Mickey Thompson’s Annual Dragster Adventure Challenge Heats Ups at Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School

Written by Ainsley Jacobs

Each year, Mickey Thompson Performance Tires and Wheels honors its hardworking employees and dedicated dealers and distributors by sending a group to Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School to participate in the thrilling Dragster Adventure Challenge. For 2024, the event was held on July 9 at the iconic Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio, and it was Wheel Pros’ Dan Pack who came out on top.

Mickey Thompson has been partnered with the School since 1999 as the official tire supplier for all the vehicles involved in Frank Hawley’s program, and the fun Dragster Adventure Challenge allows anyone to enjoy the exhilaration of piloting a dragster without the requirements of becoming a licensed racer. Available to both the general public as well as corporations looking for unique teambuilding outings, the Dragster Adventure Challenge is available at various tracks all around the country throughout the year.

“We have been working with Mickey Thompson’s team for 25 years, and have enjoyed growing the relationship during that time,” said Frank Hawley, founder of the School. “Letting M/T’s employees and customers participate in our Dragster Adventure Challenge Program and give many folks their first chance to strap into a dragster and power down the quarter-mile is a real honor.”

With a full field of 16 participants, eight of which were Mickey Thompson customers, the group had an absolute blast rocketing down “America’s Racetrack” and participating in a simulated competition.

“We had a fantastic customer turnout and had some new employees participate, a few of whom have raced on their own but this gave them formal education on racing,” shared Jason Moulton, Director of Motorsports at Mickey Thompson Performance Tires and Wheels. A few Goodyear employees, Mickey Thompson’s parent company, were new to drag racing altogether and they were lucky enough to participate in the program and get that “on track” feel as they continue their careers. “We’re taking people that either work with our product or sell it and are letting them experience it in a real race car at one of the best facilities and with one of the best schools out there. Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School is first-class – everyone always has a great time!”

After receiving instruction and training on how to drive the full-size, competition-style dragsters capable of going 0-60 MPH in 3 seconds and surpassing speeds of 130 MPH in the quarter-mile, Mickey Thompson’s esteemed team was paired by chip draw for a 16-car eliminations ladder. Participants got to experience the excitement of staging side-by-side, perfecting their reaction times, and flying to the finish line. The competition was friendly yet fierce, and the final round saw M/T customer Dan Pack, a sales representative for Wheel Pros (a division of Hoonigan), awarded the trophy over the race’s second-place finisher and Goodyear engineer, Joe Ciarniello.

“Going to Frank Hawley’s School was an amazing experience,” said Pack. “Not only to drive the cars and feel the adrenaline with the Gs and speed, but to meet a legend in the motorsports industry. Big thanks to Mickey Thompson!”

In addition to giving back to the folks who make Mickey Thompson’s business operations run smoothly, the Dragster Adventure Challenge and all of Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School’s other classes provide Mickey Thompson with valuable product testing data.

“The School runs our tires in real-world settings and at multiple tracks, and that provides us great feedback on how our products perform in different conditions which helps us generate new ideas going forward and gives us opportunities for continuous improvement,” added Moulton. Additionally, students of the School experience Mickey Thompson’s performance tires firsthand, which gives them the confidence to trust the products with their own racing or performance programs.

Together, Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School and Mickey Thompson provide true “bucket list” moments not just for the lucky few selected to attend M/T’s annual event, but for anyone who’s ever dreamed of driving a dragster or drag car.

Make the most of Frank Hawley’s legendary lectures and incredible insights by bringing the School straight to your local drag strip for the ultimate learning experience!

That’s right – now you can attend the famed Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School at your home track, drive your very own vehicle, and receive real-time feedback and instruction specific to your individual needs.

Fine-tune your program with advice and guidance from the experts while maximizing Hawley’s priceless lessons, all without the expense or hassle of having to haul to a distant location and earn your competition license behind the wheel of your car. This unique opportunity gives you the benefit of immediately transitioning your newfound insights into real-world advantages!

Enjoy the same championship-caliber instruction from the master himself, Frank Hawley, that thousands of amateur racers, professional drivers, and countless winners have used over the years to improve their skills.

Hawley and his trusted team of talented staff will be on-site at your location for the School’s famous classroom sessions, on-track segments, video reviews of runs, and expert guidance that has become the core of each licensing class.

