Written by Ainsley Jacobs
Thanks to his family’s unwavering support, accomplished Jr. Dragster driver Jonathan McClain took the next step towards accelerating his future when he completed the NHRA Super Comp competition licensing program at Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School.
The young racer was gifted his 2002 Spitzer Junior when he was just seven years old. Although he didn’t make his first run until he turned nine, Jonathan showed tremendous natural talent as a
driver and went on to earn some serious accolades.
Hailing from the Tulsa, Oklahoma area, Jonathan was a runner-up at the 2015 NHRA Bracket Finals in Texas and went on to win the NHRA Western Conference Finals Championship in 2017. He earned many more wins and runner-up finishes over the years, and was both the Tulsa Raceway Park track champion and the Mid-West Drag Racing Series Jr. Dragster Pro champion in 2021.
Jonathan has been featured in multiple magazines, interviewed by many media outlets, and has received a plethora of awards for his impressive achievements. “He’s also made it to the final round at every Western Conference Finals or Eastern Conference Finals that he’s raced in for five years in a row,” added his proud father and fellow School graduate, Jacob McClain.
Jacob completed his Super Comp course with Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School in 2016 at Gainesville Raceway in Florida. At the time, he drove a big block Chevy-powered Altered and was hoping to improve his own career, but decided to sell his car and focus on his son’s future instead. “I tried to teach Jonathan a lot of what I learned from Frank [Hawley] about the mental and psychological preparedness so that he could put the knowledge to use, too,” noted Jacob. “I got a ton out of the class that I use in everyday life, not just at the track.”
Jacob and his wife, Jayme, wanted their son to enjoy the same great Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School experience, too, so the McClain family packed up and headed down to Gainesville in early February.
Just a few short days after Jonathan’s sixteenth birthday, he began the 2-day course and spent time in the classroom learning from Hawley’s comprehensive program. “Being in the classroom for 14 hours was a lot, but it wasn’t overwhelming – it was fun and Frank made it interesting. It was a lot better than being at school,” proclaimed the respectful young man. “I learned that you can’t make excuses about your environment, you’re in control and the outcome is based on how you handle everything.”
When the time came for Jonathan to step up into a big car for the first time, he was both excited and apprehensive. Just as expected, though, the experienced NHRA Jr. Dragster champion easily transitioned to the more powerful Super Comp dragster.
“It was different learning to use the trans brake instead of foot braking, but I came back from my first run with a big smile on my face,” Jonathan recalled excitedly of how he couldn’t wait to make another pass. “I would tell other drivers coming to the school that they should be prepared to get a lot of information really fast.”
Jacob and Jayme watched their only child from the sidelines with pride and were impressed by how consistent, and quick, his reaction times were. “It was a little like watching him run his junior for the first time. He took it seriously and seeing his excitement was worth every penny,” affirmed Jayme, who knows the Super Comp course will help Jonathan as he transitions into the next stage of his racing career. “I’m planning to have him go back to Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School to take the Top Alcohol Dragster course after he’s been in a Super Comp-style bracket car for a year.”
Both parents have worked hard to give Jonathan every advantage they can to help him understand all aspects of the racing business. They encourage him to work out his own deals with sponsors, such as FTI Farm Team, E3 Spark Plugs, Trailer Alarms LLC, and Viperizer, and know the practice will help him later in life, too. “We truly appreciate everyone that has helped us along the way, and we wouldn’t be where we are without the assistance of good people, great friends, and supportive sponsors,” added Jacob.
Looking ahead, the McClain family plans for Jonathan to continue to run his McClain Racing Jr. Dragster until he ages out of the category and has also secured a seat for him in a Super Comp dragster so that he can race in the Mid-West Drag Racing Series’ Top Dragster class as well.
“The NHRA Jr. Dragster program is a fantastic way to get started, and every Junior driver we’ve had does a great job. Jonathan was a classic example of that; he was very familiar with the sport and took to the Super Comp car quickly,” added Hawley, whose school has hosted hundreds of second- and even third-generation drivers over the years. “I had very supportive parents throughout my driving career and Jonathan does as well. I look forward to working with him and his family in the future.”
With many years of on-track experience under his belt already, the up-and-coming driver’s time spent at Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School will surely aid Jonathan wherever he winds up – whether that’s crewing on a top-level Nitro car or, perhaps, even driving one himself.
