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

Written by Ainsley Jacobs

For NHRA Top Fuel legend and three-time world champion Antron Brown, there’s something even more important than the success of his career – the success of his children. Now, as his middle child, Anson, prepares to age out of Junior Dragster competition, Antron is passing the torch to the next generation of Brown family racers.

Before he got started racing in NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle in 1998, Antron attended Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School to complete their Pro Stock Motorcycle class; he joined the Don Schumacher Racing team in 2002 and returned to the School with teammate Angelle Sampey in 2005 to brush up on his skills.

In 2007, Antron once again trusted Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School to prepare him for the next step in his career when he received his Top Alcohol Dragster license and went on to pilot the pinnacle of performance, a Top Fuel dragster.

Antron remembers that time at the School as if it were just yesterday, as he shifted his alcohol dragster quicker than Hawley had ever seen anyone do before. “I was swapping feet and doing everything to leave the line and shift down the racetrack,” laughed the driver, who impressed his instructor tremendously. “Frank [Hawley] said the Top Fuel Dragster would be easier for me to operate, but more difficult due to the rate of acceleration and was prepping me to understand what would happen when I moved up.”

When he finally did make the jump, Antron’s natural aptitude made others wonder if he was a true rookie or a veteran of the category. Driving the 10,000-horsepower machine was practically second nature to Antron, and he credits the Frank Hawley Drag Racing School with helping him get to that point.

“It’s more than just learning how to go down the racetrack, it’s also a mind game. Frank has all of the knowledge to give you the mental focus and preparation to be repeatedly successful,” asserted Antron. “From true beginners learning the basics to experienced professionals, Frank can take a racer of any phase and help them learn something. If you have the willingness to learn, you’ll improve.”

When Antron’s son, Anson, wanted to go racing at just 8-years-old, the Indiana-based family fully supported the budding racer’s dream and got him started in the Junior Dragster ranks. With a few championship titles of his own in the Midwest Jr. Super Series, Anson showed promising skill early on. For his upcoming seventeenth birthday in 2021, though, Anson decided he wanted to step up to a bigger car and his parents gave him the gift of a Super Comp license course at Frank Hawley’s in June at the famed Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis.

Thinking back to his own days at the School and the nerves that came along with the unexpected, Antron tried to reassure his son that he would be just fine – and he was. “All of the kids in Anson’s Super Comp class listened and responded well. It’s amazing to see the next generation of drivers come up all together,” shared Antron, who enjoyed seeing the kids compete on the track and cheer each other on throughout the entire experience. “I remember seeing Anson’s face and his excitement when he came back from making his first full quarter-mile pass over 150 miles per hour and thinking… wow, he’s all grown up.”

Anson was admittedly nervous at first, too, but quickly realized that he had no reason to be. “I had a great time and Frank was amazing with his instruction. I don’t think anyone could have taught me better, not even my dad,” laughed Anson, who enjoyed receiving feedback on how he could improve as a driver and hopes one day to get behind the wheel of a Pro Mod doorslammer or nitro-fueled Funny Car or Top Fuel Dragster just like his father. “The Super Comp car was bigger and faster than my Junior Dragster and was really exciting. Whenever I’m in a car, I’m happy.”

Hawley loves shaping a part of drag racing’s future through helping aspiring drivers, especially teens, to cut their teeth in a safe and controlled environment.

“Anson clearly has learned a lot from watching and listening to his dad,” affirmed the School’s founder. “Antron is a perfect example of how you can actually achieve your dreams in our sport. He has worked his way up to a champion driver and now an NHRA Top Fuel team owner. He’s one of the best drivers in our sport, and he does an incredible job for his sponsors. He is truly a perfect role model for Anson.”

Although Antron and Anson both are ready for the next phase of the young man’s driving career, the elder knows that there is no rewind button on life. Instead, he’s simply trying to enjoy the moments, memories, and time that they have in the Junior Dragster ranks while they still can.

In addition to Anson, Antron’s two other children, Adler and Arianna, are also carrying on the family’s drag racing tradition with their own endeavors. Where all of their careers ultimately take them (after college, of course), and whether that’s within the automotive industry or not, Antron and his wife, Billie Jo, will always love and support them unconditionally.

