October 21, 2000

The BDR Crew hoped to end the season with a strong finish. It was a tight points battle right up until the last race, where four racers all had a shot at the tittle. Greg Urrutia, Dan Ruble, and Gary Holcomb were within 60 points of points leader Greg McNair.

The engine was pulled out of Rick's Drag Buggy. Josh went through the Carburetors, and replaced push rod tubes. While the engine was out, Rick decided to change the exhaust system, and install Drag Fans.

The Team arrived at the Race Shop Thursday night to prep for Friday's Test-N-Tune. Early Friday morning the crew was busy working on racecars. Rick's engine was reinstalled, brakes were checked on Greg's dRagster, and Josh's car got a valve adjustment. Although the original plan was to take all three cars to T-N-T, both Greg and Josh felt confident in their racecars performance.

Rick's Buggy was loaded up and the team headed out to the track to check performance with recent changes. The Buggy ran flawlessly. Mid 13second passes were recorded. Satisfied with three very strong runs, it was decided to save the car for Saturdays race.

Saturdays car count finds 11 racers at the final NASA race of 2000. In practice Rick's Buggy continues to improve. Low 12second passes are realized. This is the fastest this vehicle has ever run! Rick is all smiles.

At the drivers meeting it is learned 2 racers have withdrawn due to mechanical failures. Greg McNair advances by drawing "the bye", and would be unopposed for the tittle.

As fate would have it Josh and Rick pair up for the first round of eliminations. One Dog will go out in the first round. Greg pairs up with new comer Leo "The Spoiler" DeLaRosa. Leo was debuting a new racecar, with a borrowed motor! Unfortunately Greg's day ended early as his opponent put him on the trailer. Josh soon joins Greg on the sidelines as he loses to Rick.

Rick goes on to win in round 2, then gets "the bye" into the final round. Rick meets up with already crowned champion Greg McNair. In an unusual twist, the recent work on Rick's buggy has now made it the fastest buggy among the racers. Rick will have the task of having to run down McNair as he dials in at a slower ET. Although Rick never quite catches McNair, he wins as McNair breaks-out. Rick's win increases the BAD DOG RACING WIN STREAK TO 8.

Rick wins the gift certificates, prizes, and another large jackpot created by the drivers!

Before the dust settled, this years champion was treated to a champaign shower, courtesy of the Bad Dog Racing team. The 25+ year dragrace veteran, only won one race all season (thanks to BDR!), but placed in the points at every race but one.

Congratulations Greg McNair on your first NASA VW Championship!

NASA RACE 5

Sept 8, 2000

In less than a weeks time, the racers from Bad Dog Racing find themselves back in the Elk Grove Race Shop preparing for NASA Race #5. Can Josh repeat his inaugural winning performance? Beginners luck?, or is he on a Roll? Greg's car continues to run consistent ET's, He needs to focus on driver ability. A good performance is a necessity to keep him close to the points leaders. Rick' Drag Buggy continues to be the focus of performance tuning. The crew has made some major changes on this car in hopes of bringing up the power, and top end performance.

Seven Racecars show for race 5. New competitor Rick Meade, (Winner in Pro-Eliminator at Bug-o-rama!) suffers engine problems, and withdraws from competition. A first round "Bye" run is created. Thanks to a low qualifying number, Greg will transfer straight to the semi-finals.

Rick pairs with Tom Simon in the first round. After some promising practice runs, the Drag Buggy fails to provide full power. Another tough break for Rick as he goes out in the first round.

Josh finds himself racing Greg McNair in a repeat of last race's final round. Conversation before this rematch has McNair vowing revenge. Despite a little "Trash-Talking" Josh is unfazed, and defeats points leader Mc Nair for the 2nd straight time! It looks like Josh is for real! He then defeats Dr. Ruble to move into the final round for the second straight time!

Greg finds himself opposite of Tom Simon in the semi- final round. Simon Racing has worked the bugs out of the "Brentwood Cyclery" sponsored racecar. This racer always produces impressive numbers, a very tough competitor. In what has been described as "A Nail Biter", Both cars cross the finish line side-by-side. In a "too close to call" race, a double break-out is registered. Greg breaks-out by a smaller amount, and gets the win!

