• 2006 Racer Banquet- We would like to Congratulate our 2006 winners and thank... read more>>
(posted 2.12.07)

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• “Race Of Champions”:
Congratulations to Jeff Verdi for winning the Pro "Mod" class in the NHRA Div. 1 2006 RBS Trailer Sales Race Of Champions.
(posted 2.12.07)

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• 8th Annual Northeast Division Distinguished Service Award:Carl Bowling won this for his devotion and support to the sport.  Carl has been a fixture on the starting lineat most of the Northeast Division Events for the past several years and is also the track starter here at Virginia Motorsports Park. (posted 2.12.07)

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E.T. Points Race Date Removed:
Virginia Motorsports Park has removed July 22nd from the E.T. Points Series. This date came in conflict with the Raider E.T. Challenge.VMP is currently working on a reschedule date.(posted 2.12.07)

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• M.V.P. in Drag Racing...
Virginia Motorsports Park would like to send out a "Congratulations" to one of our hard-working staff members. Thomas Czaplicki, the winner of IHRA 2006 "Best Team Player" Award!! (posted 2.12.07)

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Street Outlaw Rules UPDATE
The following change has been made to the Street Outlaw Heads Up Series Rules:
Transmission:  Full automatic with a maximum of three forward speeds or a clutch operated...read more>>
(posted 2.12.07)

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Assistant Concessions Manager Needed
We are currently looking for an assistant manager to help run the concessions at VMP. Responsibilities include but are not limited to cash verification, inventory control, event staffing, & catering sales. Prior food handling experience helpful but not required. Pay rate of $10-$15/hr based on experience. Please fax or email resumes to 722-4386 or [email protected]
(posted 2.12.07)

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NHRA Tech Inspection will be Sat. March 10th and Sunday March 11th 2007 for Chassis Certifications. We will fill all Saturday spots before scheduling Sunday spots.
Chassis Certs. start at 9am
Car Owners MUST Pre-Register with the VMP office at 804-862-3174.
This is by appointment ONLY!!
(posted 2.12.07)

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• Upgrade of the quarter-mile underway:
Penn-Hall and Charles Freeburn will be on site this week to begin work on improving the surface of the VMP quarter-mile.  The concrete portion of the track will undergo grinding operations to polish out the rough spots and give a more uniform surface.  The asphalt portion will be profiled to further level the track and then it too will be ground to improve the texture of the surface.   These operations are expected to take about one week to complete. (posted 2.22.07)

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• Cool New Equipment is on the Way:
VMP has purchased a great new piece of equipment.  On March the 10th Wayne’s Industrial Service of Grand Prairie Texas will be delivering their PowerBoss Track Scrubber to VMP.  Similar to the one used by the NHRA Safety Safari, the Powerboss can cut oil-down cleanups from an hour and a half to just ten or fifteen minutes.  One of its features is an eight head flame-thrower mounted on the rear to remove moisture and residue during the clean-up. (posted 2.22.07)

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• Preparations Underway for March 3rd Opening:
This past weekend preparations continued for our season opening Test & Tune on March 3rd. Timing sensors, lights, and computers were re-installed and with the help of our good friends Rob and Conner Kelley the Compulink timing system was brought back on line.  Rob completed his annual “super-tune” on the system and tests were conducted to insure the system was ready for racing.  Wayne Covil stopped by to help us recondition our two-way radios and get them ready for the new season. 
(posted 2.22.07)

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•VMP is now Recruiting - We are recruiting personnel for the NHRA Torco Racing Fuels National Event on Oct. 5-7, 2007. For more info please call the Office Tues-Fri 8:30am- 4:30pm(posted 2.22.07)

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•VMP Registered Racers:
Please pick up your RACER PACKETS at the registered racer sign-in. They will NOT be mailed due to the packets not making it to their destinations in 2006. All GOLD Club renewals need to be finalized at the beginning of the first ET Points Race. (posted 2.22.07)

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•National Ticket Renewals - All renewals MUST be postmarked by March 7th, 2007 to be a valid renewal. If you have unused tickets from 2006, please be sure to redeem them for 2007 tickets at the box office. Any questions concerning this, please call the office at 804.862.3174 / Tues.-Fri. 9am - 4:30pm (posted 2.22.07)

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•Time Runs to Be Quarter-Mile:
New this year at VMP all time runs (except for Junior Dragsters) will have the timing system set for a quarter-mile finish. Our Super Pro class will be running eighth-mile qualifying and competition for all points races.
(posted 3.06.07)

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•NEW for 2007 -GOLD CLUB parking:
Members will be able to enter gate 1/2 hour early on ET Point races only. Please see schedule for gate times. Follow signs behind main office. All members must have GOLD CLUB card in vehicle to use entrance.(posted 3.05.07)

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•NEW RULE for Street Outlaw
Must have Stock frame rails from firewall forward. (posted 3.02.07)

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Forms Available on Line:
If you need NHRA license application forms or Physical forms you can download them from the NHRA Division 1 Website. Simply go to NHRADIV1.com and click on forms. You will be offered a PDF download for the form you need. (posted 3.06.07)

Heads Up Index Racing:
There is a new and exciting Heads Up Index Racing Series coming to VMP in 2007. This Thursday, March 22nd will be a Heads Up Index Test Session and meeting for all those interested along with Open Test and Tune for all. Gates open at 5:00pm Lanes Open at 6:00pm. The first Heads Up Index Race will be on Thursday, April 26th. Heads Up Index Racing will be a Pro Tree start with a breakout ET limit. There will be three index classes, 10.00 class, 12.00 class, and 14.50 class. These classes will compete in nine races throughout the 2007 season. Each class will be awarded trophies for winner and runner-up. Come on out March 22nd learn more about Heads-up Index Racing and get your car dialed in. (posted 3.16.07)

