Here at Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School we’ve been helping build successful careers and making dreams come true for a number of years! Whether you have attended our Dragster Adventure program or one of our competition license classes, our grads are our best endorsement and we are thankful for you all! For those that are racing, please keep us updated with your news and we will share it on our social media.
There are only a few seats left in the ever popular Super Comp or Super Gas class between Christmas and New Years. Don’t delay if you may be thinking about attending this class!
Our very knowledgeable guys, Paul Shields and Jeff Arend, are responsive to your calls, texts and emails so feel free to contact them with any and all questions you have about the school. Whether you want to bring your own car to a class, arrange a group event, buy a gift for someone, or even treat a potential sponsor to a taste of drag racing, give them a call. Their direct contacts are listed at the end of this email.
Below is a list of confirmed class dates. Please check back as we will be confirming other dates! **Additional dates for Group Events, TD/NFC are on demand
Gainesville Raceway: December 27-28, 2017 SC/SG/BYOC, January 13 Adventure (private group), January 16-17 SC/SG/BYOC, January 18 NFC, January 22 TD or NFC, February 6-7 SC/SG/BYOC, February 20-21 SC/SG/BYOC, March 20-21 SC/SG/BYOC, March 23 Dragster Adventure, March 27-28 TD or NFC. Summer, fall & winter dates for Gainesville will be coming soon!
Tucson Dragway: April 12-13 SC/SG/BYOC, April 15 Dragster Adventure
Auto Club Dragway: April 18-19 SC/SG/BYOC, April 20 Dragster Adventure, April 26 Dragster Adventure (private group), April 27 Dragster Adventure, October 17-18 SC/SG/BYOC, October 19 Dragster Adventure
The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway: April 30-May 1 SC/SG/BYOC or May 2-3 SC/SG/BYOC, October 9-10 SC/SG/BYOC or October 11-12 SC/SG/BYOC
Route 66 Raceway: May 17-18 SC/SG/BYOC, May 19 Dragster Adventure
Royal Purple Raceway: May 23-24 SC/SG/BYOC, May 25 Dragster Adventure
Heartland Park: June 20-21 SC/SG/BYOC, June 22 Dragster Adventure
Woodburn Dragstrip: June 28-29 SC/SG/BYOC, June 30 Dragster Adventure, July 1 Dragster Adventure
Summit Motorsports Park: July 16-17 SC/SG/BYOC, July 18 Dragster Adventure (private group), July 19 Dragster Adventure
Maple Grove Raceway: August 14-15 SC/SG/BYOC, August 16 Dragster Adventure, August 17 Dragster Adventure
Paul Shields, 866-480-7223 x102, 904-472-6312 c, paul.fhdrs@gmail.com
Jeff Arend, 866-480-7223 x103, 909-973-8279 c, jarend@frankhawley.com
With such great locations on the schedule we hope almost everyone in the country has a chance to be a part of one of our programs. “We’ve added The Strip at Las Vegas to the schedule in addition to returning to our many of our favorite tracks at Tucson, Fontana, Chicago, Houston, Woodburn, Norwalk, Maple Grove, Topeka and Earlville” said Hawley. “The next several weeks we’ll be running classes at our home track in Gainesville, Florida and then our crew will be heading west with stops in Tucson and Fontana. We’ll be almost everywhere!”
So if your goal is to join the list of successful Hawley grads in one of the school’s world class Licensing Programs or just have a blast racing against your friends in one of the school’s Dragster Adventure Programs, please join us in 2017!
Go to FrankHawley.com or call 866-480-7223 to speak to Paul Shields (x102) or Jeff Arend (x103).
Click here for our calendar of dates & locations. Remember, seats are limited and pre-registration is required at all of our classes.
And here’s some footage of a SC license run during the competition program:
Lots of dates are available for the the 200 mph classes, but these dates are on request, so call us to discuss upgrading your license in the dragster or funny car!
