BIG YEAR FOR ROCKINGHAM DRAGWAY DESPITE PANDEMIC Furr, Soles Win Track Championships; Race Winners from 17 States and Puerto Rico ROCKINGHAM, N.C. – Although the COVID-19 pandemic made it one of the most bizarre seasons in Rockingham Dragway history, 2020 did deliver some big moments and milestone performances not the least of which was Allen Furr’s third straight track championship at the wheel of his venerable 1962 Chevy II. The bracket standout from Richfield also shared the Footbrake championship in the VP Racing Fuels Carolina Coalition Series with Charlotte’s James Lockhart thanks in large part to a Sunday victory in the series opener at The Rock. Not to be outdone, Delco’s Mark Soles used a victory in the annual Racers Appreciation free entry event in March to win the track championship in Top ET and become one of only a handful to claim titles in the top two categories. He was The Rock’s Footbrake champion in 2017 and when the 2021 season begins, he will be trying to extend to six the number of consecutive seasons in which he has finished in the Top 3 in points. Other notable winners were 2017 track champion Barry Nall of Eagle Springs, the Top ET/Footbrake combo champ at the 29th running of the Griffin Motors Mopars at the Rock and four-time track champion and former IHRA World Champion Chip Johnson of Fayetteville, who scored at the Super Chevy Show presented by Richmond County Tourism and later was runner-up to Lumberton’s Cody Phillips at the Division 2 Lucas Oil Series finale. Aarron Finacannon of Cameron won the inaugural season of the Rock Batteries Stock Block/Small Block Shootout in this 1989 Mustang. On the motorcycle side, a pair of two-time NHRA Top Fuel Harley series champions, Julian’s Jay Turner and Pfafftown’s Tii Tharpe, each won a Top Fuel race at The Rock and Chapin, S.C.’s Sam White appeared in three final rounds although his only win came at the All-Harley Drag Racing Association Nitro Spring Nationals. Paul Gast, at 70, won Pro Modified at the ManCup Series race and Ardie Rawlings of Lakeland, Fla., became the first Rockingham winner on an electric bike when she prevailed in Dial-In Eliminator at the 29th Jim McClure Nitro World Finals in November. Overall, the track recognized event winners from 17 states and Puerto Rico including Jose Gonzalez, who won three different ManCup titles in an ironman performance befitting a resident of Carolina – Carolina, Puerto Rico. Among the Lucas Oil Series champions crowned in the NHRA’s Southeast Division were Lumberton’s Missy Phillips in Stock Eliminator, Albemarle’s Greg Slack, another former Rockingham track champion, in Super Gas and Mike Volkman of Campobello, S.C., in Super Stock. “Congratulations, not just to our champions and our race winners, but to everyone who battled through a tough season,” said Rockingham Dragway owner Steve Earwood. “I think we’re all looking forward to better days and record runs in 2021.” ROCKINGHAM DRAGWAY 2020 Season Summary Event Results VP Racing Fuels Carolina Coalition Series, Feb. 29-March 1 Top ET winners – T.G. Paschal, McLeansville; Paul Warwick, Lumberton. Footbrake winners – Allen Furr, Richfield, 1962 Chevy II; Levi Boozer, Kannapolis. Jr. Dragster winners – Cam Whisnant, Dallas; Dylan White, Cordesville, S.C. Racers Appreciation Free Entry