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Competition Directors Named:
Virginia Motorsports Park management is pleased to announce the promotion of two veteran race crew employees. Cory Beasley and Rick Freeburn have accepted positions as our new Competition Directors. In their new positions they will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of racing operations during scheduled racing events. Cory and Rick have been a part of the VMP team for years; Cory as our Tech Director and Rick as a member of the Race Crew on the start line. Cory will continue to be in charge of Tech on the days he is not assigned as Competition Director. Rick intends to continue to race in our ET Points Series on his days off. Please join us in congratulating Rick and Cory the next time you see them. (posted 3.15.07)

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New Scoreboards to be Delivered in April:
VMP’s new high-tech scoreboards are scheduled for delivery in April. The new boards will be lit by LED’s and are larger, clearer, and more dependable than the old bulb-lit boards. The addition of the new boards is just one more example of VMP’s commitment to upgrading our facility. Our ultimate goal is to make VMP one of the worlds premier racing destinations. (posted 3.15.07)

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Track Profiling and Grinding Completed:
It took a little longer than expected but it appears the extra effort was worth the time. The track grinding operations undertaken in late February and early March have greatly improved the levelness and texture of the racing surface along the entire quarter-mile. One professional who measures the surfaces of drag strips all over the country told us following his examination that we just might have the flattest track in the country. (posted 3.15.07)

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NEW For 2007:
Each VMP registered racer will receive 3 vacation vouchers. These vouchers are good for 15 points to be used ONLY for E T Points races. Please be sure to notify track manager when you wish to use the voucher so the points can tabulated. Each vacation voucher will need to be filled out COMPLETELY and mailed to the VMP office or turned in at Race Control. This must be done within 14 days of the points race. You may also email you voucher use to cdrake @vmpdrag.com. This email must contain your name, vehicle number, class, date of race, and your home phone number. Vacation vouchers MAY NOT be used for the last two (2) points races. (posted 3-15-07

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Gold Club Parking – All Gold Club parking spots that were not purchased are now open to all.  Please call the office at 804-862-3174 if you are interested in purchasing a spot. (posted 3-27-07)

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2007 Racer Committee -
Super Pro- Ray Weinstein & Bob Avalos
Street Points- Robert Clay & Bill Thurston
Jr.Dragster-Carlton Thornton&Travis Maine
Mod- Jeff Verdi & Rocky Pintavalle
Pro Bike- Jon Burkhead & Craig Marable
(posted 3.28.07)

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Bikes on Thursdays:

Bike racers don't forget, you are welcome at our Thursday Night Throwdowns . We have one scheduled for Thursday, April 26 th . In addition to the opportunity to Test and Tune, we will also run a Grudge Race for Bikes during the “Throwdown” if enough of you are interested. Come join us on the last Thursday of the month; you should be able to get lots of track time at a real bargain price.

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King of the Track Program:
NHRA Division 1 has added some great new awards to the King of the Track program, you can check out the prizes at the following link: http://www.nhradiv1.com/content/divtech.asp?articleid=19670&zoneid=24
To qualify for the King of the Track at VMP:

Eligibility- All Points Racers in Street Points, Super Pro, Pro Bike, and Modified that have participated in any of the first five Points races are eligible. Vacation Vouchers will count as event participation.

Qualifying- All points earned in the first five VMP points races will count towards qualifying for the King of the Track race. Following the Sunday July 15 th points race, points will be tallied, and the leader in each class will be invited to run in the “ King of the Track ” race on August 4 th during the “Night of Fire” event.

In the event that a points leader declines the invitation the next highest in points in that class will be invited to run for King of the Track. Any ties in points will be broken by the best average reaction time for the winning rounds with the best and worst times discarded.

The Race to determine the King of the Track will be a quarter-mile ET bracket race. Participants must adhere to the rules that pertain to the class from which they qualified. Cars and motorcycles will be paired for side by side racing for this event.

If you are not yet signed up for our points program; thanks to old Mother Nature it's not too late to join. Two of the three Points races scheduled for March and April were rain-outs (more like snow-outs). Anyone joining now will still have a solid shot at qualifying for the King of the Track race at VMP in August.

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Frank LeSueur
Founder of World Wide Racing Fuels passed away Friday April 20. Frank started and owned two of the first drag strips in Virginia, at Suffolk and at Louisa, during the late 50's and 60's. He started World Wide Racing Fuels in the early 70's.
He was clearly one of the forefathers of motorsports in Virginia.
All our thoughts and prayers are with the family from the VMP staff.

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Bikes on Thursdays:

Bike racers don't forget; you are welcome at our Thursday Night Throwdowns . Our next one is scheduled for Thursday, May 24 th In addition to the opportunity to Test and Tune; we will also run a Grudge Race for Bikes during the “Throwdown” if enough of you are interested. Come join us on the last Thursday of the month; you should be able to get lots of track time at a real bargain price.

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Installation of new Scoreboards Scheduled
The long awaited installation of our new LED scoreboards will begin next Monday, 5/21/07. The work is expected to take about a week.
First the old boards will have to come down. Then the mast that holds the boards must be reconfigured for the new LED units. The signs at the top will then need to be raised to make more space for the new taller boards. Then the new boards will go up. The last step will be to run new power and data lines to the new boards.
We plan to run our Thursday Throwdown Index Races and Friday Night Street Wars on May 24 th and 25 th without the scoreboards if necessary. All of our other electronics will be working.

