspension to work better and more consistently. Center seats are more subjective. According to Bruce, center seats are OK if the pedals are on the left side. The only advantage to this is that the cage could be built directly over the frame, which could be stronger and lighter, but with a minimum weight, having to run too much ballast could make positioning it a challenge.

As far as wheelbase is concerned, there is a clear rule on the books now, but I have yet to see it enforced.

This comes back to the same bottom line, and that is enforcement. All of the comments that I have read are the same, give us a fair set of rules and enforce them! If a lack of staff at the race is the issue, then maybe racers need to step up and get involved with tech. Pro Stock would tech Pro Mod, Pro Mod would do Blowers, and Blowers would do our class. This should minimize the chance of cheating. This would definitely lighten the load on Bruce and allow the host clubs to deal with the less technical classes. The NMRO has more responsibility to us than just taking our money, and we have the responsibility to hold them accountable.

The one thing I am glad to see is the growth of the sport around the country. It seems that there are more groups starting their own sanctioning bodies and coming up with rules similar to the NMRO. This could be the common denominator that allows the sport to grow. With similar rules, you could race all over the country and this would pick up car counts. More cars equal more money in the purses. The guys at Fast Mud are committed to this goal and deserve our support. The Northeast seems to be the only place that has not had any real growth. Over the years, a few people have tried to start new races with very little success. It seems that the rules are antiquated, and this has led to the lack of competitiveness on the national level as well as the lack of new rides coming out of the Northeast. Deep pits are the only thing that seem to thrive. So I guess I will just have to keep traveling.

Speaking of traveling, Mean Streak will be heading south for the TMRO race in February. I am looking foward to racing with them and seeing some old friends.

I hope everyone has a safe and happy New Year and we'll see you in 2007.

2006 Wrap Up

2006-11-11T21:39:00.000-05:00

As Halloween has come and gone, Mean Streak has finally been put away for the winter and plans for 2007 are already underway. Both the jeep and the website will see improvements so stay tuned for them. Anyone who was at Indy knows what the big story was - THE WEATHER! The old saying "when it rains it pours" was never more true. I didn't see the sun until I was in Ohio on the way home. The short track trend continued with Indy shrinking to 180'. The right lane had some really nice pitch to the left and a hole just off the starting line which combined for just 1 top 10 pass in the Pro Stock class. By this point the results from Indy have been posted elsewhere so I will not post them here but Mean Streak did finish 9th with a 3.113 which at least is consistent with the rest of the 180' times we have run this year. As for the year end points I would like to congratulate Sam Franklin and Jason Massie for their co-championship. Both had strong seasons and they accounted for all 4 wins on the Jambo circuit. Brendan Kinsella finished 2nd and Mean Streak came in 3rd. This was the first year for the year end points bonus and we just received our $500 gift certificate from TCI. Many thanks to the folks at TCI and Comp Cams for their sponsorship of our class and sport.

One week after Indy the Mean Streak team was at the Chatham County Fairgrounds for Mike Zibella's Motor Madness. As usual we weren't fast but we were spectacular, or at least the damage to the rear drive shaft was. With the help of Mike Z, Frank O, Gary H, and Shamrock Welding, Mean Streak had a new rear drive shaft just in time for more rain on Sunday. 2006 ended just the way it started, Broke. On the upside for us northern racers was the fact that Mike Z had been contacted by a regional fair board that was interested in a race over Memorial Day weekend for 2007. As more info is available I will let you know.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Amy Nagele for her photos, Chris Courty for all her work on the website and photos, the Mudgician crew and Chuck II for all their help on and off the track, without these people our success would be impossible. Last and certainly not least I need to thank my main man, Chuck III. His ability to leave on time, get down the track and relate information gets better with each passing year. Chuckie is a very large part of Mean Streak's success and I look foward to many more seasons with him behind the wheel. That's all for now.

3 Down and 1 to Go

2006-09-07T21:53:00.000-05:00

As you all know, 1 month prior to the race in Bloomsburg, PA the fairgrounds were completely flooded.When I pulled in Thursday night it was like nothing had ever happened. The only difference that I noticed was the presence of more dust than usual, so my hat is off to all who helped get the place ready for us to race. This year for some reason the track was shortened to 180', not sure why, but even so the times were a little on the slow side for this usually fast track. Jason Massie took first at 3.021, Brendan Kinsella took second at 3.101, Chuck Courty III was in third at 3.105, Sam Franklin was fourth at 3.236, and Rick Nagele was fifth at 3.275. With the last points race of the year at the end of September and only 20 points separating 1st through 4th, Indy is going to be a real barn burner. I was unable to attend the Fast Mud race at the Harvest Fair in Transfer, PA, however after speaking with the guys from Fast Mud they informed me that the issues with the timing lights were solved and that they had the largest crowd to date. Jason Massie was the big winner in Pro Stock and took the Pro Mod bounty as well. Brian Sears won in Pro Mod and Chuck Courty III won the Open Class with the Mud Missile. I did want to remind everyone that Mike Zebella will be having a race at the Chatham Fairgrounds Sept 30 through Oct 1. There will be 2 separate races for Pro Stock, and Pro Mod will have a Cut and Scoop class, as will the blower cars. The grounds are a great place for camping and the track is always fast. I hope you all can attend and I will see you all in Indy. Bring your A games boys, I am bringing mine.

