ZAZA ENERGY TEAM NAMED NHRA'S "HARDEST-WORKING" CREW!

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. (Nov. 15) – Erica Enders always knew her ZaZa Energy Pro Stock team was the hardest-working crew in the NHRA pit area. Now, she has tangible proof.

Enders’ crew was voted as winner of the Full Throttle Hard-Working Crew Award in the Pro Stock category, getting the nod in a fan vote on NHRA.com over the teams of Jason Line, Kurt Johnson and Vincent Nobile.

Enders’ Cagnazzi Racing team joined her on stage at the 2011 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series awards ceremony Monday night at the Grand Ballroom at the Hollywood and Highland Center to accept the award. The team also earned $15,000.

Members of the ZaZa Energy team, led by owner Victor Cagnazzi and crew chief Dave Connolly, are Todd Bevis, Danny Burke, Rich Saulino, Mike Smothers, John Utt and John Wright.

“They are the hardest-working crew, with or without the trophy,” Enders said. “But it just goes to show that hard work really does pay off. These guys spend so much time away from their wives and their kids and their families – all because we have the same love for drag racing. I couldn’t be more proud of them.

“They mean the world to me. I love them with all my heart. They’re the reason why I’m where I’m at today, and the reason why I got to stand on the stage for the first time in my career. It means the world to me that they worked their butts off for this team.”

Enders had her best season as a professional, finishing sixth in the Pro Stock standings and setting career bests for final rounds (three), semifinals (four), quarterfinals (11), No. 1 qualifiers (two) and won-loss record (28-22).

The award was given to a team in each of the four NHRA pro categories, with a fan vote determining the winner. This was the second time Enders claimed a vote of the fans, as she won a spot in the K&N Horsepower Challenge thanks to the fans.

“It also goes to show that we have the greatest fans in the whole sport,” Enders said. “We were the only team on the ballot that hadn’t won a race or a championship. It just goes to show that the fans really stand behind us. I have to thank them just as much as I thank my crew. It means a lot to me.”

In true hard-working fashion, Enders’ team slowed down only for one night to celebrate, for the crew will be hard at work preparing for 2012.

“The hardest-working crew in the world is going back to work Tuesday,” Enders said, “and we’re going to come out swinging next year.”

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Contact: Lee Montgomery at 704-258-0903 or lee.montgomery@zazaenergy.com.

ZA ZA ENERGY PRO HAS THE POWER TO WIN READING THIS WEEKEND

READING, Pa. (Sept. 29) – Heading into this weekend’ s Auto-Select NHRA Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway, ZaZa Energy driver Erica Enders sits a lofty third in the Pro Stock standings.

She’s behind only KB Racing’s Jason Line and Greg Anderson, which in some people’s minds makes her “first in class.” But Enders doesn’t think that way, and neither does anyone on the Cagnazzi Racing team.

“I don’t want to be second to anybody,” Enders said. “We want to beat everybody, not just those two guys. We’re pretty close to them, so we’re excited.”

Enders is in the midst of her best season as a professional, racing to three final rounds this year and qualifying No. 1 twice. She also set the national record for speed earlier this year in Gainesville, Fla., of 213.57 mph.

That and the national elapsed-time record could be in jeopardy this weekend, as Reading is usually ideal for low ETs and high speeds.

“I hope it’s hot so they don’t take my records away,” Enders said. “And if somebody does set a new record, I hope it’s me and the ZaZa guys.”

The weather could be ugly this weekend, as rain is in the forecast for parts of Friday and Saturday when qualifying is scheduled. That could put pressure on Pro Stock teams who may only get one or two qualifying sessions in the books.

Crew chief Dave Connolly and the entire ZaZa team will keep a close watch on the weather, hoping to get their Chevrolet Cobalt down the track as quickly as possible.

“We go up there every round putting the same importance on the run, whether it’s qualifying or the finals,” Enders said. “I don’t think the weather will affect us. We’ve just got to get the job done, no matter how many rounds of qualifying we have.

“I’ve got a lot of confidence in Dave and my entire team, no matter what the circumstances are.”

Setting an elapsed time record would be a 20-point boost in the standings for Enders as she chases her first Pro Stock championship.

“Of course it’s always on our mind, round by round,” Enders said. “Every point is going to matter. But we’ve got to do our job and do the best we can, and the points will come. We did well in Charlotte, getting up to third place. That was exciting for us.

“We’ve got our work cut out for us every week, and all we can do is do our best. The cards are going to fall where they’re going to fall.”