This sets up a match between BDR teamates Josh Preston in the "A Pets Friend" sponsored Drag Sedan, and Greg Urrutia in the "Greg's VW" sponsored dRagster. This is the first time these two have met is Pro-competition. Whatever the outcome, Bad Dog's Racing streak will go to 7! In another very close race, Greg wins, and Josh is Runner-up. In only two NASA races, Josh has a 1st and 2nd place finish. He has silenced any critics crying "beginners luck". This performance has put him out in front in the running for "Rookie of the Year". We at GVW/BDR, and "A Pets Friend", are sure he will continue his winning ways!

Next Race October 21, 2000 Sacramento Raceway. GVW/BDR/APF Vow's EIGHT STRAIGHT!!

Bug-O-Rama 46

Bug-O-Rama 46 Thursday August 31, 2000

The Bad Dog Racing Team heads up to it's Elk Grove race shop to prepare for Bug-O-Rama. We're happy to announce Jason "J-Dog" Lang", will race his 65 VW Bus,(provided it passes Tech!). Josh, fresh off his first major win, will race his 70 Sedan. Rick will rest the Drag Buggy, and save it for the NASA series. He will run his Baja Bug at this event. Greg will not race a car, but will sell items in the swap meet, and help out in the pits as needed.

The plan was to take advantage of Friday nights test-n-tune to dial-in the racecars. Unfortunately rain cancels the Friday session. Saturday morning finds the group washing racecars, loading up pit vehicles, and pit equipment, as will as packing swap meet stuff. Greg's wife Lynn, increases her support for the team by sponsoring Jason, and Josh. Her new business, "A Pets Friend", will back both cars at Bug-O-Rama.

We find a nice swap meet spot adjacent to the pits. The racecars are unloaded and head over to the tech area. All vehicles pass tech without question. A trademark of a well prepared team. Jason is an instant favorite as the crowd goes wild for his "Racebus". He can't hear his engine over the roar of the crowd during his practice runs. Rick enjoys the seat time in the Baja Racer. Josh's car runs strong in practice. He is able to establish a competitive dial in time. Each driver gets six practice runs before Sunday's eliminations.

Sunday morning the team heads back to the racetrack. The day is short lived as Rick, and Josh go out in the first round. Jason's Racebus wins one, and then goes out in round two. The team wraps it up, and heads back to the Shop. Our racing buddies Dan Ruble, Tom Simon and family, and Dave and Lisa Burkhalter join us in Elk Grove for cocktails and munchies.

Monday the Team returns to the raceway to take advantage of a rare daytime test-n-tune. Josh's car continues to run consistent ET's. With a few changes to the Drag Buggy, major Wheelies at the green light are common place. Although it is hard to impress anyone at a TNT session, positive comments are offered by track officials, and drivers alike. Further changes are planned to help with the Buggy's top-end power. Watch for this Bad Dog Buggy to continue to wow the crowds!

Next Race Sept. 9, NASA race 5

PRESTON WINS 1ST TIME OUT!

August 19, 2000 Sacramento

Greg's VW/Bad Dog Racing shows up with Three Racecars! In addition to our regular pair of racecars, our very own Crew Chief, Josh Preston, debuts his 1970 VW Drag Sedan. Kept "hush-hush, and under wraps", Josh finishes his racecar in time to "Bust Out" for NASA Race Number 4.

At registration, all Racers agree to pay an extra $10.00 for entry fee to create a Jackpot for this event. Winner takes home $100.00, Runner-up goes home with $50.00. This is in addition to the regular prizes offered at each event. The day starts out with a field of nine racecars. After two rounds of practice, Race Director Tom Simon is again plagued with racecar problems. He will be sidelined for this race.

At the drivers meeting qualifying numbers are drawn. As fate has it, Josh Preston, and Rick DeLeon find themselves in the position of having to eliminate a fellow team-mate in round one (Dog eat Dog!). Although it is his very first race, in a fresh racecar, Josh prevails and advances to round two.

In other first round competition, defending Champion Greg Urrutia redlights against Dan "The Doctor" Ruble. Thus ending his day to gain in the points race. It looks as if the Winning Streak for Bad Dog Racing is finally over....or is it?