2 Down and 2 to Go

2006-08-20T20:43:00.000-05:00

As the dust settles on Essex Junction...no pun intended. The Pro Stock points picture has shifted yet again. Sam Franklin, with his second place finish, extends his first place points lead to ten over Brendan Kinsella, who had a third place finish in Vermont. Jason Massie, with his first national win of the year, jumps from seventh to third, and even though Mean Streak broke once again, we coasted to a fourth place finish. Chuck III had fastest reaction time, which then put us in a tie for third in the points. With two races left, the title is still up for grabs, which makes the rescheduled Bloomsburg race all the more important.

Race Schedule Update

I have been informed that Mike Zibella will be having a two day race in Chatham, NY on September 30 and October 1. Payout and entrance fees will be posted ASAP. The Harvest Home Fair race will be happening on Saturday, August 26. This will be a fall show with Class II and an Open Class. There will be a $200 bounty for the quickest Pro Stock that bumps up to Pro Mod, and the same bounty for the quickest Pro Mod that bumps up to the Open Class. On Sunday, August 27, there will be a race in West Virginia at the Wetzel County 4H Grounds, which is two miles east of New Martinsville. There will be seven classes of racing, and camping is available. Check with any of the West Virginia boys for details, or call Ricky Stillwagoner at 304-455-3190 or go to www.townandcountrydays.org. Well, got to get back to fixing broken parts. See you in Bloomsburg!

Shootout Postscript

2006-08-05T23:31:00.000-05:00

Welcome back, my fellow racers. With Lima two months behind us and Bloomsburg postponed due to flooding, the first annual Pro Stock/Pro Mod Shootout was for some us the first chance to race in some time. With a payout that exceeded the Nationals and an Outlaw Class to run, I was very happy to see the best that the Pro Stock Class has to offer were in attendance. I would like to congratulate all of the winners and the top 5 in each class. The winners were:

Pro Modified Cuts : Keith Mitchell (Mudgician) 2.151
Pro Modified Scoops : Eric Klos (Da Judge) 2.060
Pro Stock : Jason Massie (Possessed) 2.560
Outlaw - Rick Nagele (Insta-Gator 2) 2.392

As you can see from the times, all of the effort that the guys from Fast Mud Promotions put into the track was not in vain. There were some weather issues and some problems with the lights, but I have been assured that the latter problem is being addressed and should be squared away by the Harvest Home Fair race on August 26.

As for Mean Streak, our year of parts attrition has continued with some front suspension damage taking place on the second of our DOT passes at the Shootout. This did force us to scratch from the Outlaw Class, which was probably a good thing as the new wheelie bar hasn't been mounted yet. If you have seen the pictures from yearlier this year then you know what I mean.

One last thing all you racers should know is that the small profit that was made at the Shootout is going to be put back in the purse. I hope you all think about that when deciding whether or not to attend the next Fast Mud race. That's all for now. See you in Essex Junction.

One Down, Three to Go

2006-05-29T11:37:00.000-05:00

With Lima in the can and Memorial Day upon us, I wanted to let everyone know that the Chatham race has been postponed until after Indy. When I get more definitive info I will let you know. I also want to thank all of our veterans out there, without them preserving our wonderful way of life we would not be free to pursue our quest for quicker ET's. As for Lima, Sam Franklin in Untamed is our newest national event winner. Not only was this his first national event win, but he did it with style by tying the 200' national record @ 3.163. Thunder Valley's stranglehold on the records could be in jeopardy. Here's the top 10 from Lima:

1) Sam Franklin - Untamed - 3.163
2) Brendan Kinsella - Lacking Sanity Too - 3.166 (tie breaker was a .001 faster reaction time)
3) Jason Williams - Gittin Jiggy - 3.166
4) Steve Filson - Thunderbolt - 3.177
5) Donald Huntley - Nevr Enuf - 3.221
6) Kirk Miller - The Grinch - 3.227
7) Jason Massie - Possesed - 3.229
8) Chuck Courty III - Mean Streak - 3.245
9) Marc Hess Jr - Hess Motorsports - 3.266
10) Anthony McFarland - Family Affairs - 3.321

I recently got word from Fast Mud Promotions that there will be a $200 bonus for the quickest Pro Stock that bumps up to Pro Mod, and the same bonus for the quickest Pro Mod that bumps up to the Open Class. This will apply to the Harvest Fair race only, which will be taking place in August at the Transfer Fair Grounds. That's all for now, so see you in Bloomsburg.

