NHRA Las Vegas Nationals - Sunday

7:25 p.m. - Comments from Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Andrew Hines, who earned his third victory of the season and the 18th of his career Sunday at the NHRA Las Vegas Nationals:

"I felt really good today. For some reason, I get into these races and I get all caught up in the points and the battles and the rivalries and everything but today I really had nothing to lose. I came into this race fifth in points and I knew I had a good motorcycle underneath me. I just knew I needed to get to the final round and if Eddie (Krawiec) was going to be in the final round; that would have been great to get a win against a teammate. But I looked past that today - I didn't really care. I just wanted to go out there and ride and have fun. I looked at it with no pressure today."

(On racing in Las Vegas, where you have three victories in the past four years) "When I first started coming here in 2002, I didn't really care for Vegas. It was probably because I wasn't 21 at the time, but I've grown fond of this place. It's a great facility, great track surface, we get to go out and have fun and blow off steam at night. We didn't kill ourselves to drive the 2,000 miles from Indy; we all flew out. That makes a big difference on Sunday because you're not all worn out come the fourth round. I felt really good today and it's worked the last four years."

7:10 p.m. - Comments from Pro Stock driver Larry Morgan, who earned his first victory of the season and the 10th of his career Sunday at the NHRA Las Vegas Nationals:

(This is your first win since 2002. Is this the sweetest win of your career?) "I do have to say that because, for one, my family was here. My two boys, they were here along with my wife. It's not very often I can do that because one boy is still in school and my other boy has to work. My guys have worked so hard to get where we're at ... I have to say it's probably my best win for the longest time. The best win I ever had was Indy, when I won the Shootout in Indy in 1989 and my oldest boy was born the week before but this ranks right up there. It was just a great win for us."

(On taking back an engine he had loaned to final opponent Rickey Jones before their showdown in the final.) "The guys who work for me get a percentage of my car and they thought that I shouldn't give the guy an engine to beat me up with ... and we agreed if we got to the final, he's have to run his own engine. I don't feel bad about it; I'm glad that I could help him (during qualifying and in the first three rounds of eliminations) because they are good people ... but I surely wasn't (going) to help him beat me up, either."

6:50 p.m. - Comments from Funny Car driver Robert Hight, who earned his third victory of the season and the 14th of his career Sunday at the NHRA Las Vegas Nationals:

"We've come into Vegas here quite a few times and left with a lot on the table. We've run good, qualified well, but we just did bad in first rounds. This place is tough ... and then when I drew my teammate (Ashley Force Hood) first round, that kind of just knocked the (wind) out of me. They have honestly been the best car for over a year and they just don't struggle - this is so unlike them. (My crew chief) Jimmy Prock has done such a great job since the Countdown started - and even at Indy. Three wins in the Countdown and we've only been to five races. That is stout and that's all been on performance; we have not gotten lucky, I have not had to peddle the racecar. We have just outmuscled these guys and that's what Cruz Pedregon did last year. To have a 105-point lead going into Pomona gives you a lot of confidence but it's still not over. I think the only person that really has a chance is Ashley and I still believe if she had beaten me first round, she would be in here (doing the winner's interview) today. That was a close race in the final (against Jack Beckman). I think ours fell off a little bit, it hurt itself, so we probably got a little lucky in the final but all the rest of the runs this weekend was on performance."

6:40 p.m. - Comments from Top Fuel driver Spencer Massey, who earned his second victory of the season and the second of his career Sunday at the NHRA Las Vegas Nationals:

"It's unbelievable just to get to the final round. Every racecar out here is capable of winning races - the competition is so tight out here now that we went to 1,000 feet where every little thing counts. Every round was unbelievable, having to race Shawn Langdon ... Steve Torrence ... Brandon Bernstein and then Larry Dixon. Every round was a key round - it all meant something because the points, we're down to the wire, and not only for points but we're going for the Wally (trophy) at the end of the day and we're in Vegas. It means a whole lot to me personally and for Snake (team owner Don Prudhomme) and for everybody because we've been struggling a lot here in the Countdown ... and we just haven't been on our game. It's nice to come in here and throw down these good numbers and make it from A to B and not beat ourselves because that's what we're been doing all year long. Now we've got some momentum and we can possibly go into Pomona and carry on this momentum and try to get back into the top five."

5:18 p.m. -

Final results from the ninth annual NHRA Las Vegas Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway:   Top Fuel: Spencer Massey (3.827 at 314.53) def. Larry Dixon (5.503 at 174.87).   Funny Car: Robert Hight (4.125 at 304.46) def. Jack Beckman (4.154 at 303.16).   Pro Stock: Larry Morgan (6.720 at 205.69) def. Rickie Jones (6.794 at 203.16).   Pro Stock Motorcycle: Andrew Hines (6.998 at 190.70) def. Hector Arana (foul).  Check back shortly for comments from the winning racers.

3:38 p.m. -

Semifinals winners and final-round matchup in Pro Stock Motorcycle:

Semifinals: Hector Arana (7.039 at 190.89) def. Eddie Krawiec (7.028 at 190.86); Andrew Hines (6.992 at 191.62) def. Matt Smith (7.044 at 189.90).

Final: Arana vs. Hines.

3:35 p.m. - Semifinals winners and final-round matchup in Pro Stock:

Semifinals: Larry Morgan (6.729 at 205.17) def. Greg Stanfield (6.801 at 195.42); Rickie Jones (6.716 at 205.82) def. Ron Krisher (foul).

Final: Morgan vs. Jones.

3:30 p.m. - Semifinals winners and final-round matchup in Funny Car:

Semifinals: Jack Beckman (4.359 at 262.90) def. Del Worsham (8.613 at 77.85); Robert Hight (4.080 at 312.57) def. Tim Wilkerson (4.233 at 285.41).

Final: Beckman vs. Hight.

3:20 p.m. - Semifinals winners and final-round matchup in Top Fuel:

Semifinals: Spencer Massey (3.898 at 311.41) def. Brandon Bernstein (3.849 at 315.31); Larry Dixon (3.845 at 314.61) def. Cory McClenathan (3.844 at 316.38).