Fresh off his first ever win, Josh finds himself in the position of having to race the very accomplished Dr. Ruble in round two. A very impressed crowd watches as Bad Dog Josh wins again! The pits are "A Buzz" with conversation focused on the new comer. Who is this guy? Where did he come from? Did Bad Dog Racing bring in a Ringer? Josh finds himself facing points leader Greg McNair in the final round. McNair is the odds-on favorite, Josh is the "Underdog". His day already considered a success, Josh has nothing to prove. A respectable run is his only goal.

As if the challenge of having to race McNair is not enough....the dial-in time for Josh is incorrectly entered! What appears to be the end of the road for Josh, turns out to be a Cinderella story come true. Greg McNair Redlights!

In his very first attempt at PRO VW Drag Racing, in an unproven, new racecar....Josh wins his very first event. He takes home the trophy, gift certificates, and of course the Jackpot! Because of his efforts, and accomplishments, Josh saw to it that Bad Dog Racing's Win Streak continues. A pre-scheduled post race party at the Elk Grove race shop, was the perfect opportunity to help celebrate Josh's win.

All of us at GVW/BDR are very proud of our newest Racer!

Next Race Bug-o-rama, Sacramento Raceway

WIN STREAK FOR GVW/BDR CONTINUES....5 STRAIGHT!

First off....A very special thanks goes to our Crew Chief, Josh Preston. Lately, the drivers of Bad Dog Racing have kept him very busy working on broken racecars. Josh put forth an inspiring effort, working many hours late in into the night repairing, and prepping racecars and equipment. At the racetracks he is often seen helping any driver or raceteam that may need a hand. He reacts quickly, and is often the first to offer assistance. At the Track, he quickly lays-out a well organized Pit. His dedication has made our success possible. Bad Dog Racing is very proud, and fortunate to have him!

July 29,2000 Sears Point Raceway

GVW/BDR Drivers are anxious to test latest changes to the racecars. We arrive early to tech, and go right into practice. A field of 11 cars assemble for the third NASA VW race of 2000.

Practice for Greg goes well. He is determined to go easy on the Hardware. We all want the car to make it through the rest of the season without anymore failures. A throttle failure forces Defending Champion Rick DeLeon to miss first round of practice. The problem is repaired, and practice continues.

At Drivers meeting, qualifying numbers are drawn. Rick pulls number 5, and Greg pulls (Lucky!) number 7. Although it is preferred to pull a low number, number 7 will eventually lead Greg to a "bye" in the semi-finals.

Greg pairs with Gary Holcomb in the first round. He wins and advances to round 2. Rick pairs with new-comer Chris Brown. Rick launches hard, and immediately passes Chris in first gear! What appears to be a win for the Defending Champ quickly sours. The throttle cable fails as Rick shifts into 2nd gear :-( Half of Bad Dog Racing goes out in the first round.

Greg wins in round 2 vs. Greg Schmidt. The car is running strong, and consistent. Greg advances into the Semi-finals. At this point, Greg's Lucky 7 awards him the "bye" run. He will meet the winner of Dan Ruble vs. Chris Brown for the Trophy.

The final round finds BDR's Greg Urrutia, staging opposite of Dan Ruble. Dr Ruble is currently third in points, and has had a very impressive day of racing. Greg's reaction time of .535 was enough to edge out Dr Ruble at the finish line. Greg takes home the Trophy, Cash, and Gift Certificates. This win will move Greg up to second place in points, 56 points behind series leader Greg McNair.

Bad Dog Racing has now won 5 Races, Back-to-back-to-back-to-back-to-back....to be continued!

Sunday May 28, 2000

Friday May 26, 2000. Bug-O-Rama, Sacramento.

Greg's VW/Bad Dog Racing is very honored to have been invited by Tom Simon, Owner/Driver of the Brentwood Cyclery sponsored Drag Car, to assist in Pit Crew Duties. Hoping to gain more knowledge, and better organization, Greg and Crew are happy to accept the offer! A plan was made to meet Simon at Sacramento Raceway Friday afternoon.