The SMRO Experience

2006-05-04T10:35:00.000-05:00

Hello to all my Pro Stock brothers. After a 1600 plus mile trip and a few days assesing damage from too many rough landings (if you have seen the pictures then you know what I mean) I wanted to take the opportunity to thank Danny and all the staff @ Thunder Valley for a great weekend and some awesome racing. From the minute I arrived at the gate both track personel and SMRO staff were friendly and courteous and I can say that their future is bright indeed. The only thing I could ask is for a track a little further north, about 400 miles (what do you say Danny?) As is a Thunder Valley tradition, the track was in top shape and this was proven by the very fast times. I forgot to get all the times but at least the top 3 in the Dot class ran under the current national record with Brendan Kinsella taking the win with a 3.055. As for Mean Streak, we finished 8th with a 3.23 and a bent and twisted rear axle housing. Mean Streak was a little slower than I hoped for but as this was the first outing for the new engine combo at least we put on a spectacular wheelstanding display. This will be fixed for Lima. The racer turnout seemed to be on par for such a high paying race with trucks coming from Connecticut, Indiana, Texas, and all points in between. The payout was another great feature of the shootout. I won't get on my soapbox too much but every racer knows that the price of fuel is going to be a major factor in how much traveling can be done this year.

It was a pleasant change to have the payout start to reflect the HUGE investment we racers have in our rides and with so many classes to run the chances of covering all your expenses and dare I say putting a few extra bucks in your pocket was a real possibility. We again owe Thunder Valley a big thanks for that. By now I am sure most of you have heard about or seen the recent influx of money into the NMRO with a year end purse for the top 3 in Classes 3 thru 6. Well if you can't even keep your website updated how will you keep track of the points? This sure sounds like the traditional preseason hype to me. Time will be the judge of this but what sense does it make to be talking about races in Texas and Illinois if your racers can't afford to get there and the purse wouldn't cover your costs even if you did win? I would love it if someone could explain the NMRO business plan to me because I and the more racers I meet and talk to just don't get it. Two final notes, first, Mike Zibella will be having his race over Memorial Day weekend at the Columbia County Fairgrounds in Chatham, NY. This is a great little facility with a quick, well-groomed track. As I get more info I will post it ASAP. The last thing is a very big thanks to Duran Watson and his crew for their help over the weekend and the same to Tim Wheelus for his help and welding after the big wheelstand on Saturday. It is very refreshing to have so many racers willing to help another out and this is what makes the sport great. Mean Streak may have left the Valley a little beat up, but we made some new friends and you just can't put a price on that. See you all in Lima.

2006 Preview

2006-02-14T23:10:00.000-05:00

Welcome back, my fellow Pro Stock brothers. This will be the first of my many rants this year and I would like to take a moment to talk about the schedule. With only 4 nationals this year (this will be my next topic), the calendar is looking pretty empty and we have to start looking to other sources for races. I mention this because there are a few races that I would like to help promote.

The first is a double payout race at the quickest track around, Thunder Valley Motorplex in Neeses, SC. Danny Sheppard has informed me that for Pro Stock there will be a DOT Class, an outlaw class that features cuts but no nitrous, and a consistency class. There will also be a paddle class for the Pro Mod guys. Check out Thunder Valley Motorplex.com for all your contact and race info.

The other race I want to talk about is the first Pro Stock/Pro Mod Shootout to be held at the Transfer Fairgrounds in Transfer, PA. It will take place on July 22 and will showcase 2 classes of Pro Stock and Pro Mod action as well as a bog for the street trucks. Once again, there will be a DOT and outlaw class for Pro Stock and a paddle class for Pro Mod. Check out the link on Mud Missile.com for all contact and payout info.

I urge all of my fellow racers to support these upcoming events as they are being put on by racers for racers and are not something to fill in an unpopular time slot at the increasingly not so Special Events.

Indy Postscript

2005-11-03T23:47:00.000-05:00

Now that the ‘05 season has drawn to a close, I would like to take a moment to congratulate Jason Massie, Keith Mitchell, Mike Lane, and Tim Wheelus for their fine seasons and championships. I would also like to take this moment to thank everyone who helped Mean Streak to a second place finish in ‘05. First, my wife Pam and Chris Courty, for their great action shots of Mean Streak from around the country. Chris is also the builder and editor of this website, and without her, this website would not exist. I must also thank the multi-time national champion “Brain Trust” of Keith Mitchell and Chuck Courty Jr. I am honored to have their help as well as their friendship. And finally to my “Little Buddy” Chuck Courty III. Chuckie has given me the opportunity to make my thoughts and dreams a reality. His ability behind the wheel is a very large part of Mean Streak’s success in ‘05, and I look forward to our continued success in ‘06. In closing, I would like to wish all of my friends around the country happy holidays and I look forward to seeing you soon.