Additionally, Hawley’s experienced staff can offer assistance with your tune-up, suspension, electronics, and more if you would like some help there, too.

This program is perfect for track operators who want to enable their racers to become better and safer competitors, and it’s also a fantastic opportunity for racers or groups of friends to get together and participate in their very own Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School at their local track!

Pricing is custom-tailored to your exact needs and varies depending on location, duration, number of attendees, and other options selected for inclusion.

www.frankhawley.com

866-480-7223

For twenty years, Summit Racing Equipment has helped Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School turn dreams into reality. From grassroots-level racers looking to check a big item off their bucket lists to professional drivers hoping to hone their skills, the School has seen tens of thousands of enthusiasts blast down the drag strip – and the privilege of doing so is made possible thanks in part to Summit’s ongoing support.

Since it was founded in 1985, the School has often seen students come back for additional courses to refresh what they’ve already learned, obtain a more advanced license, or to have their children attend and follow in their footsteps. Summit teamed up with Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School in 2004 and has supplied many pieces of the operational puzzle, from mechanical and maintenance parts to driver safety equipment and more, in the twenty years that followed.

“Frank [Hawley] has a great program that contributes so much to the drag racing community. It’s amazing how many champions have been through his School,” said Jim Greenleaf, Motorsports & Events Manager at Summit. “Frank is well respected, and Summit is proud to give back to the racers – the sportsmen, the DIYers, the backyarders, the dreamers – by partnering with his program.”

The partnership is a great match for all involved, as the School’s students benefit from using high-quality components, Summit benefits from getting its products directly in front of its customers, and the School’s students also benefit as well as Summit provides each and every participant with a special discount coupon which they can use at Summit Racing Equipment, the World’s Speed Shop®.

“Summit is the leader in our industry. They offer the most parts at the best prices with the fastest delivery, and their customer service is the best. We know – since we rely on them for hundreds of purchases each year,” affirmed Frank Hawley, the School’s founder and owner. “We value our long-term relationship with Summit tremendously.”

Over the last two decades, Summit’s commitment to supporting the drag racing community through its support of Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School has helped countless men and women achieve their goals. From experiencing the thrill of driving a dragster for the first time or dialing in their driving ability in a door car, every student of the School can feel safe and confident knowing that the best parts from Summit Racing Equipment are along for the ride.

Written by Ainsley Jacobs

For nearly forty years, Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School has helped tens of thousands of aspiring and professional drag racers sharpen their skills. And, for the last twenty years as well as for the foreseeable future, Lucas Oil Products has supplied all of the oils and fluids to keep the School’s cars running reliably.

From dragsters to door cars, Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School lets lucky students drive them all. As countless laps down the dragstrips can cause wear and tear on parts and equipment, it’s critical to keep each machine operating at its peak; Lucas Oil’s line of top-quality lubricants has proven to be a valued component in the School’s success.

“The drivers who come through Frank Hawley’s School are the future of drag racing,” said Brandon Bernstein, Director of Partnership Marketing at Lucas Oil Products, who appreciates the fun yet safe and professional environment the School provides its attendees. “In addition to pro and sportsman racers getting to fulfill their dreams, it’s great to see that everyday individuals can come out and get a Super Comp or Alcohol license, too.”

 In the early 2000s, Lucas Oil Products partnered with Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School and the strength of the synergy has been beneficial for both entities. In addition to providing the motor oils, gear oils, additives, and lubricants to keep all of the School’s vehicles operating in top shape, the collaborative effort cultivates confidence in customers by showcasing the quality of Lucas’s products via firsthand experience.

“Lucas Oil has been a great supporter of our sport for decades and we’ve trusted their products to protect our engines for many years,” added the School’s founder, Frank Hawley.

Lucas Oil Products has officially extended its relationship with Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School into 2024 with a commitment that’s great for everyone involved. After almost two decades have gone by, Lucas and Hawley are still marching forward together to provide dream-come-true opportunities to drag racers of all ages and experience levels.

Written by Ainsley Jacobs

Where will you join us in 2024?

While we still have a few seats left in our December 2023 classes, we’re excited to let everyone know all the 2024 dates we have confirmed so far!

