2002 Championship VW Drag Racing Points Final Standings

1 Greg Urrutia
2 Michael Meyer
3 Tom Simon
4 Bob Moshier
5 Varik Gough
6 Tony DeAnda
7 Brian Gomez
8 Lynn Urrutia
9 Shannon Sorlie
10 Gloria DeLeon
11 Rick DeLeon Sr.
12 Jason Lang
13 Andrew Foldhazi
14 Chris Brown
15 Rick Oliver
16 Alvin Craft
17 Rick DeLeon Jr.
18 Greg Schmidt
19 Dave Calta
20 Greg McNair
21 Matt Davis
22 Dan Ruble
23 Jeff Buchanan
24 Bob Stockfeld
25 Gary Holcomb
26 Leo DeLaRosa

NASA Race 6
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A groups of 17 Racers turnout for NASA Race 6. Most got to the Track early to participate in the First Annual NASA BBQ. Many tasty dishes were shared between the Racers and Families for this friendly get together. We shared laughs and stories as we gathered like a large Family Reunion. It was nice to have all the Racers pit together, and we were the Envy of all arriving Summit Racers. Most were in Awe of our well organized Group. We exchanged pleasantries with many new faces curious
to find out more about the exclusive VW NASA Series. Our Enthusiasm is Contagious, and we are sure the car count
will continue to grow.
At the Drivers Meeting we re-welcome Leo DeLaRosa, who makes his first appearance this year. Leo brought a new type 3 Fastback to race. Also known as "The Spoiler", nicknamed by the Bad Dog Race Team for his uncanny ability to put points contenders out in the early rounds of eliminations. Leo worked hard and late into the night to get the car in race condition for this event.Another Jackpot is created by the drivers, and numbers are pulled for match ups.
Round One finds "BlondeDog" Lynn with the bye run. It's on-going wrenching for Michael Meyer with the new racecar, as he continues to dial things in. It pays of big with a win against Dave Calta. Next pair finds Bob Moshier matched up with the always tough Chris Brown in the Notch. Moshier picks up another win, and moves into round two. A surprising first round loss for Rookie points leader Shannon Sorlie, as she loses to Varik Gough in the "Led Sled". Next race is "All in the Family" as Gloria DeLeon pairs up with Rick DeLeon Jr. It's the first time these rookies pair up. Gloria beats "JrDog" to the stripe and moves on. Next Rookie battle finds the "Trans Plant Racing Ghia" of Rick Oliver, winning over the "DragBus" of "J-Dog" Lang. Part-Time BDR member Tom (I Broke My Trans and Need To Borrow the Back-Up Racecar Again!) Simon, beats "The Dog of Speed" Brian Gomez. Those 10 second handicap starts are a real challenge! BDR's Teamates are the next pair
with "GrandDog", with a win over "DesertDog". Last pair finds Rookie Alvin Craft with a win against Leo DeLaRosa.

The Second Round Bye run couldn't have come at a better time for Michael Meyer. He identifies another problem with his Racecar. Michael is back in the pits making repairs for his next match up. Bob Moshier is on his game as he defeats Lynn Urrutia to advance on. "YoyaDog" finds the win light against the "Led Sled" of Gough. Tom Simon wins against Oliver, and Greg Urrutia ends the day for Alvin Craft to advance into the "points" rounds.

Round 3 finds Moshier with the Bye run. Repairs by the Meyer Racing Team payoff with a win over Gloria DeLeon who will take home 4th place points. BDR's GrandDog finds himself matched up against one of his own cars in a race with Tom Simon. Greg takes the win in a close race. Not a bad day for Tom who goes home with 5th place points in a borrowed car.

Surprised with his Bye run into the final round, "GrandDog" is seen doing a medley of "Happy Dances"! First the "Snoopy Dance", then the "Robot Dance", followed by the "Cabbage Patch", and finally his own rendition of the "Moon Walk???"
Greg will meet the winner of Moshier vs. Meyer, and it's another close one. The hard work and determination of Meyer Racing once again pays off, as Michael gets the win.

How fitting to find the first and second place points leaders, and previous Race Winners in the Finale. Separated by just 90 points going into Race 6, this race is the one to watch. Greg will leave first, and at the green he launches hard and impresses the waning crowd with one of the biggest wheelstands seen this year. Unfortunately, "Big-Air" equals slow ET, and Meyer's catches and passes Greg at the stripe.

