Edwards & Young Racing – Seattle & Kent, WA. | Featuring Chev's, a Mustang and Pontiac!

A Celebration of Life

Posted on Saturday, June 8, 2013 by Roger

Today many racers from Division Six attended the Memorial Service for Frank Nelson, Sr. at the Auburn Eagles. An Air Force Honor Guard rendered Military Honors and presented the Colors to Ruth. I believe Frank would have been very pleased seeing all those who attended in his honor. Again our sincere condolences to his wife Ruth and his son, our Division Six Director, Frank Nelson, Jr. Frank will truly be missed by all he touched in our racing community. – Edwards & Young Racing

PDF: Frank Nelson, Sr. Memorial Program

View/Sign Frank’s Guest Book

Related post: In Remembrance of Frank Nelson, Sr. – Division 6 Hall of Famer – May 11, 2013

Video – Frank’s Last Pass by Robert Fedyk. On June 16th 2013 at Mission Raceway Park, Frank’s ashes were scattered on the top end of the track:

R.I.P Frank!

Posted in Links To Feature Stories | Tagged Frank Nelson Sr. | Comments Off

’57 Test & Tune – June 5th 2013

Posted on Thursday, June 6, 2013 by Roger

This evening we headed out to Pacific Raceways to get the chassis sorted out on the ’57 for the upcoming Nostalgia Race on July 13th & 14th. The goal was not for maximum performance but for a good combination that would work in the heat and give me some practice time behind the wheel. The Wednesday test & tune in the heat gave us the opportunity to put some hits on the car and make adjustments which is difficult on a race day.

We opened with a 10.845 @ 124 mph @ 81-degrees and a density altitude of 2114 feet. After this pass we loosened the rear shocks one click but that was a bit too loose and the car slowed to a 10.861 @ 123.45 mph @ 81.8 degrees and a density altitude of 2194 feet.

Strapping in – Pacific Raceways June 5th 2013
Click to enlarge image

First pass, left lane, June 5th 2013
10.845 @ 124.00 – 1.498 60 foot
Chris Young, crew chief, behind car checking wheelie bars.
Click to enlarge

We went back to our original shock setting and recorded a 10.823 @ 124.60 mph @ 73 degrees with a density altitude of 1633 feet but the water grains had risen to 57.12.

We allowed the sun to go down, lowered the launch from 7500 to 7400 rpm and in the best air conditions of the evening we recorded a 10.793 @ 124.68 mph @ 71.5 degrees with a density altitude of 1580 feet, water grains @ 64.55 and our best 60-foot time of the evening of 1.480 seconds.

Looking at the data this morning compared to runs going back to 1999, we put up some good numbers in like atmospheric conditions. We’re happy with these results.

My thanks to my crew chief, Chris Young, Justin Jung & Paul Young for making this testing possible and a success. I believe we are in good shape for the upcoming Wild West Nostalgia Race. Here’s a short YouTube video:

Posted in Edwards & Young Updates | 4 Comments

Paul Notches 2nd Win For 2013 in Sportsman

Posted on Monday, June 3, 2013 by Roger

Mac West, Justin Jung, Chris & Paul Young

June 1, 2013:

Paul got his 2nd win in Sportsman at Pacific Raceways driving Torri’s ’66 Pontiac Tempest. Paul switched to the Pontiac as the ’68 Mustang of Ron West was not yet ready for the track. The new TCI converter in the Tempest really woke the car up and it was putting up strong numbers on the way to the winner’s circle.

The bad news was in the 1st round, Chris’ Chevelle appears to have damaged that converter after 169 hits. So the team has more transmission related work in the future.

Congratulations to Paul and my thanks to the entire Edwards & Young team getting the Tempest operational for this race. The work paid off for Paul and his 2013 quest for the Track Championship. Here’s Paul’s report:

This was the 1st race back at Pacific Raceways with the new converter in the Pontiac and it couldn’t have gone any better to say the least! We set new ET records across the board with the quicked pass ever @ 12.278 107.93 mph with the best ever 60 ft of 1.659, talk about a huge difference.

