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
So whether you’re looking to earn your competition license, improve your skills, check one off your “Bucket List” or upgrade your current license, please give us a call and we’d love to help.
Or maybe you, you and your friends, your employees or your customers would like to try the Dragster Adventure or Dragster Adventure Challenge with Side-by-Side Racing! Adventure grads say it’s the most exciting experience of their lives!
We’re calling on all our grads that are racing to send us their updates and we’ll post them on our Facebook page. If you haven’t already “Liked” our Facebook page, please do.
Wishing you all a fantastic year on and off the racetrack and look forward to hearing from you in 2015!
Contact us at:
866-480-7223 — Paul Shields x102 or Jeff Arend x103
www.frankhawley.com
Our friends at John Force Racing put this video together for us after the Corporate Day we did for them in Las Vegas this summer.
Click on the video link below to view – you’ll love the ending with John and myself! Enjoy!
The Dragster Adventure Challenge with Side-by-Side Racing works great for a corporate day. There are lots of options and track locations available. Contact us and let us help you put together an unforgettable day for your company or group!
And don’t forget you can visit us in Gainesville this fall and winter and enjoy the Florida sunshine! We will be running our popular “New Year’s” class on December 30-31, 2014, where you can earn your competition license in your car or our Super Comp or Super Gas cars to 7.50!
November 4-5, 2014 Super Comp/Super Gas – Gainesville, FL
November 19-20, 2014 Top Alcohol Dragster – Gainesville, FL
December 2-3, 2014 Super Comp/Super Gas – Gainesville, FL
December 4-5, 2014 Pro Stock Motorcycle – Gainesville, FL
December 4-5, 2014 Top Dragster – Gainesville, FL
December 30-31, 2014 Super Comp/Super Gas – Gainesville, FL
January 20-21, 2015 Super Comp/Super Gas – Gainesville, FL
January 22-23, 2015 Top Dragster – Gainesville, FL
February 3-4, 2015 TD/FC/Alky – Gainesville, FL
February 10-11, 2015 Super Comp/Super Gas – Gainesville, FL
March 2-3, 2015 Super Comp/Super Gas – PHOENIX, AZ March 4, 2015 Dragster Adventure – PHOENIX, AZ
March 17-18, 2015 Super Comp/Super Gas – Gainesville, FL
March 19, 2015 Dragster Adventure – Gainesville, FL
March 24-25, 2015 TD/FC/Alky – Gainesville, FL
April 15-16, 2015 Super Comp/Super Gas – FONTANA, CA April 17, 2015 Dragster Adventure – FONTANA, CA
June 10-11, 2015 Super Comp/Super Gas – DENVER, CO June 12, 2015 Dragster Adventure – DENVER, CO
June 17-18, 2015 Super Comp/Super Gas – ST. LOUIS, MO June 19, 2015 Dragster Adventure – ST. LOUIS, MO
July 20-21, 2015 Super Comp/Super Gas – NORWALK, OH July 23, 2015 Dragster Adventure – NORWALK, OH July 24, 2015 Dragster Adventure – NORWALK, OH
Additional Top Dragster/Alcohol dates on request…
More 2015 dates coming soon!
Contact us at 866-480-7223
www.frankhawley.com
Nostalgia drag racing has experienced tremendous growth over the last several years and one of the most popular categories is Nostalgia Funny Car. With so many new teams and drivers entering this class, Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School is now offering training specifically for aspiring Nostalgia Funny Car drivers. “We’ve offered training in both Alcohol Funny Cars and Dragsters for years,” said Hawley. “Many of today’s NHRA Pros trained at our TAFC program before entering the NHRA Nitro Funny Car class. Over the last few years we’ve also licensed several drivers in our alcohol cars that were headed to the Nostalgia class. There are however a few differences between driving a pedal clutch, 3-speed alcohol car and a centrifugal clutch car. So we have developed a program that will provide drivers with the exact same routine they will be using in the Nostalgia cars. The car is set up to drive like a Nostalgia car, complete with a Crower centrifugal clutch.” “I had a great time racing the Chi-Town Hustler with Austin Coil back in the 80s. Those cars were a blast to drive. And I even got a chance the past few years to get behind the wheel of the restored Chi-Town Hustler owned by Troy Martin. It’ll be a lot of fun to help drivers get up to speed to race in the Nostalgia Funny Car class. Also, the class will prepare and license drivers for any fast 125″ wheelbase car. There are many drivers that race these cars in an index class and this will be the perfect program to get them started in the right direction,” said Hawley. If you’d like more information on this or any other program, contact the school at 866-480-7223.
Seems our last news left off with us heading to Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, OH where we had a terrific license class and Adventure program! Our 2-day license class had a range of experienced racers bringing their own cars to students just getting started.
Next, our guys headed to Seattle for media rides for the 3rd Annual Rainier Cup at Pacific Raceways during the NHRA O’Reilly Northwest Nationals, followed by a great Super Comp/Super Gas licensing class the following week.