Michael Meyer takes home the Trophy, JackPot money, Sponsor's awards, and is the first contender to double-up of the much coveted Winner's Sticker. Michael narrows the points lead held by Greg to 70. The Rookie points race tightens up even more with Shannon Sorlie leading Gloria DeLeon by 15.
Congratulations Michael on your very impressive second win of the season.

Wanting to get another test run in on the new car, Leo DeLaRosa arranged and cleared it with the Officials to make a single pass. Still working some "Bugs" out of the car, Leo was anxious for a little more testing and seat time. What a run it was, just pass mid-track at over 100mph, the car kicked out of 3rd gear and took a hard right into the guardrail. Veteren Racer that he is, Leo kept his cool, brought the car back under control and safely found his way back to the pits. A very scary moment resulted in no injuries, and just some sheet metal damage to the side of the car. Nice piece of
driving Leo!

Footnote: A hand full of BDR Racers will be attending the Fremont Reunion Drags, July 21st at Sacramento Raceway. Although there are Big payouts for winning one of these events, the draw is for the chance to win a NHRA Wally Trophy. Hope to See You There!!

NASA Race 5
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We start our race weekend early attending Winston Cup Qualifying Friday morning. Sears Point Raceway has completed phase 2, in a 3 phase restoration. We were amazed at the improvements that have been completed so far. The new Grandstands complete with Luxury Suites, and new concession stands, Comfortable Terrace seating, and new Pedestrian Tunnels. It was like seeing this facility for the first time. Sears Point sets the standard for, and is the Showcase of The Modern Racing Facility. Attending a NASCAR Event is always a fun way to spend an afternoon. The Pageantry, the Excitement,
and the Fans make for an entertaining day at the track.

The Drivers from BDR make their way to the Race House, some arriving in the early hours of Saturday morning. Most take advantage of the night race schedule, and sleep in late. We warmly welcome and are very happy to see Diva "DivaDog", Ed and "MadDog" Simon who made the long drive from Southern California to join us for Race 5. Another big surprise is the arrival of "J-Dog" Lang. Jason announced early in the year that he would not make Race 5 due to a another commitment. In a last second decision, Jason makes a dash to the track in lieu of the wedding. Jason was overheard making a statement....something about points being very important. Jason also shared with us that it takes "thousands of dollars" to Drag Race a Bus. Imagine that!