The goal would be to help Simon "Dial-In" his very competitive racecar.

Unfortunately, racecar woes continue to plague Tom. A last minute problem is discovered. He will be unable to participate in this years Bug-O-Rama. We know Tom will be back,"Tougher than Ever". GVW/BDR wishes him the best! Packed and ready to go, the first group from Bad Dog Racing heads up to Sacramento to secure a "Prime" pit location.

Test runs are made in the Ragster. First run off the trailer, favorable results are noted. After a single jetting change, the car runs 14.092 @ 90.948mph. A best ever in the 1776 "Back-up" engine! Saturday, Bad Dog Racing's second racecar arrives. Sporting new wheels and drag slicks, Rick is anxious to take some runs in the Drag Buggy. New race motor continues to impress! Each run in the Buggy is a "Best Ever". After some tire pressure changes, the buggy is ready for competition.

Work continues on the Ragster. After improving to 13.741 @ 94mph, Greg feels that the car has more to offer. He decides to make one more pass...NOT! Greg grenades the engine in the Burn-out box :^(

He admits to being "A little too hard on the equipment". Sunday morning finds the crew pushing the Ragster over to the Car Show area. Greg goes home with a 2nd place Plaque for "Special Interest".

A couple of practice runs and Rick is ready for eliminations. After hours of delays, Rick finally is suited-up for his first race. Anticipation is High! Coming off a win from last time out, the Crew is looking beyond the first round.

Shock overwhelms the team as Rick Red Lights for the first time ever! The addition of Slicks and a change of clutch, may have caused the buggy to react slightly faster than Rick expected.

Lessons learned, the team packs up and heads home. Adjustments will be made to the Drag Buggy. Work on the engine for Greg's car has already started. The goal is to have both racecars readied for the next NASA Race.

A Very Special Thanks goes out to the Bad Dog Racing Pit Crew of Josh "Tank" Preston. Jason "J-Dog" Lang, Rick DeLeon Jr, Chuck "Chuckwagon" Riley, Billy Lang, and all the Sponsors and Friends that help make our participation possible.

Next race June 17, Sears Point Raceway.

RACECAR WOES HIT BAD DOG RACING

May 17,2000 Both Bad Dog Racars are in need of engine work. The Ragster has suffered a number 2 rod bearing failure. The engine needs a crankshaft, a set of connecting rods, main and rod bearings!

Fresh off his win....Rick starts up the Desert Dog Buggy to unload the car from the trailer, and notices a vibration. We find a bad crankshaft and flywheel! Ouch! :-(

Although more concerned about the NASA Series, GVW/BDR puts forth an effort to make repairs to participate in Bug-o-rama.

After a few set-backs the Buggy race motor is back together. It sounds better than ever! Rick is looking forward to
Bug-o-rama.

Late Thursday evening before Bug-O-Rama, the team is still working on the Ragster engine. Will it be Ready? Will it hold together?

BACK TO BACK TO BACK

After missing NASA race # 1 (Gone to Maui), Greg's VW/Bad Dog Racing returns to Win Again! In our first race of the year, NASA Race 2, Rick and Greg finish first and second. In our last Three races, it has been an "All Bad Dog" final round.

Racecar woes for all competitors seems to be this years theme. Notebly sidlined for this event were Tom Simon and Tony DeAnda. Points leader Greg McNair, and Bob Moisier were also talking about recent failures.

Rick was anxious to test new Race Engine. Concern was centering around Greg's Dragtop. Would Back-up engine continue to work? A Sluggish practice run prompted a jetting change. Second (and last) practice run brought attention to the right rear wheel.

Practice for Rick was very satisfying, Engine runs strong, shaving a full two seconds of his best ET with old engine. After adjusting for a tight throttle cable, and a quick check of exhaust bolts, Rick was ready to go! Hoping for the best, Greg manages to pull the number one position, and win first race against Bob Mosier. Rick wins first race vs. Dan Ruble. Another race car withdraws from competition creating a "bye" run which Greg inherits. This put Rick in the position of having to race points leader, mentor, and long-time veteran racer, Greg McNair. Although a bit un-nerved, Rick cranks-it-up-a- notch, and earns a win against one of the best! The final round finds Greg in the ailing Ragster vs. Rick in the Desert Dog Drag Buggy. Fresh off a very satisfying win, with power to spare, Rick feels confident!