Final:  Dixon vs. Massey.

2:50 p.m. - Sisters Courtney and Brittany Force, daughters of drag racing legend John Force, met in the second round of eliminations in Top Alcohol Dragster on Sunday at The Strip. Courtney, 21, had a huge advantage off the starting line and ran 5.364 seconds at 261.27 mph and beat Brittany, 23, who ran a 5.478 at 251.91.

2:11 p.m. - Second-round winners and semifinals matchups in Pro Stock Motorcycle:   Second round: Andrew Hines def. Douglas Horne; Matt Smith def. Shawn Gann; Hector Arana def. David Hope; Eddie Krawiec def. Karen Stoffer.   Semifinals: Arana vs. Krawiec; Hines vs. Smith.

2:05 p.m. - Second-round winners and semifinals matchups in Pro Stock:   Second round: Rickie Jones def. Rodger Brogdon; Greg Stanfield def. Greg Anderson; Ron Krisher def. Jeg Coughlin; Larry Morgan def. Mike Edwards.   Semifinals: Morgan vs. Stanfield; Jones vs. Krisher.

 1:55 p.m. - Second-round winners and semifinals matchups in Funny Car:

Second round: Jack Beckman def. Matt Hagan; Tim Wilkerson def. Ron Capps; Robert Hight def. John Force; Del Worsham def. Tony Pedregon.

Semifinals: Beckman vs. Worsham; Wilkerson vs. Hight.

1:30 p.m. - Second-round winners and semifinals matchups in Top Fuel:   Second round: Brandon Bernstein def. Antron Brown; Cory McClenathan def. Tony Schumacher; Spencer Massey def. Steve Torrence; Larry Dixon def. Doug Kalitta.   Semifinals: Dixon vs. McClenathan; Massey vs. Bernstein.

12:40 p.m. -- First-round winners and second-round matchups in Pro Stock Motorcycle:   First round: David Hope def. Craig Treble; Douglas Horne def. Michael Phillips (foul); Shawn Gann def. Junior Pippin; Karen Stoffer def. Steve Johnson; Eddie Krawiec defs. Jim Underdahl (foul); Matt Smith def. Larry Cook (foul); Hector Arana def. Mike Berry; Andrew Hines def. Freddie Camarena.   Second round: Arana vs. Hope; Krawiec vs. Stoffer; Hines vs. Horne; Smith vs. Gann.

 12:29 p.m. -- First-round winners and second-round matchups in Pro Stock:   First round: Larry Morgan def. Jason Line; Rodger Brogdon def. Warren Johnson; 6. Jeg Coughlin def. Allen Johnson; Greg Stanfield def. Johnny Gray; Greg Anderson def. Ronnie Humphrey (foul); Rickie Jones def. Vinnie Deceglie; Mike Edwards def. Kurt Johnson; Ron Krisher def. Ryan Ondrejko.   Second round: Edwards vs. Morgan; Anderson vs. Stanfield; Jones vs. Brogdon; Krisher vs. Coughlin.

12:10 p.m. -- First-round winners and second-round matchups in Funny Car:   First round: Tim Wilkerson def. Jim Head; Del Worsham def. Bob Tasca III; Matt Hagan def. Grant Downing; Ron Capps def. Gary Densham; Robert Hight def. Ashley Force Hood; Tony Pedregon def Jeff Arend; John Force def. Cruz Pedregon; Jack Beckman def. Mike Neff.   Second round: Hagan vs. Beckman; T. Pedregon vs. Worsham; Capps vs. Wilkerson; Hight vs. Force.

 11:33 a.m. -- First-round winners and second-round matchups in Top Fuel:   First round: Doug Kalitta def. Thomas Nataas; Spencer Massey def. Shawn Langdon; Brandon Bernstein def. Bob Vandergriff; Cory McClenathan def. David Grubnic; Larry Dixon def. Morgan Lucas; Steve Torrence def. Terry McMillen; Antron Brown def. Stig Neergaard; Tony Schumacher def. Urs Erbacher.   Second round: Dixon vs. Kalitta; Schumacher vs. McClenathan; Torrence vs. Massey; Brown vs. Bernstein.

10:45 a.m. -- Here are the first-round pairings for today's professional eliminations:

Top Fuel: 1. Larry Dixon vs. 16. Morgan Lucas; 2. Steve Torrence vs. 15. Terry McMillen; 3. Antron Brown vs. 14. Stig Neergaard; 4. Tony Schumacher vs. 13. Urs Erbacher; 5. Cory McClenathan vs. 12. David Grubnic; 6. Brandon Bernstein vs. 11. Bob Vandergriff; 7. Shawn Langdon vs. 10. Spencer Massey; 8. Thomas Nataas vs. 9. Doug Kalitta.

Funny Car: 1. Matt Hagan  vs. 16. Grant Downing; 2. Ron Capps vs. 15. Gary Densham; 3. Robert Hight vs. 14. Ashley Force Hood; 4. Tony Pedregon vs. 13. Jeff Arend; 5. Bob Tasca III vs. 12. Del Worsham; 6. Cruz Pedregon vs. 11. John Force; 7. Tim Wilkerson vs. 10. Jim Head; 8. Jack Beckman vs. 9. Mike Neff.

Pro Stock: 1. Mike Edwards vs. 16. Kurt Johnson; 2. Vinnie Deceglie vs. 15. Rickie Jones; 3. Ron Krisher vs. 14. Ryan Ondrejko; 4. Greg Anderson vs. 13. Ronnie Humphrey; 5. Johnny Gray vs. 12. Greg Stanfield; 6. Allen Johnson vs. 11. Jeg Coughlin; 7. Rodger Brogdon vs. 10. Warren Johnson; 8. Larry Morgan vs. 9. Jason Line.

Pro Stock Motorcylce: 1. Hector Arana vs. 16. Mike Berry; 2. Andrew Hines vs. 15. Freddie Camarena; 3. Matt Smith vs. 14. Larry Cook; 4. Eddie Krawiec vs. 13. Jim Underdahl; 5. Karen Stoffer vs. 12. Steve Johnson; 6. Junior Pippin vs. 11. Shawn Gann; 7. Michael Phillips vs. 10. Douglas Horne; 8. David Hope vs. 9. Craig Treble.