We’ll continue to run our 2-day SC/SG Competition License Class, along with our fun Dragster Adventure at Gainesville Raceway and most of our travel stops.  The Adventure program is a great idea for corporate groups too!  And for those wanting to move up, additional alcohol funny car and dragster dates will still be available on request at our home track in Gainesville, FL.

Gainesville Raceway  – currently scheduled – January 16-17, 2024; January 23-24, 2024;  February 6-7, 2024;  March 12-13, 2024 (after Gatornationals);  March 19-20, 2024 or March 26-27;  Dragster Adventure Dates are March 14, 2024 or March 22, 2024 – more 2024 dates coming soon!

The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway – April 22-23, 2024 and April 24-25, 2024 – SC/SG Competition License Classes

Tucson Dragway – April 30, 2024 Dragster Adventure and May 1-2, 2024 SC/SG Competition License Class

WWT Raceway – June 7, 2024 Dragster Adventure and June 8-9, 2024 SC/SG Competition License Class

Summit Motorsports Park – July 8, 2024 Dragster Adventure and July 10-11, 2024 SC/SG Competition License Class

zMax Dragway – July 24, 2024 Dragster Adventure and July 25-26, 2024 SC/SG Competition License Class

Maple Grove Raceway – August 19, 2024 Dragster Adventure and August 20-21, 2024 SC/SG Competition License Class

Call us at 866-480-7223 and talk to Jeff Arend x103 or Paul Shields x102 with any questions you have about any of our programs! 

Alcohol dates on request, although we do have some confirmed already at www.frankhawley.com 

You can also purchase the Dragster Adventure online at https://frankhawley.com/booking-dates/

We look forward to seeing you at a class soon!

www.frankhawley.co

866-480-7223

Arianna Brown Attends Frank Hawley’s, Follows Family Traditions on Track

Growing up in the shadow of her multi-time NHRA Top Fuel champion father, Antron Brown, 21-year-old Arianna Brown never had a problem finding her own light with which to shine. Now, Arianna is busy building the life of her dreams – and that life definitely includes a big dose of drag racing.

Arianna raced in the NHRA Junior Dragster program when she was young, but the Brownsburg, Indiana, native took a few years off in her late teens to focus on school as well as her competitive dance career. “I’ve always had an interest in racing,” explained Arianna, “but I know I can’t dance forever so I chased that first.”

Ready to move up from her half-scale dragster to a full-size competition vehicle and follow in both her father’s and her brother Anson’s footsteps as both previously completed courses at Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School, Arianna recently attended so that she could obtain her NHRA Super Comp license and open the door of opportunity for a future filled with fast-paced action.

Thanks to her experience in the Junior ranks, Arianna had a good handle on what to expect but still took the time to actively prepare prior to starting the 2-day Super Comp course. “I thought it would be all professionals and experienced racers, but I was happy to see it was a good mix of people – some who hadn’t touched a car ever before and some refreshing their skills, and it made me feel comfortable,” she shared of her initial experience. “Nobody realized I was Antron Brown’s daughter at first, too, which was pretty funny.”

In the classroom, Frank Hawley’s candor and comforting personality made Arianna feel right at home, too. “He made sure we knew everything before we got in the car so that we would be safe,” said Arianna. “It reminded me of how I feel with my dad.”

For her first pass on the track, Arianna was both excited as well as nervous. She related the experience to a dance routine and went through the process of completing all the steps she had learned in order, and the result was nothing short of thrilling. “It was a light switch moment for me… this is where I want to be, so why didn’t I do this sooner?” she proclaimed.

After each run, Arianna and her classmates, including Joe Maynard whose family co-owns Don Schumacher Racing’s Top Fuel team, headed back to the classroom to watch their videos and review their performances; she was surprised to see how straight she was able to pilot the dragster down the track, even while topping speeds of 160 mph.

“I remember many years ago when Antron came and drove our Alcohol dragster. He was amazingly good, considering he had never raced those cars,” reminisced Hawley. Since then, Antron has returned with two of his children and has clearly passed on his skills. “Both of them did remarkably well. Anson had immediate success, winning his first two races! I can’t wait to see how Arianna will do. I wish her well!”