Looking Back/Looking Ahead

2005-09-29T19:42:00.000-05:00

With Indy upon us it can only mean one thing, another season coming to a close. So far, Mean Streak has traveled almost 5000 miles this year and while I love the competition and seeing so many friends, I am ready for a break. Looking back, this was another great year for the Pro Stock Class. Both the 160 ft. and 180 ft. national records were reset and a new points champion is ready to be crowned. Since 1999, there has not been a repeat champion and I think this speaks volumes for the class and the level of competition. Now, for looking ahead, I think the one thing that is going to plague this class is the skyrocketing cost of racing. Fuel costs continue to rise, no help at either the registration or payout windows, and the reality of having to spend 20 to 40 thousand dollars for a motor is slowly pushing the small guy out of the class. At some point the NMRO has got to put restrictions on the spending, whether it is a cubic inch limit or a weight per cubic inch rule - something must be done. Now before all the crying starts I pose this question - If there are no restrictions or limits, then how is someone on a small budget or new to the class going to compete? Racers are competitive by nature. This is why there is very little recirculation of old parts. Very few people can see the value in an existing and proven combo when there is no end in sight to cubic inches and the perceived lack of competitiveness. We need to help find ways to bring more new blood into the class, and if spending is allowed to go unchecked, then the class will collapse under its own weight. The time has come for Pro Stock racers to band together and create a set of fair rules and, if need be, enforce them ourselves. Without taking these steps or ones similar, this class and the sport as a whole will never gain any national respect or the ability to attract a major marketing partner that will help the sport grow, the way Winston did for NASCAR. Change will not happen without effort, so to all who read this, if you have any ideas for improving the Pro Stock Class please let me know.

What's in a Name?

2005-09-29T19:36:00.000-05:00

The "nmro" calls Class 3 one of its Pro/Touring classes. So why is it still called Super Stock? Back in the day, a high winding small block or a 454 with Super Swampers was the hot ticket. Most trucks still had lights and street-related equipment in place. Today, a small block is anything under 600 inches, 4 links, fiberglass racing body, and racers carrying the front end for the first part of the track is the norm. If the "nmro" is going to let the class evolve this way, then should we not have a proper name, aka PRO STOCK? How many of us can quickly look at our racers and measure the investment in the tens of thousands of dollars? How many of us have purchased enclosed trailers and traveled thousands of miles already this year? I think that a simple name change in not only order but would show some progressive thought (ha ha) by the "nmro". How about having the top five in each class carry their points ranking like the NHRA does? Next year, Jason Massie would cary P/S 1 so people would know he was the man to beat. I feel that these are just a few of the improvements that could be made with very little cost to the "nmro". Now I don't have a particular axe to grind, but if we are expected to pay for 2 passes and travel the way we do, i.e. act like professionals, then shouldn't our sanctioning body do the same?

P.S. I am going to start carrying the Pro Stock results from each race and will do what I can about points. I'd like to get some feedback so please feel free to email me at meanstreakracing@gmail.com.

Please allow myself to introduce...myself.

2005-08-27T23:44:00.000-05:00

For those of you that don't know me, my name is James M. Tharrington III, aka Big T, and I am the owner of the Class 3 Jeep, Mean Streak. This will be the first of many articles appearing here. I will try to cover some of the issues near and dear to me and hopefully to the rest of my Class 3 brothers. After a couple of years of drag racing, I went to my first mud race in 1991, and have been hooked ever since. Back in those days, the pits were deep and the times were, well, not what they are today. Over the years, the evolution of the class been impressive to say the least, from Rich McConnell's 3 second run in 1998, to the Michigan invasion with 3 consecutive national championships and the birth of the modern era of Class 3. The one thing about this sport that has not changed is the people. I consider myself blessed with all of the friends that I have made over the years. It's not every day that you meet people from all over the country and walks of life that share the same passion for speed on the Oh So Consistent medium of mud. So if you are at the races, please feel free to stop by the trailer, pull up a chair and your favorite beverage, and b.s. for a while.

pro STOCK EXCHANGE

2005-08-23T15:06:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the pro STOCK EXCHANGE. This is a forum for discussing anything having to do with NMRO Mud Racing, including but not restricted to Class III NMRO Mud Racing. If you have any topics you would like to discuss, please post them here.