10:35 a.m. - Good morning from The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, where another beautiful day is on tap for the final day of the ninth annual NHRA Las Vegas Nationals. It's 68 degrees, the skies are clear and there is only a slight breeze as track officials prepare for final eliminations in four pro categories.

The pre-race ceremonies, scheduled to start at 10 a.m., are being delayed as a result of an oil-down during Top Alcohol Dragster eliminations. Driver introductions will begin soon and will be followed immediately by the first round of eliminations in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle.

Check back here throughout the day, as we'll be updating this blog with news, results and driver interviews.

NHRA Las Vegas Nationals - Saturday

 7:30 p.m. -- Comments from Larry Dixon, the top qualifier in Top Fuel:

(On trimming Tony Schumacher's lead from 47 points to 41 points) "You can pick up the nickels and pennies and all those kind of points in qualifying but when you get to 20 points a round on race day, that's what makes up big chunks. At this point, I'm not looking any further than (first-round opponent) Morgan Lucas. He's got a great car, he's a Countdown car, so you've just go in there and race your race and don't ever get ahead of yourself. One round at a time."

(On The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, where he has won four times) "It's a great racetrack. You get to see some great numbers go up on the board whether the sun's out or it's nighttime. And the fans, there are just tons of people here. I signed so many autographs for people from Hawaii, New Zealand, Australia and Europe - you don't get that at Richmond, you get it in Las Vegas so as far as the marketing group that puts on this race, it's great. We obviously love what we do but when you roll up to the starting line and you're sitting in the water and you look off to the side and you see the stands full, it makes you proud of what you do for a living. The credit goes to the Vegas track for promoting it and getting them in there. It's a good feeling."

7:45 p.m. -- Comments from Matt Hagan, the top qualifier in Funny Car:  

"We've had a great weekend so far and the only way we can top this off is with a win tomorrow. We've had a good team, a good car, and we've shown that we can run down there even in the heat this morning. We had a good tune-up and I think that's what (crew chief Tommy DeLago) is going to do tomorrow; he's going to go right back to what we did this morning ... and go right down the track. Hopefully, our plan will come together and work for us. Hopefully, we just go out there and get the win light to turn on - that's my main goal. That's really what our focus is this weekend, is to go some rounds and hopefully get to the final and win this thing."

7:15 p.m. -- Comments from Mike Edwards, the top qualifier in Pro Stock:

(On his chance to clinch his first world championship on Sunday) "It's gonna be a huge day for us. We're all excited about it. We look forward to it and hope we can do it. It's been a long, precious season, I can say that for sure, no matter what the outcome this weekend. We worked really hard and we're in a position now to do something we've never been able to do.

"We're going to go into tomorrow like it's another first round - like all season long. We just have to focus on that lane and hope for the best. It's just like any other race ... but there's a lot riding on it. We're definitely enjoying it. We're looking to seal the deal. It's been a great year and this is a great opportunity and we're just looking forward to it."

7:05 p.m. -- Comments from Hector Arana, the top qualifier in Pro Stock Motorcycle:

"It's awesome. Everything has happened so fast this year. It has been an awesome year. All I need to do is stay consistent and I should prevail (in the championship). I worked hard for a long time and struggled. After I got home, my kids always would say, 'hey dad, did you win ...dad, did you win?' After a while, they stopped asking. (Having success) was my biggest way to show my kids that if you work hard and sacrifice a lot (it pays off). Now they know if you believe, if you work at it and don't give up, it'll work out. That's what I want - I want respect from my kids."

6:45 p.m. - Here are the 16 qualifiers in Funny Car for the ninth annual NHRA Las Vegas Nationals:

1. Matt Hagan; 2. Ron Capps; 3. Robert Hight; 4. Tony Pedregon; 5. Bob Tasca III; 6. Cruz Pedregon; 7. Tim Wilkerson; 8. Jack Beckman; 9. Mike Neff; 10. Jim Head; 11. John Force; 12. Del Worsham; 13. Jeff Arend; 14. Ashley Force Hood; 15. Gary Densham; 16. Grant Downing.

6:20 p.m. - Here are the 16 qualifiers in Top Fuel for the ninth annual NHRA Las Vegas Nationals:

1. Larry Dixon; 2. Steve Torrence; 3. Antron Brown; 4. Tony Schumacher; 5. Cory McClenathan; 6. Brandon Bernstein; 7. Shawn Langdon; 8. Thomas Nataas; 9. Doug Kalitta; 10. Spencer Massey; 11. Bob Vandergriff; 12. David Grubnic; 13. Urs Erbacher; 14. Stig Neergaard; 15. Terry McMillen; 16. Morgan Lucas.

4:50 p.m. - Here are the 16 qualifiers in Pro Stock for the ninth annual NHRA Las Vegas Nationals:

1. Mike Edwards; 2. Vinnie Deceglie; 3. Ron Krisher; 4. Greg Anderson; 5. Johnny Gray; 6. Allen Johnson; 7. Rodger Brogdon; 8. Larry Morgan; 9. Jason Line; 10. Warren Johnson; 11. Jeg Coughlin; 12. Greg Stanfield; 13. Ronnie Humphrey; 14. Ryan Ondrejko; 15. Rickie Jones; 16. Kurt Johnson.

4:05 p.m. - Here are the 16 qualifiers in Pro Stock Motorcycle for the ninth annual NHRA Las Vegas Nationals:

1. Hector Arana; 2. Andrew Hines; 3. Matt Smith; 4. Eddie Krawiec; 5. Karen Stoffer; 6. Junior Pippin; 7. Michael Phillips; 8. David Hope; 9. Craig Treble; 10. Douglas Horne; 11. Shawn Gann; 12. Steve Johnson; 13. Jim Underdahl; 14. Larry Cook; 15. Freddie Camarena; 16. Mike Berry.

