Frank Hawley’s Spring Las Vegas Super Classes Graduate Thirty Diverse Drivers
The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway is always a very popular location for Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School’s highly celebrated Super Class. The first stop at the exquisite facility for the drag racing school was full of a group of assorted students of all ages, backgrounds and racing experience.
Taking part in the first of two spring Las Vegas classes, Spanaway, Washington resident Jim Denison chose to drive one of the school’s Super Gas cars. “I have been a fan of drag racing for years and wanted to go to the school for some time, actually for over twelve years. Finally, the opportunity presented itself and my wife Katie decided it was a good time for me to go. I have been in the Army as a mechanic for twenty years and look forward to building a life in drag racing after I retire. I like to call going to the Frank’s school the first step in my new life. At the time I attended, my only real drag racing experience was helping my daughter run a JR Dragster for the last 8 years.”
“The class was awesome,” Denison exclaimed. “I went there thinking the driving was going to be the best part but I found the classroom portion to be just as interesting with all the topics that Frank covered. I would have to say that I am going to recommend this class to everyone I know.”
Denison is currently building a back half Camaro that he hopes to campaign as well as looking acquiring a Super Comp Dragster. “I went to the school thinking I was going to become a better drag racer but I honestly feel that I left the school a better person. A lot of the classroom lessons were very motivational and can be used in all aspects of life, not just racing. I would like to thank Frank for the awesome instruction. I know that my daughter will be attending Frank’s class to achieve her Super Comp license soon and get some very good life lessons from an outstanding teacher!”
Bob Fenton, who is a physician and professional pilot, attended during the second class and also drove in hopes of acquiring his Super Gas License. “When I was a teenager, I was active in drag racing having built my own car. After many years of following the sport on the periphery and having a desire to join the 9 second club, this course offered me the perfect opportunity to pursue this dream.”
While Fenton works for a Fortune 50 company as a pilot and has flown the fastest corporate jets in commercial aviation, he confesses that he personally had a few surprises. “I found the simplest of actions to be most difficult. Lining the car up in the lane and aiming it in the right direction was far more difficult than I anticipated. Attention to the smallest details is far more important than first thought.
“The combination of the class, driving, and video critique following driving was a perfect way to solidify improvement of the racing experience,” Fenton continued. “The cars performed well and it is hard for me to imagine what a 6 second run, needless to say 4 seconds, is like. Frank has an unusual way of combining the racing experience with physiology and psychology. When I signed up for the course, I had no idea that this was a course on the power of positive thinking or concentration and attention. He is incredibly perceptive and observant, all of which enhanced what I got out of the experience.”
Seemingly more hooked on the sport of drag racing than before, Fenton is quick to point out his future plans to return to Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School. “I would like to come back and take the advanced course and most certainly repeat the same experience in the dragster. I also have a 1955 Chevy Nomad with a 502 CI engine and nitrous and now intend to race the car.”
In addition to the Las Vegas Super Classes, Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School offers classes throughout the year and across the U.S. For complete details on this course and all offerings, dates and locations, contact Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School by calling 866-480-7223 [Outside the U.S. 678-804-8835], online www.frankhawley.com. Also look for the school on Facebook and YouTube.
Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School Enjoys All Aspects of “The Jiffy-tite Advantage”
Whether you are at the track racing yourself or conducting a drag racing school class, situations arise in which time is of the essence and when you need to make a quick repair or swap that involves disconnecting and reconnecting hose and fittings, Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School has found time and again that Jiffy-tite fittings are worth their weight in gold.
Jiffy-tite’s revolutionary Quick Connect Fluid Fittings provide unsurpassed performance under extreme racing conditions. Made of lightweight, 6061-T6 aluminum, brass valves, and stainless steel ball bearings, they are corrosion resistant for extra-long life. Jiffy-tite quick-connect fluid fittings are reliable and durable. Tested and race-proven to be leak proof at up to 200 psi.
“We have been using the products for a long time,” said Frank Hawley. “When we do maintenance on our race cars, whether it is fuel systems or transmissions, time is always critical and the faster we can get something apart and replaced or serviced, and back into service the better it is for everybody. We have found over the years that Jiffy-tite products just flat save time. They are strong and reliable parts that even look good and I can’t even imagine not having them on our cars.”
