“I was absolutely honored to meet these men and thank them for the work they and their counterparts do to protect our country,” said Hawley. “All of the men and women serving in the armed forces deserve our praise and thanks for their contribution to freedom. It was however a special opportunity for me and my staff to meet the SEALS.”
Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School has been working with the Mickey Thompson Tire Company for over a decade. Through the years hundreds of Mickey Thompson customers, staff and guests have gotten a chance to get behind the wheel of one of Hawley’s dragsters and blast down the 1/4 mile during special Mickey Thompson promotional programs.
“It was an honor for us to have some of our finest join us for a day of fun and camaraderie at the track,” said Mickey Thompson Training Specialist Kirk Fenn. “Frank and his team never missed a beat and once again provided our guests with a fantastic day at the track.”
The SEALS got to make several runs in the dragsters in addition to some ‘side-by-side’ racing. Each one said they’d love to return for some more racing.
“These guys didn’t just graduate from SEAL training. A couple of them have been SEALS for 15 years.” continued Hawley. “They were treated like ‘Rock Stars’. Everyone wanted a photo taken with them. They were a group of very bright, brave and humble guys and had no problem at all driving the race cars. In fact I was told that after leaving our school they were headed for a different type of training course in a new (not yet released) land based tactical weapons vehicle in Pensacola, FL. Now that is something I’d like to learn to drive!” Said Hawley with a smile.
Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School is open to everyone…not just SEALS! If you’d like to get behind the wheel of a dragster give the school a call at 866-480-7223!
Last week the state of Texas and the Houston area in particular were drenched by pounding rains for several consecutive days with accumulations of up to 10 inches of water in some areas. But the Frank Hawley Drag Racing School students didn’t miss a run down the Royal Purple Raceway 1/4 mile in Baytown TX.
“We were running our race cars in perfectly dry conditions while it was raining 5 miles to the west in Houston,” said Hawley. “I’ve seen conditions like that for a few hours however this went on for days. Someone was definitely looking out for us.”
The school’s group of drivers ranged from locals, like Sherriff’s deputy Greg Brockett, to Gifford Hill whose friends Richard Hale and Lance Wells made the trip from Alaska. The drivers completed an incredible 115 runs during the competition course and those results produced 18 newly licensed NHRA drivers!
In addition to the competition course others competed in the Dragster Adventure program which allows drivers to do some “side-by-side” dragster racing. Kendall Levron from Houma, LA was the Challenge winner with Avery Smith from San Antonio, TX as runner-up!
“We had a special guest at the Adventure course,” said Hawley. “Alex Russell, the son of former TAD racer Chris Russell was on hand. His dad Chris is the brother of the late T/F driver Darrell Russell. Chris’s dad Burnell and his mom were also in attendance. It was great to see the whole family there cheering on the next generation driver,” continued Hawley. “Alex made it to the semi-final round but the high light of the day had to be a special unplanned one run match race between Alex and his dad Chris. Dad won! It was a lot of fun for all of us.”
So with the Houston classes in the books the school is back in Gainesville this week for some Nostalgia Funny Car classes.
If this sounds like something you’d like to try, check out our classes coming up in Gainesville, Denver, St Louis, Norwalk, Reading, and Fontana.
www.frankhawley.com
866-480-7223
“BTE transmissions and products have been the connection between power and traction at our school for many years,” said school founder Frank Hawley. “The life of a transmission at the school is not an easy one. On some days we’ll make 60 to 70 runs on our cars so we need quality and reliability, and BTE delivers.”
To further increase the performance of the BTE power glides we are now equipping all of the school’s cars with the new BTE two-piece powerglide case.
BTE’s all new powerglide case improves on their previous design with a lighter and higher quality aftermarket housing. The two-piece design gives flexibility for multiple engine combinations and easier storage options when the bellhousing is removed.
Every BTE case includes a high quality IKO roller bearing in the tailshaft area
This case is certified for all SFI specifications. No blanket or shield is needed
Each housing is checked on a CMM for machining accuracy
Custom powdercoating available
Suitable for all racing applications to and beyond 3000 HP
For more information on BTE products, contact our friends at Bill Taylor Enterprises for their advice on the best product for your hot rod. bteracing.com or 800-626-1828
For information on the school and upcoming programs, contact us at 866-480-7223!
www.frankhawley.com
866-480-7223
Stephen Sadler, Frank Hawley and film crew
Dream Ignition – a fitting title for the documentary being made on our Australian grad Stephen Sadler. Stephen has cystic fibrosis and we were happy to be a big part of his dream! He earned his Super Gas license during our classes at Auto Club Dragway in Fontana last October.