 3:20 p.m. - Rod Fuller, a Las Vegas resident and a seven-time winner on the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series, is watching this weekend's NHRA Las Vegas Nationals from the sidelines. Fuller said he is optimistic that he will be able to secure sponsorship to return to the Top Fuel ranks to start the 2010 season. Fuller won at least one Top Fuel national event from 2005 to 2008.

2:30 p.m. - Provisional pole-sitter Larry Dixon recorded the fastest pass (3.837 seconds) in third-round Top Fuel qualifying. Brandon Bernstein turned in a run of 3.853 at 317.27 mph) and improved from eighth to fourth. Dixon, Steve Torrence and Tony Schumacher remained first through third going into the final session later this afternoon.

In third-round Funny Car qualifying, provisional pole-sitter Matt Hagan's 4.153-second pass was fastest of the session and was followed by Cruz Pedregon (4.161) and Jim Head (4.168). Ashley Force Hood, second in Funny Car points and previously unqualified, now sits 15^th with one round of qualifying remaining.

12:55 p.m. - Mike Edwards, Vinnie Deceglie and Ron Krisher remained atop the Pro Stock speed chart after three rounds of qualifying. Edwards posted the quickest run of the third round at 6.664 seconds.

12:30 p.m. - Hector Arena, Andrew Hines and Matt Smith retained the top three spots in Pro Stock Motorcycle after the third round of qualifying. Eddie Krawiec, the provisional fourth qualifier, posted the quickest third-round time at 7.023 seconds.

11:50 a.m. - Good morning from The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, where clear skies will greet racers today for the final two rounds of professional qualifying for the ninth annual NHRA Las Vegas Nationals.

Once again, it's a beautiful day today; the temperature is 63 degrees and there isn't a cloud in the sky.   As soon as the Matco Tools Pro Mod Clash completes its first round, professional qualifying will get underway with Pro Stock Motorcycle and Pro Stock, followed immediately by the third round of Nitro qualifying.  

Check back here often, as we'll be updating this blog throughout the weekend with news, results and driver interviews.

NHRA Las Vegas Nationals - Friday

8:05 p.m. -- Just a reminder that racing will begin at 8 a.m. Saturday and another beautiful day is on tap with a projected high of 78 degrees. Pro Stock Motorcycle and Pro Stock qualifying sessions are scheduled for 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. and Nitro qualifying will be at 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.  

Good night from The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and be sure to check here Saturday and Sunday for constant updates from the ninth annual NHRA Las Vegas Nationals.

8 p.m. -- Comments from provisional Top Fuel pole-sitter Larry Dixon following two rounds of qualifying:   "It was obviously a far more outstanding run than our first run today. 

I just went out there and it was just a nice, nice lap. Track conditions were perfect. The air was cool and it held up. I didn't know it was going to run that good. When we spun the tires the first run today, I figured they might clam it down just to make sure we got down the track and got qualified. It was a great run for the Al-Anabi team. There's a lot on the line the next two weeks so we're out there trying to do our best."

7:40 p.m. - Second-round Nitro qualifying has been completed and Larry Dixon (Top Fuel) and Matt Hagan (Funny Car) are the provisional pole-sitters. Hagan's run of 4.030 seconds at 313.88 mph was the quickest and fastest ever at 1,000 feet. Dixon's run of 3.805 at 318.24 moved him from 24^th to the top of the speed chart.

7: 15 p.m. -- Comments from provisional Funny Car pole-sitter Matt Hagan following two rounds of qualifying:   "It is awesome. It was a great, smooth run - I didn't have to drive it around a whole lot. It just went out there and did what it was supposed to do; it went right down the track. I drove it a little bit hard but when it feels that good, it's hard to pull your foot out of it. Some of the fastest runs, I feel like, are some of your smoothest runs. These nice, fast runs are just so smooth. We've definitely got a fast hot rod."

 7:10 p.m. -- Comments from provisional Pro Stock pole-sitter Mike Edwards following two rounds of qualifying:   "This is unbelievable. It's been quite a season. To come out here and run like this - my hat's off to my guys. Ever since Richmond, my guys at the shop got fired up and they've been working non-stop. This thing is extremely fast and I'm just so proud of the team. I'm living my dream and it's close to coming true."

6:55 p.m. -- Comments from provisional Pro Stock Motorcycle pole-sitter Hector Arana following two rounds of qualifying:  

(On leading the points with two races remaining and eyeing his first NHRA world championship) "It's something that I've always, for 20 years, looked at. I've wanted to do this and wanted to do well and wanted the fans to love me and know who Hector is.

 I'm accomplishing all of these things so it's an awesome feeling. I don't want to worry about it too much because I don't want to lose my concentration. All I need to do is stay focused and keep racing."

6 p.m. - The lights are on and have taken effect at The Strip and second-round Nitro qualifying is underway.   Hector Arana (Pro Stock Motorcycle) and Mike Edwards (Pro Stock) are the top qualifiers after two rounds in their respective categories.

5 p.m. - Larry Dixon trails Tony Schumacher by 47 points in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series Top Fuel standings with two races remaining in the season. Although Dixon admits there is a sense of urgency in his quest to win a third world championship, he said he is not approaching this weekend any differently.

"I would say (it's) the same way that we've approached every weekend," Dixon said. "You just go out there and try to be low every session in qualifying and try to get as many qualifying bonus points as you can and, on race day, try and win four rounds. It's the same thing as everybody else is doing but you're running out of races to do it. It's becoming more important to do it.

"We've had four poles in a row so far for the Countdown. We've got that qualifying thing down; we just need to close the deal on race day. We've been able to make up over a round of racing just in those qualifying points. If we're going to be in contention at Pomona, the qualifying points are going to make the difference."

Dixon was last among the 22 Top Fuel drivers after the first round of qualifying as he failed to make a full run.

4:30 p.m. - Steve Torrence sits atop the speed chart after the first round of Top Fuel qualifying with a pass of 3.831 seconds at 314.17 mph. Shawn Langdon is second (3.855 at 313.29) and Cory McClenathan is third (3.860 at 315.86).