“When we work with race teams the most important question we ask pertains to the type of fuel being used,” said Duane LaFleur, Jiffy-tite Company, Inc. Motorsports Manager. “Our product comes standard with a Viton Fluorocarbon seal which is compatible with fuels except Alcohol and Nitro Methane. We suggest a Buna Nitrile seal for Alcohol and EPDM for Nitro methane. Besides the type of fuel being used our standard Viton Fluorocarbon seals will work with most water, oil, and transmission applications. Jiffy-tite quick connect fittings can be used in just about every location on your vehicle.”
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“Jiffy-tite has worked with FHDRS for the past 6 years and has a great relationship with Frank and his entire staff,” LaFleur continued. “The entire operation is top notch and we at Jiffy-tite enjoy surrounding ourselves with quality people. With the number of runs that are put on these class cars at Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School, the information and feedback we get is very helpful. The school is working on these cars day in and day out connecting and dis-connecting over and over and for our connectors to withstand this type of environment goes to show the quality of our products. We are then able to pass along this type of quality products to our customers.”
“Probably the one thing that the guys just love about the Jiffy-tite fittings would be when they need to work on the transmissions and when you disconnect the hoses, the fluid doesn’t leak out all over the place,” Hawley pointed out. “Jiffy-tite fittings save us time and help keep the school cars and shop much cleaner when we need to do our maintenance. “
For more information on Jiffy-tite Quick Connect Fluid Fittings visit www.jiffy-tite.com, call 888-605-7788 or visit their new Facebook page – http://www.facebook.com/jiffytitemotorsports.
For more information this and all available classes and locations visit www.frankhawley.com or call 866-480-7223 [Outside the U.S. 678-804-8835] Also on Facebook and YouTube.
Weldon Racing Pumps Now Providing Additional Longevity and Performance for Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School
It has always remained imperative that each driver taking part in any class at Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School receive the same consistent race car as the pass before. From track to track and run to run all throughout the year, there is great demand placed on the schools stable of cars to always remain at peak performance. With that in mind, school founder and instructor, Frank Hawley, takes great care when selecting the products and parts for each of the school’s cars, with the simple goal to provide the best experience possible for each future graduate.
As a large part of the quest for the best parts available, Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School made the switch for the Super Class cars, and their Chevy Performance 572ci power plants, to utilizing numerous products from Weldon High Performance. The changeover came after many recommendations which led to several conversations with Jim Craig, Weldon’s Racing Products Manger. When it came time to determine what Weldon High Performance products were best suited for the school’s Super Class cars, Hawley worked closely with Craig. “What I look at is engine size, horsepower, and if a power adder might be used – such as nitrous, blowers, or turbos. I also inquire about fuel type used whether racing gas, or ethanol / methanol as these two types of fuel require more flow to support the same horsepower level,” explained Craig. “We are extremely happy with the performance,” Hawley noted of the new Weldon products. “Starting and restarting the cars, the many runs that we make, so far everything has been absolutely flawless. We can’t tolerate a car going down for any reason at all, not for a week, not for a day. Just talking within the racing community, the word is out that the Weldon line of products just flat don’t have problems. They are probably the most reliable fuel delivery system that’s available in the sport today. When I heard that over and over again, it was the reliability of performance that we were looking for.”
With all the locations, weather conditions and amount of runs that are put on the Hawley school cars, Craig is looking forward to learning how their products stand up to the test. “Any information that the school gains concerning our pumps’ or systems’ performance will be used to determine changes in product or configuration for future products and projects. FHDRS’ feedback will also be used to confirm Weldon’s durability and reliability in a severe racing environment – we know this be a known fact, but to have Frank’s and the FHDRS “seal of approval” will give Weldon High Performance enhanced credibility in the eyes of many drag racers who do not yet know our products.” “I believe this to be an excellent beginning to what we at Weldon view to be a very long-term relationship that will benefit all involved,” Craig added. “It will also bring the Weldon name to a whole new level of awareness with the up and coming Sportsman racer, tuner, and spectator.” “I’m impressed with the items,” admitted Hawley. “The quality, the size of the filters and just the fit and finish of everything was beyond my expectations. Another thing, at least for me getting back to the reliability, if your parent company makes pumps for jet planes, you probably have a reasonably high standard of quality. The amount of engineering expertise they have as an entire company is more than likely unmatched in the industry. “
The school cars were recently fitted with Weldon 19311-A fuel pumps, A2046 regulators along with WEQ1040CLN and WEQ1010CLN filters. Weldon is an American made product utilizing a single manufacturing facility located in Oakwood Village, Ohio. In addition to their High Performance products, Weldon also manufactures a complete line of aviation and aerospace fluid and metering pumps. FHDRS graduates receive special discounts when buying direct from Weldon High Performance. For more information on this and all available classes and locations visit www.frankhawley.com or call 866-480-7223 [Outside the U.S. 678-804-8835] Also on Facebook and YouTube.