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Heads Up Index Racing - May 24
This Thursday, May 24th will be a Heads Up Index Race along with Open Test and Tune for all. Gates open at 5:00pm Lanes Open at 6:00pm. Heads Up Index Racing will be a Pro Tree start with a breakout ET limit. There will be three index classes, 10.00 class, 12.00 class, and 14.50 class. These classes will compete in nine races throughout the 2007 season. Each class will be awarded trophies for winner and runner-up. (posted 05/22/07)

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No Scoreboards for Thursday Throwdown / Street Wars
This is a reminder to all fans and drivers that this week’s Thursday Throwdown and Friday Street Wars at the Virginia Motorsports Park will be run without scoreboards.  The facility has been taking the week to tear down the old boards and install the new ones.  However, all other timing and race electronics are working properly, and the event will run as planned.  The new scoreboards will be up and running in time for the Raider E.T. Challenge scheduled for June 2nd and 3rd. (posted 5-24-07)

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VMP / Haley Pontiac Give Thanks to Troops
As National Military Appreciation Month draws to a close, Virginia Motorsports Park would like to encourage everyone to take part in the A Million Thanks campaign.  Stop by VMP or Haley Pontiac-GMC on Midlothian Turnpike to fill out a Note of Appreciation.  These Thank You Notes will then be distributed to our troops stationed all over the world.  For more information please visit http://www.amillionthanks.org (posted 5-24-07)

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TO ALL VMP DRIVERS: SATURDAY IS A POINTS RACE
Pro Bike will not race Saturday!!!!!

Virginia Motorsports Park would like to remind all drivers that Saturday June 2nd 's Raider E.T. Challenge is both a VMP and Raider points race for VMP registered drivers. Sunday has been declared the makeup day if Saturday is rained out. Also, Pro Bike will not be running in the Raider E.T. Challenge. The Virginia Mid-Summer Bike Bash on July 21 st and the Virginia Bike Fest (originally scheduled for April 15 th ) on August 19 th will serve as makeup days. Finally, Gold Club parking will be available on Saturday from 7-11 AM only and will NOT be honored Sunday anytime. (posted 5-31-07)

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Richardson , Schooler look to complete unfinished business

Six weeks ago oil downs and wrecks prevented Virginia drivers J.C. Richardson (Sutherland) and Ben Schooler (Fredericksburg) from running the final round of April 20 th 's Street Outlaw event at Virginia Motorsports Park. This Friday June 1 st the two drivers will once again attempt to conquer the field when Street Outlaw returns to VMP. Richardson 's 69 Camaro and Schooler's 90 Mustang will have plenty of competition looking to prevent either driver's desired return trip to the final. Chesterfield 's Waverly Green will look to avenge his second round loss to Richardson with his 67 Camaro. Mark Ingle (Cumberland, VA) was also eliminated by Richardson and will look for a better performance from his 96 Corvette this time out. Finally, the 69 Camaro of Jimmy Creek (Gloucester, VA) will hope for a better result after a disappointing first round exit in April's event. Gates open at 5 PM with qualifying beginning at 6:30 PM. Tickets for adult spectators are $12. (posted 5-31-07)

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Super Chevy Show to be televised

The Outdoor Channel will be televising the Super Chevy Show when it makes its annual stop at Virginia Motorsports Park on June 8 th through the 10 th . VMP was one of seven stops on the Super Chevy schedule that will receive television coverage.

Local drivers will hope to top last year's stellar performance in all divisions. VMP regular Richard Bernier out of Virginia Beach will look to repeat in the Mr. Gasket Bracket One Pro Eliminator. Bracket Two of the Mr. Gasket Pro Eliminator saw Mike Gunter ( Chester , VA ) defeat Richmond 's Ric Snelson for first place honors. David Davis of Scottsville held off M. Alexander Jr. of Mechanicsville to claim first place in the D.O.T division. Top honors in the Junior Dragster division went to Brandi Alexander of Mechanicsville while Michael Martin ( Newport News , VA ) won the Tremec Transmission Bonus Race.

For schedule and ticket information visit http://superchevyshow.com/

(posted 5-31-07)

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Martin denies Schooler Outlaw crown

Top qualifier Michael Martin of Gloucester, VA defeated Fredericksburg’s Ben Schooler in the finals of Saturday’s Street Outlaw at Virginia Motorsports Park.  Schooler, along with J.C. Richardson (Sutherland, VA), had reached the final of the last Outlaw event held at VMP on April 20th only to see the final round cancelled due to oil downs and wrecks.  Ironically Schooler would end up defeating Richardson in the opening round of Saturday’s event to begin his return trip to the finals.  Martin reached the final by eliminating Phil Clemmons (Sandston, VA) in the 1st round and sending home Chesterfield’s Waverly Green in the semifinals.

Qualifying for the event were 1. Michael Martin (Gloucester, VA) 2. Mark Ingle (Cumberland, VA) 3. JC Richardson (Sutherland, VA) 4. Tommy Jackson (Poquoson, VA) 5. Waverly Green (Chesterfield, VA) 6. Ben Schooler (Fredericksburg, VA) 7. Duane Peppers (Chester, VA) 8. Phil Clemmons (Sandston, VA)

(posted 6-5-07)

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Super Chevy Show Junior Dragster Program open to all juniors

Virginia Motorsports Park would like to announce that the Junior Dragster program will be open to all juniors during this weekend’s Super Chevy Show.  This is a change from the 16 car limit that has been imposed in the past.  The entry fee will be $25 per racer for the weekend. Parents as well as other crew members must purchase their own entry tickets.  Saturday the Juniors will be given two time runs, and on Sunday the eliminations will be held.  Drivers who arrive Sunday will not receive a timed run.  Goody bags will also be given to all participants, which can be claimed by the participant at the Tremec Transmissions Car Show Series tent by presenting their Junior Dragster entry.  The winner and runner-up will each be awarded a nice trophy and photographed with their cars at the conclusion of the event for possible inclusion in the post-event coverage of Super Chevy Magazine. 