3:55 p.m. - Among the notable spectators taking in the first round of professional qualifying today at The Strip is longtime professional wrestling great Ric "The Nature Boy" Flair. Flair watched from behind the starting line as several Top Fuel dragsters made their qualifying passes.

3:40 p.m. - Funny Car points leader Robert Hight grabbed the provisional pole with a pass of 4.090 seconds at 305.42 mph. Jack Beckman was second fastest at 4.121 at 305.01 and Tony Pedregon was third at 4.133 at 304.74.

3:15 p.m. - John Force has a pair of streaks he would like to extend in the final two races of the 2009 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series season. Force holds the NHRA record of 22 consecutive seasons with at least one victory, but is winless so far in 2009.

 He also has a streak of 24 consecutive seasons in which he has made at least one finals appearance but has yet to advance to a final this season.   Force said he is confident he can extend those streaks either here in Las Vegas or at the season finale in Pomona, Calif.

"That's what I've got to do," Force said. "We've really struggled, we've found a lot of things and we made a lot of changes. The car has started to show potential over the last couple of races and I think we're going to be okay. If nothing else, I would like to keep those records but, in the end, the championship is what it's all about. If I can get my car back in the game, that will get them a shot at the title in 2010."

2:50 p.m. - Mike Edwards grabbed the top qualifying spot in Pro Stock and Andrews Hines was fastest in Pro Stock Motorcycle after one round of qualifying.  

A series of delays throughout the morning and early afternoon has the first round of Nitro qualifying running behind schedule. The Funny Cars still are qualifying and the Top Fuel dragsters are on deck.

2:20 p.m. - Ron Capps, fourth in Funny Car points in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series, sees this weekend's NHRA Las Vegas Nationals as crucial in his quest for his first NHRA world championship.   Capps returns to The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway after winning the spring event here.  

"I'm not sure it gives us an edge," Capps, a five-time winner this season in the NAPA Auto Parts Dodge, said, "but you always feel comfortable going to a place you've done well at. Right now, more than anything, we have to focus on just doing the best we can, and try to collect every point we can."   Robert Hight leads the category by 13 points over Ashley Force Hood. Tony Pedregon is third, 48 points behind Hight, and Capps is 63 points off the pace in fourth.  

"Having to do well at these last two races raises everybody's attention to detail, including the crew members, crew chiefs and drivers," Capps said. "The biggest thing that we're hoping for -- and it's ironic because we're (in) Vegas -- is that the odds of somebody dismissing the people in front of us in eliminations and our taking advantage of it will work in our favor. Going to the final round and facing somebody who is not in front of us in points is how we're going to gain ground.  

"We could focus on all the points and get excited but the bottom line is, if we don't go to the final round ourselves, we're not going to have a chance in Pomona (the final race). So, we have to do the best we can in situations that are in our control and hope that the odds are in our favor that somebody is able to beat either Robert, Ashley or Tony in front of us."

1:45 p.m. - Tony Schumacher is favored by Las Vegas oddsmakers to win the Top Fuel crown this weekend - and with good reason. In addition to winning five races this season and leading the Top Fuel category by 47 points over Larry Dixon, Schumacher is the most successful Top Fuel driver at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway with five victories.  

Ron Capps and Tony Pedregon are tied with three victories here in Funny Car, Greg Anderson leads all Pro Stock drivers with six victories in Las Vegas and Chip Ellis, Andrew Hines and Angelle Sampey have two wins each at The Strip in Pro Stock Motorcycle.  

Other favorites to win this weekend, according to The Palms Resort & Casino and the South Point Hotel & Casino, are Robert Hight (Funny Car) and Mike Edwards (Pro Stock).

1:05 p.m. - Good afternoon from The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, where it's obvious that Mother Nature is a drag racing fan.

After two days of cold, blustery weather in Southern Nevada, it's a beautiful day today for the first round of professional qualifying for the ninth annual NHRA Las Vegas Nationals. It's mostly sunny and 62 degrees with a slight breeze (6 mph) as the first professional runs are set to begin soon.  

Professional qualifying will begin with Pro Stock Motorcycle and Pro Stock, followed immediately by the first round of Nitro qualifying.  

Check back here often, as we'll be updating this blog throughout the weekend with news, results and driver interviews.

Special Events are going on all week for the NHRA Las Vegas Nationals

Jeff Motley

If there has ever been a week at Las Vegas Motor Speedway with more fan events, I wasn't here for it - and I've been here almost 11 years.

This week promises to have something for everyone. Whether you like drag racing, sprint cars, stock cars, poker, boxing, watching your kids dress up for Halloween, autograph seeking or are simply in a charitable mood, we have it all this weekend.

The racing action is highlighted by the Las Vegas NHRA Nationals. This is the next to last event in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series and titles are up for grabs in all four professional categories.

No division is bringing more intrigue or excitement than Funny Car. Robert Hight, the son-in-law of legendary racer John Force, holds a slim 13-point lead over his sister-in-law Ashley Force Hood. Hood, Force's 26-year old daughter, is poised to be the first woman to ever win a professional Funny Car NHRA championship. Tony Schumacher is trying to hold off a fearsome foursome of Larry Dixon, Cory McClenathan, Antron Brown and Brandon Bernstein in Top Fuel. In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Hector Arana and Ed Krawiec are in a tight battle. The only division that is settled is Mike Edwards in Pro Stock.

Sportsman racing begins Thursday and the pros qualify on Friday and Saturday. Final eliminations are set for Sunday at 11 a.m.

But the events surrounding the racing begin on Wednesday. The annual Cards For Kids Charity Poker Tournament benefitting Speedway Children's Charities will be Wednesday at the Cannery Hotel and Casino on Craig Road. Bernstein, Dixon, McLenathan, Greg Anderson and Karen Stoffer are just some of the NHRA drivers who will test their skill against race fans and poker enthusiasts. Walk-ups are welcome. We deal the cards at 7 p.m.

Thursday night brings us the annual NHRA Fanfest on Fremont Street. More than 25 of the biggest names in drag racing will be on hand to sign autographs beginning at 6 p.m. This event has typically brought hundreds of fans to downtown Las Vegas and is the most popular driver autograph session on the NHRA circuit.