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Contact: Lee Montgomery at 704-258-0903 or lee.montgomery@zazaenergy.com.

TRACK CHIC's KAREN STOFFER> RECORD SETTING RUNS ON 2nd PLACE RDIER'S MIND

READING, Pa. (Sept. 29) – GEICO Suzuki rider Karen Stoffer believes national records in Pro Stock Motorcycle could come tumbling down in this weekend’s Auto-Select NHRA Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway.

Usually, the cooler weather and agreeable atmospheric conditions in Reading are ideal for high speeds and quick elapsed times. Stoffer hopes the GEICO team, led by crew chief/husband Gary Stoffer, can capitalize on the good conditions to be a part of the chase for a national elapsed time record, worth 20 bonus points.

“Gainesville, Sonoma and Reading have always been the ones where people try to set records because of all the oxygen in the trees around there, and generally, there tends to be cooler temperatures,” Stoffer said. “It can be a fast track. Gary’s a good tuner, and he’s exceptional in the cool weather.”

Stoffer was pretty good in the cool weather in Charlotte two races ago, qualifying third and reaching the final round. That was her fifth final of 2011 in what has become a career season for the GEICO team.

After reaching the second round last week in Dallas, Stoffer is second in the Pro Stock Motorcycle points standings, 63 out of the lead. And her approach to the Countdown to the Championship, which reaches the halfway point in Reading, is no different than other races this season.

“Right now, I’ve just got to get confident in my Christmas Tree and not think about things like that,” Stoffer said. “That’s what it’s going to take. I know they’ll figure out what slowed down the bike in Dallas and get it to where we can have consistency again.

“It’s the whole package: It’s me being in the right mindset, it’s the bike being consistent. I can’t think about the championship and points. I’ve got to think about each individual pass and making rounds. That’s what it comes down to.”

DOMINIQUE VAN WIERINGEN ON HER ROOKIE SEASON AT SPARTAN SPEEDWAY.

DeWitt, Michigan (Tuesday, September 27th, 2011): 16-year-old Dominique Van Wieringen, a Development Driver for Chad Finley Racing (CFR) and Michigan Motorsports Hall of Famer, Jeff Finley, showed the racing world that it is possible to make the huge leap from the World Karting Association (WKA) to the high-powered Outlaw Bodied Super Late Models division during the 2011 racing season.Prior to the start of the year, Van Wieringen joined forces with CFR and the combination was rewarded with a fifth place finish overall in the season long points chase as well as sharing the 2011 Rookie of the Year title with fellow rookie, Scott Sigman while also winning the 2011 Most Improved Driver Award at the fast ¼ (0.250) mile semi-banked paved oval of Spartan Speedway, located south of Lansing in Mason, Michigan.

Looking back on the 2011 campaign, Van Wieringen has plenty to be thankful for. “The first thing I need to do is thank Durobyte.com and my Family. To get the chance to do the things I have up to now is truly amazing to me.” Remarked the Amherstburg, Ontario / Canada driver. “I’m very grateful for all the opportunities my Dad and Mom have been able to acquire for me in motorsports. Every since I was a little girl and up to now have been things I’ve dreamed about wanting to do.”

The 16-year-old continued; “I can’t thank the entire CFR crew for all of their hard work this year. They really helped me and built my confidence up and taught me a lot throughout the whole year. My achievements are a direct reflection of who they are and what they are about. Jeff and Chad Finley have been around me and my family for a while and have always been good friends and supporters. Jeff has been down all these roads before and brings so much experience to the team it is just great.” She ended.


The highlight of her rookie season was in only her sixth career start behind the wheel of a full bodied racecar and on that memorable Friday night, July 15th, she would fight off two-time track champion, Jimmy Gallagher to score her first career feature win and become just the second female in the tracks long and storied history to win a Feature in the tracks premiere division since Barb Beurmann accomplished the feat back in 1982, 29 years previous! In 10 starts, she has one Feature Win as well as three top five finishes and six top 10s.

“All of us at CFR are very proud of her accomplishments this year. Honestly we didn’t know what to expect coming into the year.” Added Car Owner and Michigan Motorsports Hall of Fame member, Jeff Finley. “I met her family through go-kart racing and have watched her for some time now. Her Dad and I got to talking one day and then here we were racing together. For her to go to victory lane this year and win these awards shows her dedication to becoming a great race car driver. We are honored to have her be a part of our development program and look forward to the future with her.” Finley ended.