(posted 6-5-07)

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NHRA JDRL Eastern Conference Finals Update
ATTENTION JR DRAGSTERS!!

Virginia Motorsports Park would like to announce that Marie Benfield and Fran Chiles are organizing this year’s Team VMP to compete at the Junior Drag Racing League Eastern Conference Finals in Bristol, Tennessee scheduled for July 9th through 14th.  To sign up and be a part of Team VMP, please contact either Marie at (757) 464-5580 or Fran at (804) 453-5422 .  Pre-stacking for the event will begin on Monday, July 9th at 5 p.m. in the north lot of the Bristol facilities.  On Tuesday, July 10th the track plans to begin parking with NHRA holding technical inspection later that night from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.  There will also be two time trials on Thursday, July 12th and one on Friday, July 13th, with eliminations that afternoon and finishing up on Saturday, July 14th. (posted 6-5-07)

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VMP Concludes Super Chevy Show

Another exciting Super Chevy Show presented by Aeromotive concluded this past weekend at Virginia Motorsports Park.  The event featured two days of intense bracket racing, the TREMEC Transmissions Car Show, and a Jet Dragster exhibition which saw the two drag cars approach speeds of 300 MPH during their quarter mile run.  

Cody Barklage of Eldon, Missouri defeated Tony Williams (Millington, Tennessee) to claim top honors in the popular Nitro Coupe class with impressive runs in all three rounds including a jaw dropping 232 MPH, 6.14 second run in the opening round of competition.  Two VMP regulars found themselves in the finals of the Junior Dragster division as Morgan Benfield (VA Beach) knocked off points leader Nick Chiles (Reedville, VA) to claim first place honors.  Local racers also enjoyed success in the D.O.T class as Ettrick’s Rock Bates defeated Kenny Beauchamp of Mechanicsville to claim top honors.  William Marshall of Victoria, VA emerged as the winner of the Bracket One division after Keith Cox (Dinwiddie, VA) broke a starter in the lanes.   Bracket Two saw Dave Nahill of Maple Shade, NJ get by Chesterfield’s Robert Clay to pick up the victory.  Finally, VMP regular Kenny Young (Petersburg, VA) fell to Richmond’s Walter Tuck in the finals of Saturday’s TREMEC Transmissions Bonus Race. (posted 6-12-07)

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Street Warrior Returns This Friday

After being rained out in May, Street Warrior will return to Virginia Motorsports Park for the first time since mid April. A familiar racer to VMP fans, Ben Schooler (Fredericksburg, VA), came up one win short of claiming top honors that evening.  Schooler, the top qualifier for that evening’s race, was turned back by the 93 Mustang of Mike King (Bryans Rd, MD) in the final round.  King made his way to the finals by defeating Michael Rousch of Chester in the opening round and then moving on to knock out Larry Almarode (Prince George, VA) in the semifinals.  Other drivers who will look to improve their performances are Toby Chapman (Troy, VA) and Bobby Flippin (Gloucester, VA).

(posted 6-12-07)

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Haley Ford Presents Ninth Fun Ford Weekend

The Fun Ford Weekend Drag Racing Series will return to Virginia Motorsports Park next weekend, June 22-24, for the ninth annual Old Dominion Fun Ford Weekend Nationals.  The event is a festival of exciting Ford racing featuring an incredible variety of drag racing classes.  The True Street Class, which offers fans a unique race for street legal vehicles, has become one of the most popular of the fourteen divisions in the Fun Ford series.  Also, fans will have the opportunity to witness intense Heads Up racing which will feature the fastest Mustangs in the country.  Another component the crowd will enjoy is the two-day UPR Ford Car and Truck Show.  This show offers the perfect venue for people to show off the quality of their Ford Vehicles. In addition, the Swap Meet and Manufacturers Midway will offer fans a wide variety of Ford products and services. 

Gates open at noon on Friday with tech inspection, test and tune, and Showdown qualifying highlighting the afternoon agenda.  On Saturday gates open at 7 AM with racing set to begin at 9 AM.  Sunday morning, the gates will open at 8 AM with racing beginning at 10 AM.  Car show judging is at 2 PM for both Saturday and Sunday.  Adult spectator tickets are $10 for Friday, $25 for Saturday, $25 for Sunday, and $35 for both Saturday and Sunday.  All Children 10 and under will receive free admission.  For more information please visit www.funfordevents.com   

(posted 6-15-07)

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NATIONAL TELEVISION ADVISORY!!!!

Driver of the Vietnam Veterans POW/MIA Top Fuel dragster, Melanie Troxel will be a special guest along with Angelle Sampey and Ashley Force, Thursday, June 21 around the 8:50 a.m. time period (Eastern time) for a special drag racing segment on ABC's GOOD MORNING AMERICA with hosts, Diane Sawyer, Chris Cuomo, Robin Roberts and weather anchor, Sam Champion.  (posted 6-19-07)

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VMP concludes 9th Annual Fun Ford Weekend

- Click here to view results

(posted 6-26-07)

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VMP prepares for Powerfest!!!