Popular Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School March Date Offers Combination of Fun and Excitement
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Continuing a long standing tradition, Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School provides students, who wish to combine their vacation experience at the historic NHRA GatorNationals, with a convenient class date following the thrilling event in which they can undergo their own drag race driver’s training and work on acquiring a NHRA competition license.
Shortly following the commencement of the NHRA national event, drag racing enthusiasts, driver’s looking to improve their skills and those new to the sport alike, all convened for their two day Super Class at Auto Plus Raceway at Gainesville where the sixteen drivers would begin their personal training with Two-Time NHRA Nitro Funny Car World Champion, Frank Hawley.
Rick Given, of British Columbia, Canada, has been drag racing for many years and as of late, moved from his eleven second car to his much quicker ’27 Ford Roadster. While Given currently holds an NHRA competition license to compete in his shorter wheelbase car, he explains why he chose to attend the Super Class and work with Hawley. “I wanted to learn more of the science of drag racing and hopefully become a better racer,” said the self-employed contractor, who licensed in one of the school’s dragsters. “We own, maintain and drive a low eight sec roadster which is our second car. We have top five finishes the first two years out. The classroom portion was awesome as it offered a lot of insight and was more than I had expected. I will say that especially the in-depth talks on the mind and the mental part of racing.”
Given looks to continue to race sportsman classes and visit more tracks with a possible move to a Top Sportsman car. “I can’t wait to hit the strip and implement what I learned during Frank’s class,” he added.
Fellow classmate, Steve Luce also attended the class and licensed in one of the school’s Chevy Performance powered dragsters. On his way down from Ontario, Canada, to attend the nationals and take part in Hawley’s Super Class, Luce stopped off in Georgia and purchased two turnkey dragsters of his own that he looks forward to entering in some big money bracket races.
“I chose the class because I am getting a little long in the tooth at fifty-five years old and wanted to learn properly from the best,” shared the recently retired locomotive engineer. “I wanted to be competent on the track as soon as possible, instead of wasting years learning from the mistakes of myself and others. My passion has mainly been building and flying homebuilt float planes with drag racing always on my mind. Moving to drag racing wasn’t feasible or practical until now. I tried an attempt at a big block altered thrity years ago but time and money didn’t pan out. Coming to the class, I had some minimal experience with my friend’s thirteen second door-slammer bracket car.”
“I paid very close attention to everything that transpired and I must have looked like a ‘sponge with hair’ absorbing all the info,” he joked. “Frank’s classroom and lectures were exactly what was needed to become confident and relaxed driving the car. It was all excellent reinforcement for my own personal philosophy on life and the meat and potatoes needed to competently drive a drag race car, which the school’s dragster was awesome to drive.”
Sharing in the Hawley school experience was Jason McCoy from Rusagonis, New Brunswick, Canada. McCoy is a licensed plumber and has been self-employed for several years. “I have been drag racing for roughly fifteen years now. I currently own a ‘99 Mustang GT 4.6 with an F1R Procharger. It’s a true stock suspension radial tire car. I have been in the 8.0’s with it, but wanted to attend one of Frank’s classes to earn my competition license. I found the Super Class very educational and it was nice how Frank helps open one’s mind to learn simple things. There was really a lot of mental training involved.”
Now that McCoy has competition license in hand, after successfully earning it driving one of the school’s Dragon Racing Fuels powered Firebird’s, he’s broadened his drag racing plans for the future. “I’m looking forward to competing in the X275 class, NMRA and Atlantic Canada’s All-Out Race,” he pointed out. “And I will be using the new RePlay camera I bought for my class, too. It’s great and I love how easy it is to use.”
For more information on Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School, including all course offerings and locations, visit www.frankhawley.com or call 866-480-7223 [Outside U.S. 678-804-8835] Also on Facebook and YouTube.
Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School – Graduate Spotlight
Vol. 1/Edition 2
Elyse Climes of North Plainfield, New Jersey, spent several years competing in the JR Dragster ranks before making her way to Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School in search of gaining the driving experience to take the next step. Elyse earned her NHRA Super Comp (4A – 7.50 and up) license during the school’s 2011 stop at Maple Grove Raceway in Reading, Pennsylvania.
Her parents acquired a 2000 Racetech dragster for her last November that is equipped with a 555ci BBC and alcohol injection. “I am enrolled in super class points at Raceway Park in Englishtown for 2012 and I can’t wait to get started,” she said. “We already had my car out late last year and were able to make some passes on it the last day the track was open in December.”
After attending Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School Reaction Time Clinic at Royal Purple Raceway in Houston, Texas, Jenifer and Jeff White had their best season yet during 2011. Jenifer went to an IHRA Nitro Jam National final, won the Bristol NHRA National event, becoming the first women to win Top Dragster at an NHRA National Event and the duo from Conroe, Texas finished in the top ten in the NHRA Division 4 Top Dragster standings.
“Jenifer gained a lot of confidence in 2011, and received a lot of reinforcement taking the Reaction Time Clinic,” said husband and crew chief Jeff White. “We are going to run almost all of the NHRA Division 4 divisional races in TD. We are also going to run the NHRA Division 3 races National Trail and Mid-Michigan in July and we’ll likely run two NHRA national events.”
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Prior to attending one of Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School classes in Las Vegas, California resident Mike Spencer spent many years racing his twelve second Chevy Malibu wagon, but was ready to make the move to NHRA Super Gas and looked to the experience of Frank Hawley to improve his driving skills prior to completing his new car.
Currently finishing up his ’34 Roadster, Spencer has stayed busy on an off the track. “Since getting my license, I’ve driven for a couple of my friends in their cars in various classes and events. As I continue to complete my roadster and get it to the track this spring and summer, I’ll maintain my presence at the track as both driver and crew member. I really have to say thanks for all that Frank and his team has done for me.”
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Ron Helmer from Freeland, Michigan recently retired and decided it was time to pursue his love for drag racing. Helmer completed his NHRA licensing requirements during Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School Super Class at Lucas Oil Raceway in May of last year. His son Adam also attended and took part in the Reaction Time Clinic. The pair are busy putting the finishing touches on their new drag car. “After I received my license last spring, my son and I sold our ‘69 Chevelle SS show car and bought tube chassis ‘67 Chevelle 4-link project car to finish,” Ron explained. “We finished the funny car chrome moly cage and certified it to 7.50 and are ready for our 555 Alky BBC. We plan on having it at the track this early this summer and begin the process of tuning the chassis. Frank Hawley’s school definitely launched me into doing this for real … six passes in that firebird and I was definitely HOOKED! Plus the time spent with my son on something we both love to do has been icing on the cake.”
We want to hear from you!
We know many of our graduates have gone on to purchase cars, build cars, rebuild cars or already have cars and are out there racing them. We’d like to include you in our next Grad Spotlight! Email us and let us know what your plans are for the season ahead.
Email pictures, if you have them, and some info on the car and yourself to lhawley@frankhawley.com
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Training Drivers From Across the Globe – Latest Hawley Super Class Has International Flair
Students attending classes at Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School continue to be diversified not only in gender, age and background, but also come to work with the world renowned instructor from all over the globe. Such was the group from the latest Super Class conducted in Gainesville, Florida, which included drivers from across the U.S. as well as a young lady with a passion so intense for drag racing, that it brought her all the way from Norway.
Long time racer, Walter Gordon came to the school from California wanting to get a new outlook on his racing. “I thought a fresh perspective would be helpful,” said the production and warehouse manager, who drove one of the school’s Firebirds during class. “I have several years of circle track experience and over three decades of drag racing. The class was very good. Frank gathers a lot of info and then gears it to help one apply it to racing as well as other things. I’m looking forward to taking what I learned and will be racing for this year in both bracket and sportsman categories.”
Baton Rouge, Louisiana resident, Dustin Day was quick to point out his reason for choosing Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School. “I heard many great things about Frank’s class and felt that I would benefit the most from his experience and guidance,” said the State Farm Agent. “It was definitely the right decision and I just want to thank Frank for the whole experience. I have been around drag racing all my life and have always enjoyed the sport, I can honestly say that I have the fever!”