The race day started with a very overcast and gray morning. It cleared and warmed up nicely. We leave early for the track and find ourselves with a Great Pit location along the bleachers on the new paved area. Minor repairs to the "SpeedDog" and "YoyaDog" Racecars, and we are ready to Practice.Seventeen Racecars is the count as the NASA group gathers in the staging lanes. Only new car to appear is a red 914 owned by Varik Gough. Although somewhat controversial in its eligibility, a decision is made to allow the car to run. Practice goes very well for BDR, as all cars post very fast times. SpeedDog seems to have his car dialed in, and is feeling very confident. The return of our crew Diva, Ed, and Simon, has given us all a lift in spirits. There is a comforting feel, a reassurance you get with a crew member escorting you to the light.
Announcements at the Drivers Meeting, had all Racers understanding, and becoming re-familiar with Rules, Track Etiquette, and Sportmanship. Tom Simon announces a failure with his Racecar, and has to withdraw from the day's competition. Notably absent at the Drivers meeting, is Rookie Points Leader Andrew Foldhazi, and suffering from new Race Car blues, Matt Davis. A perfect Field of 16 Racers will pull numbers and pair up. The Drivers again, create a JackPot amongst themselves....to make it a little more "interesting".
Round One action finds J-Dog with a Win as he betters Dave Calta as the first pair. Varik Gough takes the 914 "Daily Driver" to the next round with close run against "JrDog" Ricky DeLeon. In the first ever pair up, Sister Cars driven by GrandDog and SpeedDog, Sponsored by Greg's VW Service, stage opposite of each other. With great respect for one another, the two wish each other Good Luck. Points Leader, and last Race winner Greg Urrutia, makes a last second Dial-In change somewhat un-nerving the "SpeedDog". The race ends in a "To Close To Call" finish, as the are side-by-side as they cross the stripe. Satisfied with a Good Run against the points leader, SpeedDog heads pack to the pits. It is only then that he realizes he won what may have been the closest race of the day. The Last moment Dial-In change back-fires as GrandDog Breaks-out. Score SpeedDog 1, GrandDog 0.
Rookie Phenom Shannon Sorlie scores another first round win against the very tough, and last Race Runner-Up, Bob Moshier.
Another close race finds DesertDog Rick DeLeon, falling to the Red Ghia of Rick Oliver. YoyaDog Gloria DeLeon advances into round 2 with a win over Chris Brown. DaddyDog Tony DeAnda redlights against Teamate Lynn Urrutia, who continues to log improvements with the number 3 Ghia. Last match up in round one finds Michael Meyer, winning against Jeff Buchanan. A quick glance at round 1 scoring shows all the NASA Female Racers advance to the next round.
Round 2 Starts with a heartbreaking loss for J-Dog as he breaks-out by .001 against the 914. SpeedDog is on a roll with a second win over Shannon Sorlie. A quick look at points unofficially finds Shannon with a fifth place finish in today's race putting her back at the top of the Rookie's points chase. Gloria logs another win against Rick Oliver and advances into the Semi-Finals. Gloria will race against Michael Meyer who wins against "BlondeDog" Lynn Urrutia who breaks-out in another blistering run in the Ghia.
First pair in the Semi-Finals pits SpeedDog, against the 914. The 914 is at half track before the green light comes on in SpeedDog's lane. Brian chases down his opponent with crisp and accurate shifting, and screams into the win column once again. The Members of Bad Dog Racing Re-focus on the starting line as "YoyaDog" Stages opposite of Michael Meyer. A
cheer goes up from the BDR Group, as Meyer's redlights against Gloria. We start to celebrate another All Bad Dog Final Round. SpeedDog will challenge YoyaDog for the Winner's Sticker.

Unfortunately, we find our celebration pre-mature as a controversial call is made requiring a re-run of this semi-final race. Apparently oil was seen leaking from the Meyer car at the starting line. A track official made a late call and distracted Meyer just as the tree was activated. Meyer's looked back to find the tree activated, and reacted triggering a redlight. The Meyer
car was re-inspected as Meyer appealed, and the officials granted the re-match.
Concerned with this turn of events, The Team watches as "YoyaDog" once again stages against Meyer. The two take the light and an oily vapor is seen off the back of the Meyer car as it races to a win on the second attempt. Back in the Pits Track Officials again inspect the Meyer Car. It now appears that the original call to side-line the Meyer car was an appropriate one.
There seems to be a great deal of confusion as to what should happen next.

A call from the Tower for the NASA Final round contenders is repeated. Answering the call "SpeedDog" Brian Gomez heads for the staging lanes to wait for instruction. Alledgedly, a decision is made by Track Officials eliminating any chance for Michael Meyer to run again. SpeedDog is directed to make a single run. Elated with his first ever NASA win, Brian finds his Teamates in the Grandstands, and feels the need to do a little "Show Boating", has he revs up, and HotRods by us waving and sporting his contagious smile.
Back in the Pits we Celebrate Brian's win! He has had quite a day, and the Bad Dog Crew is very Proud of his fine performance. Brian graciously accepts the Winner Trophy, JackPot Money, Cash and Gift Certificates from the many fine Sponsor's, and of course.....the much sought after Winner's Sticker! This puts the count at 4, for Drivers from BDR sporting
Winner Stickers.
This win moves Brian up 4 spots in the points chase. Michael Meyer moves from 3rd to second place with his
Runner-Up finish. Although a 3rd place finish is an excellent performance, it comes to BDR's Gloria "YoyaDog" DeLeon with a
bittersweet taste. As the events of the day unfolded, it seems that decision to re-run the seme-final race was a questionable one.

As the day came to a close, the Team from BDR once again went into action to assist a NASA Racer that had experienced a major failure. In his quarter-final appearance vs. SpeedDog, Varik Gough suffered a Transaxle failure disabling the 914. This car was his daily driver, and his only ride home. Answering his call for aid, the Team went into rescue mode. A plan was quickly developed to make a run to the Race House to un-load a Racecar, and return to rescue the crippled 914. The Team even went the extra mile to accommodate Varik for the evening, suppling him with a ride home, and safely delivering his 914 to his address. How's that for a Huge Dose of Sportsmanship!