866-480-7223

www.frankhawley.com

Written by Ainsley Jacobs

In drag racing, Tripp Shumake’s name is synonymous with success. A member of both the Cragar Five-Second Club and Crane Cams Funny Car 250-mph Club, a two-time NHRA Funny Car national event winner, and the fourth man in history to drive a Funny Car over 250 mph, Tripp never hesitated to pursue his dreams. Now, with the help of Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School, Tripp’s son, Travis, is following in his father’s footsteps as he pursues his own drag racing career while also seeking to be the first openly gay pilot of a 10,000+ horsepower Nitro Funny Car.

Although Travis only saw Tripp race a handful of times as his father’s career was already well established before he was born in 1984, he got to enjoy witnessing the celebrity status that came with his father’s achievements. “I always knew he was famous, and as a kid I remember it being normal to just walk behind the ropes and into someone’s pit and trailer which other fans would consider a VIP experience,” Travis recalled of his youth spent hanging out with legends like John Force and Frank Hawley.

Travis was destined to find his niche in racing, just like his father, and began chasing speed when he was young. “My dad wanted to bond with me, so we started racing shifter karts when I was 12,” shared Travis, now 36 years old, of the memories the men made together. Tragically, though, Tripp lost his life in 1999 when he was struck by a hit-and-run driver while riding his motorcycle near the family’s home in Arizona.

After such a devastating loss, Travis stopped pursuing his karting career but still had a strong love for drag racing. He had loved spending long nights in the garage with his dad working on Paula Martin’s Funny Car, and toyed with the idea of rekindling his involvement in the sport.

“I always knew this was going to be a thing, it was just a question of when,” he asserted confidently. While at the track in Gainesville, Florida, in the spring of 2020, Travis was inspired by hearing some friends reminisce about his father and he became more motivated to reconnect with that side of his heritage. However, one of those conversations also coincided with the question of how to bring more diversity and inclusion to drag racing. “We were talking about getting five drivers to put a small rainbow sticker on their car in June for Pride month and I said… or I could just become the first gay drag racer and do it myself. The decision had been made!”

A few short days later, Travis had put a plan in motion with an eventual goal of racing Nitro Funny Cars. To start, he contacted his father’s longtime friend and two-time NHRA Funny Car World Champion, Frank Hawley, and arranged to attend Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School in May of 2021 to obtain his NHRA Super Comp license.

“It was a wonderful experience overall and the entire class of 16 students was very supportive of one other,” said Travis, who especially enjoyed the biomechanics lessons and visual acuity tests that were a part of his studies at the School as well as different techniques to focus his mind. “Frank taught me that simple isn’t the same as easy and that the most skilled part of driving a fast car is when it’s at its slowest speeds.”

Travis showed tremendous talent during his time at Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School and clocked consistently quick reaction times, just like his father used to do. Moving forward with his plan of one day piloting a Nitro Funny Car, he returned to the School to make his first passes in a true Funny Car and obtain his NHRA Nostalgia Funny Car license.

On June 15, Travis traveled from his home in New York City and arrived at Florida’s Bradenton Motorsports Park ready to get down to business. His first challenge was simply learning how to get into the Funny Car itself, as his 6’4” height made it a bit of a challenge – especially while fully dressed in a fire suit, helmet, HANS device, and other accessories.

“Firing up the car for the first time, though, now that was exciting. Sitting behind the engine and seeing the first puffs of smoke come out of the headers was one of the things I’ve waited my whole life to experience,” noted the man about his drag racing bucket list.

Getting to spend a full day working one-on-one with Frank Hawley, instead of in a shared classroom environment with the Super Comp course, was instrumental to Travis’s triumphs during his Funny Car experience. From staging to launching and learning to control the center-steer machine to the 1,000-foot mark and finally popping the parachute for the first time, Travis couldn’t stop smiling.