Like fellow classmate Walter Gordon, Day also spent his time on the track driving one of the school’s Chevy Performance 572ci powered Firebirds. “I was uncertain as to what to expect from the school and just assumed that it would be based around driving the car. Boy was I wrong,” he exclaimed. “You learn so much more about the mental aspects of racing which separates a successful drag racer from all others. I am currently in the process of building an LSX drag radial car and will be competing in the LSX Shootout series as well as bracket racing in between to build my racing resume’. One of the biggest takeaways from Frank’s class was learning that ‘I’am the only threat to my being successful in drag racing or anything else I do in life.”
Making a whopping nine thousand mile round trip to attend the class was Mayrita Halvorsrud from Norway, who is currently a full time college student, studying economics and soon starting on her master degree.
“I wanted to improve my driving skills and took the class for the experience and to learn more about drag racing,” she explained. “I also wanted to try a faster car and something different from what I’m used to. A year ago I had no clue how to drag race and just got some tips here and there. I wanted to learn from the best.
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Mayrita and her father made a trip to the states when she was eighteen and found an older Mustang for her to drive and race. She noted the differences between racing her car and the Super Gas Firebird during her time at Hawley’s school. “It was a whole other procedure from driving mine, I knew about the start and stopping procedure, the burn-out procedure, but had no clue about the trans-brake and at first that made me a little insecure.”
“And the power and the speed, it was a whole new level,” she continued about driving the school car.
Mayrita licensed not only in the Firebird, but chose to cross grade her new NHRA license to the longer wheelbase and made the required runs in one of the school’s dragsters. “When I first sat in the dragster, I was scared, but it was fun! I have underestimated the dragster, but the [door] car is still my choice. I really want to be good at driving and this class has given me motivation. Unfortunately in Norway, we only have one racetrack. But I’m thinking about taking a year in the U.S. since my school offers programs in Florida, so maybe my dream can become true.
“Frank’s mental training and how to react or handle different situations, all that was new for me,” she added. “It definitely is going to be useful for me for races in the future and even in situations like exams and meeting new people.”
For more information on Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School, including all course offerings and locations, visit www.frankhawley.com or call 866-480-7223 [Outside U.S. 678-804-8835] Also on Facebook and YouTube.
Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School – Graduate Spotlight
Vol. 1/Edition 1
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Sarah Edwards attended Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School in the summer of 2010, where the then 18 year old took part in the school’s Super Class at Maple Grove Raceway in Reading, Pennsylvania. “I left [the class] with my Super Comp License,” she reflected. “That was the first time I had ever gone down a race track or sat in a race car, I just knew I wanted to do it. Frank Hawley’s class was a huge learning experience and I couldn’t have asked for a better learning environment both in the classroom and on the track. Everyone was so knowledgeable and nice.”
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A year after attending her Hawley class, Edwards purchased a dragster and a trailer. Her dragster is set up with a 555ci BBC and making 927HP on the dyno, is equipped to run Super Comp and Top Dragster.
For 2012, Edwards plans to spend a lot of time with her new dragster at her local track in New Jersey. “Being that we live in the Northeast, the weather plays a huge factor. As soon as the cold air moves out and the track opens, I plan to spend many weekends at Atco testing. I have a lot to learn about my car and I look forward to getting comfortable in it, before I set my mind to competing with it.”
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Wisconsin resident and Super Class Graduate, Doug Simpson is currently putting the finishing touches on his brand new 4130 tube strut – 4 link car. His new ride will be powered by a Reher-Morrison 565ci BBC backed with a powerglide transmission. “It was fabricated by Jim and Jon Quinn at Chassis Service Unlimited in Chicago. The car is super clean and has a great deal of attention to detail. It was recently painted at Precise Auto Body in Kenosha, WI by Brian Ambrosini of wheelstanding AMC Gremlin fame,” Simpson pointed out. “I’m really looking forward to getting it out and making some passes in it as soon as the snow clears.”
“I really enjoyed my time at Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School and I recommend Frank’s school any opportunity I get,” he added. “I look forward to attending some additional offerings.”