Our next race is scheduled for July 13. This will be the NASA Series BBQ race. Good Fun, Good Food and Good Racing will be on tap for Race 6.

NASA Race 4
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Two Weeks after the Big Bug-O-Rama 49 event, Eight Racecars from the Stables of Bad Dog Racing vie for
points, and rewards as they participate in NASA Race 4. Looking for more Speed, Quicker ET's, and Consistency
with recent changes to the DRAGBUS, and to Lynn's Drag Ghia, we make plans to attend Test-N-Tune Friday Night.
In a less hectic environment, we were able to make adjustments, and guage results without feeling the rush of Raceday.
The Team from Bad Dog, highly visible, recognizable, and always helpful, were once again sought out for assistance. Seems that our own Brian "SpeedDog" Gomez, high-profile personality that he is, was drafted by Track Officials as an Interim Staging Lane Boss. The presence of the regular Lane Director was required elsewhere to Tech some late arriving Racecars. Honored to be selected, with the instructions of "Put them wherever you want!", Speed-Dog stepped up to "Run the Lanes". With the confidence of a seasoned veteran, for 30 minutes Brian "Ran The Show" Directing the Racers, putting out the call to "Suit Up", and even answering the on going barrage of question from crew members. Satisfied with our testing results, we wrapped it up and went back to the Race House.

Saturday Afternoon BDR's Team of 8 Racecars, loads up and heads over to the Track to find a total 17 Racecars, ready to run. As for-casted, high winds were a factor through-out the weekend. On-going Improvements at the Raceway made for more comfortable Pit set-ups. New faces in the line-up included Rick Oliver, and Jeff Buchannon. In the drivers meeting, pairs where identified, and the Drivers created another Jack-Pot, to be split 75/25. Being that there is odd number of entrants a bye run would be awarded each round of Eliminations.

Drawing the number one Spot, and granted the first bye run was "Grand Dog" Greg Urrutia. First round match-ups found Chris Brown, taking on Michael Meyer. Meyer, after replacing a Crankshaft, and Flywheel from a failure at BOR-49, was running the car for the first time, Unfortunately he was unable to run the number. Next pair found Rick Oliver. The call went out for the pair to stage. Unfortunate confusion at the line for the Oliver Team (Racecar would not fire, Caps were not removed from the single run advancing her into round 2. BDR Team members Jason "J-Dog" and Varick "Led-Dog", face each other. J-Dog, still getting familiar with his new Launch Control, stuttered at the line handing the win to Led-Dog.
Newcomer Jeff Buchannon wins against BDR's SpeedDog. Racecar woes hit Brian as he suffers a distributer failure. "Jr.Dog" Rick DeLeon Jr. breaks out against Dave Calta. BDR's "Yoya Dog" experiences her first ever "Red-Light" against Andrew Foldhazi, and hands him the win. Speaking of "Red-Lights" Lynn "Blonde Dog" Urrutia gets laser-ed in a match-up against Bob Moshier. Final pair-up in round one finds "DesertDog" Rick DeLeon lining up opposite Tom Simon in his Beautiful Multi-Colored Fast-Back. Tom takes a close win and advances into round 2.

Chis Brown gets the Bye in round 2. In a rare "Heads-Up Race" Shannon lines up across from "Grand Dog" with Identical Dial-in numbers. Looking at this Race from a points angle, we find the over-all points leader vs. the Rookie points leader. Billed to be one of the closest races of the evening, it was over before it really started, as Shannon experiences mechanical problems at the light. Led-Dog wins over second round opponent Jeff Buchannon. Rookie Contender Andrew Foldhazi advances into the Qtr-finals with his win over Dave Calta. Bob Moshier wins vs. Tom Simon to advance into round three.
Round Three finds Varick with the bye run. It could not have come at a better time as his Racecar suffers mechanical failure. Led-Dog Thrashes to get his Racecar repaired, but he will advance into the semi-finals and is guaranteed at least a third place showing. Bad Dog Greg Urrutia lines up against Chris Brown in the Flamed Notchback. "Grand Dog" sees the win light come on before he reaches the 60 foot mark as Chris fouls out with a Red-Light. Second pair find Bob Moshier winning over Andrew Foldhazi. Semi-Final round finds Bob Moshier with the Bye, and waiting to race the winner between BDR Teamates of Varick Gough, and Greg Urrutia. With time running out, and Track Officials Calling, Varick limps his wounded "Led Sled" up to the line hoping for the best. Anything can happen, Greg can Redlight, Break at the line, Break-out at the finish, any number of things. As fate has it, GrandDog advances on to meet with Moshier in the finals.........