Throughout the year and on off weekends from driving the Outlaw Super, Van Wieringen also raced one of her two MRP Motorsports Birel Racing Go-Karts as the 2011 season is her final year of racing the National circuit in the World Karting Association (WKA) series where she is one of the top drivers in the circuit. She began her racing career at just five years old as she started out in racing of the two-wheeled variety, in Motocross. She spent six seasons on motorcycles before moving into four-wheeled racing and went Go-Kart racing where she continues to be one of the top competitors within the WKA.

Looking ahead to the 2012 racing season, the Canadian teenager will participate in more Outlaw Super Late Model shows while also racing in 3-5 races within the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour Presented by GM Performance Parts with her sights set on going after the Howie Lettow Memorial Rookie of the Year Presented by Howe Racing Enterprises, which is awarded to the top freshman in the JEGS/CRA/GM series, in 2013.

During the 2011 campaign, Van Wieringen’s #95 Outlaw Super Late Model with a Chevrolet Camaro front nose, had sponsorship decals from DuroByte Inc., as well as NorthsideTowing.net, M.P.H. Promotions, and Chad Finley Racing.

To learn more about Dominic Van Wieringen and to inquire about sponsorship opportunities for the 2012 racing season, go to her webpage within the Chad Finley Racing Website at: www.chadfinleyracing.comMichigan (Tuesday, September 27th, 2011): 16-year-old Dominique Van Wieringen, a Development Driver for Chad Finley Racing (CFR) and Michigan Motorsports Hall of Famer, Jeff Finley, showed the racing world that it is possible to make the huge leap from the World Karting Association (WKA) to the high-powered Outlaw Bodied Super Late Models division during the 2011 racing season.

Valerie Thompson Sets BMW Top Speed of 201.01 MPH at Bonneville BUB Motorcycle Speed Trials

(Wendover, UT) – September 21, 2011 – Valerie Thompson ran a personal best top speed of 201.01 mph with her Alter/Bivins Land Speed Racing Team prepared BMW S1000RR Superbike at the 8th Annual BUB Speed Trials. While not a record, her top speed exceeded all other BMW’s competing at the event. Teammate Kerry Alter, co-owner of the Alter/Bivins team, set three new land speed records piloting an Aprila and BMW Superbike.

Thompson’s BMW was sponsored by CTEK, makers of the world’s smartest battery chargers, Troon Enterprises and Hawthorne CAT. Her two top runs were 199 and 201.01 mph. Her attempt for a land speed record was foiled by stiff crosswinds over the 10 mile International course which at times gusted up to 13mph. Thompson said “While we wanted to set a new record with the BMW in the FIM 1000cc class, we did reach a team goal of exceeding 200 mph. This is my fifth year competing in the BUB Speed trials and I exceeded my former best speed by more than 35 mph. Our team accomplished the majority of the goals we set for this event.”

Alter added, “Valerie did an excellent job of driving given the weather and salt conditions. We are proud of her performance considering all her competition ran her a couple of weeks ago, gaining even more course knowledge than we had.” The Alter/Bivins team has established 11 motorcycle land speed records over the last five years.

The BUB Motorcycle Speed Trials were held August 27 through September 1 at the famed Bonneville Salt Flats. The American Motorcycle Association (AMA), verifies and sanctions all US national records. All world records are verified and sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de Motoclisme (FIM). Over 300 racers attempt establishing new motorcycle land speed records each year, yet less than 10% set records, signifying the difficulty of this endeavor.

Valerie Thompson Background

Thompson set two land speed records piloting a panhead Harley Davidson provided by Keith Ball of Bikernet.com in 2006 and 2007. She has risen from a competitor in the All Harley Drag Racing Association series, to being a team owner/licensed competitor in the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Pro Stock Motorcycle Series in less than five years. The NHRA is the world’s largest drag racing association.

Thompson also serves as a motorcycle presenter for the world’s largest auto auction company, Barrett-Jackson. She is also a spokeswoman for “Val’s Pals” children charities, most notably, HopeKids.

Alter/Bivins Land Speed Racing Team Background

In 2007, Phoenix Arizona resident, Kerry Alter and Julian Bivins joined forces to set a new Land Speed Record in the 1000cc Modified Class at the  Bonneville Salt Flats. In 2008, Alter formed the Alter/Bivins Land Speed Racing team. Between all team drivers, A/B LSR has accumulated 12 motorcycle land speed records.  Alter has eight records, Valerie Thompson holds two and Bivins is also a 2-time land speed record holder.