I had a few opponents red light against me that sure helped the cause as I wasn’t at my best on the tree at times but that is one of the cool advantages of having the faster car. One of the closer races was in the 2nd rd when I took the stripe by .0153 as I had a .004 rt to my opponent .051 rt which gave me wiggle room to back into him just a little to run 12.376 on a 12.35 dial. In the final round it was a rematch of myself versus Jerry Durant Jr, the difference this time was I beat him with Mac’s 67 Mustang at the 1st points race of the year and I knew that I needed to be on my game especially for this round. I had a .016 rt to his .072 rt and once again that gave me some wiggle room at the stripe as I caught him and just fendered him to the stripe running a 12.362 on a 12.32 dial with a margin of victory of .0212 for the 2nd win of the 2013 season.

This will put me back in 1st place going into the next race which hopefully will be the long awaited debut for 68 Mustang owned by Ron West, we are expecting good things for the remainder of the season. It will be a big adjustment on my part driving my 3rd car for this year but I like challenges and will be ready to go. My buddy and teammate Mac West went out in the 2nd round in Sportsman by the narrowest margin of .003 driving his 67 Mustang, he will get em at the next race for sure.

I want to say thanks again for all of the support from everyone in getting the Pontiac fixed so quickly and just can’t believe how fast the car went, it is sure fun to drive to say the least.

Sincerely,

Paul

Posted in Edwards & Young Updates | 2 Comments

2013 Women Veteran Summit Hooks Up with Yvonne Lucas

Posted on Thursday, May 30, 2013 by Roger

Yvonne Lucas

The world of drag racing can offer a unique opportunity to reach people in all walks of life and give back in a way that supports our communities. Yvonne Lucas will have the privilege to give back in a special way June 29^th as a guest at the 2013 Women Veteran Summit taking place at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center in Tacoma, WA.

This free conference provides women veterans with information about opportunities for women veterans who can face challenges. The conference is hosted by the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs and is committed to provide benefits, services and programs that help our veterans.

“I contacted the WDVA in hopes that I could help them get the word out through my travels and the people I meet in drag racing about the exceptional work they do. It’s an exciting time for women in the military and as we see more serve and come home the challenges they face should be recognized,” stated Yvonne. The agency provides leadership and support for the delivery of statewide veterans’ services. The Women Veteran Summit is an annual event focused on our female veterans.

“I was thrilled to be invited to participate and it is truly an honor to be a part of this Summit. I look forward to assisting the WDVA in giving our military servicewomen a glimpse of what I do and the exciting world of drag racing.” If you are a veteran or family member in the area, we looked forward to seeing you at there!

2013 Women Veteran Summit

Greater Tacoma Convention Center
1500 Broadway – Tacoma, WA 98402

June 29, 2013

2013 Women Veteran Summit Home Page – Schedule & Registration

Posted in Links To Feature Stories | 1 Comment

Flashback Tuesday with CCR!

Posted on Tuesday, May 21, 2013 by Roger

I’m a bit bored this morning with a light rain coming down, so let’s listen to a bit of Creedence from my youth! – Roger

Posted in Music Videos | Tagged CCR, Credance Clearwater Revival | 2 Comments

National Dragster Challenge – May 18th 2013

Posted on Saturday, May 18, 2013 by Roger

Here’s Chris’ first qualifying hit in Pro Bracket before the big rain delay came at Pacific Raceways this day. This was Chris’ first pass for 2013. After this run Pam and I went home so more reports if/when the track dries:

YouTube video:

5:30 pm – Both Chris and Paul have made two hits prior to eliminations. Both cars are running extremely consistent despite the fact that the Pontiac appears to have hurt a torque converter. The 60-foot times are terrible but Paul has managed to make two runs in the 12.80’s within .002 seconds. On to eliminations!

1st round results:

Chris wins with a 10.45 on a 10.40 dial, Pro Bracket

Paul lost with a red light running a 10.78 on a 10.84 dial, Sportsman

2nd round results:

Chris also lost with a red light running a 10.42 on a 10.39 dial, Pro Bracket.

That was it for us, but the great news was that Jeff Warnke went on to win Pro Bracket in his Nova and a Wally!! Congratulations to Jeff & Tom!

