Class Ceiling
NHRA: A tribute to the Mongoose Tom McEwen, and a recap of Virginia's races
Welcome to Femmefanaticsports.
Tom "The Mongoose " McEwen was a prime component molding and shaping the Wild Life Safari that we know today as the NHRA. He helped form and shape the sport into the colorful, adventurous wild ride that Motorsports enthusiasts just can't get enough of seeing.
He had such a clear vision of what he knew the sport could be. He not only made it fun and exciting, he made it profitable. He helped put NHRA on the map.
To have a car that wins is one thing. To put a team together is another. To sign sponsors is altogether a different animal. How do you win the attention of the sponsors and then convince them that you have a product worth endorsing in an uncharted arena outside of the norm? McEwen was a pioneer of thinking outside of the box when it came to winning the attention and the confidence of the decision makers. He was a mover and a shaker.
One of his crowd grabbing rivals was Don "The Snake " Prudhomme. This was a grudge match that not only packed the stands back in the day, (60's and 70's) but also forged an unforgettable bond that parlayed into a lucrative sponsorship deal. Can you say "Hot Wheels?" Kids of all shapes, sizes and ages imagine being on the dragstrip as they race their favorite Hot Wheels car across the kitchen floor.
Who knew markering and advertising through team sponsorship could be a thing?
In addition to winning our hearts, and huge brand sponsorships, Tom "The Mongoose " McEwen also went on to win several National events in Funny Car and Top Fuel as well as induction into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America and the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame .
Thank you Mr. McEwen, for showing us how it's done.
Richmond recap
Give me Liberty or give me the win -- the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, Richmond Virginia Motorsports Park.
What a weekend in Nitro Alley!
As the race for the Championship heats up, there is much excitement in the pits.
Last week, Iron Man Clay Millican had back to back wins. Will he keep the winning streak?
The Women of Motorsports Power have been keeping the pace, but with many obstacles. Will Courtney Force stay the course? Will Angelle Sampey make the cut in Pro Stock Bike? Will Karen Stoffer place? (In the meantime welcome to the club, Kelly Clontz!) How will Leah Pritchett fare? Will Erica Enders stay killer on the tree?
The competition here is fierce. You had Mike Green on the sidelines for team DSR. Unbelievable. There was also a parade of gratitude for First Responders. Not to mention a most welcome visit by Veteran Top Fuel Champion Joe Amato as well as Guest Appearances with Great Expectations Jim and Allison Lee, and two-time Pro Stock Champion Jim Yates. And the crowd goes wild! Literally, tickets Sold Out Saturday !
To be back in Virginia for this Mello Yello Drag Racing Series was an amazing feat in itself, and the stakes this weekend are high. Team Force is suffering as the leader of the pack John is scarred from top to bottom but still has a smile, even when paired up for finals with daughter Courtney.
Erica Enders gave herself a scare when her ride headed toward the wall but made a good save. Bob Tasca also danced with lightning. But the salsa trophy goes to Cruz Pedregon with his massive "out of body" experience due to a blower explosion.
This was one action packed weekend, to say the least.
In the winners circle
Top Fuel -- Steve Torrence, 3.812 seconds, 322.96 mph def. Doug Kalitta, 3.844 seconds, 309.56 mph.
Funny Car -- Courtney Force, Chevy Camaro, 4.039, 321.96 def. John Force, Camaro, 4.076, 307.65.
Pro Stock -- Tanner Gray, Chevy Camaro, 6.595, 208.81 def. Erica Enders, Camaro, 6.628, 208.46.
Next week: Join the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series in Thunder Valley, Bristol ,Tenn- June 15-17, 2018.