Written by Ainsley Jacobs
Conveniently situated in the center of the country to be easily accessible for racers from many surrounding regions as possible, Heartland Motorsports Park in Topeka, Kansas, will open its doors
to Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School on June 6-8, 2022, to give racers the opportunity to learn from the best in the industry.
Anyone who has ever dreamed of driving a drag car will be able to do so with Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School’s 2-day NHRA licensing course, held on June 6-7. While no prior experience is needed, seasoned competitors will also be able to hone their skills and brush up on techniques. Participants can choose from either a Super Gas car a Super Comp dragster, and the class includes both classroom lectures as well as plenty of on-track seat time with personalized feedback and guidance after each pass.
“Having Heartland Motorsports Park back on our schedule is exciting,” exclaimed Frank Hawley, School owner. “I raced Top Fuel Dragsters and Nitro Funny Cars at Topeka. We are really looking forward to getting back to America’s Heartland to make some noise and have some fun.”
For those wanting to feel the incredible thrill of driving a dragster in a side-by-side drag race while accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 3 seconds but who don’t necessarily need or want a competition license, Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School is making its awesome Dragster Adventure available to the public on June 8. No past driving experience is needed, and participants will be able to feel what it’s like to speed through the traps at roughly 130 mph.
“I raced for over thirty years, but I was astonished at how much I learned from taking Frank’s classes – even after having already driven Pro Mods,” noted Chris Payne, Owner of Heartland Motorsports Park. “I was a self-taught racer and Frank could have helped me exponentially if I had taken his courses earlier. Having Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School at our facility is hugely beneficial to our racers and we’re happy to be able to give people in the area access to it.”
Located in the heart of the United States, Heartland Motorsports Park will host Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School on June 6-8, 2022. Frank Hawley and his team will share a tremendous wealth of information and knowledge with speed-hungry participants of all skill levels, and this is surely an opportunity not to be missed.
Seats are limited and courses sell out quickly. To reserve, please call 866-480-7223! Visit www.FrankHawley.com for all upcoming class dates and locations
Contact Jeff Arend, 866-480-7223 x103, jarend@frankhawley.com
Contact Paul Shields, 866-480-7223 x102, paul.fhdrs@gmail.com
Aspiring Arizona Racers Can Get Licensed at Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School
Written by Ainsley Jacobs
The Arizona desert heats up as Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School heads to Tucson Dragway for a 2-day competition license class on May 2-3 and its popular Dragster Adventure on May 4, 2022. The NHRA-sanctioned quarter-mile dragstrip located on the Pima County Fair Grounds has given many successful names their start in the sport. Budding drag racers and experienced racers alike can all enjoy the School’s sessions at the iconic facility.
Starting on the first Monday in May, the 2-day licensing course in Super Comp or Super Gas covers a wide variety of topics suitable for racers of all levels. From the immersive classroom lectures discussing practical theory, techniques, and more, to the hot on-track environment giving racers the chance to practice what they’ve learned, Frank Hawley and his team provide valuable insights to help beginners and veterans improve their skills while working towards their NHRA competition licenses.
“Jim Hughes and Matt DeYoung do a fabulous job with the track in Tucson. We look forward to visiting them each year,” Hawley said excitedly of the School’s upcoming class and experience in the Grand Canyon State on May 2-4. “The racing surface at Tucson is one of the fastest in the west.”
On May 4, the School’s fun Dragster Adventure gives drivers the chance to experience the thrill of competing in a real side-by-side race. The perfect treat for friends, family, employees, customers, or anyone who’s dreamed of driving a full-sized, competition-style dragster in excess of 130 mph in the quarter-mile, reservations can be made online at www.FrankHawley.com.
“Tucson Dragway is happy to host Frank and his school in 2022,” added Matt DeYoung, Track Manager of Tucson Dragway. “Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School offers such an in-depth and powerful way of teaching new racers the ins and outs of our sport, all while teaching the most experienced racers things they never realized was so crucial to their programs.”
Coupled with two stops in Las Vegas in April and September, Tucson Dragway’s May dates mark the only opportunity for West Coast-based racers to obtain an NHRA license with Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School in 2022. Don’t pass up the chance to get licensed on May 2-3, or the chance to drive a dragster on May 4, 2022!
Seats are limited and courses sell out quickly. To reserve, please call 866-480-7223! Visit www.FrankHawley.com for all upcoming class dates and locations.