Race, March 7-8 Top ET winners – Randy Carmichael, Mullins, S.C.; Joe Williams, Lumberton. Footbrake winners – Mark Soles, Delco; Jonathan McCandless, Burlington. Jr. Dragster winners – Hayden Dial, Lumberton; Maxson Locklear, Rowland. ‘Big John’ Leviner Memorial Weekend Bracket Championships, March 22-24 Top ET winner: Eric Aman, Clinton Footbrake winner: Randy Biddle Jr., Christiansburg, Va. Jr. winner: Michael Hypes, Blacksburg, Va. NHRA ‘Wally’ winner: Biddle Jr. School’s Out Shootout, June 26-28 Saturday Main Event – Lavar Lewis, Mechanicsville, Va., def. Matthew Pilon, Clewiston, Fla. Sunday 14-18 – Katie Sloat, Parrish, Fla., def. Kristen Brady, Liberty Sunday 10-13 – Dylan MacNicol, North Port, Fla., def. Alyssa Rabon, Florence, S.C. Sunday 6-9 – Nolan Callahan, Fayetteville, def. Jackson Summers, Franklin, Ky. Friday Gamblers Race – Austin Logen, Port Charlotte, Fla., def. Lavar Lewis, Mechanicsville, Va. 29th annual Griffin Motors Mopars at The Rock, July 11-12 Charger Shootout – Joshua Jones, Kannapolis, 2019 Charger Challenger Shootout – Joshua Gibson, McColl, S.C. Top ET/Footbrake Combo – Barry Nall, Eagle Springs, 1968 Plymouth Barracuda, def. Laura Glasscock, Keysville, Va., 1971 Dodge Challenger Trophy – Mark Dudley Jr., Statesville, def. David Horton, Belews Creek, 1967 Dodge Coronet Car Show – Editor’s Choice Award, Stephanie Wolfe, Sherrills Ford, 1983 Jeep; Best of Show Classic, Tom Rich, Randleman, 1970 Dodge Swinger; Best of Show Modern, Anna Konya, Conway, S.C., 2015 Dodge Challenger; Best of Show Truck, Dean Craft, Myrtle Beach, S.C., 2016 Dodge RAM; Best Club Participation Trophy, Queen City Challengers, Charlotte Modern Street Hemi Shootout, July 12 Outlaw – Kevin Helmick, New Bern, 2016 Hellcat Challenger. 8.50 Index – Kevin Helmick, New Bern, 2016 Hellcat Challenger. 10.0 Index – Brian Brunt, Wixom, Mich., 2008 Jeep SRT. 10.50 Index – Chris Dutresne, Pomfret, Md., 2018 Jeep Trackhawk. 12.50 Index – John Govenettio, Hamburg, N.Y., 2016 Hellcat Challenger. Bracket – Don Springstead, Gillett, Pa., 2006 Dodge Charger. Rookie – Laura Willingham, State Road, 2015 Dodge Challenger. AHDRA Nitro Spring Nationals, Aug. 1-2 Top Fuel – Jay Turner, Julian, def. Ryan Peery, Milford, Ohio Pro Drag – Sam White, Chapin, S.C., def. Preston Bartlett, Palatka, Fla. Pro Mod – John Price, Emmitsburg, Md., def. Keith Carper, Laurel, Md. Hot Street – Troy Young, Wirtz, Va. Street Pro – Ryland Mason, Carolina Beach. Modified – Jeff Workman, Scottsville, Ky. X Gas – Keith Browne, Semora. 9.70 Index – Scott Schenkel, Palmerton, Pa. 10.30 Index – Bill Anderson, Liberty, Tenn. 11.50 Index – Kevin Winters, Richmond, Ill. 10.90 Index – Keith Carper, Laurel, Md. Draggin Bagger – Chris Wood, Goldsboro. Dial-In Eliminator – Dale Houston, Liberty, Texas X-Bagger – Greg Quinn, Fountain Trophy Street – Vic Allen, Southern Pines Carolina Powerfest 8, Sept. 4-6 Top ET winners – T.G. Paschal, McLeansville; Corey Manuel, Winston-Salem Footbrake winners – David Hunt, Pelion, S.C.; Steve Sides, Fayetteville ManCup Motorcycle Series, Sept. 12-13 Pro Fuel – Jim Martin, Palatine, Ill., def. Sam White, Chapin, S.C. Pro Open – Shane Eperjesi, Lake Dallas, Texas, def. Mark Rendeluk, Oklahoma City, Okla. Pro Mod – Paul Gast, Grand Island, N.Y., def. Terry Wynn, Jacksonville, Fla. 