Throughout the weekend, we will be collecting canned goods at the entrance gates. All food collected will be delivered to the City Mission of Las Vegas. This is a great opportunity to help the less fortunate as we approach the holiday season.

And in the midst of all the heart-pounding drag racing action on Saturday will be a little head pounding as well. Thanks to Oscar De La Hoya's Golden Boy Productions, we will have professional sparring taking place in the midway between pro sessions on Saturday afternoon. Professional boxers Sugar Shane Mosley and Victor Ortiz will be on hand to sign autographs as well.

While the big guys are knocking heads, our youngest race fans will be competing for prizes in our annual Halloween costume contest. The judging will take place near the boxing ring on Saturday afternoon.

And if all this isn't enough, we also have Speedfest 2009 at the Bullring on Saturday night. Our 3/8-mile paved oval will play host to a 50-lap Supermodified race, USAC Western States Midgets, a 120-lap SRL Southwest Tour Series feature, a Bomber Enduro and Legends racing.

I'm tired just writing this, but as you can see, there's something for everybody this weekend. We hope to see you here, there and everywhere this weekend.

About our new Director of Speedway Children's Charities

Rachel Commeford

Hi everyone! My name is Rachel Commeford and I recently joined the LVMS staff as the new Director of Speedway Children's Charities.

I was born and raised in upstate New York in the small town of Elbridge - just outside of Syracuse.  I attended Buffalo State College majoring in communications with an emphasis in broadcasting.  Buffalo was far enough away from home, yet close enough if I needed a home cooked meal.  After graduating, I realized that I didn't have to tolerate 120 inches of snow a year and I could work somewhere warm.

After moving to Las Vegas, I worked several different jobs in radio and print media.  I landed a gig as fundraising manager for Special Olympics Nevada and at that very moment I realized event planning is not just event planning when it comes to the not-for-profit world.  I always had a love for media, but when I started at Special Olympics, I knew I had found a passion something - a passion to do something worthwhile and help those in need.  During my three years at Special Olympics Nevada, I gained a lot of experience that I am ready to put in to action at Speedway Children's Charities.  The team at LVMS is fantastic, and we are eager to launch this into something excellent!

I look forward to seeing you at future events.  Remember, seats are still available for the Sixth Annual "Cards for Kids" Poker Tournament at the Cannery Hotel & Casino on Wednesday, October 28^th at 7 p.m.  Register online or call 702-632-8242 for more details.

Thank you for the warm welcome!

Bullring season is coming to an end

Alicia Osborn

Hey race fans!

 I can not believe that the regular season at the Bullring is coming to an end this weekend!  Where did the season go? It seems like just yesterday, we came back from our summer break. This season has definitely been a great one!   

This weekend, we will crown our 2009 Bullring Champions. They will receive their official trophies at the banquet that will be at Sam's Town Live! on October 24th.  But there are still some tight points battles that can be changed in an instant with this weekend's race results. 

Congratulations to Kaylee Barker who has clinched the 2009 title and is the youngest girl to win a Bando Bandit Championship!  Way to go!  

Come and enjoy our Championship Night.  Enjoy the door-to-door action that will happen this Saturday - there will be no hanging back.  This is it - now or never to win a championship for some drivers that are so close to the elusive titles for their divisions.  Gates open at 5 p.m. with qualifying, and opening ceremonies will be at 7 p.m.  

Don't forget we have the Speed Spectacular on Oct. 31st and the Open Comp Race Weekend on Nov. 6th and 7th still to run at the Bullring this year.  And then we move to the Dirt Track for the Duel in the Desert, Nov. 12th-14th where the winner can win $7,777.77!   

Have to run...have a great week!  And as always - see ya at the races!

Getting ready for the 13th Annual Las Vegas 350

Jeff Motley

This is a big week here at Las Vegas Motor Speedway as the stars of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series make their annual visit to the Nevada desert.

But there is much more to this event than just 146 laps of truck racing.

The week is getting started on Thursday when three of the drivers participate in a pre-event press conference at the new Hard Rock Café on the Las Vegas Strip. Mike Skinner, who won here last year, Todd Bodine and former Supercross world champion Ricky Carmichael will be helping promote the event for the speedway. And if you haven't visited the new Hard Rock, you should check it out. It's three stories tall, has two big bars, indoor and outdoor dining and a virtual memorabilia wall that is simply amazing.

On Friday, the team haulers will enter at noon and the teams will begin preparations for Saturday night's race. But Friday night, many of the top drivers in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will be at the Stratosphere Hotel and Casino signing autographs. This autograph session is free to the public and the line will open at 7 p.m. David Starr, Terry Cook, Stacy Compton and many more will be on hand to greet fans and sign autographs.

The serious business for the teams starts on Saturday morning. The teams will get to work at 7 a.m. for this one-day show, where the teams will practice, qualify and race all in the same day. At noon, spectator gates will open and so does the Neon Garage.

Thanks to V Theater, the Neon Garage, will be loaded with entertainment. Fab Four, one of the top Beatles tribute bands, will headline the Neon Garage performance schedule. The Gregory Popovich Pet Theater and several other top Vegas acts will perform throughout the day as well. Gerry McCambridge from The Mentalist will also be on hand.

When you're not checking out the entertainment on the center stage, make sure to go to the team garage bays and get your souvenirs signed by your favorite drivers while their crews are hard at work preparing the trucks.

We will also have a racing exhibition by 600 Racing on the quarter-mile oval in the tri-oval of the superspeedway. Legends Cars, Thunder Roadsters and Bandoleros will be part of the 600 Racing card.

At 3:30 p.m., qualifying for the Las Vegas 350 gets under way, and the drivers' meeting will follow at 5 p.m.

At 6 p.m., when dusk begins to form another perfect Nevada evening, we will begin the introductions for the Las Vegas 350. If you've been to this race before, you know the driver intros are a little unique here. The drivers will walk through the stands and greet the fans as they're introduced.