Please watch the trailer below and be inspired by his story!
The two-day Licensing Class allows drivers of all backgrounds the opportunity to earn their NHRA competition driver’s license in the school’s 572/720R Chevrolet-powered Super Comp Dragsters or Super Gas Firebirds. Some drivers even obtain both licenses during the class. Current drivers can bring their own car to the course, too. The course also includes Hawley’s Personal Performance Development lectures. You don’t need any previous racing experience to take the class,” continued Hawley. “In every class we’ve got drivers that have never raced sitting next to drivers that have won big money bracket races. It’s a great mix, with the rookies being able to benefit from some of the veterans’ backgrounds. But not everyone is after an NHRA license; some just do it for fun and excitement.”
If you just want to have fun and make a few laps down the track, then the Dragster Adventure or Dragster Adventure Challenge is for you! These cars accelerate 0-60 mph in less than 3 seconds, run in the mid-10 second range at about 130 mph and the program starts at just $399!
Classes are offered throughout the year in Gainesville, Denver, St. Louis, Norwalk, and Reading. Visit our website for a complete list of dates. Dates for Corporate Adventure groups, Top Dragsters, Nostalgia Funny Car and the Alcohol classes are available on request.
To view our License Class video or obtain more information on all available classes, dates and locations for Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School, visit the school’s website – www.frankhawley.com – or call 866-480-7223 (Outside U.S. 678-804-8835).
Here’s what some of our recent grads had to say about their class:
“This was by far the BEST WEDNESDAY OF MY LIFE! Thanks to the outstanding program offered by the Hawley group. They are the best. I will be back! I thank everyone involved, Frank, Lana, Jeff and all the rest. My bucket list has 1 less thing to do!” Kevin Crawford, Dragster Adventure Challenge Winner
“I’m still processing my two days at drag racing school. I learned as much about myself as I did about racing, which is what I was looking for. Instead of lecturing about cars and driving, Frank teaches the bio-mechanics necessary to perform a precise task under pressure, and the state of mind needed to do well. Drag racing requires a keen self-awareness and presence in the moment.” Joseph Brown, Super Gas Firebird
“I attended your super comp class on December 2 & 3 in Gainesville and 7 weeks later I have a Top Fuel Dragster license and I couldn’t have done this without the things you teach your students. Thank You!” Shawn Reed, Super Comp Dragster now Top Fuel driver!
“I learned much more than I expected to and had fun doing it. Frank is a terrific teacher! And I’ve had lots of teachers over the years (undergraduate school, medical school and 6 years of surgical residency). The teaching format worked well for novices and experienced racers. The cars worked flawlessly and were equal in elapsed time. I was surprisingly comfortable despite my sizable frame. My diminutive wife was comfortable too. The adjustability of the cars make them the right size for any driver. Derek and Jimmy were a tremendous help before and after each pass. I look forward to returning for the super comp/super gas program. I’ll be bringing my friend Wayne down with me so he can work on his lights too.”Dr. Ron Franzino, Dragster Adventure winner
Please like Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @frankhawleydrs!
This year during the Gatornationals Jerry Gwynn was inducted into the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame. Joining him at the reception was our long-time friend and racer Ken Veney.
After Darrell Gwynn’s accident in 1990 I was asked to race his car and we won the Springnationals on our very first outing! “A Win for Gwynn” was the cover from National Dragster following that race with Jerry Gwynn on the right, Ken Veney in the middle and me on the left.
So 25 years later I couldn’t resist another photo of the three of us together at the banquet!
Ken continued on building race car parts and engines, Jerry continues to works with his son Darrell’s Foundation and I continue to teach new racers at our drag racing school.
We’re missing the hats, team shirts and a driving suit, but here we are…then and now!
Bobby Bennett from Competition Plus, has put together a series of great interviews and I was very pleased to have been included in this group. Hope you enjoy the video!
Frank
The months of January and February have kept us busy helping people obtain their goal of earning their NHRA Super Comp, Super Gas and Nostalgia Funny Car licenses!
It is always interesting to note the wide range of experience of the people attending the School…some were grads upgrading their licenses, some had been racing 10 and 11 second cars, some were moving up from Jr. Dragster, and some had never been in a race car before!