Do you want to relive the old school days of racing? Then catch the Muscle Car Powerfest Hot Rod Reunion show when it comes to Virginia Motorsports Park on Saturday and Sunday, July 7th and 8th. Muscle Car Power Saturday will feature flat out drag racing with Street Outlaw, Street Warrior, and several other race classes in addition to the Horsepower Midway, the Muscle Car Show and swap meet. Nostalgia Hot Rod Sunday will have Front Engine Dragsters, the Nitro Kackle Fest, the Gear Jammers Shoot out, and the Nostalgia Car show and Midway. Also there will be an Open Test & Tune and Cruise Lane all weekend long. Gates open at 9am on both days. Admission is a mere $18 each day for adults and only $10 for juniors 6-15 years old. So bring the whole family out to enjoy a full weekend of intense speed and power.

(posted 6-26-07)

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VMP A Big Hit at Fourth at the Fort

VMP and Dreams In Motion were on hand at Fort Lee 's Fourth at the Fort celebration to cross promote upcoming track events. Season brochures and flyers to upcoming events were handed out to over 10,000 people. Also the dragster of Greg Showns and the mud bog truck of Timmy Gibbs were shown at the VMP display. In the neighboring display, VMP sponsor Dreams In Motion showed off their unique Hyundai Tiburon.

A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL THOSE WHO HELPED MAKE THE DISPLAY A SUCCESS : Bryan Pierce, Tony Thomas, Mike Edens, Donny Williams, Timmy Gibbs, Wendy Gibbs, Dean Gibbs, Bridget Gibbs, Adam Tipton, Robin Tinker, Sherri Wallace-Blackford, Dylan Blackford, Vicky Schmidt, John Schmidt, Greg Showns, Erin Showns, and Holly Reese.

(posted 7-5-07)

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Team VMP will honor fallen VA Tech students

Thirty Virginia Motorsports Park racers and two team managers have chosen to represent the fallen victims of Virginia Tech when they go to the nationally televised NHRA JDRL Eastern Conference Finals in Bristol , Tennessee , July 10th through the 14th. Junior Drag Racers from everywhere east of the Mississippi River will be competing in the event. Team VMP will have its own section of the grandstands decorated in honor of the Virginia Tech students and their families. A big wooden VT will be displayed in the center of the section with each racer writing something to the families of the deceased. Racers will also wear special Team VMP t-shirts displaying the name of the fallen Virginia Tech student they are representing (each racer and the two managers have been paired off with a victim). In order to make this possible, the team needs help with funding for shirts, decorations, and entry fees. We hope you will at least consider donating to this worthwhile fund, and if you are interested in contributing please make checks payable to Virginia Motorsports Park . Any left over proceeds will be given to Virginia Tech's “Hokie Fund”. Contact Michelle Chiles at (804) 453-5422 if you have any questions.

Team VMP Roster (Tech victim in parenthesis)

Nick Chiles (Brian Bluhm), Charlton Thornton Jr (Ryan Clark), Casey Cole (Austin Cloyd), Austin Dodge (Jocelyne Couture-Nowalk), Brittany George (Kevin Granata), Andrew Grant (Matthew Gwaltney), Morgan Benfield (Caitlin Hammaren), Shelby Hughes (Jermey Herbstritt), Diandre Graves (Rachael Hill), Travis Maine (Emily Hilscher), Steven Klock (Jarrett Lane), Chad Logan (Matthew La Porte), Julie Smith (Hentry Lee), Shayna Langley (Liviu Librescu), Hunter Hughes (G.V. Loganathan), Michael George (Parthi Lumbantoruan), Anthony Stanco (Lauren McCain), Ray Graves (Daniel O'Neil), Chris Mattera (Juan Ortiz), Shianne Hayes (Minal Panchal), Nicole Hayes (Daniel Perez), Grier Brauer (Erin Peterson), Robbie Crenshaw (Michael Pohle Jr), Adam Kier (Julia Pryde), Chris Cable (Mary Read), Anthony Cable (Reema Samaha), Nick Cable (Waleed Shaalan), Shane Parker (Leslie Sherman), Rachael Miller (Maxine Turner), Matt Edwards (Nicole White), Michelle-manager (Ross Alameddine), Wayne-manager (Christopher Bishop)

(posted 7-6-07)

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Team VMP Claims Eastern Conference Crown!!!!

Andrew Grant (10), Rachel Miller (12), and Nick Chiles (15) each took home top honors in their respective age groups and led Team VMP to the overall team title at this past week's NHRA JDRL Eastern Conference Finals in Bristol , Tennessee . Grant got things started for Team VMP when he ousted Rebekah Evans in the 10-year-old final. Despite being the slower car off the line, Grant reached the line first with a 9.143 (9.09) performance. Miller added to the team's total when she defeated Nicholas Gowan to win the 12-year-old division. Miller also fell behind at the Tree, but used a 9.457 (9.39) run to emerge victorious. Chiles found himself in familiar territory when he lined up against Jayme Colon for the 15-year-old finals. A near-perfect reaction time (.003) then propelled Chiles to a 7.966 (7.90) performance and a second Eastern Conference Finals title. Also contributing was long time VMP racer Shelby Hughes. Hughes gave the team some vital points when she reached the finals of the 16-17 year old division before falling to Tim Kloek despite clocking a solid 8.197 (8.11) run.