(L to R) Tom, Ryan & Jeff Warnke
Courtesy of Pacific Raceways
May 18th 2013

And the Wally winners were:

Super Pro: Jess Dale

Pro: Jeff Warnke

Sportsman: Don Elgin

Motorcycle: Jake Havens

Jr. Thunder: Selena Lenihan

Jr. Lightning: Sierra Rohr

Intake manifold report:

Over the winter Chris did some changes to the intake manifold plenum on the Chevelle as reported here. With the Chevelle, nothing you do seems to make any measurable change whatsoever.

Pontiac update:

Clearly the car has torque converter issues. It has lost 600 RPM in stall speed recently, yet the MPH is still good.

Thanks to the crew at Pacific Raceways:

Today was a major challenge for the track crew as Mother Nature didn’t cooperate. The crew repeatedly dried and prepped the track to get the event completed. Kudo’s to the entire crew at PR! – Roger

Posted in Edwards & Young Updates, Videos | 4 Comments

In Remembrance of Frank Nelson, Sr. – Division 6 Hall of Famer

Posted on Saturday, May 11, 2013 by Roger

December 30, 1937 – May 11, 2013

May 11, 2013

It is with a very heavy heart that today we learned that long time NHRA Division 6 racer and friend to all that knew him, Frank Nelson, passed away after a long courageous battle with cancer.

My experiences with Frank started when we both raced in Modified Production many years ago. He was a remarkable man with a firm handshake one can never forget as his large, strong hand swallowed yours, a big smile on his face, and always willing to give you the shirt off his back to get you back on the track.

Frank, you and Ruth touched many racers here in the Northwest throughout the years and losing you is truly a loss for our racing community. It was an honor to have you as a friend for so many years and you were a personal inspiration. You shaped drag racing here in the Northwest over many decades and were a very positive influence within Division 6. You will be missed but certainly not forgotten.

Our hearts go out to his beloved wife, Ruth, and his son Frank Nelson, Jr. who is our current Division 6 Director and the entire Nelson family.

God bless you Frank, and TAPS for a fellow military veteran who served our country in the Air Force and who had a burning passion and true love for drag racing and getting the most performance from your cars. Thanks for the wonderful memories. Rest In Peace my friend…

Respectfully,

Roger Young – 6035

Frank’s Obituary/Guest Book – Tacoma News Tribune – May 22, 2013

50 years later, Auburn driver Frank Nelson is still on track – Auburn Reporter – July 8, 2010

Frank Nelson – Lucas Oil Canada West Doorslammers

Mod Squad – Edwards & Young – April 3, 2013

Pictures courtesy of Lucas Oil Canada West Doorslammers & Rich Carlson

Frank’s Celebration of Life:

UPDATE: Per my fathers request NO funeral service…..We will have a “Celebration of Life” at the Auburn Eagles 702 M Street SE. Auburn, WA

June 8th, 2013 11-2 the Longhorn B-BQ which was long time sponsor will supply food please bring a desert for all to share and some good “Frank” Stories as we all know you have them. – Frank Nelson, Jr.

Courtesy of Carl Thorsett

Parade pass in honor of Frank Nelson, Sr. at Pacific Raceways Northwest Dragster Challenge on May 18th 2013 – Paul Young photo

Posted in Links To Feature Stories, News From Div 6 and/or Local Tracks | Tagged Frank Nelson | 10 Comments

Sportsman Disconnect?

Posted on Thursday, May 9, 2013 by Roger

Here’s some very interesting reading courtesy of CompetitionPlus.com

To say there is a disconnect, in my opinion, is a gross understatement. Light discusses how the NHRA pours a lot of money into the Sportsman ranks, but we never hear how much money the Sportsman racers literally pour into NHRA on a annual basis in membership fees and for permanent numbers! – Roger

BOBBY BENNETT: IT’S TIME FOR A DIVORCE – CompetitionPlus – May 13, 2013

“…There comes a time in any dysfunctional relationship when the parties involved must agree to disagree, and chart different paths. A true race fan would be hard-pressed to find a more dysfunctional marriage than what the NHRA and its sportsman racers has experienced for the last decade…”

SPORTSMAN RACERS TO NHRA: THERE’S DEFINITELY A DISCONNECT – CompetitionPlus – May 9, 2013