Event and Organization Information Sources

            www.speedtrialsbybub.com

            www.americanmotorcyclist.com

            www.fim-live.com

            www.ValerieThompsonRacing.com

Media Contact: 

Eric Studer, VP-Marketing

Valerie Thompson Racing

ericstuder@mac.com

CHRISSY WALLACE WINS ASA TRACK CHAMPIONSHIP

LEBANON, Missouri (September 12, 2011) – Chrissy Wallace did something no other female Late Model driver has ever done in ASA competition over the weekend.

She clinched the ASA Late Model championship at her home track of Lebanon I-44 Speedway on Saturday night. In turn, that also put her back in the lead for the West Region track championship, which consists of hundreds of drivers from multiple tracks.

Now, the 23-year old daughter of NASCAR driver Mike Wallace has another fete left to accomplish this year – the ASA Joe Gibbs Driven Racing Oil National Championship. But, she’s going to have to wait until October to find out the results for the West Region and National championship as other ASA Member track have seasons that are still in progress.

Going into her championship night at I-44 Speedway, Wallace had a solid point lead based off her six feature wins. She just needed to have respectable finishes in each of her 30-lap features on Saturday night to take the crown.

And, she came through finishing fifth in the first feature, and seventh in the second one. Making it even more special was having her entire family on hand for the crowning moment.

In 1990, Mike Wallace won the same track championship and went on to launch his NASCAR career the following year. Now, 21 years later, Chrissy is hoping the same comes true for her.

“This is just great,” Wallace said. “We worked real hard all year to achieve this goal and to have the season over and be the ASA Late Model champion at the same track my dad was, it’s just a very special thing for all of us.

“The toughest part of the year was coming back from being 12^th in points at one time. The level of competition here is incredible, and I enjoyed racing everyone here at I-44 Speedway.

“When we were able to take the points lead here, that put us to the top of the ASA West Division, too. I can’t believe it, we still have two titles to compete for and our season is over. Now, we just have to sit and wait to see how the National and West Region ones work out. That would be the perfect ending to a great season.”

Wallace has made no secret of her desire to return to the NASCAR ranks in either the Camping World Truck Series, or the Nationwide Series. Utilizing her ASA Championships at a catalyst makes perfect sense.

The National and West Region championships will be decided after the final ASA events take place on September 25 at various member speedways. Currently, Wallace and Barry Beggarly of Ace (NC) Speedway are battling it out for the National title.

Wallace is leading the West Region standings, with Beggarly doing so in the East Region. Either way, the Wallace name is still prominent in racing circles around the country.

More info: ChrissyWallace.com

LEAH PRUETT MOVES TO PRO MOD CAR THAT WON U.S. NATIONALS

CHARLOTTE (Sept. 14) – Another race, another challenge for R2B2 Racing’s Leah Pruett in the Get Screened America Pro Mod Series.

At this weekend’s O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Nationals at zMax Dragway, Pruett will be driving a new style of race car. She is moving from a supercharged car to the twin turbo R2B2 Race Cars Mustang that won the U.S. Nationals two weeks ago.

“When you first get into a new car, all you think about is doing the right thing,” she said. “You try so hard to not miss a step and do everything on time. I’ve got to give a lot of thanks to Justin Belfance, Melanie Troxel and tuner Steve Petty. They really coached me through the staging process.”

This whole season has been a challenge for Pruett, and she looks forward to getting behind the wheel of one of the quickest Pro Mods on the property.

“We did some testing in Commerce (Ga.) on Monday,” Pruett said. “The starting line procedure in the turbo car is way different than any car I’ve driven before. We made the launches we needed to. I had a blast learning the car. There’s an art to staging this car, but I’ve had some fantastic teachers.”

Pruett added that it’s exciting and a little intimidating to get behind the wheel of a car with such an impressive pedigree.

“Eric Dillard set the bar pretty high by winning in this car its first time out,” Pruett said. “He proved it’s a great car and got all the little bugs out of it. There’s no reason why this car can’t qualify and be capable of winning Charlotte this weekend.”

Get Screened America Pro Mod qualifying gets under way at 2:30 p.m. EDT Friday at zMax Dragway with a second session scheduled at 5:30 p.m. Qualifying resumes at 1 p.m. Saturday with the first round of eliminations starting at 3:30 p.m. and continuing on Sunday afternoon.

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Contact: Geiger Media at 832-971-9345 or rob@go2geiger.com.
Please visit www.R2B2Racing.com for more information.