Once the driver intros are completed, please prepare for a stirring rendition of the national anthem. Vocal Soup, a group made up of legendary performers, will sing The Star Spangled Banner. Veteran Vegas headliner Clint Holmes, former Miss California, blonde bombshell Susan Anton and ex-Foreigner frontman Domenick Allen are part of this amazing quartet.

From there, sit back, relax and watch the greatest truck racers in the world compete for the next two hours to take home the Las Vegas 350 trophy. Then return to the Neon Garage to see the jubilation of Victory Lane.

It's going to be a great week, so make sure not to miss a minute of it.

Fiesta meet Las Vegas Motor Speedway

Brad Nelson

Sweltering heat and blistering pavement surround the 1500 acres of  Las Vegas Motor Speedway (LVMS.) However, inside the gates one gets the chance to see one of ten tracks, state-of-the-art garages, luxury suites fit for the casino elite, and enough energy and excitement to last a lifetime. 

I must start by saying that I have never been a big NASCAR guy or follower of races on tracks like LVMS but when you hear that the sport is larger than soccer there's got to be something to it. Sure you race around at 90mph+ on the smaller tracks and over 180mph+ on the superspeedway at such a close proximity that you could actually shake hands with the other drivers but is there more to it? Is it just the speed, adrenaline, and rowdy fans? Wow, carried away already-why don't we start from the beginning?

A group of us (me, Emma, Julia, and Adam) ventured to Las Vegas from Southern Oregon to film a FiestaMovement Mission video. The FiestaMovement is a project through Ford in which 100 ‘agents' embark around the country driving the Ford Fiesta. Just one thing-the Ford Fiesta isn't released in the US yet. These 100 Germany-built  cars are now infiltrating the US via all the social networking sites (YouTube, Twitter, Flickr, FaceBook, 12Seconds, Blogs, etc.) Each month, we film one mission based on a theme to post onto YouTube. This is all to promote the US release for the 2011 model. To see more about it and to check out our profile (including pictures and videos from the LVMS) go to: http://fiestamovement.com/agent16 

I must say if you haven't been to LVMS and you live nearby...what are you waiting for?  We were treated to a tour of the facility from Mysti Den Hoed, Administrative Assistant of Racing Operations. Her passion for not only the track itself, but for the sport,  is a small sampling of how devoted racing fans are.  She took us onto the track in a van and calmly said, "there's going to be a small bump." We hit what seemed like a 50-degree banking (really, only 24) and thought we were going to flip over in this mini-van. (Full disclosure...it was a Chevy van...sorry Ford.) I would post what speed we traveled but not sure what the legal limits are let's just say that Mysti went the fastest she could safely go with 4 passengers.  During the tour, which is available to everyone, we saw the luxury suites, the garage, and several other tracks at LVMS.

Mysti turned us loose after the very informative tour. Our heads were about to explode with more NASCAR and track facts that could be fit in our brains. We piled into the Fiesta for some track adventures of our own.  Naturally, we headed back to the superspeedway to see how the Fiesta could handle.  After taking to the superspeedway with Sebastien (an instructor for the Mario Andretti Racing School) we asked if he had any advice after speeding comfortably around the track at 100mph. His advice, "Don't go that fast." The Fiesta seemed very tuned into the track as I drove it 90mph+ around and around again. Felt much like the drive back to Oregon on a flat highway (minus the CHP's involvement...but that's another story.) Handling was very nice and I probably would have gone a bit faster if it wasn't for seeing the ambulance standing by just waiting to jump into action.  After 30 minutes of filming at the superspeedway, which would have been a once-in-a-lifetime experience on its own, we moved over to the Bullring track. (Called the Bull Pen all day by Emma and Julia...they thought we were at a baseball game!)

The Bullring offered even more challenges as it was much shorter with tighter turns. The Fiesta handled great and I'm sure that a pro driver could have taken it much faster. We spent 45 minutes taking turns on the track and amusing the gallery up in the press box. They had to come down to see what we were doing when I was racing Adam. I was in the Fiesta and he was on foot.  I won.  He's pretty out of shape!  To give you an idea of the track, at 50mph it felt like we were going to die! Later that night we watched drivers take modified cars and trucks hitting speeds of 100mph including a young man, age 14, driving the #3 car. Amazing! (That's another blog though.)  We were alone on the track and could swerve and follow whatever line we wanted-these drivers could pick the bugs from the car windshields ahead and behind. 

Exhausted from a full day of filming the evening was drawing near the end. The checkered flag was about to wave on our night and though we spent most of the day at  LVMS driving the Fiesta on the superspeedway and the Bullring, the real discovery was a new sense of appreciation for the crazy talent that it takes to be involved in this sport.  We didn't see the rumored drunk and rowdy car fanatics, but passionate diehards who love what Las Vegas MotorSpeedway has to offer.

(If you would like to contact Brad you can find him on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/followthefiesta)

A crazy Cowboy Night featuring four-wide cattle truck racing!

Alicia Osborn

When I went to the Bullring on Saturday, I knew that it was Cowboy Night and we always have fun things for the fans: jump houses, a petting zoo -- and (for the past three years) an 18-wheel cattle truck parade around the track and then leave. 

I had no idea what the evening had in store for everyone!  As the night began with qualifying and opening ceremonies drew closer, I began to see some 18-wheelers staging in the pits.  Believe me, I didn't think much of it.  As we were getting ready for opening ceremonies, all of the trucks came onto the track.  I thought 'how cool'...but then, when I heard over the radio they were going to race, I thought, 'okay, this is going to be totally cool!' 

As I gave them the one to go signal, I still couldn't believe we were actually going to race these trucks! Then, I dropped the green flag and the race began. The race was very funny to watch - especially when they were three and four wide in the turns!  It was an interesting feeling seeing them come out of turn four and look like they were heading right at the flagstand. I think that was the case because they were so tall that it was a way different felling than if there were race cars on the track.  I can now say that I have flagged just about everything: quarter midgets, bandos, Super Late Models, Super Modifieds and now, six 18-wheelers!  As the checkered flag dropped, the crowd went crazy!  It was great!   