“I was impressed with how well everyone progresses in a short time. As a 35 plus year veteran of bracket racing I picked up some pointers and had a great time. Frank does a great job of keeping your attention politely explaining mistakes and also telling them they did good also.” ~John and Lisa
“Just want to say thank you so much for the exhilarating and informative experience. Frank has a very unique way of teaching his subjects ( I am still trying to absorb all of it). I recommend anybody to experience Franks drag racing class.” ~Wayne
“I can’t say enough about the school and Frank I will be 64 this year and can honestly say I have never met anyone like Frank if this school was available when I was young and I took the class my life would certainly have taken a different course. I have never seen so many good people in a school of any kind and it’s amazing it radiates from Frank to all staff and students.” ~Larry
“ Just wanted to say thanks for the wonderful experience, and fulfilling a dream I had thought unobtainable. The class was tremendous and very informative. Frank and his crew were great and the way you worked with my wife to arrange this was instramental in achieving my strong passion of being behind the wheel of a real drag car. Franks teaching goes further than the track, I have noticed changes in my daily driving and thinking, I have a great sense of accomplishment and confidence. Thanks again.” ~Gerald
Upcoming class dates – give us a call at 866-480-7223 with any questions or to schedule a date!
September 23-24 – Gainesville, FL – SC/SG
October 9 – Fontana, CA ** Dragster Adventure
October 10 – Fontana, CA **Dragster Adventure (sold out)
October 15-16 – Fontana, CA – SC/SG
October 17 – Fontana, CA **Dragster Adventure (sold out)
October 28-29 – Gainesville, FL – TD
November 4-5 – Gainesville, FL – SC/SG
November 21 – Gainesville, FL **Dragster Adventure
December 2-3 – Gainesville, FL – SC/SG
December 4-5 – Gainesville, FL – PSM
December 4-5 – Gainesville, FL – TD
December 18-19 – Gainesville, FL – PSM
December 18-19 – Gainesville, FL – TD or Alky
December 30-31 – Auto Plus Raceway, Gainesville, FL – SC/SG
2015 CLASS DATES COMING SOON!!
www.frankhawley.com 866-480-7223
There are likely thousands of people far more qualified to write this than am I. I never served in the armed services, although I have tremendous admiration for those that currently serve and those that have. I did not know Jon Cavaiani his entire life but was fortunate enough to meet him several years ago and got to learn what an amazing man he was. And I’d like to remind the racing community that this past week our country lost a true hero.
I was introduced to Jon by Roger Burgess a number of years ago. Roger, also a vet, served with Jon for several years and the two had become close friends. Roger had also been a big supporter of the Medal Of Honor Society of which Jon was a member. When I was first introduced to Jon I must admit I was a little nervous however Jon made it instantly apparent he did not see himself as an important person. He was welcoming and not the least bit intimidating. His voice was raspy from a battle injury, his walk was stiff from another battle injury, his smile was huge and his handshakes and hugs were bigger. He laughed all the time.
I was working with R2B2 Racing at the time and Roger would host several Vietnam vets at each race. Jon would fly in for these ‘get-togethers’ to meet and spend time with each of the vets. If you took time to stand back and watch the interaction between Jon and the Vets it was amazing. They of course had the utmost respect for him but he also did for them. He was so giving of his time. He would talk to them about Drag Racing or their family or their time in the service or anything else. It was on these weekends that I also got to spend time with Jon.
I might guess that you don’t know the details of Jon’s story, his time as a POW, or why he was selected to receive the “Medal of Honor”. I think you should. You should buy a book about all of the Medal of Honor heroes or at the least search the internet and read about some of their stories, especially Jon’s.
One important point I’d like to share about the MOH members. They didn’t “win” the Medal Of Honor. It wasn’t a contest. It wasn’t a lottery. They didn’t do what they did, to earn the Medal of Honor. Not one of them was seeking this prestigious award. What they did was demonstrate incredible courage to protect and save the lives of others while placing their own lives at risk. It was a selfless act.
Jon pointed out to me once that there were definitely many, many more acts of selfless courage that never got reported simply because no one survived to tell the story.
The last time I was with Jon was in Washington DC. A friend of ours, Bob Pence, hosted a “Christmas Concert for the Troops” at the Kennedy Center. My wife, Lana and I were told we could bring a guest. We immediately thought of Jon. I was not sure if he would make the trip across the country for one night but I called to ask. He said that if it was a tribute to the “troops”, he’d be there. That night at the Kennedy Center I saw, among many others, a US Army General wait in line to shake Jon’s hand. I sat next to Jon while he was introduced to the audience of thousands which gave him a standing ovation and when the evening was over I watched him slowly descend a flight of stairs carefully holding the railing. I asked him if he was hurting tonight? He laughed out loud and said he was always hurting! Jon was a man who gave everything and asked for nothing in return.
I remember being at a race with Jon. We’d lost first round and exploded a motor. I was sitting in the pits more than a little dejected. Jon walked over and asked what was wrong. I told him we’d had a bad day. He smiled kindly, put his hand on my back and said, “Frank, I’ve seen bad days…this isn’t one of them.”
If you never got to meet Jon, I wish you had. He would have added something to your life.
Last week there were 80 living Medal of Honor recipients. This week there are 79.
To Sergeant Major Jon Cavaiani, a man who lived in the arena…thanks for your kindness and service.
We already miss you.
Frank Hawley
It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” ― Theodore Roosevelt
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!
never been in a race car before!
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!
day on the race track!
Adventure grads say it’s the most exciting experience of their lives!