(In My Own Thoughts........)
It's been well over a year since I last won a NASA Pro-VW Drag Race. Although I have managed to finish well enough since the last season to score high in points, A win has eluded me. I go into this race leading the points chase by 40. It feels great to find myself in this position, but the win means more to me right now than anything else. A feeling of intense determination comes over me, I feel more focused, more "in the zone" than I have felt in a long time. As I motor up to the staging lanes, I repeat my starting line routine over and over again in my head. I'm strapped in, suited-up, Helmet on, and feeling confident. A Quick prayer, and a deep breath as the Staging Boss motions us into the Burn-out Box. My Racecar Screams as I Smoke the tires, My head fills with the scent of burning rubber. My Stomach has the feeling you get right before the start of High-Speed Amusement Ride. I concentrate on the Lights, challenging myself more than my opponent in the other lane. As the light goes green, I launch hard, pulling the front wheels high into the air. Each shift clean and exact, this run just feels good. I sense my opponent catching me at the top end. Just before I get to the stripe, Bob Moshier blows by me. Distraught for a moment, I look to find the win light on in my lane. Moshier broke-out! Elated, I "Wooo Hooo!" with joy inside my helmet. The drive back the return road is a sweet pleasure as I continually yell to myself with happiness. The smile I have on my face actually hurts. Verifying the win by picking up my time slip at the booth is satisfying. Thinking Spinning Donuts in the pits as part of a Victory celebration was out of the question, I choose to open my sunroof, and stand on my drivers seat yelling out my excitement as I rolled back into the pits.

Back in the NASA pit I receive the Winners Trophy, Gift Certificates from the many fine sponsor's, Winners share
of the Jack-Pot fund, and the very coveted and elusive "Winner's Decal".

How Sweet It Is! I have won races in the past, and hope to win again, but this Mid-Season Win in the NASA 2002 Series for some reason will be one I remember for a long time. The NASA Series has produced some of the finest Racers in Drag Racing bar none. I feel very honored to race with these fine competitors. Winning in a NASA Series Race, is winning against the best.

Bug-O-Rama 49
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Six Racecars from Bad Dog Racing made to Bug-O-Rama 49 for a weekend of awesome weather, racing, and good times.
Jason "J-Dog" Lang jumped thru hoops to finish his DRAGBUS in time for this event. New for the DRAGBUS was
a complete MSD Ignition system: Billet Distributer, 6AL Control Box, Blaster 2 Coil, Hi-Perf wires, and a Launch
Control. The engine also featured a complete make-over with custom powdercoating (thanks to Sponsor RS Performance Coatings). Josh Preston worked feverishly all week, and into the wee hours of Friday Night to see to it Jason's DRAGBUS was in top condition for it's BOR 49 appearance.

Other Racecars in the field included Lynn's 70 Race Ghia, Greg's 60 Ragtop, Ricks Drag Buggy, Rick Jr.'s 68
Sunroof Dragcar, Gloria's 69 Baja Racer, and Tony DeAnda's "Slimer". With Racecars entered in three different classes, BDR was hoping for another good showing at the Bug-O-Rama.Sacramento Raceway was in top shape with newly paved pits, a resurfaced track, and a new launch pad. Record runs were definitely in the cards for this fine facility. Many from the BDR crew camped out Saturday evening to "live" the full BOR experience. An Impromptu celebration was held most of the evening to help Tina "T-Dog" Martinez celebrate her 20th. Needless to say we found some blood shot eyes, and weary faces come Sunday morning.