We do have more racing this Labor Day weekend and I hope to see everyone out at the Bullring.  With only three races left in the regular season, it should make for some great racing as the drivers try to gain as many points as possible, competing for the elusive track championship!  Make sure to come out and check out the racing - you never know what might happen.  You might catch another race of non-racing vehicles, or at least ones that you wouldn't expect. 

Also, the PSCA will be visiting The Strip this weekend, so there is plenty of racing for everyone!   Race fans, have a great week!  See ya at the races! 

Where did that summer break go? It's back to racing action here at Las Vegas Motor Speedway

Chris Blair

The summer break is officially over! Today was the first day of classes for the kids and all of us here at Las Vegas Motor Speedway are putting the final touches on the next two weekends of racing action.

It's the time of year where area residents start to crawl out from under the air conditioning and venture out into the open again after the summer heat. It's a gradual process that begins with outdoor evening activities and then everyone gradually starts venturing out during daylight hours.

The Strip is hosting two days of racing for folks who love the nightlife. Midnight Mayhem returns on Friday night with another exciting round of street-legal drag racing. At this weekend's event all participants will receive a participant decal courtesy of NHRA and also have the chance to make a run at the NHRA 100 mile per hour club. On Saturday, the Wicked HP Championship Drag Racing Series returns for our annual Pajama Party Classic late night drag race.

Normally, I'm hounding on our crew to get the Wicked HP series events done by 10:30 p.m., I'm always pushing our folks to eliminate as much down time as possible and keep the show rolling. One night a year we purposely start running cars three hours later than normal and shoot for an end time of around 2 a.m. It has become a tradition here in Las Vegas and our local drag racing community loves this event. Many of our teams plan post-race tailgate parties in the pit area with many of them hosting breakfast at sunrise. The show takes on a whole new feel and we are always trying to do new and exciting things for the racers and the fans on this special night. Along with the drag racing, the local street rod and motorcycle community will also be at The Strip for another edition of the "Hot Rods, Hot Dogs, Bikes and Budweiser Cruise Night." Anyone with a classic street rod or muscle car, or anyone driving a custom motorcycle, receives free admission to watch the drag racing and compete for car show awards. There's also $1 hot dogs and Budweiser all night long...which makes the evening that much better.

Over at the Bullring we are getting back to our specialty theme nights and this time around it's "Cowboy Night." Between races, our crew will be hosting all sorts of cowboy-related games and will have a variety of special attractions ranging from custom trucks and calf roping, to a kid's petting zoo. The on-track action is exciting as well with all of our NASCAR Whelen All-American racing series classes, plus the final 2009 appearance of the USAC Focus Midget Series. Saturday night's Focus Midget event is a combined points race for the California racers as well as the Utah-based rocky mountain region racers. The best of the best from both series will be on hand for one of only three races all season long where the two groups race together. That means the car count should be big and the on-track action will be exciting.

The best part of all these events is the tremendous bargain for a family to enjoy the races. At both The Strip and the Bullring the admission price is only $10 for adults and $5 for kids. And unlike other entertainment venues, which may charge as much as $20 for parking, parking is always free here at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

This weekend is just the start of three months that are packed full of events. Visit www.lvms.com to find out more about upcoming events at the speedway.

This is my first blog entry since late June and part of that is due to the fact that I've been all over the place chasing races for both work and pleasure.

After making a trip to Langley, B.C. in late June for the Quarter Midget Western Grands to race with my son, I mapped out a series of events to visit this summer in hopes of bringing some new and exciting shows to the speedway. In mid-July I put together a road trip that followed the American Sprint Car Series (ASCS) on part of their Northwest Tour. The ASCS Series features 360 cubic inch powered, winged sprint cars that run a variety of regional racing programs as well as the Lucas Oil/K&N tour that is showcased on the Versus HD Network. Their racing format features a short practice session, four heat races that are lined up based on a pill draw system (no qualifying!), a couple of last chance races and the A-features that are lined up based on a blind draw among the heat race winners. Everyone has to race their way into the show and their races are never some boring, single file race with the fast guy on the pole (unlike many racing series). Their races always start on time at 7 p.m. and, unless there are weather delays or red flags, the events usually wrap well before 10 p.m.

My first ever ASCS event featured a packed grandstand at Southern Oregon Speedway in Medford on a Monday night...that's right, a packed grandstand for a Monday night show. More than 30 cars were on hand for the opening event and one of the most talented Sprint Car racers in the country today, Jesse Hockett, put on a driving exhibition to come from mid-pack to win in his first ever visit to the track. The checkered flag fell at 9:25 p.m. and it gave me time to visit the pits to say hello to former Bullring Legend racer Zac Zimmerly who is now running his Sprint Car exclusively these days.

On Tuesday night the racing moved just up Interstate 5 to Cottage Grove for another night of racing. Hockett once again won with a pass late in the race after starting mid-pack. It was a great crowd at Cottage Grove as well and the show started at 7 and was over at 9:30 p.m. I instantly fell in love with the ASCS series and immediately contacted ASCS President Emmett Hahn to draw up plans for a future visit.

Following the ASCS experience there was a trip to Sun Valley Speedway in Vernon, B.C. to check out the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series and the ARCA West support program than ran as part of the A&W 300. Add in a couple of trips to Perris, California for USAC/CRA events and Knoxville, Iowa for promoter meetings and a night of the 49th Annnual Knoxville Nationals and you can see that it was a busy Summer.

The trips have allowed us to come up with some great ideas that fans will see when they attend events such as the Open Comp (Bullring), the Duel in the Desert (Dirt Track) and more specialty events (World of Outlaws, USAC, DIRTcar and ASCS) at the Dirt Track. We even locked in a date with the Traxxas TORC Off-Road Series that will visit us in October just one week prior to our NHRA Las Vegas Nationals. So while we didn't do alot of racing at LVMS when the temperatures were above 110 degrees, we were busy planning for the future and fine-tuning the events we have on tap this Fall. As we've said before, all of our venues do more big races in a three month period than most tracks will do in a full year.

Keep a close eye on our website as important 2009 and 2010 schedule announcements are happening on a daily basis. Make plans now to see it all for yourself.