(posted 7-17-07)

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ET Points Race Recap

Mike Wright of Midlothian used a .004 reaction time along with a 4.870 (4.86) run to knock off Mason Harris Jr (Colonial Heights) and win the Super Pro class of Sunday's ET Points Race. The victory was also enough for Wright to overtake Alfred Burkett (Sandston) for first place in the Super Pro standings. Burkett's day ended somewhat early after suffering a 3rd round loss to eventual runner up Mason Harris Jr.

Keith Drinkwater (Dinwiddie) took home top honors in the Modified class after Glen Allen's Jeff Verdi red-lighted. However, Verdi's solid showing allowed him to make up ground on points leader Randy Jones ( Richmond ) who was eliminated in the semifinals by Drinkwater.

Wilson Burkhead (Highland Springs) emerged victorious in the Pro Bike class after using an 8.398 (8.35) run to take down points leader Buddy Marable in the finals. With the win Burkhead was able to take a big chunk out of Marable's once comfortable lead.

click here to view updated standings

(posted 7-17-07)

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VMP Concludes 4th Annual Summer Boogie Down

Bert Jackson (Glen Allen), edged top qualifier Randy Perkinson of Colonial Heights with an impressive 4.249, 169 MPH run to win the Quick 8 class at this past Saturday's Summer Boggie down. Perkinson began the evening by upsetting the number two qualifier Brian Wells (Matoaca) with an exceptional 4.360, 151 MPH performance before moving on to defeat George Williams (Mastic, NY) and earn a trip to the finals.

Two VMP regulars found themselves in the finals of the 10.5 Outlaw class. Fredericksburg's Ben Schooler held the edge at the Tree (.073), but it was top qualifier Michael Martin's (Gloucester) 4.688, 155 MPH run that would be worthy of victory lane. Martin began the day by easily defeating Marc Coonley ( Richmond ) with strong 4.730, 154 MPH performance before being granted a bye in the semifinals.

click here to view result info

(posted 7-17-07)

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Finch Wins Street Points

Petersburg 's Charlie Finch ran a solid 11.046 (11.00) to take top honors over top qualifier Joel Belvin (Dinwiddie) in Street Points last Friday night. Chesterfield 's Robert Clay had a strong night before being knocked out in the semifinals by Finch. Clay's solid showing moved him ahead of Glenda Cochran (Amelia) in the Street Points Standings after Cochran's night ended early due to a first round loss.

click here to view updated standings

(posted 7-17-07)

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VMP Presents King of the Track Program

All Points Racers in Street Points, Super Pro, Pro Bike, and Modified that have participated in any of the first five VMP Points races are eligible for this year's King of the Track race on August 4th during the Nite of Fire event. Vacation Vouchers will count as event participation. All points earned in the first five VMP points races will count towards qualifying for the King of the Track race. Following the July 15th race points will be tallied and the leader in each class will be invited to run on August 4th . If a points leader declines the invitation, the next highest racer in points in that class will be invited to run. Any ties in points will be broken by the best average reaction time for the winning rounds with the best and worst times discarded.

The Race to determine the King of the Track will be a quarter-mile ET bracket race. Participants must adhere to the rules that pertain to the class from which they qualified. Cars and motorcycles will be paired for side by side racing in this event.

In addition to a King of the Track Champion Hat and Wally Trophy, the cash purse for the VMP winner will be $700. The winner will also be eligible to compete for a share of the $10,000 in purse money up for grabs at the King of the Track Division 1 KOT Championship to be held at the Division 1 Bracket Finals this fall.

(posted 7-10-07)

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Junior Drag Reminder!!!

VMP would like to remind everyone that the Junior Dragster class will NOT run during the July 15th ET Points race. The next points race for Junior Dragsters is Sunday July 29th.

(posted 7-10-07)

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Jr Drag Reminder!!!

There will be a Junior Dragster ONLY points race during the Vettefest on Sunday, July 29th. Time runs will start at 1pm. Racers will recieve two time runs and eliminations will begin after the second time run.

(posted 7-25-07)

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Davies, Guarino take Bike Bash Honors

Petersburg's Clay Davies may have been the slower bike off the line, but a 9.667 (9.65) run allowed him to beat Damon Williams (Richmond) to the line and claim top honors in the Pro Bike class at this past weekend's Virginia Mid-Summer Bike Bash at VMP. Davies began the day by defeating Matt Davies ( Midlothian ) due to a sizeable .058 to .123 edge off the line. A James Maiden red-light would allow Davies through to the third round where a near perfect .004 light would send him past Kevin Johnson of Highland Springs. In the semifinals, Davies would use a 9.693 (9.65) run to edge VMP regular Jon Burkhead.

Brian Guarino of Kenbridge used a .025 light with a solid a 9.887 (9.80) run to turn away Richmond 's Shar Towner and win the Street Bike class. Guarino kicked off his day by ousting Tiny Sharpe ( Colonial Beach ) with a 9.984 (9.82) performance. In the second round Guarino would use a .088 to .154 edge at the Tree to eliminate Leon Adkins of Charles City . Third round opponent Thomas Graves couldn't overcome Guarino's .046 light and would fall victim to his 9.820 (9.80) run. Guarino would run into Pro Bike champ Clay Davies in the fourth round and turn in an impressive 9.803 (9.80) run to send Davies home and put himself into the semifinals where he would receive a bye.

click here to view results

(posted 7-24-07)

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Friday Night Recap

Sandston's Francis Thomas emerged victorious after Chris Bean ( Petersburg ) red-lighted in the finals of Street Points on Friday night at VMP. Despite the miscue in the finals, Bean was able to earn enough points to overtake Robert Clay for first place in the point standings after Clay suffered a first round exit at the hands of Chester 's Tiege Ferguson.