4.60 Index – Tim Shelton, Hardy, Va., def. Ronnie Procopio, Wake Forest. Super Comp – Jason Herron, Lexington, S.C., def. Kenny Morgan, Lynchburg, Va. V-Twin #1 – Jonny Ard, Indianapolis, Ind., def. Brian Peterson, Archdale. V-Twin #2 – Ken Koby Austintown, Ohio, def. Travis Groff, Hopkins, S.C. Sunday Pro ET – Pablo Gonzalez, Carolina, Puerto Rico, def. Pete Hiatt, Mt. Airy Saturday Pro ET – Pablo Gonzalez, Carolina, Puerto Rico, def. Blair Field, Denver. Sunday Street ET – Patrick Farrow, Fayetteville, def. Berry Punell, Henderson Saturday Street ET – Chris Roelse, Lithia, Fla., def. Chris Sullivan, Raeford. Top Gas – Robin Procopio, Wake Forest, def. Alan Fields, Climax. Street Fighter – Pablo Gonzalez, Carolina, Puerto Rico, def. Jason Herron, Lexington, S.C. Super Eliminator – Tom Varney, Cheektowaga, N.Y., def. Scott Allen, Wheeling, West Va. Super Chevy Show presented by Richmond County Tourism, Sept. 19-20 Top ET winners – Chip Johnson, Fayetteville, 1982 Camaro; Tommy Bradshaw, Clinton, 1965 Chevy station wagon. Footbrake winners – Ben Roberts, Ridgeway, S.C., 1995 Camaro; Jamie Carroll, Clayton, 1971 Nova Trophy winners – Trey Sikes, Hamlet, 2009 Chevy; Trey Sikes, Hamlet, 2009 Chevy DOT winner – Ted Carter, Ellerbe, 1969 Chevelle. NHRA Division 2 Summit ET Finals, Oct.10 (Eliminations canceled due to Hurricane Delta) Race of Champions winners Super Pro – Bill Highhouse, Jacksonville, Fla. Pro – Phil Greene, Ocala, Fla. Sportsman – Trey Sikes, Hamlet Motorcycle – Roy Hagadorn, Venice, Fla. NHRA Division 2 Lucas Oil Series, Oct. 16-17 Top Dragster – Steve Furr, Harrisburg, def. Wayne Brooks, Monroe, Ga. Top Sportsman – Doug Gbur, Greer, S.C., 2010 Pontiac GXP, def. Johnny Brooks, Surgoinsville, Tenn., 1967 Chevy Nova. Competition – Richard Preiser, Jackson, N.J., 1932 Bantam roadster, def. Joel Warren, Hampstead, 2008 Pontiac G5. Super Stock – Joe Lisa, Vernon, N.J., 1984 Chevy Camaro, def. Corey Taylor, Lumberton, 1968 Chevy Corvette. Stock – Cody Phillips, Lumberton, 2001 Chevy Corvette, def. Chip Johnson, Fayetteville, 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass. Super Comp – Amanda Boicesco, Warminster, Pa., def. Kent Hanley, Raleigh. Super Gas – Iggie Boicesco, Warminster, Pa., 2017 Chevy Corvette, def. Christopher Lewis, Rincon, Ga., 1968 Chevy Camaro. Super Street – Brian Sawyer, Lunenburg, Mass., 1967 Chevy Camaro, def. Kevin MacNicol, North Point, Fla., 1969 Pontiac Firebird. Jr. Dragster 10-12 – Brody Callahan, Fayetteville, def. Bladen Core, Benson. Jr. Dragster 6-9 – Aaron Kennedy, Braselton, Ga., def. Waylon Bennett, Ladson, S.C. NHRA National Open, Oct. 18 Top Sportsman – Dylan Stott, Columbus, 2018 Ford Mustang, def. Doug Gbur, Greer, S.C., 2010 Pontiac GXP. Super Stock – Corey Taylor, Lumberton, 1968 Chevy Corvette, def. Mark Alvey, Chesterfield, Va., 2005 Chevy Cavalier. Stock – Ronald Urquhart, Chesterfield, Va., 1968 Chevy Camaro, def. Rich Davis, Concord, 1966 Chevy II. Super Comp – Frank Altilio, Apopka, Fla., def. Kent Hanley, Raleigh. Super Gas – Dale Harrison, Sanford, 1968 Chevy Camaro, def. John Taylor, Naples, Fla., 1999 Dodge Dakota. Super Street – Donald Rudolph, Lincolnton, 1962 Chevy Nova, def. Ed Pauley, Shelby, 1968 Chevy Camaro. 