We are pleased that Sunoco Race Fuels will power all the School’s race cars in 2015! The Chevy engines in the school’s Super Comp and Super Gas cars will be burning Sunoco 110, while the Alcohol cars will be powered by Sunoco Methanol and Southern Racing Fuels will be making sure plenty of product is on hand for every driving course. Thank you to Sunoco Race Fuels and Southern Racing Fuels for your support!
Two of our grads raced the Schools dragsters in the NHRA Division 2 event and will be trying to win some rounds at the Gatornationals in the Super Comp field!
In addition to our regular license classes in SC/SG, Top Dragster, Nostalgia FC, and the Alky category, we have a number of Dragster Adventures on the calendar. The Dragster Adventures are great fun for you, your friends, your employees or your customers. It will provide a most memorable day on the race track!
Contact us for info on any of our classes and we hope to see you in the driver’s seat at the School soon!
Sunoco Race Fuels will help to power every race car at Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School in 2015!
“We are excited that Sunoco will be working with us to provide a quality product so our customers can be assured of strong, consistent performances whether they are behind the wheel of one of our Adventure Dragsters or blasting down the track in a Top Alcohol Funny Car!
The Chevy engines in the school’s Super Comp and Super Gas cars will be burning Sunoco 110, while the Alcohol cars will be powered by Sunoco Methanol and Southern Racing Fuels will be making sure plenty of product is on hand for every driving course.
If you’re interested in feeling the power that Sunoco Race Fuels can produce…call Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School and experience it!
www.frankhawley.com
866-480-7223
Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School will start its 2014 West Coast season at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Chandler, AZ. The world’s premiere Drag School will be conducting Super Comp and Super Gas Competition licensing classes on March 2-3, 2015 and the increasingly popular Dragster Adventure on March 4, 2015.
“We are excited to be heading to Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Phoenix this winter. The weather in Phoenix around that time of year is spectacular. We will be running our classes following the NHRA Divisional race, so race fans from around the country can have a total motorsports experience. They can watch the races and then do some driving themselves,” said Hawley, owner and chief instructor of the school.
Hawley points out that the competition course which can provide drivers with an NHRA 4A or 4B competition license is not just for those who want to go racing. “In every class we have ever held we have had experience levels that ranged from veterans to folks that have never staged a car,” said Hawley. “Over the years we have worked very hard to develop a curriculum that never talked over someone’s head. I have always believed it is essential that we offered classes where everyone felt comfortable no matter their age or gender and that we provided an atmosphere where each person could enjoy themselves,” added Hawley. Racers can also choose to attend one of Hawley’s lectures on ‘Personal Performance Development’ which is offered as part of the Competition classes. Many of today’s top professional and sportsman racers have attended and greatly benefitted from Hawley’s teachings.
On March 4th you, your friends, your employees or your customers can enjoy the 10-second Dragster Adventure or race side-by-side in the Dragster Adventure Challenge! No experience necessary and you can book the program on-line!
So whether you want to earn your license, improve your skills, check one off your “Bucket List”, upgrade your current license, or try the new Dragster Adventure with Side-By-Side Racing, we hope you’ll join us in Phoenix for an experience you’ll remember forever!
Here’s a few quotes from some of last year’s Phoenix grads:
“Best experience I’ve ever given myself! I would be forever blessed if I only retained even a quarter of what I heard & learned… Thank you!” Windy
“I just want to drop you a short note to thank you all and most of all Frank for giving me opportunity to get my License. I learned a lot in class and a lot of it I have applied to my business (American Walk in Coolers) the idea of staying calm and not to over react to things that happen which are out of our control was great, there was a ton of other things I leaned and I thank you Frank, It was all good stuff.” Gene
“ I wanted to thank everyone at the school for their help and a special thanks to Frank . I ran my first race this past weekend and ended up going to the finals with over 30 cars in the field and finished runner up running a super pro class with a local drag club.” David
Follow Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing school on Facebook and Twitter @frankhawleydrs
Recently five US Navy SEALS based at the Naval Special Operations base in Coronado, CA visited Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School at Auto Club Dragway in Fontana, CA. The SEALS were invited as part of a program conducted by Mickey Thompson Tires.
ily there cheering on the next generation driver,” continued Hawley. “Alex made it to the semi-final round but the high light of the day had to be a special unplanned one run match race between Alex and his dad Chris. Dad won! It was a lot of fun for all of us.”
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