Jeff Arend, 866-480-7223 x103, jarend@frankhawley.com
Paul Shields, 866-480-7223 x102, paul.fhdrs@gmail.com
Drag Racing Classes Coming to Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Sin City has always had the ability to turn big dreams into reality, and for those who have always wanted to learn how to drag race, Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School is making it happen with awesome instructional opportunities. Two-day NHRA competition licensing classes will take place at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on April 25-26 and April 27-28, 2022 as well as on September 12-13 and September 14-15, 2022.
Suitable for both beginners with no prior racing experience as well as experienced racers, the School’s 2-day licensing programs in either Super Comp or Super Gas offer a stimulating curriculum consisting of classroom lectures and on-track coaching. Upon completion, students will be eligible for their NHRA competition licenses.
The perfect blend of lecture-based education and plenty of seat time for students to implement and practice what they’ve learned, Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School teaches procedures necessary for success in drag racing to beginners while seasoned veterans focus on perfecting their techniques and mastering their competition-day focus.
Las Vegas Motor Speedway, a storied landmark of motorsports excellence where many of drag racing’s biggest names have competed, allows racers to push their skills and experience new levels of
performance in a safe and controlled environment with expert guidance and supervision. The Hawley team of talented instructors offers personalized feedback and valuable insights to further solidify the concepts that are taught during the 2-day courses.
“Las Vegas is known for its great hotels, food, entertainment, and one of the finest dragstrips ever built. Vegas is one of our most popular destinations and we can’t wait to get back to ‘The Strip,’” affirmed Hawley of the desert hot spot for racing. “You don’t want to miss it!”
“The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway is one of the most iconic dragways in the world. We hold drag racing at every level from pros to juniors,” added Chris Powell, LVMS President. “We take great pride in hosting race fans from around the world and students of Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School.”
Other than a stop in Tucson, Arizona, in May, the Las Vegas Motor Speedway’s April and September dates are the only chances that West Coast-based racers will have to easily obtain an NHRA or IHRA license on Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School’s 2022 schedule. Don’t miss the opportunity to get certified on April 25-26, April 27-28, September 12-13, and September 14-15, 2022!
Seats are limited and courses sell out quickly. To reserve, please call 866-480-7223! Visit www.FrankHawley.com for all upcoming class dates and locations.
Jeff Arend – 866-480-7223 x103, jarend@frankhawley.com
Paul Shields – 866-480-7223 x102, paul.fhdrs@gmail.com
Located just outside of Houston in Baytown, Texas, Houston Raceway Park will host the School’s 2-day licensing classes in Super Comp or Super Gas on April 4-5 as well as its Dragster Adventure
program on April 6, and no previous racing experience is needed to participate in any of the programs.
The two-day license course keeps a steady pace with plenty of action. Beginners are taught basic techniques and procedures for drag racing, while experienced racers focus on refining the mental aspect of the sport and honing their skills to bolster their win rates.
Classroom instruction is combined with in-car and on-track instruction in a safe, controlled environment, and drivers make progressively quicker runs down the dragstrip with video review afterward. Frank Hawley’s valuable insights and personalized coaching highlight the experience while encouraging personal improvement.
“I’ve got lots of great memories of Houston Raceway Park, both from our School and my years racing fuel cars,” said School owner Frank Hawley. “Houston has always been one of the fastest tracks in the country, and we’re looking forward to licensing many new NHRA drivers there.”
The famous and fun Dragster Adventure lets drivers compete in a thrilling side-by-side race. Perfect for friends, family, employees, customers, or anyone who’s ever wanted to wheel a full-sized, competition-style dragster that can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3 seconds and clock speeds of 130 mph in the quarter-mile, participation in the program can be purchased online at the following link – (Dragster Adventure).
“Frank’s is the only school we have come through the Park and we value that relationship and partnership,” said Seth Angel, Vice President and General Manager of Houston Raceway Park. “As an
NHRA-sanctioned quarter-mile facility, we want Frank’s students to get their licenses and start their journeys in the sport of drag racing here with us in Houston.”
Houston Raceway Park is the only Texas stop on Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School’s 2022 season schedule, so don’t miss out on the once-in-a-lifetime chance to drive with Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School on April 4-6, 2022.
Seats are limited and courses sell out quickly. To reserve, please call 866-480-7223! Visit www.FrankHawley.com for all upcoming class dates and locations.