29th Jim McClure All-Harley World Finals, Nov. 13-15 Top Fuel – Tii Tharpe, Pfafftown, def. Ryan Peery, Milford, Ohio, Nitro Funny Bike – Chris Smith, Nashville, Tenn., def. Tadashi Saito, Tokyo, Japan Pro Fuel – Preston Bartlett, Palatka, Fla., def. Sam White, Chapin, S.C Pro Modified – Billy Doherty, Lake Charles, La., def. John Price, Emmitsburg, Md. Pro Street – Mike Mott, Richlands, def. Tim Grindle, Uniontown, Pa. Pro Gas – Billy Doherty, Lake Charles, La., def. Donnie Huffman, Lakeland, Fla. Hot Street – Troy Young, Wirtz, Va. Top Eliminator (9.30 target) – Ken Strauss, Terrell. Super Gas (9.90 target) – Bob Drapp, Winter Haven, Fla. Super Pro (10.30 target – David Doremus, Loveland, Ohio. Pro Eliminator (10.90 target) – William Grove, Dallas, Ga. Baker Street Eliminator (11.50 target) – Donnie Huffman, Lakeland, Fla. Modified – Gary Douglass, Staunton, Va. Pro Dresser – David Dennick, Eighty-Four, Pa. Street Dresser – Jim Kennedy, Mattoon, Ill. Dial-In Eliminator – Ardie Rawlings, Lakeland, Fla. LUCAS OIL DRAG RACING SERIES NHRA Southeast Division (Division 2. North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, Virginia, Puerto Rico) TOP DRAGSTER – 1. Anthony Bertozzi, Ashland, Va., 325; 2. Jeff Strickland, Red Bay, Ala., 280; 3. Brooke Foley, Clinton, 262; 4. Wayne Brooks, Monroe, Ga., 250; 5. Robert Houston, Spruce Pine, 249. TOP SPORTSMAN – 1. Johnny Brooks, Surgoinsville, Tenn., 1967 Chevy Nova, 315; 2. Scott Underwood, Madison, Ala., 2002 Chevy Camaro, 281; 3. John Taylor, Naples, Fla., 1999 Dodge Dakota, 259; 4. Ken Wells, Orlando, Fla., 1994 Chevy Lumina, 250; 5. Jackie Robinson, Greer, S.C., 1966 Chevy II, 248. COMPETITION – 1. Jenny Treadwell, Mount Plymouth, Fla., 329; 2. Tie, John Frech, Cortland, Ohio, dragster, and David Eaton, Merritt Island, Fla., 1932 bantam roadster, 327 each; 4. Randy Daniels, Grantsboro, 2007 Pontiac, 326; 5. Jim Kimbrough, Pace, Fla., dragster, 240. SUPER STOCK – 1. Mike Volkman, Campobello, S.C., 2011 Chrysler Sebring, 342; 2. Mike Crutchfield, Montgomery, Ala., 2008 Pontiac G5, 341; 3. Anthony Bertozzi, Ashland, Va., 1998 Pontiac Grand Am 320; 4. Corey Taylor, Lumberton, 1968 Chevy Corvette, 299; 5. Tyler Caheely, Rock Springs, Ga., 2000 Chevy,265. STOCK – 1. Missy Phillips, Lumberton, 1970 Chevy Nova, 299; 2. Jeff Hairrington, Perry, Ga., 2014 Ford Mustang, 298; 3. Terry Hembree, Blue Ridge, Ga., 1967 Chevy II, 287; 4. Morgan Wilson, Laurens, S.C., 1969 Chevy Nova, 276; 5. Tie, Chip Johnson, Fayetteville, 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass, and Steve Foley, Clinton, 1997 Pontiac Firehawk, 265 each. SUPER COMP – 1. Raymond Miller III, Spring City, Tenn., 274; 2. Wyatt Miles, Flintstone, Ga., 319; 3. Troy Williams Jr., Daytona Beach, Fla., 318; 4. Rusty Cook, Cynthiana, Ky., 298; 5. John Labbous Jr., White House, Tenn., 288. SUPER GAS – 1. Greg Slack, Albemarle, 1970 Ford Maverick, 374; 2. John Labbous Jr., White House, Tenn., 1963 Chevy Corvette, 364; 3. Rusty Cook, Cynthiana, Ky., roadster, 343; 4. Jerry Heffelfinger, Wesley Chapel, Fla., 1937 Chevy, 319; 5. Scott Lawton, Sanford, 1957 Chevy Corvette, 289. SUPER STREET – 1. Kevin MacNicol, North Point, Fla., 1969 Pontiac Firebird, 323; 2. Scott Mackie, Fort Myers, Fla., 1966 Chevy II, 289; 3. Jacob Rutledge, Powder Springs, Ga., 1972 Chevy Nova, 259; 4. Ed Pauley, Shelby, 1968 Chevy Camaro, 258; 5. Ricky