Although Arianna absolutely loved the thrill of blasting down 1,320 feet of pavement and having all of the attention on her instead of on her father for a change. “I especially enjoyed Frank’s lectures on the psychology of success. I can apply those lessons and insights to all areas of my life, including dance,” she affirmed.

Looking ahead to what will assuredly be a very bright future for Arianna, the ambitious young woman hopes to both own her a dance studio and maintain a racing career on the weekends with her father’s AB Motorsports team. “I don’t think I’ll be able to die happy if I don’t try Top Fuel at least once,” she laughed. “But, for now, I’m planning to do some bracket races around the Indy area and in the Midwest with my brother.”

Written by Ainsley Jacobs.

Seats in Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School courses are limited and sell out quickly. To reserve, please call 866-480-7223! For more information on all upcoming class dates and locations, visit www.FrankHawley.com.

Three Generations of Kalitta Family Racers Visit Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School

It was a momentous occasion as Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School hosted three generations of Kalitta family racers in July of 2023 and enabled the latest group to fast-track their own drag racing careers.

Held at the iconic Summit Motorsports Park facility in Norwalk, Ohio, Hawley’s popular NHRA Super Comp dragster licensing course welcomed future stars of the sport, veteran NHRA Top Fuel competitor, Doug Kalitta’s 22-year-old son, Mitchell, the late multi-time NHRA Top Fuel champion Scott Kalitta’s 23-year-old son, Colin, and 28-year-old Kalitta Motorsports’ Marketing Manager, Luke Fath.

The famous Florida-based drag racing dynasty also surprised School staff and attendees, as Doug brought his uncle, the legendary “Bounty Hunter” Connie Kalitta, along for a visit. Kalitta, a storied NHRA Top Fuel competitor with a list of accolades a mile long including being inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America as well as the first-ever recipient of the NHRA’s Lifetime Achievement Award, appreciated seeing the family tradition he started being passed down.

“When I was a kid, I had photos of Connie’s Top Fuel cars on my bedroom wall. I always wanted to become a professional drag racer,” remembered Frank Hawley, the School’s owner.  “Having both Connie and Doug there was a treat for everyone.”

Mitchell, Colin, and Luke all enjoyed driving the School’s Super Comp dragsters and did quite well. “They had fun and it was good to get them more seat time,” said Doug, who graduated from Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School many years ago. “Frank [Hawley] is the best at instruction and does a great job. I’d highly recommend his School to anyone that wants to drive any type of drag car.”

Although both Mitchell and Colin had driven Junior Dragsters previously, the young men were astonished by how quickly the full-size cars accelerated in comparison. Luke, too, benefitted from the eye-opening experience from a different perspective and walked away with a better understanding of what goes on behind the wheel.

“I’ve been around Top Fuel cars since I was 12 years old and have always seen Super Comp cars in the lanes, but it was intimidating to get in the car and put it on the transbrake and let go of the button,” Luke shared of how he garnered a whole new respect for Sportsman drivers when he felt the thrill of speed for himself. Plus, having his mentors Doug and Connie standing by watching made it a fairly surreal situation overall. “This really changed the way I view what these guys do. It’s addicting.”

There’s a definite interest for the next generation of Kalitta men to continue their own drag racing careers, so it’s not unlikely they may end up back at it if the right situation becomes available. “It was great to have Mitchell, Colin, and Luke attend our program,” noted Frank. “They all did a great job and I look forward to seeing them get a chance to go racing.”

Everyone in attendance, including Connie, liked their time at the track. “Connie was impressed with what Frank’s got going on and what he did for the three boys,” added Doug.

Written by Ainsley Jacobs.

For more information on all upcoming class dates and locations, visit www.frankhawley.com or call 866-480-7223!

Competition License Classes at Vegas – May 1-2 or May 3-4!

One of our favorite west coast race tracks in the country is The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway!  It’s a great place to enjoy everything from restaurants, nightlife, Valley of Fire, mountains, Grand Canyon, and more AND lay down some fast runs at the dragstrip!  Drive our Super Comp or Super Gas race cars or contact us about bringing your own hot rod to class.  

Make a family trip of it and come and join us in Vegas!