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Billy Shoemaker attended the Pro Stock Motorcycle course at Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School led by George Bryce. “I value that experience and use the training every time I enter a competitive event, regardless of the brand of racing. I have recommended your Pro Stock Motorcycle course to many of my friends and will continue to do so. I’m thankful for the advantage that I have as a result of Frank’s school,” he said. “I still do some drag racing with my Harley Davidson V-Rod Destroyer, but have redirected much of my time toward the world of Land Speed Racing.”
Since attending his Pro Stock Motorcycle class, Shoemaker has set an additional Land Speed Record at the Bonneville Salt Flats as well as being inducted into the Bonneville 200 MPH Club. In 2011, he teamed up with Bill Warner, who is currently the fastest in the world on a sit on Motorcycle (non-streamliner) at 311 MPH. Since then, Shoemaker has become the second fastest in the world at 269 MPH and accomplished the feat at the Mojave Mile in October 2011. He also set the track record at the Texas Mile in October 2011, at 255 MPH.
“For 2012, we will compete at the Texas Mile in March, Ohio Mile in April, Mojave Mile in May, Loring in July, and the Bonneville Salt Flats in August,” he continued. “We will attempt to narrow the gap between the world’s first and second fastest records. I will be 66 years old in April 2012. The older I get – the faster I go!”
We want to hear from you!
We know many of our graduates have gone on to purchase cars, build cars, rebuild cars or already have cars and are out there racing them. We’d like to include you in our next Grad Spotlight! Email us and let us know what your plans are for the season ahead.
Email pictures, if you have them, and some info on the car and yourself to lhawley@frankhawley.com
Frank Hawley’s Super Class Generates Renewed Passion for Graduates
Remaining one of the most popular dates for Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School, the Super Class that is held at Gainesville Raceway annually between Christmas and New Year’s, boasted eighteen drivers seeking everything from improving their driving skills to experiencing drag racing for the very first time.
Scott Cokeing of Eads, Tennessee has been a drag racing fan for many decades. The fifty year old mechanical engineer last drove down the quarter-mile more than thirty years ago in a street car. When he came across an ad for Hawley’s Drag Racing School while searching for some auto parts, he decided to give himself a present.
“Up until that point, I had no plans on attending a drag racing school but I decided to give myself a Christmas present. Sure glad I did,” confessed Cokeing. “My recent drag racing experience before the school had really only been a spectator. I enjoy watching drag racing and have been to several national events and only dreamed about actually driving down the ¼ mile in a dragster. As a mechanical engineer, I have always enjoyed machines and how they work. The modern race car is becoming very advanced, following many of the same technologies used in the aerospace industry.”
Cokeing was one of eight other dragster drivers who participated in the late December class and he points out that his rather spontaneous decision to attend Hawley’s class was one that further ignited his personal passion for drag racing.
“After the class I bought a turnkey dragster and trailer,” he said. “I am ready for the season to open here. [Memphis International Raceway] Being new racer, I realize there is a lot to learn to compete with the seasoned drivers, however I believe I made a huge leap forward by taking Franks class.”
“During the classroom time, Frank’s covers a lot of interesting and diverse material, while focused on improving your drag racing skills,” he continued. “It most certainly can be used in your everyday life. There is something for everyone to glean, whether drag racer or not. Frank’s instruction and invaluable racing tips are clear and easy to understand, both in the classroom and on the track. Frank gets you to think out of the box, and shows you visually what you are doing and how to correct it to become a better driver.”
“What an exhilarating learning experience,” Cokeing said of his Super Class. “Previously only a spectator, I wanted to get in the action. I have never been in a real race car before attending Frank’s school and I wanted to get a solid racing foundation first. My first ever ¼ mile run was 8.2 seconds and 160 mph, what a rush. Well now I’m hooked and with my new dragster I will start racing this year. Frank gave me the basic tools to be a safe and confident driver, no more sitting in the bleachers. Thanks Frank!”
Cokeing also chose to participate in the school’s video program and not only acquired one of the RePlay XD 1080HD cameras, but captured memories of his ‘thrilling experience’ while at the school to cherish and share for many years to come. He took the time to put together a short compellation of his class and has shared it for others to enjoy on YouTube.
http://youtu.be/ESJ8cbf3n4Y
For more information on Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School, including all course offerings, locations and dates, call 866-480-7223 [Outside U.S. 678-804-8835] or www.frankhawley.com Plus “Like Us” on Facebook for all the details and your chance to win a 25th Anniversary T-Shirt and qualify for the Grand Prize of a Classroom/Reaction Time Clinic with Frank Hawley!