Raceday found the group from BDR ready to go. The competition was hot and heavy. Some racers only made it through one or two rounds of eliminations. As the day wore on Three "Dog's" were still in competition into the Qtr Finals. Rick (Jr. Dog) made to the Semi-Finals in Trophy Class before his day ended. Tony (Doggie Daddy) DeAnda finished Runner-Up in Trophy Class."Grand Dog" Greg Urrutia took home Runner-up honors for the Sportsman Class. As always, many competitors looked to us for help. We were eager to provide what ever the need may be. Well wishers, and friends stopped by our pits to exchange pleasantries. We met many new friends, as well as seeing some friendly old faces. All in all, it was another good time, and satisfying event for the BDR Team. We leave BOR 49 with fond memories and are already in the planning stages for the Big 50th Event. We hope to see you there!

BDR has a very full schedule with two NASA races in June. Be sure to check out the new NASA website at
http://www.nasadragracing.com

See Ya In The Winners Circle!

April 13 was the first night race of the season for the NASA Pro-VW Drag Racing Series. The weather was
favorable and Track conditions looked great. The Team From Bad Dog Racing was there is force and ready to compete as usual. We arrived at the track mid afternoon to find a very packed pit area. Making the best of it we squeezed in tight and prepped for the nights activities.
During sign up we find 19 Racecars present to vie for points and awards. At the drivers meeting we welcome two more Rookies to the Series. Shannon Sorlie, and Matt Davis are present and ready to go racing.Longtime NASA Racers Bob Moshier, Greg McNair, Gary Holcomb, and Bob Stockfeld make their first appearance for the Season.
This weekend Sacramento Raceway is unforgiving as we find a number of Racecars withdrawing from competition due to mechanical failures. Unfortunately Matt Davis's brand new Racecar suffers a transaxle failure in first round of practice. Shortly followed by Dan Ruble with a similar transaxle failure. Michael Meyer, sporting a new Racecar for this year has a problem develop with his engine.During eliminations, Shannon Sorlie's Racecar, suffers a fuel delivery problem but has it sorted out and is able to continue in eliminations.

As the sun set and night rolled in, many Racecars improved in performance, which was apparent with the time-slips. This left many racers guessing as to what Dial-in they should go with. As the track cooled traction increased, and many Red-lights were registered as eliminations continued.Each and every round had a bye, or a single run due to the odd number of entrants or racecars withdrawing due to mechanical failure.
In the end, the final round finds "Desert Dog" Rick DeLeon pitted against Bob Moshier. This is Bob's first appearance this year in the NASA Series. As luck would have it, Bob starts his year of NASA racing in winning fashion, as Rick red-lights in the
finale.
The Team celebrates Rick's Runner-up Performance. A Quick review of the points finds Greg leading, with Lynn running a very close second. With his first win Bob Moshier finds himself third, followed by Rick DeLeon Sr,
and Tony DeAnda to round out the top five

Next race the very important "Double Points" is
scheduled for May 11.

See Ya At The Races!

Lynn Urrutia Opens the Season in Dramatic Style

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In only her second season of NASA Pro-VW Drag Racing, Lynn Urrutia opens the season in dramatic style, and sets the pace for the 2002 Series. She leads a very accomplished group of racers in the points chase! In her 1970 Karmann Ghia (Painted in honor of the famous number 3 Colors of Dale Ernhardt), she took on all comers to win the first race of the season. Lynn was all smiles after the final race (besting husband Greg Urrutia), and collecting the Trophy, prize money, a much coveted NASA Winner Decal, and a special Jackpot created by the drivers themselves.

Leading up to the first race, Drivers and Teams were very busy putting finishing touches on their racecars. Many were racing against the clock to finish in time for the first race. The team from Bad Dog Racing was well represented, this year fielding 10 racecars! Joining the Team in Rookie status are Gloria DeLeon, Rick DeLeon Jr., Jason Lang (famous for his Drag Bus seen at Bug-O-Ramas), in addition to former NASA Champion Tony DeAnda. Regulars Rick DeLeon Sr., Brian Gomez, VarikGough, and a Honorary Member, 2001 Champion Tom "My new Racecar is not ready yet" Simon. Bad Dog Racing is providing Tom with a "Back-up Racecar" for 2 races.

In addition to painting, and rebuilding racecars, the team has been busy making improvements on the Race Shop.
New Equipment has been purchased, and the shop has a new concrete floor making room for 4 more racecars, and a
fresh coat of paint.