Contact Jeff Arend, 866-480-7223 x103, jarend@frankhawley.com or Paul Shields, 866-480-7223 x102, paul.fhdrs@gmail.com
In a year that has been like no other, we are very grat
eful that you put your trust in us in 2020! We’re thankful for all the friendships and relationships we have made and we look forward to making more in 2021. Thank you for your support and patronage of the School! Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a healthy New Year!
A Blessed Christmas and the Happiest of Holiday Seasons from Frank, Lana, and our team!
Luke 2:9-11 – And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them…And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
**Christmas card art by Jim Brando
866-480-7223
New tracks added in 2021, so check our website for the confirmed dates and a class near you!
Contact Paul or Jeff for information on any of our programs!
Paul Shields, paul.fhdrs@gmail.com, 866-480-7223 x102, 904-472-6312 c
Jeff Arend, jarend@frankhawley.com, 866-480-7223 x103, 909-973-8279 c
It’s been several years since students have roared down the quarter-mile at Virginia Motorsports Park. “We always loved running classes at Virginia Motorsports Park” said Frank Hawley. “It’s a great track and good location for all of our customers on the East Coast. Scheduling classes this year has been challenging, to say the least. But things are getting better. We’ve run classes this summer in Gainesville, Indianapolis, St. Louis, Columbus, Denver, Woodburn and now we’re adding Richmond.” continued Hawley.
The School plans to offer the 2-day NHRA licensing program on September 24 & 25. You can earn your competition license in our Super Comp Dragster, Super Gas Door Car or bring your own race car to class. This class includes Frank’s Personal Performance lectures, too. The popular Dragster Adventure program will be held on September 26. This is an incredibly fun program for everyone where drivers get to race side-by-side in 130 mph dragsters in the Dragster Challenge. If you’ve always wanted to get behind the wheel of a real drag race car, the Dragster Adventure/Challenge program is for you!
Contact Jeff Arend or Paul Shields with any questions or to register. You can also purchase the Dragster Adventure/Challenge on-line at www.frankhawley.com. Seats are limited in all programs and pre-registration is required.
We’ll be working on 2021 dates soon, but check out all the dates/locations coming up this fall. *Remember dates for the Alcohol Funny Car & Dragster are scheduled on request.
866-480-7223
www.frankhawley.com
Jeff Arend, jarend@frankhawley.com, 909-973-8279 cell
Paul Shields, paul.fhdrs@gmail.com, 904-472-6312 cell
Busy times at FHDRS! We have been running lots of classes and helping new racers earn their NHRA competition licenses this year! Our annual class after the 50th Gatornationals is always a melting pot of drivers, and this year we had people attending from all over the US, Canada, Norway and England. We followed up with a Funny Car class, hosted another Super Comp/Super Gas Competition License Class and the one-day Dragster Adventure. Then while we were getting ready to head west, we added another 2-day competition license class and Alcohol Dragster class to help more people earn their licenses to go racing.
When you receive this we’ll be running classes at Tucson Dragway. Following Tucson, we head to Auto Club Dragway and then on to Las Vegas. While our classes in Vegas have been sold out for some time, we have a few seats left at the Fontana class on April 24-25. There are also a couple seats in 
the Dragster Adventures on April 19 and April 26 at Auto Club Dragway. Class dates coming up: Gainesville Raceway May 14-15 (license class); Route 66 Raceway May 23-24 (license class); Houston Raceway June 5-6 (license class) and Houston Raceway June 7 (dragster adventure); Woodburn Dragstrip June 26-27 (license class with only SC Dragster seats left) and Woodburn Dragstrip June 28 or June 29 (dragster adventures); Summit Motorsports Park July 15-16 (license class); Heartland Motorsports Park July 30-31 (license class); and Maple Grove Raceway August 12-13 (license class). More fall dates on our calendar, too!
Many of our dragster adventure days are already sold out, so we thank you for your support of this program and please know we’ll try to increase the dates for these next year!
All the competition license classes include the lectures on how to “Improve your Personal Performance”. The classroom sessions cover the physiology of how your mind and body work together. You’ll learn how to mentally prepare, perform at the highest level, improve focus and block out distractions. Frank teaches how to practice more effectively whether at the track, at the shop or at home. He’ll share techniques on how to remove the emotional baggage (everybody has some) that can often disrupt good performance. People share with us they find this classroom time extremely useful in their work, at home and of course on the track!