Greg feels the car has come-around, as he has the best Burn-out of the day. But as he approaches the tree, a problem is discovered. He pulls the car out of the staging area, and goes home with second place. A Victory Solo run for Rick. He takes home a Trophy, Cash, and Gift certificates. Rick now has two wins "Back to Back".

A very special thanks goes out to our Pit(Dog)Crew of Jason, Josh, Roger, and "new dog", Chuck.

Despite missing first race of the year, this first place finish has put Rick into second place in overall points. Gregs second place finish has put him in a tie for third place points.

Next Race Bug-o-rama, May 27/28

Back to Back Wins For Gregs VW/Bad Dog Racing

A frantic call was put out to our Crew Chief, Brian Gomez. We would need him to spring into action to deliver a much needed back-up engine, tools, and assorted parts. Brian would have to put it in "Overdrive" if we were to participate in Sundays event. Brian went the extra mile  to deliver all needed components, and did so by
7am!

The team went into action to completely disassemble, re-dress, and re-install the second engine. A group of curious onlookers were most impressed when the smooth sounding engine was initally fired-up. With time running out, we had one opportunity to make a qualifying run to re-enter the event.

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! In an amazing display of Teamwork and Dedication, Bad Dog Racing was once again a Two Racecar Team. With Rick's (wife's) Buggy standing by, and ready to go....The drivers went to work. Both Greg and Rick won their first rounds of elimination. With a little luck on his side, Greg got the "bye" run in the second round. Rick went on to win his second race.

Once again it was an all Bad Dog final round. This day belonged to Rick, as he beat Greg to the finish in another very close race. Congratulations to our own Rick DeLeon in winning his first major event.

Footnote: I would like to personally thank my Crew Chief, and very dear friend Brian Gomez, for all his efforts. Without his Dedication and Personal Sacrifice, I would have been a spectator at this most important final event. Brian has been a valuable member to our team, and Bad Dog Racing is fortunate to have him!
Brian....I Owe You BIGTIME!!     -- Greg

Another exciting development to Bad Dog Racing is the addition of a second VW powered Drag Car. Rick DeLeon, long time Bad Dog member, is now behind the wheel of his (wife Gloria's)  '67 Buggy. Sponsored by Greg's VW and Bridges Tire and Wheel, Rick will participate at the remaining NASA races, in addition to Bugorama. Good Luck Rick!

Currently under construction is yet a THIRD VW powered race car. Brian Gomez, recent member to Bad Dog Racing and longtime VW enthusiast, has also decided to join the action. We are hard at work on his 2275cc, 11-second Oval Race Bug. Stay tuned!

Rick DeLeon piloted his (wife's) '67 Drag Buggy to an impressive second place finish in the NASA race, and a respectable appearance in the quarter finals of the CMI race. For his efforts Rick received a Runner-Up plaque and $175.00 in Gift Certificates.

The exciting day of racing came to a climax with our drivers facing off in the final race of the day. Bad Dog vs. Bad Dog!....side by side for most of the 1/4 mile, Greg managed to edge out Rick by a small margin. What made this race especially exciting is the fact that this was Rick's second time in competition! Congratulations to both Greg and Rick.

A very special thanks goes out to our pit crew of Jason "J-Dog" Lang, Brian Gomez, and Josh Preston.
 
 
 

Greg's VW Ragtop Drag Bug and Rick Dupuy's Formula Vee	New Body and Paint In 2001 For Rick's Pro-Vee
Greg's VW Service supports Bad Dog Racing's entries in Pure Stock, Enduro, Demolition Derby, and V8 Drag Racing Classes

We are proud to announce a 4th Place overall finish in the 1998 Pro Formula Vee Series by our driver Rick Dupuy. This is the best series performance by any of our Pro Formula Vee drivers to date. Rick is a very focussed and determined racer, and we are sure he will continue to demonstrate his ability to finish well. Greg's VW Service is honored to have Rick as a member of our race team!