“My biggest challenge was keeping the car in the groove. Frank kept telling me not to wait until half-track to start steering, but the first one or two seconds I’d get thrown back in the seat and the clutch dust would come up and everything was vibrating so it was almost over by the time I felt fully in control,” laughed the rookie racer.

By day’s end, Travis had successfully completed his NHRA Nostalgia Funny Car licensure and was already planning his return to continue pursuing his NHRA Nitro Funny car credentials as well.

“Over the years, we’ve had many second-generation drivers come through the school, but having Tripp and Susie Shumake’s son Travis attend was really special. Maybe the ability to drive race cars is genetic, because Travis did a great job,” shared Hawley, who remembers his good friend and Travis’s father as one of the best Funny Car drivers of all time.

“Driving one of these cars is a skill, and I’m going to continue to develop that so I can pursue my Nitro career,” affirmed Travis, who has a goal of competing in the 2022 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series while making history as the first openly gay Nitro Funny Car driver. “We’re doing this y’all, so get on board!”

By day, Travis works as an executive at the NYC-based Clinton Foundation nonprofit organization and has tremendous experience in fundraising, public relations, brand management, and media/marketing. The skills that he has developed so solidly during his professional career, coupled with his strengths as an LGBTQ+ activist, will undoubtedly aid him as he pursues financial backing and partnerships for his drag racing initiative.

“This is an opportunity to bring both the LGBTQ+ dollar and fans into drag racing. People in the sport aren’t against it, there just hasn’t been an opportunity to show support before, so I am taking on the challenge,” he shared. “Drag racing has always been ahead of the curve in diversity, so this just feels like another logical milestone to accomplish before other racing leagues, like we always do.”

Travis’s experiences at Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School, and throughout his journey towards competing at the highest level of the sport, have allowed him to deepen his understanding of and passion for drag racing that shaped his relationship with his father.

“I wish he could be here to see me doing this, but, if he was, I think I’d have already been doing it years ago,” added Travis who is excited to explore the genetic connection between him and his father. “Hopefully, I’ll be able to keep that quick Shumake foot on the throttle through the lights, just like he used to do, with a little less fire and a lot more speed to continue his legacy.”

For the first time in a couple of decades, Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing school will be visiting the famed Famoso Raceway. This October, Hawley and his team will bring their show to the historic Bakersfield raceway.

“Years ago, when we first started the school, our first road trip away from our home track in Gainesville, FL was to Bakersfield,” said school founder Frank Hawley.  “The track has such amazing history. When I was a kid, I had pictures on my bedroom wall of all the famous drivers of the era racing at the March Meet in Bakersfield. This is one of the longest operating dragstrips in the country and we’re excited to be holding classes there.” said Hawley.

The Bowser family has kept pace with the speeds of today’s race cars and has continued to make improvements to the facility through the years. “I think we have one of the best racing surfaces anywhere in the country,” said GM Blake Bowser. We run the March meet and the Hot Rod Reunion each year with some of the fastest Nostalgia TF and FCs in the world. We have to have a great facility for these racers. I remember hosting FHDRS here years ago and we are excited to have them back,” added Blake.

We will be offering both the 2-day SC/SG competition licensing course October 1-2 as well as the fun Dragster Adventure program on October 3. “I can’t wait to visit our California friends again,” said Hawley.

So whether you want to earn your license, improve your skills, check something off your “Bucket List”, or just want to “drive a dragster” in the Dragster Adventure program, give our guys a call with your questions and to register!  If you have a group you’d like to schedule something for, give us a call and we can look for a date that works with everyone’s schedule. The Alcohol class dates are scheduled on request, and we are booking those a month or two out,  so call if you’re ready to upgrade your license or just need some additional time in the car.

Lots of class dates & locations on our website at www.frankhawley.com!

Paul Shields, 904-472-6312, paul.fhdrs@gmail.com 

Jeff Arend, 909-973-8279, jarend@frankhawley.com

866-480-7223

www.frankhawley.com

Summit Racing Equipment Fulfills Racing Dreams at Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School

Written by Ainsley Jacobs

For almost forty years, Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School has been the primary leader in racing instruction and entertainment for aspiring professionals, thrill-seekers enthusiasts, and everyone in between. Summit Racing Equipment has been involved with the School since 2004 and, thanks to Summit’s support of sportsman-level racing, Frank Hawley’s has been able to make drag racing dreams come true for tens of thousands of speed students.

