NMRA 2007 Ford Nationals - Where The Big Drags Run -The Official '0.7 NMRA Ford Nationals Fan Guide

2007 Fan Guide DiabloSport Pro 5.0Ford fans will witness the world's fastest Mustangs, T-birds, Z2 Escorts, Cougars, and Probes in the country, thanks to the superstars of the NMRA DiabloSport Pro 5.0 class. The popularity of the NMRA heads-up Ford drag racing series has grabbed the attention of several top NHRA/IHRA Pro Stock door-slammer superstars. They are waging a full-scale invasion into the single-power-adder small-block arena, proving the supremacy of the mountain motor big-blocks, measuring up to an incredible 830 ci.

The class has gained the attention of some Pro Street competitors by allowing as much as 712 ci of nitrous oxide-injected, fire-breathing giants to join the battle. This could prove devastating to the 302-351 and 4.6-5.4-based engine combos that have been typically running up to 480ci powerplants with a nearly unlimited nitrous oxide, supercharger, or turbocharger combination. The question will be consistency; power adders can make nearly 2,500 hp, but planting it on the pavement can be an issue with ever-changing track conditions. To equalize performance, each combination is assigned different limits. Base weights range from a mere 2,300 pounds for a normally aspirated 500 ci to a hefty 3,000 pounds for 480 ci of small-block loaded with the industry's sickest twin-turbo or supercharger combos.

Where the combo lands in the 1,800-2,500hp window will define the transmission required. Additional weight breaks for torque converters, automatic transmissions, and certain aerodynamically challenged body styles are available. The diverse mixture of power sources will present a variety of sights and sounds as they spar in the mid-six-second e.t. range at nearly 220 mph.

Prepare yourself-it'll be standing room only when the big guns load up. Who will be victorious? Will the mighty Pro 5.0 power-adder natives regain the title? Will the reliable mountain-motored monsters repeat, or will the indomitable nitrous-oxide-injected big-blocks blow out the competition?

Michael HaufAfter finishing the last two years in the runner-up position, the always-congenial Michael Hauf racing team, consisting of Jeff Rasmussen, Michael, and his dad, John Hauf, took a new approach to their racing program. When these guys get their normally aspirated 814-cube, mountain-motored Pony back to the pits, it resembles a half-hour NASCAR pit stop. The five-speed cars require a lot of between-round maintenance, no matter what the track or atmospheric conditions dish out, especially if the car is expected to repeat runs in the 6.60s. The points chase went down to the final race of the '06 season where the team eventually claimed the King's prize, marking the first time in history a big-block Ford won the NMRA's quickest and fastest title.

Don Walsh Jr.Don Walsh Jr., the kid from the D&D Performance garage, has upheld his dad's legacy-and then some-by bringing home the championship ring for the past three years. He reset nearly every record while serving the Blue Oval community as one of the most admirable icons the sport has ever known. Don and Michael Hauf traded wins for the past four years by merely inches at times, with integrity and sportsmanship being the real prize. The relentless efforts of Chris Tumpkin, Mike Wesley, and many others have helped his ProCharger-blown, 406-cube small-block fend off a sea of big-block bullies hungry for the title.

Tony BischoffTony Bischoff started Bischoff Engine Service more than 20 years ago and has been building race engines to compete in heads-up drag racing for the past 10 years. He has claimed numerous championships from several drivers, proving his expertise. Tony's 646-cube, nitrous-injected '02 Cougar stormed the scene right before mid-season and never looked back. He won all five of the events he entered and finished the season with e.t. and mph records. Consistent runs in the 6.50s and mph marks in the low 200s will make the BES bunch hard to beat in 2007.

Burt KelkboomBurt "The Islander" Kelkboom resides on the small vacation paradise known as Aruba. He operates a tour bus service, and we're sure he practices his driving techniques on the tour for an added thrill. There is a small dragstrip on the island, where he learned to race at a young age. Ven Eman, Andr Loonstra, and the rest of the Aruba-sponsored crew left their mark on the competition by winning a couple of races and setting the e.t. and mph marks last year. This year they found a new home for the 814-cube Kaase mammoth powerplant in a brand-new Rick Jones Pro 5.0 race car hidden beneath an Escort body. The mid-season change took its toll as they spent the second half of the season working bugs out of the new chassis. Don't expect to see any "testing" next year; the Aruba boys will have the chassis dialed in and ready to rumble.

Joe MorganEarly in the '06 season, Joe Morgan, Vic Williams, Tom Sanders, and Jimmy Berry bettered their hand by purchasing a Rick Jones '03 Mustang chassis from one of his customers. The chassis was a consistent contender in the 6.50 range with a similar combo the Motive Gear Team will use in NMRA form. They ran 212 mph at the Michigan event, proving the Tom Sanders powerplant is not lacking in horsepower. Expect to see their red Edelbrock nitrous oxide-injected Mach 1 in several '07 finals.

2006 Class RecordE.T:Tony Bischoff, 6.598 secondsMPH:Tony Bischoff, 213.66 mph

One to WatchTony Bischoff's domination will continue with e.t.'s in the 6.40s if needed. Burt Kelkboom should have the new chassis dialed in, making him an immediate contender. There are surprise twin-turbo cars waiting in the shadows for the rules to make them competitive. Can the small-blocks regain the coveted crown?

6th Annual Nitto Tire NMRA Spring Ford NationalsMarch 8-11, 2007Bradenton Motorsports ParkBradenton, FL

For the sixth time in a row, the NMRA-Denso Ford Nationals will head up the new season in the Sunshine State. And what a better place to spend spring break than the beaches of Bradenton, not to mention the NHRA dragstrip nestled between the palm trees. Once again, we'll start off the weekend and the '07 season right with a pre-race party at Hooters of Bradenton. Last year's NMRA Spring Ford Nationals saw 987 participants and almost 14,000 spectators, so you can be assured this event will be huge. Make your plans now for a weekend of NMRA heads-up drag racing, a huge all-Ford auto show 'n' shine, a gigantic swap meet, and a smokin' burnout contest! Come down to the biggest spring break party on the East Coast and celebrate the '07 NMRA season with us!