Hall, Hampton, 1967 Chevy Camaro, 255. VP RACING FUELS CAROLINA COALITION SERIES (Rockingham Dragway, Mooresville Dragway, Piedmont Dragway, Farmington Dragway) TOP ET – 1. John Bridges, Shelby, 46; 2. Tie, Joel Hinson, Monroe, and T.G. Paschal, McLeansville, 35 each; 4. Michael Paschal, Greensboro, 34; 5. Tie, Michael Brady, Liberty, Stephen Whisnant, Dallas, and Mark Luke Hutchens, Yadkinville, 31 each; 8. Tommy Plott, Winston-Salem, 30; 9. Tie, Cody Cristy, Kannapolis, Joe Julsrud, Stony Point, and Robert Vogler III, Lewisville, 28 each. FOOTBRAKE – 1. Tie, James Lockhart, Charlotte, and Allen Furr, Richfield, 50 each; 3. Levi Boozer, Kannapolis, 43; 4. Tie Levi Boozer #2, Kannapolis, and Allen Furr #2, Richfield, 41 each; 6. Tie, Jacob Ritchie, Kannapolis, and Jacob Ritchie #2, Kannapolis, 37 each; 8. Jeff Flood, Farmington, 33; 9. Tim Byrd, NA, 28; 10. K. Ray Alexander, Mocksville, 27. JR. DRAGSTER – 1. Kristen Brady, Liberty, 49; 2. Cam Whisnant, Dallas, 46; 3. Isaac Bridges, Shelby, 41; 4. Calla Varner, Stanley, 37; 5. Tie, Gavin Whisnant, Dallas, Reece Branton, Conway, S.C., Bryan Yeager Jr., Farmington, 34 each; 8. Branson Hutchens, Yadkinville, 28; 9. Shianne Hutchens, Yadkinville, 27; 10. Cade Varner, Stanley, 23. TRACK CHAMPIONSHIP TOP ET – 1. Mark Soles, Delco, 27; 2. Trey Sikes, Hamlet, 24; 3. Jermaine McCaskill, Elgin, S.C., 23. FOOTBRAKE – 1. Allen Furr, Richfield, 37; 2. Matt Ward, Anderson, S.C., 33; 3. Allen Furr #2, Richfield, 28. JR. DRAGSTER – 1. Hayden Dial, Rowland, 29; 2. Tie, Ava Ward, Anderson, S.C., Budd Trammell II, Florence, S.C., and Cam Whisnant, Dallas, 27 each. MOTORCYCLE – 1. John Loney, Dalzell, S.C., 18; 2. Michael McAllister, Jacksonville, 17; 3. Gladys Loney, Dalzell, S.C., 13. ROCK BATTERIES SMALL BLOCK STOCK BLOCK SERIES Final Standings – 1. Aarron Fincannon, Cameron, 1989 Ford Mustang, 15; 2. Austin Ratley, Hope Mills, 1968 Ford Mustang, 14; 3. Tie, Anthony Lamb, Mooesville, 1968 Chevy Camaro, and C.C. Moe, Bisco, 1993 Ford Mustang, 7 each; 5. Tie, Lyle Barnett, Gastonia, 1986 Ford Mustang, Chifen Parker, Mooresville, 1986 Chevy Camaro, and Carl Simmons, Rockingham, 6 each.         ROCKINGHAM ANNOUNCES 2021 DRAG RACING SCHEDULE Milestone Events, Diversity Are Hallmarks of Slate That Includes Both Old and New ROCKINGHAM, N.C. – A couple of 30th anniversary events, the addition of a second race in the Modern Street Hemi Shootout series, more “back to basics” street car races and the return of staples like the NHRA Sportsman Doubleheader, the Super Chevy Show, the Holiday Jr. Jam and the “Big John” Leviner Memorial Weekend Bracket Championships highlight a diverse 2021 schedule announced by Rockingham Dragway owner Steve Earwood. Two events introduced by Earwood when he bought the iconic Carolina dragstrip in 1992 will be contested in 2021 for the 30th time: Griffin Motors MOPARs at the Rock on April 3 and the Jim McClure All-Harley Nitro World Finals featuring the Ray Price Top Fuel Challenge the weekend of Oct. 15-17. “It’s hard to believe it’s been 30 years,” Earwood said. “When we ran the first MOPARs at the Rock in 1992, we had no idea how it would be received because, until we bought it, the track never had run anything but national events. Two races a year, that was it, one in the spring and one in the