Upcoming class dates:
Gainesville Raceway SC/SG/BYOC competition license: February 14-15; February 28-March 1; March 21-22; May 30-31; July 11-12; September 26-27; November 7-8; December 5-6; December 27-28
Gainesville Raceway Dragster Adventures: March 23; March 24 (sold out); December 1
Tucson Dragway: April 6-7 for SC/SG/BYOC competition license class and April 8 for the Dragster Adventure
Auto Club Dragway SC/SG/BYOC competition license classes: April 12-13; October 18-19
Auto Club Dragway Dragster Adventure dates: April 14, April 15, April 21, April 20, April 26, April 27
Royal Purple Raceway: May 10-11 for SC/SG/BYOC competition license class and May 13 for Dragster Adventure
The Strip at Las Vegas SC/SG/BYOC competition license classes: May 17-18; October 10-11
The Strip at Las VegasDragster Adventure dates: October 12, October 13
Route 66 Raceway: June 21-22 for the SC/SG/BYOC competition license class and June 23 & June 24 for the Dragster Adventure
Woodburn Dragstrip: June 29-30 for the SC/SG/BYOC competition license class and July 1(sold out) and July 2 for the Dragster Adventure
Summit Motorsports Park: July 17-18 for the SC/SG/BYOC competition license class and July 20 for the Dragster Adventure
Maple Grove Raceway: August 15-16 for the SC/SG/BYOC competition license class and August 17 & August 18 for the Dragster Adventure
Heartland Park: September 6-7 for the SC/SG/BYOC competition license class and September 9 for the Dragster Adventure
Tri-State Raceway: September 16 for the Dragster Adventure
Contact Paul Shields at 866-480-7223 x102, 904-472-6312 c, pshields@frankhawley.com
Contact Jeff Arend at 866-480-7223 x103, 909-973-8279 c, jarend@frankhawley.com
www.frankhawley.com
Check out all the great locations we’re holding both our 2-day Super Comp/Super Gas competition license class, as well as the Dragster Adventure in the next couple months!! In addition to our regular stops at Royal Purple Raceway in Houston (May 18-20) and Bandimere Speedway in Denver (June 1-3), this will be the first time we’ve ventured to Woodburn Dragstrip in the Pacific Northwest (June 8-10), as well as Route 66 Raceway near Chicago (June 30-July 2)!
So, if you want to earn your competition license, improve your skills, crossgrade or upgrade your current license, entertain friends or employees – give us a call!
Pre-registration is required in all programs and space is limited, so contact Paul Shields, pshields@frankhawley.com or Jeff Arend, jarend@frankhawley.com at 866-480-7223 for complete information on all our classes or to sign up!
Visit our website for lots more class dates and locations too!
866-480-7223
www.frankhawley.com
With over a dozen locations on the schedule we hope almost everyone in the country has a chance to be a part of one of our programs. “We’ve added new locations like Route 66 Raceway in Chicago, Illinois and Woodburn Dragstrip in Woodburn, Oregon in addition to all of our regular stops,” said Hawley. “The next several weeks we’ll be running classes at our home track in Gainesville, Florida and then our crew will be heading west with stops in Tucson and Fontana. We’ll be almost everywhere!”
So if your goal is to join the list of successful Hawley grads in one of the school’s world class Licensing Programs or just have a blast racing against your friends in one of the school’s Dragster Adventure Programs, 2016 will be your best opportunity ever!
Go to FrankHawley.com or call 866-480-7223 for your ticket to excitement!
Click here for our calendar of dates & locations. Remember, pre-registration is required at all of our classes.
Here’s a taste of the Dragster Adventure:
Contact Paul or Jeff with your questions or to book your class!
Paul Shields, pshields@frankhawley.com, x102
Jeff Arend, jarend@frankhawley.com, x103
www.frankhawley.com
866-480-7223
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.
~ 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!
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.
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!
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!
Then we’ll be heading to Seattle to do media rides for the 3rd Annual Ranier Cup with class the week following the NHRA O’Reilly Northwest Nationals at Pacific Raceways.
In between regular classes we’ve been having some fun working with Discovery Canada (full release soon) and Top Gear !
Attached is a short video produced by one of our grads from our June Super Comp licensing class at Auto Club Dragway in Fontana, CA. It’s a very nice piece with some aerial shots from a ‘drone’ camera. Click on the following link to watch. Hope you like it! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQvGlLct0lo
Frank
Here are some upcoming class dates – give us a call at 866-480-7223 with any questions or to schedule a date!
August 6-7 – Seattle, WA – SC/SG; August 19 – Gainesville, FL – TAFC; August 26 – Gainesville, FL – TAFC;
September 3-4 – Reading, PA SC/SG; September 5 – Reading, PA **Dragster Adventure;
September 23-24 – Gainesville, FL – SC/SG; October 10 – Fontana, CA **Dragster Adventure;
October 15-16 – Fontana, CA – SC/SG; October 17 – Fontana, CA **Dragster Adventure;
October 28 – 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 18-19 – Gainesville, FL – PSM
December 30-31 – Auto Plus Raceway, Gainesville, FL – SC/SG
For all you folks who have been patiently waiting for us to get a Houston date – well, here it is! We’ll be at Royal Purple Raceway in Houston, TX conducting our popular Super Comp/Super Gas class on April 16-17, 2014.
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 needs a license; some just do it for fun and excitement.”
To view our Super 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). Like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter @Frankhawleydrs and YouTube!