Mark Ingle of Cumberland used a .05 to .147 edge at the Tree to propel him to a 4.821, 151.56 MPH run and past points leader Michael Martin in the Street Outlaw final. Martin's runner-up finish allowed him to maintain first place in the Outlaw point standings while Ingle's victory allowed him to inch past Ben Schooler for second place.

Herman Fowler ( Petty VA ) claimed victory in Muscle Street after defeating Petersburg 's Kevin Stark in the finals. After a 1 st round bye, Fowler began the evening by defeating Glenda Cochran (Amelia) with an 11.761 (11.62) run aided by an impressive .027 light. Fowler would receive another lucky break after his semifinal opponent, Keith Bolton, red-lighted.

click here for updated standings

(posted 7-24-07)

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Field set for King of the Track

Sunday's ET Points Race marked the final chance for VMP drivers to qualify for this year's King of the Track race set for August 4th during the Nite of Fire event. VMP would like to congratulate Mike Wright (Super Pro), Buddy Marable (Pro Bike), Randy Jones (Modified), and Robert Clay (Street Points) on leading their respective classes in the points standings and qualifying for this event. The King of the Track race will be a quarter-mile ET bracket race. Participants must adhere to the rules that pertain to the class from which they qualified. Fans will get to see cars and motorcycles paired for side by side racing during this event.

(posted 7-20-07)

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ET Points Recap

Wright falls in Super Pro final, extends lead over Burkett

Bob Avalos ( Richmond ) used a slim advantage at the tree to beat points leader Mike Wright ( Midlothian ) in the Super Pro finals of Sunday's ET Points Series Race at VMP. With the runner-up finish Wright was able to gain some separation from second place Alfred Burkett (Sandston) in the Super Pro standings. Burkett would end up squaring off with Wright in the third round of Sunday's race. However, he was unable to take advantage of his chance to move ahead of Wright in the standings and red lighted to end his day.

Verdi wins Modified, takes command of points lead

Jeff Verdi (Glen Allen) defeated Keith Drinkwater in the Modified finals of Sunday's ET Points Series Race to move ahead of both Randy Jones ( Richmond ) and Rocky Pintaville (Amelia) and take over first place in the point standings. Verdi defeated Pintaville in the fourth round of competition after he turned in a solid 9.649 (9.64) run. Jones' day ended much earlier after he suffered a first round loss at the hands of Chris Bean ( Petersburg ).

Butler edges Carnahan to take Pro Bike crown

Rickey Butler Jr (Amissville) used a sizeable advantage at the Tree (.079 to .319) to beat Nate Carnahan ( Richmond ) and win the Pro Bike class at Sunday's ET Points Race. With the runner-up finish, Carnahan surged to 4 th place in the Pro Bike standings. He also knocked out points leader Buddy Marable in the semifinals of competition en route to his runner up finish. Marable's strong showing allowed him to increase his points lead over second place Wilson Burkhead after he was eliminated in the opening round by Willie Watkins Jr (Kengridge).

click here to view ET Results
click here to view ET Standings

(posted 8-7-07)

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VMP concludes Nite of Fire

VMP wrapped up another successful Nite of Fire this past Saturday. Fans got to witness six jet cars blaze their way down the track, intense heads-up racing all day, and a spectacular fire works display to cap off an eventful evening. JC Richardson (Sutherland) took home first in the Street Outlaw class after Mark Ingle ( Cumberland ) broke prior to the final round. In the 12.0 Index , Leon Powell (Sutherland) knocked off Charlie Finch ( Petersburg ) to claim top honors. Dan Baldwin (Powhatan) won Street Warrior after turning in 5.807, 122.64 MPH performance. In the King of the Track Race, VMP regular Mike Wright (Midlothian) turned in a solid 7.678 (7.67) to defeat Robert Clay ( Chesterfield ) in the finals. Mike Ratliff ( Colonial Heights ) ran an astounding 10.000 ET off a 10.00 dial-in to win the 10.0 Index Class over Roger Walters (Amelia). In the 14.5 Index, Bill Thurston ( Chesterfield ) would benefit from a Wayne Hand ( Crewe ) red light and go on to claim first place. Finally, Shelley Smith (Amelia) made an 8.615, 164.93 MPH pass to turn back Michael Rousch ( Chester ) to win the True Street Class.

click here to view Nite of Fire results

(posted 8-7-07)

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Bean wins Street Points, extends lead in standings

Chris Bean (Petersburg) cut a .024 light on his way to a 12.818 (12.77) pass to defeat Chad Moore (Blackstone) and claim top honors in Street Points at VMP this past Friday. With the victory, Bean now holds a 53 point edge on Glenda Cochran in the point standings. Cochran had an opportunity to cut into Bean's points lead as the two squared off in the semifinals, but a red-light sent Glenda home and vaulted Chris into the finals.

click here to view Street Wars Results

(posted 8-7-07)

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Index Racing Purse to be Awarded at Night of Fire

VMP will offer a one time purse for the Index Classes based on a sliding scale for the Night of Fire Event. The scale will be based on the number of entries in each Index Class.  VMP will pay a “Winner Take All” ten dollars per class entry to the winner of each Index Class.  If the 12 second Index Class has 7 entries the winner will get $70.  If the 10 second Index Class has 12 entries the winner will get $120.  Trophies will also be awarded to all winners and runners-up.

