We love running our race cars and we love watching people drive them, and lately we’ve been doing a lot of both!  Some people were driving a race car for the first time and others wanted to move up the ranks and learn how to handle faster machines.  In the past few months we’ve seen it all.  From running corporate classes to teaching US Navy Seals and Hollywood celebrities like Jay Leno to helping a guy achieve his life-long dream to drive a NHRA Nitro Funny car…it’s been a lot of fun.

One of our best moments was working with a group of active US Navy Seals at our school in Fontana.  The group was hosted by Mickey Thompson Tires.  M/T is a big supporter of the US Armed Forces and bringing these guys out was quite a thrill.  The Seals had a great time driving and we had a great time visiting with them.

Another highlight was working with a star like Jay Leno.  Jay has a new show called “Jay Leno’s Garage” which airs on NBC.  The show’s producers contacted us about filming a segment in which Jay learns how to drive a Super Comp dragster.  The show also featured the “not yet in production” 2016 SS Camaro.  It was great to have our former student and current Pro Stock NHRA world Champ Erica Enders show up to help with the class.  We were asked not to divulge anything about Jay’s on track performance until the show airs in October.  We’ll let you know when it will be on and then give you a little behind the scenes story as well.  Thanks to Jay and all his staff…. great people!

Companies have been bringing their customers and employees to the school for some great side-by-side racing action in our Dragster Adventure programs.  A group of designers and engineers from New Balance shoes showed up.  New Balance is working on shoe designs that can enhance a runner’s acceleration and wanted to experience some acceleration “dragster style” before sitting in on a lecture Frank gave on the physiology of human reaction time.

The school of course travels to many locations and the MAC TOOL company recently invited us to ZMax Dragway in Charlotte where MAC assembled a group of their top dealers from the US and Canada for a day of dragster racing.  The on-track action was awesome and the racing was crazy close.

And then there are guys like Jim Campbell.  Jim is a firefighter and works in relief efforts at major disasters around the globe.  But he had a dream of one day driving an NHRA Nitro Funny Car.  Dream BIG… right?  Well, he did it.  We got Jim through a couple of our programs and “up to speed” in our Nostalgia Funny Car.  That earned him the chance to try out the “big” car.  Last week with Jeff Arend and Del Worsham at his side Jim made his qualifying passes in the Worsham car and earned his Nitro FC license.  How cool!!

In addition to all of this we have been fulfilling lots of other dreams for folks that want to scratch something off their “bucket list”, just have some fast fun or find a shorter route to the winner’s circle.

Class pictures follow from our popular two-day Super Comp/Super Gas license programs conducted at Auto Plus Raceway in Gainesville, FL, our West Coast home at Auto Club Dragway in Fontana, CA, Royal Purple Raceway in Houston, TX and Bandimere Speedway in Denver, CO.

Quotes from some of our recent grads:

~ Thank you for a great course at Fontana.  You and all your team really helped us to learn in a methodical manner conducive to learning a lot about driving and perhaps more about life.  In addition to my formula car racing I am very interested in periodically doing Super Comp runs in your dragsters. I have wanted to drive a dragster since I first saw them up close at Keystone Dragways outside of Winnipeg at the age of ten and thanks to you I finally reached that goal! Paul Coleman, SC grad

~The School was so much more than anticipated, like one of Frank’s talks, “I didn’t know what I didn’t know”. I really can’t imagine as a new car owner and driver how long it would be before I had the level of confidence and experience I gained from the Frank Hawley School. I really believe Franks driving course, classroom talks and driving instructions will be a huge part in successful driving and enjoying the sport.   Greg Moore, SG grad

~ Anybody who wants to learn how to drive a race car would be foolish not to take your class. The experts that you have working for you are the best.  From Jack Beckman, Jeff Arend, Jimmy, Matt and Derek, because of all of you, I have achieved my dream in becoming a Fuel Funny Car Driver.   Jim Campbell, NFC grad

~ I just wanted to thank you for helping me “clear the clutter”.  Yesterday I made it to the final of our AFX group at the NAPA Night of Fire and Thunder at Bandimere I’ve never made a final before. I did lose the final in a double breakout race but I gave it hell and lost by a micro second. It was a huge crowd and lots of folks attending that are family and friends. Lots of pressure. Lol!! I credit you and all that you taught us. For the most part I stayed on task and clear of distraction.  Brad Shaffer, SG grad

Contact us for more information on any of our programs or to schedule your date!

www.frankhawley.com

866-480-7223

This week I had the opportunity to help Jay Leno learn to drive a dragster for a segment on his show “Jay Leno’s Garage”!  Everyone in America knows the name “Jay Leno” and most likely everyone knows that Jay is a huge fan of the automobile.  His personal collection of cars is one of the largest and most impressive in the country.  Jay loves new cars, old cars, fast cars, slow cars and race cars.  And he loves to drive them!  So when the folks from the television show “Jay Leno’s Garage” called me and said Jay wanted to learn to drive a dragster… I jumped at the chance to work with him!