Remember, our Alcohol class dates are scheduled on demand, so give us a call if you’re ready to take that next step in your career.
Paul Shields and Jeff Arend can answer all your questions about our programs and their contact information is below. We look forward to seeing you at a class soon!
Jeff Arend, jarend@frankhawley.com, 909-973-8279 cell
Paul Shields, paul.fhdrs@gmail.com, 904-472-6312 cell
866-480-7223
www.frankhawley.com
Last week was the debut of the John Force Racing built 2018 Chevrolet Camaro Funny Car at Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing
School. John Force Racing’s developmental driver, Austin Prock, was the first to make laps in the beautiful state of the art Camaro. Frank and his crew worked side by side with Austin and couldn’t have been happier. “We have been working with Austin for the past year and it’s been great to see him develop as a race car driver! Austin is very focused, just like his Dad Jimmy, and we look forward to seeing him in a John Force Racing Fuel Funny Car down the road.” said Frank Hawley
“We at John Force Racing have always relied on Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School to get our drivers started off with the proper training. The knowledge that can be gained from the school is priceless and definitely gives our current and future drivers a leg up on the competition.” said Robert Hight, GM at John Force Racing. Robert added, “Even though I have won 2 Championships, Frank Hawley is still the first person I call for advice when I need some, and he is always there to help me out.”
“I had a blast working with Frank, like I always do. In my mind if you want to become a better racecar driver, there is no better school to go to. Frank’s constructive criticism is what makes the difference, if you listen to him. So, if you just want to go somewhere, make laps and not learn, this isn’t the place to go!” said Austin Prock
“I’m honored that John Force Racing has trusted us to work with all of their drivers over the years, it’s truly been a privilege,” said Hawley. “As Austin moves forward in his career he will get excellent guidance and advice from Robert and all of the JFR team drivers.”
“When we came up with this program, the idea was to make the transition to a Nostalgia Funny Car or NHRA Nitro Funny Car as easy as possible. The procedures for driving this car are almost identical to those type of cars and we feel that there is no better way to get prepared for that next step in your career. For those of you that like the dragsters better, we also have a Top Dragster set up the same way, so we have you covered.” added Frank Hawley.
Contact the school at 866-480-7223. And visit our website at www.frankhawley.com for information on all the programs we offer, class dates & locations! Pre-registration required in all classes and seats are limited. The Alcohol Funny Car and Dragster class dates are on-demand and most are not listed on our calendar.
Jeff Arend, jarend@frankhawley.com, 866-480-7223 x103
Paul Shields, paul.fhdrs@gmail.com, 866-480-7223 x102
866-480-7223
www.frankhawley.com
We’ll be heading west soon for classes at Tucson Dragway, Auto Club Dragway and the The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway!
The school will be offering both the Super Comp and Super Gas Licensing courses as well as their fun Dragster Adventure Program. The Dragster Adventure Program offers drivers a chance to get behind the wheel of a dragster for as little as $399 and also give folks a chance to do some ‘side-by-side racing!
You can earn your license to 7.50 in the 2-day competition license program and
classes are filling up quickly at all the venues, so don’t delay in contacting Jeff Arend x103 or Paul Shields x102 to register at 866-480-7223. During the 2-day license program novice and veteran races alike will benefit from Frank’s renowned lectures on Personal Performance.
Tucson Dragway – SC/SG/BYOC April 12-13; Dragster Adventure April 15
Auto Club Dragway – SC/SG/BYOC April 18-19; Dragster Adventure April 20 or 27
The Strip at LVMS – SC/SG/BYOC April 30-May 1
And of course there are lots more dates & locations on our website at www.frankhawley.com! Please contact our guys for information on any of our programs! Jeff Arend, jarend@frankhawley.com, 866-480-7223 x103 or Paul Shields, paul.fhdrs@gmail.com, 866-480-7223 x102.
www.frankhawley.com
866-480-7223
driver and went on to earn some serious accolades.
Just a few short days after Jonathan’s sixteenth birthday, he began the 2-day course and spent time in the classroom learning from Hawley’s comprehensive program. “Being in the classroom for 14 hours was a lot, but it wasn’t overwhelming – it was fun and Frank made it interesting. It was a lot better than being at school,” proclaimed the respectful young man. “I learned that you can’t make excuses about your environment, you’re in control and the outcome is based on how you handle everything.”