(posted 8-2-07)

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Conference Finals TV Times Adjusted

VMP would like to remind everyone that the airdates and times for the television programs featuring highlights from the 2007 NHRA O'Reilly Auto Parts Jr. Drag Racing League Eastern Conference Finals have been changed. The Eastern Conference Finals program will now air Friday, August 3rd at 4:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. and again on Saturday, August 4th at 12 a.m. and 8 p.m. on The Outdoor Channel.

(posted 7-31-07)

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Thornton Wins Junior Event, Increases Points Lead

Carlton Thornton (Richmond) grabbed the advantage at the line (.039 to .077) and cruised to a 7.975 (7.91) run to beat fellow Richmonder Shianne Hayes and claim top honors in the ET Points Junior Dragster Race this past Sunday at VMP. With the victory Thornton now owns a comfortable 63 point lead over second place Nick Chiles (Reedville). Chiles had a shot to take down Thornton in the 3 rd round of competition but red-lighted and allowed Thornton to advance to the semifinals where he received another “gift” after DiAndre Graves also red-lighted, sending Thornton to the finals.

(posted 7-31-07)

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Results Posted

- click here to view 7/27 Friday Night Street Wars Results
- click here to view Mid-Atlantic Vettefest Results

(posted 7-31-07)

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VMP Junior Dragsters Look To Continue Success

Team VMP will try and duplicate their performance from two weeks ago in Bristol when they head to the NHRA JDRL Northeastern Divisional Finals at the Mason Dixon Dragway in Hagerstown , Maryland on August 10th and 11th. All VMP registered points racers are eligible to compete in this event. Drivers must register and pay the $50 entry fee by August 1st. Please visit www.NHRADIV1.com for more information.

(posted 7-26-07)

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VMP Point Series Steering Committee Scheduled To Meet

The Points Program's elected steering committee will be holding a meeting on Sunday, August 5th, 2007 at 11:15 in Tower Suite 101. If there are any issues you would like addressed, please contact the representative from you class.

Super Pro – Ray Weinstein & Bob Avalos
Modified – Jeff Verdi & Rocky Pintavalle
Street Points – Robert Clay & Bill Thurston
Pro Bike – Jon Burkhead & Craig Marable
Junior Dragster – Carlton Thornton & Travis Maine

(posted 7-26-07)

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Chiles wins IHRA event

VMP Junior racer Nick Chiles (Reedville) continued his winning ways this past weekend by claiming top honors at the IHRA's Eastern Junior Dragster Nationals at Maryland International Raceway. Chiles won the 15-17 year old division by edging Brittany Spence (Woodbine, MD) in the finals with a 7.913 (7.90) 81.64 MPH pass. For more information & results from the IHRA Eastern Junior Dragster Finals please visit http://www.mirdrag.com/v2/news/2007/070807-01.htm

(posted 8-9-07)

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Cochran captures Street Points crown, Bean's lead shrinks

Glenda Cochran took a sizeable bite out of Chris Bean's lead in the Street Points standings after beating Robert Clay in the finals of this past Friday's race. Clay, the top qualifier, took care of the points leader in the opening round of competition, but couldn't overcome Cochran's .052 jump off the line in the finals. Cochran now only trails Bean by 11 points with Clay lurking in third place and only 22 points back.

click here for Street Wars Results

(posted 8-14-07)

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ET Point Series Recap

Harris Jr wins Super Pro, now 1st in standings

Mason Harris Jr made a 4.850 (4.84) pass propelled by a .026 light to knock off Lee Brown and win the Super Pro class of this past Sunday's ET Point Series Race. The win paired with an early exit for Mike Wright allowed Harris to move into first place in the Super Pro standings. Wright's day ended after Laura Glasscock used a 5.596 (5.58) run to oust the former points leader.

Verdi cruises through Modified field, adds cushion to points lead

Jeff Verdi racked up another win in the Modified class to push his lead in the standings to a comfortable 83 points over second place Rocky Pintavalle. Verdi met Wayne Hand in the final round and turned in a solid 9.594 (9.59) performance to pick up his second win in as many weeks. Pintavalle's saw his chance to gain ground on Verdi disappear when he was eliminated in the second round by Mike Franklin.

Marable takes Pro Bike honors

Craig Marable used a .126 to .167 advantage at the tree to defeat top qualifier Brian Guarino and pick up a victory in the Pro Bike class on Sunday. Buddy Marable, despite a second round exit, still holds a commanding lead in the standings after second place Wilson Burkhead was unable to gain any ground due to a first round exit.

click here for ET Results
click here for ET Standings

(posted 8-14-07)

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Team VMP captures division crown!!!

Team VMP's junior dragsters continued their success this past weekend by capturing the NHRA JDRL Northeast Division Championship at the Mason-Dixon Dragway in Hagerstown, Maryland. For the second straight year VMP points leader Carlton Thornton won the Race of Champions after he edged Albert Blake at the line, turning in a 7.964 (7.90) run. Michael George Jr (Ruther Glen, VA) picked up a win for Team VMP after Chris Fox ( Williamstown , NJ ) red lighted and was forced to settle for second in the 8-9 year old division. Nick Chiles (Reedville, VA) made his usual trip to victory lane after winning the 14-15 year old division by holding off Zach Rothenberger (Glenmore, PA) and powering his way to a solid 7.920 (7.90) pass. VMP's final victory came from Brittany George (Ruther Glen, VA) who used a .007 to .110 jump at the tree to turn back Jimmy Moyer ( New Church , VA ) and claim the 16-18 year old division. Team VMP ended up finishing ahead of second place teams Maple Grove and US 13 by a single point in the overall standings.

(posted 8-14-07)

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