Bad Dog Racing would also like to welcome aboard new Sponsor's for the 2002 Series. Joining the team this year is Jansen Enterprise, known for precision machine work. RS Coatings, Capp Hauling, and a very special welcome to RichLynn Vineyards. Rich Johnson, Bette Johnson, and Lynn Urrutia are hard at work on their new venture, the development and production of a fine Zinfandel..

Although the weather was unpredictable, with showers in the forecast, a group of 15 dedicated Racers arrived for the season opener. Practice runs identify some minor problems with some racecars. We quickly diagnose and make needed repairs.
Our Crew Chief Simon Ramirez makes sure all cars are ready at the line, doing a final check before staging.

At the drivers meeting all welcome newcomer Andrew Foldhazi. Numbers are drawn for pairings, and as luck would have it Bad Dog Greg Urrutia will get a bye in the first round.

BDR Brain Gomez matches up with Rookie Teamate Gloria DeLeon. Brian's Racecar Sports new Slicks, and new head and valve train work provided by new BDR Sponsor Jansen Enterprise. Gloria's Baja Sports a new Blue paint job, with fresh motor color too. Paint by our own Eddy Tapia.At the light Brian Launches hard and pulls his first, and a very impressive wheelie. Taken a bit by surprise, he re-gathers his composure, but at the end of the 1/4 mile is eliminated in round one.
BDR newcomer Tony "Doggie Daddy" DeAnda, in the "Slimer", puts away Dan "Magoo" Ruble to advance on to round 2.
"Desert Dog" Rick DeLeon Sr., also sporting new valve train work, outruns returning racer Greg Schmidt in his Drag Ghia, to move on. Rookie Andrew Foldhazi, in his Black Beetle beats Chris Brown in his tribal flamed Notchback. "Blonde Dog" Lynn Urrutia showed good poise and good timing as she notched her first win against Michael Meyer. Meyer bought and is running the 2001 winning racecar from Tom Simon. We will keep an eye on Mr. Meyer as he is sure to be a major contender as he continues to dial in his new ride. Varik "Led Dog" Gough, also sporting new engine mods, was unable to hold off the "DRAG BUS" of teamate "J-Dog" Lang as he impressed all in attendance with a .501 reaction time. The Raceway has a $500.00 award for anyone to cut a perfect light of .500, so far Jason is the closest one to ever come to that mark. jason also ran a 19.202 on a 19.20 dial in, making his complete package of .003 (WOW!). He is the front runner for the "Best Package" award to be presented at the NASA Awards Banquet in January 2003.Last first round pairing found Defending Series Champion, "Guest Dog" Tom Simon besting Rick "Jr Dog" DeLeon.

In round 2, Greg beats teamate Rick Sr, to advance on the the semi final round. Tom Simon out runs Tony DeAnda.
Jason's Dragbus is to much for Gloria in the Blue Baja.Lynn continues her winning ways as she out races Andrew Foldhazi in a very close double breakout race.

For the first time ever it's an all Bad Dog Final Four. In semi final competition Greg Urrutia pairs with, and defeats defending Champ Tom Simon. Lynn posts yet another impressive win by defeating the famous DragBus of teamate Jason Lang.
This sets up yet another first, as the Final Round finds husband and wife racing against one another for the win. All eyes are focused on the grand finale as "Blonde Dog" stages against "Grand Dog". Both have exceptional starts as they roar down the straightaway. At midtrack it appears Greg has the advantage, but Lynn powers on and pulls away at the surprise of Baffled husband Greg, and triggers the Win Light.

Back in the pits Lynn receives a Hero's welcome, and to the Victor go the spoils. Lynn was all smiles after winning. The Victory is celebrated in true winning fashion. Bad Dog Racing is very proud of our latest Champion. We love you Lynn!

We at Bad Dog Racing appreciate the efforts of all teams and drivers that made it to NASA Race 1. Here's to another great season of racing in 2002!

Next race Saturday, April 13 Sacramento Raceway.