RACERS, NHRA SPEAK ABOUT HOUSTON SPORTSMAN CANCELLATION – CompetitionPlus – May 3, 2013

Posted in Discussions, NHRA National News | 1 Comment

May 4th 2013 Post-race Report

Posted on Sunday, May 5, 2013 by Roger

We’ll be posting more specifics in the coming days, but we wanted to share the video with all that includes the first in-car video of our ’57:

YouTube Video:

My thanks to Chris, Justin, Pam & Paul for their help at the track. We had a few bugs to work out after the first pass when we blew the hides off the ’57 which Chris rectified for the 1st round. On track video by Pam. – Roger

Paul’s Sportsman Report – May 6, 2013

Pacific Raceway’s Is Snake Bit – May 6, 2013

Ron West's '68 Mustang - Paul Young driving

Ron West’s ’67 Mustang – Paul Young driving

SUPER PRO – Rick Hendrichs took out Darral Pettit.
PRO – Mike Summer came closer to his dial-in to beat last year’s champ Scott Lewslew.
SPORTSMAN – Paul Young was victorious vs Jerry Durant Jr.
MOTORCYCLE – The motorcycle class saw Mark Sires go to an easy win when Dan Funderburg broke.

Posted in Edwards & Young Updates, Videos | 7 Comments

Vintage Seattle Police Car Draws Attention

Posted on Thursday, April 25, 2013 by Roger

Brought to my attention by Bob Warnke. I was unaware that the SPD was restoring and using some of their older MOPAR rides!

Vintage Seattle Police Car Turning Heads – KOMONews – April 24, 2013

YouTube video:

Posted in Muscle cars, Videos | 3 Comments

Crazy Barry’s Chevy Volt Blowout Sale

Posted on Tuesday, April 23, 2013 by Roger

Funny YouTube video:

Posted in Humor | Comments Off

America Hearts Muscle Cars

Posted on Monday, April 22, 2013 by Roger

The American muscle car has a cult following among gear heads. A true muscle car (by the strictest definition), is a mid-sized, performance-orientated vehicle, powered by a large V8 engine, and comes in at an affordable price. It’s these three qualities—performance, power, and price—that have garnered such a devout following. The American muscle car is an indelible part of car culture and will likely stay so for decades to come.

While the term “muscle car” doesn’t exclusively refer to American-made vehicles, foreign cars rarely meet the muscle car criteria. When an enthusiast in Tucson is shopping for a muscle car, he generally thinks Chevrolet over Toyota. After all, muscle cars are part of the American heritage and there are so many more and better choices. Finding a car that passes muscle car muster means forgoing the Japanese sportster and going straight to Ford, Dodge or Chevrolet in Tucson.

One of the reasons foreign auto manufacturers haven’t been able to break into the American muscle car market is that they always miss at least one of the many key components of a muscle car. The Bently Continental Supersports, for example, has the right specs, 600+ horsepower and 590lb-ft of torque, but the price tag is exorbitant. The Audi RS 4 has powerful V8 engine, but it’s a bulky 4 door. The American muscle car will always be the gold standard as far as midsized cars that offer performance and power at a moderate price.

The need for speed is alive and well in American. Just ask Virgil Coffman, the 101-year-old who bought the 426 horsepower Camaro. “I wanted a sports car,” Coffman told the New York Times. Coffman worked for General Motors in the heydays of muscle car production and traded in his Monte Carlo for the smaller, faster Camaro just a few months shy of his 102nd birthday. As someone with a unique history with Chevrolet muscle cars and love for muscle cars, Coffman was overly delighted when GM invited him back to Detroit to give him a tour of their museum of classic cars and their new production facilities.

The popularity of American muscle cars is further seen in the new retro-style offerings by automakers. The new Chevy Camaro, Ford Mustang, and Dodge Challenger all have a look that harkens back to their predecessors. These modern takes on muscle car classics confirm what muscle car fans have been saying all along—muscle cars aren’t just fast, they also look cool. It is this winning combination of speed and aesthetics that keep American muscle car culture alive and well. As long as folks enjoy the lump in their throat when they press down the gas and don’t mind looking good doing it, they’ll always be a place for the American muscle car.