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

Directions: From the I-55 Northbound, exit on North River Rd. Go east on River Rd. to Route 53 (Chicago Street). Go north on Route 53 to the track. From the I-80 Eastbound, go east on I-80 to Route 53 (Chicago Street). Go south on Route 53 to the track. From the I-57 Northbound, go north on I-57 to Manhattan-Monee Rd. Go west on Manhattan-Monee Rd. (through the town of Manhattan) to Route 53. Go north on Route 53 to the track.

*Schedule may be altered due to turnout

Official NMRA & NMCA Host Hotel Information: TBA: Please see www.nmraracing.com for updates!

Official NMRA Host Car Club Information: Club:Chi-Town Mustang ClubLocation:Chicago, ILWeb site:www.chitownmustangclub.org Contact:Brenda NelsonPhone:(312) 498-7428E-mail:info@chitownmustangclub.org

BF Goodrich Tires Drag RadialDrag Radial has become home of the heavyweights of the series. These Fox-body and newer stock suspension Mustangs and Fords only get 360 ci to make a turbocharged or supercharged power-adder combo work at anywhere between 3,000 and 3,450 pounds, depending on the type or size of the hair dryer or huffer. If the giggle gas is your game, then you'll have 360-440 cubes with a slightly lighter 2,800-3,150 pounds. Whatever method is chosen as a source of horsepower, a 325mm D.O.T.-legal radial tire is a requirement. You'll see a lot of skating on the big end as they attempt to get the 1,100-1,700 hp to the ground. Heavy street cars with frightening amounts of power racing on D.O.T.s make for a lot of breathtaking side-by-side action.

John KolivasThe rather quiet John "Casper" Kolivas had a few fast street cars, but nothing serious until he decided to build a car to conquer the NMRA top street tire class. His entire suspension on the white '95 Cobra Drag Radial was reengineered by Southern Speed for the low 8-second e.t.'s it would take. In addition, a Bennett 302-based, 359-cube stroker with a Precision turbocharger benefited from a full season with Turbo People's Job Spetter Jr. at the computer. John went to six finals and claimed four Oscars en route to the '06 title. You won't hear his exhaust blaring, or see a flashy paint job, monster wheelies, or violent launches. When he boosts up, you'll swear a ghost just went by and stole the win light.

2006 Class RecordE.T: Chad Doyle, 8.132 secondsMPH: Frank Provenza, 172.65 mph

Ones to Watch* Reigning class champ Chris Tuten gave up consistency for record-breaking performance in 2006; don't look for the multi-class champion to make that mistake this year.

* Jason Lee has mastered planting the drag radials to the racing surface; if he finds a way to steer with the front tires instead of the wheelie bars, look out top dogs!

ProCharger EFI RenegadeEven though the Fox-chassis Fords came with carburetors for several years, the Renegade class has been reserved for fuel-injected, automatic transmission-only cars. If you want to win in this class, you will have to choose from the list of acceptable street-oriented blowers with a 311-360ci limit or rely on one or more stages of nitrous oxide, with weight depending on the manifold you choose for your 311-400ci powerplant.

All engines are also limited to 0.550 hydraulic-camshaft lift, as well as a limited choice of intake and cylinder head combinations. In addition, no intercoolers are allowed at the 3,200-3,350 pounds of blown street car weight, doubling the amount of boost you'll need to reach the mid-eight-second e.t.'s that are the class norm. If you are on the juice, your ride can weigh from 2,700-3,200, depending on the size of your powerplant.

Brian MitchellBrian "Mr. Wizard" Mitchell is one of the most diligent players to ever enter the water box. His consistency sent him to five final-round appearances last season, which included bankrolling two out of the last three events. He could not have won the title without winning the season finale-that's how tight the competition is in this class. His Vortech YSi-blown, Victor Jr.-topped Cleveland Performance powerplant led him to two championships in the last three years. Just the sight of his lightning-decorated stallion in the adjacent water box can be intimidating. At the ripe age of 30, we're sure he has many more championships in his future.

2006 Class RecordE.T:Zoop Zellonis, 8.532 secondsMPH:Aaron Stapleton, 160.52 mph

Ones to Watch* Bob Cook got help from Sutton High Performance to enhance an already potent tune. That's news the competition may not want to hear.

* Joel Howard is a True Street racer from the pioneering days of Mustang racing-he says they're just a bunch of farm boys out to have a good time. They come to every race and do indeed have a great time, but don't think these boys can't run over you en route to the finals.

7th Annual NMRA Ford Nationals Presented by Downs Ford MotorsportAugust 11-13, 2007Atco RacewayAtco, New Jersey

Just a few weeks after the Super Bowl of Street-Legal Drag Racing, the NMRA will reunite in the Garden State for this 7th Annual event. As usual, we will be running a later schedule on Saturday afternoon with qualifying beginning at 4 p.m. The Atco Bar will be open all weekend for everyone to mingle and have a cold one while they watch some of Ford Drag Racing's heaviest hitters battle it out on the track. As with all of our '07 NMRA events, there will be two separate drag-racing events on Saturday and Sunday. Don't forget to take some time to check out the Car Show, Swap Meet, and the infamous Burnout Contest. It's all waiting for you at Atco Raceway.

Directions:From NJ Turnpike South, exit 7, Route 206. Take 206 south 15 miles to the Red Lion Circle. After the circle turn right at second traffic light. Go to the second street (Oakshade Rd.) and turn left. Go six miles to the track.From Garden State Parkway, exit 88, then take Route 70 West 33 miles to Route 206 circle. Proceed for 2.3 miles on Route 206, make a right at the second light (Medford Lakes Rd.), go two blocks and make a left on Oakshade Rd. Stay on Oakshade (RT534 West) for 7.3 miles, and it will bring you to the track.