The Grand National Roadster
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"The Grand Daddy Of Them All", The Grand National Roadster Show, is now in the history books. Identified as the quintessential premier event in the world of motorsports, was once again the ultimate event by which all other car shows will fail to compare to. Although it was one of the best ever held at it's new home, "The San Mateo Expo Center", It did not come
without unwanted excitement. A feature attraction, one of three cars on display from the movie "Gone In Sixty Seconds", was involved in a scary fire. The Beautiful chopped, shaved, and slammed "53" Merc erupted into flames as it approached the main entrance during move in. This particular movie car is famous for shooting fire out of it's tail pipes. As it approached the main
entrance, unbeknownst to the driver, raw fuel was spewing from the tail pipes. The driver attempted to "Wow" the crowd by hitting the tail pipe igniters....and the rear of the car bursted into flames.
As fate had it, near by was a Vintage Firetruck Display. The owner went into action, grabbed a hose and opened the valve. Out came a stream of vintage "Rust Water", but it did the trick and quickly doused the flames. A Bigtime Hero was instantly recognized. The Merc did go on display, but the rear end of the car was toast.
The superb entry from Bad Dog Racing, A 12 second Drag Car, owned by Brian "Speed Dog" Gomez, was the envy of
all Hot Rod owners placed on "Stand By", as we rolled past some very exotic machines, and into our reserved location.
The Bad Dog Entry was one of 2 VW's accepted into this prestigious event limited to 300 vehicles. Completely absent from this event were Japanese marques. Not a single Honda, Acura, Toyota, etc...to be found anywhere. There is a certain respect bestowed upon the VW, as it is warmly accepted among the V8 crowd.
During the next four days, we became a regular site at this venue. We met some of the friendliest people in the world of motorsports. No attitudes, no big personalities, just some of the nicest people that share a common interest. We felt honored to be accepted into to this unique world of vehicles of distinction.
When it was all said and done, Brian "Speed Dog" Gomez was honored at the Awards Ceremony with a Large and Impressive Trophy for his Beautiful Drag Bug entry.To date this is the Crowning Achievement, the Ultimate Recognition for Brian and his Racecar.
Vehicle entries from Greg's VW/Bad Dog Racing, have been recognized for their outstanding craftsmanship in 4 of the last 7 years.The Grand National Roadster Show is the Official Kick-off event of the year. With a win in this event we re-focus on the rest of the year. Whether it be a Car Show, or Racing Event, the Team from Bad Dog Racing is sure to be there.
We Will See You In The Winners Circle!

2001 NASA Awards Banquet, San Francisco
Photos

Although we are only a small part of a much larger picture that makes up the NASA family, Our Division was
warmly greeted with "Arms Wide Open"
We felt like distant relatives receiving a Hero's welcome by a large and loving family. This years banquet was a Wonderful, and Memorable event. I know there are many that collectively put the whole show together, and I'd like to thank each and every one of you for a fantastic evening.
I feel compelled to personally thank some of the high profile personalities that made the nights events enjoyable for all. MC of the event, the Lovely and Eloquent Tamara Hull kept things flowing smoothly all night long. She seemed to be able to read the crowd, and know when to adjust the pace. It was nice to be able to meet and exchange pleasantries with our new Regional Director, Larrise Dhillon.
I can't say enough about Rich and Betty Rogers that acted like "Goodwill Ambassadors", as they went out of their way to make us feel right at home. Ken Morgan reminded me of the fun loving and friendly uncle that is always at the family gatherings, seeing to it that everyone has a smile on their face. Ken also went out of his way to que up and play a handful of select tunes as our awards were announced. This has sort of become the signature of our group.
Speaking of tunes, the live band was a talented group of musicians that kept us all entertained with some of the best and inviting dance music that I have heard in ages. Sometime during the evening it was mentioned that Racers are not typically fond of dancing. Members from our camp thoroughly enjoyed themselves as we "Boogied" to the great sounds created to by the band.
Forgive me for not getting her name, but I was fortunate enough to visit briefly with the lovely Trophy Girl on three occasions. I am looking forward to viewing the images captured by Photographer Norm Cabana on this festive evening.
The highlight of the evening for me personally was the opportunity to address this distinguished gathering of friends, by presenting the award to our Division Champion Tom Simon.
There was Arm Wrestling, Dare Devils on mountain bikes, and razor scooters, party favors, and Beautiful Hand made awards. What more could you ask for? I hope everyone enjoyed this banquet as much as I did. I am already looking forward to next year's event.
Our Drag Racing Group is just a small percent of the NASA organization. Only one branch of a Large and Majestic Tree, but our roots grow deep and strong. Our level of fun goes beyond 100%.
Thank you all for allowing us to be a part of a well run organization.

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