Seats are limited and courses sell out quickly.  To reserve, 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 

We are very grateful for all the friendships and relationships we have made in the past and we look forward to making more!  Thank you for your support and patronage of the School!  We hope to see you at a class in 2023 and wish you a very Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with peace, love and joy!

Merry Christmas and the Happiest of Holidays 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

 www.frankhawley.com

866-480-7223

Check our website for a class near you!  And please follow us on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram !

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

Mickey Thompson Celebrates Staff and Customers with Dragster Adventure at Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School

Written by Ainsley Jacobs

For more than twenty years, Mickey Thompson Performance Tires and Wheels has been the official tire supplier of Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School. In addition to knowing the importance of providing the best racing rubber to its customers, M/T knows the importance of appreciating its hardworking employees. Every year, the company honors a select group by sending them to the School to participate in the popular Dragster Adventure Challenge.

Frank Hawley’s Dragster Adventure Challenge was specifically designed as a fun course to give enthusiasts the chance to drive a dragster – and also compete in a side-by-side race – without the stringent requirements of becoming a licensed racer. Available to the general public and to corporations at various dragstrips across the country, it’s an incredible opportunity for people of all ages and backgrounds.

The full-sized, competition-style cars are capable of running 0-60 mph in 3-seconds at speeds upwards of 130 mph in the quarter-mile. Like all of the cars at Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School, each one depends on Mickey Thompson’s American-made rubber to get them down the track safely, consistently, and quickly.

On July 12, 2022, Mickey Thompson brought sixteen of its lucky staff and customers to Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio, for a special day of excitement. Additionally, since Goodyear acquired Mickey Thompson when it purchased its parent company, Cooper Tire & Rubber, in 2021, several Goodyear engineers were invited to attend so that they could experience the M/T performance drag racing side of things.

“We’ve had a lot of discussions on how we can improve our products, both for our racers and Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School. Getting the Goodyear team out to race gave them a different perspective on things,” noted Jason Moulton, Director of Motorsports at Mickey Thompson. Moulton believes that perspective is the key to helping people understand the importance of their role in every process, whether it’s manufacturing or drag racing. “For our customers, we enjoy showing them why we work so hard to deliver the best performance with our race tires.”

Owner and founder of the School, Frank Hawley, has also enjoyed the longstanding relationship with Mickey Thompson. “In addition to the fantastic products that they manufacture, Mickey Thompson has assembled a great group of people,” shared Hawley. “Jason [Moulton] and his team consistently produce for us and our students, and we’re looking forward to many more years with M/T’s tires performing so well for our customers.”

Moulton wasn’t scheduled to participate in this outing, however, when another driver had to cancel at the last minute, he eagerly stepped in. “It was a great experience and helped me better understand what it’s like to drive from the customer’s perspective,” noted the man who also got an updated, firsthand look at M/T’s tire performance and consistency. “Plus, who doesn’t want to get in a car and go ripping down the track? It’s always a thrill, and the School’s instruction and equipment are top-notch!”

For Moulton, his favorite moments from the day weren’t centered around his time behind the wheel – instead, he loves seeing the sheer joy on a new racer’s face after making their first run. “Participating in a program like this is something that everyone absolutely needs to try,” he affirmed.

Of the group, which included seasoned racers like Moulton as well as rookies, it was Saiyd Drake, a 22-year-old M/T warehouse associate and first-time racer, who went on to win the Dragster Adventure Challenge race outright.

“It caught me a little off-guard since I wasn’t used to going that fast,” laughed Drake, who appreciated using the same tires he handles daily. “Frank and his team told me to focus on my reaction time, not to be nervous, and to go for it when I saw the lights [on the tree] change.”

Drake showed true natural talent and the School’s program helped him turn on several win lights in a row as he progressed through the friendly competition. Although the unexpected final round win itself “felt great and was amazing,” Drake especially enjoyed talking with the other racers and the School’s staff. “I loved it and would like to race more,” he added happily.

Whether it’s beginners like Drake or frequent competitors, Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School offers tons of amazing opportunities to strap into the driver’s seat and blast down the track. From the NHRA and IHRA licensing courses to the no-experience-required Dragster Adventure Challenge, everyone who attends will get the bonus of rolling on a set of Mikey Thompson’s iconic tires.

866-480-7223

www.frankhawley.com