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We want to hear from you!
We know many of our graduates have gone on to purchase cars, build cars, rebuild cars or already have cars and are out there racing them. We’d like to do some “grad” news so email us and let us know what your plans are for 2012.
Email pictures if you have them, and some info on the car and yourself.
Email this information to us soon at lhawley@frankhawley.com
We’re looking forward to getting lots of news!
Thanks for your help!
866-480-7223
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Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing Students Head South for the Winter It’s not unusual for residents of northern states to migrate south to Florida when temperatures seem to also go “south” for the winter. It is the
time of year when the Sunshine state lives up to its moniker. A recent December class that included Tom Laskowski and Paul Smith Sr. and Jr. were among those who recently journeyed to Gainesville, Fla. with specific ideas in mind other than basking in the warm sun. They were there to learn and improve their drag racing proficiencies by attending the Frank Hawley Drag Racing School at Gainesville Raceway. Laskowski, for example, came from Seven Hills, Ohio, for the two-day Super Comp/Super Gas class and took home not only more knowledge of the driving/competitive aspects of the sport, but some key mechanical information – and his Super Gas competition license. “I have been racing for 30 years,” said Laskowski, who operates a wilderness survival school. “I didn’t do any formal training when I started racing, and I thought this would be a good opportunity get better at what I do as a hobby. “I achieved everything I was hoping for. I found out I wasn’t staging my 11-second 1968 Pontiac properly. Frank pointed it out on the video they take of our runs. The front of the car wasn’t lined up straight. He also taught me how to improve my reaction times, and I learned technical information on the transmission and the ignition system that I can use.” Laskowski wanted to go fast, and he did, registering a quarter-mile lap at 140 mph in one of the school’s nine-second Super Gas car. “That was an important aspect of the school,” he commented. “After driving that nine-second car, I think now when I drive my 11-second car it will give me time to react to things a little differently. I’m going to be more comfortable (driving) at 120 mph. “Frank’s school is the real deal. He treated us like professionals and answered all of our questions. I learned a lot. I was excited about the school before I went there, but honestly, I was more excited when I came home. “I can’t wait to get back on the track again.” The Smiths, Paul Sr. and Paul Jr., drove their 1998 Corvette to Gainesville from their Alpharetta, Ga., home as well as on the Gainesville Raceway asphalt. Paul Jr. took over the driving chores from his father in 2003 and has been competing ever since. Paul Sr. attended the classes. “There’s a lot I do subconsciously – like block things out and not letting things get to me,” said Paul Jr. I didn’t realize how much of that is necessary to stage the car properly and be on the right page when the light goes green. “Frank does a real good job of pointing out exactly what’s going on in your head . . . that you aren’t paying attention to. Staging the car is probably hardest part of racing. It seems easy when you go up and stage between the beams and the light turns green. But there are a lot of things going on besides making sure you are in the right part of the track, lined up in the middle and heading straight down the track.” While Paul Jr. has probably had a lot more seat time than most of the other people in the class he knows there is always something to learn. “This wasn’t a beginner’s course for me, but just for me to be aware of what I do in the race car is priceless. That was an eye-opener to see how in-depth the drag racing process is,” he remarked. Paul Jr. races selected series each year. Last year he became the only Corvette driver to win a Pinks All Out special event. It came at Atlanta Dragway, his home track. “Frank’s school exceeded our wildest expectations,” praised Paul Sr. “We had a good group of people with varied backgrounds and Frank did an excellent job of instructing them.” “The school was absolutely phenomenal,” added Paul Jr. “There’s probably not a person on the planet – even if they never plan on drag racing – that won’t learn something from going through the school.” In addition to the Super Classes, Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School also offers licensing courses in Top Dragster, Top Sportsman, Top Alcohol Dragster, Top Alcohol Funny Car and Pro Stock Motorcycle. All courses offered year-round and for the next few months, drivers can break away from the cold weather up north and visit warm, sunny Gainesville, Florida to get prepared for the 2012 season. For more information on Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School, including offerings and dates, call 866-480-7223 [Outside US 678-804-8835] or www.frankhawley.com Plus “Like Us” on Facebook for all the details and your chance to win a 25th Anniversary T-Shirt and qualify for the Grand Prize of a Classroom/Reaction Time Clinic with Frank Hawley! Facebook Page
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