fall. Now, 30 years later, we’re proud to say we have one of the most active tracks in the country as well as one of the most diverse.” That diversity is reflected in a host of specialty events including one in which manpower totally replaces horsepower. When the Rugged Maniacs series returns for the seventh straight year on April 10, competitors will be asked to check their vehicles at the door before they participate in the premier entry-level obstacle course race in North America, a three-mile test with 25 innovative obstacles. Nevertheless, the cars still will be the stars at most events including those in the Modern Street Hemi Shootout, the series founded 12 years ago by Dan VanHorn that features the latest factory hot rods from Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep, that makes Rockingham appearances on both May 14-16 and Nov. 12-13. On the other end of the spectrum, in response to the “back to basics” trend that has energized the sport over the past several seasons, Earwood confirmed the Oct. 1-2 return of the “Street Car Takeover” event that made its Rock debut last fall. The track also will host a pair of “Dig or Die” no prep events as well as three NC-21 Street Car Shootout races. May 28-31 is the date for the 23rd annual “Big John” Memorial Weekend bracket race featuring the “Run for the Wally,” the iconic trophy named for NHRA founder Waly Parks that is presented to winners at all NHRA national events. It anchors a bracket racing schedule that also includes the ninth Carolina Powerfest featuring the Blue Light Special (Sept. 3-5). For those who prefer their performance on two wheels, The Rock will play host to three major races and a handful of festivals featuring motorcycles, music and family fun. In addition to October’s McClure Memorial, the schedule includes the AHDRA Nitro Summer Nationals June 4-6, the AMRA ManCup Series Sept. 24-26, Apple Chill May 1-2 and Thunder at the Rock June 18-19. While MOPARs at the Rock will shine the spotlight on all things Chrysler, when the Super Chevy Show returns on Sept. 17-19, it will provide a showcase for GM products unlike any other in the Carolinas with an extensive car and truck show, a Chevy Car Corral, swap meet, exhibition runs and, of course, all-GM bracket racing. The Super Chevy Show will lay the foundation for an October-November finish that includes the popular NHRA Sportsman Doubleheader the weekend of Oct. 22-24, the East Coast’s final Lucas Oil Divisional event on Saturday and an NHRA National Open on Sunday, and the fourth annual Holiday Jr. Jam, one of the nation’s premier races for Jr. Dragster drivers, which returns on Thanksgiving weekend, Nov. 26-27. - VIEW Tentative 2021 Season Schedule       ‘BIG CHECK’ EMMETT WINS THE ROCK’S HOLIDAY JR. JAM Two-Time NHRA Eastern Finals Champ Beats Gross in Main Event Showdown ROCKINGHAM, N.C. – Carson “Big Check” Emmett, one of the nation’s most accomplished Jr. Dragster racers, walked away with the biggest prize during the third annual Holiday Jr. Jam championship contested Thanksgiving weekend at Rockingham Dragway. Read More > THARPE ENDS SEASON ON HIGH NOTE WITH MCCLURE WIN Smith Dominates Nitro Funny Bike; Bartlett Beats White in Pro Fuel at The Rock ROCKINGHAM, N.C. – Sunday was Tii Tharpe’s day at Rockingham Dragway. Read More >