Although Mr. Leno has a lot of experience in fast cars, I thought I could use a little help with the instruction, so my friend, former student and current NHRA Pro Stock World Champion Erica Enders stopped by to give me a hand.  As a bonus, Erica showed up driving a brand new, not yet in production 2016 SS Camaro…and I got to drive it!  We had an absolute blast and Jay and his team were a joy to work with.  The location was Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School’s west coast home at Auto Club Dragway in Fontana and it was possibly one of the most memorable days I’ve had at a drag strip.

While you’re waiting for our show check out “Jay Leno’s Garage” on-line and take a look at all the other great cars Jay has gotten to drive in the past season.

The details and the outcome of Jay’s performance on the track won’t be released until the show goes on air in October but we’ll stay in touch with everyone and let you know an exact air time.  It’s going to be a great show… you really don’t want to miss it.

Frank

www.frankhawley.com

866-480-7223

Much like the man himself, Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School has been to race tracks everywhere, forming partnerships with the biggest names in motorsports.  One of the school’s long-time relationships is with Mickey Thompson Performance Tires, founded in 1963 by Mickey Thompson and Gene McMannis.  Both drivers held numerous records in various forms of racing and that desire for speed continues throughout the company today.

Recently at a Frank Hawley Drag Racing School event for Mickey Thompson customers at the Auto Club Dragway in Fontana, CA several customers and special guests got a chance to get behind the wheel of Hawley’s Adventure Dragsters for some ‘side-by-side’ racing action.

“Over the years Mickey Thompson Tires has entertained hundreds of folks at Frank Hawley’s,” said Mickey Thompson sales support/training specialist Kirk Fenn.  “The thrill of racing dragsters provides our guests with memories that will last a lifetime.  We love the relationship we have with Frank Hawley’s.”

After completing practice runs in the morning drivers were paired off for eliminations.  The eventual winner was Paul Giddings from SoCal Auto Style in Wildomar, CA.

“This was one of the most exciting events I’ve been to,” said Giddings.  “Even a month later I’m still showing friends and family the videos we took.  My heart was pounding as we staged the cars for the final.  I was thrilled when I saw my win light come on!”

“I would recommend this to anyone with a driver’s license,” Giddings said.  “I have always loved cars and this was one more check off the bucket list.”

Check out some previous Challenge Winners HERE!

To book your own adventure, visit www.frankhawley.com to see when we’ll be at a track near you or contact us to schedule your own group day at 866-480-7223!  Follow us on our official page on Facebook at facebook.com/FrankHawleysDragRacingSchool!

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

How would you like to earn your NHRA competition racing license…or challenge your friends in a side-by-side dragster competition…or just feel the amazing rush of adrenaline when you’re flying down the 1/4 mile behind the wheel of a dragster?  If you want to get the best training in the country and better prepare yourself for competition or you just want to check “drive a dragster” off your bucket list, then please check us out.  Dragster Adventure programs start at just $399!

I’m inviting you to join me and my team when we host Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School classes at Denver and St. Louis in June.  Bandimere Speedway (Denver, CO) June 10-12 and Gateway Motorsports Park (St. Louis, MO) June 17-19 are premiere NHRA National event race tracks and offer world class racing surfaces and all the amenities you’d expect. Space is limited, so call us at 866-480-7223 today to reserve your seat in the SC, SG or Bring your own car class or book the Dragster Adventure on-line!

Here’s what some of our recent grads had to say:

“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! 

www.frankhawley.com

866-480-7223

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!

Don’t miss the opportunity for you, your friends, your employees, or your customers to race in Side-by-Side Competition!  Whether it is a life-long dream to drive a dragster or you’re looking for that special way to entertain clients or customers – this program is for you!   Dragster Adventure Programs start at $399!

Here’s what some of our Dragster Adventure Challenge Winners had to say…

“Best day ever, I never drove down the quarter mile and the staff taught me how to do it…I won, if I can win, anyone can win…Great Day!”

“It was the best time we’ve ever had!”

“Thank you Frank for allowing our life-long dream to come true!”

“Words alone cannot convey the depth of my appreciation for the chance to experience what I did today…”

“We had a fantastic time and it definitely was a moral boost to our team and money well spent.”

The next Dragster Adventure is March 27th at Auto Plus Raceway in Gainesville, FL!  We have Adventure dates coming up at the following tracks – Auto Club Dragway in Fontana, CA; Royal Purple Raceway in Houston, TX; Bandimere Speedway in Denver, CO; Gateway Motorsports Park in St. Louis, MO; Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, OH; and Maple Grove Raceway in Reading, PA.

Seats are limited, so contact us or buy on-line!

www.frankhawley.com

866-480-7223

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!

www.frankhawley.com

866-480-7223

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 4^th 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!

Check us out at www.frankhawley.com or call us at 866.480.7223!

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