Similarly, the World’s Speed Shop®, Summit Racing Equipment has provided high-performance parts to its customers at fair prices with fast shipping and outstanding customer service since 1968. The company first partnered with Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School nearly two decades ago as a way to continue its support of the enthusiast and racing communities.

“We value what Frank [Hawley] and his team are doing by helping folks learn to race or take the next step to go faster in their careers. For some, it’s a bucket list-type item, but for everyone, they’re fulfilling dreams,” said Jim Greenleaf, Motorsports and Events Manager at Summit Racing Equipment and an employee of the company for 25 years. “Frank is improving drag racing, and we are proud to be a part of that by supporting the school as well as its students and racers.”

Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School creates a safe environment in which its students can learn while also promoting the sport itself in a professional manner. “I’ve attended some of Frank’s classes and I was impressed with how he presents the materials while keeping students focused, and how he progresses them on-track with each pass to safely grow their skills,” added Greenleaf, a sportsman racer himself who has spent countless Saturday nights blasting down the dragstrip and knows firsthand just how thrilling a trip on the track can be.

Instilling confidence and developing competence are core focuses of the School, as its curriculums are geared towards developing the next generation of drag racers. Summit Racing Equipment supports these same goals by offering a discount on its products to all of Hawley’s graduates, and also by endowing the School with fire jackets and pants, as well as other safety equipment and items that attendees may need.

“Working with Summit over the years has been wonderful,” affirmed Hawley, who trusts Summit as the School’s “go-to” source for almost everything needed to operate its programs and keep its race cars running perfectly. “Summit’s folks understand the needs of the customer. Racers need the right products at the best price and shipped fast. Summit does this better than anyone.”

The relationship has been such a successful one, in fact, that Summit plans to continue to work with Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School in the years to come. “Frank’s a great representative for Summit, and for drag racing,” shared Greenleaf of the School’s founder, two-time NHRA Funny Car World Champion Frank Hawley. “We love giving back to racers through contingencies or however else we can, and Frank’s School is a big piece of that puzzle.”

Summit Racing Equipment has a longstanding history of supporting drag racers at both the national and sportsman levels. “We’re going on roughly twenty years with the IHRA Summit SuperSeries and we’ve got the NHRA Summit Racing Series for bracket racers,” Greenleaf stated of just two of the many programs the company offers. Summit also sponsors the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals, held annually at the iconic Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio. “We love giving racers a chance to race at their local tracks and go on to compete at a divisional level, and even to advance to the national stage where they can be crowned a champion all based on them having started locally.”

Whether it’s a lifelong racer finally succeeding in their goal of winning big, or a rookie whose natural talent takes them to the next level, or a husband-and-wife team competing together at something they both love, the stories that arise as a result of racing are what motivate the Summit team to not only continue their support, but to also expand it through new initiatives.

Ultimately, Summit Racing Equipment isn’t just a supplier of performance parts – it’s a supplier of the parts and pieces needed to turn dreams into reality, and Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School is proud to be partnered in making that happen. For those looking to enjoy the ultimate driving experience, Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School is the most respected and most visited of its kind in the world… all thanks to companies like Summit Racing Equipment.

866-480-7223

www.frankhawley.com

Once again, FIVE of the NHRA World Champions were our graduates! It’s amazing to know that the Frank Hawley School played a part in all of their careers. Congratulations to these great Champions! Steve Torrence– NHRA TF; Matt Hagan – NHRA FC; Erica Enders – NHRA Pro Stock; Stevie “Fast” Jackson – NHRA Pro Mod; and Megan Meyer – NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster. Additionally we’d like to congratulate Mike Bucher – NHRA North Central Region Top Alcohol Dragster Champion and Top Fuel driver Justin Ashley – NHRA Rookie of the year!

866-480-7223

www.frankhawley.com